Abstract: A torque motor includes an annular, cylindrically symmetric, stationary inner support ring having an outer surface, and a plurality of inner permanent magnets affixed to the outer surface of the inner support ring. The torque motor further includes an annular, cylindrically symmetric, stationary outer support ring overlying the inner support ring and having an inner surface, and a plurality of outer permanent magnets affixed to the inner surface of the outer support ring. There is an annular, cylindrically symmetric, rotationally movable rotor body ring lying between the inner support ring and the outer support ring, wherein the movable rotor body ring has a plurality of openings therethrough. A plurality of electromagnet rotor coils is supported in the openings on the movable rotor body ring.

Abstract: A system for correcting detector array channel signal output level non-uniformities in a thermal imaging system. The non-uniformity correction system includes a target scene detector (27) having an array of detector elements (26a, 26b) responsive to energy from a detected target scene (14) and including a plurality of associated output channels (31, 32). The system includes a memory (62) for storing non-uniformity correction commands and a processor (82) operative to implement the non-uniformity commands in response to detected non-uniformities in the output channels signal. The system also includes a non-uniformity corrector (60) for adjusting the level of the output channels in response to commands from the processor (82).

Abstract: A conductively cooled flashlamp (30) for use solid state lasers. The flashlamp (30) has an elongated heat sink (31) with a reflective center channel (32), and a flashlamp tube (12) disposed in the channel (32) that extends beyond the ends of the channel (32). Heat conducting gaskets (37a, 37b) are disposed around respective ends of the envelope (34) that separate the tube (12) from the heat sink (31) to provide an air gap (35) therebetween. Clamps (36a, 36b) contact the gaskets (37a, 37b) and secure the envelope (34) to the heat sink (31). Electrodes (25a, 25b) of the tube (12) extend away from the ends of the tube (12) and heavy wires (38a, 38b) are connected to the electrodes (25a, 25b) and extend longitudinally away from the respective electrodes (25a, 25b). Heat conducting, electrically insulating heat sink members (41a, 41b) are disposed at opposite distal ends of the heat sink (31), and wire clamps (42a, 42b) secure the wires 38a, 38b to the heat sink members (41a, 41b).

Abstract: A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) for generating a high-precision analog output signal corresponding to a non-linear function, such as a sine function, of a digital input quantity, without the need for large numbers of precision current generators. Binary weighted current sources provide currents that, when selectively combined to provide a single output current, are approximately equivalent to the non-linear function of the digital input quantity, and an interpolation network provides an interpolation current that is added to the output current. The interpolation network may be selected to provide linear or non-linear interpolation between output current values. In other disclosed embodiments, multiple interpolation networks are used, either to provide different interpolation techniques for different ranges of input values, or to be connected effectively in series to provide for still greater accuracy without using additional current sources.

Abstract: In a prefer embodiment, an integrated transformer and inductor on a singe core structure to provide an impedance matching function and an inductor in series with the transformer's secondary which includes: a transformer core structure having a primary leg, a secondary leg, and a center leg containing an air gap, said center leg disposed parallel to said primary leg and secondary leg, whereby said air gap provides control of said inductor value; a primary winding on said primary leg; and a secondary winding on said secondary leg.

Abstract: Night vision apparatus including an infrared night vision sensor having a selected field of view and a display panel positioned for displaying an image detected by the sensor, the display panel having a display aspect ratio optimized based upon the horizontal dimension of the field of view of the infrared sensor such that the display aspect ratio decreases as the horizontal field of view narrows.

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: An interfacing system adapted for use with integrated circuits and accompanying devices. The inventive system includes an array of field emissive devices (36) which emit an electrons in response to input signals from multiple first circuits (14) on a first substrate (16). The field emissive devices (36) are located on the first substrate (16). An array of detectors (38) on a second substrate (20) receive the electrons across a (gap (42) between the first substrate (16) and the second substrate (20). A potential difference in response to a source of potential (22) between the first substrate (16) and the second substrate (20) accelerates the electrons across the vacuum gap (42). The interfacing system (10) may be constructed with a diameter of less than ten micrometers. Hence, two substrates with multiple circuits may be interfaced with many thousands of parallel connections per square centimeter without the need for multiplexing.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus for detecting the angular position, rotational speed, and/or acceleration of a rotatable member, including: an annular magnetic source circumferentially disposed on the rotatable member and rotatable therewith; a directional magnetometer having a toroidal core, disposed at a location in proximity to the magnetic source, with the rotatable member passing through the toroidal core, the directional magnetometer being oriented so as to detect the amplitude and/or change of amplitude of only a tangential magnetic flux field component of the magnetic source, and to provide outputs indicative thereof; and apparatus to receive the outputs and to determine therefrom the angular position, rotational speed, and/or acceleration of the rotatable member.

Abstract: An optical mount secures an optical component so that its freedom of movement is restricted in all directions. The mount uses a spring retainer assembly to urge the optical component against various faces of the mount. The mount is especially well suited for work with crystals, such as frequency doubling or optical parametric oscillation crystals.

Abstract: A thermal imaging device (10) receives thermal infrared radiation from a viewed scene and responsively provides a visible image replicating the viewed scene. The imaging device (10) has a main housing with an optical aperture (16) at which a lens assembly (12) is attached. The lens assembly (12) has a number of lenses (200, 204, 208, 212, 216) sequentially mounted within a cylindrical housing (146), and defining an optical axis (199). A field-of-view-change mechanism (228) allows a user to select a wide field of view or a narrow field of view. The field-of-view-change mechanism (228) includes a rotatable field-of-view (FOV) ring (226) which rotates a tumbler (210) with a pair of lenses (208, 212) mounted therein. The tumbler (210) is positioned between a first position providing a wide field of view and a second position providing a narrow field of view.

