Abstract: A computer-implemented performance evaluation method includes specifying a group of comparable entities and a benchmark against which the comparable entities are evaluated. The entities evaluated may be a process, technology, strategy, treatment, organization, individual, or other identifiable unit. A primary data matrix is arranged by data indices, and the primary matrix is sampled with replacement N times to bootstrap N observation matrices. Alternatively, a Monte Carlo approach can be used. Then, all the matrices are filled with measurement criteria, with each criterion being representative of a respective data index and a respective entity. A p-value estimate is returned that measures the statistical significance of the best of the comparable entities relative to the benchmark, where the p-value represents the probability of wrongly rejecting the null hypothesis that a best of the comparable entities has expected performance no better than that of a benchmark.

Abstract: The present invention is a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM)/code division multiple access (CDMA) hybrid code fiber optic communication device. It provides multiple, concurrent, asynchronous, bursty communication at up to full data rate at each port. The invention includes a novel physical channel scrambling technique which allows coders and decoders to conveniently select any encoded channel and increases the communications throughput. This hybrid approach combines WDM with a form of space/time division multiplexing (matrix codes) applied to each data bit so that up to P channels can be defined and simultaneously used without having the stringent hardware requirements for P different wavelengths or P different time slots. To alleviate cross-channel interference that can produce an error rate limitation in both optical matrix CDMA and WDM/CDMA Hybrid codes, a modification of this invention has been designed.

Abstract: The present invention is a compact, quantized, photonic delay-line array based on nested, generalized, spirals. The array includes N optical waveguides and is quantized in that consecutive waveguides can have their delays differ by the same delay difference design constant, D. Thus the delay for the n.sup.th delay line can be expressed as D.sub.n =D.sub.0 +n*D where D.sub.0 is the delay through the first waveguide and n=0, 1, 2, . . . ,(N-1). The arrays can be formed on a suitable substrate by a process permitting crossovers such as silica-on-silicon or optical polymer planar lightwave circuits. The nested waveguides are applied as single turn or multiturn generalized spirals with either sharp (mirrored) or rounded corners. The approach is scalable because N may range from 2 to over 64, limited only by the wafer (substrate) material and size, or D may range from a picosecond to well over a nanosecond with currently available substrates.

Abstract: A computer-implemented prediction model evaluation method includes specifying many prediction models and a benchmark model against which the prediction models will be evaluated. A primary data matrix is arranged by data indices, and the primary matrix is sampled with replacement N times to bootstrap N observation matrices. Then, all the matrices are filled with measurement criteria, with each criteria being representative of a respective data index and a respective model. A p-value estimate is returned that measures the statistical significance of the best prediction model relative to the benchmark, where the p-value represents the probability of wrongly rejecting the null hypothesis that a best prediction model has expected performance no better than that of a benchmark. The p-value accounts for the examination of all of the prediction models, i.e., the p-value depends on the examination of all of the models as a group, and not simply on a single model.

Abstract: A data processing system and method for solving pattern classification problems and function-fitting problems includes a neural network in which N-dimensional input vectors are augmented with at least one element to form an N+j-dimensional projected input vector, whose magnitude is then preferably normalized to lie on the surface of a hypersphere. Weight vectors of at least a lowest intermediate layer of network nodes are preferably also constrained to lie on the N+j-dimensional surface.To train the network, the system compares network output values with known goal vectors, and an error function (which depends on all weights and threshold values of the intermediate and output nodes) is then minimized. In order to decrease the network's learning time even further, the weight vectors for the intermediate nodes are initially preferably set equal to known prototypes for the various classes of input vectors.

Abstract: According to a target locating method and system, each of a plurality of sensing stations, for example HFDF sensors, senses a nominal value of a predetermined measurement variable such as a bearing, differential times of arrival, etc., relating the location of a potential target in a target area to the location of each respective sensing station. Error models associated with each sensing station, along with the nominal measured variable for each sensing station, are transmitted to a central data collector. A central processor receives the collected data and directs a monitor to display a representation of the target area. The invention also provides a method for estimating the position of the target based on the nominal measurements of the location variable and also on the error models for each sensing station. The target area is divided into a grid of target area segments.

Abstract: A diode pulser is described which comprises a diode and an inductor connected in series, the impedance of the diode being controllable to suddenly increase the impedance to produce a high voltage pulse across the diode. The diode includes concentric electrodes forming a gap between them across which electrons move. To increase the impedance, a magnetic field is suddenly applied parallel to the electrode surfaces, to bend the electron paths so as to require a much higher voltage to move the electrons across the gap, the inductor creating such voltage to maintain the current flow for a brief time. The diode pulser is useful as a rapid-acting switch, and as a source of high energy electrons that are useful to generate X-rays, microwaves, and for other purposes.

Abstract: Certain man-made structures located in a complex background, such as railroad ties, telephone poles, and fences are detected by a flying craft, using a low powered structure resonant radar system. The radar system transmits a radar signal which includes wavelengths of the same order of magnitude as twice the spacing of the elements of the man-made structure or grating multiples thereof, and transmits them in a plurality of different directions and frequencies. Reflections of the transmitted radar are received and structural resonance backscatter is detected wherein the backscatter amplitude at the resonant frequency is much higher than that at adjacent frequencies or that of the clutter background, indicating the presence of the search-for type of structure. The bright structural resonance backscatter can then be exploted by the structure resonant radar for guidance, homing, etc.

