Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for de-bulking a composite material preform laid up in a mold. In detail, the apparatus includes a flexible cover adapted to fit over the mold and preform and attach to the sides of the mold. The cover includes an inlet port located in the cover such that when the cover is fit over the mold and preform, the inlet port positioned over the preform. A stretchable cord seals the peripheral portions of the cover to the sides of the mold forming a chamber over the preform. A hot air pump is coupled to the inlet port of the cover for pumping hot air into the chamber.

Abstract: The invention is a process for determining the resistivity of a layered structure including a layer of resistive material hidden under a topcoat and a tile layer, the process comprises the steps of; 1) directing electromagnetic radiation over a selected frequency range to the outer surface of the layered structure; 2) measuring the reflection of the electromagnetic radiation from the layered structure surface; 3) converting the signal into the time domain; 4) analyzing the first echo to obtain the topcoat thickness; 5) obtaining the tile thickness from the time delay between the first and second echoes; 6) compensating the second echo with electromagnetic power loss due to the topcoat and tile; and 7) determining the resistance of the resistive layer from the compensated second echo.

Abstract: An environmental control system for an aircraft includes a vapor cycle system for circulating a refrigerant through a fuel cooled condenser, a primary evaporator wherein the expanded refrigerant is used to provide cooling for a cooling medium and a secondary evaporator. An air cycle system is included having a compressor system for providing compressed air, a system to cool the compressed air, a system to expand the cooled and compressed air, a heat exchanger for receiving the expanded air to provide cooling for a cooling medium passed through the secondary evaporator of the vapor cycle system wherein the compressed air is cooled prior to expansion. A fuel to air heat exchanger located between the compressor system and the secondary evaporator of the vapor cycle system for receiving fuel after it is passed through the condenser of the vapor cycle system and cooling the compressed air from the compressor system.

Abstract: The invention is a device for positioning a hand-held RAM inspection system for measuring the thickness of a RAM coating. In detail, the invention includes a housing containing the RAM coating inspection system, the housing having a longitudinal axis. Three laser distance-measuring devices are circularly mounted on the housing at 120 degrees from each other; the laser distance measuring devices are for determining the required distance and orientation of the RAM inspection system from the RAM coating surface. An electrical controller circuit is coupled to the three lasers and the RAM inspection system for triggering the RAM inspection system to measure the RAM material when the three lasers indicate that the housing is at the proper distance and orientation to the RAM coating surface.

Abstract: The invention is a method of monitoring a filter for absorbing paint particles produced during spray painting with a spray gun in a paint spray booth coupled to an exhaust pump, the method includes the steps of: 1) installing a filter between the booth and exhaust pump; 2) determining the initial pressure drop across a filter prior to use of the spray booth; 3) determining the maximum allowable pressure drop for the filter prior to the requirement that spraying activities must be terminated by adding the initial pressure drop of the filter to the maximum allowable increase in pressure drop across the filter before the of spraying activities must be terminated; 4) providing a warning when a first portion of the maximum allowable pressure drop is reached; and 5) preventing the use of the spray gun when a second portion, greater than the first portion, of the maximum allowable pressure drop is reached.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to ladar and more particularly to a tilted primary clamshell lens laser scanner for transmitting a generally collimated beam of radiation at a first frequency such that the beam rotates about a central axis so as to form a conical scanning pattern suitable for lidar applications. In addition, the ladar includes a system for transmitting at least one additional collimated beam of radiation at a second frequency at a wider angle then the first collimated beam.

Abstract: The invention is a protective cover assembly having at least one part for a surface of a structure. In detail, the invention includes a first flexible layer of heat resistant material bonded to the structure having an outer surface with a radar cross-section reducing shape. A second layer of radar signature reducing material is bonded to outer surface of the first flexible layer and includes 1) a film of conductive material bonded to the first flexible layer; and 2) a film of radar absorbing material bonded to the film of conductive material. A third layer of heat resistant material is bonded to the second layer, the third layer made of a dielectric material having a thickness selected to provide a reduction in the radar cross-section of the cover when combined with the film of radar absorbing material.

