Abstract: A microwave system uses a high dielectric constant waveguide embedded in a ow dielectric constant sheath with mechanical properties matched to those of the surrounding geological material with an end microwave reflecting surface to create a standing wave to permit measurement of particle and shock velocities resulting from an explosion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating defects in electrical conduits, hollow ables, or pipes above the ground, using a transmission line wherein one of the lines is the conduit under test. A high-frequency AC generator is used to feed the transmission line and set up a standing wave thereon. The transmission line is terminated in a short circuit at the wall of a shielded room. One conduit carries an internal conductor therein, the conductor and conduit forming another transmission line terminated by its characteristic impedance at both ends.A field intensity meter is connected across the characteristic impedance within the shielded room. The location of the defect is determined by monitoring the magnitude of the induced signal on the conductor inside the conduit containing the defect as the applied frequency is increased from a predetermined low value to the frequency at which the first minimum occurs.

Abstract: An image spectrum analyzer and method for cartographic feature extraction comprising an image, means for generating a Walsh function light pattern and for illuminating the image with the Walsh function light pattern to procuce a masked pattern, and means for receiving the masked pattern and for producing an electrical signal in accordance with same. A digital signal can be provided in accordance with the electrical signal, and a digital data processor under stored program control can provide a Walsh transform coefficient representative of the digital signal. More than one Walsh function light pattern can be generated by the apparatus and method of the present invention to produce more than one masked pattern, and representative Walsh coefficient. The Walsh coefficients can be used to perform cartographic feature extraction of the image.

Abstract: The method of diverting a lava flow including the steps of positioning for illing a vessel, explosive under high temperature and pressure, at least partially filling the vessel with a nonflammable composition, stable at normal temperature and convertible to gas under high temperature allowing room within the vessel for expansion of the composition if frozen, tightly sealing the vessel to prevent loss of the composition, positioning in a volcanic region in the normal expected path of a lava flow in a specific area, which will cause the lava flow to be diverted from certain geographic locations upon explosion of the vessel, whereby when a lava flow occurs in the volcanic region and flows over the vessel, the vessel will heat up to temperatures in excess of 1000.degree. F.

Abstract: An improved intrusion detection apparatus for detecting when a fence is cut r has been climbed over, as well as the location of the intrusion. A cable comprising at least one optical fiber having an electrical transmission line running therealong is strung along the fence to be protected. If an intruder either cuts the cable or stresses the fence so that the cable breaks, an optical signal running along the optical fiber or fibers is lost, thus providing an alarm indication at a central station. The loss of the optical signal automatically triggers an electrical pulse generator means which feeds pulses down the transmission line running along the optical fiber. Part of the pulse energy is reflected at the transmission line break, and the time elapsed between transmission and receipt of the pulses is determined by time domain reflectometry techniques (TDR).

Abstract: The radiation emitted from a hot weld bead is received by a lens system and ocused onto a first end of a fiber optic light pipe. The received radiation is separated into spectral bands by the use of optical filters, and is then transmitted to one or more photodetectors, each producing a corresponding output signal. The output of each photodetector is compared with a known reference value indicative of an ideal weld. A significant deviation of the output from the reference value indicates the presence of a weld flaw.

Abstract: A two PROM coherent optical processing system under computer control provides zoom of the input object, rotation of the filter PROM relative to Fourier transform of the coherent light image, serial painting of the spatial filter on the filter PROM using a digitally controlled laser scanner, and greater operator control of the filtered image using a digital video processor and the associated computer.

Abstract: A mechanical bricklaying device is disclosed for successively laying a plurality of individual bricks in a given geometrical pattern contained in a horizontal plane. The bricklaying device has a vertical support and a positioning member for positioning a brick in the horizontal plane at a given distance from the vertical support. The positioning member includes a brick guide and a connecting arm connected at one end with the brick guide for supporting the guide in the horizontal plane. The other end of the connecting arm of the positioning member is connected for movement relative to the vertical support, whereby a horizontal layer of successive bricks may be formed having a desired geometrical configuration. In one embodiment, the bricklaying device is adapted to form a layer of bricks having a linear configuration and in a second embodiment, the device is adapted to form a layer of bricks having a curved configuration.

Abstract: A feedback system is disclosed for use in a remote control linear actuator device including a pair of actuator members that are relatively linearly displaceable by a motor, which feedback system includes a mounting bracket connected with one of the actuator members, a slide bar connected with the mounting bracket for linear movement by the other actuator member in a direction parallel with the direction of relative movement of said actuator members, and a rotary member operable by the slide bar to supply a feedback signal to the motor that is a function of the relative positions of the actuator members.

Abstract: An acoustic resonator apparatus for efficiently transmitting acoustic energy from a plurality of acoustic transducers to a fluid passing through a cylindrical shell. A plurality of pairs of acoustic transducers are mounted on the cylindrical shell, each transducer of a pair being 180.degree. away from the other transducer of the pair, and each pair being associated with another transducer pair which is disposed 90.degree. away from such pair. Each of the transducer pairs is excited with energy of the same frequency and magnitude, but transducer pairs which are disposed 90.degree. from each other are excited with energy which is out of phase by 180.degree..

