Abstract: A device mounted on a tractor trailer is disclosed. The device includes at least one input from a sensor input device or at least one external communication device. The device further includes a receiver configured to receive an incoming data via either the sensor input device or the external communication device. The device also includes a processor configured to generate an alert message to be associated with the trailer on which the system is mounted. The device also includes a transmitter configured to broadcast a signal containing the alert message.

Abstract: Control system for electromechanical arrangements having open-loop instability. The system includes a control unit that processes sensing signals and provides control signals to maintain a movable member, such as a rotor or shaft, in the desired position. The control unit according to the invention includes a unifying plant compensation filter, which isolates the open-loop instability characteristics so that the shaft is treated as a mass having substantially no open-loop structural properties. In magnetic bearings, the open-loop instability is manifested as negative stiffness. The invention isolates the negative stiffness thus providing for better positive stiffness and improved bandwidth. Various filters, summers, and other operators required to carry out the invention are preferably implemented on a programmed processing platform such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or an arrangement of multiple digital signal processors.

Abstract: Non-rigid tape apparatus and fabrication methods for microfluidic processing applications such as gel electrophoresis are provided, where microfluidic processing is performed on selected areas. Parts of the tape are formed by high pressure plastic film forming. Membranes and other structures are self sealing during and after penetration by pipettes and electrical probes. Rigid exoskeleton elements protect the non-rigid parts during processing and facilitate transport of the tape.

Abstract: Non-rigid tape apparatus and fabrication methods for microfluidic processing applications such as gel electrophoresis are provided, where microfluidic processing is performed on selected areas. Parts of the tape are formed by high pressure plastic film forming. Membranes and other structures are self sealing during and after penetration by pipettes and electrical probes. Rigid exoskeleton elements protect the non-rigid parts during processing and facilitate transport of the tape.

Abstract: A laser crosslink apparatus includes an optical device (212, FIG. 5), a beam splitter (512), an acquisition channel and a tracking and communication channel. The acquisition channel includes a high density optical fiber bundle and an acquisition channel device (510). The optical device (212) receives laser light from a wide field of view, and the beam splitter (512) splits the light into the two channels. The high density optical fiber bundle (204) has one end (206) in a focal plane of the optical device, and another end (208) coupled to the acquisition channel device (510). The acquisition channel device (510) includes an optical receiver array (400, FIG. 4). The location of spot footprints on the optical receiver array determines the direction from which the laser light is received within the wide field of view.

Abstract: An image display storage and retrieval system provides a mechanism to transmit x-ray images of parcels to one or more remote workstations. The images may be annotated at these workstations to specifically identify articles to be targeted for more thorough investigation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic spacing and diverting of packages on a conveyor system ensures an adequate gap between packages deposited onto a loading conveyor for subsequent inspection. A speed ratio between the loading conveyor and an inspection conveyor, a package detector disposed between the loading conveyor and the inspection conveyor, an interruption device controlling the loading conveyor and a controller to permit a signal from the package detector to command the interrupting device to temporarily halt the loading conveyor are used to ensure proper spacing between packages passed to a scanner. The apparatus may also include a package diverter for diverting a package to another area for further inspection.

Abstract: An auto reject unit includes a turntable rotatable about an upright axis and held stationary in operation along the upright axis. Driven rollers are mounted upon the turntable for selectively driving an article across the turntable in a direction. A motor is disposed to rotate the turntable about the upright axis in response to a command. The rotation adjusts the direction that an article disposed on the turntable will travel off of the turntable.

Abstract: Control system for electromechanical arrangements having open-loop instability. The system is built around a control unit that processes sensing signals and provides control signals to maintain a movable member, such as a rotor or shaft, in the desired position. The control unit according to the invention includes a specially designed compensation filter, which isolates the open-loop instability so that the shaft is treated as a pure mass. In magnetic bearings, the open-loop instability is manifested as negative stiffness. The invention isolates the negative stiffness thus providing for better positive stiffness and improved bandwidth. Various filters, summers, and other operators required to carry out the invention are preferably implemented on a programmed processing platform such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or an arrangement of multiple digital signal processors.

Abstract: A method and system for pacing a vehicle along a path of travel is described. The method includes determining a geographical location of the vehicle, displaying a vehicle position icon representative of the geographical location, determining an optimal position for the vehicle, displaying a pace icon representative of the optimal position for the vehicle, and operating the vehicle to maintain a vehicle position icon displayed on the operator pace display substantially coincident with the pace icon displayed on the operator pace display.

Abstract: Control system for electromechanical arrangements having open-loop instability. The system is built around a control unit that processes sensing signals and provides control signals to maintain a movable member, such as a rotor or shaft, in the desired position. The control unit according to the invention includes a specially designed compensation filter, which isolates the open-loop instability so that the shaft is treated as a pure mass. In magnetic bearings, the open-loop instability is manifested as negative stiffness. The invention isolates the negative stiffness thus providing for better positive stiffness and improved bandwidth. Various filters, summers, and other operators required to carry out the invention are preferably implemented on a programmed processing platform such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or an arrangement of multiple digital signal processors.

Abstract: An optical interconnect system (100) includes an array of optical sources (102), a high-density fiber bundle (110), and an array of optical receivers (150). The density of the fiber bundle is such that each optical source (104) couples light to multiple fibers within the bundle. The fiber bundle has a consistent cross section along its length so that the footprint of fibers (306, FIG. 3) illuminated by a spot (304) from an optical source illuminates a similar footprint (404, FIG. 4) over the optical receivers (406). The optical receiver array has a density of optical receivers such that the footprint of fibers corresponding to a single optical source illuminates at least one optical receiver. A method (600, FIG. 6) for creating optical source/receiver pairs excites each optical source in turn and detects energy at the optical receiver array.

Abstract: A method and apparatus predicts a ground-to-satellite terminal's (16) percentage of successful communication linkage time to at least one satellite of a communication system in response to a terminal blockage profile (410), as created from the location of an antenna of the terminal, and a satellite blockage profile (412). The prediction may also be based upon a weather model data base (358) corresponding to the area where the terminal is located.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for stabilizing at least one element of a mechanical system against echo-like responses to mechanical disturbances. One or more error signals are provided by sensing the motion of the system at one or more points. At least one adaptive filter is operated in response to the error signal or signals, and in response to at least one non-advanced reference signal that is directly related to some motion of the system. The adaptive filter produces a corrective signal for driving a mechanical actuator, thereby to apply to the element a stabilizing generalized force. By non-advanced is meant that there is a zero or negative time-delay between the presence of a given signal at the reference-sensing location and the arrival of the same, or a similar, signal at the error-sensing location. In particular embodiments of the invention, the reference-sensing location is the same as the error-sensing location.

Abstract: A charge coupled device that provides approximately a fifty per cent increase in storage capacity over the conventional two-phase device by utilizing a multi-ripple technique in which charges are simultaneously stored under three out of every four storage control electrodes.