Abstract: The computation system of the present invention comprises an improved method of moment estimation for devices which measure spectra as a function of range or time. The preferred embodiment of this system is illustrated as part of an automated meteorological monitoring system for the accurate real time detection of meteorological phenomena, such as winds, wind shear and turbulence. This automated meteorological monitoring system uses a standard weather radar transmitter to scan a predetermined volume of space with a stream of radar pulses to determine the characteristics of meteorological phenomena that are extant in the predetermined volume. The computation system of the present invention utilizes novel signal processing algorithms in the improved method of moment estimation to excise the valid data from the returns echoes, which are corrupted by the presence of contaminating signals.

Abstract: A wavelength division multiplexing device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the wavelength division multiplexing device comprises a crystalline collimating lens for collimating a plurality of monochromatic optical beams, a diffraction grating for combining the plurality of collimated, monochromatic optical beams into a multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam, and a crystalline focusing lens for focusing the multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam.

Abstract: An improved wavelength division multiplexing device is disclosed. The improved wavelength division multiplexing device has a diffraction grating for combining a plurality of monochromatic optical beams into a multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam. The improvement in the improved wavelength division multiplexing device is the use of a crystalline collimating/focusing lens for collimating the plurality of monochromatic optical beams traveling along a first direction to the diffraction grating, and for focusing the multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam traveling along a second direction from the diffraction grating, wherein the second direction being substantially opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A power factor corrector includes a power stage that is electrically coupled to a controller. The controller is configured to receive a rectified AC voltage signal, summed with a reference level, and compare the received signal to a ramp signal. When the ramp signal exceeds the rectified AC voltage signal, the controller turns on a switch within the power stage. The switch is turned off synchronously with a periodically generated switch mode power supply drive signal.

Abstract: A wheelchair with a detachable combined armrest and transfer board. The transfer board is attached to the wheelchair by a unique coupling. The transfer board is linked to the seating surface of the wheelchair and is reconfigurable from a first position in which the transfer board extends along one side of the seating surface to a second position in which the transfer board is capable of extending from the seating surface of the wheelchair to a second seating surface remote of the wheelchair. The coupling permits unrestricted movement of the transfer board relative to the wheelchair while maintaining a linkage between the wheelchair and the transfer board, thus aiding in stability of the transfer board.

Abstract: An insulating jacket, that is removable and reusable, for insulating a hot or cold fluid distribution system is described. The jacket is made of a plurality of sections which mate and seal together to effectively seal the pipe section and/or fitting from the surrounding ambient atmosphere. Each of the jacket sections can be made of a clear thermoplastic material and the entire assembly is designed to employ the trapped air, between the inside wall of the jacket and the system element, as the insulator. Plural jackets are used to form plural radially spaced trapped air gaps.

Abstract: A wheelchair with a detachable combined armrest and transfer board. The transfer board is attached to the wheelchair by a unique coupling. The transfer board is linked to the seating surface of the wheelchair and is reconfigurable from a first position in which the transfer board extends along one side of the seating surface to a second position in which the transfer board is capable of extending from the seating surface of the wheelchair to a second seating surface remote of the wheelchair. The coupling permits unrestricted movement of the transfer board relative to the wheelchair while maintaining a linkage between the wheelchair and the transfer board, thus aiding in stability of the transfer board.

Abstract: The computation system of the present invention comprises an improved method of moment estimation for devices which measure spectra as a function of range or time. The preferred embodiment of this system is illustrated as part of an automated meteorological monitoring system for the accurate real time detection of meteorological phenomena, such as winds, wind shear and turbulence. This automated meteorological monitoring system uses a standard weather radar transmitter to scan a predetermined volume of space with a stream of radar pulses to determine the characteristics of meteorological phenomena that are extant in the predetermined volume. The computation system of the present invention utilizes novel signal processing algorithms in the improved method of moment estimation to excise the valid data from the return echoes, which are corrupted by the presence of contaminating signals.

Abstract: A UHF transmitter for digital TV signals includes, for example, twelve silicon carbide transistor RF output power amplifier panels driven in parallel by two silicon carbide amplifier driver panels and where each panel is comprised of two modules each further including a 180.degree. signal splitter, a pair of quadraphase signal splitters and combiners, a 180.degree. signal combiner, and five RF amplifier pallets which themselves are comprised of two silicon carbide transistors located on a common flange and operated in push-pull relationship so as to suppress even order distortion products and reduce sensitivity to ground currents. A monitoring system, including a touch screen control display and control panel senses the status of all assemblies so as to allow an operator to control the transmitter and inquire about the status of the various components and power supplies, and to replace one or more units as required without the need for turning the transmitter off.

Abstract: A thermal core (10) including aluminum layer (12) held between two molybdenum layers (14) for dissipating heat from a plurality of chip carriers (22). Core (10) has the ability to withstand excessive vibrational loads while being lightweight. Bonding molybdenum/aluminum/molybdenum layers (12, 14) creates a core (10) having an increased stiffness factor which surpasses military vibrational requirements. Additionally, due to the low density of porous aluminum layer (12), weight limitations set forth by the military can also be met.

Abstract: A radar station utilizes fuzzy logic processing to detect atmospheric microburst events. The detection process accesses radar velocity measurements to calculate wind shear and produce a wind shear likelihood image. Reflectivity measurements are used to create a reflectivity likelihood image as an indicator of storm activity. A clutter image of stationary objects close to the radar is used to create a clutter likelihood image as an indicator of false alarms. A weighting factor is applied to each set of wind shear, reflectivity, and clutter likelihood data, and the values are combined to produce a combined likelihood image. The combined likelihood image is subjected to averaging over a fixed area to eliminate spurious readings, and positions having a sufficient size in combination with a likelihood value exceeding a minimum threshold amount are selected as microburst events.

Abstract: Disclosed is the physical construction and electrical control circuit of a fault indicator designed to provide a watertight structure for the indicator. One face of the indicator is visible through the sealing apparatus, the sealing apparatus enclosing the structure on all sides other than the indicator face side. The indicator is capable of being submerged and will withstand a water pressure of 8 psig to meet specifications established by electric utilities. The electrical control circuit normally causes the transformer to operate below its saturation level resulting in quick response to changes in input current, and providing improved temperature stability of the control circuit.

Abstract: A magnetically shunted current transformer for use with a current carrying conductor, and being of the type having a non-distributed secondary winding is disclosed. The transformer includes a magnetic core comprising first and second separable core sections adapted for placement about the conductor wherein the ends of the sections abut one another to form a substantially continuous core about the conductor. The secondary winding is carried by the continuous core and surrounds a portion of at least one of the sections. A spring bail clamps the core sections together. First and second magnetic shunt members are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the continuous core. Each shunt member comprises a plurality of stacked steel lamina forming a lamination having an elastomeric housing or a jacket molded thereover. The shunt members are provided with a geometry substantially conforming to the continuous magnetic core except at their end portions which confront the secondary winding.