Abstract: Speech may be analyzed digitally and recognized in real time by a system which includes a spectrum analyzer which determines the frequency content of successive segments of speech. Each speech segment is logically analyzed to identify the class of phonemes of which it is a part, and then the frequency spectrum of the segment is analyzed to uniquely identify the specific phoneme within the type. Sequences of phonemes with transitions excluded can then be compactly stored, transmitted to remote locations, synthesized into voice and translated logically into English or other natural language.

Abstract: A circuit is described which receives enemy radar signals in the form of encoded bursts or pulses, and which immediately generates and transmits, in sequence, a large number of target denial signals which are similar to the received signal. The transmitted signal masks signals from friendly craft, and deceives the enemy by providing rational false targets for him to engage. The carrier frequency of the enemy or threat, signal is detected, and is used to select one of a group of local oscillation signals which are superheterodyned with the received signal to produce an IF (intermediate frequency) signal which is recirculated and and superheterodyned with the local oscillator frequency to produce a series of signals for transmission that are similar to the received signal. The amplitude and offset doppler of each of the target denial signals are individually controlled prior to retransmission to maximize performance.

Abstract: A grip and folding stock assembly mounted and arranged on a compact gun for facilitating use of the gun in various firing positions. An L-shaped bracket has one end secured to the distal end of a pistol grip emanating from the undersurface of the receiver of the gun, and the other end secured to the undersurface of the rearward end of the receiver. Mounted in this way, the bracket defines a forearm receiving portion for stabilizing the gun while firing. A folding stock is pivotally mounted to the rearward end of the receiver of the weapon. The stock is operative between three positions. In a first position, the stock is folded and brought into close proximity to the pistol grip. In a second position, the stock is placed into a position suitable for shoulder firing. In a third position, the stock is placed into a position suitable for underarm firing. A cartridge magazine of improved construction fits within the pistol grip.

Abstract: A system is described for testing aspheric optic elements by the interference of light beam components that are respectively directed to the element to be tested and to a reference element, which facilitates the testing. A reference element is deformable in a controlled manner to more closely match the element to be tested, to produce straighter and more even fringes.

Abstract: A grip and folding stock assembly mounted and arranged on a compact gun for facilitating use of the gun in various firing positions. The grip and folding stock assembly is employed with a weapon that generally has an elongated receiver. An L-shaped bracket has one end secured to the distal end of a pistol grip emanating from the undersurface of the receiver, and the other end secured to the undersurface of the rearward end of the receiver. Mounted in this way, the bracket defines a forearm receiving portion for stabilizing the gun while firing. A folding stock is pivotally mounted to the rearward end of the receiver of the weapon. The stock is operative between two extreme positions. In a first position, the stock is folded and brought into close proximity to the pistol grip. In a second position, the stock is placed into a position suitable for shoulder firing.

Abstract: In order to bring cold water from the depths of a body of water, a long pipe is extended into the body of water. Arrangements are provided for pumping the water out of the pipe. A nozzle is then provided to direct a stream of water up through the pipe at high velocities, without touching the walls thereof, based on the high pressure of the water at the lower end of the pipe. At the top of the pipe near the surface of the body of water, arrangements are provided for collecting the cold water drawn from below. This ballistic cold water pipe may be employed to economically provide cold water for ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) systems, and for other purposes.

Abstract: An aircraft is provided with wind velocity measuring equipment which measures the wind velocity both (1) close to the aircraft and (2) at a considerable distance such as one-half mile or a mile away from the aircraft; and a large difference in these two measured velocities indicates dangerous windshear conditions. Either a warning signal is given to the pilot, or automatic control apparatus is actuated, to avoid crash conditions. A single pulsed carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) laser velocimeter may be mounted in the aircraft for measuring both the close-in and the distant wind speeds. The laser optic focus is shifted between the near and far measurements, and the return signal is time gated to increase signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for rapidly "pressure quenching" or reducing the pressure on samples from very high pressures at rates substantially in excess of 10.sup.6 up to 10.sup.10 bars, or atmospheres, per second, or more, while avoiding damage to the high pressure system. The high pressure system is comparable to that employed to make artificial diamonds, and includes optional arrangements for heating, cooling, and applying electric and magnetic fields to the pressure quenched sample. Special arrangements are provided for circulating cooling fluid in the vicinity of the metastable material to rapidly cool it, immediately prior to decompression.

Abstract: An improvement to computer control robot arm assemblies having a work head on the free end thereof for allowing the work head to be positioned and held within closer tolerance limits to a desired coordinate position. The work head is attached to the robot arm by a vernier control assembly allowing vernier movement in the X, Y, and Z directions. A moveable support member is provided on the robot arm adjacent the work head. A detector is mounted to the work head for sensing a light beam. A collimated light beam is passed through a point associated with the desired coordinate position under computer control. The work head is positioned within first tolerance limits by the robot arm under computer control. The logic of the computer then contacts the work piece with the support member to hold the free end of the robot arm in position. Under closed-loop computer control, the vernier drives are used to position the detector at a point where the work piece is in the desired coordinate position.