Abstract: The present invention provides a method for identifying the size, shape, and location of objects in a specimen wherein the image of the specimen is represented by image data and wherein the image data is processed to provide mask data representing a mask wherein the mask identifies the size, shape, and location of the object. Generally, the method includes the step of enhancing the image and creating a threshold image wherein the threshold image includes a threshold intensity value associated with each pixel of the image. The threshold image is combined with the original image to provide a mask image that identifies the size, shape, and location of the objects. The mask image may be further refined to ensure accurate identification of the object. Various other techniques are disclosed within the general method for processing image data.

Abstract: A double direct injection dual band focal plane array input circuit provides simultaneous and separate integration of the current from two sensors which share a common node. The sensors are constant voltage and variable current sensors such as HgCdTe infrared photodiodes. The sensor voltage biases are independently adjustable. Multiple integration of the signal from one sensor may be performed within one integration time of the other sensor. The circuit is used in staring infrared dual band focal plane arrays and may be used process information from more than two sensors.

Abstract: A process for producing high density refractory metal warhead liners from near net shape blanks. A shaped mold is filled with pure or solid solution molybdenum or tungsten powders. The powders may be isostatically pressed and sintered to form a near net shape blank. A hot isostatic press may be used in combination with these steps or by itself to form the near net shape blank. The hot isostatic press densifies the near net shape blank to at least 90% of theoretical density. Where wrought properties are desired, a final forging step is performed. Alternatively, a process such as vacuum plasma spraying may be used to form the near net shape blank. A hot isostatic press densifies the near net shape blank. A final machining step achieves a finished refractory metal warhead liner.

Abstract: A non-contact laser-based sensor guided by a precision mechanical system scans a thread form producing a set of digitized images of the thread form. The digitized images are analyzed to derive quantitative information about thread characteristics such as pitch, lead, root radius, flank angle, surface roughness, helix variation, and pitch diameter. Thread form data may be stored and later retrieved in order to provide traceability and verification of thread form measurements to a predetermined thread form specification. The apparatus and method of the invention can measure characteristics for shapes similar to threads, such as gears and dies used for cold forming processes. The thread measurement system can be mounted on thread making machines and used for on-line monitoring and control of the thread forming process.

Abstract: An extreme wide angle, very large aperture, very compact, solar blind, UV imaging lens system. The lens system has a fused silica polyvinyl alcohol glass color filter, a lens made of fused silica, a lens made of nickel sulfate, a layer of coupling fluid and another lens made of fused silica. Alternatively, sapphire can be used after the color filter instead of the fused silica. An alternative lens is composed of two layers of fused silica, a layer of nickel sulfate, another layer of fused silica, coupling fluid followed by polyvinyl alcohol, a color glass filter and coupling fluid followed by fused silica. In a fourth embodiment, the two layers of fused silica are followed by polyvinyl alcohol, a layer of colored glass filter, fused silica, nickel sulfate, coupling fluid, and fused silica.

Abstract: A security system for detecting and reporting gunshot events for control of urban environment security which includes a communication link coupled to a plurality of pole units arranged in a dense grid. Each of the plurality of pole units includes a microphone, a data acquisition unit coupled to said microphone, a signal processor for discriminating gunshot events, and a communication interface apparatus coupled at an input to the signal processor. The communication interface also has an output coupled to the communication link, where the communication interface transmits and receives data on the communication link. A central processor is coupled to the communication link so as to receive data from and transmit data to the plurality of pole units. The central processor and the plurality of pole units operate so as to detect and locate gunshot events sensed by one or more of the plurality of pole units.

Abstract: A test checks for appropriate positioning of priority fields for image collection and evaluation. The tests characterize lateral repeatability of stage movement in an X-Y plane, the longitudinal repeatability of the stage along a Z axis, cross coupling of motion in the Z direction from the X-Y stage movement, repeatability of the microscope objective turret positioning, mechanical centration of optical paths and the parfocality of optical paths. The process includes moving to a rough location, performing focus pans to determine the best focus and searching for a known object to register coordinate locations, processing those locations to determine the repeatability and accuracy of the motion system. Further, a means of evaluating these parameters is disclosed by which an automated cytology instrument will validate or invalidate data taken since the last position integrity check.

Abstract: A data acquisition and display apparatus for an ultrasonic camera includes an ultrasonic scanning head for scanning an ultrasonic field of view in two dimensions. A timing and digitizing apparatus for digitizing ultrasonic signals from the ultrasonic scan head has a digitized output. An interface is coupled between the timing and digitizing apparatus and a graphics engine and first and second digital signal processors. A graphics processor is coupled to the graphics data line. The system also includes an image processor and computer controller which controls the graphics and digital signal processors.

Abstract: A directional earth boring drill bit blade includes an earth boring drill bit blade body having a cutting edge and having at least one fluid conduit through said earth boring drill bit blade body. A fluid nozzle is affixed to said at least one fluid conduit at the cutting edge. The earth boring drill bit blade body is adapted to be mounted to a boring tool body. The at least one conduit and nozzle cooperate to channel fluid so as to cool the directional boring drill bit blade and control steering while boring.

Abstract: An integrated optical system illuminates an ultraviolet spatial detector with an image from a field of interest. The ultraviolet spatial detector is comprised of an electron multiplying microchannel plate and a 100 pixel discrete anode array using a high strip current microchannel plate. The discrete anode array preserves the spatial distribution of the image. The ultraviolet spatial sensor has a wide field of view. The ultraviolet spatial detector has a photon counting sensor capable of detecting ultraviolet sources to determine their position to within plus or minus 4.5 degrees.

