Abstract: Method for improving particular interconnect pads for microcircuitry so that they provide more compliant interconnections between opposed pairs of contacts of the microchips in a hybrid detector array assembly. The individual tubes of prior art interconnect pads are filled with indium and are then etched away to leave indium columns of increased height, relative to the indium bumps that have heretofore been used in the contact connections of hybrid detector array assemblies. Other materials may be substituted for the indium and a number of variants of the process are also disclosed.

Abstract: A detector array assembly which provides for the closing at operating temperature of normally open contacts between individual sensor contact mesas and readout pads of the respective detector and readout chips comprising a detector array assembly. One or more shape memory separator elements are used in conjunction with one or more biasing springs to control the spacing of the contacts. The force of the biasing spring becomes the dominant force as the apparatus is cooled down to near operating temperature, thus moving the chips closer together and establishing reliable electrical connection between the opposed sets of contacts. At temperatures near and above the normal operating temperature of 77 degrees K., the shape memory separator element provides the dominant force and drives the chips apart to open the contacts.

Abstract: A configuration of an electronics unit is disclosed wherein a plurality of circular circuit cards are arranged in an aligned, parallel relationship. Each card has a central circular inner opening formed therein. A plurality of inner and outer spacer elements support the respective inner and outer peripheries of the cards. The conductive patterns on the cards include a plurality of conductive pads arranged around the inner and outer peripheries of the cards. Circular metal-on-elastomer inner and outer connectors engage respective one of the inner and outer spacers, and the metal traces of the connectors make electrical contact with aligned conductive pads of adjacent cards. The unit includes a cover structure which envelopes the circuit card configuration to form a sealed unit, and an electrically insulating coolant liquid is disposed in the sealed unit in direct contact with the circuit cards and electrical components mounted thereon to absorb heat generated by electrical power dissipation.

Abstract: A configuration of an electronics unit is disclosed wherein a plurality of circular circuit cards are arranged in an aligned, parallel relationship. Each card has a central circular inner opening formed therein. A plurality of inner and outer spacer elements support the respective inner and outer peripheries of the cards. The conductive patterns on the cards include a plurality of conductive pads arranged around the inner and outer peripheries of the cards. Circular metal-on-elastomer inner and outer connectors engage respective one of the inner and outer spacers, and the metal traces of the connectors make electrical contact with aligned conductive pads of adjacent cards. The unit includes a cover structure which envelopes the circuit card configuration to form a sealed unit, and an electrically insulating coolant liquid is disposed in the sealed unit in direct contact with the circuit cards and electrical components mounted thereon to absorb heat generated by electrical power dissipation.

Abstract: A very high acceleration tolerant packaging structure 10 for protecting electronic circuit elements such as printed circuit cards 35 or ceramic cards. A rigid housing 15 has at least one planar member 35 for supporting electronic circuitry thereon, mounted within the housing so as to divide the interior of the housing into at least two chambers 50, 52. Each chamber is completely filled with a substantially incompressible fluid 60 so as to leave no air spaces or voids. The fluid in one chamber communicates with the fluid in another chamber only at a controllable rate. Preferably the planar members 35 have substantially the same shape as the cross sectional shape of the interior of the packaging system.

Abstract: A configuration of an electronics unit is disclosed wherein a plurality of circular circuit cards are arranged in an aligned, parallel relationship. Each card has a central circular inner opening formed therein. A plurality of inner and outer spacer elements support the respective inner and outer peripheries of the cards. The conductive patterns on the cards include a plurality of conductive pads arranged around the inner and outer peripheries of the cards. Circular metal-on-elastomer inner and outer connectors engage respective one of the inner and outer spacers, and the metal traces of the connectors make electrical contact with aligned conductive pads of adjacent cards. The unit includes a cover structure which envelopes the circuit card configuration to form a sealed unit, and an electrically insulating coolant liquid is disposed in the sealed unit in direct contact with the circuit cards and electrical components mounted thereon to absorb heat generated by electrical power dissipation.

Abstract: A collapsed barrier is placed in the water in the general path of a detected homing torpedo after which the barrier is erected into one or more generally vertical planes to intercept the torpedo. When the torpedo strikes the barrier an explosive charge is detonated to destroy the torpedo.

Abstract: A coaxial strain cable tows a tube-like net-containing pod behind a ship. nsors on the pod carried beneath the ships wake detect incoming torpedoes and supply detection data via the coaxial cable to a shipboard processor. Processor commands return via the cable to a pod motor to drive rudders and maneuver the pod into the torpedo path. Drogue and main parachutes packed in the pod are released into the path by other cable-carried commands. Power for the motors and a 'chute release mechanism also is supplied through the cable. The main 'chute is formed of a low drag aramid fiber mesh strong enough to arrest the torpedo. Preferably, explosives carried by the 'chute destroy it.