Abstract: An electrically conducting, electromagnetic wave reflector comprises a knit wire reflecting surface consisting of two superimposed knitted wire meshes. The wire mesh reflector is impregnated with a transparent thermo-setting resin so that the metallic structure is no more than 3 mils from the outer surface of the reflector. The knitted wire mesh permits the fabric to be smoothly stretched over a three-dimensional surface of predetermined shape. The two wire meshes are staggered with respect to each other to reduce the effective size of the openings between the loops of the mesh. A reinforcing structure preferably consisting of two layers of glass cloth impregnated with a thermo-setting resin is utilized to provide a lightweight reflector substantially impervious to environmental corrosion. The resulting structure may be used as an antenna or reflector and is suitable for the microwave region such as the K band. There is also disclosed a method of constructing such a reflector.

Abstract: A rear cover for a rocket launch tube which is normally closed and which is capable of breaking away successively in one or more sections in response to the pressure and diameter of the rocket exhaust column or plume. The cover is so arranged that it will successively increase the area interconnecting the launch tube for the rocket with an exhaust duct or manifold as the rocket plume increases in diameter. The cover of an adjacent launch tube which is normally closed will prevent the exhaust gases from entering the launch tube of a stored rocket or the like.

Abstract: A gas conveying duct-type heat exchanger is shown and described having two gases passing therethrough, preferably in counterflow relationship. An easily assembled, sectioned gas separator is provided to divide the duct into separate gas conduits. The separator sections are designed to fit with each other and to support heat pipes extending between adjacent conduits for transferring heat from one conduit to the next. The structure is adapted for ready on-site assembly and modification, thus providing facility in relating the constructed device to the heat load in a given installation and permitting shipment of a unit in disassembled condition.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic proportional actuator for converting an electrical input signal to proportional mechanical output. Fluid power may be derived from pressurized fuel or lubricating oil of an associated engine. The actuator may be used to drive any engine function requiring modulated control. The mechanical output is proportional to the electrical input. The actuator includes mechanical feedback to linearize the response function, thus eliminating the need for closed loop operation of the system in which the actuator is used. Both linear and rotary actuators are disclosed in various embodiments. Each type is capable of operation with either a proportional solenoid and valve or a force rebalance solenoid and valve.

Abstract: The video or television signals are broken into numerous elements representing spaced portions of the video display screen along the line sweep, and imprints (electrical or optical) for each element are made in a path on a rotating medium which may be a disc, drum or belt. The lineal length of each imprint on the path is determined by the light characteristic of the video signal being recorded. Clock marks are permanently recorded in a separate path on the rotating medium.Maximum density of imprints is achieved by using an extremely narrow width of about one ten thousandth to one thousandth of an inch wide, and not only make adjacent tracks contiguous, but actually overlapping.Sound is supplied by using an unused portion of the video signal and the trailing edges of the line start pulses are convenient portions.

Abstract: A system utilizing a rocket plenum design which is of a form to reduce and control combustion therein. The plenum is provided with two oppositely and upwardly extending exhaust ducts. Provision is made to eliminate blind pockets and stagnation passages in order to prevent possible explosions in the plenum during rocket firing.

Abstract: Apparatus for transmitting particular output signals from a plurality of analog-to-digital converters to the guidance computer of an inertial navigation system. The number of channels of signals to be transmitted exceeds the number of available data lines. The A/D converter output is converted, according to its particular logic code, to a series of pulse counts which are thereafter multiplexed in a pulse combiner and applied to the data lines. During a first selected time interval, the pulses are accumulated for interleaving and transmission with the real time pulses in a second selected time interval. The multiplexing combines such interleaved pulses from one A/D converter output with those from another such output in alternate time intervals. Sync words are transmitted along with the data to permit the guidance computer software to demultiplex the data.

