Abstract: A rail assembly is provided for supporting a blanking tool insert on an outer frame for a lower blanking tool of a die cutting machine. The rail assembly includes an elongated insert receiving structure for receiving a portion of the blanking tool insert. A plate member is interconnected to the outer frame and a clamping structure is operatively connected to the plate member. The clamping structure is movable between a clamping position for rigidly retaining a portion of the insert receiving structure against the plate member and a release position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mechanically reinforcing the weld between a riser pipe and riser brace of a jet pump assembly are characterized by first and second attachment members for attachment on a riser brace of the jet pump assembly, and first and second clamp bodies respectively pivotally mounted on the attachment members for movement to a clamping position. In the clamping position, respective abutment surfaces of the clamp bodies are forced against a riser pipe that is attached to a yoke of the riser brace. The abutment surfaces apply radial forces to the riser pipe, and the radial forces are reacted by forces applied against the yoke by respective engagement elements of the attachment members whereby the riser pipe and riser brace are clamped together between the abutment surfaces and the engagement elements.

Abstract: Solder connections are created between the substrate of an electronic package and a circuit board having lengths that are longer than the width. The solder connections are created by locating solder balls of power or ground connections close enough to one another so that, upon reflow to the circuit board the solder balls combine, creating a larger solder connection. Signal solder balls, however, remain separated. The power or ground solder balls on a particular bond pad are separated from one another by portions of a removable solder mask that keep the solder balls spherical in shape during solder ball attachment to the electronic package. However, it is removed prior to reflow to the circuit board, thus creating a larger, longer solder connection between the electronic package and circuit board.

Abstract: An expandable folder (10) is disclosed for holding reports. The folder (10) is formed of a single sheet of material (12). The folder (10) includes a back (14), a front (20), two sides (16, 18) and a flap (22). The sides (16, 18) are folded inwardly and the front (20) is folded upwardly to form a pocket. Tabs (68, 70) on the front fit into slots (58, 60) in the sides (16, 18) to hold the folder together. Two label sections (label section (82) and back (14)) are provided to allow the folder to be marked with identifying information.

Abstract: A combined hamper and wash bag which provides a convenient arrangement for separating and maintaining separation of pairs of socks or small laundry items from large items prior to washing and throughout the washing and drying process. The bag comprises a mesh bag portion having one open end, having drawstrings for the closures, and zippers for closures. A center webbing, used to secure the several bags in place, and a hanging feature used for hanging the invention on a hook for easy access. The openings comprising the mesh bag are of adequate size to allow sufficient water flow. The bags are filled with one pair of socks, placed with the laundry into the washer and dryer thereby maintaining separation and eliminating the loss of socks. The pre and post sorting of socks will not be needed and the time spent to do this task is virtuously gone forever.

Abstract: A collection canister system having a front panel and a rear panel. The rear panel has top and bottom edges and side edges there between and forwardly extending sides. The front panel has top and bottom edges and side edges there between and rearwardly extending sides rotatably coupled to the sides of the rear panel. An opening is adjacent to the top of the front and rear panels for deposition of charitable contributions. A plurality of locks facilitate the securement of the contributions within the canister.

Abstract: A conventional mailbox is mounted to a dimensioned lumber post by a mailbox mounting assembly having a main bracket which mounts to two perpendicular faces of the post by two perpendicular flanges. The main bracket has a horizontal top wall from which two diverging sidewalls extend downwardly. The top wall has two sets of perpendicular slots, which receive two parallel right angle top brackets to receive the mailbox in a position either partially overlying the top of the post, projecting from the post, or offset from the post in a transverse orientation. Another embodiment has a main bracket with an integral top bracket, and only one adjustable top bracket. Yet another embodiment has two mirror image brackets which mount to different size mailboxes by their position with respect to each other on a post.

Abstract: A secure depository system (150, 158, 164, 180, 192) includes at least one secure depository (10, 152, 154, 160, 166, 168, 184, 194, 128). Deposits are enabled to be made into the secure depository by providing appropriate inputs to input devices (20, 22, 24) which are supported on a control panel (16). The control panel includes a processor (70) in operative connection with a data store (72). The data store includes data representative of inputs provided by authorized users who are authorized to operate the depository. Data concerning authorized users is delivered to the data store from a remote computer (174). Data concerning deposits made into the depository is stored in the data store and provided to the remote computer as well as to authorized service persons for purposes of auditing deposits made into the depository.

