Abstract: A system for monitoring vibration or mechanical motion of equipment utilizing an optical waveguide sensor coupled to the equipment. The optical waveguide sensor is formed into a coil or a sinuous path which exceeds the bend radius or critical angle for internally reflected light directed through the waveguide. Vibration or mechanical force imparted to the waveguide from the equipment being monitored further alters the bending losses in the waveguide, and this change in bending losses is used to generate a signal as a function of the vibration or mechanical force.

Abstract: A control system for coupling redundant logic channels while maintaining electrical and physical isolation between channels. The separate redundant logic channels each include an electro-optic modulator, which are connected by fiber optic links, with system condition sensors generating signals which are applied to the electro-optic modulators to control the light transmission characteristics of the electro-optic medium in response to a predetermined system condition. A light source is connected by input fiber optics to the logic channels, and output fiber optics connect the logic channels to a light detector.

Abstract: A vacuum circuit interrupter including axial magnetic field generating means, and arc contact structure comprising means for spacially modulating the axial magnetic field over the area of the contact. This contact structure produces adjacent regions of different magnetic field strength over the contact area, whereby a plurality of spaced apart low arc voltage, stable parallel arc current paths are established over the contact area.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed, partially evacuated switch is maintained at a non-oxidizing residual pressure of from about 10.sup.-1 to 10.sup.2 Torr by inclusion of selected hydrogen gettering metal hydride within the sealed switch envelope. The metal hydride is selected with a hydrogen equilibrium pressure at the switch operating temperature such that the pressure within the switch envelope is maintained in the desired range.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a self-powered nuclear radiation detector assembly comprising a detector portion of accurately predetermined dimensions and a cable portion connected to the detector portion to carry the signal current which is generated in a radiation flux field to remote monitoring means. The detector portion consists of a radiation responsive elongated central emitter electrode which is insulated from a generally tubular sheath collector electrode. The emitter electrode and the signal cable center wire are electrically connected at one end and disposed within the collector electrode tubular sheath with compressible insulating means disposed between the wires and the tubular sheath. The above assembly is reduced in diameter while elongating the tubular sheath and the emitter wire and signal cable wire. The emitter wire is reduced to a predetermined desired diameter, and is trimmed to a predetermined length.

Abstract: An electrical shunting switch assembly for use with a high continuous D.C. current electrochemical cell system, for electrically shunting or by-passing a cell of the system to permit maintenance or replacement, and then permitting stepped or gradual current diversion back through the cell. This shunting switch assembly includes a plurality of electrically parallel switch modules which comprises a vacuum switch, a series connected resistance value and switch operating means for sequentially operating the switches for current diversion. The switch modules are disposed in a matrix arrangement connected between bus connectors which are connectable across the cell, with switch modules having a low resistance value in alternating adjacent relationship to switch modules having a high resistance value. The low resistance value modules permit high shunting efficiency. The higher resistance value modules provide the capability for stepped or gradual current diversion.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for a reciprocable actuating means which has a short linear reciprocable stroke between two opposed positions at opposed ends of the actuating stroke. The actuating means is designed for operating an electrical shunt switch useful with electrochemical cells. The latching mechanism operates to maintain the switch contacts in either the open contact or closed contact positions until a positive unlatching force is applied to permit movement of the contacts.

Abstract: A vacuum circuit interrupter with primary cup shaped arcing contacts with integral means for arc movement. An auxiliary, generally cylindrical arc contact is spaced about the primary contacts by a dimension less than the spacing between the opened primary contacts. The auxiliary contact includes means for moving the auxiliary path arcs which are formed between the auxiliary contact and the primary contacts with extinguishment of the arc between the primary contacts.

Abstract: Electrical interconnection paths or vias are provided through relatively thick type III/V semiconductive substrates, such as gallium arsenide, to permit through the substrate electrical interconnection of planar transistor devices. The vias are etched in a two-step process which ensures that the via lateral dimensions are less than the transistor contacts with which they are aligned. The first step comprises selectively thinning the thick substrate from the back surface over an area which encompasses the transistor array formed in the front surface of the substrate. The second step is to etch the individual vias through this prior thinned substrate at areas aligned with the transistor contacts.

Abstract: A self-powered neutron detector in which two electrically isolated emitter electrodes are provided. The emitters are formed of different materials having differing responses to thermal and epithermal neutron flux. The separate signals generated between the separate emitters and a common collector electrode are used to determine the respective thermal and epithermal neutron fluxes for a more accurate flux mapping of the reactor core.

