Abstract: A modulated light source (31) transmits light pulses through an optical channel (20) to an optical sensor (10) remotely located from the cockpit and mounted proximate an aerodynamic surface (14) of an aircraft. In the absence of ice a baseline amount of light is returned inward via the optical channel. When water, ice, or de-icing fluid covers the light sensor, a detectable variable amount of light pulses are returned by the sensor inward through the optical channel, and are detected by a light detector (34) which generates an electrical output signal that varies as a function of the type, amount, and rate of substance accretion. The output signal is visually displayed (37) and the pilot may also be audibly warned.

Abstract: A shock absorber incorporates a double adjustable valve using a single needle having both a tapered end portion and extended cylindrical portion. The needle is used in a shock that has a correspondingly configured radial rebound orifice and a plurality of compression orifices. With two separate and independent adjustments of the single needle, both rebound and compression characteristics can be tuned. The tapered needle formed in the end of the needle body can simply be raised and lowered in the rebound orifice to adjust rebound stiffness. Similarly, a plurality of radially extending shutter faces and fluid channels or grooves are formed in the extended cylindrical portion of the needle. The shutter faces and fluid channels are configured to cooperate with the plurality of compression orifices throughout the entire range that the needle body can be raised or lowered when adjusting rebound characteristics.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for converting stock MacPherson strut suspension systems for a host automobile to a double A-arm type of suspension system using only stock or pre-existing mounting locations and only ordinary hand tools. The system and method uses a lower A-arm that mounts in the stock mounting locations of the frame that held the stock lower control arm of the original MacPherson strut suspension system. A upper A-arm conversion bracket mounts to stock fastener locations on the main frame, and is configured to securely hold the replacement upper A-arm. A replacement spindle is mounted between the upper and lower A-arms, and holds the stock hub and brake assemblies. The original steering arm is coupled to the replacement spindle, and the original sway bar is coupled to the replacement lower A-arm. A coil-over shock is mounted to the lower control arm and the conversion bracket. The kit bolts in place on the host vehicle without any modification to the original frame or body work.

Abstract: A method of modifying and converting an M113A1/A2 into a M113A3 with the use of the M113A3 style powerpack and the M113A1/A2 engine access hole location, which method utilizes a remote engine oil filter that allows the access hole in the bottom plate to remain unchanged from the M113A1/A2 to the M113A3, a remote engine oil filter adapter to accommodate the remote engine oil filter and a remote transmission oil drain and an engine oil adapter to allow engine oil drainage and transmission fluid service through the access hole.

Abstract: A high energy inductor and method of manufacture relates to an inductor which is capable of mechanically withstanding the high magnetic forces imposed thereon during transfer of high energy pulses. The inductor is wound with a conductor under tensile stress, wherein the conductor has a fixed inner end and a free outer end. The stress is maintained in the finished inductor by means of a clamp attached to and fixing the free end of the conductor. The fabrication method involves inducing tensile stress in the conductor as it is wound on an inductor core and then maintaining the conductor tensile stress in the finished inductor component.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a plasma generation device particularly adapted to an electrothermal-chemical propulsion system. The device comprises a membranous conductive substance having structural compositions which enable the formation of a continuous and volumetrically distributed, segmentally varied plasma arc. The membranous substance is versatile and operates, inter alia, as a fuse wire, plasma incubator, plasma container, plasma distributor, plasma infusion and permeation media as well as a fuel container.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a stabilized plasma injector device specifically adapted to incubate, shape and develop plasma under the influence of an adjustable electromagnetic field to provide ignition and further promote energy coupling between the plasma and a combustible mass. The device includes a pair of shaped coils one of which is evaporated to form the plasma and the other coil provides the electromagnetic force field to influence the characteristic arc symmetry and the energy coupling between the plasma and the surrounding combustible mass.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved passive armor system. The armor system uses armor stacks of ceramic tiles connected to layers of glass. The armor stacks are then adhered to the inside of a cover box. The cover box is then secured to a base and then covered with a cloth impregnated with an adhesive.

