Abstract: Apparatus and related method for deriving, from voltage across a power switch, power for a gate drive which opens and closes the power switch in response to a control signal includes a first voltage converter connected in parallel with the power switch and a series combination also connected in parallel with the power switch. The first voltage converter converts a high input voltage which appears across the power switch when the power switch is open to a low output voltage. The series combination includes a second voltage converter for receiving the low output voltage from the first voltage converter, converting it, and providing the converted voltage to the gate drive. The series combination also includes a high-voltage switch, connected in series with the second voltage converter, for opening and closing when the power switch is opened and closed by the gate drive in response to the control signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for validating paper currency banknotes and for forming a stack of such banknotes for removal from the apparatus. The apparatus includes a removable stacker box, a note acceptor for validating a paper currency banknote inserted in the apparatus, a transport mechanism for carrying the validated banknote to the stacker box, and a drive assembly including a motor and a pusher rod coupled to the motor for reciprocation thereby. The currency stacker box is in the form of an enclosed housing containing a holding plate, a pair of carrier belts and associated guide members, and a pusher plate. The housing includes a first small access opening, and a narrow slot through which the banknotes are introduced edgewise for engagement by the carrier belts. The carrier belts carry the validated banknote in front of the pusher plate. The pusher rod is arranged to extend through the small access opening in the currency stacker box when the stacker box is mounted in the apparatus.

Abstract: A remotely-operated unmanned vehicle attached to the hull of a marine vessel by electromagnets surveys the hull for damage. The vehicle attached to the hull is electronically controlled from a remote location. An imaging system on the vehicle provides an operator with images of the vessel's hull and the surrounding environment. Once damage has been found and assessed, the vehicle applies a patch over the damaged opening in the hull to prevent cargo outflow and water inflow. The patch, which resists puncturing and tearing, is constructed from one or more sheets of flexible material having dimensions appropriate to cover most openings.

Abstract: A note acceptor for validating a paper currency note introduced therein. The acceptor includes a note validator unit and plural, interchangeable nose-pieces for releasable mounting on the validator unit. The validator unit includes a housing having a path extending through it, a conveyor for moving a paper currency note along the path, and plural optical and magnetic sensors to sense features of the note conveyed along the path. The path is of a width sufficient to accommodate the widest of any paper currency note to be validated. Each nose-piece forms a respective entrance port and note-guide to the path in the validator by defining a channel of a predetermined width corresponding to the width of an associated sized paper currency note. By mounting a nose-piece designed for a particular sized paper currency onto the validator housing, the resulting acceptor is configured to handle that size paper currency. When the nose piece is removed the validator is arranged to accept the largest size currency note.

Abstract: A paper currency handling apparatus including a stacker or cash box, a note acceptor for validating a paper currency banknote inserted into the acceptor, and a transport and punch plate mechanism located within an openable cover of the apparatus for carrying the validated banknote into the stacker box. The stacker box is arranged to securely store a stack of paper currency banknotes therein and is a hollow body having a wall with entrance window located therein through which a validated banknote is introduced by the punch plate of the apparatus. The cash box also includes a releasably securable mechanism for releasably securing the box to the apparatus, and a releasably securable security plate. The security plate is arranged to be oriented in a first orientation and then slid into the box to a sealing position to completely close the window.

Abstract: A high-power modulator includes a plurality of means for limiting voltage and a plurality of controllable switches. Each of the switches is connected in parallel with a different one of the voltage limiting means to form a plurality of parallel pairs. Each of the parallel pairs is connected to each other in a series combination. A first parallel pair in the series combination can be connected to a main power source, and a last parallel pair in the series combination can be connected to a load. Each of the switches is switchable from an off or open position to an on or closed position.

Abstract: A method of imparting protective or decorative layer to a substrate includes coating said surface with a hydrolyzable solution of silicon alkoxide in an organic solvent. Next, the solvent is evaporated to yield a polymer film, and the film is cured to yield a uniform protective layer on the substrate surface. The present invention also includes the article produced by such a method.

Abstract: Apparatus for recovery and launch of secondary watercraft such as SALM bases, barges and the like onto and from the deck of a host ship, comprising a pair of elongated inclined skid beam assemblies extending transversely across the host ship defining a pair of parallel skid paths spaced apart longitudinally of the ship, each skid beam assembly comprising a stationary skid beam section and a hinged skid beam section. The stationary skid beam section has a substantially rectilinear skid surface spanning a major portion of the width of the ship's deck and extending in an inclined plane relative to the deck defining a wedge-like skid formation converging toward a side of the vessel for slidably supporting the secondary watercraft during launch and recovery thereof.

Abstract: An intrusion detector system for detecting the presence of moving targets in one or more surveillance zones and activated either by the presence of the moving target or directly by some positive action for transmitting an alarm signal causing the provision of a predetermined number of pulses having predetermined time periods. A tone generator and control circuitry receiving the timed pulses, generates a combination of multiple tones of discreetly different frequencies during the timed pulses, the combination of multiple tones of each timed pulse being of different frequencies than the combination of multiple tones of each other timed pulse, to provide a tone-coded message that is transmitted to a receiver.