Abstract: A current source that uses a regulated constant current power source to supply current to drive a load, and the load current is controlled by shunt switches. If a plurality of loads utilize less than 50% duty factor, then one current source can drive N multiple dissimilar impedance loads, each at 100%/N duty factor. The current source includes a power converter coupled between the power source and the load(s) for providing pulsed current thereto. A current sensor is provided for sensing current flowing through the loads. A controller is coupled between the sensor and the power converter for regulating the amplitude of the output current supplied to the loads. A shunt switch is coupled across the loads, and a duty factor controller is coupled to the shunt switch for setting the duty factor of the shunt switch. A laser drive circuit, or driving light emitting diode arrays is also disclosed that include a plurality of the current sources.

Abstract: A linear displacement device (1) is provided with a lead screw (24) having a helical threaded portion (70) and a roller nut assembly (10). The roller nut assembly (10) includes a housing (50) having openings (52, 54) for receiving the lead screw (24) therethrough. A pair of bearings (56, 58) are supported within said housing (50). The bearings (56, 58) each have an inner race (60), an outer race (62) and a plurality of balls (64) disposed between the inner and outer races (60, 62). A spring (94) is disposed between the pair of bearings (56, 58), for biasing the bearings (56, 58) apart. The bearings (56, 58) are provided with a flank engaging portion (66) for engaging the flank (68, 72) of a helical threaded portion (70) of the lead screw (24) and a crest contacting portion (74) for engaging a crest (76) of the helical threaded portion (70) of the lead screw (24).

Abstract: A virtual image instrument panel display (20) has a display source (22) and reflective elements (24, 26). The display source (22) generates a beam (28) including an image to be viewed. The reflecting elements (24, 26) receive the beam and provide a virtual image of the image of the beam. The virtual image is focused on a viewing plane at a predetermined and substantial virtual distance away from the user to enable easy eye focus transition between the virtual image and distant objects. The folded nature of the optical system provides for a compact package suitable for installation in an automotive dashboard.

Abstract: A slide rule permits rapid calculations of parameters used in the Six Sigma quality analysis program. For a given number of defects per product and a known number of parts per product (opportunities), the device permits rapid calculation of the number of defects per million opportunities as well as various statistical relationships, with a single movement of the slide.

Abstract: A low cost night vision system for use in connection with law enforcement vehicles, marine vessels, and other nonmilitary surface vehicles. The invention includes a night vision camera having an array of uncooled detectors. A mechanism is provided for adjusting the pointing angle of the night vision camera in response to scan control signals. Output signals from the uncooled detectors are further processed into a standard video format and displayed on a conventional display located, for example, within a vehicle or marine vessel.

Abstract: An improved circuit and method of making precise time of arrival measurements on optical pulse data of relatively varying widths. The invention provides an analog input pulse representing received optical pulse data, along with a delayed version of the analog input pulse. The time of delay is set such that the original analog pulse and the delayed analog pulse cross each other at a predetermined point. This cross-over consistently occurs at the same point on the signal independent of the size or shape of the analog pulse. Preferably, the cross-over occurs at approximately 70% of the analog pulse amplitude. The cross-over point between the original pulse and the delayed pulse triggers the generation of the leading edge of a time of arrival pulse.

Abstract: An automated system and method for testing a sensor by evaluating the output thereof with respect to a known target. The advantageous method includes the step of acquiring an output signal from the sensor in response to a known target, said output including signature signal S, random noise N.sub.R and fixed pattern noise N.sub.FP. Next, the sensor output signal is processed to provide a first signal which includes essentially signature signal S and fixed pattern noise N.sub.FP, a second signal which includes essentially random noise N.sub.R and a third signal which includes essentially fixed pattern noise N.sub.FP. The third signal is adaptively filtered to provide a filtered signal fixed pattern noise signal N'.sub.FP. The filtered signal N'.sub.FP is subtracted from the first signal to extract a signature S. In a particular embodiment, the signature is processed to acquire a modulation transfer function and a signal peak baseline therefrom.

Abstract: An optical device comprising a glass prism that functions as a 180.degree. fold prism and a quarter-wave retarder. The optical device comprises a 180.degree. folding glass prism having first and second total internal reflecting surfaces that provides a 90.degree. phase shift of laser energy at a plurality of wavelengths propagating therethrough. The composition of the glass prism is selected so that its refractive index provides a 45.degree. shift at each of first and second total internal reflecting surfaces. Dispersion in the glass is chosen to be small enough so that the phase shift of the energy propagating therethrough is relatively insensitive to wavelength. Consequently, the prism also functions as a quarter-wave retarder at the plurality of wavelengths.

Abstract: A laser system includes a laser resonator cavity having a resonant path and an Er,Yb:glass lasing element with an output of from about 1.5 to about 1.6 micrometers within the laser resonator cavity. A diode array optically pumps the lasing element to emit light. A Q-switch lies along the resonant path within the laser resonator cavity. The Q-switch is formed of a host material having a concentration of uranium ions therein, so as to be a saturable absorber of the light emitted by the lasing element. The Q-switch is preferably a uranium-doped fluoride such as U:CaF.sub.2, U:SrF.sub.2, or U:BaF.sub.2.