Abstract: A stabilizer for the relative mirror separation and inclination in a Michelson (two beam) or a Fabry-Perot (multiple beam) interferometer that generates at least three reference beams and in one embodiment an optional monitor beam. The reference beams are disposed substantially around the interferometer signal beam and are directed through the interferometer. The resultant intensity from the interference within each reference beam (transmission) is detected and compared to a fixed reference, in one embodiment the monitor beam. Based upon the ratio of reference intensity to fixed reference, the mirror position is controlled to maintain a constant spacing with respect to the wavelength of the reference source. A stepped mirror surface in the interferometer is used in one embodiment and provides a constant difference between effective mirror spacing encountered by a signal beam and the spacing encountered by reference beams.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed utilizing superconducting elements with extended strain operating range capabilities. The superconducting element is formed from a crystalline compound superconductive material that does not exhibit appreciable critical current degradation in the presence of high elastic strains imposed on the element. Such a crystalline compound superconductive material is selected from materials in the B1 and C15 crystal structure classes. The thus formed superconducting element is particularly useful in electromagnets requiring high magnetic fields for operation in the intended manner.

Abstract: A three-element directional/omnidirectional antenna adapted for use in both transmitting and receiving modes. Crossed loop antennas are mounted on top of a monopole whip antenna and are electrically coupled thereto. Each of the loop antennas consists of an outer larger primary loop and an inner secondary loop joined at its base to the primary loop. Both the primary and secondary loops are interrupted at their top ends opposite the point where they join the monopole antenna. A tuning capacitor is coupled between the two halves of each of the primary loops, while a coaxial antenna feeds the two secondary loops. The coaxial cables feeding the secondary loops pass through a dual ferrite choke disposed within the monopole antenna.

Abstract: Frequency stabilization is disclosed for a two-mode laser, such as a Zeeman aser. The emission frequency of the laser is servo-stabilized to the center of the atomic gain curve to provide a stable laser reference frequency that is independant of time and enviromental operating conditions. Stabilization in a longitudinal-field Zeeman laser is achieved by utilizing the mode-pulling effect which makes the frequency difference between the two circular polarization components have a parabolic dependence on the optical frequency of the laser. The detected intermode beat frequency from the laser is subjected to digital phase-sensitive, drift-free integration, utilizing a reversible counter, to provide a cumulative count with a rate of increase corresponding to the displacement of the average wavelength from the atomic center wavelength and an analog error-correction signal is generated therefrom which is coupled to the laser.

Abstract: This tester comprises a fixture which is bonded to a coating or surface, a plate and a membrane which are sealed together along their peripheries. A hole extends through the membrane and at least into the plate for receiving the fixture so that its bonding surface is flush with the membrane. The plate has a gas opening which is connectable with a source of pressurized gas.

Abstract: A flame and smolder resistant cellulosic insulation material, method of tting loose-fill cellulosic material, and composition for imparting flame and smolder resistance to such materials are disclosed with the combination of from about 2 to 9% sulfur and from about 10 to 25% flame retardant uniformly distributed in the cellulosic insulation material based on the weight of cellulosic material.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing an ultra-black surface coating, having an extremely high light absorption capacity, on a substrate, such as a metal, ceramic, glass, or plastic, the blackness being associated with a unique surface morphology consisting of a dense array of microscopic pores etched into the surface, as well as the resulting coated substrate.The ultra-black surface, which has a spectral reflectance on the order of about from 0.5 to 1.0% at wavelengths of light of about from 320 to 2140 nanometers, finds use as a solar collector in the field of solar energy.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing SO.sub.2 from gas streams by its gas-phase reaction with a stabilized Criegee intermediate under conditions where a very large excess of water vapor is avoided, resulting in efficient scavenging of SO.sub.2 by the Criegee intermediate to form an adduct. The adduct reacts with water vapor to convert it directly to sulfuric acid, which is then separated from the gas stream. The Criegee intermediate may be generated in a variety of ways.

Abstract: A triple-beam offset paraboloidal antenna minimizes the offset of each of ree antenna feeds from the focal point of the paraboloid to thereby minimize beam aberrations, while at the same time maximizing the beam steering capability of the antenna. Three beams are produced, two being in mutually orthogonal planes. The axis of the third beam corresponds to the intersection of the orthogonal planes. The antenna in accordance with the present invention finds particular utility in the measurement of three dimensional wind profiles employing doppler radar techniques.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a carbocyclic compound by contacting an rganic compound containing a 4-8 membered cyclic sulfide with ozone, in the vapor phase, and recovering a product containing a 3-7 membered carbocyclic ring.

Abstract: Triple locking handcuffs are provided having a lock which has an abutment erein which pushes against a bolt in the lock to double lock the latch and triple lock the ratchet and pawl of the lock. In the triple locked position a biasing means forces the bolt against the abutment, and to unlock the handcuffs a number of different mechanical means are provided for moving the bolt slightly away from the abutment, whereupon the ordinary handcuff key can be used to unlock the handcuffs. Handcuffs are also provided which automatically double and triple lock upon application to the wrist.