Abstract: The method includes: providing first and second sheets of translucent glass having first and second principle sides, coating a portion of one of the first principle sides of first and second sheets with a layer of ceramic paint; placing the first and second sides of coated translucent glass together such that first principle surfaces are in contact with each other forming a sandwich; applying a layer of material on a portion of an external surface of one of first and second glass sheets that will cause differential heating of the layer of ceramic paint applied to a portion of one of the first principle side of first and second sheets when the sandwich is heated to temperatures which will fuse first and second sheets together; and heating the sandwich to a sufficient temperature for a sufficient time such that first and second coated sheets of glass are fused together.

Abstract: The invention is a device for inspecting an assembly including a surface coating containing magnetic radar-absorbing materials on a conductive surface. In detail, the device includes a first system for transmitting an electromagnetic signal to the assembly, which includes a first waveguide made of a conductive material coupled in series to a second waveguide made of a dielectric material. A second system is provided for receiving the portion of the electromagnetic signal reflected from the assembly, which includes a third waveguide made of a conductive material coupled in series to a fourth waveguide made of a dielectric material. Thus the electromagnetic signal is transmitted from the first waveguide to the second waveguide on to the assembly and the portion of the electromagnetic signal reflected off the assembly is received by the fourth-waveguide and transmitted to the third, waveguide.

Abstract: The invention is a coating applicator assembly for coating a structure. In detail the invention is a spring-loaded a syringe having an outlet port. A semi-flexible tube having first and second ends is coupled by its first end to the outlet port of the syringe. A coating applicator for applying the coating material to the structure in the form of brush or contoured foam.

Abstract: The invention is a sensor pod for mounting on the top surface of the fuselage of an aircraft. The pod it supported by right and left front supports and right and left rear supports that attach to the fuselage on either side of the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. A fifth structural support, aligned with the longitudinal axis of the aircraft, has a first end attached to the fuselage of the aircraft a second end attached to the sensor pod the aircraft.

Abstract: A system for determining uplink transmission quality of timing probe signals sent from a terminal to a satellite the satellite having a system to provide an indicator signal to the terminal as to whether a timing probe signal sent from the terminal has been received thereby. Timing probe signals are sent to the satellite, which determines if they are received. If not received, the satellite informs the terminal. The terminal thereafter increases transmission power until the satellite informs the terminal of receipt. The terminal thereafter adjusts the transmission power downward until the satellite no longer detects the signal. The process is repeated so that terminal power transmission is kept at a minimum.

Abstract: The invention is a material for use in an inflatable aerodynamic braking device for a spacecraft. In detail, the invention includes a plurality of high temperature resistant barrier outer layers. Preferably, the outer layer is made of Aluminoborosilicate fabric. At least one carbon cloth layer is disposed behind said outer layers. A plurality of thermal radiation barrier intermediate layers are disposed behind the at least one carbon cloth layer. The intermediate layers include a plurality of metal foil layers, at least one additional carbon cloth layer interspersed between the metal foil layers. A plurality of metal-coated polymeric layers are disposed behind the metal foil layers, preferably a polyimide fabric coated with Aluminum. The metal foil layers are Aluminum and Titanium. At least one inflatable gas barrier interior layer is disposed behind the intermediate layers, preferably made of a polyimide material.

Abstract: The invention is a circuit and method of limiting the charging voltage applied to an individual cell of a plurality of cells making up a battery being charged in series. It is particularly designed for use with batteries that can be damaged by overcharging, such as Lithium-ion type batteries. In detail, the method includes the following steps: sensing the actual voltage level of the individual cell; comparing the actual voltage level of the individual cell with a specific voltage level and providing an error signal representative thereof; and by-passing the charging current around the individual cell necessary to keep the individual cell voltage level generally equal to the specific voltage level while continuing to charge the remaining cells.

