Abstract: A compact optical payload for an unmanned aircraft includes two infrared cameras for wide and narrow field viewing, a daylight color camera, a laser pointer and a laser range finder.

Abstract: A semiconductor power module includes a semiconductor chip thermally interfaced to a ceramic substrate and a leadframe defined by a flexible circuit disposed intermediate the chip and the ceramic substrate. The flexible circuit includes a conductor layer that is selectively encased in an insulated jacket to ensure adequate electrical insulation between the conductor layer and adjacent conductive surfaces. Preferably, the module is constructed for double side cooling by sandwiching the chip between a pair of ceramic substrates and providing intermediate flexible circuit leadframes on both sides of the chip for electrically accessing the chip terminals.

Abstract: A compact optical payload for an unmanned aircraft includes two infrared cameras for wide and narrow field viewing, a daylight color camera, a laser pointer and a laser range finder.

Abstract: A tool having a grip head and a stem is placed behind the body panel to which the fuel door is hinged. The grip head interfaces with the goose neck of the fuel door at a location not visible to an onlooker when the fuel door is at its open position. The grip head has a predetermined shape which allows it to grasp the goose neck, whereby rotation of the stem (manually or robotically) results in opening and closing of the fuel door selectively as needed for a painting process to ensue.

Abstract: A compact optical payload for an unmanned aircraft includes two infrared cameras for wide and narrow field viewing, a daylight color camera, a laser pointer and a laser range finder.

Abstract: A semiconductor power module includes a semiconductor chip thermally interfaced to a ceramic substrate and a leadframe defined by a flexible circuit disposed intermediate the chip and the ceramic substrate. The flexible circuit includes a conductor layer that is selectively encased in an insulated jacket to ensure adequate electrical insulation between the conductor layer and adjacent conductive surfaces. Preferably, the module is constructed for double side cooling by sandwiching the chip between a pair of ceramic substrates and providing intermediate flexible circuit leadframes on both sides of the chip for electrically accessing the chip terminals.

Abstract: A vertical laminated electrical switch circuit includes a first, second, and third ceramic substrate positioned in juxtaposed relationship relative to each other. The circuit also includes a first and second electrical device electrically coupled to each other. The first electrical device is coupled to the first and second substrates and positioned there between. The second electrical device is coupled to the second and third ceramic substrates and positioned there between. In some embodiments, multiple electrical devices may be coupled to a single substrate.

Abstract: A multi-chip circuit component comprising first and second substrate members, each of which are formed of an electrically-nonconductive material. Each substrate member has oppositely-disposed first and second surfaces, with an outer layer of thermally-conductive material on the first surface thereof and electrically-conductive areas on the second surface thereof. At least two circuit devices are present between the first and second substrate members, with each circuit device having a first surface electrically contacting at least one of the electrically-conductive areas of the first substrate member, and each circuit device having a second surface electrically contacting a corresponding one of the electrically-conductive areas of the second substrate member. First lead members are electrically coupled to the electrically-conductive areas of the first substrate member, and second lead members are electrically coupled to the electrically-conductive areas of the second substrate member.

Abstract: An extremely reliable and effective position sensor is provided at low cost for determining the relative position of a mechanical linkage with respect to a reference point. The position sensor includes a rotor or bracket which is mechanically coupled to the linkage and contains at least two magnets on opposite walls adjacent a channel opening. The opposing magnets are formed with first and second sloped or ramped sections which produce produce variable magnetic fields as determined by the geometric profile of the magnets. One or more detectors are positioned in the air gap between the opposing magnets. As the linkage is moved, the rotor or bracket moves with respect to the detector causing a change in the strength of the magnetic field detected by the detector whereby the detector determines the position of the movable linkage.

Abstract: An angular sensor has a shaped dual magnet structure carried upon a pole piece having a generally "c" shaped cross-section. The magnet and pole piece define a generally circular linear field which is concentric about the axis of rotation of the complete rotor. A Hall effect device is inserted into the open portion or gap between the two magnets and is exposed to a well defined field. Through the use of particular magnet materials and a magnet geometry extending from the axis of rotation to a point well beyond the Hall sensor, a precise and yet tolerant magnetic circuit is produced.

