Abstract: A close quarter combat butt stock and blade apparatus for an assault weapon is provided with a slideable cover for a close quarters combat assembly having a rear bayonet. The close quarters combat assembly is connected to the concealed rear bayonet, has an interior opening that defines a close combat handle and a hand shield and is positioned behind the first pistol grip and first trigger. A second trigger is also built into the interior opening. In a closed position, the slideable cover covers the close quarters combat assembly and the rear bayonet remains concealed within the butt stock. When the slideable cover is in the open position, the rear bayonet is simultaneously extended rearward permitting the military and law enforcement user to thrust the rear bayonet at an opponent attacking from the rear or side.

Abstract: RF programmable SAW filters achieve selectable filter performance by providing tunable input and output interdigital (IDTs) with different synchronous frequencies and substantially reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) associated with RF signals not of interest. The RF programmable SAW filter includes tunable input and output IDT's, with the input and output IDT's having different input and output IDT synchronous frequencies. The input signal is divided into multiple output signals along multiple signal paths that are applied to an input tap weight network wherein the amplitude of each output signal may be varied individually. The individually weighted signal paths are then applied one each to individual IDT input electrode fingers in a means for IDT input, which is characterized by a synchronous frequency Fin. The IDT input means generates an acoustic wave that propagates to a means for IDT output, which is characterized by a synchronous frequency Fout, where Fin and Fout are not the same.

Abstract: N-sample level-crossing estimator methods and devices are provided that extract more information from given time samples than the current two-sample approach and that are more resistant to interference from noises. The two-mean level-crossing time-interval estimation method extracts more information from given time samples than existing methods, advantageously estimates a level-crossing time interval with a limited number of time samples and is quieter than current noisy estimation techniques. The two-mean level crossing time-interval estimation method for N-sample estimation uses all N time samples by calculating the mean value of the first N/2 time samples and subtracting it by the second N/2 time sample to average out the noises in time samples.

Abstract: Fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) seismic activity sensors coupled in sensor arrays provide increased sensitivity to seismic activities, lower strain values and an absence of EMI allowing detection of troop and vehicle movements based on ground vibrations generating seismic signals. The FBG sensor head features a spring-mass configuration with a head surface, fiber optic cable and the FBG sensor attached to a spring that stretches during the acceleration of the mass. Waves propagating inside the earth and along the ground arriving at the sensor locations cause movement of the seismic activity sensors embedded in the ground and this movement induces an acceleration-dependent change in the FBG gratings placed on the sensors. In multiple sensor configurations, the cable will be connected to the other sensors in the network. FBG sensors, sensor arrays and sensor methods are provided in several embodiments.

Abstract: An ionized alpha particle detector to directly measure alpha activity in ambient air that counts alpha pulses instead of measuring radon concentration is provided by an open-air ionization chamber, a means for collecting ions, a voltage source, a charging means and a means for recording alpha pulses. The ionized alpha particle detector allows the user to directly measure the alpha particle activity in ambient air and consequently, better assess the radiological public health risk from alpha particles emitted by inhaled air. The ionized alpha particle detector advantageously overcomes the difficulties in measuring alpha particles caused by oxygen ions that quickly attract electrons and form negative ions that compensate positive charged particles and prevent the formation of alpha particle pulses.

Abstract: An automatic antenna-switching apparatus is provided for the user to connect a single multiband communications platform to a group of antennas with different frequencies by detecting the RF energy input representing the user's selected frequency and automatically switching to the properly polarized and matched antenna for the intended radio band in the group of antennas. The automatic antenna-switching apparatus includes an RF input port, a means for RF sensing, a means for antenna port selection, a group of RF output connectors and a group of different output antennas. The RF sensing means senses the RF energy with a means for frequency counting that determines the exact frequency represented by the RF energy during a particular radio transmission. The RF sensing means sends a frequency count output to the antenna port selection means that compares the frequency count output with the available connected output antennas.

