Abstract: A protective cap is deposited over the top and sides of an air bridge structure located on an integrated circuit chip. The protective cap provides mechanical strength during the application of a high density interconnect structure over the chips, to prevent deformation of the sensitive (air bridge) structure, and also to prevent any contamination from intruding under the air bridge. More importantly, the protective cap does not impede the performance of the air bridge and therefore does not need to be removed, thereby eliminating the necessity of ablating the HDI structure. Furthermore, the protective cap allows additional area for metallization to provide alternate circuits for coupling, power or ground planes, etc.

Abstract: An improved classifier estimates a classification of a sensed object. Data representing the sensed object are received by a sensor, such as a radar, and transformed into wavelet transform coefficients. A subset of the wavelet transform coefficients are selected, the number of coefficients in the subset being fewer in number than the size of the original data. The subset of wavelet transform coefficients is then used in place of the original data by a classifier that generates the classification of the sensed object. The classifier may be a correlation (profile matching) classifier or a quadratic classifier. In another embodiment of the invention, a wavelet fusion classifier further improves classifier performance by taking data from a single sensor, and transforming it into a reduced subset of wavelet transform coefficients for use with a correlation classifier, and also transforming the data into a reduced subset of wavelet transform coefficients for use with a quadratic classifier.

Abstract: A high-frequency, high-power, semiconductor device chip is impedance matched to an off-chip impedance by a matching network including a dielectric element located on a substrate ground plane portion adjacent to the device to be matched. A thin film dielectric layer is formed over the dielectric element, the semiconductor device and the surrounding substrate. A patterned metal matching circuit is disposed over the dielectric layer and is in electrical contact with an electrode of the high-frequency, high-power, semiconductor device. An impedance matching network is formed by the patterned metal circuit, the dielectric element, the dielectric layer and the underlying grounded substrate. The matching characteristics of the network can be tailored by selecting suitable dielectric materials for the dielectric element and by altering design of the patterned metal circuit.

Abstract: Unwanted positional shifts between two objects, such as lenses, are precisely compensated during thermal changes by use of a passive mechanical system. Materials with differing coefficients of thermal expansion and angled interfaces transforms a longitudinal dimensional change into a fine transverse dimensional change to precisely control movement as a function of temperature thereby maintaining, e.g., lens focus. Compensation movement can be to reduce or increase the spacing between objects such as lenses during a thermal change.

Abstract: A three-dimensional array (10) of semiconductor chips (24, 124) includes stacked 2D high density interconnect (HDI) modules (12, 14) held by adhesive (16). Each HDI module has a ceramic substrate (20, 120) with a cavity (22, 122) dimensioned to accommodate a chip. An interconnect sheet (28, 128) has a conductor pattern (30, 130) and vias (32, 132) which interconnect the chips of each HDI module. Thermal conduction from the upper module (12) to the lower module (14) is inhibited by the low thermal conduction of the lower interconnect sheet (128), tending to raise the chip temperature. Thermal conduction is improved by thermally conductive posts (44) extending between upper (20) and lower (120) substrates through apertures (140) in the interconnect sheet (128). If the posts (44) are electrically conductive, they may be used for electrical interconnections among modules of the 3D array.

Abstract: A hybrid thermoelectric/Joule-Thomson cryostat with a finite cryogenic gas supply is configured to greatly increase the cold operating time of a infrared detector array. A Joule-Thomson cryostat is located within a dewar vessel along with the infrared detector array to be cooled. Cryogenic gas from a cryogenic gas source is pre-cooled by a thermoelectric cooler at a location remote from the dewar vessel. Final cooling of the cryogenic gas is then performed by a demand flow Joule-Thomson cooler which has the ability to provide the low temperatures necessary for operation of an infrared detector. The operating period of the cryogenic gas supply and Joule-Thomson cryostat are increased by the cryogenic assistance of the thermoelectric cooler.

