Abstract: Electro-optical apparatus measures the average relative phase of an incident wave fringe pattern. The subject fringe, e.g., an interferometric pattern, passes through three sections of an optical mask, one characterized by fixed transmissivity and the other two by quadrature-displaced spatial fringe patterns. The light passing through each section is separately collected and detected to average the respective incident wave/mask section interactions. The phase of the incident fringe pattern relative to the mask is then determined by arithmetically processing the detected signals.In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the subject fringe pattern is time modulated and the quadrature-shifted mask signals A-C coupled to obviate the requirement for the third, fixed transmissivity mask section.

Abstract: Improved non-cooperative radar apparatus locates and type-classifies an agitated, vibrating reflective target (e.g., a vehicle with its engine running)--whether the target is moving or stationary.A homodyne-type receiver with a cooperating band pass filter extracts a reflected, frequency-shifted energy pattern which identifies the incidence of the agitated target. In accordance with further aspects of the instant invention, the particular energy distribution for the returned, reflected wave is then compared with a stored ensemble of such distributions, or target "signatures", to type-categorize the target.

Abstract: Improved non-cooperative radar apparatus locates and type-classifies an agitated, vibrating reflective target (e.g., a vehicle with its engine running) - whether the target is moving or stationary.A homodyne-type receiver with a cooperating band pass filter extracts a reflected, frequency-shifted energy pattern which identifies the incidence of the agitated target. In accordance with further aspects of the instant invention, the particular energy distribution for the returned, reflected wave is then compared with a stored ensemble of such distributions, or target "signatures", to type-catagorize the target.

Abstract: A plurality of differently coded component tags are attached to a plurality of components maintained in a storage location. The component tag codes are stored in a master tag which can be interrogated by a coded interrogation signal to identify the tagged components.

Abstract: Binary data is transmitted as signals of two different pulsewidths to respectively represent logic "0" and "1". At the data receiver, the ratio of the pulsewidths is converted into a corresponding voltage ratio, which, in turn, is applied through a voltage divider to develop clock- and data-control signals at two different levels. Switching devices are respectively actuated whenever the clock- and data-control signals reach preset voltage levels to respectively produce self-synchronized clock and data pulses corresponding to the received binary data.

Abstract: Improved non-cooperative radar apparatus locates and type-classifies an agitated, vibrating reflective target (e.g., a vehicle with its engine running)--whether the target is moving or stationary.A homodyne-type receiver with a cooperating band pass filter extracts a reflected, frequency-shifted energy pattern which identifies the incidence of the agitated target. In accordance with further aspects of the instant invention, the particular energy distribution for the returned, reflected wave is then compared with a stored ensemble of such distributions, or target "signatures", to type-catagorize the target.

Abstract: An improved electronic control system employs a primary servomechanism loop which includes an error signalling difference node and a stability compensating forward gain/drive element intermediate an input command signal source and a controlled output element. A second, similar image feed back loop is operative upon a simulated representation of the controlled output element or plant, and is exercised by the input command source. The error node in the second image loop generates a loop error signal responsive to the difference between the input command and the simulated, predicted response for the controlled element.In accordance with the present invention, the two error signals produced by the actual and image feed back loops are compared and generate a supplementary feed back signal which is summed with the plant-driving signal applied to the controlled element.

Abstract: Vehicle tracking and position predicting apparatus includes an improved Kalman velocity filter feedback loop having a forward gain matrix for loop coordinate error factors and those of their derivatives; and position predicting computing apparatus in the loop feedback path between the system output and an input error node. Sensor reference target signals (e.g., range, bearing and elevation) are connected as inputs to the filter error node.In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, sensor coordinate reference errors from the input error node are converted to target reference coordinates. Pursuant to a further aspect of the present invention, the gain matrix is varied dependent upon sensor coordinate variables. Gain matrix variations are thus independent of geometry and sensor reference coordinates.

Abstract: Microprocessor controlled flow metering apparatus employs mechanically coupled registers driven by a positive displacement or other flow meter to display fluid volume dispensed during a monitored transaction--and as a cumulative total over time. User adjustable electrical switch decades electrically enter computational scale factor variables such as price per gallon and tax rate.The stored program controlled microprocessor computes all desired output variables (fuel cost, tax)--and outputs the variables in predesignated fields onto a printed ticket (invoice) while controlling printer carriage movement and solenoid actuation. In accordance with varying aspects of the invention, mechanical and software security is provided to ensure proper correlation between customer fluid (e.g., fuel) receipt and billing.

Abstract: Load actuating servomechanism apparatus includes dynamic regeneration to equalize and overcome a frequency-varying load/load drive train mechanical resonance. The drive circuitry comprises a per se conventional primary motor speed controlling rate feedback loop including a cascaded rate signal command source, summing error-signal producing node, and loop frequency response shaping filter and driver amplifier for exciting a load driving motor, and a rate tachometer signal feedback element connecting a measure of the motor output speed to a subtractive input of the summing node.To broaden the response band of the primary feedback circuit and accommodate a mechanical resonance otherwise interfering therewith, a secondary, positive feedback path supplements the input rate command with a signal dependent upon motor current, and thus upon motor load. Accordingly, output load drive automatically increases as motor current increases when a load drive retarding mechanical resonance is encountered.