Abstract: A protective cover for swimming pools drains and the like. The cover is of a unitary construction and is preferably injection-molded from a flexible, tough, spring-like plastic. The cover includes an outer, annular rim designed to rest on a sub-main drain or the like. The main cover has no holes and features a generally sine wave or bellows spring design. The central portion is inwardly or downwardly curved, and forms a portion of a sphere having its center on a line normal to a plane passing through the main cover. The central portion is surrounded by another inwardly curved portion which preferably is provided on its underside with a circular projection extending normal to the plane of the cover to lend it mechanical rigidity. The outer main cover portion is upwardly curved and is connected to the ring portion through a plurality of stanchions in the form of vanes extending in radial directions.

Abstract: A transport system for the drying of spaghetti or other long pasta includes swinging or vibrating belts to align the pasta in bunches of parallel lengths, at the same time moving so as to prevent the pasta from sticking together, thereby facilitating the drying of the individual pasta lengths. Principally, conveyor belts or the like are mounted with sufficient slack which, combined with cross bars and side supports, forms a series of transverse depressions into which the pasta is concentrated. The depressions shift linearly as the belt moves, thus preventing the pasta from sticking together. Various arrangements are provided causing vibration of the belts in addition to the forming of the depressions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an ignition system for internal combustion engines. The ignition system is particularly applicable to such engines including a magneto.The ignition system includes a semi-conductor ignition circuit in which a first transistor has its collector-emitter conduction path connected in series with the primary winding of an ignition coil assembly. A resistor is connected between base and collector of the first transistor to permit it to conduct. A control circuit connected between the base of the first transistor and the primary winding, turns the first trnasistor off when it is desired to interrupt the primary winding current.The ignition system also includes a magneto ignition coil assembly which has a low inductance primary winding having a relatively low number of turns. The coil assemblies of the present invention are generally unsuitable for use with conventional mechanical breaker points.

Abstract: A unit for automatically cleaning items such as laundry or the like comprises a plurality of reciprocating plungers mounted to engage the items within a tank containing the items and a cleaning liquid. Each plunger comprises a piston mounted within a canister. The piston is mounted within the canister in an arrangement which permits a limited relative movement between the piston and canister, thus developing a bi-directional pumping action. With each stroke of the plunger, the piston forces liquid through the items to be cleaned, first in one direction and then the other, by virtue of the limited movement of the piston relative to the canister, the latter serving to assist in holding the items to be cleaned in a position for encountering the liquid being driven by the piston. The combined rotary reciprocating action of the plungers not only serves to clean the items in the tank but also to slowly propel them from the inlet to the outlet end of the tank so that a continuous cleaning process is performed.

Abstract: An optical device comprising a pair of lenses mounted along a viewing axis within a housing and angularly adjustable relative to the viewing axis by a manipulator extending outside the housing. The manipulator comprises an exterior knob on a shaft extending through the housing and having a gear engaging corresponding sector gear portions of individual pivoted mounts supporting the respective lenses. A flexible, preferably elastic membrane, sealed to the respective lenses and extending therebetween, contains a fluid such as glycerine, having an index of refraction corresponding to the refractive index of the lens material. Adjustment of the manipulator knob jointly varies the angles of the respective lenses relative to the viewing axis and to each other so as to shift the direction of light transmitted through the device. The device is used by an individual in exercising eye muscles to correct a condition of squint, e.g., the cross-eyed condition not infrequently encountered in young children.

Abstract: An electrical connector having means for suppressing electromagnetic interference when the connector pins are separated from the pin sockets. To this end, each of the connector pins or each pin socket is contained in an electrically conductive housing. The housing forms an open space about and extending beyond each pin or socket. This open space forms a waveguide having a predetermined upper cutoff frequency. This cutoff frequency depends on the length of the waveguide measured from the tip of each pin or socket to the end of the waveguide and on the diameter or largest dimension of the waveguide, which may be a cylindrical waveguide. Each of the corresponding pin sockets has an outer insulation tube which fits into the open waveguide. Further, each pin socket is provided with a spring contact for making electrical connection to the respective connector pins. The cutoff frequency of the waveguide is selected to be substantially above the highest frequency of the expected electromagnetic interference.

Abstract: An interlock mechanism in a flexible disk drive unit to protect the disk against damage by the disk engagement assembly. The mechanism operates to block the engagement assembly from moving into a position of engaging the disk when the disk is not fully inserted in the drive.

