Abstract: A method for transferring a dielectric mirror prepared on an optical flat replication substrate to a utilization device having a nonflat surface. In order to separate the replication substrate from the mirror after the mirror has been cemented to the device at room temperature and the cement allowed to cure over an extended time period, the composite assembly is inserted into a fixture which provides a buckling force to the center of the replication substrate to cause the replication substrate to be peeled from the mirror.

Abstract: A flameholder for a gas turbine engine includes a retainer plate on the igniter holder boss which protrudes from the flameholder gutter and extends through a clearance hole in the outer shroud. The retainer plate permits thermally induced growth of the parts but does not allow the fuel spray and air flow gap near the igniter to increase significantly, thus assuredly maintaining a sufficiently rich fuel/air mixture to promote ignition.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator system having an electro-optic crystal responsive to infrared radiation. An electric field is established across opposed faces of the crystal, and the field is modulated on a point by point basis over one crystal face using a suitable charge distribution write source. Infrared radiation traversing the crystal is modified in polarization in accordance with the pattern imposed on the crystal to simulate an infrared target for testing infrared seekers.

Abstract: A low noise crystal controlled oscillator utilizes a single low impedance modular amplifier in conjunction with matching low impedance fixed element subcircuits to achieve predictable and repeatable frequency stability. A low component count enhances circuit reliability.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the intensity profile of a high energy laser beam. A target plate having a temperature sensitive paint on the rear surface thereof has its front surface irradiated by the laser beam under analysis. A high speed camera records the isothermal lines formed when the temperature sensitive paint changes from its solid phase to its liquid phase. Isointensity lines are then calculated from the recorded isothermal lines.

Abstract: A plasma generator for exciting electrons in the plasma to a uniform energy evel. In a perferred embodiment, two sets of mutually perpendicular electrodes surround a container of gas, with one set being driven through a ninety degree phase shifter to establish a circularly polarized field in the space within the container. Alternative means are disclosed for launching circularly polarized RF waves into the container of gas. A desired level of uniform electron energy is achieved by establishing the proper relationship between the frequency and magnitude of the applied circularly polarized field and the mean free path of the electrons in the plasma.

Abstract: An anti-rotation locking device for threaded fasteners which secure rotating parts subject to vibration, shock and the like. The device comprises a strap member and one or more retainer members. The strap member is positioned under the fasteners and the retainer members each have a toothed opening which is installed over the matching wrenching surface of the fastener. Each retainer member also has an arcuate slot which is positioned above an arcuate tang on the strap member. The tang is lifted, passed through the slot, bent about the bottom of the slot and folded back over the top surface of the retainer member to thereby restrain the loosening of the fastener.

Abstract: A superconducting rotor cooling system for an electrical generator includes a free vortex type pump which is located within and forms an integral part of the rotor assembly. The free vortex pump takes advantage of the centrifugal force of rotation of the cooling fluid to help the rotor winding compartment to remain in a superfluid helium state. Improved cooling results from combined natural convection, as occurs in a conventional rotor, and the superfluid heat transport which occurs at the velocity of sound.

Abstract: A reflector antenna having an adaptive nulling assembly. The assembly comprises a disk shaped mounting plate having a shaft aligned with the rotational axis thereof and passing through the main reflector focusing surface. An absorber of electromagnetic energy is affixed to the disk and a microwave grating of metallic elements is positioned on the surface of the absorber. The amplitude of the nulling signal is controlled by rotating the assembly, and the phase of the nulling signal is controlled by the varying height of the grating above the reflector. Additional nulling elements can be used to null multiple interference sources.

Abstract: A wire container for use with a robot-arm-manipulated wire routing tool in the fabrication of wire harnesses. The container includes a protective shroud having a plurality of lever arms which facilitate the raising of the shroud above the drum of the container.

Abstract: A spent cartridge collector for use with a firearm with a side opening cartridge ejection port. The collector is hinged to permit quick access to and inspection of the firearm ejection port and includes a cartridge collection bag having Velcro strips at the bottom thereof for facilitating the emptying of the bag.

Abstract: A wire container for use with a robot-arm-manipulated wire routing tool in the fabrication of wire harnesses. The container is adapted to hold various cables, single wires and twisted pair wires of different lengths and wire sizes, and having different contact configurations on the ends thereof.

Abstract: Wire carrier and loading apparatus for use with a robot-arm-manipulated wire routing tool in the fabrication of wire harnesses. The wire carrier assembly and associated drive assembly include means for jointly grasping the end of the wire as it is inserted into the wire carrier and winding the wire onto the spool of the carrier.

Abstract: Target support structure for making bistatic radar cross section measurements. The support structure includes two parallel columns of circular cross section that may be coated with radar absorbing material. The rotational angle of the columns and the spacing therebetween are each adjustable to allow the bistatic reflections from each column to be phased to cancel each other at a selected bistatic angle and thereby minimize the background signal from the support structure.

Abstract: Apparatus for capturing and retrieving objects from space. A tethered grappling unit having deployable arms with catching ropes and Velcro hook strips at the ends thereof is spun and propelled towards the target. On impact, the catching ropes envelope the target and each other. The grappling unit is then reeled in and engages a catching collar containing braking plates to despin the target.

Abstract: A furnace assembly for casting directionally solidified articles, such as turbine blades. A pair of tunnels feed blanket insulative material towards the bottom of the heating chamber to engulf the mold as it exits the chamber atop a water cooled pull rod.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the near-field radiation of an antenna such that its far-field radiation characteristics can be determined. The invention utilizes the principle of the Foucault pendulum. It uses a bob attached to a long pendulum arm that is free to rotate. Rotation of the earth causes an apparent rotation of the swing plane of the pendulum with a period of T=24/sin (latitude). By attaching a field sensing probe to the pendulum bob and mounting the antenna under the Foucault pendulum, the entire antenna aperture can be scanned without moving the antenna. The motion of the probe covers part of an external sphere centered at the pivot point of the pendulum and having a radius equal to the length of the pendulum. Appropriate transformation of the measured near-field data gives the far-field radiation pattern.

Abstract: A self protecting toggle latch assembly in which the latch handle nests in a narrow slot cut a part way through the extruded side member of the container. The slot interrupts a hole of circular cross section which is extruded throughout the length of the side member to form a hole on each side of the slot. The handle is pivotally retained in the side member by projections thereon which engage the holes formed in the side walls of the slot.

Abstract: A micromirror spatial light modulator having an associated silicon photodiode for photoaddressing a micromirror array, and a readout system for providing intensity-to-position encoding and for providing a color image from coded monochromatic input light.

Abstract: A rivet removal tool for removing semi-tubular rivets from a workpiece. The tool has a punch head whose hemispherical tip bottoms within the rivet cavity to provide alignment therewith, and a shoulder whose edge shears the enlarged end of the aligned rivet.