Abstract: A joint transform optical correlator is disclosed having an optical path length adjustment technique for causing a first optical path length between the reference image plane and the first Fourier transform lens to differ from a second optical path length between the input image plane and the first Fourier transform lens by an amount whereby the second Fourier transform lens separates the desired cross-correlation signals from the undesired signals to enhance the performance and reliability of the correlator.

Abstract: The method of this invention simulates a 16-bit color composite satellite picture upon an 8-bit color display system, a simulated picture being of substantially equal quality as a 16-bit picture, a simulated picture can be placed on a personal computer system or workstation having an 8-bit color display system. The two 8-bit images for creating the 16-bit color picture are combined in a unique manner so that a resulting 8-bit color composite picture is presented on the 8-bit color display system. The 8-bit picture produced generally has greater contrast than the picture produced on the 16 bit system.

Abstract: This invention offers a unique method to fabricate unique, straight, curved, or coiled tubes as small as 5 nanometers in diameter with wall thicknesses starting at about 1 nanometer. These tubes can be made from many materials such as polymers, ceramics and metals that can be applied to a surface of carbon, glass, or other tube forming fibers and then made to withstand the environment used to remove the fiber.

Abstract: A radar system that includes an ultra wideband radar signal processor for electronically scanned arrays that utilizes frequency offset generation (FOG) to achieve beam steering as compared with phase shift and time delay techniques of conventional radars. The device comprises a transmit antenna, a chirp generator connected to the transmit antenna and a first summing circuit, a receiver antenna connected to the first summing circuit, a Doppler de-ramping chirp circuit connected to a second summing circuit, the output of the second summing circuit connected to an amplitude and weighting circuit and the output of the amplitude circuit connected to a spectrum analyzer of a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) circuit. The signal processing consists of mixing the target returns with the transmitted signal to obtain a video beat note signal. This video beat note signal is mixed with a Doppler de-ramping chirp waveform which is matched to the desired target velocity.

Abstract: In an assembly of spaced rotor discs, mounted to rotate about a common axis, one or more discs are provided that are removably joined to the other discs but so joined, away from potential fatigue points in the disc webs. Thus a pair of discs have a spacer arm extending therebetween in contact therewith. Further, each disc of such pair, has a flange that extends between the discs toward the flange of the other disc, which flanges (and thus the discs) are removably bolted together at a junction removed from the disc webs for greater disc durability and lower replacement costs thereof. The so joined flanges and spacer arm (which is held in a piloted joint under compressive pre-load) define an annular cavity around a pair of the discs and thus redundant structural support therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an electrical impulse comprising a tube made of superconducting material; a source of magnetic flux is mounted about one end of the tube; a means for intercepting the flux is mounted along the tube; and a means for changing the temperature of the superconductor is mounted about the tube. As the tube is progressively made superconducting, the magnetic field is trapped within the tube and in so doing creates an electrical impulse in the means for intercepting. A reversal of the superconducting state produces a second pulse.

Abstract: A gap seal for convergent/divergent flap hinge ends to spaced disc and wall surfaces in a 2-D nozzle of a gas turbine engine is provided. The seal employs at least two cups resiliently mounted to the hinge ends, which cups independently translate axially and resiliently to contact the spaced surfaces at different or varying gaps to seal same. The translating cup seals of the invention thus maintain a constant seal in the gaps between the hinge ends and such surfaces at varying C/D hinge positions and varying operating conditions in the 2-D nozzle. That is, the cups independently maintain their seals across gaps as they expand or contract due to thermal changes as well as across gaps of different sizes.

Abstract: The growth of bismuth silicate crystals occurs in a high pressure vessel or autoclave using a hydrothermal growth process. The nutrient material is placed in a sealed container of noble metal, liner, along with a solvent to a selected fill level. A filler fluid is also placed between the liner and the pressure vessel. The oriented seeds are placed in the cooler top seed zone over a baffle that slows the movement of supersaturated liquid from the hotter lower nutrient zone. Using a selected heating schedule for the top and the bottom zones, a plurality of large crystals are grown in the seed zone. The temperature differential is about 5.degree. C.

Abstract: A phased array monopole antenna has a single layer membrane upon which a plurality of antenna units are attached. Each antenna unit has a flexible curved antenna blade which bends over or springs up when the membrane is rolled or unrolled on a drum.

Abstract: The scalable and stable, cw photolytically excited atomic iodine laser operates at 1.315 nm. An initial power level of 55 watts/liter was obtained via the cw photolysis of an alkyl-iodide gas like C.sub.3 F.sub.7 I. The greatly enhanced laser performance was achieved using a microwave excited, electrodeless Hg plasma lamp excited with a d.c., low ripple cw microwave radiation. Both high flow, air cooling and liquid dimethyl polysiloxane cooling of these high pressure Hg lamps provided long lifetime operation with the latter promoting, stable laser operation. Transverse flow of the above gas for the removal of the quenching by-product I.sub.2 is incorporated into the laser. To insure good laser amplitude stability, both the high power magnetrons and the lamps are liquid cooled. The scalable, prolonged and stable operation of this laser system is possible via use of a closer cycle, condensative/evaporative fuel system coupled to a high flow, internal blower for heavy gases.

