Abstract: A method of manufacturing a steering column stalk switch apparatus includes the steps of fixedly engaging a hub attached to an elongated shaft to one end of a hollow housing have apertures formed at opposite ends, movably mounting a button in one of the apertures in the housing, the button being movable between first and second positions and biased to the first position, mounting a first electrical contactor having first electrical contacts thereon in the button, movably mounting a second electrical contactor with second electrical contacts thereon in the housing, the first and second electrical contacts being co-planarly aligned, mounting a circuit board with conductive tracings in the housing such that the first and second contacts slidably engage the conductive tracings and complete circuits therebetween depending upon the position of the first and second electrical contacts, mounting the second electrical contactor on a movable carrier in the housing, biasingly mounting a detent paw on the carrier, aligni

Abstract: A multi-level network security system is disclosed for a computer host device coupled to at least one computer network. The system including a secure network interface Unit (SNIU) contained within a communications stack of the computer device that operates at a user layer communications protocol. The SNIU communicates with other like SNIU devices on the network by establishing an association, thereby creating a global security perimeter for end-to-end communications and wherein the network may be individually secure or non-secure without compromising security of communications within the global security perimeter. The SNIU includes a host/network interface for receiving messages sent between the computer device and network. The interface operative to convert the received messages to and from a format utilized by the network. A message parser for determining whether the association already exists with another SNIU device.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for mixed enclave operation of a computer network with users employing a multi-level network security interface and users without any network security interface. Either the network security user selects or the network security interface automatically selects whether communications are permissible with other unsecured users. Where a mixed enclave operation is selected, the network security user identifies when communications are being undertaken with another secured user or a non-secured user. Communications with a non-secured user at a lower security level entail securing the data residing with the secured user from transmission back to the non-secured user.

Abstract: A modulator device is disclosed for a spread spectrum communication system which generates a modulated signal from incoming data. The device includes a QPSK portion for separating the incoming data into two data channels and for further spreading the two channels over a wide bandwidth according to a predetermined spreading code. A phase mapping element coupled to the QPSK portion for processing both channels in order to minimize spectral regrowth of the modulated signal by preventing the RF envelope deviation from going close to zero. Pulse shaping elements coupled to the phase mapping element for further processing each channel in order to improve the modulator spectral efficiency and minimize adjacent channel interference. A quad-mixer coupled to the pulse shaping elements for combining both channels into a recombined signal and for further modulating the recombined signal according to a predetermined carrier frequency.

Abstract: A connector system includes a receptacle that is small and assures precise alignment of mating contacts and terminals. The receptacle includes a circuit board (32) with a laterally-extending row of traces (42), and a receptacle housing (36) with a top wall (44) lying above the traces to form a cavity (16) between them. A plug front portion has a row of contacts (60) for entering the cavity and engaging the traces. The top wall has a row of cam surfaces (120) while the plug contacts have front portions with cam follower locations (112) that slide down along the cam surfaces. This causes trace-engaging locations (114) on the contacts to move down against the traces. The top wall has a row of downwardly-projecting ribs (72) that form the cam surfaces. The plug housing (62) has a row of separators that fit into the spaces between the ribs.

Abstract: A monolithic inductor device is disclosed which typically includes a substrate. The improvement includes a layer of dielectric material disposed over the substrate. A first inductor pattern disposed on the substrate and a second inductor pattern disposed on the dielectric layer. The inductor patterns are coupled together to form a single inductive element, which has reduced dissipation losses and an improved frequency response due to the dielectric material.

Abstract: A multi-level security device is disclosed for providing security between a user and at least one computer network, wherein the user is selected from the group consisting of a host computer and at least a second network. A secure network interface Unit (SNIU) that operates at a user layer communications protocol, which communicates with other like SNIU devices by establishing an association at a session layer of a communication stack in order to create a global security perimeter for end-to-end communications. The SNIU includes a host/network interface for receiving messages sent between the user and the at least one network, which is operative to convert the received messages to and from a format utilized by the at least one network. A message parser for determining whether the association already exists with another SNIU device. A session manager coupled to the interface for identifying and verifying the user requesting access to the network.

