Abstract: A signal source in the general form of a phase-locked loop (12, 20, 22, and 24) has its output fed to a phase modulator (32) controlled in response to the output of the phase-locked-loop phase detector (20). This provides feed-forward error correction that gives the signal source a faster response than a conventional phase-locked-loop arrangement would have.

Abstract: An optically pumped solid-state laser system includes a rod (50) of laser material and a plurality of flashlamps (66) for pumping the laser. A surface for reflecting radiation from the flashlamp (66) to the rod (50) follows a set of curves (96). Each curve (96) is the locus of points whose distances outside the rod (50) and the lamp (66) to a pair of starting points on the other side of a base line (74) are a constant value such that the locus includes a lamp cusp (70).

Abstract: An interactive simulation system for simulating an analog or a digital system defined by mathematical model representing the operation of the system. The mathematical model is represented by a network of function blocks specified by an operator, each function block providing an output corresponding to a primitive mathematical or logical operation on an input. The system iteratively steps through the network to simulate the system at sequential points in time. At least some of the function blocks represent delay functions in which their outputs are in response to the inputs during the previous iteration. The simulation system first receives from an operator the identification of the function blocks to be used in the network, the function blocks being entered from the input of the network to the output, except that any delay blocks are entered last.

Abstract: A user-friendly ribbon cartridge to house and to facilitate handling a wide thermal transfer ribbon for a thermal color printer is composed of first and second casing sections which define a slotted let-off tube and a slotted take-up tube and turnbar. A pair of casing end pieces connect the corresponding ends of the casing sections so that they are juxtaposed with their axes parallel to one another so as to define a plane and the turnbar is spaced parallel to that plane so that a stretch of ribbon wound about cores rotatively mounted in the tubes can extend out through the tube slots and over the turnbar creating a large unobstructed planar ribbon area that is accessible from both sides for printing. A handle and latch member integral to one of the end pieces facilitate positioning the cartridge properly in the associated printing apparatus and locking it in place during printing.

Abstract: An optical element includes an ogival reflective surface which diverges an incident radiant energy beam substantially uniformly into a 2.pi. solid angle. The precise shape of the reflective surface is defined mathematically in relation to the desired solid angle of divergence and energy distribution of the incident beam. To facilitate mounting and alignment of the reflective surface in an optical system, it is formed internally of a body of optically transmissive material. The external surface of the transmissive body is shaped so as to provide normal incidence for rays reflected from the reflective surface. The element may be used as a beam diverger, or alternatively in reverse, to converge and collimate radiation.

Abstract: An optical decoder to permit differentiating between at least two flashing spots displayed on a cathode ray tube screen is provided by a photosensor and an electrical circuit which is responsive to the absence of flashes during a flashing sequence which is different for the two spots and not distinguishable by the naked eye.

Abstract: The invention of this disclosure comprises a system that simultaneously determines the frequency and direction of arrival of incoming signals. The apparatus of this invention comprises a layered half space dispersive delay line which is utilized as a beam forming element in a device that performs a two-dimensional Fourier transform on a function which is both time and space dependent.A pulse appears at the end of the delay line at a time which corresponds to the frequency of the incoming signal and the position of the pulse along the edge of the delay line is related to the direction of arrival of the incoming signals.

Abstract: A pneumatic time delay valve primarily adapted for use in the ejection system of electronic or optical countermeasure devices and the like wherein an explosive squib is employed to create a momentary charge of high pressure gas used to depress the firing pin on the device to activate the device and also to push the device out of an ejection tube. The invention comprises means for splitting the pressurized gas into a first conduit communicating with the firing pin and a second conduit communicating with the device to apply the ejection pressure thereon and a time delay valve disposed within the second conduit for delaying the application of the gas to the device. During the time delay period, a piston is forced down a cylindrical bore forcing metering fluid through an orifice.

Abstract: A flexible circuit (28) containing the grid connectors of a digitizer tablet (10) converge in a transition region (48) disposed in an unshielded area. However, the positional inaccuracies that would otherwise result from the exposure of the non-parallel conductors to radiation from the tablet's stylus (24) are reduced because the flexible circuit (28) is kept in close proximity to a metal plate (32) throughout the transition region (48) in which the conductors depart from a parallel configuration.

Abstract: Signals from antenna elements (14) of a rectangular array (12) are translated in frequency by mixers (16) fed from a chirped local oscillator (19). The resultant signals are fed to the first of two groups (20 and 36) of two-dimensional delay lines connected in series at right angles to each other. The two-dimensional delay lines are dispersive, having a linear relationship of delay to frequency, and the sweep rate of the local oscillator (19) is such that the signals caused by a given frequency component at the mixer input ports are completely compressed in time when they reach the output ports (46) of the delay lines of the second group (36). As a consequence, the device performs a three-dimensional Fourier transformation from time and two spatial dimensions to temporal frequency and two dimensions of spatial frequency. When fed by a two-dimensional antenna array, the output of the device can readily be interpreted as indicating the direction of the source and the frequency at which it is radiating.

