Abstract: A termination assembly for disposal between a marine tow cable and an acoustic receiver array includes a cable sleeve having a grip portion adapted to grip a cable outer jacket, and a collar portion for disposition on a strength member portion of the cable. The termination assembly further includes a coupling comprising an inner sleeve for mounting on a coax portion of the cable, an electrical connector for abutting a distal end of the coax portion, a coupling body interconnecting the inner sleeve and the electrical connector, the coupling body having a cylindrically-shaped wall disposed around the electrical connector to define therebetween an annular recess for receiving a connector of the acoustic receiver array, a coupling nut mounted on the coupling body and engageable with the acoustic receiver array connector to lock the acoustic receiver array connector onto the electrical connector, and an outer sleeve fixed to the coupling body.

Abstract: A dynamic memory processor for time variant pattern recognition and an input data dimensionality reduction is provided having a multi-layer harmonic neural network and a classifier network. The multi-layer harmonic neural network receives a fused feature vector of the pattern to be recognized from a neural sensor and generates output vectors which aid in discrimination between similar patterns. The fused feature vector and each output vector are separately provided to corresponding positional king of the mountain (PKOM) circuits within the classifier network. Each PKOM circuit generates a positional output vector with only one element having a value corresponding to one, the element corresponding to the element of its input vector having the highest contribution. The positional output vectors are mapped into a multidimensional memory space and read by a recognition vector array which generates a plurality of recognition vectors.

Abstract: A method to improve communication system performance using an adaptive modem that estimates the communication channel scattering function to select one of several modulation schemes. The scattering function is estimated from the channel's frequency (doppler) and time (multipath) spreading effects on a probe signal. The probe signal is transmitted from a first modem to a second modem. The second modem processes the channel measurements and transmits the channel spreading factors to the first modem. Based upon the channel scattering function estimate, channel characteristic data, propagation models, strategic information, and modem position estimates, the first modem selects one of several modulation schemes. Subsequent data transmissions from the first modem to the second modem contain a modulation mode identifier. The second modem uses the modulation mode identifier to select the correct demodulation scheme.

Abstract: An underwater self adjusting displacement device includes a sealed housing having an exterior wall and an inner component area, the exterior wall having an opening formed therein. A sealing plug is slidably seated in the opening of the exterior wall, and an actuator mechanism selectively adjusts the sealing plug within the opening, thereby adjusting a total displacement of the sealed housing. The displacement device is incorporated into any substantially neutrally buoyant underwater deployable device such as an acoustic countermeasure device or an oceanographic sensor device. Further, the deployable devices may be deployed individually or as a field due. The displacement device requires less weight and weight within an overall deployed device, enabling large deployments and performance enhancements.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a high-speed, puncture proof tire including a tire casing having a tread portion and a pair of side wall portions and a plurality of small diameter pressurized tubes disposed within the tire casing. Each pressurized tube has an elongate body fabricated from film material that is sealed crosswise along the length of the body to define at least two compartments that contain gas-under pressure. The tubes can be oriented radially or circumferentially within the annular space of the tire casing. In another embodiment of the tire, at least one panel of film material resistant to shear forces is disposed within the annular space of the tire casing. The panel is sealed lengthwise thereof to define a plurality of small diameter pressurized tubes. Each pressurized tube is sealed crosswise along the length of the tube to define at least two compartments that contain gas under pressure.

Abstract: A flexible nose assembly for an underwater vehicle provides increased energy-absorbing capabilities and facilitates recovery and handling of the vehicle. The flexible nose assembly includes a flexible nose cap, at least one retrieval device, and at least one cable that is strong in tension, yet weak in compression which is coupled between the retrieval device and the UUV body. The flexible nose cap has a gap formed therein allowing the communication of environmental water into the region between the vehicle body and the nose cap. Optionally, the retrieval device may be recessed into the flexible nose assembly, thereby reducing hydrodynamic drag and overall vehicle length. Energy-absorbing ballast can be positioned within the nose cap in order to further enhance survivability.

