Abstract: Methods of and systems for remediating hydrazine spills, solutions and hydrazine-contaminated objects including areas thereof. Initially, an aqueous solution comprising a dicarbonyl-compound can be prepared. The aqueous solution can then be provided for application to an object contaminated with a hydrazine group compound. The hydrazine group compounds are converted to a stable organic compound as a result of a reaction of the dicarbonyl-compound and hydrazine group compound. Conversion assists in the remediation of the hydrazine group compound from the object. The stable organic compound produced as a result of the reaction between the dicarbonyl-compound and hydrazine group compound can then be treated with a metal catalyst and hydrogen to produce glutamine or a derivative thereof. Both the stable organic compound and glutamine can undergo microbiological degradation without further remedial intervention.

Abstract: Ink refill systems are disclosed. In general, an ink source comprising a saturated zone and a tubarc porous microstructure for conducting ink from the saturated zone to an unsaturated zone are provided. The ink can be delivered from the saturated zone to the unsaturated zone through the tubarc porous microstructure, thereby permitting the ink to be harnessed for ink writing and/or printing through the unsaturated hydrodynamic flow of the ink from one zone of saturation or unsaturation to another.

Abstract: Methods and systems in a data-processing system for matching data contained in a hierarchical data tree structure. One or more sets of data contained within a first data tree structure can be associated with one or more sets of data contained within a second data tree structure, such that the data associated with the first data tree structure is generally utilized to process the data associated with the second data tree structure. The first data tree structure can then be compared in parallel to the second data tree structure beginning with a first root thereof to thereby identify data similarities between the first and second data tree structures based on a predefined search criteria. Finally, one or more matching set of data between the first data tree structure and the second data tree structure can be identified, in response to comparing the first data structure to the second data structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting x-rays are disclosed herein. One or more x-ray-sensitive scintillators can be configured from a plurality of heavy element nano-sized particles and a plastic material, such as polystyrene. As will be explained in greater detail herein, the heavy element nano-sized particles (e.g., PbWO4) can be compounded into the plastic material with at least one dopant that permits the plastic material to scintillate. X-rays interact with the heavy element nano-sized particles to produce electrons that can deposit energy in the x-ray sensitive scintillator, which in turn can produce light.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining components in neural network formed utilizing nanotechnology is described herein. A connection gap can be formed between two terminals. A solution comprising a melting point at approximately room temperature can be provided, wherein the solution is maintained in the connection gap and comprises a plurality of nanoparticles forming nanoconnections thereof having connection strengths thereof, wherein the solution and the connection gap are adapted for use with a neural network formed utilizing nanotechnology, such when power is removed from the neural network, the solution freezes, thereby locking into place the connection strengths.

Abstract: CMOS transistors are configured to operate as either a redundant, SEU-tolerant, positive-logic, cross-coupled Nor Gate SR-flip flop or a redundant, SEU-tolerant, negative-logic, cross-coupled Nand Gate SR-flip flop. The register can operate as a memory, and further as a memory that can overcome the effects of radiation. As an SR-flip flop, the invention can be altered into any known type of latch or flip-flop by the application of external logic, thereby extending radiation tolerance to devices previously incapable of radiation tolerance. Numerous registers can be logically connected and replicated thereby being electronically configured to operate as a redundant circuit.

Abstract: A variable resistor apparatus includes a plurality of nanoparticles disposed between two terminals, wherein the plurality of nanoparticles provides an electrical resistance. An electric field applied to the plurality of nanoparticles across the two terminals results in an alignment of the nanoparticles over time and a decrease in the electrical resistance thereby providing a variable resistor apparatus. The electric or electrical field can be applied across the two terminals perpendicular to the plurality of nanoconnections. The nanoparticles can comprise nanoconductors, which can be formed as, for example, nanotubes and/or nanowires. The nanoparticles are generally disposed in a solution within a connection gap formed between the two terminals. The solution can comprise a solvent and/or a suspension of nanoparticles forming a mixture thereof. The solution can also be provided as a liquid, a gel, and or a gas. The solution may also comprise a dielectric.

