Abstract: A system and a method for rapid database application deployment and use. A system includes a host server that includes a database and a database application framework. The database stores a virtual relational database structure and a virtual relational database implementation. The database may store the virtual relational database structure and virtual relational database implementation in an existing relational database structure. The virtual relational database structure includes one or more object types and one or more object properties. Object types are definitions of types of objects for which data may be stored in the database and object properties are definitions of types of data that may be stored for objects and are associated with the one or more object types.

Abstract: A temperature probe assembly is provided. The temperature probe assembly may comprise a housing formed of a first thermally conductive material and having an inner diameter defined by an inner bore, an insert formed of a second thermally conductive material disposed in the inner bore and having an outer diameter that is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the housing at a first temperature and a temperature sensor mounted within the insert. The second thermally conductive material has a thermal coefficient of expansion that is greater than the first thermally conductive material, such that the insert is insertable into the inner bore at the first temperature and is tightly locked in the inner bore at a second temperature that is greater than the first temperature.

Abstract: Thermal interface materials are essential for proper operation of electronic assemblies. They are used between surface mount components and printed wiring boards and between printed wiring boards and metal heat sinks. Their function is to bond the components together and allow good heat transfer between the parts being bonded. The approach disclosed in this invention is a fully-cured, flexible, filled elastomer that is coated on both sides with a partially cured, filled adhesive, which can be conveniently made by a low cost tape casting process. This unique approach offers a combination of good adhesion to both bonding surfaces, good heat transfer, compliance to accommodate mismatched coefficient of thermal expansion, rework capability, control of flow of the adhesive during cure, and easy handling of uncured material.

Abstract: Mixing of a sample containing a suspect bioagent or antigen with 1° recognition molecule coated magnetic beads in the preliminary stage of an enzyme linked immunoassay (“ELISA”) procedure is emulated by first inserting the coated magnetic beads into a non-magnetic confinement region, generating a magnetic field B along the axis of said non-magnetic confinement region to agglomerate the coated magnetic beads into a porous mass; then percolating or otherwise forcing the sample solution through said porous mass; and withdrawing the magnetic field to de-agglomerate said coated magnetic beads. In seeping or otherwise flowing through the magnetic beads the molecules of the sample link to respective magnetic beads that are coated with recognition molecules.

Abstract: A technique for providing high-contrast images of defects in solar cells and solar panels, by illuminating each cell under inspection with broadband infrared radiation, and then forming an image of radiation that is secularly reflected from the cell. Multi-junction solar cells have a metal backing layer that secularly reflects the illumination back into an appropriately positioned and aligned camera, selected to be sensitive to infrared wavelengths at which the solar cell materials are relatively transparent.

Abstract: A gesture recognition simulation system and method is provided. In one embodiment, a gesture recognition simulation system includes a three-dimensional display system that displays a three-dimensional image of at least one simulated object having at least one functional component. A gesture recognition interface system is configured to receive an input gesture associated with a sensorless input object from a user. The gesture recognition simulation system further comprises a simulation application controller configured to match a given input gesture with a predefined action associated with the at least one functional component. The simulation application controller could invoke the three dimensional display system to display a simulated action on at least a portion of the at least one simulated object associated an input gesture and a predefined action match.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating and evaluating a plurality of courses of action (COAs) for a problem of interest having an associated set of problem characteristics. A case based reasoner generates an initial set of courses of action according to the associated problem characteristics. Each course of action includes a plurality of COA packages and a set of associated fitness parameters. A genetic algorithm refines the initial set of courses of action according to a set of global influence values to produce at least one optimized course of action. A user interface allows a user to adjust at least one value from the set of global influence values and the set of fitness parameters associated with each optimized course of action.

Abstract: Handover in a wireless communications system from a first communications platform to a post-handover platform is implemented utilizing low-level synchronization mechanisms to enable at least some of a plurality of terminals to adjust timing and synchronize communications with the post-handover platform. Synchronization with the post-handover platform can be facilitated based on a comparison between an expected time to receive response data and the actual time that such data is received from the post-handover platform.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sputter coating an insulated wire with a silicon and metal alloy, to provide the wire with sufficient surface conductivity to protect against build-up of electrostatic charge. A sputtering target of silicon has a metal plate positioned close enough to the sputtering site on the target to permit metal atoms to be dislodged by sputtered silicon, and deposited with the silicon to form an alloy. In the disclosed form of the invention, the wire is insulated with a polyimide material and the metal alloyed with silicon in the sputtered coating is stainless steel.

