Abstract: A passive suspension system for supporting an instrument relative to a rigid support structure while preserving angular alignment of the instrument. The suspension system includes an instrument platform, the instrument being secured to the platform, and first and second vibration isolator systems. The first ends of the isolator systems are attached to the rigid support structure so that axes of the vibration isolators extend transverse to the instrument axis. The first and second isolator systems resist motion transverse to the instrument axis and provide shock and vibration isolation transverse to the instrument axis. First, second and third stabilizing struts extend parallel to each other and the instrument axis, and are of equal length. A first set of bearings connects ends of the struts to the instrument platform in a spaced relationship, and allows motion transverse to the struts. A second set of bearings connects opposing ends of the struts to the rigid support structure in a spaced relationship.

Abstract: A solid catadioptric lens (10) includes substantially planar input surface (14), primary concave mirror 18, secondary convex mirror (22) and substantially spherical exit surface (24). The lens is composed of solid material (12) chosen according to the particular imaging application in which the lens is to be used. Radiation enters lens through input surface (14), travels through solid material (12) and is reflected off of primary mirror (18). Radiation subsequently passes internally through solid material (12) and is reflected off of secondary mirror (22). Subsequent to being reflected off of secondary mirror (22), radiation (30) passes through solid material (12) and out of lens (10) through spherical exit surface (24) and onto detector array (34) for imaging purposes.

Abstract: An explosively pumped laser module has a concentrically-arranged laser rod and surrounding sleeve of explosive material with an annular gas chamber formed between the explosive sleeve and laser rod. An explosive initiation assembly surrounds the explosive sleeve with a plurality of detonator points or pads positioned symmetrically about the explosive sleeve. The assembly is connected to a central firing device or detonator via equal length pathways between each detonator point and the central firing device, so that the explosive is simultaneously detonated at a plurality of different points.

Abstract: Apparatus that performs automatic gain control (AGC) for an electronic imaging camera, especially in outdoor surveillance applications. A fiber optic link is used to collect ambient light and couple this light onto a small portion of a light sensing array of the camera. A reference voltage produced by the light sensing array in response to the light from the fiber is used by AGC circuits in the camera to control the integration time of light sensing elements of the array, the gain of the camera's video amplifier, and lens aperture, if necessary. These camera gain controls are adjusted to maintain the reference voltage derived from the light provided by the fiber optic link to be within a predefined range as the ambient light level varies due to weather conditions and time of day. Methods of providing automatic gain control correction are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for providing video on demand from a database of textual information. In accordance with the inventive method, video data is stored on an addressable medium. The addresses for video segments are stored for retrieval when corresponding textual information is accessed in the database. In a particular embodiment, the addresses are stored in a lookup table which is read whenever a section of textual data is accessed. When the table indicates that video is available, corresponding to the text being viewed, an icon is displayed on the screen. When the video option is exercised, the address for the video segment is retrieved from the table and used to access the video storage medium. Video from the medium is then displayed interactively. The invention thus provides a system and technique for providing access to live action video at appropriate locations in a computer database.

Abstract: A missile is tested by first stimulating the performance of missile built-in tests that are stimulated in service by signals from the launch site, and which tests do not require internal access to the missile. If performance is satisfactory, no further testing is required. If a condition of unsatisfactory missile performance is detected, an access cover is removed, connections are made to internal sources of data, and the built-in tests are repeated in order to determine which internal components caused the unsatisfactory missile performance. The component is repaired. The testing with the access cover removed is repeated, and, if the performance is satisfactory, the access cover is replaced and the testing with the access cover present is repeated.

Abstract: An array antenna (10) that can form and sweep a predicted radiation beam pattern in different directions by using a subharmonic frequency signal from each voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) (20) to control the array phasing. Each VCO (20) generates a radio frequency carrier signal that drives an antenna element (16). A subharmonic signal is generated from a portion of the signal from the VCO (20). The subharmonic signal is mixed with a constant frequency signal to produce an intermediate frequency (IF) signal. The frequency of the IF signal is compared to the frequency of a variable frequency signal in a phase locked loop (PLL) (40). Since the phase of a signal is dependent on its frequency, the variable frequency signal is generated to have a frequency corresponding to a certain phase. The PLL (40) generates an error signal as a function of the difference in frequencies between these two signals. In response to the error signal, the VCO (20) changes the frequency of the carrier output signal.

