Abstract: A sensor comprises an optical modulator that generates a modulation signal, an interferometer that mixes an acoustic signal evoked by a pulsed laser with the modulation signal to down-convert the acoustic signal to lower frequencies, and a photodetector that detects the down-converted signal.

Abstract: A system for dynamically compensating signal propagation for flexible radar antennas receives measurement signals indicating the position of selected locations of an antenna array. The future shape of the antenna array at a future time is predicted, and compensation signals are applied to signals generated or received by the antenna elements. The compensation signals are based on the future shape of the antenna array.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a thermo-photovoltaic (TPV) material that is capable of generating electrical power from low temperature heat radiation. An electric field generator is coupled to apply an electric field to the TPV material. The strength of the electric field is sufficient to shift the sensitivity of the TPV material to sense lower frequency radiation than the TPV material can sense when the electric field is not applied and to broaden the band of frequencies over which the TPV is effective.

Abstract: A peer connected device for controlling access by a client device to protected devices on a computer network. The peer connected device has a central processing unit and a network interface configured to receive address resolution requests broadcast on the computer network by the client device seeking access to one of the protected devices and to transmit address resolution replies generated by the apparatus on the computer network.

Abstract: Footwear comprises a sole and a plurality of sealed cavities contained within the sole. The sealed cavities can be incorporated as deformable containers within an elastic medium, comprising the sole. A plurality of micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) pressure sensors are respectively contained within the sealed cavity plurality, and can be adapted to measure static and dynamic pressure within each of the sealed cavities. The pressure measurements can provide information relating to the contact pressure distribution between the sole of the footwear and the wearer's environment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for warping a loom includes a heddle with an open or openable break in the circumference of its eyelet that allows insertion and removal of warp thread with simple motions through the break while both ends of the warp threads are fastened to the loom. A warp beam includes a plurality of retaining members that retain parallel strands of warp thread in a spaced relationship to one another. A length of warp thread is wound in consecutive parallel lines between two spaced apart warp beams. The combination of openable heddles and warp beams with warp thread retaining members allow a loom or knitting device to be rapidly set-up, allow for easy correction of mistakes, and for the removal and reloading of the heddles or a weaving project in mid-production.

Abstract: A network or interconnect structure 100 utilizes a data flow technique that is based on timing and positioning of messages communicating through the interconnect structure. Switching control is distributed throughout multiple nodes 102 in the structure so that a supervisory controller providing a global control function and complex logic structures are avoided. The interconnect structure operates as a “deflection” or “hot potato” system in which processing and storage overhead at each node is minimized. Elimination of a global controller and buffering at the nodes greatly reduces the amount of control and logic structures in the interconnect structure, simplifying overall control components and network interconnect components 104 and improving speed performance of message communication.

Abstract: A supersonic aircraft comprises a fuselage extending forward and aft, wings coupled to lateral sides of the fuselage, and canards coupled to lateral sides of the fuselage forward of the wings. The individual canards are configured to generate shocks that wrap around the fuselage and intersect with wing leading edges on opposing sides of the fuselage.

Abstract: A template for assessing damaged areas on an object, such as a fan blade or other item, includes a set of marks indicating the maximum areas of damage allowed on the periphery of the object. A guide enables the template to be aligned in proper position against the object for accurate visual inspection of the damaged areas. For example, one or more blend guides are included to allow the inspector to mark a blend area around the damage to enable maintenance personnel to smooth sharp, jagged edges of the damaged areas, thereby relieving stress points and improving the aerodynamic efficiency of a blade in an engine. The template can include a magnifying portion that allows the user to see more detail on the object. Linear and/or curved measurement scales can also be included on the template.

Abstract: An interconnect structure comprises a logic capable of error detection and/or error correction. A logic formats a data stream into a plurality of fixed-size segments. The individual segments include a header containing at least a set presence bit and a target address, a payload containing at least segment data and a copy of the target address, and a parity bit designating parity of the payload, the logic arranging the segment plurality into a multiple-dimensional matrix. A logic analyzes segment data in a plurality of dimensions following passage of the data through a plurality of switches including analysis to detect segment error, column error, and payload error.

Abstract: A sensor comprises an optical modulator that generates a modulation signal, an interferometer that mixes an acoustic signal evoked by a pulsed laser with the modulation signal to down-convert the acoustic signal to lower frequencies, and a photodetector that detects the down-converted signal.

