Abstract: The present invention is a method for optically cohering substrates together. Two clean substrates are bonded together, and then positioned at approximately a 10-70 degree angle (or range therebetween) parallel to each other and in close proximity to each other. An optically clear, refractive index means for optically cohering is then de-gassed to remove any gas within the means for optically cohering. Then, a pressurized means for injecting is filled with the means for optically cohering. The means for injecting then introduces the means for optically cohering within the two substrates from a peripheral edge, thereby allowing the means for optically cohering to permeate throughout the volume between the two substrates. The means for optically cohering is allowed to cure, thereby adhering the substrates together.

Abstract: An Input/Output device has programmable signal conditioning and signal control circuitry capable of receiving signals, scaling the received signals to a predetermined voltage range, determining signal type for each of the received signals, and controlling input/output circuitry of the programmable signal conditioning and signal control circuitry for accessing input signals and generating output signals. The I/O device further includes conversion circuitry for receiving the output signals and converting the output signals from analog to digital to enable these signals to be digitally processed, and also receives digitally processed signals, converts the digitally processed signals to analog signals, and transmits the analog signals as input signals to the programmable signal conditioning and signal control circuitry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for monitoring and maintaining a plurality of batteries by performing a normal analysis on all of the batteries, selecting a marginal battery, replacing the marginal battery with an auxiliary battery, and offline performing a detailed analysis on the marginal battery. The marginal battery is then serviced/discarded according to the results of the detailed analysis.

Abstract: The output wavelength of a laser-diode pumped fiber source can be stabilized at its minimum value irrespective of temperature and the age of the laser diode by the seeking the minimum output wavelength of the fiber source. By introducing a dither on the temperature of the pump laser diode, a measurement feedback loop can be used to determine the optimal value of the temperature. Once determined, the temperature is used to fix the wavelength of the source.

Abstract: A current regulator for a laser tube used in a ring laser gyroscope includes a ballast resistor coupled to the laser tube's anode, an output for the current, such as a current sensing resistor, a current source coupled between the ballast resistor and the output, a control circuit that establishes the amount of current flow through the current regulator, and a voltage divider that senses the voltage across the current source. The current source includes two transistors coupled in series and the voltage divider generates a voltage level that is half the sensed voltage differential and supplies the generated voltage level to one of the transistors so as to control the voltage drop across that transistor to be the same as the voltage drop across the other transistor. The current source may include more than two transistors in series and the voltage drops across the transistors are controlled to be the same.

Abstract: An improved aircraft flight management system (FMS) based on a layered subsystem architecture, residing on a computing platform and including an operator interface subsystem, a communications subsystem, a flight management subsystem, and a database management subsystem, wherein the architecture is predicated on the enforcement of subsystem-dependency rules wherein a given subsystem is allowed to depend only upon another subsystem in the same or lower hierarchical layer.

Abstract: A polarization-sensitive scattering element (PSSE) that acts to effectively separate light of different polarizations. The PSSE is a microstructural composite of material domains having differing birefringence. The PSSE has a first scattering distribution for light rays of a first polarization and a second scattering distribution for light rays of a second polarization. The first scattering distribution is such that the majority of the light rays of the first polarization are randomly backscattered. The second scattering distribution is such that the majority of the light rays of the second polarization are substantially transmitted. The PSSE provides a means for recapturing light energy which would otherwise be lost in display devices, while reducing degradation and heat build-up due to light absorption.

Abstract: A multi-axis magnetometer is provided having three magnetic field sensing circuits for sensing a magnetic field along the X, Y and Z axes. Each magnetic field sensing circuit includes an operational amplifier and a bridge chip having at least one electrical conductor. The operational amplifier is electrically connected to the at least one electrical conductor of the bridge chip for receiving a portion of a current flowing through the at least one electrical conductor. The operational amplifier provides an output voltage based on a magnitude of the portion of the current flowing through the at least one electrical conductor. The multi-axis magnetometer further includes a voltage regulator for providing an operating voltage.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling the temperature of a thin film conductive heater includes a control circuit for applying a voltage to the heater. The control circuit regulates the temperature of the heater element by using a modeling technique which assumes that the thin film coating functions as a single electrical resistor.

Abstract: Current flowing into and out of a battery installed in a vehicle (V) with the required cable between one of the battery terminals and a reference point on the vehicle is determined by measuring the voltage across the cable and computing the current from the digital value of the measured current. The resistance value of the cable can be known in which case the current is computed using Ohms law and a differential current sensor can be used to respond to the voltage measured across the cable to accommodate for different ranges of current. In an embodiment where the cable resistance is unknown, a reference current source produces a known voltage that is used to set the input value to an amplifier of fixed gain for the voltage measured across the cable by controlling the output of a potentiometer so that the amplifier output voltage can be set to match the reference current generator output voltage, thereby establishing the voltage output of the amplifier as a measurement of the current flow in the cable.

