Abstract: An improved explosively operated separation joint as well as a process for manufacturing it are disclosed. In the present invention, a hollow-form extrusion is used to provide both sides of a separation joint, each side being attached to both of the two structures. Each end of the joint is attached to a respective one of the two structures. A stainless steel tube is inserted into the hollow portion of the extrusion. The extrusion then is rolled to form a portion of a ring. An explosive core covered by an elastomeric sheath is inserted into the length of the tube. The ends of the ring then are connected to and sealed by an initiation manifold. The manifold provides an interface between each of two flexible confined detonating cords ("FCDCs") with a respective end of the explosive core. The manifold includes a barrier between the ends of the explosive core and the two FCDCs that prevents sympathetic damage to either end of the explosive core and the associated FCDC by the detonation of the other.

Abstract: A satellite has two solar array panels which are moveable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The solar array panels are pivotably mounted on hinges attached along the top and bottom of the satellite and extend outwardly from the top and bottom of the satellite in the open configuration. The height of the perimeter sidewall is selected such that the satellite has a generally oblate configuration. Each solar array panel has a surface area substantially equal to that of the satellite cross-sectional area. The hinges are mounted on pintles extending from a solar array drive motor which rotates the solar panel about the axis defined by the pintles to provide one axis sun tracking. The solar array panels are pivoted about the axes of the hinges until substantially parallel to the top and bottom of the satellite to form a compact, stackable configuration of the satellite for stowage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the identification and quantification of a vapor, or a number of vapors, in air mixtures is discussed. The method includes calibration of a vapor responsive sensor, or a plurality of vapor responsive sensors, to known concentrations of the vapors of interest or to known concentrations of potential interfering vapors. The calibrations result in sensor response vectors which are derived from the transient signals observed as the vapors are sorbed and desorbed on the sensors. Detection of vapors in complex mixtures is effected by subjecting the apparatus to the mixture and measuring the sensor response, or plurality of sensor responses, and then applying multidimensional statistical analysis or filtering methods to this data, using the precalibrated response vectors as the basis set for deconvolution.

Abstract: A gas bubble detector having a modulated IR source focused through a bandpass filter onto a venturi, formed in a sample tube, to illuminate the venturi with modulated filtered IR to detect the presence of gas bubbles as small as 0.01 cm or about 0.004" in diameter in liquid flowing through the venturi. Means are provided to determine the size of any detected bubble and to provide an alarm in the absence of liquid in the sample tube.

Abstract: An improved explosively operated separation joint as well as a process for manufacturing it are disclosed. In the present invention, a hollow-form extrusion is used to provide both sides of a separation joint, each side being attached to both of the two structures. Each end of the joint is attached to a respective one of the two structures. A stainless steel tube is inserted into the hollow portion of the extrusion. The extrusion then is rolled to form a portion of a ring. An explosive core covered by an elastomeric sheath is inserted into the length of the tube. The ends of the ring then are connected to and sealed by an initiation manifold. The manifold provides an interface between each of two flexible confined detonating cords ("FCDCs") with a respective end of the explosive core. The manifold includes a barrier between the ends of the explosive core and the two FCDCs that prevents sympathetic damage to either end of the explosive core and the associated FCDC by the detonation of the other.

Abstract: A conductance measurement circuit to measure conductance of a solution under test with an output voltage proportional to conductance over a 5-decade range, i.e., 0.01 uS to 1000 uS or from 0.1 uS to 10,000 uS. An increase in conductance indicates growth, or multiplication, of the bacteria in the test solution. Two circuits are used each for an alternate half-cycle time periods of an alternate squarewave in order to cause alternate and opposite currents to be applied to the test solution. The output of one of the two circuits may be scaled for a different range optimum switching frequency dependent upon the solution conductance and to enable uninterrupted measurement over the complete 5-decade range. This circuitry provides two overlapping ranges of conductance which can be read simultaneously without discontinuity thereby eliminating range switching within the basic circuitry.

