Abstract: An ultrasonic flaw detection system automatically measures attenuation of an input signal from a receiver transducer that provides a reference level. Successive amplifier stages having stepped gains provide graduated output levels that are detected and stored by individual peak readers. Sampled output levels are compared in comparators and with a reference voltage generated by a digital-to-analog converter to produce a binary output corresponding to each signal as a first coarse attenuation level. Logic control and timing circuitry selects the output level corresponding to one of the signals having a peak voltage in a predetermined range. A logarithmic converter and comparator provide a fine attenuation reading which is summed with the coarse reading in digital form. This is decoded and displayed as a total attenuation readout.

Abstract: In a forward-looking infared system of the type in which a cryogenically led infared detector array drives a light-emitting array whose video output is focused onto the target of an electro-optical multiplexer, such as a vidicon tube, which drives a CRT display, the video chain may be tested without cool-down of the infared detector. A point-source of light, such as a tungsten lamp mounted forward of and at the side of the vidicon target, is energized to project light onto the target surface at an acute angle, setting up a gradient of light intensity across each of the horizontally scanned lines.

Abstract: A military vehicle comprising a hull that is equipped with a rotary turret nd an external gun thereabove; external power means is provided to elevate the gun bodily and turn the gun in the elevation plane. The gun is equipped with at least one ammunition supply tube that can be periodically replenished from an ammunition storage means in the hull without human assistance (other than actuation of control switches or valves).

Abstract: The A.C. synthesizer is a unit developing several hundred watts at 60 Hz by ulse-width modulation techniques, with an 8 KHz sawtooth oscillator modulating a 60 Hz reference. Several failure modes common to electronic equipment caused the output stages designed for a pulse rate of 8 KHz to experience inputs from 60 Hz to as low as D.C., which inputs destroy expensive transistors. The addition of a retriggerable "one-shot" (monostable multivibrator) to inhibit the pulse width modulator output if not retriggered each 8 KHz cycle eliminates the catastrophic effect of most failure modes, allowing the output stage to reject low frequency pulses.

Abstract: A variable resistance gas sensor controls the output frequency of a varia frequency tone generator. A tone decoder monitors the output frequency of the tone generator. When the gas concentration attains a predetermined threshold value, the tone decoder produces an output signal which activates a latch circuit to energize an alarm device. The latch circuit continues to energize the alarm device even after the gas concentration is reduced below the threshold value until manually reset.

Abstract: A rocket training round is disclosed to utilize a frangible nose cone conning dye marker material. Upon impact at a target the nose cone breaks thus releasing the dye marker which creates a dye cloud visible within a range of 3,000 meters.

Abstract: A fluidic accelerometer and electromagnetic transducer formed from a plurty of vertical laminations having a nozzle, a pair of outlets for receiving nozzle fluid and a flexible member as an extension of one of the laminations which forms a vertical wall of said nozzle extending into a chamber between the nozzle and the outlets. The flexible member is responsive to acceleration or electromagnetic forces transverse the nozzle centerline to vary the proportion of nozzle fluid received by each outlet. The flexible member is separated from the horizontal walls of the chamber by a selected small distance to create sufficient viscous shear force to effectuate damping.

Abstract: A highly efficient time integrating acousto-optic correlator which determs the time difference of arrival of the signals being correlated as well as the center frequency and bandwidth of the signals. A surface acoustic wave delay line is provided with two counter-propagating surface acoustic waves with wavefronts tilted with respect to each other. Two laser beams are directed across the propagating waves with an angle of 4.theta..sub..beta. between them where .theta..sub..beta. is the Bragg angle, so that one beam interacts primarily with one propagating wave while the other beam interacts primarily with the other wave. The modulated optical beams are directed to a time-integrating photodetector means which provides a signal output corresponding to the correlation function.

Abstract: A ceramic substrate is rapidly coated with a uniform coating of copper by ating the ceramic substrate to about 250.degree. C., adding an aqueous slurry of an inorganic copper salt to the ceramic substrate at that temperature, and heating the coated ceramic in a reducing atmosphere at about 800.degree. C.

