Patents Assigned to General Dynamics
  • Patent number: 4319258
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1982
    Assignee: General Dynamics, Pomona Division
    Inventors: Gary L. Harnagel, Gerry T. Laga, Joseph M. Harrison, Victor A. Twaddell
  • Patent number: 4317614
    Abstract: A bus manifold utilizing master and slave terminals wherein a single data bus transmits master terminal signals to the slave terminals continuously and simultaneously with transmission from one of the slave terminals. The system uses a single-optical-fiber transmission line coupled to the master terminal for both transmit and receive functions. The slave terminals have sending units coupled to the transmission line and a pair of receivers tap-coupled to the transmission line. Sending by the slave terminals is in the opposite direction from sending by the master terminal, and the tap coupling is effective to tap signals travelling in both directions in the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1982
    Assignee: General Dynamics, Pomona Division
    Inventor: John P. Palmer
  • Patent number: 4316673
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1982
    Assignee: General Dynamics, Pomona Division
    Inventor: Spencer J. Speer
  • Patent number: 4314636
    Abstract: An automated assembly, maintenance, and repair system for the construction of a large space structure. The space structure comprises a plurality of trusses and truss junctions that in turn are made up of a plurality of individual struts and nodes. The truss assemblies are progressively built by an assembler trolley as the trolley crawls along the constructed truss. The trolley comprises a forward crawler and a rear crawler joined by an articulated coupler. The crawlers are carried along the structure by belt transports incorporating grippers that engage the truss structure at the nodes. Manipulator arms for strut and node assembly are located on the forward crawler, and the majority of control, power, and communication systems are located in the rear crawler. Cargo canisters filled with component parts for constructing the space structure are carried by the forward crawler. The space structure configuration is determined by the arrangement of the individual struts and nodes during the assembly process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1982
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Slysh
  • Patent number: 4314255
    Abstract: An angle filter for electromagnetic radiation having a predetermined wavelength .lambda.. The angle filter includes a planar-parallel pair of perforated conductive plates having arrays of periodic perforations. The perforations are spaced apart for creating grating lobes between the plates at the predetermined wavelength .lambda. at incidence angles greater than .theta..sub.G. All of the perforations in both plates are identical. The spacing between the perforations in both plates is identical. The plates are staggered so that the perforations in at least one dimension of one plate are aligned between the perforations in the corresponding dimension of the other plate for minimizing coupling between the plates at incidence angles somewhat greater than .theta..sub.G in a plane corresponding to the one dimension. The center-to-center spacing between perforations in the one dimension is equal to .lambda. divided by 2 sin .theta., wherein .theta. is an incidence angle greater than .theta..sub.G.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1982
    Assignee: General Dynamics, Electronics Division
    Inventor: Thomas W. Kornbau
  • Patent number: 4309946
    Abstract: Broadly, the disclosure is directed to a range-measuring detonating system comprising an air-driven scanning mirror which cooperates with fixed mirrors to project the output of a laser toward a target, the laser being modulated at a given frequency by a local oscillator and modulator circuit. Adjacent the laser is a detecting means which feeds a receiver, the receiver output being in turn delivered to a detector which feeds a phase comparator to which is also applied the output of the local oscillator. The phase comparator output is coupled to an AND circuit to which is also applied the output of the detector. When the light energy returned by a target in the vicinity of the system achieves a given phase and amplitude, the phase comparator output is gated through the AND circuit to ignite a squib, booster and warhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1967
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1982
    Assignee: General Dynamics, Pomona Division
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Block
  • Patent number: 4310852
    Abstract: A real time electromagnetic radiation intensity distribution imaging system. The system includes an array of sensors, such as receiving antennas, for collecting electromagnetic radiation within a given frequency range, each of which is operable for producing a received signal in response to the collected radiation; an array of transmitting antennas geometrically corresponding at a reduced scale to the array of sensors for transmitting electromagnetic radiation within the millimeter wave range; and a branching network having a plurality of channels that individually connect the sensors to the antennas having corresponding positions in the respective arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1982
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corp., Electronics Division
    Inventor: Gus P. Tricoles
  • Patent number: 4310905
    Abstract: An acoustical sensor utilizing fiber optic transmission including an optical signal generator, a first single-fiber transmission line connected to the generator, and a coupler for receiving signals from the first line and transmitting the signals to a second single fiber which directs the signals to an acoustically sensitive reflective surface. The surface modulates the signal in accordance with acoustical signals applied to it and reflects at least part of the signal back to the fiber where it is transmitted to a third fiber by the coupler and then transmitted to an electronic receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1982
