Abstract: The Bumper Pocket Billiard Table in a preferred embodiment of the invention has a circular playing surface bounded by a circular cushion-and-rail assembly with a plurality of circular pocket openings positioned in the perimeter portion of the playing surface equidistant from adjacent pocket openings, and having at least one adjustable bumper post positioned on the playing surface adjacent to but spaced-apart by a selected dimension from the lip edge of an associated pocket opening, and with a selected constant dimension that is equivalent to the value of a predetermined width of a ball corridor or passageway so that the selected constant value is intended to complement the playing skill of a bumper pocket billiards player.

Abstract: The Radar Scan Converter System (1) receives range and azimuth data generated by a conventional radar as presented in a polar coordinate system, (2) stores this data in associated cell locations in a range/azimuth polar video map, and (3) displays this polar coordinate range/azimuth data in a Cartesian coordinate system, in real time, on a conventional computer monitor having a rectangular display formed by a relatively large number of pixels organized in the Cartesian coordinate system. Each pixel in the display is sequentially update by (1) selecting a respective pixel address, (2) determining the corresponding range/azimuth cell address in the polar video map, (3) reading the video level in this corresponding range/azimuth cell, and (4) in response to this associated video level, either initially loading or subsequently updating the selected pixel.

Abstract: In an optical correlator system having reflective and transmissive optical components positioned along a folded and segmented optical axis or path, one or more optical path extenders are provided for selected optical path segments that require operative path length adjustment so that an electromagnetic radiation beam, which traverses the folded optical path with selected information imparted into and detected from the beam, can be imaged upon a defined and maximum usable area or region both on the reflective components and on an end detector component.

Abstract: A vector neural network (VNN) of interconnected neurons is provided in transition mappings of potential targets wherein the threshold (energy) of a single frame does not provide adequate information (energy) to declare a target position. The VNN enhances the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by integrating target energy over multiple frames including the steps of postulating massive numbers of target tracks (the hypotheses), propagating these target tracks over multiple frames, and accommodating different velocity targets by pixel quantization. The VNN then defers thresholding to subsequent target stages when higher SNR's are prevalent so that the loss of target information is minimized, and the VNN can declare both target location and velocity. The VNN can further include target maneuver detection by a process of energy balancing hypotheses.

Abstract: A faceplate assembly has an electrically conductive grid, which is electrically connected to a suitable ground potential, positioned on or above a display screen of an interactive display terminal (IDT) where the grid has a plurality of optical pipes with metal walls, which provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection, and with optical cores, which enhance visibility, that optically pipe information originally displayed on the IDT screen which is piped to a viewing plane developed by the grid. A continuous, serpentine electrical conductor is carried by and positioned over the optical pipe walls by a flexible, transparent overlay sheet that can be flexed to bring a selected portion of the electrical conductor into an electrical switch closed position with an adjacent optical pipe wall(s). This selected grid position is electrically measurable and thereby determined.

Abstract: An optical correlator system having a plurality of reflective optical components, both active and passive, positioned (1) between a source of electromagnetic radiation, such as a visible beam of coherent light, and an output detector array, and (2) around an asymmetrical perimeter of a planar support body to develop an asymmetrically folded optical axis or path wholly within the body where the path is traversed by the beam SO THAT information processed by the active optical components along the optical path and imparted to the optical beam enable the optical detection of an unknown object at the detector array which is then subject to an identification process.

Abstract: A reflective mode, magneto-optic spatial light modulator (MOSLM) device has planar electrical conductors which function both as optical mirror surfaces and as the address conductors for random access, selective switching of an associated individual pixel element which is formed from a magneto-optic material that exhibits magnetic domain characteristics, and further has a crossover portion of one of the reflective electrical conductors embedded in the magneto-optic device material at a nucleation region formed in the device material.

Abstract: A reflective mode, magneto-optic spatial light modulator (MOSLM) device has one or more pixel elements formed from a selected magneto-optic material with a respective pair of coincident current select electrical conductors associated with each pixel where at least one of the conductors is planar and thereby develops a reflector surface that reflects incident radiation, such as polarized light of an optical beam, which has passed at least through an associated pixel back through the magneto-optic material and resident single magnetic domain of the pixel.

