Abstract: A method and apparatus for the design of a robust vector quantizer is disclosed. The initial output vector set is equal to the centroid of a training sequence of input vectors. A neural-network simulation and neighborhood functions are utilized for splitting and optimizing the output vectors. In this manner, the entire output vector set is sensitive to each input vector and therefore optimal output vector locations with respect to specified distortion criteria are obtained. The resulting vector quantizer is robust for the class of signals represented by the training sequence.

Abstract: A mass sensoring system for monitoring the amount of fluid in a storage tank with an accuracy high enough to determine both the quantity present and the potential loss of fluid at a loss rate of 0.05 gal/hr or at least 0.1 gal/hr. The system utilizes a pressure sensor positioned at the bottom of the tank and in contact with the fluid. This device includes a bellows unit whose displacement is correlated to changes in the mass of fluid in which it is immersed, and a transducer for monitoring the position of the bellows, wherein the interior of the bellows unit is in the same atmosphere as the sensor, and the sensor is in communication with the vapor pressure immediately above the fluid in the tank. The outside of the bellows is subjected to the stored fluid. A multiple-capsule bellows assembly is coupled to an LDVT transducer in a thermal-expansion-cancelling configuration of the invention.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for monitoring hydrocarbon-based fuel properties by measuring the presence and amount of fuel component molecules in the fuel solution. Detection is made of absorption related to signature vibrational modes associated with the fuel component molecules when excited in the mid-IR. In one embodiment, a mid-IR light source illuminates the fuel in-situ and a narrow bandwidth detector associated with a vibrational mode signature detects absorbance as an indication of the presence and quantity of the fuel component in solution. From the determined fuel component quantity and known characteristics, the fuel solution properties are predicted. In one embodiment, octane rating and vapor pressure for a fuel solution is determined in-situ and in real time.

Abstract: A method for reconstructing an incomplete signal in a sub-band transmission system is disclosed. Signal degradation from signal loss in a sub-band transmission system may be avoided by formulating an error function, and finding an optimal signal which minimizes the error between the sub-band signals interpolated from received sub-band signals and the sub-band signals obtained by convolving an optimal reconstructed signal with the original analysis filters. The minimized system equation is solved to provide an optimal reconstructed output signal.

Abstract: A system for enhancing the quality of an image that suffers from staircase effects, contouring effects, and granular noise, without affecting the existing method of creating the image is disclosed. The enhancement system identifies the edge and nonedge regions in the decoded image, and then filters those regions in order to reduce the specific type of quality degradation that generally occurs in the specific type of region. The system is integrated into a processing system including means for receiving and displaying digital image data. The system receives the digital image data, differentiates between edge data and the nonedge data within the digital image data, and filters the image data accordingly. The filtered edge data and the filtered nonedge data are combined to form an enhanced image. A multi-pass filtering system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing human speech using a linear mapping of a small set of coefficients that are speaker-independent. Preferably, the speaker-independent set of coefficients are cepstral coefficients developed during a training session using a perceptual linear predictive analysis. A linear predictive all-pole model is used to develop corresponding formants and bandwidths to which the cepstral coefficients are mapped by using a separate multiple regression model for each of the five formant frequencies and five formant bandwidths. The dual analysis produces both the cepstral coefficients of the PLP model for the different vowel-like sounds and their true formant frequencies and bandwidths. The separate multiple regression models developed by mapping the cepstral coefficients into the formant frequencies and formant bandwidths can then be applied to cepstral coefficients determined for subsequent speech to produce corresponding formants and bandwidths used to synthesize that speech.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for measuring properties of samples associated with the distribution of hydrocarbons in the sample. The system includes a low resolution laser Raman spectrometer coupled to photodetectors that integrate the intensity of the scattered Raman radiation. The system further includes microprocessor means that separate the Raman spectrum into two spectral ranges, calculates a ratio of the integrated intensities corresponding to these ranges and interpolates that ratio with a correlating function to obtain the measurement of the property of interest.

