Abstract: A drive system for high-lift devices on aircraft having two power drive units, one at each end of the connecting torque tube system, so as to force sum the outputs. A one-way brake always insures against inadvertent retraction of the device but allows extension. An asymmetrical protective device prevents the high-lift device from an asymmetrical condition even after a combined power loss and mechanical failure of the torque tube. The power drive units consist of hydraulic motors driving through a gear box and a no-back brake combination and are controlled by a servo valve.

Abstract: End caps for a launch environment simulator apparatus are provided which add realism to the firing simulation by producing smoke and a small amount of debris. The end caps serve to retain a combustible gas mixture within the apparatus prior to firing. Upon firing the end caps are consumed, producing the smoke and debris.

Abstract: The low voltage operation of this electro-optic modulator is realized by a unique system configuration in which the input light beam is first separated into two linearly polarized components of equal intensity, the beams are then focused into two crystals where the beams propagate as pure E waves, the crystals are electrically modulated and the output beams from each crystal are then recombined and recollimated. The low voltage operation is rendered possible by the fact that there is no cancellation between the E and O components as in conventional modulation systems of this type since both beams are transmitted as pure E waves during the modulation process.

Abstract: A fail-safe zero-load hinge or pivot-joint having a first load primary support path comprising a sleeve and nut combination and a secondary or redundant load support path comprising a shaft, sized to be inserted axially through the sleeve with diametrical clearance, for threaded engagement with a nut providing axial clearance from said primary members. The secondary shaft and nut combination holds the joint intact after the primary load members have failed permitting the joint assembly to perform its normal designed function of load carrying with the continued full range of movement without the risk of restricted operation seizure or jamming.A locking cap is provided for simple, safe holding of the nuts of primary and secondary member from disengagement, or even partial back off.A dye indicator may be used to indicate failure of the primary load carrying members.

Abstract: A dwell assembly back spotface for use with a reverse feed drill to provide an accurate depth of cut together with cutter dwell to insure a clean hole.

Abstract: A sensing system for a nonvolatile memory transistor array employs reference transistors which are substantially identical to the memory transistors within the array and employs means to program the threshold voltage levels of the reference transistors to a lower level than that of the memory transistors within the array such that the changes in the electrical characteristics of both the memory and the reference transistors are proportional over time, the system thereby being rendered self-tracking.

Abstract: A hollow impregnation ring for coating fibers with a binder, the ring having a slot thru which the binder flows onto the fibers. The pressure of said binder within said ring controlling a seal and the flow of said binder from said slot.

Abstract: A vane for use in switching a hydraulic port formed in a cylindrical surface, the vane having a wiper at the top of the vane body with a ring shaped surface whose inner edge is shaped to match the shape of the hydraulic port and surface shaped with a contour which is a portion of a cylinder so that it can mate for sliding contact with the interior cylindrical surface about the port. A ring shaped undersurface adapted to have pressure applied thereto is provided underneath the ring shaped surface to provide the force by which the vane is held against the cylindrical surface while port pressure is provided underneath the vane on an area to balance with the port area.

Abstract: A hydraulic system having two pumps, typically driven by two independent prime movers, a primary and secondary reservoir and associated valving to permit the system to run as one system or two independent systems, all for the purpose of redundancy and safety. The system senses fluid level in the primary reservoir and actuates the valves to establish two independent hydraulic systems, each with its own reservoir, when the fluid level drops below a predetermined level. The system is particularly advantageous in twin-engine aircraft where three hydraulic systems are employed, one off of each engine, and the third system uses two pumps, one driven by each engine.

Abstract: This external cavity laser utilizes an unstable resonator in conjunction with a high reflectivity stripe end mirror which is oriented substantially parallel to the plane of the maximum divergence of the laser diode output beam and whose axis is substantially parallel to the plane of the junction of the laser diode. This configuration operates with high efficiency to select only the fundamental mode of the laser diode with a minimal divergence in the output beam.

