Abstract: A signal processor which involves separation of the cell signals from a magnetic resonance gyro (MRG) using phase locked loops that also serve as frequency multipliers, phase shifting one cell output to maintain phase comparisons within the monotonic region of the phase detectors, PDM/Digital conversion of the MRG signals and finally microcomputer processing to obtain gyro angle to the required resolution and update rate.

Abstract: An absolute digital clock system which is capable of counting absolute time despite the disruptive effects of a nuclear event, or other disturbance, on the electronic circuitry of the system. The clock system of the invention includes a master quartz crystal oscillator stage, and a string of counter stages connected thereto each including a binary counter for counting down from the frequency of the preceding stage to a lower frequency, and each including a crystal oscillator phase-locked with the binary counter and producing a signal at the lower frequency.

Abstract: An optical device for the simultaneous transmission and reception of optical data on the same optical waveguide. A transmission and receiving means at each end of the fiber optic cable permits simultaneous transmission. Each transmit/receive means comprises a pedestal supporting an emitter and photodetector. The emitter is mounted centrally of the inner surface of the pedestal at the focal point of a circular ellipsoidal reflector. The photodetector is also mounted centrally of the inner surface of the pedestal and placed forward of the emitter. In this manner the emitters and photodetectors at each end of the fiber optic cable can transmit and receive simultaneously or in sequence on the same optical waveguide.

Abstract: This closed loop multiplex communication system uses a timing unit to establish a general multiplex format consisting of 1024 frames in a multiframe. Each subscriber station transmits one message bit per frame (i.e. 1024 message bits per multiframe), but transmits only 32 signalling bits per multiframe (i.e. the eight-bit non-message blocks in four corresponding frames).

Abstract: A switchable synchronizing-signal generator suitable for several television standards, information being supplied from a series arrangement of a clock pulse generator and frequency dividers to a synchronizing signal generator. The generator has a position for the N-standard which is a modified position for the M-standard, because the supply of pulses of double the line frequency to a divide-by-525 dividers is blocked during 50 line periods of each field period.

Abstract: An antifriction bearing having a ball bearing retainer positioned between an outer race and an inner race. A plurality of slidable wedges of the bearing conforming to the dimensions of the raceways are mounted in slots in the periphery of the retainer. In operation a centrifugal force is exerted on the retainer urging the wedges of the retainer to ride in the raceways. The wedges thus act as wipers maintaining a smooth oil film for the ball bearings regardless of the amount of lubricant in the raceways.

Abstract: An attachment is provided for aircraft, and particularly for helicopters, for use in conjunction with a microwave interference pattern sensor (MIPS) system, to sense low velocities, for example, such as are encountered when the helicopter is in a hover mode. The attachment includes an antenna array which is separated from the MIPS antenna array, and which comprises two sets of transmitting and two pairs of receiving antenna horn apertures mounted in orthogonal relationship with one another, the transmitting apertures of each set being scanned in sequence to produce a moving energy pattern which is intercepted by the receiving antenna apertures of the attachment, even though the aircraft is stationary.

Abstract: A machine for manufacturing high strength flexure hinges having use in accelerometers. A source of metal material is splat-cooled after it has been heated to a molten state. An induction heater heats the metal material to the molten state and the molten metal is rapidly cooled while being pressed between two water cooled wheels. The wheels are provided with indentations and protuberances on their surfaces to produce flexure hinges and strengthening beams. A chute is provided to catch the flexures as they leave the wheels preventing damage to them.

Abstract: Conventional first and second Schuler tuned inertial platforms, that are physically displaced from each other by a predetermined distance, are employed in an inertial system to reduce navigation errors caused by the uncertainty in the earth's gravitational field. In addition to the two Schuler tuned platforms, a conventional velocity measuring instrument is employed to provide damping to the inertial system. The invention takes advantage of the fact that for a pair of ideal platforms if the relative velocity between them as displaced sensors can be measured with moderate accuracy then performance rivaling that obtainable with a gradiometer aided inertial platform can be achieved.

Abstract: A low cost system using passive radiometry or active radar for the detection of a target and providing discrimination between desired targets and false targets. The device may be mounted on a drone aircraft or other vehicle and comprises a detecting sensor having a fixed antenna system whose function is to detect the presence and direction to a target in airframe coordinates. The sensor provides means for generating a broad fan beam containing a plurality of closely spaced interference lobes spaced so as to encompass a predetermined target size. The interference lobes are continuously swept across the line of travel and the receiving circuitry provides means for detecting a desired target within the interference lobes. The system also provides a pre-programmed means, initiated by the target sensor, designed to aim the aircraft at the target and a target tracker or homing means having a fixed antenna directed along the heading axis of the drone aircraft and used to "home" the aircraft into the target.

