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This invention relates to a method for welding thin sheet metal members by the simultaneous bonding and shaping into an essentially planar configuration without the addition of a bonding material. This is accomplished by explosively welding overlapped sheets while simultaneously bending them such that the major portions of the two sheets are left in a single plane. The method furnishes a simple and economical method of welding thin sheet aluminum and titanium with bonds which exhibit the strength of the parent metal.

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IMPROVED NARROW BAND FM SYSTEM FOR
VOICE COMMUNICATIONS

NASA Case No. GSC-11261-1

Canada, Great Britain, France,
West Germany, Japan, Australia,
Italy

Address inquiries to:

Goddard Space Flight Center

Attn: Patent Counsel

Mail Code: 204

Greenbelt, MD 20771
U.S.A.

[Corresponding U.S. Patent-Application Pending]

The Narrow Band FM transmitter transmits voice signals on a FM carrier signal. The transmitter includes preemphasis for flattening the frequency spectrum. The receiver includes a demodulator for demodulating the FM carrier with decreasing band width as a function of the carrier strength. Limiting means are employed for decreasing the carrier strength as the incoming carrier-to-noise ratio decreases and a deemphasis circuit for restoring the frequency spectrum of the original voice signal.

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The relative azimuth bearing between first and second space terrestrial points (which may be obscured from each other by intervening terrain) is measured by placing at one of the points a laser source for projecting a collimated beam upward in the vertical plane. The collimated laser beam is detected at the second point by positioning the optical axis of a receiving instrument for the laser beam in such a manner that the beam intercepts the optical axis. In response to the optical axis intercepting the beam, the beam is deflected into two different ray paths by a beam splitter having an apex located on the optical axis. The energy in the ray paths is detected by separate photoresponsive elements that drive logic. networks.

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This invention describes a method and apparatus applicable to jet engines for improving operating efficiency over broad ranges of flight conditions and for reducing engine noise output in take-off and landing by controlling the airflow entering and exiting the engines. A turbojet engine apparatus is described which operates efficiently at both subsonic and supersonic speeds and a method is described which enables a turbofan with an associated satellite turbojet or turbofan to operate more efficiently at both subsonic and supersonic speeds. In both cases, take-off and landing noise is reduced substantially. The apparatus consists essentially of arranging for two separate portions of an engine to act upon one airstream or, alternately, to operate on independent airstreams.

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AMPLITUDE STEERED ANTENNA ARRAY

NASA Case No. GSC-11446

Canada, France, Germany,
Great Britain, Japan,
Netherlands

Address inquiries to:

Goddard Space Flight Center

Attn: Patent Counsel

Mail Code: 204

Greenbelt, MD 20771
U.S.A.

[Corresponding to U.S. Patent No. 3,806,932]

A spin stabilized satellite has an electronically despun antenna array comprising a multiplicity of peripheral antenna elements. A high gain energy beam is established by connecting a suitable fraction or array of the elements in phase. The beam is steered or caused to scan by switching elements in sequence into one end of the array as elements at the other end of the array are switched out. The switching transients normally associated with such steering are avoided by an amplitude control system. Instead of abruptly switching from one element to the next, a fixed value of power is gradually transferred from the element at the trailing edge of the array to the element next to the leading edge. Thus as the satellite rotates, power is reduced on one element and power is increased on the other element thereby avoiding switching transients and maintaining constant total array power at all times.

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