Abstract: A small,compact optical scanning system with small aperture size requirements, wide field-of-regard and minimal color dispersion characteristics. The inventive scanning system and method provides for optical beam steering over a broad spectral band and over a wide field-of-regard. The inventive system includes a novel device for receiving an input wavefront of electromagnetic energy along a first axis and refracting the wavefront as an output wavefront along a second axis. The device is a unique form of a liquid crystal array which can be electrically manipulated to change the effective refractive index of each pixel. The index of refraction of the device varies in response to an applied voltage. The voltage is supplied by a microprocessor and/or a servo-control system. By changing the index, the incident phase front can be steered at an angle with respect to the first axis and otherwise manipulated according to the index variant pattern induced in the array.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and method for holding paper when using a laptop computer having a paper tray with a means to hold paper. A first rail extends from a tops side of the paper tray and second rail extends from a bottom side of the paper tray. A first track slideably engages the first rail and a second track slideably engages the second track.

Abstract: A wind powered electrical generation assembly having a portable wind powered generator tower for supporting a wind powered generator allowing the wind powered generator to be raised, lowered, and removed from the tower. The wind powered electrical generation assembly also includes a vertical elevator on the tower configured to vertically lift the wind powered generator with a carriage to position the wind powered generator at a top of the tower. The wind powered electrical generation assembly further includes a wind powered generator is having at least spars and at least six airfoils with mating cams to rotate the airfoils relative to the spars as the airfoils move along the spars towards an end of the spars as wind passes the airfoils.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for converting an input signal having frequency related information sustained over a first duration of time into an output signal sustained over a second duration of time at substantially the same first frequency by adding or subtracting to the effective wave length of the output signal. Preferably, the signals are converted in digital form with samples added or subtracted to frequency convert the signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for converting an input signal having frequency related information sustained over a first duration of time into an output signal sustained over a second duration of time at substantially the same first frequency by adding or subtracting to the effective wave length of the output signal. Preferably, the signals are converted in digital form with samples added or subtracted to frequency convert the signal.

Abstract: An optical system includes a window, an optical corrector formed of a curved piece of a transparent material having a front surface and a back surface, and a sensor system with a sensor positioned such that the optical corrector is between the window and the sensor. At least one of the front surface and the back surface of the optical corrector is a segment of a convex aspheric curve rotated about a center, otherwise known as a torus.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator vest, for providing buoyancy at various underwater depths, having a rigid back board, for supporting an air tank vertically on the rear surface of the board at the back of the diver, surrounded in part by a bladder, for inflating and deflating, and a vest back panel including a pair of spaced-apart over-the-shoulder straps projecting from the top panel edge for joining with a pair of side portions extending about the chest of the diver, and a waist belt passing from behind the compensator vest about the panel side portions and the user's waist to complete the vest, the improvement of a pouch, defined by front and rear surfaces and including an openable panel to expose the interior thereof, the pouch interposed the back board and the scuba diver's back and containing a cushion for placement against the back of the diver, to cushion the back board and tank against the diver's spine, the pouch having openings formed therein to allow filling and draining of water during under

Abstract: Very compact, high numerical aperture, high resolution, ultra-wide field of view concentric optical apparatus. The concentric optical apparatus comprises a concentric lens and a focal surface array disposed along a focal surface of the concentric shell outer lens. The optical apparatus may further comprise an image intensifier tube optically coupled to the concentric lens by way of a curved fiber optic relay having an input surface that is concentrically disposed with respect to the concentric lens. The optical apparatus may also comprise a dewar that houses the focal surface array, and wherein the concentric lens comprises a cold stop for the focal surface array.

Abstract: A very compact, high numerical aperture, high resolution, ultra-wide field of view concentric scanning optical sensor. The concentric scanning optical sensor includes a scanning half ball lens having a flat reflective rear surface, outer and inner shell lenses, and a linear focal surface array. The outer shell lens and linear inner shell lens are concentrically disposed about the center of the scanning half ball lens. The linear focal surface array is disposed along a focal surface of the inner shell lens. The scanning optical sensor may also use a full spherical ball with multiple reflecting surfaces to allow for multiple facet scanning.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for converting an input signal having frequency related information sustained over a first duration of time into an output signal sustained over a second duration of time at substantially the same first frequency by adding or subtracting to the effective wave length of the output signal. Preferably, the signals are converted in digital form with samples added or subtracted to frequency convert the signal.

Abstract: Methods for the covalent, specific and reversible immobilization of nucleic acid molecules onto solid-phases by means of a reversible disulfide bond for nucleic acid molecule array preparation are described. These methods can be used to prepare reusable nucleic acid molecule arrays with hilgh specificity and high efficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for converting an input signal having frequency related information sustained over a first duration of time into an output signal sustained over a second duration of time at substantially the same first frequency by adding or subtracting to the effective wave length of the output signal. Preferably, the signals are converted in digital form with samples added or subtracted to frequency convert the signal.

Abstract: A data buffer monitor apparatus which monitors the space availability in WRITE buffer and the number of sectors available for transfer in the READ buffer and generates the OK TO TRANSFER signal. The data buffers monitor apparatus includes a READ buffer monitor, a WRITE buffer monitor and a transfer controller. The READ buffer monitor monitors the total number of sectors stored in the READ buffer, the number of sectors in the READ buffer available for transfer to the host and generates a READ OK TO TRANSFER signal if the sectors for a requested READ operation are store in the READ buffer. The WRITE buffer monitor monitors the total number of sectors in the WRITE buffer and generates a WRITE OK TO TRANSFER signal if the WRITE monitor determines that a requested WRITE operation can be performed.

Abstract: An improved bicycle ergometer system is disclosed which reduces the limitation on the work input necessary to operate the device and, at the same time, accomplishes an increase in the relative amount of isotonic exercise provided by operation of the system. The system provides real-time auxiliary energy input control based on the instantaneous difference between the actual operator work rate and the intended work rate. The preferred embodiment includes a stationary bicycle frame having a pedal and crank assembly mechanically coupled to an output shaft. A clutch-connected, double-ended electric motor can be used to provide the rotational torque necessary to bring the output shaft up to a desired speed, if desired, prior to the onset of a physical output test. It can also control the intended work rate to a level of zero operator work rate input. In one embodiment, a flywheel is also mounted on the motor output shaft.

Abstract: The conventional investment casting technique is modified to cast metal products where the product has one or more support portons and at least one feeding tube for feeding molten metal into the cast of the product comprising providing a source of molten metal, connecting at least one metal feed tube to the mold of the metal product to be cast, of forming a hole in each support portion wherein the hole in each support portion is much larger than the volume of metal that can be non turbulently transmitted in a deflected manner into the mold by the feed tube so that the metal poured nto the generally uniform cross section mold cools gradually so that the support portions of the cast metal products will have a generally homogenous composition without air bubbles or cracks which could weaken the product.