Abstract: Absolute strain is measured by providing a coherent beam of light and separating the coherent beam of light into first and second beams which are in quadrature with one another and which have different polarization angles. The first and second beams are combined in a manner which maintains the different polarization angles thereof, so as to form a combined beam. The combined beam is then applied to a Fabry-Perot strain sensor so as to form a reflected combined beam. The reflected combined beam is then separated into first and second reflected beams having different polarization angles. The intensity of the first and second reflected beams is then sensed, so as to determine a change in the etalon length of the Fabry-Perot sensor. The change in etalon length is indicative of the absolute strain sensed.

Abstract: A method for accounting for individual ones of a plurality of items based upon random times that occur as a function of a first specified time interval, and a random interval inventory system that operates in accordance with the method. The method includes a first step of transmitting information signals based upon random times from individual ones of a plurality of tags (5a1-5xx) to at least one of at least one master transceiver and at least one transceiver (4a-4n). The individual tags (5a1-5xx) are affixed to respective individual ones of a plurality of items. The information signals transmitted from each tag (5a1-5xx) correspond at least to the respective item to which the tag (5a1-5xx) is affixed. The random times occur as a function of a first specified time interval.

Abstract: A block-set form die assembly (14) for press or stretch forming a product (12), such as a sheet metal product, is provided. In one embodiment, the block-set form die assembly (14) comprises a pin box (18) having a number of pins (20) contained within a containment box (22). The pins (20) within the containment box (22) can extend longitudinally to form a surface contour (24). A set-block (26) engages the pins (20) to set the longitudinal extension of the pins (20) to form the surface contour (24).

Abstract: A method for tutoring a trainee in a simulator comprises the steps of defining an expert system simulating an activity, and using the expert system to provide instructional feedback to the trainee. The step of defining an expert system comprises constructing a decision support system so as to define a human factors engineering module, programming a plurality of training scenarios, and establishing automated performance measures. The method for tutoring of the present invention eliminates the need to have an expert trainer available and the consequent expense associated therewith.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in an tool and method for structurally applying fiber stiffeners to a material. The tool inserts a plurality of fibers embedded in a transfer material through a hat stiffener and into a substrate and includes a first head, a second head, and a handle. The first head is defined by a roller having first edges and a center cutout. The cutout corresponds to the thickness of the transfer material. The second head is located at a distal end from the first head and is defined by a roller having second edges and a center groove. The groove corresponds to a thickness associated with guiding the tool along the corner of the hat stiffener. The first and second edges conform to the surface of the substrate. The center handle is coupled between the first head and second head for gripping. The first head is adapted to initially drive the fibers embedded in the transfer material through the hat stiffener and into the substrate.

Abstract: An optical filter for intentionally blurring camera images has a generally transparent material and a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material. Placement of the transparent material longitudinally in the optical path of a camera in front of the aperture stop allows contouring the blur across the image plane. That contour is preferably random, so as to defeat digital methods for image restorations. Additionally, a linear gradient is utilized to even-out the ground resolution on oblique cameras or localized to even-out resolution on cameras that have areas of unwanted high resolution.

Abstract: A coating thickness measurement system (10) for measuring a thickness of a coating (12) on a coated substrate (14) is provided. The coating thickness measurement system (10) may comprise a light source (16), a detector system (18), and a processor (20). The light source (16) directs a light beam (22) at an angle (26) oblique to an axis (28) of the coating (12). The light beam (22) striking the coating (12) produces a reflected light beam (36). The detector system (18) measures a reflectivity of the coating (12). The processor (20) receives the reflectivity measurement and determines the reflectivity of the coating (12). The thickness of the coating (12) is determined from the reflectivity of the coating (12).

Abstract: A method for separating a desired signal from an interfering signal, which is particularly useful when the desired signal is substantially weaker than the interfering signal, includes the steps of providing a combined signal which contains both a desired signal and an interfering signal; performing a Fourier transform upon the combined signal; providing a reference function which is a function of the amplitude, frequency and phase of the interfering signal; performing a Fourier transform upon the referenced function; multiplying the real components of the Fourier transform of the combined signal by the real components of the Fourier transform of the reference signal to form a product; and subtracting the product from the Fourier transform of the combined signal to form transformed data less interference, i.e., the desired signal.

Abstract: A monitor tag having a radio frequency transmitter and a patch antenna. The antenna is in communication with the transmitter and has a first conductive patch and a second conductive patch substantially parallel to each other, and separated from each other by a dielectric material in contact with both patches and having a thickness sufficient to create a gap between the patches wherein the radiation resistance will be controlled during operation of the antenna. The first conductive patch has a dimension of one-quarter or one-half wavelength, depending upon available space and desired pattern. Because the electric field is launched from the gap between the patches and is highly concentrated, bringing the monitor tag close to a metal object or attaching it thereto will have minimal impact on the impedance of the antenna.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method of producing a formblock utilizing stereolithography for producing a sheet metal part. A computer formblock model is first designed. Stereolithographic techniques are utilized to create the formblock using the computer formblock model. A part may be formed from a sheet metal blank using the formblock, whereby force is applied to the sheet metal blank to bend it about the formblock.

