Abstract: A portable acousto-optical (AO) spectrometer system comprised of at least one AO crystal cell device specially designed for cancellation of side-lobe noise at a desired tuned wavelength of operation. Each AO crystal cell device has a transducer attached and forms an AO tunable filter (AOTF) and forms part of a photo-head assembly. The system can include an optical fiber link between the AO spectrometer photo-head assembly and additional features such as an optical alignment coupling attachment that couple an excitation source such as a laser that operates in either pulse or continuous mode, a probing fiber that provides a hand-held member that can emit a source radiation and in turn observe radiation reflected from an observed sample. There are two embodiment of the AO crystal cell device. Either embodiment of the AO crystal cell design can be used in the system, providing a vibration-insensitive AO spectrometer instrument having high sensitivity, accuracy and resolution capabilities.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an uncooled ferroelectric/pyroelectric infrared detector having a semi-transparent electrode material includes using a lattice matched substrate material and a crystallographically oriented bottom electrode material as a template for the growth of a crystallographically oriented ferroelectric/pyroelectric film. In a second preferred embodiment, the method includes fabricating a detector assembly, inverting the assembly, and attaching the inverted assembly to a circuit. This embodiment avoids temperature processing constraints associated with the circuit, and thus facilitates the use of higher growth temperatures. Advantages associated with the embodiments of the present invention include the ability to fabricate a crystallographically oriented bottom electrode material as a template for the growth of a crystallographically oriented ferroelectric/pyroelectric film. Furthermore, once the fabrication is complete, the substrate upon which the electrode is deposited can be easily removed.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing fiber reinforced resin structures using vacuum assisted resin transfer molding technology, wherein the apparatus and process employ a first fluid impervious flexible sheet containing therein a resin port; a fiber containing preform; a primary vacuum line; a resin channeling means; and a secondary vacuum line. The fluid impervious flexible sheet is placed over or around the fiber containing preform to form a chamber to which the primary vacuum line is connected. The resin channeling means is positioned on top of the fluid impervious flexible sheet, exterior to the chamber containing the preform in a fashion so as to form a pocket between or around the resin channeling means and said fluid impervious flexible sheet to which the secondary vacuum is applied. Activation of the secondary vacuum causes formation of channels in the fluid impervious flexible sheet. These channels increase the speed and efficiency of resin impregnation of the fiber containing preform.

Abstract: A low cost protective cap that will offer protection of deployable fins for full bore artillery projectiles. A form fitting, composite cap that disintegrates on muzzle exit acts as a protective measure. The cap interfaces with the projectile obturator to form a temporary seal against hot gun gasses. The composition and thickness of the cap allows gas infiltration into the cap material and essentially instant cap degradation upon shot exit.

Abstract: A system which is packaged within a projectile fuze body and obtains data relative to the projectile during a launch. Sensors are provided which obtain in-bore data as well as in-flight data. The in-bore data is recorded at a fast rate during in-bore travel of the projectile and is read out, continuously, at a slower rate during in-flight travel. Both in-bore data and in-flight data are encoded and transmitted to a ground station for analysis.

Abstract: A computerized portable pneumatic target apparatus includes at least one target; a computer located at the firing point of a shooting range and connected by a first wireless radio frequency link to the at least one target for controlling operation of the at least one target; a shot detector located at the firing point and connected by either a second wireless radio frequency link or a wire to the computer; an air operated mechanism for raising and lowering the at least one target; a source of air pressure located near the at least one target and connected to the air operated mechanism; and a source of direct current located near the at least one target and connected to the air operated mechanism and the first wireless radio frequency link.

Abstract: A laser-based photoacoustic sensor performs trace detection and differentiation of atmospheric NO and NO.sub.2 in order to obtain respective concentrations for NO and NO.sub.2 using photoacoustic spectroscopy. The device of the invention employs a single, pulsed laser having two outputs near 454 nm and 227 nm, respectively, to irradiate a sample vapor, the sample vapor being collected by a hand-held wand. A photoacoustic response from both NO and NO.sub.2 is detected using microphone detectors, is converted into electrical signals, and is analyzed using a microcomputer. The results of the analysis--the respective concentrations of NO and NO.sub.2 in the sample vapor--are displayed on a digital oscilloscope. Preferably, the electrical signals are amplified prior to analysis, and a boxcar integrator is used to sample and average the electrical signals during the analysis operation.

Abstract: Apparatus including two containers, two liquids or liquid mixtures pressued within the containers, a blending section for dispersing intimately one liquid into the other, and a nozzle providing sufficient flow resistance so that the moieties remain liquid in the blending section, and vaporization of the vaporizable moiety occurs within and/or beyond the nozzle.

Abstract: Multiple resin transfer molding is the simultaneous injection of differing esins in fiber preforms with or without a separation layer. The flow of the resins is controlled by varying the permeabilities of the preforms and the separation layer. The method produces multifunctional hybrid composites made of multilayered preforms and multiple resins. A fundamental advantage of the invention is the simplification of the manufacturing process.

Abstract: The invention is a non lethal weapon cartridge comprising a projectile and means for propelling the projectile through a weapon barrel. A munition of this type can be employed by soldiers during operations-other-than-war, such as riot control during humanitarian missions, or by law enforcement personnel when a lethal response is not warranted. The projectile comprises a full-bore projectile body fitted with a compliant nose. The projectile is designed to be spin-stabilized such that it will fly, and impact, nose first, while describing a ballistic trajectory. The projectile is intended to be launched from a rifled weapon tube. The rifling imparts the spin necessary to achieve dynamic stability. The propulsion system utilizes a modern smokeless propellant in combination with a high-low technique to produce consistent interior ballistics.

