Abstract: An efficient neural network computing technique capable of synthesizing two sets of output signal data from a single input signal data set. The method and device of the invention involves a unique integration of autoassociative and heteroassociative neural network mappings, the autoassociative neural network mapping enabling a quality metric for assessing the generalization or prediction accuracy of the heteroassociative neural network mapping.

Abstract: Sonobuoy apparatus which fits into an A sized canister for use in the water environment. The apparatus includes an array of telescopic arms connected by hinges to a housing which contains receiver transducer electronics. An acoustic projector bears against projections on the last arm section of each arm such that it will cause the nested arm sections to extend while dropping through the water. When the canister falls free, an arm deployment arrangement causes the arms to assume a horizontal orientation. These deployed arms carry receive transducers for detecting acoustic echos from a potential target.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically attenuated superantigen toxin vaccines altered such that superantigen attributes are absent, however the superantigen is effectively recognized and an appropriate immune response is produced. The attenuated superantigen toxins are shown to protect animals against challenge with wild type toxin. Methods of producing and using the altered superantigen toxins are described.

Abstract: A ball joint gimbal system which provides for a precise line-of-sight stabilization of a gimballed mirror that rides on a ball and its associated support structure. The mirror is positioned by four braided lines. The brained lines are driven by four servo motor with each servo motor being coupled to one of four capstan shafts. Each of the braided lines is wound around one of the four capstan shafts. The braided lines are positioned by optical shaft encoders. The low inertia of the gimballed mirror and the positioning of the mirror by the braided lines result in an extremely accurate and fast scanning optical pointing system. Inertial gimbal stabilization of the line of sight to a target is by a stabilization algorithm utilizing body rate information from body sensors which are components of the missile for providing autopilot and navigation functions for the missile.

Abstract: A closure system including a rigid structural part has an edge surface along which sealage is established in response to deformation of a superelastic sheet metal element positioned thereon, such sheet metal element being endowed with a shape memory characteristic by formation as a Nitinol alloy to meet high sealage standards and other environmental requirements.

Abstract: The invention concerns a retrovirus extract containing a p25 protein which recognizes immunologically sera of patients afflicted with lymphadenopathy syndrom (LAS) or acquired immune deficiency syndrom (AIDS). It relates to a method and kit for in vivo assay of LAS or AIDS involving contacting sera from patients to be diagnosed for such diseases with said retrovirus extract and by detecting the immunological reaction, if any.

Abstract: A structural assembly device and method for securing together a pair of surfaces of two fusible materials wherein an electrically conductive thermal element is located between the surfaces which will melt, without substantially degrading, when heated. When the thermal element is heated, it is elevated to a temperature sufficient to melt the first and second elements and then is allowed to cool such that the first and second elements are joined to the thermal element and may be joined to each other as well.

Abstract: A magnetic potential mapping device is provided by placing a planar polarized light source near an optically active fiber element traversing a magnetic field, so constructed that rotating planar polarized light is transmitted through the optical fiber and detected by a light detector at the fiber element's other end. The light detector measures an angle of rotation of rotating polarized light. Rotation of polarized light within the optical fiber traversing the field directly indicates magnetic potential at the point where the angle of rotation is measured, with respect to the magnetic potential at the point where the light entered the fiber element. Measuring the rotation of the polarized light passing through each fiber within the field allows mapping the magnetic potentials at any point in the magnetic field with respect to the point at which the light enters the optically active fiber. The present invention also contemplates a related method for automatically compensating a magnetic field source.

Abstract: The precision microwave/millimeter wave modulated signal source is a relatively low cost, compact, highly accurate and stable signal source covering the 2 to 40 Gigahertz frequency range. The pulse width and amplitude level of the output signal can be changed on every pulse in the signal pulse train. Pulse width range is 5 nanoseconds to 1 millisecond. Pulse repetition intervals can be changed between each pulse set with usable range from 10 nanoseconds to 100 milliseconds. Interval parameters can be adjusted with 1 nanosecond resolutions with stabilities of +/−200 picoseconds. The highly accurate and versatile selection of signal parameters, along with its compact size, makes this design useful as an embedded built in test signal source. This built in signal source can be used for verification of system performance for many electronic warfare systems.

Abstract: A photo-lithographic mask includes a flexible, optically transparent body having an optically transmissive first surface for receiving an optical signal, and a second surface opposite the first surface having grooves for internally reflecting first portions of the optical signal and for allowing second portions of the optical signal to be transmitted through the second surface when the second surface is pressed against a wafer. The body consists essentially of silicone. The grooves have a saw tooth profile that are configured at an angle that exceeds the critical angle of the silicone with respect to the direction of the incoming optical signal.

Abstract: A computerized system and method are provided that may be used to project a plurality of risk levels that may develop during the course of a large development project. A plurality of inputs are stored and converted for use to a metric that is used by an expert knowledge rule based system to determine a plurality of risk levels that develops relating to successful completion of a large development program with respect to elements such as cost, time of delivery, and quality. A plurality of outputs are provided in a form that can be used by a program manager to reduce the level of risk that may arise. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of outputs are provided in a quantified manner that may relate to a probability of failure of one or more aspects of the development program. The rules are based on the knowledge and experience of experts and are predetermined so that risk levels are objectively quantified prior to beginning the project rather than subjectively determined during the course of the project.

