Abstract: An edge situated in high speed flow of medium is cooled by a tubular heat pipe having a longitudinal axis situated parallel to the edge. The exterior surface of the evaporator section of the heat pipe forms the edge. The heat pipe contains a working fluid existing in both gaseous and liquefied states. Heat input along the edge evaporates working fluid in the liquid state located in the evaporator section, and the heat is transferred transversely across the longitudinal axis of the heat pipe by the flow of vapor to the condenser section. The vapor condenses in the condenser section and releases its latent heat of vaporization. The condensate flows to the evaporator section by means of wicks composed of capillary material. The heat released into the walls of the condenser section is transferred through the walls by conduction and into another heat transfer device, for example, an active cooling apparatus or the evaporator sections of abutting heat pipes of conventional tubular configuration.

Abstract: The demodulator system includes a source of light, and a beamsplitter which produces mutually coherent sensor and reference beams through sensor and reference fibers respectively, the sensor fiber being exposed to the effect to be sensed while the reference fiber is isolated therefrom. A ferrule maintains the output ends of the sensor and reference fibers in fixed positions with respect to a combiner lens which collimates the sensor and reference beams to form an interference pattern on a quad detector through a quad grating. The quad grating has four quadrants lined with the spacing of the interference pattern produced by mixing of the sensor and reference beams but positioned 0.degree., +90.degree., -90.degree., and 180.degree. apart in phase, .phi.. Therefore the quad detector produces outputs which contain +sine .phi., -sine .phi., +cosine .phi., and -cosine .phi.

Abstract: There is provided an analog-to-digital conversion technique that utilizes a sample and hold circuit for each bit try stage whereby after the most significant bit try, the remainder is sampled and held by the succeeding stage as an unknown input voltage for comparison with its respective reference voltage representing its corresponding bit weight. Thus, remainders for each bit weight comparison are successively passed from the most significant bit to the least significant bit as input voltages to the next bit try stage. The previous bit stage takes a new sample input voltage and starts another conversion at the next clock pulse. After the first full digital output of the initial conversion, a new digital output word of the successive sampled signal voltage is available after each clock pulse.

Abstract: Methods for developing particular models which accurately predict the material, process and design parameters for superplastic forming of metal parts under optimum conditions consistent with the desired properties in the finished part. Generalized control equations are developed which enable designers to develop consistency of the forming parameters for materials from different lots. The invention permits control of superplastic forming in accordance with particular raw material microstructure and the effects of time, temperature, strain and strain rate during superplastic forming on the material microstructure, and establishes the relationship between the microstructure and the properties of the parts being formed. These methods applied to the specific area of superplastic forming of metal sheets exemplify a more generalized method of conducting systematic research to derive the maximum information from a minimum number of experiments involving available data.

Abstract: A passive device which allows processing of signals impressed upon a light beam and arranged so that sensitivity is maximized and signal dropout, due to environmental effects such as temperature, do not occur. The passive homodyne demodulator includes a beam combiner, for combining the impressed light beam with a reference beam, beamsplitters, polarizing beamsplitters, and birefringent elements used as polarization shifters, so that ouputs are produced which are the sine and cosine of the phase change between the sensor and reference beams due to changes in the effective optical path length difference of the reference and sensor fibers due to the effect sensed. These signals are then electronically converted into an electrical output which linearly represents the phase of the signal originally impressed on the sensor fiber.

Abstract: An improved compact optical gyro is provided wherein a beam of light is split and introduced into both ends of an optic coil whose rotation is to be sensed. At least one frequency shifter is placed to affect the frequency of the beam to introduce or adjust a nonreciprocal phase shift. The beams are then mixed back together and the resultant beam is detected and analyzed by suitable circuitry to provide an output indicative of the rotation of the light path.

Abstract: There is provided by this invention an adjustable torque driving tool for use with an automated machine tool wherein the adjustable torque driving tool is comprised of a releasable clutch that releases the tool from the rotating spindle of the automated machine tool when a pre-selected torque is applied. The adjustable torque driving tool gives the automated machine tool the capability to bolt workpieces to the worktable prior to machining and unbolting the workpiece from the worktable after machining.

