Abstract: An actively pumped optical filter includes a vapor cell having a population of electrons with the plurality of energy levels which receives light and transmits light according to a pumping mechanism. A magnetic source is provided for applying a magnetic field to the vapor cell. A first pulsed dye laser applies a first beam of light to the vapor cell causing transitions of the electrons from a first energy level to a second energy level. A second pulsed dye laser is used for measuring the transmission through the vapor cell. A third laser applies a beam of light to the first laser and a beam of light to the second laser. The third laser may be an Nd:YAG laser. Polarizers are disposed before and after the vapor cell and a delay path is provided for delaying the second beam of light before the second beam of light is applied to the laser cell. The delay path is tuned by adjusting the length.

Abstract: A metal matrix composite reinforced with shape memory alloy is disclosed ch is formed by blending metal particles and shape memory alloy particles to form a homogeneous powder blend, and consolidating the powder blend to form a unitary mass. The unitary mass is then plastically deformed such as by extrusion in the presence of heat so as to cause an elongation thereof, whereby the metal particles form a matrix and the shape memory alloy partices align in the direction of elongation of the unitary mass. The composite can be used in structural applications and will exhibit shape memory characteristics.

Abstract: A confinement cylinder is disclosed having opposite end regions and a cenl region, each acting as reservoirs for holding liquid metal for a metal vapor laser discharge device. The confinement cylinder is located at the central region of the discharge chamber of the laser device and allows the liquid metal to be raised to a temperature sufficient so that the liquid metal may transition into its vapor state, find its way back to the discharge chamber, and actively participate in the production of lasing.

Abstract: An aircraft throttle simulator comprises throttle levers which extend upwly from spheres frictionally clamped between plates. The levers are constrained for movement in a pattern allowing for forward movement from an idle position to a full throttle position, a lateral shift from the full throttle position, and forward movement to an afterburner position. A linkage is provided to connect each lever to a linear transducer to provide a position signal.

Abstract: A three-dimensional grid is created by a series of panels arranged in a s-circle about a seated subject. The panels are configured or otherwise arranged to allow the seated subject full range of reach in all directions. The subject may be seated or standing and is placed a distance from the panels. The panels include a plurality of rods which slideably project through the panels in the direction of the seated subject. To determine reach, the subject reaches toward the rods and pushes them with either hand as far away from him/her as possible. Measurements may then be taken from the end of each rod that has been moved. Similarly situated panels, including visual indicia, may be used to evaluate field of view.

Abstract: A corrosion-resistant coating which can be applied directly to a surface as self-priming topcoat comprising an epoxy resin binder and a combination of pigments consisting essentially of an aluminum triphosphate, zinc salts of benzoic acids, and an alkaline earth metal phosphate such as zinc-barium phosphate. In addition, the coating contains up to about 30 parts by weight of a titanium dioxide pigment, up to about 2.0 parts by weight of an oil soluble surface active agent and up to about 50 parts by weight of at least one organic paint solvent.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the soldering process which comprises a soldering ans including a means for monitoring analog heat flow, a means, connected to said soldering means, for converting analog heat flow readings into a digital temperature data points, a computing means, connected to said means for converting analog heat flow readings into digital data points, which smoothes the temperature data points; locates the beginning of the temperature data point decay; locates the beginning of the temperature data point recovery; calibrates the system for monitoring the soldering process; and classifies the current temperature data point input as an iron cleaning operation or a soldering operation.

Abstract: A novel form of sandwich construction is disclosed. The lattice core sandh construction comprises of elongate lattice cells in side-by-side abutment, to present common, lengthwise flat sides that have facesheets co-cured thereto without any secondary bonding. Each lattice cell is formed by wrapping, in alterate patterns, fiber-reinforced, composite bands around commonly-shaped mandrels. Opppositely disposed face sheets are placed against flat sides and the construction co-cured. After co-curing, the mandrels are removed.

Abstract: A reconfigurable aircraft stick control for an aircraft simulator that enes pitch and roll to be simulated. It includes a generic base that has mounting means that are adapted to be connected to a stick control of the type having a standard production grip as well as a stick control that uses a yoke. The control sticks include linkages that are easily connected to the mounting means on the base so that control sticks can be exchanged with minimum expenditure of time and effort to thereby simulate the control sticks on aircraft that are being simulated. Torque motors can be connected to the simulator to detect the speed and displacement of the control stick and to provide resistance to movement of the control sticks so as to simulate actual flying conditions.

Abstract: An optical fiber strain sensor is provided which remembers the maximum stn a structure has experienced in a given timeframe. A pair of multi-mode optical fibers with flat ends meet end-to-end within a microbore capillary tube with which the fibers have frictional contact. The fibers are fastened to the structure at two points a known distance apart on either side of the capillary tube. Increasing strain in the structure pulls the fiber ends apart in proportion to the amount of strain; however, when strain is decreasing, the fibers buckle rather than move closer together. Therefore, the maximum strain is reflected as a maximum distance between the fiber ends. When the maximum strain experienced is to be measured, the free end of one fiber is connected to a light source and the free end of the other fiber is connected to a detector.

