Abstract: A combined application paraboloid spacecraft structure that is adapted to serve as a structural element for space transportation vehicles, and in additional applications, as a separated spacecraft. The primary structure of the combined application paraboloid spacecraft structure is shaped as the shell of a paraboloid of revolution which has focusing properties for use in such functions as a solar power concentrator, a surveillance or an astronomical telescope, or a communications antenna when deployed in space. The primary structure of this combined application paraboloid can nest and can also be used to support other single or multiple host spacecraft during launch and orbit to orbit transportation.

Abstract: A self supporting solar concentrator cell array adapted for use in space applications that includes a plurality of cylindric parabolic reflective mirror surfaces, each of which focus recipient sunlight forwardly onto a focal line which is positioned approximately on the backside of an adjacent mirror surface on which is secured a solar element for converting the focussed sunlight into electricity. A front element extending upwardly from the leading edge of each mirror surface cooperates in providing an aperture through which the focussed sunlight passes and side elements close each cell element. The backside of each mirror is provided with a thermally emissive surface to provide mirror thermal control and allows the mirror to act as a thermal radiator fin for the solar cell elements. The mirror surface is provided with a highly reflective coating such as aluminum or silver to optimize reflectivity.

Abstract: A rocket engine protection system for a recoverable rocket booster which is arranged to land in a salt water body for recovery. The system includes an inflatable water impermeable elastomeric bladder that may be fabricated of a silicone impregnated woven Kevlar material and which is stowed in a deflated condition on a rotatable arm that is journalled to the lower portion of the nozzle of a liquid rocket booster. The deflated bladder and the rotatable arm are protected by a pod cover that is hinged to the outer portion on the nozzle. During the controlled descent of the liquid rocket booster by parachute for landing in a salt water body the pod cover is released and opened upwardly by a gas cylinder actuator. The rotatable arm which is biased by a torsion spring is then permitted to rotate around to position the deflated bladder in a deployed position within the interior of the lower portion of the nozzle. The bladder is then inflated to form a plug within the nozzle.

Abstract: A rocket engine protection system for a recoverable rocket booster which is arranged to land in a salt water body in substantially a nose down attitude. The system includes an inflatable bag which is stowed on a portion of a flat annular rim of the aft skirt of the booster. The bag is hinged at opposing sides and is provided with springs that urge the bag open. The bag is latched in a stowed position during launch and prior to landing for recovery is unlatched to permit the bag to be urged open and into sealing engagement with the rim. A source of pressurized gas further inflates the bag and urges it into sealing engagement with the rim of the skirt where it is locked into position. The gas provides a positive pressure upon the interior of the bag to preclude entry of salt water into the skirt and into contact with the engine. A flotation arrangement may assist in precluding the skirt of the booster from becoming submerged.

Abstract: A backup mandrel apparatus to engage the inner surface of a metal tube being welded to support the weld bead and to keep a molten weld puddle from sagging and falling through the tube wall during welding. The apparatus includes a flexible inflatable bladder surrounded by a split expandable mandrel, an expandable band typically surrounding a central portion of the split expandable mandrel, insulation pads surrounding the mandrel adjacent to the expandable band and insulation material covering the inflatable bladder. The insulation pads preferably have a compressed thickness slightly greater than the band thickness. This assembly is inserted within the tubular workpiece to be welded. In use, the inflatable bladder is inflated with low air or water pressure to expand the mandrel to uniformly expand the expandable band to press the insulation pads against the inner side of the tubing workpiece being welded while leaving either no gap or a narrow gap between the band and the inner tube wall surface.

Abstract: Biofouling of underwater surfaces by marine organisms is prevented by irradiating the surfaces or the adjacent water with ultraviolet light and adjusting the intensity of the ultraviolet light so as to kill or temporarily stun marine organisms to prevent their attachment to the underwater surface.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling the flight of a launch vehicle and a coupled payload, such a spaceplane, from launch to the separation of the payload from the vehicle. The launch vehicle is provided with controllable gimballed rocket engines and optionally with aerodynamic control surfaces, that are controlled by flight control systems. The payload having controlled flight surfaces has control systems that cooperate with those flight control systems carried by the launch vehicle to jointly control the coupled launch vehicle and coupled payload during coupled flight. The cooperating flight control systems provide open and closed loop control systems that react to winds measured prior to launch and atmospheric disturbances as indicated by on-board sensors during flight. The payload is mounted on the launch vehicle at a cant angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the launch vehicle to optimize its lift to the coupled launch vehicle and payload.

Abstract: Biofouling of underwater surfaces by marine organisms is prevented by irradiating the water with ultraviolet light and adjusting the intensity of the ultraviolet light so as to kill barnacle larvae to prevent their attachment to the underwater surface. The water is passed through a biocidal chamber having a source of ultraviolet light at an intensity of at least 4000 .mu.watts/cm.sup.2 and at a rate to provide a residence time of at least one minute on the biocidal chamber.

