Abstract: A device for cleaning and/or polishing an end surface of an optical fiber is comprised of an insert and a cleaning rod. The insert has a hole formed throughout its length whose axis is eccentric to the optical fiber axis. The rod, when rotated, effectuates cleaning and/or polishing of the end surface of the optical fiber. The optical fiber is mounted in a fiber optic connector, which may be disposed within a corresponding coupling. Various industry-standard models exist for the connectors and the couplings. One or more inserts are designed and utilize various female-type adaptors or sleeves that properly hold the insert within the various types of couplings. Also, a male-type adaptor is provided that adapts the insert to several of the various types of connectors when the connectors are disconnected from their associated couplings.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a jet aircraft engine has an electronic control that commands a pair of torque motors to ultimately control the position of each one of a plurality of two-position, "latching" hydraulic actuator valves. A first torque motor is operable with a three-position, on/off hydraulic valve. The second torque motor operates in conjunction with a second valve to control the linear position of the spool of a multiplexer selector valve. The multiplexer selector valve has a plurality of positions that the spool can be linear translatable to. At each position is located a pair of control ports to which are ultimately connected one side of each of a pair of corresponding hydraulic actuator valves. The actuator valves may comprise fuel or air valves.

Abstract: A transformer-based electrical circuit that isolates a low voltage level input control signal from a power switching device, such a MOSFET, is disclosed. The circuit includes a pair of complementary dual bipolar transistor configurations connected to the secondary winding of a pulse transformer. The low voltage input signal is connected to the primary winding of the transformer. A pair of resistor network transistor drivers connect to corresponding bipolar transistors, whose outputs connect to the gate terminal of the MOSFET. The drivers are also connected to the complementary transistor pairs. A resistive feedback network is connected between the gate terminal of the MOSFET and the complimentary transistor pairs. The feedback network latches the selected drive voltage to the gate of the MOSFET, thereby keeping it on or off irrespective of the fact that the pulse transformer may have saturated.

Abstract: A line carrying projectile has an axially elongate hollow projectile rod for muzzle loading within the bore of an associated shotgun and an at least partially transparent container assembly mounted on the forward end of the projectile rod and containing a chemiluminescent flare. The flare is removed from the container and activated by bending after which it is reassembled within the container in its active condition preparatory to firing. A part of the projectile frictionally engages and grips an associated portion of the gun barrel to releasably retain the projectile in a launching position within the gun and regardless of barrel orientation until the projectile is fired from the gun.

Abstract: An improved vapor phase soldering machine includes a pair of separate vessels having an open fluid communication path in a wall separating the two vessels. The first vessel contains a liquid mixture of a primary vapor and a secondary vapor, while the second vessel contains a liquid mixture of the primary vapor and a tertiary vapor. Heating means continuously boils the two mixtures to create corresponding vapors within the vessels. The secondary vapor is disposed on top of the primary vapor in the first vessel, while the tertiary vapor is disposed on top of the primary vapor in the second vessel. The printed circuit board with surface mounted devices attached thereto by solder paste is introduced into the secondary vapor of the first vessel for preheating the board and the devices. Then, the board is moved into the primary vapor which is at a temperature high enough to melt the solder paste, thereby forming a bond between the devices and the printed circuit board.