Abstract: The invention provides a water jet system with higher efficiency and better steering. The water jet system uses cantilever bars for an inlet grating, to prevent blockage. The water jet system also uses an elliptical impeller shaft housing to reduce turbulence and snagging of debris by the rotating impeller shaft. The water jet system uses impeller blades with a curved cross section that curves towards the direction of forward rotation. The water jet system uses U-shaped flanges mounted to the outlet of the water jet to provide steering.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a stabilized plasma injector device specifically adapted to incubate, shape and develop plasma under the influence of an adjustable electromagnetic field to provide ignition and further promote energy coupling between the plasma and a combustible mass. The device includes a pair of shaped coils one of which is evaporated to form the plasma and the other coil provides the electromagnetic force field to influence the characteristic arc symmetry and the energy coupling between the plasma and the surrounding combustible mass.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method of rear drive conversion of the M113 family of vehicles to provide a light, mobile and tactical hybrid vehicle. The method includes stripping an M113 to a base aluminum hull and providing modified or newly fabricated parts to enable the conversion. Using the rear drive conversion process disclosed herein, critical operations parameters such as volume under armor, mobility, air transportability and vehicle performance efficiency per unit weight are significantly increased.

Abstract: A simulation engine for temporally driven functional causal model application program is disclosed. An object oriented approach is used to create model definitions in which a system of interacting agents are assembled into a tree structure of agents and subsystems. The interacting agents which exhibit or endowed with time dependent behaviors are identified and are given priority in a queue. The temporal nature of the interacting agents and other characteristics are considered in the simulation of the model.

Abstract: A ballistic grille structure is combined in a stacked array with a similar grille structure to yield ballistic performance capability greater than the ballistic performance capability of the original grille structure. The grille structures may be of the type currently used in single, unscathed deployments with each grille structure a truncated version of the current structure such that a synergistic projectile defeating capability is realized by the stacked array of truncated grille structures.

Abstract: This invention relates to a material handling system. More particularly, the invention pertains to the method and apparatus for automatically loading a two-piece ammunition into a gun tube. A continuous rammer mechanism having a plurality of strategically spaced pawls is structured to accelerate the two-piece ammunition into the gun tube. The system compensates for different angles of gun trajectory by adjusting the speed and output of a drive motor to thereby provide a consistent ramming acceleration of the ammunition.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a plasma generation device particularly adapted to an electrothermal-chemical propulsion system. The device comprises a membranous conductive substance having structural compositions which enable the formation of a continuous and volumetrically distributed plasma arc. The membranous substance is versatile and operates, inter alia, as a fuse wire, plasma incubator, plasma container, plasma distributor, plasma infusion and permeation media as well as a fuel container.

Abstract: The invention provides an amphibious vehicle that integrates suspension fairing with a movable bow vane. This integration, allows the suspension fairings to be stored between the bow vane and the hull of the vehicle during land use and to be automatically deployed during water use. The suspension fairing uses a deployment system connected with the bow vane deployment system, so that they are deployed and retracted as an integral system.

Abstract: This invention relates to an EMI and EMP shield configured to arrest electromagnetic contamination of sensitive electrical and microprocessor equipment. Particularly, the present invention enables a positive dynamic seal for moving parts and joints by means of resilient and self-adjusting conductive contacts. The contacts provide electrical bonding, between otherwise separate and electromagnetically leaky joints, to arrest EMI and EMP contamination.

Abstract: The invention provides a grille armor system for use on a armored vehicle. The grille armor system adds an applique grille to a grille to increase the protection provided by the grille armor system. The applique grille is designed to add a minimal profile. The applique grille also is designed to allow maximum air flow through the applique grille. In the preferred embodiment, the applique grille is made of 4 mm thick steal bars place 8 mm apart to provide added protection to aluminum S-shaped louvers against high velocity 20 mm fragment simulating projectiles.

Abstract: A center mounted power train configuration for a high water speed tracked amphibious vehicle which mounts the engine above the waterjet inlet plenum to shorten the power train length, so as to allow the vehicle length and weight to be optimized for land and water mobility. The short power train length provides for use of alternate longer components which may be required to obtain adequate power and thrust. Center mounting the power train reduces air ingestion into the waterjets and maximizes the sharing of support structure to lighten the vehicle. Center mounting of the power train also optimizes efficiency by using one propulsion gearbox to transfer power and improves access to components for repair or replacement. The power train arrangement features a rearward center of gravity for enhanced land and water mobility and provides space for locating personnel, for mission equipment and for access to floor level suspension components.