Abstract: A dynamic balance mechanism for balance control of a gyro stabilized (spinning) satellite is disclosed. An elongated gear rack is attached to the spacecraft. A movable mass is mounted by guide rollers on the gear rack and translates along the gear rack according to requisite electronic commands. The movable mass includes a housing, a stepper motor, a rotary potentiometer, a cable reel, a pair of gear heads and a pinion gear. The pinion gear meshes with the rack and is driven by the stepper motor. The potentiometer measures the position of the movable mass on the gear rack. The cable reel saves space and minimizes harness jamming conditions. The invention secures better weight efficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for translating a spacecraft (10) from an injection orbit (16) about a central body (10) to geosynchronous orbit (18) in a time efficient manner. The spacecraft (10) includes propulsion thrusters (50) which are fired in predetermined timing sequences controlled by a controller (64) in relation to the apogee (66) and perigee (72) of the injection orbit (16) and successive transfer orbits (74, 76).

Abstract: A method of compressing symbolic information stored in a two dimensional matrix of processing elements each containing a binary pixel representing an object mask and an associated multiple-bit valued pixel carrying information related to the object at each of the binary pixels and representative of objects embedded therein. A gated connection network of Processing Elements is formed for each object in the array by comparing the value of the binary pixels stored in each Processing Element with the value of the binary pixels stored in its neighboring Processing elements and closing the gates between Processing Elements that contain the same pixel value and opening the gates between Processing Elements that contain different pixel values.

Abstract: A high speed digital filter for use in digital interpolation and decimation provides a parallel processing implementation for integrator stages of a cascaded integrator-comb (CIC) filter. The parallel structure of the present invention is easily cascadeable since it allows subsequent integrator stages access to intermediate samples generated by preceding integrator stages. The parallel integrator structure may be implemented directly or may be reduced in complexity by removing redundant logic for use in decimator output sections or interpolator input sections. The parallel implementation of a CIC filter allows much higher sample rate filtering to be implemented with fewer standard CMOS logic devices than currently recognized implementations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a federated architecture and system which are extensible and flexible for integrated access to heterogeneous DataBase Management Systems (DBMS) dispersed over a long haul network, allowing transparent access to a wide variety of DBMS while maintaining the local autonomy of the underlying DBMS. In addition the system can run on top of different hardware, operating systems, network communications, and DBMS. The system can include new target DBMS with minimum changes and is not limited to integrate relational DBMS, but also to integrate legacy DBMS such as hierarchial or network DBMS, spatial information or text retrieval systems.

Abstract: A tunneling tip sensor and method of photolithographically fabricating a unitary structure sensor on a semiconductor substrate are disclosed. A cantilever electrode is formed on the substrate with one end suspended above the substrate at a distance from a tunneling electrode so that a tunneling current flows through the cantilever and tunneling electrodes in response to an applied bias voltage. The cantilever and tunneling electrodes form a circuit that produces an output signal. A force applied to the sensor urges the cantilever electrode to deflect relative to the tunneling electrode to modulate the output signal. In the preferred embodiment, the output signal is a control voltage that is applied between the cantilever electrode and a control electrode to maintain a constant tunneling current. In an alternative embodiment, a lateral control electrode is fabricated to produce a lateral motion of the cantilever electrode such that the sensor detects a rotation.

Abstract: A method for hydrogen treatment of FETs for use in hermetically sealed packages is disclosed. FETs such as GaInAs HEMTs are treated before hermetic packaging by heating them in a hydrogen atmosphere until their drain currents degrade, and then continuing to heat them until their drain currents are restored. The HEMTs' drain currents are monitored and the process is continued until the currents stabilize. Thereafter the devices' temperature is lowered to the desired operating temperature and their drain currents are measured. If the drain currents after treatment are close enough to the current levels before treatment, the devices are selected; otherwise they are rejected.