Abstract: A vector neural network (VNN) of interconnected neurons is provided in transition mappings of potential targets wherein the threshold (energy) of a single frame does not provide adequate information (energy) to declare a target position. The VNN enhances the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by integrating target energy over multiple frames including the steps of postulating massive numbers of target tracks (the hypotheses), propagating these target tracks over multiple frames, and accommodating different velocity target by pixel quantization. The VNN then defers thresholding to subsequent target stages when higher SNR's are prevalent so that the loss of target information is minimized, and the VNN can declare both target location and velocity. The VNN can further include target maneuver detection by a process of energy balancing hypotheses.

Abstract: A discoid optical correlator system having a plurality of reflective optical components, a source of electromagnetic radiation, such as visible light, and an output detector which are positioned around the rim region of a solid disk body to develop a symmetrically folded optical axis traversed by a beam of electromagnetic radiation so that an unknown object is optically detected and identified.

Abstract: A coupled cavity traveling wave tube is disclosed which includes a plurality of pole piece members and hollow spacer members which are alternately arrayed to define a plurality of cavities. The pole piece members each has a central aperture and a coupling slot through which microwave energy is coupled between adjacent cavities. The tube includes a plurality of first loss elements each of which is positioned in both of two respective adjacent cavities, with each of the first loss elements having its first end in contact with the front face of a respective one of the alternate pole piece members, its central portion pass through an aperture in the next intervening pole piece member in which it is coupled to the coupling slot in that pole piece member, and its second end in contact with the rear face of the next alternate pole piece member.

Abstract: An improved hammer used in the first step of a two-step method for forming an undercut fastener driving slot in the head of a fastener, such as a screw or bolt, that results in an arcuate, recessed high-torque driving slot with undercut slot sidewalls where each sidewall has a noncontinuous sphericity interrupted by an inverted and generally triangular planar surface.

Abstract: A commutation sensor circuit for a DC-to-DC silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) chopper circuit to protect against commutation failure by determining the commutation capability of the chopper. This determination is made by testing two conditions, first, the applied voltage is measured and used to predict the commutation voltage available after a main SCR has been gated on and a commutating capacitor charged, and second, the available commutation voltage is measured after the main SCR has been gated on and the commutating capacitor charged. The first test allows the chopper to turn on if the predicted voltage when compared to the current flowing is sufficient to commutate the chopper. The second test initiates a commutation if the current flowing in the chopper reaches the maximum commutating ability of the chopper.

Abstract: A constant current drive circuit that can be driven directly from the output of a shift register which can find use, for example, as a constant current source for a light emitting diode (LED) to ensure uniform birghtness throughout a display surface that includes a plurality of LEDs.

Abstract: A constant current drive circuit that can be driven directly from the output of a shift register which can find use, for example, in maintaining a constant current through a controlled device such as one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) to ensure uniform brightness throughout a display surface that includes a plurality of LEDs.

Abstract: A conduit joint is shown and described having ingress and egress ports respectively on a first and second conduits. The ports open to a substantially matching area of relatively movable, pneumatic joinder, and have tapered chambers leading therefrom. A method of passing fluids from one conduit through an articulate joint to a second conduit in a helical path having no flow restriction, chamber expansion or the like, is also described.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a threaded fastener of the self-tapping type where the fastener thread is impregnated with a harder substance than the metal from which the fastener is made by utilizing a thread-rolling machine with an impregnating electrode. A method of making the fastener pilot tip end impregnated is also described.

Abstract: A switch assembly having a lighted display module for programmable character display where the module is an active part during switch actuation. The module has a force actuating line and is displaced by a predetermined portion of an applied switch actuating force because the module line for transmitting such force is selectively displaced from the line of the applied actuating force.

Abstract: A switch assembly having a lighted display module for programmable character display where the module is an active part during switch actuation since the module is displaced by and transmits an applied switch actuating force. The switch assembly consists of electromechanical switch arrays having the illuminated solid-state programming character display (LED-type) disposed above the switch array. Transparent pushbuttons are illuminated when depressed. The electromechanical switch arrays consist of a matrix of conventional dome switches although other conventional types of switches may be used.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) array having a plurality of electrical conductive paths for each LED in the array.