Abstract: A fastener system for joining together the nested ends of first and second generally tubular housing members in a tight-fitting, leak-proof manner by the use of at least one tightly compressed O-ring. The first housing member has at one end a reduced diameter external portion of finite length, around which an encircling external groove is located, whereas the second housing member has an interior portion sized so as to be able to closely receive the reduced diameter external portion of the first housing member. An encircling groove is formed around a portion of the interior of the second housing member, whereby upon the joinder portions of the first and second housing members being tightly interfitted, the encircling grooves will be brought into substantial alignment, to define an annular cavity of a size larger than either of the encircling grooves individually, into which cavity an elongate locking strip or splice ring can be readily inserted for a substantial distance, to lock the members tightly together.

Abstract: An optical system utilized to provide guidance information in the form of a modulated beam for a beamrider missile during its rocket powered flight phase. Our system comprises first and second zoom type optical subsystems arranged to function cooperatively in object space, utilizing coincident lines of sight, with these optical subsystems serving to provide guidance information to the missile when the exhaust plume from its rocket engine is relatively difficult to penetrate. The first optical subsystem is utilized in a closed loop servo system for positioning a mirror gimballed about two axes, such that it continuously tracks the missile. The second optical subsystem, along the optical axis of which the modulated beam is directed, comprises a negative optical group and a positive optical group combined into a defocusable beam expander.

Abstract: There is described an optical acoustic sensor that is pressure-compensated for operation in high-pressure environments such as the deep sea and that may be employed in multi-sensor arrays. The sensor includes an acoustically responsive diaphragm that is illuminated by light conducted through an optical fiber and that reflects the light back into the fiber. Light waves reflected by the diaphragm and fiber end interfere, and the resulting interference is conducted by the optical fiber to a to a photodetector and associated signal processing electronics such as a phase generated carrier demodulator. Pressure compensation is provided to equalize the static pressure on both sides of the diaphragm. Additionally, an array of sensors is described that employs optical time division multiplexing.

Abstract: An optical arrangement for use in boresighting a plurality of optical paths utilized in a missile beam guidance system, to the target trackers used therewith. A boresight module optical bed supports a plurality of retro-reflective optical assemblies in a closely spaced array, and nearby is a rotational optical assembly in which is mounted an integrated laser system for providing beam guidance to a missile. The rotational optical assembly also contains a plurality of target trackers, and in a first operational mode, the laser of the rotational assembly is successively utilized in conjunction with the retro-reflective optical assemblies in order to accurately and conveniently boresight the trackers. Thereafter, the trackers are used in the acquisition and tracking of a target, and the laser is utilized for guiding the missile to intercept the target.

Abstract: A single instruction multiple data systolic array processor having provision for local address generation, direct access to external devices, and programmable cell interconnectivity for providing great versatility while at the same time retaining the advantages of the SIMD architecture.

Abstract: A conformal image processing apparatus and method in which image information is quantized into volume elements which are represented and stored in an array in such a fashion as to preserve their positional and orientational correlations. Data thus stored may be easily manipulated to model a number of three-dimensional operatoins on sensed objects and volumes.

Abstract: An improved pumping arrangement for use in a face pumped or edge pumped slab laser, this arrangement comprising upper and lower housing members able to be removably secured together in an operational relationship. The lower housing member has in a central portion thereof, a body of solid state laser host material, with the laser host material typically having a rectangular cross-section with top and bottom surfaces, opposing side surfaces, and opposing end faces. The lower housing member also is configured to have a pair of spaces running the length of the laser host material. The upper housing member has on its underside, a pair of parallel flashlamps set a distance apart. The lower housing member is able to receive the upper housing member in an interfitted, operative relationship, in which the flashlamps are received in the respective spaces alongside the body of solid state laser host material.

Abstract: An electromechanical motion amplifier in accordance with this invention is useful for controllably converting an input displacement into an amplified output displacement. This device comprises a first piston movable within a predetermined range of travel along an axis in response to the input displacement, and a second piston movable within a predetermined amplified range of travel along such axis. Force transmission means cooperating with the first and second pistons is utilized for effecting movement of the second piston in response to movement of the first piston. The relationship between the first and second pistons is such that movement of the first piston along the axis produces amplified movement of the second piston along the axis in a selected direction. In a preferred embodiment, the force transmission means is an elastomer, and the second piston is connected to a valve located in a nearby chamber, so as to directly control the positioning of the valve.

Abstract: An improvement to frames for supporting circuit boards is disclosed and includes a circuit board support member controllably positionable within the confines of the frame to support a circuit board which does not run the full length of the frame. The support member permits the use of a single frame to support circuit boards of differing longitudinal dimensions.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting, and then specifically locating, a leaking tube or tubes from among a plurality of tubes which extend through a chamber and are accessible at their opposite ends from outside the chamber, such as, for example, cooling tubes of a steam condenser. The system includes a reservoir containing a supply of tracer fluid, a plurality of conduits forming a matrix which releases tracer fluid in a controllable manner into predetermined groups of tubes without interruption of the flow of normal process fluid through all of the tubes, and a detector for sampling process fluid normally flowing through the chamber for the presence of tracer fluid, the detection of tracer fluid being indicative of a leak and the capability of controllably releasing tracer fluid to the tubes permitting the localization of which specific tube is leaking.

