Abstract: The method and apparatus precisely identifies and locates an object which resonates in response to signals of at least one and, more typically, two resonant frequencies. The locating apparatus includes a transmitter for concurrently transmitting signals having a resonant frequency and signals having a non-resonant frequency toward the resonant object. The locating apparatus also includes at least two receivers for receiving reflected signals having the resonant frequency and the non-resonant frequency. The locating apparatus further includes a signal processor for locating the resonant object based upon the reflected signals detected by the receivers. The signal processor has multiple channels, one of which is associated with each receiver, for separately processing the reflected signals received over time by each of the receivers.

Abstract: One or more antenna elements are submerged beneath a faired cover over a roof supporting member of a motor vehicle or hidden behind or as part of the front grill. Usually a conductive support extends behind the antenna elements and are electrically isolated therefrom to form the ground plane of the antenna. In some cases the antennas can be the structural members electrically isolated from the remainder of the body, but physically connected thereto. RF absorbers may be positioned spaced from radiating antenna elements to prevent antenna cross talk and exposure of occupants of the vehicle to high RF power densities. The antenna elements are especially useful in providing collision avoidance radar.

Abstract: A power system provides various levels of electrical power at various radio frequencies to specific input locations of a neutral particle beam accelerator system. Both the power system and the accelerator system are mounted on a space platform. The power system includes separate modules mounted on two hinged members of the platform. The modules utilize turbines, generators and fuel cells to provide the needed electrical power which is amplified to the desired levels required by the accelerator system. In addition, a fuel cell is utilized to power a pulse drive motor to drive the generators during turbine start up in order to provide high voltage output power during the start up. A regenerator produces hydrogen and oxygen from the water effluent produced by the fuel cells and the combustors which powers the turbines thereby recycling the fuel and working fluid and consequently making the power system generally non-contaminating and fuel efficient.

Abstract: The system includes a reflector assembly mounted on a first one of a pair of spacecraft. The reflector assembly includes a mirror around which are positioned a mirror and retroreflectors. A light source mounted on the second spacecraft illuminates the assembly the reflections from which are directed into a radiometer which is also mounted on the second spacecraft. The mirror has a known curvature, and the known curvature in conjunction with the retroreflectors allow calculation of the position and motion parameters of the first spacecraft relative to the second.

Abstract: A computer controlled system for determining various physical surface characteristics of an object includes a light source array, positioned to illuminate a surface for evaluation, in which individual lights in the array illuminate the object on a mutually exclusive basis, a radiometer, positioned to receive light from the object, producing image data relative to positions of the light pixels and a computer apparatus that, among other functions in the system, interprets the image data and determines at least the surface waviness, radius of curvature and cant angle of the surface.

Abstract: Improvement of radar sign-to-noise ratio and detection sensitivity in radar systems is achieved by methods employing the subtraction of the unwanted radio frequency interference, RFI, or "clone" signals thereof, from the total received signal. The Clone signals are appropriately adjusted in phase and amplitude, and are obtained from an auxilliary broad beam antenna or from a delayed sample from the system's principal antenna. When multiple RFI signals at different frequencies are present, the entire receive band is subdivided into a plurality of frequency sub-ranges.

Abstract: An interceptor's point of impact on a targeted missile is quickly revealed in the milliseconds preceeding and following the impact by illuminating the target with radar signals at a high pulse repetition rate and observing the reflected radar echoes on an A-scope display. The position within the returned radar echo of a double echo and related changing phenomenon indicates the point of impact. Failing intercept, the miss distance is computed from the relative slant ranges to the targeted missile, the interceptor, and the double echo. The type warhead killed is revealed by a spectrograph slaved to the radar's antenna. Various techniques assist with the interpretation of the displayed patterns, including subtraction of previously stored patterns and display of the difference, display of characteristic patterns of various known missiles and interceptors stored in "look up" tables, and neural networks.

Abstract: A fluid ejection nozzle is disclosed which facilitates a wide distribution of fluid therefrom and which permits the fluid flow rate to be easily adjustable. The nozzle is particularly adapted to a heat rejection system useful in a space environment. The nozzle includes a flow distributor positioned within an orifice of the nozzle housing which is comprised of a tongue member and an attached flow control block. Adjustment screws mounted through the nozzle housing permit axial movement of the flow distributor within the housing, thus controlling the flow rate of the fluid even to the extent of total shut-off. The tongue member is shaped to widely disperse the fluid, and includes turbulence generators such as roughening or ridges for facilitating its dispersion.

Abstract: A photovoltaic electric power system for use in space. A self contained sun powered electric power generating system comprising a fresnel mirror array made up of a plurality of quadrilateral mirrors individually mounted on a generally flat supporting structure with the mirrors aimed at a common point above the structure, a photovoltaic array positioned at the common point by a movable strut mechanism, heat exchanger means at the PV array to draw excess heat therefrom, coolant lines from the heat exchanger means running through the struts to transfer heat to heat pipes configured as flat panels at the edges of and perpendicular to the supporting structure, and positioning means attached to a separate structure to enable the system to track the sun. The system is designed to fold into itself in the form of an elongate box for launch, maneuvering and protection.

Abstract: A heat pipe radiator coating of a fibrous material provides protection for the radiator, such as a heat pipe, pumped loop, etc., while allowing good emissivity and heat rejection. Fibers are constructed from fiberglass, glass, quartz, saphire, diamond, carbon carbon, tantalum, stainless steel, aluminum, beryllium, and copper, and may be coated with a variety of metallic materials.

Abstract: Disclosed is an advantageous system for heat rejection especially useful in the space environment.

Abstract: A rolled belt heat exchanger utilizes the increased heat transfer due to a large, extended surface belt. Heat is transferred from a heated roller to the belt, and then allowed to radiate to space as the belt follows a generally flattened oval path away from the heated roller.

Abstract: A liquid droplet radiation centrifugal collector apparatus utilizing a conical-shaped collector with a deflector at its apex to direct a received droplet stream to a trough that is formed within the leading edge of the collector. The collector which is rotating imparts a dynamic pressure to the fluid that is accumulated in the trough. The fluid is intercepted by pitot tubes which are stationary, and is directed to a high pressure pump for return to the power generating system.

Abstract: The apparatus and method herein provides for the calculation of shape factors and transfer factors of any object, particularly useful in radiative heat transfer analysis. The object sought to be characterized can be a model of full sized. A radiometer measures the light flux from various surfaces of an object, and a computer is used to assign each flux to a finitely preselected area. After all of the surfaces of the object have been measured and accounted for, the computer is than enabled to compute the shape factor of the object utilizing the relationships stated in the disclosure. Techniques of measurement include illumination/draping, electroluminescent panels, and projective illumination.