Abstract: A process is provided for near real-time or real-time software based scan conversion in a general purpose computer. The general purpose computer receives data via a digital network comprising range scaled and window detected radar video and antenna azimuth data in polar coordinate format according to the Andrusiak et. al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,923,285. The general purpose computer integrates the polar data into a polar buffer prior to conversion to Cartesian coordinates for display. This process de-couples the polar buffer from the coordinate conversion process so that the polar buffer process keeps up with incoming real-time data. The coordinate conversion process is given some portion of the remaining processor bandwidth such that even if it does not keep up with the real-time rate of the radar, it will display all target information. The polar buffer processing involves integration of the new data with old data in the polar buffer in order to preserve target information until it has been displayed.

Abstract: A 12 bit to 8 bit dynamic range compression processor for compressing video data. The dynamic range compression processor uses a lookup RAM, or dynamic range compression RAM, to update offset and compression terms of each field of video in real time. During the active video period of each field, a 12 bit histogram of video pixel values is collected using a histogram RAM for a specific software defined local area of interest. During the video scan retrace time, the histogram is evaluated and offset and compression terms are computed based on upper and lower breakpoints of the histogram. An algorithm is employed to generate one of 3840 (15 integer and 3825 non-integer) compression slopes. Each compression slope is written into the dynamic range compression RAM starting at the computed offset value and is applied to the next field of video.

Abstract: A terrain bias compensator for a Doppler navigation system utilizes an auxiliary beam with each beam of the Doppler system to form Doppler beam pairs. The axis of the auxiliary beam is slightly offset from the axis of the main beam and is positioned so that the two axes are in the same vertical plane. After slant range compensation, the amplitudes of the Doppler spectrum of each beam is averaged over a predetermined time interval. The difference between the mean amplitudes of the two beams is divided by the offset angle to establish an amplitude per degree correction factor which is applied to the main beam signal returns to establish a main beam amplitude corrected Doppler spectrum.

Abstract: A planar spiral antenna is fed from the outer end, and one embodiment includes a capacitive plate adjacent the interior end. Two such planar spiral antennas are arrayed over a ground plane by the use of a phase shifter which provides a 90.degree. phase difference between the two elements of the array. In this array, the rotational positions of the arrays differ by 90.degree.. Two such two-spiral arrays are arrayed together, with elements of like phase delay diametrically opposite to each other in the overall array. This overall array has two feed ports, which are fed in parallel.

Abstract: A lockstep processor system adds error detection, isolation, and recovery logic to one or more lockstep processor system functions; namely, control outputs, processor inputs, I/O busses, memory address busses, and memory data busses.

Abstract: A missile adapted for flight at hypersonic velocities includes an engine operable in rocket and ramjet modes of operation, the engine having an inlet opening, a fuel combustion chamber in the engine housing a boost fuel and a cruise fuel, an axially movable plug located at the engine inlet opening for opening and closing the inlet opening, and a mechanism, coupled with the plug and the engine, for switching between the two modes of operation of the engine during flight of the missile. In this way, when the missile reaches a target location in its flight trajectory, the plug can be moved to close the inlet opening and shut down the ramjet operation, while also minimizing the missile radar cross section properties. The switching mechanism includes sensors for determining flight parameters and a computer for processing the flight parameters to determine when to move the plug.

Abstract: A system for detuning from resonance a support structure which receives vibratory energy is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a substrate actuator having at least a first wire embedded in a substrate matrix material, the actuator being couplable to the support structure. The system may further include a heater for heating at least the first wire from a first to a second temperature to increase the modulus of elasticity of the first wire, which in turn increases the stiffness of the substrate actuator. Such an increase in the stiffness of the substrate actuator detunes from resonance structures supporting a device from which vibratory energy emanates, and also inhibits transmission of vibratory energy of specific frequencies into structures supporting equipment sensitive to vibrations.

Abstract: A launch vehicle mounting system for use in launching either of first and second launch vehicles having different booster diameters is disclosed. In one embodiment, the launch vehicle mounting system includes a mounting frame and a plurality of arms pivotally interconnectable to the mounting frame for supporting either of the first and second launch vehicles positionable thereon. In particular, the launch vehicle mounting system of the present invention is adapted to support either the first or the second launch vehicle as the arms are at least radially adjustable relative to the mounting frame to at least first and second radial positions corresponding to the booster diameters of the first and second launch vehicles.

Abstract: A dual-board host or main printed wiring structure of a circuit module with increased component mounting area is made plug-compatible with a backplane to which single-board host or main boards may be attached with connectors of differing dimensions and pin configurations, the center line of which are offset from each other. The connection sides of the two boards are respectively bonded to a heat sink frame structure having a thickness which corresponds to the connector offset on the backplane such that the total thickness of one of the printed wiring boards, the heat sink frame and the two bonding layers with respect to board to center line distances equals the connector offset on a given backplane. Direct connections to both boards of the dual-board structure can thus be made from the backplane to reduce connection length and reliability relating to a mezzanine board mounted on a single-board host.

Abstract: A method of cursive address recognition of mail pieces using adaptive dictionary management is provided which includes creating a plurality of word databases containing the most frequently observed words in a particular portion of an address block derived from training data. Word images from various portions of the address block are extracted and the word images are compared to the database corresponding to the appropriate portion of the address block using a cursive word recognition engine. The search order of the word databases are updated based on the frequency of occurrence of recognized words in a predetermined number of previously evaluated addresses.

Abstract: A CCD sensor structure adapted for backside illumination, has a wide depletion layer separating the illuminated surface from potential barrier-like structures, e.g., in the form of a series of p-wells, that shield portions of the CCD channels and that cause the photoelectrons to converge through "ports" between the p-wells into selected regions of the CCD channels. The potential barriers are thus arrayed to delineate at the CCD surface a series of charge-packet-forming or integrating regions, each of which has two (or more) adjacent shielded charge-packet-holding or storage regions into which the frame-indicative charge packets are successively shifted upon receipt of the light from successive image frames. With an anti-reflective coating on the illuminated back surface, this device not only provides 100% fill-factor for each of the successive frames, but also can provide very high quantum efficiency (QE) across the visible spectrum.

Abstract: A conductor splice and splice support structure and method of assembly for use with cable-in-conduit superconductor cable of the type having a plurality of spaced sub-cables each including stabilizer and superconductor strands in an annular tube. Two transition ramp members, each having a cross section varying from a first end conforming to the cable configuration to a second end having an enlarged, oval, configuration have a plurality of surface grooves each sized to hold one sub-cable. Between the two transition ramp members is provided a main support member having grooves aligned with the transition members grooves. The main support member grooves are sized to hold two overlapping sub-cables. Preferably, a braid of superconductor material is placed around the overlapping sub-cable ends. The space within the grooves surrounding the sub-cables is preferably filled with solder.

Abstract: A backside shield assembly for use during plasma arc welding. Two elongated closed boxes are supported in a selected spaced apart distance suitable for positioning the boxes on opposite sides of the backside of a weld line. Each box includes an inlet tube for an inert gas that generates a first side of the box and communicates with an elongated tube running along the inner surface of the first side. Perforations are provided in the elongated tubes. The balance of the interior of each box contains a flow diffusing material. The second box side, opposite the first side, is perforated. In use, the assembly is placed inside a conventional welding chill bar channel with the boxes on opposite sides of a weld line. The second surface is spaced slightly from the panel to be welded. An inert gas is directed through the inlet tubes, elongated tube perforations, diffusing material and out through the second side perforations.