Abstract: An apparatus (10) and an associated method for testing an acceleration sensor assembly (14), which is preferably an accelerometer assembly. An electrical exciter (34) is operated in response to an excitation signal (32) from a signal generator (30). The exciter (34) applies oscillating excitation to the accelerometer assembly (14). An initial excitation is applied to the accelerometer assembly (14) by the exciter (34). The frequency of the initial excitation is varied over a range of frequencies via a signal (62) from a frequency range sweep function (56) to the signal generator (30). The output of the accelerometer assembly (14) is monitored during application of the initial excitation over the range of frequencies. A frequency value associated with a predetermined response in the output of the accelerometer assembly (14) is stored. The excitor (34) subsequently applies a test oscillating excitation at the stored frequency value to the accelerometer assembly (14).

Abstract: An optical amplifier for a high power, solid state laser which includes a slab of a solid state laser material, for example, yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) crystal. One or more diode arrays may be vertically stacked and configured to provide generally uniform energy distribution in the crystal in a vertical direction. By maintaining a relatively uniform energy distribution in the crystal in a vertical direction, thermal and stress aberrations of the resulting laser beam are minimized.

Abstract: A system and method are set forth for photoacoustical analysis of isotope and other compounds having telltale absorption wavelengths between 1700-2500 nm. The system and method includes a Co:Mg F.sub.2, optical parametric oscillator (OPO) or diode laser tunable between 1700-2500 nm which is directed into a sample at energies sufficient to generate detectable acoustical emissions. A microphone detects the emissions for processing and analysis. The system and method is adapted to detect stable isotope compounds such as .sup.13 CO.sub.2 as well as other chemical compounds. For non-gaseous compounds, a CO.sub.2 or diode laser is used to photoablate the gaseous sample contacting the suspected compound.

Abstract: An image tracker (10) that tracks an object (16) targeted for engagement by a laser weapon (12). The tracker (10) includes receiver optics (31) that receive radiation (30) from both a detected target (16) and a laser beam (14) incident thereon, and a polarizing beam splitter (44) that splits the radiation into a first beam of reflected laser radiation (46) and a second beam of detected target radiation (47). The polarizing beam splitter (44) reflects the first beam of reflected laser radiation (46) in a first direction for imaging purposes and linearly polarizes the second beam of detected target radiation (47). A beam polarizer (60) circularly polarizes the second beam of detected target radiation. A micromirror array (66) reflects the circularly polarized detected target radiation back through the beam polarizer (60) to linearly polarize the second beam of detected target radiation (47).

Abstract: An air bag inflator (10) comprises a vessel (12) having a chamber (30). An air bag inflation gas (32) is stored in the chamber (3). A fill passage (38) is provided in the vessel (12) for directing the air bag inflation gas (32) into the chamber (30). Blocking means (60) is provided in the fill passage (38) for blocking flow of the air bag inflation gas (32) from the chamber (30) through the fill passage. A closure (70) is welded to the vessel (12) and blocks gas flow past the closure. A detectable gas (84), different than the air bag inflation gas (30), is stored in the fill passage (38) between the blocking means (60) and the closure (70). The presence of the detectable gas in the fill passage (38) is checked to determine whether the closure (70) is properly sealed.

Abstract: A system and method for frequency dehopping of spread spectrum communication signals includes a downconverter having two mixer stages, each mixer stage providing coarse frequency dehopping. The local oscillator injection frequency of each mixer stage is selectable by way of a plurality of relatively easily generated tones. The output of the second mixer stage is sampled by an analog-to-digital converter to enable fine tuning dehopping to be performed in the digital domain and subsequently demodulated in a demodulator circuit.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for mounting on a vehicle steering shaft which rotates about an axis to steer the vehicle. The assembly includes a steering wheel rim (34), an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint (47), an inflator (48) for providing inflation fluid for inflating the vehicle occupant restraint, and an integral cover (38, 39) covering the steering wheel rim, the vehicle occupant restraint and the inflator. The integral cover (38, 39) defines a chamber in which the inflatable vehicle occupant restraint (47) is located. A mounting (31) is fixedly connected to the steering wheel rim (34) and supports the inflatable vehicle occupant restraint (47) and the inflator (48). The mounting (31) has a portion (58) which receives the steering shaft and which is non-rotatably attachable to the steering shaft. A threaded fastener (61) fastens the mounting (31) to the steering shaft. The fastener (61) engages the mounting (31) and engages the steering shaft.

