Abstract: An MTI radar system transmits pulses with variable interpulse time periods and is structured with a lattice filter to process return signals to identify targets while substantially rejecting static and moving clutter. The MTI radar system also operates to reject adverse effects of transmitter instability in the processing of return signals. The MTI radar system is applied as an airport traffic control in which aircraft are detected as targets.

Abstract: An RF source is periodically pulsed for exciting an electrodeless light bulb in an on-off mode so as to intermittently drive the bulb to a high peak power operating point where light generation efficiency is relatively high, while maintaining a relatively low average power input. Pulse rate and duration are optimized to minimize light flicker while maximizing light emission efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a ceramic foam made by mixing a liquid pre-ceramic resin and a liquid phenolic resin, allowing the resultant mixture to chemically foam, curing the mixture for a time and at a temperature sufficiently to convert the mixture to a polymeric foam, and then heating the resultant polymeric foam for a time and at a temperature sufficient to break-down polymers of the polymeric foam and convert the polymeric foam to a ceramic foam. The ceramic foam of the present invention contains residual decomposed components of the liquid phenolic resin and/or liquid pre-ceramic resin.

Abstract: An integrated brake pad and back plate having a brake pad section formed from a first fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite (FRCMC) material and a back plate section formed from a second FRCMC material. The brake pad and back plate are integrated because the sections are molded together to form an integral, unitary structure. The first FRCMC material used in the brake pad section includes a pre-ceramic resin in its ceramic state, fibers and possibly a filler material. The types and amount of these constituents are generally chosen so as to impart characteristics desirable in brake pads, such as high temperature and erosion resistance, and a high coefficient of friction. The second FRCMC material used in the back plate section includes a pre-ceramic resin in its ceramic state and fibers.

Abstract: Structural ceramic matrix composite material to be employed as automotive engine parts and the like is provided with erosion-resistant qualities in several ways. For one, an erosion-resistant material is applied to the surface as by plasma spraying. The erosion-resistant material can also be mixed with the fibers of the material, particularly near the surface.

Abstract: An aircraft with a variable forward-sweep wing and the method of configuring the wing in an optimal position for a desired flight regime. The variable forward-sweep wing is positionable from an essentially unswept position to a full-forward sweep position. In the unswept position the wing is approximately orthogonal to a fuselage centerline, while in the full-forward sweep position the wing has approximately a delta wing planform. Moreover, as the wing position changes from the unswept position to the full-forward sweep position the trailing edge becomes the leading edge. In addition, the aforementioned apparatus may be used in a method to configure the aircraft for flight in a desired flight regime. This method includes moving the wing to an optimal position for the desired flight regime.

Abstract: An optical correlator includes at least one electrically addressable liquid crystal array, at least one LED array for generating a reference image which is modulated by changing the transmissivity of the liquid crystals in the liquid crystal array, and at least one two-dimensional large size photodiode, the photodiode receiving a modulated image from the liquid crystal array. LED and liquid crystal array are stacked together with a photodiode or an array of photodiodes with no space between, for an exceptionally simple, compact and inexpensive optical correlator structure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for growing semiconductor grade silicon carbide boules (84). Pure silicon feedstock (36) is melted and vaporized. The vaporized silicon is reacted with a high purity carbon-containing gas (64), such as propane, and the gaseous species resulting from the reaction are deposited on a silicon carbide seed crystal (50), resulting in the growth of monocrystalline silicon carbide.

Abstract: A radar antenna system, adapted to be supported on an aircraft for surveillance, employs a nonconducting disk radome structured with aerodynamic fairing and otherwise to produce relatively low aerodynamic drag. A plurality of struts are used to secure the disk radome to the aircraft with the disk radome generally extending in a solid horizontal reference plane. A plurality of elongated, relatively low gain radiating elements are supported by a ground-plane box within the disk radome, with the radiating elements distributed across the disk radome and disposed to radiate generally in the vertical direction. An electronic system is supported within the ground-plane box, and it includes respective transmit/receive circuits which send and receive radio frequency signals to and from the radiating elements. Power cables extend through the struts to couple signals between the electronic system in the disk radome and radar system level circuitry located externally of the disk radome.

Abstract: A synthetic aperture radar (SAR) which operates at UHF frequencies and which includes a two element antenna. The SAR generates a null in the backlobe of the antenna pattern at the location of a target which is steered rather than trying to obtain directivity in the mainlobe. Both analog and digital implementations are provided. In the analog approach, required phase shifts are performed at a frequency higher than the RF output frequency and the receive and transmit nulls are steered separately to increase the width of the null so as to allow for wider SAR swaths. The digital implementation involves steering the null only on receive and multiplying fast time samples by a complex phase correction similar to that used in the analog approach to form the beam. The phase correction is also performed prior to range resolution which employs "stretch" processing, so as to achieve high range resolution.

Abstract: An airplane arresting gear has a generally planar frame (20) having a front end and a rear end that is adapted to be attached at the front end to a structure of the airplane for pivotal movement about a frame pivot axis (FPA) substantially parallel to the airplane z-axis between a stowed position in which the frame (20) resides within the fuselage skin and a deployed position in which the frame (20) extends rearwardly and obliquely downwardly with respect to the x-axis of the airplane. A shank (30) having a cable hook (80) at the rear end is coupled at its front end to the rear end of the frame (20) for pivotal movement about a shank pivot axis between a deployed position in which the shank (30) extends rearwardly from the shank pivot axis and a stowed position in which the shank (30) extends generally forwardly from the shank pivot axis and lies abreast of the frame (20).

