Abstract: An electrical resistance heating element of the sort suitable for use in de-icing an aircraft surface includes a foil patterned with a plurality of holes. The holes are in a first patterned region that extends in a first direction from a first end to an opposite second end. The holes define multiple electrical paths between the two ends. The holes, which may vary in size, are configured and dimensioned such that the multiple electrical paths in areas away from lateral edges of said first patterned region are all non-parallel to the first direction. In other words, the electrical paths do not follow a straight line from the first and second ends, but rather must wend their way around the overlapping holes.

Abstract: A CMOS imaging array includes a plurality of individual pixels arranged in rows and columns. Each pixel is constructed the same and includes a photodetector (e.g., photodiode) receiving incident light and generating an output. A first, relatively lower gain, wide dynamic range amplifier circuit is provided responsive to the output of the photodetector. The first circuit is optimized for a linear response to high light level input signals. A second, relatively higher gain, lower dynamic range amplifier circuit is also provided which is responsive to the output of the photodetector. The second circuit is optimized to provide a high signal to noise ratio for low light level input signals. A first output select circuit is provided for directing the output of the first circuit to a first output multiplexer. A second output select circuit is provided for directing the output of the second circuit to a second output multiplexer.

Abstract: A processing system comprises: a shared system resource; a plurality of control devices, each assignable with a task having a predetermined maximum time to complete, the control devices time sharing the system resource in the process of performing their assigned tasks in accordance with a predetermined sequence; and an arbiter circuit for regulating access of said control devices to the system resource. Each control device includes a throttle circuit coupled to the arbiter circuit and individually programmable to control in cooperation with the arbiter circuit utilization of the system resource by the corresponding control device so that each control device may perform its task within the predetermined maximum completion time thereof.

Abstract: A system for controlling with safety the transfer or control of high pressure fluids from a container for use as to an inflatable escape slide. The pressurized container houses valve mechanisms such as a first and second valve mechanism, with the first valve mechanism controlling by actuation the on off flow of high pressure fluids to the second valve mechanism. The second valve mechanism controls the rate of flow by reducing the pressure for delivery to the inflatable escape slide. A safety valve operates in conjunction with the first valve mechanism and upon breaking of the valve mechanisms from the pressurized container to prevent the contents of the pressurized container from rapid escape or uncontrolled release.