Abstract: A compost insertion apparatus coupled to a tractor for inserting solid material into the ground includes a frame configured to be pulled behind a tractor. A bin atop the frame defines an interior area capable of holding solid material, the bottom having an outlet through which the solid material is expelled from the bin. An auger assembly includes a shaft a continuous spiral blade operative for expelling the solid material. A ripper shank is movable from a use configuration forming a furrow, the solid material being expelled into the furrow. A furrow closer assembly includes two circular angled plates forming a V-shape for covering the solid material. A track assembly is operatively coupled to the frame for supporting the bin above the ground, the track assembly having a wide profile in contact with the ground.

Abstract: A communications resource management system. The system includes a first module for prioritizing incoming messages and a second module for steering the messages in response to the prioritization by the first module. The first module assigns a message priority to each message based on a plurality of parameters such as mission mode, message type, and timeliness factor. The second module selects the most optimal communications resource for the message with the highest message priority by assigning a transmitter priority to each communications resource based on a plurality of factors such as estimated message arrival time, availability, and waveform compatibility. The message with the highest message priority is steered to the communications resource with the highest transmitter priority at the moment the message is sent. The first and second modules are each implemented using decision tree logic.

Abstract: A communications resource management system. The system includes a first module for prioritizing incoming messages and a second module for steering the messages in response to the prioritization by the first module. The first module assigns a message priority to each message based on a plurality of parameters such as mission mode, message type, and timeliness factor. The second module selects the most optimal communications resource for the message with the highest message priority by assigning a transmitter priority to each communications resource based on a plurality of factors such as estimated message arrival time, availability, and waveform compatibility. The message with the highest message priority is steered to the communications resource with the highest transmitter priority at the moment the message is sent. The first and second modules are each implemented using decision tree logic.

Abstract: An infrared detector and imaging system responsive to the scanned image from an objective lens and scanner system, the infrared detector and imaging system comprising: a detector substrate; a sparsely populated staggered detector array formed on the detector substrate, the detector substrate having a focal plane surface receiving the scanned image from the objective lens and scanner system. A clock means provides clock signals. A control signal means is responsive to the clock signal for providing a sequence of predetermined scanner position signals. A servo responsive to each scanner position signal commands the scanner means to locate the scanned image at predetermined positions on the focal plane. A detector signal integration means receives and integrates an array of detector signals from the sparsely populated detector array.

Abstract: A high resolution printing head for a line printer using photographic recording medium has a plurality of modules connected to form a two dimensional printing array. Each module has three fiber optic ribbons bonded together to form a staggered array of fibers. An apertured mask is photolithographically attached to the two dimensional array so that there is one aperture positioned over each fiber. The aperture has a cross-section less than the fiber so there is no overlapping of output light from each fiber and the apertures are also staggered so that a three fold increase in line density is achieved over conventional single ribbon arrays.

Abstract: An image formed on an array of photosensitive elements is scanned and stored. A defocussed image is scanned and subtracted from the stored signals. The frame-to-frame subtractive algorithm permits simultaneous image enhancement and elimination of sensor induced noise. Required storage capacity is reduced by separately storing the high frequency information-bearing components and the low frequency components of the video.

Abstract: In an electronic system employing an array of detectors which have been compensated for any fixed pattern noise present, further compensation is provided for any deviation in sensitivity (gain) of each detector from a standard by measuring the output of each detector under uniform level of incident energy, and comparing the amplitude measured with a standard while multiplying the measured output by a factor that is varied until the product equals the standard. The final factor is then stored for use as a gain compensation factor during normal system operation.

Abstract: Light emitting diodes are optically coupled to a photosensitive material through fiber optics. Incoming data are used to determine the emission of the diodes so that the incoming information is printed and stored as shades of grey. Tone and contrast control are provided, and either positives or negatives may be printed. Very high speed operation, on the order of gigabits per second, is currently feasible.

Abstract: Data is stored in frames of fixed format at successive intervals along a ribbon or photographic film. Synchronizing marks on the storage medium indicate the location of each data frame and detection of each successive synchronizing mark triggers a light source which illuminates the film with successively different wavelengths of radiant energy. Successive data frames of the successive wavelengths or colors are imaged on successive detector arrays, each detector array having its elements arranged in a pattern similar to the format of the data. When all the detector arrays have been used, the cycle of colors and of detector arrays is repeated. The detector arrays consist of photodiodes operated in the charge storage mode. After exposure, the elements of the arrays are sampled in a predetermined sequence based on the format of the data, to produce the desired high speed output data signal.