Abstract: A coherent pulse radar system including a switching network for time sharing reference frequency signal from a reference source oscillator between a transmitter amplifier during a transmitting interval, and a local oscillator circuit during a receiving interval.

Abstract: Anode shields are provided around the anode baskets in an electroforming process.

Abstract: A weldable alloy steel having improved fracture toughness and stress corrosion resistance at very high strength levels in which the essential composition, according to percent by weight is in the range of 0.12 - 0.17% carbon, 1.8 - 3.2% chromium, 0.9 - 1.35% molybdenum, 11.5 - 14.5% cobalt, and 9.5 - 10.5% nickel, the remainder being substantially iron, i.e., with minor amounts of certain impurities and residual elements. Very good stress corrosion resistance and fracture toughness at high strength levels is produced when these elements are alloyed in the percent by weight ranges of 0.15 - 0.17% carbon, 1.8 - 2.2% chromium, 0.9 - 1.1% molybdenum, 13.5 - 14.5% cobalt, and 9.5 - 10.5% nickel. Good fatigue endurance is achieved. Minor amounts of manganese also may be present.

Abstract: A video detector circuit for a radar system, including a detector diode having one of its electrodes connected to an input terminal for detecting an applied signal containing target information, rms noise voltage and components that are representative of clutter, and its other electrode connected to a load terminal for providing a detected signal; and a load resistance connected between the load terminal and a bias terminal; wherein a dc potential is provided at the bias terminal to forward bias the detector diode to have a quiescent operating point below the midpoint of the knee portion of its characteristic curve, thereby limiting diode rms noise current and components in the detected signal that are representative of clutter. As a result both the signal-to-noise ratio and the target-to-clutter ratio of the video detector circuit are enhanced.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for weld bonding together a pair of conductors separated by a layer of thermo-plastic insulation material. The apparatus comprises a pair of welding electrodes for urging the pair of conductors together at a first level of electrode squeeze pressure while a first low level of current flows through the electrodes and conductors until the thermo-insulation material between the conductors beneath the electrodes is penetrated, electronic circuits for sensing this insulation penetration and initiating after a pre-selected time delay, a second higher level of welding current and electronic controls for increasing the electrode squeeze pressure from the first level to a second higher or forging level for at least a portion of the flow of the second higher welding level of current. A method for forming the weld bond is included.

Abstract: The specification discloses a radar sensor for detecting short-range, slowly moving objects and using the range versus time data to develop a prediction of the time at which the range of the object will be at a minimum to the sensor. The sensor uses a pulse transmission of a radio frequency signal with object reflections being received and detected. Subsequent signal processing eliminates returns from clutter and stationary objects so that signals from low velocity objects can be detected. Computations are performed in a digital processor to compute an estimate of the time and of the range when the object will be closest to the sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fabrication process of a metallic structure made of sheets welded one onto the other and enclosing an internal space. A scaffolding is erected in this internal space and comprises a vertical tower and collapsible passageways extending radially from said tower. When the structure is substantially terminated, the passageways are collapsed and the scaffolding is withdrawn from said space through an aperture provided at the upper part of the structure.

Abstract: The disclosure broadly relates to a launcher system for providing a protective cover against homing devices operating upon infrared, sound navigation and ranging, and/or microwave-reflected energy. The launcher system is illustrated in one embodiment as a nine round portable system wherein the decoy rounds are selectively fired manually by nine pushbuttons located in the control box. The decoy rounds each contain an electric squib which simultaneously ignites both a lift charge and a time fuse. The lift charge propels the round from the launcher in a ballistic trajectory and the time fuse ignites a burst charge which disperses the payload at the optimum altitude for the type of round being used. Other embodiments of the system illustrate a ten round system which may also be utilized in multiples thereof, with the control therefor being located within the control section of a ship or the like and activated through an intervalometer.

Abstract: Photovoltaic diodes prepared by the methods of the invention include p-n (or n-p) heterojunction or homojunction diodes as well as Schottky barrier diodes where both elements of the diode comprise thin monocrystalline films of Pb.sub.1-x Sn.sub.x Te or a thin monocrystalline film of Pb.sub.1-x Sn.sub.x Te and an appropriate thin barrier metal film. Such a monocrystalline Pb.sub.1-x Sn.sub.x Te film is sputter deposited, has a composition Pb.sub.1-x Sn.sub.x Te which may range from x = 0.0 to about x = 0.3 and, consequently, can be preselected to have a photovoltaic response with response cutoff wavelengths ranging from about 6.0.mu.m to about 25.mu.m at 77.degree. K.

Abstract: A cable gripping device which is readily adjustable and fail-safe. The device includes cylindrical inner and outer housings in telescoped relationship which contain an inner gripper member and an outer compression spring connected to the housings. When the housings are biased apart by the compression spring, the gripper member is forced into tight contact with a rope or cable passing axially through the housings, locking the assembly in position on the cable. If the housings are moved toward each other, the compression spring is compressed and the gripper member is loosened, allowing the assembly to be moved along the cable. If the operator releases the housings, such as by slipping and falling, the compression spring automatically moves the housings apart, causing the gripper to again grip the cable. This device is especially suitable for use by workers in high locations, since they can move about along a safety cable without unhooking their safety lanyards from the cable.