Abstract: The invention is a deployable hinge assembly. In detail the hinge assembly includes first and second hinge members, and a pivot system for pivotally connecting the first and second hinge members together such that the second hinge member is rotatable from an over lapping position with the first hinge member to an inline position therewith. An over center latch mechanism is coupled to the first and second hinge members for moving the second hinge member from the over lapping position to the inline position and locking the second hinge member in the inline position upon activation. A spring is used for activating the over center latch mechanism. Finally, an attenuation device is incorporated for absorbing forces generated by the spring the second hinge member approaches the said position.

Abstract: The invention is a system for retaining a detachable capsule to a spacecraft, with the capsule having a heat shield with a peripheral edge. In detail; the system includes a plurality of detachable retention systems with each retention system including a first strut having first and second ends, with the first end rotatably attached to the spacecraft and said second end terminating in a clamp adapted to mate with a portion of the peripheral edge of the heat shield. A spring biases the first strut away from the capsule's heat shield peripheral edge. A second strut is pivotally attached by its first end to the spacecraft and the second end is attached by an explosively actuated fastener assembly mounted on the first strut at a point between the first and second ends thereof.

Abstract: The sealing assembly for a port of a valve or the like is disclosed. In detail, the sealing assembly includes the port having a circular shaped end with a circular shaped knife-edge thereon. The sealing assembly further includes a hollow cap having a closed first end with an aperture therethrough and an open second end. The cap further includes internal threads adapted to mate with the external threads of the port. A gasket is mounted within the cap having flat first and second principle sides and made of a deformable metal, the first principle side of the gasket for mounting against the circular shaped knife edge of the port. A plunger having a circular shaped disc portion is adapted to fit within the hollow cap and is engagable with the first principle surface of the gasket and includes a shaft portion extending out of the aperture. The cap and shaft of the plunger include external wrenching flats.

Abstract: The device includes an inverted first cup shaped member having a center portion with an aperture therethrough and further having a side wall. A second cup shaped member includes a center portion with and aperture therethrough and a side wall in slidable engagement with the inner wall of the side wall of the first cup forming a compartment therebetween. An is mounted within the compartment which is made of a shape memory alloy having first and second sides at least partially engaged with the center portions of the first and second cups, respectively; and also having an aperture therethrough aligned with the apertures in the center portions of the first and second cups. At least one heating element is mounted about the insert and a flexible compound encapsulates the at least one heating element. The insert can be made from the memory alloy where a deformation undergone in the martensitic state is definitively cancelled out during the passage to the austenitic state.

Abstract: The invention is a composite glass sheet and method of making same. In detail, the composite glass sheet includes first and second translucent ceramic layers, having one principle side coated with ceramic paint, and a sheet of metal foil positioned between the coated sides with the whole assembly fused together. The method includes the steps of: providing first and second sheets of translucent glass having first and second principle sides; coating at least a portion of the first principle sides of the first and second sheets with a layer of ceramic paint; providing a sheet of metal foil between the coated first principle surfaces forming an assembly; and heating the assembly to a sufficient temperature for a sufficient time such that the first and second coated sheets of glass and the metal foil are all fused together.

Abstract: The invention is a viewer for slides having three-dimensional and/or animation type lenticular images recorded thereon in image line sets. In detail, the invention includes a frame. The frame includes a slot for receiving the slide therein having an open end at the top or side of the frame and a closed off opposite end, the slot in a planer relationship with the front and rear walls. The front wall includes a lenticular lens mounted in a planner relation therein, the lens having an internal side forming a portion of the wall of the slot; the lens having a plurality of lenticules therein. The end opposite the open end of the slot is aligned with the lenticules of the lens and positioned within the frame such that a slide positioned in the slot in contact with the opposite end of the slot will have the center of the image line sets in substantial alignment with the center of the lenticules of the lenticular lens.