Abstract: A portable acousto-optical (AO) spectrometer system comprised of at least one AO crystal cell device specially designed for cancellation of side-lobe noise at a desired tuned wavelength of operation. Each AO crystal cell device has a transducer attached and forms an AO tunable filter (AOTF) and forms part of a photo-head assembly. The system can include an optical fiber link between the AO spectrometer photo-head assembly and additional features such as an optical alignment coupling attachment that couple an excitation source such as a laser that operates in either pulse or continuous mode, a probing fiber that provides a hand-held member that can emit a source radiation and in turn observe radiation reflected from an observed sample. There are two embodiment of the AO crystal cell device. Either embodiment of the AO crystal cell design can be used in the system, providing a vibration-insensitive AO spectrometer instrument having high sensitivity, accuracy and resolution capabilities.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for high intensity acoustic test cells that employ the Helmholtz resonator principle, incorporating at least one moderately-sized volume or test cell that is tunable to a given infrasonic to low-sonic frequency and generates sound of high intensity with very pure sinusoidal waveforms in this test cell or volume, by varying the geometry of a port which is connected to the test volume and open to either atmosphere or a second or input volume and by introducing to the test volume or the input volume a driving acoustic signal at the given tuned frequency. The apparatus and method are used for testing or performing experiments on materials, structures, devices, products, biological entities or humans at high acoustic intensities and frequencies in the low-sonic to infrasonic ranges.

Abstract: A semi-fragile image tamper detection system and method based on thumbnail hiding and which signifies the image areas in which tampering has occurred, is provided. A thumbnail is defined as a low-resolution version of an entire image or the significant features of an entire image. Thumbnail hiding is chosen to be resilient to effects of both image compression and low levels of transmission channel noise. The thumbnail computation and embedding techniques are chosen such that the resultant marked image corresponds in size and dynamic range to the original image.

Abstract: An authorization system uses card and signature devices to provide access to a machine. The devices include capacitance grids positioned on different surface regions of the devices to convert fingerprint images of at least two fingers into electrical signals. An images processor in the device processes the electrical signals detected from the fingerprints to produce electrical images of the user's fingerprints. The devices store fingerprint and encrypted user identification data. An authenticating processor compares the user's fingerprints detected on the capacitance grids with authorized user's previously recorded fingerprint's and the user's name and identification data to produce an authenticating signal if there is a match of the fingerprint images. Signature storage and identification can be provided to store and authenticate the uses's electronic signature.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an uncooled ferroelectric/pyroelectric infrared detector having a semi-transparent electrode material includes using a lattice matched substrate material and a crystallographically oriented bottom electrode material as a template for the growth of a crystallographically oriented ferroelectric/pyroelectric film. In a second preferred embodiment, the method includes fabricating a detector assembly, inverting the assembly, and attaching the inverted assembly to a circuit. This embodiment avoids temperature processing constraints associated with the circuit, and thus facilitates the use of higher growth temperatures. Advantages associated with the embodiments of the present invention include the ability to fabricate a crystallographically oriented bottom electrode material as a template for the growth of a crystallographically oriented ferroelectric/pyroelectric film. Furthermore, once the fabrication is complete, the substrate upon which the electrode is deposited can be easily removed.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a trip wire includes a point source of light of a given wavelength; a mirror that reflects the point source of light, the mirror having a first frequency of oscillation about a first axis to thereby create an appearance of a continuous line, the mirror having a second frequency of oscillation about a second axis to thereby define a planar surface, the first frequency of oscillation being greater than the second frequency of oscillation; a camera offset from the point source of light such that a field of view of the camera does not intersect the planar surface, the camera receiving light reflected from the trip wire; and a computer connected to the camera, the computer including pattern recognition algorithms for analyzing the light reflected from the trip wire and thereby detecting a presence of the trip wire.

