Abstract: Each of a pair of electrically conductive spiral coils is ensconced in a disk-shaped matrix. The two coil-ensconced matrices are joined face-to-face so as to sandwich between them a thin, non-magnetic elastic layer. An electronic device is connected so that each coil and a corresponding capacitor form an LC circuit. Electrification of the two LC circuits results in the departing and returning, in oscillatory fashion, of the two coil-ensconced matrices. This resonant behavior is both electromagnetic and mechanical in nature. The intermittent electromagnetic repelling is related to the LC circuitry and the oppositely polar electrifications of the respective coils. The springy mechanical activity is based on a spring-mass model and involves the elasticity of the intermediate material and the entrainment of ambient fluid.

Abstract: More sensitive (especially due to reduced interference of flux noise) than a conventional SQUID, an inventive SQUID's major component is a hollow cylindric structure comprising one or more annular Josephson junctions. Each annular Josephson junction is defined by two superconductive annuli and an interposed non-superconductive annulus. Inventive practice is variable, e.g., in terms of number and/or spacing of Josephson junctions, and/or as having one or more shunts connecting two or more Josephson junctions, and/or as having one or more vortices each threaded through a Josephson junction. The inventive cylindric structure is positioned proximate a magnetic field of interest so that the latter is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the former.

Abstract: Each of a pair of electrically conductive spiral coils is ensconced in a disk-shaped matrix. The two coil-ensconced matrices are joined face-to-face so as to sandwich between them a thin, non-magnetic elastic layer. An electronic device is connected so that each coil and a corresponding capacitor form an LC circuit. Electrification of the two LC circuits results in the departing and returning, in oscillatory fashion, of the two coil-ensconced matrices. This resonant behavior is both electromagnetic and mechanical in nature. The intermittent electromagnetic repelling is related to the LC circuitry and the oppositely polar electrifications of the respective coils. The springy mechanical activity is based on a spring-mass model and involves the elasticity of the intermediate material and the entrainment of ambient fluid. The dual oscillatory modes are merged at the same frequency through tuning of either/both oscillatory mode(s).

Abstract: The inventive control system, as typically embodied, includes sensing mechanisms, a computational processing unit, and an algorithm for processing inputs and generating outputs to control a rotating pedestal crane equipped with a Rider Block Tagline System (RBTS). Typical inventive embodiments uniquely feature a processing algorithm that distributes various control modes that operate not only through the crane's hoisting, luffing, and slewing mechanisms but also through the crane's RBTS; the inventive algorithm thereby effectuates motion compensation and pendulation damping with respect to the crane. This algorithmic allocation of control represents a more efficient crane anti-pendulation methodology than conventional methodologies; in particular, the inventive methodology exerts significantly greater control of the payload while exacting significantly less burden upon the hoisting, luffing, and slewing mechanisms of the crane.

Abstract: Separate upper and lower plenums within an aircraft airfoil or a sea hydrofoil conduct fluid under different pressures to nozzle slots from which jets emerge to augment lift in accordance with different travel conditions. Lift is induced by nozzle slot emergence of a primary jet from one of the plenums along a reverse flow path relative to secondary jet outflow from the other plenum. This capability involves angularly adjusted deflection of the primary jet outflow along forward, reverse or vertical directional flow paths from the trailing end of the airfoil or hydrofoil under zero and other different speed conditions by emergence of the secondary wall jet.

Abstract: The present invention's efficient and economical maintenance strategy for a system of operation (such as involving various kinds of instrumentation) features a unique decision-making logic that incorporates reliability-centered maintenance principles. The initial logical inquiry filters out the non-critical cases, i.e., those instruments the failure of which does not jeopardize or compromise safety, or the environment, or an important function or operation. The logical construct proceeds as to the remaining (unfiltered) instruments in a series of logical steps wherein the satisfaction of one or more given conditions by a subject instrument directs the practitioner to the appropriate maintenance action for the subject instrument.

Abstract: A network isolation apparatus is provided that permits data to be sent to a remote computer or network without a return path so that the isolated sensitive network may not be compromised. The isolation device spoofs the network so that the network believes it has a fully functional external connection. The invention has a first media converter for receiving data from a workstation on a sensitive network; this data is then passed to a second media converter and then transmitted to a remote computer. An optical signal generator sends signals to the workstation to imitate a standard transmit and receive connection, and also sends signals to the second media converter to imitate a standard transmit and receive connection. No physical connection exists for the remote computer workstation to compromise the sensitive network.

