Abstract: A multilayer printed circuit board has a plurality of planar layers formed with signal conductor lines and return lines grouped around the conductor lines to form pseudo-coaxial transmission lines. The return lines are grouped symmetrically around each signal line, e.g. two, four, or eight return lines at circumferential positions around each signal line. Ground and power planes may be formed with the multilayer structure for shielding and/or for powering electronic components mounted on the structure. The multilayer techniques can also be used to form a multilayer extender card which minimizes crosstalk and is reduced in cost and assembly time as compared to conventional extender boards.

Abstract: A sealing plug for a multi-contact electrical connector which precludes the necessity for installation of separate end-seal plugs and spare pin contacts to effect the environmental sealing of non-used pin contact cavities in the connector.

Abstract: A solar energy transfer spoiler assembly, comprises of a base for supporting the remaining elements of the assembly, an azimuth and elevation drive mechanism, a moving structure frame, a plurality of energy collecting elements, a first spoiler and a second spoiler. The first end of the base is fixedly secured to the ground, and the second end is attached to the azimuth and elevation drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is comprised of an azimuth drive motor and gearing, and the elevation drive motor and gearing. The moving structure is rotatably attached to the azimuth and elevation gears for free gimboling movement by the drive mechanism. The moving structure is a rectangular shaped frame having disposed thereon a plurality of energy collecting elements. Attached to the leading edge of the moving structure frame is the first spoiler or pair of spoilers if the frame is of the split unit design.

Abstract: An intelligent, optoelectronic docking system for use in manned or unmanned spacecraft for automatically docking with a target spacecraft. The system is a multifaceted, active sensor using a controlling microprocessor to integrate the operation of independently triggerable laser sources for target illumination and optical receiver arrays for target detection. Returning signal waveforms are processed to sense the direction, range, and attitude of a target docking surface which may be equipped with passive optical aids to enhance the reflective signature. The docking system reconfigures its active sensor elements as the target range closes by sequentially employing three laser transceiver arrangements. As a result, the system effectively tracks a target from a range of several hundred meters down to a range of only a few centimeters.

Abstract: A variable center distance insertion device for attaching varying sized parts which have leads extending therefrom to a board, such as a printed circuit board, having holes therethrough. The device includes an inserter assembly disposed above the board and an anvil assembly disposed below the board. The inserter assembly and the anvil assembly each includes an arrangement of a motor, a threaded spindle and nuts which permit adjustment of the bending, cutting, inserting and clinching components of the two assemblies to positions adjacent the holes into which the leads of the parts are to be inserted.

Abstract: A hinge assembly which includes two sleeves, two U-channels, a spring to effect pivotal movement between the sleeves and several links which both transmit drive force from the spring and act as an overcenter latch to lock the hinge assembly in an unfolded configuration. Each U-channel is disposed within one of the sleeves and is pivotally connected to the other U-channel to provide the pivotal connection between the sleeves. The spring and links are contained within the interior of the hinge assembly to provide a smooth, snag resistant exterior.

Abstract: A deployable truss which includes at least one foldable module. Each module includes two fixed frames, two gate assemblies, two base members and diagonal braces which are arranged for folding compactly. Foldable panels can also be attached to the module. The truss can include multiple modules sharing common fixed frames or common gate assemblies.

Abstract: An ultrasonic liquid jet probe for coupling ultrasonic waves with a structure. The probe includes an ultrasonic transducer for emitting or receiving ultrasonic waves, a housing disposed about the transducer and in fluid communication with a source of liquid under pressure, and a nozzle for shaping the flow of liquid into a round jet column and guiding the ultrasonic waves between the transducer and the liquid jet column. The interior of the housing includes first and second chambers fluidly connected by elongated conduits to impart a substantially laminar flow to the liquid flowing into the nozzle which promotes the stability of the liquid jet column discharged from the nozzle.

Abstract: A submunition having an infrared detector disposed in a nose portion thereof, the detector having a narrow angularly-displaced field of view, and vanes for causing the submunition to rotate at an essentially constant rate while in flight, thus to cause the infrared detector to scan a target area and to detect the presence of a target having a selected higher temperature than the background infrared radiation. The submunition includes a small explosive charge sheet disposed on its outer surface and concentrated in one area, and firing pulse generation means for firing the charge. When the infrared detector scans past a detectable target within the target area, it produces a detection signal that triggers a firing pulse from the firing pulse generation means, thereby firing the explosive charge to create a lateral impulse or offset of the submunition.

