Abstract: A method for determining color information in a computer image generated display in which the display is divided into a plurality of spans and each span comprises a matrix of pixels, each of the pixels being further divided into a matrix of subpixels, which method and apparatus allows overlapping and inner penetrating faces appearing in an image to be resolved without conflict. Faces of objects appearing in an image are resolved by a range ordering process for each span in an image. The faces are reordered into range separable groups in which a range separable group is defined as faces in which the maximum range to the most distant face in a group does not overlap the minimum range of the nearest face in another group. Each range separable group of faces is then processed on a per pixel basis for determining the color contribution of that face or group of faces to each subpixel within a pixel.

Abstract: A light valve projector of the Schlieren dark field type is provided with an improved input bar plate configuration which achieves greater light efficiencies. The improved input bar plate has orthogonally related rows and columns of slots in which the row slots are spaced between the column slots. Alternating rows of lenslets of a first array divide columns of lenslets of a second array. Light filtering is provided such that one color passes through the row slots and another color passes through the column slots. The output bar plate has a configuration which is complementary to the input bar plate.

Abstract: A multiple light valve (MLV) projector apparatus for producing a color display includes two separate light valves of the Schlieren dark field type. One of the light valves produces a first primary color, for example green, and the other light valve produces two other primary colors, for example red and blue. In such an apparatus the output brightness is usually limited by the red light output. An improved input (and complementary output) mask is described which optimizes the transmission of the first, second and third diffraction orders through the slots in the portion of the input mask which transmits red light. Such an optimization provides a substantial increase in red light output compared to a conventional input mask.

Abstract: The areal height and areal reflectivity of source data for defining a landmass are modified in real time in response to the areal reflectivity of the source data, so that the modified values may be processed for generating radar images to be displayed. The images may include stationary three-dimensional features, useful for a high resolution radar, without need to preprocess data or increase bulk storage medium size of landmass data. In addition, the features, which may include industrial, forestial, commercial and/or residential areas, and/or specific detail such as a predetermined airport, may be predeterminedly disposed within a landmass area more realistically to present an image that is to be expected from an actual operating environment.

Abstract: An improved electron deflection system for a light valve of the type used in Schlieren dark field projectors is disclosed. The deflection system eliminates one set (D box 25) of three sets of deflection electrodes used in such projectors. This is accomplished by modifying the d.c. voltages and a.c. voltages applied to the deflection electrodes. A quadrupole d.c. voltage is added to the first control box set of electrodes (61, 62) and a second quadrupole voltage of opposite sense is added to the focus deflection box set of electrodes (63, 65). This modifies the vertical and horizontal beam angles differentially and the vertical and horizontal beam trajectories differentially in a manner to compensate for the composite effects of spherical aberrations, deflection focusing aberrations, and the static starfish lens generated by the interaction of the square box electrode structure against the round drift ring assembly (21) of the deflection system.

Abstract: Improved masking of light valve spill light is disclosed for Schlieren dark field light valves. The mask is deposited on the interior or exterior of the output window (58) and comprises an opaque area (90) which surrounds a transparent window area (91). The mask is characterized by a zone (92) of graduated density from transparent to opaque. The effect of the graduated density zone is to eliminate spurious light diffracted by the edges of the mask and significantly improves the performance of the light valve.

Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator is provided in a light valve of the Schlieren dark field type. The electrostatic precipitator comprises two conductive surfaces within the fluid reservoir of the light valve. One of these surfaces may be the filter housing (81), and the other may be a metal coating (105) which is applied to the inner glass surface of the rear housing (53) of the light valve. By applying a constant d.c. potential across these two conductive surfaces, a resinous or lacquer build-up occurs which is composed of the fine colloidal particulate wear material and a fluid related component which are produced as a result of the normal operation of the light valve. Both the wear material and the fluid related component are too fine to be filtered by mechanical means. Because the wear material and the fluid related component form an adherent resinous material which bonds to the negative electrode, these particulates are permanently removed from the fluid.

Abstract: Radially extending fibers are disposed over a conical surface at predetermined sites. The sites correspond to vertices of a pattern of contiguous congruent squares inscribed onto the surface of a sector of a circle which may be conformally mapped into the conical surface. Vertices of the pattern coincide along the join line meridian of the conical surface. Fibers are disposed along element paths between the radially extending fibers and preferably, a continuous fiber is used. The material obtained is without any seams or discontinuities and exhibits an invariant fiber volume fraction along the axis and circumference of the conical surface. The material may be used to reinforce an object having a conical surface or to fabricate a preform.

Abstract: A computer video image generating system including a computer memory having three dimensional object data stored therein employs an advanced object generator for retrieving and processing the object data for output to a span processor for controlling the pixel-by-pixel video output signal for a video display. The advanced object generator includes a translucency processor, an edge-on fading processor, a level of detail blending processor and a bilinear interpolator for texture smoothing.

Abstract: A technique for the real-time computer generation of visual scenes of rolling terrain and sea waves is based on a view ray approach wherein an azimuth sweep is defined and an image profile is generated by incrementing range steps from the view point but employs a data base which is an on-line math model consisting of a summation of cosine functions rather than a grid data base. Math models are generated separately for both land and sea elevation posts for the scene to be generated. A horizontal field of view is defined as a predetermined number of increments between sweeps perpendicular to a boresight from a view point, and a vertical field of view is defined as a predetermined number of increments between view rays perpendicular to the boresight from the view point. The change in range is incremented along the boresight from the view point, and for each range increment, the view ray is stepped down by an increment corresponding to an incremental change in the tangent of the view angle.

