Abstract: A microwave switching device replacing PIN diodes and operating at higher eeds requires reduced switching current. A field effect controlled device is utilized with no ground plane, for elimination of source-ground and drain-ground capacitance. Massive source and drain structures reduce terminal inductance. A low resistance active region provides dynamic switching capability improving over prior art devices in operating frequencies and speeds.

Abstract: A novel fluid-flow control damper is disclosed. The damper comprises a freely pivotable closure situated in a fluid-flow conduit, such as an air duct. The closure is maintained in a closed position by a simple latching means, and may be maintained in an open condition by means of fluid flow through the conduit. Several of these dampers may be used in combination with a single fluid temperature control device, resulting in a simple, low-cost multizone heating or cooling system.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention comprises means for regulating intermittent flow of respiratory fluid to a patient during oxygen therapy. The invention utilizes laminar fluidic elements in the control circuit for regulating the operation of an oxygen flow valve.

Abstract: An inexpensive, flush mounted selectable mode microstrip antenna which is equency-agile and has polarization diversity. The mode, frequency and polarization of the antenna can be selected by selecting the location of shorting posts in the antenna. The use of switching diodes in place of shorting posts provides the means of electronically switching the mode, frequency and polarization characteristics of the antenna. The selectable mode microstrip antenna arrays are also provided. The selection of mode, frequency and polarization can be selected and controlled by digital means such as a computer.

Abstract: A high speed rectangle function generator which provides a rectangular out voltage in response to an input voltage. A voltage divider produces switching points in conjunction with an input voltage to switch inversion and non-inversion amplifiers. The outputs of the inversion and non-inversion amplifiers are summed to produce a rectangular output voltage. Operational amplifiers are utilized as inversion and non-inversion amplifiers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a film development parameter and a camera exposure setting to compensate for the luminous dynamic range of a subject being photographed which takes film non-linearities into account. Film characteristic curve data is stored in a read only memory of the apparatus. In a semi-automatic embodiment, information corresponding to desired film densities for two areas of the subject matter is manually inputted to the apparatus, which is then pointed towards the two areas. In an automatic embodiment, information corresponding to desired film densities for the brightest and least bright areas of the subject to be photographed is manually inputted, the entire subject is automatically scanned by a vidicon or equivalent means, and the brightest and least bright areas of the subject are automatically detected.

Abstract: A broad band flueric amplifier is disclosed which comprises means to incre the deflection of the fluid jet within the amplifier at higher frequencies of oscillation of the jet. The means for increasing jet deflection comprises vanes or protrusions positioned closely adjacent the jet path at selected distances from the nozzle. Acoustic feedback from these vanes or protrusions will assist the control pulse in deflecting the jet at selected frequencies of oscillation.

Abstract: A trim circuit for compensating for null offset of the jet stream in a flic transducer, such as an amplifier or jet deflection sensor, includes a flow bias control circuit and a supply sensitive difference flow control circuit. The flow bias control circuit supplies fluid pressure to a pair of symetrically disposed control channels at the input end of the transducer. This fluid pressure tends to decrease the amount of null offset of the jet stream from a central axis of the transducer which intersects a pair of symetrically disposed output channels. The supply sensitive difference flow control circuit removes the null offset remaining after correction by the flow bias control circuit. The supply sensitive difference flow control circuit may be disposed in one of the later stages of a cascaded fluidic amplifier chain or at the control inputs of a single stage transducer or amplifier.

Abstract: An inexpensive, flush mounted microstrip antenna which is frequency agile d has polarization diversity. The frequency and polarization of the antenna can be selected by selecting the location of shorting posts in the antenna. The use of switching diodes in place of shorting posts provides the means of electronically switching the frequency and polarization characteristics of the antenna. Frequency-agility provides frequency scannable microstrip antenna arrays which also have polarization diversity. Frequency-agility, polarization diversity and frequency scannable arrays are controllable by digital means such as a computer.

Abstract: The spark gap device disclosed herein comprises at least two sets of electrodes enclosed within a common chamber. A delay line is connected between successive sets of electrodes. An arc which develops across the first set of electrodes as a result of a voltage transient ionizes the gas in the chamber. The voltage transient is delayed by the time required to travel through the delay line. When the voltage transient arrives at the second set of electrodes, an arc develops in less time than was required at the first set of electrodes due to the fact that the gas in the chamber has been at least partially ionized.

Abstract: An air deflector is provided for the air inlet means of a fuze ogive. The flector comprises a stationary deflecting surface which is configured so as to substantially reduce the amount of air entering the ogive during high velocity flight, while not substantially reducing the air inflow during relatively low velocity flight.