Abstract: A millimeter wave device having a dielectric substrate with a pair of substantially parallel planar surfaces with at least one predetermined millimeter wave circuit pattern formed in a conductive layer located on at least one of the substrate surfaces. A substantially planar conductive channel plate is mounted adjacent the conductive layer on one substrate surface with the channel plate having an aperture overlying each circuit pattern formed in the conductive layer. A substantially planar conductive cover plate is mounted adjacent one of the channel plates so as to form a first cavity in the region defined by the substrate surface, the channel plate aperture and the cover plate The device may further include a second substantially planar conductive channel plate mounted adjacent the other one of the substrate surfaces with the second channel plate having an aperture corresponding to and aligned with the first channel plate aperture.

Abstract: A system for guiding the flight of a projectile to a target. The system comprises a tracking and guidance system, the projectile, and a projectile reference and control system that is part of the projectile. The tracking and guidance system includes a target tracker, a projectile tracker for providing a projectile-tracking laser beam, and a target designator for designating the target using a target-tracking laser beam, and for providing range data indicative of the range to the target. A processor is coupled to the target designator, the target tracker, and the projectile tracker for processing target and projectile return signals and target range signals to generate an actuator command signal that is transmitted by the projectile tracker using the projectile-tracking laser beam and that is used to alter the flight of the projectile.

Abstract: A missile has a non-cylindrical fuselage over at least a portion of its length, with a non-cylindrical propulsion system contained within the non-cylindrical portion of the fuselage. The fuselage and propulsion system are preferably generally elliptical in cross section, with a dimensional ratio of the major axis to the minor axis of from more than 1:1 to about 1.5:1. The missile further includes a guidance system and guidance control features.

Abstract: A prepreg thermoset sheet, ready to be cured, is molded with a preprocessed thermoplastic part to form an integral thermoset/thermoplastic composite joint. The composite produces a more robust access panel. The thermoplastic part is more damage tolerant and easy to repair. The thermoset part, while more difficult to repair, is cheaper than the thermoplastic part and thus used in those places where damage is not likely to occur. The method of molding the two parts together comprises: (a) providing a first part comprising the thermoset resin and a second part comprising the thermoplastic resin, both resins being partially miscible in each other; and (b) forming an interface between the first and second parts by bringing the parts into mutual contact and heating the parts at a temperature and pressure for a period of time sufficient to promote mutual miscibility prior to forming a network structure in the thermoset resin.

Abstract: Rough machining of a glass-ceramic material article such as a radome is accomplished using a high-power Nd:YAG laser. The radome is rotated about its longitudinal axis, and the point of application of the laser beam is translated generally parallel to the longitudinal axis over either the inside or outside surface of the radome. The Nd:YAG laser preferably operates in a pulsed wave mode with a pulse duration of from about 0.3 to about 3 milliseconds, a pulse frequency of from about 50 to about 500 pulses per second, and a pulse intensity of at least about 3.times.10.sup.4 Watts per square centimeter. After laser rough machining, at least about 0.002 inches of material is removed from the rough-machined surface by a finish machining, preferably mechanical grinding.

Abstract: A dewar assembly has a wall contacting a liquefied gas within the interior of the dewar assembly. The dewar assembly is processed so as to remove the stable gaseous film boiling layer that is normally present between the liquefied gas and the wall. The processing is preferably accomplished by reducing the pressure on the liquefied gas to reduce its temperature and the temperature of the wall, and then returning the pressure over the liquefied gas to ambient to produce a temperature in the liquefied gas which is temporarily greater than that of the wall. The existing gaseous film boiling layer is removed, so that thermal and acoustic variations present in the system due to the presence of the film boiling layer are eliminated, and the liquefied gas attains a more direct contact with the wall.

