Abstract: The present invention is a dramatically enhanced RF link for low-data-rate applications (1-100 bps), using one or more transmitters to communicate with one or more receivers, at dramatically enhanced ranges. The receiver of the present invention can rapidly search, detect, and lock in on narrow band signal transmissions, that may be present in a much larger frequency band and which may be changing frequency during the duration of the message. These receivers enable ultra-low noise floor detection of longer range, more highly attenuated, signal transmissions, by decreasing the receiver bandwidth.

Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of bodily fluid, the device including a detector (1) means having two spaced apart electrodes (2, 3), each electrode is connected to a signal generating means via a lead (6, 7). The electrodes are encased in a flexible non-conductive material with each including at least one protruding conductive element (4). The protruding elements are separated by the same distance as the spacing between the two electrodes. The device also includes a signal processing means that detects a change of state across the electrodes produced by the introduction of a fluid and an alarm actuated by the change of state.

Abstract: A precision targeting system for a firearm has an image capturing scope, a processor, and an actuator. In one embodiment, a user indicates when he wants to lock onto the target, and then readjust his aim after receiving feedback from the system. In another embodiment, the system automatically locks onto the target. After lock on, the system compares successive images, and determines if the target has moved in the firearm sight. If movement has occurred, the system calculates the degree of the movement, and sends appropriate signals to an actuator which corrects the aim of the firearm. The system thereby converts reasonably good aim into precision aim.

Abstract: A precision targeting system for a firearm has an image capturing scope, a processor, and an actuator. In one embodiment, a user indicates when he wants to lock onto the target, and then readjust his aim after receiving feedback from the system. In another embodiment, the system automatically locks onto the target. After lock on, the system compares successive images, and determines if the target has moved in the firearm sight. If movement has occurred, the system calculates the degree of the movement, and sends appropriate signals to an actuator which corrects the aim of the firearm. The system thereby converts reasonably good aim into precision aim.

Abstract: Suture clips and suture clip loading, delivery, locking and severing devices in both catheter and endoscopic embodiments are disclosed that permit the delivery and application of suture clips directly in contact with or in close approximation to sutured tissue. The catheter or endoscopic versions incorporate a collet cage with a plurality of flexible collet fingers that captivate a suture clip ring and a suture clip plug for assembly with a suture. An outer sliding sleeve constrains the collet fingers when distally advanced to minimize potential trauma during delivery and assembly of the suture clip in close proximity to the stitched tissue. Proximal retraction of the sliding sleeve coupled with the distal advancement of a pusher against cam surfaces on the inner walls of the collet fingers causes the collet fingers to open. The catheter is designed to hold and assemble the suture clip in a first position and release the suture clip and sever the suture ends proximal to the suture clip in a second position.

Abstract: The present invention is a dramatically enhanced RF link for low-data-rate applications (1-100 bps), using one or more transmitters to communicate with one or more receivers, at dramatically enhanced ranges. The receiver of the present invention can rapidly search, detect, and lock in on narrow band signal transmissions, that may be present in a much larger frequency band and which may be changing frequency during the duration of the message. These receivers enable ultra-low noise floor detection of longer range, more highly attenuated, signal transmissions, by decreasing the receiver bandwidth.

Abstract: A security system for detecting a gunshot event. A communication link, and a number of pole units are arranged in a dense grid. Each one of the pole units includes a microphone and a signal conditioning and thresholding unit coupled to the microphone. The signal conditioning and thresholding unit outputs a detection signal in response to an event when an output signal from the microphone exceeds a peak background average. A data acquisition and signal processing unit is coupled to the signal conditioning and thresholding unit for discriminating gunshot events. The data acquisition and signal processing unit remains in a powered down stand-by mode so as to conserve energy until a detection signal is received. The data acquisition and signal processing unit includes apparatus for identifying a gunshot event by measuring an initial pulse time duration and subsequent pulse pattern features, and a communication interface coupled at an input to the data acquisition and signal processing unit.

Abstract: A security system for detecting and reporting gunshot events for control of urban environment security which includes a communication link coupled to a plurality of pole units arranged in a dense grid. Each of the plurality of pole units includes a microphone, a data acquisition unit coupled to said microphone, a signal processor for discriminating gunshot events, and a communication interface apparatus coupled at an input to the signal processor. The communication interface also has an output coupled to the communication link, where the communication interface transmits and receives data on the communication link. A central processor is coupled to the communication link so as to receive data from and transmit data to the plurality of pole units. The central processor and the plurality of pole units operate so as to detect and locate gunshot events sensed by one or more of the plurality of pole units.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for analyzing signals generated by rotating components that slip in a rotating machine and for detecting faults in those components. Pulses from a shaft encoder serve as an external clock in digitizing the signal data. A fixed number of data samples are thereby acquired for each complete rotation of the rotating shaft of the machine. Complex spectra are provided for data records of a fixed length with the first sample of each data record always beginning at the same point relative to the shaft angular orientation. Signal-processing means multiply pairs of signal spectral components so that the complex products produced by the data for the component of interest has a fixed phase relative to the shaft orientation.

Abstract: A gear defect analyzing system records the interaction of each tooth of a gear system until the interaction begins to repeat and then processes the information in such a way as to identify defective gear tooth. Signals from a gear box are detected by an accelerometer and a shaft encoder and fed to an interface circuit and then to an analog signal preprocessing circuit. The preprocessing circuit conditions the signal so that it can be analyzed by a microcomputer. The system has the capability of identifying the class of incoming signals, determining the optimal time domain average, eliminating unwanted spectral components and interference, computing specific measurements relating to gear wear and then performing analysis of time history within a given system operating state to determine which gears and gear teeth are defective. By recording each tooth-to-tooth interaction over a period of time, and then processing the recorded matrix of data, it is possible to locate individual tooth defects.

Abstract: The present invention includes a fiber optic seal (2) including a transparent seal body (4) having two spaced apart cavities (12,14,52,54) formed therein. Both ends (36,38) of a fiber optic cable (28) are respectively secured within the spaced apart cavities (12,14,52,54). A microprocessor-based electronic verifier (60) injects light into one of the cable ends (38) via a plurality of illumination light guides (20) fixed within the seal body (4) between an external surface (6) thereof and the illumination cavity (12). Light emitted from the remaining end (36) of the fiber optic cable (28) is transmitted from the detection cavity (14) to the exterior surface (6) of the sealed body (4) via a plurality of detection light guides (24) fixed within the seal body (4). Thereafter, the light is measured and converted by the electronic verifier (60) to provide a seal signature.

Abstract: A mechanism and method for producing a plurality of elongate filaments of plastic material from a die head which has a plastic flow chamber for receiving a flow of heated plastic material with the chamber leading to parallel small flow passages having individual tubes extending from the individual passages and having gas flow ducts positioned laterally outwardly of the die head for receiving a flow of heated gas with the ducts directed in a converging direction outwardly of the die head and permitting the opposed streams of gas to merge around the tubes and flow parallel thereto so that a high velocity stream of gas emerges with the plastic and attenuates the plastic stream for strength.