Abstract: A high altitude, high pressure balloon comprised of a number of gores. The gores are made from a material and have a size, that are the results of an analysis of the anticipated stresses to which the balloon will be subjected. In particular, the gores are made from nylon and have dimensions that have been determined to result in stable creep characteristics. An alternate embodiment of the balloon uses multiple spheres.

Abstract: A stencil manufacturing and printing process reduces printed image distortion by matching screen deflection in the photostencil preparation phase with stencil deflection in the printing phase. The usual squeegee is replaced by atmospheric pressure and screen/stencil deflection is induced by producing a vacuum in a gasketed airtight chamber under the screen through a specially constructed air distribution frame. Compressed air can be introduced in the chamber through the same frame to rapidly release the stencil from the substrate when the printing is completed. A control unit incorporating a pressure sensor facilitates control of the printing process. Correlation of screen tension constant and frame off-contact distance with chamber pressure readings provides a precise measure of screen area of contact.

Abstract: A coupling for making electrical connection of an avionics box and for retaining it in a rack has a rotatable jackscrew, by which cooperating parts of an electrical connector on the box and the rack can be drawn together. The jackscrew has a knob at one end with an indicator button which is pulled into the knob by a mechanical linkage when the two parts of the connector are fully mated. The linkage includes a sleeve which embraces the jackscrew and which is pushed towards the knob against a spring when the connector is mated. A ratchet mechansim limits the torque applied by the jackscrew. Ball catches engage asymmetric grooves on the sleeve to make it more difficult to unfasten the jackscrew than to fasten it.

Abstract: A stencil manufacturing and printing process reduces printed image distortion by matching screen deflection in the photostencil preparation phase with stencil deflection in the printing phase. The usual squeegee is replaced by atmospheric pressure and screen/stencil deflection is induced by producing a vacuum through a specially constructed air distribution frame. Compressed air can be introduced through the same frame to rapidly release the stencil from the substrate when the printing is completed. A control unit incorporating a pressure sensor facilitates control of the printing process. The frame may have a 2-piece construction with the stencil/screen supported by a removable insert and the air distribution and pressure level sensing functions afforded by a master frame into which the insert fits.

Abstract: A stencil manufacturing and printing process reduces printed image distortion by matching screen deflection in the photostencil preparation phase with stencil deflection in the printing phase. The usual squeegee is replaced by atmospheric pressure and screen/stencil deflection is induced by producing a vacuum through a specially constructed air distribution frame. Compressed air can be introduced through the same frame to rapidly release the stencil from the substrate when the printing is completed. A control unit facilitates operator control of the printing process.