Abstract: A centrifugal propellant depot positioned in outer space for storing and transferring cryogenic liquid propellants to and from transfer space vehicles which are adapted to transport cryogenic liquid propellants to the depot to receive the liquid propellants stored in the depot. The depot includes a plurality of contra-rotatable torus-shaped hollow storage tanks adapted to receive cryogenic liquid oxygen and hydrogen propellants that are carried in gas/liquid phase separation by rotational gravity. Transport rail members transversely bridge the storage tanks. A central docking hub is coupled to the transport rail members and disposed centrally of the rotating storage tanks. The docking hub may receive a transfer space vehicle on either of two opposing sides of the hub for transfer, via a transfer vehicle coupled to the rail members, outwardly to the storage tanks.

Abstract: A major increase in terminal explosive energy of a missile by reacting bulk aluminum, titanium, magnesium, steel, and/or organic matrix composite missile structure with oxygen enriched air which is collected as the missile flies to its target. Oxygen rich air is produced from a small amount of engine bleed or atmospheric air processed through a molecular sieve on board oxygen generating system (OBOG), and stored under pressure in the missile fuel tanks as they are emptied during flight. Explosive reaction of the oxygen with missile structure is achieved with a flexible linear shaped charge (FLSC) attached to tank wall structure. Initiation of an explosive reaction between the bulk aluminum and oxygen can be achieved by a conventional shape charge or the like.

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: A method for continuous processing/in-situ consolidation and curing of thermoset resin impregnated fiber tow into a composite product having minimal porosity and being relatively void free. The method provides for preconditioning a fiber, impregnating a continuous fiber tow with a low viscosity thermoset resin to complete saturation and then simultaneously outgassing and advancing the resin impregnated tow. The preconditioned tow is then applied to a substrate such as a heated rotating mandrel in a filament winding procedure where heat is applied to the nip of the touch-down of the tow to the mandrel with the simultaneous application of pressure for initial consolidation of the tow upon the substrate. Additional pressure and heat are applied to the tow as the mandrel is rotated to provide for advancing the stage of the resin and further consolidation of the material.

Abstract: Communication and computer interconnecting systems using Universal Direct Spherics (Unidispherics) philosophy makes it possible to transmit and store data in an efficient and rapid manner. The system architecture embodies a plurality of communication sites (nodes) which interact with each other by a symmetrical arrangement of great circles on a sphere or their equivalent. Each intersection of two great circles can be a node for linking processors, bulk memories, and in/out units (IND). In addition to the insertion of two great circles on a sphere, there are five other links, four along each of the great circles connected to the nodes at the adjacent great circle intersections and one cross-link to the node diametrically opposite on the sphere.

Abstract: A superconducting conductor assembly using high temperature materials. A double-walled tubular structure has at least one helical strip of superconductive material on the inner wall of the inside tube. Brittle, non-ductile superconducting materials may be used. A coolant, typically liquid nitrogen, is circulated between the tubes to maintain the superconductor below the critical temperature of the superconductor. A buffer layer is preferably included between tube wall and superconductor. A plurality of alternating layers of buffer and superconductor may be used.

Abstract: A passive load limiting strut particularly useful in limiting loads between a spacecraft and an upper stage during booster first stage operation and thereby permit the launching of heavier spacecraft. The strut operates on the principle of snap through buckling of bar linkages. A tension shaft is telescoped into a compression shaft within a housing. A plurality of bar linkages are connected between each of the shafts and the housing, the bars being oriented at an acute angle in the direction of the tension shaft. In tension, the bar linkages connected to the tension shaft progressively buckle, absorbing tension loads. In compression, the bars connected to the compression shaft progressively buckle, absorbing compression loads. A compression spring intermediate the ends of the shafts further aids in load relief. Collars on the shafts prevent the shafts moving beyond preselected locations.

Abstract: A direct-sequence spread-spectrum communication system having a receiver that despreads a received signal that has been modulated with a pseudonoise code generated by a linear feedback shift register. The receiver despreads the received signal by multiplying it with a limited number of delayed replicas of the received signal. Despreading is thus performed without need for a locally generated pseudonoise code or a synchronizing clock.

Abstract: An arrangement for attaching, quickly disconnecting and jettisoning a rocket booster from a core space vehicle. The arrangement includes a housing connected to the booster and having a drive means slidably positioned therewithin and selectively locked to a bearing block connected to the space vehicle core by a lockable collet clutch means. The collet clutch means is unlocked by the drive means in response to a selective pressure to disconnect the booster from the space vehicle core and continued movement of the drive means within the housing forces the drive means into a high force contact with the bearing block, causing a rebound which jettisons the housing and connected booster from the core of the space vehicle.

Abstract: A tool to be used in cooperation with a rotatable drill having a shoulder portion and a shank portion to remove set rivets securing parts together. The tool includes a hollow compressible means which surrounds the drill. The compressible means is provided at one end with a relieved surface having a contour that mates with the head of the rivet and with a central bore through which passes the drill. Spacers may be provided between the shoulder portion of the drill and the tool as well as may be friction reducing. The drill is moved toward the head of the set rivet through the tool and into cutting engagement with the rivet head to cut away the central portion of the rivet head without inadvertent disengagement. The tool may then be removed from the drill to permit the rivet to be knocked out of the parts or the drill may then be used to drill out the remainder of the stem of the rivet.

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.