Abstract: A vane type hydraulic motor which is operable with seawater as the hydraulic fluid for undersea diver use. The motor is compact, lightweight and is lubricated by the seawater working fluid. The motor uses corrosion resistant materials with the requisite flexibility, mechanical strength, friction characteristics and low swelling rate when immersed in seawater. The motor structure provides durable seal means and pressure balanced operation which minimizes wear. The vane structure permits easy sliding vane movement, and uses the seawater pressure to control vane movement and sliding seal capability.

Abstract: An electrical shunting switch assembly is adapted to be connected across the terminals of an electrolytic cell. The switch assembly acts as a parallel current carrying shunt path around the cell when the switches of the assembly are in the closed, current carrying position. The switch assembly comprises a plurality of electrically parallel branch conductor paths which each include at least one vacuum switch and a series-connected resistor. The switch assembly includes means for asynchronously, individually operating the vacuum switches to open the switches periodically and divert an increased portion of the current from the switch assembly back through the electrolytic cell when the voltage across the switch assembly exceeds the cell electrolyzing potential.

Abstract: An integrated circuit sequential processor includes a charge-coupled device having input and output diffusion regions in a semiconductor substrate and a plurality of electrodes therebetween on an insulating layer formed on the semiconductor substrate. Switching means are coupled between an analog signal input and the electrodes for selectively applying a sequence of voltage potentials to the electrodes in order to meter onto the capacitor formed at the output diffusion region, charge corresponding to the sequence of voltage potentials. A circuit including a potential converting means is coupled to the output diffusion region for storing a potential indicative of the charge on the capacitor formed at the output diffusion region. The circuit also includes an output capacitor for providing an output potential indicative of the potential on the storing capacitor in response to a signal.

Abstract: An improved low voltage vacuum switch assembly and operating mechanism is disclosed for use as an electrically parallel shunting switch for an electrolytic cell. The improved switch assembly and operating mechanism includes linking means restraining guide means associated with a reciprocably movable linking means to restrain the linking means to essentially axial or reciprocable movement. This prevents any accidental switch contact closing as during installation.

Abstract: A vacuum interrupter contact structure in which central butt-type contacts serve as the load current carrying contacts with low resistive losses. Annular transfer arcing contacts are disposed coaxial about the butt-type contacts, with the arc which forms during interruption moving out to these arcing contacts. Axial magnetic field generating means are associated with the transfer arcing contacts to maintain a diffuse arc during interruption.

Abstract: An improved image tube operable at higher voltage and gain with low noise levels wherein the electrodes include rolled end portions which extend away from the tube axis, and wherein all electrode surfaces are coated with light absorptive, low secondary electron emission characteristic, insulating material. Annular shields are disposed proximate an inlet and outlet tubulation to prevent deposition of alkali on the interior insulating ceramic envelope surfaces. An improved zoom electrode structure is provided which intercepts stray electrons while passing the focused beam to the target.

Abstract: A vacuum switch assembly which is connectable as a shunting switch across the electrodes of an electrochemical cell, in which a plurality of electrical parallel current paths are provided through a plurality of parallel vacuum switches with separate electrical bus conductors extending from each switch contact. The vacuum switch layout is particularly adapted to permit bus conductor paths to the electrochemical cell which minimize stored induction energy which must be dissipated. The vacuum switch operating mechanism provides for approximately simultaneous switch operation with means for adjusting the individual switch openings. The switch assembly is compact and portable for correction to any one of the series cells in a plant.

Abstract: A method of forming an optically clear, thin metal oxide, porous layer on a vitreous glass substrate, with this metal oxide layer having a low index of refraction. A clear colloidal solution is prepared using metal alkoxide and the substrate is dipped in this solution. The concentration of metal oxide equivalent in the solution, and the rate of withdrawal of the glass substrate from the solution are controlled to form the porous metal oxide layer on the substrate with the layer being about a quarter-wavelength optically thick. This low index of refraction metal oxide layer forms an effective antireflective layer on a vitreous substrate of higher index of refraction, and minimize reflection from the substratemetal oxide layer interface.

Abstract: A more reliable self-powered radiation detector structure and method of manufacture is provided by a detector structure in which a relatively ductile centrally disposed conductive emitter wire supports and is in electrical contact with a generally tubular emitter electrode. The detector is fabricated by swaging and the ductile center wire insures that electrical discontinuities of the emitter are minimized.

Abstract: An improved vacuum-type circuit interrupter has arc contacts which have integral axial magnetic field generating means as part of the arc contact. The axial field generating means comprises a plurality of partial coil turn portions which form an effective single turn coil disposed between a supporting plate and an arcing contact portion. The coil turns are electrically in series between the conductive support rod lead-in and the arcing contact perimeter portion. The supporting plate and a plurality of support pins, each of which are of high strength, low conductivity material support the partial coil turn portions and the arc contact without diverting substantial current from the coil turn portions. The axial magnetic field generating means may be structurally a part of both contacts or only one of the contacts.