Abstract: Systems and methods for non-invasive material analysis are disclosed in which a material (e.g., a liquid such as blood) is illuminated at a plurality of discrete wavelengths. Measurements of the intensity of reflected light at such wavelengths are taken, and an analysis of reflection ratios for various wavelengths is performed. Changes in the reflection ratios can be correlated with specific material properties such as the concentration of analytes (e.g., oxygen content, glucose levels, cholesterol or drugs in a subject's circulatory system).

Abstract: Restenosis following angioplasty can be inhibited by reducing the proliferation of smooth muscle cells in the blood vessel walls at an angioplasty site, and such reduction in cell proliferation can be accomplished by irradiating the angioplasty site with radiation in the ultraviolet (UV) wavelength range. The ultraviolet radiation is preferably delivered via an optical fiber or other waveguide incorporated, for example, into a percutaneous catheter. In operation, the ultraviolet radiation kills smooth muscle cells at the site, thereby reducing the risk of restenosis, while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.

Abstract: An optical bus for distributing a light wave signal to a plurality of receivers. The optical bus (10) includes a generally cylindrical form (12) having a helical groove (14) inscribed on its outer surface. At a plurality of nodes (30), an optical fiber (16) wound about the form within the helical groove is caused to bend through a radius of curvature (22) sufficiently small so that a portion of the light propagating along the fiber is transmitted outside the fiber. A plurality of light detectors (26) are disposed at each of the nodes and are operative to produce an electrical signal corresponding to the portion of the light wave signal that is transmitted outside the fiber. The electrical signals are input to an electronic cross-connect matrix (108) and are selectively connected to a plurality of LEDs (112, 116, 120, 124) which each produce a light wave signal corresponding to the electrical signal for distribution to a receiver through a network of distribution optical fibers (126, 128, 130, 132).

Abstract: Improved coating and method of forming a nondewettable coating in a reactive carbon monoxide atmosphere wherein a small portion of palladium, platinum or mixture thereof is added to the coating mixture before the mixture is applied to the substrate. Alternatively, in the case of electrolytic deposition, a thin layer of palladium, platinum or mixture thereof is, e.g. electrolessly or by sputtering or silkscreening, deposited on a substrate before a tin or tin alloy coating is deposited, such as by sputtering, silkscreening, etc. The reaction temperature required to form a nondewettable bond is reduced or increased depending on the tin alloy content, but it appears that if platinum or palladium is participating in the reaction for the same alloy, the temperature for achieving the bond appears to be reduced.

Abstract: The resulting product and a method of applying hard surfaces to gate valves and like generally planar metallic bodies which are subject to hard wear wherein a relatively thin generally planar facing plate is formed and applied to the face of the body to provide an assembly to be welded and a series of high power density welding beams of high energy electrons are directed at the face surface of the facing plate while moving the beams and assembly relatively in passes wherein the welds effected span the facing to secure the relatively thin plate to the body in a manner to avoid surface cracks, porosity and warpage to provide a hard wear-resistant facing for the body.

Abstract: This invention relates to nitrides, oxides, arsenides, borides, phosphides, tellurides, titanates, silicides, carbides, etc. of metals or metalloids, such as or in their compacted forms, as substrates or base elements. These can be readily joined with various other substrates employing as a coating, film, layer or interlayer former a tin, lead, indium, or alloys thereof, in an admixture with a carbide or carbonyl former and joining the substrate or base in a carbon monoxide atmosphere with the coating, etc. former.

Abstract: Highly adhesive composites with an active tin alloy are obtained as coating on beryllia by depositing tin with, e.g. vanadium on beryllia, and heating in a carbon monoxide atmosphere of up to 1000.degree. C.

Abstract: Substrates such as boron nitride and titanium diboride and the like joined to other metal or metal sandwiches useful as resistance elements.

Abstract: An adjustably positionable element having a curved end plate is located in proximity to the conventional rupturable curved disc in a pressure relief valve for high pressure cylinders. The end plate serves as one plate of a capacitor and the curved disc serves as the other plate. Impedance variation responsive circuitry senses any change in impedance of the capacitor due to a change in flex of the curved disc brought about by a variation in pressure within the cylinder to which the relief valve is attached. The change in impedance is calibrated to provide an indication of the actual pressure within the cylinder.