Abstract: Performance of an inertial navigation system (INS) corrected with GPS position data is enhanced with the addition of a filter that smooths the GPS-INS position difference data and couples the smoothed data to the INS position data. Difference data provided to the filter is edited to eliminate GPS-INS position data that excceeds a predetermined level. Performance is further improved by applying position resets from the INS Kalman filter in a ramp like manner.

Abstract: A liquid level and weight sensor utilizes a pressure sensor of any type positioned at the base of the liquid or weight. A second pressure sensor is positioned external to the liquid or weight to measure the ambient pressure. Ambient pressure is subtracted from the total pressure indicated by the base positioned pressure sensor to determine the actual pressure exerted by the liquid or weight on the base positioned sensor. The actual pressure is then utilized in the calculation of liquid level or weight. The determination of liquid level requires that both the pressure and density of the liquid be known. When the density of the liquid is not known, a third pressure sensor is inserted in the tank at a known level above the first. The differential pressure and differential level are determinative of the liquid's density.

Abstract: An RF-insensitive semiconductor slapper ignitor is created using a silicon ubstrate having a first metallized portion centrally located on its bottom face to form a Schottky barrier diode thereon, and a second substantially smaller metallized portion centrally located on its top face to form a consumable plug. A flyer disc is disposed atop the second metallized portion and is propelled when the consumable plug vaporizes in response to the high current density associated with ignition. In various embodiments the flyer disc is either an insulating material such as plastic, or polyimide, or formed integral to a top contact metal layer.

Abstract: An RF-insensitive semiconductor ignitor and primer cup assembly is created sing a double polished n-type silicon substrate having its top and bottom surfaces partially metallized to form Schottky barrier diodes. The metallized portion of the back side of the substrate is placed in contact with a conductive surface, and means are provided to electrically isolate those portions of the substrate which have not been metallized from both the metallized portions and the conductive surface. In one embodiment, the isolating means is an integral oxide ring which extends from the periphery of the contact metal to the edge of the substrate. In another embodiment, the means of isolation is a separate plastic ring.

Abstract: A continuous bore evacuation system for aspirating the noxious gas products associated with the firing of tank rounds and for cooling all or part of the gun barrel between rounds. The bore evacuator employs an annular container which is fixed to the exterior surface of the gun barrel, preferably just ahead of the powder chamber. A plurality of canted ports lead from the container into the bore so that gas products can fill the container after a projectile passes the ports, and a compressed gas can be pumped in through check-valves to continuously clear the bore of gas products after launch. The ports may be arranged in a cochlear manner so that the flow of gas is substantially helical. In another embodiment, an aerosol solvent is injected into the compressed gas to prevent accumulation of propellant residue within the container, check-valves, and bore evacuator holes.

Abstract: A radio frequency gasket assembly having a flexible hollow tube enveloped a conductive layer, and filled with an incompressible fluid. In one embodiment thereof, the undeformed gasket is filled with a sufficient volume of incompressible fluid such that when the gasket is compressed proper contact pressure is achieved between adjacent conductive surfaces of the enclosure. In another embodiment thereof, the undeformed gasket is filled completely with an incompressible fluid, such as ethylene glycol. When the gasket is compressed, a portion of the fluid is allowed to collect in a spring-loaded reservoir, preventing excessive pressure build-up and rupture. When the compressive force is removed, the collected fluid re-enters the gasket.

Abstract: An optical deflection device for redirecting and/or focusing a high-power collimated beam of light, comprising an optically transparent gas-filled hollow sphere, and a plurality of gas-filled lenses positioned within the sphere. When photorefractive or optically non-linear gases are used within the sphere and lenses, a second beam of light made to travel along the path of the original beam, will result in a local change of refractive index of the gas, thereby altering the path of the original beam. In separate embodiments thereof, the lenses may be mechanically repositioned, the internal pressure of the sphere varied, or a combination of these and the foregoing accomplished.

