Abstract: A system for scanning light to define a range gated signal includes a pulsed coherent light source that directs light into the atmosphere, a light gathering instrument that receives the light modified by atmospheric backscatter and transfers the light onto an image plane, a scanner that scans collimated light from the image plane to form a range gated signal from the light modified by atmospheric backscatter, a control circuit that coordinates timing of a scan rate of the scanner and a pulse rate of the pulsed coherent light source so that the range gated signal is formed according to a desired range gate, an optical device onto which an image of the range gated signal is scanned, and an interferometer to which the image of the range gated signal is directed by the optical device. The interferometer is configured to modify the image according to a desired analysis.

Abstract: A ditch forming implement includes a frame supported for movement across the ground in a forward working direction when connected to a towing vehicle. A rotating member, for example a tire having a resilient main body and integral resilient paddles formed thereon, is rotatably supported on the frame within an upright plane oriented transversely to the forward working direction. The frame may also support a shovel on an implement shank spaced forwardly of the rotating member, an adjustable guide wheel supported rearwardly of the rotating member for controlling depth of the rotating member, and a grader blade supported forwardly and laterally offset to one side of the rotating member for widening a ditch to be formed by the implement.

Abstract: A system for scanning light to define a range gated signal includes a pulsed coherent light source that directs light into the atmosphere, a light gathering instrument that receives the light modified by atmospheric backscatter and transfers the light onto an image plane, a scanner that scans collimated light from the image plane to form a range gated signal from the light modified by atmospheric backscatter, a control circuit that coordinates timing of a scan rate of the scanner and a pulse rate of the pulsed coherent light source so that the range gated signal is formed according to a desired range gate, an optical device onto which an image of the range gated signal is scanned, and an interferometer to which the image of the range gated signal is directed by the optical device. The interferometer is configured to modify the image according to a desired analysis.

Abstract: A ditch forming implement includes a frame supported for movement across the ground in a forward working direction when connected to a towing vehicle. A rotating member, for example a tire having a resilient main body and integral resilient paddles formed thereon, is rotatably supported on the frame within an upright plane oriented transversely to the forward working direction. The frame may also support a shovel on an implement shank spaced forwardly of the rotating member, an adjustable guide wheel supported rearwardly of the rotating member for controlling depth of the rotating member, and a grader blade supported forwardly and laterally offset to one side of the rotating member for widening a ditch to be formed by the implement.

Abstract: A range dispersion sensor operative to detect objects of a preselected height "h" operates on quarterwave interference principles. Electromagnetic energy is modulated at a first frequency f.sub.1 such that objects of the preselected height h disposed upon a background create a quarter-wave length reflector. A beam of electromagnetic energy reflected from an object of height h and its proximate background interferes destructively to create a null signal. Effects of non-uniform reflectivity are normalized by modulating the beam at a second frequency f.sub.2 selected to not create constructive or destructive interference effects with objects of the preselected height. The ratio of the two signals is taken thereby normalizing the effects of non-uniform reflectivity, and the resultant ratio is indicative of the height of the objects.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the phase difference between two signals including a precision extender employing a frequency multiplier for each of the signals, apparatus for heterodyning each of the signals back to their original frequencies, and a phase detector for measuring the phase difference of the heterodyned signals.

Abstract: An image sensor for generating multi-bit digital pixel values for analyses in a digital image processor. A phase detector is utilized for detecting the relative phase difference between a modulation reference waveform for modulating a light source and the reflected information waveform from the illuminated target area. A high speed digital counter is driven by a phase locked loop frequency multiplier. The counter is enabled and reset by digital logic levels derived from the reference and signal waveforms. A latch is provided to store the count on the counter output when the counter is reset to thereby provide a multi-bit digital pixel value representative of characteristics of the target being sensed.