Abstract: A wireless check authorization system and method that determines in real time, upon receipt of check information from a check writer, whether the check writer's checking account is open, whether the check writer has written more than a specified number of checks in a specified time period, whether the check writer's checking account has any unpaid checks, and/or whether the checking account has a positive account balance, using a standard off-the-shelf handheld wireless device, such as a text messaging enabled cell phone, web enabled cell phone, short message service enabled wireless device, wireless application protocol enabled cell phone, personal digital assistant, pager, mobile phone, or other suitable wireless device, that a check taker typically carries substantially at all times, is easy to use, low priced, cost effective, and indicates to the check taker, in a simple and easy to understand manner, whether or not to accept a check for payment.

Abstract: Apparatus forming a portable charge, debit or similar identification card which can be read using a magnetic card reader and methods for securing information are described. The preferred apparatus includes a magnetic stripe for storing information, a jamming assembly configured to emit a jamming signal which temporarily renders at least a portion of the magnetic stripe unreadable when the card is swiped through the card reader without first entering correct authentication data, and a power source adapted to supply power to the jamming assembly. Other features are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method of providing employers with an accessible system and convenient method for tracking the work of mobile workers. By obtaining customer biometric data upon the initiation and conclusion of a work session, an employer may ensure that a customer is billed for an appropriate amount of time.

Abstract: An entering/leaving management system includes a mobile terminal and a managing server. The mobile terminal and a room IC card are carried to a room when using the room, and a start key of the mobile terminal is depressed, so that an IC card reading unit reads room identifier information from the room IC card. The mobile terminal adds time information acquired by a time management unit and the room identifier information to user identifier information read from a user IC card, so that the resulting information is stored into an information storage unit as entering/leaving managing information. After reading of all user IC cards is completed, the mobile terminal transmits the entering/leaving managing information to the managing server by using an information transmitting unit, so that the entering/leaving managing information is stored in the managing server.

Abstract: The present invention provides a checkout device that includes a purchasable item having an RFID tag affixed thereto and a scanner for detecting the RFID tag. A dispenser proximate to the scanner dispenses a point of purchase product upon selection by a user of the checkout device. A controller in operative communication with the scanner and the dispenser subsequently calculates the cost of the purchase item and the point of purchase product. A display device in operative communication with the controller displays the cost to the person using the checkout device.

Abstract: A method of managing time-sensitive items which relies on identification information of RFID labels associated with the items. The method includes the steps of identifying the time-sensitive item, and obtaining the expiration information from a web site of a seller of the time-sensitive item. In another form concerned with products, the method includes the steps of identifying an EPL associated with the product, causing the EPL to interrogate an RFID label on the product, receiving identification information from the RFID label, and obtaining the expiration information about the product using the identification information from the RFID label. The method additionally compares the expiration information with current date information and either causes the EPL to display a lower price or assists with removal of expired instances of a product through a report.

Abstract: An information providing or processing system and method is disclosed which can provide information conforming to liking of a user to the user. If the user brings a contactless IC card, in which a user ID of the user is stored, close to a contactless IC tag mounted on a favorite commodity in a selling agent, then the contactless IC card acquires and stores a commodity ID stored in the contactless IC tag. Then, if the user brings the contactless IC card close to an information providing apparatus, then the information providing apparatus acquires the user ID and the commodity ID from the contactless IC card. Thereafter, the information providing apparatus acquires user information corresponding to the user ID from a customer information management server and acquires commodity information corresponding to the commodity ID from a commodity information management server. Then, the information providing apparatus produces and displays provision information conforming to the liking of the user.

Abstract: A packaging inspection and verification system and method are applied to products to be packaged. An identification device reads type barcodes of the products and labels affixed to packing boxes for receiving product accessories. A processing unit obtains from a database barcodes of the accessories according to the type barcodes, and determines consistency between the labels affixed to the packing boxes and the barcodes of the accessories, if not consistent, generating a signal indicating an error occurring in the product accessories. The identification device reads ID codes of the products and labels affixed to cartons for receiving the products. The processing unit obtains from another database barcodes of the products according to the ID codes, and determines consistency between the labels affixed to the cartons and the barcodes of the products, if not consistent, generating a signal indicating an error occurring in the labels affixed to the cartons.

