Abstract: A wing structure including an assembly which is basically constituted of a main airfoil and a lift augmenting device in the form of a flap articulated to the airfoil so as to facilitate a high degree of lift to be imparted to the wing responsive to deployment of the flap. More particularly, there is disclosed a novel configuration of a trailing edge flap for a wing structure, wherein the upper surface of the flap is imparted an out-of-contour or curvilinearly raised configuration during periods of being stowed in the main airfoil whereby upon deployment of the flap into its deflected operative position will enhance the ability of the flap to derive an improvement in lifting capability and efficiency in comparison with presently conventional high lift trailing edge flaps.

Abstract: An information processing system and method forms a fast optimal or near optimal association based on satisfying global constraints expressed in an association matrix by simulating the behavior of a network of interconnected processing elements resembling neurons in a brain.

Abstract: This invention details a computer controlled self adjusting sheet metal forming die which can provide rapid contour changes. It eliminates the need to manufacture, store, and change individual forming dies for forming different contours, and comprises a computer control device which sends appropriately timed signals to translate each contour element so that a three dimension surface is formed by a discrete matrix of individual pins. This self adjusting sheet metal forming die is used on a sheet metal press wherein sheet metal can be formed by pressing or stretch forming the metal against the contoured surface.

Abstract: A vehicle, lacking an empennage, has a gull wing with ailerons movably mounted at the trailing edges of the wing for controlling pitch, yaw and roll, or has a wing and a gull tail with flaps movably mounted at the trailing edges of the tail surface for controlling pitch, yaw and roll.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to data management in a data processing and communication station that acts as an interface station between a central or control terminal and a subsystem. The interface station is adapted to receive messages from and to transmit messages to a control station as well as to receive data from and to transmit data to a subsystem. The interface station comprises a memory unit with multiple map locations having an associated descriptor field including a set of one or more flags. The control station transmits messages to the interface station whereby each of the messages is associated with one of the map locations in the memory unit. The interface station checks the states of the flags in the descriptor field of the associated map location and responds to the message based on the states of the flags.

Abstract: A liquid nitrogen temperature micro-wiggler assembly consists of a stack of micro-wiggler elements. Each micro-wiggler element has a sandwich structure consisting of a non-metallic substrate, a superconducting layer on top of the substrate and a conductive layer on top of the superconducting layer. The undulating magnetic field produced by the micro-wiggler assembly, when supplied with a current, interacts with the electron beam passing through an isolated tube in the center of the micro-wiggler assembly and transverse to it, resulting in the production of optical radiation.

Abstract: A substrate upon which infrared elements are formed has a crystalline base layer, preferably comprised of silicon; a first strain superlattice layer formed upon the base layer; and a first matched superlattice layer formed upon the strain superlattice layer. The strain superlattice layer and the matched superlattice layer mitigate defect propagation from the base layer to the infrared detector elements. Optionally, a plurality of additional or second strain and matched superlattice layers are formed in an alternating layer configuration upon the first matched superlattice layer so as to achieve enhanced defect filtering.

Abstract: An apparatus and method control the shape of a structure with one or more surfaces and internal actuators. A plurality of translational actuators are capable of extending and contracting. The structure can have any number of controllable surfaces, including one. The shapes of the surfaces are controlled by computing the actuator strokes or loads required for achieving specified surface deflections. There are two methods for accomplishing this control. In the actuator stroke-control method, the surface deflections, or deflection errors for closed-loop control, are multiplied by a stroke-control gain matrix which is a function of the properties of the structure with the actuators absent. In the actuator load-control method, the surface deflections, or deflection errors for closed-loop control, are multiplied by a load-control gain matrix which is a function of the properties of the structure with the actuators absent. The control gain matrices minimize the surface shape errors.

Abstract: A method for forming conductive via interconnects utilizes the steps of: applying a sacrificial coating to at least one surface of a substrate; laser drilling the substrate through the sacrificial coating to form a via through-hole; applying a conductive coating to the via through-hole; and removing the sacrificial coating(s). Recasting and shattering thus occur in the sacrificial coating rather than in the substrate during the step of laser drilling so as to enhance via through-hole geometry.

Abstract: A detector interface system communicates signals between an infrared detector element maintained in a cryogenic environment and associated signal processing circuitry maintained in a non-cryogenic environment. An optical modulator disposed within the cryogenic environment in electrical communication with the infrared detector element converts the electrical output of the infrared detector element into an optical output signal representative thereof. An optical demodulator disposed in the non-cryogenic environment converts the optical output signal of the optical modulator into an electrical signal. The optical demodulator is an electrical communication with the signal processing circuitry. An optical path from the optical modulator to the optical demodulator provides thermal isolation between the infrared detector element and its associated signal processing circuitry and minimizes detector bias so as to mitigate 1/f noise.

Abstract: A container for transporting, storing, and handling sensitive items has a housing within which at least one sensitive item is stowable, and a monitoring system for monitoring a plurality of separate parameters to which the sensitive item(s) are sensitive. The monitoring system records and provides data regarding the parameters to which the sensitive item(s) are sensitive. The monitoring systems preferably utilizes such sensors as a vibration sensor, a shock sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a magnetic field sensor, an unauthorized opening sensor, and/or an attitude sensor.

