Abstract: A plastic cutlery item, fabricated primarily from a plastic material, such as polystyrene, having a metallic coating that imparts to this cutlery item the appearance of metal cutlery or silverware. The plastic cutlery or tableware items are molded using traditional injection molding techniques, and subjected to a vacuum metallizing process in an individualized non-contiguous manner, where a thin metallic layer is deposited on at least one of their surfaces. The resultant items simulate the appearance of solid metal cutlery or tableware. In the most preferred embodiment of the invention the plastic cutlery or tableware items are molded from a light-transmitting grade of Polystyrene resin and are coated with a thin stainless steel layer through vacuum sputtering deposition on only one of the surfaces.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for improving the aging, pressure sensitivity, and acceleration sensitivity of crystal resonators. In one embodiment the invention includes a coplanar two-dimensional compliant mounting structure, wherein the symmetry and compliance of the planar mounting structure reduces the effects of residual static stresses and dynamic vibratory stresses on the vibration sensitivity performance of a crystal resonator. The structural elements include compliance loops that provide relief from the effects associated with manufacturing, thermal and vibration stresses.

Abstract: The present invention is for automatic reconfiguration of industrial networked devices. More particularly, the system described herein facilitates use of TCP/IP networks, such as Ethernet, as an alternative for industrial fieldbus or device buses by removing the need to perform significant reconfiguration of devices such as I/O modules, sensors, or transducers under field replacement situations. The present invention uses a monitor agent to track the IP and MAC addresses of networked devices as well as port information. If a device fails, maintenance personnel make an in-field replacement of the failed device and the monitor agent automatically reassigns the IP address to the replacement device.

Abstract: Techniques that provide relatively low cost and complexity remote sensing capability are disclosed. The sensors can be easily deployed and monitored by a single operator, with minimal opportunity for human error, and without the need for a visual display. During deployment, the sensor is adapted to record a message including a verbal description of the location. Other useful information, such as the operator's name and sensor type may also be included. The voice locator message is transmitted in response to the sensor triggering, thereby allowing the operator to hear the location of the triggered sensor. Additional device functionality may include sensor signal analysis (e.g., confidence testing) and a power conservation. The devices have numerous applications (e.g., military and SWAT operations), and can be adapted to detect intrusion, perimeter breach, movement, vehicles, and other detectable events.

Abstract: Techniques that eliminate or otherwise reduce retroreflections associated with focal plane arrays (cooled and uncooled) and other tilted devices are disclosed. The device topology is designed so that incoming radiation is reflected outside of the incoming focusing optical cone. Planarization is used to eliminate concave geometries and angled sidewalls can be used to eliminate convex geometries, as such geometries cause retroreflection. The resultant structure is covered with reflective material (e.g., aluminum, titanium tungsten, or other standard metallization), which not only safely reflects light from the scene, but also prevents reflections from the underlying geometries of the via. Devices configured in accordance with the principles of the present invention require less tilt, thereby minimizing optical distortion.

Abstract: The invention in one embodiment is an improved variable speed engine/generator set with an integrated power conditioning system and control method including load shedding to generate high quality AC power with improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. The variable speed generator control scheme allows for load adaptive speed control of engine and generator field. The transformerless power inverter topology and control method provides the necessary output frequency, voltage and/or current waveform regulation, harmonic distortion rejection, and provides for single phase, or unbalanced loading.

Abstract: A reduced complexity Turbo multi-user detector (MUD) processing system in multiple access communications channels that decreases the likelihood of improper decoding of the final values of interest and decreases the computation complexity for each iteration, thereby allowing for a reduction in the number of iterations performed and lowers the overall complexity without negatively impacting performance. In one form the present invention comprises a multi-user detector coupled to two or more decoder sections, two ore more recoders, and a compare and adjust section in such a manner that data flows iteratively to correct for errors in a computationally efficient manner.

Abstract: Techniques for qualifying and monitoring bearing performance and condition in a rotary servo systems (e.g., galvanometer scanner) are disclosed. A position error signal is analyzed for signal anomalies that can signify bearing damage. A DC offset ramp is applied to the position error signal to test whether the anomaly is angular position dependent. The anomaly is associated with the corresponding command signal value and range of values to calculate the angular position and range of the apparent bearing damage. The amplitude of the anomaly is measured and associated with a relative degree of bearing damage.

Abstract: A supercritical fluid cleaning system and method comprising mainly a pressure chamber, a closable lid, a substrate support for holding at least one substrate, a rotable shaft extending outward from within the chamber, an external rotary power source coupled magnetically or otherwise to the shaft, and a rotable component or impeller attached to the chamber end of the shaft in close proximity to the substrate holding position, and baffles located close to the rotable component. The rotable component is con|figured for rotation within the supercritical phase fluid in the chamber close to the surface of the wafer for causing agitation and turbulent fluid flow against the surface of the substrate, and increased intra-chamber fluid circulation.