Abstract: A portable device (1) includes a communication station configuration (10) for contactless communication with at least one external data carrier (13) and a data carrier configuration (11) for contactless communication with at least one external communication station (14), wherein a detection circuit (32) is provided which is designed to detect the presence of an external data carrier (13) and the presence of an external communication station (14) in a communication zone of the internal communication station configuration (10) and the internal data carrier configuration (11) designed for contactless communication, and wherein an activation circuit (33) cooperating with the detection circuit (32) is provided, by means of which activation circuit (33) one of the two configurations (10, 11) can be activated as a function of the detection result (INFO1, INFO2, INFO3) supplied in each case by the detection circuit (32).

Abstract: This invention discloses an optical memory strip and a data card that has at least an optical memory strip as a cutoff piece bonding and attaching to the data card for storing data accessible with an optical read/write head. The data card can further includes at least a magnetic data track for storing data accessible with a magnetic data read/write head. In another data card of this invention, it further includes a semiconductor data storage card for storing data that is accessible by using a semiconductor chip data read/write device.

Abstract: A controller for an electroluminescent device includes an internal electroluminescent device system configuration database that includes configuration data stored in the controller for multiple electroluminescent device systems. A processor executes instructions from an application program module stored in the controller to perform a function of the configuration data for an electroluminescent device system selected from the multiple electroluminescent device systems in the internal electroluminescent device system configuration database.

Abstract: A barcode symbol having an encoded symbology is provided with color or shades of gray to add additional information at the time of printing. The color or shades of gray provides the current barcode symbology with a third dimension of information. The color or shades of gray can encode information over a specific one-dimensional or two-dimensional symbology. White spaces can be replaced with colors or shades of gray to add coded information to the standard one-dimensional and two-dimensional codes. The number of colors and how they are distributed or arranged can provide the basic backbone of information. A barcode reader that can detect the different color spectrums, can be employed to decode the information. Furthermore, color is not limited to white spaces, but can be implemented into black spaces. Additionally, colored background information can provide additional information to the current symbology.

Abstract: A hand-supportable Digital Imaging-Based Bar Code Symbol Reading Device comprises: an IR-based Object Presence and Range Detection Subsystem; a Multi-Mode Area-type Image Formation and Detection Subsystem having narrow-area and wide area image capture modes of operation; a Multi-Mode LED-based Illumination Subsystem having narrow-area and wide area illumination modes of operation; an Automatic Light Exposure Measurement and Illumination Control Subsystem; an Image Capturing and Buffering Subsystem; a Multi-Mode Image-Processing Bar Code Symbol Reading Subsystem; an Input/Output Subsystem; a manually-activatable trigger switch; a System Mode Configuration Parameter Table; and a System Control Subsystem integrated with each of the above-described subsystems. The bar code reading device can be configured and operated in numerous programmable modes of system operation to automatically read 1D and 2D bar code symbologies in a high-speed manner using advanced modes of image processing on captured images.

Abstract: A system that facilitates desirable orientation of a display on a machine data reader comprises a keypad that is moveable with respect to a body of the machine data reader, the keypad utilized to relay information to the machine data reader. The system further comprises a component that senses a position of the keypad, and a component that orients the display based at least in part upon the sensed position of the keypad.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reading optical information including a photosensitive system oriented to capture optical information. Also included is an optical system focusing optical information onto the photosensitive system, and a display oriented to display optical information captured by the photosensitive system. The apparatus also includes a portable, hand-held housing.

Abstract: A scanner device includes a body portion with an optical scanner module at a first forward end and having a keypad and display mounted on an upper surface. The handle portion extends from the body portion near the forward end and is oriented at a selected angle to cause a second rearward end of the bottom surface of the body portion to rest on the radial surface of a user's hand when a user grips the handle.

Abstract: An electronic interconnection system for delivering high-current power and ground voltages using a non-bottom side of a chip package substrate. The system includes a printed wiring board (PWB), a chip package, and a bridge lead. The PWB has at least a first and a second contact pad. The chip package includes a chip and a package substrate. The chip is mounted onto the package substrate and the package substrate has a bottom surface having at least a first contact pad and a second surface having at least a second contact pad. The first contact pad of the PWB and the first contact pad of the package substrate are coupled together. The bridge lead couples the second contact pad of the PWB with the second contact pad of the package substrate. The bridge lead may be selected from styles including flying lead, edge wiping, top wiping, and double wiping.

Abstract: An IC card reader holding an IC card by using an IC contact block and a card receiving member at a data communication position, and preventing a sudden increase in load when inserting the card. A card receiving member (13) is entirely or partially moved in a card carriage direction together with an IC card (5) when inserting or removing the IC card (5), and the IC card (5) is received and supported from a rear surface side thereof when at least IC contact springs (11) are in contact with a surface of the IC card (5), thereby suppressing a sudden increase in insertion load in the middle of the card insertion operation.

