Abstract: A monolithic semiconductor igniter for igniting a charge of explosive material. The igniter includes a semiconductor substrate, and one or more fuse which is diffused in the semiconductor substrate such that the fuse ignites the charge when an electrical current is passed through it. Also provided is a process for manufacturing a monolithic semiconductor igniter. The process includes providing a semiconductor substrate, and diffusing one or more fuses in the semiconductor substrate. An additional embodiment provides an igniter with multiple sawtooth bridge elements. The resistance of this igniter may be adjusted by cutting individual bridge elements.

Abstract: A frequency source for sequentially generating several output signals of different frequencies, which includes a permanent frequency table, a digitally stored frequency table and a single stabilization circuit for updating the digitally stored frequency table using the permanent frequency table and the output frequency. The source further includes the ability to convert the digitally stored frequency to the generated output frequency; and a clock for synchronizing the updating of the digitally stored frequency table. In certain embodiments the source further includes a sampler for sampling the output signal and a feedback mechanism for feeding back the output signal to the stabilization circuit.

Abstract: A connector for detachably connecting a first body and a second body together. The connector includes an insert which is attached to the first body. The insert has a first edge which features an outwardly inclining portion and further features an opposing edge which includes a protrusion. The connector further includes a base member attached to the second body. The base member includes a rotatable shaft which is adjacent the first edge of the insert when the insert is seated in the base member. The base member further includes an overhang which is adjacent to the opposing edge of the insert when the insert is seated in the base member and is directed toward the shaft. The shaft of the base member is shaped so as to alternately secure the insert by confining the inclined edge and the protrusion of the opposing edge of the insert member and release the insert, depending on the rotational position of the shaft.

Abstract: An airborne obstacle collision avoidance apparatus which includes an object sensor for sensing objects within a field of view of the aircraft and an aircraft navigation system for navigating the aircraft through space. The apparatus also includes a signal processor for receiving data from both the object sensor and the aircraft navigation system, for generating map data of the objects within the field of view of the aircraft, for dynamically changing the map data as the aircraft moves through space and for determining the probability that the aircraft is on a collision course with respect to each sensed object. The apparatus further includes an alarm which is activated when the signal processor determines that there is a high probability that the current aircraft flight direction is on a collision course with respect to a sensed object.

Abstract: A space-discharge electronic device is described, particularly useful as a flash X-ray tube, which device includes a cathode of planar shape and formed with a circular opening therethrough, and a target anode of conical shape and having a pointed tip at the end facing the cathode, the longitudinal axis of the target anode being normal to the plane of the cathode. The pointed tip of the target anode is located in the plane of the planar cathode at the center of its circular opening. When used as a flash X-ray tube, the target anode is made of a material which emits X-rays when impinged by the electrons from the cathode.