Abstract: A multi-mode optical fiber segment having partially reflecting mirrors on each end functions as a resonant cavity with respect to the modulation frequency when the length of the fiber is equal to one-half the modulation wavelength of the light injected into the fiber. Modulated light is injected through a hole in the mirror at one end, either from a fiber, a waveguide, or directly from a laser diode. The core diameter of the cavity fiber is limited only by the requirement that it must be much larger than the input hole. Light exits though a hole in the mirror opposite the input hole. Upon entry into the resonant cavity, light is subject to multi-modal propagation resulting in dispersion. The resultant output light of the fiber is lower overall in intensity, but its useful frequency response is expanded by the bandpass half-skirt of the fiber-optic filter.

Abstract: A space-referenced, rate-stabilized gimbal platform system for use in a vehicle. The system includes a master gimbal mounted to the vehicle frame and having a master platform that is pivotable with respect to a first axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and pivotable with respect to a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis; a two-axis rate gyroscope mounted to the master platform; and a slave gimbal having a slave platform for supporting directional apparatus, such as an antenna or sensor. The slave platform is pivotable with respect to a third axis that is parallel to the first axis and pivotable with respect to a fourth axis that is perpendicular to the third axis.

Abstract: A system for testing digital circuit units at the design speed of the circuit. A first memory stores a minimized set of optimum generated predetermined test patterns for application to a unit under test. A second memory stores expected signature patterns corresponding to signature patterns that are derived from the unit under test in response to the predetermined test patterns when the unit under test is functioning properly. A signature analyzer derives signature patterns from a unit under test in response to the application of the test patterns to the unit. A comparator compares the derived signature patterns with the expected signature patterns and provides an indication of the results of the comparison.

Abstract: Constituent pyrotechnic materials are dispensed by prescribed weight or volume into a single container containing an excess volume of an inert liquid, such as Freon T.E., having the property of preventing ionization of the materials. The pyrotechnic materials in inert fluid medium are then stirred so as to obtain an homogeneous slurry mixture. The slurry is allowed to settle and the inert fluid is decanted off for future reuse. The remaining slurry is dispensed into individual containers under pressure. The slurry is vacuum dried at a safe temperature to minimize the accidental ignition hazard while removing the remaining inert liquid, thus forming individual casts of pyrotechnic material. The casts are permitted to reach ambient temperature and pressure at predetermined rates so as to prevent cracking of the pyrotechnic charges.

Abstract: An integrated optical fiber testing device includes means for accurately aligning one end of a fiber optic cable with a laser beam generator and the other end with a beam detector. The cable is positioned in a test chamber wherein it is exposed to various mechanical and thermal stresses to determine its ability to withstand these stresses while light is passing through the cable. The testing is completed in one integrated operation.

Abstract: A man portable shoulder fired rocket weapon system including a two section tubular launcher, sections of which are hingedly foldable one over the other to reduce the launcher length for storage and transport, and permitting the launcher to be holster carried in the manner of a sidearm. A lock and seal coupling connects the unfolded launcher tube sections to extend the launcher for firing and also serves as a safety element in the firing circuit. Two tubular blast shields are mounted concentrically upon the launch tube sections and are extendable therefrom to further lengthen the launcher and provide protection for the user against rocket motor exhaust. A compatible rocket round is carried in the folded launcher as a ready round. A waist worn holster and reload pack complete the weapon system elements.

Abstract: A retractable, self-erecting wing for a low speed missile, having a double walled fabric body held in extended position by spring loaded struts, the fabric enclosing an air pocket which acts as a damper to prevent the wing from fluttering under certain aerodynamic conditions. The wing is extended by a hinged strut structure and folds into a very small space adjacent the outer wall of the missile body. The structure enables a large area wing to be stowed in a minimum of space so that the maximum internal volume is available for payload. In stowed condition the wing is completely enclosed in the body for minimum drag during any high speed portion of the missile flight, multiple wings being released when required by a simple mechanism.

Abstract: A satellite maintenance system for satellite stations orbiting in the geosynchronous corridor comprising a roving satellite maintenance vehicle capable of operating autonomously in the geosynchronous corridor and containing replacement hardware in modular form by which maintenance operation can be made on the satellite station by the exchange of one module for another thereby repairing or upgrading the hardware in the satellite station to prolong its useful life. The maintenance vehicle is capable of operating in the corridor for prolonged periods of time in a standby mode and capable of proceeding, on command, to the satellite station to perform the maintenance function automatically.