Abstract: A mechanical flowmeter is provided for measuring the flow of hydraulic fluid in a system in which the flowmeter is connected. The flowmeter contains a spring biased piston which is responsive to the rate of flow through an annular space surrounding the piston as it moves in a tapered bore. A toroidal armature of ferrous (magnetic) material is mounted on a rod extending from the piston for movement therewith. Movement of the armature and the piston rod within a hollow guide is tracked by a permanent magnet of toroidal shape which is mounted surrounding the guide in sliding relationship. A sight glass surrounding the guide and magnet is calibrated with a scale for converting the position of the magnet to an indication of flow rate. For fluid flow in the reverse direction, the piston is moved out of the tapered bore, thus permitting free flow in the reverse direction with minimal energy loss.

Abstract: A standardized, modular, fuel quantity gaging system suitable for use with aircraft having a plurality of fuel tanks. The system utilizes a standard electronic module, preferably located on the front spar of the center wing box, to house a redundant, centralized, microprocessor-based electronic assembly. This assembly processes the tank-generated fuel quantity signals and produces a digital data stream which is distributed to display units in the cockpit and at the refueling control panel. The digital signals are transmitted over two 2-wire data busses from the standard electronic module to the cockpit and to the refueling panel. One of these buses is active, the other being held in standby, for use as needed. The two busses are part of separate data processing channels extending between the fuel quantity signal multiplexers in the standard electronic module and the indicators in the cockpit and at the refueling panel.

Abstract: A multi-axis actuator which provides force along three translational and two rotational axes through the interaction of multiple windings on a single platen which interact with the poles of a magnetic member spaced apart a sufficient distance to allow linear and rotational motion. Said poles are disposed in a parallel relationship to said platen thereby causing a magnetic field to impinge a portion of said platen at right angles thereto. Further, said windings may be disposed so as to generate linear force only, rotational force only, single or multiple translational forces only or force about rotational axes only or any combinations of the foregoing necessary for the desired force generation.

Abstract: A portfolio with a ring or other type binder for securing visual display material uniformly while being carried or during visual display presentations. This box-like portfolio features a double hinged top which, when mobilized by use of its pull strap feature, activates its lid and its internal members, opening the portfolio to form a unique presentation easel which serves to produce an impressive prelude to any visual display presentation.

Abstract: An extremely fast operating, explosive operated, switch wherein a torus supports and insulates the facing ends of flat wires of the open circuit to be closed. An explosive input is applied to a conducting piston swage member which normally is insulated from the flat wires by the torus. This moves the swage portion of the member into the torus which forces it off of the ends of the wire. The swage portion then closes the circuit by jamming the frustro-conical swage surface thereof into both flat wires.

Abstract: A three wheeled, generally in line, articulated landing gear with the lever trailing the lever hinge axis, applied in a pair. Each shock strut, axle, and rolling assembly counter twist 90.degree. upon retraction about a laterally offset post to present the smallest frontal area or pod size. The twisting mechanism, the door links and the over center down lock are all tied mechanically to the gear so that no other sequencing is required during gear retraction or extension.

Abstract: A fluid actuator where an outside cylinder envelopes an inside cylinder producing four chambers, two for the power stroke and two for synchronization, for application where two or more cylinders are to drive a single load such that all cylinders advance at the same rate by cross plumbing synchronizing chambers. The combination is provided with valve means which opens at the end of each stroke to realign the actuators.

Abstract: The disclosed solid state mass memory system comprises an adaptive, wafer scale integration, nonvolatile mass memory system organized as a stack of individual memory wafer modules with a memory system control means.

Abstract: Replacing the timing core of a conventional two-core inverter with a magnetic amplifier allows for control of frequency and for B-H loop symmetry. Switching of the magnetic amplifier results in inverter commutation rather than the familiar pulse width modulation.

Abstract: A unidirectional detent system for use with a flap handle to permit the setting of a variable stop for positioning of flaps for aircraft takeoff.