Abstract: A system and method for orbital planning allows iterative calculations of orbital parameters to be accomplished in an automated way with one parameter solution serving as input to the next parameter's calculation. A software program employs a graphical user interface (GUI) to allow a space mission analyst to set up a series of sub-problems of any desired level of complexity. The program then implements the series automatically and sequentially, incorporating the solution to one sub-problem into the input to the next.

Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer is described for detecting sample gas in a carrier gas incorporating a block of ceramic material having a passageway wherein the passageway contains an ionization source, a resistive material on the walls of the passageway prior to and after a shutter grid to form a reaction region and drift region respectively, an aperture grid and a collector. A radioactive or non-radioactive ionization source may be inserted into one end of the passageway while the aperture grid and collector may be inserted into the other end and rigidly positioned with respect to the block of ceramic material. The invention simplifies the exchange of the ionization sources where it may be either radioactive or non-radioactive, and improves the assembling and sealing of the ion mobility spectrometer cell.

Abstract: A thermionic emitter for providing positive ions has been described incorporating a mixture of beta-alumina and inert material such as charcoal positioned on a filament for heating the mixture. Alternately the invention may incorporate beta-alumina with inert material such as nickle deposited in selected areas. The invention overcomes the problem of generating positive ions with low power consumption.

Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer is described for detecting gas constituents in an ambient air incorporating a cylindrical tube containing a reaction region, a shutter assembly and a drift region therein, the cylindrical tube fits within a housing having a chamber or space between the cylindrical tube and the housing for heating drift gas prior to entry into the drift region. Further, the cylindrical tube may have interior annular ledges to facilitate positioning of the shutter assembly and an aperture grid. The invention overcomes the problem of controlling the temperature of the drift gas prior to entry into the drift region to enhance the uniformity of ion drift mobility times and the problem of a mechanical assembly which is difficult to dissemble.

Abstract: An integrated spark plug-combustion pressure sensor capable of extended use in normal operation of an automobile. Thermally conductive gas sealing means are provided between the plug insulator and shell. A piezo-electric pressure sensor element is positioned to sense combustion pressure through changes in the stress of plug shell and is enclosed as an integral part of the plug for protection against the harsh engine environment.

Abstract: A quadrupole mass spectrometer gain control system for continually analyzing a gas mixture with accuracy. A quadrupole mass filter is located in the system to receive the gas mixture output from an ionization source. The quadrupole mass filter is operated in such a manner as to sequentially select the mass channel, detect mass peak amplitudes, and compensate for mass dependencies of individual channels through which an output signal representative of the percentages of an individual gas in the mixture is transmitted to a display. To compensate for system gain variations occurring in the ionization source, mass filter, ion detector, and detector preamplification function, a system gain control is provided in which the sum of the constituent gas amplitudes is compared with a 100% amplitude reference, and the error signal used to control the system gain.