Abstract: A computerized apparatus and method for drilling holes in elongated workpieces. Predetermined locations for holes are input into a computer by visually aligning hole locations on a template with the drilling axis of the apparatus. The computer controls movement of the drill and of the ring segment relative to the drill. The workpiece is moved relative to the drill and is stopped at each predetermined location for drilling.

Abstract: An ultrasonic calibration block for standardizing an output of a pulse-echo ultrasonic inspection system is provided with an insonification surface for receiving ultrasonic pulses from the inspection system and a plurality of reflective interfaces stacked on top of one another and positioned at different distances from the insonification surface, each reflective interface having a different and characteristic reflectivity. A method of calibrating the output of the inspection system, using the calibration block, employs standard waveforms generated by insonifying the calibration block to generate a look-up table of standard waveform amplitudes related to a standardized output of the inspection system for a given material of a part to be inspected.

Abstract: Disclosed is a measuring device for determining both absolute and comparative depths of the countersunk portions of countersunk holes drilled in a workpiece, the measuring device being capable of centering itself within a hole being measured so that repetitive measurements can be made early and accurately; further the measuring device is capable of measuring the depth of a countersunk hole through a template.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for the non-destructive evaluation of welds joining metal bodies employing infrared thermography; the method comprising the steps of applying thermal energy to a weld and observing temperature differentials that occur on the weld's surface. The apparatus comprises a device for applying thermal energy to welds being inspected; a device for scanning the weld surface for infrared radiation being emitted therefrom; a device for capturing the emitted radiation and converting it to a signal representative of the thermophysical characteristics of the weld; and a device for visually displaying the signal in a form suitable for interpretation.

Abstract: A novel rope tension damper device is adapted to be installed, for example, on the deck of a ship at a location between the winch that controls the effective length of the rope and the fairlead that guides the rope so that it does not snag or tangle as it is wound and unwound from the winch. The device comprises a co-planar pair of sheaves respectively mounted at opposite ends of a rotatable arm.

Abstract: A pneumatic aerodynamic control surface is described for an aircraft having a region of upwash ahead of a powered-lift or high-lift wing, the control surface comprising blown engine nacelles immersed in the upwash region, and capable of generating moments about all three axes of the aircraft without any external moving parts.

Abstract: An improved method for forming an assembly of laminated materials is provided. The method eliminates an necessity to evacuate a package or position the assembly in an autoclave for forming. In the method, the assembly (14, 70) is positioned against the die face of a rigid die (12, 72). A cavity of essentially constant volume is formed about the die and assembly and encloses the side of the assembly opposite that in contact with the rigid die. The cavity is filled with expandable spheroids (56). The spheroids are expanded to provide the necessary force on the assembly to urge the assembly against the rigid die to form the completed assembly. Preferably, the expandable spheroids (56) are thermally expandable and can comprise, for example, silicone rubber having a coefficient of thermal expansion of about 50.times.10.sup.-5 inches per inch per degree Fahrenheit.

Abstract: A reusable indicating material for detecting leaks in sealed structures and other closed bodies comprises a fabric saturated with an indicator solution containing an acid-base indicator, a surfactant, a buffering system and a humectant. The indicator solution remains reactive when the fabric is dry to the touch and will indicate the presence of leaks in the structure being tested by changing color when a reactive gas escapes from the structure being tested. Upon removal from the tested structure the indicator material reverts to its original color and is available for subsequent tests.

Abstract: A fluid coupling accommodates misalignments of ducts to be connected in any one or any combination of three basic directions, these being axial, angular and radial. The coupling also provides for duct flexibility while minimizing the number of necessary sealing elements.

Abstract: An improved compensating winch (10, 200) is disclosed which incorporates elastomeric elements (20, 118, 202, 204) which are deformable in torsional shear about the rotational axis of the drum of the winch to absorb shock loading of the cable (22) to increase the service life of the cable and winch and resist catastrophic failure. The elastomeric element can comprise a series of alternating elastomeric rings and rigid rings bonded together to form a unitary structure. Concentric elastomeric elements (202, 204) can be connected in a series relationship to provide for greater annular deflection of a drum versus a drive element.

Abstract: An airborne antenna platform is disclosed capable of providing near-continuous spherical coverage of the volume surrounding the airborne platform.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the non-destructive identification of coated and uncoated metal parts employing infrared thermography. The apparatus comprises a means for directing infrared radiation onto the surface of a part; a means for scanning the part surface for reflected infrared radiation; a means for capturing the reflected radiation and converting it into a signal representative of variations in radiation reflected from the surface of the part; means for etching an identifying code into the surface of the part; and means for displaying the signal as a video image. The method comprises altering the surface reflective characteristics of a part to produce an identifying code, irradiating the part with infrared radiation of a specific wavelength and detecting differences in the amount and intensity of radiation reflected from the part.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for detecting fuel leaks employing color variable indicators. The method comprises the steps of preparing and applying a water soluble non-staining indicator dye to a test surface, observing color changes indicative of hydrocarbon leaks and removing the indicator dye from the test surface. The apparatus comprises in combination means for preparing the indicator dye, means for applying the indicator dye to the test surface and means for removing the dye from the test surface. The indicator dye comprises a major portion of a dry inert mineral carrier from about 0.1 to about 5.0 weight percent of a direct dye which is non-staining on painted surfaces and which does not migrate into or penetrate polyurethane or epoxy resin base painted surfaces, and from 0.1 to about 1.0 weight percent of a surfactant.

Abstract: Several versions of a flex joint (10, 100, 200) are disclosed which provides for relative flexible movement between a first member and a second member about a pivot point. The pivotal motion is provided by the use of elastomeric assemblies which are placed in elastomeric shear as one member pivots relative to the other. With each of the flex joints, at least two concentric and separate passages are formed through the flex joint for carrying fluids and the like through the flex joint. The passages remain separate and essentially unchanging in cross-section throughout the entire range of pivotal motion of the flex joint.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for joining a metal skin to an internal structure comprising forming the metal skin to a permanent desired contour; assembling a lattice of ribs and spars and bonding the lattice to the contoured skin and subsequently forming the completed structure by bonding a pair of skin-superstructure assemblies together. Also disclosed is a diaphram designed to apply pressure to the skin only along structurally supported area of the skin to prevent damage.

Abstract: A fluid coupling accommodates misalignments of ducts to be connected in any one or any combination of three basic directions, these being axial, angular and radial. The coupling also provides for duct flexibiity while minimizing the number of necessary sealing elements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a quick-change nosepiece (10) for a power drill (27) capable of telescoping by very small increments in the longitudinal direction, of angular or rotational displacement, and of quick and easy engagement and disengagement so as to provide access to the drill bit (29). Alternatively, a nosepiece (10) may be changed with one of greater or lesser length to correspond to the length of the drill bit (29) as the bit is changed.