Abstract: In this disclosure is described a FM-CW radar distance measuring system. By onventional means a frequency modulated continuous wave signal is generated and transmitted toward a target. A sample of the transmitted signal is compared with the received target return signal in a mixer. A second sample of the transmitted signal which is delayed by an amount proportional to the time required for a signal to travel to the target and return is compared with the first sample in a second mixer. The outputs of the two aforementioned mixers are amplified and compared in a third mixer, and the Doppler component is selected for use in indicating the distance to the target.

Abstract: Non-volatile semiconductor matrix random access and electrically alterable rogrammable read-only memories are disclosed. Each memory cell of the matrix memory includes a photovoltaic ferroelectric element which is remanently polarized with a write signal, and which when illuminated, produces a photovoltage which causes a field effect transistor to assume one of two states. Variable impedance means, for example, at least a diode or a breakdown diode is connected in each cell for providing a low impedance when the write gate pulse is applied to the photovoltaic ferroelectric element and for providing a high impedance when the photovoltage produced by the photovoltaic ferroelectric element is applied to the field effect transistor gate. If power to the memory is lost, by illuminating the photovoltaic ferroelectric element, the field effect transistor may be caused to assume the state which it was in before loss of power.

Abstract: An auxiliary lubrication means is disclosed which is suitable for use in conjunction with an internal combustion engine or similar mechanical device. The present apparatus includes a reservoir for storing a lubricant under pressure during normal operation of the engine. Upon failure of the engine's lubrication system, or during a subsequent start-up procedure, the means of the present invention is operative to provide lubricant to the moving parts of the engine.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention are particularly adapted to monitor for leaks from a fluid container which is situated in a porous or semiporous medium, such as earth. A series of sensors is placed in the medium at a position which would intercept the path of fluid leaking from the container. The sensors react to the presence of fluid thereby providing an indication of the presence of a leak and the approximate location of the leak.

Abstract: A continuous wave frequency modulated ranging system for measuring the dince between the system and a reflecting body. The system generates certain functions of the Doppler signal envelope which have readily identifiable characteristics at specified ranges. This information is used with the amplitude of the received CW-FM signal to determine first by amplitude that the missile is at the approximate desired height, and then to determine by the generated functions the point of burst of the projectile.

Abstract: A lighter-than-air (LTA) wind energy conversion system (WECS) wherein a gas-filled LTA envelope carries a main rotor and electrical generator to take advantage of high wind speeds available at high altitudes. The LTA envelope is tethered to a ground based mooring system designed to provide self-orientation for the LTA envelope. In a preferred embodiment, heavy mechanical transmissions are eliminated by providing a radial disk diffuser within the rear portion of the frustrum-shaped LTA envelope. The diffuser is rotated through the drive shaft of a wind-driven external rotor. A linear duct is positioned within the envelope and has its rear outlet in fluid communiation with the gas inlet to the diffuser. Rotation of the rotor-diffuser drives an induction turbine positioned within the gas inlet of the duct at the fore portion of the envelope. The lifting gas for the envelope also serves as the working fluid for the turbine and is circulated by the diffuser-turbine action.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed which are particularly adapted to quickly de-spin a rapidly rotating object or projectile. Weights are released from the object in a series of distinct stages, thus discarding enough momentum to reduce the spin of the object to a desired minimal value. The weights are released simultaneously by a single release means thereby assuring perfectly symmetrical and synchronized release of the respective weights. The result is a pure de-spin of the object without imparting other motion to the object.

Abstract: A lighter-than-air (LTA) wind energy conversion system (WECS) wherein the LTA envelope carries a main rotor and electrical generator to take advantage of high wind speeds available at high altitudes. The LTA envelope is tethered to a ground based mooring system designed to provide self-orientation for the LTA envelope. In a preferred embodiment, heavy mechanical transmissions are eliminated by providing a radial disk diffuser coupled to a main rotor which, upon rotation, drives an induction turbine positioned within a substantially linear duct which is, in turn, preferably located along the longitudinal axis of the LTA envelope. The output of the induction turbine is coupled to an electrical generator whose output is, in turn, transmitted to the ground via the tethering system. In an alternate embodiment, the main rotor may itself be ducted.

Abstract: A lighter-than-air (LTA) wind energy conversion system (WECS) wherein the gas-filled LTA envelope carries a main rotor and electrical generator to take advantage of high wind speeds available at high altitudes. The LTA envelope is tethered to a ground based mooring system designed to provide self-orientation for the LTA envelope. In a preferred embodiment, heavy mechanical transmissions are eliminated by providing a radial disk diffuser within the LTA envelope coupled through a drive shaft to a wind-driven external rotor. Rotation of the rotor-diffuser drives an induction turbine positioned within the gas inlet to the diffuser, the lifting gas for the envelope also serving as the working fluid for the turbine. The output of the induction turbine is coupled to an electrical generator whose output is, in turn, transmitted to the ground via the tethering system.