Abstract: An apparatus for providing oscillator frequency stability is disclosed. The apparatus includes an internally ovenized oscillator module having an oscillator and an inner heater to maintain the oscillator at a first temperature during operation. The apparatus also includes a thermally conductive cover for forming a first compartment to contain the internally ovenized oscillator module along with multiple heaters. The heaters are in thermal communication with the thermally conductive cover and the substrate to form an oven to keep the internally ovenized oscillator module at a stable second temperature during operation. In addition, the apparatus includes a thermally insulative cover for forming a second compartment to contain the first compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing oscillator frequency stability is disclosed. The apparatus includes an internally ovenized oscillator module having an oscillator and an inner heater to maintain the oscillator at a first temperature during operation. The apparatus also includes a thermally conductive cover for forming a first compartment to contain the internally ovenized oscillator module along with multiple heaters. The heaters are in thermal communication with the thermally conductive cover and the substrate to form an oven to keep the internally ovenized oscillator module at a stable second temperature during operation. In addition, the apparatus includes a thermally insulative cover for forming a second compartment to contain the first compartment.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting hazardous materials is mounted on an aircraft and has a sensor, a heading unit, a transceiver and a GPS unit. The sensor has an airfoil shaped probe and an electronics module. The probe has a positive airflow, enclosed sensing chamber with a hazardous material sensing element. The system for detecting hazardous materials includes aircraft with the hazardous material detecting apparatus and a ground network. The method for detecting hazardous materials includes the steps of providing aircraft with hazardous material sensing apparatus and a ground network, collecting hazardous material and atmospheric data with the sensing apparatus, transmitting the position, wind velocity and hazardous material data to the ground network, calculating distribution of hazardous materials in the atmosphere, generating a real-time map of distribution of hazardous materials and predicting dispersion of the hazardous materials in the atmosphere.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting hazardous materials is mounted on an aircraft and has a sensor, a heading unit, a transceiver and a GPS unit. The sensor has an airfoil shaped probe and an electronics module. The probe has a positive airflow, enclosed sensing chamber with a hazardous material sensing element. The system for detecting hazardous materials includes aircraft with the hazardous material detecting apparatus and a ground network. The method for detecting hazardous materials includes the steps of providing aircraft with hazardous material sensing apparatus and a ground network, collecting hazardous material and atmospheric data with the sensing apparatus, transmitting the position, wind velocity and hazardous material data to the ground network, calculating distribution of hazardous materials in the atmosphere, generating a real-time map of distribution of hazardous materials and predicting dispersion of the hazardous materials in the atmosphere.

Abstract: A modulated light source (31) transmits light pulses through an optical channel (20) to an optical sensor (10) remotely located from the cockpit and mounted proximate an aerodynamic surface (14) of an aircraft. In the absence of ice a baseline amount of light is returned inward via the optical channel. When water, ice, or de-icing fluid covers the light sensor, a detectable variable amount of light pulses are returned by the sensor inward through the optical channel, and are detected by a light detector (34) which generates an electrical output signal that varies as a function of the type, amount, and rate of substance accretion. The output signal is visually displayed (37) and the pilot may also be audibly warned.

Abstract: A coadunate emitter/detector assembly for use with fiber optics. A housing has a socket for receiving an end face of a fiber optic or thin bundle of fiber optics. A detector is mounted in the socket for receiving light from a portion of the end face. An emitter is mounted close to the detector for directing light into another portion of the end face. The detector can respond to changes in the light received, which is generally varied by a device at the opposite end of the fiber optic that reflects more or less of the emitter generated light back to the detector. A condensing lens may be placed between the emitter and the fiber optic end face to maximize emitted light that enters the fiber optic. The emitter and detector may be placed in a single plain with a light barrier between them, may be stacked or may be axially spaced. The emitter may be located in a can with upstanding walls to reduce light scatter.

Abstract: A light cone switch for use in an optical switch system that includes an optical fiber having a first end into which light is directed and a second end that emits light along a diverging path. A light reflector is positioned along this path and is movable toward and away from the second fiber end along the fiber axis. More light is reflected into the fiber when the reflector is near the second end than when it is moved away from that end. A light detector at the first fiber end receives light reflected into and through the fiber and reacts differently to the receipt of high and low light levels. Typically, these different received light levels can be used to turn electrical lights on and off, start and stop motors, control variable devices such as dimmers, etc.

Abstract: A noise signal is obtained from a data processor output, such as a data line, an address line, or a control line, and used to control the frequency modulation of an oscillator. The modulated output is used to clock the data processor.