    Assignee: General Dynamics, Pomona Division
    Inventor: John P. Palmer
  • Patent number: 4308699
    Abstract: An automated assembly, maintenance, and repair system for the construction of a large space structure. The space structure comprises a plurality of trusses and truss junctions that in turn are made up of a plurality of individual struts and nodes. The truss assemblies are progressively built by an assembler trolley as the trolley crawls along the constructed truss. The trolley comprises a forward crawler and a rear crawler joined by an articulated coupler. The crawlers are carried along the structure by belt transports incorporating grippers that engage the truss structure at the nodes. Manipulator arms for strut and node assembly are located on the forward crawler, and the majority of control, power, and communication systems are located in the rear crawler. Cargo canisters filled with component parts for constructing the space structure are carried by the forward crawler. The space structure configuration is determined by the arrangement of the individual struts and nodes during the assembly process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1982
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Slysh
  • Patent number: 4307839
    Abstract: A ramjet missile with a variable size exhaust nozzle formed by a plurality of flaps having heat resistant blocks displaced circumferentially about the nozzle which are latched within the divergent contour of the nozzle during missile climb condition and extendable radially into the exhaust nozzle exit area to reduce the size thereof for missle cruise and descent. These heat resistant blocks are jetisonable so that the nozzle exit area may be increased to its original size upon the missile return to low level flight condition. Actuators are also provided for operating the flaps for unlatching, extending and jetisoning the heat resistant blocks at the appropriate time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1981
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation
    Inventors: George B. Nicoloff, Clark Kerr, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4307665
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to countermeasure systems, particularly to systems for providing a protective cover against homing and/or fire control devices operating upon infrared, sonar, or microwave reflected energy or for confusing search and tracking devices, and more particularly to decoy rounds and their method of fabrication. The decoy rounds include at least one load of energy generating material, means for propelling the load, a burst charge for shattering the load, the burst charge being constructed so as to cause a line type explosion, and means for igniting the burst charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1967
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1981
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Block, William M. Carter, George H. Schillreff
  • Patent number: 4307933
    Abstract: A low-loss unidirectional optical coupler utilizing clad monofilament fibers of different diameters is provided by mounting each fiber on a curved surface, lapping the smaller (launch) fiber substantially tangentially to the curved surface until the core of the launch fiber has been lapped through to produce two elliptical flat surfaces, independently lapping the other (throughput) fiber tangentially to its surface to produce a fiber surface of substantially the same size as one of those produced on the launch fiber, aligning the throughput fiber surface with one of the launch fiber surfaces, and bonding them together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1981
    Assignee: General Dynamics, Pomona Division
    Inventors: John P. Palmer, Phillip B. Ward, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4307934
    Abstract: A module for a fiber optic data transmission system which will accommodate either a suitable light source or a photoelectric detector. The module incorporates an integrated electronic assembly, such as a hybrid microelectronic assembly. The assembly has provision for a photoelectric transducer which preferably has a cylindrical mount disposed in a cylindrical recess of the electronic assembly. The entire assembly may be surrounded by a cylindrical can having a transparent window. The transducer is provided with a collimating lens which permits it to receive or emit a collimated light beam. Between the fiber optic bundle and the transducer, there is preferably disposed a focusing lens. The focusing lens receives or emits the collimated light beam and focuses it on the fiber optic bundle. A housing surrounds the entire module. Means, such as a retainer ring, are provided for holding the electronic assembly within the housing. Similar means are provided for maintaining the focusing lens within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1981
    Assignee: General Dynamics, Pomona Division
    Inventor: John P. Palmer
  • Patent number: 4306500
    Abstract: An active optical target detecting device is provided for a missile. A transmitter radiates within the optical spectrum. This radiation is subject to scattering by water droplets in the atmosphere which may be due to clouds, fog, rain or other adverse weather conditions. In order to improve the signal-to-noise ratio two receivers that are associated with each transmitter are angularly displaced by equal angles from the transmitter. Hence, each receiver receives only one half of the undesirable backscatter radiation. Therefore, the target may be more readily detected even in the presence of backscatter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1981
