Abstract: A transmission line comprising a multi-layer dielectric slab structure including: a dielectric substrate layer (30) having a thickness d.sub.s and permittivity .epsilon..sub.s ; a conductive ground plane (31) on the bottom surface of the dielectric substrate layer (30); a dielectric guiding layer (32) having a thickness h and permittivity .epsilon..sub.g, where .epsilon..sub.g >.epsilon..sub.s, attached to the top surface of dielectric substrate layer (30); at least one elongated and relatively narrow dielectric loading strip layer (33) having a width W, thickness d.sub.1, and permittivity .epsilon..sub.1, where .epsilon..sub.g >.epsilon..sub.l, attached to the top surface of the dielectric guiding layer (32); and a conductive coating (34) on the top surface of the dielectric loading strip layer (32). Such a structure permits single mode propagation over a relatively wide frequency band.

Abstract: A stabilized platform having five degrees of freedom utilizes a platform supported on a base by a spherical bearing which permits movement about roll, pitch and yaw axes. A triaxis torquer has a non-magnetic stator depending from the platform, permanent magnet rotors disposed on the base which produce a magnetic field through the stator, and a set of electrical windings attached to the stator. Energizing the windings selectively produces torque in roll, pitch and yaw. A mirror gimbal and drive system on the platform provides movement in elevation of a mirror. A motor is provided for rotating the base in azimuth relative to its mounting in a vehicle or the like. A set of rate gyroscopes mounted on the platform and a set of resolvers provide rate of movement of the platform and gimbal, and position information to a servo system which controls the torquers and drive systems to stabilize the platform in roll, pitch and yaw, and to position the mirror in elevation and azimuth.

Abstract: A combustible coating for providing a delay barrier to intrusion into an object. The coating contains a source of fuel as a metal and/or a polymer and a source of oxygen such as an oxidizer. The coating is ignitable at a temperature in excess of about 300.degree. C., during combustion is resistant to the effects of common fire extinguishing materials, and is capable of sustaining combustion for at least five minutes with a burn rate of no more than about six inches per minute.

Abstract: This invention relates to ceramic-ceramic composites comprising a dispersion of ceramic particles in a ceramic matrix. The production of these composites involves the in-situ precipitation of ceramic particles in a solvent metal matrix and the conversion of the matrix to a ceramic by reacting it with a matrix reactive species. Exemplary ceramic dispersoids include TiB.sub.2, ZrB.sub.2, TiC and TiN. Exemplary ceramic matrices include AlN, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and SiO.sub.2.

Abstract: This invention constitute a novel binder composition for pelleted and compressed animal feeds, comprising a mixture of a reactive metal salt and a reactive metal oxide or hydroxide.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composite material comprising an in-situ precipitated second phase in an intermetallic matrix, and to the process for making such a composite.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for making composite materials involving the in-situ precipitation of second phase particles in a metal matrix, and the products thereof. The process involves the use of initial compound materials as a source of second phase-forming reactants in the production of metal-second phase composites. The composites produced may comprise distributions of either single or multiple second phase materials. Exemplary initial compound precursors include boron nitride, boron carbide, boron oxide, aluminum nitride, aluminum carbide, aluminum boride, iron oxide and copper oxide.

Abstract: Ultrafine particles of ceramic or metallic material are obtained at low temperatures from a nitrate source capable of endothermic decomposition by molecularly combining under a nitrogen atmosphere the nitrate source with an inorganic reducing fuel compound, such as hydrazine, to provide a chemical precursor for the ceramic or metallic material and then exothermically decomposing the precursor in a controlled atmosphere by heating to a temperature up to about 200.degree. C. below the endothermic decomposition temperature of the nitrate source. The nitrate source is a metal nitrate or a mixture of nitrate salts. Ferrite particles are recovered when the nitrate source is a mixture of nitrate salts containing ferric nitrate in a 2:1 molar ratio with at least one additional metal nitrate.

Abstract: A method is taught for the introduction of in-situ precipitated second phase materials, such as ceramic or intermetallic particles in a metal matrix, to a host metal. When an initial solvent-assisted reaction is utilized, metal-second phase composites having highly superior properties may be obtained. The invention may utilize the reaction of the second phase-forming constituents in a solvent metal medium to provide an intermediate material of finely-dispersed second phase particles in an intermediate metal matrix, in the form of a porous mass or sponge. Any desired loading of second phase in the final composite may be achieved by the admixture of this preformed intermediate material having a relatively high content of particulate material, with a molten host metal. Exemplary materials include titanium diboride in an aluminum matrix and titanium carbide in an aluminum matrix.

Abstract: A method for welding metal composite materials, including metal-ceramic composites, whereby a weld or filler material is prepared by the in-situ precipitation of ceramic in a metallic matrix. The filler material may comprise boride, carbide, oxide, nitride, silicide, etc., while the matrix metal may constitute a alloy or intermetallic of two or more metals. A strong bond is achieved when welding two conventional metals, a conventional metal and a metal-ceramic composite, or two metal-ceramic composites.

Abstract: A method is taught for the in-situ precipitation of ceramic materials in a metal matrix. By means of the solvent assisted reaction, metal-ceramic composites having highly superior properties may be obtained. The invention involves the reaction of the ceramic forming constituents in a metal solvent medium to provide very finely-dispersed ceramic particles in the metal matrix. Exemplary materials include titanium diboride in an aluminum matrix.