Abstract: A paper-like RFID tag is fabricated by bonding bumps of an RFID chip to an antenna to connect the chip to the antenna, the antenna being formed by a metal foil bonded onto a base film or a base tape, providing a protecting material around the RFID chip so that an upper surface becomes higher than that of the RFID chip, to constitute an RFID thread, and inlaying the RFID thread in between first and second paper layers to afford a paper-like structure. The thickness of the paper-like RFID tag fabricated as above is 0.1 mm or less. Further, the paper-like RFID tag is of high quality and has a surface smoothness almost equal to that of the ordinary type of paper, permitting a long-distance communication.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for associating pre-printed machine-readable graphical codes with electronically-accessible data. An arbitrary sequence of reference identifiers is generated. Machine-readable graphical codes for the reference identifiers are generated. Labels are then printed that include the machine-readable graphical codes to provide pre-printed machine-readable graphical-code labels. In using the labels, the user places one of the pre-printed machine-readable graphical-code labels on an object and scans the label using a graphical code reading device in electronic communication with a computing device. The computing device receives graphical code data and determines a reference identifier of the graphical code data. A database is then accessed for the reference identifier. If the reference identifier did not already have an associated data specifier in the database, then electronically-accessible data is associated with the reference identifier.

Abstract: A programmable thermostat for controlling space conditioning equipment receives power from the equipment. The thermostat has an interactive interface for user programming, a temperature sensor and a processor including: a central processing unit; a memory for storing program and data information, a real time clock and a non volatile random access memory. A control program stored in the memory causes the real time clock to periodically read its current time and date information into the non-volatile RAM. Upon restart after an outage, the time and date information stored in the non-volatile RAM is read into the real time clock to provide an acceptable time and date basis for resuming operation. Accordingly, the need for providing a backup power source, such as a battery or a supercap, is eliminated. In one exemplary embodiment, the thermostat also includes a receiver for accessing precision time and date signals from, for example, WWVB.

Abstract: The invention provides an expansion valve maintaining the functions of the prior art expansion valve and at the same time realizing a simple arrangement with less components and less required number of assembly steps, and enabling to cut down assembly costs. A first passage 11 through which refrigerant flowing toward an evaporator 2 travels and a second passage 12 through which refrigerant flowing from the evaporator 2 toward a compressor 3 travels are formed within a valve body 10. In response to the temperature of the refrigerant traveling in the second passage 12, a valve actuating member 40? actuates a valve means 20 disposed in the valve body 10 to control the flow of the refrigerant entering the evaporator 2. A seal member 50 sealing the area between the first and second passages 11 and 12 is disposed between the valve body 10 and the valve actuating member 40?. A stopper portion 44 of the seal member 50 is integrally formed in advance to the valve actuating member 40?.

Abstract: The fragrance emitting dispensing container consists of a container body and a container closure. The container body can be of any shape but preferably is of a decorative shape. The closure functions to close the container and to distribute the fragrance to the room or other space in which the container is present. The closure has a cavity that contains a fragrance emitting material which can be a sheet material or a particulate material. The top of the cavity is a lid with apertures to emit the fragrance into a room. The apertures are covered with a seal which can be partially or fully removed to open the apertures. The seal can be a single seal or a multi-segment seal, with each segment separably removeable to expose a given number of apertures.

Abstract: A supplying unit supplies energy to an actuator so that the supplied energy is kept therein, making displacement the actuator. An interrupting unit interrupts the supply of energy to cause the actuator to discharge the kept energy, making displacement the actuator. A converting unit is adapted to convert the displacement of the actuator corresponding to the kept energy into hydraulic pressure applied to the valve member, moving the valve member to open the low pressure port and close the high pressure port. The convert unit converts the displacement of the actuator corresponding to the discharged energy into hydraulic pressure applied to the valve member, moving the valve member to open the high pressure port and close the low pressure port. Energy which the actuator requires to move the valve member so as to close the high pressure port is larger than energy which the actuator requires to move the valve member so as to open the low pressure port.