    Assignee: General Dynamics, Pomona Division
    Inventors: Rodney L. Castanien, Lee G. Young
  • Patent number: 4305203
    Abstract: A tool for installing shrink fit parts formed of a material which is dimensionally stable over a wide range of temperatures having a locating surface on which a part to be shrunk is clamped and having a chamber adjacent the locating surface, which is filled with a cooling media as the part is being shrunk in a source or vat of cooling media, to maintain the part in its shrunken condition after removal from the cooling media. A valve is provided for removing the cooling media from the chamber after the shrunken part is positioned precisely in a second part so that the shrunken part will warm and expand into the second part to form a shrink fit therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: General Dynamics, Convair Division
    Inventors: Miriam S. Bock, Gerald D. Peddie
  • Patent number: 4303480
    Abstract: The improved circuit composite of the present invention is of the thick film type, but is readily solderable, weldable and bondable to wire without oxidizing. The composite comprises a refractory substrate such as alumina, beryllia or zirconia, a thick printed film pattern of oxidizable electrically conductive metal such as copper, nickel, or silver bonded to the substrate, and a thin electroplated film of non-oxidizable electrically conductive metal, such as gold or platinum, enclosing and adhering to the thick film pattern. The then-electroplated film allows wires and contacts to be soldered, welded or bonded to the pattern, as by ultrasonic or thermocompression bonding, without degrading the quality of the contact area and while permitting removal and subsequent reattachment of such wires and contacts. The method is simple, inexpensive and efficient. It calls for forming the thick film on the substrate and then electroplating the thin film thereover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1981
    Assignee: General Dynamics, Pomona Division
    Inventors: John H. Wood, Victor A. Twaddell
  • Patent number: 4302267
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for aligning a pair of optical fibers wherein a first fiber is positioned in a holder, adjusted along two axes in a plane, and rotated about an axis perpendicular to the plane. A second fiber is mounted in a universal fixture by a first set of adjustable positioning screws opposed to each other in a housing, and a second set of adjustable positioning screws opposed to the first set positioning the housing on an adjustable structure. The optical fibers are brought into position and flush contact effected by the flexibility of the universal fixture. Thereafter the structure is adjusted in a plane defined by two separate axes to effect alignment about the axes, and rotated about the third axis to complete alignment. A laser or other light source and a light sensitive element are utilized to determine when maximum light transmission is achieved, thus signifying proper alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1981
    Assignee: General Dynamics, Pomona Division
    Inventors: John P. Palmer, Phillip B. Ward, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4301980
    Abstract: A propulsion system for an airplane to permit it to achieve vertical and/or short take-offs and landings. The propulsion system is integrated into a wing/nacelle unit and includes a thrust vectoring system. A separate flow turbofan engine is mounted in each wing/nacelle unit. A system of three flaps is located at the rear of each wing/nacelle unit for deflecting the turbofan engine exhaust downward, rearward, or any angle in between. These three flaps are arranged to provide a main thrust nozzle in the horizontal flight position without any additional flaps between them. One flap is located at the wing/nacelle upper surface trailing edge. Two slots are provided at the leading edge of this flap. The upper forward most slot is provided as an exit nozzle for the engine turbine exhaust, which is shrouded from the fan exhaust. The second of these two slots removes a portion of the high energy fan exhaust from the fan discharge duct and ejects it over a flap upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1981
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation
    Inventors: Ganey W. Bradfield, Glynn P. Cragin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4298178
    Abstract: A satellite maintenance system for satellite stations orbiting in the geosynchronous corridor comprising a roving satellite maintenance vehicle capable of operating autonomously in the geosynchronous corridor and containing replacement hardware in modular form by which maintenance operation can be made on the satellite station by the exchange of one module for another thereby repairing or upgrading the hardware in the satellite station to prolong its useful life. The maintenance vehicle is capable of operating in the corridor for prolonged periods of time in a standby mode and capable of proceeding, on command, to the satellite station to perform the maintenance function automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1981
    Assignee: General Dynamics
    Inventor: Edward J. Hujsak
  • Patent number: 4296839
    Abstract: A damping device comprising a first element in the form of a bolt whose central rod portion, as a spring, forms a primary load path between structural elements between which the damping device is mounted, with a damping element of viscoelastic material loaded in shear between a pair of sleeves and forming a secondary load path, in parallel, with the primary load path to damp vibrations in the structural members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1981
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Peller, Jack E. Dyer