Abstract: Polymer compositions having a first and second portion selected from polypropylenes, polyethylenes, propylene-ethylene copolymers and mixtures thereof having enhanced crystallization properties and a method for producing the same are disclosed. Antioxidant is mixed with the first portion, 0.01 to 1.25 wt %, of the composition which is then irradiated to a dosage of 5-30 Mrads of ionizing radiation in air to induce cross linking. The irradiated first portion is then blended with the non-irradiated second portion. The cross-linked polymer is believed to provide nucleation sites for the initiation of crystallization, thereby enhancing crystallization of the polymer as evidenced by elevated DSC freeze points. Crystallization of the polyolefin is enhanced without any detrimental effects on hexane or xylene extractability of the polymer and without degrading the composition to any appreciable extent.

Abstract: A tapered thermal substrate for transferring heat generated from a heat source to a heat sink comprising a composite core of parallel layers of thermally conductive fibers, the core having a tapered edge that maximizes fiber end exposure to the heat source or sink. The tapered edge is comprised of at least one angled surface formed by machining the composite core. A copper thermal tab is plated to each angled surface and machined to a desired size and shape to provide a contact surface for the heat source or sink and a means for facilitating transfer of generated heat to and from the fiber ends. A flashing of a thin coating of copper and nickel over the composite core and each copper thermal tab is also provided to environmentally seal the composite core.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the pressure to the bonnet of a pressure regulator, wherein two solenoid valves in combination with a buffer tank and a microprocessor to control the solenoid valves. When the pressure within the regulator bonnet exceeds a specified maximum value, one of the solenoid valves opens to allow the control pressure going to the regulator bonnet to be decreased. When the pressure in the regulator bonnet falls below a preset minimum value, the other solenoid valve opens to allow increased control pressure to enter the regulator and raise the regulator bonnet pressure to the level required.

Abstract: A sensitive circuit area on a circuit board is isolated from an adjacent located non-sensitive circuit area by surrounding the sensitive circuit area with electrically interconnected ground planes positioned on the opposite sides of the circuit board. The isolation system further includes a "clam shell" RF/IF tight shield attached to each side of the circuit board enclosing the sensitive circuit area. A partially conductive gasket is placed between the clam shell and the top and bottom circuit board surfaces to enhance isolation performance.

Abstract: An adaptive matched filter is described as a replacement for a signal replica filter of a maximum likelihood (ML) demodulator, the filter normally receiving an input data vector having signal and noise components. A symbol-justified input data vector is produced from the input data vector. This vector is then used to generate a weight vector. In a time-domain embodiment, the symbol-justified data vector is multiplied by the weight vector on a symbol-by-symbol basis to estimate the signal components of the output of a filter. In a frequency-domain implementation, multiplication is carried out on a symbol block-by-symbol block basis.

Abstract: A frequency agile homodyne full duplex FSK system having a receiver section using an image-cancellation mixer wherein sum and difference signals generated by a pair of double-balanced mixers are added together with proper phase to cancel out the image response normally associated with heterodyne receivers and directly down-convert the carrier frequency to the baseband frequency. The transmitter section of the FSK system consists of an FSK modulator whose peak deviation is controlled by an active derivative of a crystal clock. The FSK modulator functions in the manner of a phasing single sideband (SSB) mixer with upper or lower sideband signals generated by the proper phasing of quadrature components of the carrier frequency and the peak deviation signal derived from a crystal clock.

Abstract: A streamlined housing for supporting a multi-dimensional electromagnetic transducer array is attached to an aircraft fuselage via a pivot support. The streamlined housing is supported by the pivot support in a torsionally unrestrained manner allowing a plane containing the longitudinal axis and pivot axis of the housing to remain substantially parallel to the plane of an incident airstream. Static aeroelastic stability is provided by mounting to the aft portion of the streamlined housing one or more rigidly attached stabilizer fins. Dynamic aeroelastic stability is provided by incorporating within the streamlined housing an adjustable ballast weight.

Abstract: A flexible belt ejector mechanism for dispensing products from a product cartridge onto a conveyor in an automated order system (AOS). The flexible belt is disposed in an L-shaped guide track that is mounted adjacent to the cartridge with the ejector and dispenser oriented at a compound angle with respect to the underlying conveyor for efficient operation and resupply of the system. A pneumatic actuator is coupled to the belt to cause the belt to travel along the L-shaped track and eject the bottom-most product from the cartridge. The L-shape of the ejector minimizes the space required for the ejector mechanism enabling more product dispensers to be installed in the AOS over a given fixed conveyor length.

Abstract: The wave type, orientation and rotation of an incident electromagnetic signal having an unknown polarization is identified through single channel frequency domain signal analysis of the incident electromagnetic wave power as measured by an orthogonally polarized electromagnetic sensor. A controlled switch samples between the power measurements at each orthogonal output of the sensor to generate a signal comprised of a carrier frequency component and two sideband frequency components in the frequency domain. The sampled radio frequency signal is down converted by a single channel receiver to an intermediate frequency where the carrier and one sideband frequency component are separated and coherently shifted to the same frequency. A phase detector and ratiometer measure the relative phase and amplitude differences between the separated carrier and sideband frequency components to identify the wave type, orientation and rotation of the incident electromagnetic signal.

