Abstract: A sensor for monitoring the water content and the acid content in the presence of water in nonaqueous media can be incorporated into a monitoring system for monitoring the quality of nonaqueous fluids in equipment or vehicles. The sensor comprises an insulating substrate; electrodes formed on the substrate in an interdigitated pattern; and a conductive polymer deposited over the interdigitated electrodes which bridges between adjacent digits of the electrodes. The monitoring system incorporating the sensor comprises a control module for measuring the conductivity of the sensor. The control module is preprogrammed to compare the measured conductivity to a predetermined level indicative of an unacceptable level of degradation. The sensor is made by depositing electrodes on an insulating substrate; depositing a conductive polymer over the electrodes in an amount sufficient to bridge between the electrodes; and neutralizing the conductive polymer to an insulating form.

Abstract: A high dose rate, high impedance plasma ion implantation method and apparatus to apply high voltage pulses to a target cathode within an ionization chamber to both sustain a plasma in the gas surrounding the target, and to implant ions from the plasma into the target during at least a portion of each pulse. Operating at voltages in excess of 50 kV that are too high for the reliable formation of a conventional glow discharge, the plasma is instead sustained through a beam-plasma instability interaction between secondary electrons emitted from the target and a background pulsed plasma. The voltage pulses are at least about 50 kV, and preferably 100 kV or more. Pulse durations are preferably less than 8 microseconds, with a frequency in the 50-1,000 Hz range. The preferred gas pressure range is 1.times.10.sup.-4 -1.times.10.sup.

Abstract: A CROSSATRON switch is capable of operating with voltages in excess of 100 kV by the use of a deuterium gas fill to increase the Paschen breakdown voltage, axial molybdenum cathode corrugations to provide a higher current capability, and a Paschen shield that is formed from molybdenum. The terminal curvature of the Paschen shield and of the adjacent portion of the anode are selected to establish a voltage stress at the curved Paschen shield surface within the approximate range of 90-150 kV/cm in response to a 100 kV differential.

Abstract: A scan flip-flop cell including a flip-flop, a feed-back path by which the output of the flip-flop can be controllably held, and a latch in the feedback path that allows the cell to store two bits of data simultaneously.

Abstract: A graphics processor that implements general purpose graphics processing and concurrent DMA display list processing to provide rapid response to display tasks. It is implemented with multiple channels of FIFO input circuits and with task interrupt and context switching circuits. Concurrent with a host processor that constructs and downloads a display list, the graphics processor processes display list instructions as they are downloaded. This reduces latency of the displayed image and facilitates more efficient use of the graphics processor. Implementation of multi-level nested interrupts and nested subroutines by means of interrupt and subroutine circuits further enhances graphics processing capability and enhances response times. Implementation of multiple channels with context switching enhances response times by permitting a higher priority task to interrupt a lower priority task.

Abstract: A desiccant air conditioning system (10) is provided for a passenger compartment (28) of a vehicle. Ambient air, to be eventually conditioned, passes through desiccant material maintained in a desiccant chamber (14) where it loses a portion of its moisture content while its temperature rises because of the release of the heat of vapor condensation. Subsequently, this hot, dry air is passed through a heat exchanger (20) where it is cooled down to a temperature close to the ambient. This very dry, cool air is then humidified by a humidifier (24), becoming cool, moist air, that is introduced into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Exhaust air (30) from the passenger compartment is further humidified by a humidifier (32), so as to cool it. This cooled, humidified air is then passed through the heat exchanger (20) to cool the hot, dry incoming air.

Abstract: An image motion tracking system (10) for use with an image detector (12, 14) having an array of elements in the x and y directions. First, frequency domain representations of an image are created to provide a reference frame of image data and an input frame of image data. A processor (30) is included for detecting a change in phase of the detector (12, 14) with respect to first and second samples of the reference frame relative to corresponding first and second samples of the input frame to discern a displacement of at least a portion of the input frame relative to at least a portion of the reference frame. Finally, the output signal is corrected to compensate for the displacement of the input frame relative to the reference frame.