Abstract: A vibration sensor is constructed by providing two preferably matched coils of fiber-optic material. When the sensor experiences vibration, a differential pressure is exerted on the two fiber coils. The differential pressure results in a variation in the relative optical path lengths between the two fibers so that light beams transmitted through the two fibers are differently delayed, the phase difference therebetween being a detectable indication of the vibration applied to the sensor.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic stop for use with drilling and countersinking tools. The stop limits the penetration of the tool into the workpiece by dwelling at a pre-set depth while the machine spindle continues to travel (feed) through a hydraulic override system.A safety relief valve, pre-set to a safe load, will permit the device to collapse or override if the hydraulic or mechanical override system should fail.

Abstract: The inventive method is used to make 3-Dimensional reinforced and flanged parts from filaments which are braided or wound flat (parallel to the surface of a mandrel).The method comprises the steps of:depositing a first layer of impregnated reinforcements on a mandrel parallel to the surface of the mandrel;placing separators on a portion of said first layer;depositing a second layer of impregnated reinforcements over the separators and said first layer;cutting said layers at the separators;removing said layers from the mandrel;parting the layers along said separators;removing said separators from said reinforcements;placing said cut and partially separated layers in a mold;conforming the layers to the shape of the mold;curing said impregnated reinforcements into a composite part; andremoving said composite part from said mold.

Abstract: A vibration sensor is formed by coupling the vibration to be sensed to change the positional relationship between grating means and light beams so that the resultant variations in light intensity of the beams beyond the grating means vary with a function of the sine and cosine of the positional change. This allows the detection of the vibrationover a wide range of frequencies and amplitudes.

Abstract: A universal sleeve for use in an air recirculation barrier to seal off the passage of air around penetrating components comprising a flexible piece of material joined along two edges to enclose the components passing thru the barrier. The engaging edges of the flexible material has Velcro tape of hook and pile construction to closely surround penetrating components and limit the passage of air along the components thru the barrier. Sealing tape may be used on the edges of the flexible material to further seal off the passage of air.

Abstract: A foot actuated latch for use in an aircraft cargo bay to provide vertical and longitudinal restraint of a cargo container. The latch having a lineal engaging and disengaging action which resists lineal forces parallel to latch movement tending to disengage that latch pawl from the container. The actuation of the latch for engagement and disengagement accomplished by a downward movement of the latch levers.

Abstract: A fail-safe zero-load hinge or pivot-joint having a first load primary support path comprising a sleeve and nut combination and a secondary or redundant load support path comprising a shaft, sized to be inserted axially through the sleeve with diametrical clearance, for threaded engagement with a nut providing axial clearance from said primary members. The secondary shaft and nut combination holds the joint intact after the primary load members have failed permitting the joint assembly to perform its normal designed function of load carrying with the continued full range of movement without the risk of restricted operation seizure or jamming.A locking cap is provided for simple, safe holding of the nuts of primary and secondary member from disengagement, or even partial back off.A dye indicator may be used to indicate failure of the primary load carrying members.

Abstract: A dwell assembly back spotface for use with a reverse feed drill to provide an accurate depth of cut together with cutter dwell to insure a clean hole.

Abstract: A hollow impregnation ring for coating fibers with a binder, the ring having a slot thru which the binder flows onto the fibers. The pressure of said binder within said ring controlling a seal and the flow of said binder from said slot.

Abstract: A vane for use in switching a hydraulic port formed in a cylindrical surface, the vane having a wiper at the top of the vane body with a ring shaped surface whose inner edge is shaped to match the shape of the hydraulic port and surface shaped with a contour which is a portion of a cylinder so that it can mate for sliding contact with the interior cylindrical surface about the port. A ring shaped undersurface adapted to have pressure applied thereto is provided underneath the ring shaped surface to provide the force by which the vane is held against the cylindrical surface while port pressure is provided underneath the vane on an area to balance with the port area.

Abstract: A portfolio with a ring or other type binder for securing visual display material uniformly while being carried or during visual display presentations. This box-like portfolio features a double hinged top which, when mobilized by use of its pull strap feature, activates its lid and its internal members, opening the portfolio to form a unique presentation easel which serves to produce an impressive prelude to any visual display presentation.

Abstract: An extremely fast operating, explosive operated, switch wherein a torus supports and insulates the facing ends of flat wires of the open circuit to be closed. An explosive input is applied to a conducting piston swage member which normally is insulated from the flat wires by the torus. This moves the swage portion of the member into the torus which forces it off of the ends of the wire. The swage portion then closes the circuit by jamming the frustro-conical swage surface thereof into both flat wires.

Abstract: A unidirectional detent system for use with a flap handle to permit the setting of a variable stop for positioning of flaps for aircraft takeoff.