Abstract: A photonic processor having a high spectral resolution which separates an input optic signal into numerous channels and a method of constructing same are provided. The photonic processor includes an optical delay line spiral having dips to compensate for path length differences between the various paths such that each path is an integer multiple of a fixed path length. Straight segments are included in the spiral design to offset the dips in the spiral such that they do not overlap. A number of waveguide taps are included that may launch the channelized light signals into a photonic lens.

Abstract: A target signal analyzer having at least one receiving antenna configured to receive the target signal, and a parallel array of oscillator rings. Each oscillator ring is operatively coupled to receive the target signal from the receiving antenna. Each oscillator ring has an odd number of at least three bistable, nonlinear oscillators circularly coupled to each other such that only one-way signal flow is allowed between the oscillators in each oscillator ring. Each of the oscillator rings is configured to oscillate and thereby produce a response signal only when the target signal frequency is within a designated frequency band. For every designated frequency band in a spectrum of interest, at least one of the oscillator rings is configured to produce a response signal.

Abstract: A sensing system comprises a corner-cube reflector that has three reflective surfaces wherein at least one of the reflective surfaces is a surface of a bimaterial cantilever. The reflective surface of the bimaterial cantilever undergoes a change between a substantially planar shape and a curved shape upon direct exposure to an agent of interest. Such a change is perceived by a suitable detector.

Abstract: A Trident Probe Groundwater Exchange System (NC#096456). The apparatus includes a groundwater conductivity sensor, designed to determine a groundwater conductivity surface; a water conductivity sensor, designed to determine a surface water conductivity groundwater; a temperature sensor, designed to determine a groundwater temperature; a surface water temperature sensor, designed to determine a surface water temperature; and a processor operatively coupled to a plurality of sensors and designed to receive information from the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A toxicity test system comprising an aqueous suspension of dinoflagellates; a test chamber capable of containing the aqueous suspension and a test sample; an optical signal generator capable of emitting an excitation signal, which is capable of exciting the dinoflagellates to emit a fluorescence signal if the dinoflagellates are alive; a first optical transducer capable of producing a first data signal in response to detecting to the fluorescence signal; a stimulator capable of generating a pressure pulse, which is capable of stimulating the dinoflagellates to emit a bioluminescence signal if the dinoflagellates are alive; a second optical transducer capable producing a second data signal in response to detecting the bioluminescence signal; and an analyzer disposed to compare the first data signal and the second data signal to a control data to generate an output representative of the toxicity of the test sample.

Abstract: A laser ablation process is applied to a semiconductor substrate causing the semiconductor material surface and subsurface to be superheated to the point where material is ablated from the material substrate. Optional subsequent laser pulse(s) liquefy the particles, preferably while suspended in air, and the material surface tension causes the liquefied droplet of semiconductor material to form a sphere. The droplet preferably solidifies in air before reaching the substrate of its origin or another substrate for collection.

Abstract: A Variable Height/Thickness Ratio Tapered Slot Antenna For Matching Impedance and Power Handling (NC#98542). The apparatus includes a tapered slot antenna having a gap height and a thickness. The tapered slot antenna includes a first antenna element comprising conductive material, 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. A correlation between said gap height and said thickness can be represented by an equation.

Abstract: A VAR TSA For Extended Low Frequency Response Method (NC#098855). The method includes providing a first antenna element of a tapered slot antenna pair, providing a second antenna element of the tapered slot antenna pair and operatively coupling the first antenna element and the second antenna element to form the tapered slot antenna pair having an aspect ratio less than or equal to 1 to 2.16.

Abstract: A vibrational energy harvesting apparatus comprising: a substrate having a plurality of integral compliant regions; at least two ferromagnetic masses each coupled to a corresponding one or more of the integral compliant regions such that at least one of the ferromagnetic masses moves with respect to the substrate responsive to substrate acceleration, each ferromagnetic mass having an inner magnetic pole disposed such that the inner magnetic poles are separated by a gap, wherein the magnetic polarities of the inner magnetic poles on the opposing sides of the gap are similar; wherein the inner magnetic poles form a steep flux gradient region in and around the gap; and a coil coupled to the substrate and disposed within the steep flux gradient region where it is exposed to a changing magnetic flux arising from motion of at least one of the ferromagnetic masses with respect to the substrate.

