Abstract: In the method and apparatus for controlling the power level of a laser signal in free space communication, a communication terminal transmits an output laser beam into free space and also receives information, through a channel that is not free space laser based, about the power of the output laser beam measured at a distance and at different times. The terminal determines whether a drop in the power of the output laser beam measured at the distance is due to atmospheric effects based on the received information. The terminal increases the power level of the output laser beam to a desired level if the power drop is determined to be due to atmospheric effects. On the other hand, the terminal lowers the power of the output laser beam to a predetermined level if the power drop is determined to be due to blockage thus avoiding harm to accidental observers that might intrude into the path of the laser beams.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an Operational Life Test (OLT) or "burn-in" technique for testing microprocessors. In accordance with the present invention, an OLT chamber is provided wherein many Evaluation Boards are mounted within racks in a frame in the chamber, each Board being designed for separately exercising its associated microprocessor integrated circuit (IC). During the OLT or burn-in procedure, each Evaluation Boards runs its own internally stored diagnostics, simultaneously with other Boards, to exercise the associated microprocessor ICs while the power to the Boards and the environment within the chamber is appropriately cycled to simulate system testing, installation or normal customer use. During the OLT procedure, each Board periodically reports the status of the associated microprocessor IC to circuitry such as a computer outside the chamber in order to provide a means for determining and recording any failure of a Board.

Abstract: The off axis angle detector of a radar is sampled at discreet intervals by special purpose digital computer. Each sample is directed to one of a plurality of registers in accordance to the angle indication of the sample. Each register being a counter which will give an output when it is in an overflow condition; therefore, each register acts as a threshold device. Upon one register overflowing and giving an output of that indication, the sample process is stopped and the output of the register is sent to a converter to indicate the direction of the jammer. This is done both for the azimuth and elevation angle of the radar receiver.