Abstract: A projectile for use in an electromagnetic projectile launcher is provided with a conductive open loop which is mechanically attached to the body of the projectile. Means are provided for electrically connecting the open loop between a pair of generally parallel projectile launching rails when the open loop is in a predetermined angular orientation with respect to the rails. Current flowing in the loop then interacts with magnetic flux produced by current flowing within the rails to place a torque on the loop which can be used to spin-stabilize the projectile or to prevent rotation of the projectile depending upon the particular application.

Abstract: A solenoidal homopolar dynamoelectric machine is provided with inner and outer field coils positioned on opposite sides of a current collecting zone of a rotor which is mounted for rotation with respect to a stator structure. An additional field shaping coil or a tilted brush box current collector is used to conduct current in a circumferential direction near the current collection zone of the rotor to reduce the radial components of magnetic flux in the current collection zone. This reduces circulating currents in the brush assembly.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive transducer utilizing magnetostrictive material and a plurality of windings connected to current sources having a phase relationship so as to establish a rotating magnetic induction vector within the magnetostrictive material.

Abstract: A transformer utilizing a rotating flux for saturating the entire core. The transformer uses a core configured such that a vector sum of the induction produced by two windings in the core rotates through 360.degree.. This is accomplished by arranging the component induction vectors to be perpendicular and the source voltages associated with each of the component induction vectors to be 90.degree. out of phase. If the inductions are of equal magnitude and the vector sum is sufficient to saturate the core, rotation of the vector sum saturates the entire core and the transformer experiences a very low or nearly negligible hysteresis losses. Various topological configurations for the core, including a toroid, are described. The transformer windings can be arranged for single, two-phase, three-phase, or multi-phase operation.

Abstract: Improved discontinuous and cermet film resistors and strain gauges are disclosed wherein the film is maintained in a constant humidity in the range of 15% to 45% thereby substantially increasing the stable life of the strain gauge.

Abstract: An improved discontinuous film resistor and strain gauge is disclosed wherein the discontinuous metal film is maintained in a constant humidity in the range of 15% to 45% thereby substantially increasing the life of the strain gauge.