Abstract: A methodology for engineering or re-engineering workflow management strategy, in furtherance of business excellence, is especially suitable for an organization whose business operations involve machinery. The methodology includes the identification of internal and/or external core functions, the preparation of individual written reports each pertaining to a different core function, the assimilation of such reports into a manual for use by the entire organization, the formation of such organization into internal and/or external core function units (which, typically, are at least substantially in accordance with the previously identified core functions), and the creation of one or more modes of systematic communication among the core function units. Suggested internal core functions include facilities, budget and contracts.

Abstract: An array of pressure sensors and motions sensors is contained in a layered material system that includes an acoustically compliant layer and an acoustically transparent layer. The compliant layer (which vibrates in accordance with acoustical influence thereupon) is the foundation for both sensor types and is the vibratory medium for motion sensing. The transparent layer is the matrix for both sensor types and is the window permitting sound waves to reach the pressure sensors (which sense pressure of the sound waves) and the compliant layer (the vibration of which is sensed by the motion sensors). The compliant layer's exposed surface can be attached to a structure's exterior for passive sonar detection purposes. Since the pressure sensors are effective primarily for low frequency sound waves, and the motion sensors are effective primarily for high frequency sound waves, the invention is aggregately effective for a broad band spanning low and high frequencies.

Abstract: Two light beams from respective light-emitting devices (e.g., lasers or lamps) cross each other and strike a surface (e.g., of a fluid) at respective oblique orientations relative to the surface (e.g., oblique but nearly vertical orientations that are equal and opposite to each other). A camera captures the surface scattering of the beams in a photographic “double-beam” image containing two respective photographic forms corresponding to the two respective surface scattering locations. The measured distance between the two photographic forms is trigonometrically indicative of the height and slope of the surface in the vicinity of the two surface scattering locations. Some inventive embodiments effect “single-beam” images that are trigonometrically indicative of height only. Plural (e.g.

Abstract: A hydrophone stave comprises a tubular member, a braided cord (or similar flexible structure), cylindrical hydrophones, pins, two plugs and two couplings. The hose (made of a thermoplastic material) is corrugated or convoluted, and is cuffed at both ends to permit a plug to engage at each end. Each coupling includes a wire rope (or similar flexible structure). Each hydrophone has a longitudinal through-aperture (through which the braided cord passes) and a perpendicularly transverse through-aperture (through which a pin passes while also passing through a void created between strands of the braided cord). The stave is suitable for incorporation into a hydrophone array assembly providing for a selected arrayal of hydrophones, e.g., an assembly including two opposite frames united therebetween by numerous congruous parallel staves, each stave including equally spaced hydrophones, each coupling linking a plug with a frame so that the staves are selectively arranged.

Abstract: A valve uniquely integrates ball valve and throttling valve principals, thus affording quieter stop-and-start operation. A ball held by two seat rings is rotatable ninety degrees and has a diametric bore adjustable between fully closed (0°) and fully open (90°) positions. Oppositely disposed, relative to both the ball and the valve's longitudinal axis, are two plate assemblies each describing a tortuous fluid path. Each ring has conduits communicating with an assembly's tortuous path and communicable with the bore so that, sequentially during the ball's 0° to 90° rotation: the ball seals off the conduits, no fluid passing through the valve; all fluid passing through the valve flows through the plate assemblies and conduits; some fluid passing through the valve flows through the plate assemblies and conduits, some fluid passing through the valve flowing freely; the ball seals off the conduits, all fluid passing through the valve flowing freely.

Abstract: A dual-nature, uni-constructed device, suitable for conducting electricity between two objects in relative motion, comprises two compatible elements each having a straight section and a sinuous section. The two elements are combined to form a unified whole whereby the two straight sections are mutually servable as a brush component and the two sinuous sections are mutually servable as a spring component. The inventive device is associable with an electrical or electromechanical machine so that, during machine operation, the brush component slidingly contacts a first machine part, the spring component is affixed to a second machine part and exerts a bias against the brush component, and the inventive device conducts electrical current from one machine part to the other machine part. Each element includes an electrically conductive main layer (including one or more wire fabric sheets) and two elastomeric outside layers (on opposite sides of the sinuous section).

Abstract: An illuminator (e.g., laser) produces a light beam that partially passes through, and is partially blocked by, a mask contrastingly patterned via non-transparent and transparent portions. The mask-conformed light passes through a lens so that the mask's pattern is projected into fluid seeded with a luminescent substance, which illuminatively reveals an image of the mask's pattern. The light beam can also be expanded and/or diffused prior to reaching the mask. Instead of or in addition to transmissive properties, the mask can have reflective properties wherein the illuminator-produced light beam partially bounces off of, and is partially absorbed by, a mask contrastingly patterned via non-reflective and reflective portions. Reflective optics can supplement or replace refractive optics for projecting the mask's pattern into the fluid.

