Abstract: Incident infrared radiation of a particular polarity is sensed by a set of Niobium Trisulfide (NbS3) crystal fibers which are fixed in parallel upon a substrate. In order to detect unpolarized or variously polarized infrared radiation, plural substrates, each having associated therewith its own such set of parallel fibers, can be coplanarly arrayed whereby different angles are described by different sets of parallel fibers; for instance, 0-degree, 45-degree, 90-degree and 135-degree angles can each be described by one or more sets of parallel fibers within a given array. The crystalline fibrous Niobium Trisulfide material is not a semiconductor material but rather is a “charge density wave” material having special attributes. The invention thus offers more economical operability at much higher temperatures when compared with conventional infrared-photosensitive materials, and is especially suitable for detecting midwavelength infrared radiation.

Abstract: Apparatus for using electrochemical noise analysis to assess the coating upon a conductive substrate comprises an electrolyte-containing cell, a witness electrode, a reference electrode and a working conductor. The electrolyte-containing cell is securely coupled with the coated conductive substrate so that the electrolyte is contiguous with a coated area of the metal substrate, which is demarcated by an electrolytic contact-permitting aperture in the electrolyte-containing cell. The witness electrode contacts the electrolyte and connects to an ammeter. The reference electrode contacts the electrolyte and connects to a voltmeter. Via the working conductor, the ammeter and the voltmeter each connect to a noncoated region of the metal substrate. The conductive substrate's coated area which contacts the electrolyte effectively represents a working electrode. Practice “in the field” is possible relative to coated conductive substrates associated with diverse entities.

Abstract: A marine vessel which uniquely combines tumblehome-like and trimaran-like attributes in an integrative form describing two underside channels comprises a medial major hull and a pair of lateral minor hulls. The port and starboard minor hulls, each generally describing an inverted triangular cross-section, have respective outside surfaces which slope in tumblehome fashion (downwardly outwardly). The major hull has port and starboard outside surfaces which can slope in any fashion, whether tumblehome or nontumblehome. The outside surfaces of the minor hulls are parallel to the vessel's centerline, whereas the outside surfaces of the major hull aftwardly slant toward the centerline.

Abstract: A monostatic radar signature is estimated of a sample object which is made of the same material as the target object. Using this monostatic radar signature estimation, the radar cross-section (RCS) per unit area is calculated for the sample object as a function of aspect angle and frequency. The target object is modeled so as to represent plural three-dimensional elements within the target object, and so as to associate an RCS per unit area value with every three-dimensional scattering element. An incoherent summation is performed of the three-dimensional scattering elements as a function of azimuth and frequency. One or more monostatic radar signatures can be estimated, and, correspondingly, one or more RCS per unit area values can be calculated. Every RCS per unit area value thus obtained can be incorporated in the modeling of the target object.

Abstract: A velocity measurement probe comprises a straight body, four bent prongs projecting from the body and two cross-wires secured by the prongs. The prong tips are at right angles to the opposite ends of the prongs, which project at first in the body's axial direction. The probe in its entirety lies in a first geometric plane. The two cross-wires, retained at the tips of the prongs, lie in a second geometric plane which is orthogonal to the first geometric plane and which is parallel to the body's geometric axis. The probe is typically adaptable to connection with an anenometer, and is especially suitable for measuring the velocities of fluids at remote locations of an aperature, such as at an apertural edge which is directionally downstream of the fluid flow.

Abstract: An evolutionary program is used to calibrate a ship degaussing system with respect to one or more parameters relating to the ship's magnetic signature. Pursuant to the computer program, a mathematical vector lists electrical current values which correlate with the degaussing coils. A genetic algorithm is executed through a certain number of generational iterations in order to find a solution vector which will optimize the parameter(s). Every generational population has the same number of vectors. An initial population is randomly engendered, and successive populations are engendered through a biasedly random process wherein each vector has associated therewith a parenthood selection probability which is commensurate with its fitness. The offspring vectors are given birth to via crossover hybridization of parent vectors, and a small fraction of offspring vectors are randomly modified via mutation. The present invention is suitable for accomplishing optimization (e.g.