Abstract: A flame resistant cellulosic insulation material, method of treating loosll cellulosic material and compositions for imparting flame resistance and flame and smolder resistance to such materials are disclosed utilizing thiocyanate compounds interstitially distributed throughout the cellulosic insulation material as a flame retardant. Sodium and potassium thiocyanate are used in extremely small quantities in insulation materials and impart flame resistance due to the hygroscopic migration of the compounds into the insulation material. The effectiveness of such small quantities of thiocyanate make possible the addition and retention of effective amounts of powdered smolder inhibitors such as boric acid, and sulfur.

Abstract: An improved clear air turbulence (CAT) detector sensing infrared radiation in the 27-33 micrometer range of the water vapor rotational wavelength band. The improved clear air turbulence detector for use on an aircraft includes a forward looking and upwardly oriented between 8.degree. to 12.degree. optical assembly having a thallium bromoiodide infrared lens, a 27-33 micrometer wavelength interference filter and an infrared detector; a radiometer amplifier for amplifying the output of the optical assembly and for generating an analog voltage signal related to the received infrared intensity, a processing unit for analyzing the analog signal, and a display unit for generating a first signal when no clear air turbulence is detected, a second signal when a moderate turbulence is detected, and a third signal when extreme turbulence is detected. A method for determining the advance time for entering the clear air turbulence after detection is based upon the altitude of the aircraft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a smolder resistant upholstered furniture or mattress assembly nd a method for rendering the composite materials of such assembly smolder resistant. Placement of a layer of sulphur immediately adjacent a normally smolder-prone material in the composite effectively prohibits the advances of smoldering combustion to a dangerous stage. The sulphur layer is advantageously applied by backcoating the fabric overlay, coating or impregnating the fibrous or polyurethane foam materials or separating layers of such materials with sulphur-containing films, fabrics and the like. An advantageously effective amount of sulphur is from about 25-50 g/m.sup.2 to about 250-300 g/m.sup.2 in a layer having a depth of about 1 to 3 mm.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for momentary sampling of an atmosphere to determ electrostatic charge density is disclosed. A nonconductive elongated sampling tube is inserted into the area to be sampled. An intake valve on the end of the elongated sampling tube is opened momentarily and a small sample of the atmosphere to be sampled is moved through the intake valve and the elongated sampling tube into an isolated metallic inner cylinder filled with metallic wool. An outer metallic cylinder is located concentrically around the inner cylinder and is electrically isolated therefrom except for a single discharge path through an electronic control package. Current flow between the inner cylinder and outer cylinder is measured by a sensitive ammeter in the electronic control package and is electronically converted to indicate charge density in coloumbs/meters.sup.3.

Abstract: A sampling circuit and method therefor including a first Josephson junction or producing a series of sampling pulses for activating a second Josephson junction that is receptive of both the analog current signal being sampled and a bias current. The first Josephson junction is continually triggered at a fixed time relative to the repetitive analog signal to provide a series of sampling pulses and before each sampling pulse the bias level to the second Josephson junction is changed until the sum of the current from the sampling pulse, from the analog signal, and from the bias source exceeds the critical current value of the second Josephson junction causing it to switch from one voltage state to another. The value of the bias current at the point of switching is proportional to the current in the analog signal.In one embodiment, the bias current is increased in a step-like fashion for each sampling pulse from the first Josephson junction until the critical value of the second Josephson junction is reached.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing an ultra-black surface coating, having an extremely high light absorption capacity, on a substrate, such as a metal, ceramic, glass, or plastic, the blackness being associated with a unique surface morphology consisting of a dense array of microscopic pores etched into the surface, as well as the resulting coated substrate.The method involves preparing the substrate for plating with a nickel-phosphorus alloy, as by cleaning and/or activating it, immersing the thus-prepared substrate in an electroless plating bath containing nickel and hypophosphite ions in solution until an electroless nickel-phosphorus alloy coating has been deposited on the substrate, and then removing the substrate, coated with the electroless nickel-phosphorus alloy, from the plating bath and washing and drying it.

Abstract: A dilute mixture of a large organic parent compound in an inert diluent is formed using a specially designed diffusion cell to control the amount of parent compound that is taken up by the diluent gas. The dilute mixture flows through a hot pyrolyzing tube where the parent compound is decomposed solely and totally by a gas phase unimolecular reaction into equimolar amounts of reactive gas and a stable reaction product. The method produces an internal standard for determining the concentration of the reactive gas since the stoichiometry of the reaction requires that the concentration of the reactive gas be equal to the concentration of the other reaction product, which can be easily calibrated by standard methods.

Abstract: 1.

Abstract: An adaptive control system is disclosed in which control functions involving many input variables are computed by referring to data stored in a memory. Each value of the control functions is distributed over a number of physical memory locations, such that the linear sum of the contents of these physical locations defines the value. An addressing algorithm is used in which the input variables are mapped into a set of intermediate mapping variables. Apparatus for accomplishing the intermediate mapping comprises first and second counters which are used to address a memory in which the intermediate variables are stored in a predetermined arrangement.