Abstract: An interface for transmitting data in either a clock edge triggered synchous transmission mode or an asynchronous transmission mode. An edge triggered register has its input connected to a source of digital data and its output connected to a two-to-one multiplexer. A bypass path connected between the digital data source and the multiplexer is provided around the edge triggered register. The two-to-one multiplexer is selectively actuable to provide either asynchronous transmission by connecting the bypass path to an output means or to provide synchronous transmission by connecting the output of the edge triggered register to the output means.

Abstract: A broadband high pass microwave filter and method of manufacturing thereof hat maximizes the frequency separation between the desired passband of the filter and spurious passbands. A strip of dielectric material has alternately spaced capacitor plates formed on both sides thereof such that parallel plate capacitors are formed at the overlapping sections of the capacitor plates. The dielectric strip is folded in accordian-like fashion and inductive leads are electrically connected to the capacitor plates at each of the folds. The folded dielectric strip is mounted on an MIC substrate, the end plates of the strip are electrically connected to microstrip conductors on the substrate and the inductive leads are connected to the ground plane of the microstrip substrate to thereby form the high pass microwave filter.

Abstract: A complex spatial filter is provided by the combination of two dichroic ctal plates, one quarter waveplate, and two linear polarizers. The complex spatial filter consists of real and imaginary parts, both of which can have either a positive or negative sign and the structure is capable of eraseably recording varying degrees of absorbency which exhibit polarization discrimination in a desired format that can then be used to process the Fourier transform of a light beam containing desired information.

Abstract: A miniature optical lens for coupling is fabricated from selected high rective index semiconductor material of uniform thickness. Refractive index gradients are generated in the semiconductor material through changes in composition developed under controlled conditions producing a desired focal length for determinable wavelengths of light energy emitted from a light source to which the miniature optical lens is coupled. The miniature optical lens thus fabricated is especially efficient for coupling light energy from light emitting diodes and junction lasers as well as in semiconductor micro-optics within the visible and the infrared wavelengths as well because the index of refraction of the lens material may be closely matched to the index of refraction of the light source, minimizing light energy transfer losses.

Abstract: A dual mode missile guidance system employing a passive anti-radiation ser for midcourse guidance and an alternate sensor for terminal guidance. A broadband, body mounted conformal antenna comprises the midcourse sensor, and the alternate sensor is mounted on a stabilized platform within the missile radome. Detected video guidance signals from the midcourse sensor are video processed and utilized to adjust the system phase shifters for null tracking as well as for driving the stabilized platform to keep the alternate sensor directed at the target. Upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition, a handover switch connects the detected video guidance signals provided by the alternate guidance sensor processor for video processing and for control of the stabilized platform. Auto pilot signals are derived from the rate gyros mounted on the stabilized platform.

Abstract: A method and means of monitoring the quality of a fluid dielectric capacitor by measuring the Kerr signal of a dielectric fluid which has the desired dielectric and breakdown properties and continually measuring the Kerr signal of the same fluid dielectric while in use to determine if there is any degradation of the fluid in use. The means for measuring the Kerr signal is by projecting a high intensity light beam such as from a laser source through the dielectric fluid of a capacitor between two of the plates and detecting the amount of light passed through the dielectric which is an indication of the condition of the dielectric liquid.

Abstract: A high visibility man-overboard rescue beacon is provided having a strobe light that is automatically energized in a flashing mode by the act of removing the beacon from its holder on board boat. Upon removal from the holder, a set of self-erecting radar reflective coated flags are also automatically deployed.

Abstract: High speed manchester encoding is provided by latching input data by means f a first clock pulse to provide a synchronized data source. This synchronized data is latched and inverted in a second latch circuit by a second clock pulse 180.degree. out of phase with the first clock pulse. The synchronized and inverted data is fed to a multiplexer where either data or data is selected depending on the state of the master clock applied to the select input of the multiplexer. The output from the multiplexer is the manchester encoded data stream.

Abstract: A solar apparatus is provided for heating liquids such as water, to a high temperature by utilizing a movable parabolic heat collector to concentrate the sun's rays associated with a special piping arrangement to obtain progressive liquid pre-heating; a collector tracking device including photocells and a collimating system for controlling the movement of the collector to maintain alignment with the sun; a device for modulating the flow of the heat transfer liquid between the collector and the storage to maintain optimum heat replenishment therebetween; and also a vacuum insulated heat exchanger to isolate the heat transfer liquid from the water being heated.

Abstract: In a method for inferring the refractive index profile of the lower atmosphere a signal pattern comprising interference nulls is observed by receiving a signal from a satellite transmitter over a period of time. Hypothetical signal patterns are successively calculated by hypothesizing the validity of different refractive index profiles and compared with the observed signal pattern until one of them matches the observed signal pattern to within a selected limit of error.

