Abstract: A broadband adaptively controlled polarization separation network. Two transmitted signals vertically and horizontally polarized are received as elleptically polarized signals. One of the two received elliptically polarized signals is automatically adjusted to make it linear and thereafter automatically adjusted to make it vertical. If the other signal does not have any vertical polarization on it then the two signals are easily separated and nothing else is needed. However, if there is any vertical polarization on the other signal this invention provides for separating the resulting crosstalk between the two signals. This is done automatically by the use of two sets of crosscouplers which couple a single line to the other line to complete the polarization decoupling operation.

Abstract: A pilot controlled stability control system that employs direct lift control (spoiler control) with elevator control to control the flight path angle of an aircraft. A computer on the aircraft generates an elevator control signal and a spoiler control signal, using a pilot-controlled pitch control signal and pitch rate, vertical velocity, roll angle, groundspeed, engine pressure ratio and vertical acceleration signals which are generated on the aircraft. The direct lift control by the aircraft spoilers improves the response of the aircraft flight path angle and provides short term flight path stabilization against environmental disturbances.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of collapsible structural members. It discloses a foldable beam possessing superior qualities of: light weight, compactness for transportation, quick deployment with minimum use of force, and high strength. These qualities are achieved through the use of a series of longitudinally rigid segments, hinged along one side and threaded by one or two cables along the opposite side. Tightening the cables holds the beam extended. Loosening the cables permits the segments to fold away from the threaded side. In one embodiment the segments are connected by canted hinges with the result that the beam may be folded in a helix-like configuration around a cylinder. In another embodiment the segments themselves may be hinged to fold flat laterally as the beam is folded, resulting in a configuration that may be helixed around a shorter cylinder.

Abstract: Lightweight half-lengths of columns for truss structures that are adapted for nestable storage and transport to facilitate fabrication of large area truss structures at a remote site and particularly adaptable for space applications.

Abstract: A laser velocimeter that determines the direction of movement of particles. A laser produces a transmitted beam that illuminates the volume under investigation. The backscattered light is divided into two equal intensity beams. A first part of a sample of the transmitted beam is mised with one of the two equal intensity beams and applied to a first photodetector. A second part of the sample is phase shifted by 90.degree., mixed with the other of the two equal intensity beams and applied to a second photodetector. The output of the first photodetector is phase shifted by -90.degree. and then multiplied with the output of the second photodetector to produce a signal indicative of direction of movement.

Abstract: A compensating linkage for the rotor control system on rotary wing aircraft is disclosed. The main rotor and transmission are isolated from the airframe structure by elastic suspension. The compensating linkage prevents unwanted signal inputs to the rotor control system caused by relative motion of the airframe structure and the main rotor and transmission.

Abstract: An extendable column consisting of a plurality of axially elongated rigid structural sections nested within one another. Each section includes a plurality of screws running the length thereof and rotatably attached therein. The next inner section includes threaded lugs oriented to threadingly engage the screws thus resulting in extension or retraction of the column upon rotation of the screws. The screws of each section are selectively rotated by a motor and an engagement mechanism.

Abstract: Yaw control surfaces are provided for a jet propelled aircraft wherein a thrust augmented rudder is disposed above the jet exhaust stream and a thrust rudder tab extends downward therefrom into the jet exhaust stream with these components being cooperatively deflected to thereby generate yawing moments for directional control of the aircraft.

Abstract: A novel addition polyimide based on the use of liquid monomers wherein the essentially solventless prepreg produced therefrom retains good drape, tack and other mechanical properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to an interlaminar separation system for composites wherein a thin layer of a perforated foil film is interposed between adjacent laminae of a composite formed from prepreg tapes to thereby permit laminae adherence through the perforations and produce a composite structure having improved physical property characteristics.