Abstract: A module and a method of making the module is disclosed. The module is fod from a semiconductor and a silicon carbide chip for high temperature applications. The module is designed to be compatible with current silicon IC processes.

Abstract: The instant invention is for a microfabricated sensor system that can measure temperature, principle strain level, and its relative strain orientation simultaneously. It is a multifunctional, small size, low mass, and space saving gauge.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes two birefringent media, one of which is exposed o pressure to undergo pressure-variable birefringence. Polarized light passes through the birefringent media to be modulated in accordance with the pressure and is then made incident on a photodetector to detect the modulation. The use of two birefringent media provides temperature compensation.

Abstract: The excitation of the target nitrocompound with ultraviolet radiation ress in photodissociation yielding vibrationally excited NO with significant population of the v"=1 and v"=2 levels of the ground electronic state. As the population distribution of ambient NO favors the v"=0 level, discrimination between vibrationally excited NO and ambient NO is possible by probing the NO A-X (0,0),(1,1), and (2,2) bands near 226, 224, and 222 nm, respectively, employing (1+1) resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI). Many complex nitrocompounds cannot be photolyzed near 452 nm since their absorption cross sections are relatively small. Thus, the visible laser radiation is used to facilitate the detection of ambient NO and NO from NO.sub.2 by (2+2) REMPI and to discriminate these species from more complex nitrocompound analytes. The analytical utility of the present invention has been demonstrated at several photolysis/ionization wavelengths for NO/CH.sub.3 NO.sub.2 and NO.sub.2 /CH.sub.3 NO.sub.2 mixtures.

Abstract: An acoustic impulse source has been developed and used to simulate the high coustic output of detonation driven acoustic sources. While detonation driven acoustic sources are capable of producing large acoustic signals (>160 dB) at 10s and 100s of meters from the source, their laboratory use is limited due to the combustion byproducts. The present invention is capable of reproducing the downrange detonative source acoustic signals (170 dB) at short range, on the order of 1 meter, without noxious or large thermal byproducts. The present invention relies on the plasma formation resulting from electrical arc discharge in air to generate thermal impulses and the resultant acoustic signals. Utilizing multiple plasma channels and timing control of the formation of said channels, the present invention achieves increased efficiency and the ability to tailor the acoustic output signal to match the desired detonation source characteristic output.

Abstract: The electromagnetic target generator of this invention is used to simulate radar target for the purpose of testing and experimenting on a variety of weapon systems radars. The weapon system radar being tested emits a radar signal which is received by the target generator. The target generator delays, doppler shifts, and reemits the signal for receipt by the weapon system antenna. The simulated target presented to the radar system under investigation has digitally controlled range, radial velocity, coordinated doppler and radar cross section. This provides a realistic radar target return without requiring real targets. The radar system is exercised in inflight and tactical operational configuration and no part of the weapons system radar is bypassed. Delayed radar target replicas are indistinguishable from real target waveforms. The electromagnetic target generator may be used in locations which preclude the use of real radar targets, such as anechoic chambers, and also may be used in the field.

Abstract: An ice detection sensor for placement on a surface of a body subject to ig includes a Pyrex glass or silicon block for disposal on the body surface, the block having a cavity therein, a diaphragm bonded to the silicon block and covering the cavity, a drive electrode disposed in the cavity and operable to deflect the diaphragm upon application of voltage between the drive electrode and the diaphragm, and a second electrode operable to detect motion of the diaphragm. The diaphragm is movable by the drive electrode when there is water covering the diaphragm and when the diaphragm is not covered and the diaphragm is not movable by the drive electrode when there is ice covering the diaphragm. The second electrode is adapted to detect movement and non-movement of the diaphragm, whereby to detect whether ice covers the diaphragm.

Abstract: An ultra-wide bandwidth dish antenna includes a plurality of transmission nes embedded in feed arms extending from an edge of a reflective dish, The first transmission line is for input and is connected in parallel to two receptive transmission lines having twice the characteristic impedance of the input transmission line, where one of the receptive transmission lines is inverted relative to the other The two receptive transmission lines are each bonded and embedded within separate feed arms of the antenna. The feed arms of the dish antenna converge to a point (apex) where the conductors of the embedded transmission lines are connected. The connection forces a signal on the exterior of the feed arms creating an electric and magnetic field enabling an electromagnetic wave to be propagated down the feed arms and launched into the reflective dish to be radiated outward.

Abstract: A light weight, thermal battery having a cathode, an anode and a solid complex of SO2 and lithium tetrachloroaluminate as the solid electrolyte therein. The solid complex of SO2 and lithium tetrachloroaluminate is represented by the formula LiAlCl4·xSO2, wherein 1.0<x<4. The thermal battery is activated by heating the battery to temperatures of approximately between 35° C. to 90° C. A method of making the thermal battery is taught.

Abstract: A passive method and system for mitigating image distortion due to optical turbulence in a surveillance system is disclosed. An array of cameras forming a stereo camera array is employed to view a distant object or objects and background to obtain multi-hyperstereo image data, and the latter data are processed in accordance with statistical comparison and integration techniques to mitigate the effects of optical turbulence in near real-time. Further features of the invention involve comparison of multi-hyperstereo images with uncorrelated optical turbulence distortions, the reconstruction of the distant object and background using segmenting and time-integration techniques, and the execution of time-averaging and correlation algorithms.