Abstract: Probes for testing circuitry comprising plural oriented, circular cross-section, microcircuit probes positioned in a dielectric base and having connections on the opposite side of base to attach probe circuitry. A method of manufacture of such probes includes assembling a laminate of a dielectric base, and an aluminum mandrel, drilling holes in the laminate at positions corresponding to the eventual probe positions, electroless plating the entire package, passivating the electroless plated coating, plating the entire assemblage until the holes are substantially filled with plating, separting and shearing off the layers of plating from the laminate, applying a photoresist and developing it on the aluminum side corresponding to the holes for the probes, and on the opposite side corresponding to the desired circuitry, removing the material on the aluminum side to expose the aluminum, dissolving the aluminum to expose the probes, and soldering and reflowing the solder on the probes.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for preventing combustion of exhaust gases in rocket launch systems using a plurality of launch tubes connected to a plenum including pressure sensors in each launch tube, a control system sensitive to atmospheric pressure and launch tube pressure which provides a signal to an inert gas supply flow controller to initiate flow of gas into the plenum when pressure in a launch tube, after launch of a rocket, reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: An undersea weapon comprising a warhead, a rocket motor, detection, homing and control systems and a hydropulse underwater propulsion system in an integral unit. The weapon is launched at a previously detected target, such as a submarine, on a ballistic trajectory through the air by means of the rocket motor. The weapon enters the water near the submarine, which is thereafter detected by an on-board system incorporating active and/or passive detection. The thus-determined submarine direction is utilized by the control system to guide the weapon toward the submarine under water. A hydropulse motor utilizes the empty rocket motor as the propulsion chamber and provides the underwater propulsion to propel the weapon through the water toward the submarine, where the warhead then detonates on contact with the submarine. Alternatively, the weapon may be air dropped near a previously detected target, in which case there need be no propellant in the rocket motor.

Abstract: A multi-burn restartable solid rocket fuel having plural layers, each independently ignitable, including a central core, and at least one outer cylindrical layer separated from the central core by a non-ignitable layer, and the method of utilization therefor including first igniting the central core in an end burned configuration, and subsequently or concurrently igniting the next adjacent layer or layers in an end burned configuration, as desired.

Abstract: A heat-actuated space conditioning system comprising a sub-atmospheric natural-gas-fired Brayton cycle engine driving a Rankine cycle heat pump. A centrifugal Freon compressor is driven directly from the Brayton engine rotating group through a permanent magnet coupling. The system utilizes an in-line combustor which is operated to burn natural gas at atmospheric pressure by virtue of the associated sub-atmospheric Brayton cycle engine. Ambient stoichiometric air is drawn through an associated recuperator where it is preheated before being introduced into the combustor. Compressor discharge gas is also cycled through the recuperator and used as diluent to provide added flow and the desired turbine inlet temperature. Waste heat is used to power a boiler for the Freon in the Rankine cycle side, and this converted energy is used to drive a second turbine providing added power to the Freon compressor. A boiler feed pump is included which also serves as a starting mechanism for the rotating assembly.

Abstract: An air conditioning system of the air cycle heat pump type for selectively heating and cooling a residence or similar space environment. In one embodiment, a combustor and associated Brayton cycle turbine provide the primary drive to a compressor constituting the heat pump. In a second embodiment, the Brayton turbine is replaced by an electric motor coupled to drive the compressor shaft. An auxiliary turbine is also coupled to the drive shaft to provide auxiliary drive derived from the operation of a portion of the system at sub-atmospheric pressure. In this portion, during the cooling mode, water is evaporated into the system to further assist in cooling by removing the latent heat of vaporization.

Abstract: Disengaging apparatus including a hook having its pivot point and its engaging point substantially vertically aligned, being positioned between a pair of plates and having an integral counterweight extending laterally from the engaging point. A first link is attached at one end to the lateral extension and at the other end to the first end of a second link which rotates about a fixed point. The links have a first extended position under a load and rotate to a second position, thereby rotating a constant-radius engaging surface of the hook about its center at the pivot point of the hook in light or no load situations. Additionally, a stop and locking members may be provided to prevent accidental release of the hook.

Abstract: A designer's triangle providing for the selection of angles from 15 to 90 degrees in a single implement, in increments of 15 degrees or less, and further including provisions for draft or taper angles to vary the aforesaid angles. Further embodiments include metric, fractional and tenth of inch embossed scales, protection against smudging, and marked or designated radii at a plurality of points on the triangle.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a plurality of items to a unit having a variable demand. The apparatus includes a frame rotatably supporting a first shaft in a fixed position, and a last shaft rotatably supported in a fixed position, the last shaft supplying items to the unit, the first shaft discharging the items from the apparatus at a variable rate, and at least two rotatable pivotally mounted, intermediate shafts to guide the items between the first and last shafts and accumulate them during load demand. The rate of feed by the last shaft is different from that of the first shaft and is determined at least by the extent of accumulation at the intermediate shafts, and optionally also by the differential in feed rate existing between the first and last shafts.

