Abstract: A radar, sonar, lidar or like active detection, tracking system calculates the clutter which would occur with various different transmit waveforms, and selects from among those waveforms that one which, given the current clutter, is expected to minimize variation or variability of the clutter. The calculation is performed by generating a clutter kernel for the current transmitted or other reference waveform, and calculating the clutter which would result with alternate transmit waveform(s). The variability of the various clutter responses is determined, and the transmit waveform exhibiting the least clutter variability is selected for a later transmission.

Abstract: The invention is an elastomeric, energy-management cushion formed of at least one or more spaced, expandable, geometrically shaped cushioning elements disposed in a pattern on supporting base. The cushioning elements each have a plurality of angularly spaced projections, the projections of each cushioning element being interspersed between and spaced from the projections of the adjacent cushioning elements. The interspersed projections absorb and distribute compression forces applied to the cushioning elements as triangulated vector forces within the projections forming the respective cushioning elements, to which the compression forces are applied thereby providing an elastomeric, energy-management cushion.

Abstract: A fastener cage for retaining a fastener on a panel comprises a retainer and a collar which sandwich a rigid substrate of the panel and snap-fit together in interconnecting relationship through a hole in the substrate. The retainer retains an anchoring end of the fastener and the collar and the retainer transmit pushing and pulling forces on the panel substrate through extensive areas of the respective inner and outer side of the substrate surrounding the hole. The retainer and collar are formed with a central opening for the insertion of the fastener and a thin inexpensive cover is adhered to the retainer to close the opening therein to prevent the entry of plastic foam that is formed against the inner side of the panel substrate.