Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for determining the risk of an object collision. The method includes transmitting a signal and analyzing a received signal that is indicative of the presence of a remote object. The signal is then analyzed to determine an initial azimuth value and an initial range for the remote object. Subsequent received signals are continuously analyzed to continuously determine subsequent azimuth values, azimuth value velocities and accelerations, as well as subsequent range values, range value velocities and range value accelerations. The factors are then input into a predetermined formula to yield a risk assessment of collision P. The formulas for determining P can be adjusted to account for such factors as number and proximity of remote objects, as well as the speed and maneuverability of both the remote objects and the vehicle that is avoiding collisions with the remote object(s).

Abstract: Methods, computer-readable means, and systems for minimizing false alarm rates and operator loading while conducting multistatic active sonar operations are disclosed. A plurality of sensor nodes is established, with each sensor node including an active sonar source, and a receiver. Each sensor node has a local storage center, and each node is connected to a data fusion center. During active sonar operations, a high threshold (HTH) and a low threshold (LTH) setting is established. For each sensor node, all sonar return data above the LTH setting are stored at its respective storage center. The HTH is set so that only specular echo returns exceed the HTH; when the HTH setting is exceeded, the fusion center retrieves LTH data from each storage center corresponding to the same specular echo return, in order to establish a track for the contact.

Abstract: A laser interferometer, such as a dual path Michelson interferometer, is used to generate fringe patterns resulting from one of a plurality of optical paths passing through a sample gas. An artificial neural network, such as, for example, a KASER neural network, is used to recognize patterns in the fringe interference patterns corresponding to known target gases.

Abstract: A network server architecture that provides network integration and control functions is disclosed. The architecture includes a virtual directory server (VDS) and an identity provider. The VDS provides an interface for access of external user stores, external business rules and external service discovery configurations. The identity provider allows for a client interface for transfer of that information to the client. A rules engine and a service discovery provider configuration module are integrated into the VDS. The rules engine processes the external business rules that have been retrieved. The service discovery control module allows for retrieval of external definitions and information about the users stores that the VDS supports and update of the service discovery control module, even while the architecture is online. The service discovery control module is in a UDDI format, although other formats could be used.

Abstract: A Variable Aspect Ratio Tapered Slot Antenna For Increased Directivity And Gain (NC#98102). The apparatus includes a tapered slot antenna having a length and a height, and having an aspect ratio greater than or equal to 2.5. The tapered slot antenna includes a first antenna element comprising conductive material and configured to receive and transmit RF signals; and a second antenna element comprising conductive material, operatively coupled to said first antenna element, configured to receive and transmit RF signals.

Abstract: A VHTR TSA For Impedance Matching Method (NC#098835). The method includes providing a first antenna element of a tapered slot antenna pair, providing a second antenna element of the tapered slot antenna pair and operatively coupling the first antenna element and the second antenna element to form the tapered slot antenna pair having a gap height and a TSA thickness having a correlation represented by the following equation: h = w × z 0 × e r 44 × ? ; where h=gap height w=TSA thickness z0=characteristic impedance er=dielectric constant of dielectric spacing material V=a constant having a value greater than or equal to 15 and less than or equal to 100. ?=ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter.

Abstract: An intermixing communication modes on a TDMA network system. The system includes a relay, at least one AC channel controller, at least one DC channel controller, at least two AC users and at least one DC user. The at least one AC channel controller is capable of transmitting a master channel frame and receiving data on a master channel. The at least one DC channel controller is capable of transmitting data on a slave channel frame and receiving data on a slave channel associated with the master channel. The at least two AC users are capable of transmitting and receiving signals via the relay. The at least one DC user is capable of receiving information regarding reserved DC time slots in the slave channel frame from a CCOW of the master channel frame. A method for an intermixing communication modes on a TDMA network is also described.

Abstract: A passive sensor housing has an air gap formed therein between a collimating lens and a lens focused mirror reflecting optical light signals transmitted through the lens into the air gap within which smoke is received through screened openings in the housing. The optical light signals which are generated within an opto-electronics unit are returned thereto by reflection through the air gap into a fiber cable connected to the collimating lens of the sensor and to an optical coupler within the opto-electronic unit to which generated light signals are delivered from a light emitting diode and returned from the sensor for delivery to a receiver within which such signals are processed into an output signal reflecting smoke density within the air gap.

Abstract: An infrared device in accordance with the present invention includes an optical train for receiving incident radiation into the device, a focal plane array for receiving the incident radiation from the optical train, and an optical power limiter (OPL) that is positioned therebetween. To improve the overall optical gain for the device, the optical train initially focuses the incident radiation into an intermediate focal plane that is located within the OPL. With this configuration, however, the incident radiation begins to lose focus once it passes through the intermediate focal plane and exits the OPL. To prevent this, the infrared device includes a plurality of microlenses on the OPL surface that is facing the focal plane array. The plurality of microlenses re-focuses the incident radiation onto a final focal plane that is coincident with the focal plane array.

Abstract: An infrared (IR) imaging system in accordance with the present invention includes a substrate, a plurality of disc-shaped microbolometer pixels that combined to define a Focal Plane Array. Each pixel is electrically connected to the substrate with a pair of opposing helical isolation legs. One end of the isolation leg is attached to the pixels periphery while the other is fixed to that substrate so that the FPA and a plane containing the substrate have a parallel, spaced-apart relationship. In this manner, the isolation leg(s) provides an electrical communication path from each pixel to the substrate as each pixel undergoes an internal change in resistance due to absorption of IR energy. At the same time, the legs separate the pixels from the substrate so that there is no heat transfer between the pixel and the substrate due to direct contact. The disc shape arrangement allows for a staggered arrangement of adjacent rows in the array, thereby increasing the fill factor for the FPA of the device.

