Abstract: A variable attenuator for optical transceivers such as laser rangefinders for ordnance control. A polarization rotation device, such as a mechanically rotatable half-wave plate or an electrooptic cell, operates in combination with a beam splitter polarizer to attenuate the transmitted laser beam by a continuously variable amount without further attenuating the received laser beam.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming metallic materials exhibiting the phenomenon of superplasticity, particularly high strength aluminum alloys, by the technique of superplastic forming by focing an alloy blank into a die cavity using opposing fluid pressures, the pressure on the die side of the blank initially balancing the pressure on the opposite blank side, the die side pressure being reduced as the other pressure is maintained constant or increased to deform the blank at a combined high pressure whereby precision molding occurs as the blank engages the die intimately and cavitation in the blank is reduced or alleviated.

Abstract: A laser system for producing a laser beam in an unstable resonator whose spatial and temporal characteristics conform with those of a laser beam from a stable resonator. The laser system includes three reflectors, an optical switch and a laser gain medium positioned within an optical propagation path extending between the optical switch and the third reflector. The optical switch selectably exposes either the first or the second reflector to the aforesaid propagation path, the first and second reflectors being designed to form, in combination with the third reflector, a stable and an unstable resonator, respectively. In operation, the optical switch initially is set so as to include the first reflector in the laser resonator, thereby forming a stable resonator which produces a beam of laser light. A short time thereafter, the optical switch changes states so as to substitute the second reflector for the first, thereby forming an unstable resonator.

Abstract: A workpiece fastening device usable on a machine tool fixture, comprising an elongated tubular body having knurling along the outside of the top end of the body, a taper on the inside thereof, and a plurality of slots extending longitudinally about half the length of the body. A lock washer with a yieldable portion is welded to the bottom end of the body to allow a workpiece to be pulled flush against a fixture. The tubular body is slip-fitted into a through-bore in the workpiece until the lock washer rests upon the fixture, and a bolt having a head taper matching the taper in the tubular body is then inserted through the body and is threadably received in the fixture. Upon tightening of the bolt, the top of the body expands causing the knurling to grippingly engage the bore in the workpiece. After the body is completely wedged in the bore, further tightening of the bolt causes the lock washer to be distorted slightly thereby allowing the workpiece to be pulled flush against the fixture.

Abstract: A beam rider guidance concept and transmitting assembly including two synchronously rotating discs with beam modulation patterns thereof positioned such that the modulation pattern on one disc passes through the centerline of the projected guidance beam in the elevation direction and the modulation pattern on the other disc passes through the beam in the azimuth direction. The discs are closely adjacent, and have clear reticles or spaces included to allow uninhibited beam passage where necessary. Where other clear reticles or spaces appear in both discs simultaneously, various digital on-off light signals are sent to a receiver in the guided projectile or projectiles, to perform functions of synchronization, calibration, and address codes and bias guidance position codes applicable to a plurality of simultaneously guided missiles or objects directed to individual respective targets.

Abstract: A guidance system for a beam rider missile, having a novel coded light beam projector at an aiming station, for use by a missile-mounted receiver. The projecting means contains a rotating transparent reticle through which the beam is transmitted, the reticle having an opaque radial portion in a curved "leaf" shape. When the diameter of the projected beam is held constant at the missile distance during flight, the position of the missile in polar coordinate form is given by the relative angular position and duration of the blocked-out portion of the beam received at the missile.

Abstract: A method and device for leak testing vessels such as fuel cells or tanks which are large enough for a person to move around within holding a small hand held ball or balloon type device which is provided with a large aperture. In leak testing a vessel, the aperture portion of the device is pressed against the inside wall of the vessel with sufficient pressure to form an airtight seal between the inside of the device and the wall. While maintaining the airtight seal, the device is moved over the full inside surface of the cell. If there is a hole in the cell, the device which is very compliant will tend to collapse as it passes over the hole due to a resilient pressure drop created by the hole allowing the air to escape from the device to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An integrating densitometer for comparing unknown values of an integrated color print with reference values of a standard to indicate changes in density and quality and quantity characteristics of color for correcting the values of the unknown to have substantially the values of the reference, the densitometer having a photopic filter before a light sensor, and a master control for biasing simultaneously individually adjustable color controls.

