Abstract: A bi-directional releasable connector includes a connecting link defining a main tension leg and a pair of looped ends, the connecting link engaging a pair of spring-biased plungers axially movable independently of one another inside an outer housing. Axially outward movement of the plungers under the bias of the spring is limited by stops in the housing engaged by the plungers. Either end may be selectively opened and, in the static position with both ends closed, oppositely directed axial loads on the ends of the connector link are borne by the tension leg which is preferably made of steel or other high tensile strength material. Axial loads on the connector impose no loads or forces on the remaining components.

Abstract: A bi-directional releasable connector includes a connecting link defining a main tension leg and a pair of looped ends, the connecting link engaging a pair of spring-biased plungers axially movable independently of one another inside an outer housing. Axially outward movement of the plungers under the bias of the spring is limited by stops in the housing engaged by the plungers. Either end may be selectively opened and, in the static position with both ends closed, oppositely directed axial loads on the ends of the connector link are borne by the tension leg which is preferably made of steel or other high tensile strength material. Axial loads on the connector impose no loads or forces on the remaining components.

Abstract: A system for evaluating defects and determining unknown parameters is provided which includes an AC source (10) coupled to a device under test (36). A radiation detector (16) detects radiation emitted from interrupted electrons flowing in the surface of the device under test (36). An analyzer (18) is coupled to the detector (16) for analyzing the output of the detector (16). A processor and memory system (38) is coupled to the analyzer (18) to assist in making determination as to defects or unknown properties of the device under test (36).

Abstract: A method for fabricating a composite part (42) from a plurality of composite layers (14) is provided. The method includes laying-up the composite layers (26) one upon another to form a collection of layers in a configuration and debulking the configuration of layers (26) by applying pressure sufficient to reduce the thickness of the layers to within approximately twenty percent (20%) of the part's final thickness. The debulked layers (28) may then be stored, generally at room temperature. To later form the part, the debulked layers (28) are heated to a temperature above their glass transition temperature and formed into the part's final shape. Heat may then be continuously applied to the layers while holding them in the part's final shape with sufficient force to achieve and maintain the part's thickness and density and until the heating causes the layers to become sufficiently cured so that the part's shape, thickness, and density are maintained.

Abstract: Horn antenna (10) produces an electromagnetic energy field and includes waveguide (12) for generating an electromagnetic field having an electric field (52, 54, 56) and magnetic field (58 and 60). Horn portion (14) expands the electric field (52, 54, 56) and magnetic field (50, 60), and produces therefrom an electromagnetic energy field (34) at radiating aperture (29) of horn portion (14). Dielectric portion (32) is positioned within horn portion (14) and includes a sheet (32) of dielectric material that has a relatively uniform thickness. The dielectric portion (32) is placed across horn portion (14) perpendicular to electric field (52, 54, 56) to yield cosinusoidal electromagnetic field (34) at radiating aperture (29).

Abstract: Heat transfer device (30) dissipates and removes heat energy from a heat source and delivers the heat energy to a heat sink. Heat transfer device (30) includes diamond substrate (32) for receiving the heat energy from the heat source. Interconnect point (36) connects to diamond substrate (32). Fiber (34), such as a carbon fiber, connects at interconnect point (36) to receive the heat energy from diamond substrate (32) and conduct the heat energy to the heat sink.

Abstract: Heat transfer device (30) dissipates and removes heat energy from a heat source and delivers the heat energy to a heat sink. Heat transfer device (30) includes diamond substrate (32) for receiving the heat energy from the heat source. Interconnect point (36) connects to diamond substrate (32). Fiber (34), such as a carbon fiber, connects at interconnect point (36) to receive the heat energy from diamond substrate (32) and conduct the heat energy to the heat sink.

