Abstract: A method for constructing an infrared detector array directly upon a detector interface device is disclosed. The detector interface device mechanically and electrically connects the infrared detector array to signal processing equipment. In a first embodiment of the invention encapsulated single crystalline material is formed within a cavity formed in a substrate. The encapsulated single crystalline material formed within the substrate cavity is suitable for use as a seed crystal for graphotaxial crystal growth of a detector element support layer across the surface of the substrate. Detector elements can then be formed upon the detector element support layer. In a second embodiment of the invention a plurality of detector element support layers can be formed within an array of cavities formed upon the substrate. An individual infrared detector element can then be formed directly upon each of the detector element support layers to form a detector array upon the substrate.

Abstract: A dual integration circuit is disclosed for extending the dynamic range of on focal plane signal processor used in a space based infrared detection system. The circuit comprises an input port in connection with a dedicated detector element and first and second integration circuits operative to generate an output signal responsive to a detected infrared image. The first and second integration circuits are provided with associated switching circuitry for generating output signals at different times to facilitate detection of objects having bright and dim infrared images.

Abstract: A digitally programmable gain normalization circuit for normalizing gains among analog signal channels. The gain normalization circuit is comprised of a charge integrator which has a plurality of capacitors to provide selectible capacitance values which determine the gain of a differential amplifier/sample and hold circuit. A programmable gain control register selects the charge integrator capacitance value. Both static and dynamic latches are disclosed for selecting the capacitors to be utilized in the charge integrator.

Abstract: An arrangement that uses aircraft fuel as a heat sink for aircraft auxiliary oil systems for an aircraft having at least one engine operated by fuel and having an engine interface limit and including a fuel/oil heat exchanger for removing heat from the aircraft auxiliary oil systems and having a fuel outlet temperature, a temperature sensing for determining temperature of the fuel leaving the fuel/oil heat exchanger, a recirculating flow control valve having variable positions including an open and a closed position controlled by the temperature sensor, the fuel always going to the aircraft engine but also going through the flow control valve when the flow control valve is in the open position so that recirculation is minimized and maximum heat is rejected to the engine by the fuel outlet temperature of the fuel/oil heat exchanger when the fuel outlet temperature of the fuel/oil heat exchanger is controlled by the engine interface limit, a ram air heat exchanger for removing heat from the fuel leaving the rec

Abstract: A collector for a liquid drop radiator for cooling at least one fluid droplet stream. The collector has a housing with at least one inlet for the at least one fluid droplet stream and one outlet and lies in a plane, and a pump disposed in the housing and which has a low pressure side and lies in a plane which is the same as the plane that the housing lies in. The at least one inlet of the housing converges towards the pump so that the at least one fluid droplet stream is directed towards the low pressure side of the pump and directed by the pump to the outlet of the housing.

Abstract: A torque joint for transmission of force in both longitudinal and circumferential direction about thin-wall tubular torque tubes is provided by overlapping an inner one of said tubes and an outer one of said tubes, inserting a mandrel having longitudinal and circumferential slots therein, applying a deformation force for pressing the tubular members into the slots of the mandrels, and extracting at least a portion of the mandrel to provide the torque joint. In the case wherein two open-ended tubular members are employed, two mandrel elements of the same form are utilized, the two mandrel elements being withdrawn from the opposite ends of the joint upon completion of assembly of the joint. In the event that one of the tubular elements is closed ended, a retaining ring is utilized as one of the mandrel elements, in which case only one mandrel element is withdrawn while the ring remains captured between a circumferential groove of the joint and the closed end of the tube.

Abstract: A system for sensing and annunciating the presence at any one of a plurality of locations of accumulations of potentially hazardous gaseous and vapor mixtures prior to their reaching a lower explosive limit thereof. The system has particular applicability to aircraft, and has a number of advantageous features such as adjustable annunciator set points which are settable between relatively wide lower explosive level limits, compensation in the sensor circuitry for temperature variations, built in diagnostic and test features, and a circuit design wherein multiple sensors at multiple locations are operable independently of each other.

Abstract: In a wind turbine assembly incorporating a diffuser, the diffuser includes an articulated duct formed of a set of members, such as the sectors of a conic section, which are pivotable about axes in a plane normal to the turbine axis. To permit an enlargement or contraction of the articulated duct, the members are joined by flexible gussets or, alternatively, are configured for overlapping. Springs offset from the pivoting axes are attached to the members to provide a bistable attitude thereto. In response to high winds, the spring forces are overcome by the wind forces on the articulated duct to allow the members to pivot inwardly reducing the effective wind capture area of the diffuser. The diffuser is further fabricated with slots between sections of duct to enlarge the effective area swept by the turbine blades for increased power availability from the turbine.

Abstract: An automatic digital gain ranging system wherein the zeros are eliminated preceding the most significant nonzero bit and the shortened encoded word that results includes a gain code designation according to the number of zeros eliminated plus a predetermined number of data bits determined in accordance with the position of the most significant nonzero bit.

Abstract: A continuous film having a solar selective coating on one surface and adhesive on the opposite surface is produced by a coil type process. The film may be cut to size and shape for application to solar collectors.