Abstract: A FOG design is disclosed that eliminates the need for spatially averaging the output of a readout optical fiber by using a short coherence length light source and decorrelating the orthogonal fiber modes in the birefringent readout optical fiber prior to them being received by the photodetector. The orientation of the optical output of the readout optical fiber with respect to the photodetector is at an angle other than normal incidence, which is designed to reduce the reflections from the photodetector back into the readout optical fiber. The coherence length of the source and the length and birefringence of the readout optical fiber are selected so that there is a complete decorrelation of the polarization states of the light as they pass through the readout optical fiber.

Abstract: A quadrifilar antenna has first, second, third and fourth quadrature antenna elements with signals in a respective quadrature phase relationship. The antenna elements are coupled through a quadrature matching network to a transceiver circuit representing a load or a source. The matching network includes first, second and third transmission lines which are arranged in a "Z" configuration. The first transmission line matches impedances between the first and second antenna elements and communicatively couples the second antenna element with a quarter wavelength phase shift of its signals to the first antenna element. The second transmission line matches impedances between the third and fourth antenna elements and communicatively couples the fourth antenna element with a quarter wavelength phase shift of its signals to the third antenna element.

Abstract: Newton rings on a liquid crystal display (LCD) are avoided by connecting the frame of the LCD to the chassis without deflecting the frame outward toward the chassis. A first connecting mechanism coupled to the frame and to the chassis at least partially secures the frame to the chassis by prohibiting movement of the frame relative to the chassis in a first direction, but allows at least partial movement of the frame relative to the chassis in a second direction non-parallel to the first direction. A second connecting mechanism coupled to the frame and to the chassis at least partially secures the frame to the chassis by prohibiting movement of the frame relative to the chassis in the second direction, but allows at least partial movement of the frame relative to the chassis in the first direction. In combination, the coupling mechanisms prohibit movement of the frame relative to the chassis in both the first and second directions.

Abstract: An optical component assembly is created with reduced defects in the adhesion and alignment between the optical components. A first rigid optical component is placed into a cavity. A second rigid optical component is placed into the cavity such that it is supported by a first support device which prevents a first end of the second rigid optical component from contacting a corresponding first end of the first rigid optical component. Air is evacuated from a chamber formed between the first and second rigid optical components. The support of the first support device is removed so that the first end of the second rigid optical component comes into contact with the first end of the first rigid optical component with a layer of adhesive material sandwiched therebetween. A force is applied to urge surfaces of the first and second rigid optical components toward one another to improve adhesion between the two.

Abstract: A novel normally-white dual-domain twisted nematic liquid crystal display exhibits dramatically improved contrast and gray scale linearity stability over a wide range of viewing angles as compared to conventional dual-domain twisted nematic displays. The display incorporates one or more pixelated compensator layers internal to the liquid crystal cell. A pixelated compensator layer has a pattern wherein the orientation or retardation of the compensator layer varies according to the tilt domain structure of the display's liquid crystal material. Such a pixelated compensator layer allows optimal compensation for each of the differently oriented liquid crystal tilt domains. The pixelated compensator layer(s), and possibly one or more non-pixelated compensator layers, may be deposited on either a display's active matrix substrate or its (passive) color filter substrate, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An enhanced differential amplifier circuit includes an injected inverted signal to the differential amplifier. As the AGC amplifier attenuates, the inverted signal becomes increasingly significant in the total gain ratio, thereby extending its operating range. Both a single current source and dual source implementation are disclosed.

Abstract: A start-up and compression technique for transmitting data. A process is provided which utilizes the calculated difference between individual pixel values of subsequent video frames to the current displayed data in order to update. Additionally, techniques are provided for restarting on-going transmissions and for system initialization based on a variations or suspension of the described interframe compression technique.

Abstract: In a skywave communication setting, a number of independent measurement techniques can be employed simultaneously and their results combined to yield a metric representative of the channel quality during a particular reception. This sample can then be combined with previous samples taken using the same frequency (or same frequency hop set in a frequency hopping system) to serve as a basis for selecting the best operating frequencies.

Abstract: A radio receiver in which the received signal is spread and subsequently despread in order to identify unwanted signals. One embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a frequency-hopping spreading synthesizer that operates in synchronization with a despreader synthesizer such that unwanted signals are effectively suppressed based upon different spreading characteristics of the desired and undesired signals. Use of a logic device, in one case a digital signal processor, in combination with a state-level monitor allows for the reconfiguring of the receiver such that a state containing a large interferer can be removed from further signal processing.

