Abstract: A method, computer program product, apparatus and system are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method includes: receiving at a second unit periodic energy bursts transmitted by a first unit; blanking a transmitter of the second unit in accordance with the received periodic energy bursts such that the transmitter is unable to transmit when the second unit is receiving a periodic energy burst; and transmitting a plurality of instances of a same data from the second unit to the first unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting items for the presence of contraband. Trays may be used to hold items as they move through an inspection station. After use, the trays may be mechanically conveyed back to an entry region of the inspection station so that the trays may be used to move other items. Mechanically conveying the trays may enable increased throughput for inspection stations. A tray return may be constructed from multiple modules positioned to the side of an inspection machine. In use at an airport or other similar facility, the tray return may face a passenger use area at an inspection station. Passengers exiting the inspection station may place trays in the tray return. Passengers entering the inspection station may remove a tray from an end of the tray return at an entrance of the inspection station.

Abstract: A method for partitioning communication resource among multiple users partitions a portion of an available communication resource into a series of time-frequency slots, and allows multiple users to transmit in one of at least two available modes within a time-frequency slot. Preferably, one mode is time division of the time-frequency slot into time sub-slots, and another mode is code division of the time-frequency slot according to different spreading codes that spread an individual user's signal only within the subject time-frequency slot. Further details as to pilot signals, guard intervals, and payloads are described.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for forming reconfigurable neural networks with interconnected FPGAs each having a packet router. Neural network nodes are formed within the FPGAs and connections between nodes within an FPGA and connections to nodes external to the FPGA are made using packet routers that are configured within each FPGA. The FPGAs can be connected to each other using high-speed interconnects, such as high-speed serial digital interconnects. The FPGA arrays with packet routing allow for dynamic and reconfigurable neural networks to be formed thereby greatly improving the performance and intelligence of the neural network.

Abstract: An electron gun comprises a shell having distal and proximal ends, a cathode structure disposed within the shell and having an electron emitting surface, an anode physically coupled to the shell at the distal end and spaced a fixed distance from the emitting surface, and a plurality of leads adapted to apply a voltage to the cathode structure with respect to the anode sufficient to cause emission of the electrons from the emitting surface. The anode has an aperture for passage therethrough of the beam of electrons emitted by the emitting surface. A first insulator is disposed within the shell proximal to the cathode structure. The first insulator has plural apertures having respective sizes in relation to corresponding ones of the plurality of leads such that the plurality of leads pass therethrough without contacting the first insulator. The first insulator provides stand-off for the voltage between the anode and cathode. A second insulator is disposed with the shell proximal from the first insulator.

Abstract: A system for the efficient use of CORDIC rotators is provided. The system includes at least one first rotator operating in vector mode and includes a sign storage buffer. The system also includes at least one bit inverter coupled between the first rotator and a second rotator, the second rotator operating in rotation mode.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for transmitting low data rate symbols from a communications terminal to a burst radar transceiver. A plurality of bursts can be emitted from a burst radar transceiver, each burst having a burst interval and separated by an inter-burst interval. A symbol can be transmitted from the communications terminal to the burst radar transceiver. The symbol has a symbol period that is substantially longer than a radar transceiver burst period comprising the burst interval and the inter-burst interval. Symbol energy can be accumulated during inter-burst intervals at the burst radar transceiver over a plurality of burst periods for approximately the symbol period.

Abstract: An adaptive channel equalization technique and method for wideband passive receivers is disclosed that reduces and tends to minimize distortions caused by circuitry within passive digital receivers. This equalization architecture provides an adaptive equalization solution for a wideband passive channel that receives unknown signals from the RF environment both temporally and spectrally. A wideband chirp signal or calibration signal is periodically injected to capture the spectral response of the receiver channel as it varies from the distortions induced over time and temperature for synthesis of equalization filter coefficients. Thus, the channel equalization is performed independent of receiver signal source and is employed to minimize digital receiver signal measurement distortions across the passband by providing an equalization filter whose magnitude and phase response compensates for the channel distortions of the passive data collection system.

Abstract: A dielectric insulated mechanical switch is coupled to a capacitive energy storage arrangement and a pulse forming network. The dielectric insulated mechanical switch is immersed in a dielectric substance. A controller is coupled to the dielectric insulated mechanical switch. The controller is programmed to selectively open and close the dielectric insulated mechanical switch so as to supply energy stored in the capacitive energy storage device to the pulse forming network and thereby form a high voltage energy pulse.

