Abstract: A shading device capable of compactly storing a flexible shade on a biased, window-shade type spring roller and controlled to deliver the shade selectively to either its operative shading or compact storage orientation.

Abstract: A self-contained, single-use hose and tubing cleaning module which utilizes available water supplies without requiring access to precision cleaning facilities. The module is attached to the water source at the inlet side and to the hose or tubing to be cleaned at the outlet side. The water flows through a water purification zone, a detergent dispensing zone and a filtration zone before the detergent-laden water flows into the tubing to clean the tubing walls. The module contains an embedded pad which is impregnated with a pH indicator to indicate to the user when the detergent has dissolved and rinsing of the tubing begins.

Abstract: A rotary coupling for connecting a driven part to a source of rotary force transmits rotary force in one direction only and disengages to permit the driven part to free wheel when the input member is stopped and precludes the backdriving of rotary force from output member to input member. The coupling includes an input member having a splined shaft, a coupling member connected to the splined shaft, and a co-axial output member. The coupling member and the output member having complementary sets of axially facing clutch teeth. Guides in the form of helical grooves on the coupling member and spring loaded followers acting with the guides affect the engagement and disengagement of the clutch teeth by moving the coupling member toward and away from output member, the followers and guides themselves disengaging to permit free wheeling of output member when input member is stopped.

Abstract: A self-erecting joint for a pair of hinged, tubular members in which the hinging is located at corresponding portions of the members and the opposite edge portions are connected by spring-biased toggle links which in the unfolded position of the members are nested against one of the members in substantial alignment and over-center for securely locking the joint in the unfolded condition.

Abstract: A spillage detector device for use in conjunction with fractionation of liquid chromatography systems which includes a spillage receiving enclosure (34) beneath the fractionation area. A sensing device (36) having a plurality of electrodes (46) of alternating polarity is mounted within the spillage receiving enclosure (34). Detection circuitry (38), responsive to conductivity between electrodes (46), is operatively connected to the sensing device (36). The detection circuitry (38) feeds into the output circuitry (38). The output circuit has relaying and switching circuitry directed to a solenoid (60), an alarm system (118) and a pump (4). The solenoid (60) is connected to the pliable conduit (22) of the chromatography system. The alarm system comprises an audio alarm (190) and a visual signal (120). A 115-volt power system interconnected with the pump (4), the solenoid (60), the sensing device (36), and the detection and output circuitry (38).

Abstract: A fluid sampler for collecting a plurality of discrete samples over separate time intervals. The sampler comprises a sample assembly having an inlet and a plurality of discreet sample tubes each of which has inlet and outlet sides. A multiport dual acting valve is provided in the sampler in order to sequentially pass air from the sample inlet into the selected sample tubes. The sample tubes extend longitudinally of the housing and are located about the outer periphery thereof so that upon removal of an enclosure cover, they are readily accessible for operation of the sampler in an analysis mode.

Abstract: A monogroove high capacity heat pipe has compact evaporator section 30 formed of a plurality of parallel legs 32 which are in fluid communication with a manifold 36 which is in fluid communication with the condensor section 40 encased in a heat radiating fin 42.

Abstract: A triangular space station deployable in orbit. The framework is comprised of three trusses, formed of a pair of generally planar faces comprised of foldable struts which expand and lock into rigid structural engagement forming a repetition of equilateral triangles and non-folding diagonal struts interconnecting the two faces. The struts are joined together by node fittings. The framework can be packaged into a size and configuration which can be transported by a space shuttle orbiter in a single orbital flight and when deployed, provides large work/construction area and ample planar surface area for solar panels and thermal radiators. A plurality of modules are secured to the framework and then joined by tunnels to comprise an interconnected modular array disposed along the free edges of the framework. Thruster units for space station orientation and altitude maintenance are provided.

Abstract: Test apparatus for determining ignition characteristics of various metal in oxidizer environments simulating operating conditions for materials, the test apparatus has a chamber (6) through which the oxidizing agent flows, and means for mounting a stationary test sample (36) therein, a powered, rotating shaft (E) in the chamber rigidly mounts a second test sample (35). The shaft is axially movable to bring the samples into frictional engagement and heated to the ignition point. Instrumentation 16, 32, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 connected to the apparatus provides for observation of temperatures, pressures, loads on and speeds of the rotating shaft, and torques whereby components of stressed oxygen systems can be selected which will avoid accidental fires under working conditions.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated device for applying a test load to a bearing or the like to prove the integrity of its mounting or staking within a bore in a housing such as a gear case or the like. To accommodate limited access situations the device is constructed in a right angle configuration in which a hydraulic cylinder 21 applies axial pressure to a first thrust rod assembly which includes first thrust rod 18 through threaded spindle 22 driving a linearly translated cam 32 engaging a cam follower wheel 36 to transfer the translation to a second thrust rod assembly which includes a horizontal shaft 38 and spindle 45 within a cross-arm housing portion 11 and a tubular housing portion 17. The same second thrust direction applies the bearing loading in either of two directions depending upon the shape of the interface parts comprising interface part 57, washer 58, and interface part 60 at the extremities of the spindle 45 and its tubular housing portion 17.