Abstract: A unitary test piece which dimensionally conforms with standardized dynamic tear testing guidelines comprises a middle section and two end sections welded thereto. The middle section is made of the test-subject metallic material. The two end sections are each made of a metallic material which is compatible with the test-subject metallic material, and primarily serve the purpose of combining with the middle section at its longitudinal ends in order to together form the dimensionally suitable test piece. The length of the middle section is at least the minimum such length that will totally encompass plastic deformation of such metallic material when subjected to dynamic tear testing, this depending on the nature of such metallic material. Ferrous end sections are compatible with a ferrous middle section; non-ferrous end sections of a particular designation are compatible with a non-ferrous middle section of the same designation.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing “smart” bumper system features a variably controllable valve which is responsive to impact conditions. The initially closed valve opens upon maximization of the pressure reading upon the bumper, and maintains the same open setting (in other words, the same valve area) during such period of pressure maximization. During the succeeding period of pressure declination from maximum, the valve undergoes ongoing adjustment of its open setting (in other words, ongoing adjustment of its valve area) so that the reaction force of the bumper remains constant. The valve closes (in other words, the valve area becomes zero) when the pressure falls abruptly toward zero (an occurrence which correlates with a similar plummet in reaction force, as well as with near or approximate motionlessness of the impacting body), thereby avoiding or curtailing an unwanted rebound effect.

Abstract: A substitutive model is no more than one-third the size and weight of the archetypical model as originally built or conceived, hence is more wieldy and affordable, yet yields comparable UNDEX test data. The substitutive model comprises two congruous accordion-like “concertina” components and an intermediate smooth cylindrical sectional hull component. The concertina components each have circumferential pleats, generally describe a cylindrical shape, are coaxially joined with the intermediate hull component, and are thus so configured and arranged as to imbue the substitutive model with underwater explosion response (e.g., flexural) properties which approximate those of the archetypical model.

Abstract: High density, photon-gated persistent spectral holeburning is effectuated in rare earth doped II-VI compounds such as MgS, CaS, BaS and SrS. Two-photon ionization of rare earth ions is performed, selected by a narrow band laser, producing narrow regions of reduced absorption (optical holes) in the absorption spectrum of a rare earth ion. These holes are useful for such applications as high density memory (especially, high density re-writable or photo-erasable memory), spectral holographic memory, communication, etc., no and demonstrate great survivability over reading cycles, thermal cycles and elevated temperatures. The embedment of the rare earth doped II-VI compound in a matrix comprising a polymeric material (such as PMMA), prior to the effectuation of the holeburning, may be advantageous for many embodiments. Inventive practice has successfully burned two hundred forty photon gated spectral holes in the zero phonon line (ZPL) of the 4f-5d transition of Eu2+ in a magnesium sulfide host.

Abstract: Principal features are inventively derived from a non-stationary time series signal, and can be used to classify the attributes of the signal. Intrinsic to the invention is its recognition of the value of information contained within singular vectors. The invention therefore seeks to render singular vectors as proper density functions for purposes of formulating at least one feature of a signal, which is or has been sensed. To this end, the signal is typically evaluated thusly according to the invention: a time-frequency distribution (e.g., positive time-frequency distribution) matrix is generated; the time-frequency distribution matrix is decomposed; an element-by-element square of singular vectors is performed; the non-principal singular values are sorted and truncated; density functions are obtained; the density functions are normalized; and, at least one feature from the normalized density functions is formulated.

Abstract: High density, photon-gated persistent spectral holeburning is effectuated in rare earth doped II-VI compounds such as MgS, CaS, BaS and SrS. Two-photon ionization of rare earth ions is performed, selected by a narrow band laser, producing narrow regions of reduced absorption (optical holes) in the absorption spectrum of a rare earth ion. These holes are useful for such applications as high density memory (especially, high density re-writable or photo-erasable memory), spectral holographic memory, communication, etc., and demonstrate great survivability over reading cycles, thermal cycles and elevated temperatures. The embedment of the rare earth doped II-VI compound in a matrix comprising a polymeric material (such as PMMA), prior to the effectuation of the holeburning, may be advantageous for many embodiments. Inventive practice has successfully burned two hundred forty photon gated spectral holes in the zero phonon line (ZPL) of the 4f-5d transition of Eu2+ in a magnesium sulfide host.

Abstract: As distinguished from conventional fluid flow vorticity determination methodologies, which must simultaneously measure all velocity components at plural locations, vorticity determination is inventively effected whereby velocity components are non-simultaneously (sequentially) measured at the various locations. At least three locations in the fluid are selected, a velocity signal is generated at each location, a reference signal (such as relating to pressure, acceleration or force) is generated at each location simultaneously with the generation of the velocity signal at such location, the time intervals between reference signals are recognized, and the foregoing information is received and/or considered by a computer system which mathematically accomplishes simultaneity of the generation of the velocity signals, thereby computing the vorticity as if such simultaneity has actually occurred.