Abstract: A variable displacement fuel tank for aircraft is provided. The variable displacement fuel tank may be disposed within an upper medial portion (12) of a fuselage (18) of an aircraft (10). In one embodiment, a variable displacement fuel tank (20) includes a fuel bladder (22) adapted to contain fuel and a plurality of panels (30, 34, and 36) coupled to the fuselage (18) and acting on the fuel bladder (22) to restrain and control the shape of the fuel bladder (22). The variable displacement fuel tank (20) also include a power drive system (26) that operates to move the plurality of panels (30, 34, and 36) through a continuum of positions between fully deployed and stowed in order to maintain substantially zero ullage within the fuel bladder (22).

Abstract: A parallel computer synthesizes a digital map. The computer includes a first stage and a second stage. The first stage includes a background processor for generating a map background image and N overlay processors for generating first through Nth map overlay images of non-relocatable map features. First and second sets of interim buffers are alternately connected to the background processor and to the N overlay processors. The second stage includes a second stage processor connected to the output of the first and second sets of interim buffers for combining, according to a predetermined priority, the overlay images generated by the processors of the first stage to generate a composite map image. The second stage processor also generates a final map overlay image of relocatable features, and combines the composite map image with the overlay image of relocatable features to generate a display map image.

Abstract: A self-contained transportable life support system for resuscitation, stabilization, and transport of a patient has an environmentally controlled housing for receiving and supporting a patient and a plurality of medical devices disposed within the housing. A control circuit attached to the housing has at least a portion thereof extending to an external surface of the housing for regulating operation of the medical devices and environmental conditions of within the housing in response to monitored life support conditions of the patient.

Abstract: A pressure applicator device for applying pressure to a repair patch of a variable contoured aircraft surface, the pressure applicator device is provided with an inflatable pressure bladder. The bladder is configured for applying pressure to the repair patch and is formed of a generally fluid tight elastic material. The pressure applicator device is further provided with at least one variable direction adjustable arm. The arm is disposed in mechanical communication with the bladder for facilitating the application of pressure by the bladder to the repair patch upon inflation of the bladder. The bladder is further provided with at least one suction device for providing suction attachment to the aircraft surface. The bladder is attachable to a respective one of the at least one variable direction adjustable arm. The arm facilitates selective attachment of the respective suction device to the variable contoured aircraft surface while maintaining the position of the bladder with respect to the repair patch.

Abstract: A high-temperature superconductive microwave delay line that operates in an essentially pure TEM field configuration in a compact assembly. The delay line is a planar signal delay line which includes first and second substrates made of first and second dielectric materials; each substrate can be LAO material. First and second patterned delay line segments having a configuration, are formed of first and second conductive materials on the obverse sides of the first and second substrates, respectively. On the reverse side of each of the first and second substrates, respective first and second ground planes are formed using respective first and second conductive materials, which are preferred to be high-temperature superconductive films, such as YBCO films. The delay line also includes coupling means for coupling the first patterned delay line segment to the second patterned delay line segment, thus bringing the two patterned delay line segments into substantial contact.

Abstract: Infrared radiation from a light source such as a laser diode illuminates the field of view of a surveillance camera. The amount of illumination is varied in intervals, which may for example, be about 3/4 of a second, by varying the power applied to the light source. The radiation may emanate from optical fibers surrounding a camera lens, or through other ports. The power to the laser diode may be altered in response to background light sensed by a photo cell. A filter on the camera preferentially passes reflected illumination of the source while alternating background illumination.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a connector set which is provided with first and second connectors. The first connector itself is provided with a first housing, and first and second contacts which are at least partially captured within the first housing. The first connector further includes a resilient biasing member disposed within the first housing and normally maintaining the first and second contacts in spaced relation to each other. The second connector is provided with a second housing and a third contact which is at least partially captured within the second housing. The application of pressure to the first contact by the third contact in an amount sufficient to compress the biasing member results in the electrically conductive engagement between the first and second contacts and the electrical connection of the third contact to the second contact.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a high volume, low pressure paint spray gun connectable to a paint source, an atomization air source and a shaping air source. The paint spray gun is provided with a spray gun body which is in fluid communication with the paint source, the atomization air source for atomizing paint and the shaping air source for shaping paint spray patterns. The spray gun is further provided with a nozzle which defines a paint atomizing zone for discharging atomized paint and a paint spray pattern shaping zone shaping atomized paint spray patterns. The spray gun is further provided with a paint hose, atomization air hose, and shaping air hose each having an inlet end which is connected to the spray gun body and a discharge end which is connected to the nozzle. The spray gun is further provided with a bendable, shape-retaining paint conduit having an inlet port which is connectable to the spray gun body and an outlet port which is connectable to the nozzle.

Abstract: Transistors have source, drain and channel regions all of the same conductivity type. The channel region is very thin, not more than about 500 .ANG. and preferably about 300 .ANG. or even 100 .ANG. in thickness. A very thin oxide layer having a thickness of much less than about 100 .ANG., such as 20 .ANG. and preferably about 5 to about 10 .ANG., isolates a gate electrode from the channel region. When operated at temperatures at or below 150.degree. K, such as 77.degree. K, very low threshold voltages, well below 25 millivolts, are achieved. Gigahertz speed complementary MOS transistors, formed by adjacent NNN and PPP devices exhibit power-delay products of about 1E-16 joules operating at supply voltages on order 100 millivolts or lower, making this technology of particular interest for multi-gigahertz processing rates at very low power.