Abstract: A thermoelectric heat pump attached to a plate evaporator within the freezer compartment. The surface area of the thermoelectric device is maintained at a temperature substantially lower than the temperature of the evaporator plate during the cooling cycle. Accordingly, the majority of frost is collected on the thermoelectric surface area. Defrost is accomplished by reversing the voltage potential across the thermoelectric device and draining the water away in a suitable manner.

Abstract: A high efficiency switching power supply includes a non-dissipative snubber circuit which provides dual polarity power utilized by a driver of the switching transistor. The snubber circuit, protecting the switching transistor in the supply and utilizing an inductor for storing energy normally dissipated as heat, charges filter capacitors with the stored energy to provide the dual polarity power sources. Zener diodes, paralelling the filter capacitors, regulate the power sources to provide output voltages sufficient for the driver to ensure saturation and cut-off of the switching transistor. The power sources allow the driver to directly drive the switching transistor for a high efficiency, small size, low cost and lightweight switching power supply.

Abstract: A space fed antenna system is adapted to correct for beam pointing (squint) errors and collimation errors caused by frequency variations of the R.F. energy radiated by the antenna system. A subarray of radiating elements is spatially positioned between an electronic lens and the focal point of said lens. The subarray radiates R.F. energy with a spherical wavefront for illuminating the electronic lens, such spherical wavefront having a focal point coincident with the focal point of the electronic lens. A programmer is provided which controls the electronic lens to collimate and direct the R.F. energy from the subarray. A corporate feed is provided which couples to a plurality of phase shifters which feeds corresponding time delay units, which in turn feeds corresponding radiating elements in the subarray. The phase shifters, responsive to the programmer, provide the spherical wavefront to the R.F. energy radiated by radiating elements in the subarray.

Abstract: A scanning laser radar system utilizing a frequency modulated (fm)-continuous wave (cw) beam to coherently detect echo signal returns from an object in a predetermined region. The frequency of the beam is repeatedly changed as a function of time to produce a symmetrical triangular-shaped frequency modulated waveform. The echo signals received are frequency shifted, as a function of range and Doppler shift, from the signal being transmitted at that time. The frequency shift is detected by homodyning a portion of the instantaneous transmitted signal with the received echo signal to produce an output signal having a frequency which is substantially constant during a portion of the frequency modulation period. The constant frequency portion of the output signal is related to the range and Doppler speed of the target. Target information such as range, Doppler speed, intensity and angle information are derived by processing the output signal.

Abstract: A structurally self supporting shipping package adapted for use with mechanical handling equipment. The package may be embodied as a base or as a unitary carton formed by bending a single sheet of material such as fiberboard. The package includes a horizontal panel elevated by adjacent upward facing rectangular channels. Flaps formed at the ends of the channels engage rails formed along the sides of the panel, to transfer shear stress away from the channels and towards the rails. The rails may be assisted by flaps formed adjacent their connection to the panel. The package may be further strengthened if certain portions are formed by placing multiple thicknesses of material adjacent each other. The structurally self-supporting package allows accommodation of a variety of oddly shaped items. Package assembly may be expedited if the rails are formed in sections.