Abstract: An integrated thermal management system for electronic devices includes a printed wiring board for supporting electronic devices, at least one die-up and one die-down electronic device, a frame and a heat sink. The board includes at least one thermally conductive layer, to which the die-down device is thermally connected. The frame member, which includes at least a first heat sink mounting location, is connected to one of the first and second surfaces of the board, adjacent to the edge. The heat sink itself, which is cantilevered over the die-up electronic device from at least one heat sink mounting location, includes a portion which is adapted to engage the die-up electrical device, a portion connected to the frame member to provide a conductive path from the die-up device to the frame member, and a convective cooling portion. The thermal management structure also includes a cold wall, which engages the frame to provide a thermally conductive connection between the frame member and the cold wall.

Abstract: A dipping sonar transducer housing includes a generally cylindrical housing (10) which is suspended at the end of a cable (12) connected to tile housing through a vibration isolation module (14) which includes springs (22) to damp out noise, particularly that from the supporting vehicle. The housing (10) contains an upper water-tight chamber (26) which contains circuit boards (28) and preamplifiers (30) which serve as amplification and multiplexing means for the hydrophones carried on extendible arms (96, 60, 88); a second water-tight chamber (35) immediately below the first chamber (26) contains an electric motor (36) which drives a hydraulic pump (38) which provides fluid under pressure to an accumulator (40). Movable vertically on the outside of the second chamber (35) is a piston (48) which drives a plurality of links (54, 56) which extend the receiver array.

Abstract: An adapter for commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) circuit card modules resulting in increased cooling efficiency. COTS circuit card modules generally have at least one printed wiring board (PWB), at least one component mounted on the PWB, a heatsink or some type of heat path, a frame for supporting the cards, and a wedgelock for use with a conduction-cooled chassis. The adapter increases the cooling efficiency of such COTS modules while allowing them to remain compliant with IEEE 1101.2 Specifications. The invention is efficient in removing heat from the COTS circuit card modules as it increases the conduction contact area between the chassis cold wall and the COTS module. In addition, the adapter allows for the use of an extended width wedgelock to increase the clamping force over the conduction contact area. The extended width 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: 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: Methods of and apparatuses for reducing the solar or infrared loading on display devices. A reflective material is positioned between a radiant energy source and the absorptive material of a display device to reflect wavelengths of radiant energy in the infrared or near-infrared range. The reflective material allows visible radiant energy to be transmitted, while reflecting the infrared radiant energy to reduce the infrared loading on the display device. The present invention reduces the temperature rise of the display device due to infrared loading by reflection rather than absorption of the radiant energy, while preserving the integrity of the visible wavelength range. The reflective material reduces the infrared loading on the display device by up to 50%.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and maintaining a plurality of batteries. The batteries are maintained according to a two-part method. In the first part, a normal analysis is performed on all of the batteries. In the normal analysis, it is determined if any one of the batteries has marginal conditions. The marginal battery (which can be one or more batteries) is selected for a second part of the method, which includes a detailed analysis. The detailed analysis is performed on the marginal battery. The marginal battery is then serviced according to the results of the detailed analysis.

Abstract: A stand alone Redundancy Management System (RMS) provides a cost-effective solution for managing redundant computer-based systems in order to achieve ultra-high system reliability, safety, fault tolerance, and mission success rate. The RMS includes a Cross Channel Data Link (CCDL) module and a Fault Tolerant Executive (FE) module. The CCDL module provides data communication for all channels, while the FTE module performs system functions such as synchronization, data voting, fault and error detection, isolation and recovery. System fault tolerance is achieved by detecting and masking erroneous data through data voting, and system integrity is ensured by a dynamically reconfigurable architecture that is capable of excluding faulty nodes from the system and re-admitting healthy nodes back into the system.

Abstract: A method and circuit to strip the composite synchronization (sync) from a composite video signal is disclosed. This invention utilizes a phase-locked loop and a switchable input operational amplifier to remove the sync portion of the video signal without bandlimiting or introducing non-linearities to the video signal. The phase-locked loop creates a high frequency clock from which a signal can be created that fully encompasses the sync portion of the composite video signal. This signal controls the switchable input operational amplifier to select blank level voltage during sync or allow the video to pass when sync is not present.

Abstract: The visibility of an image projected onto a background of spatially and temporally varying brightness can be optimized by dynamically adjusting the brightness of the projected image. The brightness of the background is detected on a zone-by-zone basis and the brightnesses of the corresponding portions of the projected image are adjusted accordingly.

