Abstract: The WSL Gas Igniter is, in essence, a small, reuasable gas bomb intended to be used in the testing of fire suppression systems. The device has two main parts. The main parts are the control box and the igniter head. The control box controls all aspects of operation. It controls the flow of all gases, as well as, the electrically powered ignition system. The igniter head contains an accumulation/combustion chamber in which a combustible mixture of gases is introduced. Also, the combustion chamber contains a small spark generating means. A control signal initiates a spark system and the flow of gases into the combustion chamber simultaneously. At the desired moment of ignition, the control signal is removed, which ceases the gas flow and ignites the combustible mixture of gases in the combustion chamber. The explosion produced by the invention is intended to ignite a test subject for the purpose of testing fire suppression capability.

Abstract: A microstrip antenna system having a GPS antenna for receiving GPS data and a telemetry antenna for transmitting telemetry data mounted on a dielectric substrate. The microstrip antenna system is designed for use on small diameter airborne projectiles which have a diameter of about 2.75 inches. A filter is integrated into the antenna system to isolate the transmitted telemetry signal from the received GPS signal.

Abstract: A system and method for managing property using a program designed to assist a user in completing necessary forms. The program assists the user by providing hints, overlaying text, and troubleshooting suggestions. The user is guided through each segment of a form to minimize the possibility of human error. The program provides a means for converting human readable text to a barcode. The completed form is downloaded and printed by any type of printer, such as dot matrix, laser jet, inkjet or bubblejet.

Abstract: A method for testing a cable for defective insulation. A user connects one end of each cable conductor to a numbered terminal block. The user measures the insulation resistance between the first and second conductors of the cable using an insulation resistance tester. Next, the user shorts conductors one and two at the terminal block. The user then measures the insulation resistance between the first and third conductors. Measuring the insulation resistance between conductors one and three also measures the insulation resistance between conductors two and three. The user continues these steps until the insulation resistance for all conductors is measured.

Abstract: A sensor transmits a pulse in the direction of travel of a user and receives reflections from any obstacle in the path. The sensor provides two signals which indicate the relative range and the relative velocity between the user and the obstacle. A decision logic and control circuit processes the signals and determines whether the user and the obstacle are close enough and there is sufficient closing velocity to present a hazard to the user. When the circuit determines there is a hazard, the circuit activates a warning device. An activation signal is also generated when the circuit determines that the user cannot avoid the obstacle. This signal is supplied to an automatic protection system which includes an air bag located on the front portion of a jacket worn by the user. The air bag is inflated by the activation signal to protect the user when colliding with the obstacle.

Abstract: A hydraulic winch limit switch circuit for preventing a winch cable from moving beyond its normal stop position which insures that the winch cable and research equipment attached to the cable are not damaged. The circuit includes a single pole limit switch with a diode connected across the contact of the limit switch. In normal operation the limit switch is closed and current flow is through switch to a winch electronic displacement controller which controls the operation of the winch motor and the winch. When the winch reaches a stop position during payin of the winch cable, the limit switch opens as the result of the limit switch arm engaging a tow bar attached to the end of the winch cable. opening the limit switch stops current flow through the winch electronic displacement controller since the diode is reversed biased during payin of the winch cable. This de-energizes the winch motor which results preventing the winch cable from moving beyond its normal stop position.

Abstract: A parachute recovery system which provides for the recovery of a payload such as a target drone without damage by allowing for a safe, non-destructive landing of the payload at a desired location. The parachute recovery system comprises a payload, a parachute or parasail and a guidance control electronics and servo system. The parachute, which is rectangular in shape, is connected by a plurality of control lines to the guidance control electronics and servo system, which is attached to the payload. The payload may be an air launch component such as a spacecraft, a target drone, unmanned air vehicle, camera film, or similar apparatus. The guidance control electronics and servo system is used to control glide path trajectory and provide for a safe non-destructive landing of the payload. Servo system adjust the length of each of the plurality of control lines attached to the parachute to provide a means for controlling the parachute so as to control the speed, direction and lift of the parachute recovery system.

Abstract: A portable vehicle barrier which is configured as a net to disable and prevent further movement of vehicle traveling across the vehicle barrier. The net has a lead array of spikes and a trailing array of spikes which puncture and adhere to the front and rear tires of the vehicle, preventing rotational movement of the vehicle's tires. Each spike of the lead and trailing array has a doom shaped cover which is jettisoned from its associated spike after the front tires of the vehicle pass over the lead array of the net.

Abstract: A signal injecting apparatus which includes a microcontroller for generating a 1024 hertz square wave signal which is supplied through a NAND gate to a field effect transistor. When the transistor is switch on a tank circuit comprising a pair of capacitors and the primary of a signal injector coil starts oscillating and will continue to oscillate when the transistor is switch off. The power level for the signal to the cable is determined by an operator based on the operator inputs from depressing a pair of push button switches. The microcontroller, responsive to the operator inputs from the push button switches, outputs a digital word to a digital-to-analog converter that represents the required power level. The analog output signal from the digital-to-analog converter is supplied to a control loop circuit which adjust the power level by enabling and disabling the NAND gate.

