Abstract: A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) circuit capable of operating through at least one fault. The FPGA circuit includes a configuration memory and an embedded microprocessor. The embedded microprocessor having access to the configuration memory, static modules, at least one relocatable module, and at least one spare module. The relocatable module being relocatable from a first target area to a second target area. The relocatable module being relocatable by manipulating a partial bitstream with the embedded microprocessor. The microprocessor calculating a plurality of bitstream changes, to relocate the at least one relocatable module using at least triple modular redundancy (TMR).

Abstract: A solid fuel gasifier includes first wall structure (12) defining a gasification chamber (14) and means (50, 52) to collect particulate solid residue from gasification in the gasification chamber. Second wall structure (16) defines a gas combustion chamber (17) and means (19) is arranged for admitting a flow of hot gases from the gasification chamber to the gas combustion chamber as combustion takes place. Also provided is means (178, 170) to conduct hot gases from the gasification chamber and/or gas combustion chamber into thermal contact with said collected particulate solid residue, for facilitating post-combustion and/or post-reduction of the solid residue. Also disclosed are an agitator bed (52, 182) for fine particulate material, and a method of gasification of solid fuel.

Abstract: A Stationkeeping Mode for a spacecraft having a gimballed momentum wheel for attitude control in which the stationkeeping is divided into short duration open-loop stationkeeping maneuvers to correct orbital errors, and interlaced with closed-loop momentum management operations to manage momentum stored in the momentum wheel. The sequence of open-loop pulses are spaced to deadbeat a given dominant flexible motion of the spacecraft. Between and during the thruster pulses, the gimbaled momentum wheel is maintained in the closed-loop feedback control using gyro sensor or other inertial reference measurements. Limitations on the range of the momentum storage device and its torque capability are minimized by combining the maneuver thruster pulses with pulses from other thrusters, or by reducing the fire time of one of the maneuver thrusters, to minimize momentum buildup.

Abstract: The attitude of a spacecraft is controlled during an eclipse without the dependence on auxiliary power by configuring the spacecraft so that it will receive solar power after solar eclipse is passed. The spacecraft is then oriented with respect to a sun line. The spacecraft is then spun so that it maintains a desired angular momentum throughout the eclipse and provides passive stabilization of the attitude. After the eclipse has passed, the spacecraft power is restored and the spacecraft attitude is detected. All spacecraft units are then powered up and thereafter, normal on-station attitude is re-established and normal spacecraft operations are established.

Abstract: Diphenylmethanes such as o-benzyltoluene are prepared by contacting a benzyl halide with a benzene in the presence of a catalytic amount of a normally solid, insoluble perfluorosulfonic acid polymer under reaction conditions. The o-benzyltoluenes are useful intermediates in the production of anthraquinone and anthracene.

Abstract: A telescopic sight mount for a rifle having an elongated mounting flange, comprising an elongated base having a pair of longitudinally oriented side members configured to be seated upon the mounting flange, a pair of clamping brackets, clamping screws for laterally impelling the clamping brackets to exert a clamping force upon the mounting flange, and a pair of scope mounting rings extending upwardly from the base.

Abstract: A firearm sighting device is described which provides a dual iron and telescopic sighting systems for the shooter. Iron sights are added to a modified telescopic sight upper mounting rings which are attached to conventional telescopic sight lower mounting rings. The modified upper rings include means for correcting for alignment, windage and trajectory. The modified upper rings also include dovetail slots, enabling various types of front and rear sight elements to be employed. For example, the rear sighting element may interchangeably be provided with a peep type sight or an open blade sight. Likewise, the front sight may include a bead or blade sighting element.

Abstract: A telescope mount includes a generally planar support plate having at a forward end portion thereof an axial slot, a bracket to grip the barrel of a firearm and constrained by the slot for axial movement between selected locations along the barrel, means for releasably securing the bracket to the plate, and a fastening arrangement for securing the rearward end of the plate to the firearm. A cradle for receiving a scope is removably mounted to the support plate and could be removable therewith or by itself.

Abstract: A solid fuel burner 1 has a first chamber 2 for receiving a combustible fuel to be gasified and a substantially conical upwardly directed extraction zone connecting a bottom portion of the primary chamber 2 with a secondary chamber 8 through the apex region 42. The combustible fuel presents a relatively large surface area G into the extraction zone F and relatively low velocity gases can leave the primary combustion chamber 2 to maximize the extraction of gaseous fuel from the fuel while leaving fuel and other particulate material behind. The substantially conical shape of the extraction zone F which provides a convergent gas flow path does however enable a sufficiently high velocity or the hot gas entering into the secondary chamber 8. A transverse entry of cold air H by means of a tuyere assembly 46 is provided at the apex region 42. The high density of the cold air and its transverse flow ensures a good mixing of the cold air with the hot gas before its entry into the secondary chamber 8.

Abstract: A bow sight mount which interchangeably mounts a telescopic or an open sight. The mounting bracket includes four primary components. A bow mounting bracket is attached to the bow. A sliding bracket engages the mounting bracket and is laterally adjustable with respect thereto. An intermediate bracket is rotatably attached to the sliding bracket and a sight mounting plate is rotatably attached to the intermediate bracket. This configuration permits the sight mounting plate to be rotated about two perpendicular axes and laterally and vertically. A mount for a telescopic sight or an open sight is attached to the sight mounting plate preferably by threaded fasteners. This system provides the archer with the capability to rapidly interchange sights and provides a high degree of adjustability for any type of sight.

Abstract: Folding sight for firearms which may be positively positioned in either an upright operating position or a substantially longitudinal rest position by means of a floating block member in conjunction with a stem support member pivotally connected to said base member.

Abstract: A strap retained shoulder protection device for absorbing loads directed to a user's shoulder area by reason of rifle or similiar firearm recoil. The device includes a shoulder protection pad and a strap assembly which cooperates with the pad to form a shoulder harness for locating and retaining the pad in its proper operative position upon the user's shoulder area. The strap assembly is adjustable to facilitate use of the device by different users. The protection pad may be provided with various amounts or load absorbent material according to the desires of the user.

Abstract: A method of improving the thermal emmissivity of a cathode heater wire to allow lower temperature operation of the heater without an attendant lowering in the cathode operating temperature, in which method the surface of a tungsten or molybdenum wire is oxidized, then coated with a salt of a refractory metal, and finally heated to reduce the salt and oxide to their metallic forms thereby causing the heater wire to be roughened and darkened.