Abstract: A phase discriminating capacitive sensor array system which provides multiple sensor elements which are maintained at a phase and amplitude based on a frequency reference provided by a single frequency stabilized oscillator. Sensor signals provided by the multiple sensor elements are controlled by multiple phase control units, which correspond to the multiple sensor elements, to adjust the sensor signals from the multiple sensor elements based on the frequency reference. The adjustment made to the sensor signals is indicated by output signals which indicate the proximity of the object. The output signals may also indicate the closing speed of the object based on the rate of change of the adjustment made, and the edges of the object based on a sudden decrease in the adjustment made.

Abstract: A gamma ray collimator including a housing having first and second sections. The first section encloses a first section of depleted uranium which is disposed for receiving and supporting a radiation emitting component such as cobalt 60. The second section encloses a depleted uranium member which is provided with a conical cut-out focusing portion disposed in communication with the radiation emitting element for focusing the emitted radiation to the target.

Abstract: An outer race carrier (52) is constructed for receiving an outer race (26) of an antifriction bearing assembly (10). The carrier (52) in turn is slidably fitted in an opening (57) of a support wall to accommodate slight axial movements of a shaft (14). A plurality of longitudinal splines (54) on the carrier are disposed to be fitted into matching slots (56) in the opening (57). A deadband gap (60) is provided between sides of the splines and slots, with a radial gap (62) at ends of the splines and slots and a gap (59) between the splines and slots sized larger than the deadband gap. With this construction, operational distortions (slope) of the support wall are accommodated by the larger radial gaps (62, 59) while the deadband gaps (60) maintain a relatively high springrate of the housing. Additionally, side loads applied to the shaft are distributed between sides of the splines and slots, distributing such loads over a larger surface area than a race carrier (28) of the prior art.

Abstract: A screening assay for detecting the presence of Pseudomonas bacteria in a test sample comprising isolating the bacteria present in the sample, extracting Azurin protein from the periplasm within the bacteria, reacting the extract with an enzymatically labelled, Azurin-specific antibody and a color-producing substrate specific for the enzyme which is capable of producing a color distinct from the color generated by Azurin and reading the results of the reaction of the sample with the antibody to determine whether the color has been produced whereby the presence of Pseudomonas bacteria in the sample is indicated.

Abstract: An apparatus for image processing comprising a camera for receiving an original visual image and transforming the original visual image into an analog image, a first converter for transforming the analog image of the camera to a digital image, a processor having a single flow architecture for receiving the digital image and producing, with a single algorithm, an output image, a second converter for transforming the digital image of the processor to an analog image, and a viewer for receiving the analog image, transforming the analog image into a transformed visual image for observing the transformations applied to the original visual image. The processor comprises one or more subprocessors for the parallel reception of a digital image for producing an output matrix of the transformed visual image.

Abstract: Repulsion forces arising from laser beams are provided to produce mild positioning forces on a sample in microgravity vacuum environments. The system of the preferred embodiment positions samples using a plurality of pulsed lasers providing opposing repulsion forces. The lasers are positioned around the periphery of a confinement area and expanded to create a confinement zone. The grouped laser configuration, in coordination with position sensing devices, creates a feedback servo whereby stable position control of a sample within microgravity environment can be achieved.

Abstract: A system is described for determining motion of an object that is acoustically positioned in a standing wave field in a chamber. Sonic energy in the chamber is sensed, and variation in the amplitude of the sonic energy is detected, which is caused by linear motion, rotational motion, or drop shape oscillation of the object. Apparatus for detecting object motion can include a microphone (24) coupled to the chamber and a low pass filter (40) connected to the output of the microphone, which passes only frequencies below the frequency of sound produced by a transducer (18) that maintains the acoustic standing wave field. Knowledge about object motion can be useful by itself, can be useful to determine surface tension, viscosity, and other information about the object, and can be useful to determine the pressure and other characteristics of the acoustic field.

