Abstract: A removable and replaceable insert locating pin adapted to locate a workpiece in a tooling fixture for machining thereof. The locating pin includes a central body inserted in a precisely located aperture in the tooling fixture and an upper portion that extends into an aperture in the workpiece. Hardened inserts are selectively positioned in apertures formed in the outer periphery of the upper portion and contact the sidewall of the aperture in the workpiece for positioning the workpiece on the sub-plate in a desired direction or directions. Flexibility of the set up of the tooling for machining of workpiece is enhanced.

Abstract: A variable microwave power divider which includes an orthomode transducer having a first section capable of supporting a vertically polarized wave and a second section capable of supporting two orthogonal linearly polarized waves. Suitable probes for inserting or extracting RF energy are coupled to each section. A similar orthomode transducer is connected to the first transducer through a circular hollow waveguide with the transducers being angularly offset from one another a predetermined angular amount. A septum is positioned within the waveguide which is fixed thereto at one end with the other end being controlled to a predetermined spiral configuration in order to direct RF energy flowing through the waveguide to the sections of one transducer in a determinable manner.

Abstract: A method of navigating an airborne vehicle using observation of linear features such as roads, railroads, rivers or the like. Maps of linear features in several discrete areas along an intended flight path are prepared and entered into an on-board computer memory. The vehicle typically uses an inertial navigation system during flight from the origin to the first mapped area. Imaging sensors and on-board processing detect linear features as the vehicle approaches or passes over them. The sensed feature pattern network is compared to the reference mapped feature network to update the inertial navigation system to generate guidance commands. Frequent updates at other mapped areas keep the vehicle on course. This system is also capable of navigation updates from single linear features when the flight path is fairly well known, and of tracking a linear feature for terminal guidance. In these cases, only a small number of feature parameters need to be stored, rather than an area map.

Abstract: A hinged butt joint for connecting struts to multijoint fittings used in space structures is disclosed as two end fittings pivoted together, one of which is bifurcated and the other having a cammed butt end extending between the bifurcation with a pivot pin through aligned openings so that the fittings are rotatable to a desired angular position. Nominal manufacturing tolerances are used throughout. A wedge is forcibly fitted into the base of the bifurcation when the fittings are colinear, and bonded to the base in that position during manufacture or assembly, to preclude freeplay in the joint under alternating compression and tension leads and to create a solid mechanical path though which load is transmitted and heat and electricity conducted.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for forming a liquid tight joint between the ends of conductors (pipes) in a piping system for carrying a liquid metal fluid (LiPb). The ends of the pipes are loosely telescoped to allow for misalignment and then initially cooled by coils to solidify the liquid metal fluid in the annulus between the telescoped ends so that the solidified liquid metal itself seals the joint. Suitably located insulation and cooling fins provide thermal equilibrium for the solidified liquid metal in the annulus to maintain the seal. To disconnect the joint, the joint is heated to liquefy the solidified liquid metal in the annulus so that the ends may be pulled apart.

Abstract: Fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin composites are molded and cured in a system using controlled elastomeric tooling to apply molding pressure only after temperature has been increased to a selected point. A composite material to be molded and cured is typically placed between a fixed mold surface and a movable reaction block. A container is mounted on a fixed support behind the block in a manner permitting movement toward the block. The container has an interior base generally parallel to the block and an upstanding edge extending toward the block. A pad of an elastomeric material having a positive coefficient of thermal expansion is retained in the container by the edges. The pad extends beyond the edges into contact with the block. A gap of selected size lies between the pad and the container base. As the assembly is heated during molding, the pad expands into the gap without exerting significant pressure on the block.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expandable panel and truss structure capable of being stowed in a storage container (canister) for transportation into space and deployed to form structures such as antennas, solar panels or similar space or terrestial structures. The antenna formed comprises the panels stored as hinged pairs (sets) folded in accordian-like fashion together with the expandable trusses and other devices necessary for antenna space operation, such as attitude control and antenna feed. The panel sets are deployed from the canister to form a toroidal ring, circular in cross-section when deployed, for supporting the antenna lens and to form a feed support boom utilizing the canister as part of the antenna structure. The canister is connected to the ring and support boom in the deployed state by the expandable trusses. A fully automatic system is included for deploying the antenna and for holding the antenna structure in its deployed state.