Abstract: Autonomous biobuoy for detecting a characteristic of a marine biosphere and method of assembling the biobuoy. An autonomous biobuoy is provided for detecting a characteristic of a marine biosphere, comprising a detector assembly for detecting the characteristic of the marine biosphere, the detector assembly capable of generating a detector assembly output signal responsive to the characteristic detected thereby and a transmitter coupled to said detector assembly for broadcasting the detector assembly output signal.

Abstract: A low frequency amplifier uses a switched bridge circuit, providing a first frequency output. A transformer circuit receiving the first frequency output from the switched bridge circuit. Power from the transformer is output from a plurality of secondaries and the power from the secondaries is supplied to the corresponding output switching circuits and provided as switched outputs from the transformer circuit. The switched outputs from the transformer circuit are responsive to a transformer output from the transformer at the first frequency, and switch the transformer outputs in a timed sequence to provide a combined second frequency output. The second frequency output has a lower frequency than the transformer outputs.

Abstract: A Tapered Slot Antenna EC Method (NC #098517). 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 Tapered Slot Antenna Cylindrical Array (NC#98219). The method includes coupling at least two tapered slot antenna pairs to a base element in a cylindrical configuration. The method may further include coupling a transmitter/receiver to each tapered slot antenna of the at least two tapered slot antenna pairs via radio frequency links. In addition, the method may further include coupling a microprocessor to the transmitter/receiver via communication links.

Abstract: A System and Method for Gas Recognition by Analysis of Bispectrum Functions is based on the Higher-Order Spectral analysis of time series measurements of resistance fluctuations in Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) gas sensors, such as Taguchi-type sensors. A two-dimensional contour plot module of the bispectrum function is treated as a pattern. These patterns include information about the analyte(s) whereby characteristics of the gas can be identified.

Abstract: A communications system comprising: at least two communications resource sets, wherein each resource set includes at least one communications resource; a communications terminal connected to each of the at least two communications resource sets for transmitting and receiving messages between the resource sets; a communications router operably coupled to each communications terminal; and a control processor configured to search within a periodic time frame comprising multiple time slots for an available time slot on a control channel at frequency fc or, if a time slot is not available on the control channel, to search within a periodic time frame comprising multiple time slots for an available time slot on a slave channel at frequency fc.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide a solute-solvent solution that allows the solute to become photo-protonated by the solvent on absorption of ultraviolet light. The solute is 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octamethylanthracene (OMA). The solvent is 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP). The protonated form of the solute absorbs visible light to change the coloration of the solution from a substantially clear state to a colored state.

Abstract: A battery safety monitor system. The system includes at least one battery, at least one zener diode, at least one safety device, a microcontroller, a display device and a power supply. The at least one battery comprises at least one cell string capable of outputting voltage signals. The at least one zener diode is operatively coupled to the at least one battery cell string. The at least one safety device is operatively coupled to the at least one battery cell string. The microcontroller is operatively coupled to the at least one zener diode. The display device is operatively coupled to the microcontroller. The power supply is operatively coupled to the microcontroller and the display device.

Abstract: A method for measuring water-flow noise over a hydrophone comprising: coupling the hydrophone to a distal end of a hydrodynamic-drag-reduced beam, which has a proximal end that is rotatably connected to a frame; pivoting the beam through water; and recording the water-flow noise generated by the water flowing around the hydrophone.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting an underwater cable, wire or line is provided. The apparatus includes a body with a lid and a base. A piston is located, within the body, and a piston rod is coupled to the piston. An elongate lever cutting element is pivotally coupled to a distal end of the piston rod and also pivotally coupled to the base. Upon actuation, water is introduced through the lid and into the body, moving the piston and piston rod, which actuates the elongate lever cutting element. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The variable color LED optical source comprises first, second, and third LEDs, each disposed to generate a linearly polarized optical signal; a first beam splitter cube that is optically coupled to the first and second LEDs; a first half-wave plate that is optically coupled to the first beam splitter cube so that it is capable of rotating the polarization orientation of an optical signal emitted from the first beam splitter cube; a second half-wave plate that is optically coupled to the third LED so that it is capable of rotating the polarization orientation of the third optical signal; and a second beam splitter cube that is optically coupled to the first and second half-wave plates so that the second beam splitter cube is capable of emitting a fourth optical signal.