Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for erasing hard drives. A system, which can be configured as a stand-alone and portable apparatus, includes a control device configured to support an erase module. The erase module is configured to erase a hard drive such that data erased from the hard drive is forensically unrecoverable. The system further includes a user interface and at least one drive bay configured to provide communication between a hard drive and the control device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus implementing a “hadron” data structure architecture. In some embodiments, each hadron includes a frame identifier and a holder for a payload of data, wherein the plurality of hadron data structures are stored in a hadron block that provides a specification that includes metadata that specifies the payload. Some embodiments include a plurality of hadron blocks first and second hadron data blocks, each block including one or more hadron pages. Upon receiving data particles of a dataset, the system forms a first plurality of hadron data structures (hadrons) by creating a first frame identifier and associating the first frame identifier with a first data particle to form the first hadron, and creating a second frame identifier and associating the second frame identifier with a second data particle to form the second hadron, and stores the first plurality of hadron data structures in the first hadron page.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for erasing hard drives. A system, which can be configured as a stand alone and portable apparatus, includes a control device configured to support an erase module. The erase module is configured to erase a hard drive such that data erased from the hard drive is forensically unrecoverable. The system further includes a user interface and at least one drive bay configured to provide communication between a hard drive and the control device.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically georeferencing digitized images selects and analyzes image landmark points from disparate sources for image co-registration. A composite alignment of raster images and geographic target vectors is automatically generated using metadata sources for use in geographic display and editing environments. Cartographic alignment of raster images to geographic vector data sets is performed to co-position image data with geographic vector data sets. The co-registration and display permits a meaningful overlay of the data sets and an improved comparison of vector data to the correctly-registered images based on the physical relationships between the vector data and the underlying image features.

Abstract: A geospatial information system is provided including a database, a processing unit adapted to access and retrieve the geospatial information from the database, a tool permissions module, a user interface module, a monitoring module, an audit module, a workflow management module, and an update module. Also, a method for updating geospatial information is provided including the steps of providing a database, accessing the database to retrieve geospatial information, associating a tool permission level to a user, generating a customized interface including a plurality of enhancement tools to request a change to the geospatial information, applying a logic check, selecting a map technician, prioritizing the order in which the changes are processed, monitoring the status of the requested change, and updating the geospatial information.

Abstract: A system and method for caching and rendering an image database enables predictive loading of unrequested portions of the image. A raw image is preprocessed and subdivided into tiles. As a portion of a raw image is displayed on a screen and the user zooms and pans the image, a predicting algorithm determines which additional tiles should be loaded into cache so that the user suffers no lag time as additional tiles not in cache are loaded. The present system and method is adaptable to both raster and vector images.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for populating a database and/or software screen in a computer with data read from portable high-capacity machine-readable media. The method of the present invention includes the steps of: loading and executing an interpretive software program in the computer; reading a portable high-capacity machine-readable medium with a reading device coupled to the computer; and using the interpretive software program to identify any qualifier character that is present in the data read from the machine-readable medium, ignore the data if no qualifier character is identified, and populate the database and/or software screen with the data read from the machine-readable medium if a qualifier character is identified.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a sustained, peak performance computing architecture is provided. A hardware processing architecture is provided for performing repeated algorithm iterations, wherein each of the algorithm iterations is performed on a parallel set of algorithm input data. The architecture includes a memory arranged to store the algorithm input data in parallel, contiguous bit locations. A parallel execution module having a plurality of functional execution units is provided, each of the functional execution units being configured to perform a preassigned function dictated by the algorithm on predetermined bits of each iterative parallel set of algorithm input data.

Abstract: A direct in-process measurement of the bottom kerf width uses a hardware, vision, and software system which captures a direct image of this kerf, computes its average width over a prescribed length and presents the data for visual observation, automatic control, and/or recordkeeping. In addition, by expanding the system to a measurement of the width of the top of the kerf, the verticality of the kerf may also be determined. In the preferred embodiment, a laser-cutting head produces controlled width kerfs in a sheet of plywood according to a preprogrammed pattern. A video camera is mounted relative to the cutting head and is held by a positioning system that is programmed to follow behind the cutting process and directly over the kerf. The optics of the camera are adjusted to view through the kerf and are focused on the bottom of the kerf which is backlit by a subsurface lighting system mounted in the corners of the tub on which the dieboard is mounted.