Abstract: A diode pumped solid state laser using a laser diode bar or a stack of bars with cylindrical lenses is used to end pump a rectangular cross section solid state laser slab. The combination of lenses and polished slab surfaces provides overlap of the pump light with the laser mode combined with sufficient length of material to absorb all of the pump light to produce a compact, efficient laser source.

Abstract: A diode-pumped microlaser in accordance with the present invention includes a diode pump, a first lens, a second lens and a laser glass. The diode pump generates an input pump beam. The first lens and second lens manipulate the pump beam by collimating the pump beam in focal planes that are perpendicular to each other. The laser glass receives the manipulated pump beam from the second lens and converts the pump beam into a laser beam. The laser glass is further doped with predetermined amounts by weight of Erbium and Ytterbium to ensure that an output laser beam with an eyesafe wavelength is generated. The microlaser further includes a passive Q-switch made of a Cobalt-spinel material, which receives the output laser beam and generates laser pulses using passive switching techniques, independent of any external temperature control. This configuration allows the microlaser to function as a laser rangefinder over extended temperature ranges in a manner that is eyesafe to the user.

Abstract: A lithographic imaging method of the present invention includes the initial step of providing a substrate made from Mercury, Cadmium and Telluride materials (HgCdTe). The HgCdTe substrate is coated with a diazonaphthoquinone (DNQ) Novolak photoresist material to establish an imaging medium. The imaging medium is exposed to an image pattern and then developed in a tetra-methyl ammonium hydroxide (TMAH) solution. The TMAH solution includes a fullerene (C60) material dissolved therein to retard the subsequent etching of the imaging medium. The incorporation of fullerene into the photoresist material indirectly via the developing solution avoids the solubility and ultraviolet (UV) absorbance disadvantages inherent in adding fullerenes directly to the photoresist prior to placement on the substrate. After development, the imaging medium is etched to transfer the recorded image pattern to the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing an image relayed by a central beam of collimated light centered on the optical axis of a lens with an aperture area of A and focused on the focal plane of the lens. The apparatus having an aperture at least n times as big as A centered on the optical axis of the lens to admit a collimated relay beam including the central beam and a diverter means for separating the relay beam into n collimated facet beams equal to the central beam, but exclusive thereof, and redirecting them through the lens aperture to produce n additional images on the same focal plane. The apparatus also including a processor with a separate opto-electronic device for each image that converts it between electronic and photonic states, the electronic images being stored in the processor.

Abstract: A one piece laser assembly including a rod of gain medium with one end-face bonded to a broad end-face on a stack of optical wafers that process light differently and mirrors plated on the remaining exposed end-faces of the rod and the stack of wafers.

Abstract: A cluster tool includes a block which is formed with an inner high vacuum chamber, at least two loadlock chambers that are in fluid communication with the high vacuum chamber, and at least two slot valves for selectively isolating each loadlock chamber from the high vacuum chamber. The cluster tool also includes a high vacuum pump that is connected to the high vacuum chamber and a water pump comprising a refrigeration unit and a cryoplate. The cryoplate is cooled by the refrigeration unit and projects into the high vacuum chamber between the loadlock chambers. Selective operation of the slot valves allows a single water pump to serve a plurality of loadlock chambers. Each loadlock chamber includes a refrigerated platen that projects into the loadlock chamber, a heat lamp assembly that radiates into the loadlock chamber, and a tray for holding the wafer therein. The platen has a cooling system for selectively cooling the wafer, and selective radiation of the heat lamp assembly degasses the wafer.

Abstract: A modular birdhouse in accordance with the present invention includes a support pole, a collar, at least one wire form and at least one nest module. First, the collar is slidably connected to the pole. The wire form has a square shape, and the ends of the wire form are upturned and inserted into corresponding openings in the collar. The collar includes coordinated flanges with fasteners that fix the wire forms to the collar. Two or more collars can be interconnected in a stacked manner to create tiers of nest modules. Each nest module has a plurality of connector slots. For attachment, the nest module is positioned within the square shape of the wire form and then rotated until the connector slots of the nest module engage the wire form. A porch structure interconnects the wire form to the nest module to prevent further rotation and disengagement of the nest module. Nest modules may be added or removed from the wire forms as desired by the operator and without the use of tools and/or implements.

Abstract: A hose sprayer assembly in accordance with the present invention includes a trigger body which is rotatably mounted within a housing. The housing is formed with an inlet orifice, an outlet aperture and an aspiration orifice, and further includes a deflector plate which is fixed to the outer surface of the housing proximate the outlet aperture. The trigger body includes a inlet port, an outlet port in fluid communication with the inlet port, and an aspiration port in fluid communication with the outlet port. Selective alignment of the trigger body places the inlet port and outlet port in fluid communication with the respective inlet orifice and outlet aperture of the housing. This yields a water only stream out the housing outlet aperture when water is forced through the assembly. Similarly, the body can be aligned to place the aspiration port in fluid communication with the aspiration orifice of the housing.

Abstract: A filter for a carpet cleaning device and method for using therefor includes a casing and a partition that extends into the casing to define a primary chamber and a secondary chamber within the casing. A main siphon with an inverted U-shape is mounted in the partition. One end of the siphon extends into the primary chamber while the other end of the siphon extends into the secondary chamber. An auxiliary siphon is located within the secondary chamber, and a pump is attached in fluid communication with the auxiliary siphon. During operation, a wastewater/debris stream is transported into the filter. The stream collects in the primary chamber and establishes a primary fluid level therein. As the primary fluid level rises, carpet fibers and other insoluble debris settle in the primary chamber. Once the primary fluid level is even with the siphon, wastewater fluid is transported from the primary chamber to the secondary chamber and establishes a secondary fluid level therein.