Abstract: A photocathode device for use in an image intensifier, fabricated with a photoemissive semiconductor wafer having an active cathode layer which includes a central region of a first predetermined height surrounded by a peripheral region of a second predetermined height. The first predetermined height of the central region is configured to be greater than the second predetermined height of the peripheral region in order to create a recessed contact structure which is less likely to have unwanted emission points. A layer of conductive material covers the peripheral region to provide an electrical contact to the photocathode device. A layer of insulating material covers the layer of conductive material in order to protect the contact layer from being damage during handling operations.

Abstract: A switch circuit is disclosed including a first FET device coupled in series with an input terminal and an output terminal. A second FET device coupled to the first device in a shunt configuration. The FET devices operative in a first mode to enable electronic signal transmission between the input and output terminals, and further operative in a second mode to prevent the electronic signal transmission. A biasing network for enabling a single control signal to operate the FET devices in both the first and second modes.

Abstract: A separate absorption thermal conduction band infrared photocathode fabricated with an engineered material system having energy band gaps specifically selected to provide an energy barrier that is selectively tuned to the momentum and energy of the photogenerated carriers. Such a material system produces an infrared detector having a substantially reduced dark current.

Abstract: A multi-layer circuit structure including a plurality of substrate layers. At least one planar transmission line, including microstrip, stripline, or coplanar line, disposed on the plurality of substrate layers. A via transmission line connected to that at least one planar transmission line and extending through the plurality of substrate layers. The via transmission lines having the same topology as the at least one planar transmission line for providing wide frequency band transition between the via transmission lines and the at least one planar transmission line.

Abstract: A beam splitter device is disclosed for a collimator assembly which includes a housing having optics to collimate light. The beam splitter includes a base member having a tent-like structure which includes two inclined surfaces. A mirror element is supported by each of the inclined surfaces and a mechanism is included for securing the beam splitter to the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for calibrating power spectral data obtained with an interferometer based Fourier transform spectrometer which utilizes a laser based coherent radiant source as the metrology source. A radiant beam of predetermined wavelength from a neon lamp based noncoherent radiant source is directed in parallel with a radiant beam from the laser source into the interferometer to create a laser based interference pattern and a neon lamp based interference pattern. Distinct fringe counts are derived from the laser based interference pattern and the neon lamp based interference pattern. The wavelength of the laser source is determined based on a correlation between the known wavelength of the neon lamp based interference pattern and the determined fringe counts. The scale of the power spectral data is calibrated based on the determined wavelength of the laser source.

Abstract: A microstrip line device is disclosed of the type which typically includes a strip conductor disposed on the top of a substrate. The device further includes a layer of dielectric material disposed between the strip conductor and the substrate for reducing the dissipation loss in these devices. In order to accomplish this, the dielectric layer has a dielectric constant which is less than the dielectric constant of the substrate.

Abstract: A system is provided which includes a GPS receiver which determines its location as defined by three spatial coordinates and an associated time reference. The system includes a control logic unit which determines whether the location of GPS receiver is outside the permitted boundaries configured into an internal database in the system. The control logic unit is configured to transmit information related to the location of the GPS receiver to a remotely located interrogator apparatus which communicates back to the control logic unit, instructions regarding determination and reporting of the location of the GPS receiver. An interrogator, if included with a database, can be used as a shopping assistant to aid a shopper in locating desired items by polling a number of the GPS receiver, each associated with a different item, and informing the shopper of the floor, store, aisle or shelf where the item is located.

Abstract: A coupler device is disclosed which has an improved structure. The structure includes a substrate and, input ports and output ports disposed over the substrate. A plurality of inductors and capacitors are further included, which are arranged in a predetermined configuration and coupled between the ports. A layer of dielectric material is also disposed between the inductors and substrate which improves performance by reducing the dissipation losses and enhancing the frequency response of the coupler.

Abstract: An FET device is disclosed of the type typically fabricated on a substrate and including an active FET region, an input port, an output port, a common connection and via ground connections for coupling the common connection to a ground. The improvement includes the via connections being disposed on an outer periphery that bounds the active FET region which reduces the distance between the common connection and ground, and thereby reduces the associated common lead inductance.