Abstract: The invention is a detection system and in one embodiment uses inexpensive, miniaturized sensors for detecting electric field (E-field) disturbances. Such sensors are easily and covertly deployable and have low power consumption. The devices may incorporate visual or audio alerts and can include communications hardware for transmitting data for further processing of the electrostatic events.

Abstract: The applicator includes a housing having an outer surface, and an internal reservoir for holding the dispensable product (e.g., liquid soap or topical skin treatment or any flowable product). Porous qualities of the housing fluidly couple the internal reservoir and the outer surface of the housing. Thus, when the applicator is activated by creating an internal positive pressure, the product continuously flows (e.g., for 10 seconds or more) from the internal reservoir to the outer housing surface. A rapid product release (e.g., 1 to 9 seconds) is also possible. One or more porous housing jackets may be disposed about the housing, which operate in conjunction with the porous housing to control flow of product. The applicator can be designed as a one-time disposable device that includes an internal supply of product, avoiding the need for both applicator and separate product. Alternatively, the applicator can be designed to be rechargeable with a particular product or products.

Abstract: An improved, in-line, bulkhead mounted, electromagnetic interference filter specifically for low frequency, high current applications such as filtering EMI from 400 Hertz aircraft power, consisting in particular of capacitive elements employing a discoidal, non-ferroelectric ceramic dielectric such as NPO/COG, configured in any of the traditional L and C filter arrangements and packaged in a center feed through, ground plane metal jacket suitable for bulkhead or through-hole mounting, offering improved performance over the full specified temperature range, greater reliability and longer useful life than, for example, similar filters employing X7R dielectric.

Abstract: A structure for a passive microwave device capable of low IMD and high power operation, and adapted for automated assembling and placement is disclosed. The device exhibits a high degree of coplanarity on its mounting surface, as well as a high degree of flatness and alignment between its respective components. The inherent self-aligning qualities of the design are used in conjunction with an assembly fixture that has three or more alignment pins to provide a highly manufacturable and reliable device. Related manufacturing methods and fixturing are also disclosed.

Abstract: A protective covering system having high-flexibility and low areal density characteristics. In one aspect of the invention, the protective system includes a plurality of metallic staples or wire elements secured to multi-layer matrix including woven fibers, the layers being oriented at cross angles to provide a grid-like pattern of protective elements. In one aspect of the invention, protective elements provide a coverage area of less than 90% and as little as 40% of total surface area. In one aspect of the invention, protective elements may be mechanically secured to a matrix by a puncture and crimp process. In another, wire elements may be attached or woven into one or more matrix layers.

Abstract: Dithering techniques that efficiently combine a non-correlated noise signal with a desired signal are disclosed. Insertion loss in the noise path is relatively low due to combining means employed. In one embodiment, a self-contained dithering module includes a diplexer (or equivalent device) that provides an insertion loss associated with the noise signal of 3 dB or less. The signal+noise output can be used in noise-based application such as a data conversion process.

Abstract: Techniques using QDIP technology to form imaging focal plane arrays capable of sensing one or more colors are disclosed. Hybridizing such QDIP arrays to supporting electronic circuitry (e.g. such as CMOS read-out circuitry) enables the generation of an IR image that could be used for applications such as surveillance, night vision, and search and rescue operations.

Abstract: A low cost diagnostic system for testing the airborne static discharge systems and the grounding systems for aircraft. The present invention is a passive electrostatic detection scheme which in one embodiment is an array of inexpensive, miniaturized sensors for measuring the detected E-field disturbances from aircraft. The measurements are taken on the runway upon arrival and indicate whether the aircraft had an appreciable accumulated charge indicating a failure of the electrostatic discharge system. The system further verifies that the ground discharge devices are properly working and any charge is dissipated upon landing. In one embodiment the measurement information is transmitted to a central location where the aircraft and the measurement data are matched and maintenance is scheduled for aircraft having high levels of electrostatic charge.

Abstract: An optical transmission device configured as a central node, wherein each central node has dedicated pixels for receiving data and transmitting optical data so destination addressing is not required. The network is configured such that transmission on any particular receiver reserved pixels results in data being sent to a predetermined node. In particular, the star topology is configured as a receiver reserved scheme. The device is formed by constructing central node of transmitters and receivers that are attached to a silicon substrate with a processing means, and the optical interface to the transmitters and detectors on the central node establish a one-to-one correspondence with an individual fiber optic cable. The fiber optic cables are reconfigurable to different topologies or interconnections as each fiber optic cable has a known destination on the central node. Various topologies are possible using a star node as the building block.