Abstract: Reliable piezoelectric restraint mechanisms are provided that substantially reduce the ill effects of acceleration sensitivity through an increasingly rigid and precise orientation system. The piezoelectric resonator stress relief apparatus, devices and systems of the present invention resolve the long-standing disadvantages, limitations and shortcomings of acceleration sensitive resonators by stacking a number of rigid plates, layers and spring cushions around the piezoelectric resonator by means of a mounting structure that provides in-plane stress relief and precise definition of the mounting plane. The piezoelectric resonator stress relief apparatus, device and system can essentially eliminate any deformation or may include precisely defined features to tailor the allowed deformation of the piezoelectric resonator, without suffering from the long-standing disadvantages, limitations and shortcomings of prior art acceleration sensitive resonators.

Abstract: A permanent magnet assembly, for engaging a generally planar surface of a ferromagnetic object to affix items of interest thereto, includes a shell of a magnetic material. The shell has a portion of either a magic sphere or a magic cylinder and a cavity and the shell terminates in a surface that is generally planar for engaging a ferromagnetic object. The permanent magnet assembly also has an insert located in the cavity. A method of fabricating the permanent magnet assembly is also presented.

Abstract: A spectrum analyzer includes a resonator board that in turn has a substrate and a plurality of resonators. Each resonator may include a first segment that includes a first segment discontinuity and that may also define a boundary and a second segment that has a second segment discontinuity. The second segment may be spaced from the first segment and wherein the second segment is disposed within the boundary defined by the first segment. The resonator board may also include a plurality of wires each of which may be generally parallel to each other and each having a resonator interposed therebetween.

Abstract: An Interdigital Bulk Acoustic-Wave Transducer (IBAT) device is provided with pairs of exciting electrode fingers disposed sufficiently close together on the piezoelectric substrate and dielectric coating over the exciting electrode fingers to generate an IC-compatible voltage at relatively high electric field strength, resulting in a reduced region of excitation and uniform electric field strength distribution. The IBAT advantageously produces a lateral electric field substantially uniform over a substantial portion of the active BAW structure area, reducing, or virtually eliminating sharp voltage spikes, an electrical field produced by the low voltages resident on integrated circuit (IC) chips, usually of a magnitude of 10 volts, or lower, the planar electrode structure being compatible with IC processing techniques, such as photolithography and the BAWs produced thereby being essentially plane waves, with propagation away from, but with phase progression substantially parallel to, the substrate surface.

Abstract: Reacting MnO2, a lithium compound and a bismuth compound produces a lithium battery cathode material for lithium electrochemical systems. The same results can also be achieved by reacting MnO2, lithium, or a compound containing lithium and bismuth, or a compound containing bismuth. Manganese based mixed metal oxides with lithium and bismuth were initially examined as a cathode material for rechargeable lithium and lithium-ion batteries in order to provide a new mixed metal oxide cathode material as the positive electrode in rechargeable lithium and lithium ion electrochemical cells. A stable mixed metal oxide was fabricated through a solid-state reaction between manganese dioxide, a lithium compound and bismuth or a bismuth compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manganese bismuth mixed metal oxide cathode material through a solid-state reaction between manganese dioxide, and either bismuth or a bismuth compound in a compound having the general formula MnOy(Bi2O3)x, which affords charge transfer catalytic behavior that allows the cathode to be fully reversible at suppressed charge potentials and increased discharge potentials. The MnOy(Bi2O3)x cathode material may be incorporated into an electrochemical cell with either a lithium metal or lithium ion anode and an organic electrolyte. The present invention provides a compound with the general formula MnOy(Bi2O3)x, where subscript x is between 0.05 and 0.25, subscript y is about 2 and the overcharge protection is not needed as the subscript z approaches 0.0. In the preferred embodiment, a cathode material where subscript x is between 0.05 and 0.135 with the formula MnO2(Bi2O3)0.12 provides the much-needed full reversibility, high voltage stability and reduced charge transfer impedance.

Abstract: An electrically small wideband circularly polarized single layer compact microstrip antenna that permits a substantial reduction in antenna size is provided, by stacking a semicircular radiating arch on a dielectric substrate and a conductive ground plane that permits both a considerably reduced antenna length and significantly high efficiency antenna performance. The radiating arch is composed from a group of arc-shaped segments that are each separated by a gap, with one segment having an opening allowing a connector center probe to protrude upwards. In the preferred embodiment, the arc-shaped segments are arranged into a semicircle on the top surface of the dielectric substrate. Other embodiments include an array antenna and a method for decreasing a wideband circularly polarized compact microstrip antenna with a given length, AL.

