Abstract: The present invention comprises a modular microwave source comprising a novel electromagnetic oscillator based on a modified Blumlein architecture with an integrated antenna. In one or more embodiments, the invention comprises a triplate Blumlein in which the plates are configured and arranged to act as a waveguide and antenna. In one or more embodiments, high-permittivity dielectric materials are disposed between the center plate and one or both of the top and bottom plates to increase the energy storage and lengthen the duration of a damped sinusoid output. In one or more embodiments, photo-conductive semiconductor switches are disposed between the center plate and one or both of the top and bottom plates to act as high-speed switches. In one or more embodiments, a plurality of the modular microwave sources of the invention are arranged in an array, creating a compact, tunable, high-power microwave source suitable for mobile applications.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for through the wall radar imaging. An impulse synthetic aperture radar system transmits short, ultra-wideband carrierless microwave pulses at an obstacle behind which a target of interest is located. The return signals are received, stored and analyzed. Portions of the return signals that represent reflections from the obstacle are identified and analyzed in the time domain to estimate the transmission coefficient of the wall, either by estimating wall parameters or by using a novel shift and add procedure. The estimated transmission coefficient is used to filter the received signals to reduce the components of the received signal that are generated by the obstacle, and to compensate for distortion caused by the obstacle in the portions of the transmitted signal that are reflected by the target and returned, through the obstacle, to the radar system.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a modular microwave source comprising a novel electromagnetic oscillator based on a modified Blumlein architecture with an integrated antenna. In one or more embodiments, the invention comprises a triplate Blumlein in which the plates are configured and arranged to act as a waveguide and antenna. In one or more embodiments, high-permittivity dielectric materials are disposed between the center plate and one or both of the top and bottom plates to increase the energy storage and lengthen the duration of a damped sinusoid output. In one or more embodiments, photo-conductive semiconductor switches are disposed between the center plate and one or both of the top and bottom plates to act as high-speed switches. In one or more embodiments, a plurality of the modular microwave sources of the invention are arranged in an array, creating a compact, tunable, high-power microwave source suitable for mobile applications.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that enables a person reclined on a bed to comfortably view a television screen (36) that is set up for ordinary viewing, which is small and lightweight, of low cost, and easily used. The apparatus includes a frame (64) that can be mounted on a wall (66) and a pair of mirrors (60, 62) mounted on the frame. A first of the mirrors (60) lies above the head (H) of the reclined viewer so he can comfortably view the first mirror, while the second mirror (62) lies lower and forward of the first mirror to reflect light from the screen toward the first mirror, with the first mirror then reflecting the light to the viewer. The frame includes a wall mount (72) that lies behind and above the viewer's head, an arm (64) extending forwardly from the mount, and a mirror support lying at the outer end, or forward end, of the arm. Each of the mirrors is pivotally mounted on the mirror support about a primarily horizontal axis to allow the viewer to look up or down.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that enables a person reclined on a bed to comfortably view a television screen (36) that is set up for ordinary viewing, which is small and lightweight, of low cost, and easily used. The apparatus includes a frame (64) that can be mounted on a wall (66) and a pair of mirrors (60, 62) mounted on the frame. A first of the mirrors (60) lies above the head (H) of the reclined viewer so he can comfortably view the first mirror, while the second mirror (62) is positioned to reflect light from the screen toward the first mirror, with the first mirror then reflecting the light to the viewer. In one apparatus, the frame includes a wall mount (72) that lies behind and above the viewer's head, an arm (64) extending forwardly from the mount, and a mirror support lying at the outer end of the arm. Each of the mirrors is pivotally mounted on the mirror support about a primarily horizontal axis for fine adjustment.

Abstract: A collapsible sunshade for erecting on a sandy beach includes a polygonal sail member and a complement of supporting poles corresponding to the corners of the sail member, the poles being particularly flexible for maintaining a desired tension in the sail member without requiring accurate positioning of the poles in the sand. The poles each have a triangular trough-shaped blade member for securely anchoring in wet or dry sand with a low level of downwardly directed force being required for penetration of the poles into the sand. Loops extending from the corners of the sail member enclose respective shanks of the poles, tensioning of the loops providing frictional engagement with the shank members for supporting the vertical load of the sail member. The loops of the sail member can be adjusted up and down individually on the poles, the flexibility of the shank members assuring the required frictional engagement, even when the sunshade is exposed to winds and accidental contact.