Abstract: A system is provided which combines the advantages of Adaptive Antenna Arraying and Adaptive Locally-Optimum Detection, as well as Adaptive Filtering, signal processing techniques and achieves the capabilities of all these techniques. The present invention represents the first successful integrated system for performing signal processing techniques associated with an Adaptive Antenna Array (AAA) system and an Adaptive Locally-Optimum Detection (ALOD) system. The system automatically distributes interference signals among Adaptive Antenna Arraying and Adaptive Locally-Optimum Detection sub-systems according to which sub-system's algorithms can provide a more optimum suppression of the interference signals. The system permits an adaptive antenna array with a given number of antenna elements to effectively suppress a larger number of interferers than it otherwise could, and to adapt more quickly to a rapidly changing interference scenario.

Abstract: The present invention is an rapid terrain visualization (RTV) flight management and planning system intended to assist operators of a LIDAR mapping system in planning and conducting aerial surveys. Its primary functions include flight management, survey planning, system control, coverage evaluation, and training. Flight planning capabilities are provided through a survey planner that allows a user to define mission parameters and automatically calculates LIDAR parameters and flight lines. A course deviation indicator (CDI) is provided to the pilot(s) to show both graphically and numerically their perpendicular distance from the current desired flight line. Real-time coverage tracking is provided through a plan progress window that provides a map of the survey area including flight lines. When the aircraft passes through a survey area while the LIDAR is activated, the resulting laser swath traced on the ground is drawn on a plan progress display.

Abstract: Techniques for monitoring a machine for significant deviations from normal operations include collecting, at a first processing element, sensor data about the machine. The first processing element performs narrowband frequency domain processing to determine a segment of sensor data that indicates a deviation from normal operations that exceeds a threshold deviation. A message including the segment of sensor data is sent to a second processing element. In response to receiving the message, the second processing element performs different narrowband frequency domain processing to determine whether the deviation from normal operations is significant for maintaining the machine. If the deviation from normal operations is determined to be significant for maintaining the machine, then the deviation is reported to cause the machine to be maintained.

Abstract: An optical method for quantum computing that makes use of nonlocal effects to construct the quantum gates themselves. A nonlocal interaction in which pairs of atoms interchange two photons produces a large nonlinear phase shift. These nonlinear phase shifts are used to construct quantum logic gates, such as a Controlled-NOT.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the alertness of a subject are provided. A Doppler sensor is disposed to sense a parameter pertaining to the subject, the sensor being one of an acoustic sensor and a microwave sensor. Signals from the sensor are processed through an alertness monitoring algorithm for generating processed signals. It is thereafter determined whether an impairment of alertness event pertaining to the subject has occurred based on the processed signals. Feedback is then provided to the subject based on a determination of whether an impairment of alertness event pertaining to the subject has occurred.

Abstract: A damping gyrometer comprised of at least two and preferably four rotating paddles attached to a common central elevated low-friction pivot point via rising radial arms. A stand with a concave glass element provides a low-friction support as a pivot point seat for the pivot point. All elements of the apparatus are non-conductive. Once set into motion, the only force acting on the gyrometer are the pivot point friction and the damping effects of the medium in which it spins. A laser beam and photodetector (or alternatively a laser displacement sensor), along with customized software algorithms are used to measure the rotational rate and, hence, the deceleration rate of the apparatus which can then be used to determine properties of the medium in which it spins, including changes in density, pressure, and temperature. The measurement can also be directly related to the electron density in the case of weakly ionized gases.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for autonomous navigation for deep space missions using the sun as the reference body and determining the spacecraft orbit based on observations made on the sun using onboard instruments. Two types of observation data, the direction of the spacecraft relative to the sun as a function of time and the optical Doppler shift due to the motion of the spacecraft relative to the sun, can be used for the spacecraft orbit determination. A dual imaging system which functions as a sun imager taking images of the sun against star backgrounds during the cruise phase and as a regular optical imager taking pictures of the targeting planetary body during the approaching phase is also described.

Abstract: A miniature time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOF-MS) is provided having (1) a gridless, focusing ionization extraction device allowing for the use of very high extraction energies in a maintenance-free design, (2) a miniature flexible circuit-board reflector using rolled flexible circuit-board material, and (3) a low-noise, center-hole microchannel plate detector assembly that significantly reduces the noise (or “ringing”) inherent in the coaxial design. A method is also provided for increasing the collection efficiency of laser-desorbed ions in the TOF-MS. The method includes the steps of providing within the TOF-MS an ionization extraction device having an unobstructed central chamber having a first region and a second region; creating an ion acceleration/extraction field within the first region; accelerating ions within the first region; de-accelerating the ions in the second region; and drifting the ions in a drift region to cause ion dispersion.

Abstract: An autonomous navigation system for an orbital platform incorporating a global positioning system based navigation device optimized for low-Earth orbit and medium-Earth orbit applications including a 12-channel, GPS tracking application-specific integrated circuit operating in concert with a microprocessor implementing an extended Kalman filter and orbit propagator which autonomously generates estimates of position, velocity, and time to enable planing, prediction and execution of event-based commanding of mission operations.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant comprising a thermoplastic polymer or a composite comprising, in one embodiment, polyetheretherketone reinforced with 10% by volume of glass fibers, with an elastic modulus approximating the elastic modulus of bone. A porous coating is formed on the implant surface by creating a roughness thereon, by coating the surface with hydroxyapatite or by embedding a biocompatible material such as titanium in the surface. A two piece embodiment of the implant is joined and locked together, after the opposite ends of each piece are inserted in the medullary canal, using an interlocking mechanism comprising a fluted protrusion on one piece and a corresponding fluted cavity in the other piece with the fluted portions being complementarily tapered.