Abstract: A printed circuit Traveling-Wave Tube (TWT) with a vacuum housing containing either a pair of identical meanderline slow-wave interaction circuits or a pair of multi-arm spiral slow-wave interaction circuits printed on two identical Photonic Band Gap crystal structures, and a gridded electron gun assembly. Printed on the two identical Photonic Band Gap crystal structures are electrical connections to connect the heater, cathode, grid and acceleration electrodes of the electron gun assembly to a power supply, RF input and output connectors surrounded by ground planes, a depressed collector, and a set of electrical connections to the depressed collector. Zig-zag metal spacers between the two identical Photonic Band Gap crystal structures are used to form the electron beam vacuum gap. Printed conducting metal strips on each side of the meanderline slow-wave interaction circuits are used for electrostatic focusing and to reduce beam edge effects of a sheet electron beam.

Abstract: An electro spinning process yields uniform, nanometer diameter polymer filaments. A thread-forming polymer is extruded through an anodically biased die orifice and drawn through an anodically biased electrostatic field. A continuous polymer filament is collected on a grounded collector. The polymer filament is linearly oriented and highly uniform in quality. The filament is particularly useful for weaving body armor, for chemical/biological protective clothing, as a biomedical tissue growth support, for fabricating micro sieves and for microelectronics fabrication.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of a plurality of detecting elements for detecting and producing an image of an object includes a signal generator for generating a waveform signal, a laser for producing a light signal modulated by the waveform signal, and a mixing and detecting device coupled to and driven by the signal generator for converting reflected light signals received from the target into electrical signals and for mixing the converted electrical signals with the waveform signal to produce an output electrical signal. A read-out is connected to the mixing and detecting device for removing the output electrical signals from the mixing and detecting, and a signal processor is connected to the read-out for processing the output electrical signals from the read-out to detect and produce and image of the object.

Abstract: The invention features a modified catch tube component capable of performing the function of the conventional catch tube and the conventional MEM simultaneously. The catch tube will also feature a capability to accept modular units of mass for adjusting the available angular momentum (of the spinning catch tube) as well as to incrementally adjust inertial resistance for controlling post-impact translational motion. The safety and performance enhancements of the modified spinner are achieved by the above mentioned integration of the MEM with the catch tube. This invention will eliminate MEM free flight and prevent excessively soft, or excessively hard projectile impacts. Equipment such as rails and wheel sets are used to assure that the motion of the catch tube is constrained to translation and to rotation. The invention contrasts conventional spinners in that the motion of a conventional catch tube is limited to rotation only and the MEM to translation and rotation.

Abstract: An armor component includes a tile having a perimeter; and a wrapping material wrapped around the perimeter of the tile. An armor system includes a back plate; at least one tile array layer disposed on the back plate, the at least one tile array layer comprising a plurality of armor components wherein each armor component comprises a tile having a perimeter wrapped with a wrapping material; and a top layer disposed on the at least one tile array layer.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing fiber reinforced resin structures using vacuum assisted resin transfer molding technology, wherein the apparatus and process employ a first fluid impervious flexible sheet containing therein a resin port; a fiber containing preform; a primary vacuum line; a resin channeling means; and a secondary vacuum line. The fluid impervious flexible sheet is placed over or around the fiber containing preform to form a chamber to which the primary vacuum line is connected. The resin channeling means is positioned on top of the fluid impervious flexible sheet, exterior to the chamber containing the preform in a fashion so as to form a pocket between or around the resin channeling means and said fluid impervious flexible sheet to which the secondary vacuum is applied. Activation of the secondary vacuum causes formation of channels in the fluid impervious flexible sheet. These channels increase the speed and efficiency of resin impregnation of the fiber containing preform.

Abstract: This invention provides a means for establishing and controlling a desired image on a material that is both conformal and flexible by nature. Such materials include paper, textiles, molded plastics, and woven fabric. The invention permits a low cost, effective means for generating both static and dynamic images on these materials while preserving the primary structural and functional attributes of the host material.

Abstract: A semipermeable membrane that is capable of remaining flexible at a temperature of at least −60° C. is selective to liquid penetrants depending on the size and polarity of the penetrants, and more specifically, the membrane has sufficient selectivity so as to be capable of allowing water to diffuse therethrough at a higher rate than virtually all organic liquids having a molecular weight higher than that of methanol. The semipermeable membrane, which is produced from an unsulfonated block copolymer having polystyrene and polyisobutylene segments, includes a sulfonated block copolymer including poly (styrene-co-styrene sulfonic acid) segments and polyisobutylene segments. Prior to modification by sulfonation, the unsulfonated polystyrene and polyisobutylene block copolymer includes polystyrene monomer in an amount of from 5% to 90% by weight of the total unsulfonated block copolymer.

