Abstract: A method and device are provided for displaying the effect of control action in real time by simultaneously applying the control action both to the system to be controlled and a computer model of the system. The effect of the control action on the model is displayed to the operator in a manner which dynamically decouples the display to the operator in a manner which dynamically decouples the display from the actual system's response over some suitable frequency range, thereby enhancing the stability and performance of the control system's operation. The method and device are described in conjunction with a preferred embodiment of an aircraft gun fire control system and variation of that system. A computer model or pseudo aircraft, termed a command aircraft, is programmed into a computer carried by an actual aircraft. In addition to providing conventional control information to the actual aircraft, the control actions of the pilot "fly" the command aircraft.

Abstract: A toy top device adapted for a variety of uses is provided which utilizes a solar energy conversion means for powering the top. The device includes a base structure having an electric motor mounted to it so that a motor shaft and rotor assembly of the motor remain stationary while a stator assembly of the motor rotates. An enclosure is mounted to the stator assembly and rotates with it. The enclosure includes a translucent top wall and a side wall which together define a cavity. The enclosure carries the solar energy conversion means in light communicating relationship with the top wall, and is electrically connected to the motor. The enclosure preferably has a design silhouette resembling a conventional toy top. It may be used as a conventional spinning toy top. However, the device is adaptable to various uses by simple interconnection of additional structure to the enclosure.

Abstract: A molded corner protector which is attached to a second structure includes an enclosure having a pie shaped top surface and a pair of curved side walls extending downwardly from the top surface. The enclosure is spaced from the second structure along an air pocket defined by the enclosure. The protector preferably is constructed from a relatively soft, pliable rubber like plastic substance and is designed so that the enclosure meets the second structure along the outboard edges of the enclosure. Means for attaching the protector to the second structure preferably include both double sided foam tape attached to at least one lip formed within the air pocket, and a suction cup integrally formed with the top surface of the protector enclosure on the air pocket side thereof.

Abstract: A plastic pipe system is provided with a device for indicating the presence of a gasket after final system installation. The pipe system preferably is constructed from a suitable plastic material, and includes a first pipe and a second pipe, the second being formed to receive an end of the first pipe along a connection part formed in the pipe. The connection part includes a receptacle sized to receive a suitable gasket. The gasket is inserted in the receptacle and provides a fluid seal between the two pipe ends. The second pipe has an opening formed in a side wall of the pipe defining the gasket receiving receptacle, and an indicator tab is placed through the opening. The tab preferably is attached to or integrally formed with the gasket, and aids in ensuring proper positioning of the gasket in the receptacle. After insertion, the tab permits easy visual inspection of the pipe system, enabling verification of actual gasket presence in the pipe system.

Abstract: A line of sight guidance system is provided in which the radiated output of a pulsed laser is spatially modulated to produce a beam radiated from an optical projector containing all informational requirements to enable a missile launched into the beam to determine its position with respect to beam center. The guidance system includes a single beam projector at a launch site, and a single beam receiver and signal decoder carried by the missile. The beam projector includes a laser diode source, laser pulse driver circuits, beam encoder, optic means for projecting the encoded beam, and electronic circuits for controlling the optic means operation. The beam encoder includes a reticle having a plurality of spokes formed in it, an opto-interrupter for sensing reticle center rotation rate, and drive motor control electronics. The reticle has a center mounted for rotation about the generated beam so that at least a portion of the reticle intersects the beam in all positions of the reticle.

Abstract: A device which eliminates unwanted light rays and permits passage of desired light rays. For the purposes of this specification, the desired light rays are those which originate on a first side of a material capable of effecting light passage, and which pass through the material to a second side. Undesirable light rays are those originating on the second side of the material, which pass through the material to the second side of the material. The material, in the embodiment illustrated, is a beam splitter intended to present a desired scene to an observer. The preferred embodiment includes a linear polarizer and a quarter wave retarder which impart an elliptical polarization to the undesired light rays.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating computed images on an electronically controlled display surface is provided which uses a function module for generating the deflection voltages necessary to display a shape, the shape being defined in terms of right edge and left edge vectors. The vectors comprise line segments, placed end-to-end until a closed shape is formed. Each line segment is defined by a start point and slope to the next vector start point. The shape is constructed by sweeping the beam of a cathode ray device in an X coordinate direction and comparing the instantaneous X coordinate beam position with the instantaneous position of the left edge and right edge vectors. Upon the determination that the beam has passed beyond the coordinate position of the right edge or left edge vectors defining the image, beam intensity is blanked and the Y coordinate of the beam is incremented.

Abstract: A device and method for simplifying the placement of electronic components in printed circuit boards are provided, the apparatus including an illuminated work area for illuminating openings in a mask transported across the work area. A load roller and a take-up roller, along with associated guide rollers, are arranged on opposite ends of the work area. The continuous, programmed mask is arranged in individual frames. The mask is carried across the work area by the rollers, which are driven by suitable drive means. Each frame of the mask has a number of light passing openings or markings made in it, the openings, in turn, permitting the illumination of corresponding openings in at least one printed circuit board (PCB) mounted over the mask, the PCB requiring component part insertion. The mask also has position indications on it which are read to position the mask for each frame.

Abstract: A device useful in the manufacture of ceramic tile sheets is provided, having a peripheral rim along three edges of a rectangular backer board structure. The fourth peripheral edge of the backer board structure is open to permit insertion of individual tile pieces and removal of an integral tile sheet. One of the closed edges is movably mounted to the backer board structure, and includes handle means for manipulating the movable edge of the device. The handle means also functions as an alignment means for the movable edge.