Abstract: A unique time-domain electromagnetic system and data processing technique which, using low frequency electromagnetic fields, can localize, in three-dimensions, the position of buried metallic objects is disclosed. The measurement system uses time-domain electromagnetic techniques on a scanning frame similar to a X-Y plotter. The system collects magnetic data over a large area above the buried object. The spatial information of the field detected on the ground is then processed with an unique ‘nearfield holographic’ data processing method to reconstruct the field image of the buried object.

Abstract: A polymeric food spoilage sensor comprises a polymer containing a polyazamacrocyclic transition metal complex. The complex selectively binds biogenic amines, such as cadaverine, putrescine and histamine, which are released by food spoilage microorganisms. The polymer undergoes a detectable color change upon exposure to biogenic amine, thus indicating that food spoilage has probably occurred. In one embodiment, the polymer is molecularly imprinted with the biogenic amine to impart selective binding affinity. The polymer is easily incorporated in common food containers and can be employed in fiber optic detection devices.

Abstract: Numerical techniques such as the finite element method (FEM) are used to model the current and voltage distribution in concrete structures such as bridges. The geometric arrangement of groundbeds and the ideal locations for the electrical contacts vis-a-vis the geometry of the bridge and the rebars can thereby be predicted and a cathodic protection (CP) system for the bridge designed. A magnetic sensor is used to sense the magnetic field generated by the CP current, and a voltmeter or an oscilloscope to measure the output of the magnetic sensor. A current interrupter is also used to interrupt the CP current at the source. The current is mapped by placing the magnetic sensor on or above the concrete surface. By moving the sensor from one location to another, the current is mapped over the entire structure. To achieve uniform distribution over the entire structure, an “expert” CP system controlled by a variety of current and environmental sensors and a dedicated microprocessor is described.

Abstract: A real-time integrated navigation system for a vehicle includes a GPS receiver, connected to a first antenna, where the GPS receiver receives GPS data from satellites and outputs GPS position data. The system also includes a communications link, connected to a second antenna and to the GPS receiver, receiving range and carrier phase measurements from at least one base station. The system further includes navigation aids which provide relative position data of said vehicle and a Kalman filter, connected to the output of the GPS receiver and the navigation aids, that integrates the GPS position data and the relative position data and outputs smoothed position data. The smoothed position data is used in transportation applications, especially detection of lane departure. This GPS-based positioning system is suitable for highway speeds during all weather conditions.

Abstract: Sensors and/or taggants feature high optical gain materials which are disposed in a high scattering environment. These materials, when adequately excited, emit intense and spectrally narrow light that is dependent on the chemical environment in which high gain materials are dispersed. When two materials are placed in the same high scattering environment, the spectal emission properties of each emitter will depend on the chemical composition of the surrounding medium. The switching or transferring of energy from one emitter to the other when the chemical environment is changed in a specific manner is enabled and a shift in the spectral emissions can be detected and/or predicted.

Abstract: A hand-held ophthalmoscope modified by the removal or augmentation of the focusing wheel and the addition of a manual or automatic focusing lens system. An electronic imager (CCD array or video camera) is placed optically conjugate to a viewing screen such that focus operations performed by the examiner to adjust the image seen by the examiner on the screen also focuses the image on the electronic imager. This is accomplished by an optical system which includes a straight path from the viewing screen to the patient's eye with a beam splitter interposed to cause the image of the patient's eye to be reflected onto the imager. As a result, when the examiner uses the focusing lens system, manual or automatic, positioned between the beam splitter and the patient's eye, to affect the image viewed by the examiner, the focus of the imager is simultaneously affected as well.

Abstract: Apparel and sensor coverings comprising a material suitable for use therein and a laminate integrated therein, the laminate comprising a plurality of layers comprising an energy conversion means for delivering electrical energy, electrical energy storing means, and charge management and control circuitry. The invention is used to power electronic applications either integrated with the charge management and control circuitry or incorporated into the laminate as a separate layer to create “smart” apparel and sensors. External electronic devices and various types of sensors can be connected and powered using one or more outlets integrated into the material. Antenna(s) and infrared port(s) also integrated into the material permit communications with other wearers of the smart apparel, with and between smart sensors, with local command and control centers on the ground or in the air and with distant headquarters via satellite(s).

Abstract: A bone substitute that drills and cuts like bone for use in training and testing comprising an inner core of a foamable polymer or other soft material and an outer shell of a polymer such as an epoxy resin with a particulate filler such as aluminum oxide or silicon carbide added thereto together with, in some cases, titanium oxide to form a slurry for casting or molding around the inner core. Also provided is a method for making the bone substitute.

Abstract: Symbol synchronization in a continuous phase modulation receiver is achieved by calculating an arctangent function of a digital sample of the output of a quadrature demodulator. This signal is sampled by integration techniques or filtered to produce signals that represent a complex value whose phase changes at a rate which is half of the symbol rate. The complex value may be squared and rotated by an angle which is related to the symbol phase. The integrated sample or an arctangent function of the filtered sample is used as a controlling input for a numerically controlled oscillator which regulates the digital sampling.

Abstract: Nondestructive/noncontact evaluation of a material for electrical and magnetic property discontinuities, e.g., a dielectric loss or the presence of a conducting contaminant, is accomplished by using microwaves to heat microwave-absorbing regions of the material caused by such discontinuities; monitoring the change in temperature of the material's surface due to the heating of the microwave-absorbing region as a function of time; and detecting the electrical and magnetic property discontinuities, e.g., the dielectric loss or the conducting contaminant, using the change in the material's surface temperature.