Abstract: An optical power limiter is designed for use with high gain optical systems by providing intensity reduction by the use of a non-linear fluid. As the intensity of light increases in the fluid, the index of refraction becomes non-linear very rapidly. This results in a plasma being formed within the fluid. Picosecond reaction time is provided. Recovery time of less than a microsecond is required for the system to return to its starting point.

Abstract: A phased array balloon antenna having an inner membrane coupled to an outer membrane and a phased array antenna connected to an inner membrane. The phased array antenna transmits an energy towards a reflective film on the outer membrane, reflecting the energy outwards and illuminating an area smaller than that illuminated by the phased array alone.

Abstract: Blast pressure gauges and methods for detecting blast pressure during a blast test. The gauges operate independently of power sources, are portable, and are used in harsh environments including test ranges. Each embodiment is constructed to detect blast pressures as required in the circumstances of a particular blast test.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for electronically arming and firing a MEMS-scale interrupted explosive train to detonate a main charge explosive. The device includes a MEMS slider assembly housing a transfer charge electrically actuated to move between safe and armed positions of the explosive train.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method utilizing a MEMS safe arm device for electronically arming and firing a MEMS-scale interrupted explosive train to detonate a main charge explosive. The device includes a MEMS slider assembly housing a transfer charge electrically actuated to move between safe and armed positions of the explosive train.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention utilizes the Reference Point Method (RPM). RPM generates a local magnetic declination variance that is exact for the location of the OP, utilizing an optical stereo imagery database. RPM functions to determine true geodetic coordinates of a target position not available to be displayed in an image database, such as, for example, movable equipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus to keep a safety brace in place on a cover, lid or door and a method of using the same. One aspect of the present invention includes an economical spring constructed to fit upon a safety brace in a way as to prevent the brace from being vibrated loose and allowing the cover, lid or door to close accidentally. Another aspect of the present invention is a method where the constructed spring is retrofitted upon an existing safety brace.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method to detect a moving target. An embodiment of the present invention includes a processor that uses an imaging sensor such as, for example, an electronic camera, and uses images and surveillance system pointing angle information to generate a dynamically changing reference image that is subtracted from the live image, with the result being a moving target.

Abstract: A polyimide is disclosed of the formula: CG1 and CG2 are independently electron-accepting and/or electron-donating groups; x is an integer from about 3 to about 3000; ODAH is any of a number of known dianhydride residues; ODAM is any of a number of known diamine residues; and m, n, o, and p cumulatively add to 1.0, with the sum of m and n ranging from about 0.05 to about 1.0, the sum of o and p ranging from about 0 to about 0.95, the sum of m and o being about 0.5 and the sum of n and p being about 0.5. In addition, a film structure comprising the polyimide and devices utilizing the film structure are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel diagnostic radar data retrieval apparatus and method of using the same. One aspect of the present invention includes a portable unit that extracts and stores radar calibration data from radar specific hardware (via a 1553 communications bus) to a personal computer (PC) for diagnostic purposes. Another aspect of the present invention is a method wherein the calibration data stored in the RCCM device is downloaded to a computer, preferably a PC, with input and display software that receives the data from the RCCM device and processes the radar calibration data into tables for various types of analysis such as, but not limited to, troubleshooting purposes.

Abstract: A fin actuator for a portable missile and a method of using the same. One aspect of the present invention includes a fin or wing actuator that meets very strict criteria to fit within a compact, portable missile while substantially limiting backlash. Another aspect of the present invention is a method of fin actuation in a portable missile while substantially limiting backlash.

Abstract: Electronics for a shock-hardened device, in particular a data recorder, incorporating non-volatile memory. The device has the functional elements: a signal conditioning circuit, an oscillator, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a trigger, and a non-volatile memory incorporating both electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) and fast static random access memory (SRAM). As a recorder, the electronics enable efficient and reliable data recording in extreme shock environments, e.g., those involving dynamic testing of weapons such as target penetrating bombs or dual-stage warheads. It also provides for data retention upon loss or shutdown of power to the unit and yields high MTBF (mean time between failure) figures in more benign environments.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus for Active Network Guidance and Emergency Logic (ANGEL). ANGEL is a computer based program designed to function preferably in the mission computer on a vehicle, preferably an aircraft The program is preferably installed as part of an aircraft's Operational Flight Program (OFP) card(s) in the mission computer. ANGEL new versions and updates can be installed along with OFP updates. A second aspect of the present invention is a method for integrating and interacting with vehicle subsystems and controller subsystems, to prevent mishaps and accidents during a mission. ANGEL can prevent aircrew and aircraft problems by providing cueing or automation of emergency tasking, displaying procedures for aircrew to respond in emergency situations and providing assistance to an incapacitated pilot.

