Abstract: A rain rate meter for delineating short-term variations in rain rate having a housing which encloses an electronic balance sensitive to approximately 0.01 grams. The top of the housing is open and has a funnel-shaped element located therein for receiving rainfall. An outlet port is centrally located at the bottom of the funnel-shaped element and a dispersing means is positioned adjacent the outlet port for substantially eliminating the adverse effects of the downward momentum of the rain water flowing from the outlet port prior to being collected by a container which rests upon the balance in the housing. A transfer mechanism is situated in the container in order to gently deposit the flowing rain water into the container. Measurements of collected rainfall weight are made over a preselected period of time by the electronic balance in order to accurately ascertain rain rate.

Abstract: A structural improvement to the feedback (i.e., output) mirror of an unstable optical resonator. The improvement may comprise either a step-like projection (either convex or concave) on the internal surface of the feedback mirror, or a change in curvature of the internal surface of the mirror. Each of these improvements actually constitutes a discontinuity in the internal surface of the mirror, with the curvature of the mirror on either side (i.e., around) the improvement remaining the same. The improvement cancels the interfering edge waves at the geometric source point of the resonator, thereby minimizing the effect of edge diffraction, and results in yielding more "geometric" modes having relatively uniform intensity profiles and large differences in feedback ratios between the dominant and higher-order modes.

Abstract: A combined RF/IR system in which a common surface is used in the dual modes of radiating and absorbing RF energy and of reflecting and focusing IR energy. The common surface is structured, configured, and used as the slotted array antenna for the RF energy and as the primary mirror of a Cassegrain optical subsystem for the IR energy.

Abstract: A method of producing a buried long period grating which is substantially unaffected by material stability, high tolerance requirements, stringent machining requirements, and heat transfer. The method takes a plurality of rectangular-shaped pieces of dielectric material and by a series of appropriate cuts, coatings and attachments produces an effective buried long period grating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which enables cell membrane dielectric breakdown to be determined. This determination is essential for the rapid inexpensive, reliable, in vitro quantification of lymphocyte tumor-cell cytotoxicity, lymphocyte membrane fluidity and the analysis of abnormal or tumor cells. The apparatus incorporates therein a cell dispenser used in conjunction with a DC electric field exposure tube. Electronic circuitry and its associated components process, acquire and store cell voltage signals as the cells are drawn through the electric field exposure tube. The procedure involves quantifying the breakdown voltage required to electrically collapse the cell membrane. The electrical collapse is termed a dielectric breakdown and is characterized by a reversible drop in the cell's resistivity.

Abstract: A voice-controlled weapons launching system for use by a pilot of an aircraft against a plurality of simultaneously appearing (i.e., existing) targets, such as two or more aggressor aircraft (or tanks, or the like) attacking the sole defender aircraft. The system includes, in combination, a voice controlled input device linked to and controlling a computer; apparatus (such as a television camera, receiver, and display), linked to and actuated by the computer by a voice command from the pilot, for acquiring and displaying an image of the multi-target area; a laser, linked to and actuated by the computer by a voice command from the pilot to point to (and to lock on to) any one of the plurality of targets, with the laser emitting a beam toward the designated (i.e., selected) target; and a plurality of laser beam-rider missiles, with a different missile being launched toward and attacking each different designated target by riding the laser beam to that target.

Abstract: A powered articulated headrest system for use with a seat structure having a backrest, such as the ejection seat of a high performance aircraft, e.g., a combat aircraft. The headrest system includes: a headrest assembly which is movably connected to the backrest; and, an electro-hydraulic actuator assembly for moving the headrest from an original (and normal) position above the backrest to any one of an infinite variety of positions which are rearward and downward of the headrest, and for moving the headrest from these other positions to the original position. The actuator assembly is controlled by the occupant of the seat, e.g., the pilot of the aircraft.

Abstract: A thermally isolated structural support link having a tube-like support element, a pair of bearing housings being fixedly secured within each end of the support element, respectively, by an exceptionally strong adhesive, and a spherical monoball bearing affixed within each bearing housing by an exceptionally strong adhesive. Each bearing housing is made of a pair of substantially identical bearing casings which support therebetween the bearing. The tube-like element, bearing housing and adhesive all are made of a material having excellent thermal isolation properties in order to provide not only thermal isolation between components of an assembly but also excellent supportive strength.

Abstract: A fiber optic directional coupler having a holographic element incorported therein. A single optical signal impinges on the holographic element and is separated into a plurality of individual signals which are coupled to a plurality of individual optical fibers. Only a fraction of the incident electromagnetic radiation incident on the holographic element is transmitted to any one of the plurality of fibers. Reversing the direction of the radiation causes all the energy emanating from the combined plurality of fibers to be coupled to the single receiving fiber.

Abstract: A delta wing nozzle assembly for use within a supersonic chemical laser having a plurality of delta wing-shaped elements which substantially increases the mixing rate of the active reactive gaseous ingredients injected into the resonant cavity of the laser. Each of the plurality of delta wing-shaped elements being of a triangular configuration in which the shape thereof is such that the flow of the gaseous ingredients thereover, normal to the leading edge of the triangular-shaped element, is subsonic. This increased mixing rate substantially increases the output power of the laser.

Abstract: An atomization/distillation unit for separating a component from a mixture containing that component having a chamber, a container incorporated within the bottom of the chamber for receiving the mixture, a heater for heating the mixture to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the component but insufficient to vaporize the entire mixture, an atomizer located within the container for spraying said mixture upward in the chamber thereby aiding in further vaporization of the component, and agitator plates operating in conjunction with the atomizer for propelling the vapor upward in the chamber. Cooling coils are located in the top portion of the chamber in order to condense the vaporized component. Once condensed, the distillate is easily removed from the chamber. The atomization/distillation system is effective in combining atomization and distillation in order to maximize recovery of the desired component in a highly energy efficient manner.

