Abstract: An Externally Specified Index (ESI) peripheral simulator portion of an ESI eripheral simulation system allows a plurality of parallel word input/output (I/O) channels of a tactical computer to communicate with each other as if real peripheral equipment were attached thereto. A simulation computer having a similar plurality of parallel word I/O channels is operatively connected to the ESI peripheral simulator such that it converts the interface signals of the simulation computer to be compatible with the interface signals of the tactical computer. Accordingly, the function of the ESI peripheral simulator is to simulate tactical peripherals. It accomplishes the foregoing function by using information transferred to it by the simulation computer.

Abstract: The invention is a process for reacting methylnitramine with formaldehyde a halogenated solvent and reacting the methylnitramine with formaldehyde in the presence of a strong sulfuric acid catalyst at certain specific temperatures to yield a final product having a yield rate of 70% or greater dimethylmethylenedinitraamine.

Abstract: A plurality of passive filters in combination with a corresponding plurality of operational amplifiers form an individual series of quasi low-pass, bandpass, and quasi high-pass filters which when their outputs are summed in an operational amplifier summer, constitute a "semi-active" notch filter having a low frequency phase shift of substantially zero, and a notch frequency which can be adjusted independently of the low frequency phase shift. The existence of the notch is also independent of the properties and limitations of the operational amplifiers used.

Abstract: An aerodynamic rotor having a flexible blade comprising a plurality of planar layers and an anvil having configured bearing areas engagable with the flexed blade is presented. The plurality of layers are slidably movable in a shearing motion with respect to other layers. The blade is secured by the anvil with the configured bearing areas being engagable with an adjacent portion of the blade when the blade is flexed by forces created by the driven rotory motion of the anvil about an axis of rotation. Such a rotor with a laminated blade exhibits reduced head moment forces and reduced stress/strain forces within the blade thereby permitting improved reliability and maintenance.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive device for shutting off flow through a valve is disced. The device includes a pressure sensor having an integral atmospheric pressure reference for releasing a plunger to shut off flow through the valve. A manually operated eccentric pin and slot arrangement is provided for resetting the plunger to the open position.

Abstract: A device for reducing the muzzle blast and flash from large caliber guns is disclosed. A container having a plurality of internal chambers and baffel plates filled with an aqueous foam is mounted to the muzzle of the gun barrel. The foam and chambers co-operate to substantially suppress muzzle blast noise and completely suppress muzzle flash.

Abstract: Nitroorganic compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein x and y may be the same or different and are selected from --NO --NO.sub.2. Methods of preparing these compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: 2,2-dinitropropyl 2-fluoro-2,2-dinitroethyl formal which is prepared by the ollowing processes: ##STR1##

Abstract: A sensor for sensing conditions such as acoustic waves, temperature changes, acceleration current and magnetic fields. The sensor employs a diode laser having its cavity contained between end facets defined by partially reflective mirrors, supplemented by an external cavity formed between one of the end facets of the laser and a translatable external reflector. The reflector is position-responsive to a condition to be sensed. A change in the reflector's positions causes laser output light to be fed back through the mirror into the laser cavity with varying phase such that an increase or decrease in laser emission is created. A change of detector voltage or change in laser current provides an indication of environmental condition being sensed.

Abstract: A cartridge case closure plug for closing a cartridge case, enhancing plug reakup in the shortest time span after ignition of the cartridge, and substantially reducing plug mass to reduce the impact loads exerted on the projectile by the plug. The plug is cylindrically shaped and constructed of a polymeric foam which may be covered with an elastomeric coating to lower the permeability of the plug. The plug is provided with a forward face, a rearward face and an outer cylindrical surface. The forward face of the plug is furnished with a centered depression which allows for center blowout and breakup of the plug upon ignition of the propellant contained in the cartridge case. The rearward face of the plug is provided with a tapered cylindrically-shaped cavity which reduces plug mass and enhances plug breakup while reducing the impact loads on the projectile.

Abstract: A 1:1:2 mixed orthocarbonate of the formula ##STR1## wherein R and R" are each one of the following groups--CH.sub.2 C(NO.sub.2).sub.2 CH.sub.3,--CH.sub.2 C(NO.sub.2).sub.3,--CH.sub.2 CF(NO.sub.2).sub.2,--CH.sub.2 CF.sub.2 (NO.sub.2), and--CH.sub.2 CF.sub.3, andR' is one of the followingCH.sub.2 CF(NO.sub.2).sub.2,CH.sub.2 CF.sub.2 (NO.sub.2), andCH.sub.2 CF.sub.3,provided that R.noteq.R', R.noteq.R", and R'.noteq.R". These 1:1:2 orthoconates are produced by the following reaction sequence: ##STR2## wherein R, R', and R" are as defined above. By choosing R and R" to be the same and either --CH.sub.2 (NO.sub.2).sub.2 CH.sub.3 or --CH.sub.2 C(NO.sub.2).sub.3 in the above reaction, 1:3 mixed orthocarbonates of the formula ##STR3## wherein R.noteq.R', R".noteq.R', R=R", and R and R" are each CH.sub.2 C(NO.sub.2).sub.2 CH.sub.3,CH.sub.2 C(NO.sub.2).sub.3,CH.sub.2 CF.sub.2 (NO.sub.2), orCH.sub.2 CF.sub.3,and R' is CH.sub.2 CF(NO.sub.2).sub.2, CH.sub.2 CF.sub.2 (NO.sub.2) or CH.sub.2 CF.sub.3 may be prepared.

