Abstract: A linear actuator (20) includes a frame (50) having a frame bore (52) that is threaded with an internal coarse thread (54). An antijam nut (56) is externally threaded with the coarse thread (58) and engaged to the internal coarse thread (54) of the frame bore (52) within the frame bore (52). The antijam nut (56) is also internally threaded with a fine thread (62). A first antijam nut endstop (70) is affixed to the frame (50) such that the antijam nut (56) contacts the first antijam nut endstop (70) at a first range limit within the frame bore (52). A leadscrew (64) has a first portion externally threaded with the fine thread (66) and engaged to the internal fine thread (62) of the antijam nut (56). A leadscrew support (82) is engaged to the leadscrew (64), and a rotational drive (84) is connected to the leadscrew (64). The frame (50) and the leadscrew support (82) are linearly movable relative to each other.

Abstract: An amplifier circuit, referred to as a charge mode capacitor transimpedance amplifier (or CM-CTIA) an input node (IN) and an output node (OUT), and includes a transistor (M.sub.IN) having a gate terminal (G) coupled to the input node, a source terminal (S), and a drain terminal (D) coupled to the output node, a first capacitance (C.sub.FB) coupled between the gate terminal and the drain terminal, a second capacitance (C.sub.S) coupled between the source terminal and a first potential (GND), a third capacitance (C.sub.D) coupled between the drain terminal and the first potential or another fixed potential, a first switch (SW1) coupled between a second potential and the drain terminal, and a second switch (SW2) coupled between a third potential (V.sub.RESET) and the gate terminal. During use, the input node is coupled to an output of a radiation detector, such as a photovoltaic IR detector (12) that forms one element or pixel of an array of IR detectors.

Abstract: A transceiver has a digital signal processor which can insert calibration signals of known level and frequency into transmitters for calibration and correction of transmitter parameters. An output of the calibrated and corrected transmitter is subsequently coupled into a calibration mixer along with a mixing signal (e.g., from a local oscillator generator. The outputs of the calibration mixer have known levels and frequencies and are inserted into receivers for calibration and correction of receiver parameters.

Abstract: A device for creating a panoramic field of view comprises a first light passing incident surface which is a cylinder surface and a second incident surface which is a mirror surface onto which light passing through the first surface impinges. A third incident surface onto which light from the second incident surface impinges is provided and the third incident surface being an aspherical transmission surface. A recollimating element for presenting a pupil plane depiction of a panoramic field of view is also provided. Various embodiments may include single or double lens devices with a second lens provided for the purpose of recollimating light.

Abstract: A structure (20) is formed of a first article (22) such as a cold finger (82), a second article (24) such as an electronic component (78) to be affixed to and cooled by the cold finger (82), and a bonding element (26) disposed between and bonding together the first article (22) and the second article (24). The bonding element (26) includes a porous metallic body (28), such as a screen, a mesh, a felt, or a foam, and a mass of resin adhesive (36) impregnated into the metallic body (28). The mass of adhesive (36) contacts and bonds to the first article (22) and to the second article (24), and the porous metallic body (28) forms a substantially continuous, high-conductivity path between the first article (22) and the second article (24).

Abstract: A transition circuit is useful for coupling a first coplanar waveguide and a second coplanar waveguide disposed either on opposite sides of the same substrate or on different substrates. The first coplanar waveguide has a first signal conductor and a first pair of ground planes and the second coplanar waveguide has a second signal conductor and a second pair of ground planes. The transition circuit includes a signal interconnect coupling the first signal conductor to the second signal conductor and a pair of elongated interconnects coupling the first pair of ground planes to the second pair of ground planes. Each elongated interconnect is spaced from the signal interconnect.

Abstract: The present invention is a derotation assembly comprised of a plurality of dove prisms with multiple reflecting surfaces, each with a normal axis intersecting a common rotation axis aligned orthogonally to an optical device. The reflecting surfaces are parallel to each other and orthogonal to the common rotation axis.

Abstract: A computer-implemented process simulation method or tool that uses a software engine that calculates resources required to complete a project based upon contents of user-defined benefit-trade matrices associated with substeps of the project and design requirement priority values and a sample design whose process is to be simulated. Design requirement priority values and the sample design are input. Each substep is defined using a benefit-trade matrix that comprises a multiple variable lookup table that embodies history data relating to the substep. Each matrix includes relative weights of schedule, cost and risk elements for the substep and user-input rating values corresponding to the importance of each element. A logical equation is defined for each substep that computes the time required to complete the project, required resources for the project, and cost of the project based upon data input thereto.