Abstract: An extremely reliable and effective position sensor is provided at low cost for determining the relative position of a mechanical linkage with respect to a reference point. The position sensor includes a rotor or bracket which is mechanically coupled to the linkage and contains at least two magnets on opposite walls adjacent a channel opening. The opposing magnets are formed with first and second sloped or ramped sections which produce produce variable magnetic fields as determined by the geometric profile of the magnets. One or more detectors are positioned in the air gap between the opposing magnets. As the linkage is moved, the rotor or bracket moves with respect to the detector causing a change in the strength of the magnetic field detected by the detector, whereby the detector determines the position of the movable linkage.

Abstract: A rotary position sensor having a dual magnet structure interconnected by a pole piece forming a varying dimension air gap. The magnets, the pole piece and the air gap between the magnets define a closed magnetic circuit. A Hall effect sensor is fixedly mounted in the air gap and is exposed to a well defined but varying magnetic field coupled between the magnets. Through the use of specific magnetic materials and sloping, curved surfaces, a precise yet tolerance friendly magnetic circuit is produced so that the sensor produces signals as a function of the angular positions of the magnets.

Abstract: A rotary position sensor connected to the butterfly valve of an internal combustion engine, the sensor having a dual magnet structure interconnected by a pole piece having a generally C-shaped cross section forming a varying dimension air gap. The magnets, the pole piece and the air gap define a closed magnetic circuit. A Hall effect sensor is fixedly mounted in the air gap and is exposed to a well defined but varying magnetic field. Through the use of specific magnetic materials and sloping, curved surfaces, a precise yet tolerance friendly magnetic circuit is produced so that the sensor produces signals as a function of the angular positions of the magnets.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the use of a plurality of gratings recorded in an optical waveguide, the gratings having different Bragg wavelengths selected to store individual bits of data. The invention has particular application to optical fiber communications networks.

Abstract: An optical fibre is fixed between a clamp and a piezo-electric translation stage. An argon ion laser emitting at 514.5 nm is used to write Bragg gratings in the fibre. A different longitudinal stress is applied to the fibre before optically writing each Bragg grating. The fibre when unstressed will have a Bragg grating of different peak reflectivity corresponding to the number of different applied stresses.

Abstract: A reference voltage developing circuit that develops a multiple slope reference voltage that is a function of temperature. The circuit has a plurality of base-emitter multipliers each of which includes a transistor and each of which develops an output voltage that is a function of the base-emitter voltage of the transistor of the multiplier. Since the base-emitter voltage varies with changes in temperature, each multiplier circuit develops a voltage that varies with changes in temperature. The multiplier circuits have different multiplier magnitudes to thereby provide temperature dependent output voltages that have different slopes. A voltage selector circuit is connected to the multiplier circuits and it provides an output voltage that corresponds to the higher of the output voltages developed by the multiplier circuits.

Abstract: The encoder/decoder comprises a spherical body on which is provided a plurality of different letters and/or numerals. Connecting means in the form of three circular members sharing the same axis encompass the sphere, two defining two parallel sighting hoops and the third defining a sighting ring. The connecting means are mounted on a support body so that the relative rotation of the connecting means and the body can be effected. In use, the body is rotated until two specified indicia lie usually between the two sighting hoops in a specified order. Then, one or more indicia are read from the sighting ring. The encoder/decoder may be used to protect computer software against copying, and may also be used to hinder unauthorized access to remote computer systems. Thus, the number of individuals using a system can be limited to the number interrogating the user, can determine whether he has in his possession a suitable encoder/decoder such as outlined above.

Abstract: A clean water system that has a noval air system and a novel water system in which the dry air to the case of the ozone generator as well as to the ozone generator and has a primary drier, a sensor and reserve drier such that the reserve drier provides dry air after the primary drier has become too wet and the water system includes a pair of concentrically mounted tanks with an overflow such that water can be circulated in a closed loop through the ozone injector and inner tank to purify the water.

Abstract: A thread protector structure is disclosed having a threaded body structure for threading about the threaded end surface of a tubular member. A sealing structure connected to and extending inwardly beyond the thread length has at least one resilient circumferential protrusion for circumferentially sealing about the tubular member. Another sealing structure is provided for sealing about the end of the tubular member.

Abstract: In a method for changing the spin of bodies released from an aggregate, the bodies are connected by straps or bars which serve as tension or compression members. Spin of the connected bodies results in either compressive or tensile forces in the connecting member. Those forces in turn provide torque which counters or enhances the spin and converts that spin to or from translational energy. Once the spin of the bodies has been changed a predetermined amount, the connecting member is released.