Abstract: Magnetic field structures composed of stacked magnetic laminae that are magnetically oriented perpendicular to their planes and configured to cause a volume charge density and cancel the field effects of unwanted surface negative charges are provided. This arrangement causes a uniform volume magnetic charge density, which results in a magnetic field normal to the laminae. The stacked magnetic laminae magnetic field structures cancel the field effects of the deleterious unwanted surface charges because these surface charges are so situated that their contributions to the internal magnetic field mutually cancel each other, and thus they are no longer detrimental to the magnetic field created by the volume charge density. One embodiment provides a planar-spherical magnetic field gradient source structure.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a permanent magnet, includes a body that has a body axis and that, in turn, has a plurality of discreet components. Each of the components may be radially spaced from the body axis approximately an equal distance and each component may be circumferentially spaced an approximately equal distance apart. Also, each of the components may include a cavity and a component axis and wherein each of the components may have an inner body, that, in turn, has a magnetic substance and that is rotatable about the component axis and a plurality of inner segments each having an inner segment magnetic field. The components may also include an outer body that, in turn, includes a magnetic substance and that is rotatable about the component axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a potassium-doped mixed metal oxide cathode material formed by advantageously alloying MnO2 with potassium and lithium to provide a new mixed metal oxide cathode material as the positive electrode in rechargeable lithium and lithium ion electrochemical cells. By alloying MnO2 with potassium and lithium in a LixKyMn2O4 compound, the cathode materials of the present invention afford overcharge protection that allows the cathode to be fully reversible. Manganese dioxide doped with potassium was initially examined as a cathode material for rechargeable lithium and lithium-ion batteries in order to provide a new mixed metal oxide cathode material as the positive electrode in rechargeable lithium and lithium ion electrochemical cells. The LixKyMn2O4 material is incorporated into an electrochemical cell with either a lithium metal or lithium ion anode and an organic electrolyte.

Abstract: A bayonet assembly, for a firearm that has a knuckleguard, includes a rail connected to the firearm where the rail comprises a first position detent and a second position detent. The bayonet assembly may also include a bayonet that, in turn, includes a blade and a slide. The slide may be dimensioned and configured to engage the rail and the slide may include a slide catch that is dimensioned and configured to be engageable with the first position detent and the second position detent. In operation, the bayonet may be slid by a hand that is located within the knuckleguard from a remote position, where the slide catch engages the first position detent, to an extended position, where the slide catch engages the second position detent.

Abstract: Magnetic field structures composed of stacked magnetic laminae that are magnetically oriented perpendicular to their planes and configured to cause a volume charge density and cancel the field effects of unwanted surface negative charges. This arrangement causes a uniform volume magnetic charge density, which results in a magnetic field normal to the laminae of the magnitude. The stacked magnetic laminae magnetic field structures cancel the field effects of the deleterious unwanted surface charges because these surface charges are so situated that their contributions to the internal magnetic field mutually cancel each other, and thus they are no longer detrimental to the magnetic field created by the volume charge density.

Abstract: A low profile antenna includes an antenna and a ground plane structure operatively associated with the antenna. The ground plane structure has a generally planar surface, at least one protrusion extending from the planar surface and a dielectric substrate supported by the planar surface. The dielectric substrate includes a relative permeability (?) of greater than or equal to about one and a relative permittivity (?) of greater than or equal to about one.

Abstract: A neutron spectrometer is provided by a series of substrates covered by a solid-state detector stacked on an absorbing layer. As many as 12 substrates that convert neutrons to protons are covered by a layer of absorbing material, acting as a proton absorber, with the detector placed within the layer to count protons passing through the absorbing layer. By using 12 detectors the range of neutron energies are covered. The flat embodiment of the neutron spectrometer is a chamber, a group of detectors each having an absorber layer, with each detector separated by gaps and arranged in an egg-crate-like structure within the chamber. Each absorber layer is constructed with a different thickness according to the minimum and maximum energies of neutrons in the spectrum.