A rotating electrical transfer device

The design, development, and performance characteristics of two roll ring configurations - a roll ring being a device used in transferring electrical energy across a continuously rotating or oscillating interface through one or more flexible rolling contacts, or flexures are described. Emphasis is placed on the design problems and solutions encountered during development in the areas of flexure fatigue, contact electroplating, electrical noise, and control of interface geometry. Also, the present status of each configuration is summarized

Device transmits rotary motion through hermetically sealed wall

A wobble plate, metal bellows, and two shafts, assembled in a four-section housing, make it possible to transmit rotary motion through a hermetically sealed wall. In operation a rotational torque is developed by the wobble plate

Influence of Dynamics on Magic Numbers for Silicon Clusters

We present the results of over 90 tight-binding molecular-dynamics simulations of collisions between three- and five-atom silicon clusters, at a system temperature of 2000K. Much the most likely products are found to be two 'magic' four-atom clusters. We show that previous studies, which focused on the equilibrium binding energies of clusters of different sizes, are of limited relevance, and introduce a new effective binding energy which incorporates the highly anharmonic dynamics of the clusters. The inclusion of dynamics enhances the magic nature of both Si4 and Si6 and destroys that of Si7.Comment: 12 pages, 3 Figures, 500 KB gzipped PostScript fil

Liquid-fuel valve with precise throttling control

Prototype liquid-fuel valve performs on-off and throttling functions in vacuum without component cold-welding or excessive leakage. Valve design enables simple and rapid disassembly and parts replacement and operates with short working stroke, providing maximum throttling sensitivity commensurate with good control

Applications of Microwaves to Remote Sensing of Terrain

A survey and study was conducted to define the role that microwaves may play in the measurement of a variety of terrain-related parameters. The survey consisted of discussions with many users and researchers in the field of remote sensing. In addition, a survey questionnaire was prepared and replies were solicited from these and other users and researchers. The results of the survey, and associated bibliography, were studied and conclusions were drawn as to the usefulness of radiometric systems for remote sensing of terrain