Abstract: A torpedo countermeasure decoy which produces and broadcasts signals that e usually more attractive to a homing torpedo than those emanating from its intended target. Timely reset staircase generators combined with timely opened and closed gates generate stairstep signals which are added by a summing amplifier to produce a programmed composite signal thereof. A bank of voltage-controlled oscillators are driven by said composite signal in such a manner as to produce a predetermined plurality of discrete frequency signals within a predetermined plurality of consecutive but separated frequency bands within a given frequency spectrum, all of which are then effectively broadcast within the aqueous medium in the ambient environment of the torpedo's intended target--that is, the vessel to be protected.

Abstract: A liquid-crystal heat valve is constructed to be controlled with multiple ectrode pairs. So constructed, it is controllable by alternating electric potentials in different phases applied to corresponding electrode pairs, thus increasing the maximum heat-transfer rate of the heat valve by increasing its duty cycle.

Abstract: Vanes are mounted to an assembly affixed upstream of propeller blades of an utboard motor, creating a counterswirl in the fluid flow to counter the swirl produced by the propeller rotation, enabling on essentially axial discharge jet. The vanes are applied to only a 180 degree sector of the inflow to the propeller.

Abstract: First and second mirror image identical clamps clamp opposite edges of a nted circuit board along the length of those edges for holding the board during wave soldering of components to the board. Each clamp includes a support rail and a clamp rail wherein the support rail has a shoulder on which a portion of the clamp rail can abut. The clamp rail has a two walled groove which receives a corner of the board at an edge thereof for clamping that edge to the support rail. Screws couple the two rails and force them against the board edge.