Abstract: A three-color optical detector has independent bias and readout for the colors. The three-color detector includes a substrate and first, second, and third detector layers stacked one on top of another and the substrate. Each detector layer is designed to operate at a respective predetermined bias and to absorb incident light having wavelengths in a respective range. A plurality of conductive layers are interleaved among the three detector layers and the substrate in such a way that the respective biasses can be applied to the detector layers and signals generated by the detector layers can be accessed. A two-dimensional array of such three-color optical detectors is also described that is connected to an electronic device, such as a multiplexer, for applying the predetermined biasses and reading out the signals. The electronic device is disposed on a separate substrate and is electrically connected to the detectors on a pixel-by-pixel basis by a set of metallic bump bonds.

Abstract: A support for a fast steering/scanning mirror including a base and two horizontal flexures arranged generally parallel to each other. Each of the flexures may include two end brackets which are secured to the base and a middle bracket between the end brackets which is secured to the mirror. The support may also include a vertical flexure secured to the base at one end and pivotally secured with adhesive to the mirror between the two horizontal flexures at another end. The support may have a first natural vibrational mode with respect to rotation in each of two perpendicular axes that is less than 30 Hertz, a second natural vibrational mode with respect to rotation in each of the two perpendicular axes that is at least 2,000 Hertz, and a natural vibrational mode with respect to rotation in a third axis which is perpendicular to said two axes that is at least 2,000 Hertz. The vertical flexure may include at least two plates which are orthogonally arranged on the same axis.

Abstract: In a method for preserving an air bridge structure on an integrated circuit chip, without sacrificing metallization routing area in an overlying high density interconnect structure, a protective layer is sublimed over the air bridge to provide mechanical strength while preventing contamination and deformation during processing. A high density interconnect structure is applied over the chip and protective layer. A small portion of the high density interconnect structure is removed from the area over the air bridge structure, and the protective layer is then sublimed away, leaving the resultant structure with an undamaged air bridge which is free of residue.

Abstract: An electromagnetic-attenuating coating having fibers uniformly dispersed in a lightly loaded dielectric matrix material. The fibers are metal-coated dielectric or semi-conductive fibers such as graphite fibers and the fibers are provided in an amount of less than 1 weight % of the coating. The dielectric matrix material is a resin material such as silicone. The fiber lengths and diameters, the material of the fibers and metal coating, the thickness and tolerance range of the metal coating and the loading of the metal coated fibers in the matrix material can be adjusted depending on the frequency range to be attenuated.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a composite panel 10 with nonparallel face sheets 12,14, and a reinforcing core 16, preferably honeycomb, lying therebetween. A fastener 30 lies in an aperture 22 of the panel, and includes a socket 32 with a flange 40 bearing against first face sheet 12, and a body 46 defining a through aperture 54 and a spherical cavity 50. Fastener 30 also includes a swivel 34, with a ball-shaped knob 62 rigidly coupled to a post 64. Knob 62 fits into cavity 50 and can swivel. Post 64 is internally and externally threaded. An internally threaded spacer 36 is screwed onto the exterior threads 65 of post 64, to adjust the length of the fastener to the thickness of panel 10. Either post 64 or spacer 36 includes an additional fastening arrangement. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the additional fastening means of the spacer is a flange, and in another embodiment, it is a threaded portion of the bore of the post or of the spacer.

Abstract: A double-acting hydraulic cylinder is controlled by a pair of three-way solenoid valves respectively fluid connected to the two ends of the cylinder and energized in parallel with a continuous stream of pulse width modulated (PWM) pulses to create a mean effective fluid pressure balance at the cylinder ends that hold a desired position of a connected load and mean effective fluid pressure imbalances in the cylinder ends that produce variable rate load movement in either of two directions to a desired new position, all determined by the pulse duty cycle.

Abstract: A controller for changing the ratio of a continuously variable hydrostatic transmission, as determined by the angular position of a swashplate, including an actuator having a cylinder slidingly receiving a piston to define a pair of chambers. A pair of solenoid valves, each configured to connect a respective chamber selectively to sump pump pressure or atmospheric pressure, are energized with a stream of pulses to create differential fluid pressures in the chambers, thereby producing movement of the piston; the piston movement being linked to the swashplate to produce a corresponding adjustment of the swashplate angular position. The rate of change of the swashplate angular position is controlled by pulse width modulating the pulse stream.

