Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting degraded navigation sensors are based on a policy derived from a Partially Observable Markoff Decision Process (POMDP). Navigation parameters derived from the navigation sensors are provided to individual Kalman filters. A covariance of each of the filters is indicative of a probability of degradation of a sensor from which the navigation parameter is derived. Outputs of the Kalman filters are provided to a master filter. The master filter is compared to a criterion to determine whether there are indicia of a degraded sensor. If such an indicia are present, the Policy is consulted to determine which of the sensors are degraded. Consideration of degraded sensors when navigating a vehicle is inhibited.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting degraded navigation sensors are based on a policy derived from a Partially Observable Markoff Decision Process (POMDP). Navigation parameters derived from the navigation sensors are provided to individual Kalman filters. A covariance of each of the filters is indicative of a probability of degradation of a sensor from which the navigation parameter is derived. Outputs of the Kalman filters are provided to a master filter. The master filter is compared to a criterion to determine whether there are indicia of a degraded sensor. If such an indicia are present, the Policy is consulted to determine which of the sensors are degraded. Consideration of degraded sensors when navigating a vehicle is inhibited.

Abstract: A reinforcement learning system produces a decision policy equipped with a Failsafe decision that is invoked when machine cognition, i.e., a computed environmental awareness known as belief, is untrustworthy. The system and policy are executed on a computer system. The policy can be used for autonomous decision making or as an aid to human decision making. Also presented is a method of tuning Failsafe to a desired level of acceptable trustworthiness.

Abstract: An apparatus for dislodging stuck blades in a turbine engine. The apparatus includes a housing, cam structure, and impact structure. The housing is capable of being temporarily secured to a blade disc structure adjacent to a stuck blade to be dislodged. The cam structure is associated with the housing and is adapted to receive an input torque that rotates the cam structure, the cam structure capable of translating the input torque into an impact force, the impact force including a component in a desired direction. The impact structure is associated with the housing and is capable of receiving the impact force from the cam structure and exerting the impact force on a root area of the stuck blade for dislodging the stuck blade from the blade disc structure non-destructively.

Abstract: A shock wave barrier comprises a periodic structure having the proper symmetry and local contrast modulation of the acoustic index to divert an incident shock wave by using constructive/destructive interference phenomena that produce a “band gap” in the transmission spectrum of the periodic structure. In general, shock wave energy within the band gap is reflected from the structure. Defect cavities may be formed in the periodic structure to create transmission resonances or “windows” in the band gap. A portion of the incident energy passes through the window and is concentrated in the defect cavities where it is dissipated by other means. The band gap can be quite wide, at least 50% of the center wavelength, and thus can provide an effective barrier from a wide variety of threats with varying blast pressure and range. The structure may be periodic in two or three dimensions providing a band gap barrier in two or three dimensions, respectively.

Abstract: A shock wave barrier comprises a periodic structure having the proper symmetry and local contrast modulation of the acoustic index to divert an incident shock wave by using constructive/destructive interference phenomena that produce a “band gap” in the transmission spectrum of the periodic structure. In general, shock wave energy within the band gap is reflected from the structure. Defect cavities may be formed in the periodic structure to create transmission resonances or “windows” in the band gap. A portion of the incident energy passes through the window and is concentrated in the defect cavities where it is dissipated by other means. The band gap can be quite wide, at least 50% of the center wavelength, and thus can provide an effective barrier from a wide variety of threats with varying blast pressure and range. The structure may be periodic in two or three dimensions providing a band gap barrier in two or three dimensions, respectively.

Abstract: An acoustic crystal explosive, which gains its properties from both its periodic structure and its composition, may be configured to suppress or enhance the sensitivity of detonation of the explosive in response to an acoustic wave. An explosive material and a medium (explosive or inactive) are arranged in a periodic array that provides local contrast modulation of the acoustic index to define a band gap in the acoustic transmission spectrum of the explosive materials. At least one defect cavity in the periodic array creates a resonance in the band gap. The defect cavity concentrates energy from an incident acoustic (shock) wave to detonate the explosive. Multiple defect cavities may be configured to provide a desired shaped charge or volumetric detonations. Means may be provided to reprogram the defect cavity(ies) to reconfigure the explosive.

Abstract: An acoustic crystal explosive, which gains its properties from both its periodic structure and its composition, may be configured to suppress or enhance the sensitivity of detonation of the explosive in response to an acoustic wave. An explosive material and a medium (explosive or inactive) are arranged in a periodic array that provides local contrast modulation of the acoustic index to define a band gap in the acoustic transmission spectrum of the explosive materials. At least one defect cavity in the periodic array creates a resonance in the band gap. The defect cavity concentrates energy from an incident acoustic (shock) wave to detonate the explosive. Multiple defect cavities may be configured to provide a desired shaped charge or volumetric detonations. Means may be provided to reprogram the defect cavity(ies) to reconfigure the explosive.

Abstract: An apparatus for dislodging stuck blades in a turbine engine. The apparatus includes a housing, cam structure, and impact structure. The housing is capable of being temporarily secured to a blade disc structure adjacent to a stuck blade to be dislodged. The cam structure is associated with the housing and is adapted to receive an input torque that rotates the cam structure, the cam structure capable of translating the input torque into an impact force, the impact force including a component in a desired direction. The impact structure is associated with the housing and is capable of receiving the impact force from the cam structure and exerting the impact force on a root area of the stuck blade for dislodging the stuck blade from the blade disc structure non-destructively.

