Abstract: A call center apparatus for automatically bridging a mobile user (e.g., a supervisor, etc.) into an existing conversation between a telephone operator and a caller is disclosed. The illustrative embodiments bridge the mobile user into the conversation of the closest telephone operator for which the mobile user has bridging authority.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are disclosed for enabling multiple telecommunications terminals that are associated with a common user to notify their user of the arrival of an incoming message via a ringtone, where the ringtone is: (i) coordinated across the terminals, and (ii) customized for each terminal based on one or more attributes of the terminal. In particular, in the illustrative embodiments a network infrastructure element (e.g., a switch, a wireless base station, a server, etc.) that receives a message directed to a telecommunications terminal sets the values of one or more properties of a ringtone (e.g., tempo, timbre, pitch, rhythm, etc.) based on one or more attributes of the telecommunications terminal (e.g., terminal type, etc.).

Abstract: An armor that is used, for example, in multi-cell missile launchers is disclosed. In some embodiments, the armor includes three layers. The inner-most layer undergoes explosive welding when exposed to a pressure wave from an explosion. An intermediate layer in-elastically deforms when exposed to the explosion. The third and outer-most layer includes a plurality of elongated, pressurized tubes that contain fire retardant, among other chemicals. Silicone gel is interposed between the tubes.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for preventing un-authorized attachment of computer peripherals to a computer or computer network. Illustrative embodiments comprise two mating keyed-adapters between network/host computer ports and peripheral ports. One or both adapters can contain hardware for enabling and disabling communications to and from peripherals under software control from a host computer. The peripheral-side adapter contains a first hardware for storing a unique identifier corresponding to the attached peripheral. The host computer retrieves this stored identifier and compares it to a database of authorized identifiers. If a match is found, then communication to and from the peripheral is enabled either in a second hardware within the adapter or software within the host computer. If a match is not found, then communication to and from the peripheral is not permitted.

Abstract: An autonomously-cleaned conditioning system conducts a routine purge cycle to clear accumulated particulates from a filter, concentrator, or both. The purge cycle is conducted by reversing air flow through the filter and/or concentrator. Air flow is reversed on a periodic basis or on the occurrence of a condition, such as a reduction in air flow exiting the concentrator.

Abstract: A cold-gas munitions launch system is disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, the system includes a munitions canister, a gas generator, and a sled. The sled supports a munition. The gas generator is located in the aft end of the munitions canister. When ignited, the gas generator produces gas, which drives the sled forward. As the sled reaches the end of the canister, the munition is launched by its own inertia, at a velocity that is within the range of about 3 to 9 g. After the munition clears the canister and travels at least about 150 feet from it, the munition's booster is ignited.

Abstract: An apparatus for enabling signals directed to a first telecommunications terminal to be forwarded intelligently to a second telecommunications terminal in the vicinity of the first terminal is disclosed. In particular, the illustrative embodiment automatically forwards signals from a first terminal in a network to the closest terminal in the network that the first terminal is authorized to forward to. In one illustrative embodiment, each switch in the network has an associated location server for determining the closest authorized terminal. In another illustrative embodiment, each switch employs additional logic and data for determining the closest authorized terminal.

Abstract: A missile launch system is disclosed that allows for the rapid reloading of missiles in support of missions (e.g., littoral warship missions, etc.) that require a high-volume assault of one or more targets. In particular, the illustrative embodiment of the present invention uses a munitions module that is capable of launching missiles and is able to fit inside a warship. In addition to accommodating multiple missiles, the munitions module accommodates one or more missile types. The munitions module is configured with a door at a breech end to provide access to multiple launch cells for the rapid reloading of missiles. The door is physically configured to define a plenum that couples the launch cells to an exhaust duct for the purpose of venting exhaust gases. The munitions module mitigates some of the problems associated with launch systems in the prior art.

Abstract: An apparatus for enabling signals directed to a first telecommunications terminal to be forwarded intelligently to a second telecommunications terminal in the vicinity of the first terminal is disclosed. In particular, the illustrative embodiment automatically forwards signals from a first terminal to the closest terminal in the network that the first terminal is authorized to forward to. The closest authorized terminal is determined via short-range wireless communication between the first terminal and other terminals in the first terminal's vicinity. In the illustrative embodiment, the terminals communicate with each other via Bluetooth transceivers.

Abstract: Methods for forming compositions comprising a single-phase rare-earth dielectric disposed on a substrate are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method forms a semiconductor-on-insulator structure. Compositions and structures that are formed via the method provide the basis for forming high-performance devices and circuits.

