Abstract: This invention relates generally to multiple systems capable of linking between systems, wherein one system may provide services to another linked system. More particularly, the present invention relates to an establishment or termination of a link between systems dependant upon whether a predefined minimum level of quality of service can be provided by one system to the other linked system. Without limitation, the application software of a first system may be linked to an interface of a second system, wherein the link between the application software and interface is established if the interface is capable of providing a minimum quality of service defined by the application software.

Abstract: A missile tracking and deflection system for protecting a platform includes a missile warning system for detecting the presence of a missile and generating a warning signal. A countermeasure processor receives the warning signal and analyzes characteristics of the missile to prioritize a trajectory signal. A track processor receives the trajectory signal and generates a pointer signal. The system also includes a receiver, which is positioned by a pointer that receives the pointer signal, for receiving a passive and/or active signature of the missile to confirm the presence thereof. The countermeasure processor then directs a laser beam at the missile to determine its operational parameters and receives an active signature from the missile.

Abstract: An avionics simulator is provided in which an operational flight program processor is provided as a functional equivalent to a central processing unit of an avionics system of an aircraft being simulated. Accordingly, the Operational Flight Program may be run in the operational flight program processor in the same manner in which it would be run in the central processing unit of the avionics system of the aircraft itself. Accordingly, identity of operation is attained without the necessity of complex programming and/or interface generation. The remainder of the avionics simulation computer is software or firmware configured to replicate aircraft operation, responses, and data input.

Abstract: An optical flow cell includes a housing having an inlet coupled to an outlet through which a sample fluid material flows. A viewing assembly, carried by the housing, includes a pair of opposed plates having a gap therebetween which is in fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet. One of the plates extends outwardly from the housing for use as a reference point in a fluid sampling device. The flow cell is positioned between a light source and an imaging system to detect particle shape and size as the fluid passes through the viewing assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for viewing dimly illuminated and rapidly changing scenes includes a sensor assembly which generates a video signal. The apparatus further includes a controller which receives the video signal for comparison to a desired average video value whereupon the controller adjusts at least one adjustable variable contained within the sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a lens which has an adjustable iris and an image intensification tube which includes a photocathode and a micro-channel plate. The photocathode has an adjustable photocathode gate pulsewidth and the micro-channel plate has an adjustable micro-channel plate gain. A strobe is also provided to illuminate the scene viewed by the sensor assembly wherein the strobe is connected to a processor which is also connected to the controller. The controller determines what the ambient light level is to be at the next illuminated or non-illuminated scene and adjusts the adjustable variables accordingly.

Abstract: A pressure equalized fuel cell stack includes a fuel cell stack for receiving an oxidizing agent, a coolant accumulator coupled to the fuel cell stack, an electrolyte accumulator coupled to the fuel cell stack and a device for equalizing the pressurized flow of coolant and electrolyte from the respective accumulators into the fuel cell stack depending upon the pressure exhibited by the oxidizing agent. The equalized pressure flow is obtained by an accumulator having a rigid housing for receiving an oxidizing agent and a flexible housing received within the rigid housing for receiving respective amounts of coolant and electrolyte wherein the flexible housing is coupled to the fuel cell such that any change in pressure within the rigid housing causes a corresponding change in pressure in the flexible housing.

Abstract: A magnetic influence system for underwater systems has a low-inductance source coil for generating an impulsive magnetic dipole field in the vicinity of the underwater system. A high-voltage power source provides a transient voltage pulse to the source coil, resulting in a rapid current pulse rise time in the source coil. The impulse source coil is mounted on a non-conductive hull section of the underwater system. A plurality of impulse sensor coils are also distributed on the system hull at the null points of the magnetic dipole field and detect the returning scattered signal generated by the impulse source coil.

Abstract: A video image tracking system is provided for determining the orientation of an operator with respect to a simulator display. The operator carries an observation device for watching the simulator display which has a detectable object disposed therein. The video image tracking system further includes a device for locating the detectable object within the simulator display and communicates this location to a virtual reality system which displays the proper orientation and location of the virtual environment with respect to the operator. The video image tracking system is incorporated into a virtual environment deployable simulator which has an environment system for including virtual reality effects into a plurality of color keys contained within the simulator display.

Abstract: A digitally controlled active power factor corrected preregulator wherein a rectifier receives an alternating current voltage and generates an alternating line current and corresponding alternating line voltage with an optimum power factor. A power converter receives the alternating line current from the rectifier and converts it to a direct current and corresponding direct current voltage by virtue of a digital controller which adjusts the waveshape of the alternating line current to match the waveshape of the alternating line voltage to minimize line current distortion of the direct current. The digital controller includes a comparator for determining a difference between a reference voltage input and the direct current voltage to generate an error signal that is correlated by a look-up table to generate a correction signal.

Abstract: An optical flow detection system is employed in conjunction with a target cuer system, which includes a sensor carried on a platform, for the purpose of either removing undesirable sensor motion or for the purpose of removing undesirable background motion so that targets may be more easily identified. The optical flow detection system includes an optical flow estimator which receives a plurality of pixels and generates therefrom an instantaneous pixel velocity value and a predicted pixel velocity value. The instantaneous pixel velocity values and predicted pixel velocity values are then manipulated to remove undesirable features included in the image sequence generated by the sensor. Methods for operating the optical flow detection system are also provided.