Abstract: Missile motion information from an inertial measurement set and the angle-to-target information from a seeker/sensor is used to estimate range and/or time to go on a homing missile without a direct measurement of range or range rate. Up to six comparisons of spectrally matched linear and angular measurements, corrected by target state estimates and analytical coupling terms, are used to determine the error in the range estimate. A nonlinear sorting and filtering procedure rejects the unusable error sources among the six potential error sources, and thresholds against too little information. The stability margin in the missile guidance loop is used as a sensor indicator for excessive estimated range.

Abstract: A center-line filter for a radar receiver is a cascade of an analog filter and a digital filter. The purpose of the filter cascade is to filter out all but a single line of a pulsed spectrum. The signal is passed through the analog filter, and then over-sampled. A sharp cutoff FIR filter is used to eliminate the remaining undesired lines. Since the analog filter already has the correct matched filter characteristic in the passband, the digital filter passband is deliberately wider and unsymmetrical. After digital filtering, the filter output is decimated to provide a desired output data rate.

Abstract: A dual frequency antenna and radome system, including a dual frequency antenna system for operation at a first, higher frequency band and at a second lower frequency band. The antenna system includes a first antenna operable at the first frequency band and a second antenna operable at the second frequency band. The first and second antenna systems are orthogonally polarized. A radome is tuned for dual frequency operation, and includes a dielectric wall having a thickness equal to one-half wavelength at a frequency in the first frequency band. The radome further includes a grid of monopole elements formed on a surface of the dielectric wall orthogonal to the first antenna to tune the radome to efficient operation at the second frequency band.

Abstract: An automated license plate locator and reader (10) which provides novel methods for 1) correcting for perspective distortion (16), 2) locating the license plate (20), 3) reading the license plate (22) and 4) improving the confidence rating of the output signal (228). The novel method for accommodating a wide range of viewing geometries involves warping the image to eliminate perspective distortion of the plate resulting from roadside camera placement. The novel method for locating plates involves correlating an "idealized" edge template of a license plate with an edge-enhanced version of the image. Edge enhancement and shadow reduction is achieved by applying a Laplacian operator over the input image. Performance is further improved by filtering out distracting edges within the resulting correlation surface and then locating the highest peaks within this filtered correlation surface. The location of the highest peaks provides the location of the plate.

Abstract: A centered longitudinal series/series coupling slot disposed between a boxed stripline and a crossed rectangular waveguide comprising a plurality of longitudinal radiating slots. The centered longitudinal series/series coupling slot is disposed orthogonal to the longitudinal radiating slots of the crossed rectangular waveguide. The centered longitudinal series/series coupling slot is longitudinally disposed along the centerline of the boxed stripline in such a way the centered longitudinal slot interacts with the stripline mode and not with the rectangular waveguide mode (TE.sub.10 mode) in the boxed stripline. As a result of this, a highly efficient standing wave (or travelling wave) feed is provided using the centered longitudinal series/series coupling slot in the boxed stripline.

Abstract: An aerodynamic lifting and control surface comprising an external box structure that encloses an internal grid whose members are parallel to the box structure. The external box structure comprises four panels connected at their comers by spring hinges. When the hinges are unconstrained, the external box structure is compressed into a flat, thin parallelogram shape. The internal grid comprises a plurality of plates connected to each other and to the external box structure by flexible hinges. Control apparatus for use with an aerodynamic vehicle is also disclosed. The control apparatus comprises at least one aerodynamic lifting and control surface that is coupled to an actuator disposed within the vehicle and connected to the aerodynamic lifting and control surface for rotating it.

Abstract: Apparatus for housing circuit cards that comprises a cylindrical housing having an internal wall having a single diameter. First and second cylindrical heat sinks are provided that each comprise a sloped outer surface. The heat sinks are disposed such that the sloped outer surfaces face each other. First and second circuit cards are secured to distal edges of respective heat sinks, or pairs of circuit cards are secured to both edges of respective heat sinks. Each circuit card comprises at least one internal interface connector that is designed to mate with an internal interface connector of an adjacent circuit card. A cylindrical card lock is provided that has an outer surface that is designed to contact the internal wall of the housing and an inner surface that has a V-shaped cross section having oppositely sloped surfaces. The respective sloped surfaces of the card lock are designed to mate with the sloped outer surfaces of the respective heat sinks.