Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic fiber optic scanner which includes a flexible optical fiber of predetermined length, having one end fixedly supported in a cantilevered fashion, and having an opposite end that is unsupported and free to move. A magnet is rigidly mounted on the fiber near the unsupported end to there produce a magnetic dipole moment parallel to the length of the fiber. A grid like array of electrical conductors lies in a plane that is perpendicular to the fiber and is spaced apart from the unsupported end. By passing current through selected ones of the conductors, localized magnetic fields are produced that react with the dipole moment to position the unsupported end of the optical fiber in offset alignment with the selected conductors.

Abstract: The improved tool of the present invention is adapted to open and close efficiently and rapidly at least two types of widely used container toggle latches, one type having a latch handle in the form of a flat tongue and the other type having a hollow, generally tubular, open-ended latch handle. The improved tool comprises a generally L-shaped shank formed of first and second diverging legs integrally joined together at one end, and a handle secured to the free rear end of the first leg. The second leg, which is generally vertical in usual use, depends from the generally horizontal front end of the first leg; and the free end of the second leg is configured into a spaced, generally vertical pair of tines of unequal length. The shorter tine is closer to the handle. The handle may be large to readily fit the hand. The legs are generally flat and vertically oriented, with the first leg longer than the second leg for improved leverage when operating the tool.

Abstract: A vacuum laminating fixture includes a pair of opposed plates having opposed plane faces with a peripheral groove formed in each plate surrounding the face with the grooves matched for receiving a unitary band seal extending between the grooves for sealing the space between the faces of the plates, a vacuum port is formed in the lower plate communicating with the area of the face inside the peripheral groove. The method includes setting up a laminate of plural flexible sheets of circuit, placing the laminate within and between the faces of the plates, drawing a vacuum of 28 inches of mercury for a period of two minutes to completely evacuate the space between the laminate sheets, and thereafter applying a predetermined curing pressure and temperature to the plates within a press.

Abstract: Disclosed is an fiber optic scanning device that includes an optical fiber of predetermined length having one unsupported end for scanning, and having another end rigidly supported in a cantilevered fashion. The disclosed device operates to allow the movable end to be positioned with voltages that are substantially reduced over the prior art. To that end, an electrically conductive film lies on the fiber extending from the unsupported end to the supported end; and a transparent conductive plate lies in a plane perpendicular to the length of the fiber spaced apart from the unsupported end. This conductive plate forms a capacitance C with the conductive film. A voltage source V couples between the transparent conductive plate and the conductive film on the fiber to produce an electrostatic charge Q on the movable end of the fiber, where Q=VC. The movable end is positioned with a force F=QE by generating an electric field E transverse to the length of the fiber.

Abstract: A warhead orientation device and its use in a directional attack mine are disclosed. The device includes a warhead launchable in a "pop-up" mode from a launch tube. The launch tube and warhead have a cooperating pin and helical groove system which imparts spin to the warhead during ejection from the tube. A stationary "fly wheel" type mass is attached to the spinning warhead. A cooperating pin and straight groove system on the mass and tube prevent rotation of the mass during ejection. This combination of spinning warhead and decoupled stationary mass provide a stable platform in one axis. Thus, suitable sensors and firing mechanisms may be used to cause a directional firing mechanism in the warhead to fire in a selected direction after pop-up.

Abstract: A three axis fine focus mounting for supporting an optical component which must be positioned at a precise focal point. The mounting is adjustable along three orthogonal axes, each controlled by an adjustment screw having dual threads of unequal pitch. Provision is also made for angular or rotational adjustment about one axis and each adjustable element can be locked at any set position.

Abstract: High stability thin film resistors are made from an alloy comprising selected portions of nickel, chromium, and gold selected in a ratio to provide the desired temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR). The resistors are made by co-depositing gold with the nickel chromium alloy by a flash evaporation process. The evaporation process is carried out by feeding a nickel chromium wire, having a gold wire extending therealong to provide the desired composition, onto a heated tungsten strip within a vacuum system with substrates disposed in a position to obtain uniform deposition of the evaporated material thereon.

Abstract: A servo system wherein a servo motor is continuously controlled in response to a pulse width modulated digital command signal is disclosed. A servo motor having a variable output is controlled in response to a variable amplitude error signal. A pulse code converter converts a pulse code modulated digital command signal to provide a pulse width modulated digital command signal for controlling the variable output of the servo motor. The digital command signal is provided at a predetermined frame rate in response to a frame pulse signal. A feedback transducer and network senses the variable output of the servo motor and provides a variable amplitude feedback signal that is indicative of the variable output. A synchronous pulse forming network converts the variable amplitude feedback signal to a proportional pulse width modulated digital feedback signal. The digital feedback signal is provided at the predetermined frame rate and in synchronization with the digital command signal.

Abstract: A pulse width discriminator comprises a tapped analog delay line which preferably is a charge coupled device (CCD). The taps are spaced one sample time apart along the delay line. A correlator output is obtained by summing the outputs of all taps. A pulse amplifier output is obtained by weighting and adding the signals from selected taps. The correlator output corresponds to a low-pass filter. The sample rate is at the Nyquist rate. The pulse amplifier output is a maximum for a pulse width determined by the length of the delay line (in terms of number of sample points) divided by the sample frequency. The correlator output has a maximum corresponding to the maximum of the pulse and can be used to determine the presence of a pulse. This pulse processor is also capable of handling a plurality of inputs by multiplexing them.