Abstract: A refresh circuit for a dynamic semiconductor memory wherein each access to the main semiconductor memory for the storage or retrieval of information is detected and recorded in an auxiliary memory. During each memory access, the memory row being accessed is automatically refreshed as part of the storage or retrieval process. In accordance with the invention, the auxiliary memory is examined prior to the commencement of a refresh cycle and if a particular row in the main memory has been accessed during the current refresh cycle, that row is not refreshed but is skipped until the next refresh cycle, at which time the need for a refresh signal is again determined.

Abstract: Load actuating servomechanism apparatus includes dynamic regeneration and a mechanically damped motor-load coupling to equalize and overcome a frequency-varying load/load drive train mechanical resonance. The drive circuitry comprises a per se conventional primary motor speed controlling rate feedback loop including a cascaded rate signal command source, summing error-signal producing node, and loop frequency response shaping filter and driver amplifier for exciting a load driving motor, and a rate tachometer signal feedback element connecting a measure of the motor output speed to a subtractive input of the summing node.To broaden the response band of the primary feedback circuit and accommodate a mechanical resonance otherwise interfering therewith, a secondary, positive feedback path supplements the input rate command with a signal dependent upon motor current, and thus upon motor load.

Abstract: Multiple usage requests for a common resource, such as a memory system, are given usage priorities by a multiple request arbitration circuit. Priority is given to a predetermined one of the input signals occurring prior to any one of the remaining input signals and priority is also given to the one input signal if it occurs within a predetermined interval subsequent to any one of the remaining input signals. The circuit also provides for the suppression of voltage transients which may occur upon the essentially simultaneous occurrence of more than one input signal and the circuit also provides a faster access time for input signals other than the predetermined one of the input signals.

Abstract: A rate-control servomechanism includes a load driving motor and a tachometer mounted on the motor shaft to produce a feedback signal hich corresponds to the rotational speed of the motor. An additional signal corresponding to the motor current is added to the tachometer feedback signal to compensate for the resonance-like effects resulting from the inductive coupling between the motor and tachometer windings.

Abstract: Motor driver/control apparatus employs a motor speed regulating amplifier configuration, e.g., two push-pull power amplifiers operable responsive to a motor speed-direction command input signal, and having the motor differentially connected between amplifier output ports. The amplifier(s) are supplied with an energizing potential of variable amplitude just sufficient for amplifier operation and to satisfy the then obtaining motor consumption. Accordingly, system power is effectively utilized; needless power drain avoided; and the amplifier cost and complexity is reduced since the amplifier need not dissipate inordinate source-supplied energy not required for motor actuation.In accordance with one further aspect of the present invention, a power supply switching regulator for a motor utilized in a radar application is operated at the radar pulse repetition rate. This produces a non-interferring zero frequency beat between the power supply and radar pulse rate in the radar receiver.

Abstract: A noncontacting data-transmission system for transmitting data between rotating and nonrotating members includes at least one light source capable of transmitting modulated light signals disposed in one of the members. At least one light detector arranged along the same optical axis as the source and along an axis coincident with the axis of rotation of the rotating members is located in the other of the members. A lens having an optical center lying on an axis coincident with the axis of rotation of the rotating member is interposed between the light source and detector. The detector is located at the conjugate of the light source, such that an image of the light source is formed by the lens at the detector. The central portion of the lens may be modified, such as by forming a central opening in the lens, such that only an annular portion of the lens is utilized to form the image of the light source on the detector.

Abstract: A power controller arrangement employs a digital processor to monitor and control plural loads, e.g., to monitor and maintain at prescribed levels the temperatures of plural missiles. During each load data processing cycle of operation, the processor presets a down-counter which governs load (e.g., missile heater) energizing power by duty factor modulation. The value preset into the counter is dependent upon any measured temperature error, and the then obtaining load power level.In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the modulation governing counter is periodically decrimented to progressively reduce power delivered to a load absent sufficiently frequent processor updating of the load-associated regulating circuitry. This provides fail-safe load passivation upon processor failure or overload.

Abstract: A system for accumulating and processing data derived from plural transducers, such as an array of shaft position-measuring resolvers and/or other monitored parameters, includes multiplexing apparatus for converging the outputs of the transducers and the like upon sample-and-hold circuits and an analog-to-digital converter. The digitized signals are operated on by a reference signal in a synchronous demodulator, smoothed in a recursive digital filter operative in conjunction with the stored contents of a read/write memory (RAM), and stored in prescribed memory cells.

Abstract: An electrical power controlling/load shedding system includes power consumption metering and meter interfacing circuitry for entering overall power consumption into a central processing unit. The CPU memory includes a data storage table characterizing each system electrical load under each of a hierarchy of operational levels, and circuitry is provided for turning local and remote loads on/off, responsive to CPU-issued commands.The digital computing apparatus operates on the meter supplied information and projects energy consumption over the monitoring interval. If power must be shed to obviate an excessive projected demand, loads are examined seriatim and selectively shed on a priority basis as required, depending upon the operational parameters and status characterizing each load for the then prevailing load level condition.

Abstract: Circuitry monitors a plurality of rotating shafts, and provides a corresponding plurality of binary output words each characterizing the angular position of an associated shaft. Synchro and Scott "T" per-shaft monitoring elements are sampled by common multiplexer-central processor units which provide derived shaft position and shaft rate information to an appropriate one of plural shaft position output processors.In accordance with varying aspects of the present invention, the output processors include a rate multiplier controlled by the computer generated shaft rate signal, and a counter presetable by the CPU generated position signal, and advanced (decremented) by the rate multiplier output.