Abstract: A reactionless momentum compensated payload positioner adapted to be mounted on a supporting body for providing momentum compensation of an oscillatory and scanning payload and for suppressing reactions in the supporting body to the torques that occur as an aiming angle of the payload is changed. The payload positioner includes a gimbal assembly having at least two axis of rotation including an elevation axis and an azimuth axis. A pair of reactionless drive module are provided for rotating the payload about both axes. Each reactionless drive module includes a housing, a main drive shaft connected to the payload, a DC electric motor for rotating the drive shaft, and a flywheel. The main drive shaft is freely rotatably suspended within the housing by main bearings and the flywheel is freely rotatably mounted to the main drive shaft by bearings. ?In operation, the flywheel counter rotates with respect to the main drive shaft.

Abstract: Lithium polymer battery charger apparatus for charging a plurality of equal charge point lithium polymer battery cells prevent overcharging of any cell, whether the cells are arranged in a series stack or are arranged in parallel. When the cells are connected in a series stack, a power supply is connected to the series stack to apply a charge current to the series stack. The state of charge of each cell in the stack is monitored. Information that the state of charge of any cell is approaching full charge is used to control the charge current and to prevent overcharging of any cell.

Abstract: A seismic support system for supporting and restraining a water heater against both horizontal and vertical displacement in the event of an earthquake. The seismic support system comprises three principle components including: a bracket assembly including primary length-adjustable bracing arms for bracing an upper perimeter portion of the water heater to a nearby wall or walls; an adjustable and collapsible stand assembly for elevating the water heater above a floor surface; and plural spaced apart vertically oriented connecting members which surround and cradle the water heater and join the water heater stand assembly to the bracket assembly. Secondary bracing members are also provided to the bracket assembly extending between the primary bracing arms and the wall and/or opposite ends of the primary bracing arms in cross member fashion to provide additional rigidity. The stand assembly includes height-adjustable foot members to adapt the stand assembly to uneven floor surfaces.

Abstract: A real time maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) processor employs a table look-up mechanism to eliminate the MLE computation complexity. The real time MLE processor can be implemented with digital signal processing (DSP) chips in a personal computer. Optimally accurate estimates of mean wind velocity are obtained at all signals and noise ratios (SNR) using fast software algorithms.

Abstract: A portable viewable and audible stethoscope for visually and audibly monitoring the vital life signs (e.g. heart beat, lung respiration, artery pulse, intestinal sounds) of a patient. The stethoscope includes a large diameter sound absorbing cup and a small diameter sound absorbing connected to opposite ends of a tubular connector and an output device enclosed within a hand held case that is connected to a middle region of the tubular connector by a supporting tube. The tubular connector is provided with an internally installed microphone which converts the absorbed sounds to electrical signals. The output device includes an electronic circuit assembly for amplifying the signals from the microphone, an oscilloscope for displaying the signals, and a speaker for converting the signals into audible sounds. The outside of the case of the output device is provided with control switches for the oscilloscope display, speaker volume adjustment and power on/off.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-beam illuminator laser apparatus and method for providing improved uniformity of laser beam illumination of a distant target or remote object, even in the presence of changing atmospheric conditions. The invention provides a diameter-adjustable array consisting of a variable number of co-parallel, mutually incoherent, polarization-aligned, waist size- and position-adjustable beamlets. The invention includes a beam divider which efficiently uses input or source laser power and because of this may be driven by as few as one laser or by as many as n lasers, where n is equal to the beamlet number. The invention is capable of rapid adjustment of beamlet number and beamlet positions in the field which allows determination of the optimum number of beamlets to use.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for fabricating a deployable, inflatable aerodynamic control structure for aerospace vehicles which has a desired noncircular or noncylindrical cross-section. In a preferred embodiment, the control structure is configured as an inflatable airfoil and includes a flexible skin and a plurality of internally disposed airfoil-shaped bulkheads or integral rib members that are arranged, spaced apart, in cross-wise fashion along the axial length of the airfoil shaped control structure. The flexible skin is fabricated as a lay up, in ordered sequence, of plural layers of elastomeric rubber material and plural ply layers of resin-impregnated yarns or fabric. The result is a fiber-reinforced pressure membrane that is flexible and compactly foldable.