Abstract: This invention offers a unique method to fabricate unique, straight, curved, or coiled tubes as small as 1 micron (0.000004 inches) in diameter with wall thicknesses starting at less than 0.01 microns. These tubes can be made from many of the materials that can be applied to a surface of carbon, glass, or other tube forming fibers and then made to withstand the environment used to remove the fiber. A monolithic piece can be formed where the tubes are channels or holes.

Abstract: The improved metal matrix bolt has a metal shell having the bolt head, shank and threads thereon. The shell has a longitudinal space therein wherein a composite core of fibers is bonded. The fibers are divided into two groups: a longitudinal group and a spiral group. The spiral group wraps clockwise about the longitudinal group and is inclined at an angle of about 30.degree. to 45.degree. degrees from the axis of the bolt. The fibers are bonded within the space to the interior surface of the shell whereby when the bolt is torqued, the bolt has increased tensile strength and reduced thermal axial growth.

Abstract: The microreflectometer system, forming a 0.01 mm.sup.2 area spot, scans a mirror coating for defects of a mirror having a diameter of about 30 centimeters. Tens of thousands of reflectivity measurements are automatically taken as a computer controlled three dimension stage having the test mirror therein is selectively controlled. The reflectivity of each measurement either relative or absolute is used to determine the condition of the coating.

Abstract: An enhanced reinforced honeycomb structure is provided when at least one thread is stitched in a given pattern along each linear group of cells in the honeycomb structure. This reinforcement reduces the weight of the attached panels since additional structural strength is provided by the threads in the honeycomb structure.

Abstract: Carbon fibers having substantially increased active surface area and total surface area are used to enhance carbon fiber bonding to matrix materials in carbon fiber products. The enhanced active surface area and total surface area are produced by carbon removal in disordered regions as well as perfect basal plane regions by catalytic silver oxidation.

Abstract: The mobile cylindrical microwave antenna array of the present invention comprises a plurality of rectangular panels when deployed forming a cylindrical array. The total number of panels forms an even number with each pair of panels, a left panel and a right panel, forming a subarray unit of the cylindrical array. These panels are hinged on the vertical outer edges to each other. The mobile cylindrical array has a center support structure which has a plurality of folding radial supports at the bottom and top of the center support structure. Each subarray unit is attached to the radial supports at the top and bottom. A motorized driver for translating is attached to each subarray unit and one radial support. When operated to collapse the deployed array, the motorized driver causes the left and right panel of the subarray unit to fold outwardly wherein the apex points to the center support.

Abstract: Conventional bombs or commercially available explosives are selectively placed about well pipes and exploded to cause closure of the well pipe and thus resulting in substantial reduction in the flow of oil and gas to facilitate extinguishing the fire thereon. Explosive charges are selectively placed about the well pipes in slanting holes so to remove the cellar assembly, make a ramp to the well pipe, and to close the well pipe.

Abstract: An actively cooled effuser for a vapor deposition reactor is placed in very close proximity to a substrate. The actively cooled effuser has combinations of gas directing plates, cooling plates and isolation plates attached together. Reactants and coolant are input into the stack of plates so formed. Selective heating of the substrate surface may occur through the use of heating lamps. Multiple units of the actively cooled effuser and heating lamps may be used in the reactor to form multiple layers on the substrate. The cooling plate has a cooling channel within a few thousandths of an inch of the output side of the stack. The presence of the cooling plates allows the effuser to be placed in very close proximity to the selectively heated substrate.

Abstract: The improved liner comprises a base plate that mounts to the wall of the nozzle, at least one inner tube having a plurality of leg supports thereon for mounting to the base plate, a cylindrical seal attached to the bottom of the inner tube, and an outer tube loosely mounted about the inner tube and seal with the leg supports extending therethrough. The outer tube is not fixedly attached to the inner tube or seal or leg supports and thus can move in response to pressure and temperature changes. Both the inner and outer tubes have holes therein to allow for the flow of cooling air from the inner tube to the outer tube to the hot area of gas flow.

Abstract: A method of guiding an air-to-air missile launched from a penetrating aircraft at a target aircraft having a search radar therein is shown. The missile changes from a passive antiradiation homing mode to an active seeker mode when the missile is detected and the search radar is shutdown. The active seeker uses a synthetic aperture radar that is squinted at the target aircraft. At the handover point when the search radar is shutdown, the missile executes a turn away from the target aircraft to bring the target aircraft within the synthetic aperture radar coverage. The amount of turn is within preselected limits based on several parameters.