Abstract: A dual directional, wavelength demultiplexer including an optical fiber mounted and adhered to a curved surface having a clad single-fiber core, a planar surface extending partially into and along the fiber through the cladding, a prism mounted on the surface having two reflective surfaces positioned to receive multiple signals from the fiber travelling in opposite directions, optical gratings positioned at the reflective surfaces effective to diffract and demultiplex the signals, and photodiode arrays mounted adjacent the prism to receive the demultiplexed reflected signals.

Abstract: A tandem rocket launcher is provided by mounting plural rockets in an elongated launch tube with associated guide and launch equipment for each rocket. A conical shield is placed between the rockets which deflects exhaust gases generated by firing the forward rocket away from the rearward rocket. The shield is then removed by firing of the subsequent rocket or pivoting of two halves of the deflector away from the path of travel of the subsequent rocket.

Abstract: A propulsion motor for an underwater vehicle such as an anti-submarine weapon. The motor includes a propulsion chamber into which water is admitted and then rapidly expelled through an exhaust nozzle, developing thrust to propel the vehicle. Gas generators are used to develop the successive hydropulses to expel the water following each filling of the motor chamber with water. In one particular embodiment of an anti-submarine weapon which is directed through the air to the vicinity of a submarine by a rocket motor, the hydropulse underwater propulsion system can use the same chamber as the rocket motor.

Abstract: An optical fiber wavelength demultiplexer including an optical fiber mounted and adhered to a curved surface having a clad single fiber core, a planar surface extending partially into and along the fiber through the cladding, a prism mounted on the surface having a reflective diffraction grating surface positioned to receive signals from the fiber travelling in one direction and demultiplex such signals, and an array of photodiodes mounted adjacent the prism to receive the demultiplexed signals.

Abstract: The improved food cooking device of the present invention is especially adapted for roasting bulky meat items such as turkeys, hams, chickens, standing ribs and other large heavy cuts of beef, legs of lamb, etc. and for lifting the the same after roasting from the roasting pan or roasting area in accordance with the present method. The device includes a perforated generally flat horizontal rack of aluminum or the like having vertically depending legs adapted to support the rack above the bottom of a roasting pan or the like so as to prevent uneven roasting of the food on the rack and so as to remove the food from direct contact with its drippings. The device also includes means for securing the food directly to the rack and for facilitating lifting of both the roasted food and the rack together from the roasting pan, in accordance with the method. Such securing means include strips of Nylon or the like from which finger loops are formable for lifting of the string/food/rack assembly as a unit after cooking.

Abstract: A sectioned Venetian blind slat and mechanism for joining the sections thereof to permit a broken slat to be replaced without the necessity of taking the entire blind to a repair shop. Fabrication of slats through the use of the joint mechanisms of the invention results in simplification of manufacturing techniques and the realization of economies through being able to use shorter pieces of wood such as were formerly treated as scrap in the manufacture of full length slats. Contrasting shades of wood sections may be employed to develop a contrasting pattern in a blind.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting and constraining opposed end members of a heat exchanger frame structure while maintaining the high temperature portions of the heat exchanger thermally isolated from the frame and accommodating relative movement of the heat exchanger due to thermal growth. Thermal isolation with structural support is achieved by the use of strategically positioned, thin-walled metal members aligned in the direction of heat travel between high temperature portions of the heat exchanger and adjacent frame elements. Opposed portions of the heat exchanger are tied together by rods extending between them and secured thereto. Longitudinal growth of the heat exchanger core and associated ducting is accommodated by the provision of flange guides slidable on guide pins attached to the frame.

Abstract: A device for collecting a urine specimen, which is particularly adapted for females, is configured and adapted for use while the user is sitting on a toilet in the normal position for voiding. The device comprises a collector and a specimen container and selectively collects the clean, contaminant-free mid-stream portion of urine in the container. The urine specimen container is releasably secured to the collector at a bleed-off conduit extending from a collection exit in a uring receiving chamber of the collector. This exit is positioned in the chamber above a urine bleed-off exit in the conduit adapted for receiving and discarding the first-voided portion of urine at a controlled rate. The collection exit is remote from the bleed-off conduit exit, is shielded from urine splashing into the chamber, and is below a urine overflow exit in the chamber which leads to an overflow conduit. The chamber is preferably open topped and is adapted to be supported on the specimen container.

Abstract: A solar heat collector utilizing an elongated vertical mast to support a rectangular parabolic reflector and a transparent cover. The mast is located at the focal point of the parabolic reflector, and the fluid to be heated enters the unit at the bottom, is partially heated as it rises by convection, enters the mast at the upper portion thereof, and is transported downward while being further heated due to the mast focal point location. The unit is rotatable about the mast to maximize heat transfer.

Abstract: A multi-station laundry feeder including supply apparatus for a plurality of article conveyors, multiple stations at each conveyor, and an article transporting conveyor utilizable by the multiple stations for transversely placing articles on the transporting conveyor. The operators remove individual articles from the supply conveyor, drape them across the transporting conveyor, touching an adjustable bar which is positioned to automatically appropriately align the articles, and release them.

Abstract: A rear cover for rocket launch tubes providing a seal between the tube and the rear of the rocket. The rocket is arranged in a manner such that the exhaust of a firing rocket will produce a seal between a sealing member and the rear of the rocket and will seal off the portion of the tube adjacent to the rocket itself, thus preventing exhaust gases from entering this portion of the launch tube.