Abstract: A method for producing a mist in a spray head (1), especially for fire-fighting purposes or for humidification of intake air, in which method a medium, preferably an extinguishing medium, is supplied under pressure into the chamber (2) of the spray head via an inlet (3) and through at least one first channel (4) into at least one nozzle (5), which comprises at least one channel zone (6) narrower in a direction transverse to the flow of medium and after that in the direction of flow of medium a channel space (7) wider in a direction transverse to the flow of medium than the narrow channel zone, from which wider channel space the mist of medium generated is passed out of the spray head via an outlet orifice (8). The mist of medium is influenced, at least by increasing its momentum and/or reducing its droplet size, by supplying into the channel space (7) at least one second medium, preferably a gas.

Abstract: A liquid spray nozzle configured to provide a relatively uniform droplet size spray having a nozzle body, a flow passage disposed in the nozzle body, a turbulent flow mechanism in the flow passage, a flow separating mechanism in the flow passage and a converging mechanism at the nozzle body outlet. The turbulent flow mechanism, preferably a cylindrical pin, induces turbulent flow to the fluid stream flowing through the passage. The flow separating mechanism, also preferably a cylindrical pin, separates the turbulent flow into two separate, diverging streams. The converging mechanism is configured to direct the two streams together such that the colliding thereof produces a spray made up of substantially uniform sized droplets. Preferably, the converging mechanism is an orifice plate having two outwardly extending deflecting members and a generally oval-shaped opening and the nozzle body is adapted to threadably connect to a hose or other conduit.

Abstract: A nozzle for a low pressure fuel injector that improves the control and size of the spray angle, as well as enhances the atomization of the fuel delivered to a cylinder of an engine.

Abstract: In an injection nozzle for an internal combustion engine including a nozzle housing, a closure member disposed in a nozzle opening and connected to a nozzle needle for axially moving the closure member outwardly off its seat in the nozzle opening to open the nozzle by providing a gap to permit fuel to be discharged into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine so as to form a fuel injection cone, the nozzle seal and the closure member have seal surface areas provided with turbulence chambers for imparting turbulence to the fuel flowing through the gap in order to more finely atomize the fuel forming the fuel cone in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A nozzle having a housing and an assembly including at least two conjugated parts separated by a spacer seal. The assembly is arranged in the housing so as to form a nozzle outlet. At least one of he housing, the parts, and the spacer seal are deformable so as to define a geometry of the nozzle outlet and seal surfaces between the parts and the spacer seal and between the parts and the housing.

Abstract: A mobile pressure washer wand support with a dolly-like wheeled base with a cut out slot for securely holding the pressure washer wand in place. This allows the user to have the weight of the pressure washer hose alleviated to reduce fatigue and backache. The user can place the pressure washer wand in the adjustable wand slot, tighten clamps to hold the wand in place, and simply point it in the direction that is desired to be sprayed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the granulation of sludge- and/or dust-form material, in which the material to be granulated is mixed with hydratable or hydraulically settable solids and water, which solids react exothermically with water and act as binder in the mixture, where the solids are allowed to hydrate or set fully or partly, and where the mixture containing the fully or partly hydrated or set solids is shaped into granules, where the solids and, if desired, dust-form materials to be granulated are wetted or moistened with water, and subsequently and/or at essentially the same time the solids are mixed with the material to be granulated. The invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out the process.

Abstract: An un-baling system for transforming substantially rectangular bales of farm product into smaller substantiality rectangular sized bales of farm products. The un-baling system incorporates a first rail mounted conveyor subsystem connected to a first rail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem. The first rail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem is connected to a platform conveyor subsystem in such a way as to enable the first rail mounted conveyor subsystem to convey the farm product to the first rail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem wherein the farm product is thrashed. The thrashed farm product is gravity fed onto the platform conveyor subsystem. The platform conveyor subsystem then feeds the thrashed farm product into the baling machine. A plurality of un-baling systems may be ganged together to further increase the volume of production in transforming large substantially rectangular bales of farm products into smaller substantiality rectangular sized bales of farm products.

Abstract: A spill-resistant material processor includes a vessel having an opening with a funnel-shaped rim, a lid, a processing blade rotationally mounted within the vessel, and a base having a motor therein to drive the processing blade and process any material within the vessel. The processor is particularly adapted to cut and mill coffee beans and avoid spillage of milled coffee from the lid and the vessel.

Abstract: A spool filled with two or more elongated elements such as steel cords wound in parallel and in several windings upon the spool. The distances between two neighboring elongated elements, as measured along a line parallel to the axis of the spool, is not more than 10 mm along 90% of the length of each elongated element.