Abstract: A spacecraft electronics equipment module that is structurally and thermally independent of a core spacecraft structure to which it can be mounted. The module takes the form of a thermal radiation panel on which electronic components are directly mounted. The panel is attachable to the core structure using a statically determinate mount that renders the module structurally and thermally independent of the core structure. A combination of mounting brackets and struts secures the module from translational movement in all three axes, but permits thermal expansion and contraction in the plane of the panel without transferring any thermally induced forces to the core structure. A radiation shield secured over the electronics components also serves to further stiffen the panel and to enhance thermal conduction into the panel, which can radiate heat from both faces. Heat pipes can be attached to the panel to further enhance distribution of heat across the panel.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for mounting on a vehicle steering shaft which rotates about an axis to steer the vehicle and which has a threaded end portion. The assembly includes a steering wheel armature (10), a hub (34) fixedly connected to the steering wheel armature (10) and for non-rotatable attachment to the steering shaft, an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint (50), an inflator (15) for providing inflation fluid for inflating the vehicle occupant restraint (50), a frame (24) supporting the vehicle occupant restraint (50) and the inflator (15) on the steering wheel armature (10), and a cover (35) covering the steering wheel armature (10), the vehicle occupant restraint (50), and the inflator (15). A rotatable fastener (30) axially forces the assembly onto the steering shaft with the hub (34) non-rotatably attached to the steering shaft. The fastener (30) has a portion (33) for threaded engagement with the threaded end portion of the steering shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer controlled apparatus and method for producing high quality fiber optic Bragg gratings. According to the invention, the apparatus (10) preferably includes a laser (12) for generating an ultraviolet beam (18), a rotatable scrapper mirror (32) disposed downstream of the laser (12) for receiving the beam (18) and an optical fiber (48) disposed adjacent an edge (84) of the mirror (32) for receiving a high fringe frequency interferrogram (86) formed by the mirror (32). The mirror (32) is coupled to a rotation stage (14) for rotating the mirror (32) about a pre-selected pivot point (36) relative to the angle of incidence of the beam (18) to vary the Bragg wavelength at the fiber core.

Abstract: A high-temperature (10K) superconductive integrated circuit has a ground plane (2), an interlevel dielectric (6), and a low value resistor (18) to provide conductive paths to reduce parasitic circuit inductances, thereby increasing the speed and performance of the integrated circuit. The circuit also includes a high value resistor (20) connected between interconnect wires (34) to produce a desired resistance with a short distance between the interconnect wires (34), thereby significantly reducing the circuit area.

Abstract: A high precision replication system creates a nearly atomic level replica. The basic building block of the replication system is a substrate with a smooth replication surface which is to be replicated, and a graded transition layer applied to the replication surface. The graded transition layer comprises a binding material that adheres strongly to the replication surface and a release material that adheres to the replication surface with substantially less force than does the binding material. The portion of the transition layer closest to the substrate comprises predominantly the binding material, and the portion of the transition layer farthest from the substrate comprises predominantly the release material. A separation layer is applied to the transition layer, followed by a coating. The coating provides a backing to the separation layer, acting as structural support to the separation layer.

