Abstract: An apparatus and method for the sensitive detection of atmospheric and/or surface absorbed nitrocompounds has been developed. The apparatus and method may be employed to detect the presence or absence of propellants, explosives, and nitropollutants. The unique feature herein is that the apparatus and method employ one laser operating at or near 226 nm. The laser photofragments the target molecule and facilitates the detection of the characteristic NO fragment, by resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) and/or laser-induced-fluorescence (LIF) via its A.sup.2 .SIGMA..sup.+ -X.sup.2 II.sub.i transitions. The analytical utility of this apparatus and method has been demonstrated on numerous compounds, such as, DMNA, nitromethane, nitro-benzene, TNT, and RDX. With the present system, a limit of detection of 8 and 24 ppb is obtained for RDX and TNT, respectively, using only 100 micro-Joules per pulse of laser energy.

Abstract: A self-inflatable parawing comprises an airfoil made of a flexible sheet erial and having a plurality of apertures located in the lower, aft surface thereof for admitting inflating air created by the positive air pressure of the air stream flowing over the airfoil. An inflatable support frame is located in the airfoil for providing spanwise stiffness to the airfoil. The support frame is inflated by means of a compressed gas cannister connected through a controllable valve to the support frame.

Abstract: A combination gauge measures (1) the depth of the projectile inside a cantube bore after the projectile has been rammed and seated in the lands and grooves of the rifling of the cannontube and (2) any angular deviation of orientation of the rammed/seated projectile normal to the centerline of the cannontube. A data logger electronically records the measured data and a computer stores and analyzes the data.

Abstract: A method for confinement of a gun propellant during the initial stage of ignition provides the ignition by electrical, pyrotechnic, or laser irradiation means. A liquid and or a solid propellant is placed in a substantially closed chamber. A portion of the propellant in a conduit of the chamber exits from the chamber and is cooled in the exit conduit by a thermoelectric or cryogenic means to a sufficiently low temperature for producing a viscous, glassy, or substantially solidified condition to enhance the propellant containment. An ignition stimulus is then applied. A closure means in the exit conduit selectively varies the amount of flow whereby a relatively high temperature and pressure are reached from the chemical energy release of the propellant. Venting of the formed combustive products is provided through the exit conduit whereby sufficient thermal energy is generated to sustain combustion and to ignite the next stage.

Abstract: A methods for gauging the solderability of printed circuit boards or printed wiring boards using differential reflectometry techniques. The method facilitates the determination of solderability properties of a substrate in a non-destructive manner.

Abstract: Apparatus for a gas charged and initiating mechanism launches a projectile f a relatively low mass at a low velocity. The apparatus has a chamber which has an opening at one end. A burst diaphragm is seated within this opening and seals it. The opening also houses the projectile. A check valve is mounted in an aperture at the opposite end of the chamber. The compressed gas is charged through the check valve. The bursting of the diaphragm is accomplished by a pointed rod protruding from the rear of the projectile or by an electrically-powered squib associated with the diaphragm. The bursting of the diaphragm provides a quick-acting means for releasing the compressed gas whereby the projectile is accelerated down the barrel of a weapon. Additionally, a safety device is mounted within the cartridge for preventing the accidental functioning of the launching projectile.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for remotely disassembling a failed high explosive ype mine. The apparatus is mounted on a mobile chassis and has a remote operator shelter for control of the apparatus. The apparatus has a stripper assembly to remove appendages from the body of the mine. A chuck assembly moves the stripped body of the mine to a cutter assembly and rotates the body of the mine so that the electronics assembly is severed from the body of the mine. A puller assembly extracts the safe and arming device from the high explosive filler in the body of the mine. In an alternate embodiment, a rammer assembly has a pressing cylinder to push the electronics assembly and the safe and arming device from the center of the body of the mine as the outer portion of the body of the mine is firmly retained on the frame of the rammer assembly. Video cameras on the apparatus are provided to permit remote control of the disassembly.

Abstract: Sail structure for sailcraft for improved air flow transition from the saraft mast. Several embodiments are provided in which a pair of sail luff panels are maintained in close proximity to aft portion of the mast. In a first and second embodiment, inflatable tubular inserts which slidably mate with the bolt rope groove of the mast are provided. In third and fourth embodiments, stackable and keyed inserts which engage the bolt rope groove are provided. In fifth and sixth embodiments, bolt rope tracks or grooves are provided in the mast for maintaining the position of the luff panels.

Abstract: A passive RF limiting circuit device providing protection for receiver front ends and the like by utilizing PIN diodes acting as switching devices which transform a low-loss T-network attenuator circuit into a high-loss .pi.-network attenuator circuit under high power conditions.

Abstract: A covert remote electronic warfare simulator is disclosed which includes eiving and signal processing apparatus for incorporating various electronic signal parameters and variables representing propagation effects from the environment borne by a low power control signal for redirection from a "victim" antenna into a "victim" receiving apparatus. The invention includes methods and apparatus for the subsequent replay of stored data representing the resulting signal(s) for data collection and detailed analysis in a laboratory setting. The simulator apparatus is interconnected between a "victim" receiving antenna and a "victim" transceiver to provide a simulated jamming signal.