Abstract: A radio frequency gasket assembly having a flexible hollow tube enveloped a conductive layer, and filled with a compressible fluid, or a combination of both compressible and incompressible fluids. In one embodiment thereof, the undeformed gasket is filled completely with a compressible fluid, such as air. When the gasket is compressed, a portion of the fluid is allowed to collect in a spring-loaded reservoir, maintaining at all times a substantially constant internal pressure. When the compressive force is removed, the collected fluid re-enters the gasket, which may then assume its original undeformed profile. In another embodiment thereof, the undeformed gasket is filled with a mixture of both compressible and incompressible fluids. When the gasket is compressed, a portion of the compressible fluid is evacuated or collected in a spring-loaded reservoir or the like, maintaining at all times a substantially constant internal pressure.

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: The overflow tube and ball valve of a conventional water tank are replaced with a collapsible tube, one end of which is located above the water outlet of the tank, and the other end of which is located above the water line in the tank and able to be compressed to allow water to flow through the tube thereby flushing the tank. The volume of water expelled from the tank is controlled by choosing an appropriate amount of compression. The compressed tube returns to its original height after flushing. In one embodiment of the invention, a handle on the exterior of the tank cover is used to compress the tube in a plunger-like motion. The handle is provided with markings corresponding to the amount of water flushed for a given vertical displacement of the handle. In another embodiment of the invention, a lever is positioned on the front wall of the tank and is able to cause rotation of a cantilever beam. At the free end of the beam is a connection to a vertical rod which is depressed by rotation of the lever.

Abstract: A sabot for a shotgun shell provided with a recess in its base upon which opellant gases may act to radially expand and flatten the sabot thereby enhancing the dispersion of shot. In alternate embodiments the recess may be conoidal, parabolic, pyramidal, or an involute surface resembling a cone. The recess may also be comprised of multiple overlapping layers. Each recess provides a unique shot pattern for short-range antipersonnel engagements. In other embodiments, the foregoing recesses are provided with grooves to facilitate petalling of the recess and flattening of the sabot during and after launch. In another embodiment, the recess is filled with propellant and capped with a consumable plug to delay ignition of the propellant charge, further enhancing shot dispersion.

Abstract: A sabot for a shotgun shell provided with a recess in its base upon which opellant gases may act to radially expand and flatten the sabot thereby enhancing the dispersion of shot. In alternate embodiments the recess may be conoidal, parabolic, pyramidal, or an involute surface resembling a cone. The recess may also be comprised of multiple overlapping layers. Each recess provides a unique shot pattern for short-range antipersonnel engagements. In other embodiments, the foregoing recesses are provided with grooves to facilitate petalling of the recess and flattening of the sabot during and after launch. In another embodiment, the recess is filled with propellant and capped with a consumable plug to delay ignition of the propellant charge, further enhancing shot dispersion.

Abstract: A sabot for a shotgun shell provided with a recess in its base upon which opellant gases may act to radially expand and flatten the sabot thereby enhancing the dispersion of shot. In alternate embodiments the recess may be conoidal, parabolic, pyramidal, or an involute surface resembling a cone. The recess may also be comprised of multiple overlapping layers. Each recess provides a unique shot pattern for short-range antipersonnel engagements. In other embodiments, the foregoing recesses are provided with grooves to facilitate petalling of the recess and flattening of the sabot during and after launch. In another embodiment, the recess is filled with propellant and capped with a consumable plug to delay ignition of the propellant charge, further enhancing shot dispersion.

Abstract: A sonar sensor comprising a substantially non-corrodible housing and a fluidic gainblock disposed therein. In addition, one or more fluid-filled laminar proportional amplifiers are arranged either in series or in parallel and contained within the fluidic gainblock. Means are provided to produce a jet within each laminar proportional amplifier, which is then modulated by incoming acoustic signals. The pressure caused by diverting the jet from its equilibrium path is proportional to, but greater than, the incoming acoustic signal. Hydrophones are used to convert the amplified acoustic signal into an electrical signal. In one embodiment, the fluidic gainblock is free-flooded and open to the liquid environment in which it is used, obviating the need for pressure equalization. In another embodiment, the fluidic gainblock is provided with filtering means for prevent the accumulation of sediment within the cavities making up the laminar proportional amplifiers.

