Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article includes constructing a definition of the article in a computer memory and further defining in the computer memory from the definition of the article, a plurality of tools for forming component parts of the article. The definition of the plurality of tools is downloaded to a tool forming device which is then operated to form the plurality of tools. The component parts of the article are then formed utilizing the plurality of tools.

Abstract: A manufacturing system includes a 3-dimensional computer system having memory. A graphics definition of an article is located in the system memory. The computer system includes an interface for defining a graphics virtual surface in the system memory. The computer system further includes computer aided design software for generating a graphics virtual member in the system memory where the virtual member incorporates at least a portion of the graphic virtual surface. Additionally the computer system includes computer aided manufacturing software for generating manufacturing instructions for manufacturing a tangible member corresponding to the virtual member. A numerically controlled machine tool suitable for machining the tangible part is interfaced with the computer system for receiving a control program corresponding to the manufacturing instruction for production of the tangible part by the numerically controlled machine tool.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for tuning an optical gyroscope, such as a MOG, to an operating frequency within a predetermined range of operating frequencies. The method includes an initial step of providing a compound resonator structure having a first optical waveguide resonator [16] optically coupled to a laser [14]. There is also provided a second optical waveguide resonator [18] optically coupled to the first resonator. The second resonator is constructed to extract a significant amount of energy from the first resonator when a coresonance frequency condition exists with the first resonator and to extract an insignificant amount of energy from the first resonator when a coresonance frequency condition does not exist. The method includes a step of varying an output frequency of the laser to a first frequency where a coresonance frequency condition exists.

Abstract: A generally circular or elliptical waveguide (2) is fabricated within a substrate (3) such that the waveguide is surrounded by two different indices of refraction, with the index inside the waveguide ring being greater than the index outside the ring. This results, in combination with a varying index of refraction profile across the width of the waveguide inself, in a tendency to confine mode energy away from the outer perimeter of the waveguide ring where leakage is most likely to occur. As a result the asymmetrical index profile compensates for the curvature of the waveguide, wave phase front velocities are made uniform, and the mode energy remains confined within the waveguide. A two step ion exchange technique is disclosed for selectively increasing the index of refraction of the substrate and for forming the variable index of refraction profile within the waveguide.

Abstract: A tool ball pad hole positioner is provided which includes first plate which is securely positionable with respect to a jig and has a large aperture therein; a second plate which is movable with respect to the first plate and has a small circular aperture therein overlying the large aperture; a target which is removably receivable within the small hole and able to be sighted by an optical device for determining the precise location of the target as well as the small aperture with respect to the precise location on the jig. The first plate is positively secured to the jig and the second plate is shifted and releasably clamped with respect to the first plate with respect to the first plate. Also disclosed is the method of drilling a hole in a tool ball pad with the tool ball pad hole positioner.

Abstract: A sleeve bolt for coupling together workpieces including a cylindrical sleeve having a cylindrical outer surface and an axial bore with a radially interior surface of polygonal configuration at one end and internal threads at the other end. An inner slide member with a polygonally shaped cross-sectional configuration positioned within the bore at the polygonally configured end for movement between a retracted orientation totally within the cylindrical sleeve and a protruding orientation partially withdrawn from the cylindrical sleeve. A coupling connects the inner slide member for sliding movement along the longitudinal axis of the sleeve between the retracted and protruding orientation and includes stop means connected to the sleeve for defining the limits of movement of the slide member between retracted and protruding orientations.

Abstract: A star tracker for generating positional information for a vehicle includes a telescope 40 having multiple fields of view for imaging stellar objects. The telescope includes a plurality of radiation detectors 58 and an input lens 45 comprised of, in one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of holographic elements 45a and 45b. The holographic elements direct incident radiation originating from a plurality of stellar objects to an associated one of the radiation detectors. In another embodiment the multiple field of view telescope is comprised of a monocentric ball lens 80. The tracker may further include a multiplexer 60 for sequentially reading out a signal from each of the radiation detectors and a controller 62 coupled to the multiplexer for receiving the signals and for determining from the positions of the stellar objects imaged by the telescope a position of the vehicle.

Abstract: A helmet formed of a rigid shell and, internally thereof, a liner sized and shaped to the head of the wearer with ear cups secured to the liner. The ear cups have a peripheral surface positionable in contact with the wearer's head. The peripheral surface includes a first annular tube filled with a gel material in contact with the wearer's head around the ears and a second annular tube for urging the first annular tube into conforming contact with the wearer's head. The second annular tube is inflatable and includes tubing means extending through the shell with valve means for inflation and deflation thereof. Also disclosed is the method of fabricating the shell to fit an individual wearer.

