Abstract: An embodiment of the invention generally pertains to a method of compensating for temperature variations in an eddy current sensor signal. The method may include the steps of receiving an initial signal from an eddy current sensor (ECS) in response to a conductive element passing the ECS and sensing an ECS temperature and an ECS board temperature. The method may also include determining a subset of correction coefficients based on the ECS temperature and the ECS board temperature and determining a temperature correction factor from the subset of correction coefficients. The method may then compute a temperature corrected signal from the initial signal and the temperature correction factor.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention generally relates to a temperature-independent method of determining an engine health parameter, namely stand-off distance, between an eddy current sensor and a conductive element. The method includes receiving a signal from the eddy current sensor and demodulating a waveform from the received signal. The method also includes determining a predetermined set of substantially temperature-independent parameters from the waveform and determining the stand-off distance based on the predetermined set of substantially temperature-independent parameters.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention generally pertains to a method of compensating for temperature variations in an eddy current sensor signal. The method may include the steps of receiving an initial signal from an eddy current sensor (ECS) in response to a conductive element passing the ECS and sensing an ECS temperature and an ECS board temperature. The method may also include determining a subset of correction coefficients based on the ECS temperature and the ECS board temperature and determining a temperature correction factor from the subset of correction coefficients. The method may then compute a temperature corrected signal from the initial signal and the temperature correction factor.

Abstract: A system and method for imaging one or more objects in the presence of unknown phase and amplitude aberrations is described. Multiple images are collected so as to have measurement diversity and processed using a model-based approach to estimate the aberrations. An incoherent imaging model may be constructed to estimate the dependence of the imagery upon the object and the optical system, including the aberrations. A probability density function may then be calculated using the estimated model. Next, a maximum-likelihood estimate may be calculated and optimized, thus yielding a close approximation of the phase and amplitude aberrations. The estimates may then be used to estimate an image of the object or correct the system for future imaging.

Abstract: A cross-ambiguity function generator (“CAF”) uses properties of quantum mechanics for computation purposes. The CAF has advantages over standard analog or digital CAF function generators, such as improved bandwidth. The CAF may be used for traditional geolocation or RADAR applications.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for setting a light loss through an optical fiber. A portion of the optical fiber is clamped. An unclamped portion of the optical fiber is bent. A bent region of the optical fiber is heated. The amount of light that is at least one of leaving the heated bent region or passing through the optical fiber downstream from the heated bent region is monitored. The heating is discontinued when the amount of light reaches the desired level. The resulting optical fiber has particular application in an optical coupler.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to a system, method and software for displaying visual cues to an end-user based on indicia received from a remote source. More particularly, the present invention relates to displaying visual cues on a display coupled to a fixed function processor. According to one embodiment, the fixed-function processor-based system may include an input/output interface. The fixed-function processor-based system may also include a memory including processor-readable software code configured to permit the processor-based system to perform a fixed-function and processor-readable software code configured to enable the fixed-function processor-based system to prioritize a number of visual cues based on an importance factor associated with the application task. The fixed-function processor-based system may also be configured to execute the fixed function and to prioritize the plurality of visual cues based on the importance factor.

Abstract: Novel spectroscopy techniques using entangled photons are disclosed. In one technique, entangled photons are directed to a sample of interest, while the photons with which they are entangled are resolved according to frequency. The photons transmitted by or reflected from the sample and the frequency-resolved photons are detected. Such detection may be by way of an electronic coincidence counter or a biphoton sensitive material, which absorbs entangled photons while allowing other photon pairs to pass. Detection information is used to derive spectroscopic properties of the sample. In another technique, a Fourier transform spectroscopy technique using entangled photons is disclosed. Entangled photons are directed to a sample, while the photons with which they are entangled are directed to a Michelson interferometer. The photons transmitted by or reflected from the sample and the photons leaving the Michelson interferometer are detected.

Abstract: The present invention is for laminated and interconnected multiple substrates forming a multilayer package or other circuit component. A solder bump may be situated on the conductive pad of at least one of two or more substrates. The solder bump preferably is formed from an application of solder paste to the conductive pad(s). Adhesive films may be positioned between the surfaces of the substrates having the conductive pads, where the adhesive films include apertures located substantially over the conductive pads such that the conductive pads and/or solder bumps confront each other through the aperture. The two or more substrates pressed together via the adhesive films are mechanically bonded. The solder bump(s) may be reflowed during or after the lamination to create a solder segment that provides an electrical connection between the conductive pads through the aperture in the adhesive films.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compliant leaded interposer for resiliently attaching and electrically connecting a ball grid array package to a circuit board. The interposer may include a substrate, a plurality of pads, and a plurality of pins. The plurality of pads may be positioned substantially on the top surface of the substrate and arranged in a predetermined pattern substantially corresponding to the solder ball pattern on the ball grid array package. The plurality of pins may be positioned substantially perpendicular to the substrate and may extend through the substrate and the plurality of pads. The interposer may be configured to attach the ball grid array package to the circuit board such that each of the solder balls on the ball grid array package contacts at least a portion the plurality of pins and at least a portion of the plurality of pads and such that the each of the plurality of pins also connects to a contact on the circuit board.