Abstract: A transmission line comprising a multi-layer dielectric slab structure including: a dielectric substrate layer (30) having a thickness d.sub.s and permittivity .epsilon..sub.s ; a conductive ground plane (31) on the bottom surface of the dielectric substrate layer (30); a dielectric guiding layer (32) having a thickness h and permittivity .epsilon..sub.g, where .epsilon..sub.g >.epsilon..sub.s, attached to the top surface of dielectric substrate layer (30); at least one elongated and relatively narrow dielectric loading strip layer (33) having a width W, thickness d.sub.1, and permittivity .epsilon..sub.1, where .epsilon..sub.g >.epsilon..sub.1, attached to the top surface of the dielectric guiding layer (32); and a conductive coating (34) on the top surface of the dielectric loading strip layer (32). Such a structure permits single mode propagation over a relatively wide band.

Abstract: A transmission line comprising a multi-layer dielectric slab structure including: a dielectric substrate layer (30) having a thickness d.sub.s and permittivity .epsilon..sub.s ; a conductive ground plane (31) on the bottom surface of the dielectric substrate layer (30); a dielectric guiding layer (32) having a thickness h and permittivity .epsilon..sub.g, where .epsilon..sub.g >.epsilon..sub.s, attached to the top surface of dielectric substrate layer (30); at least one elongated and relatively narrow dielectric loading strip layer (33) having a width W, thickness d.sub.1, and permittivity .epsilon..sub.1, where .epsilon..sub.g >.epsilon..sub.1, attached to the top surface of the dielectric guiding layer (32); and a conductive coating (34) on the top surface of the dielectric loading strip layer (32). Such a structure permits single mode propagation over a relatively wide band.

Abstract: This is a transmission line particularly suitable for millimeter-wave transmission that comprises a dielectric guiding slab layer sandwiched between a dielectric substrate layer and a dielectric strip, the long axis of the dielectric strip defining the direction of transmission. The outer surfaces of the strip and the substrate are clad with a conducting layer.

Abstract: Internal stress on an object being electroplated is monitored continuously with a gauge. The gauge includes a metal receptor which is employed as a second cathode in the electrodeposition process. A separate plating current is supplied between the anode and second cathode, distinct from the separately controllable current between the anode and object being plates or electroformed. The stress on the second cathode is measured with a strain gauge, and a stress deviation from a desired plating stress is determined. The currents between the anode and first and second cathodes are adjusted in accordance with the measured internal stress on the metal receptor to achieve a desired stress condition.The internal stress is advantageously monitored with a foil resistance strain gauge. The strain gauge is connected to a carrier disposed in parallel with the metal receptor. The carrier is rigidly connected at opposite ends to the metal receptor.

Abstract: A method of securing a window of crumbly material in the end of a tube so as to effectively prevent leakage during temperature cycling, first involving the step of selecting a window having a small clearance when placed inside the end of the tube. Any contamination is removed from the periphery of the window, and then a thin metallic layer that will accept nickel plate is vapor deposited around the periphery of the window. Subsequently, a hoop of tensilly stressed nickel plate is applied over the thin metallic layer, after which the window and tube are sweated together by the application of suitable amounts of solder and heat. Significantly, the hoop of nickel serves to keep the window in continuous compression, such that leakage between the window and tube is effectively prevented.

Abstract: Internal stress on an object being electroplated is monitored continuously with a gauge. The gauge includes a metal receptor which is employed as a second cathode in the electrodeposition process. A separate plating current is supplied between the anode and second cathode, distinct from the separately controllable current between the anode and object being plated or electroformed. The stress on the second cathode is measured with a strain gauge, and a stress deviation from a desired plating stress is determined. The currents between the anode and first and second cathodes are adjusted in accordance with the measured internal stress on the metal receptor to achieve a desired stress condition.The internal stress is advantageously monitored with a foil resistance strain gauge. The strain gauge is connected to a carrier disposed in parallel with the metal receptor. The carrier is rigidly connected at opposite ends to the metal receptor.

Abstract: A fiber optic rotation rate sensor employs two fiber loop interferometers. Two Sagnac fiber optic interferometers are interleaved such that both fibers are contained in each each interferometer. A coherent light beam at one frequency is proprogated in only one of the fibers, and an opticl beam at another frequency is proprogated in the other fiber. The beam emerging from one of the fibers is combined with the beam emerging from the other of the fibers for each of the two ends of each fiber to produce a pair of interference signals each having a frequency equal to the difference between the two light beam frequencies. The relative phase of these two signals is then determined to provide an indication of the rate of angular rotation of the fiber optic loops, and this determination is independent of any temperature-related characteristics that produce offset phase errors.

Abstract: A variable center distance insertion device for attaching varying sized parts which have leads extending therefrom to a board, such as a printed circuit board, having holes therethrough. The device includes an inserter assembly disposed above the board and an anvil assembly disposed below the board. The inserter assembly and the anvil assembly each includes an arrangement of a motor, a threaded spindle and nuts which permit adjustment of the bending, cutting, inserting and clinching components of the two assemblies to positions adjacent the holes into which the leads of the parts are to be inserted.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is optically phase-locked by utilizing (1) the Burstein shift in differently doped semiconductor layers and injecting light having an energy level lower than the absorption edge of the heavily doped layer in which optical absorption is not desired and higher than the more lightly doped region where it is desired; and (2) the internal photoemission and injecting light having an energy level lower than the band gap of the semiconductor.