Abstract: A communication system with a multi-channel array antenna utilizes a receiver matching process that adapts the pass band frequency response of each channel to a selected reference channel. This process is implemented digitally by inserting a tapped delay line filter in each channel, selecting one of the channels as a reference, and adapting the others to match the reference in both phase and amplitude. The process is performed for each system calibration cycle, which occurs just before receive data is captured and processed. The improvements include an apparatus and an algorithm that select a reference channel in the adaptive process during each system calibration cycle, producing optimal, or near optimal, channel matching.

Abstract: A method for as-needed, pseudo-random, computer-generated environments. The as-needed step allows for that area of the environment actually in use to be instantiated only as needed and only for as long as it remains in use. The as-needed step allows for a potentially infinite environment (as to size and detail) while minimizing the opportunity and resource costs to create and store such an environment. The pseudo-random step allows any degree of creative freedom or control in the presentation (e.g., size, shape, location, orientation, movement, density, transparency, etc.) of the environment and components within any required rule sets. An optional step would combine the concept of “nested fidelity” with the as-needed and pseudo-random steps. The “nested fidelity” step allows for successively greater levels of detail to be given to components only as needed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring the density variations, static and dynamic, in substances that are at least partially transparent to electromagnetic waves is disclosed. A special birefringement crystal phase shifting assembly encodes the angle of incidence resulting from the refractive effects of the electromagnetic waves having passed through a density variation. The angle of incidence is encoded as a poralization phase shift. Specifically, the poralization phase shift is between the ordinary and the extraordinary rays. That poralization phase shift has a known and definable relationship to the gas density experienced by the electromagnetic wave during its path.

Abstract: A method process to convert inhibited red fuming nitric acid (IRFNA) and/or nitrogen tetraoxide to either dilute or concentrated (98%+) nitric acid. The method describes a process to remove all of the normal inhibitors (if required), that have been reported to been used in IRFNA. The process described will provide nitric acid free of contaminates which are undesirable when using the nitric acid in reactions to produce other products.

Abstract: The Rotational Canted-Joint Missile (RCJM) Control System utilizes a single or multiple body joints that rotate in planes that are not perpendicular to the missile body axis. The result is the deflection of a portion of the missile body for flight control purposes. The canted interface plane between any two adjacent movable sections of the missile body and a joint at the interface plane that allows one of the sections to be rotated by a pre-determined angle with respect to the other section comprise a rotational plane mechanism that offers an inclined bearing plane with a large mechanical advantage over typical “brute force” ball joint methods.

Abstract: Sets of coefficient polynomials are used to design embedded-component architectures that have capability for asynchronous parallel execution at an advantageous arithmetic level where algebraic merging is realized with other operations, algorithms or applications. Asynchronous parallel execution is use to produce image cross-correlation from a freshly-created target image and a pre-existing filter image. Arrays of pixels for both images are input to Cauchy registers where a correlation value is computed by obtaining the sum of all the individual products of corresponding pixels from the target image and the filter image. The cross-correlation value is obtained by the accumulation of each corresponding bit of the individual bit positions of each Cauchy product into a set of coefficient polynomials of the final cross-correlation value. The final cross-correlation value is input to a suitable tracking means to increase the level of accuracy and case in recognizing and tracking a potential target.

Abstract: In the monolithically integrated photonic circuit, light travels through multiple quantum well channel waveguides and is coupled into and out of the devices that reside in common on a single semiconductor substrate. Each device, which is co-planar with any other device on the substrate, is comprised of a quantum well channel waveguide of a pre-determined length and an electrical contact pad mounted on the waveguide that facilitates the application of electric field to the device. The function of any particular device as an optical source, an optical modulator or a photo-detector is determined by the bias mode of electric field applied to that particular device. The circuit is comprised of multiple rows of such devices. Each of these rows contains at least three devices which function as an optical source, an optical modulator and a photo-detector, respectively, and are separated from each other by electrical isolation gaps.

Abstract: The Collapsible Support Frame for Kinetic Energy Penetrator supports a long-rod kinetic energy penetrator inside a kinetic energy missile air frame in handling and flight environments but, upon impact of the missile on the selected high-obliquity target, gives way. This greatly reduces the lateral loading inflicted on the penetrator by the interaction of the missile body and the target and consequently maximizes the effectiveness of the penetrator against the target. The Collapsible Support Frame comprises concentric outer and inner rings that are mounted inside the missile and designed to hold and support the penetrator. When the missile strikes the target and the extremely high impact shock loading conditions of the penetrator process occurs, the outer ring captures a high impact shock loading pulse and transmits it to the inner ring, whereupon the inner ring fails in its supportive function, thus freeing the penetrator.

Abstract: The lightning rocket system of this invention comprises a rocket launcher that is in communication with a detection device that measures the presence of electrostatic and ionic change in close proximity to the rocket launcher that also fires the rocket launcher. This system is designed to control the time and the location of a lightning strike. The lightning rocket can be comprised of solid propellant that has cesium salts added which produces a conductive path when the exhaust gases are discharged from the rocket that is expelled to the static layer of a thundercloud. A conducting lightning rod which is grounded and positioned along side the launch tube for the solid propellant is in communication with the conductive path to thereby control the time and location of a lightning strike from the thundercloud. In a liquid expelled rocket a solution of calcium chloride is used to form a conductive path from a thundercloud.

Abstract: The Side-Scatter Beamrider Missile Guidance System projects into the guidance field a pulsed beam that is spatially encoded with azimuth and elevation scans of pre-determined angles. This pulsed beam is indirectly relayed to side-looking missile-borne receivers by way of scattered radiation effected by atmospheric particles. Multiple optical receivers mounted on the exterior of the missile, each receiver having a different field-of-view from its adjacent receivers, receive light from the transmitting laser that is thusly scattered by atmospheric particles. In response to the received scattered radiation, the missile's signal processor calculates the missile's position within the guidance field by determining which of the receivers detects the scattered energy and when the detection shifts from that receiver to an adjacent receiver.

Abstract: The interferometric alignment device is a small, compact device that can be attached to any two optical instruments that need to be aligned precisely in both pitch and yaw angles. The device utilizes light reflecting from mirrors that are permanently mounted inside the instruments, one mirror in each of the instruments. The reflected light beams exit their respective instruments via a window built into the frame of the instrument and re-enters the attached alignment device wherein they combine to form an interference pattern. The operator of the alignment device observes the fringes of this pattern and adjusts the azimuth and elevation of one instrument relative to the other instrument until the fringes are at an acceptable minimum number or are eliminated altogether.