Abstract: A screening system for screening passengers is disclosed. The system includes a floor grating having underlying rotating brushes that are installed in access ways at public venues (e.g., doors, turnstiles, escalators, etc.). As each passenger steps on the grating, the rotating brushes remove traces of material from the soles of that passenger's shoes and the material is analyzed for the presence of CBRNE agents via appropriate local detectors.

Abstract: A method for determining the location of a mobile unit (mobile unit) in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The illustrative embodiment provides a computationally-efficient technique for reducing the number of possible positions that have to be analyzed. In particular, the illustrative embodiment eliminates possible positions for the mobile unit from consideration by considering which signals the mobile unit can—and cannot—receive and the knowledge of where those signals can and cannot be received.

Abstract: Avalanche photodiodes are provided, wherein the APDs provide both high optical coupling efficiency and low dark count rate. The APDs are formed such that their cap layer has an active region of sufficient width to enable high optical coupling efficiency but the APD still exhibits a low dark count rate. These cap layers have a device area with an active region and an edge region, wherein the size of the active region is substantially matched to the mode-field diameter of an optical beam, and wherein the size of the edge region is made small so as to reduce the number of defects included. These APD designs maintain a substantially uniform gain and breakdown voltage, as necessary for practical use.

Abstract: An article and method for high throughput and a high content investigation of compound interactions with live tissue or its substitutes under controlled conditions during compound absorption and related processes. In some variations of the illustrative embodiment, the article is a multi-chamber enclosure having at least two chambers separated by a membrane. Membranes can be prepared from live epithelial tissue or from an artificial material with or without attached cells from cell-line cultures. Each chamber is advantageously connected to a fluidic-control system by tubes that pass through a feed fitting. In addition to coupling the chambers with the fluidic-control system, the feed fitting, which is spring-biased, provides a sealing force to seal the enclosure. In some variations, one or more multi-chamber enclosures are installed in a mother chamber, which provides controlled environmental conditions.

Abstract: A chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapon detection system is disclosed that heightens its acuity and alertness when it senses that a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapon attack is more likely. For example, it is well understood that a chemical gas attack is likely to be less effective when it is raining than when it is clear because the rain will suppress and dilute the chemical agent. Therefore, the likelihood of a chemical gas attack is higher when it is clear. In light of this and similar knowledge, the illustrative embodiment checks for evidence of an attack more frequently and with great acuity than when the ambient environmental (e.g., meteorological, etc.) characteristics (e.g., whether is it precipitating or not, whether it is sunny or not, etc) suggest that an attack is more likely. This enables the embodiment to conserve consumables that are used in detecting attacks for when the attacks are more likely.

Abstract: An optical displacement sensor is disclosed that provides a optical displacement sensor that includes a optically-resonant cavity tuned to an operating wavelength without some of the disadvantages for doing so in the prior art. An embodiment of the present invention tunes an operating wavelength used with a Fabry-Perot interferometer to develop a desired relationship between the wavelength and the Fabry-Perot interferometer's initial cavity length.

Abstract: An optical displacement sensor is disclosed that provides a high signal-to-noise ratio output signal without some of the disadvantages for doing so in the prior art. An embodiment of the present invention directs a light beam toward a Fabry-Perot interferometer and detects both the reflected and transmitted optical beams that result from interaction with the Fabry-Perot interferometer. Signal processing techniques are applied to signals based on both the reflected and transmitted beams, resulting in higher signal strength and/or reduced noise in the resulting output signal.

Abstract: A missile launcher that combines the functionality of a gas management system and an anti-fratricide shield is disclosed. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of gas-uptake ducts are arranged on a boundary that surrounds a missile, thereby providing a barrier to the propagation of blast energy and/or fragments across the boundary.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining properties of an output signal that notifies a user of an incoming message, based on information that is available to and associated with the user's telecommunications terminal. In particular, in the illustrative embodiment one or more properties of a musical composition, such as tempo, volume, pitch, rhythm, etc., are varied accordingly in value (e.g., faster versus slower, louder versus softer, etc.). One or more properties of a notifying image or text, if selected, are also varied accordingly.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiment of the present invention is a munitions launch system. The launch system comprises a canister and a cold launch system. In the illustrative embodiment, the cold launch system comprises a sled and a release system. In the illustrative embodiment, the release system includes a sled release mechanism, which releasably secures the sled to the munitions canister, and a munitions release mechanism, which releasably secures a munition to the sled. Actuation of the sled release mechanism releases the sled for movement within the canister. After the sled moves some minimal distance under applied force, the munitions release mechanism “automatically” actuates, releasing the munition from the sled so that the munition can be ejected from the canister.