Abstract: A method of providing a structural drop-off in a preplied two or more sheet resin impregnated laminate for forming a composite of several laminates having different structural drop-off positions, each of the sheets having unidirectional fibers oriented at a bias relative to the fibers of the other sheet, and the steps of the method including making a plurality of feather cuts along one edge of the sheets in the direction of the fibers of one sheet and across the direction of the fibers of the other sheet resulting in negligible structural effect on one sheet and foreshortening of the fibers in the other sheet thereby providing a structural drop-off internal to the edge of the preplied two sheet laminate.

Abstract: A jettisonable missile launcher pod has support lugs which extend upwardly through a relatively small separate hardback structure to latch into standard release hooks in an aircraft-mounted pylon. The hardback is adjustably attached to the pylon and contains the required high technology electronic gear for the missile system. When the pod is jettisoned, it drops from the release hooks as usual, but the electronic gear remains with the aircraft in the hardback. The hardback is shaped as a thin top section or portion of a conventional launcher pod.

Abstract: A tow target system for use with a remotely piloted aircraft, including deployment of the target(s) from wing launchers on a tow line, braking of the tow line, release of target and tow line from the aircraft, and parachute recovery of the jettisoned target. A dual tow reel and two tow target launchers are provided on the carrier aircraft for sequential operation of more than one towed target. Signals received from the ground control only the target deployment from its carrier and the later jettisoning of the towed target when desired. The braking system has automatically operative control means for pay-out speed, slowing, and stopping of the reels at predetermined line lengths. The parachute recovery is automatically initiated by aerodynamic control forces when target release is commanded.

Abstract: A router is mounted in a resilient support within a housing mounted on the end of a robot arm to permit substantial lateral movement of the router relative to the housing in any radial direction as the router traverses a template; the router being concentrically positioned within the housing in a resilient support positioned midway between the ends of the router.

Abstract: Apparatus for early detection of fatigue cracks in aircraft structure surrounding fasteners and the like.An ultrasonic scanner manipulating apparatus is provided with various types of replaceable tips which are used to establish the center of a given fastener, adjustable support legs which provide stability and maintain a proper distance for an ultrasonic transmitting/receiving head assembly to be rotated 360.degree. about the centerline of the fastener, and a liquid filled boot attached to the transmitting/receiving head assembly to assure a reliable signal path between the head and the structure being evaluated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a very compact, medium wide angle lens of the inverted telephoto type, capable of covering total field angles of up to 63.degree.; comprising six elements including a singlet front group of strong negative power and having extremely good aberrational correction.

Abstract: The positioning device includes a carrier for an element of an optical system, which is to be positioned very carefully with respect to a certain axis. The device includes first means to move the element in a direction parallel to the axis, second means for tilting the element with respect to the axis, and third means to move the element in planes perpendicular to the axis. The device also includes a locking mechanism to lock the carrier in the selected position determined by the conditions of the first, second and third means.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement in an automatic focusing system for use with an optical instrument having a focusable objective which is adjustable in response to optical and electrical components of the system determining object distance of a remote subject by comparing images of scanning and reference optical systems. The scanner of the optical system is driven oscillatably across an angle to detect a subject between infinity and the minimum focus condition of the objective lens. The scanner is adjustable in response to the focus condition of the lens whereby the bisector of the angle is aligned with the subject.

Abstract: A programmable, operator responsive, audiovisual teaching apparatus includes a rear screen projector for displaying visual information and an audio reproduction unit providing correlated audiovisual presentations in a sequence corresponding to a branched learning format. A microfiche storage element is provided with a plurality of informational units to be projected toward the screen, each unit including a visual portion, an encoded data portion, and an optical sound track portion. The coded data portion is projected onto a plurality of photodetectors mounted adjacent the screen and the optical sound track is projected onto a movable sound track transducer which provides the audio presentation. A plurality of manually operable switches are provided on the apparatus for selective actuation by the operator in an attempt to select a proper response to the audiovisual presentation.

Abstract: A drive control mechanism for selectively actuating a motion picture projector to several operational modes to transport film between a supply device and a take-up device is provided that utilizes a brake mechanism to stabilize a selective driving assembly and to prevent film spillage.The drive control mechanism is provided with a mode controller that translates various positions into predetermined axial and rotational positions and movements that is coupled through actuating members to control a dual clutch assembly driven by a unidirectional input. A brake assembly control device is also coupled to the mode controller and conditions the operation of the brake assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed for a sound motion picture camera is an improved shuttle speed trol device including a film loop sensor sensitive to slight variations in the film loop for causing the speed of the shuttle to be changed by a simple brake device utilizing powers of the drive motor whereby less force is required for sensing the size of the film loop to maintain picture-sound synchronization.