Abstract: The effect of orbit plane precession is used to place a plurality of satellites into one or more desired orbit planes. The satellites are distributed within each desired orbit plane in a selected configuration. The satellites are transported into orbit on one or more frame structures referred to as "pallets". When more than one pallet is used, they are placed on top of each other in a "stack". After the stack of the pallets has been launched into an initial, elliptical orbit, the pallets are separated sequentially from the stack at selected time intervals. Thrust is applied to transfer a first pallet from the initial orbit to a first, circular orbit, wherein the initial and first orbits are in planes that process at different predetermined initial and first rates, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a relay control circuit that provides highly efficient and reliable control for devices that perform in demanding applications such as space. Multiple levels of redundant function control are provided by redundant actuators that perform mechanical operations. Each actuator is driven by redundant motors for increased reliability. Motor current sensing is provided to determine arrival of the actuator at mechanical stops, which are located at the full deploy position. Limit switches also sense when the actuators are in the full deploy position. In addition, multiple control signal so are required to initiate certain critical operations. Critical operations also are performed redundantly for increased reliability.

Abstract: A rocket-powered, air-deployed, lift-assisted booster vehicle (ALBV) is disclosed for efficiently carrying small payloads to orbital, supraorbital or suborbital altitudes and velocities. The ALBV is secured beneath a conventional carrier aircraft and dropped therefrom at launch altitude and velocity, which contributes significant total energy to the ALBV's ascent trajectory. The ALBV has wings, which generate aerodynamic lift to assist in vehicle ascent, and tail fins, which perform attitude control while the vehicle is in the sensible atmosphere. After drop launch, an innovative "vertical-S" maneuver is performed using aerodynamic control, causing the ALBV to ascend on a near-theoretical optimal trajectory. In the preferred embodiment, the wings and tail fins are jettisoned as the vehicle exits the sensible atmosphere and aerodynamic lift ceases.

Abstract: An electronic sequencing system comprised of two groups of three identically operating sequencers and circuitry that combines the outputs of these sequencers so that accurate, flexible and reliable sequencing of devices is obtained. Each sequencer is comprised of a microprocessor, memory, and peripheral circuits. The individual sequencer outputs are combined such that at least one of the corresponding system outputs will activate the device to be sequenced if at least two of three corresponding individual sequencer outputs signal that the device should be activated. Additional reliability is obtained by combining the outputs of each group of the identically operating sequencers to control the devices to be sequenced. Reset circuitry is also provided to simultaneously reset the sequencers and to prevent premature outputs from activating the devices to be sequenced.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for supporting a payload in the cargo bay of a reusable space vehicle, like the orbiter of the NASA Space Transportation System (STS). In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of pad assemblies which are attached to a cradle located in the cargo bay of the orbiter. The pad assemblies are mounted at intervals along the inside surface of the cradle and can be adjusted in the radial direction by means of a screw adjustment. Each pad assembly comprises a pad covering, a rocker pad, and an alignment and adjustment apparatus. The pad covering is bonded to the rocker pad and makes a bearing connection with the payload. The pad covering comprises a plurality of elastomeric pads interleaved with metal sheets. The outer surface of the pad covering is shaped to accommodate a cylindrical payload. The rocker pad is attached to the cradle by means of the alignment and adjustment apparatus.

Abstract: A mobile buildup apparatus for transporting, supporting and protecting an upper stage rocket and a mated spacecraft between and in the various facilities through which it must pass prior to their being loaded into the cargo bay of an orbiter of NASA's Space Transportation System and transported into space. The mobile buildup apparatus comprises a transport system, support structure and protective cover. The transport system comprises a pair of semitrailers attached side-by-side removable gooseneck assembly and a removable gooseneck dolly with pintle-hook are attached to the front end of the transport system, and air ride axles to minimize shock and vibration. The support structure comprises an upper stage assembly stand and an access platform both of which are mounted on the mobile buildup apparatus to provide support for and access to, respectively, the upper stage and the mated spacecraft during assembly, testing and ground integration operations. A protective cover also is provided.