Abstract: A local trigger signal generator is provided for each of a plurality of test instruments in a test system. The disclosed test system includes a master clock generator that defines a start time t.sub.0 and generates a periodic master clock signal characterized by a master clock oscillation frequency f.sub.mc and a corresponding period T.sub.mc. The master clock generator generates a clock network signal that is representative of the master clock signal and the start time t.sub.0. The system further includes a set of n test instruments TIN1, TIN2, . . . TINn. An ith one of the test instruments TINi includes a local clock receiver for receiving the clock network signal and defining therefrom a local start time t.sub.0 i and for generating therefrom a local timestamp signal LTSSi, where the local timestamp signal LTSSi is representative of a number of time intervals having a length substantially equal to the period T.sub.mc occurring after the local start time t.sub.0 i.

Abstract: The invention is a cooling structure for a high power density surface. Fluid is pumped along interconnected and continuous multiple channels on the backside of a sintered metal wick bonded to the cooled surface. The channels are located within a fluid layer which also includes multiple fluid holes, so that each hole is surrounded by interconnected channels. The holes are connected to a manifold to collect or supply the pumped fluid. The channels which surround each hole are connected to another manifold attached to the structure, and the proximity of the channels to the holes assures that fluid flow resistance within the sintered metal wick is minimized by the multiple short, wide paths.

Abstract: The invention is a cooling structure for a high power density surface. Liquid is pumped along interconnected and continuous multiple channels on the backside of a sintered metal wick bonded to the cooled surface. The channels are located within a liquid delivery layer which also includes multiple liquid outlet holes, so that each outlet hole is surrounded by interconnected channels. The outlet holes are connected to a manifold to collect the pumped liquid. The input channels which surround each outlet hole are fed from manifolds at the edges of the panels, and the proximity of input channels to the outlet holes assures that liquid flow resistance within the sintered metal wick is minimized by the multiple short, wide paths.

Abstract: A high permeability wick structure for heat pipes. A thin capillary liquid transport structure is encased within relatively thick sections of a plastic bonded aluminum powder wick. The capillary structure is formed of two layers of fine mesh screen separated only by small, randomly located, powdered metal granules. The capillary liquid transport structure can be built in numerous cross sectional configurations, including annular rings or spoke like radial sections.

Abstract: An electro-optical apparatus is disclosed which provides outputs proportional either to the surface profile and the first derivative of the surface profile of a reflecting surface or to some light beam deviating property of a transparent article in a non-contacting manner over a plurality of lines over the article being measured. A narrow beam of laser light is scanned in a raster pattern over the article to be measured. A uniformly rotating, multi-faceted reflector device which has suitably chosen pyramidal angles and which is placed near the focal point of a collimating lens moves the scanning laser beam, denoted the measurement beam, across the article to be measured in a series of laterally spaced lines. The scanning beam is nominally perpendicular to the article being measured. The measurement beam is either reflected by the surface of a reflective test article, or auto-reflected by a master reflector surface for double-pass transmission through a transparent test article.