Abstract: In the field of viscoelastic dampers, a new strut design comprises a viscoelastic material sandwiched between multiple layers, some of which layers bear and dampen load force. In one embodiment, the layers are composite plies of opposing orientation. In another embodiment, the strut utilizes a viscoelastic layer sandwiched between V-shaped composite plies. In a third embodiment, a viscoelastic layer is sandwiched between sine-shaped plies. Strut strength is equal to or greater than conventional aluminum struts due to the unique high interlaminar shear ply design.

Abstract: An integrated, optoelectronic, variable thresholding neuron implemented monolithically in a GaAs integrated circuit and exhibiting high differential optical gain and low power consumption. Two alternative embodiments each comprise an LED monolithically integrated with a detector and two transistors. One of the transistors is responsive to a bias voltage applied to its gate for varying the threshold of the neuron. One embodiment is implemented as an LED monolithically integrated with a double heterojunction bipolar phototransistor (detector) and two metal semiconductor field-effect transistors (MESFET's) on a single GaAs substrate and another embodiment is implemented as an LED monolithically integrated with three MESFET's (one of which is an optical FET detector) on a single GaAs substrate. The first noted embodiment exhibits a differential optical gain of 6 and an optical switching energy of 10 pJ. The second embodiment has a differential optical gain of 80 and an optical switching energy or 38 pJ.

Abstract: A fault-tolerant random access memory for use in fault-tolerant computers. It comprises a plurality of memory chips each comprising a plurality of on-line testable and correctable memory cells disposed in rows and columns for holding individually addressable binary bits and provision for error detection incorporated into each memory cell for outputting an error signal whenever a transient error occurs therein. Each of the memory cells comprises a pair memory sub-cells for simultaneously receiving and holding a common binary data bit written to the memory cell and the error detection provision comprises comparator logic for continuously sensing and comparing the contents of the memory sub-cells to one another and for outputting the error signal whenever the contents do not match. In accordance with one feature of the invention, the memory systematically searches for an error in response to an error signal and corrects the error found by the search.

Abstract: An acoustic receiver for interfacing indirect-fire weapons with the Multi Integrated Laser Engagement System ("MILES") responds to the presence of a device when the device generates a predetermined acoustic signal upon simulated explosion. The simulator then momentarily disconnects the MILES power supply from the rest of the MILES circuit. This action causes the MILES to generate an audible alarm indicating a hit by the explosive device.

Abstract: An improved linkage assembly (10) provides for locking the pivotable position of one member (12) relative to another member (14). The linkage assembly permits the unlocking of these members, their subsequent repositioning, and the reliable relocking in a desired position without utilizing tooling. The first member (12) includes a pair of spaced apart support flanges (24,26) each having a through aperture (28) therein defining a flange female spline (29). The second member (14) has an end (42) positioned between the pair of support flanges (24,26) and also includes a through aperture (46 ) defining a pair of second member female splines (47). A pair of control members (84,86) are each slidably moveable along the common axis (32) and extend through the respective flanges (24,26). Each control member (84,86) has a male splined portion (66) which normally engages both the respective flange female spline and the second member female spline to lock the rotatable position of the first and second members.

Abstract: A method for pretreating a cellulosic waste product with microwaves is disclosed as well as a method and apparatus for converting cellulosic wastes into soluble saccharides. The invention greatly enhances a reaction rate for enzymatic hydrolysis. A feed mixture of cellulose, water and acetic acid are irradiated with microwaves at a superatmospheric pressure in an autoclave reaction vessel and the treated cellulose is enzymatically hydrolyzed in a bioreactor. The acid and enzymes are optionally separated for reuse. As a feed stock for the culture of microbes, the sugars can be further processed into ethanol or food protein. High yield, low hazard potential, low energy usage and ready preparation in space of acetic acid and the enzyme makes the present invention well suited for use on long duration space missions.