Abstract: A superconducting single phase alternator is connected by a circuit breaker across the breech ends of a pair of conductive launching rails. At a predetermined point on the alternator voltage wave a projectile establishes a current path between the rails to initiate a transient, sinusoidal current pulse effective in accelerating the projectile along the rails. A switch is actuated in response to the projectile exiting the muzzle ends of the rails to impose a short circuit across the rails. The circuit breaker disconnects the alternator from the rails as the current pulse goes to zero. The system provides higher launcher efficiency and reduced muzzle flash with minimum barrel length penalty.

Abstract: A continuously variable hydrostatic transmission includes an input shaft connected to drive a hydraulic pump unit, a grounded hydraulic motor unit, and an output shaft. A wedge-shaped swashplate is pivotally mounted to the output shaft in driving connection to receive output torque resulting from the exchange of pressurized hydraulic fluid between the pump and motor units through slots in the swashplate. A hydraulically actuated ratio controller shifts the axial positions of spherical bearings mounting a pump portplate in the hydraulic pump unit and a motor portplate in the hydraulic motor unit to adjust the swashplate angle relative to the output shaft axis and thereby change transmission ratio.

Abstract: A combination of image magnification and/or image zoom, superresolution processing techniques, and a parallel (SIMD) machine implementation achieve image enhancement and resolution that are better than diffraction-limited image enhancement and hence suitable for machine processing pattern recognition systems. One application is the separation of (normally) unresolved point source objects from background clutter and adjacent point objects that would, without superresolution processing, be indistinguishable. Furthermore, the real-time processing of the present invention allows the shapes of objects to be discerned at ranges two to four times greater than would normally be achievable.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission includes wedge-shaped swashplate operatively positioned between a hydraulic pump unit driven by an input shaft and a grounded hydraulic motor unit to accommodate pumped exchanges of hydraulic fluid between the units. The swashplate, drivingly coupled to an output shaft, is angularly adjustable about a pivot axis oriented in intersecting, orthogonal relation to the output shaft axis to infinitely variable transmission ratios. Pilot bearings, mounted by the swashplate, support cylinder blocks of the hydraulic pump and motor units for nutating motions centered on the swashplate pivot axis to minimize the resultant moment on the swashplate. Piston rods in the hydraulic pump and motor units are oriented in outwardly flared, acute angles to the output shaft axis to expand the range of permissible angular adjustment of the swashplate by a ratio controller.

Abstract: This invention relates to new ceramic piezoelectric compositions having superior electrical properties, processes for the preparation of the new piezoelectric composition and applications for the new compositions. Specifically, a solid solution composition of 85.5-87.5 molar percent lead zinc niobate, 9.5-9.7 molar percent lead titanate and 3-5 molar percent of a barium titanate dopant or strontium titanate dopant has exhibited desirable electrical properties. This specific composition is well suited for use in a 3-1 connectivity composite, which can be used as a hydrophone. These compositions may be prepared by oxide sintering techniques utilizing extremely high purity materials, or alternatively, by a sol gel process.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a circuit module includes applying an outer insulative layer over a first patterned metallization layer on a first surface of a base insulative layer. A second surface of the base insulative layer has a second patterned metallization layer. At least one circuit chip having chip pads is attached to the second surface of the base insulative layer. Respective vias are formed to expose selected portions of the first patterned metallization layer, the second patterned metallization layer, and the chip pads. A patterned outer metallization layer is applied over the outer insulative layer to extend through selected ones of the vias to interconnect selected ones of the chip pads and selected portions of the first and second metallization layers.

Abstract: An afocal field of view and focal length converter for an optical lens system includes a cube-shaped frame that is interposed on an optical axis of the lens system. Lenses are mounted in four faces of the frame to provide two reversible afocal pairs and two faces are left empty. The frame is rotatable about a first axis to position the afocal pairs in the optical axis for one of four conversion positions, and about a second axis, perpendicular to the first axis, to rotate the empty faces in the optical axis for a no conversion position.