Abstract: A light-powered data acquisition and control system immune to electromagnetic interference employs smart sensors in a network configuration capable of decentralized communication. A smart sensor with integral transducer encloses a microprocessor, fiber optic transceiver, and photovoltaic converter within a Faraday cage. Optical fibers link plural sensors for duplex communication with a fiber optic splitter, which transmits high intensity light to the converter for powering the sensors. The sensor converts analog input from the transducer into bit packets for fiber optic transmission to the network via the splitter. Firmware in the splitter converts the bit packets to network protocol and vice versa enabling data communication among sensors, splitters, and control receivers. Verification algorithms for testing sensors are run automatically by the microprocessor or through commands issued via the network. Mnemonics stored in the sensors provide automatic updating of system configuration.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for establishing a substantially delta-V-free three-dimensional atomic satellite cloud cluster. In one embodiment, a satellite cloud cluster system comprises a plurality of satellites maintaining a three-dimensional periodic motion relative to a reference point. The plurality of satellites and the reference point maintain an orbital pattern around a celestial body. The three-dimensional periodic motion is symmetrical about at least two planes that intersect at the reference point.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises a piezoelectric layer, a first electrode along a first side of the piezoelectric layer, and a second electrode along a second side of the piezoelectric layer. The first and second electrodes are adapted to receive a voltage bias to create an electric field in the piezoelectric layer that controls an acoustic velocity of a surface acoustic wave.

Abstract: A method for mitigating multipath impacts on azimuth accuracy in a monopulse interrogator is accomplished by calculating samples of monopulse ratio for samples of antenna boresight angles based on data received from an interrogation of a target. Samples of traditional target azimuth from the samples of monopulse ratio are calculated. A mean of the samples of traditional target azimuth is calculated. An alternative target azimuth from the samples of monopulse ratio is calculated. Whether a multipath signal exists is determined from observing a standard deviation of the samples of traditional target azimuth, and using the mean of the traditional target azimuth if a multipath signal does not exist and using the alternative target azimuth if a multipath signal does exist.

Abstract: A system for supporting a projector on a support structure relative to a projection surface includes a plurality of base members connectable with the support structure and having a position adjustable relative to the projection surface. The system also includes a base member calibration system for calibrating the base members to a predetermined position relative to the projection surface. The system also includes a plurality of foot members for supporting the projector. Each foot member has a position adjustable relative to the projector. The system further includes a projector calibration system for calibrating the projector to a predetermined position relative to the foot members. The projector calibrated to the predetermined position relative to the foot members is calibrated to the predetermined position relative to the projection surface when the foot members rest on the base members.

Abstract: Chromatic correction of a Fresnel lens is effected by collecting data at multiple detectors arrayed along the optical axis of the lens and then digitally processing data from each detector to obtain multiple sets of image data corresponding to selected tuned wavelengths associated with the multiple detectors, or to obtain composite multi-color image data. Digital processing includes deconvolving data from each detector with a point spread function (PSF) associated with the tuned wavelength of the detector, and thereby enhancing the image derived from the detector. Two possible techniques are also disclosed for deriving sub-band signal data having a wavelength that falls between the tuned wavelengths of adjacent detectors.

Abstract: A thermal radiation sensor is disclosed wherein a semiconductor thermocouple comprised of a pair of silicon diodes is connected in back-to-back relationship, with one of the diodes being located in a detector stage. The other diode is located in a heat bath stage together with a sensed temperature difference amplifier. The detector stage is thermally isolated from the heat bath stage by a low thermal conductivity link that includes electrical wires which connect the back-to-back diodes to the amplifier.

Abstract: An antenna assembly comprises a plurality of antenna elements arranged in an array, and a radome for protecting the antenna elements, wherein the radome has a thickness that changes across a field of view to normalize insertion phase delay differences in an incoming signal passing through the radome and received by the antenna elements.

Abstract: Analysis of biological small molecules such as toxins, spores or cells is achieved by miniature mass spectrometer apparatus and apparatus attached thereto for vaporizing and ionizing a liquid sample fed into an evacuated vaporization chamber as an electrospray. The mass spectrometer apparatus includes: a collimation chamber, a repeller assembly, an internal ionization chamber, a mass filter and ion separation chamber, a drift space region, and a multi-channel ion detection array so as to permit the collection and analysis of ions formed over a wide mass range simultaneously. The vaporization chamber includes an output port adjacent the input to the collimation chamber so as to maximize the amount of vaporized material being fed into the mass spectrometer apparatus.

Abstract: A processor of an apparatus in one example makes a determination of an environmental characteristic based on an average of a plurality of concomitant values that correspond to the environmental characteristic.

Abstract: UV resistant inorganic coatings which exhibit photochemical activity that destroys toxic biological and chemical agents are disclosed. The inorganic coatings include semiconductor metal oxide nanoparticles that are photo-chemically active dispersed in an inorganic binder. In one embodiment, anatase titanium dioxide nanoparticles are dispersed in a silicon dioxide or silicate binder. Applications may include spacecraft, aircraft, ships, military vehicles, high value equipment and buildings such as subway stations, hospitals, railroad stations and stadiums.