Abstract: A method and the benefits resulting from the product thereof are disclosed for the growth of large, low-defect single-crystals of tetrahedrally-bonded crystal materials. The process utilizes a uniquely designed crystal shape whereby the direction of rapid growth is parallel to a preferred crystal direction. By establishing several regions of growth, a large single crystal that is largely defect-free can be grown at high growth rates. This process is particularly suitable for producing products for wide-bandgap semiconductors, such as SiC, GaN, AlN, and diamond. Large low-defect single crystals of these semiconductors enable greatly enhanced performance and reliability for applications involving high power, high voltage, and/or high temperature operating conditions.

Abstract: A structure embodying a switch and method of operating thereof for creating a latching switch is disclosed. The latching switch utilizes an electrorheologic fluid and the electronic latch function thereof is actuated by a pressure signal and deactivated by the removal of both the pressure signal and a holding voltage.

Abstract: An artificial neural network is disclosed that processes holography generated characteristic patterns of vibrating structures along with finite-element models. The present invention provides for a folding operation for conditioning training sets for optimally training forward-neural networks to process characteristic fringe patterns. The folding pattern increases the sensitivity of the feed-forward network for detecting changes in the characteristic pattern. The folding routine manipulates input pixels so as to be scaled according to the location in an intensity range rather than the position in the characteristic pattern.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method that enables and improves wide bandgap homoepitaxial layers to be grown on axis single crystal substrates, particularly SiC. The lateral positions of the screw dislocations in epitaxial layers are predetermined instead of random, which allows devices to be reproducibly patterned to avoid performance degrading crystal defects normally created by screw dislocations.

Abstract: Gas sensor devices are provided having an atomically flat silicon carbide top surface that, in turn, provides for a uniform, and reproducible surface thereof.

Abstract: A reflective display system is disclosed that utilizes four overlapping layers of colored dye injected into channels so as to provide a pixel assembly operatively responsive to present an image for human viewing. Each of the four layers contains one color of the CMYK color method. The reflective display system injects packets of colored liquid or transparent fluid into the channels made of transparent material and each channel carries one of the colored liquids. Each of the pixel assemblies is defined by the width of the channel in one direction and the size of the liquid colored packet within the channel in the orthogonal direction. The color of the pixel is defined by the stacking of the liquid dyed colored packets at a particular location when viewed against a white substrate.

Abstract: The Fuze Safety Logic is disclosed that guards against erroneous responses created by accidents or by accidental releases of submunitions of payloads being carried by explosive ordnances. The fuze safety logic provides provisions for conservation of battery internal power, while at the same time ensures the maintenance of proper safety features of the explosive ordnances.

Abstract: A high voltage bulkhead connector is disclosed that terminates and secures a standard silicon-jacket on a high voltage cable to a bulkhead and provides an easily disconnected electrical connection to an electrical device, such as a high voltage power supply.

Abstract: A system for detecting chemical warfare agents is disclosed. The system uses a detector paper that stains upon contact with liquid chemical agent droplets and spectrophotometry technology, in cooperation with a spectral filter wheel, and a processor, to analyze the stain and determine if the stain is created by a chemical warfare agent.

Abstract: A monitor is provided that is used to transmit data being exchanged over a NTDS Type E interface to an instrumentation system. The monitor is electrically isolated from the instrumentation system and comprises a directional coupler that passes and inhibits selected data to and from the instrumentation system.

Abstract: A rocket motor having a desensitizing mechanism for preventing explosion or violent reaction during slow cook-off is provided. The rocket motor includes a case contained rocket propellant with a desensitizing assembly attached forward of the propellant charge. The desensitizing assembly is formed with an enclosure containing a desensitizing fluid, and connected to the interior of the rocket motor by a tube which is sealed by a heat sensitive plug. The heat sensitive plug melts at a temperature below the slow cook-off temperature of the rocket propellant. The melting of the plug allows the desensitizing fluid to be ejected into the interior of the casing and onto the propellant charges, thereby, desensitizing the propellant charge.

Abstract: A switching assembly that operatively cooperates with the triggering mechanism of a firearm, such as a rocket launcher, is disclosed. The switching assembly allows for an adjustable trigger linear travel of about 0.4″ within an accuracy of 0.01 inches, while at the same time prevents any over-travel of the switch activator from damaging a depressible switch that is operatively interconnected to firing of the rocket from the launcher.

Abstract: A method, and a system responsive thereto, is disclosed for determining the height and range of targets, particularly low altitude targets. The method depends upon the occurrence of a sub-refractive atmosphere causing an inferior mirage image which is utilized along with the real image in a ray tracing technique with the cross-over points yielded therefrom being indicative of the height and range of the target being detected.

Abstract: A modular launching system is disclosed that reduces the reinforcement needs of mating a launching system to a ship, while at the same time reduces stress concentration and foundation movements created by the modular launching system launching launchable devices.

Abstract: A settling tank for separating an emulsion with a known volumetric percentage of oil includes lower and upper settling chambers. The emulsion is settled by gravitational means and can be aided by demulsifying agents. Once settled, a layer of oil floats on top of the water. The volumes of the lower and upper settling chambers are configured so that all of the oil settles within the upper settling chamber. The oil can then be drained from the upper settling chamber leaving only clean water in the tank structure.

Abstract: A monitor is disclosed that presents a negligible load to a hardwired interface, provides electrical isolation between all of the interconnected equipment, adds no significant delay to the interface data, provides for maximum reliability of interface operation, provides for remote operation of the monitoring function, provides for noise immune reception of interface data, maintains interface controlled impedance, provides for ease of installation, and does not perturb system operation in any significant way.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mount releasably attached to a launcher/spotting rifle assembly. The mount, when released, allows for the barrel of the spotting rifle of the launcher/spotting rifle assembly to be adjusted in a spherical manner, and when tightened, rigidly affixes the barrel to the launcher/spotting rifle assembly, while at the same time provides shock absorbing means which absorbs high stress from the firing shock typically created by the discharge of the launcher/spotting rifle assembly. The shock absorbing means acts to preserve the rigid and accurate attachment of the barrel to the launcher/spotting rifle assembly.

Abstract: A portable computer apparatus (1), such as a PDA, has an LCD(3). The LCD(3) can be operated in two modes. In one mode, only a portion of the LCD(3) is active whereas in the other mode, the whole LCD(3) is active. When the apparatus (1) is switched on, it operates according to a first operating program which uses only a portion of the LCD(3). The user may then instruct the apparatus to operate according to a second operating program and use the whole LCD(3).

Abstract: A modular horizontal launching system is disclosed comprised of modules hng scalable dimensions so as to easily accommodate the handling of different launchable devices. The launching system has a canister that not only serves as a launch tube but also has a shipping container for the launchable devices.

Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus has user input means (7,8), for example a keyboard, disposed in back-to-back relation to a display (25,26). The apparatus may be hinged such that it can be opened and closed in the manner of a book, in which case the display may be in two parts that can be brought together when the apparatus is open or flexible so that it can fold on itself when the apparatus is closed.