Abstract: Two or more hydrogen thyratrons sequentially triggered with precision timing. The first tube is triggered and provides a long, low power, slowly rising pulse to a load. Approximately midway in said pulse the second tube is made to conduct, providing a short, high power pulse to the load. The second tube is triggered at a predetermined time delay after the first tube in response to the positive swing of the LC resonant circuit output.

Abstract: A filter-cooler is provided for use with a rocket motor to cool and filter ighly aluminized hot gases from around 5800.degree. F. to around 2000.degree. F. The cooled and filtered gases are then usable, for example, in thrust vector control or other mechanisms associated with the rocket. In the present system the cooler section is placed ahead of the filter section so that alumina present in the gases begins to solidify ahead of the filter and thus may be more efficiently removed. The filter section comprises a plurality of graphite vortex producing geometries. The vortex direction of the baffles is reversed in succeeding baffles so that the net effect of the high rotational velocities of each vortex is used to separate the particulate contaminates from the gas stream by momentum.

Abstract: A pulsed laser having a laser gain medium of broadband output is tuned to essentially monochromatic output. An acousto-optic cell is driven with an acoustic wave which varies linearly in frequency, causing the laser beam to be resolved into a number of essentially monochromatic focal points. The focused beam of the desired wavelength is reflected to the output through one or more apertures which block out the unwanted wavelengths.

Abstract: Thin pieces of high energy propellant are potted in a potting material such s isocyanates cured hydroxy terminated polybutadiene, hydroxy terminated polybutadiene, polyurethane, polyester or polysulfide so that they will primarily end burn. The result is a composite structure that can be used to produce cool gases suitable for use in gas generator applications.

Abstract: An apparatus providing multiple conversations over limited range. Pseudo-se modulations and specific address coding permit multiple conversations between a base station and several vehicles or between the vehicles. A variable power source gives even greater range control for private communication. By utilizing portable communicators, vehicles can be guided by individuals around the base station.

Abstract: A castable binder for plastic bonded explosives is disclosed. The binder is ade up of 42 parts by weight of one unsaturated polyester resin, 30 parts by weight of another unsaturated polyester resin and 28 parts by weight of styrene.

Abstract: An ignition system for initiating combustion in a ramjet engine characterd by a replaceable propellant grain type igniter set into the wall of a ram air tube supplying air and fuel to the engine combustion chamber. The igniter is fitted into a small available void space between a fairing at the rear of the ram air tube and a fin member which intersects the fairing. The direction of the igniter flame is controlled by angular tubular connections communicating with the ram air tube.

Abstract: Optical slip rings are disclosed which permit signals to be transferred from a rotating body to a non-rotating body without any physical contact. Fiber optic bundles are utilized to conduct light signals on one body to separate fiber optic bundles on the other body. Light is projected across a small gap from the rotating bundle to the non-rotating bundle. Other variations use multiple channels, wave guides, derotating prisms and concentric annular mirrors to achieve signal transfer. The optical slip rings can transfer any signal which may be converted to a light signal.

Abstract: Optical slip rings which permit signals to be transferred from a rotating dy to a non-rotating body without any physical contact. Fiber optic bundles are utilized to conduct light signals on one body to separate fiber optic bundles on the other body. Light is projected across a small gap from the rotating bundle to the non-rotating bundle. Other variations use multiple channels, wave guides, derotating prisms and concentric annular mirrors to achieve signal transfer. The optical slip rings can transfer any signal which may be converted to a light signal.

Abstract: An alignment tool for adjusting the position of a first body relative to a econd body in a severely limited working space. The tool rigidly attaches to the first body and operates through a fork against a pin which is rigidly fixed to the second body. The fork is driven laterally by a lead screw which is driven by a perpendicular input shaft through a pair of 45.degree. bevel gears. A conventional socket wrench type tool supplies input torque.

Abstract: An active radar transmitter is disclosed having both long pulse and short lse operational modes. The transmitter is configured to switch between the operational modes with a minimum of circuitry to permit a single radar system to be used for long-range search and short-range, high resolution search.

Abstract: A method for analyzing water for .alpha.-trinitrotoluene comprising the ss of allowing the water to flow over an ion exchange resin which contains a quaternary ammonium group and observing to determine whether or not a chemical reaction takes place.

Abstract: A continuous polymer film formed by air-activated cross-linking of polyfuional prepolymers is applied to the surface of a body of water for suppressing evaporation.

Abstract: A remote autobrake system. A linear accelerometer measures the acceleration f a vehicle to determine if it is having thrust applied to it. If the engine of the vehicle is applying thrust, a servo switch is used to prevent engagement of the brakes. This systems acts as a constant deceleration system if the thrust is below a predetermined level. This system can be used with an antiskid brake system.

Abstract: An electronic ignition system for liquid explosive such as liquid propell ammunition. An SCR is used to provide a long life trigger with high reliability. An inductor is used to limit peak current and lengthen the spark.

Abstract: An improved acousto-optic laser Q-switch utilizing a chirped fm pulse in the acousto-optic cell to diffract and focus the input beam into a resonating high-Q mode. When the rf acoustic pulse is not wholly within the cell the beam is diverted to the output. A reflective surface is placed on the cell to yield only one output beam and to yield a retroreflective beam back into the cavity for a high Q condition whenever a correctly generated chirp acoustic wave is in the proper position within the cell.

Abstract: Apparatus for restraining an aircraft against the combined forces of a cault launching shuttle and aircraft takeoff power during a catapult assisted takeoff until a predetermined combined force level has been reached. Release of the aircraft is triggered by the relative movement of a central piston within a housing which causes disengagement of gripping lugs from a tensile bar attached to the aircraft. The relative movement is enabled by the compressibility of hydraulic oil confined within the apparatus and loaded by the combined forces.

Abstract: A linear voltage controlled current sink is used to power a linear LED with fast optical rise time. The signal is transmitted through a small aperture in a grounded shield plate. The receiver is a PIN photodiode with fast optical rise time.

Abstract: A holdback bar for temporarily restraining an aircraft against the combined orces of engine thrust and catapult force prior to a catapult assisted launch of the aircraft which utilizes strain of a mechanical component to measure the level of combined forces. Housing stretch beyond a pre-determined amount actuates a floating trigger rod to lift a valve from its seat and permit escape of hydraulic fluid from a pressure chamber. The holdback bar includes a compensator for absorbing fluid volume changes caused by thermal expansion or contraction of the hydraulic fluid, and a rupture disk for limiting the pressure obtainable within the hydraulic fluid pressure chamber.

Abstract: A holdback bar for restraining an aircraft temporarily prior to catapult isted launch which utilizes a ball and piston unloader valve to insure rapid, positive release of a pressurized hydraulic fluid. Compensator chambers each having a resilient piston cushion against release shock caused by rapid release of stored strain energy in the hydraulic fluid and provide hydraulic fluid make-up to allow for expansion and contraction and slight leakage losses.