Abstract: A method of operating a circular array antenna, Butler matrix, phase shifters and beam forming network is described including a control circuit or computer algorithm for modifying the phase of the phase shifters, one at a time, and measuring the output power received or transmitted by the circular array antenna to estimate the gradient of the output power. The invention overcomes the problem of nulling out interfering signals by modifying the beam pattern of the antenna in certain directions while maintaining the beam pattern in preferred directions for receiving desired signals.

Abstract: A bobbin control mechanism for a strand carrier for operational mounting before a braid point on a strand fabricating machine. A carrier base member (28) has an axial post (29) for rotatable mounting of a bobbin. The carrier has a series of posts radially around the axial post, a series of guide rollers, a mechanism for tensioning a moving strand on the guide rollers and a reciprocating rod (55) projecting into the base member and reacting to strand tension. The bobbin control mechanism (60) includes a finger cam (61) connected to the reciprocating rod, a free cam (62) movable by the finger cam, a ratchet gear (63) rotatable around the base of the axial post, a first pawl cam (64) preventing clockwise rotation of the ratchet gear, and a second pawl cam (65) preventing counter-clockwise rotation of the ratchet gear. A detachable cover plate (66) around the axial post closes off the interior of the base member.

Abstract: A mechanism for timing strand movement relative to rotation of holders or carriers for strand supply spools or bobbins, being rotated in opposite directions by the drive mechanism of a braiding machine. The drive mechanism is mounted around a stationary shaft extending from a frame member. The mechanism includes an adjustable actuator means carried by the frame member radially of the stationary shaft and housng a selectively rotatable control shaft carrying a first sprocket. A second sprocket connected to the first sprocket by a chain means is connected to a journal sleeve around the stationary shaft. The journal sleeve carries a circular control element. The control element carries either a series of passive deflector cam plates for yarn strands or a cam track for a series of positive wire strand guiding mechanisms. There is also an improved drive mechanism for a braiding machine having a rotating table for carrying a set of outer spool holders.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for the central axis stationary shaft and power input shaft of a braiding machine having a set of strand carriers mounted on the rear side of a first table, another set of strand carriers movable around the front side of the first table for rotation by a second table, and a drive mechanism for rotating the tables in opposite directions. The mounting assembly has a frame base, a frame stanchion for mounting the central axis stationary shaft and having a medial lattice opening, a drive torque tube extending from the lattice opening and housing and rotatably mounting the power input shaft, and, an arcuately adjustable means projecting into the lattice opening for support of the rear end of the drive torque tube.

Abstract: Apparatus for the control of relative strand movement, without significantly affecting or altering strand tension, on a braiding machine with two sets of carriers for a strand supply bobbin being rotated in opposite directions and being generally axially aligned, as a set of front and rear strand carriers and supply bobbins. A set of rear strands pass through peripheral and radially arcuate slots in a carrier mounting table and are guided prior to movement into the slot by a set of cam actuated swing arms movable in a common plane perpendicular to the machine axis. The rear strands move through an arc segment relative to the machine axis for interweaving with a set of front strands. The interwoven rear and front strands are led to a circular ring at the front of the machine having an effective diameter coincident with the rotational axis of the front bobbins. The interwoven strands are then pulled from the machine to a "work center" for tight braiding around a core or mandrel.

Abstract: Apparatus for rotating a set of braiding machine front strand carriers around the front side of a first table carrying a set of contra-rotating rear strand carriers on the rear side. Strands from the rear carriers pass through arcuate slots in the first table. A second table is in front of the first table. The tables rotate in opposite directions. The apparatus of the invention has a shuttle for mounting each front carrier, with an arcuate slide tang having a length less than the distance between any two first table slots and carrying a radially inner drive block with two actuator slots. A circular shuttle mounting track carried on the first table front side has inner and outer roller segments between any two first table slots engaging the shuttle slide tangs. A circular actuator cam track carried on the first table has a set of inwardly directed V's with an apex inwardly of an inner end of each table slot. A set of shuttle drive assemblies is mounted on the rear side of the second table.

Abstract: A carrier for a strand supply bobbin used on strand fabricating machines. The carrier has a raisable and generally circular cap (32) housing a sleeve (37), a disc (38), a ring (39), a compression spring (40), a leaf spring (41), an actuator rod (42), a collar nut (43), a retainer cup (44), a planar reaction surface (45), an actuator plug (46) and freely movable force transmitting elements (47), as operative elements for bobbin control during letoff of strand material. Radial movement of the force transmitting elements (47), to brake or clutch the supply bobbin is determined by (i) the position of the bobbin control actuator rod (42), (ii) the position of the bobbin control actuator rod (46), and (iii) the position of the bobbin control disc (38) within the raisable cap (32) on the carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus for limiting the rate at which changes on an input signal are applied to the input of a load device. The input signal is clocked out of a D-type flip-flop which output provides the device actuating signal and is also applied to a means for providing a pulse of determinable duration in response to transitions on the flip-flop output signal. During the occurrence of this pulse, the clock signal to the flip-flop is inhibited, preventing a rapid sequence of transitions on the input signal from causing a correspondingly rapid sequence of load device actuations.