Abstract: An electrochemical cell electrode such as the cathode element for a high energy density battery cell and its fabrication sequence are disclosed. Material such as finely-divided carbon particles is dispersed over the electrode surface during an ultrasonic energy assisted wet spraying process which produces very thin electrodes that are also low in fabrication cost and increased in uniformity and energy density capability. Fine particle material deposition on both a metal foil electrode and on an insulating member that is later joined to a metal foil electrode are contemplated.

Abstract: A pulsed laser illumination based two camera ranging and imaging system which requires only a single axis optical aperture and is therefore suited to use on aircraft and other space and configuration limited apparatus is disclosed. The invention uses intensity coded partial images of the distant target with the partial images being obtained by a distance segregating optical modulation arrangement which separates pixel portions according to their arrival time and thereby their distance of travel from the target. The described system uses pixel by pixel processing of the segregated images as accomplished in an image array processor or general purpose computer, for example.

Abstract: An electrical test set especially suited for use in correlating the fill sensor's output indication for a pressure vessel with a known vessel fill condition. The vessel may be the hydrazine fuel container for an aircraft such as the U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter aircraft. The tester enables sensor system evaluation while the vessel is yet dismounted and in the refilling and refurbishing shop. In addition to verification of known vessel fill and satisfactory operation of the vessel level sensing apparatus, the tester eliminates the variables and inconvenience attending verification of sensor system operation on the aircraft by way of a cockpit instrument. The tester is provided with external and internal electrical energy sourcing and with operator friendly controls compatible with the instrumentation system in the host aircraft.

Abstract: Capacitor structure capable of achieving increased energy storage density is disclosed together with a fabrication sequence for the capacitor and its anodic oxide dielectric material. Soft porous aluminum oxide which has been formed in a first anodization step and has been densified or transformed to hard barrier oxide in a second anodization step is preferred for the capacitor dielectric material. The first anodization may be performed in a sulfuric acid electrolyte while the second anodization may be performed in a boric acid electrolyte. The boric acid may be diluted with ethylene glycol. The disclosed capacitor is fabricated on a silicon wafer substrate.

Abstract: A system for predicting head movements by an aircrew member, such as a pilot flying a tactical aircraft, from input data which includes an ongoing record of head positions. The input is without head acceleration or velocity input data and is applied to a Least Mean Square prediction algorithm. The disclosure also includes an improved data dependent convergence algorithm for the prediction system, an algorithm shown to provide rapid convergence to the final prediction output. Use of the prediction system to make the delay between actually viewed and HMD presented images and other flight video images acceptable from a human engineering and disoriented pilot avoidance viewpoint is also disclosed. A computer program embodiment of the system using head movement data is included.

Abstract: An error-reducing feedback controller for a robotic system wherein a new torque term is added to the existing generated torque in order to compensate for nonlinearity or imperfect modeling accuracy in the existing system. Equations for development of the new torque term using relatively few inputs from the system output are described, along with several examples, including numeric values.

Abstract: A sensor having an interdigitated gate electrode field effect transistor (IGEFET) coupled to an electron beam evaporated copper phthalocyanine thin film is used to selectively detect parts-per-billion concentration levels of atmosphere contaminants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO.sub.2) and diisopropyl methylphosphonate (DIMP). The sensor is excited with a voltage pulse, and its time- and frequency-domain response are examined. The envelopes of the magnitude of the normalized difference frequency spectrums reveal features which unambiguously distinguish the NO.sub.2 and DIMP exposures.

Abstract: An improved distributed amplifier usable, for example, in the gigahertz frequency range for radar and electronic warfare applications is disclosed. In the amplifier stage a combination of optimum amplifier stage loading, a reflection cancelling output network, and an amplifier capacitance hiding input arrangement are employed. The disclosure includes specific component values for one embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: A broadband multi-element antenna having desirable phase, standing wave and polarization characteristics is disclosed. The antenna is arranged as a plurality of airfoil shaped elements located in radial planes about a central axis with the element peripheries collectively defining a horn shaped surface--centrally disposed of which is a ground plane member of preferably truncated conical shape which includes electrical feeding arrangements having in phase and out of phase element coupling. The antenna is suitable for radar, satellite, and other precision uses including military applications.

Abstract: An interdigitated back-contact vertical-junction solar cell which utilizes an anisotropically etched 110-oriented silicon crystal wafer. The cell structure includes rounded corner top edges of the between cell channel walls in order to improve light capturing ability and also has pn-junctions disposed over all of the cavity internal surfaces. Additional pn-junctions are located on the rear surface of the cell array to assist in generated carrier collection into a rear mounted metallic conductor grid. The disclosed cell has desirable transducer efficiency, without the use of anti-reflection coatings, and previous improved physical robustness, and radiation hardening. Fabrication of the cell array includes an isotropic etch of the cell dividers and the anisotropic etching to form cell cavities.