Abstract: Radar systems use time delay measurements between a transmitted signal and its echo to calculate range to a target. Ranges that change with time cause a Doppler offset in phase and frequency of the echo. Consequently, the closing velocity between target and radar can be measured by measuring the Doppler offset of the echo. The closing velocity is also known as radial velocity, or line-of-sight velocity. Doppler frequency is measured in a pulse-Doppler radar as a linear phase shift over a set of radar pulses during some Coherent Processing Interval (CPI). An Interferometric Moving Target Indicator (MTI) radar can be used to measure the tangential velocity component of a moving target. Multiple baselines, along with the conventional radial velocity measurement, allow estimating the true 3-D velocity of a target.

Abstract: Methods and systems for rendering printing marks in multiple-device printing environments such as printshops are disclosed. In general, one or more printers among a plurality of printers in a multiple device printing environment can be identified for rendering a print job. The mark can then be automatically and dynamically rendered upon the print job based on the required resources and needs of the printers operating within the multiple-device printing environment during or after an imposition of the print job.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting neutrons. One or more neutron-sensitive scintillators can be configured from a plurality of nano-sized particles, dopants and an extruded plastic material, such as polystyrene. The nano-sized particles can be compounded into the extruded plastic material with at least one dopant that permits the plastic material to scintillate. One or more plastic light collectors can be associated with a neutron-sensitive scintillator, such that the plastic light collector includes a central hole thereof. A wavelength-shifting fiber can then be located within the hole. The wavelength shifting (WLS) fiber absorbs scintillation light having a wavelength thereof and re-emits the light at a longer wavelength.

Abstract: Irrigation and drainage systems are disclosed, including a saturated zone and at least one pipe in communication with the saturated zone. The pipe(s) can be configured to comprise a tubarc porous microstructure for conducting water from the saturated zone to an unsaturated zone in order to drain the water from the saturated zone. The water can be delivered from the saturated zone to the unsaturated zone through the tubarc porous microstructure, thereby permitting the water to be harnessed for irrigation or drainage through the hydrodynamic movement of the water from one zone of saturation or unsaturation to another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing a flammable vapor are described herein. Initially, a first thermal conductivity of a vapor at a first temperature and a second thermal conductivity of the vapor at a second temperature can be determined. Thereafter, a ratio of the first thermal conductivity signal to that of the second thermal conductivity can be calculated to obtain a primary “vapor” signal. The “vapor” ratio can then be compared to an “air” ratio of air without the vapor at the first temperature and the second temperature to obtain a secondary signal thereof. Such a secondary signal can then be compared to an alarm set-point value to thereby determine whether the vapor comprises a flammable vapor and a risk-reducing action thereof be taken.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the simultaneous detection and identification of radiation species, including neutrons, gammas/x-rays and minimum ionizing particles (MIPs). A plurality of rectangular and/or triangularly shaped radiation sensitive scintillators can be configured from a plurality of nano-sized particles, dopants and an extruded plastic material. A wavelength-shifting fiber can then be located within a central hole of each extruded scintillator, wherein the wavelength-shifting fiber absorbs scintillation light and re-emits the light at a longer wavelength, thereby piping the light to a photodetector whose response to the light indicates the presence of radiation The resulting method and system can simultaneously detect neutrons, gamma rays, x-rays and cosmic rays (MIPs) and identify each.

Abstract: A physical neural network based on nanotechnology, including methods thereof. Such a physical neural network generally includes one or more neuron-like nodes, which are formed from a plurality of interconnected nanoconnections formed from nanoconductors. Each neuron-like node sums one or more input signals and generates one or more output signals based on a threshold associated with the input signal. The physical neural network also includes a connection network formed from the interconnected nanoconnections, such that the interconnected nanoconnections used thereof by one or more of the neuron-like nodes are strengthened or weakened according to an application of an electric field.

