Abstract: An asymmetric complete-expansion thermodynamic engine cycle is provided by an engine which compresses an air/fuel mixture to a given ratio, ignites and combusts the mixture, and expands the products through a power stroke to a volume substantially larger than the compression volume before being vented and purged to the atmosphere. This cycle is performed by a non-axisymmetric main rotor revolving within a cylindrical housing. Sealing means associated with the main rotor provide for the varied compression and expansion volumes. The cylindrical housing also contains means for air intake, fuel injection, venting, and spent gas exhaust porting.

Abstract: A nuclear radiation detector is disclosed wherein the capacitance of the detector is significantly reduced. This improvement results in more efficient and accurate measurements of radiative entities. The design also permits greater packing density in applications requiring large arrays of radiation detectors, such as would be needed in the monitoring systems of nuclear power plants. Moreover, the disclosed design reduces costs associated with detector arrays by enabling neighboring elements to share critical components.

Abstract: A circuit assembly and package incorporates a front cover with power contacting blades extending from a front surface thereof for electrical engagement in a receptacle having a standard peripheral dimension. A housing is attached to the front cover and extends perpendicularly therefrom. The housing contains an electrical circuit connected to the power contacting blades which is contained on a plurality of circuit boards mounted substantially perpendicular to the front cover. The housing and front cover create a footprint less than the peripheral dimension of the receptacle. A connecting cable extends from the housing and is connected to the electrical circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for scanning multiple scanning probe microscopes in close proximity, to scan overlapping scan areas at the same time while avoiding collision employs a control system providing drive signals to a first Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) and calculated drive signals to additional AFMs based on the first drive signals and the relative position of the additional AFMs to the first AFM for consistent spaced motion. Scanning and Failure Analysis (FA) probing of multiple feature of interest using multiple APMs allows for reduced time for locating FA features to set up measurements.

Abstract: A system providing mid-value selection (MVS) for control command output in a fly-by-wire system where the fly-by-wire systems includes a plurality of primary flight computers (PFCs) receiving data through integrated flight control buses from actuation control electronics (ACE) for flight crew and status sensor inputs, the PFCs providing data through the flight control buses to the ACE for control signal output, provides elements for receiving in an ACE data from each PFC and receiving a data valid signal with respect to each PFC. Fresh data for each PFC is selected as the data received or past MVS output responsive to the respective data valid signal. Based on a predetermined criterion the system chooses from the PFC fresh data a selected set of PFC fresh data as the MVS output and stores the MVS output for use.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus and a method for using multiple scanning probes to deconvolve tip artifacts in scanning probe microscopes and other scanning probe systems. The invention uses multiple scanning probe tips of different geometries or orientations to scan a feature, such as a semiconductor line or trench, and to display the scan data such that tip artifacts from each tip can be omitted from the measurement by data from the other tips.

Abstract: A connector system for a miniaturized form factor card allows a communications system for mobile information devices having an applications processor and user interface components. A receiving frame is provided in the mobile information device for an insertable miniaturized form factor card incorporating means for RF transmission and reception and a wireless modem. A connector moiety on the card is received in a mating moiety in the receiving frame. The applications processor and the user interface components in the mobile information device are interconnected to digital functions of the wireless modem and means for RF transmission and reception through the connector.

Abstract: A connector system for a miniaturized form factor card allows a communications system for mobile information devices having an applications processor and user interface components. A receiving frame is provided in the mobile information device for an insertable miniaturized form factor card incorporating means for RF transmission and reception and a wireless modem. A connector moiety on the card is received in a mating moiety in the receiving frame. The applications processor and the user interface components in the mobile information device are interconnected to digital functions of the wireless modem and means for RF transmission and reception through the connector.

Abstract: A roll to roll, film forming system overcoming the shortcomings of current roll to roll processing is presented; The roll to roll enabled cartridge is loaded with a bolt of fresh flexible substrate. A skate couples with a cartridge, forms a seal with the cartridge's bottom aperture and drives the cartridge along a rail to an array of deposition heads. A head mates with the cartridge top forming a pressure seal around the variable area deposition aperture. The mating of the skate, cartridge and head form a pressure vessel wherein a film forming environment may be maintained. As the substrate advances past the deposition aperture a layer is formed, potentially from bolt end to bolt end. Device growth continues from one head to another, as grown device encapsulation seal inclusive, aperture environmental seals applied, labeled cartridge is routed to dock, skate returns to system start.

