Abstract: A collapsible fuel tank for aircraft, the tank having rigid top and bottom elements and foldable rigid side walls containing therein a non-vented fluid-impervious elastomeric bladder. When fluid is pumped into the bladder, it distends to deploy the top, bottom, and side walls whereby a box-like structure whose rigid walls protect the bladder is erected. The withdrawal of fluid from the bladder causes it to contract such that the walls are folded and the tank thereby collapsed into a space-saving volume. The tank can be mounted on the outside surface of an aircraft and the contraction of the tank as fuel is expended effects a reduction of the aircraft frontal area to reduce drag.

Abstract: A means of probing a biological cell sample with a optical source to determine the characteristics of the cell image by way of measuring parameters from its two dimensional Fourier transform. These techniques lead to a method of measuring discriminating parameters for cell classification.

Abstract: Apparatus for laying filament reinforced tape in a form, cutting same to a predetermined pattern and molding same in a preferred form.

Abstract: A table assembly of a stand having rods on which collars affixed to a base may slide with a modular vacuum supporting surface rotatably related to the base to permit sideward relocation of the surface and rotation of same to drop articles held thereon as required.

Abstract: An alignment device for aligning the boresight axis of armament with the line-of-sight axis of an optical sight including a novel collimating apparatus for field use. The collimating apparatus includes a collimator and a collimated light beam generator. The collimator includes an objective lens having its optical axis parallel to one of the axes to be aligned, a translucent screen for rear projection and a projection lens between the objective lens and the screen. A remote collimated light beam generator includes a battery energized incandescent light bulb, a projection reticle, and an objective lens for collimating the light source, the optical axis of the lens being parallel to the second of the axes to be aligned. The angular displacement between the axes is indicated by the position of a light spot on the screen.

Abstract: A crew station module that retracts or lowers itself during supersonic cruise flight to provide a small protuberance with adequate pilot vision over the nose and side which module extends or raises itself at takeoff and landing to provide increased downward vision over the nose and sides which module is adaptable for high acceleration cockpit seating i.e. seating that will be adjustable for accommodating variable G-loading upon the occupant such as during combat maneuvers and so forth.

Abstract: A spring-loaded pivoting end plate that is hinged such that it is deployed by centrifugal force into the airstream to thereby act as an aerodynamic brake for wind turbines in overspeed conditions. The brake has a stationary portion fixed on the tip of the turbine rotor and a pivoting portion hinged for movement with respect to the fixed portion. The longitudinal centerline of the brake coincides with the chord line of the turbine blade and the pivoting movement is about a hinge axis that is normal to the rotational plane of the turbine. The planform of the brake has a low aspect ratio shape with the ratio of the fore and aft chordwise length to the width being one or greater. The edges of the brake in the normal running condition extend beyond the contour of the turbine blade to serve as an end plate such that the aerodynamic efficiency of the blade is improved thereby.

Abstract: A laminated drive shaft having integral universal provisions adjacent ends attached to driving and driven members joined by the shaft to transmit torque therebetween while permitting angular misalignment and displacement of these members.

Abstract: A solar heat collector having an array of liquid transporting tubes and a plurality of heat absorber panels joined by a tube gripping accommodation on each panel providing structural integrity and good thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A solar heat collector having an array of liquid transporting tubes and a plurality of heat absorber panels joined by a tube gripping accommodation on each panel providing structural integrity and good thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device comprising a liquid crystal layer intermediate a substrate coated by a surfactant and another substrate coated by a photoconductive and a surfactant thereover that is manufactured by taking cleaned electrically conductive transparent substrates and depositing a photoconductor such as cadmium sulfide to one with thereafter treating that one so as to coat it with a surfactant and at the same time coat the other substrate with a surfactant before joining the substrates with a liquid crystal therebetween whose molecules are oriented by the said surfactant.

Abstract: A means of probing a biological cell sample with a optical source to determine the characteristics of the cell image by way of measuring parameters from its two dimensional Fourier transform. These techniques lead to a method of measuring discriminating parameters for cell classification.

Abstract: A thrust reverser nozzle for coaxial-flow turbofan engines comprising target-type deflector doors which are hinged for deployment about a fixed axis by means of actuation about single fixed pivots mounted on support structure on either side of the engine nacelle rearward portion. The deflector door's outer surfaces are shaped to match existing aerodynamic contours of the aircraft engine nacelle so as to provide a lower boattail angle for improved drag characteristics in the stowed or normal flight position. In that position, the deflector door interior configuration comprises a portion upstream of the engine exhaust nozzle exit plane and a downstream "fishmouth" portion through which flows hot engine exhaust gases surrounded circumferentially by cool air discharged from the engine fan.

Abstract: Apparatus for laying filament reinforced tape in a form, cutting same to a predetermined pattern and molding same in a preferred form.

Abstract: A method and apparatus therefor using the stress wave phenomenon for sizing and working a hole in a workpiece. A mandrel of the desired size, shape, and finish is "driven" into the hole by a stress wave to work the hole and impart thereto a desired shape, size, and finish. Electromagnetic means are used to generate the stress wave whose characteristics are such that it can be propagated through the mandrel and into the workpiece with a pulse energy level, rise rate, and duration sufficient to put the material in the walls of the hole into a condition of plastic flow so that a permanent deformation thereof conforming to the working area of the mandrel is achieved. A straight or a tapered hole can be worked or a straight hole can be converted into a tapered hole having the desired final shape, size, and finish. In a further embodiment, the mandrel used in the method can be the fastener for which the hole has been drilled.

Abstract: An airplane having a fuselage, a high wing projecting from the upper part of the fuselage to either side first at an upward angle and then slightly downwardly whereby said wing presents a gull wing frontal contour, fins to either side and forward of and at the bottom of the fuselage with ducted fans nested to the wing under the high point of the gull wing frontal contour to be unobstructed thereby.

Abstract: An indicator panel on the exterior of an airplane having indicators operatively connected to systems and components with switches interposed to provide on call to an observer outside of the airplane the ability to function of the indicators in checking the airplane's previous inflight and post flight operational status of such systems and components of the vehicle with the indicators being grouped on the panel as to the various systems and components.

Abstract: A coupling of two members having spherical sealing surfaces to accommodate misalignment of conduits coupled thereby which coupling has one member having a cylindrical portion mechanically maintaining the coupling with the other member having a surface to cooperate with the cylindrical portion.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring the retroreflectance properties of surfaces to angles including an angle of zero degrees of the incident beam. The instrument comprises a source of collimated radiation, a beam splitter such as a cube biprism, a beam chopper, a radiation sensor system operated in a coherent detection mode with the chopper, and indicating and/or recording means. A beam of radiation aimed at a normal incidence at the surface of the test specimen is passed through the biprism which has its 45.degree. diagonal semi-reflecting surface interposed in the beam. The undesirable part of the beam is reflected off the diagonal surface to and through one of the sides of the biprism and the reflection back therefrom passes through the diagonal surface and then travels to the radiation sensor. The desirable part of the beam from the radiation source goes directly through the diagonal surface and passes to the surface of the specimen.

Abstract: Coil means between an annular casing electrode and a core casing electrode providing contact for high amplitude current conduction and flexibility during magnetic and structural loading in achieving substantially greater operational life in use with stress wave tooling.