Abstract: A sabot comprised of a frangible material, having a substantially smooth er surface, and an inner surface which accommodates one or more penetrators. The sabot is capable of surviving gun launching and flight without disintegration. In one embodiment the sabot is comprised of a material which will disintegrate upon impact with a cardboard sheet having a thickness of 0.05" to 0.10" when travelling at a velocity between 4920 and 6890 feet per second. A preferred material is nylon 6/6. In another embodiment the sabot forms an aerodynamic shell about the penetrator or penetrators, allowing disks and other aerodynamically unstable penetrators to be launched.

Abstract: A shadow mask for sputtering is formed from a single crystal silicon wafer which is mechanically and chemically polished to produce top and bottom surfaces which are substantially flat and parallel to one another. The wafer is provided with one or more pyramidal etch pits which are arranged in a pattern. Each pit has a substantially square cross-section on the top surface, and a smaller substantially square cross-section on the bottom surface to produce an aperture in the wafer. In use, the wafer is clamped against a flat substrate with its apertures opening toward the evaporant beam. After use, the deposited species may be cleaned from the wafer using suitable etchants which render the wafer unharmed, and therefore reusable.

Abstract: A multi-channel/multi-layer optical gate contained within a fiber-optic housing having any number of optical cells disposed within the housing. The optical cells are made up of non-linear organic polymers surrounded by a piezoelectric crystal, which is in turn connected to a photovoltaic device. When the photovoltaic device is activated, the piezoelectric crystals cause the non-linear organic polymers to change their refractive index, causing an interruption of a reference laser beam. An output detector is disposed within the fiber-optic housing for detecting the reference laser beam.

Abstract: A hand tool for joining two lengths of a chicken wire fence or a plurality f parallel wires. The tool comprises a circular disk which is notched so as to accept a plurality of wires, and a ratcheting box end wrench which is notched in a similar manner. The disk is either welded to, or mechanically affixed, to the rotating sleeve of the wrench so that subsequent rotation of the disk by means of ratcheting will result in a joining of the engaged wires.

Abstract: An erasure system for magnetic information storage media is disclosed by which magnetic media, such as computer, video and audio tapes, cassettes and discs, can be thoroughly erased. The system uses high energy product permanent magnets preferably positioned so that their poles repel one another to induce "bucking magnetic fields" having lines of force active in the three spatial planes and parallel or tangential to the recorded signal track on the media being erased. The DC magnetic field thus applied causes the DC erasure of the media. The AC erasure effect comes about through the relative movement of the media through fixed magnetic fields of opposite polarity, causing the magnetic media to be subjected to a reversing polarity of magnetic saturation. The magnet configurations can be adjusted for use on helically recorded magnetic media, in addition to cross-field and conventional recording techniques.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of imaging moving targets with an aircraft mounted complex radar system has a plurality of independent, but synchronized synthetic aperture radars (SARs) positioned on the aircraft at equal separation distance .DELTA.x along the flight velocity vector V.sub.p of the aircraft. Frequency modulated (or otherwise coded) pulses are transmitted therefrom with an interpulse period T.sub.p, where 1/T.sub.p is an integral multiple of V.sub.p /.DELTA.x. The pulse repetition frequency, platform velocity, and spacing between adjacent SARs are all chosen to create the effect of a stationary radar momentarily fixed in space. A two dimensional complex IF (intermediate frequency) output signal is recovered by the first SAR on the aircraft. This signal is identical to that recovered by a conventional SAR. The two dimensions are fast time and downtract position. If only one point target is present, the IF output signal is the point target's phase history.