Abstract: Novel acetylene-terminated silicone monomers with (a) silane (Si--H) functionalities, (b) silanol (Si--OH) functionalities, or (c) (alpha,omega)phenylethynyl terminated siloxanes, and a novel synthetic route. The (alpha,omega)phenylethynyl-terminated siloxane monomers are prepared, starting with 1,3-bromobenzene, which is converted to 3-TMS-ethynylbromobenzene, where TMS represents the trimethylsilyl group, by reacting 1,3-dibromobenzene with trimethylsilylacetylene and triethylamine in the presence of a palladium catalyst. The 3-bromo-TMS protected phenyl acetylene is then reacted with an alkyllithium compound, such as n-butyllithium, or with magnesium to form the corresponding lithio or Grignard compound, respectively, followed by reaction with a halogenated compound, such as chlorodimethylsilane, to form 3-trimethylsilyl-ethynylphenyldimethyl silane.

Abstract: A method of passive ranging and geolocation of multiple emitters by a single detection platform. Two independent emission sequences support formulation of two independent algebraic equations involving a triangular arrangement of platform and emitters. One sequence constitutes an interrogation signal by one emitter and a transponded or reflected signal from another. A second emission sequence constitutes the reversed order of emitters from those of the first emission sequence. The method utilizes the steps of measuring the time difference of arrival at the platform of signals having travelled the direct path and the transponded or reflected paths, and measuring the angles of arrival of received signals for each independent emission sequence. A series of steps computing ranges and angles based on prior measurements provide a set of desired ranges and angles identifying the relative positions of the emitters relative to the platform.

Abstract: A hologram exposure system for simultaneously exposing a plurality of holograms in a holographic recording layer, including first optical elements for providing a first reference beam and a first object beam that interfere in the holographic recording layer and are coherently matched relative to each other, and second optical elements for providing a second reference beam and a second object beam that interfere in the holographic recording layer and are coherently matched relative to each other but are coherently mismatched relative to the first reference and object beams, whereby the crosstalk holograms formed by interference of (1) the first reference beam with the second object beam, (2) the first object beam with the second reference beam, (3) the first object beam with the second object beam, and (4) the first reference beam with the second reference have reduced efficiencies.

Abstract: A hand-held inductive charger having concentric windings for transferring electrical power across a dielectric medium using magnetic induction. The charger comprises a removable primary coil assembly having a housing with a primary core disposed therein, and a primary winding protruding from the primary core. An electrical cable coupled to the primary winding that is adapted to couple power thereto from a power source. A secondary coil assembly having a receptacle housing is also provided, and a secondary core is disposed in the receptacle housing, and first and second concentric secondary windings are disposed in the secondary core. The first and second concentric secondary windings are coupled to a battery of an automobile. The first and second concentric secondary windings have a gap therebetween that is adapted to receive the primary winding therein. The primary and secondary coil assemblies form a transformer when their respective windings are mated.

Abstract: Disturbing forces, such as linear forces or torques, exerted on a structural member 12 of an inertially servoed structural interface placed between two assemblies are nulled by the application of a responsive corrective inertial force or torque to the structural member. The force on the structural interface is sensed by a force sensor associated with the member. In an embodiment of the present invention for nulling linear disturbing translational forces, a servo control loop 18 is responsive to a linear translational force sensor and drives a linear actuator 22 that applies a corrective inertial linear translational force to the structural member 12 so as to null the force exerted thereon. In an embodiment of the present invention for nulling torsional disturbing forces, the servo loop 18 is responsive to a torsional force sensor 44 and drives a torque motor 42 that applies a corrective inertial torsional translational force to the structural member 12 so as to null the force exerted thereon.

Abstract: A tire air pressure sensor is mounted on a vehicle wheel and includes an inertial mass which is urged radially outwardly by centrifugal force resulting from rotation of the wheel. The tire air pressure is applied to the inertial mass in opposition to the centrifugal force. When the rotational speed of the wheel is sufficient that the centrifugal force overcomes the applied air pressure, the inertial mass moves radially outwardly and opens a switch. The speed at which the switch opens is a predetermined function of the tire pressure. In another embodiment, a second sensor is provided to sense when the tire pressure is below a minimum value. A spring urges an inertial mass inwardly in opposition to the centrifugal force, and the tire pressure is applied to a bellows having an end which moves radially outwardly in proportion to the applied pressure.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant barrier is provided for isolated circuity. An isolated circuit (10, 12) with raised interconnection features (16, 18) having a corrosion resistant gold coating (34) is formed on a reusable stainless steel mandrel (22) which is provided with indentations to define raised features. A seed layer (32) of copper is electroplated on the mandrel in a pattern of the isolated circuit to be formed. The copper seed layer (32) is then followed by electroplated layers of gold (34), nickel (36) and copper (38) until a total desired conductor thickness is achieved. A dielectric substrate (44, 46) is laminated on the multilayer conductive traces of the circuit. After removal of the multilayer circuit from the mandrel, a predrilled dielectric coverlay (50) is laminated to the circuit with holes in the coverlay receiving the raised circuit features (52). The finished part is then etched to remove the copper seed layer from the raised features.

