Abstract: Provided is an approach to efficiently correlate a previously captured digitally created image to one provided in real-time. The real-time digitally created image is represented by the digitally processed image of just the edges of objects within a scene. This is accomplished via digital edge extraction and subsequent digital data compression, based on comparing only the spatial differences (e.g., range values) among pixels. That is, digital data representative of signal intensity are not used. An application is the efficient correlation of real-time digitally processed 3-D images generated from laser scans, in particular, scans of laser “radars” or LADARS. The process simplifies and improves on conventional techniques by iterating three sequential steps. A “hard” edge or a corner of an object is detected via a “corner-detector” algorithm that assigns a raw edge-strength value to each pixel in the image digitally created from the LADAR return.

Abstract: A method for performing work comprising the steps of providing an impellant consisting essentially of hydrogen peroxide of a strength at least 85 mass percent of total impellant, decomposing the impellant, wherein the decomposition releases energy, and, directing the released energy to perform work. A power system having an impellant consisting essentially of hydrogen peroxide of a strength at least 85 mass percent of total impellant is disclosed. The work may provide environmental conditioning, such as heat and potable water.

Abstract: Provided is a compact, low-cost, lightweight, man-packable weapon system for engaging static and slowly maneuvering targets. In one embodiment, it may incorporate in its own backpack a compact launcher and multiple compact missiles, each weighing less than five pounds, for carry on a soldier's back. The missile itself uses a strapped-down acquisition and tracking sensor electrically connected to a simplified guidance system interfaced with an aero-control section capable of altering the flight path of the missile to a target. A solid-propellant rocket motor provides sufficient power to propel the missile at a predetermined limited speed and over a pre-determined limited distance that enables the proper operation of the simplified guidance system. A method for deploying a man-packable weapon system is disclosed also.

Abstract: Provided is an automated case cutting device that may be remotely controlled to rotate and cut an outer case of an object. It can be applied to the disassembly and disposal, testing, or inspection of munitions. In one application, the device cradles a generally cylindrical munition of a length much greater than its diameter on two rollers attached to a bed or plate comprising a support frame. One of the rollers is rotated by a transmission mechanism powered by an electrical motor, while the other roller may also be turned by the same transmission mechanism via a sprocket and chain set. The munition may be further held in place by one or a set of holding rollers attached to a frame hinged to the support frame, so that the holding roller(s) swing onto the top of the munition after the munition is placed on the cradling rollers. The holding roller(s) may also be turned via a second sprocket and chain set, driven off the same drive shaft as the first roller.

Abstract: An image guided weapon system employing passive optical terminal guidance d method which provides the precision strike capability without requiring the use of a designator or the presence of an additional designator aircraft, which can operate through the weather, which allows rapid attack of multiple targets, and which does not require any aircraft to remain in the target area after a weapon has been launch. A target area is designated and an image of the target area is generated. An aimpoint within the target area is selected and GPS coordinates of the aimpoint are determined. An image template is generated using flight orientation data, the image of the target area, and GPS coordinates of aimpoint. Image processing software creates an image template which is downloaded to a weapon. The weapon's seeker generates seeker images which are compared to the image template.

Abstract: A fireset for a low energy exploding foil initiator (LEEFI) comprises a ft capacitor for storing a level of electrical energy sufficient to fire the LEEFI, the first capacitor being in electrical communication with the LEEFI, second, third, and fourth capacitors in electrical communication with the first capacitor for storing lesser levels of energy than the first capacitor. A trigger directs a pulse of electrical energy into the fireset. An integrated circuit to which the pulse of electrical energy is directed, is adapted to invert the pulse and to dump the third and fourth capacitors. A first metal oxide semi-conductor fill effect transistor (MOSFET) switch is turned on by the integrated circuit and the dumping of the third and fourth capacitors, the first MOSFET switch being operable to dump the second capacitor. A second MOSFET through, which the second capacitor is dumped, operates to discharge the first capacitor through the second MOSFET, to fire the LEEFI.

Abstract: A process for indicating the likelihood of cook-off for energetic materials by calculating the heat flux and chemical venting relative to known crial parameters for the energetic materials. The process further may include an alarm.

Abstract: A solar powered air drying system which maintains a dry atmosphere inside a sealed volume. The system uses electricity produced by a solar panel to regenerate daily a desiccant. The desiccant drys the air in a sealed volume which includes the waveguide run and antenna for a Radio Frequency target. The system comprises a solar powered air dryer which operates in conjunction with the natural diurnal temperature cycle. During morning hours, the air volume in the sealed volume is heated by naturally increasing daytime temperatures and the sun and expands, forcing air out of the sealed volume into the solar powered air dryer. The forced air then travels through a desiccant column which includes the desiccant prior to being vented into the environment. Simultaneously, the solar panel provides electrical current to an electric heater which heats the desiccant driving off its stored water. The forced air from the sealed volume then carries the desiccant's moisture with it into the environment.

Abstract: Polyethers containing pendant azide groups are cured without a catalyst by yclo-addition with diacetylenes to form triazole cross-linked, energetic binders having improved mechanical properties and stability. The polyethers typically have three hydroxy-terminated chains each of about 5000 to about 50,000 daltons. Ideally, only one azide group per chain reacts by cyclo-addition since the diacetylene is added in a proportion of about one molecule to each two polyether chains. Repeating units of glycidal azide, azidomethylmethyloxetane, bis-azidomethyloxetane/nitratomethylmethyloxetane, and bis-azidomethyloxetane/azidomethylmethyloxetane are believed effective as polyethers when used with the diethynlbenzenes 1,4-bis(ethynl)benzene, 1,4-bis(ethynlcarbonyl)benzene, and 1,3-bis(cyanoethynl)benzene. The polyethers may be further cross-liked at the hydroxyl terminations by urethane bonds.

Abstract: A new compound, tertiarybutylbis-(dimethylamino)phosphine, ((CH.sub.3).sub.3 C)((CH.sub.3).sub.2 N).sub.2 P, is used as a precursor in forming phosphorus-containing semiconductor material by chemical vapor deposition. Tertiarybutylbis-(dimethylamino)phosphine is prepared by reacting a phosphorus trihalide, PX.sub.3, with the tertiarybutyl Grignard reagent ((CH.sub.3).sub.3 C)MgX. The resultant product is treated with lithium dimethylamide reagent LiN(CH.sub.3).sub.2. Tertiarybutylbis-(dimethylamino)phosphine is then recovered from the reaction mixture. Phosphorus-containing semiconductor materials are formed by chemical vapor deposition by means of bubbling a carrier gas through the new compound and then transporting the ((CH.sub.3).sub.3 C)((CH.sub.3).sub.2 N).sub.2 P with the carrier gas to a heated substrate. Additional elements from groups II, III, V, and VI of the periodic table are then deposited on the substrate to form the Phosphorus-containing semiconductor materials.

Abstract: A negative film reader records high-resolution optical density changes across negative film radiographic images to allow precise image dimensions to be determined. A laser light source capable of high-resolution focusing is passed through an intensity control filter, focused by a lens, and reflected off a mirror to focus in the plane of the negative film. The light transmitted through the film is collected by a second lens and directed to a photo diode detector which senses the transmitted intensity. The output of the photo diode signal amplifier is sent to the Y-axis input of an X-Y recorder. The film sample is transported in a plane perpendicular to the beam axis by means of a slide. The film position is monitored, with the signal amplified and recorded as the X-axis on the X-Y recorder. The linear dimensions and positions of image components can be determined by direct measurement of the amplified recording.