Abstract: A ramjet powered missile having means for controlling the air inlet geometry for best efficiency at a given end-of-boost-take-over Mach number and for changing the inlet geometry for best efficiency at a higher Mach number for fuel economy and extended flight range comprising a first jetisonable air inlet formed of a plurality of removable lip sections held in place by connecting struts and pyrotechnic thrusters. The explosive charge of the thrusters when activated eject the lip sections and struts outward and clear of the missile thus providing a second inlet of a different geometry.

Abstract: A ship anti-torpedo defense system includes a detecting device for detecting and locating an incoming threat, such as a torpedo, and an interrelated missile launching and control system for firing at least one warhead carrying missile into the path of the oncoming threat, the missile having an active acoustic fuze system including a highly directional sensing system for continuously monitoring the position and proximity of the incoming threat and for detonating the warhead at the optimum proximity of the incoming threat with the missile. The missile floats at a predetermined depth determined by the predetermined depth of the torpedo to be intercepted.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thrust bearing which includes a first member having a circular raceway disposed thereon, a second member having a circular raceway spaced apart from and aligned with the raceway of the first member, and a plurality of balls in the circular raceways and separating the two members. Each of the balls make contact at two points on the circular raceway of the first member and they also make contact at two other points on the circular raceway of the second member. The cross-sectional demensions of both the circular raceways and the balls are interrelated by an equation which insures that zero slippage occurs at the contact points between the surface of the balls and the surface of the raceways.

Abstract: Apparatus easily engageable to a standard pallet or skid of the type commonly utilized in the storage and shipment of bulk items and quantities. A plurality of adaptable wheel dollies, each having a fixed support member to engage the interior of the pallet may be arrayed at the corners of the pallet. Dolly adjustment devices enable each dolly, when engaged to a pallet lying flush upon a flat surface, to raise the pallet for transport by means of the wheels of the dolly. An A-frame tongue is engageable to a pair of dollies to join the pallet transport system to tow the system.

Abstract: A molded, disposable mixing device is disclosed for mixing and dispensing a two-part fluid compound. The device may consist of two mirror-image portions or structures, each being of semi-cylindrical shape and providing a tortuous path for shearing, folding, mixing and blending together the two fluids. Each of the two structures is provided with a male attachment lug, and a female detent for securing them together. Also, each structure has a semicircular, externally molded ridge for connecting it, for example, to a nozzle. The tortuous path may consist of two periodically intersecting paths, or else of a generally open passage provided with mixing blades or baffles disposed at regular or irregular intervals. The mixing may also be effected by a spirally folded mesh or spherical objects disposed in a single tubular structure.

Abstract: A device for docking or joining large structures or vehicles in earth orbit under automatic and remote sensing and control. A thin flexible boom extending from one vehicle contacts the inner surface of a large open cone on the other as the two vehicles approach each other. The conical surface guides the boom end towards the apex where a reel for drawing in the boom engages the boom. As the boom is drawn in, and the vehicles come into close proximity, a mechanical latch is engaged for final rigidizing and securing.

Abstract: An electrically conducting, electromagnetic wave reflector comprises a knit wire reflecting surface consisting of two superimposed knitted wire meshes. The wire mesh reflector is impregnated with a transparent thermo-setting resin so that the metallic structure is no more than 3 mils from the outer surface of the reflector. The knitted wire mesh permits the fabric to be smoothly stretched over a three-dimensional surface of predetermined shape. The two wire meshes are staggered with respect to each other to reduce the effective size of the openings between the loops of the mesh. A reinforcing structure preferably consisting of two layers of glass cloth impregnated with a thermo-setting resin is utilized to provide a lightweight reflector substantially impervious to environmental corrosion. The resulting structure may be used as an antenna or reflector and is suitable for the microwave region such as the K band. There is also disclosed a method of constructing such a reflector.

Abstract: An electrical lead for cryogenic devices wherein a perforated conductive ribbon is folded in serpentine folds and fitted within an insulated vent. Boil-off gas is passed through the perforations in a heat exchange relationship with said conductive ribbon.

Abstract: A rear cover for a rocket launch tube which is normally closed and which is capable of breaking away successively in one or more sections in response to the pressure and diameter of the rocket exhaust column or plume. The cover is so arranged that it will successively increase the area interconnecting the launch tube for the rocket with an exhaust duct or manifold as the rocket plume increases in diameter. The cover of an adjacent launch tube which is normally closed will prevent the exhaust gases from entering the launch tube of a stored rocket or the like.

Abstract: An air inlet duct for a jet propulsion missile or other vehicle which is movable between a housed, pre-launch position and an extended or deployed flight position. A method of manufacturing the duct is also disclosed. The duct system includes a flexible leading edge attached to a double-wall inflatable duct body. Drop threads extend between the duct body walls to hold an exact desired contour when the duct is inflated. A pivotable plate moves the inflatable duct between a housed, deflated, position and an inflated flight position. Manufacture of the inflatable duct is basically accomplished by preparing a foamed plastic form in the desired duct wall shape, covering the form with fabric, stitching through the foam and fabric, coating the fabric with a flexible sealing compound, dissolving away the foamed plastic and attaching the resulting inflatable duct to other missile components.

Abstract: A system which disperses a payload in a sequential manner. The payload may consist of a number of discrete individual payload units which are composed of two or more sections. The illustrated and described embodiment of the system is utilized in a rocket for dispersing decoy material, such as aluminum chaff, in a sequential burst pattern so as to produce a more uniform, widespread distribution of the decoy material. This is accomplished by sequential bursts of each unit which throw outwardly the payload sections of each unit, whereafter each of the payload sections are exploded. This concept may readily be applied to mortor type decoy rounds, other types of decoy material, or to other types of applications, requiring a sequential dispersion of the payload thereof.