Abstract: A logic arrangement for low power integrated circuits which reduces the number of state changes at the synchronously clocked parallel outputs of the integrated circuit. Logic is included which determines the number of output lines which would normally change state when the next output word is clocked onto the output lines. Additional logic determines whether this number is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, being one-half the number of output lines for even numbers of output lines. When the number of state changes will exceed this number, the output word is complemented before being clocked onto the output lines. An extra output line is used to signal the circuitry connected to the output lines that the output states have been complemented. When the number of state changes equals the predetermined number, the output word is complemented only if the previous output word was complemented.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling the output of a dynamic system which is susceptible to changing dynamic characteristics. The desired present and future outputs of the system are applied to a predictor which determines the inputs to a model reference adaptive control subsystem from which the actual outputs are produced. The predictor uses an impulse model of the subsystem to simulate and predict future outputs. The adaptive control subsystem includes adjustable gain feedback or controlloops which are adjusted to make the dynamic system appear to have constant characteristics even when its dynamic characteristics are changing. A reference model of the dynamic system is used as the basis for the gain adjustments. The equation weights for the mathematical impulse model used by the input predictor are derived from the reference model of the adaptive control subsystem, and remain constant throughout the operation of the controller.

Abstract: An infrared laser energy generating apparatus, specifically a transverse excited atmospheric (TEA) laser generating apparatus incorporating a low pressure gain cell and tunable reflecting means to eliminate mode-beating and gain-spiking of the laser beam, to select a given lasing transition, and to accomplish this selection and filtering of a high power, large diameter laser beam using smaller diameter optical components.

Abstract: An automated flexible manufacturing system for fabricating electrical cable harness assemblies. The system includes a wire preparation system in which the wires are cut to length, provided with the desired electrical terminations and marked for identification under the control of computing means to which wire harness data is fed. The prepared wires are transported to an automated cable harness assembly system which is also controlled from computing means to which the wire harness data is fed.

Abstract: A system for machine assembly of component kits for electronic printed circuit boards is disclosed. Components for assembling the kits are stored in a plurality of standardized machine recoverable trays, more specifically a multi-level carousel. An elevator transports trays between storage and an automated work station where components are removed to construct the component kits.

Abstract: An improved latch assembly which operates with a phased array radar antenna to fixedly retain the radar antenna in any one of several predetermined positions. The latch assembly comprises an elongated body member having a leading end section tapered to interfit into the detent means without jamming, a wedging member having a tapered wedge-like configuration which slidably interfits with the gradually tapered ledge of the body member, and a controllable spring-loaded actuating means operable to move the elongated body member and the wedge member into locking engagement with a predetermined detent and then to move the wedging member an additional small distance toward the predetermined detent, this causes the wedging member to be forced laterally an amount sufficient to contact the sides of the housing to effect a controlled wedging of the latch assembly in the housing to prevent any rotation of the radar antenna because of undesired clearances between the elongated body member and the housing.

Abstract: A high PRF pulse doppler radar for tracking moving targets is described wherein the PRF of the transmitted signal is varied within predetermined PRF limits to keep the target reflected high PRF signal centered within the receive gate of the radar and wherein spurious signals incidentally generated by the action of the receive gate are reduced below the receiver noise level. In the event of temporary target reflected signal loss, the PRF of the transmitted signal is varied within predetermined PRF limits based upon the velocity and range estimate of the target to keep subsequent target reflected signals centered within the receive gate of the radar.

Abstract: A reflective hybrid analog phase shifter is detailed which is operable in the X-band, and which exhibits minimal phase shift variation with higher power loadings. A pair of back-to-back connected Schottky varactor diodes are serially connected to each of the phase shifting ports of a 3 dB coupler. The Scottky varactor diodes are reverse biased to permit continuous variation of the phase shift as a function of analog bias potential. A monolithically fabricated implementation of this circuit design is detailed.

Abstract: A rotor tip synthetic aperture radar is described including a rotor operable to rotate, a radar receiver positioned in the rotor and for relaying received signals to a second position such as the cab of a helicopter. A radar transmitter and receiver located within the second location for transmitting radar signals towards a target and for receiving target reflected signals relayed from the rotor tip. The doppler frequency shift imposed on the relayed target reflected signals is cancelled by generating a pilot signal at a predetermined frequency and transmitting the pilot signal to the rotor tip which has a receiver for receiving the pilot signal and for relaying the pilot signal back to the second location and frequency multipliers and mixers for generating a first order doppler frequency shift signal appropriately scaled to cancel the doppler frequency shift signal of the target reflected signals when the two are subtracted in a mixer.