Abstract: A method of making rings which includes the steps of placing tubes into a container, filling the container with a bonding material in liquid form, solidifying the bonding material within the container, slicing the container into wafers and then removing the bonding material from the wafers leaving the rings as a residual product. The wafers can also be metalized in order to metalize the upper and lower faces of the rings embedded therein.

Abstract: A high force-gain valve including a housing having first and second openings therein, a fluid diverter fixed in position within the housing and aligned with the second opening, a translatable gate closely surrounding the diverter and having a sealing edge which in the closed position seats against the portion of the housing adjacent the second opening, and a positioner for translating the gate between open and closed positions. The gate is hollow, its interior being in fluid communication with the interior of the housing, and has a beveled sealing edge, exposing most of the sealing edge to the fluid pressure within the housing, and is therefore force balanced. The force balancing permits the gate to be easily and quickly translated and positioned between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A composite mirror and a method for making the mirror. The mirror has an aluminum reflective surface and coatings of aluminum oxide, chromium and gold deposited thereon, thus making the mirror highly reflective yet corrosion resistant. The method of making the mirror includes the steps of polishing the aluminum surface and depositing the coatings in sequence.

Abstract: A box truss hoop which is defined by circumferentially adjacent collapsible boxes. The hoop is expandable radially from a compact, folded configuration to a deployed hoop configuration. Each of the boxes includes collapsible inner and outer frames, connecting side members extending between the inner and outer frames and diagonal braces. When employed as an antenna, the box truss hoop includes a shaped reflective surface extending across the hoop and a feed located at the focus of the reflective surface.

Abstract: A bead for connecting cords. The bead includes holes therethrough through which the cords extend and adhesive in the holes for bonding the cords to the bead. A method is also described for adjusting the lengths of and connecting cords and includes the steps of fabricating a bead with holes, inserting cords through the holes, attaching a clamp to a cord whose length is to be adjusted, inserting shims between the bead and clamp so as to position the bead, introducing adhesive into the holes, and removing the clamp and shims.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated valve which includes a one-piece valve body, a linearly translatable poppet for selectively blocking an aperture in the valve body, a magnetically operable rotor, a magnetic collar or electromagnetic coil external to the valve body for inducing rotation of the rotor, and a screw and nut arrangement for converting rotational motion of the rotor into linear motion of the poppet.

Abstract: A motor driven hinge assembly for effecting relative pivotal motion between hinged members. The assembly includes first and second members hinged together, drive links slidingly connected to the first member and pivotally connected to the second member, a motor disposed within the first member and a gear train and lead screw connecting the motor with the drive links. Actuation of the motor effects pivotal motion of the second member relative to the first member between folded and unfolded positions.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a diamond heat sink which includes the steps of metalizing a diamond, temporarily attaching the diamond to a base plate, electroplating the exposed surfaces of the diamond with at least a primary metallic layer to provide a metallic base, and separating the base plate from the diamond thereby leaving the diamond heat sink.

Abstract: A process for reducing high temperature oxidation of graphite electrodes for steel making by coating the electrodes with a siloxane fluid, such as dimethylpolysiloxane. Silicon carbide particles can be suspended in the siloxane fluid to improve coating characteristics.

Abstract: A low profile fuel injection system for a thrust augmenter to a gas turbine engine, for example, a turbofan engine, comprising fuel manifolds secured with the outer surface of the augmenter casing and arranged to receive fuel under pressure from a fuel source, fuel-connecting members containing flow channels and secured with the inner surface of the casing, injector valve heads containing fuel metering means and spaced circumferentially on the outer surface of the casing, and injector tubes having spray orifices and extending from the injector valve heads into the flow ducts within the casing. The elements are in communication with each other such that fuel from the fuel source is injected from the injector tubes into the gas flow within the augmenter to achieve additional engine thrust.

Abstract: Means for securing a member, such as a blade retainer, to a structure, such as a disc. An annular, preferably split, retaining ring is disposed in a recess of the disc and is shaped to receive a part of the blade retainer which is also disposed within the recess thereby securing the blade retainer to the disc.A method of securing the blade retainer to the disc is also provided and includes the steps of inserting the retaining ring into the recess and compressing the ring, inserting a part of the blade retainer into the recess and deflecting it axially, and releasing the retaining ring from compression and the blade retainer from deflection.