Abstract: A device for the determination of residual stress in a material sample consisting of a sensor coil, adjacent the material sample, whose resistance varies according to the amount of stress within the material sample, a mechanical push-pull machine for imparting a gradually increasing compressional and tensional force on the material sample, and an impedance gain/phase analyzer and PC for sending an input signal to and receiving an input signal from the sensor coil. The PC will measure and record the change in resistance of the sensor coil and the corresponding amount of strain of the sample. The PC will then determine from the measurements of change of resistance and corresponding strain of the sample the point at which the resistance of the sensor coil is at a minimum and the corresponding value and type of strain of the sample at that minimum resistance point thereby enabling a calculation of the residual stress in the sample.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for joining structures, an active structure (10) and a passive structure (12), and imposing a tensile pre-load on the joint by a remotely operable mechanism comprising a heat contractible joining element (15). The method and apparatus include mounting on the structure (10) a probe shaft (15) of material which is transformable from an expanded length to a contracted length when heated to a specific temperature range. The shaft (15) is provided with a probe head (21) which is receivable in a receptacle opening (41) formed in the passive structure (12) when the active structure (10) is moved into engagement therewith by an appropriate manipulator mechanism. A latching system (45) mounted on the structure (12) adjacent to the receptacle opening (41) captures the probe head (21) when the probe head (21) is inserted a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A neural network processor for solving first-order competitive assignment problems consists of a matrix of N.times.M processing units, each of which corresponds to the pairing of a first number of elements of {R.sub.i } with a second number of elements {C.sub.j }, wherein limits of the first number are programmed in row control superneurons, and limits of the second number are programmed in column superneurons as MIN and MAX values. The cost (weight) W.sub.ij of the pairings is programmed separately into each PU. For each row and column of PUs, a dedicated constraint superneuron insures that the number of active neurons within the associated row or column fall within a specified range. Annealing is provided by gradually increasing the PU gain for each row and column or increasing positive feedback to each PU, the latter being effective to increase hysteresis of each PU or by combining both of these techniques.

Abstract: A universal input device for interfacing a human operator with a slave machine such as a robot or the like includes a plurality of serially connected mechanical links extending from a base. A handgrip is connected to the mechanical links distal from the base such that a human operator may grasp the handgrip and control the position thereof relative to the base through the mechanical links. A plurality of rotary joints is arranged to connect the mechanical links together to provide at least three translational degrees of freedom and at least three rotational degrees of freedom of motion of the handgrip relative to the base. A cable and pulley assembly for each joint is connected to a corresponding motor for transmitting forces from the slave machine to the handgrip to provide kinesthetic feedback to the operator and for producing control signals that may be transmitted from the handgrip to the slave machine.

Abstract: Robot-friendly connectors, which, in one aspect are truss joints with two parts, a receptacle and a joint, the joint having a head which is loosely inserted into the receptacle and is then tightened and aligned; in one aspect, the head is a rounded hammerhead which initially is enclosed in the receptacle with a sloppy fit provided by the shape, size and configuration of surfaces on the head and on the receptacle.

Abstract: A method of matching a first query pattern with a plurality of stored data is disclosed. For each stored data pattern, the number of components are counted which are identical to corresponding components in the first query pattern, thereby forming a set of match numbers equals the number of components in any stored pattern, that stored data pattern is displayed as an output pattern set indicating a match. If no match exists then a second query pattern is determined by modifying the first query pattern, component by component, in dependence upon both a first, global influence of all stored patterns on all components of the first query pattern and a second, particular influence of all stored patterns on each respective component of the first query pattern. The first two method steps are then repeated using the second query pattern in place of the first query pattern. If no match a third query pattern similarly is determined by modifying the second query pattern.

Abstract: A quick-connect fastener of a relatively-simple straightforward design is arranged with a tubular body adapted to be engaged against an attachment fitting in coincidental alignment with an opening in that fitting. A tubular collet having flexible fingers projecting from its forward end is arranged in the fastener body to be shifted forwardly by an elongated expander member coaxially arranged within the tubular collet for advancing the collet fingers into the opening in the attachment fitting. Biasing means are arranged between the elongated expander member and a rotatable actuator which is threadedly mounted within the tubular collet so as to be rotated for urging the expander member into engagement with the collet fingers.