Abstract: A multinodal bus network protocol used in communication systems employing tokens to indicate the next interface unit to transmit, with cojoining of token addressing and data in one trasmission, organization of interface units into logical rings whose token-passing sequence is a function of network topology, adaptive learning by each interface unit of the next unit to receive the token as well as the number of addressees in the ring, organization of interface units into groups where only one unit may answer for the entire group, and adaptive learning by each unit in a group of its predecessor in that group as well as the number of units in its group.

Abstract: A device and method to convert light from a point source into an areal source of displayed light. The reflective faces of dielectric mirrors enclose a point source of light. The mirrors repeatedly reflect the light from the point source inside the enclosure without significant absorption, thereby achieving a random distribution of position coordinates for the light rays departing the areal transmissive surface on the outside of the enclosure. The device and method may be used for backlighting a display or for other areal lighting systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in-flight refueling of unmanned aircraft includes a manned tanker aircraft having a refueling probe mounted thereon. The probe is extendable for increased visual reference. A drogue mounted on the distal end of a flexible refueling hose is trailed from the unmanned aircraft. The refueling hose is stored on a reel assembly mounted on the fuel tank of unmanned aircarft. The reel assembly is remotely actuated from the manned tanker to pay out the refueling hose. A homing system transmits signals from the manned aircraft guiding the drogue to the probe. Upon insertion of the probe into the drogue, automatic coupling occurs and the unmanned aircraft is refueled.

Abstract: A heat transfer device and method may be used to conduct heat from a heat source to a heat sink. The device and method improved thermal conduction in composite material mounting boards for heat generating components. The composite material fibers in the core of the board may be parallel to the mounting surface of the core throughout their length. The device may include at least two thermally conductive wedges embedded in the core for conducting heat into and out of the interior of the core. The wedges may be milled metal that may be mechanically and/or thermally attached to the composite material. The wedges may also be chemically plated to the composite. A plurality of the fibers contact both wedges to conduct heat to a surface adapted to transfer heat to the sink. A method of manufacture of the device provides that cavities for the wedges may be milled in the composite material of the core.

Abstract: A closure element for use in circular ducts for controlling the flow of material in the duct. The element has a unique unitary shape which allows installation within the confines of the duct with minimum distortion of the duct cross-section when the valve is open. This results in a very low pressure drop through the valve. Because the closure element geometry is such that the element pivots from the duct wall solely within the confines of the duct, the valve is well suited as a check valve.

Abstract: An adaptive power amplifier system for use with VSWR loads includes an adaptive power supply that indirectly monitors the power dissipated by a RF power amplifier and adapts bias conditions of solid state components in the RF power amplifier to protect the components from excessive power dissipation typically experienced with VSWR loads, even while maintaining full forward power output.

Abstract: A content-addressed memory system stores large amounts of data for quick access by keyword value combinations. The system comprises a controller and a plurality of content-addressed memory chips. Each chip comprises a plurality of word cells with logic to enable independent, parallel operation of each word cell, storage of a record of closely related data in more than one word cell, and accessing an entire record when data in one word cell is matched to the keyword value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for parameterizing an input signal as a sum of N unrelated sine waves of various amplitudes, frequencies and phases using a 2N-order difference equation to describe the sine wave sum and converting the problem to a solution of the roots of an N-order polynomial.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing Fourier transformations on an input stream of digital data without switches in the cross channel communication paths. A new systolic method for performing a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) is derived from a constant geometry method using phase shifting of data in a channel to obtain the proper data sequence, rather than switches to transfer data among channels. A standard global shuffle operator is decomposed into phase shift operators and random access memory shuffle operators that operate only in one channel. The result is further simplified by merging the phase shift operators with twiddle factors from the constant geometry method. The communications paths for the data are thereby fixed, creating the opportunity for higher radix operations than are available with devices employing switches for cross channel data transfer.

Abstract: A helical-element antenna as part of a communication system is mechanically steered with reference to an azimuth axis and an elevation axis within a positioning envelope greater than hemispherical. The system for mechanically steering the helical antenna includes a supporting frame having an azimuth member with a longitudinal axis coinciding with the azimuth axis around which the antenna rotates. Further, the supporting frame includes an elevation member that is integral with the azimuth member and has a longitudinal axis displaced from the azimuth axis. An interface fitting rotatably mounts the antenna to the elevation member. The supporting frame is rotatably mounted to a pedestal base that has a plane perpendicular to the azimuth axis. To position the antenna about the azimuth axis, an azimuth steering unit is energized to rotate the supporting frame 360 degrees around the azimuth axis.

Abstract: A photonic array bus provides a connectorless, computer backplane-like communication systems for advanced data processing and communications systems requiring operation rates exceeding 1 gigahertz. Components of a multiple component advanced data processing or communications system are coupled to pairs of laser transmitters and laser receivers. The laser transmitter and receiver pairs are arrayed in a coplanar circular fashion about a central disperser lens. A laser transmitter emits a laser beam incident on the central disperser lens. The central disperser lens disperses the laser beam into a coplanar array of laser beams illuminating the laser receivers. Multiple channel operation is achieved by "stacking" along the length of the disperser lens coplanar arrays of pairs of laser transmitters and receivers.