Abstract: A testing device to test and troubleshoot APUs that is designed to be small, rugged, light weight, and easily adaptable to many different APU applications. Using a special multi-wire cable system, test and monitor circuits are imposed between the APU control panel and the ECU and also between the ECU and the LRUs. LRU electrical circuits are subjected to short electrical pulses and the resulting current flow is monitored. Defective LRUs are detected by a very low or zero current measurement indicating an open circuit or by an excess current flow indicating a short circuit. The testing device does not include standard monitoring equipment such as voltmeters and oscilloscopes which would require calibration. Instead, the APU Tester's signal selector equipment routes a selected APU signal to the APU Tester's front panel test jacks for easy monitoring of circuit resistance and signal characteristics using standard external monitoring equipment which can be separately calibrated.

Abstract: A personnel accountability system accounting for personnel reporting to a site. The personnel accountability system includes an information receiving device, a processor, and a display. The information receiving device is provided for receiving information from a data storage device carried by the personnel or from the personnel directly. The received information pertains to the personnel, and may include identification, qualification, and/or medical information. Upon receiving the data, the system subsequently stores and displays the received information. This system may also be used to receive information regarding a site.

Abstract: A personnel accountability system accounting for personnel reporting to a site. The personnel accountability system includes a bar code reader, a processor, and a display for reading bar codes carried by the personnel, which contain information pertaining to the personnel, such as qualification and medical information, and for subsequently storing and displaying the information contained in the bar codes. This system may also be used to read bar codes containing information regarding the site. Preferably, the bar codes are two-dimensional bar codes. This system is particularly suited for accounting for firefighters arriving at the scene of an emergency.

Abstract: A laser-machining apparatus that utilizes "flying optics" having at least one lens that corrects the divergence of the laser beam as it is emitted from the laser. Without correction, "flying optics" type of systems cannot be used with materials requiring a kerf that must be kept within tolerances not exceeding a couple of thousandths of an inch. The preferred embodiment utilizes a vertical lens that focuses the beam on the surface of the work piece. An additional adjustment of the vertical position of that lens is provided that corresponds to the distance that the carriage is from the laser and degree of divergence experienced with the laser that is being used. An alternative embodiment places at least one beam adjustment lens between the laser and the redirecting mirror that redirects the beam from the laser onto the surface of the work piece. In this embodiment, adjustment of the vertical lens to compensate for the laser beam divergence is unnecessary.

Abstract: A data processing device for providing data related to the categories of services available at locations along a highway in response to operator input is disclosed. The device includes a memory, a keyboard for entering input data identifying a desired service and an origin position into the memory. The input data is compressed before it is stored in the memory. The memory stores predetermined data in a compressed form related to the categories of services available at locations along the highway. The device also includes a microprocessor for retrieving from the memory the predetermined data which is a function of the input data. The microprocessor expands the retrieved compressed data into an operator readable form and provides the expanded data to a display for displaying the expanded retrieved data such as restaurants, gas stations, motels, or other services along the highway.

Abstract: A satellite system for optical communications such as a multi-access laser transceiver system. Up to six low Earth orbiting satellites send satellite data to a geosynchronous satellite. The data is relayed to a ground station at the Earth's surface. The earth pointing geosynchronous satellite terminal has no gimbal but has a separate tracking mechanism for tracking each low Earth orbiting satellite. The tracking mechanism has a ring assembly rotatable about an axis coaxial with the axis of the field of view of the geosynchronous satellite and a pivotable arm mounted for pivotal movement on the ring assembly. An optical pickup mechanism at the end of each arm is positioned for optical communication with one of the orbiting satellites by rotation of the ring.

Abstract: A data processing device for providing data related to the categories of services available at locations along a highway in response to operator input is disclosed. The device includes a memory, a keyboard for entering input data identifying a desired service and an origin position into the memory. The input data is compressed before it is stored in the memory. The memory stores predetermined data in a compressed form related to the categories of services available at locations along the highway. The device also includes a microprocessor for retrieving from the memory the predetermined data which is a function of the input data. The microprocessor expands the retrieved compressed data into an operator readable form and provides the expanded data to a display for displaying the expanded retrieved data such as restaurants, gas stations, motels, or other services along the highway.

Abstract: An optical encoder housing is rotatably mounted upon a hub secured to the shaft of a motor typically by a set screw. The hub also carries the encoder disc. A circular leaf spring is fastened by studs to the motor housing and the encoder housing. Alternatively a spring couples the hub to the motor shaft while the encoder housing is secured to the motor housing.