Abstract: A control system for an aircraft or other man-machine system wherein the usual visual feedback system is characterized and is optimally supplemented by a secondary feel oriented feedback arrangement in which input signals are derived from either of two supplementary feedback signal sources and the resulting algorithms characterized mathematically. The disclosure includes several exemplary arrangements of the feedback systems in which some of the input parameters are of selected value. Mathematical characterization of the feedback paths is used.

Abstract: A memory system for histogramming the pulse descriptor word output of a radar warning receiver for initial processing of the received data for quickly determining the numbers and types of emitters in the system's environment. The disclosed apparatus histograms the number of pulses received in a given time interval versus scaled values of frequency and time differences of arrival plus it assigns available memory locations only when confirmed data is received. A typical histogram size of 1,024 (radio frequency) by 8,192 (time difference of arrival), or 8,388,608 pixels is disclosed along with comparisons and contrasts with less efficient conventional histogramming arrangements.

Abstract: A sensor having an interdigitated gate electrode field effect transistor (IGEFET) coupled to an electron beam evaporated copper phthalocyanine thin film is used to selectively detect parts-per-billion concentration levels of atmosphere contaminants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO.sub.2) and diisopropyl methylphosphonate (DIMP). The sensor is excited with a voltage pulse, and its time- and frequency-domain response are examined. The envelopes of the magnitude of the normalized difference frequency spectrums reveal features which unambiguously distinguish the NO.sub.2 and DIMP exposures.

Abstract: A wafer scale integration arrangement wherein integrated circuit die of varying size, fabrication processes, and function are commonly mounted in the same host wafer using a filled epoxy material of special characteristics. The mounting epoxy material also serves as a substrate for the die interconnecting conductors in regions adjacent the mounted die. The described assembly also includes a newly available photosensitive polyimide material as a planarization and passivation covering for the die and hose wafer and as a mounting surface for an interconnecting metal conductor array. Multiple levels of interconnection metal. Fabrication processes for the die to host wafer attachment and the passivation covering of the assembly are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved thermal neutron flux detector and measuring apparatus of the neutron induced transmutation type. The disclosed apparatus employs a plastic film electret and a fissionable material such as uranium-235 for generating energetic ion fission fragments-fragments which alter the electric potential of the electret in a measurable manner. Electret characteristics and fissionable material member fabrication are also disclosed along with uses of the instrument for dosimetry and other purposes.

Abstract: A technique for correcting the non-uniform illumination and return echo strength from a mapped area resulting from antenna beam shape and range loss effects in a batch high resolution synthetic aperture radar. The technique involves changing the radar receiver gain in a precisely defined compensating manner and eliminates amplitude roll off at the edges of the display map so that equal target returns are displayed at equal amplitudes at any point of the map. The compensation arrangement requires minimal memory and computational overhead and thereby achieves minimal impact on frame time of the displayed map. The disclosure includes a computer simulation of the radar system performnce and comparison of the simulated before and after compensation radar maps.

Abstract: Digital phase shifter bits of predetermined phase shift capability and lumped element network component fabrication arrangement are described. A variety of phase shifter bits including the capability of eleven and one-quarter, twenty-two and one-half, forty-five, ninety, and one hundred eighty degrees of phase shift are included. Also included are a number of high-pass/low-pass and switching transistor inclusive phase shifter bit arrangements. Both electrical schematic diagram and integrated circuit embodiments of the phase shifting networks are also disclosed.

Abstract: A small particle porous material rigid wicking structure and a method of fabrication therefor are disclosed. The structure is fabricated from micron sized uniformly graded and shaped powder particles using a viscous slurry starting material and a one step or multiple step heating sequence. Details describing typical heat pipe and battery component uses of the porous material are included. Superior liquid conveying performance is achieved with the described porous material.

Abstract: An aircraft windshield system which employs a relatively thin outer windshield member in combination with a thicker ballistic protection inner windshield member and a plurality of electively disposable specific threat protecting panel members is disclosed. The specific threat protecting panel members are arranged for storage during normal peacetime use of the aircraft, and for rapid and selective deployment into protecting positions when elected by the aircrew or as determined by a mission knowledgeable computer apparatus or other means. The results of studies indicating the desirability of multiple-panel windshield structures from both cost and performance viewpoints are also disclosed. The disclosed windshield system is especially applicable to future military aircraft such as the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) and Advanced Tactical Bomber, and may also be retrofitted to existing aircraft for upgrading purposes.

Abstract: A physiological well-being monitoring system especially suited for use by the pilot or other aircrew members of a high-performance aircraft such as a tactical aircraft is disclosed. The monitoring arrangement includes non-invasive sensing of arterial blood supply in the cranial adjacent portions of the pilot's body through the use of pulsating vascular bed optical signal transmission. The signal transmission is accomplished by way of sensors included in a pilot invisible and non-obstructing modification of, for example, the oxygen mask portion of the pilot life-support apparatus. Use of the physiological monitoring signals to generate alarm or assume control of the aircraft is also disclosed along with representative data associated with the sensed pilot physiological well-being indicators.