Abstract: A unique combination of frequency and time division multiplexed communications is presented to enable bi-directional burst communications between a substantial number of users over a single radio frequency communications channel. A service area for communications is divided into a number of cells, with the cells arranged into clusters. Cells in each cluster are similarly numbered with no two adjacent cells across the service area having the same number. The clusters are also numbered in the same manner. A cellular time division multiplexed waveform is used by the network to carry communications with each cell number and cluster number assigned a time slot. During the time slot corresponding to the cell or cluster number, all cells or clusters having that number will be simultaneously transmitting. This networking technique enables time slots to be reused across the service area.

Abstract: Wireless electromagnetic communication between a primary transceiver and one or more secondary transceivers located within an enclosed structure may be effectuated by forming a multi-conductor electromagnetic transmission line within the structure. Communications are effectuated by utilizing the enclosing structure itself as one conductor in a multi-conductor transmission line. One or more other conductors are then placed within and insulated from the structure to complete the communications transmission line. A primary communications transceiver and a matched terminating load are connected to the ends of the transmission line to form a contained electromagnetic field. Use of a matched terminating load minimizes standing waves and provides for substantially constant electromagnetic field strength within the structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a pressure regulator to control the flow of gases through the regulator and control the escape of gases from the regulator base to the regulator bonnet. The pressure regulator contains a flexible rubber diaphragm contacting a flexible diaphragm plate. The flexible diaphragm plate flexes upward or downward in response to changes in the control pressure and engages a pintle valve that controls the entry of gases to the pressure regulator. A system of chambers and passages controls the escape of gases by funneling escaped gases from a catch chamber to an exhaust port.

Abstract: The present invention provides a read-write head for an optical tape recorder comprised of a synchronized scanning transmissive polygon and rotating lens wheel. The transmissive polygon is a multi-sided piece of transparent optical quality material for displacing a through transmitted collimated read or write light beam. The lens wheel comprises a unitary disk-shaped piece of optical quality material having a plurality of individual lenses precision molded or diamond point turned therein for focusing the through transmitted and displaced read or write light beam onto a recording media. The polygon is rotated to translate the displaced beam for scanning along a linear path aligned with an arcuate path followed each successive lens on the rotating lens wheel. The rotation of the polygon and lens wheel are synchronized such that each scan of the displaced beam along the linear path coincides with the movement of a lens along the arcuate path to trace out a data track on the recording media.

Abstract: A mass data storage unit includes a plurality of first data storage modules that form a mass information storage library, a data directory archive for maintaining a directory of the information contained on each data storage module, and data record/playback modules for receiving any selected data storage module in the mass storage library. A plurality of interface computers are coupled to a plurality of host computers for receiving data and for generating request signals to access information stored in the mass storage library. A file directory is coupled to the interface computers and the data directory archive for receiving the request signals, locating in the data directory archive the address containing the stored information and generating a data address location output signal for the stored information.

Abstract: A singulated stream of products comprised of both single and overlapping products is transported through a scanning zone along a transport path. Each single or overlapping product defines a shadow on the transport path that is analyzed to determine the presence of product multiples in the product shadow by measuring the width and length of the product shadow. If the length of the product shadow exceeds by more than a predetermined amount the average length of previously measured shadows having a similar width, the shadow likely contains two or more overlapping products. As the product shadow moves through the scanning zone, each product included therein is scanned for affixed bar codes by a plurality of bar code scanners. If two different bar codes or two identical bar codes from mutually exclusive scanners are recorded for a single product shadow, then the shadow likely contains two or more overlapping products.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating feeding and sorting stacked products utilizes a computer controlled conveyor transport path. The transport path comprises infeed, separating and output sections. The infeed section includes an infeed conveyor and feed roller to regulate downstream movement into the separating section. The separating section includes a plurality of individually and selectively controlled friction feeder rolls arranged on a laterally tilted incline plane. The method and apparatus includes sensors along the separating section for determining position and relative movement of products. Through computer control, individual feeder rolls or sets of feeder rolls on the inclined plane are selectively energized to separate underlying products from stacked overlying or overlapping products. The foregoing process is repeated until all products in a stack have been separated into individual units.

Abstract: A multi-chip module interconnect structure is configurable for a desired application. A power/ground layer and one of two signal interconnect layers have a fixed metal pattern and are generated once for multiple applications. A second signal interconnect layer and a bond pad layer are custom designed for the particular application. The fixed interconnect layer has a repeating pattern of horizontal metal strips in rows and of three different lengths. The end points of each row of strips are staggered to increase routeability by reducing vertical blockage. Power distribution and ground rails are periodically positioned in the repeating pattern to provide current to the power/ground layer. A custom router generates the second signal interconnect layer for the particular application involved.

Abstract: A wide variety of product types, sizes and shapes are sorted into designated destination bins or other outputs utilizing a computer controlled transport path that includes an infeed section and a pinch roller diverting section. The infeed section receives a singulated stream of products to be sorted, optically scans each product for a destination code and transports the products downstream to the diverting section. The diverting section consist of a series of individually and selectively controlled roller pairs in combination with a number of diverting gates. Each roller pair includes an upper foam covered pinch roller and a lower friction drive roller oriented such that products moving downstream pass between each roller pair until diverted from the transport path. An array of photoelectric detectors provide product position information to identify and track product movement through the apparatus.

Abstract: A mobile data processing and communications system having a keyboard converter mounted in a vehicle and detachably interconnected to a self-contained removable hand-held portable computer. The hand-held portable computer includes a microprocessor with an interactive display and an integral internal RF antenna to enable the user to perform data processing and communications functions outside the vehicle. When the hand-held portable computer interfaces with the keyboard converter, the user may enter data through the keyboard converter and communicate via an external RF antenna attached to the vehicle.