Abstract: A damage resistant and tolerant optical element is disclosed. Prior art solid or liquid host matrices are replaced by a soft crosslinked polymer or similar host material. The viscoelastic properties of the matrix host material are controlled during formation so that there are regions of different softness, of stiffness, within the matrix, to form a stiffness gradient. Preferably, the matrix will be softest at a preselected focal plane where maximum electromagnetic radiation or energy output may be expected. The host matrix is doped with a light altering dopant having a concentration distribution, preferably such that the concentration of light limiting dopant is highest in the region where the host matrix material is most soft. Two important disclosed example embodiments are an optical limiter and a solid state dye laser.

Abstract: A spectropolarimetric reflectometer for measuring polarimetric reflection properties of materials over broad spectral wavelength regions is described wherein radiation from a Fourier transform spectrometer passes through a set of polarization elements that serve as a polarization state generator and is reflected off the sample and collected by optics that includes a polarization state analyzer, focusing mirror and detector.

Abstract: Electropolymerizable monomers of the formulas wherein R1, R2 and R3 are selected from the group consisting of —H, —O(CH2)nCH3, wherein n has a value of 0 to 11 and m has a value of 1 to 4, and wherein no more than one of R2 and R3 is —H. Also provided are polymers resulting from the electropolymerization of these monomers.

Abstract: A hyperbranched polymer having repeating units of the formula: wherein Q is —O—, —S— or —NH—.

Abstract: A hand-held dual frequency satellite communication antenna of circular polarization-capable characteristics is disclosed. The antenna system is based on Yagi/Udi spaced elements, including tuned trap-enabled dual frequency elements, disposed in orthogonal planes of a hand-receivable antenna boom element. The antenna system is fabricated from low cost readily obtainable materials and in a manner permitting easy disassembly and packaging for carriage to an isolated location of usage. Configuration of the disclosed antenna system for transmission and reception in two different popular amateur radio satellite communication bands is included. Antenna system field pattern characteristics and actual element lengths are included in the disclosure.

Abstract: A bi-directional, conical carbon-carbon clutch bearing engagement mechanism for the inner race of a conventional rolling element bearing comprising a plurality of wave springs for axially urging the clutch into a non-engaged position, and a guide consisting of contiguous pairs of non-parallel ball raceways and a ball positioned in both pairs of the ball raceways whereby relative rotation of the ball raceway pairs in opposite directions results in axial movement of the clutch ring housings in opposing axial directions to an engaged position. The mechanism includes a pair of conical carbon-carbon rings mounted in the movable clutch ring housings conformed to engage opposing conical shaft runners.

Abstract: Baby bottle nipples which mimic the function of the human breast nipple are provided. In the human breast nipple, milk is delivered to the baby through 15-25 fluid-delivery capillaries called lactiferous ducts. These ducts are 2-4 centimeters in length and 500-900 microns in diameter. Baby bottle nipples fabricated in accordance with the methods of this invention have the common feature of at least one hydrophilic fluid delivery passage. In one embodiment, the fluid delivery passage is a microtube. In another embodiment, the fluid delivery passage is a microchannel. In yet another embodiment, the fluid delivery passage comprises a porous reticulated foam with interconnected pores. In each of these embodiments, the fluid delivery passage has at least one dimension in the range of 1-2000 microns.

Abstract: A high frequency pulsed fuel injector is disclosed. The fuel injector incorporates a resonance tube in outlet fluid communication with a fuel nozzle. During operation the resonance tube provides a pulsating output which is directed into the fuel nozzle. The pulsating output of the resonance tube perturbs the flow of fuel in the fuel nozzle, effectively breaking it up into discrete slugs or chunks for subsequent combustion in a combustion chamber. The combustion process is greatly enhanced by this breakup of the fuel jet, improving combustion efficiency as well as reducing undesirable emissions.

Abstract: System and method for pressurizing and dispersing fire retardant from an aircraft, particularly aircraft structured and equipped for retarding or extinguishing forest fires, that includes a small power pack having a plenum operatively interconnecting a plurality of individual solid propellant gas generator devices each containing solid propellant materials that react pyrotechnically when initiated electrically to generate large quantities of high-pressure gas in a few seconds for discharging a liquid retardant reservoir.

Abstract: A moving platform to moving target relative locating apparatus using long baseline interferometer algorithm measurements and signal time difference of arrival data to operate the algorithm. Signal delays measuring in a few picoseconds are used in plural interferometer algorithms to determine straight-line vector paths between moving platform and moving target. Self-calibration of the picosecond time difference of arrival signal paths is provided. Use of the invention to passively locate a moving target in azimuth elevation and range from a moving aircraft using either aircraft-mounted or aircraft-tethered radio frequency signal antennas and a single pulse of received data is also included.

