Abstract: An increase in usable carrier frequency signals within a frequency band is achieved by identifying each carrier frequency signal or channel, not only by its base or reference frequency, but also by a rate of change of the carrier frequencies, such that for each carrier frequency assignment, an additional number of transmission channels, each having a different linear rate of change of frequency starting simultaneously from the reference carrier frequency, is provided where the instantaneous carrier frequency of these channels changes continuously over the frequency band, but each with a different incremental rate of change. Reception comes from tuning a receiver to the reference carrier frequency which adjusts automatically to the frequency reached at that time by a selected carrier frequency signal and then changing the tuning circuit at the same rate as the selected carrier frequency signal changes frequency starting from the predetermined base or reference frequency.

Abstract: An optical memory having a light valve for each memory bit. Each bit is programmed in a WRITE mode to pass or inhibit optical energy emitted from a local source of illumination and thus store a binary value of "1" or "0". A short length of optical fiber guides light from the light valve in a READ mode to the core of a transmission fiber which acts as a series transmission line for an optical pulse sequence when each of a plurality of the light valves is illuminated by a respective optical source, e.g., a light emitting diode. An optical energy absorbing termination is located at one end of the series transmission fiber while an optical amplifier device is located at the opposite or output end and, where necessary in between, with the amplified pulse sequence from the transmission fiber being thereafter coupled to one or more individual optical receiver and transducer units which generate respective corresponding electrical utilization signals.

Abstract: An optical memory having a light valve for each memory bit. Each bit is programmed in a WRITE mode to pass or inhibit optical energy emitted from a local source of illumination and thus store a binary value of "1" or "0". A short length of optical fiber guides light from the light valve in a READ mode to the core of a transmission fiber which acts as a series transmission line for an optical pulse sequence when each of a plurality of the light valves is illuminated by a respective optical source, e.g., a light emitting diode. An optical energy absorbing termination is located at one end of the series transmission fiber while an optical amplifier device is located at the opposite or output end and, where necessary in between, with the amplified pulse sequence from the transmission fiber being thereafter coupled to one or more individual optical receiver and transducer units which generate respective corresponding electrical utilization signals.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for providing for increased heat transfer efficiency f a heat exchanger by separating contiguous fluid conductive channels by means of a flexible sheet fabricated from a piezoelectric polymer. An electrode pattern of predetermined configuration is applied to one or both sides of the piezoelectric sheet and an electrical signal applied thereto in order to set the sheet into a flexual resonance condition whereupon a standing wave pattern is established to not only break up the boundary layer of fluid which adheres to each side of the sheet, but also minimizing the thickness of the laminar sub-layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for providing for increased heat transfer efficiency f a heat exchanger by separating contiguous fluid conductive channels by means of a flexible sheet fabricated from a piezoelectric polymer. An electrode pattern of predetermined configuration is applied to one or both sides of the piezoelectric sheet and an electrical signal applied thereto in order to set the sheet into a flexual resonance condition whereupon a standing wave pattern is established to not only break up the boundary layer of fluid which adheres to each side of the sheet, but also minimizing the thickness of the laminar sub-layer.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for providing increased heat transfer efficiency in a heat exchanger by separating contiguous fluid conductive channels by means of a flexible partition of a bimorph construction consisting of two adjacent layers of piezoelectric material arranged so that, when an electrical signal is applied, one layer expands while the other contracts causing the composite sheet to flex and push a sub-laminar layer of the fluid located adjacent to the sheet away into the turbulent stream while drawing other fluid into contact with the partition. The preferred embodiment of the invention additionally includes a grid or mesh member between the two layers for strengthening the partition so that it can withstand a relatively large pressure gradient thereacross.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and means to increase or decrease, on demand, the drag exerted by a fluid on a boundary. The boundary comprises a surface portion of a structure enclosing a moving fluid or may comprise a portion of the outer surface of an object moving through the fluid. Drag is varied by means of a set of piezoelectric sensors and an accompanying set of piezoelectric driver elements arranged in close proximity to one another at the boundary and electrically interconnected so that the pressure exerted by the moving fluid is sensed by one or more sensors and converted to an electrical signal which is then transformed into an electrical drive signal which is applied to one or more driver elements to cause a flexing of the driver element(s) in a predetermined direction so that drag is either reduced by moving the driver(s) away from the fluid or increased by moving the driver(s) towards the fluid.

Abstract: An optical fiber element of low density, low heat capacity, a large coefficient of thermal expansion, and a large Young's modulus varies in light transmissivity gradually between its ends from high transmissivity to opacity, whereby power modulated light transmitted through the fiber element is absorbed to cause a change in temperature of the fiber element and a resultant thermal expansion and contraction thereof. As a transducer in a telephone receiver, a light absorbing fiber element or group of such elements is coupled between the optical fiber waveguide in the receiver and a resiliently mounted acoustical diaphragm which is caused to respond over the audible range.

Abstract: An accelerometer is provided which utilizes at least one sheet of piezoelric polymer film, supported under tension in a frame, for sensing the acceleration-responsive movements of an associated inertial mass and providing an electrical output in accordance therewith. The accelerometer preferably comprises a pair of such sheets with the inertial mass, e.g., a sphere, supported therebetween. Connections to an electrical measurement unit are made through a coaxial cable whose outer sheath and inner conductor are respectively connected to outer and inner electrodes formed by metallic coatings on the outer and inner surfaces of the sheets. The frame is preferably cylindrical and a pair of associated rings which fit within the frame serve to clamp the two sheets in place under tension.

Abstract: An antifouling coating with method of use and method of application on marine structures in the form of a film containing piezoelectric polymer material, which, when electrically activated vibrates at a selected frequency to present a surface interfacing with water which is inhospitable for attachment of vegetable and animal life including free-swimming organisms thereby discouraging their attachment and their subsequent growth thereon to the macrofoulant adult stage.

Abstract: An antifouling coating for marine structures in the form of a film containing piezoelectric polymer material, which, when electrically activated vibrates at a selected frequency to present a surface interfacing with water which is inhospitable for attachment of vegetable and animal life including free-swimming organisms thereby discouraging their attachment and their subsequent growth thereon to the macrofoulant adult stage.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting pressure variations because of acoustic aves by modulating a preset tensile stress in a stretched thin sheet of a piezoelectric polymer. The modulation is provided by the changing stress caused by an impinging acoustic signal or the like. The piezoelectric polymer sheet under a preset tension acts effectively as a membrane resulting in a high output combined with a high resonance frequency and a wide operating frequency range.

Abstract: A transducer, and method for making it, comprising a composite film for sing pressure comprising a pair of film sandwiches, each sandwich comprising a poled polymeric films with metallic film electrodes on opposite surfaces. One electrode does not extend quite to the end of the polymer and is considered the "hot" electrode. Two such transducer film sandwiches are cemented together with the hot electrodes in contact with each other, the center wire from a coaxial cable being in contact with and between them. The outer electrodes are electrically connected to the shield of the cable and the connection is encapsulated.