Abstract: An electronic data filter system (10), which functions as an approximation of a perfect matched filter, receives a conventional square-wave digital input signal (12) and outputs a filtered output signal (18). Output signal (18) appears as the summed integral of input signal (12). Filter system (10) includes a rate detector (50), which receives input signal (12) and provides a tuning voltage (16), and a data filter (30) which provides output signal (18). Data filter (30) includes, arranged in series, a notch filter (80) and a low-pass filter (90), wherein such filters (80, 90) contain capacitive-inductive circuits having certain value ratios which are tunable responsive to tuning voltage (16). Signal degradation of the filtered signal (12, 18) is minimized by filter system (10), which reduces the bit error rate (BER) and noise bandwidth of the filtered signal (12, 18). In one embodiment, data filters (30) are cascaded in parallel to extend data filtering bandwidth.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a multi-point matrix switch (13) to route signals in a communication system (11). The invention identifies source and destination ports (129, 133) in the communication system (11) and then polls identified ports (129, 133) to recognize those that are available for communication. Identified and recognized ports (129, 133) are displayed graphically, so that at least one path (139) between recognized source ports (129, 133) and associated recognized destination ports (129, 133) may be selected graphically by user (159) input. Selected path (139) information is then submitted to switch (13) to cause switch (13) to route signals through the selected paths (139) by connecting recognized source ports (129, 133) to associated recognized destination ports (129, 133).

Abstract: An electronic activation circuit (1) for automatically transitioning a guided missile from a non-tracking mode to a tracking mode. When the missile's tracking means comprises a gyroscope, the non-tracking mode corresponds to the gyroscope being caged. A parameter indicating target signal quality is extracted (2) from a missile carrier signal (3) generated by means, which may be on board the missile or associated with the device launching the missile, for measuring target signal quality. This signal (3) is compared (6) against a preselected reference threshold voltage (4) to determine whether the tracking mode is to be initiated. Temporary indications to recage during a preselected time delay latch period T are suppressed (8, 10). The quality threshold comparison (6) is hysteresis conditioned (46, 48, 50, 52) to attenuate the effects of noise on the input signal (3).

Abstract: An adaptive RADAR environmental signal filter (1) is described which selectively preprocesses RF RADAR input data prior to the data's utilization by a processor (8). The filter (1) consists of an array of parallel discriminator cells (165) which compare incoming RF RADAR data to a window parameterized by predetermined threshold values. The array of discriminator outputs are networked through combinational logic (59) in order to provide an output correlation signal (63) to an external processor (8). A discriminator enable latch (55) synchronizes the discriminator outputs as the outputs pass through the combinational logic (59).

Abstract: A remote waveguide flange clamp system (10, 11) detachably connects a first waveguide section (20) to a second waveguide section (30, 37). System (10, 11) is controlled remotely by a controller (60). A pair of elongated clamping levers (40) is mounted pivotally to pins (42) on bracket arms (39) of section (30, 37). Levers (40) rotate about pins (42) when a motor assembly (51) moves driving ends (47) of levers (40) outwardly or inwardly relative to section (30, 37). When ends (47) move outwardly, clamping ends (44) of levers (40) apply a compressive force to flanges (22, 32) of sections (20, 30) to provide a gasketed seal (80) inhibiting RF leakage therebetween. Assembly (51) includes a torque sensor (66) for continuously applying current to a motor (50) in assembly (51) until sensor (66) measures current substantially equaling a predefined value.

Abstract: A nine bit Gray code counter is constructed as a single integrated circuit such as a PLA and comprises D flip-flops, AND gates and Exclusive-OR gates. The array is programmed to provide a nine bit Gray code count at its outputs. The Q output of each flip-flop provides one bit in the Gray code count. The D input to each flip-flop is determined by the significance of the bit and the following equations: D0=A XOR Q0; D1=(A.multidot.Q0) XOR Q1; Dn=(A.multidot. . . . .multidot.Qn-2.multidot.Qn--1) XOR Qn; and Dmsb=(A.multidot.Q0.multidot.Q1.multidot. . . . .multidot.Qmsb-2 XOR Qmsb.

Abstract: Range discontinuities (44) in an imaged scene are located with superior accuracy by using a pair of stereoscopically related images (10, 12) of the scene to sense edges in the scene, and to determine the range of correlatable image pixels; segmenting the scene into regions (36) of similar intensity; assigning to each region (36) a range based upon the range of any correlatable pixels in it; and locating the boundary (44) between adjacent regions of substantially dissimilar range.

Abstract: Coolant passages (14) of non-machinable size and shape are formed in a ceramic body (10) by individually forming sections (16) of the body (10), embedding graphite (20) therein during preforming, assembling the sections (16) into a complete preform (11), integrating the preform (24) by densifying it in an inert atmosphere under heat and pressure, and then heating the densified preform (10) in air to vaporize the graphite (19,20). In another aspect of the invention, a ceramic body (32) is formed from a three-dimensional, filled-in weave of silica fibers (30) in which the fibers (34) extending in one of the three dimensions are graphite and are subsequently vaporized.

Abstract: An interface module for coupling a VMEbus channel to a Universal Common Data Point channel and exchanging data signals in either direction. The module responds to protocol handshake signals from the originating channel, accepts a multi-word message-block, and provides handshake signals to notify the destination channel of message to be delivered. The module then transfers the message-block to the destination channel.