Abstract: A method and device for visually detecting crack length of a temperature sensitive paint coated test structure during excitation of the test structure. The method and device of the invention capitalizes on surface temperature changes of the test structure as structural fatigue increases. Test structure surface temperature changes are realized in corresponding fluorescence intensity changes in the temperature sensitive paint and recorded with a CCD camera. Improvements over conventional structural fatigue systems include the ability to detect fatigue during flight testing, to record fatigue without stopping the electrodynamic excitation and the ability to detect crack onset and crack length resulting in more accurate cycles-to-fatigue analysis.

Abstract: A jet noise suppressor is disclosed. The jet noise suppressor includes first and second high frequency pulse injection units located exteriorly of the turbine engine exhaust nozzle. The pulse injection units are located oppositely, diametrically across the exhaust nozzle. The pulse injection units include a resonance tube in outlet fluid communication with an injector nozzle. High pressure gas is supplied to the resonance tubes. A second source of high pressure gas includes a switch for supplying an alternating flow of high pressure gas to the injector nozzles. The combination of the high frequency pulses emitted from the injection units with the alternating low frequency, high amplitude mode of injection across the exhaust nozzle, provides a dramatic reduction of noise as well as exhaust temperature.

Abstract: A micromechanical electrical systems (MEMS) metallic micromachined multiple ported electrical switch receivable on the die of an integrated circuit and within the integrated circuit package for controlling radio frequency signal paths among a plurality of switch-enabled different path choices. The switch provides desirably small signal losses in both the switch open and switch closed conditions. The switch is primarily of the single pole multiple throw mechanical type with possible use as a single input pole, multiple output poles device and provision for grounding open nodes in the interest of limiting capacitance coupling across the switch in its open condition. Cantilever beam switch element suspension is included along with normally open and normally closed switch embodiments, electrostatic switch actuation and signal coupling through the closed switch by way of increased inter electrode capacitance coupling. Switch operation from direct current to a frequency above ten gigahertz is accommodated.

Abstract: An improved global positioning system satellite signal acquisition method and device. The method and device of the invention reduces the number of operations in the block correlation used in determining Doppler frequency and time of the received GPS C/A and P(Y) codes. Reducing the number of operations in block correlation increases acquisition speed and reduces energy requirements, aspects conducive to commercial and military hand held GPS receivers.

Abstract: A monocoque fiber reinforced plastic composite modular bridge structure and fabrication method are described in which, in a preferred embodiment, one or more bridge modules of selected length and cross-section are fabricated by applying composite fabric over a mandrel of substantially the intended shape of the module, enclosing the mandrel and composite in a vacuum bag, infusing the fabric with resin, preferably utilizing the vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process, allowing the resin and fabric to cure, and applying finishing operations to the module for installation at a bridge site.

Abstract: Provided are chromophores of the formula Q—(—L—Z)x, wherein x is 3 or 4, wherein Q is selected from the group consisting of wherein L is selected from the group consisting of wherein R is an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and wherein Z is selected from the group consisting of

Abstract: A subterranean course-defining laser instrument and a system for initial calibration or setup of this instrument to provide accurate definition of a sub surface course for a pipeline or the like. Instrument setup is made in response to an above-ground course definition marker such as a surveyor's stake or surveyor's rod. A double mirror pseudo periscope arrangement is used to enable optical signal communication from the subterranean location of the laser instrument to the above ground marker with each of the mirrors being of a curved and error-minimizing nature. Details regarding two major components of the apparatus and quantitative consideration of achieved error budget are included.

Abstract: Aerodynamic performance parameters for aircraft configurations are calculated using an aerodynamic performance system and method. The aerodynamic performance system in a workstation includes a processor circuit having a processor and a memory. Additionally, the system includes aerodynamic performance logic stored on the memory and executable by the processor. The aerodynamic performance logic includes logic that calculates a number of aerodynamic performance parameters for a configuration. Further, the logic generates an aerodynamic performance report to be sent to a client via a network. The aerodynamic performance report lists at least one of the aerodynamic performance parameters.

Abstract: AB2 monomers of the formula wherein Q is Polymerization of these monomers results in hyperbranched aromatic polyamides.

Abstract: An electrolyte for an electrochemical cell consisting of a di-lithium phthalocyanine.