Abstract: An arm sling assembly is disclosed for supporting at least one of the arms of a patient in an angled orientation against the torso. The assembly includes a sleeveless vest dimensioned to be worn on the torso of the patient. The vest is openable at the front to facilitate donning of the assembly. Moreover, attached to the one or both of the front portions of the vest is an arm support cuff. In particular, the support cuff is stitched to the front left or right portion of the vest along vertically spaced upper and lower attachment zones and is detached from the front portion between the zones so as to define an open-sided arm passageway in which the arm is inserted and supported. An alternative embodiment is also disclosed wherein the arm cuff is adjustably and removably attached to the vest at the upper attachment zone.

Abstract: An arm sling assembly is disclosed for supporting at least one of the arms of a patient in an angled orientation against the torso. The assembly includes a sleeveless vest dimensioned to be worn on the torso of the patient. The vest is openable at the front to facilitate donning of the assembly. Moreover, attached to the one or both of the front portions of the vest is an arm support cuff. In particular, the support cuff is stitched to the front left or right portion of the vest along vertically spaced upper and lower attachment zones and is detached from the front portion between the zones so as to define an open-sided arm passageway in which the arm is inserted and supported. An alternative embodiment is also disclosed wherein the arm cuff is adjustably and removably attached to the vest at the upper attachment zone.

Abstract: A bistatic radar system and method. In the illustrative embodiment, a receiver is positioned in a horizontal plane. A transmitter is then positioned in Middle Earth Orbit at a position that is nearly vertical to the plane of the receiver. This configuration provides significant flexibility for the radar system. As such, the radar system may engage in flight patterns, in which the transmitter and receiver have velocity vectors in opposite directions (GMTI mode), the same direction (SAR mode) and variations in between (mixed mode). Lastly, a broad beam is generated from the transmitter and illuminates an area enabling several receivers to simultaneously observe the illuminated area.

Abstract: An arm sling assembly is disclosed for supporting at least one of the arms of a patient in an angled orientation against the torso. The assembly includes a sleeveless vest dimensioned to be worn on the torso of the patient. The vest is openable at the front to facilitate donning of the assembly. Moreover, attached to the one or both of the front portions of the vest is an arm support cuff. In particular, the support cuff is stitched to the front left or right portion of the vest along vertically spaced upper and lower attachment zones and is detached from the front portion between the zones so as to define an open-sided arm passageway in which the arm is inserted and supported. An alternative embodiment is also disclosed wherein the arm cuff is adjustably and removably attached to the vest at the upper attachment zone.

Abstract: An arm sling assembly is disclosed for supporting at least one of the arms of a patient in an angled orientation against the torso. The assembly includes a sleeveless vest dimensioned to be worn on the torso of the patient. The vest is openable at the front to facilitate donning of the assembly. Moreover, attached to the one or both of the front portions of the vest is an arm support cuff. In particular, the support cuff is stitched to the front left or right portion of the vest along vertically spaced upper and lower attachment zones and is detached from the front portion between the zones so as to define an open-sided arm passageway in which the arm is inserted and supported.

Abstract: The ignition safety device is mounted on a rocket motor nozzle having a body with a longitudinal nozzle opening having an igniter therein for igniting the propulsion charge of the rocket motor. An electrically operable detonator is mounted in a detonator opening in a housing mounted in the body. An actuator and a locking member are movable in the body between safe and armed positions. The locking member has means operative in its safe position for locking the actuator. Movement of the locking member to its armed position unlocks the actuator. A spring biases the locking member to its safe position. The actuator is adapted to operate a switch which initially short circuits the electrically operable detonator but is operable by the actuator to an armed position in which the detonator is no longer short circuited and is connected to an electrical input circuit including a contact band on the nozzle body.

Abstract: A gas generating composition containing glycidyl azide polymer and a high trogen content additive selected from the group consisting of guanylaminotetrazole nitrate, bis(triaminoguanidinium)5,5'azotetrazole, ammonium 5-nitraminotetrazole and high bulk density nitro guanidine generates large quantities of nitrogen gas upon burning and can be used to extinguish fires.

Abstract: This invention concerns an improved round for use in liquid propellant gu The improved round comprises a projectile attached to a carrier which is shaped like an abbreviated cartridge case. The carrier has a plurality of injection ports that communicate to an expandable volume. Sealing means prevent the escape of liquid propellant from the expandable volume which upon injection causes the projectile to be pumped to a forcing cone leaving the carrier behind. Several ignition means are used employing Boxer, Berdan or electric primers.

Abstract: A scented candle comprising, in combination, a candle holder having vertically extending side walls of the type adapted to receive and encircle a candle, a wick cone centrally disposed within the candle holder, wherein the wick cone comprises a generally conically shaped candle having an integrally formed base adapted to centrally and firmly position the wick cone within the candle holder, and a plurality of odorizing chips formed of a mixture of candle wax and at least one scent producing material, the odorizing chips being disposed within the candle holder around the wick cone for controlled release of the scent producing material in response to the heat of the flame of the wick cone when the wick cone is lighted.

Abstract: A duplex projectile to be fired from a gun bore is made up of a tubular pectile and a conical shaped projectile fastened within the tubular projectile by means which are capable of withstanding acceleration forces on the round while the round is within the bore after being fired but which release the conical projectile from the tubular projectile once the two exit from the bore.

Abstract: A light detector with level shift and shaped pulse is obtained by circuitry hich provides both short turn off time and high sensitivity. The phototransistor does not provide the reference signal until nearly at maximum output.