Abstract: A data processing system, such as a personal computer, contains bootable DOS programs that are stored in a ROM as an alternate file system in which the files are stored in packed format. When the system is powered on, the programs are rapidly booted up or loaded from ROM into RAM and executed to "instantly" (as it appears to the user) place the system in operation.

Abstract: A servo controlled system is provided for electrically coupling the motions and applied forces of pilot and co-pilot control sticks. Servo-coupling between the two control sticks is accomplished by detecting the position of the control sticks of respective controllers and/or detecting torque exerted on the control sticks. The position and torques signals are processed and employed in a feedback loop for each control stick to generate a feedback signal to motors to which the control sticks are mechanically coupled. The motors act on the control stick to simulate the feel of traditional mechanical controllers, and to cause the controllers to track each other's movements.

Abstract: A method for developing desired air data for use in flight control systems is disclosed including determining angle of attack and sideslip angle relative to inertial space and also determining said angles by solving appropriate aerodynamic equations, whereby two independent estimates of the angles are provided. These estimates are combined for providing the desired data.

Abstract: An optical device that stabilizes the power in a cw laser beam comprises a material whose absorption coefficient increases wth increasing incident intensity. The same device acts as an energy limiter and pulse shortener for a pulsed laser. In either case, the device can be located either within the laser cavity or outside it. In another embodiment, the device is placed into the cavity of a passively mode-locked laser to permit mode-locking with laser materials that have high gain-saturation energy. Materials suitable for use in the device include Cr-doped crystalline solids and organic solutions, such as laser dyes, saturable absorber dyes, etc.

Abstract: A method and system is shown for generating a series of signals representing nodes on a locus of a curve partially defined by a set of related knots, using a Hermite cubic parametric polynomial relationship, with said knots defining the end points of respective segments of said curve locus and with said knots being in a successive order in relation to said locus, and for encoding said node signals as data for use when representing said curve segments in a separate additional process responsive to the shape of said curve locus, as represented by said encoded node signals.

Abstract: A bipolar electrode for generating electrical power in an electrochemical cell includes a base member, which is comprised of a core portion composed of titanium. An integral, substantially continuous and non-porous layer of lead is electroplated onto at least one face surface of the core portion and diffused a selected distance into the core portion. A substantially continuous, residual layer of the titanium alloy in the core portion remains substantially free of lead. A negative-type active mass is connected to a first face surface of the base member, and a positive-type active mass is connected to a second face surface of the base member.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrical power inverter method and apparatus, which includes a high frequency link, for converting DC power into AC power. Generally stated, the apparatus includes a first high frequency module which produces an AC voltage at a first output frequency, and a second high frequency inverter module which produces an AC voltage at a second output frequency that is substantially the same as the first output frequency. The second AC voltage is out of phase with the first AC voltage by a selected angular phase displacement. A mixer mixes the first and second output voltages to produce a high frequency carrier which has a selected base frequency impressed on the sidebands thereof. A rectifier rectifies the carrier, and a filter filters the rectified carrier. An output inverter inverts the filtered carrier to produce an AC line voltage at the selected base frequency.

Abstract: A hermaphroditic coupling system, especially for an optical fibre (or electrical) connector member. The connector member 10 has a body 12 with a cylindrical portion 14 and a semi-cylindrical extension 16, defining a stepped end profile comprising rearward and forward spaced parallel semi-annular transverse surfaces 24, 26 and a planar portion 22 between them, this structure having 180.degree. rotational symmetry about a transverse axis 56. A channel 20 is formed in the extension 16 as a continuation of a bore 18 in the portion 14 forming a recess. A boss 32 is in the channel 20 and has a projecting end 34 projecting forwardly of surface 26. A domed abutment surface 44 on an abutment member 42 resiliently mounted by a spring 40 at the rear of the boss faces rearwardly towards the bore 18. The space 50 between the boss 32 and the end surface 24 of the body portion 14 is sufficient to receive laterally the boss on an opposed identical connector member 58 when the abutment members are depressed.

Abstract: An optical flat bed scanning system, particularly useable in a typesetter, has an optical device to linearize beam deflection positions in a planar deflection plane with essentially two elements. The optical device comprises an aplanatic unit lens with an approximately planar surface and a spherically convex surface and a field flattening mirror with a spherical reflecting surface.