Abstract: A low-loss, low-cost passive pulse width to voltage converter is provided by utilizing a diode clamp having a resistor in series therewith to provide a soft clamp or integrating clamp.

Abstract: A video disc program branching system comprising multiple programs frequency multiplexed on a video disc and co-located substantially in the same portion of the disc wherein branching is achieved by designating specific ones of said multiple programs through frequency band selection.

Abstract: Guidance is provided for a spinning projectile by measuring the magnitude of the angle between the spinning projectile and a target. This information is processed in conjunction with a body rate sensor to deduce the angular rate of the line of sight between projectile and the target. A means is provided for reducing the line of sight angular rate to zero, thus ensuring that the projectile will intercept the target.

Abstract: An infrared target seeker for a spinning projectile which does not require any reticle motor or gimbals is provided by a solid unit including lenses, detectors and a reticle, which is etched on one of the lenses.

Abstract: A user interface device for interfacing with a microprocessor driving a video display. The device is particularly adapted for the use of small children in interfacing with a microprocessor operating to drive a video game or a personal computer. The device comprises a hand puppet adapted to be worn on the user's hand. Pressure-sensitive switches, a light pen, a motion detector, and a speaker are included within the puppet's head and body to allow input by the user through the devices within the puppet and output by the microprocessor at the puppet over the speaker.

Abstract: A long-life pyrotechnic lamp particularly suited for use in a compact, low-cost laser employing a solid-state laser rod which is pumped by the optical radiation of a pyrotechnic lamp employing the direct combustion of a metal in a flowing oxygen-containing atmosphere. The metal is supported on and heated to ignition by a graphite rod. The metal comprises a cylinder having a centered longitudinal bore adapted to receive the rod therein and has its outer surface serrated or finned to greatly increase the surface area. In one embodiment, the fins are helical about the outer surface. In another embodiment, the outer surface of the metal is longitudinally slit. In both cases, the metal is subsequently sliced into segments.

Abstract: An optical radar is disclosed in which fine vernier range and angular displacement accuracy is achieved by projecting a burst of coherent pulses so as to strobe a target passing through the field of view of the projection apparatus. The use of the pulse burst permits the most recent information to be utilized in obtaining the target track. Prior to projection, the pulses in the burst are sampled. The resulting signal is delayed by an amount corresponding to course range and is directed down one of a pair of oppositely directed delay lines. The signals returned from the target are detected by a sectorized receiver, with an electrical output signal from a detector in one of the sectors being applied to the other delay line in the corresponding pair, such that the signal corresponding to the returned pulse propagates in a direction opposite to that of the sampled signal corresponding to the transmitted pulse.

Abstract: Control is provided to conventional gun-fired projectiles by substituting for the standard fuze thereof a device comprising a canard frame and a main housing, which threads into the fuze well of the projectile, with the canard frame being rotatable with respect to the main housing and having deflectable canards thereon for providing vernier correction on the trajectory to the projectile.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus .[.and method.]., in conjunction with standard monochrome and color television receivers, for the generation, display, manipulation, and use of symbols or geometric figures upon the screen of the television receivers for the purpose of .[.training simulation, for.]. playing games.[., and for engaging in other activities.]. by one or more participants. The invention comprises in one embodiment a control unit, .Iadd.an apparatus .Iaddend.connecting .[.means.]. .Iadd.the control unit to the television receiver .Iaddend.and in some applications a television screen overlay mask utilized in conjunction with a standard television receiver. The control unit includes the control .[.means.]. .Iadd.circuitry.Iaddend., switches and .Iadd.other .Iaddend.electronic circuitry for the generation, manipulation and control of video signals which are to be displayed on the television screen. The connecting .[.means.]. .Iadd.apparatus selectively .Iaddend.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to .[.an apparatus and.]. .Iadd.a .Iaddend.method, in conjunction with standard monochrome and color television receivers, for the generation, display, manipulation, and use of symbols or geometric figures upon the screen of the television receivers for the purpose of .[.training simulation, for.]. playing games.[., and for engaging in other activities.]. by one or more participants. The invention comprises in one embodiment a control unit, connecting elements and in some applications a television screen overlay mask utilized in conjunction with a standard television receiver. The control 10 unit includes the control, switches and electronic circuitry for the generation, manipulation and control of video signals which are to be displayed on the television screen. The connecting elements couple the video signals to the receiver antenna terminals thereby using existing electronic circuits within the receiver to process and display the signals.