Abstract: A cage for a high speed anti-friction roller bearing having an improved design in which the openings therein have all four sides thereof formed of a convex configuration and join each other at concave corners of relatively large radii. By establishing an acceptable or initial roller skew angle based upon roller and guide rail design, the internal configuration of the cage is designed such that contact by the rollers at the corners of the cage will not occur until after wear between the rollers and the guide rails has developed to such an extent that the accptable skew angle of the rollers has been exceeded. Consequently, spalling or wear debris can be detected prior to roller-cage corner contact and probable catastrophic roller bearing failure can be prevented.

Abstract: An elastomeric bore seal, and a method of making and installing it. The seal is a fluid-impervious, thin-walled (0.025 inch), open-ended, cylinder-like member which is made of an expansible material that can withstand a wide range of temperatures (-65.degree. F. to +400.degree. F.) and that is to be bonded and thereby installed. The use of the seal is as a bore seal in an electrical machine not only provides an economical, reliable, leak-proof way of excluding stator cooling fluid from the rotor cavity, but also permits a significant reduction (26%) in the weight of the electrical machine and a correspondingly substantial reduction in the size of the machine itself.

Abstract: A flexible duct for conveying a gaseous flow, with the duct useable as the flexible nozzle in a wind tunnel. The duct includes a flexible plate member which is attached at the downstream end to a frame support member, with the upstream end of the flexible plate member being slideable and pivotable upon a member attached to the frame support member. A plurality of swing link members in spaced-apart relationship are pivotally connected at one end to the flexible plate member, and pivotally connected at the other end to a translatable and rotatable cradle-like member which is supported by crank members from the frame support member. An actuator is used to selectively move the cradle-like member. The resultant movement of the cradle-like member causes the flexible plate member to deflect, resulting in predetermined contours (and profiles) of the flexible plate member.

Abstract: A holographic coupler for fiber optic systems having a holographic element utilized in conjunction with an optical source and an optical fiber in order to direct and couple the beam emanating from the optical source into the fiber. The holographic element, source and optical fiber have the same relative position with respect to each other as (1), a photosensitive medium, (2) a means for sizing and shaping a beam of temporally and spatially coherent radiation to the same geometry as the optical source before the beam impinges upon the photosensitive medium, and (3) the focal point of a converging beam of temporally and spatially coherent radiation impinging upon the photosensitive medium during the making of the holographic element used with the coupler.

Abstract: A three-sided prism shaped structure including upper and lower graphite/epoxy honeycomb sandwich decks spaced by rectangular graphite/epoxy longerons and braces, all of which are attached by using machined aluminum fittings. A graphite/epoxy sandwich panel and cone assembly is bonded to one side of the structure for mounting a space sextant therein. Aluminum equipment panels are attached to the other two sides. The bus structure is manufactured in accordance with available procedures for fabricating graphite/epoxy composite material which is the primary structural material.

Abstract: Apparatus for picking up a flat workpiece from a flat surface by an industrial robot where vacuum and magnetic devices are not practicable. A tined end-effector is plunged into a unique compliant surface formed of upstanding bristle-like elements with the workpiece being positioned thereon. The end-effector is moved under the workpiece which is then rigidly grasped and lifted off the surface without disturbing the original orientation and presented at the goal site.

Abstract: An improved method of manufacturing holographic elements for fiber and integrated optic systems in which a spatially and temporally coherent beam of electromagnetic radiation is divided into two beam paths. The first beam path and the second beam path are optically aligned with each other so that the beams impinge upon a photosensitive medium and interfere therein. Additionally, a spherically diverging wavefront is formed within one of the paths while an identical polarization is maintained in the beams of the two beam paths. By appropriate processing of the photosensitive medium a holographic element is formed which is substantially improved over holographic elements for fiber and integrated optic systems produced by manufacturing techniques of the past.

Abstract: A dynamic damping system for stabilizing the motion of a large object with respect to inertial space by adding mechanical damping to an angular positioning servo system for the object. The mechanical damping is achieved by a dynamic damper assembly which attaches to an inertial balancer that provides inertia feedback to the servo system. The dynamic damper assembly along with the inertia balancer mechanically assist the positioning servo system.

Abstract: A multiplexer/demultiplexer having a holographically formed reflective grating incorporated therein. In operation as a demultiplexer a single signal having a plurality of wavelengths impinges upon the holographic reflective grating in an appropriate manner and is separated into a plurality of signals, each being of a different one of the wavelengths. In the multiplexing mode of operation, a plurality of signals, each being of a different wavelength impinges upon the holographic reflective grating in an appropriate manner and emerges therefrom as a single signal having all of the different wavelengths.

Abstract: A photon storage tube high power laser system having a repetitively pulsed or pumped laser therein and a photon storage tube. An initial pulse of electromagnetic radiation generated by the repetitively pulsed laser is directed into the storage tube for storage until amplified by redirection through the gain medium of the repetitively pulsed laser. As a result of appropriate adjustment of related focusing optics the repetitively pulsed laser acts only as a gain medium after the initial pulse generation. Continued storage and amplification of the initial pulse produces a high energy pulse of electromagnetic radiation which is subsequently output from the system.

