Abstract: An optical frequency domain distributed strain sensor for determining the strain distribution along an optical fiber includes an optical source that provides a polarization controlled optical interrogation signal having a frequency that varies in a recurring linear manner. The interrogation signal is injected into a sensor fiber embedded within a composite structure that places the fiber under strain. A portion of the interrogation signal is backscattered from the sensing fiber as a consequence of the strain experienced by the fiber and is mixed with a reference signal to produce beat frequency signals. The frequency of the beat signals is directly related the to position of backscatter in the sensing fiber while the amplitude of each beat frequency signal is directly related to the integrated strain-induced birefringence up to the backscatter point.

Abstract: An actuator system for positioning a flight control surface on an aircraft in which a primary braking device provides a continuous braking action to the actuator screw shaft by means of a load bearing disc brake wheel and a pair of rachet wheels contiguous therewith, the torque between the disc brake wheel and the rachet wheel (which ever wheel is being racheted by the load bearing disc) is proportional to the load on the screw shaft (and hence the actuator for the flight control surface). A Hall-effect device is mounted above the pawls associated with the rachet wheels for measuring the movement of the pawls in a closed loop circuit for the purpose of determining not only a faultlessly running braking condition but also to indicate whether a faulty condition exists, as well as what kind of fault is being detected.

Abstract: What is proposed is an electro-impulse de-icing device for use in an airfoil of an aircraft that includes a system having an energy storage device connected via a triggering device to a set of coils each embodying a coil construction in the form of a spirally wound ribbon coil member whose planar dimension is pressed against an interior surface in the leading edge of the airfoil, and wherein the coil sets are arranged in a linear manner along the long axis of the airfoil and are energized simultaneously and sequentially via an interlocking pattern from the wing tips or from the fuselage of the aircraft with each coil set being triggered twice from about three to five seconds apart.

Abstract: A decoupling device for gear motors used in cargo conveyor belt systems in which a coupler member is free to move axially on the output shaft of the gear motor to cooperate with the final gear of the gear train in the motor housing. A spring member maintains the coupler in engagement with the final gear via the corresponding jaw structures. Disengagement of the respective jaw structures is accomplished by axially moving the coupler member along the output shaft by means of a self-securing pivotally mounted yoke which engages the coupler for transmitting axial motion thereto. The yoke is pivoted by means of a cam follower device mounted for pivotal movement exteriorly of the gear housing to thereby rotate to one of two positions, thus connecting or disconnecting the aforementioned respective jaw structures on the output shaft.

Abstract: A foil-backed acrylic transfer adhesive tearband structurally joins and hermetically seals a split instrument housing assembly. The tearband is formed by an acrylic transfer adhesive layer affixed to one side of a metallic foil strip layer.

Abstract: What is proposed is an apparatus for a shielded terminal connector that eliminates EMI leakage from coaxial cables in which a resilient bushing of a conductive material is inserted between exposed shield portions of the coaxial cable and the interior surface of a backshell housing, the latter being compressed onto a connector housing for the cable and the resilient bushing itself so that the bushing is gripped tightly by the backshell housing and thus completely fills the space between the exposed shield portions of the cable and the surrounding interior surface of the backshell housing.