Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting objects. In one embodiment, a person entering a secured zone is illuminated with low-power polarized radio waves. Differently polarized waves which are reflected back from the person are collected. Concealed weapons are detected by measuring various parameters of the reflected signals and then calculating various selected differences between them. These differences create patterns when plotted as a function of time. Preferably a trained neural network pattern recognition program is then used to evaluate these patterns and autonomously render a decision on the presence of a weapon.

Abstract: The invention provides synthetic heparin-binding growth factor analogs having at least one peptide chain that binds a heparin-binding growth factor receptor, covalently bound to a hydrophobic linker, which is in turn covalently bound to a non-signaling peptide that includes a heparin-binding domain. The synthetic heparin-binding growth factor analogs are useful as soluble biologics or as surface coatings for medical devices.

Abstract: Affordable commercial service platforms in space focusing on customer affordability, quality microgravity services, innovation and combining five emerging space technologies. The invention provides an integrated approach to microgravity services in orbit. First, the reusable launch vehicle (RLV) offers affordable transportation services, platform reboost, and eliminates platform subsystems of propulsion, RCS, liquid storage/resupply, and the like. Second, deployable structures are not heavy for the launch, but expand in orbit. Third, orbital phone networks offer customers control of unmanned experiments. Fourth, an enhanced robotic system transfers payloads. Fifth, manufactured thin film solar cells in orbit offer advantages including weight/cost reductions. The orbital service platform has a low initial cost, expands as the market demands, is repairable, offers quality unmanned microgravity, leads to production facilities using similar hardware and offers numerous affordable commercial services.

Abstract: An active damping method for a stabilized mirror, and a corresponding active damper apparatus, comprising providing a tachometer measuring speed of a motor driving the mirror, employing compensation electronics receiving input from said tachometer and the motor, and employing drive electronics providing output to the motor.

Abstract: A radome, and corresponding method of making, comprising an electro-optic transparent substrate, a semiconductor coating on the substrate, and a frequency selective surface embedded in the coating.

Abstract: A cooling assembly for removing heat form an enclosed environment containing a gimbal device. The assembly comprises an exhaust bellows equipped with a device to draw heated air from the heat source to the outer environment an inlet bellows through which cool, outside air enters to displace the heated air.

Abstract: There are disclosed inventions relating to tubular hybrid metal/ceramic composites and the methods of making them wherein the ceramic chosen has a lower thermal expansion than that of the metal.

Abstract: An automated method of and system for collecting and displaying audience recognition information concerning a video presentation, comprising: displaying a video presentation to a plurality of subjects; inquiring of each of the subjects by computer means whether each of a plurality of still images from the video presentation are recognized by each of the subjects; for each of the images, tabulating a percentage of the subjects reporting recognition of the image in inquiring; and automatically generating by computer means a graph comprising each of the images, wherein a position of each of the images on the graph is determined by the corresponding percentage generated in tabulating.

Abstract: A valve and concomitant method of controlling flow of a fluid with a valve comprising isolating a fluid path from a valve stem with a diaphragm in a valve body, blocking the fluid path with a plunger having a stroke of less than approximately 500 micrometers, driving the plunger with an actuator, and operating the valve at a frequency of at least approximately 20 Hz but with a flow of at least approximately 5.0E-04 kg/sec.

Abstract: Methods for fabrication of emitter wrap through (EWT) back-contact solar cells and cells made by such methods. Certain methods provide for higher concentration of dopant in conductive vias compared to the average dopant concentration on front or rear surfaces, and provided increased efficiency. Certain methods provide for selective doping to holes for forming conductive vias by use of printed dopant pastes. Other methods provide for use of spin-on glass substrates including dopant.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of detecting fires comprising detecting (with one or more detectors) levels of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and smoke in an ambient environment, computing (using a processor) over time rates of increase of each of the levels, and generating an alarm if one or more of the rates of increase exceed predetermined threshold rates of increase.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for visually observing thermal disparities between like vehicular components that are spatially separated. The invention uses only one infrared camera and one or more surfaces to reflect the thermal image of spatially separated components into the camera. The image generated by the infrared camera can be sent directly to a viewing apparatus or to a computer capable of controlling internal camera functions as well and providing video processing and analysis capabilities.

Abstract: A multi-panel elevated vehicle bed cover which provides access to the entire vehicle bed, provides additional storage space in the vehicle bed, and is customizable for different lengths, widths, and vehicles. For ease of installation and removal, the panels may be removed or installed separately from the support legs which are attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: An absorption spectroscopy method comprising providing a sample in a container, rotating the container, while rotating the container, directing a beam of electromagnetic radiation through the container, the beam comprising one or more wavelengths selected from the group consisting of visible wavelengths, infrared wavelengths, and ultraviolet wavelengths, and measuring characteristics of the beam after it passes through the container. Also an absorption spectroscopy apparatus comprising a container holder, a drive rotating the container holder, means for, while rotating the container, directing a beam of electromagnetic radiation through the container, the beam comprising one or more wavelengths selected from visible wavelengths, infrared wavelengths, and ultraviolet wavelengths, and means for receiving the beam after passage through the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bicycle seat providing comfort during both leisure and high performance riding. The invention comprises a suspension frame system, an adjustable nose pad, an arcuate seat pad with a center opening, a movable nose pad, and a gap between the nose pad and the seat pad.

Abstract: An optical system and method comprising acquiring radiation in a plurality of spectral bands, each acquired by a discrete collector, receiving the acquired radiation in one or more of the spectral bands with one or more afocal zoom optics, each receiving radiation from a different collector, and aligning each point of fields of view of the collectors to a fraction of a pixel.

Abstract: Methods for the determination of center of focus and process control for a lithographic tool. Diffraction signatures are obtained from a plurality of diffraction structures located within multiple different focus setting fields. Variability of diffraction signatures with each field are determined, by direct analysis or comparison to a library. The variation or uniformity may be represented by any measure, including the standard deviation or the range of values of a chosen feature of a library of theoretical diffraction structures or the variability or uniformity of the diffraction signatures themselves, such as by RMS difference or intensity range. The methods may be used for process control and monitoring of focus drift by determining intra-field variation of diffraction signatures of multiple diffraction structures in a series of wafers.

Abstract: A system which enables fillings (such as sandwich fillings) to be kept separate from bread. The system thus enables the fillings and bread to be stored and transported together without the bread getting soggy. The present invention also provides a way to quickly dispose the fillings within the bread by requiring the user to perform only a single quick motion. A bread is formed to accept a pouch containing filling. The open end of the pouch is folded shut and is placed into the bread. The bread and pouch assembly is placed inside a bag which is sealed with a tab. A tail of the pouch passes through the tab and thus outside the bag. A user pulls the tail of the pouch causing the filling to be squeezed into the bread by the constricting action of the pouch passing through the tab.