Abstract: A multichannel filter architecture having an external sequencer to provide timing and control signals which enable the filter to function as a plurality of filters because of its multiplexing operation. The filter samples input data and applies the filter functions to each sample. There may be a single input composed of either a single input or multiple time-multiplexed inputs. The multiplexing functions the same way independent of the input form. The filter functions are programmable and reprogrammable, allowing them to be changed by software rather than a redesign of hardware for a new filter function.

Abstract: A frequency-based neural network in which the state of a neuron is indicated by the frequency of an impulse stream emitted by the neuron uses an interconnectivity structure employing a frequency-modulation multiplexing scheme to weight and communicate the pulse stream from an emitting neuron to receiving neurons in another network level.

Abstract: A control system for thrust vector controlled (TVC) cruciform missiles having only pitch and yaw thrusters is disclosed wherein roll damping feedback signals are generated from bank angle data in a separate feedback loop with appropriate gain and compensation. Additional roll rate compensation is added to the missile pitch and yaw rate control subsystem by multiplying actual roll rate by pitch and yaw control deflections and inserting the resultant roll rate compensation command in the pitch and yaw rate error control loops. The addition of these two control feedback loops to the existing pitch and yaw thrust vector control system reduces roll rates caused by aerodynamic forces without the need for aerodynamic or reaction roll control means.

Abstract: Integration at the chip level is supported by an architecture for self-testing and self-configuration of an integrated circuit. Self-testing requires the generation of test signals based on primary root polynomials, application of the test signals to functionally redundant modules, and evaluation of the response of the modules to the test signals. The response produced by a module is compared against the response predicted from error-free operation of the module. Modules whose responses correspond to the expected responses are interconnected for circuit operation. All of the architecture for self-testing and self-configuration is integrated with the tested and configured modules.

Abstract: An improved method for finding the mask threshold for a maskable bilevel correlator operates on a series of frames of information. Beginning with an initial threshold, two rates are computed. The rate of change of the correlation peak magnitude P.sub.(T), a function of threshold T, with respect to the change in the value of the mask threshold T, or (dP.sub.(T) /dT), and the corresponding rate of change of correlation reference pixels with magnitude exceeding the mask threshold, U.sub.(T), a function of threshold T, with respect to the change in the value of the mask threshold T, or (dU.sub.(T) /dT), are measured. The correct, or best, value of the threshold occurs when .vertline.dP.sub.(T) /dT.vertline..gtoreq.0.5*.vertline.dU.sub.(T) /dT.vertline..

Abstract: An endothermic cooler (10) for electronic components (16) in, for example, a missile (12) includes an enclosure (14) having a thermally conductive coupling to the electronic component. A source of water in a first compartment (28) is segregated from salts in a second compartment (30). The salts are capable of providing an endothermic reaction when mixed in a water solution. The two compartments are segregated from one another by a membrane or conduit (32). The membrane is pierced by a spike (34-2 or 34-3) through an actuating mechanism (36) and the conduit is opened by a valve (34-4). Formation of the solution provides cooling for conduction of heat from the electronic component through a thermally conductive plate (24) and its fins (26).

Abstract: A high-density electronics package (10) that houses a plurality of circuit cards (21,22,25,26), heat sinks (23,27) and circuit interconnections (33) in a single housing (12). The electronics package (10) uses conical shaped interfaces for locating and locking components, which greatly enhances the serviceability, thermal management and strength of the electronics package (10). Assembly is accomplished by using a selected conical angle on a first heat sink (23) that mates with a matching conical surface (13) on the housing (12). A second heat sink (27) has a conical angle (located in the opposite direction of the conical angle of the first heat sink) that mates with an identical angle on an expandable wedge ring (31) used for positioning purposes.

Abstract: A velocity tailoring system for a defensive automatic gun having controllable muzzle velocity capability. The system includes velocity determination and control apparatus for determining the projectile discharge velocity necessary to achieve an effective target impact velocity that is less than a predetermined projectile shatter velocity. The projectile discharge velocity control signal is provided to the defensive automatic gun system.

Abstract: In a video based image recognition system, an adaptive threshold level for each pixel is set based upon a running horizontal and/or running vertical average of the pixel intensities combined with suppression of the running average threshold computation to hold the threshold value constant upon the detection of pixels with an intensity above the threshold, and continuing until the detection of a pixel having an intensity lower than the held constant value. After the edge of an image has been detected, and thereafter upon detecting the first pixel having an intensity less than the held threshold, a formula uses a particular combination of pixel location values to compute an intermediate running average value, after which the normal running average is computed.

Abstract: A folding wing structure for improved missile aerodynamic performance and manuverability with a minimum payload space requirement which comprises a leading edge spar and at least one trailing edge spar spaced apart from each other by a plurality of transverse ribs, the spars being approximately parallel to each other with the ribs positioned along the spars to divide the structure into a series of parallelograms. The spars and ribs are pivotally joined together with the spars being further pivotally joined to an air frame of an aerodynamic vehicle or missile. In a folded position the spars and rib structure collapse to occupy a minimal amount of volume in a recessed area of the air frame. A spring or piston member secured to at least one, spar forces the spars apart and out from the fuselage to an erected wing position at predetermined sweep angles relative to the fuselage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that uses iteration to achieve a better prediction of the values of the commands needed to balance the gains of .SIGMA.+.DELTA. and .SIGMA.-.DELTA. channels of a radar guidance system, when an imbalance occurs due to a change caused by the AGC circuitry. An improved method of measuring channel-to-channel gain imbalance versus AGC measurements is provided, which produces modified input values that are used as commands that correct the mismatch during missile flight so that residual error is minimized and more accurate guidance is achieved. The present method is implemented by measuring the gain imbalance at predetermined AGC points during system calibration, and iterating these measurements to produce a relatively small channel-to-channel gain imbalance at the .DELTA.AGC amplifiers. The measured imbalance is then converted to .DELTA.AGC commands and applied to the .DELTA.AGC amplifiers. The resulting gain imbalance is measured and this value is added to the originally measured value.