Abstract: A MWIR laser is provided having a novel n-type superlattice cladding layer comprising either InAs/AlAs.sub.0.16 Sb.sub.0.84 or In.sub.x Ga.sub.y Al.sub.1-x-y As/AlSb. The n-type superlattice cladding layer may comprise a Si selectively-doped (SD) InAs/AlAs.sub.0.16 Sb.sub.0.84 short-period superlattice (SPS) lattice-matched to an InAs substrate or a Si SD In.sub.x Ga.sub.y Al.sub.1-x-y As/AlSb SPS lattice-matched to a GaSb or InAs substrate. The advantages of the Si SD InAs/AlAs.sub.0.16 Sb.sub.0.84 SPS and Si SD In.sub.x Ga.sub.y Al.sub.1-x-y As/AlSb SPS include: (1) large dynamic range in the electron concentration in the Si-doped n-type cladding layer; and (2) strong hole confinement in the active region. Furthermore, the novel n-type superlattice cladding layer can be deposited without the use of tellurium (Te) which is not a preferred source material for MBE growth of III-V semiconductors.

Abstract: A method of processing radar returns derived from a new radar waveform. The method processes radar returns derived from transmitting the radar waveform to provide simultaneous matched processing and range profiling of different size objects in the presence of clutter. In the present method, radar returns are digitized and processed to produce pulse compressed radar returns having a predetermined (169:1) pulse compression ratio. A pulse to pulse fast Fourier transform on each RF step is performed on the pulse compressed radar returns. The Fourier transformed radar returns are then simultaneously processed by three processing channels, one each for ships, boats and submarines to provide detection of the different size objects. The waveform permits concurrent detection, discrimination, and high resolution range imaging of detected objects within a single dwell, using a single waveform. Thus, a radar search mode using the waveform integrates several search functions without increasing search frame time.

Abstract: A satellite switching network disposed to operate with relatively few redundant components. The high-frequency switching network with improved routing architecture (10) of the present invention is operative to convert input signals received over a plurality of receive channels into output signals to be carried by a plurality of transmit channels. An arrangement of receiver networks 104, 106, 108 and 110 converts the input signals to a plurality of intermediate frequency (I.F.) signals. The I.F. signals are routed to a set of synthesized downlink transmitter networks 186, 190, 192, 194 by a switch matrix 126. Each synthesized downlink transmitter generates signal energy over a set of downlink channels in response to the I.F. signals supplied thereto.

Abstract: A transmission cable system that incorporates cooling channels that encircles electrical conductors with coolant. The transmission cable system also provides for breach or leak detection. More specifically, the transmission cable system maybe used with an inductive charging system that transfers electric power from a power source to batteries of an electric vehicle. The cable system includes a cooling system for storing, cooling, and pumping coolant, and a pressure sensitive switch for determining the pressure in the cooling system and for providing an output signal indicative of a drop in sensed pressure. A controller is coupled to the pressure sensitive switch that is responsive to the output signal from the switch for shutting down the inductive charging system in the event of a drop in sensed pressure. The transmission cable is electrically coupled between the power source and the electric vehicle for coupling electrical power to the batteries.

Abstract: A message processing system is conditioned to receive messages having a particular structure. A set of descriptors that define the message structure are inputted on a graphical display, and the graphical display is used to condition software that translates message structures to a form that is compatible with the message processing language. Changes in message structure are accommodated by simply inputting a new set of descriptors, without a need to know the message processing language. In one embodiment, message structures are defined by a plurality of fields, with descriptors defining the length and type of the fields, permissible values and fixed/variable length, optional, mandatory, and conditional selections.

Abstract: A method and system for tracking the position of a moving transmitter using angle of arrival measurements from direction finding antenna arrays. Each array includes several elements, with the elements grouped to provide subarrays of different element spacings which are multiple of one half the transmitter wavelength. Ambiguity is rejected by processing angle data received from the subarrays. The signals from the arrays are processed to convert electrical phase delay into spatial angles, the spatial angle data is processed to provide the x,y position, velocity and acceleration of the transmitter. For transmitters mounted in moving vehicles, the system further processes the x,y data and applies a quality weighting factor that filters out multipath factors and permits estimation of vehicle profile information.

Abstract: An improved system for acquiring and tracking an optical beam. In the illustrative application, the inventive system is used to facilitate optical communication between two satellites and provides an improved technique for acquiring and tracking two optical beams. The illustrative embodiment includes an optical transmitter (26) mounted on the first satellite for transmitting a first optical beam. The beam is scanned over a predetermined area in a predetermined pattern at a predetermined rate. When the beam is detected at the second satellite, the receiver at the second satellite generates a signal indicative of the time at which the beam is detected. This signal is used to modulate a second beam transmitted by the second satellite. The second beam is scanned over a predetermined area in a predetermined pattern at a predetermined rate.

