Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining absolute static measurement values of a physical influence includes a processor which controls the operation of a laser that generates an interferometer input signal which is submitted to an optical interferometer. The interferometer includes a coupler/splitter that splits the interferometer input signal into a reference arm and a sensing arm both of which are coupled to an appropriate physical influence. The sensing arm and the reference arm detect the status of the physical influence, whereupon the coupler/splitter generates an interferometer output signal received by the processor. The processor then correlates this interferometer output signal to an absolute static measurement value of the physical influence. A splitter is also employed to segment a portion of the interferometer input signal and employ this portion to correct the interferometer input signal and the interferometer output signal as determined by the processor.

Abstract: A system and associated method for extracting image data from a representation of a geographic area to generate a digital geographic database that can be accessed by computer programs to analyze various features contained within the database. In particular, the method includes scanning an image of a geographic area, manipulating the image into a processable format of a plurality of pixels, and submitting the format to a neural network with user-guided rules. The neural network classifies the format into a plurality of categories which comprise the geographic database, thus foregoing the need to manually identify and classify each pixel of the scanned image as having a particular feature. To enhance the processing and structure of the database, an optimizer and a combiner are employed. Accordingly, the method provides a digital geographic database for use by government agencies, urban planners and any user desiring to obtain information from a geographic representation.

Abstract: An underwater acoustic transducer for providing high amplitude low frequency acoustic output wherein a plurality of flextensional transducer ovals are formed into a mechanical transformer ring with a corresponding plurality of transducer drivers received therein. A corresponding plurality of radiating surface plates are fixed to the flextensional transducer ovals so as to form a flextensional ring which has disposed on both ends thereof an end plate. Furthermore, a sealing boot is disposed around the flextensional ring which receives the necessary power to operate the transducer drivers so as to vibrate the flextensional transducer ovals to provide the desired motion. Additionally, the flextensional rings can be configured into a tube so as to provide increased levels of acoustic energy.

Abstract: An array antenna (12) in which dependent programmable and digitally generated time delays are imposed on signals passing through each antenna element (14) is disclosed. A beam steering computer (32) determines data values corresponding to delays needed at each element to form a desired beam angle. These data values are written into digital element signal processors (DESPs) (40) which are associated with each element in one-to-one correspondence. Each DESP (40) includes a waveform generator (30), which produces digitized samples synchronously with a reference clock signal. A stream of the digitized samples passes through and is delayed in a highly precise delay generator (54) before being converted to analog in a D/A converter (60). The analog signal is modulated (62), amplified (66), and then radiated at the associated element (14). Received signals are amplified (70), demodulated (72), converted to digital in an A/D converter (74), and then passed through the same delay generator (54).