Abstract: The coolant fluid evaporated in a compact heat absorbing panel (12) utilizing monogroove heat pipes in a pumped two-phase system is replenished through a liquid inlet control valve (35) under the control of an ultrasonic liquid presence detector (40) which is connected to the panel (10). The detector (40) maintains the desired liquid quantity in the panel's liquid coolant channels (25), thereby dynamically responding to varying heat loads.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preloadable vector-sensitive latch which automatically releases when the force vector from a latch member reaches a specified release angle. In addition, it contains means to remove clearance between the latched members and to preload the latch to prevent separation at angles less than the specified release angle. The latch comprises a triangular main link (77), a free link (74) connected between a first corner of the main link and a yoke member (72), a housing (82), and an actuator (71) connected between the yoke member and the housing. A return spring bias means (70) connects the main link to a portion of the housing. A second corner of the main link is slidably and pivotally connected to the housing via a slot (81) in a web portion of the housing. The latch housing has a rigid docking ring (79) alignable with a mating locking ring (75) which is engageable by a locking roller (78) journalled on the third corner of the triangular main link.

Abstract: A processing circuit (P) is provided for correcting for input parameter variations, such as data and clock signal asymmetry, phase offset and jitter, noise and signal amplitude, in incoming data signals. An asymmetry corrector circuit (C) performs the correcting function and furnishes the corrected data signals to a convolutional encoder circuit (E). The corrector circuit (C) further forms a regenerated clock signal from clock pulses in the incoming data signals and another clock signal at a multiple of the incoming clock signal. These clock signals are furnished to the encoder circuit (E) so that encoded data may be furnished to a modulator (M) at a high data rate for transmission.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for automatic and/or manual adaptive bandwidth compression of telemetry.An adaptive sampler (16) samples a video signal from a scanning sensor (12) and generates a sequence of sampled fields. Each field and range rate information from the sensor are then sequentially transmitted to and stored in a multiple adaptive field storage means (22). The field storage means (22) then, in response to an automatic or manual control signal, transfers the stored sampled field signals to a video monitor (24) in a form for sequential or simultaneous display of a desired number of stored field signals.The sampling ratio of the adaptive sample (16), the relative proportion of available communication bandwidth allocated respectively to transmitted data and video information, and the number of fields simultaneously displayed are manually or automatically selectively adjustable in functional relation to each other and detected range rate.

Abstract: A diaphragm (10) suitable for extreme temperature usage, such as encountered in critical aerospace applications, is fabricated by a unique method, and of a unique combination of materials, which include multi-layered lay-ups of diaphragm materials (20a, 22, 20b) sandwiched between layers of bleeder fabric (29, 36), which, after being formed in the desired shape on a mold (26), are vacuum sealed (38) and then cured under pressure, in a heated autoclave, to produce a bond capable of withstanding extreme temperatures.

Abstract: A pumped loop two-phase heat transfer system, operating at a nearly constant temperature throughout, includes a plurality of independently operating grooved capillary heat exchanger plates supplied with working fluid through independent flow modulation valves connected to a liquid supply line, a vapor line for collecting vapor from the heat exchangers, a condenser between the vapor and the liquid lines, and a fluid circulating pump between the condenser and the heat exchangers.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of capturing an orbiting spacecraft by attaching a grapple fixture. A probe is inserted into an opening, such as a rocket nozzle, in the spacecraft until a stop on the probe mechanism contacts the spacecraft, a lever is actuated releasing a spring loaded rod which moves axially along the probe removing a covering sleeve to expose spring loaded toggle fingers which pivot open engaging the side of the opening. The probe is shortened and tensioned by turning a screw thread, pressing the fingers inside of the opening to compress the spacecraft between the toggle fingers and the stop. A grapple fixture attached to the probe, which is thus secured to the spacecraft, is engaged by appropriate retrieval means such as a remote manipulator arm.

Abstract: A spillage detector device for use in conjunction with fractionation of liquid chromatography systems which includes a spillage receiving enclosure (34) beneath the fractionation area. A sensing device (36) having a plurality of electrodes (46) of alternating polarity is mounted within the spillage receiving enclosure (34). Detection circuitry (38), responsive to conductivity between electrodes (46), is operatively connected to the sensing device (36). The detection circuitry (38) feeds into the output circuitry (38). The output circuit has relaying and switching circuitry directed to a solenoid (60), an alarm system (118) and a pump (4). The solenoid (60) is connected to the pliable conduit (22) of the chromatography system. The alarm system comprises an audio alarm (190) and a visual signal (120). A 115-volt power system interconnected with the pump (4), the solenoid (60), the sensing device (36), and the detection and output circuitry (38).

Abstract: Test apparatus for determining ignition characteristics of various metal in oxidizer environments simulating operating conditions for materials, the test apparatus has a chamber (6) through which the oxidizing agent flows, and means for mounting a stationary test sample (36) therein, a powered, rotating shaft (E) in the chamber rigidly mounts a second test sample (35). The shaft is axially movable to bring the samples into frictional engagement and heated to the ignition point. Instrumentation 16, 32, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 connected to the apparatus provides for observation of temperatures, pressures, loads on and speeds of the rotating shaft, and torques whereby components of stressed oxygen systems can be selected which will avoid accidental fires under working conditions.

