Abstract: A federated system comprising a plurality of input/output circuit card assemblies and a Firewire or other daisy-chainable bus that provides low latency communication between a host computer and peripheral devices. A single circuit card assembly is used to interface to each peripheral device, and communication between the host computer and peripheral device may be made using a plurality of different communication protocols. The input/output circuit card assembly is daisy-chainable and incorporates circuitry that implements a bus constructed to Firewire (IEEE-1394) and other electrical specifications.

Abstract: Fiber optic delay lines in the form of a modified corporate feed having progressive phase delays and a corporate feed having equal phase delays are used to couple RF modulated light signals to detecting, mixing, amplifying and radiating devices of an active array radar. Different RF signals may be sent over the same fiber delay lines using different light colors (or wavelengths) so that the RF modulated signals in the fiber delay lines do not interact with each other. The RF signals can be put on and taken out of the fiber lines using wavelength division multiplexers, for example. This provides an array with a single optical manifold that allows simultaneous full aperture operation at multiple frequencies and/or beams over a wide operating frequency range.

Abstract: A flexible, electrically-conductive, one-component epoxy adhesive composition and method for making the same are provided. The present adhesive composition comprises: (a) at least one polyepoxide resin having a hardness not exceeding a durometer Shore D reading of about 45 when cured with a stoichiometric amount of diethylene triamine; (b) a substantially stoichiometric amount of curing agent including at least one amine-terminated butadiene-acrylonitrile polymer; and (c) an electrically-conductive filler. The epoxy adhesive, upon cure, has a volume resistivity not exceeding about 10.sup.-3 ohm-cm at room temperature and a drop resistance such that a 6-mil-thick (0.015 cm) bond effected by the adhesive can withstand at least six 60-inch (152 cm) drops onto a hard surface. Optional components in the epoxy adhesive include secondary rigid and semi-rigid epoxy resins, secondary amine curing agents, non-reactive flexibilizers, diluents, and processing aids.

Abstract: A projectile is propelled from a location in air, through an air/water interface, and toward a submerged underwater object. The projectile includes a forward end that forms a cavitation void around the projectile in water, avoiding water drag on the remainder of the projectile. The projectile further includes an outwardly flared or finned rearward end that aerodynamically stabilizes the projectile in air and flare stabilizes it in water, in each case against yaw.

Abstract: A composite structure is fabricated by providing a mandrel having a winding surface and placing a shaped plug into the winding surface so that it extends from the winding surface. An uncured composite material is wound over the winding surface of the mandrel and laterally adjacent to the shaped plug. The composite material is cured, and the shaped plug and mandrel are removed. The shaped plug may be provided with an overlying bushing that is bonded to the composite material during curing and is not removed with the remainder of the shaped plug.

Abstract: A corona discharge pollutant destruction reactor employs two or more electrodes to enhance the effective corona discharge treatment volume by distributing a varying electric field pattern over the reactor's interior chamber. Appropriate delay circuitry allows the inner electrodes to be driven out of phase with each other by a sinusoidal voltage waveform, or corona producing voltage pulses to be cyclically supplied to the inner electrodes in sequence, preferably without overlapping the pulses.

Abstract: A wide memory architecture is provided for storing data associated with a vector processor. Additionally, a method for accessing a wide memory architecture is provided. The wide memory architecture includes a memory for storing an array of vector operands. The memory is coupled to a data bus which provides an access pathway connecting the memory to a processor. The wide memory architecture further includes at least one staging buffer disposed between the memory and the processor. The staging buffer is capable of providing intermediate storage of a vector operand upon which a function can be performed by the processor.

Abstract: Power dividing apparatus comprising a T-junction and an E-plane step transformer having a phase slope equal and opposite to the phase slope of the T-junction, so that the overall phase slope through the T-junction and E-plane step transformer is minimized over a wide range of frequencies.

Abstract: Architectures for a ferroelectric memory which avoids the half select phenomenon and the problems associated with destructive readout. Non-destructive readout is provided by measuring current through the ferroelectric memory as a measure of its resistance. Information is stored in the ferroelectric memory element by altering its resistance through a polarizing voltage. The half select phenomenon is avoided by using isolation techniques. In various embodiments, zener diodes or bipolar junction transistors are used for isolation.

Abstract: A modular enclosure system particularly suited for use aboard a ship comprises a modular enclosure which is easily installed into and removed from an exoskeletal frame that is shock-mounted to a fixed surface, such as the deck of a ship. An enclosure is installed by placing it within a respective frame via complementary guide rails. A securing mechanism locks the enclosure into place within the frame, and an ejection mechanism enables an enclosure to be easily removed for purposes of maintenance, repair or reconfiguration, or in the event of an emergency. The enclosures are preferably water-tight and float if ejected into the sea. Rubberized boots surrounding all points of entry enhance the survivability of the enclosures in a nuclear/biological/chemical (NBC) environment. Shock-mounting the frames to the deck eliminates the need to shock-mount individual pieces of equipment and enables the use of cheaper and more readily available commercial off-the-shelf equipment.

Abstract: Autocalibration circuitry and an algorithm (method) for aligning interstage gain within a high resolution multipass analog-to-digital converter. The interstage gain alignment technique maximizes the signal-to-noise ratio and spurious free dynamic range of the multipass analog-to-digital converter. The multipass analog-to-digital converter uses an m-bit course analog-to-digital converter and an n-bit fine analog-to-digital converter whose input is derived from an m-bit digital-to-analog converter. Output words of the course and fine analog-to-digital converters are combined to produce an output word of the multipass analog-to-digital converter. The present invention applies a random signal into the m-bit digital-to-analog converter. The digital output of the n-bit fine analog-to-digital converter is statistically examined to discern the gain misalignment error.