Abstract: A method for providing at room temperature a hermetic bonded seal between the surfaces of glass, ceramics, metals or any combination of these. The method comprises the steps of polishing the surfaces to be bonded and then plasma cleaning the surfaces. Next, a chemically cleaned bonding material such as indium is applied to the surfaces and a force is applied to the surfaces to be sealed at room temperature for a limited period of time to affect the bonded seal.

Abstract: A temperature compensation mechanism for a vibrating beam accelerometer comprising first and second bridge circuits. A quadrature signal is applied to the first bridge circuit containing the quartz crystal which pulls the resonant frequency of the quartz oscillator up or down depending upon the frequency shift caused by temperature variations.

Abstract: A gyro seeker which is capable of use in a cannon launched missile. The gyro seeker is enclosed in a housing mounted in the nose section of the missile. The platform of the gyro seeker supports an optical assembly, a detector, a gyro assembly, and a cryostat for cooling the detector. Means are provided on the outer gimbal of the platform for withstanding the extreme acceleration induced by cannon launching. The platform is torqueable along two axes by a plurality of pole pieces located around its base. A platform caging device is provided to cage the platform during transport and serves a dual function as a means to furnish spin-up gas to the gyro element and cooling gas to the cryostat.

Abstract: A method of forming a hard vacuum seal for use in a gas laser but not limited thereto. The method comprising the steps of polishing the surfaces to be joined together and then cleaning the surfaces with a plasma cleaner. Next, a force is applied to hold the surfaces in contact and then molten indium is applied onto the adjoining surface and allowed to cool in order to set the seal. In the method of forming the gas laser seal for fine alignment of the mirror surfaces, the seal is reheated, the mirrors realigned by sliding across the laser cavity while the laser is operative and the laser output is measured for maximum laser output. Then the seal is allowed to reset.

Abstract: A digitally responsive electrostatic accelerometer having a pendulum pivotally movable about a hinge. A pair of torquer electrodes mounted on opposite sides of the pendulum are connected to a source of constant current. As the pendulum moves from its null position under the influence of acceleration forces, the displacement from null position is indicated by an increase in charge on the electrode which is in closer proximity to the pendulum. Electronic circuit means are provided to detect the direction of displacement of the pendulum from null and to apply a charge to the proper torquer electrode to force the pendulum back to null position. The principle of operation of the device is based upon the fact that the magnitude of the voltage on the torquer electrodes when charged from a constant current source contains information indicative of the position of the pendulum from null.

Abstract: A device employing the inherent self-torquing properties of a torque repeater to position its rotor. In the present invention, the torque repeater or synchro may have three stator windings and an output rotor. It is contemplated that the electrical input to the device will be digital signals. However, the invention will perform equally well with time varying or analogue input signals. A plurality of electronic switching means are connected to the stator terminals of the synchro converter and they operate under the control of a programmable switch control to short-circuit predetermined stator windings to provide the desired positional output signals. A sectant detector connected to the stator windings detects signals on the stator windings and determines the present position of the rotor. From this information, the desired positioning of the rotor is attained from the signals from the sectant detector.

Abstract: An instrument which performs with precision either as a pickoff or torquer and which is not subject to geometrical errors due to the electrodes going out of round. The pickoff electrodes of the instrument are mounted adjacent the end of the movable element instead of being concentric to it. Because of the location of the pickoff electrodes relative to the movable element, the device is a variable area pickoff rather than a variable gap pickoff. This provides the advantages of obtaining outputs from the X and Y axes which are a linear function of the motion of the movable element and, therefore, the displacement angle, as determined by the ratio of X and Y outputs, is independent of the amplitude of motion.

Abstract: An ellipticity control system for controlling the elliptical deviation of the vibratory element of a displacement sensor. The apparatus incorporates a plurality of drive electrodes, at least six in number, mounted concentrically along the longitudinal axis of the elongated vibratory element. Each drive electrode is formed in pairs oriented along separate axes. A pair of X-axis pickoffs and a pair of Y-axis pickoffs axially spaced from the drive electrodes are also mounted concentrically of the vibratory element to sense the deviation of the vibratory element from null and to provide control signals by way of circuit means to the drive electrodes.

Abstract: An electrostatic pickoff well suited for use in a two-axis electrostatically-captured rotor rate gyroscope is shown. Displacement currents, which flow between stator electrodes and the V-shaped annular electrically conductive rotor capturing the rotor, are processed so as to produce signals related to rotor position but independent of capture currents. When closed through a 5 degree-of-freedom positional servomechanism, rotor position signals are effective in producing rotor capture with net zero rotor current without producing rotor distorting forces.

Abstract: A solid state optical scanner comprising a frequency generator that vibrates a sonic transducer which in turn sets up traveling waves in an acousto-optic medium. These waves form regions of compression and rarefaction in the medium causing the medium to act as a Bragg angle grating to an incident light source. Optical lenses and a photo detector are positioned behind the medium. Consequently, the light leaving the medium is diffracted into a single order and focused onto an image plane. A photodetector is placed at the image plane and the signal obtained is processed to develop information to determine the direction from the scanner to the incident light source.