Abstract: A dispenser for feeding an optical glass fiber from a missile to provide a ommunication link from the missile to the ground; the dispenser includes a supply of optical fiber and a source of pressurized gas mounted in a housing having an orifice through which the optical fiber is fed and the gas exhausted during the feeding of the optical fiber from the missile.

Abstract: Manufactures, apparatus and process for shielding the hazards of explosiv pyrotechnics and propellants during manufacture, demolition, demilitarization storage, transportation and use.

Abstract: A discarding sabot munition utilizes a plurality of gusset strengthened st segments to structurally support and spacially position fore and aft bore-riding sabot members to reduce connecting mid-section mass. Radially disposed gusset plates permit a fin-stabilized projectile to be safely launched by a reduced mass sabot with increased velocity and kinetic energy.

Abstract: A cw chemical laser which uses processed radioactive waste to produce act atoms from a chemically inactive gas before being mixed with another molecule such as hydrogen or deuterium is disclosed. This laser uses no toxic or corrosive fuels and does not require any electrical or other type of auxiliary power supply. The energy released by the radioactive material is used to produce the active atoms such as fluorine. This is accomplished by using the radiation products from processed radioactive waste to dissociate the inert gas in the plenum of the laser. The radioactive material is held in the passageway walls of a device similar to a heat exchanger. The exchanger device may be located in the gas generator section of a chemical laser. The inactive gas is passed through the exchanger device and while passing through it the radiation from the radioactive material dissociates the gas, producing a concentration of free active atoms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simply and accurately determining the index of refraction of semiconductor materials, etalon bars and materials transparent to infrared radiation. The channel spectra of the material is obtained by passing through it a portion of radiation from a continuously tuned diode laser. Another portion of the diode laser radiation is heterodyned with radiation from a CO.sub.2 laser to obtain heterodyne marker beats. The channel spectra and marker beats are displayed in conjunction whereby the frequency difference between the marker beats can be related to the number of fringes in the channel spectra between the marker beats.

Abstract: A fuel injection system wherein the fuel pressure can be varied or adjusted n accordance with different engine loading conditions. The system includes an accumulator and a source of high-pressure gas for raising the accumulator pressure in accordance with step increases in the fuel pressure. A pressure-operated piston valve is provided to communicate the accumulator with the gas pressure source or with an atmospheric vent, as necessary to raise or lower the accumulator pressure.

Abstract: Manufactures, apparatus and processes for shielding the hazards of exploss, pyrotechnics and propellants during manufacture, demolition, demilitarization storage, transportation and use.

Abstract: An electronic detection system for detecting intruders employs a transmisn line as a sensing element. In one embodiment the transmission line is a modified surface-wave transmission line, for example, a Goubau line, which is positioned about the perimeter of the area to be protected. An intruder in the field of the line causes an RF reflection back toward the source, which reflection may be detected by Doppler range-gating techniques. In other embodiments of the invention, the transmission line is an insulated, twisted wire pair or a deformable transmission line. In some instances, the transmission line may be replaced with an active or passive pressure line.

Abstract: Apparatus for accurately measuring the power of a pulsed laser without blocking or unduly perturbing the beam. The power of the beam is accurately and reliably measured by measuring the pressure of air which is expanded by heat from the laser beam.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle having power mechanism for temporarily increasing the suspension force on the centermost roadwheels and decreasing the suspension force on the endmost roadwheels during a vehicle turning action. The temporary change in distribution of the suspension force tends to reduce skidding forces that impede vehicle turn action.

Abstract: In a vehicle wherein road wheel travel is controlled by a hydraulic damper hose flow is controlled by a spring-urged metering valve, the improvement wherein the valve spring comprises a helical spring having a constant load-deflection curve and a plurality of coned spring disks having variable load-deflection curves. The preferred suspension for cross-country operation exhibits a relatively hard response to minor bumps, a soft floating response to major bumps, and a comparatively hard snubber-like response to abnormally large bumps. Movement in the rebound direction can be substantially unrestricted, controlled by conventional springs, or controlled by spring stacks similar to those described herein. Conversely, for operation on hard surfaced roads the major control functions could be reversed.