Abstract: An after-burning turbo-fan engine system (10) includes turbo-fan engine (14) for producing exhaust gas (20), and jet thrust therefrom. After-burning chamber (16) receives turbo-fan exhaust and injects a controllable amount of fuel into turbo-fan exhaust to cause after burning of the turbo-fan exhaust to produce after-burned exhaust (20). Nozzle (18) associates with after-burning chamber (16) for receiving after-burned exhaust (20). Nozzle (18) has a fixed geometry. Nozzle (18) flow coefficient control mechanism (22 and 24) controls the approach of after-burned exhaust (20) through nozzle (18) to change the nozzle (18) flow coefficient. This controls the volumetric flow rate of after-burned exhaust (20) through the nozzle (18).

Abstract: A system for sealing an exposed area of a surface coated with a radiofrequency signal absorbing coating includes a heat-responsive compound that transforms from a solid state to viscous melted state at temperatures above a predetermined temperature and that returns to a solid state after cooling to temperatures below the predetermined temperature. The heat-responsive compound has a radiofrequency absorbing material for absorbing radiofrequency signals at approximately equal frequency to those that the radiofrequency signal absorbing coating absorbs. An applicator applies the heat-responsive compound in the viscous melted state to cover the exposed areas. An absorptive tape conceals any gap or fastener associated with the exposed area and absorbs radiofrequency signals having approximately equal frequencies to those of the radiofrequency signal absorptive coatings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for training are provided in which a training system (10) includes indicators and controls (12) for interfacing with a trainee. A display (16) is used to display graphical representations of operating conditions. By selecting locations on the display (16), the training system (10) is configured to correspond with the operating conditions associated with the selected locations on the-display (16).

Abstract: Heat transfer device (30) dissipates and removes heat energy from a heat source and delivers the heat energy to a heat sink. Heat transfer device (30) includes diamond substrate (32) for receiving the heat energy from the heat source. Interconnect point (36) connects to diamond substrate (32). Fiber (34), such as a carbon fiber, connects at interconnect point (36) to receive the heat energy from diamond substrate (32) and conduct the heat energy to the heat sink.

Abstract: A system is provided for measuring the thickness of a ferromagnetic layer formed over a conductive base layer. An eddy current probe is provided for measuring the thickness of the ferromagnetic layer. The eddy current probe can be placed in direct contact with the ferromagnetic layer, or it may be spaced above its surface by an unknown standoff distance. This spacing may be caused by the presence of an overlying nonferrous, nonconductive layer applied over the ferromagnetic layer, or it may be an air gap over the ferromagnetic layer. An analog detector connected to the probe provides output values in two dimensions corresponding to the modulation of the probe's magnetic field by the ferromagnetic and conductive layers. These values are utilized to determine a mapping between the detector output values and ferromagnetic layer thickness and standoff values. The output of the mapping function provides two values, a ferromagnetic layer thickness and a standoff distance, which corresponds to the detected values.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for generating thrust in a turbo-fan engine (10), including generating additional thrust with after-burning. Sensors are used for monitoring a temperature in nozzle (26) of engine (10) and fan stream pressure of engine (10). The measured temperature in nozzle (26) and pressure in the fan stream are compared to a predetermined schedule for temperature and pressure by controller (54). Based on the comparison, a portion of the fan stream will be modulated to fan stub stage (16) by variable bypass control (30). Variable bypass control (30) provides for variable compression within variable compression generator (12). The variable compression available from generator (12) is scheduled against the temperature rise and back pressure associated with after-burning so as to alleviate back pressure without having to increase the area of nozzle (26). This provides for a unique turbo-fan engine with after-burning capability but with a fixed geometry exhaust nozzle (26).

Abstract: An anchor davit for stowing an anchor generally horizontally when it is out of the water. A support roller extends between two frame portions, and an anchor receiving strap is mounted for movement about the said roller. An arm extends from inwardly of the said roller, where it is pivotally mounted to extend outwardly and above the open strap. A further roller is disposed on the outer end of the arm for receiving the anchor cable thereover. Both the strap and the arm are biased outwardly about their respective pivot axes.