Abstract: A lidar apparatus for detecting an object. The lidar apparatus includes a laser providing a visible light output signal over a first field of view and a photodiode having a second field of view. At least some of the first and second fields of view overlap. The photodiode provides electrical signals in response to received optical signals. A controller is coupled to the laser and to the photodiode. The controller for provides electrical signals to the laser, causing emission of visible light output signals. A time varying threshold generator is coupled to the controller. The time varying threshold generator provides a time varying threshold signal in response to signals from the controller. A threshold detector is coupled to the time varying threshold generator and to the photodiode. The threshold detector compares the time varying threshold signal to the electrical signals to provide signals indicating presence or absence of the object.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a signal input and a sampler and analog-to-digital (A/D) converter coupled to the signal input. The sampler and A/D converter forms a digital pre-look signal from an input signal. The apparatus further comprises a digital memory coupled to the sampler and A/D converter. The digital memory stores sensitivity time control (STC) data and provides specific STC data in response to the digital pre-look signal. The apparatus further comprises a digital-to-analog converter coupled to the digital memory. The digital-to-analog converter converts the specific digital STC data to a first analog STC signal. The apparatus also includes a first comparator coupled to the signal input and to the digital-to-analog converter. The first comparator has an input for receiving the first analog STC signal. The first comparator compares a present input signal to the first analog STC signal to provide a detection signal.

Abstract: The transmission line is coupled to a charging circuit and to a series circuit including a terminating resistor, the source and drain electrodes of a MOSFET and laser diode. Trigger signals are applied to the gate electrode of the MOSFET to rapidly discharge the transmisson line to provide currents of about 10 amps through the laser diode to provide pulses of light having durations of about 3 nanoseconds.

Abstract: An optical ranging system includes optics that create a backscatter signal in response to a transmitted light pulse. The transmitted pulse is reflected from a target to provide range information. The backscatter signal is applied to trigger a threshold detector. The output of the threshold circuit is applied to a delay circuit to provide a receiver switch control signal which renders a receiver switch conductive after the backscatter signal. Accordingly, the receiver switch blanks the backscatter signal and applies the reflected signal to the receiver.

Abstract: An air powered generator having only one moving part and no bearing surfaces comprises a whistle, an electric coil diagonally attached to the walls of the whistle, and a magnetic means which moves freely in a two-dimensional plane within the whistle. As air is forced into the whistle, the magnetic means oscillates back and forth with respect to the diagonally oriented electric coil to create an electric current in the same manner as an electric current is induced by passing a magnet in and out of a loop of wire.

Abstract: An active optical sensing device and method which uses a transmitter to transmit directional electromagnetic radiation and a plurality of detecting devices for receiving radiation reflected off of a target and for providing output signals in response thereto. The signals are sent to a logic circuit for processing in time and amplitude to differentiate between a target and an aerosol.

Abstract: A turbine alternator comprising a central clear optical path through which certain objects or optics may pass unimpeded. This design features a means for internal safe arming of the munition in which the turbine alternator is contained. In addition, this turbine alternator features a rotating stator and stationary windings.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a modulation circuit used in a digital application. The modulation circuit is designed to provide an LED with a more analog type signal. This in turn causes the LED to emit a signal that is peaked rather than a constant square wave providing a better conversion frequency to the fundamental frequency.

Abstract: The mechanism consists of a one coil spring disposed a spaced distance about the inner circumference of a cylindrical housing; and a lever pivotally attached to said housing. When the device is subjected to centrifugal forces the coil is forced outward towards the inner wall of the cylindrical housing causing the two ends of the coil to be separated. Once separated, the lever may pivot causing one end to contact the inner wall of the cylindrical housing and the second end to pivot away from the inner wall of the cylindrical housing and contact a activating device.