Abstract: An improved discrete media display apparatus and a method for quickly drawing high quality lines on discrete media displays where only pixels are rendered in the line drawing of a vector generator and then individual element intensities within a pixel are generated in response to predetermined pixel configuration and pixel distance and angle information from the desired line.

Abstract: An improved normally white super-twist nematic (OMI) liquid crystal display exhibits a dramatically improved horizontal viewing angle as compared to conventional OMI displays. The display's liquid crystal cell has a twist angle greater than about 180.degree. and less than about 270.degree., preferably between 220.degree. and 250.degree., and a phase retardation of between 500 nanometers (nm) and 850 nm. The improved display includes a novel compensator which incorporates, as one of its compensation elements, a positively birefringent oblique compensator layer (referred to as an O-plate compensator layer). Additionally, a positively birefringent A-plate compensator layer and one or more negatively birefringent C-plate compensator layers may be used in the display.

Abstract: A method and system for radio communications between mobile units and base stations geographically distributed through a substantial geographic area described. The system automatically finds and engages broadcast frequency for each geographic region. The engagement is confirmed at both the mobile unit and network so that both can begin data transmission and reception between each other as well as keep track of the status of one another. The system also verifies the correct base station has been engaged as well as automatically terminates communications once the mobile unit passes out of coverage for that base station.

Abstract: A virtual integrated software testbed for avionics is disclosed which allows avionics software to be developed on a host computer using a collection of computer programs running simultaneously as processes and synchronized by a central process. The software testbed disclosed uses separate synchronized processes, permits signals from an avionics device to be generated by a simulation running on the host computer or from actual equipment and data bus signals coming from and going to actual avionics hardware is connected to their virtual bus counterparts in the host computer on a real-time basis.

Abstract: An electro-magnetic device for use in applications requiring low-profile components. The device includes a magnetic substrate with a scheme of through-holes in association with a first and second winding, plated or wired, integral to the substrate and wound orthogonal to each other. The first winding comprises the AC inductor/transformer permeability. The second winding in association with an applied DC bias current causes the permeability to vary over a wide controlled operating range.

Abstract: A bandwidth-enhanced antenna system for operating on one of a plurality of selected frequency bands includes a whip or wire antenna element having band selection wires and a contiguous set of inductors arranged in series, each of the inductors being sufficiently separated from one another and being arranged such that the resonant frequency of any of said inductors is greater than the highest operating frequency of the plurality of frequency bands. Selector means is included provide a band select signal, and a plurality of switches each having a first terminal connected to a corresponding one of the inductors and a second terminal connected to the feed-end of the antenna element. The switches are responsive to the bandwidth select signal to allow communication using a selected one of the plurality of the frequency bands. An impedance matching network may be used for coupling an external receiver or transmitter to the feed-end of the antenna element.

Abstract: A multiband direction finding antenna comprised of numerous antenna elements, of coplanar location. The antenna elements associated with lower band frequencies are provided with chokes, so that unchoked sections do not exceed one-quarter wavelength of the high-band, highest frequency.

Abstract: A synthesizer based upon direct-digital frequency synthesizer techniques of simplistic design and minimized spurious signal levels. The output signals of two frequency hopped direct-digital frequency synthesizers are combined with the resultant signal having a greatly suppressed spurious signal level due to the channel spacing variation of the spur. Alternate embodiments concern the number and functional location of digital-to-analog converters, varying the clock signal and the use of high-pass filters.

Abstract: A dual filament fluorescent lamp where the individual filaments are disposed along diameter lines of a fluorescent tube and are disposed on differing planes at differing heights within the tube with a predetermined separation between the tube filaments and the filaments being disposed in a perpendicular fashion when viewed from above. The primary filament is disposed above the secondary filament and it has a larger diameter that the secondary filament.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for cancelling distortion in a direct conversion receiver, such distortion created by the mixing of the desired signal with the output signal of an local oscillator. Subsequent to filtering the mixer output signal, the even mode distortion component is extracted, phase shifted, amplified and recombined with the mixed signal in such manner as to suppress even order distortion.

Abstract: A feedback control loop having a variable attenuator controlled by oscillation detector means and overshoot detector means to better track the input signal. The oscillation detector means utilizes an estimated signal value compared to a subsequent measured value with the absolute difference of the two compared to predetermined threshold values. Should the calculated difference exceed predetermined threshold values, the variable attenuator value is adjusted and the process repeated after a brief disabling period to allow settling.In addition to the oscillation detector, an overshoot detector means may also be used alone or in combination with oscillator detector means to control the variable attenuator setting.