Abstract: An analog signal processing circuit used to suppress unipolar transient effects and signal averaging. Two transistors and one capacitor are provided in series to sample and condition an input signal. An additional transistor is provided in parallel to the capacitor to provide further signal processing capabilities. The circuit can function as an analog signal average, suppressing unipolar transient effects and as a peak detector while using a conservative amount of fabrication material and can be operated with low power.

Abstract: A monolithic detector array apparatus for sensing infrared radiation. An array of semiconductor diode bolometers are fabricated on micromachined thermal isolation structures called microbridges. The detectors are configured in an array and addressed by row and column. Readout circuitry may be optionally incorporated onto a common substrate. The monolithic detector array may be highly integrated, resulting in a low cost and a high performance focal plane array.

Abstract: A two color radiation detector. A dispersive lens with a spectrally selective central obscuration focuses a first radiation band on a central location on focal plane array. The dispersive lens also focuses an annulus of out of focus radiation of a second radiation band concentric with the central location on the focal plane array. For point target detection the dispersive lens transmits plume band and guard band radiation to the staring focal plane array sensor. The staring focal plane array is located at the focal point of the plume band radiation. A spatial filter detects target signatures using information from the plume band and guard band radiation.

Abstract: An implantable intramedullary bone lengthening device for correction of limb length deficiencies without a need for transcutaneous connections. The implantable intramedullary bone lengthening nail has an implantable housing, an adjustment mechanism attached to the telescoping cylinder housing, and a drive assembly attached to the housing and the adjustment mechanism for transmitting an expansion force to the adjustment mechanism. The implantable housing may be sealed, encapsulating the unit. The intramedullary bone lengthening nail is inserted into the intramedullary cavity of a bone, which may have been enlarged by reaming. The implantable housing of the intramedullary nail is formed from two telescoping cylinders and is affixed at either end to the bone using pins. The adjustment mechanism is attached to both cylinders of the housing and includes a mechanism for expanding the nail and a ratcheting mechanism for regulating the expansion.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus provides support and coordination of exercise motions to the user. The exercise apparatus has two exercise bars, two short exercise bars, a stabilizing bar, and a device for coupling the two exercise bars or the two short exercise bars at one end. The exercise bars have removable hand grips for helping the user maintain a grip on the exercise bar, wrist straps to provide for a level of safety when exercising with others when the grip is lost on the exercise bar, and a shoe that mounts on the stabilizing bar. One or both of the exercise bars may include lights mounted along the length of the bar. The lights provide an apparatus to help the instructor and user determine the position of the bar in space and also provide aesthetic appeal. The stabilizing bar attaches securely to the floor, and includes recesses for mounting the exercise bar. The stabilizing bar attaches to the floor and provides a stable point of reference.

Abstract: Autocorrelation processing finds a series of equally spaced pulses and noise. Pulses that are very narrow with inter-pulsed durations of several hundred times the width of the pulse are processed. A threshold detector receives an input from a sensor, the sensor providing the pulses. The threshold detector enables a flip flop which receives the output of a free running counter. The output of the free running counter is sent to a buffer such as, for example, a first in, first out circular buffer. The events held in the buffer are processed later for further autocorrelation processing.

Abstract: An overload protection circuit for a photomultiplier tube. A light source illuminates a photomultiplier tube which produces a signal proportional to the incoming radiation which is sent to photon counting electronics. The photon counting electronics produces a signal in proportion to the input photons to the photomultiplier tube and also provides an output to a frequency to voltage converter. The frequency to voltage converter is used to modulate a high voltage amplifier which controls the output of the photomultiplier tube. When the photon counting electronics indicate to the frequency to voltage converter that the photons produced by the photomultiplier tube exceed a predetermined maximum the high voltage amplifier reduces the gain of the photomultiplier tube. The gain of the photomultiplier tube is gradually reduced in proportion to the incident light level.

Abstract: A drive tube apparatus for providing a precisely adjustable linear range of motion to orthodontic devices. The drive tube apparatus includes a threaded tube with a roughened surface for secure attachment to a mounting. A drive screw engages the threaded tube through a predetermined range of motion. A ball and socket rotatably attaches the drive screw to the drive shaft allowing the drive shaft to move within a linear range of motion without rotating with the drive screw. The drive shaft attached to and accomplishes the positioning of an adjustable appliance.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus comprising a first apparatus for supplying power having a first power output, a second apparatus for supplying power having a second power output and a load monitoring apparatus for monitoring a third power output. The load monitoring apparatus has an input coupled to the third power output, and the load monitoring apparatus also includes a monitor output. A switching apparatus connects the first power output and the second power output to the third power output, wherein the switching apparatus has an input connected to the monitor output and switches in response to the monitor output.

Abstract: A circuit is provided for correcting an image signal received from a camera wherein the camera includes a plurality of charge coupled devices, each for providing a light signal indicative of the intensity of light incident thereon and wherein the plurality of light signals from the plurality of charge coupled devices are indicative of an image received by the camera. The correction circuit includes a gain memory for storing a plurality of gain correction factors wherein each gain correction factor is associated with a respective charge coupled device of the camera. The correction circuit further includes an offset memory for storing a plurality of offset correction factors wherein each offset correction factor is associated with a respective one of the plurality of charged coupled devices. The gain memory is responsive to a control circuit for multiplying the plurality of electric signals by the appropriate gain correction factor.