Abstract: A linear motion valve is provided. The valve spool employs magnetically permeable rings, spaced apart axially, which engage a sealing assembly having magnetically permeable pole pieces in magnetic relationship with a magnet. The gap between the ring and the pole pieces is sealed with a ferrofluid. Depletion of the ferrofluid is minimized.

Abstract: A pair of spool valves C and D connected in tandem are balanced between pressures of reactant gases supplied to a fuel cell power plant G to control the pressure differences between the gases so as to maintain those pressures substantially in the proportions necessary for operation of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A mechanical connection system comprises a first body 10 defining a receptacle 38 and a second body 12 defining a pin 24 matingly receivable in said receptacle 38 by relative movement in a first directional mode. A primary latch 64 is engagable between the first 10 and second 12 bodies to retain the pin 24 in the receptacle 38, the primary latch 64 being reciprocable in a second directional mode transverse to the first directional mode. A lock member 50 carried by one of the bodies 10 or 12 is operatively associated with the primary latch 64 and movable, transverse to the second directional mode, between a locking position maintaining engagement of the primary latch 64 and a releasing position permitting release of the primary latch 64. The lock member 50 includes an operator portion 54 engagable to move the lock member 50 from its locking position to its releasing position. The operator 54 is located internally of the first body 10.

Abstract: A heat-resistant, protective glove having a shell made of a fabric of a temperature-resistant aromatic polyamide fiber, the outer surface of the shell being coated with a fire-resistant elastomer and a liner, generally conforming and secured to the shell and disposed inwardly of the shell, the liner being made of a felt fabric of a temperature-resistant aromatic polyamide fiber.

Abstract: A heat-resistant protective glove having first and second shells which generally define the palm side and backside of the glove, respectively, each of the shell sections being made of a temperature-resistant aromatic polyamide fiber, the first shell section being a twill weave, the second shell section being a knitted fabric, a first liner section having a flame-resistant, elastomeric coating on a surface contiguous the inner surface of the first shell section, and a second liner section inwardly of the second shell section, the first and second liner sections generally conforming to the configuration of the first and second shell sections, respectively, both of the first and second liner sections being comprised of a felt fabric of a temperature-resistant aromatic polyamide fiber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simulating gravitational forces on a living organism wherein a series of negative pressures are externally applied to successive lengthwise sections of a lower limb of the organism, the pressures decreasing progressively with distance of said limb sections from the heart of the organism. A casing defines a chamber adapted to contain the limb of the organism and is rigidified to resist collapse upon the application of negative pressures to the interior of the chamber. Seals extend inwardly from the casing for effective engagement with the limb of the organism and, in cooperation with the limb, subdivide the chamber into a plurality of compartments each in negative pressure communicating relation with the limb. Controls apply negative pressures to the compartment and maintain the negative pressures at incrementally different levels in respective ones of the compartments.

Abstract: A multi-layer absorbent product (10) for use in contact with the skin to absorb fluids, the product having a water pervious facing layer (12) for contacting the skin, a first fibrous wicking layer (14) overlaying the water pervious layer, a first container section (17) defined by inner and outer layers (16, 18) of a water pervious wicking material between which is disposed a first absorbent mass (20), a second container section (20) defined by inner and outer layers (22, 24) of a water pervious wicking material between what is disposed a second absorbent mass (28), and a liquid impermeable/gas permeable layer (30) overlaying the second fibrous wicking layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and method for the determination of functional capability of bodies. Reach as well as velocity, acceleration and force generation at various positions may be determined for a body by a three dimensional kinesimeter equipped with an ergometer. A general data package indicative of performance potential of a subject body or collection of bodies is provided for interfacing with data characteristic of various environments.

Abstract: An optical temperature gauge using a semiconductor crystal (12) having a band-edge shift property which is temperature dependent. An external narrow band light source (10) provides optical excitation through an optical fiber (11) and light energy thus passed through the crystal (12) is conveyed by a second optical fiber (13) to a light-to-electric transducer (14) at an external location, the crystal (12) thereby being locatable in cryogenic or other systems, to provide remote read-out. The light wavelength is varied (scanned) in a repetitive pattern in source (10), the instantaneous wavelength passing over the band-edge wavelength during each cycle of the scan. The timing of the crossover is related to the temperature of the crystal by electronic means (15 and 17). Several alternative elements of instrumentation are disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-layer absorbent product (10) for use in contact with the skin to absorb fluids, the product having a water pervious facing layer (12) for contacting the skin, a first fibrous wicking layer (14) overlaying the water pervious layer, a first container section (17) defined by inner and outer layers (16, 18) of a water pervious wicking material between which is disposed a first absorbent mass (20), a second container section (26) defined by inner and outer layers (22, 24) of a water pervious wicking material between what is disposed a second absorbent mass (28), and a liquid impermeable/gas permeable layer (30) overlaying the second fibrous wicking layer.

Abstract: Penetration apparatus, for very high temperature applications in which a base plug (12) is inserted into an opening through a bulkhead (11), the base plug (12) having a head shape (14b) seating against the highest temperature surface (11a) of the bulkhead, which may be the skin of the nose cone or other part of a space vehicle intended for nondestructive atmospheric reentry. From the second side of the bulkhead (11b) at which the less severe environment is extant, a bayonet plug (14) is inserted into the base plug and engages an internal shoulder (19) therein upon 90.degree. rotation. The bayonet plug (14) has an integral flanged portion (14a) and a pair of ramping washers (16 and 17) are located between the flange (14a) and the second bulkhead surface (11b) with a spacing washer (15) as necessary.