Patents Assigned to General Dynamics
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Patent number: 4269953Abstract: A method of increasing the strength and high temperature resistance of aromatic thermoplastic polymers by adding thereto an appropriate amount of certain biphenylene terminated compounds, then heating the mixture to a crosslinking reaction temperature. The biphenylene additive has been found to function as a plasticizer for the polymer, making it easier to work, mold, extrude, etc. prior to the heating step.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1979Date of Patent: May 26, 1981Assignee: General Dynamics CorporationInventor: Richard A. Brand
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Patent number: 4264907Abstract: In a rolling missile a seeker system which is responsive to two forms of energy emanating from a target. The system has the capability to switch between guidance modes during its path towards its intended target.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1968Date of Patent: April 28, 1981Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation, Pomona DivisionInventors: Charles C. Durand, Jr., Ralph E. Hawes, Jr.
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Patent number: 4261481Abstract: A molded, disposable fluid container is disclosed for containing one, or preferably two, fluids ready for shipping. For a single fluid, the container may be tube-shaped having one or two open ends of smaller diameter. They may be closed by disposable, molded caps which may be screwed over external screw threads, or snapped on and off from molded, external ridges. One of the caps may be of large diameter to correspond to the diameter of the tube, and may in turn, have a small diameter open cylinder which may be closed by a disposable, molded cap. Preferably, dual container kits are used for shipping two fluids. Both containers have a matching, small open end providing with matching ridges or screw threads. This permits metering of the two fluids in a desired ratio through blow-down by appropriate fluid pressures.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1978Date of Patent: April 14, 1981Assignee: General DynamicsInventor: Spencer J. Speer
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Patent number: 4256547Abstract: What is disclosed is an improvement in a method of anodizing aluminum alloy parts to meet predetermined specifications regarding salt spray corrosion resistance, fatigue failure resistance, paint adhesion and coating weights and including the steps of connecting the aluminum alloy parts to an anode of a direct current voltage source that is positive with respect to a cathode, immersing the aluminum part near the immersed cathode in an electrolyte comprising an aqueous solution of chromic acid; and carrying out the anodizing under a predetermined voltage differential for a predetermined time with the electrolyte at a predetermined temperature. The improvement comprises employing a differential voltage in the range of 15-25 volts direct current between the anode and cathode, maintaining the temperature of the electrolyte in the range of 85.degree. F.-110.degree. F. and carrying out the anodizing for a time interval in the range of 20-60 minutes.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1979Date of Patent: March 17, 1981Assignee: General Dynamics CorporationInventors: Earl W. Turns, Robert E. Forrester, Jr., Arthur C. Porter
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Patent number: 4255702Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring radiant energy scattering characteristics of a test panel of dielectric material over a circular arc are disclosed. The test panel is supported on a turntable at a position on the axis of the turntable. The turntable has a fist antenna radially mounted thereon for rotation therewith and directed toward the position of the supported test panel. The test panel support is rotated with respect to the turntable to selectively position the test panel at a predetermined incidence angle with respect to the first antenna. The turntable is rotated with respect to a second antenna which is in a fixed stationary position and directed toward the supported position of the test panel to selectively position the test panel at an incidence angle with respect to the axis of propagation of the second antenna that is equal to and opposite the predetermined incidence angle.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1978Date of Patent: March 10, 1981Assignee: General Dynamics/Electronics DivisionInventors: Gus P. Tricoles, Eugene L. Rope
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Patent number: 4247066Abstract: Airfoil device and method providing smooth, continuous, variation in airfoil camber and surface curvature over substantially the entire length of the device by use of a trusslike bendable beam as an airfoil rib having the airfoil skin surfaces flexibly slidable relative thereto. The beam is divided chordwise into upper and lower beam members each formed of a plurality of articulated sections. The beam members are connected by a bendable jackscrew which upon rotation causes one member to move chordwise, and its curvature to be changed, relative to the other thereby effecting deflection of the airfoil with concomitant variation in its camber and the curvatures of its outer skin surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1978Date of Patent: January 27, 1981Assignee: General Dynamics CorporationInventors: Richard C. Frost, Eduardo W. Gomez, Robert W. McAnally
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Patent number: 4242686Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1978Date of Patent: December 30, 1980Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation, Pomona DivisionInventor: William L. MacTurk
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Patent number: 4240596Abstract: An articulated radome for the front end of a missile or the like comprises a generally dome or spherical shaped articulated housing mounted for rotation about two separate transverse axes, with an infra-red window surrounded by a dielectric window so that both infra-red and radar sending and sensing units may be mounted within the dome for target scanning and the like.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1978Date of Patent: December 23, 1980Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation, Pomona DivisionInventors: Jay B. Winderman, Hans-Peter Schmid
