Abstract: A thermal cycling apparatus having an upper heat chamber and a lower cold chamber positioned vertically beneath the upper heat chamber and vertically coaxial therewith whereby a material to the thermal cycle tested can be transferred between the upper heat chamber and the lower cold chamber. An externally operated flapper door within the thermal cycling apparatus separates the two chambers. The material to be thermally tested is placed in a basket constructed of suitable material which can be translated between the two chambers from a location externally of the chambers. The temperature in the upper chamber is elevated by gaseous nitrogen to a temperature up to about 1000 degrees F. and the lower cold chamber is cooled by a cryogenic liquid. Cycle testing is preformed by alternately transferring the material, i.e. 40 or more specimens at a time, between the upper and lower chambers the number of times desired.

Abstract: An arrangement for measuring the field angle of a magnetic field as a function of axial position within a magnet bore tube of a magnet such as is used with the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC). The arrangement includes a magnetic field alignment gauge that is carried through the magnet bore tube by a positioning shuttle in predetermined increments. The positioning shuttle includes an extensible body assembly which is actuated by an internal piston arrangement. A pair of spaced inflatable cuffs are carried by the body assembly and are selectively actuated in cooperation with pressurizing of the piston to selectively drive the positioning shuttle in an axial direction. Control of the shuttle is provided by programmed electronic computer means located exteriorly of the bore tube and which controls valves provided pressurized fluid to the inflatable cuss and the piston arrangement.

Abstract: The support structure takes the form of a load isolating payload support strut assembly whose length can be selectively shortened between fully extended and fully compressed to vary the spacing between the payload and the booster rocket during different stages of a flight. The strut assembly would allow independent motion of a separately supported booster rocket and payload during ascent, and subsequently provide a rigid interface during the rocket's flight, which would allow an increase in the capacity of space transferred payloads.

Abstract: Method for fabricating a laminated coil conductor for a high current coil which includes wrapping a layer of insulation around a rotatable shaped mandrel and then winding a plurality of copper sheets over the insulation as the mandrel is rotated. Solder is interposed between the copper sheets and between coolant tubes positioned on each end of each coil conductor. The assemblage is then removed from the mandrel and raised to a temperature to bond the copper sheets and coolant tubes together. The assemblage is then placed in a structural box and a plastic is injected into the box to fill any voids between the coil conductor and the box.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a thermal protection systems for protecting instrumentation transducers having a low maximum operating temperature in the range of 200 degree F. to 900 degrees F. when exposed to operating environment greater than 2000 degrees F. The embodiments of the protection system include the use of zinc solid-to-liquid phase change as a heat sink, water-to-steam phase change as a heat sink and thermal electric cooling combined with a multi-foil insulation material.

Abstract: A modular segment that is adapted to receive heat generating electronic assemblies therewithin. The modular segments may be joined together to form a housing and the electronic assemblies are electrically interconnected through a hollow channel provided in the joined modular segments. The segments are configured with fins and ribs that form air channels on all vertical outer surfaces of the segments to promote cooling by convective air flow through the channels and between the segments. Segments may be added to form a housing with expanded capacity.