Abstract: An assembly comprises a plurality of thin plate-like members (2,2) arranged in a side-by-side manner. An array (6) of piezoelectric actuators (10,10) is disposed along a portion (5) of each of said actuators. A plurality of leads (34,34) are disposed along each of said plate-like members and each is connected to a respective one of said piezoelectric actuators.

Abstract: A getter assembly (38) includes a porous getter element (40) having an outer periphery (44), and a porous, thermally conductive, annular getter support (42) overlying the getter element (40) and contacting the outer surface (44) of the getter element (40). The getter assembly (38) further includes a wall (24) sized so that the annular getter support (42) is received within the wall (24) with a friction fit between an outer periphery (50) of the annular getter support (42) and an inner periphery of the wall (24). The getter support (42) supports the getter element (40) from the wall (24) and provides a thermally conductive pathway from the wall (24) to the getter element (40). The annular getter support (42) is typically a screen, a mesh, a felt, or a foam, which is deformable to conform to the inner wall (24) and to slide into the wall (24) with a friction fit that ensures good thermal contact.

Abstract: A two-dimensional imaging system employs a multiplicity of radiation sensors disposed in an array of rows and columns. In order to couple signals from each of the sensors from an inaccessible location to an accessible location for processing of the sensor signals to produce an image of a subject viewed by the sensors, a fiber optic link employing both frequency multiplexing and frequency modulation of sensor data connects the sensor array with the signal processing equipment. In each column of the array, the sensors produce electrical signals which are coupled via a multiplexer to modulate the frequency of a voltage-controlled oscillator. A plurality of oscillators are provided for the concurrent generation of frequency-modulated signals which are then summed together to produce a composite signal. The composite signal is transmitted via a fiber-optic link to the signal processing equipment wherein the composite signal is demodulated and the frequency contributions of the various sensors are identified.

Abstract: A remote temperature sensing system (10) for a scanning mirror (7). The system (10) includes a sensor which detects heat radiated by the mirror and provides a signal in response thereto. In the illustrative implementation, the system (10) includes a thermistor mounted within a housing. The housing is contoured to maximize the receipt of thermal energy thereby. A mounting assembly maintains the thermistor a predetermined nonzero distance from the scanning mirror (7). The invention includes a shroud (12) mounted on the mirror (7) for shielding the thermistor and a support tube connected to the thermistor housing on a first end and to a base on the second end thereof. The support tube is adapted to remain stationary within the shroud as the scanning mirror and the shroud rotate due to the scanning of the mirror. Wires are connected to the thermistor on a first end thereof and are wrapped around the support tube.

Abstract: An integrated point-to-point microwave radio frequency unit/antenna has a housing, a microwave antenna affixed to the front face of the housing, and a microwave radio frequency transceiver electronics package within the housing. The transceiver electronics package includes a circuit board having transmitter and receiver intermediate frequency processors. The transceiver electronics package further includes a microwave transmitter and a microwave receiver, each utilizing monolithic microwave integrated circuit architecture. The signals of the microwave transmitter and microwave receiver are preferably of different frequencies and are diplexed for communication with the antenna.

Abstract: A method of applying optical stabilization to the problem of laser designation is provided which simulates the action of a viscous damping mechanism while reducing the weight and cost of the tripod and angulation head used in laser designation applications on a tracking mount. A closed loop electro-optical system is utilized by a predictive filter and a slew filter which require only video output (28) representing a target (20) of interest for feedback. In addition, automatic tracking of a particular target (20) and automatic boresighting of a separable laser designator (14) to a sensor module (12) are provided. In an alternative embodiment, optical stabilization is used with a GPS module (82) in a sensor module (20), which transmits information representing the location of the target (20) to a projectile (84). The projectile (84) uses the information in maintaining its trajectory towards the target (20).

