Abstract: A liquid-solid propulsion system having a tank of liquid oxygen and a high pressure chamber loaded with solid grain fuel with a portion of the liquid oxygen being passed through a heat exchanger to convert the liquid oxygen to gaseous oxygen. The gaseous oxygen is directed to the chamber or solid grain fuel to induce a fuel rich gas burn that is directed to a thrust chamber which also receives liquid oxygen to increase the characteristic velocity of the exhaust and thereby provide the specific impulse of the propulsion system. The gaseous oxygen is also directed to the liquid oxygen tank to pressurize the flow of liquid oxygen from the tank. Valves are interposed to control the flow of liquid and gaseous oxygen to provide the required mixture ratio in the thrust chamber for optimum specific impulse or to terminate the thrust of the propulsion system. A method for providing the liquid-solid propulsion system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A "float-up" launching system for launching missiles from submerged submarines or other submerged launchers utilizing a lightweight rigid cylindrical tube telescoped over the missile while stored in the launcher so as to not take up additional volume. On launching, the tube is extended forward of the missile by a gas generator to form a floatation chamber which creates extra buoyance forward of the missile center of gravity, but still connected to the water surface, nose upwardly, where it is disconnected and the missile booster is ignited.

Abstract: A multi-layer blanket insulation adapted of use in an aerobrake intended to assist in the return of a space vehicle from a higher earth orbit to a low earth orbit for recovery and possible reuse. Between two face sheets of a cloth material highly resistant to elevated temperatures are interposed a layer of a flexible insulative material and a layer of non-porous foil. The insulation is stitched together into a predetermined pattern. A backside stiffener may be secured to the back face by a layer of a suitable cloth material.

Abstract: The threaded split-bushing fastener assembly has been designed for high temperature applications such as on hypersonic vehicles. The fastener assembly consists of a pin (with a standard countersunk head at one end and a tapered end at the other end), a tubular threaded split-bushing, a nut, and a washer. Installation is accomplished by inserting the pin in the parts to be fastened, then slipping the washer and split-bushing on the tapered end of the pin and finally screwing the nut onto the split-bushing. Tightening of the nut allows preloading of the fastener assembly.

Abstract: A self-aligning connector that is used with electrical plug-in-module connectors. The self-aligning connector has an elongated connector body with a cutout portion extending from its top surface to its bottom surface to form a walled structure that would surround an electrical contact area. A foot portion extends from each end of the connector body. Each foot portion has an inclined front surface that mates with the inclined bottom wedge surface of a wedge block. Elongated slots in the respective wedge blocks algin with vertically oriented bore holes in the foot portions and mounting screws are passed downwardly through the respective openings. As the mounting screws are tightened the wedge blocks and foot portions have relative translation along their inclined surfaces, thus aligning the connector in the cutout portion.

Abstract: A tool for installation of pin connector assemblies into a computer path board, the pin assembly being of a type that permits a locking bushing to be slid over the pin into a recess within the body of the assembly and thereby cause a tight interference fit of the assembly within a receiving orifice in the patch board. The tool includes a retainer to engage a guide groove formed on the upper portion of the pin assembly and a tubular driver that is mechanically coupled to the retainer for driving the locking bushing into position. The retainer and the tubular driver are preferably connected to opposing handles of a biased plier arrangement. The plier arrangement may be hand or machine operated.

Abstract: A fluid injection method of nondestructive testing for bonding between two layers of material, at least one of which is penetrable is presented. One or two fluid injection members are inserted at selected locations along the penetrable material to the bond line between the materials. In the single injection member test, a fluid under known pressure is injected through the injection member to the bond line. The flow is measured at several locations and an average flow rate under satisfactory bonding conditions is noted. Any flow rates in excess of some fixed amount above this established norm is considered unsatisfactory. In the two injection member test. The two members are adjacently inserted through the material to the bond line and a fluid under known pressure is injected from one injection member to the bond line. If a disbond exists between the two members, the second member receives fluid from the first at the bond line.

Abstract: Method for fabricating a laminated coil conductor for a high current coil which includes wrapping a layer of insulation around a rotatable shaped mandrel and then winding a plurality of copper sheets over the insulation as the mandrel is rotated. Solder is interposed between the copper sheets and between coolant tubes positioned on each end of each coil conductor. The assemblage is then removed from the mandrel and raised to a temperature to bond the copper sheets and coolant tubes together. The assemblage is then placed in a structural box and a plastic is injected into the box to fill any voids between the coil conductor and the box.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a thermal protection systems for protecting instrumentation transducers having a low maximum operating temperature in the range of 200 degree F. to 900 degrees F. when exposed to operating environment greater than 2000 degrees F. The embodiments of the protection system include the use of zinc solid-to-liquid phase change as a heat sink, water-to-steam phase change as a heat sink and thermal electric cooling combined with a multi-foil insulation material.

Abstract: A method of improving the flowability and reducing voids in liquid synthetic thermosetting resins precursor compositions used to pot structures such as a honeycomb core or electronic parts and assemblies. Up to about 0.50 weight percent of a suitable titanate coupling agent is mixed with the liquid resin precursor, preferably in a vacuum or an inert atmosphere, any necessary hardener is added later to the premixed resin with the agent, then the resin is poured into a mold holding the structure to be potted. The titanate coupling agents have the general formula: ##STR1## where: R is an alkoxy, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl or aralkyl group having from 1 to about 30 carbon atoms or a substituted derivative thereof;M is zirconium or titanium; andR is independently an aryl, aralkyl, alkaryl, alkyl or alkeno group having from 1 to about 30 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A payload interface ring adapted to releasably secure a payload to a multiple payload adapter arranged to be carried into outer space by a launch vehicle for positioning of the payload in a suitable orbit relative to the earth. The interface ring includes a latching mechanism secured to a base to receive a berthing pin carried by the payload and to releasably latch the berthing pin for securing of the payload for transport of the payload to a desired orbit. A plurality of springs cooperate with the berthing pins and the latching mechamism to secure the payload in a desired latched position during transport to the desired orbit.