Abstract: An inventively enhanced near-field sensor includes circuitry which removes variation in standoff distance (of the sensor from the inspected object) as a factor in the inspection system readings. An original output voltage which varies linearly according to standoff distance is, modified and added to a counterbalancing output voltage which equivalently but oppositely varies linearly according to standoff distance, resulting in a constant output voltage regardless of standoff distance. For calibration purposes, a third output voltage can also be summed along with the modified output voltage and the counterbalancing output voltage. Since the effect of surface variation is nullified, the practitioner can more truly assess the interior physical condition of the inspected object, knowing that the object's surface roughess is rendered irrelevant.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor, for sensing the transverse component of the magnetic field intensity H, is based on fluxgate magnetometric principles and includes an “E”-shaped magnetic core. A drive winding is wound about the medial leg of the “E” shape. A sense winding is wound about the base of the “E” shape at the two locations between the medial leg and the extreme legs. A calibration winding is wound about each leg. Another magnetic field sensor, for sensing the normal component of the magnetic induction B, is also based on fluxgate magnetometric principles and includes a magnetic core having a sort of coaxial double cylindrical configuration wherein a basket-shaped cylinder encloses a smaller, solid cylinder. A drive winding, then a sense winding, then a calibration winding are wound over the solid cylinder.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor based on fluxgate magnetometric principles includes a magnetic core having a highly elongated oblong configuration and accordingly defining a closed magnetic flux path. The core includes flexible amorphous magnetic material. A drive winding is wound about each of two linear sections of the core. The two drive winding-wound linear core sections are closely coupled in parallel adjacent disposition. A sense winding is wound about the drive winding-wound core, thereby forming a narrow unitary strip-like sensor construction which, depending on the embodiment, can be practically any length. Typically, a very long sensor is situated huggingly or abuttingly with respect to a great expanse of a ferromagnetic material surface. The sensor is capable of generating a detectable signal which is representative of the “integration” of magnetic field components over the length of the core.

Abstract: According to a preferred embodiment, a mechanical face seal assembly comprises four generally ring-shaped members and plural spring devices. The first ring-shaped member is directly fastened (e.g., bolted) to the flanged structural section located at the end of the shaft sleeve. The first and second ring-shaped members are coaxially aligned and rotatively communicative at respective radial surfaces. The first ring-shaped member is made of a metal (or ceramic) matrix composite material. The second ring-shaped member is made of a polymer matrix composite material. The second and third ring-shaped members are mated via radial openings (in the second ring-shaped member) and corresponding radial projections (in the third ring-shaped member). The third ring-shaped member has axial projections and is thereby directly fastened (e.g., bolted) to the fourth ring-shaped member, which clampingly secures the third ring-shaped member with respect to the shaft.

Abstract: A damping entity comprises a matrix of plural viscoelastic particles, typically between 0.05 in and 0.5 in in size, which slightly and fixedly contact one another. The particles generally bond with each other at their contact zones and approximately correspondingly therewith. Suitable particle viscoelasticities are defined by either or both of: (i) an approximate shear modulus range between 10 p.s.i. and 100,000 p.s.i.; and, (ii) an approximate loss factor range between 0.05 and 1.5. The particles which describe the matrix can be essentially identical in terms of size, shape and material composition, or can vary among themselves in one or more of these respects. These properties can be selected uniformly or more or less nonuniformly among the particles of a particular matrix in order to imbue the matrix with desired damping characteristics, e.g., in terms of frequency ranges and temperature ranges.

Abstract: The invention uniquely avails of Fourier analytical principles for determining the distribution of a magnetic field in a one-dimensional (linear), two-dimensional (planar) or three-dimensional (spatial) region of interest. According to many embodiments, integrating sensor apparatus having an associated length is inventively implemented so as to measure the magnetic field amplitude value for each of two or more different points. Alternating current is applied at at least one high frequency whereby, for each such frequency, the associated wavelength corresponds to some multiple of the sensor's length. Coiled around the sensor is/are one or more solenoids which is/are configured so as to establish a standing wave along the sensor's length. Inventive adaptation of the sensor's integrating function basically entails regarding a Fourier-type harmonic bias function as being consequential of the standing wave.

Abstract: The inventive composite laminate has an interface profile which describes a fractally nonlinear contour. Inventive fabrication thereof typically includes computer numerically controlled wire-cut electrical discharge machining of a metal mold, resin transfer molding of a first composite portion using the metal mold, and resin transfer molding of a second composite portion using the first composite portion as a mold so that the interfacing surfaces of the composite portions are secondarily bonded to each other in conformal fashion. The interface surface of the second composite portion approximates the geometry of the metal mold surface, while the interface surface of the first composite portion approximates the inverted geometry of the metal mold surface. Each interface surface defines a multiplicity of lengthwise parallel grooves and ridges corresponding to the widthwise disordered undulations of the fractal interfacial profile.