Abstract: An active phased array is provided that includes a plurality of subarrays (20) having an upper RF radiating panel assembly (22) including a plurality of radiating waveguides (26) and a feed waveguide (24) all formed of aluminum. RF radiating slots (28) are cut into one wall of each of the radiating waveguides and a silver-quartz mirror (42), with corresponding slots (44), is bonded to the outside surface. The array further includes a non-RF radiating lower aluminum support panel assembly (34) with a silver-quartz mirror (46) bonded to the outside face. The mirrors efficiently radiate thermal energy in the presence of sunlight. An active electronics module (30) is mounted in an aluminum housing, and includes an RF probe (56). The module 30 is supplied with RF signals, control signals and DC bias voltage over transmission lines contained in a multilayered circuit board (32). RF energy emitted by the probe is coupled from the feed waveguide to the radiating waveguides.

Abstract: An improved target for testing and calibrating a detection device. The target (10) includes a metal substrate (12) with a first layer (14) of high emissivity material and a second layer (16) of low emissivity material are deposited thereon. In the specific implementation, the substrate (12) is copper, the first layer (14) is chromium-oxide and the second layer (16) is chrome. In the illustrative embodiment, an aperture (22) is drilled through the substrate (12) and the first and second layers (14, 16) thereon. An infrared emitter (20) is located at the aperture (22) to provide point source radiation. A conventional heater (26) is applied to the back surface of the target. A pattern is etched on second layer (16) on the front surface of the target using electron beam lithography. The use of a metal substrate (12) allows for the drilling of small holes more easily than in the conventional target.

Abstract: A method of preconditioning an electrode for use in a plating bath monitoring process. The method involves applying at least one anodic signal to an electrode in contact with the plating bath solution in order to yield a reproducibly clean and stabilized electrode surface, and then applying a plating signal to deposit a layer of metal on the anodically treated electrode. The resultant preconditioned electrode improves the accuracy and precision of subsequent voltammetric monitoring measurements for a variety of different plating baths. The method is easily integrated with and thereby enhances the capabilities of known voltammetric plating bath monitoring processes.

Abstract: Individual processing cells are provided in close proximity to each detector element in an infrared detector array. Signals generated by the detectors in response to incident infrared radiation are converted to amplified voltages by their respective processing cells, with all of the cells sampling and holding their respective amplified signals simultaneously. The signals held by the various cells are then read out serially during the next cycle of alternating exposures and shadings by a rotating chopper. The amplified signals of all the cells are simultaneously reset at the beginning of each chopper cycle. The simultaneous sampling and holding allows all of the held pixel signals to represent equal periods of exposure or shading, while the local voltage conversion and signal amplification at each processing cell substantially improves the final signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the quality of a phosphate coating on a metal surface having a large surface area. The method comprises applying a current or potential between the metal surface and one or more counter electrodes while they are in the phosphating solution and superimposing a constant ac signal thereon. An ac impedance spectra is obtained by measuring the ac potential between the metal substrate and one or more reference electrodes located between the counter electrode and the substrate. The ac impedance spectra provide an indication of defects in the phosphate coating even when the defects are located within a relatively small region of the total surface area of the metal surface.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for mounting double ended hermaphroditic signal mode modules (10) that includes an elongated carrier (68) having longitudinal walls (70, 77) and transverse walls (71, 74) that define pockets to receive the connectors (10) and position them accurately so that one set of contact arrays (59) engages contact arrays (86) of a printed circuit board (69) attached to one side of the carrier by a clamping bar (82). Grounding means (87) may be provided at the connections to the printed circuit board (69). The other contact arrays (56) of the connectors (10) face outwardly on the other side of the carrier (68) to engage identical connectors (10). The carriers (68) may be attached to a frame (92) to interconnect printed circuit boards (69) positioned at 90 degrees relative to each other on opposite sides of the frame (92). The carrier (68) may include means (73) to support another connector for supplying power to the printed circuit board (69).