Abstract: Apparatus for alleviating high angle-of-attack side force on slender pointed cylindrical forebodies such as fighter aircraft, missiles and the like and employing a symmetrical pair of helical separation trips to disrupt the leeside vortices normally attained. The symmetrical pair of trips start at either a common point or at spaced points on the upper surface of the forebody and extend along separate helical paths along the circumference of the forebody.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a transverse slot about a bore of smaller diameter than that of the slot are disclosed. The invention consists of introducing a cutting head facing transversely to the bore, through the bore opening its distance from the mill shaft being progressively extended by the addition of spacers between the head and the shaft until the desired slot depth is obtained. The spacers are held in position by a cable passing from the cutting head through the series of spacers and out along the mill shaft. The mill shaft carrying the cutting head is moved transversely into the object wherein the slot is being cut as the object is being rotated thereabout by the mill table to which it is affixed.

Abstract: A dual acting control system for mass spectrometers which permits adjustment of the collimating slit width and centering of the collimating slit while using only one vacuum penetration. Coaxial shafts, each with independent vacuum bellows are used to independently move the entire collimating assembly or to adjust the slit dimension through a parallelogram linkage.

Abstract: A heat treating fixture is disclosed in which the shape of the metal specimen is maintained by cold rolled steel support plates. Glide sheets of stainless steel, coated with boron nitride, in contact with each face of the metal specimens, allow for lateral expansion of the metal specimens without binding. Grooved support bars separate the glide sheets from the upper and lower support plates and allow flow of quenching fluid to the metal specimen.

Abstract: The instrument disclosed assists in determining the refractive index and absorption index, at different spectral frequencies, of a solid sample by illuminating the sample at various angles in incidence and measuring the corresponding reflected intensities at various spectral frequencies and polarization angles. The ratio of the intensity of the reflected light for parallel polarized light to that for perpendicular polarized light at two different angles of incidence can be used to determine the optical constants of the sample.The invention involves an apparatus for facilitating the utilization of a wide variety of angles of incidence. The light source and polarizing element are positioned on an outer platform; the sample is positioned on an inner platform. The two platforms rotate about a common axis and cooperate in their rotation such that the sample is rotated one degree for every two degrees of rotation of the light source.

Abstract: An in-line, three element, large diameter, optical display lens having a front convex-convex element, a central convex-concave element, and a rear convex-convex element. The lens, used in flight simulators, magnifies an image presented on a televison monitor and, by causing light rays leaving the lens to be in essentially parallel paths, reduces eye strain of the simulator operator.

Abstract: A device for immobilizing live animals to permit laboratory examination thereof. The device consists of a base plate to which guides and pins are attached, and with cantilever arms disposed on and rotatably and vertically movable relative to the pins. The specimen to be retained is placed on the base plate between a pair of guides, and the arm over these guides is lowered onto the specimen. Thus, the specimen is confined but not surrounded. Guides, recesses, and holes in the arms allow the attachment of various fixtures or instruments to the retained animal(s).

Abstract: A phase insensitive ultrasonic transducer which includes a CdS crystal that is annealed for a selected period of time and at a selected temperature to provide substantially maximum acoustic attenuation at the operating frequency of the transducer. Two electrodes are attached to the crystal with amplifier means and a signal processing system connected to one of the electrodes to provide an ultrasonic receiver.

Abstract: A combined solar energy collector, fluid chiller and energy storage system. A movable interior insulated panel in a storage tank is positionable flush against the storage tank wall to insulate the tank for energy storage. The movable interior insulated panel is alternately positionable to form a solar collector or fluid chiller through which the fluid flows by natural circulation.

Abstract: An energy conversion apparatus is disclosed in which a stator, fixed relative to a watertight housing, is coupled to a rotor by a helical spring which suspends the rotor from the housing. Natural turbulence of a fluid, such as water or air, causes acceleration of the housing, and hence, acceleration of the stator. Inertia of the rotor, coupled to the stator through the helical spring and the housing, causes relative motion, both longitudinal and rotational, between the stator and the rotor, the rotational motion between the rotor, and the stator being used to generate electrical current.