Abstract: A low-profile fluid manifold includes a tunable passive flow control system through intricate internal flow channels. The low-profile fluid manifold is manufactured using stereolithography (SLA) additive manufacturing to rapidly produce and tune the intricate flow channels to achieve the desired flow characteristics. Further, SLA additive manufacturing is used to build up inlet and outlet orifices in the flow direction, creating sealing surfaces for parallel oriented seals and sealing surfaces. The low-profile fluid manifold is manufactured to be air and liquid tight at the required operating pressures, temperatures, and environments, without the use of traditional fittings.

Abstract: A low-profile fluid manifold includes a tunable passive flow control system through intricate internal flow channels. The low-profile fluid manifold is manufactured using stereolithography (SLA) additive manufacturing to rapidly produce and tune the intricate flow channels to achieve the desired flow characteristics. Further, SLA additive manufacturing is used to build up inlet and outlet orifices in the flow direction, creating sealing surfaces for parallel oriented seals and sealing surfaces. The low-profile fluid manifold is manufactured to be air and liquid tight at the required operating pressures, temperatures, and environments, without the use of traditional fittings.

Abstract: A torsion bar spring is disclosed. The torsion bar spring can include a first elongated spring bar made of a resiliently flexible material. The first elongated spring bar can have a first coupling interface portion at a distal end and an interior opening oriented along a longitudinal axis. The torsion bar spring can also include a second elongated spring bar made of a resiliently flexible material. The second elongated spring bar can have a second coupling interface portion at the distal end. The second elongated spring bar can be disposed at least partially in the interior opening of the first elongated spring bar. The first and second elongated spring bars can be directly coupled to one another at the first and second coupling interface portions such that uncoupled portions of the first and second elongated spring bars are rotatable relative to one another about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A torsion bar spring is disclosed. The torsion bar spring can include a first elongated spring bar made of a resiliently flexible material. The first elongated spring bar can have a first coupling interface portion at a distal end and an interior opening oriented along a longitudinal axis. The torsion bar spring can also include a second elongated spring bar made of a resiliently flexible material. The second elongated spring bar can have a second coupling interface portion at the distal end. The second elongated spring bar can be disposed at least partially in the interior opening of the first elongated spring bar. The first and second elongated spring bars can be directly coupled to one another at the first and second coupling interface portions such that uncoupled portions of the first and second elongated spring bars are rotatable relative to one another about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A desiccator housing is formed using a laser and selective laser sintering (SLS) process. The desiccator housing includes a first housing portion having a first wall thickness and a first permeability, and a second housing portion having a second wall thickness and a second permeability. A power of the laser is selected such that the first wall thickness provides the first permeability and the second wall thickness provides the second permeability.

Abstract: Embodiments of a spring clip retention system are provided for securing a generally cylindrical component, as are embodiments of a guided munition including a spring clip retention system. In one embodiment, the spring clip retention system includes a captive feature and a spring clip. The captive feature includes opposing ledges and a channel formed beneath and partially enclosed by the opposing ledges. The spring clip includes opposing retainer arms and a base portion, which extends between the opposing retainer arms and which is received within the channel. The spring clip deflects outward when the component is inserted between the opposing retainer arms. The base portion abuts the undersides of the opposing ledges when the spring clip is deflected outward by insertion of the component to prevent disengagement of the base portion from the captive feature in a direction substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the channel.

Abstract: A stray light baffle for a seeker or other sensor system and a method for making the same are provided. The seeker, for example, may include a first receiver configured to receive an infrared signal, a second receiver configured to receive a radio frequency signal, a dichroic mirror configured to reflect the infrared signal toward the first receiver and to transmit the radio frequency signal toward the second receiver, and a stray light baffle having a coarse surface comprising a plurality of peaks and a plurality of valleys, wherein an average height of the plurality of peaks is greater than or equal to an average width of the plurality of valleys.

Abstract: A system for retaining an optical element with a card assembly and heat sink is provided. The retaining system includes an optical element fastener and a retainer member. The optical element fastener is configured to hold the optical element to the heat sink. The retaining member is configured to hold the card assembly to the heat sink, and also serves to make the optical element fastener captive. In one embodiment, the retaining member includes a ridge for holding the card assembly to the heat sink. The top end of the retainer member may also include one or more recessed slots for tool engagement to facilitate fastening of the retainer member. In one embodiment, the retaining member is threaded at the bottom end to fasten the retaining member to the heat sink. Also, in one embodiment the retaining member includes an axial opening used to access the optical element fastener.

Abstract: Embodiments of a spring clip retention system are provided for securing a generally cylindrical component, as are embodiments of a guided munition including a spring clip retention system. In one embodiment, the spring clip retention system includes a captive feature and a spring clip. The captive feature includes opposing ledges and a channel formed beneath and partially enclosed by the opposing ledges. The spring clip includes opposing retainer arms and a base portion, which extends between the opposing retainer arms and which is received within the channel. The spring clip deflects outward when the component is inserted between the opposing retainer arms. The base portion abuts the undersides of the opposing ledges when the spring clip is deflected outward by insertion of the component to prevent disengagement of the base portion from the captive feature in a direction substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the channel.

Abstract: A stray light baffle for a seeker or other sensor system and a method for making the same are provided. The seeker, for example, may include a first receiver configured to receive an infrared signal, a second receiver configured to receive a radio frequency signal, a dichroic mirror configured to reflect the infrared signal toward the first receiver and to transmit the radio frequency signal toward the second receiver, and a stray light baffle having a coarse surface comprising a plurality of peaks and a plurality of valleys, wherein an average height of the plurality of peaks is greater than or equal to an average width of the plurality of valleys.

Abstract: A system for retaining an optical element with a card assembly and heat sink is provided. The retaining system includes an optical element fastener and a retainer member. The optical element fastener is configured to hold the optical element to the heat sink. The retaining member is configured to hold the card assembly to the heat sink, and also serves to make the optical element fastener captive. In one embodiment, the retaining member includes a ridge for holding the card assembly to the heat sink. The top end of the retainer member may also include one or more recessed slots for tool engagement to facilitate fastening of the retainer member. In one embodiment, the retaining member is threaded at the bottom end to fasten the retaining member to the heat sink. Also, in one embodiment the retaining member includes an axial opening used to access the optical element fastener.