Abstract: Laser optical sensing systems and methods for detecting object characteristics are disclosed. The system includes a laser source with at least two emission apertures from which laser signals are emitted. The system also includes at least one detector, which is operationally responsive to the laser source. The system can also include a microprocessor that is operationally coupled to the detector(s) for processing signal data, a memory accessible by the microprocessor for storing object characteristics (e.g., unique signals), and a software module accessible by the microprocessor for enabling system training and detection operations. The laser source emits into an environment at least two laser signals, one from each emission aperture. The detector detects the laser signals after the signals pass through the environment, which is occupied by an object, and the microprocessor determines object characteristics based on the matching of laser signals received by the detector(s) and characteristics stored in memory.

Abstract: A digital IF receiver (DRX) module directly compatible with advanced radar systems such as synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems. The DRX can combine a 1 G-Sample/sec 8-bit ADC with high-speed digital signal processor, such as high gate-count FPGA technology or ASICs to realize a wideband IF receiver. DSP operations implemented in the DRX can include quadrature demodulation and multi-rate, variable-bandwidth IF filtering. Pulse-to-pulse (Doppler domain) filtering can also be implemented in the form of a presummer (accumulator) and an azimuth prefilter. An out of band noise source can be employed to provide a dither signal to the ADC, and later be removed by digital signal processing. Both the range and Doppler domain filtering operations can be implemented using a unique pane architecture which allows on-the-fly selection of the filter decimation factor, and hence, the filter bandwidth. The DRX module can include a standard VME-64 interface for control, status, and programming.

Abstract: Frequency dependent corrections are provided for Local Oscillator (LO) feed-through. An operational procedure filters LO feed-through effects without prior calibration or equalization. Waveform generation can be adjusted/corrected in a synthetic aperture radar system (SAR), where a rolling phase shift is applied to the SAR's QDWS signal where it is demodulated in a receiver, unwanted energies, such as LO feed-through energy, are separated from a desired signal in Doppler; the separated energy is filtered from the receiver leaving the desired signal; and the separated energy in the receiver is measured to determine the degree of imbalance that is represented by it. Calibration methods can also be implemented into synthesis. The degree of LO feed-through can be used to determine calibration values that can then be provided as compensation for frequency dependent errors in components, such as the QDWS and SSB mixer, affecting quadrature signal quality.

Abstract: Frequency dependent corrections are provided for quadrature imbalance and Local Oscillator (LO) feed-through. An operational procedure filters imbalance and LO feed-through effects without prior calibration or equalization. Waveform generation can be adjusted/corrected in a synthetic aperture radar system (SAR), where a rolling phase shift is applied to the SAR's QDWS signal where it is demodulated in a receiver; unwanted energies, such as LO feed-through and/or imbalance energy, are separated from a desired signal in Doppler; the separated energy is filtered from the receiver leaving the desired signal; and the separated energy in the receiver is measured to determine the degree of imbalance that is represented by it. Calibration methods can also be implemented into synthesis.

Abstract: Frequency dependent corrections are provided for quadrature imbalance. An operational procedure filters imbalance effects without prior calibration or equalization. Waveform generation can be adjusted/corrected in a synthetic aperture radar system (SAR), where a rolling phase shift is applied to the SAR's QDWS signal where it is demodulated in a receiver; unwanted energies, such as imbalance energy, are separated from a desired signal in Doppler; the separated energy is filtered from the receiver leaving the desired signal; and the separated energy in the receiver is measured to determine the degree of imbalance that is represented by it. Calibration methods can also be implemented into synthesis. The degree of quadrature imbalance can be used to determine calibration values that can then be provided as compensation for frequency dependent errors in components, such as the QDWS and SSB mixer, affecting quadrature signal quality.

Abstract: Systems and methods analyze the performance of a mechanical system having two identical rotating members therein. Light is directed from two identical light sources to intercept encoded portions of the rotating members. A portion of the light is reflected from the encoded portions of each rotating member. The reflected portion of the light can be then detected to recover performance data maintained therein, wherein the performance data contains performance characteristics of the mechanical system. A reflected portion of the light can be detected to recover performance data. The light sources can be configured as Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSEL). The encoded portions of rotating members thereof can include a bar code. Images from a first encoded surface may interact with an image from a second encoded surface after the light beams are reflected off the first and second rotating surfaces to produce Moirè fringes.