Abstract: A vacuum tool for a vacuum bagging curing operation comprising a base on which is placed a one piece vacuum bag comprising a top sheet with a peripheral sealing means attached thereto which cooperate to seal the bag in a zipper-like fashion, thus enclosing workpiece therein for the vacuum curing operation. A vacuum manifold is attached to the base to connect the tool to a vacuum pump to create a vacuum between the base and bag.

Abstract: A circulator in a stripline microwave transmission line circuit that is disposed in a pattern of printed circuit conductors between a pair of facing dielectric material circuit boards having conductive ground planes on their exposed broad faces.

Abstract: A molded, disposable fluid container is disclosed for containing one, or preferably two, fluids ready for shipping. For a single fluid, the container may be tube-shaped having one or two open ends of smaller diameter. They may be closed by disposable, molded caps which may be screwed over external screw threads, or snapped on and off from molded, external ridges. One of the caps may be of large diameter to correspond to the diameter of the tube, and may in turn, have a small diameter open cylinder which may be closed by a disposable, molded cap. Preferably, dual container kits are used for shipping two fluids. Both containers have a matching, small open end providing with matching ridges or screw threads. This permits metering of the two fluids in a desired ratio through blow-down by appropriate fluid pressures.

Abstract: A totally portable, hand-held measuring device utilizing an insertable sliding probe to measure material or structural part thicknesses. The position of the probe actuates electronic circuitry which digitally displays the grip length of the fastener to be selected. The device provides a fast and accurate means of determining the fastener with the correct grip length for each assembly.

Abstract: A bearing assembly including anti-friction bearings and bearing mounts between rotatable structures of low coefficient of expansion material, by which the expansion and contraction of the metallic bearings, due to temperature swings, is allowed without radial constraint or without a loosening of the bearings from the structures while maintaining the bearings and the structures in alignment. This is accomplished by providing a loose connection and a plurality of tangentially oriented linkages connected between the structures and the bearings. The loose connection allows the bearings to expand or contract in a radial direction independently of the structures and the links allow radial displacement without a translation circumferentially of the assembly with respect to the structures.

Abstract: A squeegee blade for a thick film printing apparatus is held between horizontally compressing holder plates. One of the holder plates is integrally formed with a member for attachment to the pressure printing apparatus. The other holder plate attaches to the first one. The squeegee presents a sharp corner edge exposed from the holding plates and provision is made for varying the angle of attack for different inks used in the film printing process.

Abstract: Anode shields are provided around the anode baskets in an electroforming process.

Abstract: The ORP of the initial etchant solution is utilized as a set point. A predetermined change in the ORP triggers the removal of a predetermined volume of spent etchant. Fresh etchant addition steps and oxidation of the working etchant (addition of chlorine) are sequenced by the initial fixed volume withdrawal. The oxidation and fresh etchant addition steps proceed to conclusion independently. The oxidation step is terminated by a return of the ORP to the initial level.

Abstract: A gun mount is constructed of a plurality of alternately curved and flat isogrid plates arranged, annularly about and extending upward from a generally circular base, the plates being secured together to define a generally U-shaped shell-like structure having a pair of spaced apart upwardly extending trunnion support members, the grid structure of the flat plates consisting of an uniform unflanged isogrid structure which terminates at a pocketed transition section on three sides and a stiffened edge along the top, and the grid structure of the curved sections consisting of radial grid members which are intersected by curved diagonal grid members describing exponential spirals.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and dispensing a plurality of disparate, reactible fluid materials in a relatively viscous state in separate storage locations including means for dispensing the fluid through separate, easily removable needles. A plurality of closely adjacent cylinders have distinct and separate interiors with nozzles formed at one end. Separate removable needles have sealed locking arrangements for attachment to the nozzles. Different designs and structures of the needles are given so that the fluids can be mixed together, joined together or kept separate until injected through needle point openings. Structure is provided for disproportionately mixing the separately contained materials according to the desired mix. Preferably, the dispensing cylinders are formed of transparent material having graduated measuring marks on the liquid-containing portions.

Abstract: A sight system for providing closed-loop differential tracking control over gun aiming, utilizing visual and non-visual optical radiation to assist the gunner in acquiring and destroying targets as well as providing information to the gun control computer for automatic acquisition and firing. The sight is used in conjunction with a cooperative ammunition round which emits pulsed flashes at a timed interval after firing and upon impact. Portions of these signals are in the non-visible spectrum, and an invisible-to-visible converter is utilized to signal the relative location of the flashes to the gunner. A similar conversion is utilized to provide information on laser designator illumination and other non-visible radiation emanating from the target.