Abstract: An artist's paintbrush having bristles selected from the guard hair of the tail of a mink. In fabrication, hair is removed from the tail of the mink and the guard hairs are separated from the undercoat, which consists of soft and woolly hairs, preferably by brushing with a wire brush. The guard hairs which remain are selected into shorter and longer guard hairs. The shorter guard hairs are formed into a relatively thick body portion. The longer guard hairs extend beyond the shorter guard hairs to provide a paintbrush capable of painting simultaneously a plurality of extremely thin lines. The mink guard hairs are secured to a ferrule which, in turn, is joined to a wooden handle. The handle has a slim outer portion into which the ferrule is fitted. It has a relatively wider middle portion to provide for easy gripping and a wider rear portion ending in a flat pallet. The pallet may be used for spreading paint. The brush may be secured to the ferrule in any conventional manner.

Abstract: Carriers forming strips for semiconductor integrated circuit chips. The carrier consists basically of a flexible tape, such as a polyimide. A conductive sheet, such as a copper sheet, is initially prepared to form a lead circuit on one surface and a bump circuit on the other. This metal sheet may be gold plated. Subsequently, a layer of polyimide is applied to the lead circuit side and both the polyimide sheet and the opposite bump circuit are covered with a metal sheet, such as copper. A photoresist layer is put over the copper and is suitably illuminated and developed to provide apertures through which the copper can be etched to expose the polyimide sheet. This takes place over the windows or openings adjacent the bumps for the application of a heat ram as well as for the sprocket holes used for precisely aligning the carrier with the to-be-associated semiconductor chips. Finally, openings may also be provided to separate adjacent carrier strips from each other.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a carrier for semiconductor devices such as integrated chips. The carrier conventionally comprises, on one surface, a lead circuit providing leads to the conduction pads of the semiconductor devices. The other side may be called a bump circuit and includes bonding pads or bumps to contact corresponding elements of the semiconductor devices. Small size bumps are made by applying the etching solution only to the lead circuit which has previously been coated with photoresist as well as the bump circuit. Eventually, the etching solution will run over the bump circuit, thereby to create bumps or pads without reducing the thickness of the lead circuit to less than about 2 mils thickness. The resulting carrier may then be polished and covered with a layer of nickel and a layer of gold.

Abstract: An inertial guidance system including a true space stable platform is provided while retaining a simple two-degree-of-freedom gimbal system. An added third degree of freedom is provided by motions of the support itself which maintains desired platform orientation. The output of a third axis instrument is used to maneuver the frame itself about the axis of the frame which most nearly will null any rotation about the platform roll or longitudinal axis. A rotational rate gyroscope is positioned on the space stable platform, and actuates the movement of the frame about the longitudinal or roll axis directly from the reading of the rotational movement along the roll axis of the platform.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing printed circuit boards having plated through-holes. An epoxy glass substrate is laminated on opposite surfaces by a thin copper foil and subsequently apertures are drilled through the laminated substrate where the plated through-holes are desired. The exposed surfaces of the apertures are electroless copper plated. Then by means of a photoresist, the desired circuit images and the apertures are exposed and the initial electroless copper plating is removed again. The apertures and the desired circuit images are again plated by electroless copper plating to establish an initial copper thickness. The apertures in the desired circuit images are then electro-copper plated to the approximate thickness of the photoresist and preferably so that their thickness is less than the thickness of the photoresist. The copper plating is then electro-solder plated.

Abstract: A heat exchanger plate of single unitary structure and relatively thin material has a deep draw formed through one surface adjacent to each of the opposite ends to provide fluid openings and a lesser depth inner draw formed in the other surface to provide a fluid passage communicating with the fluid openings. The plate is adapted to oppose adjacent plates in a stacked configuration to provide heat transfer between separate fluids flowing through counterflow passages on opposite sides of the plate. The recessed area on one surface of the plate forms a fluid passage with its adjacent plate in the stacked array for flow of a first fluid through the stack from side to side of an enclosing housing. A collar formed around each plate opening by the deep draw is adapted to nest with a corresponding collar of an adjacent plate to provide manifold sections communicating with a second fluid passage.