Abstract: The invention is a radar absorbing material and a process for making same. In detail, the invention includes a binder material containing a mixture of two groups of spheres made of a magnetic material, The first group of spheres have an average diameter and the second group have an average diameter generally 0.73 times the average diameter of the spheres of the first group. The first and second group contain generally equal numbers of spheres. The amount of the binder material incorporated is sufficient to both bind mixture together while maintaining the individual spheres separated from each other. The process involves the steps of: providing a first group of spheres made of a magnetic material; providing a second group of spheres made of a magnetic material containing a number of spheres equal to the number of spheres of the first group with an average diameter of generally 0.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are providing for converting energy into thrust, and directing the thrust to move an object. The apparatus includes a chamber having air disposed therein, a pulsed laser for converting an energy source into light pulses, and a lens for receiving the light pulses and directing the light pulses toward a focal point within the chamber. Each light pulse converges in a region which is proximate to the focal point and causes molecules within the air which are at the region to disassociate. Disassociation of the molecules generates pressure waves which provide thrust for powering the object to move.

Abstract: The invention is a ballonet system for a lighter-than-air-vehicle, the vehicle having a lift producing gas bag and a longitudinal, vertical and lateral axis. In detail, the ballonet system includes a plurality of ballonets located within the gas bag positioned along the longitudinal axis and on each side of the vertical axis of the vehicle. Each of the ballonets include a flexible sheet joined at its periphery thereof to a portion of the wall of the gas bag. A ballonet pressurization system is coupled to each ballonet for pressurizing them with air that includes the portion of the wall of the gas bag forming the ballonet having a plurality of holes therethrough. A manifold having an inlet port is joined to the wall covering the holes therein and is adapted to diffuse the pressurized air entering therein.

Abstract: A dimensionally graded electroconductive and electromagnetically responsive composite material is produced by contacting a polyurethane open cell foam substrate with a solution of an oxidatively polymerizable compound, such as pyrrole, that is polymerized to form a thin electroconductive polymer coating on the foam's surfaces. The reaction, wherein the compound is oxidized and polymerized to form a conductive polymer occurs over time. By varying the amount of time the porous foam substrate is in contact with the reacting solution a graded amount of electroconductive polymer is deposited on the foam substrate. The electrical activity of the resultant electrically conducting polyurethane/polypyrrole composite foam is measured as a Free Field Transmission loss at the microwave frequency of 10 GHz and expressed in "-dB". The polyurethane/polypyrrole composite foam with dimensionally graded electrical conductivity/activity constitutes a new bulk absorber.

Abstract: The invention is a shroud for a reversible thrust fan, the shroud having a inlet duct and an exhaust nozzle with the fan located there between. In general terms, the shroud includes a system for increasing the efficiency of the exhaust nozzle when acting as an inlet duct when the fan is providing reverse thrust. The system comprising a plurality of auxiliary inlet duct systems spaced about the circumference of the exhaust nozzle in proximity to the rear end thereof, the auxiliary inlet duct systems extending from the exterior surface of the exhaust nozzle to the interior surface thereof. The auxiliary inlet duct systems are movable from a closed position to an open position wherein air can be drawn from the exterior surface of the exhaust nozzle to the interior thereof when the fan is providing reversed thrust.

Abstract: A method for transferring power employs moving a magnetic field past a nonmagnetic electrical conductor surface. In one instance, a magnet is mounted on a rotational axis, with the periphery of the magnet in close proximity to the object. The object may also be on a rotational axis. Rotating of the magnet causes rotation of the object. In another instance, an aluminized layer is placed on a conveyor belt. The rotating magnet is positioned closed to the conveyor belt layer to cause the conveyor belt to move.

Abstract: A device for producing thrust has a variety of uses, such as pumping liquid, compressing or blowing air, or powering an aircraft. The device has a chamber with a sound driver located therein. The sound driver creates a compression standing wave in the chamber which will have at least one low pressure node and at least two high pressure peaks. An intake port extends through the chamber and is located adjacent the low pressure node for drawing in a fluid into the chamber. A discharge port extends through the chamber and is located adjacent the high pressure peak for discharging fluid from the chamber.

Abstract: A detection system will detect targets against a fixed background if the target is of a type emitting a gaseous plume. The detection system directs electromagnetic energy, preferably radio frequency signals, toward the fixed background in an area of suspected target activity. The detection system has a receiver which detects reflected electromagnetic energy from the fixed background. The system will identify anomalous variations in range. The variations occur as a result of refraction of the electromagnetic energy wave passing through the gaseous exhaust stream. This indicates a probable target which is creating exhaust plume.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for measuring the attenuation of electromagnetic radiation between cells of honeycomb core. In detail, the apparatus includes at least two antennas in a spaced relationship. A positioning system is used for positioning the at least two antennas within individual cells of the core. An analysis system is coupled to the antennas for measuring the attenuation of the radiated electromagnetic radiation between one of the antennas operating in a radiating mode and a second operating in a receiving mode and providing a graphical representation of the attenuation as a function of frequency, depth, length or width.

Abstract: The invention is a mooring tower for a for a lighter-than-vehicle. In detail the invention includes a vertical tower having a vertical and lateral axis. A first support member is mounted on the top of said tower, which is rotatable in a horizontal plane about a vertical axis aligned with the vertical axis of the tower. A second support member is mounted by its first end mounted to the first support member and includes a telescoping second end. The second support member is rotatable in a vertical plane about its first end. The second support member includes an aperture extending therethrough from the first end to the second. A winch is mounted to the vertical tower having a mooring line extending through the aperture in the second member from the first end to and out the second end thereof. Thus a vehicle having the end of the mooring line attached to the nose thereof can be winched to the vertical tower.