Abstract: A variable acuity imager incorporates an array of detection elements for light energy, in the visible, infrared, ultraviolet, or light energy in another region of the electromagnetic spectrum with a means to change the spatial configuration of the array to include “superpixels” by combining energy detected by adjacent elements, thus permitting any number of high-resolution “foveal” regions to be placed within the confines of the focal plane array and moved around at the frame rate of the imaging device. Detectors to measure the pitch, yaw and roll angle rates of background imagery using velocity-sensing circuitry are employed for variation of the foveal regions to accommodate motion of the array.

Abstract: A non-destructive testing device has an excitation coil with a plurality of conductor ribbons attached to a flexible membrane. A frame supports the membrane and incorporates wheels for translation across a surface to be inspected and resilient suspension for maintaining the membrane with the excitation coil and wheels in intimate contact with the surface, the membrane flexing to maintain contact with a smoothly curved surface as found in aircraft structures. A magnetoresitive (MR) array is supported within the frame inserted in the membrane to be in close proximity to the surface. The MR array detects the magnetic field resulting from the eddy currents created by the excitation coil for identification of cracks or features beneath the surface under inspection.

Abstract: A test fixture for rollover crash testing of a test vehicle onto a moving surface employs a cradle to support and rotate the test vehicle. A vertical support structure to positions and releasably holds the cradle. A moving sled having a contact surface is carried by a guide extending beneath the structure and the cradle fixture. The cradle is rotated and released from the structure responsive to a sensor for contact within a drop impact zone on the contact surface of the moving sled. Vertical motion of the cradle is then arrested to prevent further damage to the test vehicle or the test structure.

Abstract: Tracking of collocated satellites is accomplished by providing a single tracking antenna having a tracking feed and combiner which receives a first satellite signal. A first pointing error signal is extracted from the tracking feed based on the first satellite signal and the antenna is steered to a pointing angle to minimize the first pointing error signal. A second satellite signal is received and a second pointing error signal is extracted from the tracking feed based on the second satellite signal. An offset angle for the second satellite is then calculated from the second pointing error signal relative to the pointing angle of the antenna. Orbit estimation and can then be accomplished for the second satellite based on the offset angle directly or by conversion to an absolute angle.

Abstract: Characterizing atmospheric conditions is accomplished by measuring at least one varying spectral characteristic of sound at a plurality of intervals from a sound source with the point of measurement and the sound source in relative motion and separated by altitude. The spectral characteristic of the sound at each interval is attributed to a path traveled by the sound and a plurality of simultaneous equations is created for the plurality of paths using a second plurality of altitude segments for each path, each segment having a particular vector as a variable on the spectral characteristic, the initial coefficients in each vector assumed based on predetermined atmospheric models for each altitude segment. The resulting calculated vector and the predetermined atmospheric model are iterated for a minimized cost function in a variational analysis to determine the vector for each altitude segment, the vector providing atmospheric properties for the associated altitude segment.

Abstract: A heat dissipation system for a miniaturized form factor card allows a communications system for mobile information devices contained in the card to operate with high heat loads by employing a high conductivity pad on the printed circuit board of the mobile information device which contacts the case of the miniaturized form factor card. Additionally, heat dissipation plugs are integrated into the edge of the PCB with emitting surfaces adjacent radiation holes in the case of the mobile information device adjacent the PCB. Heat convection channels through layers of the PCB allow transfer of heat from the pad to other conductive layers in the PCB. High thermal conductivity packing in the miniaturized form factor card conducts heat from the internal components to the case of the card in contact with the high conductivity. Placement of high heat generation components within the card case adjacent the contact interface with the high conductivity pad is also employed for maximum heat dissipation.

Abstract: Shorting bars are provided for electrostatic discharge protection as a portion of trace deposition in a photodiode array. During normal processing for etching of the metal layers, the shorting bars are removed without additional processing requirements. Additional shorting elements are provided by employing FET silicon layers having traces in contact with the array traces to provide extended ESD protection until removal of those shorting elements during normal processing for opening vias for photodiode bottom contact.

Abstract: A short arc lamp incorporates a cylindrical reflector body having a reflector cavity opening to a first end and an anode aperture through a base surface at a second end. The body has a step at the second end. A front sleeve with a step for positional engagement of a land is received over the first end of the reflector body. A cathode support is received within the second end of the front sleeve and includes a ring to engage a second oppositely oriented positioning step. A window mount received within the second end of the front sleeve abuts a front surface of the ring. A highly conductive base concentrically supporting an anode received through the anode aperture has a flange in flush abutment with the base surface for braze attachment.