Abstract: A single instruction multiple data systolic array processor having provision for local address generation, direct access to external devices, and programmable cell interconnectivity for providing great versatility while at the same time retaining the advantages of the SIMD architecture.

Abstract: A conformal image processing apparatus and method in which image information is quantized into volume elements which are represented and stored in an array in such a fashion as to preserve their positional and orientational correlations. Data thus stored may be easily manipulated to model a number of three-dimensional operatoins on sensed objects and volumes.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for high speed modulation of a laser by controlling stimulated emission in the direction transverse main output. Because gain in either direction is derived from the same pool of excited carriers, lasing in the transverse direction depletes gain available in the longitudinal direction. The control of the forward output is achieved using either (1) transverse transmission regions depending on the applied bias or (2) transverse absorbing regions.

Abstract: Welding alloys based upon aluminum, copper, mangesium, silver and lithium have been found to possess exceptional properties such as resistance to hot cracking, high strength and ductility, and an unexpected natural aging response. The aluminum-base alloys may contain 3.5 to 7 weight percent Cu, 0.05 to 1.5 weight percent Mg, 0.01 to 2 weight percent Ag, 0.1 to 4 weight percent Li, and 0.01 to 2 weight percent grain refiner.

Abstract: An arc-melting method is taught for the formation of metallic-second phase composite materials. The method involves the formation of an intermediate composite material comprising a relatively high loading of second phase particles dispersed in a metal matrix. This intermediate material is then combined with an additional amount of metal and arc-melted to form a final composite comprising a lower loading of the second phase particles dispersed in a final metallic matrix. The final metallic matrix may be comprised of a metal, metal alloy, or intermetallic, while the second phase particles may comprise ceramic materials such as borides, carbides, nitrides, silicides, oxides or sulfides.

Abstract: A binder composition is taught for the granulation of fine particulate fertilizer, which binder comprises an admixture of reactive carbonate, sulfate, silicate strengthener, and water dispersant, said binder being reactive in the presence of an acid activator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the formation of whisker reinforced metal matrix composites in which complex boride or carbide whiskers having an aspect ratio of greater than 10:1 are distributed throughout a metal, metal alloy, or intermetallic matrix. Exemplary complex boride whiskers include TiNbB, TiTaB, TiVB, NbHfB, and TiNbMoB. Exemplary complex carbide whiskers include TiNbC, TiVC, TiZrC, TiHfC, and TiTaC. A method for the in-situ formation of complex boride and complex carbide whiskers within metallic matrices is disclosed which involves reacting a mixture of individual complex ceramic-forming constituents in the presence of a metal to precipitate the desired complex ceramic whiskers in a metal matrix.

Abstract: A quantum well semiconductor device that is responsive to optical energy and operates by resonant field ionization of quantum confined excitons and comprises a semiconductor device including a multi-layered semiconductor structure fabricated on the substrate and including at least two quantum well layers of mutually different widths separated from each other by a semiconductor barrier layer. Because of the different widths, the two quantum well layers have distinct and different electron and hole sub-band energies which when an external electric field is applied across the semiconductor structure, it is possible to bring the electron sub-bands of the wells into resonance, whereupon electrons tunnel back and forth through the barrier layer thereby altering the light absorption coefficient near the excitonic absorption feature. This mechanism provides a means to phase shift or modulate the light traversing through the device.

Abstract: A piezoelectric composite material having increased sensitivity and stability with time is described. The composite includes a volume fraction of from 20 to 60 percent of piezoelectric crystals having a size distribution of from 1 to 300 microns dispersed in a polymer matrix. The composite matrix is characterized by a shear modulus of at least 50 psi.

Abstract: The invention relates to new ceramic electrostrictive compositions having superior electrical properties, a process for the preparation of the new electrostrictive compositions and applications for the new compositions. Specifically, a solid solution composition of lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate - (barium titanate or stronium titanate) has exhibited desirable electrostrictive properties. This composition shows a diminished dependence of dielectric constant on temperature.