Abstract: An optic mount and mounting technique according to the invention isolates the material properties of the optical element from the material properties of the structural element. According to one aspect, kinematically positioned, opposing flexures attach to the structural and/or optical elements in a way that isolates one side of the mount from the other side. As the temperature changes, the flexures attached to the structural and optical elements can move radially like hinges as the materials expand and contract. According to additional aspects, thin stabilizers can be included such as ribs that connect the end of each flexure to the ring perimeter. The geometry of the rib can allow for radial compliance of the flexure while keeping the flexure stiff in the axial direction. This increases the resonant frequency of the optical assembly, which is important for dynamic systems. The ribs also reduce positional sag due to gravity, which is important for optical systems that have dynamic pointing requirements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of determining a signal code. The method comprising steps of acquiring and correlating a signal with a first code sequence. In response to the timing lock is achieved. Also in response to the signal correlation, an acknowledge from a receiver of the signal to a transmitter change to a second code sequence.

Abstract: A method for transmitting bursts of data from a communications terminal to a mobile radar transceiver having inter-burst periods is disclosed. The method includes determining a propagation time between the communications terminal and mobile radar transceiver. A length of inter-burst periods of the mobile radar transceiver having an inter-burst timing can be determined. Bursts of data having a communication burst period that is less than the inter-burst period can be formed. The bursts of data from the communications terminal can be transmitted at a transmission time based on the inter-burst timing and the propagation time to enable each burst of data to be received by the mobile radar transceiver during one of the inter-burst periods.

Abstract: A security system for use in connection with cargo containers and other enclosed spaces. The system monitors vibrations associated with a container and detects signals representative events indicating that an unauthorized access has been made to the container. The system may be programmed with a library of event signatures, allowing different types of events to be detected. The system may be provided with a library of signatures representing a heart beating with a beat pattern and the system may be used to detect a human or other animal within the container. Alternatively, the system may be provided with a library of signatures representing piercing the container. The system may be used to monitor containers in transit. Indications of events may be stored while the container is in transit and then communicated at a security check point.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for signal tracking utilizing a universal algorithm. The method and apparatus generally include acquiring a signal measurement corresponding to a signal emitted from an emitter, forming a measurement matrix utilizing the acquired signal measurement, and applying the measurement matrix to a recursive filter to determine a velocity and/or geolocation of the signal emitter. Such a configuration enables velocities and geolocations to be determined utilizing any signal measurement or combination of signal measurements to eliminate the need to rely on a particular static combination of signal measurements.

Abstract: A hand-held, wand-type buried object detector includes a motion and position sensor that provides data about the sensor head of the buried object detector. An inertial measuring device including three accelerometers and three gyroscopes is one example of a motion and position sensor. The buried object detector includes a processor/communicator device that is capable of processing the data from the motion and position sensor and communicating feedback, based on the processing results, to the operator about the operation of the buried object detector. In one example, a personal digital assistant may be configured for use as a processor/communicator device of a buried object detector.

Abstract: A dual energy X-ray source for use in an explosive detection system includes only a single power supply and only a single X-ray tube. The X-ray tube includes only two electron guns and only a single anode. Each electron gun has its own grid and cathode. The X-ray source switches between producing a higher energy X-ray and producing a lower energy X-ray at a frequency of at least 4000 Hz.

Abstract: Systems and methods for solder bonding that employ an equilibrium solidification process in which the solder is solidified by dissolving and alloying metals that raise the melting point temperature of the solder. Two or more structure surfaces may be solder bonded, for example, by employing heating to melt the solder and holding the couple at a temperature above the initial solder melting point of the solder until interdiffusion reduces the volume fraction of liquid so as to form a solid bond between surfaces before cooling to below the initial melting point of the solder.

Abstract: Apparatus for simulating ultraviolet (UV) signatures of missiles includes a memory, control electronics, drive electronics and at least one solid-state UV-radiation emitter. Waveform data that is characteristic of the UV-signatures of different types of missiles is stored in the memory. The control electronics retrieve specific waveform data from the memory in response to an operator's selection of at least one of one or more different types of missiles and processes the retrieved waveform data to generate a waveform signal that simulates the UV-signature(s) of the selected missile(s). The drive electronics respond to the generated waveform signal by causing the at least one solid-state UV-radiation emitter to emit UV radiation simulating the UV-signature(s) of the missile(s). The apparatus is mounted on a hand-held chassis. Operator controls are included in a hand grip of the chassis.

Abstract: A composite code is made for example by exclusive-OR'ing each real element of a first constituent code A with each element of a second constituent code B to obtain a basic composite code. To suppress autocorrelation, differing numbers of doping code elements are inserted between code segments made from combining each element of code A with an element of code B. A matched filter first stage removes from its input the A code and any doping code added to it, summing the elements of code A. A matched filter second stage removes from its input the B code and any doping code added at the second level. The summed elements of code B are the input to the first stage. Optionally, the summed elements of the doping code at any level may be delayed and summed with the elements of the A code in the first stage.