Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting, processing and tracking sonar signals o provide bearing, range and depth information that locates an object in three-dimensional underwater space. An inverse beamformer utilizes signals from a towed horizontal array of hydrophones to estimate a bearing to a possible object. A matched field processor receives measured covariance matrix data based upon signals from the hydrophones and signals from a propagation model. An eight nearest neighbor peak picker provides plane wave peaks in response to output beam levels from the matched processor. A five-dimensional M of N tracker identifies peaks within the specified limit of frequency, bearing change over time, range and depth to specify an object as a target and to display its relative range and depth with respect to the array of hydrophones.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for destroying organic contaminants, such as trichloroethylene, in aqueous liquids, such as groundwater, utilizing steam stripping integrated with biodegradation. The contaminated aqueous liquid is fed into a steam stripper causing the volatilization of essentially all of the organic contaminants and a portion of the aqueous liquid. The majority of the aqueous liquid is discharged from the steam stripper. The volatilized vapors are then condensed to the liquid phase and introduced into a bioreactor. The bioreactor contains methanotrophic microorganisms which convert the organic contaminants into mainly carbon dioxide. The effluent from the bioreactor is then recycled back to the steam stripper for further processing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting, processing, and tracking sonar sigs is provided. Plane wave energy from the sonar signal source is measured at multiple points using an array of plane wave energy receptors. These measurements are processed using an inverse beamformer to generate output beam levels. These output beam levels are then processed using the spectrum normalizer to yield spatially and spectrally normalized output beam levels. The normalized beam levels are then processed using an eight nearest-neighbor peak-picker to provide plane wave peaks. Finally, the plane wave peaks are processed by a three-dimensioned M of N tracker to identify peaks within a specified limit of frequency and angle change over time. The identified peaks may be displaced or recorded for further analysis.

Abstract: A filter cleaning apparatus for cleaning air filters such as the air filter on the Abrams M-1 tank, which apparatus includes a cabinet fitted with an air exhaust system, brackets for receiving one or more air filters and an air supply manifold, air inlet manifold and sweep manifold for directing streams of air on the inside and outside element surfaces of the filter or filters and removing dust and dirt lodged in the filter elements. In a preferred embodiment a vibrating mechanism is built into the floor of the apparatus for vibrating the filters while simultaneously directing the streams of air on the inside and outside filter element surfaces and evacuating the dislodged dust and dirt particles from the cabinet.

Abstract: A vent pipe extension and flashing apparatus for extending a vent pipe into a chimney including a generally vertical wall having an interior surface, an exterior surface, and an opening through the wall. The apparatus comprises a threaded sheet metal pipe including helical threads extending along substantially the entire length of the outer surface of the threaded pipe, the threaded pipe having opposite first and second ends, the first end being adapted to extend through the opening in the chimney wall, the second end being adapted to be connected to a vent pipe. The apparatus also comprises restraining means for engaging the interior surface of the wall to prevent the threaded pipe from being pulled back through the opening, the restraining means being supported by the first end of the threaded pipe and being compressible to allow the first end of the threaded pipe to be pushed through the opening in the wall.

Abstract: In a continuous casting apparatus, the level of liquid in the mold is monitored and compared to a desired reference level. A microcomputer examines the resulting error signal and determines the amount of movement of the valve which would be appropriate to correct the detected error. A control pulse is then generated having a duration corresponding to the desired movement distance, and the valve is adjusted accordingly.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring and controlling the level of an elevated temperature liquid in a container. The electrical voltage signal outputs of a plurality of temperature sensing devices at spaced elevations on the container are converted to digital form. The converted signals are periodically scanned in elevation sequence. A determination is made from the scanned signals of the location of the uppermost sensing means having a converted signal value of sufficient magnitude to indicate a temperature in the wall below the level of liquid in the container. Then a fraction, F, of the spacing between the sensing means, n, and the next above sensing means, n-1, is calculated as a function of the converted signal value, Sn-1. The measured level in the container is calculated as a function of, n, and, F, with respect to their location on the container. Finally, the rate of addition and withdrawal of liquid to and from the container is controlled based on the measured liquid level in the container.

Abstract: A magnetometer compensation scheme wherein a magnetizable material adjacent the magnetometer is given a certain permanent magnetization to cancel the effect of the earth magnetic field at the location of the magnetometer.

Abstract: Individual panels of solar cells are stacked one on top of the other and arranged so that incident light passes through each of the arrays of cells in each panel striking the one below it. The solar cells in each panel are selected to have a predetermined and different spectral response and thus are responsive to different frequencies of light. Electrical connection is individually made to each of the panels to collect the electrical energy generated from conversion of the light incident on the particular array of cells. Each of the panels may independently be constructed from microcrystalline thin films, amorphous silicon, single crystal silicon, compound semi-conductors, and the like. Individual panels may be constructed of the same semi-conductor material but compositionally modified to provide sensitivity to different portions of the light spectrum.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for providing an extension of a conduit through an aperture in a roof or a floor of a building and for providing a seal around the aperture, the apparatus including a conduit extension adapted to extend through the aperture in the roof. A first collar surrounds and is supported by the lower end of the conduit extension. The first collar includes a peripheral flange surrounding the aperture and being engageable against the roof. A second collar surrounds the upper end of the conduit extension, the second collar including a flange having a downwardly extending periphery. A resilient seal is located between the periphery of the second collar and the roof, and the periphery of the second collar is forced downwardly against the resilient seal for providing a seal between the collar and the roof.

Abstract: A vending apparatus for dispensing a controlled amount of material upon deposit of a prescribed coin. A high reservoir contains material such as candy or the like in suitable holders such as size-V plastic capsules. A coin-operated device, preferably including a coin slide mechanism, is manually operated by a customer. When the slide is pushed in and pulled out by the customer, he contributes energy to the apparatus which is utilized in dispensing the material in an amusing way. In one embodiment, the act of moving the coin slide causes a relatively heavy steel ball to be elevated to a position where it engages a transportation device such as a simulated coal car or bulldozer. The transportation device carries the plastic capsule from a loading station (immediately below the reservoir) to an unloading station some distance away--where the capsule is dumped into a dispensing chute to be received by the customer.

Abstract: A magnetometer assembly wherein a magnetometer detector suspended from a gimbal is immersed in a wax so as to immobilize the detector. Desired gimbal operation is achieved by heating the wax in the vicinity of the detector.

Abstract: Magnetometer instrumentation which processes the signals from an array of magnetometer assemblies wherein the need for multiple sets of motor driven resistors to change the gain of the signal processing channels is eliminated by the provision of an arrangement which utilizes multiplying digital-to-analog converters that are directly commandable by digital signals.