Abstract: A biconical antenna having fully adjustable design parameters. The biconical antenna has a coaxial feed having outer and inner conductors. A lower support structure secures a lower cone to the outer conductor. An upper support structure secures an upper cone to the inner conductor. A dielectric window support is disposed between the lower and upper support structures. To make the antenna relatively lightweight, each cone may be made of sheet metal plates that are connected to the lower and upper cone support structures. A reservoir is formed within the upper cone. Dielectric material, such as oil, is disposed within the antenna. Air bubble escape holes are disposed in the upper support structure so that air bubbles that are formed at the coaxial feed can escape to the reservoir. The holes do not allow electromagnetic power leakage between the coaxial feed and the reservoir, and the position of the holes is such that the air bubbles rise from the coaxial feed into the reservoir.

Abstract: A frequency upconversion circuit in a millimeter wave radio transmitter uses a low frequency synthesizer and a parallel frequency mixing and multiplication network for converting a low frequency signal to a millimeter wave radio frequency (RF) signal. A frequency downconversion circuit in a millimeter wave radio receiver uses a low frequency synthesizer and a parallel frequency mixing and multiplication network for converting a millimeter wave RF signal to a low frequency signal.

Abstract: A system and a method of designing and mechanical packaging of pumped laser resonator elements to minimize their size. All the elements of the compact pumped laser resonator assembly are placed on a monolithic block mount, which substitutes and functions as a laser diode heatsink, a laser resonator cavity mount, and an optical bench. The laser optical cavity has a plurality of bends, in order to decrease the size of the assembly, and the laser resonator optical elements include fold prisms, a reflector, a retroreflector and an intracavity optical Q-switch. A miniaturized diode array pumped laser resonator assembly using a miniature monolithic block mount may have a volume of less than one cubic inch and dimensions less than or equal to about 30 mm.times.25 mm.times.13 mm in metric units, and may weigh less than two ounces or 56 g, while providing a laser power of more than 1 mJ, thereby creating a very small but highly powerful pumped laser resonator assembly.

Abstract: An in-line valve flow controller for a Joule-Thomson cryostat. The controller has an in-line valve stem that is part of, and is collinear with, an actuation stem of the cryostat. Both the in-line valve stem and actuation stem sit in an orifice of the Joule-Thomson cryostat. This arrangement automatically positions the valve stem over its valve seat. The in-line valve flow controller integrates with a temperature dependent snap disk that is used to close the valve stem against the valve seat. Initial flow rate is determined only by the diameter of the orifice of the Joule-Thomson cryostat, and not by valve position. Bypass flow is aso set by the diameter of the orifice, which is not subject wear, and the valve stem prevents contaminates from clogging the orifice.

Abstract: A portable, low cost, laser detection system which generates an alarm signal that can be used to produce visual and/or audible warnings indicating the range, location and type laser energy detected. Such laser detection system utilizes a cooperating quadraplex sensor assembly, to provide a complete 360 degree laser detection coverage, mounted on a helmet assembly which includes a helmet shell, a cushioned impact liner coextensive with the interior surface of the helmet shell and a suspended crown support liner the combination of which provides enhanced protection of the user and stabilization of the laser detection system.

Abstract: A window is made of a curved piece of a transparent material having a front surface and a back surface. At least one of the front surface and the back surface has a shape which is a segment of a convex aspheric shape rotated about a center, otherwise known as a torus.

Abstract: An adaptive signal level detector. The inventive detector includes a first circuit for receiving an input signal and providing a second signal identical to said input signal and delayed relative thereto. The amplitude of the delayed signal is compared to the maximum amplitude of the input signal. When the second signal is at a predetermined level relative to the input signal an output signal is provided. In a specific implementation, the invention (10) includes a first circuit (18) for detecting the signal level of the transmitted signal and providing a second signal in response thereto. The second signal is a logarithmic representation of the input signal The second signal is delayed (20) to provide a third signal. The third signal is subtracted (24) from the second signal to provide a fourth signal. When the fourth signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, an output signal is provided.

Abstract: A three-dimensional stacked electrical circuit assembly that uses spherical or cylindrical metallic contacts that are surface mounted to input and output pads of circuit substrates that contact recessed wire button contacts disposed in cavities formed in a nonmetallic spacer disposed between the substrates. Each metallic contact fits into a through hole in the spacer and makes contact with a separate wire button contact in the through hole of the spacer. The metallic contacts are recessed within the spacer and are protected from contamination and handling damage. Back-to-back spacers may be employed that use plungers to make contact between wire button contacts disposed therein. The wire button contacts are recessed in the through holes, which provides for an interconnect system having low contact resistance, high current capacity, low contact force, and the ability to customize the shape of the spacer.

Abstract: A phase locked loop that enables highly precise tracking and phase locking of a synthesized clock signal to a reference clock signal. The phase locked loop has a memory that enables highly precise tracking and phase locking of a synthesized clock signal to its reference clock signal. The phase locked loop predicts the exact delay setting required for a frequency match, so that over-shoots and under-shoots around a desired frequency are minimized, and correction sizes are bounded to a relatively small region in the proximity of the desired frequency. The phase locked loop uses a dynamically programmable digital delay line to implement a variable frequency oscillator. The programmable delay line is used to produce a desired synthesized clock period. The phase locked loop provides an oscillator source whose period is determined by a delay derived from a clock distribution circuit plus a delay derived from the programmable delay line.