Abstract: A microstrip hybrid ring coupler providing the same function as a convental magic Tee in waveguide or a coaxial rat-race. The ring is comprised of four equal electrical length arcs between the input-output ports. The 180.degree. phase shift is introduced in one of the four ring arcs by a tightly coupled parallel strip conductor which extends towards the interior of the ring and has an electrical length of .lambda./4 where .lambda. is the wavelength at the midband operating frequency of the coupler.

Abstract: Radiant energy sensors situated in first and second orthogonally positioned rrays may be activated by radiant energy projected thereupon by radiant energy sources spatially separated therefrom, each of the sensors providing a first output level when activated and otherwise providing a second level of output. A control element subject to an operator's manipulation is situated between the sensors of both arrays and their respective activating sources, and is disposed to be movable in two spatial dimensions to selectively shadow sensors of both arrays. The combined outputs of the sensors of the first and second array comprise a control signal in digital form, wherein discrete positions of the control element are represented, the digital control signal being coupled through a digital-to-analog converter to generate analog signals determinative of the motion of a light element on the screen of a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device and functionally related to control element position.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for remotely sensing the mechanical position of one r more objects in an electrical inferference sensitive environment, such as the landing gear of an aircraft of the like in which is utilized a passive, fiber optic transmission system having means for testing the continuity of the system to enhance safety and reliability.

Abstract: The transmission efficiency of radiant energy through terminated fiber op cables depends substantially on the packing fraction of the specific fiber optic cable being employed. The invention method and apparatus enables any given length of sample fiber cable to be tested, at the installation site if necessary, to obtain a direct reading in terms of packing fraction. The method compares the light level of the energy transmission through a calibrated, solid core calibration rod of known diameter with the energy transmission through the sample terminated cable.

Abstract: An optical switch affords the selective coupling of any of a plurality of input light signals to any of a plurality of optical output paths. A first plurality of ports circumferentially disposed in a first common plane supports means for transmitting and/or receiving optical signals. A second plurality of ports similarly circumferentially disposed in a second common plane having the same central axis as the first common plane, supports means for transmitting and/or receiving optical signals. A rotatable assembly is mounted on a common support structure with the input and output ports and has first and second members which are independently movable about the central axis.

Abstract: Narrow-band detection of optical signals over a large field of view wherein the selective reflecting power of metallic vapors is employed. A modulated carrier signal to be detected is directed to a Brewster window of an enclosure containing a vapor such as mercury. Only the incident light of interest is reflected through an exit window and detected by means of a photo-multiplier.

Abstract: A parachute suspension line stowage assembly kit is provided for a parach pack container that is more compact making more space available in the pack for housing other components of the parachute system and enabling a smaller size container. The assembly is fabricated basically of fabric material mounted on a rigid support plate for forming pockets for a plurality of looped parachute suspension lines. The novel stowage device is capable of withstanding higher shock loads; and is adaptable to different size parachute containers.

Abstract: An impact deflection absorber and stabilizer for providing an interface between two items, surfaces, etc. permitting regulated and controlled travel (energy absorption) along its longitudinal axis and constraining motion in all other directions. An energy absorbing spring is positioned within a housing comprised of two cylindrical mating surfaces forming a friction surface therebetween. A collar clamp joins the two cylinders together and adjustably controls the amount of friction between the two surfaces thereby providing control of the energy absorbing capability of the device. The clamp also has the effect of strengthening the device along non-longitudinal axes, such that all axes have a resonant or fundamental frequency higher than that along the longitudinal or primary axis whereby the device will yield longitudinally regardless of what direction the forces are emanating from.

Abstract: Single filament fiber optic cables are aligned within a connector to prov low-loss light transmittance from one to the other. Since it is virtually impossible to drill holes in a connector as small as the five thousandths of an inch typical diameter of a single filament fiber optic cable, the fiber optic cable ends are bonded within a section of micro-tubing, of the stainless steel type used for the micro syringe portion of a hyperdermic needle. The single filament fiber optic cable ends thus bonded within the micro-tubing, are received within terminal members of a selected metal material having internal bores which are readily drilled by conventional means to receive the micro-tubing having the ends of the fiber optic cables bonded therein. This assembly is made by force fit and each such assembled terminal of the single filament fiber optic cable is optically ground and polished at its end.

Abstract: An all-weather, maximum resolution system visually presents a multi-color mposite image of plural selected spectral ranges of energy received from a common field of view. First, second, and third images of a selected common field of view are developed and respective, first, second and third sensors (each responsive to a different spectral range of energy) develop first, second, and third sets of electrical signals commensurate with the energy emanating from the selected common field of view. In a typical preferred embodiment the selected spectral ranges may comprise the visual range of light energy, the middle infrared range comprising light energy in the 3 to 5 micron region, and the far infrared range comprising light energy in the 8 to 10 micron region.