Abstract: A processor interface for interfacing a CPU with a global memory and with other CPUs uses a node control bus for transmitting task and addressing information, and a fixed-speed, time-multiplexed direct connection to each memory block for data transmission. This arrangement provides a totally non-blocking interface between a CPU and a global SRAM memory.

Abstract: A personal communications unit facilitates both wired and wireless communications with a wired intercom. The personal communications unit has a headset, an intercom connection cable placeable in electrical communication with the wired headset and also placeable in electrical communication with the wired intercom, a radio transceiver which is placeable in electrical communication with the headset, and a switching circuit which is configured to place the intercom connection cable in electrical communication with the headset when the intercom connection cable is in electrical communication with the wired intercom and which is configured to place the radio transceiver in electrical communication with the headset when the intercom connection cable is not in electrical communication with the headset.

Abstract: Improved electronic circuitry incorporated into a tag attached to a user worn wrist strap of a static electrical discharge dissipation system. The electronic circuitry monitors the electrical connection of the wrist strap from the user to ground, and comprises a discharge resistor and a discharge resistor check circuit for monitoring the accuracy of the discharge resistor. The electronic circuitry further comprises a skin resistance check circuit for monitoring the electrical connection of the wrist strap to the user, and a ground fault detect circuit for monitoring the electrical connection of the wrist strap to ground.

Abstract: The invention resides in a method of forming an adjustable holding fixture comprising the steps of providing a frame, providing a plurality of elongated beam modules each containing a plurality of translating members which are arranged at uniformed spacing between one another on each beam module and connecting said plurality of elongated beam modules with one another on said frame to combine the effect of each module into a single fixture.

Abstract: The present invention is a an interactive multi-media training system which incorporates text, audio, and video graphics animation and other tools to teach an operator to use a machining or other tool. The training system includes a computer workstation to allow inputs from an operator, computer memory, and a training computer program operating on the computer and having a graphical user interface for interfacing the operator with the workstation and interactively training the operator to operate and perform tasks on the machine tool. The operator can provide inputs to the training system by various input devices such as a keyboard, cursor or mouse. The training system additionally includes interface software operating on the computer for controlling the machine tool and sharing access to and exchange data with the computer memory and a remote station linked to the computer memory for allowing an instructor to monitor and supervise the operator in real time.

Abstract: A heat-resistant, thermally insulative, ductile port liner for a head of an internal combustion (IC) engine having a tube-shaped structure formed from at least one layer of fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite (FRCMC) material. The FRCMC material includes a polymer-derived ceramic resin in its ceramic form and fibers. In a first embodiment of the port liner, the tube-shaped structure has one FRCMC layer forming the sole, solid wall of the structure. Whereas, in a second embodiment, the tube-shaped structure has two FRCMC layers forming inner and outer walls of the structure, respectively, with an intervening space separating the inner and outer walls. The intervening space is sealed at both ends. It can be filled with a thermally insulating material, evacuated and held at substantially a vacuum pressure, or filled with a gas. Once the port liner has been formed, it is preferably cast-in-place when the metal head of the IC engine is formed.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine of either two-cycle or four-cycle construction including a block having at least one cylinder bore therein having sidewalls carrying a liner of a structural fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite material disposed in sealed fiber reinforced sliding relationship within the cylinder bore, and a cylinder head sealing atop end of the cylinder bore to form a closed combustion chamber in combination with the piston. The cylinder head also has the structural fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite material disposed on an inner surface thereof facing the combustion chamber. The preferred engine is a two-cycle engine having an externally scavenged intake system and an oil sump lubricating system thereby eliminating the need to separately mix or inject lubricating oil. Higher operating temperatures and closer tolerances allow higher fuel efficiency and less pollutant production.

Abstract: An integrated flight control indicator for providing visual information indicative of aircraft flight parameters has a sky arc and an earth arc which are visually distinguishable from one another. The sky arc and the earth arc cooperate to generally define a circle wherein the relative lengths of the sky arc and the earth arc indicate the pitch of the aircraft. A horizon line extends approximately between the two intersections of the sky arc and the earth arc so as to provide a visual indication of the roll of the aircraft. Other indicia are provided for indicating radar or barometric altitude, vertical speed, heading, ground track, minimum altitude break, etc. Thus, the present invention provides a visual indication suitable for use in instrument panel displays, heads-up display, and helmet-mounted displays.

Abstract: A multi-layer structure for controlling the transmission laser radiation including an outer layer which is slightly absorbent to incident laser radiation and an intermediate layer which is substantially absorbent to incident laser radiation to achieve significant attenuation of on-axis transmission of laser radiation in an otherwise transparent structure.