Abstract: An optical fiber strain sensor is provided which remembers the maximum stn a structure has experienced in a given timeframe. A reflective surface is fixed at one location on the structure, and a multi-mode optical fiber with a flat end is fixed at another location on the structure and is positioned so that its flat end is in contact with the reflective surface. A microbore capillary tube attached to the reflective surface encloses the fiber at its flat end and frictionally retains it in contact with the reflective surface. Increasing strain in the structure pulls the fiber end away from the reflective surface in proportion to the amount of strain; however, when strain is decreasing, the fiber buckles rather than moving closer to the reflective surface. Therefore, the maximum strain is reflected as a maximum distance between the fiber end and the reflective surface.

Abstract: A separator that separates a lubricating oil from a coolant both of which e used in a cutting or grinding machine is disclosed. The separator comprises input, intermediate and output chambers comprising divider panels having top and bottom portions. Every other panel has a passageway near its top region and the alternate panels, relative to the every other panels, have passageways located at their bottommost region. The lubricating oil finds its way into the path of the coolant and becomes mixed therewith. The mixed lubricating oil and coolant is eventually directed into the separator. As the oil and coolant flow sequentially through the chambers of the separator, the separating properties of the oil and the coolant begin to act so that the oil raises to the surface, whereas the coolant tends to seek its way through the chambers of the separator.

Abstract: An air-launchable gliding sonobuoy store includes a canister enclosing an flatable-membranous wing folded in a collapsed state with an electroacoustic system. After launching, the wing inflates and a steering mechanism controls the wing glide path by skewing the trailing edge thereof. Upon reaching the sea, the wing serves as a buoy with the electroacoustic system transducer depending therefrom.

Abstract: A corrosion-resistant polyurethane coating for application directly to a face as a self-priming topcoat comprising major amount of a polyurethane binder and minor amount of a combination of pigments consisting essentially of an aluminum phosphate, zinc salts of benzoic acids, and an alkaline earth metal phosphate such as zinc-barium phosphate. In addition, the coating contains up to about 30 parts by weight of a titanium dioxide pigment, up to about 2.0 parts by weight of an oil soluble surface active agent and up to about parts by weight of at least one organic solvent.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for regulating the meniscus of a water droplet in a high velocity water droplet apparatus in which a large pulse of energy are applied to the water droplet to propel the water droplet at high velocity. In this method the shape of the meniscus of the water droplet is observed and adjusted in accordance with the observation. The energy is applied to the water droplet substantially simultaneously with the observing of the shape of the meniscus. The shape of the meniscus is determined by observing a magnified image of the water droplet so that the adjustment may be made in accordance with the magnified image. The high energy is applied to the water droplet by means of a projectile and an energy transfer body which transfers energy from the projectile to the water droplet. A pressure adjustment device is provided for adjusting the pressure applied to the water droplet in order to adjust the meniscus.

Abstract: A novel form of sandwich construction is disclosed. The lattice core sandh construction comprises of elongate lattice cells in side-by-side abutment, to present common, lengthwise flat sides that have facesheets co-cured thereto without any secondary bonding. Each lattice cell is formed by wrapping, in alterate patterns, fiber-reinforced, composite bands around commonly-shaped mandrels. Opppositely disposed face sheets are placed against flat sides and the construction co-cured. After co-curing, the mandrels are removed.

Abstract: A unified, low-profile, lightweight and strong component mounting system an aircrew member's helmet is disclosed. The system includes a substantially rectangular mounting bracket that carries necessary power, communications, and optical inputs to the components, mounting hardware and specially designed interface pieces for each component. The system is designed to securely and easily snap-lock onto the helmet and is positioned to stay balanced while attached to eliminate crewmember discomfort.

Abstract: An AC uninterruptible power source is disclosed that provides multi-phase wer output signals for actual use and a selectable single phase power output signal for use in testing. The AC uninterruptible power source further comprises at least one battery. The single phase output signal is connected to a dummy load by means of a power switch of the break-before-make type. The invention further includes the dummy load as preferably having metering capabilities to measure the frequency, current, and voltage parameters of the single phase output signal. The arrangement of the present invention allows for the single phase output to be mated to the dummy load without the need of removing input power to the AC uninterruptible power source so as to reduce, or even eliminate, transient caused failures to the AC uninterruptible power source and to its sensitive load equipment which the power source services.

Abstract: An automatic repeater station, sometimes called a relay system, is disclo. The relay system receives signals, preferably at one band of frequencies, then filters and restores their inherent information, and finally transmits the restored information, preferably at another band of frequencies. Unlike the prior art systems utilizing transceivers and electronically tunable filters, the present invention uses separate receivers and transmitters and is devoid of electronically tunable filters.

Abstract: A sandwich construction is disclosed that provides alternating offset and jacent corrugated strips secured between upper and lower face sheets. The peaks of one strip are adjacent the troughs of an adjacent strip. The peaks and troughs can have flattened portions and the face sheets can be secured to said portions.