Abstract: A support surface having the shape of a desired mirror surface for use in reflecting solar light and a sheet of flexible mirror material with a portion covering the support surface. A reel device for selectively changing portions of the flexible mirror material on the support device, and a device for adhering the sheet of flexible material to the curvature and surface of the support surface. The mirror also includes devices for preventing wind lifting of the flexible material from the support surface and for correctly positioning the solar mirror relative to the sunlight.

Abstract: The autopilot incorporates a single linear accelerometer transducer and a single pitch rate sensor. The outputs of the accelerometer and pitch rate sensor are summed with the command signal in the control circuit. A servo is controlled by the modified control signal to vary the incidence of a single plane control system, in an intentionally rolling airframe.

Abstract: A light pen sighting device for aligning the receptor of a light pen with an interactive display includes a support member in the form of a transparent plastic body having opposed parallel surfaces with a reticle in the form of points formed in the respective surfaces and a reflector disposed directly between and aligned with the reticle for reflecting light travelling along the axis of the reticle directly into the receptor of a light pen to which the device is mounted, thereby providing a parallex free light pen. An alternate embodiment utilizes fiber-optics for receiving and transmitting light to the receptor.

Abstract: An improved back-up tape for use in fusion welding aluminum sheets and structures is disclosed. The tape comprises a small diameter, heavy wall, flexible woven refractory fiber tube within a slightly larger diameter similar tube, both partially flattened against an adhesive coated surface of a wider, heat resistant, strip. In use, the tape is pressed against the back side of a joint to be welded with the adhesive bonding the tape along strips parallel to but slightly spaced from the joint. The joint is fusion welded without the addition of any filler wire. A flat weld underbead, with no molten metal drop-through is produced, with no melting or other significant change in the tape. The tape is then stripped off and the welded structure is ready for use.

Abstract: A missile is disclosed on which constant burning thrust reaction motors are provided integral with the tail panels of the missile to enhance the effect thereof, particularly during the boost phase of flight. The motors provide thrust along the chord of the tail panel and are moved about the axis of rotation of the tail panel by the servo motor associated therewith. The servo motors are activated by central missile control circuitry.

Abstract: A cradle for supporting a space vehicle such as an upper stage in a reusable launch vehicle (such as a space shuttle orbiter) cargo bay. The cradle includes means for supporting the space vehicle and any satellite attached thereto against launch loads and against abort landing loads. The cradle consists of two radial sections of a tube which, when closed, surrounds the space vehicle. One section is secured within the cargo bay. The second section is latched to the first edge of the second section and is hinged along the second edge. When the cargo bay doors are opened, the space vehicle is deployed by unlatching said latch and activating a first actuation means to rotate the second section about the hinge to move the second section outwardly of the cargo bay. A deployment probe connects the space vehicle to the second section.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the flow of exhaust gases between a plurality of rocket storage chambers, launch tubes or the like (herein referred to as chambers), and a common manifold for ducting rocket exhaust gases to a discharging location comprises a plurality of chamber-to-manifold flow transition sections, each having disposed within vertical portions thereof a pair of flow control doors. The flow control doors, pivotably mounted at upper portions in opposing relationship, are configured and counterbalanced to hang, in static conditions and under the force of gravity alone, in a fully or nearly fully closed condition. Alternatively, un-counterbalanced doors may be configured to hang, under static conditions, at least slightly inwardly inclined towards the vertical axis of the transition portion in which they are hung.

Abstract: A cradle for supporting a space vehicle such as an upper stage in a reusable launch vehicle (such as a space shuttle orbiter) cargo bay. The cradle includes means for supporting the space vehicle and any satellite attached thereto against launch loads and against abort landing loads. The cradle consists of two radial sections of a tube which, when closed, surrounds the space vehicle. One section is secured within the cargo bay. The second section is latched to the first edge of the second section and is hinged along the second edge. When the cargo bay doors are opened, the space vehicle is deployed by unlatching said latch and activating a first actuation means to rotate the second section about the hinge to move the second section outwardly of the cargo bay. A deployment probe connects the space vehicle to the second section.

Abstract: The ORP of the initial etchant solution is utilized as a set point. A predetermined change in the ORP triggers the removal of a predetermined volume of spent etchant. Fresh etchant addition steps and oxidation of the working etchant (addition of chlorine) are sequenced by the initial fixed volume withdrawal. The oxidation and fresh etchant addition steps proceed to conclusion independently. The oxidation step is terminated by a return of the ORP to the initial level.

Abstract: A sight system for providing closed-loop differential tracking control over gun aiming, utilizing visual and non-visual optical radiation to assist the gunner in acquiring and destroying targets as well as providing information to the gun control computer for automatic acquisition and firing. The sight is used in conjunction with a cooperative ammunition round which emits pulsed flashes at a timed interval after firing and upon impact. Portions of these signals are in the non-visible spectrum, and an invisible-to-visible converter is utilized to signal the relative location of the flashes to the gunner. A similar conversion is utilized to provide information on laser designator illumination and other non-visible radiation emanating from the target.