Abstract: Suspension stiffness about the input axis of a gyro is increased by selectively disabling suspension legs when the gyro float exceeds a predetermined deviation away from the equilibrium position. Float position may be measured directly or inferred from monitoring currents in the electromagnetic suspension system. Suspension legs are re-energized when the float returns to within the predetermined deviation from the equilibrium position.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for selective reduction of infrared signature of a vehicle subjected to aerodynamic heating. Liquid coolant under pressure vaporizes in porous sections of the skin of the vehicle to transpiration-cool the skin. Adjacent downstream solid skin sections are film-cooled by the vapor introduced in the boundary layer. Coolant flow control is achieved by pressurizing the liquid coolant, by modulating flow control valves, and, optionally, by configuring the porous section to operate as a cavitating venturi, or combinations of these methods.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for dispensing tape of a thermoplastic matrix composite material onto a recipient surface comprising in combination support means for mounting a reel of tape; feed means for unwinding the tape from the reel and advancing it along a path of travel to the mandrel; a guillotine knife in the path of travel for cutting the tape at a predetermined angle with respect to the path of travel; a slotted, box-type pre-heater for the tape located in the path of travel following the knife for providing heat to the tape; a heated pressure roller located in the path of travel following the pre-heater for providing additional heat to the tape for effecting a process operating temperature and for applying the required pressure to the tape for lamination of the tape onto the recipient surface; cooling means located in the path of travel beyond the pressure roller for reducing the process heat from the laminated tape on the recipient surface and to smoothing it for thereby obtain the desired surface finish; an

Abstract: Dither motor apparatus for oscillating a structure, such as a laser gyroscope 10, about a dither axis "A". The dither motor apparatus includes a support 18 that passes through an opening 16 within the gyroscope. The apparatus further includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements 22 individual ones of which are interposed between an outer surface of the support and an inner surface of the opening such that an outer surface of each of the elements is rigidly coupled to the inner surface of the opening and an inner surface of each of the elements is rigidly coupled to the outer surface of the support.

Abstract: A double locked threaded fastening assembly includes a nut and a bolt. The bolt has a head at one end and threads adjacent its other end with a plurality of axially extending grooves located adjacent to the threads intermediate the threads and the bolt head. The nut has a work piece engagement end and a hollow bore extending through that end into the nut. A first portion of the bore proximal to the work piece engagement end is free of threads and a second portion distal from the work piece engagement end includes internal threads. The internal threads of the nut are capable of threading onto the external threads of the bolt to clamp a work piece under a clamping load between the head of the bolt and the nut.

Abstract: A fastening assembly includes a bolt and a malleable fastener. The bolt has a head at one end and either threads or circumferentially extending grooves adjacent the other end. The bolt further includes a plurality of axially extending grooves located on the bolt between the bolt head and the threads or circumferentially extending grooves. The malleable fastener is capable of being swaged from an initial state to a swaged state. In the initial state the fastener is essentially shaped as a hollow collar having an outside surface and an interior surface with the collar sized and shaped to freely slide over the bolt. In the swaged state the interior surface of the collar intimately contacts and irreversibly locks against both axial and rotational movement with respect to the bolt by assuming a complementary shape to the bolt about both the axial grooves and the threads or the circumferentially extending grooves.

Abstract: Induction heating of thermoplastic composite materials is accomplished to form a continuous bonded joint. A zone of optimum heating can be created by an induction heating coil mounted within and adjacent to the drum of a hollow circular roller of non-conductive material (i.e., transparent to the RF field) so that an induction heating field can be created and localized to create a zone of optimum heating at the joint area of the material to be bonded. Simultaneously pressure to that area can be applied by the circular roller. In a preferred form, the roller is semi-rigid to permit spreading of the contact surface with the joint area to avoid absolute contact line loading. A hand held induction heating unit with a finger operable power switch can be moved in a back and forth manner over the joint to apply heat when the switch is turned on and effect consolidation when the switch is turned off.

Abstract: A system for converting the output of a constant speed motor to variable fluidic flow at the ends of a linear actuator comprising a drive gear coupled with an electric motor for concurrent rotation at a fixed rotational speed; a driven gear operatively coupled to the drive gear; a drive train operable in response to rotation of the drive gear to rotate the driven gear, the gear train including adjustment mechanisms for selectively varying the rotational orientation between the drive and driven gears; a pump having a pair of spaced cylinders in axial alignment with pistons coupled through a reciprocal connecting shaft and with a connector rod pinned at its midpoint to the connecting shaft for oscillation; rigid links coupling the ends of the connector rod with the drive and driven gears so that rotation of the drive and driven gears will oscillate the connecting rod and reciprocate the connecting shaft at a speed correlated to the orientation of the adjustment mechanisms of the gear train; and fluidic lines co

Abstract: Piezoelectric discs are mounted within conical members, one of which is contact with a mirror. Electrodes are applied across the piezoelectric discs. Voltage applied to the electrodes cause the diameter of the disc to contract deforming the conical members and moving the mirror. The conical members provide mechanical amplification resulting in mirror movements to control the path length in a ring laser gyroscope.

Abstract: A laser gyroscope is formed as a sealed, unitary assembly of mirrors optically contacted to a monolithic gyro block without any means, such as Brewster windows, for isolating the laser plasma from any of the mirrors. The mirrors are fabricated with hard multilayer dielectric films which can withstand plasma exposure. A magnetic mirror utilizing the transverse Kerr effect to separate the frequencies of counter-propagating beams, and to avoid lock-in, includes a Ni-Fe alloy layer over which is directly deposited a thin iron or iron alloy layer to form a rotationally switchable Kerr effect combination. The magnetic field for switching is generated by an electric current developed in two pairs of orthogonally disposed wires embedded in the substrate immediately below the iron and Ni-Fe alloy layers.