Abstract: A razor wire dispensing and retrieving apparatus for installing razor wire along a perimeter to create a protective border and collecting the wire when the border is no longer desired. The razor wire dispensing and receiving apparatus essentially comprises a frame with a wire hanger and a wire spreader. The wire hanger and spreader function to permit efficient dispensing, retrieving, and transport of razor wire. Moreover, the frame attaches to a variety of vehicles, including military vehicles. As the vehicle travels along a perimeter, the apparatus dispenses wire from the hanger while the spreader keeps the wire aligned. The apparatus also includes a means of pivoting the frame on a horizontal axis. Pivoting the frame down from the dispensing position permits the apparatus to be used as a wire-retrieving device. In this position, the wire is loaded back onto the hanger as the spreader keeps the wire aligned.

Abstract: A plurality of collars are mounted on a takeup shaft for axially pressing and holding a plurality of spools which are mounted on the takeup shaft. The takeup shaft includes an axial thrust groove defined therein. The collars include respective rolling bearings inserted in the thrust groove for preventing the collars from rotating with respect to the takeup shaft. The rolling bearings are rotatably movable in and along the thrust groove.

Abstract: A dispenser for hygiene paper is proposed which makes available dry toilet paper and dispenses moistened hygiene paper. For this purpose, the dispenser contains a housing, a roll holder for the hygiene paper, a unit for the moistening with a liquid container, a moistening roll and at least one liquid tank which communicate with one another and a unit for the dispensing with a transport roll for the hygiene paper which is in contact with the moistening roll with an intermediate layer of the hygiene paper. The dispenser can be divided into a base housing and an insertion part. The advantage of the dispenser consists of commercially available toilet paper being made available and of moistened hygiene paper being dispensed in a specific length or in any desired length and of the dispenser being made simply and being easy to handle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for dispensing rolled sheet material, the apparatus including a housing that defines an interior adapted to rotatably support rolled sheet material and having a dispensing opening sized to allow sheet material to be dispensed therefrom. The apparatus further includes a floating nip within the housing such as, for example, may be formed by first and second rollers. The floating nip minimizes variation in the force required to remove sheet material from the dispenser that may result from a user changing the angle at which sheet material is removed.

Abstract: A two high bathroom tissue dispenser is designed to provide users with a bathroom tissue dispenser that holds two rolls at a time. It is simply comprised of a housing, a pair of opposing side supports, and a cover. The housing has front, rear, side, and bottom walls, an empty core holder, and a discharge opening. Each support consists of a plate hingedly secured to the sidewalls, roll hanger to pick up and hold a bottom bathroom tissue roll, a snap, and a block.

Abstract: Systems and methods for guiding an object may comprise improved guidance laws that improve the effectiveness of the PRONAV guidance law. The improved guidance laws may utilize the same parameters as the PRONAV law and may be algorithmically simpler than conventional guidance laws because they may not be based on information about an intercept point or time-to-go. The improved guidance laws may be developed based on the Lyapunov method. The improved guidance laws may augment the PRONAV law and may provide additional components based on the negative definiteness of the derivative of the Lyapunov function. The additional components may be determined based on the partial stability of the guidance system dynamics under consideration with respect to the line of sight derivative. A comparative analysis of the improved guidance laws with the PRONAV laws, for example, may show that the improved guidance laws guarantee shorter homing time requirements and larger capture areas.

Abstract: A wide field-of-view optical system that may be used in determining a direction to a source of light, or for determine steering corrections to direct a vehicle toward a target, is disclosed. The optical system, which may be used as a seeker in a missile or other weapon, comprises a spherical ball lens truncated to provide one or more facets on which detectors may be mounted to measure relative intensities as a blur spot image of a source of light, which may be a reflection from a laser designated target, moves across the detectors, which may be individual elements in a quadrant detector. Narrow band filters may be used to suppress undesired wavelengths and enhance performance. The innovative design enables implementation of a wide field-of-view seeker with no moving parts. The spherical ball lens may be used directly as an aerodynamic surface without a need for a separate optical dome.

Abstract: Asymmetrical Control Surface System for Tube-Launched Air Vehicles places one control surface, such as a wing or a horizontal tail, above horizontal midplane axis of an air vehicle, such as a tube-launched missile, and the opposing control surface below the midplane axis. Such asymmetrical arrangement of the control surfaces increases the lift and maneuverability of the air vehicle during flight. For stowage inside the tube prior to launch, each control surface slides into its corresponding slot in the body of the vehicle, making the entire control system compact.