Abstract: A swashplate control system (10) has a first gimbal ring (26) pivotally mounted at (32) along a longitudinal axis. A second gimbal ring (24) is pivotally attached at (28) to the first gimbal ring (26) along a lateral axis. A longitudinal cyclic actuator (14) pivots the first gimbal ring (26) along the longitudinal axis. A lateral cyclic actuator (16) pivots the second gimbal ring (24) along the lateral axis. The lateral cyclic actuator (16) is mounted on the first gimbal ring (26). A swashplate (12) is rotatably mounted on the second gimbal ring (24).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting human eye defects, particularly detection of refractive error. The invention operates by recording on color film the eye reflex which occurs when eyes are exposed to a flash of light. The photographs are compared with predetermined standards, to detect eye defects. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the base structure of the ocular screening system (10) is folding interconnect structure (12), comprising hinged sections (14), (16), and (18). Attached to one end of structure (12) is head positioning station (24) which comprises vertical support (26), a head positioning bracket (28) having one end attached to the top of support (26), and two head positioning lamps (33) to verify precise head positioning. At the opposite end of interconnect structure (12) is a camera station (34) with camera (38), electronic flash unit (44), and blinking fixation lamp (46), for photographing the eyes of persons being evaluated.

Abstract: Aminophenoxycyclotriphosphazenes such as hexakis(4-aminophenoxy)cyclotriphosphazene and tris(4-aminophenoxy)-tris phenoxyclyclotriphosphazene are used as curing agents for epoxy resins. These 1,2-epoxy resins are selected from di- or polyepoxide-containing organic moieties of the formula (CH.sub.2 --CHO--CH.sub.2).sub.m --W--R--W--(CH.sub.2 CH--CH.sub.2 O).sub.m where R is diphenyldimethylmethane, diphenylmethane, bis(dibromophenyl)dimethylmethane, or ##STR1## W is a nitrogen or oxygen atom; and m is 1 when W is oxygen and 2 when W is nitrogen. The resins are cured thermally in stages at between about 110.degree. to 135.degree. C. for between about 1 and 10 min, then at between about 175.degree. to 185.degree. C. for between about 0.5 to 10 hr and post-cured at between about 215.degree. and 235.degree. C. for between abut 0.1 and 2 hr. These resins are useful for making fire-resistant elevated temperature stable composites, laminates (e.g.

Abstract: A remotely controlled spray gun in which a nozzle 42 and orifice plate 40 are held in precise axial alignment by alignment member 54, in turn held in alignment with the general outlet 33 of the spray gun by insert 36. By this arrangement, precise repeatability of spray patterns is insured.

Abstract: Liquids, such as juices, milk, molten metal and the like are concentrated by forming uniformly-sized, small droplets in a precision droplet forming assembly (14) and deploying the droplets in free fall downwardly as a central column within an evacuated tower (12) having cool walls (32). A portion of the solvent evaporates. The vapor flows to the wall (32), condenses, and usually flows down the wall as a film (62) to condensate collector (26) and drain (28). The vertical column of freely-falling droplets enters the splash guard (68). The condensate can be collected, sent to other towers or recycled.

Abstract: A polymeric substrate 10 is coated with a metal oxide film 22 to provide oxidation protection in low earth orbital environments. The film contains about four volume percent polymer to provide flexibility.

Abstract: A pumped loop two-phase heat transfer system, operating at a nearly constant temperature throughout, includes a plurality of independently operating grooved capillary heat exchanger plates supplied with working fluid through independent flow modulation valves connected to a liquid supply line, a vapor line for collecting vapor from the heat exchangers, a condenser between the vapor and the liquid lines, and a fluid circulating pump between the condenser and the heat exchangers.

Abstract: Front surface contact floating emitter solar cell "transistors" having a semiconductor body (n-type) and floating emitter sections (p-type) diffused or implanted in the front surface are provided with sections diffused or implanted in the front surface between the floating emitter sections, but isolated from the floating emitter sections, for use either as a base contact to the n-type semiconductor body, in which case the section is doped n.sup.+, or as a collector for the adjacent emitter sections, in which case the section is doped p.sup.+. In the first case, the structure is provided with p.sup.+ semiconductor material on the back to serve as a collector, and in the second case with n.sup.+ semiconductor material on the back to serve as a base contact. In either case, the semiconductor material on the back may be a starting substrate of suitably doped semiconductor material. In the case of the substrate being the collector, a groove is etched to isolate the collector junctions from saw damage on the edge.