Abstract: A flash plug for an internal expansion heat engine is heated by a non-ferrous coil surrounding the ferric steam flash plug and connected to a source of alternating current. The coil may be a conduit for the passage of cooling water.

Abstract: A gas stabilization unit eliminates unwanted gaseous material and adds desired gaseous material from a fluid stream by applying sonic vibrations in two stages to create readily removable bubbles of the gaseous material. A siphon assembly located downstream removes the bubbles.

Abstract: A flash plug for an internal expansion heat engine is heated by electromagnetic microwave energy. The flash plug is an annular ceramic dielectric body having electrically connected metal rings on the inside and a metal sleeve on the outside supplied by a high frequency alternating current.

Abstract: A water recycling and filtering system for use in a fish rearing module is disclosed. The system includes a buoyant filter bed which is located beneath the fish rearing volume, horizontally disposed top and bottom screens for containing the buoyant filter bed, a water collector grid network for withdrawing the filtered water, a sludge scraper device for removing settled solids and sludge from the bottom screen and floor of the module, and; a wash-flight device for returning the filtered water under pressure to the module and washing the buoyant filter bed when needed. This construction allows the filter bed to be repeatedly and indefinitely rejuvenated without removing it from the pond and without requiring a large flow rate. Each module has its own isolated reuse-rearing unit and associated control and pumping equipment unit. Only one module at a time is vulnerable to a failure in the filtering or pumping performance.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a fluid line to a manhole includes a ring having an eccentric hole therein through which the fluid line passes. The ring is attachable in a circular mounting ring in the manhole whereby rotation of the ring adjusts the level at which the eccentrically located aperture is disposed and thus adjusts the height of entry of the fluid line. Sealing against fluid leakage is provided by a compression member which is compressed and sealed during attachment of the ring.

Abstract: An optical leverage telecentric scanning apparatus for scanning a large fat film transparency at a given location is disclosed, wherein the scan pattern from the transparency is detected for optical power spectrum analysis. The scanning apparatus includes a collimated laser beam supply and a refraction device for laterally translating the collimated beam across the transparency. To magnify the collimated beam, an optical leverage device is provided including a first lens arranged between the laser beam supply device and the refraction device, and a scanning concave parabolic mirror arranged between the diffraction device and the transparency. The degree of magnification afforded by the optical leverage device is equal to the ratio of the focal lengths of the mirror to the first lens, respectively. A detector arranged on the opposite side of the transparency from the refraction device detects the scan pattern produced by the laser beam passing through the transparency.

Abstract: The sensor of the present invention is adapted for use on the electrode holder of a manual arc welding apparatus. The sensor comprises a first optical fiber having a receiving end disposed in a first zone adjacent to the weld puddle produced by the arc welder so as to receive radiation indicative of the weld temperature in that zone, and a second optical fiber having a receiving end disposed in a second zone rearward of the first zone so as to receive radiation indicative of the weld temperature in the second zone. Each optical fiber transmits received radiation to a respective photosensor, which produces an analog electrical signal in accordance with the level of the radiation. These two signals are processed and compared continuously to produce an output signal indicative of the travel speed of the weld bead produced by the manual arc welding apparatus.

Abstract: A modulated light beam from a radiation source on a structure whose posit is to be measured is split into a first beam which propagates through the atmosphere to a first detector and a second beam which travels through an optical fiber to a second detector. The first and second detectors recover the modulation on the first and second beams, the phases of which are compared to determine the distance. In a preferred embodiment, the light source is a sine-wave modulated laser.

Abstract: An energy-conserving roof structure for use in construction of low-slope roofs comprising two layers of permeable insulation and a layer of non-permeable insulation sandwiched between a pair of water vapor impermeable layers. The non-permeable insulation layer is placed to provide channels through which water will flow to roof drains. Closeable vents are provided adjacent the roof drains for venting water and water vapor. When the vents are closed the water vapor impermeable layers form a water vapor impermeable envelope around the insulation layers. Auxiliary vents are provided for venting the insulation layers to the ambient atmosphere at locations remote from the roof drains. By opening the vents when low-humidity conditions are present and closing the vents when high-humidity conditions are present moisture in the insulation layer is kept to a minimum, thereby maintaining the insulation layers at their highest thermal efficiency.

Abstract: A method and assembly for temporarily isolating an area within a waterway preparatory to dredging in order to prevent disturbed sediment from spreading throughout said waterway. A plurality of spaced support column assemblies are lowered from a barge outer hull into soil forming a periphery of the area to be dredged. A separate side panel member is then lowered between each pair of support columns and water is then removed from an area completely encircled by the side panel members and support column assemblies before the area is dredged. After dredging operations are completed within the area, water is then reintroduced into the area and the side panels and support columns are withdrawn.