Abstract: The present invention provides improved preconcentrator media suitable for selectively desorbing captured analytes. Additionally, the current invention provides improved methods for concentrating trace quantities of analytes to a degree suitable for detection by a detecting device.

Abstract: Method and systems for aligning a first component with a second component are disclosed. For example, a first component may be aligned with a second component during an assembly process, with a first camera used to facilitate the viewing of one or more alignment features of the first component and/or the second component with infrared energy that is transmitted through the first component. A second camera may be used to view at least a portion of the first component and/or at least a portion of the second component using visible light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device package, such as an electronic system package, that is suitable for use in harsh military or commercial environments. The package components, including a base enclosure and mating cover, comprise a series of interconnected electrically conductive materials, forming a tortuous electrically conductive path, that advantageously shield electromagnetic interference (“EMI”). The electrically conductive, EMI-shielding layers and other coated layers (e.g., insulative electrocoated paint layers) are smooth layers that provide corrosion resistance to the interior and exterior surfaces of the package. The package is also designed such that its components form a water tight seal. Thus, innovatively, the package comprises a combination of components that synergistically shield electromagnetic interference, resist interior and exterior corrosion, and form a water tight seal. The package is configured to pass military specification EMI and salt fog standard testing.

Abstract: A multi-tier approach for use in a mailroom for detecting bio-threats conveyed by mail. In a first tier procedure, mail entering the mailroom is continuously automatically screened at a mail screening station to detect a potential bio-threat contamination. If a potential bio-threat is detected, an alarm signal is generated, a sample of the potential bio-threat is collected, and a second tier procedure is initiated. The second tier procedure uses a manual test, such as a nucleic acid amplification and detection assay to detect any of a plurality of different specific bio-threats in the sample. If a specific bio-threat is found, appropriate steps are taken to limit spread of the bio-threat and exposure of personnel. A third tier procedure uses a manual assay to check for a specific toxin in background samples collected over a predefined time interval at each mail screening station and in the air handling system for the mailroom.

Abstract: Binocular system, including method and apparatus, for viewing a scene. The system may comprise a left camera and a right camera that create left and right video signals from detected optical radiation. At least one of the cameras may include a sensor that is sensitive to infrared radiation. The system also may comprise a left display and a right display arranged to be viewed by a pair of eyes. The left and right displays may be configured to present respective left video images and right video images formed with visible light based respectively on the left and right video signals.

Abstract: Binocular system, including method and apparatus, for viewing a scene. The system may comprise a left camera and a right camera that create left and right video signals from detected optical radiation. At least one of the cameras may include a sensor that is sensitive to infrared radiation. The system also may comprise a left display and a right display arranged to be viewed by a pair of eyes. The left and right displays may be configured to present respective left video images and right video images formed with visible light based respectively on the left and right video signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cryogenic cooler's expander supported by a support member, preferably a truncated conical tube. The support member provides additional stiffness to the expander to reduce movements at the distal end of the expander. The support member also increases the natural frequency of the expander. In one embodiment, the support member increases the natural frequency of the expander at least about two (2) times in the bending and/or twisting sense. In another embodiment, the bending natural frequency of the expander and support sub-assembly is at least about two times greater or lower than the natural frequency of the electrical wires that connect the infrared sensor to a control processing unit to reduce the maximum stress applied to the electrical wires during use. In another embodiment, additional or redundant electrical pathways are provided for the connection between the infrared sensor and the CPU.

Abstract: A compact optical payload for an unmanned aircraft includes two infrared cameras for wide and narrow field viewing, a daylight color camera, a laser pointer and a laser range finder.

Abstract: A system for an embodiment includes a sensor device having at least one sensor adapted to monitor at least one parameter associated with a circuit and selectively provide measurement information on the at least one parameter. The at least one sensor may include an electrical sensor adapted to monitor an electrical parameter of the circuit for the sensor device to selectively provide as the measurement information, and wherein the sensor device includes a wireless transceiver within the sensor device and is adapted to transmit the measurement information and receive control information. The system may further include a receiver indicator device having a wireless transceiver and adapted to wirelessly receive the measurement information from the sensor device, provide the control information to the sensor device, and provide an indication based on the measurement information to a user operating the receiver indicator device.

Abstract: A compact optical payload for an unmanned aircraft includes two infrared cameras for wide and narrow field viewing, a daylight color camera, a laser pointer and a laser range finder.

Abstract: An improved EMI shielded detection system. The disclosed system may include features configured to increase radio wave and microwave absorbance while retaining significant transparency at visible and/or infrared wavelengths, thus increasing EMI shielding efficiency. This may be accomplished through the use of a conductive mesh having appropriately chosen dimensions and spacing, and embedded in a transparent medium. To minimize the impact of the mesh on the effective aperture of the medium, the strands of the mesh may be made relatively narrow, and to provide sufficient shielding despite the narrow strand width, the mesh may be embedded relatively deeply in the medium.

