Abstract: A graphical user display for providing real-time process information to a user for a continuous multivariable process operable under control of a plurality of process variables which include at least manipulated variables and controlled variables includes a matrix array of information describing at least one relationship between one or more controlled variables displayed along a first axis of the array and one or more manipulated variables displayed along a second axis of the array. Further, the display includes one or more graphical devices. Each graphical device is positioned in proximity to a corresponding process variable of the controlled variables and the manipulated variables. Further, each graphical device is representative of at least a state (e.g., current value state, past value state, or predicted value state) of the corresponding process variable. A computer implemented method for providing the graphical user display is also provided.

Abstract: A method of transforming and storing data for search and display by a computer system includes formatting and aligning data records of a plurality of objects to a common table mapped format. The formatted and aligned data records are merged and a database is generated therefrom. The database is stored on an optical disc and includes index tables corresponding to searchable data fields. Image data for the objects is compressed and a main compressed image and an image of lesser resolution are randomly stored to a plurality of storage subdirectories on an optical disc. A program for searching and further processing the stored data is also stored on the optical disc with the database and the storage subdirectories. The program for search and display of the data uses an index bar interface for searching the indexed tables. The objects may include real estate properties.

Abstract: An article inventory tracking and control system tracks and controls removal of articles from a secured facility. Exemplary facilities in which the system may be useful include libraries, rental stores and retail stores. Each article is marked with an EAS marker to prevent unauthorized removal. In the system, each user of a facility and each article in the facility is uniquely identifiable. Upon receiving the user and article information, the system queries a central database to ensure that the user is a valid user and that the desired transaction is authorized. A receiving compartment is specifically designed to receive a particular type of article, such as a video or audio cassette. Sensors in the receiving compartment ensure that the article is properly placed within the receiving compartment. Proper placement of the article within the receiving compartment ensures that the marker is properly re/desensitized, and also ensures that only one transaction on one article can be performed at a time.

Abstract: A microstrip patch antenna has a first conductive layer adjacent a dielectric substrate. The first conductive layer has a thickness of less than one skin depth of the material of the first conductive layer. A second conductive layer acts as the ground plane for the first conductive layer and a feed network feeds the radiating patch of the first conductive layer.

Abstract: A method of predicting performance characteristics of an aircraft including modeling thrust-minus-drag of an aircraft with at least one mathematical model using aircraft specific data and input parameters which define the performance characteristics. Coefficients of the at least one mathematical model are learned over at least one flight. The performance characteristics are predicted as a function of the learned coefficients representative of a combined and non-independent thrust-minus-drag relationship.

Abstract: A flight critical computer system for an aircraft includes dual independent lanes having two processors in each lane. The first lane has a primary processor and a redundant processor and provides a first command signal. The second lane includes a primary processor and a redundant processor and provides a second command signal. A first monitor compares the primary processor of the first lane with the primary processor of the second lane and generates first comparison signals as a function of disagreement therebetween. A second monitor compares the output signals of the redundant processor of the second lane and the primary processor of the first lane and generates second comparison signals as a function of disagreement therebetween. A third monitor compares the primary processor of the second lane with the redundant processor of the first lane and generates third comparison signals as a function of disagreement therebetween.

Abstract: A method of processing a plurality of replies of target aircraft provided in response to interrogation signals from the surveillance aircraft during surveillance periods to determine whether an altitude track may be initialized for use in a traffic alert and collision avoidance system includes the step of selecting three replies, one from each of three consecutive surveillance periods. The replies have binary or coded altitude data of high or low confidence. The binary or coded altitude data of non-adjacent and adjacent replies of the selected replies are compared and an altitude difference value for each of the comparisons is generated. Further efforts to initialize a track are discarded if any of the altitude difference values are greater than first predetermined separated altitudes if and only if such compared non-adjacent and adjacent replies have binary or coded altitude data of high confidence.

