Abstract: An improved break-away, end-of-arm robotic tooling assembly that has been designed to prevent damage to the robot arm in the event it would come in contact with something it should not. The robotic tooling assembly has a two inch inside diameter bore for air and paint lines. The robotic tooling assembly is compliant in all directions with the exception of a pulling force and it can be reset on repeating registration structure within the robotic tooling assemble. An air switch is incorporated which instantly signals the robot controller to perform an emergency stop.

Abstract: An optical power summing apparatus that allows a multiplicity of optical signals to be combined with minimal signal transmission loss. A single photodiode simultaneously receives all of the input signals to perform a summation of signal powers. Alternative embodiments of the apparatus use either a tightly packed bundle of etched optical fibers or a converging arrangement of optical waveguides on a dielectric substrate to focus the optical signals onto the base region of a single photodiode.

Abstract: An exhaust gas management system for missile launch arrangements having multiple launch cells exhausting into a common plenum includes automatic aft closure members which serve to close off the flow passages to inactive cells while providing an open passage for exhaust gases from an active cell undergoing a missile firing. This arrangement prevents back flow or recirculation of exhaust gases into the volume in the cell which is upstream of the rocket nozzle exit.

Abstract: A deployable/retractable photovoltaic concentrator solar array assembly for space applications that includes a plurality of solar array panels that are carried by a pantograph arm arrangement that is deployable to position the panels in a predetermined canted arrangement for receipt of solar radiation. Each panel includes a plurality of spaced cylindrical off axis parabolic mirrors that concentrate the reflected light on a line that falls upon a series of photovoltaic cells arranged longitudinally along the back of each mirror. The cylindrical parabolic mirrors are aligned with the cylindrical axis perpendicular to the axis about which the panels are canted, so that such canting causes no loss of focus. The array panels may be hardened to resist perceived threats and the pantograph arm arrangement is operable to position the array panels in a preferred orientation according to the nature of the threat.

Abstract: A fuel system for horizontal takeoff and hypersonic aerospace vehicles. The fuel vapor generated in the fuel tank is mixed with the liquid fuel from the tank. The mix is compressed and supplied to the engine system as usable fuel. The compressor used for compressing the combination gas and liquid can be driven from a turbo expansion cycle using aerodynamic heating of the vehicle. Several different embodiments for mixing the fuel vapor with liquid fuel are disclosed.

Abstract: A lateral thrust assembly for missile maneuvering comprises an annular array of outwardly directed nozzles, each nozzle having a releasable plug normally blocking flow of propellant gases out of the nozzle. A plug release mechanism associated with each plug allows that plug to be released to open the respective nozzle. A combustion chamber containing propellant is connected to the inner ends of all the nozzles. The propellant is ignited when one or more selected plugs are released to allow opening of the associated nozzle or nozzles, controlling the direction of the lateral thrust applied to the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for ultrasonically testing a part uses a transducer which emits sound waves to flow through a water column into contact with the part. The housing has sidewalls, a top, and a bottom, defining a reservoir. The transducer locates in the reservoir and points downward toward the bottom. A collar extends upward from the bottom in alignment with the transducer. The collar has an open upper end spaced a selected distance above the bottom. A tube mounts in the collar in alignment with the transducer. The tube will slide vertically relative to the collar. The lower end of the tube protrudes through an aperture in the bottom for contact with the part. Water is supplied to the reservoir, to flow over the upper end of the collar and through the tube against the part. A supporting surface on the housing supports the housing on the part and depends downward from the bottom of the housing.

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.An assembly of a plurality of coil conductors arranged in a high current coil according to the method is illustrated.

Abstract: A modular distributed concentrating collector using a low loss power bus to route solar radiation collected from a plurality of concentrating and collecting dishes to a centralized converted for conversion into electricity in space. The power bus may utilize fiber optic bundles. The collector includes a plurality of adjustable solar collectors to provide optimum tracking of the sun. The arrangement can be folded for stowing in the payload bay of the Space Shuttle or other launch vehicle for transport to a location in space.

Abstract: A process for producing high-strength, substantially nonporous alloys by means of a three-component mixture, including admixing a first component of one or more low-melting temperature metals or alloys thereof, a second component of one or more high-melting temperature metals or alloys thereof, and a substantially inert third component of one or more refractory compounds, subjecting the mixture to changes in temperature so as to form a mixture capable of being shaped at a temperature well below the melting or decomposition temperature of the highest melting metal and the inert refractory compound.

Abstract: A method of making a composite structure, such as an aircraft wing, which has a foam core and at least one outer layer of fiber reinforced resin material. A shaped foam core is prepared by compressing a rigid, closed-cell foam to the desired shape in a closed mold under heat and pressure. A sheet of flexible open-cell foam is impregnated with a thermosetting resin. A sheet of dry fiber reinforcement material is placed on one or both sides of the impregnated foam sheet. The resulting sandwich is wrapped around the foam core and the assembly is placed in a corresponding tool cavity. The tool is heated to the curing temperature of the impregnating resin. As the temperature rises, the foam core expands, exerting pressure on the impregnated foam sheet, forcing resin into the fiber reinforcement, wetting all the fibers and forcing air out of the material. As the resin cures, void-free, strong skins are formed integral with the core foam.

