Abstract: Method and apparatus for preventing combustion of exhaust gases in rocket launch systems using a plurality of launch tubes connected to a plenum including pressure sensors in each launch tube, a control system sensitive to atmospheric pressure and launch tube pressure which provides a signal to an inert gas supply flow controller to initiate flow of gas into the plenum when pressure in a launch tube, after launch of a rocket, reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: Probes for testing circuitry comprising plural oriented, circular cross-section, microcircuit probes positioned in a dielectric base and having connections on the opposite side of base to attach probe circuitry. A method of manufacture of such probes includes assembling a laminate of a dielectric base, and an aluminum mandrel, drilling holes in the laminate at positions corresponding to the eventual probe positions, electroless plating the entire package, passivating the electroless plated coating, plating the entire assemblage until the holes are substantially filled with plating, separting and shearing off the layers of plating from the laminate, applying a photoresist and developing it on the aluminum side corresponding to the holes for the probes, and on the opposite side corresponding to the desired circuitry, removing the material on the aluminum side to expose the aluminum, dissolving the aluminum to expose the probes, and soldering and reflowing the solder on the probes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for testing nonlinear axicons utilizing holographic interferometry with simple, low cost, optical elements and with a new technique illuminating the entire surface under test.A similar method and apparatus are also disclosed as useful in testing plane or convex mirrors.

Abstract: An undersea weapon comprising a warhead, a rocket motor, detection, homing and control systems and a hydropulse underwater propulsion system in an integral unit. The weapon is launched at a previously detected target, such as a submarine, on a ballistic trajectory through the air by means of the rocket motor. The weapon enters the water near the submarine, which is thereafter detected by an on-board system incorporating active and/or passive detection. The thus-determined submarine direction is utilized by the control system to guide the weapon toward the submarine under water. A hydropulse motor utilizes the empty rocket motor as the propulsion chamber and provides the underwater propulsion to propel the weapon through the water toward the submarine, where the warhead then detonates on contact with the submarine. Alternatively, the weapon may be air dropped near a previously detected target, in which case there need be no propellant in the rocket motor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting propagating normal zones in a superconducting coil or magnet by monitoring the energy consumed by the magnet/coil per unit time and comparing that value with a previously recorded or stored value of energy consumed per unit time. The monitoring is done outside the cryostat and external quench detection circuitry configurations are disclosed for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A bistatic passive radar system and method for airborne use in a first aircraft in conjunction with a host transmitter located in a second aircraft that may be at a different altitude than the first aircraft, characterized by a system and method for determining the distance between the aircraft. The system for determining the distance between the aircraft includes a system for receiving radar signals from the host transmitter directly and via reflection from a selected ground target located between the two aircraft; a system coupled to the receiver for determining the apparent range R.sub.a from the host transmitter on the second aircraft to the receiver on the first aircraft in response to receipt of the radar signals; a device on the first aircraft for determining the altitude H of the first aircraft; a device on the first aircraft for determining the angle .theta.

Abstract: 1.

Abstract: A receiver for locating a source of RF radiation received by a four-arm spiral antenna having an angular measurement frame normal to the antenna axis, including a detection circuit for detecting signals received from each of the spiral arms in response to receipt of RF radiation by the antenna; a first comparison circuit for comparing signals detected from a first opposite pair of the spiral arms to produce a first signal that is proportional to a first function of the frequency of the received RF radiation and the angular displacement of the radiation source in the measurement frame; a second comparison circuit for comparing signals detected from the remaining opposite pair of the spiral arms to produce a second signal that is proportional to a second function of the frequency of the received RF radiation and the angular displacement of the radiation source in the measurement frame; and a processing circuit for processing the first and second signals to produce third and fourth signals that are proportional

Abstract: A method and apparatus for merging electrons and ions in a neutralizer region where both are of equal intensity and velocity and directing the beam at a target to be destroyed. The region for merging the beams comprises a plurality of circular electrodes formed in a convex overlapping configuration with circular apertures for receiving ions from a ion source. A separate set of accelerator-decelerator electrodes is positioned to merge the electron beam into the ions in the beam merging region. After the beam leaves the beam merging region it enters an elongated axial magentic field which compresses the beam as it is directed to an object to be destroyed.This device may be housed in a satellite capable of being transported into space and moved within a kill radius of an object. The beam density is determined by the choice of ion species and by merging the beams in a low interaction energy environment.

Abstract: In a liquid level sensing apparatus having a stillwell in a liquid-holding tank disposed around the sensing device, a bubble shield is provided to interdict the upward flow of bubbles to the stillwell to protect the sensor from contact with bubbles or foreign matter which could result in a false reading.

Abstract: A multi-burn restartable solid rocket fuel having plural layers, each independently ignitable, including a central core, and at least one outer cylindrical layer separated from the central core by a non-ignitable layer, and the method of utilization therefor including first igniting the central core in an end burned configuration, and subsequently or concurrently igniting the next adjacent layer or layers in an end burned configuration, as desired.

