Abstract: A system-of-systems avionics architecture that is compatible with futuristic multi-function multi-platform sensor applications. The method and device of the invention is based on localized “adaptive” waveform and spectrum allocation for ultra-wideband radio frequency and microwave signals. The invention includes a plurality of system platforms with each platform comprising a common radio frequency front end for receiving ultra-wideband signals, a common radio frequency back end for transmitting ultra-wideband signals and a plurality of sensors for exchanging data between platforms.

Abstract: A non-liner electron-optic polymer based, integrated optic, electron-optic device utilizing a non-liner electron-optic polymer for the optical wave guide core layer sandwich between two very thin optically transparent electrically conductive charge sheet poling electrode layers which are, in turn, sandwiched between two electrically passive polymer optical wave guide cladding layers.

Abstract: Micro electromechanical components in a novel configuration to allow wireless normal direction pressure transducers to be used for oblique or shear forces. The invention includes a novel cantilever beam configuration and algorithm, the readings of the MEMS sensors are averaged to reduce the experimental variability, to estimate the shear stress that may occur between a human and external equipment or possibly between materials. The shear force component is calculated via the formula: Shear Force=Vt={square root over ({overscore (V)})}23+4+ . . . +n1−{overscore (V)}21+2+ . . . +n2.

Abstract: Bistatic/multistatic radar system concept for purposes of interrogating difficult and obscured targets in urban environments via the application of low-altitude “smart” or “robotic-type” unmanned air vehicle platforms. A significant aspect of the invention is the formulation of a unmanned air vehicle system concept that implements self-adaptive positional adjustments based on sensed properties such as phase discontinuities of the propagation channel.

Abstract: An improved global positioning system satellite signal acquisition method. The method of the invention reduces the number of operations in the block correlation used in determining Doppler frequency and time of the received GPS C/A or P(Y) codes.

Abstract: Bistatic radar compatible for investigating the employment of a high-altitude UAV working in tandem with a group of low-altitude UAVs. The bistatic radar is divided into a position-adaptive bistatic mode and a close-range monostatic mode. In position-adaptive (robotic) bistatic mode, each low-altitude UAV estimates a new parameter denoted as the differential path length to adaptively implement self-adjustments in position. This approach provides each UAV with the potential for looking down the “throat” of an obscuration channel. In the event that a particular low-altitude UAV detects an obscuration channel, the low-altitude UAV will transfer to a close-range monostatic mode in an effort to interrogate the obscuration channel for targets.

Abstract: A method and device for visually detecting crack length of a temperature sensitive paint coated test structure during excitation of the test structure. The method and device of the invention capitalizes on surface temperature changes of the test structure as structural fatigue increases. Test structure surface temperature changes are realized in corresponding fluorescence intensity changes in the temperature sensitive paint and recorded with a CCD camera. Improvements over conventional structural fatigue systems include the ability to detect fatigue during flight testing, to record fatigue without stopping the electrodynamic excitation and the ability to detect crack onset and crack length resulting in more accurate cycles-to-fatigue analysis.

Abstract: An improved global positioning system satellite signal acquisition method and device. The method and device of the invention reduces the number of operations in the block correlation used in determining Doppler frequency and time of the received GPS C/A and P(Y) codes. Reducing the number of operations in block correlation increases acquisition speed and reduces energy requirements, aspects conducive to commercial and military hand held GPS receivers.

Abstract: A cavity ring-down spectroscopy device and method suitable for materials with low and high absorption coefficients. An optical signal introduced into an optical cavity resonates through a length of fiber amplifier coupled to the optical cavity. The optical signal resonates through a fiber amplifier active section resulting in a gain compensating for optical losses. The gain obtained by use of the fiber amplifier is then modulated between two predetermined levels. By virtue of employing an optical fiber, the cavity ring down spectroscopy device and method is insensitive to misalignment and therefore iminently capable of portability.

Abstract: A dynamic programming network integrating sensor management, sensor fusion, and an application in a seamless structure in which these functions are mutually dependent and develop autonomously and concomitantly with experience. The dynamic programming network autonomously divides these functions into multiple subtasks that it can assign to the processors of a fine-grained parallel computer. As the number of processors available for these subtasks increases the network may attain its objective more efficiently. This architecture confers the greatest advantage in feature-rich applications such as identification of targets in synthetic aperture radar, visual, and infrared images. The design can be extended, however, to such diverse and general applications as control problems and machine intelligence.

Abstract: System and method for actively canceling the acoustic noise generated by changes in the electric current within the gradient coils of a magnetic resonance imager based on the finding that the acoustic noise in the magnetic resonance imager is highly periodic but that the period of the magnetic resonance imager noise changes substantially during a scan. The acoustic noise signal is measured at the ears of a patient undergoing a magnetic resonance imaging, delayed by a variable number of samples and the resulting signal is subtracted from the acoustic noise signal. Magnetic resonance imaging noise cancellation occurs at the level of 20 decibels or more.