Abstract: A family of interconnect structures, switches that exploit the interconnect structures to attain scalability, low latency, and single-chip implementations. The disclosed interconnect structures and switches support a wide variety of applications including supercomputer interconnects, LAN switches, IP and ATM switches, telephony central office switching, video on demand servers, interconnects for mainframe database servers, high-speed workstation interconnects, and many others that are known to those having ordinary skill in the art.

Abstract: An alert transceiver in commuter vehicles in a line-of-site warning area receive line of sight (LOS) alert signals from another vehicle, such as an emergency vehicle. Upon detecting the LOS alert signal, the alert transceiver can relay the alert signals to other alert transceivers in commuter vehicles within a warning zone that are outside of LOS zone, thereby creating mobile tracking network (MTN). The alert signals can include any relevant information, such as information regarding a hazard that includes the type of hazard (emergency vehicle, fire, ambulance, etc.), the time stamped location, direction of travel, speed and planned route for the emergency vehicle; and/or the coordinates of warning zone as determined by alert transceivers.

Abstract: A solar energy converter comprises a thin panel enclosure, at least one solar cell contained within the enclosure, and a thin layer of gel contained within the thin panel enclosure and enclosing the at least one solar cell. The thin panel enclosure has a two-dimensional flat base, short side walls, and a transparent lid separated from the flat base by the short side walls, the short side walls enclosing an interior cavity having a depth substantially smaller than either of the two-dimensional base dimensions. The at least one solar cell has a front surface and a back surface. The thin layer of gel wets both the front surface and back surface of the at least one solar cell and holds the at least one solar cell separate from the base and lid.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing machining operations on an object includes a carriage, a movable head configurable with an operating attachment to perform the machining operations on the object, and a position determination system operable to determine the spatial relationship of the carriage and the object and provide a first signal representative thereof. The position determination system periodically determines the spatial relationship of the head to the object during machining operations on the object and provides a second signal representative thereof. The second signal is used to re-position the head to a desired position during the machining operations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing a plurality of rotary actuator segments in a device includes a unitary hinge fitting. The unitary hinge fitting includes a first side couplable to a control surface, and a plurality of bays. Each bay is configured to receive at least one of the rotary actuator segments. The unitary hinge fitting reduces the number of components required to install rotary actuators by eliminating the shims, the shear clips, and some of the fasteners required to attach the shims and the shear clips to the hinge fittings. The resulting assembly is typically much simpler and lower in cost and weight than conventional rotary actuator installations.

Abstract: A mobile information network browser device with audio feedback and adaptive personalization capability that is capable of transmitting a request for information via a wireless communication interface from one or more servers in an information network. The browser device further includes an audio interface capable of receiving data from the wireless communication interface that is responsive to the request for information. The browser device interfaces with a wireless communication network so that it may be used in a mobile vehicle, such as an automobile. The order in which individual pieces of content in the requested information is presented to the user is modified based on indicators of the user's interest in a topic during previous sessions. Such indicators can include whether the user input a command to skip, fast-forward, rewind, or request more detail about a category, subcategory, or topic of information. The adaptive personalization capability can also prevent redundant content from being presented.

Abstract: A mobile information network browser device with audio feedback capability that is capable of transmitting a request for information via a wireless communication interface from one or more servers in an information network. The browser device further includes an audio interface capable of receiving data from the wireless communication interface that is responsive to the request for information. The browser device interfaces with a wireless communication network so that it may be used in a mobile vehicle, such as an automobile. Receiving the requested information in audio format relieves the user from having to view an output display screen to receive the information while trying to operate the mobile vehicle.

Abstract: A plasma jet system includes a housing with an opening. A plasma generator is coupled to ionize a fluid in the housing. An electromagnetic accelerator is coupled to generate an electric field that accelerates ionized fluid in the housing toward the opening. A controller can modulate the frequency of the electric field to cause the ionized fluid to form a plasma vortex flow through the opening. A magnetic field is applied normal to the direction of the plasma vortex flow to mitigate the momentum of the electrons. The electrons slowed by the magnetic field can be collected and conducted to a location where they are re-inserted into the plasma vortex flow to maintain charge neutrality.

Abstract: An impedance model of tissue is useful for describing conductivity reconstruction in tissue. Techniques for determining and mapping conductivity distribution in tissue supply useful information of anatomical and physiological status in various medical applications. Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) techniques are highly suitable for analyzing conductivity distribution. Electrical characteristics of tissue include resistive elements and capacitive elements. EIT techniques involve passing a low frequency current through the body to monitor various anatomical and physiological characteristics. The system can interrogate at multiple frequencies to map impedance. Analytical techniques involve forward and inverse solutions to boundary value analysis to tissue characteristics.