Abstract: An improved system for recovering CO.sub.2 from flue gases containing SO.sub.2 at low CO.sub.2 partial pressure. The system includes the use of K.sub.2 CO.sub.3 as the solvent, regeneration of the solvent, and removal of SO.sub.2 and SO.sub.4.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy and vice versa, which advantageously utilizes the phenomenon known as contact charging. A metallic first member is urged into intimate abutting contact along a surface thereof with a surface of a second member formed from semiconductor material. The abutting surfaces of the members are each divided into a plurality of segments such that relative movement between the members, while the members are retained in abutting contact, results in the capacitance of the device varying within predetermined limits. Four preferred embodiments of the device are contemplated. In the first embodiment the area of contact between the abutting surfaces is caused to synchronously vary between predetermined limits. In the second, third, and fourth embodiments the contact area remains constant and, instead, the surface characteristics of the second member are controllably varied to thereby cause the variance in capacitance.

Abstract: A polycrystalline sample is irradiated with a collimated beam of substantially monochromatic X-ray radiation to form a diffraction come which extends and expands outwardly from the sample. A substantially planar, two-dimensional, position sensitive detector is disposed across the cone to intercept and thereby form a two-dimensional image of at least a substantial portion of the cone's cross-sectional periphery. A theoretical relationship exists between the shape of the cone's image and the residual stress in the sample such that the image can be analyzed to quantitatively determine the residual stress.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing vertical recording media by using magnetically-assisted sputtering apparatus to sputter from a magnetic target while selected portions of the target are heated to a temperature at or above Curie. Also disclosed are improved means for supporting the magnetic target during sputtering which permits the realization of enhanced sputtering efficiencies.

Abstract: Optical elements for vessel navigation lights, providing improved and inexpensive means for achieving uniform, luminous intensity over a sharply bounded horizontal arc of visibility, and also for achieving a desired vertical arc of visibility, comprise means for projecting light from a diffuse source or an array or mosaic of point sources into a field the horizontal and vertical arcs of which can be precisely defined. The disclosure encompasses two geometric configurations for projecting light, symmetrical and asymmetrical, compound parabolic concentrators, each of which may be constructed as either a reflective cavity or a refractive dielectric, thereby to provide four basic designs for achieving uniform illumination over various horizontal arcs of visibility. In addition, the disclosure encompasses three modes of diffuse light projection to achieve uniform illumination over various vertical arcs of visibility.

Abstract: A process for effecting flame retardation of fibrous structures, such as fabrics, particularly fabrics made from mixtures of natural and synthetic fibers, such as cotton and nylon. The process includes the steps of contacting the fabric to be treated with halomonomers and/or inorganic salts, followed by fluorocarbon grafting, and then by photohalogenation. The aforesaid treatment results in fabrics which are not only flame resistant but also have improved hand, manifested by softness, silkiness, and unwettability of the resulting fabric.

Abstract: A roof structure wherein a water impermeable membrane is fabricated upon a roof deck and a thermal insulation layer affixed upon the membrane. The insulation layer is thereafter coated with a suitable adhesive material and particles of inorganic particulate attached thereto, whereby a toothing surface is formed upon which is applied a mortar based insulative-protective layer. Alternatively, and in lieu of said mortar based layer, a first water impermeable layer formed of bituminous material may be disposed upon said toothing surface, followed by disposition upon said first layer of a second water impermeable layer formed of elastomeric material having radiant energy reflective material admixed therewith. Optionally, said first layer may be omitted from the roof structure and said second layer placed directly on the toothing surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is means adapted for use in combination with magnetically-enhanced sputtering devices whereby said devices are rendered more useful for sputter-coating substrates susceptible to heat-induced deterioration. Said means comprises a screen-like mesh or grid member disposed intermediate the target of said device and the substrate to be coated, and in such a position that said means is also disposed across the magnetic field formed by said device. Said screen-like mesh or grid member is formed of material which is magnetizable in response to the disposition thereof across said magnetic field. Said screen-like mesh or grid member has the desirable effect of suppressing the expansion of heated plasma whereby said plasma is confined to a region proximate said target and generally away from said substrate. Also disclosed is improved anodic means for collecting fast electrons emitted from said target.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing vertical recording media by using magnetically-assisted sputtering apparatus to sputter from a magnetic target while selected portions of the target are heated to a temperature at or above Curie. Also disclosed are improved means for supporting the magnetic target during sputtering which permits the realization of enhanced sputtering efficiencies.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adjustable support frame for an adjustable bed or the like comprising an articulable load-bearing portion having a head element articulably connected to said base, a middle element articulably connected to said head element, and a foot element articulably connected to said middle element. Adjustable support means communicate between said base and each of said middle and foot elements for both supporting said elements over said base as well as for adjusting the position of said elements relative to each other and to said base without affecting the position of said head element relative to said base.