Abstract: An air vehicle landing/takeoff area mapping system includes a plurality of transmitters located in the landing/takeoff area with each transmitter propagating a signal having a signal frequency indicative of the transmitter location. A receiver is located on the air vehicle and is capable of scanning the landing/takeoff area. The receiver processes a received transmitter signal to produce an output based on the received transmitter signal frequency. Control logic processes a sequence of receiver outputs to produce an image of the landing/takeoff area on a display device located within the air vehicle to assist a pilot during landings and takeoffs of the air vehicle under either clear or inclement weather conditions and/or either day time or night time visibility.

Abstract: A method for producing a spatially stratified Optical System includes the steps of a) selecting a suitable, spatially stratified profile of index of refraction to achieve an optical system having a desired performance; b) selecting an atomic/molecular species having a suitable index of refraction in a desired operational wavelength band; c) forming sub-micron pellets of the species; and d) placing the pellets into a host material while controlling the density of the placement. The density is varied to achieve a local index of refraction value for the optical system in accordance with the selected stratified profile. The wavelength regime the optical system is designed for is much greater than the characteristic scale of stratification, which in turn is much greater than the spatial size of the pellets. The optical system is much greater than the wavelengths in the wavelength regime.

Abstract: Particle loader assembly for loading particles into a vessel to form a particle bed comprising inner and outer radially disposed concentric layers of particles the inner layer containing at least one type of particle of different granulometry or composition or both granulometry and composition from a type of particle contained in the outer layer.

Abstract: Solar power is concentrated onto an absorptive surface of a body to heat the body to thus result in infrared emissions. The wavelength spectrum of the infrared emissions is tailored to match the optimal incident wavelength spectrum of photovoltaic cells. This tailoring is accomplished by use of an infrared filter and/or a coating material on an emissions surface of the body. The photovoltaic cells, constructed to match the radiation spectrum of the infrared emissions, convert the infrared emissions to electric energy.

Abstract: The invention comprises particle loader assembly for loading particles into a vessel to form a particle bed comprising inner and outer radially disposed concentric layers of particles said inner layer containing at least one type of particle of different granulometry or composition or both granulometry and composition from a type of particle contained in said outer layer.

Abstract: A transmitter for transmitting a low probability of detection rf signal, in which digitized audio data is contained therein. Each data frame contains deliberately introduced errors to synchronize a signal containing noise-like data due to skewing of an encoding frame and a data frame upon reception by a receiver.Analog data is converted to digital form by an A/D converter, and then applied to a forward error correction device (FEC encoder) to properly encode the data. One block of input digital data associated with the A/D converter, and one block of input data for creating a codeword associated with FEC encoder are synchronized by a synchronization block, which determines a superframe that constitutes a common multiple of FEC encoder blocks and A/D converter blocks. The superframe is determined by a pulse output from the synchronization block, and that pulse is used to deliberately create one or more errors in the digital data output from the FEC encoder.

Abstract: A neutron detector for use in high energy flux environments. Multiple stacked arrays of biased Si PIN diodes are provided with adjustable lower and upper energy detection thresholds. Shielding along the sides and back of the detector limits the sensing to along the forward line of sight of the detector, and a short time gate limits sensing of an individual cell to a single event.

Abstract: Optical apparatus for measuring angles to a precision approaching the theoretical optical limit for a fixed aperture. Calculations and measurement of the angle are made on the basis of the displacement of a very detailed waveform on a multi-pixel detector from a known point on the detector. The angle this displacement represents is created by the angular displacement of a dispersive element attached to the object of interest. The beamline comprises an optical source, the dispersive element on the object, and a spectrometer which contains an echelle and the detector. The known point on the detector is established by aligning the beamline to a fiducial angle.

Abstract: Velocity vector components of a relativistic high energy beam of atomic particles are measured by examination of the Doppler shifts of spontaneous photo emissions from the beam. Beam direction can be calculated directly from measurements made at the Doppler-free angle if beam velocity is known. Beam velocity can be calculated from measurements made at the Doppler free angle or at other convenient angles. A beam steering technique by nulling outputs from diametrically opposed sensors is also disclosed.

Abstract: A nonintrusive method for determining the magnitudes and spatial and temporal origins of individual dynamic (time varying) torsion loads acting in superposition on a rotating shaft or system of shafts includes combining the measurements of said shaft's inertial response to the dynamic torsion loads with the measurements of discrete relative angular displacement parameters at causally connected space-time points. Changes in the shaft's characteristics, such as those due to change in its temperature or degradation of its structural integrity, can be monitored to provide updated torque determinations that maintain accuracy by taking these changes into account and to provide information on the onset and location of shaft fractures. Apparatus based on the method of this invention is self calibrating.

Abstract: An L-shaped shipping container for packaging chairs and other articles of furniture is provided. The container includes a bottom tray, a body portion and a cover. The body portion of the container includes side flaps which are folded laterally inwardly to impart additional strength and rigidity to certain corners of the body. The configuration of the assembled container also provides reinforcement to the top and a front shelf portion of the container. The configuration of the container further enables the cover to be held in place on the body by frictional engagement with said body. The assembled shipping container has no protruding flaps or panels that must be fastened down prior to closure, and therefore the container may be passed through automatic or semi-automatic bending machines for final closure.

Abstract: An article of manufacture and a method of releasably attaching an article of manufacture to extant means in an environment of intended attachment. The environment of intended attachment includes articles of equine saddlery.

Abstract: A resistance wire sensing overcurrent protection module (CSM) for an electrical supply circuit (SC) having a hot temperature sensing diode (32) mounted at the center portion (8c) of an M-shaped resistance wire (8) connected in the supply circuit and an ambient temperature sensing diode (20) mounted on a substrate (18) supported between the supply terminals (4a-b, 6a-b), both diodes being connected to respective pairs of terminals (12a-b, 10a-b) mounted on a header (18) along with the supply terminals. A cover (46) is mounted on the header and filled with glass micro-balloons (48) to isolate thermally the two diodes. A constant current circuit (49) supplies constant current to the two diodes which operate a differential amplifier (52) having an output proportional to the temperature difference as a measure of supply current. This output trips a Schmitt trigger comparator (54) when the supply current rises to an overload value.

Abstract: A novel solid state relay package has a U-shaped metallic frame which defines three surfaces of the general rectangular relay package. The open end of the U receives a circuit board containing most of the relay components. The interior of the frame is then filled with a solid plastic insulation material and terminal pins extending from the terminal board pass through the bottom of the solid plastic material to be accessible for external contact. The top of the housing receives a second terminal assembly for receiving power terminals connected to the main relay switching device and an LED indicator which is visible through the conductive U-shaped frame to indicate whether the relay is open or closed.

Abstract: A method for the controlled generation and amplification of electromagnetic waves and systems utilizing these waves are disclosed. An incident electromagnetic wave of a given frequency stimulates a beam of moving charged particles to radiate in a polarizable medium. The resulting electromagnetic radiation is emitted intensively in highly directional shock waves of narrow-frequency bands about controllable frequencies that are in general substantially different from that of the incident wave. The energy of the radiation so produced can be substantially greater than that of the incident wave. The additional energy is supplied by the moving chaged-particle beam. The method leads to new and novel frequency-transferred wave sources and radiation amplifiers applicable to communication systems, to more efficient laser pumping systems, and to new laser systems, called frequency transducers.