Abstract: An improved reliability roller bearing having an outer ring; inner ring made up of three separable elements, that is, two guide rails and an inner raceway; a plurality of rollers interposed between the inner ring and the outer ring and a cage for supporting the rollers therebetween. Both guide rails entrap up to 60% of the roller diameter. In addition, the roller bearing incorporates therein a novel lubricant distribution system which is formed within the guide rails. Even distribution of lubricant is obtained by a centrifugally fed weir built into both guide rails.

Abstract: A solar energy collector/storage system which includes an insulated container having working fluid inlets and outlets and an opening, a light-transmitting member positioned over the opening, and a heat-absorbing member which is centrally situated, is supported in the container, and is made of a mixture of gypsum, lampblack, and water. A light-reflecting liner made of corrugated metal foil preferably is attached to the internal surface of the container. The opening of the container is positioned in optical alignment with a source of solar energy. A light-reflecting cover optionally can be hingedly attached to the container, and can be positioned such as to reflect solar energy rays into the container. The system is adaptable for use with a working gas (e.g., air) and/or a working liquid (e.g., water) in separated flows which absorb heat from the heat-absorbing member, and which are useable per se or in an associated storage and/or circulatory system that is not part of this invention.

Abstract: A unique electrode plaque hardness tester, and a method of testing for the hardness of an electrode plaque specimen, are taught. The hardness tester is of the indentation type, and permits the hardness testing of an electrode plaque that is very thin (e.g., 0.75 mm) and that is made of non-homogenous, sintered material, such as a nickel electrode plaque. A fixed load, comprising a lesser first load and a larger second load, is applied in sequence to a test specimen of the electrode plaque, with two superimposed indentations resulting. The hardness of the electrode plaque, as a result of the use of this tester, is inversely related to the difference in the depths of the two indentations. Data acquired as a result of testing specimens with this hardness tester establishes that the harder the electrode plaque is, the less efficient is the performance of an active battery electrode which includes this electrode plaque.

Abstract: A hand-holdable apparatus for testing, and a method of testing, a light-reflective surface for contamination. The apparatus and the method are based upon a novel "off null" ellipsometry technique by the use of which contamination of the surface is ascertained, if the intensity of light reflected by the surface being tested exceeds a predetermined threshold of intensity.

Abstract: An aerial refuel floodlight capable of being mounted on the leading edge of a vertical stabilizer in a receiver aircraft utilized for in flight refueling. The aerial refuel floodlight is of a projectile-shape having a lamp mounted therein. Surrounding the lamp is a cone-shaped reflecting element terminating in a hemispherically-shaped reflecting element which directs light emanating from said lamp through an off-axis lens mounted adjacent thereto. A scoop-shaped reflector situated adjacent the lens and in the upper part of the fixture directs the magnified light onto the fuselage of the receiver aircraft adjacent to and including the refuel receptacle.

Abstract: A battery electrode fatigue simulator having a frame which supports therein a pivotal and a stationary beam. The pivotal and stationary beams secure therebetween an electrode plaque which is to undergo the fatigue simulation. Also mounted to the frame is a rotatable cam of predetermined dimension which acts upon a cam follower forming part of the pivotal beam thereby causing cyclic movement or displacement of the pivotal beam. This cyclic displacement is transferred to the plaque as a cyclic stress in tension. Measurements are made of the displacement of the pivotal beam as well as resistance of the plaque during the application of the cyclic stress. The cyclic displacement versus resistance relationship is representative of the fatigue a battery electrode will undergo during actual battery operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the tear strength of an elastomer specimen having a housing which contains therein a specimen holder, a controllable heat source, a force applying assembly which includes a taut wire, means for measuring the amount of movement of the force applying assembly and a temperature programmer and strip chart recorder. The force applying assembly by means of the taut wire applies a predetermined amount of force on the elastomer specimen which has been precut on one side thereof. The load on the taut wire is counterbalanced by a calibrated spring such that the load decreases linearly to zero as the tearing of the specimen is completed. The result of the tearing is displayed and shows the transition of the elastomer from glass to rubber, the modulus before tearing, the progression of tearing versus increasing temperature, and the strength of the elastomer at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: An 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 utilized with the apparatus of this invention 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 high pressure, high power, compact laser fabricated from a block of material which is highly transparent at the wavelength of operation. The transmitting block contains a multiplicity of channels along the longitudinal axes thereof, each channel being of such a minute cross-section that a laser medium located within each channel is incapable of independently sustaining a lasing action in a waveguide mode of operation. The multiplicity of channels, in combination, provide sufficient gain for a laser mode propagating within the transmitting material and totality of channels thereby providing an extremely large output from a laser having a minimal cross-sectional configuration.

Abstract: An electrostatic free electron laser having an electromagnetic waveguide, means to produce a periodic longitudinal electrostatic field along the waveguide and an electron beam which passes through the waveguide. Radiative energy is generated by the laser as a result of the kinetic energy lost by the electron beam as it is decelerated during its interaction with the electromagnetic wave and the electrostatic field within the waveguide. In use as an oscillator, the electrostatic free electron laser includes a resonator either in addition to or instead of the waveguide.