Abstract: A rotary stepping device includes a rotatable shaft which is driven by means of a coiled spring clutch which is alternately tightened to grip and rotate the shaft and released to return it to a resting position. An actuator formed of a memory metal is used to pull the spring clutch to tighten it and rotate the shaft. The actuator is activated by heating it above its critical temperature and is returned to an elongated configuration by means of the force of the spring clutch.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of capturing an orbiting spacecraft by attaching a grapple fixture. A probe is inserted into an opening, such as a rocket nozzle, in the spacecraft until a stop on the probe mechanism contacts the spacecraft, a lever is actuated releasing a spring loaded rod which moves axially along the probe removing a covering sleeve to expose spring loaded toggle fingers which pivot open engaging the side of the opening. The probe is shortened and tensioned by turning a screw thread, pressing the fingers inside of the opening to compress the spacecraft between the toggle fingers and the stop. A grapple fixture attached to the probe, which is thus secured to the spacecraft, is engaged by appropriate retrieval means such as a remote manipulator arm.

Abstract: The synthesis and characterization of several polyenamine ketones are discussed wherein conjugated diacetylenic diketones and aromatic diamines are used as a route to the formation of high molecular weight polyenamine ketones which exhibit good mechanical properties and can be cast into creasible films. Typical polymerization conditions involved the reaction of stoichiometric amounts of 1,4- or 1,3-PPPO and a diamine at 60.degree.-130.degree. C. in m-cresol at (w/w) solids content of 8-26% for a specified period of time under a nitrogen atmosphere. Novel polyenamine ketones were prepared with inherent viscosities as high as 1.99 dl/g and tough, clear amber films with tensile strengths of 12,400 psi and tensile moduli of 397,000 psi were cast from solutions of the polymers in chloroform. The polymers exhibited T.sub.g s as high as 235.degree. C. and weight losses of 14% after aging at 232.degree. C. in circulating air for sixty hours.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating graphite reinforced metal matrix composites so as to eliminate thermal strain hysteresis and impart dimensional stability through a large thermal cycle. The method is applied to the composite post fabrication and is effective on metal matrix materials using graphite fibers manufactured by both the hot roll bonding and diffusion bonding techniques.The method consists of first heat treating the material in a solution anneal oven followed by a water quench and then subjecting the material to a cryogenic treatment in a cryogenic oven. This heat treatment and cryogenic stress reflief is effective in imparting a dimensional stability and reduced thermal strain hysteresis in the material over a -250.degree. F. to +250.degree. F. thermal cycle.

Abstract: An aircraft control position indicator is provided that displays the degree of deflection of the primary flight control surfaces and the manner in which the aircraft will respond. The display includes a vertical elevator dot/bar graph meter display for indicating whether the aircraft will pitch up or down, a horizontal aileron dot/bar graph meter display for indicating whether the aircraft will roll to the left or the right, and a horizontal rudder dot/bar graph meter display for indicating whether the aircraft will turn left or right. The vertical and horizontal display or displays intersect to form an up-down-left-right type display. Internal electronic display driver means receive signals from transducers measuring the control surface deflections and determine the position of the meter indicators one each dot/bar graph meter display.

Abstract: An improved optical gyroscope is provided, of the type that passes two light components in opposite directions through an optic fiber coil, and which adds a small variable frequency to one of the light components to cancel the phase shift due to rotation of the coil. The amount of coil rotation from an initial orientation, is accurately determined by combining the two light components, one of which has a slightly increased frequency, to develop beats that each represent a predetermined angle of rotation. The direction of rotation is obtained by combining the two light components on a photodetector, intermittently phase shifting a single light component by 90.degree., and comparing the direction of change of photodetector output (+ or -) caused by the 90.degree. shift, with the slope (+ or -) of the photodetector output at about the same time, when there is a 90.degree. shift.