Abstract: A method for determining the alignment of adjoining metal objects is provd. The method comprises producing an X-ray image of adjoining surfaces of the two metal objects, the X-ray beam being tangential to the point the surfaces are joined. The method is particularly applicable where the alignment of the two metal objects is not readily susceptible to visual inspection.

Abstract: A linear motion valve is provided. The valve spool employs magnetically permeable rings, spaced apart axially, which engage a sealing assembly having magnetically permeable pole pieces in magnetic relationship with a magnet. The gap between the ring and the pole pieces is sealed with a ferrofluid. Depletion of the ferrofluid is minimized.

Abstract: An improved photosensor film and liquid crystal light valves embodying said film is provided. The photosensor film and liquid crystal light valve is characterized by a significant lower image retention time while maintaining acceptable photosensitivity. The photosensor film is produced by sputter depositing CdS onto an ITO substrate in an atmosphere of aqrgon/H.sub.2 S gas while maintaining the substrate at a temperature in the range of about 130.degree. C. to about 200.degree. C. and while introducing nitrogen gas into the system to the extent of not more than about 1% of plasma mixture. Following sputter deposition of the CdS, the film is annealed in an inert gas at temperatures ranging from about 300.degree. C. to about 425.degree. C.

Abstract: This invention provides a light transmitting assembly that can, at will, be changed from a state of transparency to one of translucency. It comprises two parallel spaced apart panes of transparent material, such as glass, with a film of polytetrafluoroethane, which is inherently translucent or opaque, disposed between. The assembly is rendered transparent by introducing a fluid into the assembly to substantially cover a surface of the film; the fluid having a refractive index corresponding to the refractive index of the film. The translucency is restored by removing the fluid.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a self-contained spray applicator for one handed operation in a zero gravity vacuum environment by a free-flying astronaut not attached to any spacecraft while avoiding contamination of the operator by back spray.Said applicator includes a rigid accumulator (12) for containment of a fluid (17) within a flexible bladder (16), the fluid being urged out of the accumulator under pressure through a spray gun (13). The spray gun includes a spring loaded lockable trigger (47) which controls a valve (56). When in an open position, the fluid passes through the valve into the ambient environment in the form of a spray. A spray shield (14) is provided which directs the flow of the spray from the applicator by trapping errant particles of spray yet allowing the passage of escaping gases through its material. This reduces the reactive force exerted by the escaping spray on the operator of the applicator.

Abstract: A screen mesh artery (50) supported concentrically within the evaporator section (20) of a heat pipe liquid channel (27) retains liquid (41) in the channel (27) and thereby assures continued and uniform liquid feed to the heat pipe evaporation section (20) during periods of excessive heat transfer.

Abstract: A releasable support device comprising a hollow body (A) with a sleeve (B) extending transversely therethrough for receiving the end of a support shank (E). A slider-latch (C), optionally lubricated, extends through side recesses (23) in the sleeve to straddle the shank, respectively, in latched and released positions. The slider-latch is slid from its latched to its unlatched position by a pressure squib (10) whereupon a spring (24) or other pressure means pushes the shank out of the sleeve. At the same time, a follower element (D) is lodged in and closes the hole in the body wall from which the shank was discharged.

Abstract: A pair of spool valves C and D connected in tandem are balanced between pressures of reactant gases supplied to a fuel cell power plant G to control the pressure differences between the gases so as to maintain those pressures substantially in the proportions necessary for operation of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A video level control system 10 is provided which generates a normalized video signal for a camera processing circuit. The video level control system 10 includes a lens iris 12 which provides a controlled light signal to a camera tube 14. The camera tube 14 converts the light signal provided by the lens iris 12 into electrical signals. A feedback circuit 22 in response to the electrical signals generated by the camera tube 14, provides feedback signals to the lens iris 12 and the camera tube. This assures that a normalized video signal is provided in a first illumination range. An automatic gain control loop 50, which is also responsive to the electrical signals generated by the camera tube 14, operates in tandem with the feedback circuit 22. This assures that the normalized video signal is maintained in a second illumination range.

Abstract: A novel self-metering and dispensing device for fluids obtained from a pressurized fluid supply is provided. Tubing and valving means permit the introduction of fluid into and discharge from a closed cylindrical reservoir. The reservoir contains a slideably disposed piston coacting with a coil compression spring, piston travel determining the amount of fluid in the reservoir. Once the determined amount of fluid is introduced into the reservoir, the fluid is discharged by the force of the coil compression spring acting upon the piston.