Abstract: An electrical lead for cryogenic devices wherein a perforated conductive ribbon is folded in serpentine folds and fitted within an insulated vent. Boil-off gas is passed through the perforations in a heat exchange relationship with said conductive ribbon.

Abstract: An air inlet duct for a jet propulsion missile or other vehicle which is movable between a housed, pre-launch position and an extended or deployed flight position. A method of manufacturing the duct is also disclosed. The duct system includes a flexible leading edge attached to a double-wall inflatable duct body. Drop threads extend between the duct body walls to hold an exact desired contour when the duct is inflated. A pivotable plate moves the inflatable duct between a housed, deflated, position and an inflated flight position. Manufacture of the inflatable duct is basically accomplished by preparing a foamed plastic form in the desired duct wall shape, covering the form with fabric, stitching through the foam and fabric, coating the fabric with a flexible sealing compound, dissolving away the foamed plastic and attaching the resulting inflatable duct to other missile components.

Abstract: A system for joining or docking large structures in space under remote, automatic control. As the two structures approach each other, a telescoping rigid boom on one structure is extended toward a socket on the other. The boom mount includes mechanisms providing a multidegree of freedom in pointing the boom. The end of the boom is directed into the socket whereupon a locking device holds it in place. Damping apparatus damps the relative motion between the structures. Boom retraction brings the structures together so that a final latching device can clamp the structures rigidly together.

Abstract: A device for limiting the travel of an arbor press when pressing inserts into a panel. Two insert halves are pressed into a panel from opposite sides by means of an upper and lower anvil. The press movement is stopped by the device when a specified gap between the insert head and the exterior surface of the panel is obtained, compensating for any variations in the panel thickness.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a large number of submunitions from a missile or aircraft in uniform selected pattern. Small, cylindrical submunitions are carried in ejection tubes in a generally cylindrical housing. Sets of tubes are arranged in parallel planar arrangement approximately perpendicular to the housing longitudinal axis, with different sets at different angles to vertical. Timing means cause the submunitions to be ejected at selected times, and drag means on the individual submunitions are actuated at selected times so that the submunitions strike the ground along lines perpendicular to the line of housing mount. This system is especially useful with low-flying cruise missiles in attacking airfields, since a plurality of cuts across the airfield can be inflicted as the missile traverses the length of the field.

Abstract: An automatic system for sensing and establishing the set point for numerically controlled machine tools. Before operating a numerical control (N/C) machine tool, such as a milling machine, it is necessary to precisely locate a basic reference point on the workpiece or work holding fixture. The disclosed system comprises a capacitive bridge sensing device positioned at the set or reference point. When a machine tool is positioned precisely at the set point, a null reading is observed on suitable readout means. When the tool is moved from null, a reading proportional to displacement is observed. The sensor basically consists of four individual capacitor plates arranged in a circle around a center point, in "X" and "Y" directions. The plates are excited by an audio oscillator and coupled into a bridge instrumentation oscillator. As a grounded machine tool is moved adjacent to these plates the capacitance between the individual plates and the grounded tool varies.

Abstract: A mechanism for deploying and retracting an isogrid structure particularly suited for use in supporting low weight reflective or absorbtive surfaces, characterized by a plurality of hinged isogrid panels stowed in an accordion folded stack arranged for automatic deployment into a long continuous strip or array. Two deployment arms in contact with the stack of panels are rotated to a position perpendicular to the stack, carrying with them a perforated deployment tape that is attached to the first panel. The tape is engaged to sprocket drives which draw the first panel from the stack. Thereafter, the panels are extended by the powered sprockets which engage perforations in the panel edges. A shutter sequentially releases pairs of panels during deployment. For retraction, the sprockets drive the panels back toward the stack where a creaser arm hinges pairs of panels which are thereafter folded into a stack by means of the shutter capturing and stowing each folded pair of panels.

Abstract: A device to code a machine tool holder, to preset the tool length, to mount the tool in the holder, and to inspect tool dimensions and coding. These functions are performed by a ring selector which selects different outside diameter rings in such sequence that a desired indentification of a tool by a combination of lands and grooves is accomplished, by a power torque machine which tightens the tool holder collet, by a digital height and diameter gage device which inspects the tool dimensions, and by a digital ring counter which gives a digital readout of the land and groove combination on the external surface of a tool holder.

Abstract: An improved back-up tape for use in fusion welding metal sheets and structures is disclosed. The tape comprises a rolled refractory fiber fabric partially flattened against an adhesive coated surface of a wider, heat resistant, strip. In use, the tape is pressed against the back side of a joint or other weld line to be welded with the adhesive bonding the tape along strips parallel to but slightly spaced from the weld line and the roll pressed against the joint. Fusion welding is conducted without the addition of any filler wire. A flat weld underbead, with no molten metal drop-through is produced, with no melting or other significant change in the tape. The tape is then stripped off and the welded structure is ready for use.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming sheet material into continuous structural shapes, particularly adaptable to the forming and joining of reinforced plastic sheet material, wherein the material is heated, formed, joined, consolidated, and cooled in a continuous process.

Abstract: An air inlet duct for a jet propulsion missile or other vehicle which is movable between a housed, pre-launch position and an extended or deployed flight position. A method of manufacturing the duct is also disclosed. The duct system includes a flexible leading edge attached to a double-wall inflatable duct body. Drop threads extend between the duct body walls to hold an exact desired contour when the duct is inflated. A pivotable plate moves the inflatable duct between a housed, deflated, position and an inflated flight position. Manufacture of the inflatable duct is basically accomplished by preparing a foamed plastic form in the desired duct wall shape, covering the form with fabric, stitching through the foam and fabric, coating the fabric with a flexible sealing compound, dissolving away the foamed plastic and attaching the resulting inflatable duct to other missile components.