Abstract: The invention is a crane system for a building for the assembly of a gas bag for a lighter-than-air vehicle, the building having a floor and a roof thereover with a longitudinal, vertical and lateral axis. In detail, the crane assembly includes a plurality of crane carriage rail assemblies in the form of arches aligned with the lateral axis of and mounted within the building. The carriage rail assemblies are in a spaced relationship along the longitudinal axis. A plurality of crane carriages are movably mounted on each of the crane rail assemblies with each carriage including a winch mounted thereon having an extendible and retractable cable. A control system is provided for moving the crane carriages by rows aligned with the longitudinal axis of the building along the crane carriage rail assemblies to specific locations along the lateral axis and for adjusting the length of the cables of the winches in each of the rows as a function of the distance of each of the rows along the lateral axis of the building.

Abstract: A towed target or decoy serves to avoid heat-seeking and radar missile attacks on a jet aircraft. The decoy has a body with a nose and a sidewall. A ring surrounds the body and the spaced from it. The interior of the ring and the exterior of the body have reflective surfaces. The reflective surfaces reflect heat energy from the exhaust in various directions. This creates a greater heat signal than from the aircraft itself, attracting heat-seeking missiles. The decoys nest within one another and are deployed from an ejection housing mounted to the aircraft.

Abstract: A pivotal housing member has an end pivotally coupled to an end of a base housing member for movement between a retracted or folded position and an extended position. The pivotal housing member has a pulsed deflagration or detonation device located therein for producing pulsed deflagration or detonation pressure waves for cleaning purposes. When the pivotal member is in its folded position, the two housing members may be moved through the opening formed through the wall of a boiler, etc. for cleaning the interior surface of the wall with the pulsed pressure waves. In order to increase the wall area cleaned from a given wall opening, the two housing members may be rotated about an axis of the base housing member and the pivotal housing member pivoted to different extended positions from its folded position.

Abstract: A device for determining position uses three voltage dividers. Each voltage divider is a metal conductor having a head on one end and two legs on an opposite end. The tips of the legs of each of the bodies are located in planes which are perpendicular to the other bodies. A DC voltage is applied to the head of each of the bodies to create first and second electron flow paths. The voltage across each flow path is monitored. A difference in voltage of flow path relative to the other indicates a change in velocity in a direction wherein one leg leads the other leg. The voltage change correlates to acceleration. By timing the duration, velocity and distance travelled are computed. When mounted aboard a plane, vehicle, ship or spacecraft the unit displays a continous "present location".

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for molding and curing a curable composite patch used for repairing damaged contoured surface structures. The molding apparatus has a fluid impermeable outer container having a flexible outer wall. A flexible, fluid impermeable inner container containing a moldable granular material is positioned within the outer container and has a flexible molding wall on which the composite patch can be placed. Inner and outer ports are located on the inner and outer containers for evacuating the inner and outer containers. A model of an undamaged surface is formed by positioning the molding wall of the inner container against an unaffected surface and evacuating the inner container so that the granular material is rigidly held in a molded form. The patch is placed on the molding wall and the outer container is sealed with the outer wall positioned over the patch and molding of the inner container.

Abstract: A flight simulator is disclosed which includes active electronic display controls. A simulated cockpit area is provided which includes a visual display screen for depicting a simulated cockpit viewpoint. A simulated instrument panel is provided within the cockpit area by means of a cathode ray tube display device and an overlying bezel which defines the perimeter of at least one displayed instrument face within the cathode ray tube display device. A rotary switch which includes a rotary encoder having an output indicative of a direction of rotation and an amount of rotation is then mounted within the bezel. Outputs from the rotary switch are then coupled to electronic circuitry which is utilized to selectively vary the displayed instrument face within the cathode ray tube display device, providing a realistic representation of an actual flight instrument.

Abstract: A pulse detonation engine has a detonation chamber with a sidewall. At least two fuel ports are located in the sidewall, spaced longitudinally apart from each other. An oxygen fuel mixture is introduced into the forward port and detonated. This creates a detonation wave which propagates with an air fuel mixture introduced into the rearward fuel port. After the detonation, purge air passes through the chamber before the next detonation. A rotating sleeve valve mounted around the detonation opens and closes the fuel ports as well the purge ports.

Abstract: The invention is an attachment fitting for use on the flexible wall of a structure. In detail, the fitting includes a slot in the wall of the structure. A first flexible member is included having a center portion folded over its self forming a loop extending through the slot from a first side of the wall and out from the second side, and outer fan shaped portions on each end of the center portion bonded to the first side of the wall of the structure adjacent to the slot. The first flexible member further includes a plurality unidirectional reinforcing filaments in a matrix material with the filaments being parallel to each other in the center portion and fanning out from each other in each of the outer portions. A second flexible member having a periphery extending about the slot and the outer portions of the first flexible member is bonded thereto and to the first side of the flexible wall of the structure.

Abstract: A search light employs variable polarization angles to enhance target identification. The search light shines a beam of light which may be directed across terrain. The beam of light is alternated in polarization angles at a rate of about five to twelve cycles per second. The alternating contrast in polarization angles produces flashing to an observer viewing certain targets struck by the beam of light. The flashing appears when striking man-made objects which tend to have a differential in polarized light between horizontal and vertical polarization. Natural objects do not appear to provide the flashing to the observer. The rotating polarization angles are accomplished in one instance by using a stationary polarizer and a liquid crystal retarder mounted in front of a light source. In another instance, the change in polarization angles is accomplished by rotating a polarizer in front of a light source. The light source may be infrared, visible or ultraviolet.