Abstract: Electromigration in the source and drain conductors of a semiconductor device is reduced by increasing the cross-sectional areas of these conductors in accordance with an increase in a magnitude of current, thereby enabling the semiconductor device to operate at high temperatures.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling an alternator (605) by turning it ON or OFF depending upon the battery conditions and the operating conditions of the automobile monitored by various sensors (606, 609 and 611). By allowing the batteries of the automobile (610), controlled by a battery control unit (608), to charge and discharge based on its state of charge (SOC), the load imposed by the alternator (605) can be reduced such that the fuel efficiency of the automobile is optimized. By setting SOC limits, the alternator (605) can be turned ON or OFF, using an alternator control unit (604), depending on whether the SOC of the batteries is within the SOC limits. In addition, power loading limits can be preset so that the alternator (605) can be turned ON or OFF depending on the power loading conditions. The alternator (605) may be turned ON or OFF, using an alternator control unit (604), based on other conditions as well.

Abstract: A system and method for comprehensive analysis of a multi-cell battery, such as of the nickel-cadmium type, on an individual cell level basis and overall battery basis. For an unsealed battery, which affords access to the individual battery cells, (FIG. 2) tests are carried out to determine the presence of any shorted or reversed cells, and these can be repaired or replaced ((6)-(11)). The individual cells are then tested for sufficient electrolyte on the basis of comparing the cell internal resistance to a maximum internal resistance for the cell and electrolyte added as needed ((12)-(15)). A sealed battery, to which there is no access to the individual cells, is first tested for shorted or reversed cells on a battery level basis ((16)-(19)).

Abstract: Disturbances of a periodic nature, such as those occurring in a rotating device can be attenuated by a cancellation function. A cancellation signal is produced by extracting one or more frequency components (harmonics) from a disturbance. A set of weighting coefficients are generated by an artificial neural network based on information derived from the selected frequency components of the periodic disturbance signal. The artificial neural network algorithm adapts in real time to shifts in the magnitude and phase of the disturbance frequencies selected for attenuation at the sensor location. In turn, these coefficients are applied to a function of a similar number of components and applied to the rotating device. Over a period of time, feedback and adaptation will attenuate the disturbance at the selected frequencies.

Abstract: A high performance pixel is described for active matrix electronic displays. The pixel combines a compact, mesa-isolated PMOS access transistor with a novel, area-efficient HV device. The high voltage transistor features a P+ region at each end of the source to effectively eliminate the parasitic sidewall component and raise the nominal threshold voltage. Concurrently, excess well area is eliminated from the PMOS access transistor to minimize device leakage and the undesirable capacitance component. The improved design enhances pixel response, increases operating margins and contrast and may reduce power dissipation in the off-state.

Abstract: A night vision aid such as night vision goggles (13) is made compatable with a local full color display (17) by blocking local display light from being received by the night vision aid (13). A circular polarizer (23) of one left/right sense is positioned so as to filter the local display. A circular polarizer (25) of an opposite sense is placed before a light input of the night vision aid (13), thereby preventing the polarized light from the display (17) from entering the night vision aid (13). Advantageously, the circular polarizer (23) on the display has minimal effect on linear polarizers which may be used with eyeglasses.

Abstract: An electroluminescent device in accordance with the present invention includes a device layer including devices for activating a plurality of pixel electrodes. The pixel electrodes are used for stimulating light emission from an electroluminescent stack disposed thereon. The plurality of pixel electrodes have an upper surface facing in a first direction. An interconnection system is disposed between the device layer and the plurality of pixel electrodes for coupling the devices to the pixel electrodes. The upper surface of the pixel electrodes includes a reflective material for reflecting the light emissions from the electroluminescent layer in the first direction.

Abstract: An energy storage flywheel having a benign failure mode, the rotor of which is constructed of a brittle, high specific strength, isotropic solid.

Abstract: A broad range of brightness in a fluorescent lamp may be achieved by applying low-frequency, pulse-width modulated voltage or current to the lamp for a low level of brightness, or high-frequency voltage or current for a high level of brightness. Switching is provided to select between the two signals.

Abstract: The invention provides for a timesaving method of determining whether a nickel cadmium (NiCd) battery is stricken with memory effect. A fully charged NiCd battery under test ("test battery") is subjected to a positive sloped current charge ramp and then a negative sloped current charge ramp while continuously monitoring the battery terminal voltage. The maximum measured terminal voltage of the test battery is compared to the measured terminal voltage of a NiCd battery of the same nominal voltage and capacity and known not to have memory effect ("normal"battery). A NiCd battery is determined to have memory effect if the maximum voltage of the test battery exceeds the maximum voltage of the normal battery.

Abstract: A temperature sensor for the liquid crystal portion of a liquid crystal display assembly which includes a thin layer of transparent conductive material which is spread across the viewing area of the display. This layer of transparent conductive material can provide heat to warm up the display when a large voltage is put across it, and can also be used to measure liquid crystal temperature. It is known that the resistance of materials such as indium tin oxide (ITO) changes at a known rate with respect to temperature. By using this transparent layer of material in the stacked elements of a liquid crystal display assembly, an accurate reading of the liquid crystal temperature can be made.