Abstract: The Dynamic Bendloss Measuring Device allows easy, repeatable determination of the bend sensitivity of a single-mode optical fiber by subjecting the fiber to dynamically changing bend angles under varying degrees of tension and bend diameters. It utilizes a swing arm capable of sweeping an arc subtending a range of angles at any given bend diameter and fiber tension and calculating the bendloss from the light attenuation at each degree of the range. The varying bend diameters are provided by pins of diverse diameters that are singly inserted into an adjustably-sized aperture while the variation in the applied tension can be effected by changing the input current setting in the tension assembly. With each new pin and tension setting, the swing arm sweeps through the pre-selected range of bend angles, resulting in varying degrees of attenuation of light.

Abstract: A single particle caloric absorption spectrometer for directly measuring the absorption spectra in situ of individual aerosol type particles comprises a differential arrangement of two identical electrodynamic traps (separated by a series of pneumatic valves) capable of suspending a charged particle in free-space in a non-intrusive manner in one of the traps; a source of monochromatic radiation, e.g., a laser, which is split and directed equally through transmission windows into the traps; and, a high precision capacitance manometer capable of detecting the pressure differential between the traps. After a particle has been trapped in one of the traps and the traps have been sealed from the atmosphere and from each other by the pneumatic vales, the radiation source is turned on and is evenly split/directed into both trap volumes via an appropriate beam splitter and transmission windows. This results in identical illumination of both the target and reference trap regions.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying permanent markings onto products using a Vacuum Arc Vapor Deposition (VAVD) marker by accelerating atoms or molecules from a vaporization source onto a substrate to form human and/or machine-readable part identification marking that can be detected optically or via a sensing device like x-ray, thermal imagining, ultrasound, magneto-optic, micro-power impulse radar, capacitance, or other similar sensing means. The apparatus includes a housing with a nozzle having a marking end. A chamber having an electrode, a vacuum port and a charge is located within the housing. The charge is activated by the electrode in a vacuum environment and deposited onto a substrate at the marking end of the nozzle. The apparatus may be a hand-held device or be disconnected from the handle and mounted to a robot or fixed station.

Abstract: A turbojet engine is made from a drum-like portion having a circular blade section extending inwardly therefrom, a support member, and a bearing arranged around a circle having a diameter substantially equal to or greater than the diameter of the blade section. The drum-like portion is rotatably mounted within the support member on the bearing. Instead of a turbine spinning on a shaft, a turbine spinning within a drum is employed.

Abstract: Calculated performance improvements are expected from a particularly new class of compounds, geminal-bis(difluoramino)-substituted heterocyclic nitramines, when formulated into explosives and propellants. This invention involves novel and nonintuitive methods for the preparation of certain derivatives of 2,2-bis(difluoramino)-N-nitro-1,3-propanediamine which are suitable precursors leading to 5,5-bis(difluoramino)hexahydro-1,3-dinitropyrimidine (RNFX). The invention also involves novel and nonintuitive methods for the preparation of RNFX, a specific member of a general class of compounds with the substructure 2,2-bis(difluoramino)-N-nitro-1,3-propanediamine. RNFX is produced by the use of key intermediates, including tetrahydropyrimidin-5(4H)-ones, which allow formation of the target structural subcomponent, 2,2-bis(difluoramino)-N-nitro-1,3-propanediamine, and a more specific substructure of 2,2-bis(difluoramino)-N,N′-dinitro-1,3-propanediamine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for N-deprotecting an opioid compound, a method for N-deprotecting and O-demethylating an opioid compound, a method for O-demethylating an opioid compound, and a method for O-demethylating a nonpeptidic delta agonist compound or an opioid compound having a tertiary amide with no significant reaction at amide groups.

Abstract: Corrosion resistance is provided for a power cylinder by providing a preloaded molded urethane elastomer sleeve liner within an outer cylinder of material such as a copper/nickel alloy which is subject to corrosion from long-term exposure to ambient fluids such as sea water. Preloading is preferably provided by thermal shrink fitting of the molded urethane sleeve liner to the inner bore of an outer metal cylinder. Preloading of a structure which has high structural integrity and low permeability thus effectively prevents incursion of fluids and gases at the interface between the outer cylinder and the sleeve liner as well as providing a surface which can be machined to a high degree of smoothness and against which reciprocating piston seals and wear assemblies can directly ride and which is resistant to abrasion therefrom even at high piston speeds.

Abstract: A variable tapered magic cylinder structure that is constructed from two or more permanent magnet shells, with the first shell being oriented and magnetized to produce a first working magnetic field with a given taper, and a second shell oriented and magnetized to produce a second magnetic field with a given taper that interacts with the first magnetic field. The two magnetic shells are assembled in a way to rotate about a common shared internal cavity and concentric cylindrical axis to form a working space, with the first and second working fields interacting with each other to form a tapered working magnetic field along a polar plane perpendicular to the concentric axis with a given pitch. This structure allows one to adjust or vary the tapered magnetic field along the polar plane to advantageously provide an adjustable composite tapered magnetic field.

Abstract: A data reduction method for a classification system using quantized feature vectors for each class with a plurality of features and levels. The reduction algorithm consisting of applying a Bayesian data reduction algorithm to the classification system for developing reduced feature vectors. Test data is then quantified into the reduced feature vectors. The reduced classification system is then tested using the quantized test data. A Bayesian data reduction algorithm is further provided having by computing an initial probability of error for the classification system. Adjacent levels are merged for each feature in the quantized feature vectors. Level based probabilities of error are then calculated for these merged levels among the plurality of features. The system then selects and applies the merged adjacent levels having the minimum level based probability of error to create an intermediate classification system.