Abstract: A device to code a machine tool holder, to preset the tool length, to mount the tool in the holder, and to inspect tool dimensions and coding. These functions are performed by a ring selector which selects different outside diameter rings in such sequence that a desired indentification of a tool by a combination of lands and grooves is accomplished, by a power torque machine which tightens the tool holder collet, by a digital height and diameter gage device which inspects the tool dimensions, and by a digital ring counter which gives a digital readout of the land and groove combination on the external surface of a tool holder.

Abstract: A mechanism for deploying and retracting an isogrid structure particularly suited for use in supporting low weight reflective or absorbtive surfaces, characterized by a plurality of hinged isogrid panels stowed in an accordian folded stack arranged for deployment into a long continuous strip or array. Two deployment frames in contact with the stack of panels are rotated to a position perpendicular to the stack. Attached at the outermost ends of each panel hinge are panel rollers. In the accordian folded position, these rollers are alternately located near the top and bottom of the folded stack. The deployment frames each contain an arced raceway for engagement of the upper panel rollers and a straight raceway for engagement of the lower rollers. An upper roller travels down the arced raceway thereby progressively unfolding a pair of hinged panels until they are flat and lie in the deployment plane where they are subsequently extended into the deployed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a layer of low density foam of uniform thickness on a surface is disclosed. A plurality of upstanding studs spaced across the surface to be coated support a taut screen at a selected height above the surface. An applicator applies liquid, self-rising foam material in a uniform manner to said surface through said screen. As the foam rises, it penetrates through the screen, leaving irregular projections above the screen. After the foam cures to at least a self-sustaining state, the screen is stripped away, leaving a uniform foam layer. Since the screen offers very little resistance to the rising foam, the resulting foam layer has a very uniform low density, highly desirable for thermal insulation application.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously coating a large surface with a foam layer having uniform low density and uniform thickness. The coating apparatus is positioned adjacent to the surface to be coated, with the surface movable past the apparatus in a direction substantially in the plane of the surface. The coating apparatus includes a plurality of self-rising foamable liquid application means for continuously applying the liquid to the surface. Immediately downstream, a screen positioning means moves a screen substantially parallel to the surface without relative motion therebetween. As the foam rises, it penetrates slightly through the screen and cures to a self-sustaining state. A rotatable brush then engages the upper surface of the screen to abrade and comminute the excess foam extending through the screen. Further means are provided to remove the comminuted excess foam and to lift the screen and any remaining excess foam away from the surface of the resulting uniform foam layer.

Abstract: A cradle for supporting a space vehicle such as an upper stage in a reusable launch vehicle (such as a space shuttle orbiter) cargo bay. The cradle includes means for supporting the space vehicle and any satellite attached thereto against launch loads and against abort landing loads. The cradle consists of two radial sections of a tube which, when closed, surrounds the space vehicle. One section is secured within the cargo bay. The second section is latched to the first edge of the second section and is hinged along the second edge. When the cargo bay doors are opened, the space vehicle is deployed by unlatching said latch and activating a first actuation means to rotate the second section about the hinge to move the second section outwardly of the cargo bay. A deployment probe connects the space vehicle to the second section.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for weld bonding together a pair of conductors separated by a layer of thermo-plastic insulation material. The apparatus comprises a pair of welding electrodes for urging the pair of conductors together at a first level of electrode squeeze pressure while a first low level of current flows through the electrodes and conductors until the thermo-insulation material between the conductors beneath the electrodes is penetrated, electronic circuits for sensing this insulation penetration and initiating after a pre-selected time delay, a second higher level of welding current and electronic controls for increasing the electrode squeeze pressure from the first level to a second higher or forging level for at least a portion of the flow of the second higher welding level of current. A method for forming the weld bond is included.

Abstract: A cable gripping device which is readily adjustable and fail-safe. The device includes cylindrical inner and outer housings in telescoped relationship which contain an inner gripper member and an outer compression spring connected to the housings. When the housings are biased apart by the compression spring, the gripper member is forced into tight contact with a rope or cable passing axially through the housings, locking the assembly in position on the cable. If the housings are moved toward each other, the compression spring is compressed and the gripper member is loosened, allowing the assembly to be moved along the cable. If the operator releases the housings, such as by slipping and falling, the compression spring automatically moves the housings apart, causing the gripper to again grip the cable. This device is especially suitable for use by workers in high locations, since they can move about along a safety cable without unhooking their safety lanyards from the cable.

Abstract: An improved back-up tape for use in fusion welding aluminum sheets and structures is disclosed. The tape comprises a small diameter, heavy wall, flexible woven refractory fiber tube within a slightly larger diameter similar tube, both partially flattened against an adhesive coated surface of a wider, heat resistant, strip. In use, the tape is pressed against the back side of a joint to be welded with the adhesive bonding the tape along strips parallel to but slightly spaced from the joint. The joint is fusion welded without the addition of any filler wire. A flat weld underbead, with no molten metal drop-through is produced, with no melting or other significant change in the tape. The tape is then stripped off and the welded structure is ready for use.

Abstract: A cradle for supporting a space vehicle such as an upper stage in a reusable launch vehicle (such as a space shuttle orbiter) cargo bay. The cradle includes means for supporting the space vehicle and any satellite attached thereto against launch loads and against abort landing loads. The cradle consists of two radial sections of a tube which, when closed, surrounds the space vehicle. One section is secured within the cargo bay. The second section is latched to the first edge of the second section and is hinged along the second edge. When the cargo bay doors are opened, the space vehicle is deployed by unlatching said latch and activating a first actuation means to rotate the second section about the hinge to move the second section outwardly of the cargo bay. A deployment probe connects the space vehicle to the second section.