Abstract: A method and apparatus using a known water-absorbent polymer as a capacitor which is operated at a DC voltage for measuring relative humidity. When formed as a layer between porous electrically-conductive electrodes and operated in an RC oscillator circuit, the oscillator frequency varies inversely with the partial pressure of the moisture to be measured. In a preferred embodiment, the capacitor is formed form Nafion and is operated at a low DC voltage with a resistor as an RC circuit in an RC oscillator. At the low voltage, the leakage current is proper for oscillation over a satisfactory range. The frequency of oscillation varies in an essentially linear fashion with relative humidity which is represented by the moisture being absorbed into the Nafion. The oscillation frequency is detected by a frequency detector.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process using a Diels-Alder reaction which increases the molecular weight and/or crosslinks polymers by reacting the polymers with bisunsaturated dienophiles. The polymer comprises at least 75% by weight based on the reaction product, has a molecular weight of at least 5000 and a plurality of conjugated 1,3-diene systems incorporated into the molecular structure. A dienophile reaction with the conjugated 1,3-diene of the polymer is at least 1% by weight based on the reaction product. Examples of the polymer include polyesters, polyamides, polyethers, polysulfones and copolymers thereof. The bisunsaturated dienophiles may include bis-maleimide, bisnadimides, bis maleic and bis tumaric esters and amides. The method of this invention for expanding the molecular weight chains of the polymers, preferably thermoplastics, is advantageous for processing or fabricating thermoplastics.

Abstract: A direct band-gap semiconductor (54) is exposed to intensity-modulated photon radiation (56) having a characteristic energy at least as great as the energy gap of the semiconductor. This produces a time-dependent concentration of excess charge carriers through the material, producing a luminescence signal (58) modulated at the same frequency as the incident radiation but shifted in phase by an amount related to the lifetime of minority carriers. In a preferred embodiment, the phase shift of the luminescence signal is determined by transforming it to a modulated electrical signal and mixing the electrical signal with a reference signal modulated at the same frequency and having a phase which is known relative to the incident radiation. Minority carrier lifetime is calculated by integrating a direct current component of the mixed signal (F.sub.dc) over a 2.pi. range in phase of the reference signal.

Abstract: A high frequency oscillator is provided by connecting two amplifier circuits in parallel where each amplifier circuit provides the other amplifier circuit with the conditions necessary for oscillation. The inherent noise present in both amplifier circuits causes the quiescent current, and in turn, the generated frequency, to change. The changes in quiescent current cause the transconductance and the load impedance of each amplifier circuit to vary, and this in turn results in opposing changes in the input susceptance of each amplifier circuit. Because the changes in input susceptance oppose each other, the changes in quiescent current also oppose each other. The net result is that frequency stability is enhanced.

Abstract: A dual motion valve (A) includes two dual motion valve assemblies (10, 12) having a rotary input which allows the benefits of applying both rotary and axial motion to a rotary sealing element (24) having a plurality of ports (43). The motion of the rotary sealing element during actuation provides axial engagement of the rotary sealing element with a stationary valve plate (22) which also has ports (38). Fluid passages are created through the valve when the ports of the rotary sealing element are aligned with the ports of the stationary valve plate. Alignment is achieved through rotation of the rotary sealing element with respect to the stationary valve plate. The fluid passages provide direct paths which minimize fluid turbulence created in the fluid as it passes through the valve (A).

Abstract: A first annular ring (44) has a keyed opening (64) sized to fit around the nut region (40) of a male coupling (14), and a second annular ring (42) has a keyed opening (52) sized to fit around the nut (26) of a female coupling (12). Each ring (42, 44) has mating ratchet teeth (56, 62), and these rings (42, 44) are biased together, thereby engaging these teeth (56, 62) and preventing rotation of these rings. This in turn prevents the rotation of the male nut region (40) with respect to the female nut (26). For tube-to-bulkhead locking, one facet (70) of one ring (44) is notched, and a pin (88) is pressed into an opening (84, 86) in the bulkhead (80). This pin (88) is sized to fit within one of the notches (74) in the ring (44), thereby preventing rotation of this ring (44) with respect to the bulkhead (80 ).