Abstract: A windblast leg protector assembly for use by an occupant of an open-type ejection seat of an aircraft. The assembly includes, for each leg of the seat occupant, a modification to the occupant's conventional anti-acceleration suit by way of a piece of nylon fabric (with concave configurated load spreading cuts, and with a ring captured thereon) attached to the thigh portion, and a similar piece of nylon fabric with a ring captured thereon attached to the calf portion, of each full length leg member of the anti-acceleration suit. Restraining/retracting straps which are connected to, and which remain with the ejection seat, are also constituent components of the windblast leg protector assembly. Snap hooks, which are captured on the slack restraining/retracting straps, are releasably connected by the occupant, after sitting down in the ejection seat, to the captured rings on the thigh and the calf portions of the anti-acceleration suit being worn.

Abstract: A tunable CW semiconductor platelet laser having an optical pump source and an external resonant cavity. The resonant cavity is bounded by a pair of spaced-apart reflective elements and has a prism therein. One of the reflective elements is partially transmissive and rotatable about its vertical axis. The semiconductor platelet is mounted upon the other reflective element and both are mounted within a temperature controlled, vacuum environment while being capable of being moved in three dimensions. The prism located within the resonant cavity aids in laser tuning upon rotation of the partially transmissive reflective element.

Abstract: An environmentally independent fiber optic rotation sensor having a polarizer or polarization filter interposed between each beam coupler and the beamsplitter of the rotation sensor. The polarizers permit the passing of the polarization of the beams therethrough while rejecting the cross-polarized waves of the beams thereby causing a co-polarized mode of operation to take place. As a result of the co-polarized mode of operation the rotation sensor is unaffected by the surrounding environmental conditions. However, in so doing, the rotation sensor is subject to spurious fringe patterns which take place at the fiber ends. Elimination of these fringe patterns take place at the input side of the rotation sensor rather than at the output side in order to produce satisfactory rotation sensing.

Abstract: A variable inlet vane assembly for use within the inlet area of a combustor, the vane assembly having a plurality of rotatable vanes situated within an annular-shaped opening in the inlet area of the combustor. Each vane is operated by the rotation of a crank assembly and actuator. The actuator meshes with the crank assembly through a sliding interface in order to accommodate axial and/or radial growth of the combustor with no loss in the precision of the control of air entering the combustor during rotation of the vanes. Such an arrangement substantially enhances the relight capability of the combustor.

Abstract: A synchronously pumped mode-locked semiconductor laser having an actively mode-locked optical pump source and an external resonant cavity. The resonant cavity is bounded by a pair of spaced-apart reflective elements. One of the reflective elements is partially transmissive and mounted for translational movement. The semiconductor crystal is mounted upon the other reflective element and both are mounted within a temperature controlled, vacuum environment while being capable of being moved in three dimensions. Appropriate laser pumping and adjustment of the translational movement of one of the reflective elements of the laser produces an output from the laser in the form of pulses of electromagnetic energy.

Abstract: A solar energy concentrator system having a plurality of concentrator arrays with each of the arrays being made up of a plurality of adjacent longitudinally extending concentrator modules. Each of the concentrator modules has a semi-cylindrically-shaped housing and a semi-cylindrically-shaped cover in order to form an overall cylindrically-shaped structure which provides protection from adverse environmental conditions and withstands high wind loads. Situated within the cover and connected to the housing is a parabolically-shaped concentrator. The concentrator is made up of a plurality of parallelogram-shaped reflector panels mounted adjacent one another on a bias. This arrangement permits the ends of the panels to overlap adjacent modules so as to provide a substantially continuous reflector surface.

Abstract: A printed wiring board inspection, work logging and information system having a plurality of inspection and identification stations therein. The inspection stations include an ultrasonic and thermal testing station as well as a video testing station while the identification stations include circuit board identification as well as repair record identification. The information obtained from these stations as well as information obtained from circuit wiring boards positioning are fed into a computer which processes this information into an output which sets forth lists of defective joints, views of defective joints, instructions for board disposition, history of board repair and analysis of board history.

Abstract: An optical distortion analyzer system which is capable of automatically quantifying with a high degree of accuracy and repeatability the optical quality of transparencies such as windshields or windows. The analyzer system is made up of a platform adapted to support the transparency with two degrees of freedom. A probe beam of electromagnetic radiation emanating from, for example, a laser is passed through the transparency as the transparency is moved about a horizontal and vertical axis establishing a plurality of test points on the transparency. An analyzer unit receives the probe beam and therefrom establishes horizontal and vertical deviations in the transparency as well as determining the cylindrical and spherical lens power components and principal meridan angle of the transparency. A processor provides recognizable opthalmic parameters of the above characteristics of the transparency and correlates these parameters with the plurality of test points on the transparency.

Abstract: A security device for protecting a preselected article against theft, while nevertheless permitting the continued use of the protected article. The device includes: a desk top, table top, or the like for supporting the article; a frame structure fitted over and around the article, and, thereby, enclosing it; at least two anchor studs passing through the support and engaging the frame structure; and, a padlock for each anchor stud, with the shackle of each padlock passing through an opening in each stud, thereby preventing the removal of the frame structure. This security device is ideally suited for use as an anti-theft device in preventing the theft or unauthorized removal of easily removal peripheral computer equipment (e.g., a line printer, a video display terminal, and the like) which, while protected, must still be useable.