Abstract: Analysis of electromagnetic (or acoustic) multipath propagation inventively focuses upon the transmitter-to-target propagation (transmitted propagation reaching target via both direct pathway and forward scattered pathway) and the target-to-receiver propagation (re-transmitted propagation reaching receiver via both direct pathway and forward scattered pathway). Transmitter-to-target propagation is calculated using conventional multipath modeling technique. The target's overall scattered field is calculated using the calculated transmitter-to-target propagation in conjunction with qualitative electromagnetic/acoustic target information. Target-to-receiver propagation is calculated using conventional multipath modeling technique and/or the reciprocity principle as applied to the calculated transmitter-to-target propagation.

Abstract: Many military land vehicles are not designed to withstand extreme forces concomitant exploding mines. A vehicle's capacity to protect its occupants is inventively enhanced by structurally augmenting the vehicle, in lower structural portions closely related to the vehicle's cabin, with both elastomeric and rigid (non-elastomeric) materials. An elastomeric layer and a rigid layer (typically embodied as a metal or composite sheet or plate) are added to the vehicle in each of seven locations, viz., the four wheel wells (left-front, right-front, left-rear, right-rear), the two floorboards (left and right), and the intervening underside area. At each wheel well and floorboard location, the elastomer is sandwiched between the vehicle's existing rigid structure and the rigid member so as to form a tri-layer material system. At the intervening underside location, an elastomer-coated rigid member is attached with the elastomer face-down.

Abstract: Magnetic signature measurements are taken at various points corresponding to an original water depth beneath a ship. A computer processor receives and processes (i) this group of measured magnetic signature values and (ii) the designed magnetic signature value the sensing of which actuates the subject magnetic mine, implementing graph display management on a user interface display screen. According to the computer processing, some or all such measured magnetic signature values are extrapolated at different depths each greater than the original depth, thereby yielding several or many groups, each group being of extrapolated magnetic signature values associated with various points corresponding to the same depth, the groups collectively representing a three-dimensional arrangement of extrapolated magnetic signature values associated with various points corresponding to different depths.

Abstract: Onboard a marine vessel in transit a speedometer, a fathometer and a computer run in conjunction to track the Froude depth number (which is a function of vessel speed and water depth). A warning (e.g., display, signal and/or alarm) appears and/or sounds when the vessel nears or approaches the critical Froude depth number value of one (which is associated with wake wash at its most deleterious level), thus alerting the crew that the vessel's speed must be adjusted (usually, reduced) in order to avoid Froude depth number criticality. Typical embodiments establish a Froude depth number threshold value below 1.0 (e.g., 0.8), above which a red (prohibitive) zone warning is given. Some embodiments additionally establish a Froude depth number value above 1.0 (e.g., 1.2), below which a red (prohibitive) zone warning is given, above which an yellow (cautionary) zone warning (appreciably different from the red zone warning) is given.

Abstract: A hollow elliptical-cylindrical hull conformingly houses a hollow rectangular-prismatic cabin whereby the four longitudinal parallel outside edges of the latter make contact with the inside surface of the former. The fully constructed aircraft (either non-powered or powered) includes the integral hull-plus-cabin structure along with nose, tail and airfoil structures that are coupled therewith. The cabin conformingly accommodates hollow rectangular-prismatic modules useful for cargo storage. While the nose and/or tail structure is uncoupled from the integral hull-plus-cabin structure, the modules are inserted into the cabin and the cabin is sealed. The aircraft is lifted (e.g., via airplane, helicopter, rocket or balloon) to a particular elevation and released, whereupon the two wings fully emerge and the aircraft effects controlled flight until reaching its destination.

Abstract: Analysis of electromagnetic (or acoustic) multipath propagation inventively confines the assessment of multipath propagation to a “surface interactive region” (“SIR”), intermediate the target and transmitter and/or the target and receiver. The down range time of the propagation, translatable to range distance, is related to error associated with such restriction. A SIR scope is selected commensurately with acceptable error. Jointly disclosed (practicable therewith or thereapart) is inventive focus upon the transmitter-to-target propagation (transmitted propagation reaching target via both direct pathway and forward scattered pathway) and the target-to-receiver propagation (re-transmitted propagation reaching receiver via both direct pathway and forward scattered pathway). Transmitter-to-target propagation is calculated using conventional multipath modeling technique.