Abstract: The present invention pretains to a device for protecting the human eye by means of a narrow bandwith interference filter which filters out one or more specific wavelengths of light emitted in the form of a coherent, concentrated beam that is laser radiation and in coherent light, an image intensifier for amplifying an image passing through the narrow bandwidth filter to an observable light level, and a neutral density filter which reduces image reflected illuminance to avoid detection.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting change in the foam forming characteristic of an input stream of an aqueous solution which continuously samples the input stream by taking a series of discrete, independent measurements. A sample of the input stream is collected, analyzed, then discarded. The collect-analyze-discard cycle is repeated. The apparatus relies on an acoustic sensor to measure foam height within a column. This allows the column containing the foam to be fabricated from any material, including durable plastics. A sample of the input stream is introduced into the apparatus. The sample is then aerated by a aeration stone to produce foam. The height of the column of foam produced is then measured using the acoustic sensor. The sample is then discarded and the process repeated. The height of the foam column is correlated with the concentration of foam forming chemical.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting change in the foam forming characteristic of an input stream of an aqueous solution which continuously samples the input stream by taking a series of discrete, independent measurements. A sample of the input stream is collected, analyzed, then discarded. The collect-analyze-discard cycle is repeated. The apparatus relies on an acoustic sensor to measure foam height within a column. This allows the column containing the foam to be fabricated from any material, including durable plastics. A sample of the input stream is introduced into the apparatus. The sample is then aerated by an aeration stone to produce foam. The height of the column of foam produced is then measured using the acoustic sensor. The sample is then discarded and the process repeated. The height of the foam column is correlated with the concentration of foam forming chemical.

Abstract: A water-based apparatus for mitigating the gas pressure loading and associated damage and injuries from a fully or partially confined explosion. The water-based apparatus comprises a water-blanket which rests on each pallet of ordnance to mitigate the gas pressure loading from an inadvertent explosion of the ordnance. The water-blanket includes a pair of storage modules, each module comprising a plurality of water storage compartments that store a predetermined quantity of water which is dependent upon the type and quantity of explosive in the ordnance on the pallet. The storage modules are joined by a zipper which allows the modules to be separated for ease in transport.

Abstract: A ball joint gimbal system which provides for a precise line-of-sight stabilization of a gimballed mirror that rides on a ball and its associated support structure. The mirror is positioned by four braided lines. The brained lines are driven by four servo motor with each servo motor being coupled to one of four capstan shafts. Each of the braided lines is wound around one of the four capstan shafts. The braided lines are positioned by optical shaft encoders. The low inertia of the gimballed mirror and the positioning of the mirror by the braided lines result in an extremely accurate and fast scanning optical pointing system. Inertial gimbal stabilization of the line of sight to a target is by a stabilization algorithm utilizing body rate information from body sensors which are components of the missile for providing autopilot and navigation functions for the missile.

Abstract: Provided is a low-cost robust antenna that may be discreetly integrated into an article of clothing so that it may be suitable for comfortable use with that article of clothing. The antenna is fabricated from off-the-shelf materials, some of which are commonly available at retail outlets. It may provide the same wear as a good quality piece of clothing. It also reduces electromagnetic coupling with the wearer's body, reduces apparel weight and bulk, and increases performance when compared to comparable existing systems. The frequency response, gain, or size and shape of the antenna are adjustable, within reason, to user requirements.

Abstract: A video decoder for decompressing video data to recreate highly accurate and detailed video images. The video decoder includes a programmable gate array which receives a serial data stream of compressed video data containing 32 bit data words. The programmable gate array converts the serial data stream of compressed video data to a parallel format comprising four eight bit bytes which are sequentially written into a multiformat video codec. The multiformat video codec is a video decoder optimized for real-time decompression of interlaced digital data. The decompression algorithm for the multiformat video codec is based on the bi-orthogonal (7,9) wavelet transform and implements field independent sub-band coding. The decompressed video data is supplied to an imaging device which recreates video images.

Abstract: A parachute recovery system which provides for the recovery of a payload such as a target drone without damage by allowing for a safe, non-destructive landing of the payload at a desired landing location. The parachute recovery system comprises a payload, a parachute or parasail and a guidance control electronics and servo system. The parachute, which is rectangular in shape, is connected by a plurality of control lines to the guidance control electronics and servo system, which is attached to the payload. The payload may be an air launch component such as a spacecraft, a target drone, unmanned air vehicle, camera film, or similar apparatus. The guidance control electronics and servo system is used to control glide path trajectory and provide for a safe non-destructive landing of the payload.

Abstract: A substitute solid state device for safely initiating a sustainer motor is provided. The substitute device replaces a mechanism that is integral to a warhead. The substitute device interfaces to a telemetry package and is suitable for insertion into small housings. A specific embodiment is a substitute interface to a telemetry system incorporating a circuit for firing a sustainer motor of a small missile or rocket. The substitute interface replaces the interface and firing circuit associated with the warhead in a missile of 2.75-inch diameter, such as the STINGER missile.

Abstract: A reactor vessel for in situ cleanup of contaminated sediments in an underwater environment. A slurry is generated within the reactor vessel after the reactor vessel penetrates an area of the seabed which includes severely contaminated sediments. The contaminated sediments contained within the reactor are entrained into the slurry created by a circulation pump in combination with discharge flow jets mounted in a radial network inside the reactor vessel. Anchoring vanes attached to the exterior of the reactor vessel resist torque moment induced by the slurry vortex. A remediation fluid is injected into the slurry and controlled by circulation to and from a holding/process tank of the portable surface treatment unit. Following treatment, the reactor vessel is removed from the sediment by reversing the emplacement procedure and is relocated and reset on an adjacent area.

Abstract: A ball joint gimbal system which provides for a precise line-of-sight stabilization of a gimballed mirror that rides on a ball and its associated support structure. The mirror is positioned by four braided lines. The brained lines are driven by four servo motor with each servo motor being coupled to one of four capstan shafts. Each of the braided lines is wound around one of the four capstan shafts. The braided lines are positioned by optical shaft encoders. The low inertia of the gimballed mirror and the positioning of the mirror by the braided lines result in an extremely accurate and fast scanning optical pointing system. Inertial gimbal stabilization of the line of sight to a target is by a stabilization algorithm utilizing body rate information from body sensors which are components of the missile for providing autopilot and navigation functions for the missile.