Abstract: An apparatus and method that precisely controls the amount of liquid dispensed from dispensing apparatus onto an article. The present invention controls the weight of the dispensed liquid by using a force transducer that precisely weighs the article and dispensed liquid during the dispensing process. This weight value is input to a computer controller of an automatic dispenser that embodies a computer program that controls a liquid dispensing pump. Liquid is dispensed until the desired weight of liquid that is to be dispensed is reached, defined by an upper limit in the program. The flow of dispensed liquid is reduced when the weight limit is approached, and is stopped when the weight limit is reached. Thus, in the present invention, the weight (or volume) of the dispensed liquid is controlled in real time during the dispensing process. Closed loop control of the dispensing pump using liquid weight as the controlling variable improves the volumetric accuracy and repeatability of the dispensing process.

Abstract: This invention proposes to make use of an already developed set of hardware which dispenses and controls the performance of towed decoys capable of defeating radar guided weapons. Using this same hardware, a new and unique payload, payload control and dispensing mechanism is inserted into a decoy towbody. The payload consists of foils and/or foil packs of a pyrophoric material. This material creates an infrared (IR) signature behind the decoy that is more attractive than the infrared plume emitted by the aircraft engine. The fact that the IR decoy is towed insures that it will be kinematically correct by flying the same profile as the aircraft so as to remain within the field of view of the missile's seeker. Because the pyrophoric material can be metered (dispensed at varying and controllable rates) its radiant intensity can be matched with that of the engine of the towing aircraft.

Abstract: A durable large stroke deformable mirror. In the illustrative embodiment, the mirror (10') includes a faceplate (12') constructed of a first material, and a backplate (14') constructed of a second material different from the first material. The faceplate (12') is connected to the backplate (14') at an interface (16'), and the backplate (14') is connected to a set of actuators (20') capable of inducing large mirror (10') deflections. In a specific embodiment, the first material is chosen for its excellent optical qualities and the second material is chosen for its flexibility and durability, allowing for large mirror (10') deflections. To ensure the durability of the connection at the interface (16'), the faceplate (12') and the backplate (14') have matching coefficients of thermal expansion. In addition, the interface (16') is placed at the neutral axis of the mirror (10') for reducing stresses at the interface (16').

Abstract: A method is provided for depositing a (111)-oriented heteroepitaxial II-VI alloy film on Si substrates. The (111)-oriented heteroepitaxial II-VI alloy film may comprise II-VI semiconductor and/or II-VI semimetal. As such, the method of the present invention provides a means for growing a (111)-oriented heteroepitaxial II-VI semiconductor film or a (111)-oriented heteroepitaxial II-VI semimetal film. The method of the present invention overcomes the inherent difficulties associated with forming (111)-oriented heteroepitaxial II-VI alloy films on Si(001). These difficulties include twin formation and poor crystalline quality. The novelty of the method of the present invention consists principally in choosing a Si substrate having a surface which has a specific Si crystallographic orientation. In particular, the present invention utilizes a Si surface having a crystallographic orientation near Si(111) rather than Si(001). The Si surface is vicinal Si(111).

Abstract: An interactive computerized witness interrogation recording tool (10) which provides a way to rapidly convert verbal descriptions of objects and events into graphical displays. The verbal descriptions are entered into the interrogation recording tool (10) by an operator utilizing a keyboard (16), graphical input device (18) and an icon based control panel (32) in a display device (30). Commands utilized by the operator are stored in a command library (44) or originate from a textual algorithm (54) which can generate a time sequence of objects and events based on the statements. The representation of the object and events are stored in a 3D geometry database (46) which is displayed by using a geometry display generator (52) under control of a command interpreter (42) and on the display device (30). Because the display is created in real time, the individual providing the statements is able to immediately confirm or deny the accuracy of the representation as it is being constructed in its various stages.

Abstract: A "gain control differential pair" (GCDP) conducts current in response to a differential drive signal, with the gain of a signal path formed via the current circuit of one of its transistors controlled by the drive signal. The GCDP is preferably driven with a drive circuit that receives a symmetrical input signal and produces an offset differential drive signal which has the effect of keeping one of the GCDP's transistors turned off over a wider portion of a symmetrical input signal's voltage range, thereby reducing GCDP-caused noise. One or more GCDPs are implemented as part of a Gilbert mixer to regulate the amount of RF current that flows between the mixer's output and input stages, which eliminates the need to provide gain control in other circuits fed by the mixer. When driven with an offset drive signal, the Gilbert mixer simultaneously provides gain control, low distortion, low power consumption and excellent LO/RF isolation.