Abstract: A multispectral glancing incidence X-ray telescope is illustrated capable of broadband, high-resolution imaging of solar and stellar X-ray and extreme ultraviolet radiation sources which includes a primary optical system preferably of the Wolter I type having a primary mirror system (20, 22). The primary optical system further includes an optical axis (24) having a primary focus (F1) at which the incoming radiation is focused by the primary mirrors. A plurality of ellipsoidal mirrors (30a, 30b, 30cand 30d) are carried at an inclination to the optical axis behind the primary focus (F1). A rotating carrier (32) is provided on which the ellipsoidal mirrors are carried so that a desired one of the ellipsoidal mirrors may be selectively positioned in front of the incoming radiation beam (26). In the preferred embodiment, each of the ellipsoidal mirrors has an identical concave surface carrying a layered synthetic microstructure coating tailored to reflect a desired wavelength of 1.5 .ANG. or longer.

Abstract: A system for mating fluid transfer couplings is constructed having a male connector 32 which is provided with a pair of opposed rollers 54 mounted to an exterior region thereof. A male half 30 of a fluid transfer coupling is rotatably supported in an opening 36 in an end 38 of connector 32 and is equipped with an outwardly extending forward portion 20. Forward portion 20 locks into an engagement and locking region 16 of a female half 60 of the fluid transfer coupling, with female half 60 being rotatably supported in a receptacle 62. Receptacle 62 has an opening 70 aligned with locking region 16, with this opening having a pair of concentric, annularly disposed ramps 74 extending around an interior portion of opening 70. These ramps are inclined toward interior 78 of receptacle 62 and are provided with slots 76 through which rollers 54 of connector 32 pass.

Abstract: A radiation sensitive area detection device is disclosed which comprises a phosphor-containing film capable of receiving and storing an image formed by a pattern of incoming X-rays, UV, or other radiation falling on the film and capable of fluorescing in response to stimulation by a light source in a manner directly proportional to the stored radiation pattern; a light source capable of projecting light or other appropriate electromagnetic wave on the film so as to cause it to fluoresce; means, such as a lens, to focus the fluoresced light coming from the phosphor-containing film after light stimulation; and at least one charged coupled detector or other detecting element capable of receiving and digitizing the pattern of fluoresced light coming from the phosphor-containing film.

Abstract: Damping seals, damping bearings and a support sleeve for the ball bearings of a high speed rotor, the ball bearings being a duplex set having the outer races packaged tightly within the sleeve while the sleeve provides a gap with a support member so that the bearings may float with the sleeve. The sleeve has a web extending radially between the pair of outer races and acts in conjunction with one or more springs to apply an axial preload to the outer races. The sleeves have a series of slits which provide the sleeve with a spring-like quality so that the spring acts to center the rotor upon which the bearings are mounted during start up and shut down. A damping seal or a damping bearing may be used in conjunction with the ball bearings and supporting sleeve, the damping seal and damping bearing having rotor portions including rigid outer surfaces mounted within the bore of a stator portion triangular shaped pockets on the surface facing the rotor.

Abstract: A welding torch for gas tungsten arc welding apparatus has a hollow tungsten electrode including a ceramic liner and forms the filler metal wire guide. The wire is fed through the tungsten electrode thereby reducing the size of the torch to eliminate clearance problems which exist with external wire guides. Since the wire is pre-heated from the tungsten more wire may be fed into the weld puddle, and the wire will not oxidize because it is always within the shielding gas.

Abstract: A hybrid butterfly valve has a stationary seat and a valve closure disk which may rotate together with an actuating shaft from the fully open position to a position wherein the disk is aligned with the seat, and thereafter may be moved linearly into sealing relationship with the seat. The disk is supported by brackets having an elongated slot through which the shaft extends, the brackets being adapted to move linearly relative to the shaft. Cams fastened to the shaft initiate a 90.degree. rotation of the disk from the fully open position to the position where the valve disk is aligned with the seat, and the cams act thereafter in conjunction with followers carried by the disk to move the disk and the brackets linearly.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to an apparatus for providing a selectively humidified gas to a camera canister (12) containing cameras and film used in space. A source of pressurized gas (leak test gas 26 or motive gas 21) is selected by a valve (30), regulated to a desired pressure by a regulator (34), and routed through an ejector (46) (venturi device). A regulated source of water vapor in the form of steam from a heated reservoir (18) is coupled to a low pressure region (50) of the ejector (46) which mixes with high velocity gas flow through the ejector (46). This mixture is sampled by a dew point sensor (14) to obtain dew point thereof (ratio of water vapor to gas) and the apparatus adjusted by varying gas pressure or water vapor to provide a mixture at a connector (78) having selected humidity content.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for allowing mixing of solutions in low gravity environments so as to carry out crystallization of proteins and other small molecules or other chemical syntheses, under conditions that maximize crystal growth and minimize disruptive turbulent effects. The apparatus is comprised of a housing, a plurality of chambers, and a cylindrical rotatable valve disposed between at least two of the chambers, said valve having an internal passageway so as to allow fluid movement between the chambers by rotation of the valve. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, a valve is provided having an additional internal passageway so that fluid from a third chamber can be mixed with the fluids of the first two chambers. This alternate embodiment of the invention is particularly desirable when it is necessary to provide a termination step to the crystal growth, or if a second synthetic step is required.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for improving the microstructure of electrically conducting materials is disclosed by the present invention. A revolving heat source applies heat to the surface of the material evenly and quickly. One or more heat sinks quickly cool the material. In the preferred embodiment, the cooling may be done in such a way as to promote as high a degree of directional grain growth as desired or completely nondirectional grain growth.