Abstract: A stabilizing system for isolating a load device from vibrations of a supporting structure includes a pivotal member and a spring isolator connecting the load device to the supporting structure. Servo controlled actuators are connected across the pivotal member to rotate and torque the load relative to the isolator to compensate for angular displacement of the supporting structure and isolator relative to the load device. An inertial sensor secured to the load device provides a reference for the servo control.

Abstract: A multiaxis actuator is described which provides force along at least two translational axes through the interaction of multiple windings on a single platen which interact with the field poles of a magnetic member spaced apart a sufficient distance to allow multiaxis operation. Said field poles generate magnetic lines of flux perpendicular to said platen. Said windings are constructed and arranged so as to provide current paths in one direction over a generally wide planar area intercepting the magnetic flux lines, while concentrating current in the opposite direction return path in a relatively narrow volume not intercepting the magnetic flux lines. Said individual windings are utilized in pairs having their substantially planar portions collinear to one another and disposed substantially perpendicular to a portion of the magnetic field lines generated between said field poles.

Abstract: Apparatus for stabilizing the image of an electro-optical sensor system. The stabilizing apparatus includes a mounting structure subjected to various rotational and translational vibrations of various sorts. The mounting structure supports a platform on which the electro-optical system is mounted. The platform system comprises a platform structure isolated from the mounting structure either as a passive system, that is, one which supports the platform through a soft isolator, or as an active system, that is, one in which an actuator is mounted in parallel with the isolator in series with a bearing or flexure or other rotational decoupling. The reflective apparatus of the electro-optical system is driven by an actuator mounted on the mounting structure, i.e., in parallel with the series combination of the reflector and platform, in response to tracking signals derived from line of sight sensors mounted on the platform.

Abstract: A system for stabilizing sensitive apparatus from translational and rotational vibrations of the structure on which the apparatus is mounted uses a conventional bearing or a flexure pivot to achieve angular isolation in series with a compliant isolator for attenuating translational vibrations. Wideband corrective torques are applied to the apparatus by linear actuators connected between the vibrating structure and the sensitive apparatus, in parallel with the isolator and bearing combination. Motion of the apparatus is sensed by rate gyros and angular accelerometers mounted on the sensitive apparatus. These instruments through servomechanism loops, drive the linear actuators to oppose the motions.

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: A two-axis image motion detector detects two separate velocity channels through a single optical channel with a single photo detector. A single disc rotates at a substantialaly constant rotational speed and contains a pair of orthogonal grid patterns of different spatial frequencies. Preferably, each grid pattern is at 45.degree. with respect to a radial. An image focused on the grid pattern modulates the carrier frequencies determined by the different grid patterns, thereby generating a composite output in the single photo detector representing the sum of the two image motion channels. Standard filtering and demodulating techniques generate a DC voltage proportional to the image rate for each of the orthogonal axes.

Abstract: Fixed pattern noise compensation is provided for an array of detectors by premeasuring output signals of the detectors under a low (preferably at virtually absolute zero) level of uniform incident energy, converting the measured signal level of each detector to digital signals, and storing the digital signals in a memory for reading out in synchronism with scanning outputs of the detectors during normal system operation. The digital compensation signals are converted to analog form and subtracted from the output signals of the respective detectors during each successive scan cycle of the system operation. To eliminate error from random noise, several noise measurements may be averaged to produce the fixed pattern noise compensation signals.