Abstract: An apparatus for sensing and processing a magnetic flux signal comprising: an odd number of at least three fluxgate modules, a summer, and a processor. Each fluxgate module is configured to generate a module response signal upon receiving the magnetic flux signal. The fluxgate modules are circularly coupled to each other such that only one-way signal flow is allowed between them. The summer is configured to sum the response signals from each fluxgate module into a summed signal. The processor is configured to receive and process the summed signal.

Abstract: An electrolytic fluid antenna comprising: a first current probe having an aperture; a pump having a nozzle, wherein the pump is configured to pump electrolytic fluid out the nozzle and through the aperture; and a first transceiver operatively coupled to the current probe.

Abstract: A graphical user interface for a semantic normalizer of natural language comprising: a link to a preference menu, in which a user may set the semantic normalizer to operate in a predictive or learning mode; an input textbox disposed to display user-typed text in a first font color and user-spoken text in a second font color; a semantic echo textbox disposed to display semantically normalized text in a third font color, wherein the first, second, and third font colors are different from each other; graphical buttons that are only enabled when the semantic normalizer is in learning mode, wherein the graphical buttons may be selected by the user after the user has been prompted by the semantic normalizer to verify the accuracy of the semantically normalized text, the graphical buttons comprising a “Yes” button, a “No” button, and an “Enter Correction” button.

Abstract: A method of improving efficiency of manufacturing a vacuum electronic device, includes placing sensors on the device's interior during its construction and obtaining a first measured characteristic value; comparing the first measured characteristic value with a desired characteristic value; determining whether the first measured characteristic value is within a predetermined percentage of the desired characteristic value; adjusting a component of the device and measuring the characteristic of the device to obtain a second measured characteristic, comparing the second measured characteristic value with a desired characteristic value, determining whether the second measured characteristic value is within a predetermined percentage of the desired characteristic value; and repeating the previous step until the second measured characteristic value is within the predetermined percentage of the desired characteristic value.

Abstract: Improved surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates comprising chemically-derivatized magnetic microparticles complexed with metal colloidal particles or substrates. The SERS substrates permit collection, detection, measurement, and/or analysis of analytes present at concentrations ranging parts per trillion to parts per billion. Further, compositions, methods, and devices that provide for rapid and/or sensitive detection of chemical compounds of interest present in small concentrations. The subject matter has use in the areas of homeland security and force protection, for example, in the detection of trace samples including, for example, BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes), chlorinated solvents, TNT, nerve agents, blister agents, metal ions, anions, antigens, peptides, nucleic acids, spores, fungi, viruses, and bacteria.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an apparatus for use in the recovery of unmanned underwater vehicles includes a recovery vehicle configured to be coupled to a winch via a tether. The recovery vehicle includes one or more sensors for locating the unmanned underwater vehicle, a first mechanical linking device for coupling the recovery vehicle to the unmanned underwater vehicle, and a plurality of steering mechanisms for actively guiding the unmanned underwater vehicle in such a way as to allow the first mechanical linking device to capture the unmanned underwater vehicle by locking onto a second mechanical linking device of the unmanned underwater vehicle.

Abstract: The method comprising coupling a first antenna element to a second antenna element to for a tapered slot antenna pair; electrically coupling a first end cap to the first antenna element; electrically couples a second end cap to the second antenna element; and configuring the first and second end caps to provide induction-canceling, capacitive coupling when operating at frequencies below a theoretical cutoff frequency.

Abstract: A cartridge comprising: a container having a lower end; an aqueous suspension of dinoflagellates contained in the container; a gas port operatively coupled to the container, the port capable of directing a gas into the aqueous suspension in the lower end of the container; a gas vent operatively coupled to the container; and a shipping seal operatively coupled to the container to prevent the aqueous suspension from exiting the container.

Abstract: An optical communication system is provided. In one embodiment, a source creates a multiplicity of photon pairs, with each photon pair comprising a first photon and a second photon. The first photon is sent to a transmitter, and either remains in the transmitter or is transmitted by the transmitter to a receiver. The second photon is sent to the receiver. Data is decoded by determining a polarization direction and a time of detection of any photon pairs detected at the receiver.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are described that enable the automatic collection of maritime vessel location information within a global or regional framework by using a minimum network of vessels outfitted with non-intrusive AIS data collection systems. The network of vessels may comprise standard ships operating within their normal commercial or private tasks. By utilizing these non-specially tasked vessels and augmenting the received AIS reports with onboard radar/navigation information, accurate global or regional tracking information can be generated at a centralized location without incurring large costs.

Abstract: A method for generating a laser output signal includes the steps of: generating an optical pump signal that is a sequence optical pulses each having a duration of about n?f, where ?f represents a flourescence lifetime of a laser dye and 3?n?25; directing the optical pump signal into an optical resonant cavity having a laser dye gain element that contains the laser dye for transforming the optical pump signal into an excited optical signal; resonating the excited optical signal in the optical resonant cavity; and emitting a portion of the excited optical signal from the optical resonant cavity.