Abstract: The invention presents a new methodology to monitor and display the resin flow during fabrication of organic matrix composite laminates in real-time or near real-time and includes data acquisition, remote data distribution, flow analysis and reconstruction, and flow visualization. The data acquisition apparatus is based on SMARTweave technology, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,210,499, which provides the location of points on the flow front as a function of time by using voltage measurements. However, the methodology will monitor and display the resin flow if the location and time information is acquired using modified SMARTweave or different apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for the activation of a remote device having a transmitter to generate and transmit user-set special coded signals. The transmitter has a function selector switch to select modes of operation for the transmitter. Included is also a receiver to receive the user-set special coded signals, and the receiver also has a function selector switch to select modes of operation for the receiver. The function selector switch selects the following modes of operation for the transmitter: (a) a “transmit/fire” mode that enables a fire signal to be transmitted to the receiver; (b) a “wake-up” mode that enables a set-up receiver mode for immediate firing; (c) a program mode for low power transmission of programmed codes; and (d) a “test” and operational mode that enables an operational test of the apparatus with no firing output.

Abstract: A vortex ring is used to produce a flow of fluid through a flexible tube, to remove surface deposits from a surface, and to transfer heat from a platen to a ring vortex. In pumping a fluid through a flexible conduit or tube, a vortex ring is launched along the tube so that the vortex ring encircles the tube. The vortex ring compresses and expands the flexible tube utilizing a high circumferential pressure formed at the bow of the vortex ring and a low pressure at the wake of the vortex ring. In removing deposits from a surface, a vortex ring launched along the surface mechanically abrades the surface and fractures the adhesion bonds of the surface deposits. In transferring heat from a heated surface to a vortex ring, the vortex ring removes the heat from the surface of the heated platen by forced convection.

Abstract: A fin disengagement device for limiting the range of a projectile uses an electronic safe and arm circuit to sense launch and spin levels. Once armed, the stored energy from the electronic safe and arm circuit is dumped into an initiator or directly to explosive bolts. The initiator ignites an energetic material to separate the fin from the projectile in-flight at a predetermined time. Alternatively, the explosive bolts separate the fin from the projectile in-flight at a predetermined time. In the embodiments using an initiator and energetic material, an opening or cavity in the rear portion of the projectile body or rod adapter acts as a pressure chamber. When enough pressure has built up from the burning of the energetic material, the front hub of the fin section expands enough to disengage the threads and separates the fin section from the projectile body.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an underground abject includes a container in contact with the ground surface; a medium disposed in the container; at least one acoustic sensor disposed in the medium in the container; and an output device connected to the acoustic sensor. A portion of the container in contact with the ground is substantially acoustically transparent and conforms to contours of the ground. The acoustic impedance of the medium in the container is substantially the same as the acoustic impedance of the ground. A method of detecting an underground object includes receiveing reflected acoustic noise with at least one acoustic sensor immersed in a medium, the mediukm being desposed in a container in contact with a ground surface; converting the reflected acoustic noise to electrical signals; and, using an output device, converting teh eletrical signals to a form that can be sensed by a human to determine if the undergroung object has been detected.

Abstract: A method of converting an analog signal to a digital signal includes (a) filtering the analog signal to the range 0≦fx≦fB; (b) sampling the filtered signal at a rate fS>>fN, where fS is the sampling frequency, fN=2fx is the Nyquist frequency of the sampled signal, and fB≦fS/2 is the constrained signal bandwidth; (c) converting the sampled signal to an optical sampled signal: (d) converting the optical sampled signal from a temporal signal to a spatial signal; (e) illuminating a smart pixel array with the spatial signal; (f) processing the spatial signal with an error diffusion neural network to produce a 2-D binary image; and (g) averaging rows and columns of the 2-D binary image using a digital low pass filter and a decimation circuit.