Abstract: A control system for a flying vehicle in an atmospheric environment, the vehicle having an aerodynamic shape including a front end and a rear end including a plurality of attitude control jet nozzles spaced outward from the vehicle near the rear end of the vehicle or a trailing edge of a vehicle part; and a generator for providing a low mass flow of a fluid through the attitude control jet nozzles to create an area of high pressure immediately forward of the nozzles and adjacent the flying vehicle, wherein the location of the attitude control jet nozzles is so close to the rear end of the vehicle that any area of low pressure created by the low mass flow of fluid through the attitude control jet nozzles does not contact the vehicle.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for use in an anti-radiation missile system of the type which uses the electromagnetic transmissions of a target radar for guidance information, detects when the missile has flown into a target null and is no longer receiving energy from one of the main lobes or side lobes of the target radar transmitter. When this condition is detected, the circuit causes an attenuation in the epsilon error guidance signal to momentarily prevent guidance commands based upon the now suspect epsilon error signals from being implemented.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a calibration method, system and apparatus for a multimetals continuous emissions monitor system (hereinafter “multimetals CEMS”). More specifically, this invention relates to a calibration scheme for continuous monitoring of mercury emissions from stationary sources by plasma emission spectrometry. A source of mercury vapor, preferably a mercury permeation tube, entrains mercury vapor into a constant flow of carrier air. The carrier air mixes with a constant flow of diluent air in an aerosol mixer. The mixer is operably coupled to the analyzer. A gaseous mixture having a calibration mercury concentration flows from the mixer into the analyzer at a constant rate. A graph having coordinates of analyzer signal intensity and mercury concentration is used to plot the calibration scheme. A first signal intensity generated by the analyzer in response to the calibration mercury concentration is used for the first plot on the graph.

Abstract: This invention relates to air breathing engines, such as ramjets, scramjets and internal combustion, and more particularly to an active combustion control device for a combustor. In more particularity, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus that applies active combustion control technology to advanced propulsion devices and closed-loop fuel injection at sub-harmonic frequencies of the instability frequency of the combustor. The problem of limited actuator frequency response is addressed by injecting fuel pulses at sub-harmonic frequencies of the instability. The fuel may be liquid, solid or gas. To achieve this desired result, a closed loop controller is designed to determine sub-harmonic frequencies using a divider to divide the instability frequency of a combustor, yielding a fraction of the harmonic frequency.

Abstract: An inexpensive, reliable apparatus and method for autonomously monitoring, measuring the incident level, recording, comparing, reporting, and optionally displaying an indication of intentional or unintentional low-power interfering signals or emissions, including naturally occurring emissions and reflections, as received at the input of an operating system. A particular application of this invention is to monitor, measure, record, compare, report and optionally display an indication of low level interference in the L1 and L2 bands of operation of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS). The received signals in L1 and L2 bands are compared to a reference received signal in a third band. This comparison provides a sensitive means to detect the presence of an interfering emission or signal in the L1 band or the L2 band via canceling out the variation in the radiometric scene temperature. The reported data are used for dynamic decision making.

Abstract: A fireset for a low energy exploding foil initiator (LEEFI) comprises a first capacitor for storing a level of electrical energy sufficient to fire the LEEFI, the first capacitor being in electrical communication with the LEEFI, second and third capacitors in electrical communication with the first capacitor for storing lesser levels of energy than is stored by the first capacitor, a diode in electrical communication with the capacitors for limiting charging of the second and third capacitors, and first and second resistors providing isolation among the capacitors. A trigger directs a pulse of electrical energy to a high speed switching transistor adapted to receive the pulse from the trigger and, in response there to, to dump the third capacitor. The third capacitor dumps through a silicone controlled rectifier to short the second capacitor to ground, to decrease the level of energy stored by the second capacitor.

Abstract: A digital video injection system having a digital image source, means for image processing, a scan converter, a seeker-dynamics interface capable of controlling the image system and a digital system controller that is used to simulate real-time flight to an imaging system, such as an imaging weapons system. A method for injecting digital video and a digital video input product also are disclosed.