Abstract: A mount for supporting a silicon v-groove array that contains delicate opal fibers. Optical fibers are arranged in a planar silicon v-groove array to form a focal plane array, which is connected to a first L-bracket. The focal plane array and the first L-bracket combination are attached to a second L-bracket via a shock/vibration isolation pad. The second L-bracket includes an extended cylinder which is threaded so that a strain relief can be screwed directly into the second L-bracket and the fibers extending out the first L-bracket can be fed through the second L-bracket and directly into a monocoil. The second L-bracket also includes space to attach front, side and top covers over the focal plane array. In a related method, the silicon v-groove array is epoxied to the first L-bracket. After preparation of the focal plane array, e.g. polishing of the fibers, is completed, the focal plane array/first bracket combination is connected to the second L-bracket, with the pad therebetween.

Abstract: A random binary modulated sensor transmits a continuous wave r.f. signal ulated by a binary random bit pair code signal which is transmitted by an antenna. A return signal reflected from a target is received by the antenna. A receiver mixer modulates the return signal with the r.f. signal and a delay circuit delays the binary random bit pair code. A coorelator receives the modulated return signal and delayed binary random bit pair code for producing a doppler output signal. A separate r.f. path in which a portion of the modulated r.f. signal is variably attenuated and variably phase shifted is present to cancel noise signals generated by antenna mismatch in transmission.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector distribution assembly including a front piece, a an out area, and a back piece. A bundle of thin optical fibers from a focal plane array is connected to the assembly by a monocoil and a strain relief. A bottom half and a top half of the front piece include eight corresponding semi-cylindrical recesses, four on each side of a relatively larger central recess having a connection for the strain relief. When the top and bottom halves of the front piece are connected, each of the eight cylindrical portions formed by the corresponding semi-cylindrical recesses receives first and second halves of an optical fiber connector. Bottom and top halves of the back piece also similarly house first and second halves of connectors. Once inside the assembly, the fibers are split into groups in the fan out area. Each group then enters the first half of the connector where it is transformed into a linear array of fibers.

Abstract: Steps of a process for visualization of a detonation wave involve examini measuring, and confirming a fuel-air explosion by using a ground-based fuel bottle oriented horizontally whereby the explosive dissemination creates a fuel-air cloud with its diameter in the vertical plane and a timed delay, proximate charge explodes within the created cloud. A ground-based high speed camera with a line-of-sight, end-on position with respect to the bottle, photographically records the existence of any occurring detonation wave.

Abstract: A novel ceramic ferroelectric material having a low dielectric constant, loss and high tunability. The material is a composite comprising Barium Strontium Titanate (BSTO) and a ceramic material having a low dielectric constant. The preferred composite is represented by Ba.sub.1-x Sr.sub.x TiO.sub.3 -Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, wherein x is greater than 0.00, but less than or equal to 0.70, and wherein the percent weight ratio between Ba.sub.1-x Sr.sub.x TiO.sub.3 and Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 ranges from approximately 99%-40% and 1%-60%, respectively. The novel materials possess superior electronic properties; and they may be employed in various antenna systems.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for accurately monitoring the flow and cure rate of a resin material. The method is accomplished through the use and incorporation of efficient sensors as integral components of a composite resin structure material. The sensors used are electrically conductive threads arranged in a non-intersecting, grid-like configuration. They may be placed into or between composite resin materials. These sensors serve as leads which are connected to a computer through a multiplexer/rapid switching system and a scanner. The data obtained for the monitoring of the flow and cure of resin is stored on a computer system and is presented on the computers' graphic window.

Abstract: A fluidic pulsatile impinging cooling system for electronic integrated circuit modules and other electronic systems. The fluidic cooling system employs a fluidic oscillator to create the pulsatile cooling flow of air or fluid. The present invention reduces the number of moving parts present in an electronic cooling system and is more efficient in performing its purpose.

Abstract: A thermally and mechanically stable muzzle reference system collimator asbly. The assembly comprises a muzzle reference system collimator and an adaptor plate to adapt the muzzle reference system collimator to the muzzle of a gun. The muzzle reference system collimator and adaptor plate are made up of materials having a low coefficient of thermal expansion. The adaptor plate is bonded to the gun barrel through materials which are capable of absorbing, rather than transmitting, the shock of firing to the muzzle reference system collimator and its fragile internal optical components.

Abstract: A fluidic, volume-cycled respirator circuit comprising a fluidic flowmeter, a tidal volume selection controller and an inlet valve. The flowmeter is connected to the controller through a transmitting means which transmits gas flow frequency signals. Said controller is then connected to the inlet valve, which is connected back to the flowmeter; hence, the respirator circuit is complete. The tidal volume selection controller may operate by either fluidics, electronics, or the combination of the two. The flowmeter facilitates supply of air to the patient. The amount of air supplied is controlled by the tidal volume selection controller which senses inspiration and gas flow frequency. The controller is equipped with a timer back-up system in the event that either the system or the patient fail to respond. The valve is operated at the direction of the tidal volume selection controller. The valve is open during the inspiratory phase and closed during the exhalation phase.

Abstract: A propellant charge igniter is provided with a metallic igniter tube which is consumed along with the main propellant charge. The combustible igniter tube is flexibly attached to a conventional primer head. An elastomeric tube, a springreinforced tube, or a tube impregnated with a wire mesh can be used to achieve a flexible connection. These tubular elements may be bonded to the primer head and igniter tube, or mechanically attached by means of threaded couplings which are crimped over the elastomeric tubing.