Abstract: A method for joining carbon-carbon structural elements together using a carbon-carbon pin type fastener for transfer of shear loads. A coating of powdered metal which undergoes a large expansion when reacted in the presence of a gas is used to coat the outer surfaces of a pin which extends through the structural elements to be joined, with the powdered metal coating between the body of the pin and the surfaces of the structural elements through which the pin passes. After installation through the structural elements the pin is heated in an oxygen atmosphere causing the powdered metal coating to expand up to 100% from its unheated volume binding the pin to the structural elements. A fluted or scalloped edge on the pin increases the surface area of the pin increasing its friction holding force.

Abstract: A cryogenic vessel arrangement for a superconductive apparatus that is adapted to be launched into outer space for operation therein. A vacuum vessel, within which a liquid helium vessel containing the superconductive apparatus is positioned, is supported from an external frame. The liquid helium vessel is supported by a cable arrangement from the external frame independently of the vacuum vessel. The cable arrangement is preferably constructed to maintain a constant length throughout a service temperature range. A bumper arrangement is provided to provide direct support for the vacuum vessel independently of the cable arrangement during launch of the cryogenic vessel arrangement into space.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the non-destructive monitoring of the time dependent curing of an advanced composite positioned within an autoclave where it is subjected to varying pressures and elevated temperatures over a predetermined time period. A tool receiving the uncured advanced composite for receiving an acoustic wave guide which directly coupled to the composite. Ultrasound pulses are directed through the acoustic wave guide and the amplitude of the reflected pulses indicate changes in the modulus of the composite during the cure.

Abstract: A disk type magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generator/channel and a hybrid pulse power transformer (HPPT) with a superconductive primary and a normal secondary for producing high power and high current pulses is disclosed. The HPPT surrounds the MHD channel through which hot gas is supplied. The channel upstream from the HPPT is formed into a flat circular configuration with narrow portion directed perpendicular to the channel passing through the HPPT. A MHD disk generator is positioned on the opposite side of the channel directly opposed from the HPPT. The output from the MHD is connected to the primary of the HPPT. Prior to generating power, the superconducting primary winding of the HPPT is charged to a low current. The primary is then connected to the MHD generator/channel for conditioning. When the channel is fired causing gases to flow through the channel causing the magnet current to increase producing a higher primary field and hence more power generation.

Abstract: The tapered split-bushing fastener has been designed for high temperature applications. The fastener consists of a pin (with a standard countersunk head at one end and a tapered end at the other end), a split tapered bushing, a washer and a sleeve with an internal taper. Installation is accomplished by inserting the pin in the parts to be fastened, then slipping the washer and the split bushing on the tapered end and finally pushing the sleeve onto the split bushing. Pushing the sleeve causes the split-bushing to react against the washer and generate the fastener axial preload. A high temperature adhesive is then injected to lock the fastener in place.

Abstract: The fastening together of structural elements formed from carbon-carbon is accomplished by a fastener constructed from 2-D or 3-D carbon-carbon in the form of a high angle helical threads on one end and a countersunk head with a carbon-carbon central insert on the other end with the threaded end inserted through the carbon-carbon structural elements to be joined. A metal is painted on the threads and the shank on the fastener. A collar formed from carbon-carbon is fitted over the course threaded end of the fastener with the distal end of the threads extending therefrom. While passing a heating current through the fastener, the head and the collar of the fastener are forced together. The fastener is heated to an elevated temperature in the presence of an Oxygen gas cover which causes the powered metal to expand up to 100% binding the fastener to the carbon-carbon components, collar and insert.

Abstract: The invention is directed to targets for use where precise alignment and location measurements on an object is required. Several embodiments of the invention are described. The targets have at least a portion of their outer surface curvilinear. The target is supported on a convex supporting surface on a support body. Various configured single targets and multiple targets are described for use on flat as well as curved surfaces. Some of the targets have either non-reflective or reflective target surfaces. The various embodiments of the ball targets are used in conjunction with either optical or laser theodolites or the like to preform the required location measurements.

Abstract: A method and device for protecting a first stage liquid rocket booster from impact damage and environmental damage so as to permit recovery from a sea water landing and reuse without major rehaul of the rocket engine of the booster. A cylindrical double walled structural member encircles the nozzles of the rocket engine and precludes impact damage after the booster has landed nose first in the water. A flexible water impervious sleeve means is carried within the double walled structural member and deployed prior to impact. The sleeve extends from the booster and collapses inwardly upon itself to prevent entry of sea water into the rocket engine and associated equipment.

Abstract: A pulsed transformer having a superconducting primary winding and a normal conducting secondary winding. The secondary winding is connected across a load. One side of the secondary winding has a switch in series to the load. A high energy storage inductor is connected in parallel across the switch. With the switch closed and the primary winding and storage inductor charged to their maximum capacity, a high level of current now flows through the switch. The primary is then caused to go into its normal conducting mode collapsing the primary field which induces current into the secondary winding. As the secondary winding current increases the high level of current normally flowing through the switch decreases to substantially zero. When the switch current reaches substantially zero, the switch can be opened without damage thereto releasing the high energy from the storage inductor into the load. The switch primary winding can be constructed from a high temperature superconductor for improved performance.