Abstract: A random signal radar unit transmits a variable signal modulated by random noise (at 35). The return signal from the target area is correlated (at 61) with a sample of the transmitted signal, effectively compressing the spread spectrum waveform into a narrow band signal. The result is a covert high resolution radar which can be instrumented to operate in a number of single-or multi-mode configurations. By randomly varying biphase modulation (at 41, 35) and by modulating (at 49) the echo signal with the modulation delayed by a time equivalent to that of a leakage delay, a random signal is produced (at 35, 39) in which leakage return signals are readily filtered (at 53, 59).

Abstract: A display presents to the viewer the outputs of a dual mode Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)/Intra-Formation Position Collision Avoidance System (IFPCAS). IFPCAS requires the cooperation of a least two formation follower aircraft in conjunction with the formation lead aircraft. The display indicates the relative velocity of the other formation follower aircraft, with respect to the formation lead aircraft, in addition to other types of information.

Abstract: A reflective display can be configured around a waveguide illuminated with collimated light. A variety of light sources, light valves, light extracting devices, and light redirecting means may be employed to complete the display. The light extracting devices, light valves, and light redirecting means cooperate to selectively extract, attenuate, and redirect selected portions of the light in specific locations within the display.

Abstract: A very high power fiber light source can be realized by using a high concentration of doping and by pumping the cladding of the doped fiber. The light that enters the cladding will then enter the core and amplified spontaneous emission will result. With this arrangement, higher power, a broader emission spectrum, and low radiation sensitivity can be achieved. These devices can also be configured as amplifiers.

Abstract: A midair collision avoidance system (MCAS) employs an existing design of Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) as a module and seamlessly integrates it with a customized tactical module which is capable of providing unique tactical avoidance guidance control and display. The tactical module handles all phases of a tactical mission, including formation flight (e.g., formation fall-in, arming formation flight, engaging formation flight following, and formation break-away), and an air-refueling sequence (e.g., rendezvous, linkup, re-fueling, and disengaging air-refueling). The tactical module divides the air space around the aircraft into advisory, caution, and warning zones and for each provides display, tone and voice alerts to facilitate pop-up avoidance guidance commands. Military aircraft can thus effectively avoid mid air and near mid air collision situations in all three different operation modes: air traffic control (ATC) management mode, tactical mode, and a mixed mode.

Abstract: Deficiencies in the electrolyte level of the cells of NiCd battery can be detected by measuring the internal resistance of the cells. Initially, data is collected for a battery type and capacity, correlating measured internal resistance with the amount of water that must be added to bring the cell resistance to an acceptable value. Subsequently, cells of other batteries of the same type and capacity can be measured to determine how much water must be added and the levels quickly restored. The polarization value of the cells can be used lieu of the internal resistance in the same fashion.

Abstract: A system for controlling the application of power from a battery (12) to an electrical system (18) as well as to a computer (30) that monitors the battery, includes a switch (52) in the power supply path between the battery and the computer. The switch is operated by a controller (40) that receives data representing the battery voltage and the current supplied to the electrical system (18). The controller includes a comparator for comparing the received voltage and current data to preset data values to produce a signal (46) to turn on the switch for a predetermined time to supply power to actuate the computer to perform its monitoring function when one of the current or voltage data received by the controller exceeds one of a predetermined high or low limit data value.

Abstract: A circuit card module having increased cooling efficiency which comprises at least one printed wiring board (PWB), at least one component mounted on the PWB, a heatsink, an interchangeable frame, and a wedgelock for use with a chassis cold wall. One embodiment of the interchangeable frame comprises a protrusion so that it can be used with a convection-cooled chassis (fully compliant with IEEE 1101.2 Specifications). Another embodiment, for use with conduction-cooled chassis only (partially compliant with IEEE 1101.2 Specifications), is maximally efficient in removing heat as it does not include the protrusion. In the embodiment without the protrusion, the conduction contact area between the chassis cold wall and the frame is increased in width from approximately 0.25″ to approximately 0.35″. In either embodiment, the wedgelock is mounted to one surface of the frame such that when installed in a conduction-cooled chassis, the opposite frame surface is forced against the chassis cold wall.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatic recovery of sulfated lead acid batteries rely on monitoring battery voltage, current and internal resistance during battery charging. The lead acid battery is recovered for usage by measuring the internal resistance to see if it is so high such that the battery is unrecoverable, or so low such that the normal charging methods can be used. If the internal resistance is between the two limits, the battery receives a first constant charge current. As the lead acid battery is being charged slowly by a constant charge current, the battery voltage is measured. The decrease in the internal resistance (IR) of the battery causes the battery voltage to decrease during charging, while the charging causes the battery voltage to increase. According to the present invention, if it is detected that the battery voltage has reached the minimum voltage and begun to increase in a predetermined period of time, the charge current is substantially increased (e.g.