Abstract: A high-voltage (HV) bushing that comprises first and second sections, at least two internal grading elements, and at least two external grading elements. The first and second sections each have a HV end and a grounded end. The exterior of the first section is configured to be exposed to open air. One internal grading element is mounted to the HV end of the first section and another internal grading element is mounted to the grounded end of the first section. One of the external grading elements is mounted to the HV end of the first section and another external grading element is coupled to the grounded end of the first section. The internal grading elements and the external grading elements are each configured to moderate an electric field along the inner and outer surfaces of the HV bushing near the HV end and the grounded end of the first section.

Abstract: A method for horizontal assembly of a high-voltage feed-through bushing includes vertically-assembling a field shaper assembly of a high-voltage feed-through bushing on a field shaper fixture. The field shaper assembly is then rotated within the field shaper fixture such that the field shaper assembly is oriented on a horizontal axis. Next, an insulator tube fixture supporting an insulator tube assembly is positioned adjacent to the field shaper fixture. The insulator tube assembly, being oriented on the same horizontal axis as the field shaper assembly, is then affixed to field shaper assembly.

Abstract: A Variable Aspect Ratio Tapered Slot Antenna For Extended Low Frequency Response (NC #98541). The apparatus includes a tapered slot antenna having a length and a height, and having an aspect ratio less than or equal to 1 to 2.16. The tapered slot antenna includes a first antenna element comprising conductive material and configured to receive and transmit RF signals; and a second antenna element comprising conductive material, operatively coupled to said first antenna element, configured to receive and transmit RF signals.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an apparatus for down-converting a first signal having a first frequency to a lower frequency is disclosed. The apparatus can include one or more arrays of N over-damped, bi-stable circuits unidirectionally-coupled from element to element.

Abstract: Spatial encoding of a search space is achieved by an array of radiation or acoustic energy detectors receiving data from at least one radiation or energy source. At least one radiation source capable of providing a predetermined type of radiation is used. The radiation may be in the form of a plurality of beams arrayed along at least one directional axis, and arranged in successive alignment to exhibit a directional component. The directional component is characterized by a frequency variance between successive beams in accordance with direction and disposed so radiation therefrom propagates within the search space. At least one radiation detector capable of detecting the radiation is provided, and is disposed to detect at least that type of radiation.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an optical modulator on a silicon substrate, comprising: forming a silicon nitride layer on the silicon substrate; forming a first polycrystalline silicon layer (PSL) on the silicon nitride layer; patterning the first PSL; forming a first silicon dioxide layer (SDL) on the first patterned PSL; patterning the first SDL; forming a second PSL on the first patterned SDL; patterning the second PSL; forming a second SDL on the second patterned PSL; patterning the second SDL; forming a third PSL on the second patterned SDL; patterning the third PSL; forming a metal layer on the third patterned PSL; patterning the metal layer; removing the first and second SDLs to effect release of first and second side reflectors; forming an active layer on the metal layer; and patterning the active layer or stack to form a base reflector and associated conductive traces for biasing.

Abstract: A directional neutron detecting apparatus includes first and second neutron detectors. Each neutron detector includes a thin planar sheet of neutron-reactive material; a first ohmic electrode operably coupled to one side of the planar sheet of neutron-reactive material; a second ohmic electrode operably coupled to a second side of the planar sheet of neutron-reactive material; a voltage source operably coupled to the first and second ohmic electrodes; and an electrical current detector operably coupled in series between the first ohmic electrode and the voltage source. The first and second neutron detectors are arranged so that their planar neutron-reactive sheets are substantially parallel, opposing and are spaced from each other. Multiple directional neutron detecting apparatuses may be arranged mutually orthogonally to thereby provide omni-directional neutron detection.

Abstract: A determination of latency in IP networks is performed by sensing packets, determining a status of the sensed packets and comparing original packets with acknowledgements (ACKs). A packet header on a physical layer interface (e.g., int 0) is sensed. A determination is made of a sensed packet status. If the packet is sensed, a hashed record of the packet header is created, including a local clock time of when the packet was sensed. A determination is made as to whether the packet represents an ACK to a previously sensed TCP packet. If the packet represents an ACK to a previously sensed packet, a time delay between the previous sensing of the packet and the ACK is calculated. The time delay is the TCP ACK Round Trip Time (TCP RTT).

Abstract: A ferrite-loaded broadband loop antenna having nearly comparable transmit/receive characteristics is disclosed. The antenna contains a low loss ferrite core having a width-to-height ratio of approximately 24 and a depth-to-height ratio of approximately 6, and an antenna feed plate assembly centered about the long axis of the ferrite core, having a width-to-height ratio of approximately 6 and a width-to-depth ratio of approximately 1, and a balanced feed located at the center of the antenna feed plate assembly, positioned on the radiating side of the antenna, and a low loss center element in the ferrite core, the center element having at least one of a loss tangent and a permeability that is lower than the ferrite core, and a grounding surface coupled to the antenna feed plates.