Abstract: Highly sensitive method and apparatus for photon detection in the microwave and infrared regions of the electromagnetic energy spectrum are shown in which atoms of a material in the vapor state are excited to a first Rydberg energy level by use of radiation from one or more laser beams. The Rydberg excited material is subjected to the low energy radiation to be detected to induce therein an allowed electric dipole transition from said first to a second Rydberg energy level of the same or quite similar principal quantum number. Spontaneous high energy emission as a result of a distinctive radiative transition from said second Rydberg energy level is detected independently of other radiative transitions by conventional photodetector means such as a photomultiplier operable within the optical spectrum. The photomultiplier output provides a measure of said radiation to be detected.

Abstract: The ultrasonic imaging method and apparatus comprises an ultrasonic wave transducer supplied with recurrent multifrequency energy pulses for pulse insonification of an object under investigation with ultrasonic waves. Resultant echo waves from the object are directed onto the transducer for converting the same to electrical signals which are supplied to a signal processor which includes a variable bandpass filter. One or more of the filter characteristics are varied as a function of depth from which the echo signals are returned for enhanced resolution and signal-to-noise ratio of the received signal. Preferably, the filter is matched to the noise and signal spectra of the system. For A scan and B scan operations wherein reverberated acoustic pulses are derived from a range of depths a time variable filter is employed for time varying operation thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in the art of navigating, detecting and tracking moving objects, position finding, mapping and such subjects employing a plurality of stations and variational measurements.

Abstract: A receiver signal processing system and method are shown which are representative of a plurality of signal channels for processing a plurality of electrical signals produced, for example, by an array of transducer elements. The system includes amplifier means which is supplied with an a-c input signal such as the output from an acoustic transducer element included in an array thereof. The output of the amplifier means is connected to a signal level detector, and the detector output is coupled to signal storage means through receiver signal gating means. The signal storage means simply may comprise a capacitor which functions as an analog peak signal detector and storage means such that the peak signal from the signal level detector is stored therein when a receiver gating pulse is supplied to the receiver gating means to enable the same.

Abstract: Error compensating method and means are shown for use in multichannel systems for compensation of errors in the operating characteristics of the individual information handling channels. Offset, gain, linearity and the like, channel transfer function errors, may be compensated for in accordance with the invention. Error compensating signals for the individual information handling channels are stored in error compensating signal storage means and are combined with the channel output signals to compensate for errors therein. A test signal is supplied to the channel inputs, and the compensated channel outputs resultant thereof are compared with a standard related to said test signal. Variations from the standard are used to update the error compensating signals contained in storage.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in the art of position determination and in particular to the art of mapping, surveying, station keeping, and the like, employing moving craft and measuring quantities linearly related to the simultaneous variations of the simultaneous distances between the moving craft and a plurality of fixed or mobile station points.

Abstract: A manipulator is shown of the type which includes an effector, such as a hand, comprising a pair of jaws relatively pivotally movable between open and closed positions under operation of power means such as an electric motor. Sensing means, for sensing both magnitude and direction of forces along three mutually orthogonal axes intersecting at the wrist and for sensing magnitude and direction of torques about said axes, are provided at the wrist intermediate to the manipulator hand and hand supporting means. The sensing means includes a plurality of sensing units radially spaced from the longitudinal axis of the manipulator at equal distances therefrom. In an exemplary arrangement, four such orthogonally located sensing units are employed, each of which includes a radially extending opaque pin carried by the manipulator arm or hand. Each pin extends into a clearance hole formed in an energy source and detector housing carried by the other of the arm and hand.

Abstract: A log splitter and method for splitting logs, rails or the like, comprising a pair of double acting fluid cylinder operators in a parallel spaced side-by-side arrangement, which operators are interconnected by a butt plate extending therebetween against which one end of a log to be split may be butted. Means are provided for connecting the cylinders to a fluid source for simultaneous actuation thereof. A cutting or splitting blade is connected to the fluid cylinder operators through adjustable length connecting means such as chains, or the like, for use with logs of different length including those of greater length than the stroke of the fluid cylinder pistons. The log splitter is lightweight, portable, and readily adapted for connection to the fluid pressure source of a tractor, or the like, for use thereof in the field. The novel log splitting method includes performing successive splitting operations on a log by shortening the adjustable length connecting means after each cutting stroke.

Abstract: A lens converter ultrasonic camera method and system are shown for producing a visible representation in real time and true perspective of inhomogeneities in an opaque subject or specimen and especially suitable for imaging organs of living organisms. An ultrasonic wave generating transducer means is coupled to the specimen for insonification thereof, and focused perspective images using either transmitted or reflected ultrasonic waves are produced and directed upon an array of acoustic to electrical transducer elements. Scanning means are employed to expose the transducer elements to the entire acoustic image to generate electrical signals representative of the acoustic image.

Abstract: A round detecting method and apparatus are disclosed for automatically detecting the firing of weapons, such as small arms, or the like. Radiant and acoustic energy produced upon occurrence of the firing of the weapon and emanating from the muzzle thereof are detected at known, substantially fixed, distances therefrom. Directionally sensitive radiant and acoustic energy transducer means directed toward the muzzle to receive the radiation and acoustic pressure waves therefrom may be located adjacent each other for convenience. In any case, the distances from the transducers to the muzzle, and the different propagation velocities of the radiant and acoustic waves are known. The detected radiant (e.g.