Abstract: Launch and recovery of an aerial vehicle by a forwardly moving surface vehicle relies on a winch module having a winch to selectively reel out and reel in a towline and a sensor capable of sensing tension in the towline. A lifting body assembly having a pair of lifting bodies and a snagging wire is connected to the towline. The lifting bodies lift and laterally extend the snagging wire between the lifting bodies. An aerial vehicle flying through the air engages the snagging wire by a hook. A first signal representative of tension of the towline causes the winch to reel in the towline and to bring the aerial vehicle to the surface vehicle, and a second sensor associated with the hook generates a second signal representative of tension in the hook and causes the aerial vehicle to cut its motor.

Abstract: A data storage system has data storage devices dispersed over a geographic area such that any two of the data storage devices are separated by a distance measured in miles or kilometers. A processing system coupled to the data storage devices performs several functions that culminate in the generation of a data package for each data bit of a data file that is to be stored. Each such data package includes a value of the data bit, a bit storage location, identification of the data file with which the data bit is associated, and an ordered-position bit number associated with the data bit. The data processing system distributes data packages associated with a data file approximately evenly amongst the data storage devices for storage thereat.

Abstract: Underwater power generation for an underwater vessel is provided when the vessel transits through an underwater thermocline. At least a portion of the shell of the vessel is made from a thermally conductive material. Thermo-to-electric energy converters are electrically coupled together with each converter having a first surface thermally coupled to the shell's inner surface. A phase change material is thermally coupled to each opposing second surface of the converters. The phase change material has a phase change temperature that is between the upper and lower temperature extremes of the underwater thermocline's temperature range. The converters generate electrical power as the underwater vessel transits through the underwater thermocline.

Abstract: To secure the confidentiality of data stored in data storage devices, a position determination system is mechanically coupled to the data storage devices and continuously determines a position thereof. A processor, provided with an authorized location for the data storage devices, facilitates transfer of data to and from the data storage devices. Specifically, when the position of the data storage devices matches the authorized location, the processor facilitates transfer of data from the data storage devices without any modification of the data. However, when the position of the data storage means does not match the authorized location, the processor inflates the data by dispersing it in a very large set of irrelevant data.

Abstract: A method and system for selecting a threshold for use in detecting anomalous objects, or targets, in images with a tractable false alarm rate. A method includes steps of identifying a number of peak values from a plurality of values; calculating an average peak value from the identified peak values derived in the previous step; and calculating the threshold according to the average peak value; the number of identified peak values; and a predetermined number of false alarms. In this manner, object classifications are accurate; the number of false alarms is reduced; and redundant classifications are minimized for each image.

Abstract: An adjustable adapter assembly secures a framework/console to an anchoring fixture. A housing member connected to the framework has two pairs of parallel walls having laterally aligned elongate first slots and laterally aligned elongate second slots, respectively. A clasping mechanism inside the housing member has a shank portion and finger members. First and second threaded orthogonal bores laterally extend through the shank portion, a first threaded bolt extends through the first slots and first threaded bore, and a second threaded bolt extends through the second slots and second threaded bore. Rotating the first and second bolts laterally displaces the clasping mechanism to align the finger members with part of an anchoring fixture on the deck for engagement by the finger members when a locking ring is appropriately displaced. Several assemblies secured to the framework can be adjusted to interconnect with permanently mounted anchoring fixtures in the deck.

Abstract: A method is provided for the generation an image in a turbid medium. After illuminating locations along a each of three adjacent lines using beam(s) of light, a camera is activated to generate three separate images. The second line is between the first and third lines. In terms of amplitude associated therewith, a portion of each of the first image and third image are subtracted from the entirety of the second image to generate a resulting image.

Abstract: A differential imaging system is particularly efficacious for detecting objects in high dispersion or light-scattering mediums, such as seawater. Such a device especially useful in mine detection. A single burst of illumination is used as the light sensitive portion of the system is gated so as to collect at least two images of reflected light from the same burst of illumination. The first image is modified and subtracted from the second image to remove the common noise, and to further enhance the image of the object to be detected.

Abstract: A system and method reduce starting torque for initial rotational displacement and assure smoothness of motion for continuing displacement of a rotary joint. A rotary joint (either cylindrical or spherical) has a first annular joint member and a second annular joint member separated by a fluid-filled annulus. The second annular joint member is adapted for rotary motion with respect to the first annular joint member. A module fluidly communicating with the fluid-filled annulus creates vibratory micro motions in the fluid of the fluid-filled annulus which is between a pair of seals extending between the first annular joint member and the second annular joint member. The vibratory micro motions induce micro motions in the seals of the rotary joint. The micro motions in the seals reduce the initial torque for the initial displacement and assure smoothness of continuing displacement of either or both of the joint members.

Abstract: A reconfigurable system is provided for effecting temperature changes. A first thermally-conductive container stores a metal hydride while a second thermally-conductive container stores a metal alloy that is capable of absorbing hydrogen atoms at a pressure that is less than the storage pressure of the metal hydride. A valved conduit links the metal hydride and the metal alloy. A thermal insulator is disposed about one of the containers depending on whether the system is to be used for cooling or heating. A circulating fluid is placed in thermal communication with the insulated container and with an environment requiring temperature changes. When the conduit's valve is opened, hydrogen atoms desorbed from the metal hydride are transported through the conduit and are absorbed by the metal alloy. Desorption of the hydrogen generates a cooling effect while absorption of the hydrogen generates heat.