Abstract: A system for providing pressurized fluid for a small device launch system is shown. The system includes a piston housing an air source aperture, a launcher bore, and a shaft aperture. A piston and piston shaft slide in the chamber with the piston shaft extending out the shaft aperture. A hydraulic control cylinder is connected to the piston shaft and a controller is joined to control the cylinder. In a preferred embodiment, the controller controls flow through a variable restriction valve positioned in hydraulic communication between sides of the hydraulic cylinder. A position indicator can also be provided for communicating the position of the piston shaft to the controller.

Abstract: A system of sensors and weapons in the form of individual cells forming a multi-functional cellular skin is provided to cover the outer surface of an underwater vehicle. The cells are engineered to have specific functional capabilities, e.g., acoustic sensing cells, communications cells, munitions cells, control cells and motive cells, and are electromagnetically attached to the vehicle. The functional arrangement of the cells types and the number of layers will be dependent on the desired capabilities and the overall mission of the vehicle. Cells may be deployed from the vehicle individually or in functional groups by decoupling appropriate cells from the vehicle. Once decoupled, motive cells can transport themselves and other cells as necessary, to positions remote from the vehicle. Groups of cells can be deployed to specific locations and arrayed in specific configurations by motive cells, allowing the vehicle to remain in a standoff position.

Abstract: A launching apparatus including a launch tube having fore and aft ends, each end having an opening formed therein. A muzzle cap is fitted to the fore end and a breech mounting is formed at the aft end. A primary housing is seated in the aft end, the primary housing having fore and aft ends. A first telescoping cylinder containing a first telescoping piston is positioned within the fore end of the housing and a second telescoping cylinder containing a second telescoping piston is positioned within the aft end of the housing. A ram plate and a breech mounting are connected to the first and second pistons respectively. A gas generator is provided within the housing and a projectile is seated between the ram plate and muzzle cap. The first and second cylinders and the first and second pistons expand from the housing and propel the projectile.

Abstract: A method is provided to determine an rpm profile for a turbine pump from pulse train data obtained from a sensor at the pump. The method eliminates ramp-up spikes from the pulse train by comparing the spike pulse count to the surrounding pulse counts and replacing data points responsible for abnormal pulse count increases/decreases between data points with interpolated values. The method similarly replaces data points that lie outside statistically acceptable pulse rate variations. A rough rpm plot is then generated, which must be smoothed to obtain the final rpm profile. Data points are infused between sensor data points to achieve an acquisition rate of approximately 1000 points per second. The infusion is accomplished by interpolating between sensor data points and equally spacing the infused data points along the interpolated curve. A smoothing function is then applied to the infused data set.

Abstract: A controlled simulation of an underwater target for testing and evaluating a sonar system. The target simulation system receives an acoustic test signal and generates a simulated reflected signal emulating the test signal reflected from a target of known target strength. The system includes hydrophones and projectors located underwater and a signal processing system located out of the water. The signal processing system detects the test signal received by the hydrophone and converts the test signal to digital format. A computer modulates or weights the digital signal using a target strength value representing the target strength to produce a digital representation of a simulated reflected signal. This simulated reflected signal is converted to an analog format and is retransmitted as a simulated reflected acoustic signal using the projector. The level of the simulated reflected acoustic signal can be increased or decreased to simulate various sizes of the same target.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting, processing and tracking sonar signals to provide bearing, range and depth information that locates an object in three-dimensions underwater space. A Twenty Six Nearest Neighbor Peak Picker (TSNNPP) is disclosed that improves the detection of signals in noisy background by differentiating bandwidth (BW) characteristics of signals from BW characteristics of noise.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fixture to be used during pressure/vacuum testing. The fixture includes a shell having a main body and a coupling ring surrounding the main body. The coupling ring has threads for engaging an external thread connection on the device to be tested and for facilitating installation and removal of the fixture. The fixture further includes a back plate welded to one end of the main body and a pressure adapter for connecting the fixture to a pressure source or a vacuum source. The fixture still further includes an optional insulator to be placed in contact with the device being tested.