Abstract: This free flow electrophoresis separation apparatus includes means for controlling the buffer flow across the separation chamber. This is useful in controlling crescent distortion of the sample streams as well as minimizing undesired pressure differentials within the apparatus. The electrophoresis separation apparatus is constructed such that two buffer flow paths are provided. The first flow path connects the outlet of the first electrode chamber with the inlet of the second inlet chamber, and the second flow path connects the outlet of the second electrode chamber with the inlet of the first electrode chamber. Each flow path is driven by separate pump means.

Abstract: A laser diode is soldered between metal plates for intimate thermal and electrical contact. The plates are prefabricated and are provided with an insulative spacer therebetween. The two metal plates are held together in a preferred orientation by the spacer which is firmly adhered and sealed to the two plates during the diode soldering operation. The metal plates are constructed from material thin enough that they yield under thermal pressure of the diode to eliminate mechanical strain on the diode during thermal cycling. Backup plates are provided in contact with the diode mounting plates to feed electrical energy thereto.

Abstract: Properties of a dynamically operated integrated circuit (IC) are examined by a nondestructive, noncontact method utilizing a scanning electron microscope such that both logic state information as well as timing information regarding signal propagation delays are presented as contrast differences on the SEM video monitor corresponding to phase conditions on the IC.

Abstract: A thermally conductive mechanical joint is provided between two object surfaces across which it is desired to conduct heat. The joint includes metallic material of a predetermined melting point below the normal operating temperature of the joint. The metallic material is bounded by a mask forming cells of sufficiently small dimensions that the melted metallic material can withstand the anticipated loading normal to the joint and at right angles to the heat transfer direction. The metallic cells can be provided on opposite sides of a thin heat conductive layer provided between the surfaces of the joint or they can be provided directly on one of the surfaces of the joint. By proper choice of materials, the metallic material will remain in the cells even though the thermal joint is made and broken on multiple occasions.

Abstract: Crescent distortion of output samples collected during a continuous free flow electrophoresis separation process is reduced by providing means with the electrophoresis chamber whereby lateral flow across the chamber may be controllably varied to introduce beneficial hydrodynamic compensation effects to minimize distortion of the sample streams within the electrophoresis chamber.

Abstract: A controlled dielectric barrier is created surrounding a fastener to isolate its sparking areas. The barrier is formed by creating a cap to define a desired cavity between the cap and the fastener and then dielectric isolation material is placed in the cavity and held in place by the cap until hardened. The cap may then be removed from the fastener as desired.

Abstract: High power operation in conjunction with excellent mode stability is rendered possible by a unique configuration comprising the use of two injection laser diode sections in a crossed-junction configuration.

Abstract: A pallet restraint system for use in the cargo bay of an aircraft in an air drop sequence. The system assures an equal application of the parachute extraction force and simultaneous release of all load sensitive latches by means of hydraulic interconnectors between the latches to vary their position.

Abstract: A package for matching the characteristic impedance of a transmission line to the impedance of a pulsed semiconductor laser diode so that short duration pulses of light can be produced with a fast repetition rate. The package mounts the laser diode on the center post of a one turn secondary of a toroidal transformer whose multiturn primary is connected to the transmission line. Not only does this allow the matching of the characteristic impedances, but the center post provides heat sinking for the diode.

Abstract: An MNOS nonvolatile memory array employing single-element-per-bit storage and two-element-per-bit sensing utilizing a threshold referenced sense amplifier is organized such that the two legs of the sensing circuit are in substantial electrical balance during sensing.

Abstract: A light source is operated near its threshhold and its output is split and sent in opposite direction about a fiber optic coil which is exposed to acoustic energy. The recombined light out of the coil is modulated at acoustic frequency. The modulated light can be fed back to the light source which responds to the modulation with large amplitude variations which are sent to a detector for conversion into an electrical signal representative of the acoustic energy. Alternatively, the light beam may be directed from the fiber coil to the detector directly. The sensors can include components for rejecting noise at frequencies not of interest and a plurality of similar sensors can be formed in an array to obtain directional information or increased sensitivity.

Abstract: A display system is constructed such that upon failure of the primary display which comprises a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) that becomes transparent upon failure, a backup display located directly beneath the primary display becomes visible to the display user.

Abstract: A low-cost composite structure, having near isotropic mechanical properties, produced by molding a matrix material with a reinforcing fiber element. The reinforcing fiber elements are comprised of three or more fibers to form a three-dimensional figure. In the preferred embodiment at least one fiber is oriented in each of the mutually perpendicular planes similar in appearance to a child's jack. The matrix material may be any material which provides a suitable bond with the reinforcing fiber elements.

Abstract: A dual sensitivity photodetector comprising a central region comprising a relatively high sensitivity reach through avalanche photo diode and a surrounding region comprising a relatively lower sensitivity P-type intrinsic N-type photodiode is disclosed which possesses the advantages of a wide sensitivity range and a relative freedom from overload.

Abstract: A manual/automatic brake valve of the OR configuration wherein either the servo command or the manual pedal force, whichever is the greatest, overpowers the other and is the exclusive controller of the brake pressure and springs are provided to generate a feel force during manual actuation. The feel force is independent of valve spool displacement as a result of the automatic servo input and as a result the feel force is relative to manual brake position and ignores brake force as a result of the servo command.

Abstract: A high conductance heat pipe with annular grooves engaging a composite wick having a porous sheath containing a capillary core of glass beads and arranged to provide at least one axial vapor passage. The working fluid projects through the screen sheath to expose the meniscus to the heated surface at the evaporator end of the heat pipe to provide thin film boiling. The annular grooves conduct the vapor to the vapor channel.

Abstract: A store carrier having automatic sway bracing which includes two sway braces located symmetrically at a span larger than a pair of inner suspension hooks and smaller than a pair of outer suspension hooks. When a store is loaded on either the inner or outer pair of hooks and the hooks close, a pair of spring loaded tapered wedges on each side of vertically moveable sway brace supporting columns are released to slide and wedge against mating tapered surfaces on the sway brace column thereby locking the sway braces against the loaded store. The wedges are compliant in that they are spring biased against the sliding surface so as to avoid unloading the wedge when subjected to vibratory loads. The wedges are thus prevented from excessive tightening when subject to vibration. At hook opening the tapered wedges are driven with the hooks to cocked positions ready to accept the next store.

Abstract: A lens is produced on the end of a single mode optical fiber by first coupling light into the fiber so that the light projects out the end of the fiber on which the lens is to be produced. The fiber end is then dipped in and out of a drop of negative photoresist and held in a vertical position while the photoresist wicks up the fiber and dries. The dipping and drying is continued until a sufficient lens of photoresist is built up which lens tends to build in the desired shape due to the Gaussian distribution of the light projecting out the end of the fiber and the flow of photoresist up the fiber.

Abstract: A speaker grille bezel-retainer terminating in a tubular portion with multiple groups of radially intermittent serrations axially displaced to receive a matching bezel ring having an inside diameter with alternate tabs and cut-outs and the tab is shaped to form a ramp to axially advance the ring on the bezel while rotationally engaging spaced, aligned pairs of serrations.

Abstract: Firing and subsequent aiming-tracking of a tube-launched projectile are realistically simulated by a launch environment simulator comprising a launch tube, means for delivering a combustible gas mixture to the launch tube, means for igniting the gas within the tube, an effectively orificed end plate disposed at the rear end of the tube to provide realistic recoil upon firing, and confining end caps at both ends of the tube which disintegrate upon ignition of the gas mixture.