Abstract: A twist-lock connector assembly for securing an engaged electrical plug to an electrical outlet which includes a rotatable cylindrical sleeve disposed enclosing an electrical plug and a modified cover plate for replacing the conventional cover plate of an electrical outlet, such as a wall socket or a portable power box. The prong end of the sleeve includes a plurality of radially inwardly projecting nubs provided along an inner cylindrical surface thereof. The cover plate includes an upstanding cylindrical wall disposed about a periphery of each socket access opening. A plurality of thread members are formed on the exterior surface of each upstanding cylindrical wall and which are designed to matingly engage the nubs on the inner cylindrical surface of the sleeve as the sleeve is twist-rotated over the upstanding cylindrical wall. In use, the electrical plug is inserted into the socket portion of the wall outlet and the cylindrical sleeve is rotated about a 1/4 turn.

Abstract: A package for packaging fresh meat in a substantially oxygen-free atmosphere, whereby the packaging provides for a prolonged shelf life of the packaged meat products so that the meat will bloom to a desired red color when the packaging is opened. The packaging includes a packing tray which is sized for receiving a piece of fresh meat of predetermined cut. The tray is overwrapped with a web of clear plastic wrapping material. The overwrapped tray is ventilated to ensure gas communication between enclosed regions of the overwrapped tray and the outside ambient without blockage due to run off juices from the meat product or shifting of the meat product within the tray during transport. A number of similarly ventilated overwrapped trays are then placed within an outer barrier bag which is first evacuated of normal atmosphere and then flushed with a preservation-enhancing gas. The outer barrier bag is then sealed.

Abstract: A lens system with a liquid optical element is for use in the mid-wave infrared from 3.0 micron to 5.0 micron wavelength is described. Using a liquid optical element which is highly transmissive in the 3.0 micron to 5.0 micron waveband of interest in conjunction with a solid material which is also highly transmissive in that waveband provides a lens design with very good optical performance which is less expensive and which is much lighter in weight than an all solid design of the same optical performance.

Abstract: Design forms are disclosed for lens triplets comprising a liquid lens element, which are well-corrected for chromatic aberration over a broad wavelength band extending from the ultraviolet region through the visible region into the near infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Abstract: The invention discloses a deployable, inflatable aerodynamic control structure for aerospace vehicles which has a desired noncircular or noncylindrical cross-section and fabrication methods therefor. In a preferred embodiment, the control structure is configured as an inflatable airfoil and includes a flexible skin and a plurality of internally disposed airfoil-shaped bulkheads or integral rib members that are arranged, spaced apart, in cross-wise fashion along the axial length of the airfoil shaped control structure. The flexible skin is fabricated as a lay up, in ordered sequence, of plural layers of elastomeric rubber material and plural ply layers of resin-impregnated yarns or fabric. The result is a fiber-reinforced pressure membrane that is flexible and compactly foldable.

Abstract: A method for packaging fresh meat in a substantially oxygen-free atmosphere, whereby the packaging provides for a prolonged shelf life of the packaged meat products so that the meat will bloom to a desired red color when the packaging is opened. The packaging includes a packing tray which is sized for receiving a piece of fresh meat of predetermined cut. The tray is overwrapped with a web of clear plastic wrapping material. The overwrapped tray is ventilated to ensure gas communication between enclosed regions of the overwrapped tray and the outside ambient without blockage due to run off juices from the meat product or shifting of the meat product within the tray during transport. A number of similarly ventilated overwrapped trays are then placed within an outer barrier bag which is first evacuated of normal atmosphere and then flushed with a preservation-enhancing gas. The outer barrier bag is then sealed.

Abstract: A pivoting equipment carrier adapted for use with a vehicle having a receiver hitch for receiving said pivoting equipment carrier. The pivoting equipment carrier is movable between a first closed position, wherein equipment carried by the pivoting equipment carrier is held at a desired spaced distance from a rear bumper of the vehicle, and a second clearance position, wherein the equipment is swung rearwardly and outwardly to one side of the vehicle in order to permit full and unobstructed access to a rear entry of the vehicle. The invention includes a first fixed horizontal support arm adapted to be aligned generally parallel with the rear vehicle bumper, and a second movable horizontal support arm pivotally connected to the first fixed horizontal support arm by a first hinge pivot assembly.