Abstract: An optical floating deck modulator to modulate a control element of an electron device, such as the grid of a Klystron tube or traveling wave tube, having two high power MOSFET switching devices connected in series between a high positive and a high negative voltage source (which also supply the high voltage to the electron device) with the control element coupled between the MOSFET devices. This arrangement provides a low resistance path between the two voltage potentials and the control element being modulated, as the two MOSFET devices are switched alternately ON and OFF and thus achieves fast rise and fall times over a very high voltage swing. Each MOSFET device has a separate drive circuit (deck) and each deck comprises a photo diode information receiver coupled to a transimpedance amplifier, the output of which is amplified by a bipolar transistor amplifier and a FET amplifier. Total isolation between the decks and the information source is achieved by an optic link therebetween.

Abstract: A platinum-cadmium sulfide Schottky barrier photovoltaic detector which is capable of sensing near ultraviolet and short wavelength visible radiation with extremely small response to wavelengths longer than about 5200 angstroms. The detector is fabricated with both the ohmic and barrier contacts located on the same side of the cadmium sulfide substrate to facilitate wire attachment by high-speed bonding techniques. A titanium-gold-titanium infrared shield structure is deposited directly on the substrate and is utilized to provide a connection between the ohmic contact and the substrate. An insulating layer of silicon dioxide covers the shield structure. A thin layer of platinum is deposited directly on the substrate in a small central optically active area surrounded by the insulated shield structure. A metal boundary layer overlies the periphery of the platinum layer and prevents the barrier contact metalization from affecting the properties of the Schottky barrier.

Abstract: A retractable, self-erecting wing for a low speed missile, having a double walled fabric body held in extended position by spring loaded struts, the fabric enclosing an air pocket which acts as a damper to prevent the wing from fluttering under certain aerodynamic conditions. The wing is extended by a hinged strut structure and folds into a very small space adjacent the outer wall of the missile body. The structure enables a large area wing to be stowed in a minimum of space so that the maximum internal volume is available for payload. In stowed condition the wing is completely enclosed in the body for minimum drag during any high speed portion of the missile flight, multiple wings being released when required by a simple mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for severing and laying composite tape to form structural members with a shearing and compacting mechanism capable of a large variety of angular or circular severances. The severances are formed incrementally or digitally with a number of lengthwise slits of selected length. A plurality of transverse cuts are formed in the tape to intersect the slits to form a stairstepped severance. A curved chute at the discharge end of the apparatus has an endless belt to maintain the tape in alignment as it is pressed onto the work surface. The tape is compacted onto the work surface by a segmented roller system composed of several individual rollers. As the severance is reached, the rollers are selectively and individually disengaged from the work surface to correlate compaction termination with the shape of the severance.

Abstract: A superconducting magnet arrangement having a sealed cryogenic environment utilizing liquid helium, a superconducting coil immersed in the liquid helium, a constant current power supply exterior of the cryogenic environment and connected to the coil by leads cooled by varying helium boil off and an electrical shunt connect across the magnet. Variations in the helium boil off are compensated by exposing the shunt to and cooling it by the same helium boil off or by exposing negative temperature coefficient device to such flow or by a combination of such methods.

Abstract: The disclosed common aperture seeker antenna includes a parabolic array of crossed dipoles. This array is substantially reflective for radiated electrical signals in one band, and substantially transmissive for radiated electrical signals outside of that band. A monopulse (four-element) waveguide feed is rigidly positioned on the concave side of the parabolic array at the focal point thereof. The parabolic reflector antenna operates in the one band to provide a high gain active system for accurate tracking of targets. A planar spiral antenna is rigidly positioned on the convex side of the parabolic array in axial alignment with the parabolic reflector antenna. This wideband antenna operates over a multioctave frequency band below that of the one band to provide a low gain system for passive tracking of targets. The two antenna systems coexist in such a manner that each utilizes the available aperture to its fullest extent.

Abstract: A totally enclosed electrical machine, particularly a high power electric motor, is provided with a plate-type, crossflow, air-to-air heat exchanger which is seated on the frame of the electrical machine. Adjacent plates of the heat exchanger are modular units which define an array of ducts through which the internal air heated by the machine flows in a direction away from the machine. The ducts at opposite ends of the array provide passages for the bi-directional flow of air, such that air which is cooled in the heat exchanger is returned to the opposite ends of the machine. The heat exchanger is provided with a plenum in which air is returned to the end ducts. A baffle in the plenum distributes the air in different amounts, which vary progressively but in opposite senses, to the return ducts which communicate with the opposite ends of the machine thereby equalizing the temperature of the return air supplied to the opposite ends of the machine and providing uniform cooling of the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a plurality of items to a unit having a variable demand. The apparatus includes a frame rotatably supporting a first shaft in a fixed position, and a last shaft rotatably supported in a fixed position, the last shaft supplying items to the unit, the first shaft discharging the items from the apparatus at a variable rate, and at least two rotatable pivotally mounted, intermediate shafts to guide the items between the first and last shafts and accumulate them during load demand. The rate of feed by the last shaft is different from that of the first shaft and is determined at least by the extent of accumulation at the intermediate shafts, and optionally also by the differential in feed rate existing between the first and last shafts.

Abstract: 1.