Abstract: A new and improved apparatus and method for demodulation of quaternary phase shift keyed (QPSK) data, particularly unbalanced QPSK, with phase adjustment of the output of a phase-locked loop local oscillator to reduce sensitivity to amplitude variations internal to the demodulator.

Abstract: Sets of flanges are attached to sets of beam ends projecting from a major modular assembly jig structure made of three intersecting sets of unmachined box beams welded together. From each surface of the welded structure a number of beam ends project outwardly, and such members, owing to the weld method of construction, are approximately parallel, are spaced from each other approximately to conform to a predetermined pattern, and terminate approximately in a common plane.Flanges are attached to such beam ends in such manner that the outer surfaces of the flanges are accurately coplanar and are accurately spaced from one another according to the predetermined pattern. Each flange consists of a pad, a collar surrounding the beam end and partially receiving its terminal portion to leave a gap between beam end and pad, and various connecting members.

Abstract: A thin membrane covering the open side of a meteoroid capture cell causes an impacting meteoroid to disintegrate as it penetrates the membrane. The capture cell then contains and holds the meteoroid particles for later analysis.

Abstract: A system of measuring, counting, and recording numerical information using binary notation with a minimized number of digits or bits, a system that may frequently be used to better advantage than the well known binary pulse code modulation system or the delta modulation system. In the binary concatenated coding system (hereinafter BCC), a three-bit data word is used to count all whole numbers from zero through 99, whereas for the same count capability and resolution the binary system requires the use of seven bits. In any one of the 10 decades this is accomplished by starting with a one, progressing stepwise from one to seven and then to zero in a binary fashion, thus providing eight positions corresponding to the first eight numbers of our everyday Arabic system. The ninth and tenth positions are oocupied by two of these same eight numbers so selected and arranged that they uniquely describe the decade completed by them relative to the other nine decades of the total count capability of 100.

Abstract: Low density, fibrous, rigid, silica insulations are rendered impervious to moisture by application of a ceramic glaze coating comprising a silica barrier layer, an emissivity layer comprising a high silica glass component and an emmissivity agent and an overglaze layer comprising a high silica glass component and a borosilicate glass component. The resulting three-layered ceramic glaze laminate adhered to the fibrous silica insulation provides a moisture-impervious insulating material which exhibits a high emmissivity and is resistant to delamination and spalling at repeated cycles of thermal shock.

Abstract: Low density, fibrous, rigid, silica insulations are rendered impervious to moisture by application of a ceramic glaze coating comprising a silica barrier layer and an emissivity glaze layer comprising a high silica glass component, an emissivity agent and a borosilicate glass component. The resulting ceramic glaze laminate adhered to the fibrous silica insulation provides a moisture-impervious insulating material which exhibits a high emissivity and is resistant to delamination and spalling at repeated cycles of thermal shock.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for an orbital antenna means which is operated at a synchronous altitude to scan an area of a celestial body. The antenna means comprises modules which are operated by a steering signal in a repetitive function for providing a scanning beam over the area. The scanning covers the entire area in a pattern and the azimuth of the scanning beam is transmitted to a control station on the celestial body simultaneous with signals from an activated ground beacon on the celestial body. The azimuth of the control station relative to the antenna means is known and the location of the ground beacon is readily determined from the azimuth determinations.

Abstract: An auger device is used to attach rigidized surface insulation to a spacecraft. The auger is preferably screwed into an insulation tile which has been predrilled. The augertile combination is then fastened to the spacecraft using an attachment screw which penetrates the spacecraft skin and which is secured by a blind end fastener. In an alternate method, the auger is incorporated in the insulation tile when the latter is fabricated.

Abstract: A method of diffusion bonding and fluxless brazing of aluminum containing components, including a method of preparing aluminum containing surfaces for such welding techniques wherein the aluminum surfaces are freed of any aluminum oxide coating and are coated with a polymeric sealer which can be thermally removed leaving essentially no residue, the polymeric sealer being removed in a substantially oxygen-free environment and the aluminum components then being brazed or diffusion bonded without the use of a flux to remove oxide coating.