Abstract: An apparatus and method for retrieving lines, ropes, wires, optical fibres and the like from otherwise inaccessable locations, without the need for separate control lines, dissolving tables and the like. The apparatus comprises a line guide assembly, line clamping assembly, a line cutting assembly and a triggering mechanism for the activation of the aforementioned assemblies. The triggering mechanism is activated by the application of force to the line to be retrieved.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the thickness of thin basal coatings on work pieces. The apparatus comprises a beta backscatter type measuring instrument including a work piece positioning system to permit the precise positioning of a coated work piece surface to radiation in a repeatable, non-destructive, non-contacting position with respect to the radiation source.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the testing and evaluation of numerous actuators having different load characteristics. The apparatus comprises a fixed frame, having a first and second lever arms pivotally attached to the fixed frame. An expandable, contractible spring element is pivotally connected between the first and the second lever arms functioning to transmit forces between the first and the second lever arms. A force is applied to the second lever arm and an actuator under test which is pivotally attached to the first lever arm constrains displacement of the first lever arm. A computer measures and records the displacements of the first and the second lever arms from a known starting position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing liquid phase epitaxy, mercury containment, substrate leveling, in situ annealing/doping and gas flushing in a liquid phase epitaxy growth of HgCdTe. The apparatus is a self contained unit comprising a transparent cover for providing access to the interior of the apparatus and for forming a gas impermeable seal between the apparatus and the cover. The apparatus also contains a leveling apparatus, a gas flushing apparatus, and an apparatus for the in situ doping/quench annealing of HgCdTe epitaxial films. The leveling apparatus comprises channels and leveling balls that travel therein which align themselves between scribe marks when the apparatus is in a level position. The gas flushing apparatus is comprised of a gaseous purge ball valve that opens and seals a flushing channel that leads from the interior of the invention to the external environment.

Abstract: A multilayer board comprising a novel construction of ceramic and organic layers to reduce difficulties commonly encountered by board materials and components attached thereto having differing thermal coefficients of expansion. The multilayer board comprises an inorganic ceramic surface which is affixedly attached via a compliant adhesive to a conventional plated up post or plated thru hole organic multilayer board.

Abstract: A latching apparatus and method for adjustably pressing and holding together two members, in either an abutting or controlled gap relationship with respect to each member. The apparatus comprises a handle and opposite end which is cam shaped. A shaft is pivotally attached to the cam shaped end of the handle and is supported in a mounting hole of the first member. The end of the shaft is fitted with a cross member for rotatably interlocking a male counterpart with an internally slotted female counterpart sleeve. This sleeve is adjustably fixed to the desired depth within the second member and is positioned coaxially within the mounting hole therein for conditionally receiving the shaft's cross member. Captive interlock of the shaft by the sleeve is achieved by the sliding and rotating operation of the cam shaped end of the handle which has an axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle.

Abstract: A turbine-driven apparatus and method for generating and linearly controlling periodic bipolar drive signals to drive an electromechanical device, such as a DC motor, in response to an input command signal. The apparatus comprises a rotatable cylindrical commutator driven by a gas turbine, the commutator having two matched half-cylinder conductive sections separated by insulation at the common joints. The turbine also drives an alternator to produce AC power which in turn is rectified to produce DC power. Two pairs of diametrically opposing brushes are held in contact with the rotating commutator. The first pair of brushes connected to the DC power source, is fixed in position. The second pair, connected across the electromechanical load, is adjustable in rotational position relative to the first pair through coupling to a stepper motor.

Abstract: A high-speed digital peak detector for determining the peak voltage of an input analog signal and for providing a one of N unary digital output corresponding to the peak voltage, where N is a positive integer, comprising a plurality of N self-latching voltage detectors in a flash-encoding or parallel encoding arrangement, each detector comprising a latchable differential voltage comparator and an Exclusive/Or gate, each of the comparators and gates having first and second input terminals and first and second output terminals and each of the comparators further having first and second latch function input terminals. The second output terminal of each of the comparators is connected to the first input terminal of a corresponding one of the gates, and the first and second output terminals of the corresponding one of the gates is connected, respectively, to the first and second latch function input terminals of the corresponding one of the comparators.