Abstract: N-substituted fluoroaziridines useful as chemical intermediates and process or making by reaction of fluoroazines with fluorocarbenes.

Abstract: A dominant TEM mode and a pair of spatially orthogonal TE.sub.11 modes suitably excited at the input ports of a coaxial waveguide commutator portion of a coaxial waveguide commutation feed network are employed to generate a commutatable low-sidelobe amplitude distribution at symmetrically disposed peripheral output ports of the coaxial waveguide commutator. The resulting low-sidelobe amplitude distribution can be used to feed radiating elements of an associated circular phased array antenna. The coaxial waveguide commutator is configured, inter alia, with a linearly tapered inner conductor surrounded by a uniform tube outer conductor to achieve a smoother TEM-dominant mode characteristic impedance transition from the input port plane to the output port plane thereof. Employment of this feed geometry, in conjunction with balanced four-port feeding of the coaxial waveguide commutator which inhibits the higher order TE modes, increases the bandwidth capability while maintaining low insertion loss.

Abstract: A sensor is provided for sensing or detecting the presence of an environmental field condition such as acceleration, temperature change, magnetic or acoustic fields. The field is sensed by interference between two mutually orthogonal polarized eigenmodes in a single monomode optical fiber which may be disposed either linearly or wound on a mandrel made of compliant material for sensing an acoustic field, or made of magnetostrictive material for sensing a magnetic field. Polarized light propagated through the optical fiber is detected at its outlet independent of environmentally induced low frequency variations whereby the sensor may be maintained at quadrature and maximum sensitivity.

Abstract: A Sagnac rotation sensing interferometer disposed on a rotating platform for use as a gyrsocope comprising a closed optical light path and a beam splitter for splitting an input light beam into two beams directed to transverse the closed optical path in opposite directions wherein the beam splitter is composed of a directional coupler with three input ports and three output ports. The first of the three input ports receives optical input and the second and third of the input ports are disposed symmetrically with respect to the first input port. Optical output from two output ports corresponding to the second and third input ports are directed to both ends of the closed optical fiber light path. A gyroscope according to this arrangement provides light output from the beam splitter which operates automatically near quadrature without a nonreciprocal .pi./2 phase bias applied in the fiber loop as required in conventional optical fiber gyroscopes.

Abstract: An optical fiber waveguide is rendered pressure insensitive by concentrically surrounding it with a substrate of high bulk modulus material having a wall of selected thickness whereby acoustic pressures (e.g. hydrostatic) on the waveguide induce phase change cancellations such that the algebraic sum of .epsilon..sub.z.sup.P +.epsilon..sub.r.sub.P +.epsilon..sub.z.sup.l =0.

Abstract: An optical fiber dosimeter for monitoring by luminescence the presence of ionizing radiation and measuring a cumulative dose from around reactors, accelerators and waste storage areas. A length of silica core optical fiber in the presence of ionizing radiation has been found to luminesce in two distinct emission bands, one with a peak around 450 nm (blue) and the other with a peak around 650 nm (red). The intensity of the red luminescence is proportional to the intensity of ionizing radiation on the fiber whereas the intensity of blue luminescence is proportional to both the intensity of ionizing radiation on the fiber and the accumulated ionizing radiation history or dosage on the fiber. A device constructed according to the invention may be employed to surround an area of a human body tissue or organ undergoing radiation treatment as an aid in directing the radiation.

Abstract: An optical technique for detecting acoustic waves of selected frequency and determining their angle of arrival in a medium such as water. The technique utilizes one or more lengths of single mode optical fiber having a birefringence whose orthogonal axes are helically disposed throughout the length of the fiber at a predetermined uniform pitch. Sound pressure waves of certain frequencies incident upon the fiber throughout its length change its birefringence which affects the relative phase of polarized light components propagating from one end to the other by an amount proportional to the amplitude of the acoustic wave. The twisted optical fiber may be arranged in parallel with other like fibers and axes twisted at different pitches thereby enabling detection of sound waves over a range of frequencies and their angles of incidence.

Abstract: An optical relay system for bringing a Cassegrain-type or other type telepe infrared (IR) image through a mount elevation axis, yoke and azimuth axis for focusing at an image plane on the mount which is stationary relative to compound motion of the telescope. The relay system is made up or of deflecting or folding mirrors, apertured flat mirrors and concave spherical and elliptical mirrors arranged for minizing field degradation of off-axis objects.

Abstract: A controlled porosity sheet defining a surface for a thermionic dispenser thode and a method of manufacture. Starting with a generally flat silicon template substrate structure having an array of upstanding microposts 1-25 microns across on 5-100 micron spacings from each other, a layer of metal is deposited on the substrate to surround the microposts and cover the substrate structure to a desired depth. The metal layer is then abraded to a smooth, flat surface which exposes the microposts. Thereafter, the silicon substrate and microposts are completely etched away, leaving a metal sheet having micron-size holes therethrough.