Abstract: A display system for use with headgear of a user includes a visor display mounted to the headgear so as to define a cavity between the head of the user and an inner surface of the visor display. The visor display has at least one partially reflective aspheric surface section directed inward to the user. The partially reflective aspheric surface is at a position which intercepts a forward line of sight of at least one eye of the user and which is at a tilt angle with respect to a plane that is substantially transverse to the forward line of sight. A shallow packaged image source is positioned above an eye within the cavity at a predetermined angle with the plane which is substantially transverse with a forward line of sight. A fiber optic faceplate having a first and second end section is coupled to the image source at the first end section.

Abstract: An error control arrangement for an optical fiber rotation sensor having electromagnetic waves propagating in opposite directions passing through a bias optical phase modulator operated by a phase modulation generator both of which can contribute second harmonic distortion resulting in errors in the sensor output signal which are controlled. Control of the bias optical phase modulator contribution for a modulator having a piezoelectric body wrapped with an optical fiber portion is accomplished by mounting the body utilizing layers having nonlinear stiffness.

Abstract: An optical fiber directional coupler housing having a primary protective body substantially formed as a rectangular block with a receiving space therein. A slot in the primary protective body provides the receiving space therein. The coupled portion of the coupler to be housed is positioned in the receiving space. A resilient support material having an index of refraction less than that of the coupled portion extends into the receiving space extending between the coupled portion of the coupler which it also at least partially surrounds and the primary protective body. Plugs are typically provided at the ends of the protective body to secure the optical fibers extending from the coupled portion to the body. A heat shrinkable tubing is used as a jacket which encompasses and extends beyond the primary body.

Abstract: A laser gyro having a laser source for providing laser energy includes a laser gain device for receiving lasing energy and generating first and second counterpropagating laser pulses along a common optical path. A detector detects at least one of the pulses and generates an index of refraction control signal representative of the detected at least one laser pulse. The index of refraction of a segment of the optical path is varied in response to the index of refraction control signal such that the index of refraction of the segment of the optical path changes an optical path length for one of the laser pulses. A detector senses the beatnote between the first and second counterpropagating laser pulses.

Abstract: A two-axis motion mechanism with reduced backlash includes two-axis motion that is transferred between a moveable member and a first and second shaft positioned orthogonal to each other through three principle bearings. The first and second shaft are fixedly positioned so as to constrain motion except about a first and second axis therethrough, respectively. The second axis is substantially orthogonal to the first axis intersecting at the center of the mechanism. An outer ring, having the moveable member connected thereto and an inside ring nested therein lies in a plane transverse to the second shaft. Pins connect the outer ring with the inside ring. A case member is positioned about the outer ring with the first shaft mounted thereto. First duplex bearings couple the inside ring to a rod extending across the inside ring and connected to the second shaft at the center of the mechanism. The first duplex bearings allow rotation of the inside ring and the first axis.

Abstract: A fiber optic polarization maintaining apparatus for use in fabrication of fused optical couplers, where the fused optical couplers include first and second optical fibers which each have a principle axis. A light launching source is coupled through a lens into a first end of a selected one of the first and second optical fibers. A piezoelectric element in combination with a solenoid applies external stress in the form of an AC modulation signal to the selected one of the first and second optical fibers. A rotating apparatus rotates the selected one of the first and second optical fibers during modulation. Apparatus for collimating light is coupled to a second end of the selected fiber.

Abstract: A fiber optic polarization maintaining apparatus for use in fabrication of fused optical couplers, where the fused optical couplers include first and second optical fibers. The apparatus includes apparatus for holding the first and second optical fibers in a first predetermined alignment where the first and second fibers each include a stripped portion and where the stripped portions are held in contact along their length. Apparatus for heating the first and second optical fibers are located adjacent the holding apparatus wherein the heating apparatus is brushed across the length of the first and second fibers so as to oscillate across the fibers in an amplitude varied in an ever decreasing stepped manner until fusion of the fibers is complete.