Abstract: A single null miniature direction finder which may be worn on the arm of the user and is fully automatic in operation. Signals from a single loop antenna and a sense antenna are summed; however, the amplitude of the sense signal is adjusted at first and second phase angles and the phase of the sense antenna is automatically switched from the first phase angle to the second phase angle prior to summing to produce either a single null or a no null pattern. These patterns are compared to each other as the user extends his arm horizontally and rotates his body. When the null occurs an indicator gives the relative direction to the transmitter.

Abstract: The present invention will yield enhanced gain over a conventional antenna system by taking advantage of combining directional antennae. In one embodiment, the invention utilizes four 10 dB dipole, vertically-polarized, omni-directional antennae having a reflector added to each one to limit the horizontal beamwidth to 90.degree. and increase the gain to 16 dB. The vertical beamwidth remains at 7.degree.. By utilizing four of these antennae and utilizing power combining hybrids to connect each of the two opposed antennae together, excess gain over a 10 dB omni-directional system will be obtained. The effective antenna gain is equal to the directional antenna gain minus the omni-directional antenna gain minus the hybrid loss. Thus, the vertical beamwidth and physical height of the antenna are preserved with the increase in gain at the cost of a little antenna complexity.

Abstract: An adaptive processing system for real-time signal processing of one or more input signals in parallel-pipeline fashion is provided. According to the invention, the adaptive processing system includes a random access processor having an array of processing elements each being individually configurable. A man-machine interface receives instructions defining how an input signal is to be processed by the random access processor. A configuration controller responsive to the interface is used to generate configuration data defining a configuration of the random access processor, and data flow between contiguous processing elements thereof, for enabling processing of the input signals according to the insructions. The random access processor is configurable into one or more individually addressable processing arrays which may perform linear or nonlinear operations on an input signal.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle has a retaining member extending along the side of a vehicle to retain a cover for an awning. The cover may be formed from a plurality of metallic slats pivotable relative to one another to define a housing for the awning fabric in one pivotable relationship of the slats and to define an extension of the awning fabric in a second pivotable relationship of the slats. The slat closest to the recreational vehicle in the second pivotable relationship of the cover may also have a retaining portion. A first member is provided with detaining portions at its opposite ends to be detained by the retaining member on the recreational vehicle and the retaining portion on the slat closest to the recreational vehicle. The first member may have a coupling portion at an intermediate position between its opposite ends. This coupling portion co-operates with a sealing member to hold the sealing member on the first member. The sealing member may be made from a resilient material such as a vinyl.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identification of packet collisions which occur on a broadband communication bus. The collision detection apparatus is responsive to signals which normally reside on an RF packet channel. This apparatus identifies a collision by splitting a packet signal and then multiplying the split signal by itself utilizing a conventional mixer. The multiplied signal is passed through a bandpass filter and if no packet collision has occurred, then no significant signal energy will appear at the output of the bandpass filter. Howerever, in the event of a packet collision, then the multiplied output signal includes frequency components which pass through the bandpass filter to produce an energy level which is identified in a threshold detector.

Abstract: Tape cleaning and degaussing apparatus for cleaning, conditioning and degaussing magnetic video tape comprising a wiper means for wiping front and back surfaces of the video tape, a scrapping means engaging the front surface of the video tape for removing debris therefrom, a degaussing means for demagnetizing the video tape and a means for moving the video tape past the wiper means, scrapping means and degaussing means.Additionally, the tape cleaner and degausser apparatus contains a clear dust cover providing easy access for removal and replacement of the cleaning mechanisms in the interior of the apparatus, as well as a bar condition LED station which informs the user when the cleaning bar needs to be rotated or changed.

Abstract: A circular waveguide section which is suitably excited with a TM.sub.01 and two spatially orthogonal TE.sub.11 modes to form a cosine-squared-on-a pedestal amplitude distribution at the outputs of the circular waveguide. The resulting cosine-squared-on-a-pedestal amplitude taper may be distributed to the elements of a circular phased array to form a low sidelobe antenna. Since the waveguide is a reciprocal element, it can be used in a receiver as well as a transmitter.

Abstract: An in-phase hybrid and a balun in a single stage built with inexpensive coaxial cable which splits or combines RF power and simultaneously performs a balanced-to-unbalanced impedance transformation.

Abstract: Leaks or thin spots in containers, as well as mechanical faults, e.g. worn bearings, are detected by an ultrasonic energy indicator that includes a modulator that heterodynes ultrasonic signals received by a transducer and creates an audio signal related thereto. The transducer includes a series arrangement of piezoelectric crystals feeding a field-effect transistor amplifier and the modulator operates in an amplitude modulation, suppressed-carrier mode which can be stabilized by a feedback loop. For indicating the presence of the audio signal, either headphones or a meter or both are employed. When leaks in a container are being detected, an ultrasonic generator is used which varies its output frequency slowly over a band of frequencies. The leak detection technique can be improved by applying a thin layer of a liquid to the container surface so that pressure introduced into the container causes the formation and bursting of bubbles in the liquid that results in the production of ultrasonic energy.