Abstract: A method for computer image generation producing simulated visual scenes for applications such as flight training, employing a comprehensive distortion correction to generate the image takes place in three sequential stages: Controller, Geometry Processor, and Display Processor. The Display Processor generates video to produce the desired scene on the raster of the display device. If the scene is projected through a wide-angle lens and/or is projected onto a curved screen, the combination of optical and geometric distortion presents a highly distorted scene to the viewer. The comprehensive distortion correction method produces a precisely predistorted scene on the projector raster so it appears valid to the viewer. Mapping between projector space and viewer space is highly nonlinear. However, a small region of the display (span) is selected sufficiently small so that the projector/viewer transformation may be considered linear.

Abstract: An improved advanced video object generator with a more efficient cell texturing memory is disclosed. The advanced video object generator includes a data memory for storing cell-by-cell object data for a plurality of objects for retrieval and processing for video display. A vector processor calculates object transformations for translating operator inputs into image orientation control signals for calculating pixel-by-pixel image data. Cell texture address logic determines the memory location to be accessed for retrieval of cell texture data for display. Output logic provides the cell texture data to a span processor which translates the cell texture data into pixel-by-pixel display data for display on a video display device. The disclosed improvement includes at least one data memory hardware map having a plurality of nxn memory locations for storing n.sup.2 cell sets of cell texture data. The cell texture output logic reads out two independent n.sup.2 cell sets simultaneously which are blended.

Abstract: Series loops of the stator of a large steam turbine-generator are electrically insulated from each other by enclosing each of them in its own clamshell thermoplastic resin mold and filling the mold with an electrically-insulating thermosetting resin material which bonds to the metal of the series loops and the stator bars and bonds also to the ground insulation covering on the stator bars and to the mold and together with the mold provides in cured form an integral body which is resistant to vibrational and impact forces and to distortional forces incident to thermal cycling of the equipment in normal use.

Abstract: A diaphragm for an axial flow turbine includes a plurality of spaced apart nozzle partitions and an inner member for fixedly securing the nozzle partitions. The inner member is contoured to direct elastic fluid flow radially inward. The nozzle partitions are spaced such that a minimum throat extends a predetermined radial distance from the root, thereby forming a converging-diverging flow passageway between nozzle partitions. The trailing edge of the nozzle partitions are disposed to include axial and tangential lean with respect to the rotor of the turbine.

Abstract: A process for electrodepositing mica and a water soluble anionic resin binder, such as a modified polyester resin, is disclosed as a means for applying a heavy coating of a high-voltage, mica-bearing electrical insulation onto uninsulated and insulated portions of electrical connections in dynamoelectric machines. The electrodeposited mica coating is subsequently impregnated with a suitable resin, such as an epoxy or polyester resin, concurrently with the impregnation of other conventional insulations in the machine. Alternatively, deposition and impregnation of the connection insulation can be performed prior to installing the connection into the machine.

Abstract: A solid particle erosion resistant coating includes angular titanium carbide particles uniformly dispersed through a high chromium iron matrix. In one form, the aggregate comprises, by weight, about 30-50% TiC, about 10-30% Cr, about 1.5-5% C and the balance essentially iron in the form of ferrite. The matrix also includes metallurgically identifiable amounts of high chromium content M.sub.7 C.sub.3 carbides therethrough. The coating does not exhibit austenitic or martensitic structure therehthough. A powder alloy consolidated body also includes a surface adjacent region having a similar TiC and high chromium iron matrix. Further, a method for obtaining the coating includes heating above the austenitization temperature of the matrix alloy and below the melting temperature of iron, and cooling the aggregate so as to attain iron in the form of ferrite in the matrix.

Abstract: A baffle for improving coolant gas flow distribution in the gap region of a gas cooled dynamoelectric comprises a perforate member defining at least one gas flow path therethrough. The baffle preferably is spaced from the arcuately surrounds the rotor of the generator, wherein the gas flow path provides communication between the end space region and gap region of the generator. The member may define a plurality of gas flow paths disposed in a predetermined array. Gas exiting the gas flow paths may be directed from substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the generator to an outwardly radial angle of about 30.degree. with respect to the axis of rotation. The size, spacing and disposition of the gas flow paths are coordinated with circumferential gas flow paths around the baffle to provide rapidly radially diffused coolant gas flow downstream the baffle, thus ensuring adequate coolant gas flow to stator core coolant ducts of the generator.

Abstract: A dovetail wedge for retaining conductor bars in stator slots of a large dynamoelectric machine includes an embedding surface layer on surfaces thereof which contact the lamination surfaces in dovetail slots of the stator. The embedding surface layer permits the embossing thereof by irregularities of the surface of the laminations. A range of thicknesses for the embedding layer provides sufficient protection against abrasion and a sufficient lubricity during wedge installation without being so thick that long-term dimensional instability may permit loosening of the conductor bars. The embedding layer is preferably a natural fiber and most preferably a woven or non-woven cotton fiber.

Abstract: An infra-red telemetry system for transmitting information between a rotating shaft of a dynamoelectric machine and an adjacent stationary location includes a plurality of sources of infra-red radiation spaced equi-distanced from one another around the shaft of the dynamoelectric machine and mounted to the shaft of the machine. Information is coded into a pulse train and the pulse train is used to energize the infra-red sources simultaneously. At least one infra-red detector is mounted at a stationary location adjacent the dynamoelectric machine. The infra-red sources are directed to bounce their radiation off a cover plate having a diffuse reflecting surface and mounted on the rotor of the dynamoelectric machine. The bounced radiation is detected by the infra-red detector and decoded to provide the information from the rotor.

Abstract: The viscosities of solventless compositions of epoxy resins containing 1, 2 epoxy groups and having at least two epoxide groups per molecule and effective amounts of catalytic hardener and phenolic accelerator are dramatically reduced to make them useful for vacuum-pressure impregnation and also for pre-impregnated insulating material applications by addition of 3-33% of reactive diluent such as styrene.