Abstract: A family of alloys based upon aluminum-copper-magnesium-silver alloys to which lithium has been added, within specified ranges, exhibits superior ambient- and elevated-temperature strength, superior ductility at ambient and elevated temperatures, extrudability, forgeability, weldability, and an unexpected natural aging response.

Abstract: This invention relates to new ceramic electrostrictive compositions having superior electrical properties, a process for the preparation of the new electrostrictive compositions and applications for the new compositions. Specifically, a solid solution composition of lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate--(barium titanate or stronium titanate) has exhibited desirable electrostrictive properties. This composition shows a diminished dependence of dielectric constant on temperature.

Abstract: An optical power limiter and switch, transparent at low light intensity and opaque at high intensity, is comprised of a pair of right triangular prisms separated by a liquid film whose refractive index changes in response to optical energy. A first or input lens focuses the light upon the liquid film at an angle less than the critical angle of total reflection of the prism-liquid interface and a second or output lens refocuses the energy to a detector through an aperture. When the intensity of the optical energy reaches a first predetermined level, the optical energy is defocused and diverted from the detector. When the intensity of the optical energy reaches a second predetermined higher level, the critical angle is achieved whereupon the optical energy is reflected away from the interface rather than through it.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rapidly solidified product comprising a second phase in both a stable particulate form and a metastable flake form dispersed in an intermetallic matrix.

Abstract: An infrared scene projector has a cathode ray tube with a display screen coated with a luminescent phosphor material that produces radiation in the infrared spectrum when excited by the electron beam. The desired screen images are generated electronically, the screen is scanned by the cathode ray beam, and the intensity of the beam is modulated by the signal from the image generator.

Abstract: An improved pumping arrangement for use in a face pumped or edge pumped slab laser, this arrangement comprising upper and lower housing members able to be removably secured together in an operational relationship. The lower housing member has in a central portion thereof, a body of solid state laser host material, with the laser host material typically having a rectangular cross-section with top and bottom surfaces, opposing side surfaces, and opposing end faces. The lower housing member also is configured to have a pair of spaces running the length of the laser host material. The upper housing member has on its underside, a pair of parallel flashlamps set a distance apart. The lower housing member is able to receive the upper housing member in an interfitted, operative relationship, in which the flashlamps are received in the respective spaces alongside the body of solid state laser host material.

Abstract: A sol-gel method is disclosed for the production of polycrystalline strontium barium niobate (SBN) materials. Ceramic SBN materials produced in accordance with this method possess favorable ferroelectric properties, and are useful for electro-optic applications.

Abstract: An electromechanical motion amplifier in accordance with this invention is useful for controllably converting an input displacement into an amplified output displacement. This device comprises a first piston movable within a predetermined range of travel along an axis in response to the input displacement, and a second piston movable within a predetermined amplified range of travel along such axis. Force transmission means cooperating with the first and second pistons is utilized for effecting movement of the second piston in response to movement of the first piston. The relationship between the first and second pistons is such that movement of the first piston along the axis produces amplified movement of the second piston along the axis in a selected direction. In a preferred embodiment, the force transmission means is an elastomer, and the second piston is connected to a valve located in a nearby chamber, so as to directly control the positioning of the valve.

Abstract: A sealing plug for a multi-contact electrical connector which precludes the necessity for installation of separate end-seal plugs and spare pin contacts to effect the environmental sealing of non-used pin contact cavities in the connector.

Abstract: A method is taught for the in-situ precipitation of second phase materials, such as ceramic or intermetallic particles, in a substantial volume fraction of solvent metal matrix. The invention involves the propagating reaction of the second phase-forming constituents in a solvent metal medium to provide a porous composite of finely-dispersed second phase particles in the metal matrix. Exemplary materials include titanium carbide or titanium diboride in an aluminum matrix.