Abstract: Broadly the disclosure relates to a warhead positioner system which includes a warhead construction comprising a cylindrical missile section having a sector-shaped ordnance charge forming one quadrant thereof, means supporting said missile section for rotational movement about the longitudinal axis of the missile, torque motor means for controlling the rotational position, and means conducting electrical signals to said torque motor from an electric seeker head whereby the charge is positioned so as to be directed toward a desired target upon being detonated. Further, the electrical signal conducting means comprise digital-type circuitry responsive to the electric seeker head output for positioning the charge in one of four quadrants and further analog circuitry for positioning the charge in either half of the selected quadrant.

Abstract: A method of specifying and verifying tight toleranced positional accuracies of external conductive patterns on electronic substrates relative to non-plated tooling hole patterns in the same substrate comprising the addition of round plated or otherwise deposited disks incorporated into the conventional plated art work of the substrate. These disks are positioned at the exact ideal location of each tooling hole. When the substrate manufacturing process is complete and the tooling holes have been drilled through at a correct location, the tooling hole will be positioned within the area of each disk on the substrate. If the tooling hole or holes is/are drilled at an unacceptable location, i.e. outside of the area of the disk, then the component receiving non-plated tooling holes, plated through holes and plated lands will also be miss-positioned and the substrate is discarded.

Abstract: A frequency synthesizer (100) for use in combination with the transmitter (30) for transmitting guidance information to one or more ground launched active radar guided missiles simultaneously which is tunable to a plurality of frequencies separated by a predetermined interval. The frequency synthesizer (100) employs a phase-locked loop (110) having a phase detector (114) which receives input signals of common frequency from two dividers (112 and 124). Frequency control is achieved by varying the divisor of one of the dividers (112).

Abstract: An optical fiber canister (20) is formed of a bobbin (22) having an optical fiber (24) wound in a plurality of layers. The optical fiber layers include a first layer (42) having a plurality of spaced-apart helical wound segments (44), with each pair of helical wound segments (44) being separated by a stepforward wound segment (46). A second layer (50) overlies the first layer (42), the second layer (50) comprising a plurality of spaced-apart helical wound segments (52), with each pair of helical wound segments (52) being separated by a stepforward wound segment (54). The first and second layers (42 and 50) are wound such that the stepforward wound segments (54) of the second layer (50) overlie the helical wound segments (44) of the first layer (42), and the helical wound segments (52) of the second layer (50) overlie the stepforward wound segments (46) of the first layer (42).

Abstract: A missile guidance antenna that is conformal to the missile surface, dual-polarized and broadband. Slotline notch array elements (30, 52) are inclined toward boresight for both the E and H-planes. This inclination directs a greater portion of the energy toward the front of the missile. The additional energy directed forward reduces the nullifying effects of the metallic skin on the tangential E-field and enhances the performance of the other polarization. The slotline elements (30, 52) can be packed with spacing close enough to allow for electronic beam steering without creating grating lobes in the field at the highest frequency of operation.

Abstract: A system (10) and method for matching a set of detected points (26) to a reference constellation (20). A programmable processor (14) receives detected coordinate locations from a sensor (16) and reference coordinate locations from a reference storage device (12). The processor (14) performs a coordinate transformation from the reference coordinate frame to the detected coordinate frame and contructs a table of possible matches. Potential matches are found from the possible matches which have their difference vectors below a predefined threshold. These possible matches are then placed in a match matrix histogram (30) which is further refined to eliminate all but the best matches. The final matching then may be used to find a particular aimpoint (24) in the detected constellation (26).

Abstract: A method of detecting leaks through a surface using a flexible film releasably bonded to the surface. Surfaces of pressurized fluid holding structures having a large number of surface penetrations, such as rivets, tend to have problems with leaks. Leaks at these penetrations are detected by forming a continuous film, typically a polymer film over the surface of a closed structure, pressurizing the structure with a suitable fluid and detecting leaks by the bubbles that form in the film. Generally, the bubbles ar reaily apparent due to tint changes in the film areas no longer in contact with the structure surface. Bubbles are also easily detected by feel. The film is removed around bubbles and the leaking penetration is repaired. Those areas can again be coated with the film and the structure repressurized to detect any remaining leaks. This test can be repeated until all leaks are eliminated. The film is then stripped from the surface and the structure is ready for cleaning use or further processing.

Abstract: A recursive digital filter and method for filtering an n-bit digital input signal. The filter includes a summing circuit which receives an input signal. A second summing circuit is also provided which is coupled to the first summing circuit. Further provided is a feedback circuit which is operable to allow the first and second summing circuits to generate a filtered output signal without using a multiplier.

Abstract: A container of a pressurized gas has an elongated inlet/outlet tubular neck which extends into a housing passage. A cap sealed over the inlet/outlet neck has a platelike member connected to the neck via a hollow support or column. A piston is slidingly received within the housing passage for movement toward the platelike member and has a rod which can be brought into contact with the member eccentrically of the hollow support. A squib on being discharged driving the piston toward the platelike member and rod cantilevers about the hollow support causing it to break and release the gas for use.