Abstract: Apparatus for automatically controlling operation of a self-propelled vehicle comprises a plurality of operating systems for performing specific functions relating to the operation of the vehicle, each of the operation systems including controller devices for automatically performing a specific function and selectively operable manual components for directly overriding the controller devices and manually performing the specific function. A central processor coordinates operation of the operating systems.

Abstract: The invention resides in a module used in conjunction with other such modules in an apparatus for rapidly producing an article having a three-dimensional design comprising a base, a plurality of translating members mounted on the base and the plurality of translating members movable relative thereto, the base is an interconnectable block of parallel drivetrain elements having a single input shaft and a series of parallel output shafts at right angles to the input shaft whose power flow to the output shafts is connected/disconnected electrically via electromagnetic clutches.

Abstract: A self-leveling mount or platform, particularly for optical and surveillance equipment in rapid deployment systems which can be set up quickly and easily. The mount preferably employs a normally-on brake which is released by actuation of a solenoid. An assembly of equipment, which includes the self-leveling mount or platform, is mounted by a support tube on a spherical bearing, with the center of gravity of the assembly being positioned a given distance below the center of the spherical bearing. When the brake is momentarily released, gravity forces the center of gravity of the assembly to assume the lowest possible position relative to the center of the spherical bearing, which aligns the attached mount or platform horizontally. This self-leveling feature can be activated locally or remotely, and prevents image tilt when optical surveillance instruments are mounted on the platform, and are used to pan (rotate) about the platform's vertical axis.

Abstract: Apparatus for exposing a selected area of a film, and comprising a holding assembly for holding a film, and a first support assembly connected to and supporting the holding assembly. The apparatus further comprises an exposure area control assembly located adjacent the holding assembly and forming an adjustable opening to expose a selected area of the film, and a second support assembly connected to and supporting the exposure area control assembly. Preferably, the first support assembly supports the film assembly for movement upward and downward and forward and rearward, and for pivotal movement about horizontal and vertical axes. Also, the second support assembly supports the exposure area control assembly for forward and rearward movement, and for pivotal movement about horizontal and vertical axes.

Abstract: A controlled low temperature chamber for a microscope has a vacuum chamber in a housing. The housing has a top panel and a bottom panel. A mounting in the chamber mounts a sample in a manner whereby the sample is microscopically observable. The mounting includes a base member, a pair of spaced supports extending perpendicularly from the base member and a pair of spaced platforms supported by the supports. Each of the platforms has an upper surface on which the sample rests and a spaced undersurface beneath the sample. A temperature control system maintains a specified temperature in the chamber, applies a controlled temperature gradient on the sample and moves the gradient along the sample in a controlled manner, thereby directionally solidifying and melting the sample, as desired.

Abstract: Denticulated strips receive orthogonally disposed panels to form rectangular or cube enclosures of desired sizes. They are quickly assembled utilizing push pins. The panels are designed to have overlapping edges so that they minimize light/air leakage--making them particularly adaptable as optic baffles.

Abstract: A fixture comprising three plates capable of exercising decoupled motion along three angular axes. A first end of a connecting rod is mounted, by way of a spherical bearing in one of the plates, while an opposite end is secured to the peripheral center of a spherical sector platform. The periphery of the platform is supported on bearings mounted to a rotatable gear which imparts yaw motion to the spherical section. Displacement of the connecting rod causes tilting of the spherical section in roll and pitch directions. Three linear and three rotational degrees of freedom are possible for the platform while maintaining a constant pivot point at the center of the sector's radius of curvature, on the system axis. The pivot point lies above the unobstructed mounting surface of this fixture.

Abstract: An elongated enclosure includes a number of apertures through which a film must be precisely viewed. A slider receives a removable film holder into which a film, such as a 35 mm slide is positioned. A precision recirculating bearing assembly provides accurate and smooth motion of the slider within the housing. A number of alignment components are located in the device to repeatedly and accurately position the film, relative to the apertures. Thus, a laser beam or optical axis can repeatedly and precisely pass through the same point of the image as it appears in a corresponding aperture.

Abstract: An optical correlator console for mounting and assembling the components of an optical correlator system in a unique stable, compact and functional configuration in which all of the components are mounted in a compact configuration on upper and lower sides of a base support plate. The components which do not ordinarily require accessibility are mounted below the support plate and the components which ordinarily require accessibility during operation and use of the optical correlator are mounted above the support plate. The lower side of the support plate mounts a laser source and a collimator along with several other incidental optical components, with the laser source providing a laser beam as an input to the collimator which provides an expanded and collimated optical beam. The additional incidental optical elements can include a spatial filter and a shutter mounted interposed between the laser source and the collimator.

Abstract: A mounting fixture for an optical instrument, such as an optical correlator, providing for the precise mounting and positional adjustment therein of an element, such as a multiple holographic lens, at least along two transverse x and y axes, and also rotationally along .theta. in roll about the z axis, .gamma. in pitch about the x axis, and .beta. in yaw about the y axis. The mounting fixture enables the holographic lens plate in an optical correlator to be positionally adjusted and then fixed stably in the optical correlator.

Abstract: An alignment fixture for an optical instrument such as an optical correlator providing for the adjustment of the alignment of an element thereof, such as a matched filter or multiple matched filter or a multiple holographic lens, along at least two transverse x and y axes, and also rotationally .theta. in roll about a z axis perpendicular to the transverse x and y axes. The alignment fixture is constructed with a base plate which is designed to be mounted on a stabilized optical bench. The base plate is movable along the z axis for adjustment therealong, and includes a vertically extending frame member. An L-shaped lift angle plate is vertically movably and supported by the vertically extending frame member to provide for alignment adjustments along the y axis. The L-shaped lift angle plate movably mounts a rotational stage in a manner which provides for alignment adjustments along the horizontal x axis.

Abstract: Apparatus for opening and holding a frame of the type that is flexible between open and closed positions and that forms an opening. The apparatus comprises a mounting member defining a seating surface adapted to seat against the frame; and an expansion member connected to the mounting member, and adapted to extend into the opening of the frame to force the frame into the open position, and to hold the frame in the open position when the frame is seated on the mounting member. In operation, the frame is placed on the mounting member, the expansion member is forced through the opening in the frame to spread the frame from its closed position to its open position, and an optical plate is placed in or removed from the frame. Once this is done, the expansion member is withdrawn from the opening in the frame to return the frame to its closed position, and the frame is removed from the mounting member.