Abstract: A lock detector circuit (60) for demodulators of UQPSK signals I and Q has signal processing circuits for forming the signals:A=6I.sup.2 Q.sup.2 -I.sup.4 -Q.sup.4 ;B=4(I.sup.2 -Q.sup.2).A switch (19) is provided for coupling either signal A or signal B to the output (20) of the detector circuit, depending on the value of the signal ratio Q/I. In an alternative embodiment, a summing circuit adds signal A and signal B, and directs the sum to the detector output (20). The resulting output signal is constant under lock conditions, and oscillates when the demodulator is unlocked. This output signal is directed through a comparator (49) to the sweep circuit (43) controlling demodulator VCO (42), and causes the demodulator to remain in the locked condition. The lock detector circuit is effective for any value of Q/I, and utilizes only three analog multiplier circuits.

Abstract: A laser targeting system comprises an airborne reconnaissance platform (1) disposed to conduct surveillance of enemy air, ground, and/or sea targets (5). The surveillance means (11) can be some combination of FLIR, laser, or radar devices. Platform (1) may be manned or may be a remote pilotless vehicle commanded by a ground control station (9). Several friendly units (2) are capable of firing weapons at the enemy targets (5). The friendly units (2) desire real-time targeting information, such as video images, range, and coordinates. The friendly units (2) typically desire information for only certain types of targets (5) or for those within proximate geographical areas. These selective requests are sent via a laser uplink (28) to platform (1), which determines the direction from which the request came by a direction determining means (17), and selectively processes the request by means of a decoder/controller (16).

Abstract: The electronic simplicity of a rotating-telescope target acquisition device and the noise immunity and wide field of view of a non-rotating array device are combined in an assembly (10) using a rotating refractory telescope (21) on a gimbaled platform (28) and a combination reticle (38) and infrared detector array (34) on the same platform (28). The detector array (34) is segmented (50) to detect the direction in which a target is substantially off the telescope's optical axis (32), and the detector array (34) is also shielded (35) against any radiation coming from outside the optical path of the telescope (21). The reticle (38) also serves as the electrical connection (42,62) between the detector segments (40,50) and the contact pads (44,64) on the detector plate (36) and as a non-emitting shield against any external radiation.

Abstract: Friction in a traction drive assembly having counter-rotating races interconnected by drive balls captured by a stationary retainer is substantially reduced, and the life of the assembly is substantially extended, by interposing rolling interface elements between the drive balls and the retainer. The interface elements may take the form of balls, pins or wheels, and separate lubricating means for them may be provided.

Abstract: A coated article comprising an article to be encapsulated within an encapsulant and subjected to hot isostatic pressing, and a coating. The coating is composed of boron nitride and carbon in an amount effective to reduce interaction between the article and the encapsulant during the hot isostatic pressing. The carbon is present up to about 30% by weight of the total boron nitride and carbon in said coating.

Abstract: A computer workstation having a window output display for potential use in security-sensitive environments provides multilevel security by physical isolation of processes in predefined security levels, each process or like-classified group of processes is displayed only through a suitably labeled window, access to the window requiring access through a previously security qualified physical signal path. The invention does not compromise security by mixing a software-based security environment with other untested software. All security is hardware-based.

Abstract: A tool (b 10) for handling fiber optic connectors (46) in narrow spaces features a thin collet tube (34) tapered at its end (42), and a pintle (32) axially movable within the collet tube (34) with a generally axially oriented grasping surface (52) at its end (40). The taper of the tube (34) forces the grasping surface (52) toward the inside wall (48) of the collet tube (34) when the pintle (32) is extended through the tube (34). The tang (44) of a fiber optic connected (46) is grasped between the grasping surface (52) and the collet tube wall (48). The tip (56) of the collet tube (34) is inclined to prevent damage to the optical fiber (54). By slotting the collet tube tip (b 60), transversely extending workpieces (62) may also be grasped.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a solid, pyrotechnic composition as a base-bleed composition for reducing the base-drag of non-self-propelled projectiles. The composition comprises a oxygenated hydrocarbon component and an oxidizing agent component.

Abstract: A cartridge case for a telescoped ammunition round has a generally tubular case wall and an axially extending elongate score line in said wall to provide pressure relief during firing of the round. The elongate score line has a radial depth less than the radial thickness of the wall.

Abstract: An encoder for selected linear error correcting codes, such as a BCH code, uses relatively low-speed circuitry to generate parities for correcting the code. A parity matrix derived from the BCH generator matrix is provided as data to a generator vector whereby the generator vector is used as a logical shift function generator. When the logical shift function is applied to the rows of the parity matrix, columns of parity are shifted into an EXCLUSIVE-OR tree to produce the parity bit of the column. The parity bit of the column is then injected into a data stream forming the encoded symbol for transmission, attaching the parity word following the data word. The apparatus may be constructed making maximum use of the standard, commerically available, relatively low-cost integrated circuits, but it is nevertheless capable of operating at speeds in excess 1 GBPS.

Abstract: A stationary, lightweight, easily transportatable antenna capable of full duplex operation, i.e., portions of the antenna can transmit and receive simultaneously in the same frequency band. The antenna has a near omnidirectional pattern in the azimuth plane for both transmit and receive. The receive portion (2) consists of four antenna elements (20), each having a beamwidth in the azimuth plane slightly greater than 90.degree.. The receive antennas (20) are arranged symmetrically about a midpoint (93) that lies in the azimuth plane. The beams of the four receive antennas (20) face outwardly away from the midpoint (93) and thereby cover the full azimuth plane. The transmit portion (1) of the antenna is a colinear set of dipole elements (12) arranged within a cylinder (11) that is orthogonal to the azimuth plane and centered on said midpoint (93).