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Patent number: 4239343Abstract: A light deflector apparatus comprising a bimorph piezoelectric backplate combined with an array of spherical linear piezoelectric actuators for supporting a mirrored faceplate for electrically controlled changes in the spherical radius and the focal length as well as localized variations on the surface of the mirror. The bimorph backplate forms part of a supporting structure including a bellows which, with the backplate and faceplate, form a chamber to contain the spherical actuators and which is partially evacuated to hold the faceplate in engagement with the spherical actuators.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 1979Date of Patent: December 16, 1980Assignee: General Dynamics CorporationInventor: Edwin H. Wrench
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Patent number: 4239564Abstract: A method for forming a layer of very uniform low density foam of uniform thickness on a surface is disclosed. A screen is positioned at a selected distance above a structure surface. The screen is positioned by lowering a tautly stretched screen over a plurality of studs upstanding from the structure surface to a selected height above said surface. A liquid, self-rising foam material is sprayed through the screen onto the structure surface. As the foam rises, it penetrates through the screen, leaving irregular projections above the screen. After the foam cures to at least a self-sustaining state, the screen is stripped away, leaving a uniform foam layer. The foam layer is bonded to the surface as it cures. Since the screen offers very little resistance to the rising foam, the resulting foam layer has a very uniform low density, highly desirable for thermal insulation application.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1976Date of Patent: December 16, 1980Assignee: General Dynamics CorporationInventor: Gary C. Krumweide
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Patent number: 4238802Abstract: A gimbal assembly in which the outer gimbal member is an arcuate yoke mounted on rollers to rotate about one axis, and the inner gimbal member is a platform pivotally mounted in the yoke to rotate about a second orthogonal axis. Two motors are connected through a differential drive system to rotate either gimbal member selectively or both together in any combination of motions. In one form the differential drive is an endless cable extending around the outer gimbal member and around pulleys on the axis of the inner gimbal member. In a modified form the cable is crossed at one end to drive the inner gimbal member from both ends. In another form the differential drive includes split outer ring members driven individually by the two motors and coupled to the inner gimbal member by a rack and pinion drive.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1978Date of Patent: December 9, 1980Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation, Pomona DivisionInventor: John M. Speicher
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Patent number: 4238732Abstract: The disclosed method qualifies diodes for microwave power combiners having a central cavity, and having N diode oscillator circuits spaced around the cavity for furnishing energy thereto. It includes the steps of activating only one of the N oscillator circuits, and then measuring the frequency at which the diode in that circuit supplies maximum power to the cavity. This power is measured by means of a probe having an electric field coupling of N.sub.11 with the cavity, where N.sub.11 equals N.sub.12 /.sqroot.N, and where N.sub.12 is the corresponding electric field coupling that is used to remove power from the cavity when all N of the oscillator circuits are simultaneously activated. These steps are repeated on each of the individual diodes to be tested. The diodes which qualify for simultaneous use in the combiner are only those which have measured frequencies of maximum power lying within a predetermined frequency band.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1979Date of Patent: December 9, 1980Assignee: General Dynamics CorporationInventor: Richard Aston
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Patent number: 4237612Abstract: A totally portable, hand-held measuring device utilizing an insertable sliding probe to measure material or structural part thicknesses. The position of the probe actuates electronic circuitry which digitally displays the grip length of the fastener to be selected. The device provides a fast and accurate means of determining the fastener with the correct grip length for each assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1979Date of Patent: December 9, 1980Assignee: General DynamicsInventors: Earl L. Christian, Ronald D. Blunck
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Patent number: 4236427Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1979Date of Patent: December 2, 1980Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation Pomona DivisionInventor: Larry H. Becnel
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Patent number: 4236784Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1979Date of Patent: December 2, 1980Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation Pomona DivisionInventor: John P. Palmer
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Patent number: 4234373Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1978Date of Patent: November 18, 1980Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation, Pomona DivisionInventors: Joseph A. Reavill, John M. Arachi
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Patent number: 4234788Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1979Date of Patent: November 18, 1980Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation, Pomona DivisionInventors: John P. Palmer, Scott M. Rose
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Patent number: 4232605Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1971Date of Patent: November 11, 1980Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation Pomona DivisionInventor: Clair K. Lair
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Patent number: 4226899Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1978Date of Patent: October 7, 1980Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation Electronics DivisionInventors: Ronald A. Thiel, Edward H. Maurer
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Patent number: 4226392Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1978Date of Patent: October 7, 1980Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation Pomona DivisionInventor: Roberto W. Healy