Abstract: The precision microwave/millimeter wave modulated signal source is a relatively low cost, compact, highly accurate and stable signal source covering the 2 to 40 Gigahertz frequency range. The pulse width and amplitude level of the output signal can be changed on every pulse in the signal pulse train. Pulse width range is 5 nanoseconds to 1 millisecond. Pulse repetition intervals can be changed between each pulse set with usable range from 10 nanoseconds to 100 milliseconds. Interval parameters can be adjusted with 1 nanosecond resolutions with stabilities of +/−200 picoseconds. The highly accurate and versatile selection of signal parameters, along with its compact size, makes this design useful as an embedded built in test signal source. This built in signal source can be used for verification of system performance for many electronic warfare systems.

Abstract: A computerized system and method are provided that may be used to project a plurality of risk levels that may develop during the course of a large development project. A plurality of inputs are stored and converted for use to a metric that is used by an expert knowledge rule based system to determine a plurality of risk levels that develops relating to successful completion of a large development program with respect to elements such as cost, time of delivery, and quality. A plurality of outputs are provided in a form that can be used by a program manager to reduce the level of risk that may arise. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of outputs are provided in a quantified manner that may relate to a probability of failure of one or more aspects of the development program. The rules are based on the knowledge and experience of experts and are predetermined so that risk levels are objectively quantified prior to beginning the project rather than subjectively determined during the course of the project.

Abstract: Corrosion resistance is provided for a power cylinder by providing a preloaded molded urethane elastomer sleeve liner within an outer cylinder of material such as a copper/nickel alloy which is subject to corrosion from long-term exposure to ambient fluids such as sea water. Preloading is preferably provided by thermal shrink fitting of the molded urethane sleeve liner to the inner bore of an outer metal cylinder. Preloading of a structure which has high structural integrity and low permeability thus effectively prevents incursion of fluids and gases at the interface between the outer cylinder and the sleeve liner as well as providing a surface which can be machined to a high degree of smoothness and against which reciprocating piston seals and wear assemblies can directly ride and which is resistant to abrasion therefrom even at high piston speeds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for automatically characterizing the spatial arrangement among the data points of a time series distribution in a data processing system wherein the classification of said time series distribution is required. The method and apparatus utilize a grid in Cartesian coordinates to determine (1) the number of cells in the grid containing at least-one input data point of the time series distribution; (2) the expected number of cells which would contain at least one data point in a random distribution in said grid; and (3) an upper and lower probability of false alarm above and below said expected value utilizing a discrete binomial probability relationship in order to analyze the randomness characteristic of the input time series distribution. A labeling device also is provided to label the time series distribution as either random or nonrandom, and/or random or nonrandom.

Abstract: A data reduction method for a classification system using quantized feature vectors for each class with a plurality of features and levels. The reduction algorithm consisting of applying a Bayesian data reduction algorithm to the classification system for developing reduced feature vectors. Test data is then quantified into the reduced feature vectors. The reduced classification system is then tested using the quantized test data. A Bayesian data reduction algorithm is further provided having by computing an initial probability of error for the classification system. Adjacent levels are merged for each feature in the quantized feature vectors. Level based probabilities of error are then calculated for these merged levels among the plurality of features. The system then selects and applies the merged adjacent levels having the minimum level based probability of error to create an intermediate classification system.

Abstract: A method of processing uncorrelated data from at least one multiple-contact tracking system is provided. The method identifies which of a plurality of contacts being tracked that the uncorrelated data is most likely to be associated with. By combining correlation with reassessment processing, correlation errors can be reduced or minimized. A threshold test (e.g., bearing test) is used to screen or coarsely filter the data while a comparison scoring test is used associate the uncorrelated data with one of the contacts. The same threshold test and comparison scoring test are used for both correlation and reassessment processing.

Abstract: A release link for interconnecting first and second cables, includes a cylinder having an open first end and an aperture through a second end, a collar fixed to the cylinder first end, and having an annular internal flange, and a guide washer slidably disposed in the collar second end. The link further includes a piston extending through the cylinder aperture and through the guide washer, the piston including a neck portion and a head portion disposed at a first end of the piston. A cap is connectable to the collar. Balls are adapted to be disposed adjacent the piston neck portion and radially adjacent the collar internal flange. A spring is disposed in the cylinder and biases the guide washer toward the balls. A first connector is on the cap for attachment to the first cable, and a second connector is on a second end of the piston for attachment to the second cable.

Abstract: An antenna extension system for extending an antenna from an underwater vehicle. The system comprises a housing disposed wholly within the vehicle and a plurality of telescopically connected tiers extendible from a base tier disposed within the housing, an innermost of the tiers being adapted to support the antenna. A cable extends from a base portion of the housing and is fixed at a distal end to the antenna. A plurality of telescopically connected fairings are extendible from the housing and are disposed around the tiers and the cable. A cap is fixed to a distal end of a distalmost of the fairings for enclosing the antenna. Extension of the telescopically connected tiers from the base tier moves the antenna from wholly inside the housing to a position extending outwardly from the vehicle, and extends the cable and fairings with the tiers.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the effective sound velocity between a source of sound energy located at an initial depth ZS and an actual target located at another depth. A system utilizing a device such as a computer or microprocessor is used for implementing the method of the present invention. An effective sound velocity (“ESV”) matrix is generated wherein ESV values are a function of actual target depth and actual target elevation angle. The ESV matrix is then used to determine the ESV between a source of sound energy located at an initial depth ZS and an actual target located at any depth between ZS and a final target depth ZT.