Abstract: An efficient neural network computing technique capable of synthesizing two sets of output signal data from a single input signal data set. The method and device of the invention involves a unique integration of autoassociative and heteroassociative neural network mappings, the autoassociative neural network mapping enabling a quality metric for assessing the generalization or prediction accuracy of the heteroassociative neural network mapping.

Abstract: A reception simplified, reduced cost spread spectrum transceiver device and method. The transmitting portion of the transceiver antipodally modulates a pseudorandom code and non-antipodally modulates binary bit data onto a carrier wave. The receiving portion of the transceiver performs a mathematical squaring function on the received signal combination of pseudorandom code and data. Squaring the pseudorandom code results in a cancellation of the code and the data remains in the absence of the pseudorandom code. The device and method of the invention eliminates the need for storing or generating a local reference for the spreading code or the need for any knowledge of key signal parameters at the receiver greatly simplifying receiver circuitry and allowing receiver operation at low energy density and low operational cost. Additionally, the device and method of the invention eliminates the synchronization constraint between the transmitted data and spreading code of conventional systems.

Abstract: Computer controlled fiber coating chemical vapor deposition system and method for generating substantially uniform coated fibers by maintaining chemical vapor deposition reactor temperature in real time. Reactor temperature is monitored by in situ temperature sensors. Reactor temperature is sensitive to oxygen levels and oxygen levels within the reactor are varied in response to temperature sensor data. Closed loop process control software maintains reactor temperature at a preselected value resulting in predictable fiber coatings of a preselected thickness, crystallinity and chemistry.

Abstract: A method and device for generating a pseudorandom electrical signal for enabling spread spectrum communication scrambling by directing data entry into pseudorandom number generator integrated circuit chip controlling registers using a length selectable feedback logic data sequence and either computer programmable selector means or manual selector means to communicate the logic data sequence characters to buffers. The logic data sequence characters are clocked to a pseudorandom number generating register of an integrated circuit chip and the pseudorandom electrical signal is generated by selectively tapping a signal code therefrom. The method and device features a pseudorandom electrical signal length varying capability and is portable to various laboratory applications without a change in hardware configuration.

Abstract: An aircraft missile vulnerability reduction system based on missile hit acceptance whereby a targeted aircraft's most critical components are protected by a preprogrammed, missile-attracting infrared decoy strategically positioned on a sacrificial portion of the aircraft's structure. The decoy is optimally located based on vulnerability analyses and includes multiple modes of operation that configure to instantaneous survivability needs. The system is capable of providing aircraft survivability against shoulder launched man-portable air defense systems missiles during low-level mission flight scenarios.

Abstract: A computer controlled, three-dimensional, iterative and reiterative, closed-loop system for automatically positioning the head of a manikin situated on a motorized stand relative to a stationary sound source in order to perform accurate near-field Head-Related Transfer Function (HRTF) measurements. The positioning is based on acoustic signals measured from microphones located at each ear of the manikin and is accomplished with three-axis precision for accurate near-field HRTF measuring.

Abstract: A device is described which incorporates three components: a tracking error estimator, a detector, and a red light indicator to alert a pilot to the potential loss of tracking control. The tracking error estimator uses the difference between the target and the desired response of the tracking aircraft to estimate the divergence from a desired tracking path. This difference is acquired by such systems as, for example, the Global Positioning System (GPS) and radar. The tracking error and its derivatives are then converted into three different metrics. The metrics represent percentage points when the tracking error and its derivatives are in an unstable or stable portion of its phase plane. Depending upon whether these metrics and/or their combinations are above a particular threshold, the detector and indicator will alert the pilot or operator whether or not corrective action needs to be taken. The threshold is determined by a predetermined logic tree.

Abstract: Acoustic point source transducer apparatus including a high-output acoustic sound source propagating sound through a long, flexible tubing having an open end with a small diameter. Sound radiates from the small diameter open end effectively acting as an acoustic point source. A flexible sleeve encasing the terminal end of the tubing permits convenient wand-like placement of the acoustic point source by a human operator and an electromagnetic position sensor at the small diameter open end determines point source position. The invention provides a convenient, nondirectional approximated acoustic point source for improved acoustic measuring, especially desirable for near-field Head-Related Transfer Function measuring.

Abstract: Multi-dimensional, non-linked method and apparatus for producing a simulated feeling of force on a preselected location on a human operator in a synthesized environment accomplished by generating a first, constant, stationary electromagnetic field and a second, varying electromagnetic field local to the human operator. The variance of the second electromagnetic field is controlled by electrical currents which are responsive to parameters describing the position and orientation of said preselected location on the human operator and such variance results in attraction and repulsion of the first and second electromagnetic fields emulating a feeling of force on the human subject.