Abstract: A bipolar pulse generator includes two, two-conductor transmission lines coupled together with a load positioned between the two transmission lines. Each conductor of a transmission line we define as a segment. Two segments of one transmission line are charged and switchably coupled to two segments of the other transmission line to produce a bipolar pulse on the matched load. This bipolar pulse generator may be implemented in a flat or a folded design. The generator may include two transmission line structures coupled together with a load positioned between each transmission line structures. The first transmission line structure may include a stepped transmission line and an embedded transmission line segment. A switch may be coupled between the embedded transmission line segment and another segment of the transmission line structure.

Abstract: An information-theoretic method clusters and merges bi-variate normal data or ‘error ellipses’ lying in a plane. Two or more error ellipses are clustered and then merged into a single error ellipse if the information lost in the merging process is sufficiently small. This criterion is numerically implemented and tested in a code developed for this purpose.

Abstract: A broadband transmission line impedance transformer performs impedance transformation with improved frequency response and efficiency across a wide operational bandwidth. In particular, the bandwidth of a transmission line 2:1 impedance transformer may be significantly increased by adding an additional compensating capacitor as an internal component between interconnected transmission lines. This capacitor effectively improves low frequency response for a given length of transmission lines and decreases mismatch in an entire frequency range. The overall bandwidth ratio increases at least twice and mismatch decreases.

Abstract: An electrothermal gun uses an apparatus for generating high gas pressure. The apparatus includes a receiver having a combustion chamber for holding a propellant which produces a gas component and a particle component when the propellant undergoes an exothermic chemical reaction, and a flow passageway positioned downstream of the combustion chamber. An ignition mechanism causes the propellant contained in the combustion chamber to undergo the exothermic chemical reaction. A separator in the flow passageway substantially separates the particle component from the gas component in the flow passageway. The gun includes a barrel connected to the receiver and communicating with the flow passageway. By substantially stopping the particle component, namely metal oxide, from reaching the barrel, wear on the barrel is reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for magnetically generating an underwater high pressure pulse of sufficient strength to destroy underwater threats utilizes a pair of electrically conductive elements. The electrically conductive elements are arranged substantially parallel with each other and are separated by a gap. A pulse generator supplies an electrical pulse to at least one of the electrically conductive elements, which causes the generation of a magnetic repulsion force between the elements. The magnetic repulsion force causes one the electrically conductive elements to be displaced, thereby inducing a high pressure pulse in the liquid in which the pair of electrically conductive elements is submerged.

Abstract: A non-explosive acoustic source utilizes the combustion of aluminum and water to generate an acoustic pulse. The operation of the non-explosive acoustic source relies on a water/aluminum reaction to generate a burst pressure. The source may be deployed as a single charge or as one element of a multiple charge array and is configurable to explode at variable depths with variable energy levels. The inherent safety of the non-explosive acoustic source obviates the necessity for auxiliary safety features or procedures to protect against inadvertent explosion. As a result, the non-explosive acoustic source facilitates the implementation of sonic detection systems and reduces the operational costs associated with such systems.

Abstract: An automated inspection system and method enables rapid, remote and non-contact inspection of large objects, utilizing non-destructive inspection techniques, that does not require continuous manual repositioning of the inspection equipment. The inspection system includes a remote controlled robotic vehicle including a sensor package capable of non-destructive inspection of a structure and a mechanism for locating the sensor package at a plurality of inspection sights on the structure; a positioning system for determining the location of the robotic vehicle with respect to the structure to be inspected; a control system for controlling the movement of the robotic vehicle around the structure to be inspected; and an analysis systems for analyzing data generated by the sensor platform.