Abstract: An infrared camera architecture includes, for an embodiment, an infrared detector, a substrate, a plurality of electrical components coupled to the substrate, and a pedestal made of a thermally conductive material and having a leg coupled to the substrate. The infrared detector is supported by and thermally coupled to the pedestal, with the pedestal thermally isolating the infrared detector from the plurality of electrical components.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved cryogenic cooler with an expander where the regenerator matrix is decoupled from the displacer or piston, thereby allowing the design of each to be optimized substantially independently. The regenerator matrix is preferably positioned spaced apart from the displacer and can be designed to enhance thermal exchanges and flow rates of the working gas. In one embodiment, the regenerator matrix has a serpentine shape or U-shape disposed around the displacer and the cold finger. Preferably, the regenerator matrix is static. The thermal lengths of the cold finger and/or the displacer can be extended by minimizing their geometrical lengths. Additionally, the structural integrity or stiffness of the cold finger and/or displacer can be strengthened.

Abstract: A multisensory meter system is disclosed. The system comprises one main unit and a plurality of remote units. Each remote unit has at least a sensor to measure a physical parameter and wirelessly transmit the measured parameter as a signal to the main unit. The main unit and the remote units have an interface that allows at least one the remote units to be attached to the main unit. When attached, the main unit and the remote unit function as a single meter, and the main unit is capable of receiving signals from the other remote units. In one embodiment, the main unit and the remote units form a mesh network to transmit and receive signals, wherein each remote unit receives signals and transmits said signals. The mesh network may also contain relays. The remote units may measure a number of physical parameters such as relative humidity, temperature, vibration, moisture, electrical current, air speed, voltage and rotational speed.

Abstract: A microbolometer circuit includes, in accordance with an embodiment, a first microbolometer and a bias circuit, coupled to the first microbolometer, configured to provide a bias current to the first microbolometer to provide a first output signal based on a resistance of the first microbolometer. An output circuit, coupled to the bias circuit and the first microbolometer, is configured to provide an output signal based on the first output signal, wherein the bias circuit or the output circuit or both are configured to provide a varying signal level to compensate the first output signal for a change in the resistance of the first microbolometer due to the bias current increasing a temperature of the first microbolometer.

Abstract: A compact cryocooler includes a gas compression piston (304) supported for reciprocal linear translation along a first longitudinal axis (308) and a gas displacing piston (362) supported for reciprocal linear translation along a second longitudinal axis (366). The first longitudinal axis (308) and second longitudinal axis (366) are substantially orthogonal. A rotary motor (302) rotates a rotor (324) and associated motor shaft (320) about a motor rotation axis (328) disposed substantially parallel with the second longitudinal axis (366). Motor shaft (320) first and second mounting features (336, 340) traverse first and second eccentric paths around the motor rotation axis. A first drive coupling couples the first mounting feature (336) with the gas compression piston (304) and delivers a reciprocal linear translation along the first longitudinal axis (308) thereto.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide infrared camera techniques that may improve image quality or infrared camera performance over a range of varying conditions. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a system is disclosed that transforms data provided by an infrared camera based upon environmental conditions at the time the data was obtained. As an example, the image quality provided by the infrared camera may be improved over a range of environmental conditions by the proper transformation of the data based upon the data and/or sensor information.

Abstract: A camera assembly includes a housing having a central axis and a camera cassette slidably receivable in a front end thereof. The slide-in cassette includes a sled having a pair of legs slidably receivable in respective ones of a pair of complementary longitudinal slide guide recesses located in the housing and aligned substantially parallel to the central axis thereof, an electrical connector located at a rear end of the sled, a camera electrically coupled to the electrical connector, and an apparatus disposed at a front end of the sled for coupling the camera to the front ends of the sled and the housing such that the optical axis of the camera is located generally concentric with the central axis of the housing and disposed at a selectably adjustable angle relative thereto.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein provide for various embodiments of maritime control components. For example in one embodiment, a control component, adapted to be used with a watercraft, includes a mounting feature adapted to mount the control component to a steering wheel of the watercraft, and a mode selector of the control component adapted to receive and transmit a first user input signal corresponding to a user selected mode of operation from a plurality of selectable modes of operation including a map mode, a sonar mode, a fishfinder mode, a radar mode, an autopilot pattern mode, an entertainment mode, and/or a maritime mode. The control component further includes an increase/decrease actuator adapted to receive and transmit a second user input signal corresponding to a user selection within the user selected mode of operation. Embodiments of a watercraft and a method of display control are also provided.