Abstract: Both recursive and non-recursive fiber-optic loop elements are cascaded to form various fiber-optic lattice configurations to form a fiber-optic signal processor for use in wideband applications capable of processing radio frequency (RF) signals. Each fiber-optic loop element includes a fiber-optic element, such as a monomode optical fiber or a monomode optical waveguide formed in a loop by way of a fiber-optic coupling device and one or more reflection mechanisms, such as a Bragg grating. In order to provide increased flexibility, the present invention allows the reflectivities of the reflection elements to be selected to provide additional flexibility in creating the frequency response characteristics of an optical signal processor.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator/sensor package and corresponding method for its fabrication, and a method of embedding a ceramic actuator/sensor in a laminated structural member, such as a graphite-epoxy laminate. A ceramic actuator/sensor, with lead wires first bonded to it, is encapsulated in a non-conductive fiber composite material, such as fiberglass cloth and epoxy, to form a package that is precured at a suitable temperature, typically room temperature. Encapsulation provides electrical insulation, good strain coupling, protection from mechanical damage, and reduction in thermal stresses, since the coefficient of thermal expansion of the encapsulating material is selected to be between those of the ceramic and the graphite-epoxy laminate. Graphite fibers may be added to the package to enhance voltage-strain performance. The package is embedded in the structural laminate and the composite structure is cured in a manner that minimizes thermally-induced stresses.

Abstract: A microwave grating 10 for a dispersive delay line, the grating comprising: (a) a terminal 12 for receiving a wideband RF signal including multiple RF signals of different frequencies; (b) a primary transmission line 14 capable of carrying the wideband RF signal, the primary transmission line 14 being electrically connected to said terminal 12; and (c) a plurality of non-resonant open-stub transmission lines 16 each having a length 18, the open-stub transmission lines 16 being capacitively loaded on the primary transmission line 14 at spaced locations 20 along the primary transmission line 14. Each open-stub transmission line 16 effects perturbations in the signal carrying capability of the primary transmission line 14 where the open-stub transmission line is located.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) controls a seat positioning motor (32) and a seat heater (44) of an occupant seat (22). The apparatus includes common switches (62, 70) electrically connected to both the motor (32) and the seat heater (44). The common switches permits connection of the motor and the seat heater to a source of electric energy (B+). A controller (38) is connected to the common switches for selectively controlling actuation of the motor and the seat heater through the common switches.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an electrical interconnect are provided. A first transparent dielectric layer is disposed on top of a support structure. A conductive circuit layer is plated above the first dielectric layer. Separate conductive layers are plated on top of the conductive circuit layer to produce conductive vias. A second transparent dielectric layer is disposed around the conductive layers. Contact tips are electrically connected to the top surface of the separate conductive layers. The interconnect may be visually aligned so that the contact tips brought into contact with target connections. In addition, the support structure may be partially removed to allow a flexible interconnect.

Abstract: A modulated clock MSK modulator that separately modulates a sinusoidal clock signal by square wave I and Q digital data signals prior to the I and Q data signals being modulated onto a carrier wave signal. Mixers or applicable biphase switches are utilized to impress the I and Q digital data signal information onto the clock signal by inverting or non-inverting the clock signal on separate I and Q data rails to create I and Q modulated clock signals separated in phase. The I channel data modulated clock signal and the Q channel data modulated clock signal are then separately applied to a conventional quadraphase modulator to be separately modulated onto a carrier wave signal, and the summed together to be transmitted.

Abstract: Both recursive and non-recursive fiber-optic loop elements are cascaded to form various fiber-optic lattice configurations to form a fiber-optic signal processor for use in wideband applications capable of processing radio frequency (RF) signals. Each fiber-optic loop element includes a fiber-optic element, such as a monomode optical fiber or a monomode optical waveguide formed in a loop by way of a fiber-optic coupling device and one or more reflection mechanisms, such as a Bragg grating. In order to provide increased flexibility, the present invention allows the reflectivities of the reflection elements to be selected to provide additional flexibility in creating the frequency response characteristics of an optical signal processor.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant safety apparatus (10) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (22) and an inflator (20) actuatable in response to sensing a condition indicative of a vehicle collision. A disable switch (40) has a first condition enabling actuation of the inflator (20) and a second condition disabling actuation of the inflator. An electrically energizable indicator (50), when energized, indicates that the disable switch (40) is in the second condition. The indicator (50) is energized when the ignition (58) of the vehicle is on and the disable switch (40) is in the second condition. The indicator (50) is also energized for a predetermined period of time, when the vehicle ignition (58) is off, in response to movement of the disable switch (40) from the first condition to the second condition.