Abstract: An advantageous device and method enables a photomultiplier to be gated on and off at electronic rates. A single multi-winding pulse transformer is employed to enable the triggering of the photomultiplier tube.

Abstract: A device and method of back-up fly by wire control, especially useful in fly by wire systems when a failure mode is encountered. The problem of back-up system controllability with the type of compliant sidestick which has minimal displacement and returns to zero upon release of the control force is solved by reducing the authority of the sidestick to a fraction of full authority actuator position capability, to provide good control sensitivity. Full authority actuator position control is provided by automatically activating a trim integrator when the sidestick reaches its displacement stops.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the flight of a helicopter, in which the pilot commands vehicle state changes, embodies several significant advances to the helicopter control art. Among these are control decoupling to reduce undesired helicopter responses in other axes to pilot inputs in one axis, task oriented control modes which are selected automatically, and automatic control of engine torque and rotor speed constraints. Novel task oriented control modes include independent control of heading and ground track at low speed and turn rate and flight path angle control at higher speeds. Control decoupling is achieved through a combination of force/moment decoupling and open loop prediction methods. Vertical control, traditionally accomplished with collective only, is accomplished in this system with a combination of longitudinal cyclic and collective control, increasing vertical response performance and minimizing engine power change demands.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for the measurement of weak signals in an output device, including weak signals in the presence of obscuring noise, by pseudorandom sampling of a repetitive alternating potential waveform and digitally extracting the fundamental hormonic to reconstruct an accurate transfer function for the device being measured.

Abstract: A device and method for taking to account the elasticity of materials during bending operations to cause the proper amount of overbending such that after springback and while at rest, the material assumes its intended shape.

Abstract: A rolled belt heat exchanger utilizes the increased heat transfer due to a large, extended surface belt. Heat is transferred from a heated roller to the belt, and then allowed to radiate to space as the belt follows a generally flattened oval path away from the heated roller.

Abstract: A system based on the usage of a Sagnac interferometer operating in a dual sensing mode is described which allows the determination of the location and amplitude of a time varying disturbance on a single fiber.

Abstract: The apparatus and method herein provides for the calculation of shape factors and transfer factors of any object, particularly useful in radiative heat transfer analysis. The object sought to be characterized can be a model of full sized. A radiometer measures the light flux from various surfaces of an object, and a computer is used to assign each flux to a finitely preselected area. After all of the surfaces of the object have been measured and accounted for, the computer is than enabled to compute the shape factor of the object utilizing the relationships stated in the disclosure. Techniques of measurement include illumination/draping, electroluminescent panels, and projective illumination.

Abstract: A particularly useful circuit board support device is disclosed which provides a rigid protected environment for a circuit board during curing, transport, testing and assembly. The circuit board support devices are modular and may be stackably rigidly joined into convenient multiple units.

Abstract: Disclosed is an advantageous device and method of simultaneously testing multiple wheel transducers, typically on modern aircraft, with the ability of performing the test remotely, as from the cockpit.

Abstract: A multi position optical switch requiring no electrical service at the actuator and capable of continuous or discrete sensing of switch position is disclosed.

Abstract: A device and method facilitates grounding shielding, including hardware and structures necessary to allow proper connection, practice the steps of the method, minimize pigtail length, facilitate the formation of a wire bundle assembly, facilitate repair and installation, and result in materials and labor savings.

Abstract: A system based on the usage of a Sagnac interferometer operating in a dual sensing mode is described which allows the determination of the location and amplitude of a time varying disturbance on a single fiber.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for locating the position of a normal shock in a fluid flowing in a duct.

Abstract: A chemical milling solution for lithium aluminum alloy is disclosed for manufacturing a surface finish having superior smoothness characteristics. The process is especially useful where material reduction or thinning is required wherein machining would otherwise be impossible or too expensive.

Abstract: An arrangement for supplying coolant flow to turbine blades in a gas turbine engine is disclosed which utilizes a preswirl assembly to impart a tangential velocity to the coolant flow substantially greater than the tangential velocity of the rotor at the point at which the air is supplied to the rotor. The overswirled air is injected radially inwardly into an internal passage contained in the rotor, and the coolant flow continues to be an overswirled condition within the internal passageway. The amount of overswirl imparted to the coolant flow is such that the tangential velocity of the coolant flow is greater than the tangential velocity of the blades at the location on the blades the coolant flow is supplied to the blades for blade cooling, thereby resulting in substantially improved efficiency in the cooling system.