Abstract: The fiber optic combiner/splitter is a positive and negative axicon combination which can convert a ring-shaped beam into a solid beam. The positive half of the axicon is effectively a plano-convex lens where the convex surface is generally a shallow cone. The flat surface of the lens abuts each end of an array of single mode fibers which are arranged in a ring configuration around a support member. The negative half of the axicon is effectively a plano-concave lens which is complementary to the positive lens. The focused beams from the positive half of the axicon are combined to form a single beam which is then directed into a single optical fiber. For conversions in the reverse direction, light is taken from a single multimode fiber and expanded into a ring-like pattern. The ring of light is picked up by the ring of single mode fibers. Each single mode fiber receives an equal amount of optical energy or power to provide good efficiency in splitting of the multiplexed beam.

Abstract: An improved optical fiber suitable for use as a distributed sensor of variations in either hydrostatic pressure or temperature having two substantially hemi-cylindrical optical glass cores, the first said core having a first index of refraction and the second said core having a second index of refraction, separated by a layer of optical glass having a third index of refraction, and an outer optical glass sheath having a fourth index of refraction. The split-core optical fiber can be fabricated so that cross-talk between the two halves of the split-core is a function of hydrostatic pressure or of temperature variations.

Abstract: A method and equipment for making a chemical analysis of a sample enables multiple analyses to be conducted simultaneously. The system includes a number of injection valves connected in series to a sample inlet line. Each injection valve is connected in a parallel to a separate detection unit. Each injection valve is connected to a pressurized source such as a solvent pump. This equipment includes a sample preparation unit which injects the sample to flow through each of the valves. Each of the valves will retain a portion of the sample in a sample chamber. Each valve will rotate to an injecting position wherein the pressurized solvent pushes the sample into the separate detection units.

Abstract: In one embodiment a bundle of optic fibers of different lengths are inserted through the case wall of a solid fuel or a hybrid rocket motor and extends through the wall of the fuel grain to the edge of the bore in center thereof. As the grain burns in a normal manner, from the center toward the outer periphery of the case, the bright flame of ignition is seen at the end of the fiber optic fiber adjacent to the flame. The length of each fiber in the bundle is used to determine the burn rate and amount of grain left to ignite. In another embodiment different length fibers of a bundle are looped into the grain and back to the exterior of the case and light emitting diodes are positioned at one end of each fiber with a light-detecting means at the other end. The light through the diodes is monitored to detect a no-light condition which exists when a fiber is destroyed by the burn. In yet another embodiment a single optic fiber is used with a light source and a light reception means at one end.

Abstract: A dual eccentric bearing system for precise adjustment of wing incidence and dihedral. The bearing system is utilized in the attachment of wings that vary the sweep by rotation about a pivot fixedly located on an aircraft fuselage through an interconnecting wing pivot pin. The top portion of the pivot pin is supported by the dual eccentric bearing system and the bottom by a non-eccentric bearing system. The eccentric bearing system has both an eccentric ball retaining ring free to rotate relative to its fuselage attachment and a ball contained within the ring which includes an eccentric pivot pin receiving aperture free to rotate within the ring containment. The bottom end of the pin is supported by a conventional non-eccentric bearing system with the ring fixedly held in position by its fuselage connection. The ball of the non-eccentric bearing has a similar pin receiving aperture with the ball free to rotate angularly relative to the ring.

Abstract: An adaptive gain and phase controller for an autopilot for a flight vehicle, such as a hypersonic glide vehicle, that includes applying a reference excitation signal to the control system of a flight vehicle, measuring the response of the vehicle to that excitation signal, namely the gain and phase losses through airframe, and making adjustments to the gain and phase inputs to the autopilot based on those measurements. A high gain narrow bandpass filter is incorporated so that the test signal can be extracted from the airframe of the flight vehicle.

Abstract: A liquid-solid propulsion system having a tank of liquid oxygen and a high pressure chamber loaded with solid grain fuel with a portion of the liquid oxygen being passed through a heat exchanger to convert the liquid oxygen to gaseous oxygen. The gaseous oxygen is directed to the chamber or solid grain fuel to induce a fuel rich gas burn that is directed to a thrust chamber which also receives liquid oxygen to increase the characteristic velocity of the exhaust and thereby provide the specific impulse of the propulsion system. The gaseous oxygen is also directed to the liquid oxygen tank to pressurize the flow of liquid oxygen from the tank. Valves are interposed to control the flow of liquid and gaseous oxygen to provide the required mixture ratio in the thrust chamber for optimum specific impulse or to terminate the thrust of the propulsion system. A method for providing the liquid-solid propulsion system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A "float-up" launching system for launching missiles from submerged submarines or other submerged launchers utilizing a lightweight rigid cylindrical tube telescoped over the missile while stored in the launcher so as to not take up additional volume. On launching, the tube is extended forward of the missile by a gas generator to form a floatation chamber which creates extra buoyance forward of the missile center of gravity, but still connected to the water surface, nose upwardly, where it is disconnected and the missile booster is ignited.

Abstract: A multi-layer blanket insulation adapted of use in an aerobrake intended to assist in the return of a space vehicle from a higher earth orbit to a low earth orbit for recovery and possible reuse. Between two face sheets of a cloth material highly resistant to elevated temperatures are interposed a layer of a flexible insulative material and a layer of non-porous foil. The insulation is stitched together into a predetermined pattern. A backside stiffener may be secured to the back face by a layer of a suitable cloth material.