Abstract: A non-toxic coolant/lubricant is provided which is specifically designed for use in extremely high-load, high-stress machine operations, such as broaching. The composition of this coolant/lubricant includes about 8 to 15 wt % of molybdenum disulfide (MoS.sub.2) powder; about 2 to 6.6 wt % of soap flakes; about 6 to 12 wt % of a liquid polytetrafluoroethylene suspension; and about 66.4 to 84 wt % water. The liquid polytetrafluoroethylene component, which is a water-based suspension of polytetrafluoroethylene, serves as a replacement for toxic CCl.sub.4, which has been used to increase lubricity in coolant/lubricants comprising molybdenum disulfide. The replacement of CCl.sub.4 with liquid polytetrafluoroethylene in the present composition results in a non-toxic but still highly effective coolant/lubricant.

Abstract: A system and method for fabricating optical ramp filters utilizes an ion beam sputter etching system and a shaped aperture mask to produce optical ramp filters with precise control over the transmission and reflectance properties of the filter. The ion beam is passed through a shaped aperture whose width varies as a function of its length. The resultant shaped ion beam is used to etch a uniform reflective layer that was previously deposited on a transparent substrate. The substrate and the reflective layer are translated relative to the shaped aperture so that the shaped ion beam "travels" across the reflective layer. Different parts of the reflective layer are exposed to the ion beam for different amounts of time as a result of the varying width of the shaped ion beam. The result is a reflective layer with a nonuniform depth profile (a ramp filter). The method allows control of the layer thickness with a precision of less than 0.5 nm.

Abstract: The present invention provides an arc lamp for producing a high intensity point source of light by magnetically compressing the light emitting element of the arc lamp. Arc lamp point light source 30 includes bulb 32 having two electrode 34, 36 spaced apart to have gap 35 therebetween and hermetically sealed within bulb envelope 44 filled with ionizing gas. Connector 46 is provided for applying a voltage potential across electrodes 34, 36 causing electric current to pass therebetween to generate arc plasma 42. Annular magnet 48 and bar magnet 50 located outboard of bulb envelope 44 generate a magnetic field around arc plasma 42 to compress the volume thereof between electrodes 34, 36.

Abstract: A rotary electrical connector has two planar connector members. Each of the planar connector members is positioned perpendicular to an axis of rotation and is supported in rotational facing relation to the other connector member. One of the connector members has a set of concentric tracts thereon, and the other has a corresponding set of protrusions positioned to contact the tracks. A spring forces the two connector members into contact so that electrical contact is maintained between the protrusions and the tracks as one connector member rotates relative to the other connector member. External electrical contact is made on one side to the tracks, and on the other side to the protrusions.

Abstract: A thinned backside illuminated charge-coupled imaging device has improved quantum efficiency by providing a sharp ion implant distribution profile (20) disposed at the rear surface (22) of the device. The sharp ion implant distribution profile (20) is formed using ion implantation at a beam energy potential of between 100-150 keV, which forms an electric field beneath the surface of the device. The ion distribution profile (20) is brought to the surface (22) of the device by removing silicon (18) from the rear surface (22), using a polishing technique wherein the device is lapped with colloidal silica abrasive to controllably remove silicon down to the level of the ion implantation profile (20).

Abstract: A laser-ultrasonic inspection system is provided for on-line and off-line inspection of a workpiece. The system utilizes an optical acoustic wave generation and detection system with relatively high spatial resolution and which appreciably reduces the effects of parasitic acoustic coupling. An array of acoustic waves are generated in the workpiece by a short pulse optical transmitter bee with a beam geometry that is tailored to focus the acoustic waves at an inspection site in the workpiece. The acoustic waves that probe the inspection site are then detected by reflecting an optical read-out beam from a surface of the workpiece and optically interfering it with an optical reference beam. The geometry of the optical read-out beam is chosen such that the read-out beam only detects the acoustic waves that arrive from the inspection site (acoustic waves that arrive from other parasitic acoustic sources are out of phase with respect to each other and cancel out).