Abstract: A multi-image detector assembly has an array of detector elements formed upon a single focal plane and a plurality of focusing members, each focusing member focusing a substantially identical scene upon a corresponding one of a plurality of sections of the array. An optical element such as a spectral or polarizing filter is disposed within a plurality of the optical paths of the focusing members, preferably proximate the focal plane. Image detection occurs continuously and simultaneously so as to provide a spatially and temporally correlated set of separate images utilizing the single focal plane.

Abstract: A substrate for attaching infrared detector elements to multi-layer modules has a detector interface member to which the infrared detector elements are attachable and which is attachable to the multi-layer module so as to provide electrical communication between the infrared detector elements and the multi-layer module. At least one removable tab is formed upon the detector interface member and a plurality of probing pads are formed upon each tab. Conductive conduits formed upon each tab extend from the detector interface member to the probing pads so as to facilitate electrical communication between dedicated ones of the infrared detector elements and dedicated ones of the probing pads. The probing pads facilitate electrical testing of individual infrared detector elements.

Abstract: A method and system of generating power on a magnetically levitated vehicle. The vehicle includes a set of magnets and is supported for movement along a guideway having a multitude of traction conductors. An alternating current is conducted through these conductors to generate a moving electromagnetic field to propel the vehicle along the guideway The method includes the step of locating a plurality of electrically conductive power generation coils on the vehicle magnet, adjacent the guideway, so that harmonic components of the electromagnetic field generate a first electromagnetic force on the power generation coils. The method also includes: the step of conducting a single phase current through the traction conductors to generate a second electromagnetic force on the power generation coils. These first and second electromagnetic forces produce a current in the power generation coils that may be used to supply power on the vehicle.

Abstract: A multi-directional infrared detector system provides multi-view or surround-view imaging which is particularly suited for use in tactical battlefield situations. The system utilizes a plurality of infrared detector arrays disposed in a generally circular configuration, each of the infrared detector arrays having a plurality of infrared detector elements formed thereon; a corresponding plurality of dedicated optics assemblies for forming images upon the infrared detector arrays; and at least one conductive conduit supporting layer having conductive conduits formed thereon. The conductive conduit support layer extends inwardly from each of the infrared detector arrays to a core defined by the infrared detector arrays. Signal conditioning circuitry is disposed generally at the core of the infrared detector arrays such that signals representative of the outputs of the infrared detector elements are communicated from the detector elements to the signal processing circuitry via the conductive conduits.

Abstract: A blown boundary layer control system for an aircraft having a jet engine with an engine compressor, an inlet including a compression surface with an external part and internal part, a cowl lip including an internal lip surface and an external lip surface and an external afterbody. The system includes several ducts from the engine compressor. A series of nozzles and valves control and direct air flow to various surfaces. A computer is electrically connected to the valves to control the operation of the valves thereby controlling the blowing of air from a commanded number of nozzles. The computer controls the valves in position as functions of RPM of the engine, free stream flight conditions and aircraft attitude.

Abstract: A method of magneto-optic eddy current imaging for detecting defects in a ferrous metal, non-ferrous metal, or non-metallic structure test object uses a sensor, magnetic field system, optical system, a video camera and a display. The method includes canceling undesired background of a two-dimensional magneto-optically generated image of a defect in the test object by dithering the image and processing signals from the video camera in compatibility with the dithering. The image is dithered once per frame of the camera, or at a sub-multiple of the frame of the camera, and the dithering may be accomplished manually or mechanically.

Abstract: A method for communicating a signal representative of an infrared detector element's output to electrically and thermally isolated signal processing circuitry utilizes the steps of: varying the reflectivity of a photoreflective cell in response to the output of the infrared detector element such that the reflectivity of the photoreflective cell is representative thereof; resetting the photoreflective cell when the reflectivity thereof reaches a predetermined value; optically scanning the photoreflective cell with an optical scanner which is electrically and thermally isolated from the photoreflective cell; and counting the number of times the photoreflective cell is reset so as to provide a signal representative of the infrared detector element's output.

Abstract: A method of facilitating construction of a microwave system which permits the evaluation of a variety of hardware construction options and subsequent evaluation of their effectiveness by measuring or otherwise determining appropriate physical parameters of selected components arranged in a selected order to predict the power response uses an iterative ladder network constructed according to a point discontinuity model for individual components of the system in which input and output reflection coefficients and an attenuation coefficient are calculated for each component based on measured or specified insertion loss and VSWR or return loss values, and the ladder is analyzed by processing the coefficients forward in the direction of power flow.

Abstract: A sensor test system is disclosed for testing the operation of infrared detector modules designed to be placed in earth orbit. The system includes an optical scene test generator (OSTG) for generating a scene representative of the earth's surface as seen from a satellites, and an object moving in relation to the earth's surface. Sensor chamber is disposed adjacent the OSTG for storing a detector module to be tested. Detector module is efficient within the sensor chamber to expose detector elements to the optical scene generated by the OSTG.