Abstract: Continuous, elongated nickel plated graphite fibers are bound with an epoxy and are formed into a structural shape (11). An area (13) of the epoxy is removed by bead blasting to expose a layer of the plated graphite fibers (14), which are aligned in the desired direction of radio frequency current propagation. The bead blasted area (13) is then silver plated to obtain good contact to the plated graphite fibers (14) and resultant high conductivity from the structural shape (11).

Abstract: Continuous, elongated nickel plated graphite fibers are bound with an epoxy and are formed into a structural shape (11). An area (13) of the epoxy is removed by bead blasting to expose a layer of the plated graphite fibers (14), which are aligned in the desired direction of radio frequency current propagation. The bead blasted area (13) is then silver plated to obtain good contact to the plated graphite fibers (14) and resultant high conductivity from the structural shape (11).

Abstract: A method is disclosed for accurately aligning a shaft in a hole. One application is disclosed for aligning electromagnetic reflectors. An accurately positioned front surface targeted mirror on a predefined reflector axis is used with a reflected laser beam, optical auto-collimation or auto-reflection using an alignment telescope. The mirror is mounted on one end of a shaft which is inserted into a hole of depth l formed through the reflector at the axis, and has formed thereon a reticle at the shaft axis. By aligning the shaft axis with the hole axis in accordance with the invention, extremely accurate alignment of the reflector can be accomplished.

Abstract: A water-deployable whip antenna is extendable from a shortened configuration to a lengthened configuration. The body of the antenna is made up of a plurality of hollow frusto-conical segments which are slidably nested inside each other when the antenna is in its shortened configuration. To telescope the segments and thereby place the antenna in its lengthened operational configuration, a compressible container is housed within the segments. When the container is filled with pressurizing gas, the container expands to telescope the segments relative to each other. Additionally, a weighted ballast and electronic control circuitry are attached to one end of the antenna. In order to float the antenna in a vertical orientation, an air-filled stability bag is disposed around the antenna near the antenna's weighted end.

Abstract: In the disclosed method for fabricating corrugated microwave components, a billet assembly is formed of electrically conductive plates sandwiched with chemical etching sensitive spacer material and clamped together. An inside surface is formed in the billet and a mandrel inserted. An outer contoured surface is then formed on the mandrel-billet assembly. The outer surface is then plated to a desired thickness. The mandrel is removed and the spacers chemically etched away leaving the finished component. With the disclosed method, microwave device fabrication for frequencies including 100 GHz and higher is possible.