Abstract:
An integrated head-up and panel display system for aircraft cockpits and the like. The system utilizes a wavelength-sensitive fold mirror (25) to separate the HUD image and the panel images. The system includes a monochromatic HUD image source (10) for projecting the HUD image toward the fold mirror (25) and at least one panel display image source (50R) for projecting panel imagery toward the fold mirror. The transmission function of the fold mirror is notched at the wavelength of the monochromatic HUD image source. Thus, the fold mirror reflects the HUD image in the direction of the HUD optical combiner (30) which reflects the HUD image to the system exit pupil (35). The fold mirror (25) is adapted to transmit light in the visible spectra outside the narrow bandwidth of the HUD image source, so that the panel image is transmitted through the fold mirror to a look-down display screen assembly (75R). The screen assembly may be a diffusion screen for providing an image plane at the screen, or an assembly of optical elements for providing a panel image superimposed at the system exit pupil.
Abstract:
A spacecraft propulsion system which integrates the function of the apogee kick motor (AKM) and reaction control system (RCS). In accordance with this invention, a pump-fed AKM is employed which results in lightweight main tanks and pressurization systems. The RCS thrusters are operated by small bellows tanks (48) which are intermittently pressurized by a gas pressurization system (24) to provide high pressure for operation of the RCS thrusters. The system according to this invention enables use of lighter weight main propellant tanks (14, 16) since they do not have to withstand high internal pressures and also enables realization of the numerous advantages of a pump-fed AKM. Several embodiments described various methods for cycling the bellows tanks.
Abstract:
An imaging sensor for scanning an image in an object space. The imaging sensor comprises a first and second plurality of infrared detectors. Also provided is a reflecting means for reflecting a predetermined portion of the object space on the first plurality of infrared detectors during first portion of the scanning cycle. The reflecting means is further able to reflect the predetermined portion of the object space on the second plurality of infrared detectors during the second portion of the scanning cycle. In a further embodiment, the orientation of the detectors permits each of the detectors to be calibrated with respect to another of the detectors by a sequential comparison of the outputs of pairs of the detectors whose fields-of-view overlap.
Abstract:
A phase-frequency discriminator comprising a first RS latch coupled to provide first output signals, said first RS latch including an S input terminal coupled to receive first input signals; a second RS latch coupled to provide second output signals, said second RS latch including an S input terminal coupled to receive second input signals; a third RS latch including an S input terminal coupled to a Q &cir& NOt output terminal of said first RS latch and including a Q &cir& NOt output terminal couples to an R input terminal of said first RS latch and including a Q &cir& NOt output terminal coupled to an R input terminal of said first RS latch; a fourth RS latch including an S input terminal coupled to a Q &cir& NOt output terminal of said second RS latch and including a Q &cir& NOt output terminal coupled to an R input terminal of said second RS latch; and reset means for providing a reset signal when said first and second input signals both have changed from a first to a second logical state such that the first and second output signals change back from the second to the first logical state after a reset time interval substantially long enough for the respective first and second output signals to reach full logic amplitude levels for the second logical state.
Abstract:
An adaptive laser system (10) includes an adaptable laser (12), a waveform sensor (14), an amplitude distribution sensor (16), and a processor (18) for converting data from the sensors into commands for controlling the waveform of a laser beam. Amplitude distribution data is to weight waveform data as the processor determines actuator commands for deforming the laser's main mirror (22). Amplitude weighting permits more accurate determination of the waveform sensor-to-actuator-coupling matrix and more precise optimization of the on-axis intensity of the laser beam across the laser aperture.
Abstract:
A coupling mechanism for quick attach/disconnect of a control fin to a missile which does not require the use of a separate tool to make the attachment. A first coupling member 24 is mounted on the control fin actuator rod 16. A force regulating means comprised of a spring 28 and retainer bracket 58 are attached to the first coupling member. A second coupling member 26 and a pivotable lever arm 38 are formed as part of the control fin. When the second coupling member is loosly fitted upon the first coupling member, rotation of the lever arm will engage the force regulating means thereby deflecting the spring 28. The reactive force of the spring is exterted through the lever arm, through the control fin, and causes the second coupling member to firmly and securely engage the first coupling member. A means is provided to lock the lever arm in place so as to retain the first and second coupling members in the firmly engaged position even through extreme aerodynamic maneuvers. The lock is easily disengaged manually should it be necessary to remove a control fin from the missile.
Abstract:
Associative holography memory apparatus (10) which employs a hologram (12) and two phase conjugate mirrors (14, 16). The mirrors (14, 16) are arranged to form a conjugate resonator whereby the output image (44) from the apparatus tends to converge to that stored image most closely associated with an input image (32). Alternate embodiments are described which employ a multiple storage and erasure hologram (52), and which employ only a single phase conjugate mirror (14).
Abstract:
A device for coupling or dividing electromagnetic energy, especially microwaves, between two circuits includes a pair of U-shaped conductors (36, 38) of rectangular cross-section which are coaxially disposed within corresponding slots (32, 34) in an electrically conductive base (30). The conductors have opposing, closely spaced stretches (36c, 38c) at an intersecting juncture in the slots where electromagnetic energy is coupled from one conductor to the other. The conductors are suspended in coaxial relationship within the slots by a pair of coplanar, C-shaped elements (42) which are slidably supported within a second pair of slots (43) in the base and each have cutouts (42a) therein in which the conductors are closely received. A spacer (40) maintains a preselected gap between the opposing stretches of the conductors and is provided with tapered ends (40a, 40b) which cooperate with beveled surfaces (36a, 36b, 38a, 38b) on the conductors to prevent relative lateral movement between the conductors.
Abstract:
A power divider/combiner using two parallel plate radial transmission lines (14, 16) having parallel plate spacing of less than lambda /2 and which operates in a higher order mode, preferably the first higher order circumferential mode TE11. High isolation between amplifiers (34) coupled to the radial transmission lines at their circumferences is achieved by coupling an arrangement of circulators (30, 32, 36) between the amplifiers (34) and the radial transmission lines (14, 16). This isolation arrangement reduces the effects of any spurious signals that are generated by means such as imperfections and imbalances in any active devices coupled to the radial line and permits de-energizing amplifiers as desired for lowering power output without degrading performance.
Abstract:
A waveguide switch operable at microwave frequencies is formed of two waveguides (38, 40) of rectangular cross section with a longer wall and a shorter wall, the two waveguides sharing a common shorter wall (50). Two coupling windows (52, 54) are disposed within the common wall for coupling electromagnetic energy between the two waveguides, each coupling window introducing a 90o phase shift. Each window couples one-half the power of an electromagnetic wave from a first of the guides to a second of the guides. The common wall is parallel to the electric field of the coupled wave, with each wave being a TE wave. A 90o phase shift is introduced by each coupling with the result that utilization of both windows produces a summation of the two waves in the second of the waveguides and a cancellation of the two waves in the first of the waveguides. Gates (60, 62) are employed for selectively closing off either one or both of the windows to retain all of the power in the first waveguide, or to close off only one of the waveguides for an equal distribution of the power in both waveguides.