Abstract: Satellite earth sensors (ES) generate scan lines, areas of detected infrared information gathered across the view of the earth by the satellite. The length of these scan lines is utilized by the satellite Attitude Control Subsystem (ACS) to determine the satellite pointing in roll and pitch. There are areas on the earth during particular periods of the year that can cause earth radiance gradient disturbance effects, satellite attitude errors caused by the ACS-calculated length of the scan lines becoming faulted. This invention includes methods and systems for minimizing disturbances to the satellite attitude for satellites in inclined, elliptical orbits that use infrared earth sensors to determine pitch and roll angles. These include identifying areas where earth radiance gradient events cause such disturbances and the prediction of times of such occurrences and methods for mitigating the effect of such events.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for washing a plurality of cored lettuce heads as they are harvested in the field is disclosed. The apparatus incorporates a multi-segment hinged conveyer forming a loop, at least one support platform having an opening, at least one lettuce head guide connected to the support platform and an aqueous solution spraying system. Workers harvest lettuce heads, core the lettuce heads and then place them on the lettuce head guides which are moving along the conveyer. The lettuce heads are conveyed to an aqueous solution spraying system which washes the cored areas of the lettuce heads. The lettuce heads are then removed from the conveyer into a produce bin.

Abstract: A headrest for supporting a person's head includes a back panel adapted to abuttingly engage a person's head that includes a first hinge-forming groove at each end, and two side wing members pivotally and foldably attached to the back member at or near its ends with the side wing members including an offset portion with an axle rotatable in the first hinge-forming groove.

Abstract: The design and method of fabrication for an acoustic sensor module for mounting on the hull of a submarine or surface ship is disclosed. The design involves the use of molded alignment structures within a two part rubber shell to reduce tooling requirements and eliminate a significant amount of assembly labor in fabricating hull mounted sonar arrays.

Abstract: A sensor array cable and method of construction thereof utilizing a sensor/interlink assembly to facilitate the relatively easy and inexpensive installation of a sensor device in a cable that includes a strength member to provide tensile strength to the cable, optical fibers or wires for carrying electrical or optical energy to and from the sensor device, and a protective outer jacket. A portion of the protective outer jacket is removed allowing access to the inner strength member and optical fibers. A segment of the strength member is removed and an interlink/sensor assembly is installed in its place. The interlink serves to maintain the tensile strength of the cable. Optical fibers and/or electrical wires are connected to the sensor device for operation. The interlink/sensor assembly and associated optical fibers and electrical wires are then enclosed in an overmold which is sealed to the outer protective jacket.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the orientation of a platform by receiving and reading signals from one or more orientation sensors, such as a magnetic compass, using optical interrogation, telemetry, and multiplexing, with the signals passing through a single supply/return optical waveguide.