Abstract: A current sensing regulator operates in a switching mode of regulation between two sensed current levels in a free-running operation, or between one of the current levels and an intermediate level in a fixed-frequency synchronization operation. The sensed current levels at which switching occurs are set through a command signal, and a comparator controls switching at the set current levels or at the occurrence of synchronization pulses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel system for folding and stabilizing flexible and continuous solar panels including fold lines. The folding system comprises a V-shaped element having arms whose free ends are fixed on both sides of the corresponding fold line of the panel, while the tip of the V is connected to the fold line itself by means of a pull sheet. The arms of the V-shaped element have a camber when the panel is unfolded, so as to exert a pulling force on the fold line, said folding systems being optionally associated with suitable stabilizing systems. The invention is useful in the folding and stabilizing of solar panels.

Abstract: A system for compensating the disturbance torques applied to a satellite, which eliminates the requirement for a thruster control loop. The disturbance torque itself is used as the compensating torque in order to super-impose to the incidental misalignment of the solar panel arrays an artificial misalignment that can cause the momentum vector to be adjusted to the desired direction in order to restore the correct attitude of the satellite. The direction of the momentum vector is controlled in orbit only by solar sailing, that is by organizing at prescribed times suitable manoeuvres of one of the solar panels in order to adjust the solar panel array configuration when the roll angle of the satellite exceeds a determined threshold value.

Abstract: A synchronized electric modulator for the control in synchronized conductance control mode of a regulation unit, thereby to assure a close control of the current peak value. A current reference is generated which varies as a function of a command signal representing the deviation of a parameter value in a system from its reference value. The current through the load is monitored and sensed to be compared to the current reference so as to produce a control signal for the regulation unit, which is dependent on the variation of the sensed current under the synchronization of external clock pulses.

Abstract: A magnetic suspension device comprising an annular stator surrounded by a coaxial annular rotor with an annular gap therebetween. The rotor comprises an axial ring-like permanent magnet for creating the suspension magnetic field. The stator comprises a ring-like U-shaped section of a magnetic material with an axial ring portion and a pair of parallel radial annular portions, the axial ring portion including segmental coils for producing positioning control magnetic fluxes for radial positioning of the rotor relative to the stator. The mode of construction of the stator considerably facilitates the fabrication and assembly of the device and provides a more efficient operation than the known devices.

Abstract: A surface condenser particularly suitable for being used in a zero gravity environment and which is easy to be manufactured. It comprises at least one pair of coextensive elements spaced apart from each other to form a relatively narrow gap therebetween, said gap having a width which is tapered from the outer ends of said elements towards a defined portion thereof. Peripheral distributor means extends along the outer ends of the elements and has its interior space in communication with the gap at the larger width side thereof, said distributor means having an inlet for the vapor to be condensed. Collector means is provided in communication with the interior space of the gap at the smaller width side thereof for collecting the condensed liquid.

Abstract: An improved optical observation system for a movable body in space which comprises a scanning mirror, imaging optics and a sensor formed by at least one array of photodetectors arranged along a plurality of rows parallel to the apparent displacement of the image points. The electric signals from the photodetectors are driven to be transferred from one photodetector to the following along each row with a velocity equal to the velocity of the apparent displacement of the image points. An advantageous embodiment for the sensor is also disclosed together with suitable means for multiplexing the output signals developed at the ends of the rows onto a unique output line.

Abstract: An apparatus is described which permits a dual display on two pages one next to the other on a cathode ray tube. During the scanning of each line of n characters, the address of the character position k, where k is lower than n, is detected and in response to this detection, a signal is generated for stopping the counting of the character positions during a predetermined time. Thereafter, the address of the character position (k+1) is detected and in response to this second detection, an inhibit signal is produced for the duration of the stop signal for inhibiting the illumination of the spot on the CRT screen. Also the addresses of character positions o-k are converted into addresses of character positions n through (k+1) respectively in response to a select signal indicating the selection of one of the pages on the CRT screen.

Abstract: An interconnection device for solar cells is described comprising two flat strips intended to be welded to two adjacent solar cells and a hinge element linking the two flat strips, said hinge element having two branches each connected by its free end to one of the flat strips and the said hinge element extending longitudinally between the two adjacent solar cells. The hinge element may be covered with an insulating material. In a particular embodiment the branches of the hinge element are linked by a linking element.

Abstract: A low dissipation shunt or series regulator apparatus is described comprising dump switching means coupled in parallel to each power source, which dump switching means is arranged for being responsive to a control signal produced by comparator means arranged for comparing the level of the error signal with a respective reference level. Each power source has its output connected to the reference level input of the corresponding comparator through feedback circuit means in order to set two operation thresholds for the comparator, thereby allowing each dump switching means to switch cyclically between two states, a first state serving to short the corresponding power source and a second state serving to allow the power source to provide current to the load.

Abstract: A nutation damper apparatus capable of damping small nutation angles in a satellite. A permanent magnet mounted on the free end of a pendulum arm oscillates back and forth parallel to an adjacent conductive plate in the form of a circular segment having a cross-sectional area that increases from the center to its lateral ends, and induces in the plate a magnetic flux which is proportional to the deviation angle of the pendulum from its rest position.

Abstract: A cone optical system comprising:(a) a convex conical mirror having a symmetry axis,(b) a refracting element having at least one conical surface, with a common symmetry axis with said convex conical mirror, said mirror and refracting element having apex angles selected such that a first paraxial light beam impinging said convex mirror in a direction substantially perpendicular to said symmetry axis is reflected toward said refracting element, traverses same and emerges therefrom as a second paraxial light beam, and(c) a collecting lens on the side of said refracting element opposite said mirror and adapted to focus said second light beam onto an image point located on said symmetry axis.

Abstract: An apparatus to be used with a horizon sensor comprising an oscillating mirror and a plurality of bolometers on board a three-axis stabilized satellite. Means are provided to derive signals from the radiance signals produced by the bolometers and other means use said derived signals to sample the deviation signal representing the direction deviation of the optical axis of said mirror in order to produce the attitude error signals.

Abstract: An infrared radiation modulator comprising three parallely arranged interferometer plates, forming two successive slits or cavities therebetween for passing the infrared radiation to be modulated. The width of said slits is periodically varied by the oscillations of the central interferometer plate while the two outer plates remain stationary, a positive variation of the width of one of the slits corresponding at any time to a negative variation of the width of the other slit. A particularly suitable material for the interferometer plates is monocrystalline doped cadmium telluride having a high resistivity and a limited absorption rate for infrared radiation. A very precise alignment of the interferometer plates and an accurate adjustment of the width of the slits therebetween can be achieved by using a wedge-arrangement comprising three radially displaceable wedges disposed at angles of 120.degree.