Abstract: A system for sensing projectile velocity and position having a plurality of support members positioned in a path of said projectile. Each support member has an aperture with a resistive trace supported in the aperture. The resistive trace can be separated by the projectile's passage. A sensing circuit is joined to each resistive trace and provides a signal indicating separation of the resistive trace. This signal is provided to a logic circuit which provides a single signal indicating separation of each said resistive trace. A data acquisition system provides an output indicating said projectile velocity and position with respect to time.

Abstract: An improved automotive battery jumper cable includes an electrically conductive cable which is terminated at each end by a terminal clamp. Each of the terminal clamps includes a pair of gripping members each having a jaw end and a handle end. The gripping members are pivotably connected to each other about an axis between the jaw ends and the handle ends. A torsion spring is mounted on the gripping members for normally urging the jaw ends toward each other. Each of the jaw ends of the gripping members is provided with a copper jaw member for engaging and grasping the battery terminal. One of the jaws on each clamp is not electrically connected to the cable. One of the battery clamp is electrically connected to the respective end of the cable via an encapsulated pressure switch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to determine the fstop that provides optimal image resolution for a predetermined depth-of-field. An approximate and exact method and apparatus are provided to determine the optimal resolution fstop. The optimal resolution fstop is a function of the lens focal length, depth-of-field in front of the object, wavelength of light, and distance of the object to the lens center. Once the optimal resolution fstop is determined, the camera is adjusted to the closest discrete fstop available. When the approximate field technique is utilized, the camera must be adjusted to the discrete fstop closest to, but not exceeding, the computed fstop.

Abstract: A deployable nose is used on an underwater vehicle to provide a shorter length when in a retracted position and to provide a reduced drag when in the deployed position. The deployable nose includes a plurality of nose sections and a deployment mechanism that moves the plurality of nose sections from the retracted position to the deployed position. The nose sections include a base nose section attached at the end of the underwater vehicle, an outer nose section having a rounded contour, and one or more intermediate nose sections between the base nose section and outer nose section. In the retracted position, the outer nose section and one or more intermediate nose sections are retracted generally within the base nose section. In the deployed position, the outer nose section and intermediate nose sections extend outwardly from the base nose section and interlock proximate the edges of the nose sections to form the deployed nose.

Abstract: Two-way pressure release valves in a shutter reduce the force needed to rotate it from a torpedo tube while the submarine is underway at high speeds. The valves are each mounted in a separate aperture in the shutter and have a pair of biasing springs that hold opposite end surfaces coplanar with outer and inner surfaces of the shutter to prevent generation of objectionable flow-noise while underway. When the shutter is rotated to expose a muzzle door of a torpedo tube, the valves are automatically displaced by pressure differentials created to free pathways for pressure equalization. The water flowing through the valves eliminates the pressure differentials, and consequently, reduces the total amount of force that would otherwise be needed to rotate the shutter.

Abstract: An acoustic switch, having a predetermined frequency response, is disclosed that allows for a single channel device to be interconnected to multiple transducers. The acoustic switch ensures that the signals from the transducer closest to transmitter, which has a highest possible input level, is supplied to the single channel device for processing.

Abstract: A support and alignment assembly for use on a moving vehicle having a fixed receiver mounted thereon. The assembly comprises a support assembly including (i) a loading tray for supporting a missile, (ii) a storage structure for supporting the loading tray, and (iii) mounts resiliently connecting the storage structure to the vehicle.

Abstract: A submarine periscope eyeguard housing assembly includes a viewing lens housing having a viewing lens aperture and viewing lens therein, first and second arm members fixed to the viewing lens housing and extending therefrom, a first blinder mounted on the first arm member, and a second blinder mounted on the second arm member. A first eyeguard is mounted on the first blinder for engagement by a left eye area of a viewer's head, and a second eyeguard is mounted on the second blinder for engagement by a right eye area of the viewer's head. A third eyeguard is rotatably mounted on the viewing lens housing and is adapted to be rotated into a selected one of a first position complementary to the first eyeguard and a second position complementary to the second eyeguard.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring tensile and bending forces applied to a fat-line towed-array. Tension sensors are configured within a modified fat-line towed-array bulkhead to measure axial tension applied to the front of the fat-line towed-array, while bending sensors mounted further downstream along the fat-line canister interior walls, measure the bending load. The sensor outputs are encoded and digitized before transmitted through a tow line for further data conditioning and processing. The tension and bending sensor data provide information to evaluate the force exerted on the towed-array, allowing a measure of the deployment capability. Measurements taken at various fluid flow rates provide data regarding deployment effectiveness.

Abstract: A launch platform for a host vehicle. There is a cradle having a cylindrical shape with peripheral axial recesses formed therein and arranged around the cradle. A release mechanism is positioned within the cradle. The release mechanism releasably joins small cylindrical undersea vehicles positioned in said peripheral axial recesses.

Abstract: A fuzzy logic based model assessment system assesses models of physical phenomena and in one example, is used for contact tracking. The system uses measurement residual values representing the difference between a measured data sequence corresponding to the physical phenomena and an expected data sequence corresponding to the model to be assessed. The system includes a feature identification module for identifying one or more features or tracking anomalies in the measurement residual values, such as jump and drift, and for generating feature amplitude values and feature amplitude standard deviation values. An anomaly characterization module characterizes the features in one or more membership classes representing the strength of the identified feature and generates class membership intervals representing a range of degrees of membership in each of the classes (e.g., null, weak, moderate or strong).