Abstract: A binary Butler matrix is expanded into a non-binary matrix coupled to a like number of non-binary antenna elements for forming multiple beams from a phased array and wherein an n.times.n Butler matrix drives n+l elements, and where the l elements are coupled to predetermined ports of the Butler matrix normally coupled to the n elements but coupled thereto through respective 180.degree. phase shifters such that, for example, the first or (n+1).sub.th element to the right of the n.sub.th element is coupled to the same port of the Butler matrix coupled to the 1st element but additionally through a fixed 180.degree. phase shifter while the first or 0.sub.th element to the left of the 1st element is coupled to the n.sub.th same port coupled to the n.sub.th element but including a respective 180.degree. phase shifter. Progressively increasing numbers of elements on either side of the n elements are respectively coupled to ascending and descending numbered ports of the binary matrix through respective 180.degree.

Abstract: There has been provided a monolithic three dimensional image optical receiver having contiguous detectors formed into a solid state lens for producing photogenerated electrons. A plurality of collectors, one each located in communication with the detectors, are disposed on a substrate and having spaced or interstices therebetween. An exponentially variable programmable gain control is located on the image or radiation receiving side of the detector.

Abstract: Predictive control of a controlled dynamic system having conventional feedback. The input predictor processes the assumed inputs to the controlled system to determine an error output or value corresponding to the outputs only at the prediction horizon interval. The error output is processed by scalar mathematical operations to adjust the assumed inputs and form actual inputs to the controlled system. This method of predicting the inputs can be accomplished in less time than required by previous systems, and the stability of the controlled system, particularly non-minimum phase systems, is improved.

Abstract: A six port junction (10) having relatively wide bandwidth, forms a basic building block for implementing a non-binary matrix and is comprised of a network including two 3-dB quadrature couplers (14, 16), one 4.8-dB quadrature coupler (18) and three coupled stripline transmission line fixed phase shifters (20, 22, 24) providing phase shifts of substantially -90.degree., -240.degree. and -30.degree. to provide a 120.degree. phase progression between three input ports (A, B, C). The six port junction can be combined with other like non-binary matrices or binary matrices for forming a beam forming network which is adapted to provide 2.sup.n .times.3.sup.m outputs.

Abstract: An extendable rocket launcher tube for a rocket wherein releasable telescoped concentric inner and outer tubes house the rocket. Upon ignition, the rocket releases the inner tube from the outer tube and carries it forward imparting momentum thereto. The rocket is released from the inner tube at a selected axial extension of the inner tube. The components move at relative speeds such that acceleration of the rocket is complete when the launcher tube is fully extended.

Abstract: A focal plane array, comprised of an infrared (IR) photovoltaic detector array coupled to a charge coupled device (CCD), which provides for minimum deviation in input threshold voltage between individual detector input nodes of the array is disclosed. In one embodiment, an oxide nitride dielectric layer overlays the entire CCD with the exception of the areas beneath the direct injection gates where only a thin oxide dielectric is formed. In another embodiment, the oxide beneath the direct injection gates is substantially thinner than the oxide beneath the remainder of the CCD structure.

Abstract: A microwave phase shifting device utilizing the rotation lateral to a longitudinal axis across a square or circular waveguide by a slab of dielectric material to provide a differential phase shift between a linear to circular polarization in a high frequency microwave signal.

Abstract: A wideband 180-degree digital phase shifter bit is provided which is operable independently of input rf frequency over a predetermined bandwidth of interest. The phase shifter bit comprises a coupled transmission line segment and a pi network segment, with switching means for alternatively connecting the rf input and rf output first to the coupled transmission line segments, and then to the pi network.

Abstract: An electrically alterable non-volatile memory for storing information is described incorporating an array of memory elements comprising N-channel variable threshold field effect transistors having at times an N-channel extending from its source to a predetermined distance from its drain, means for writing information into the array and means for reading information from the array.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system for scrambling, transmitting and descrambling the video portion of a TV signal. In the preferred embodiment two serial memories (charge coupled devices) are utilized to store data representing selected portions of the video to be scrambled. The charge coupled devices are selectively clocked to interchange portions of video, with the point at which the interchange occurs determined by a code pattern generator and changing in a predetermined manner. The point of interchange is updated or changed as determined by a code pattern generator and changing every three lines of the TV signal. Descrambling is accomplished by an identical hardware arrangement with the exception that the code pattern generator at the descrambler is synchronized with the code pattern generator in the scrambler. Synchronizing information can be transmitted to the descrambler in any convenient fashion including inserting the data in an unused video line of the vertical retrace interval.

Abstract: A system for automatically inserting the leads of electrical components into circuit boards is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, an electrical component is acquired by the robot. The leads of the component have been trimmed and preformed such that they are substantially parallel with respect to each other with the leads differing in length. The robot positions the component at a fixed location relative to the axis of the robot and within the view of an optical sensor such as a TV camera. The sensor determines the location of each of the leads relative to a fixed location. A first rotary motion rotates the component about a selected axis of the robot through a predetermined angle and a second measurement is made. A second rotation positions the component 180.degree. from the original position and a third measurement is made.