Abstract: A method for sharing a data set including multiple classifications of security between one or more entities and/or between one or more organizations. Public-keys for use in selectively encrypting the data set with multiple classifications of security are made available in a public-key table. A private-key corresponding to the public-key is used to decrypt the selectively encrypted data set. Public-keys available in the public-key table are re-used to selectively encrypt data sets as appropriate. Public/private-key pairs also may be generated as needed for use in encrypting a document with multiple classifications of security. A single data set may be further encrypted with additional classifications of security as needed. A data set thus may be made available to various entities and/or organizations over a common repository. Symmetric and other encryption techniques also may be used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector system for resiliently attaching and electrically connecting an integrated circuit chip to a circuit board using a plurality of leads. Each of the plurality of leads are sized and arranged to form a curved body having a first leg and a second leg with a curved portion between the first leg and the second leg. The curved body of the leads may be C-shaped in accordance with the present invention. The plurality of leads may be formed from strips of copper foil or copper mesh folded to form the curved body. The plurality of leads may also be sized and arranged to support the integrated circuit chip in a generally flat arrangement relative to the circuit board with a maximum separation of about 0.016 inches or less between the integrated circuit chip and the circuit board.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coordinating the activities of multiple computers using a common reference point such as a Global Positioning System pulse-per-second signal. A reload register transmits a reload value to a mission timer. The mission timer generates an interrupt signal based upon the reload value. A timer capture register captures the countdown value of the mission timer when a pulse-per-second signal is asserted. Software generates new reload values based upon the countdown value captured by the timer capture register. Additional timer capture registers may be used to form a consensus value of the countdown value when the pulse-per-second signal is asserted. A local pulse-per-second signal generator may be used when a Global Positioning System pulse-per-second signal is not available.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid binding polymer which has affinity for nucleic acid molecules such as DNA, RNA, or hybrids thereof. The polymer is comprised of a nucleic acid binding backbone linked to a nucleic acid binding agent, preferably by a linking moiety. The polymer can be used to isolate and purify nucleic acid molecules from a variety of sample types including but not limited to clinical and environmental.

Abstract: Software code may include code to receive a first request associated with a discrete problem that is broadcast over a network of cobots. The request may be accepted based on the discrete problem to be solved. The code may also include code to determine whether a utility function associated with the plan to solve the discrete problem meets a threshold. The plan may include a plurality of steps. A report including information related to the chosen plan may be sent to the requesting cobot. Information related to the plan may include information such as the forecasted outcome of the plan. The cobot may then receive permission to implement the chosen plan. The plan may be implemented before any subplans are known or are determined to be possible. In the event that a subplan is required to carry out the plan, then a second request may be broadcast to a plurality of other cobots in the network.

Abstract: A method of determining a distance to an object is presented. A first photon and a second photon are simultaneously generated. The first photon is reflected off an object. The second photon is directed to an optical cavity. An arrival of the first photon is correlated with an arrival of the second photon, and the distance to the object is at least partially determined using the correlation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for the encryption and decryption of optically transmitted data, and more particularly to the encryption and decryption of optical data transmitted and received using only optical components. Because only optical components are used, the encryption and decryption is independent of the data rate of the optical signal. The apparatus may include an encryption device that operates by receiving and combining both an unencrypted optical signal as well as a delayed optical signal that is based on the unencrypted optical signal. An optical delay may be configured in a number of different ways and may be used for delaying the unencrypted optical signal. The apparatus may further include a decryption device that receives and combines an encrypted optical signal as well as a delayed optical signal that is based on the encrypted optical signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the communication frequencies of a software controlled radio by using GPS to calibrate one or more local oscillators and compensating within the digital radio processing for the local oscillator inaccuracies.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention generally relates to an apparatus for deploying a segmented reflector antenna. The apparatus includes a plurality of segments that can be rigid or flexible where each segment is hinged to an adjacent segment on either longitudinal side. The apparatus also includes a base, a plurality of inner deployment beams, and a plurality of outer deployment beams. Each inner deployment beam connects an inner side of a respective segment to the base and having a folded position and an extended position. Each outer deployment beam connects an outside side of a respective segment to the base and has a folded position and an extended position. The plurality of segments in a hinged folded position in response to the plurality of inner deployment beams being in the folded position and the outer deployment beams being in the folded position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the communication frequencies of a software controlled radio by using GPS to calibrate one or more local oscillators and compensating within the digital radio processing for the local oscillator inaccuracies.