Abstract: A rendering method converts three-dimensional streak tube imaging lidar (STIL) data to two-dimensional contrast and range maps thereof. A temporal portion of the STIL data is processed for each pixel of the three-dimensional image. Each temporal portion includes a Gaussian-like portion and non-Gaussian-like portions. Processing for each pixel includes: (i) removing noise from the temporal portion using the non-Gaussian-like portions wherein a filtered form of the Gaussian-like portion is formed, (ii) determining a non-integer center of mass of the filtered form of the Gaussian-like portion with the non-integer center of mass being indicative of a range value, and (iii) applying a mathematical interpolation function to determine amplitude of the filtered form of the Gaussian-like portion at the range value defined by the non-integer center of mass. The amplitude so-determined is indicative of a contrast value. The process is repeated for all pixels to thereby produce range and contrast maps.

Abstract: An inflatable trajectory altering and blast energy absorption system has a plenum with walls that are spaced apart from one another when the plenum is inflated. Flexible members, dispersed in the plenum and coupled thereto, are placed in tension when the plenum is inflated. Means for altering the trajectory of a projectile entering said plenum are dispersed within the plenum.

Abstract: A method is provided for enhancing two-dimensional contrast images rendered from three-dimensional STIL data. Briefly, the rendered contrast image data is scaled based on a mean intensity value of all pixels of data therein, stretched to a predetermined dynamic range, modified to compensate for jitter and CCD array effects associated with the STIL camera system, normalized using an exponential decay function that describes contrast intensity roll-off associated therewith, and has a histogram clip routine applied thereto.

Abstract: A method and system for neutralizing mines has a vehicle carrying fluid connected to a pump and cavitation pressure vessel that creates high pressure fluid. An actuator valve modifies the flow characteristics of the high pressure fluid to be pulsating at selectively different frequencies, pressures, and flow rate. Nozzles on the vehicle jet high pressure fluid therethrough and a framework on the vehicle orients the nozzles to direct the jetted flow of high pressure fluid downward and into ground under a roadway. An abrasive and/or explosive can be added to the high pressure fluid before it reaches the nozzles. The jetted flow from the nozzles can displace ground and exert pressure to detonate and cut mines and neutralize them on and under the roadway. Cavitation can be created in the jetted flow to increase the dynamic force of the jetted flow.

Abstract: A method is provided for enhancing two-dimensional range images rendered from three-dimensional STIL data. Briefly, the rendered range image data is modified to compensate for jitter effects associated with the STIL camera system, has background portions of the resulting data modified to compensate for CCD array effects and range intensity roll-off associated with the STIL camera system, has a “salt and pepper” noise reduction routine applied thereto, and has a histogram clip routine applied thereto.

Abstract: An underwater detection system that uses two remote vessels in proximity to an object of interest in order to accurately obtain a 3D image of that object. One of the vessels is stationary and includes a first transceiver and a vertical receiving array. The second vessel moves over a predetermined path and uses a transmitter to simultaneously send signals to both the transceiver of the first vessel and the object of interest. The signals are bounced off of the object of interest to the vertical receiving array. Various signals are convoluted to produce an accurate three-dimensional array and thus a three-dimensional image of the object of interest.

Abstract: An acoustic transducer system for acoustic signals in water has at least one hollow spherically-shaped shell for vibrating in response to acoustic signals impinging from the water. The hollow spherically-shaped shell has one or more portions that are reflective of impinging radiation, and a resilient matrix in contact with the water resiliently supports the responsive hollow shell. A laser Doppler velocimeter transmits radiation onto the reflective portion (portions) and receives reflected radiation from the reflective portion (portions). The reflected radiation generates signals in the laser Doppler velocimeter that are representative of the acoustic signals from the water medium. A computer receives the representative signals from the laser Doppler velocimeter and displays them on an interconnected display to determine direction and range to a target. The acoustic signals can originate from the target or can be reflected portions of acoustic energy transmitted from an acoustic projector.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for automatically retrieving information associated with vehicles that must sequentially pass an entrance to a secure site. Prior to the entrance to the secure site, a plurality of vehicles can be aligned in a queue having a front end located at the secure site's entrance. When a vehicle enters the queue, identifying indicia on the vehicle's license tag is automatically transmitted to one or more remotely-located databases in order to retrieve information associated with the license tag. When the vehicle reaches the front of the queue, the information so-retrieved is automatically made available in a human recognizable format to security personnel at the secure site's entrance.

Abstract: A system and method for imaging underbodies of moving vehicles have a stationary source of radiation to radiate energy upwardly on underbodies of moving vehicles. A stationary video camera adjacent the radiation source on a roadway has an upwardly facing field of view for creating image signals representative of sequential portions of each underbody as each moving vehicle passes overhead. A control station activates the camera and radiation source to create the image signals and creates mosaic signals of all of each underbody from the image signals. A display screen provides a mosaic image of each underbody from its mosaic signals. A virtually real-time inspection or a comparison can be made with previously taken underbody images of the same moving vehicle or with vehicle manufacturers' data for the same vehicular models. Moving cars, trucks, marine vessels, aircraft, can be quickly imaged for inspection and/or comparison by fewer security personnel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using a combination of sonication and ozone to decontaminate pressurized water. The process includes pumping water from a source, such as a creek, river, pond or the like. The water is strained and filtered, and then transferred to a treatment container where it is pressurized for treatment with ozone and ultrasound. The treated water is then piped to a storage tank for subsequent use. The uninterrupted sequential transfer of water from the source, through a treatment container and to the storage tank is accomplished automatically by way of electronic sensors, valves and pumps that are made to communicate with a central processor control unit.