Abstract: The present invention is further directed to a refreshable display system with a flexible surface, with one application being a refreshable Braille display systems for use as a monitor for computer systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a forebody flow control system and more particularly to aircraft or missile flow control system for enhanced maneuverability and stabilization at high angles of attack. The present invention further relates to a method of operating the flow control system. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a missile or aircraft comprising an afterbody and a forebody; at least one deployable flow effector on the missile or aircraft forebody; at least one sensors each having a signal, the at least one sensor being positioned to detect flow separation on the missile or aircraft forebody; and a closed loop control system; wherein the closed loop control system is used for activating and deactivating the at least one deployable flow effector based on at least in part the signal of the at least one sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dry physiological recording electrode that can be used without skin preparation or the use of electrolytic gels. The dry physiological recording electrode comprising a substrate having an upper and a lower surface, and at least one penetrator(s) protruding from the upper surface of the substrate. The penetrator(s) is capable of piercing through the stratum corneum or outer layer of the skin, and transmitting an electric potential from the lower layers of the epidermis through the penetrator(s) which can be measured, or detecting agents from the lower layers of the epidmermis primarily the stratum germinativum layer. At least one epidermis stop may be provided resulting in the formation of detritus troughs interposed between adjacent penetrator(s) and epidermis stops. The present invention also includes a method of sensing biopotentials in the skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dry penetrating device, one embodiment of which can be used as a physiological recording electrode that can be used without skin preparation or the use of electrolytic gels. The dry physiological recording electrode comprising a substrate having an upper and a lower surface, and at least one penetrator(s) protruding from the upper surface of the substrate. The penetrator(s) are capable of piercing through the stratum corneum or outer layer of the skin, and transmitting an electric potential from the lower layers of the epidermis through the penetrator(s) which can be measured, or detecting agents from the lower layers of the skin primarily the stratum germinativum layer. At least one epidermis stop may be provided resulting in the formation of detritus troughs interposed between adjacent penetrator(s) and epidermis stops. The present invention also includes a method of sensing biopotentials in the skin.

Abstract: The present invention is further directed to a refreshable display system with a flexible surface, with one application being a refreshable Braille display systems for use as a monitor for computer systems.

Abstract: A refreshable Braille display comprising a plurality of Braille dots that extend and retract arranged in Braille characters such that the Braille dots are operable as a personal computer monitor allowing a blind person to discern the information displayed thereon by reading the Braille characters formed by the extended Braille dots. At least one microelectromechanical device operably connects to the Braille dots such that the Braille dots retract and extend based upon the operation of the microelectromechanical device.

Abstract: An apparatus for low power radio communication comprising a transmitter having a frequency synthesizer and transmit antenna such that the frequency synthesizer comprises a phase locked loop circuit with a voltage controlled oscillator having a variable frequency output and with a loop filter/sample and hold circuit that allows opening of the synthesizer control loop and with special means of limiting the resulting frequency drift in the open loop state. The transmitter produces an output signal and the loop filter/sample and hold circuit holds the voltage controlled oscillator substantially on frequency such that the output signal remains stable, with a minimum of frequency drift, over a period of time when the phase lock loop synthesizer is set to an open loop state to allow frequency modulation unimpeded by the normal frequency correcting action of the synthesizer and for the frequency synthesizer to be partially powered down to reduce power consumption.

Abstract: A programmable wireless data acquisition system, comprising a transmitting device and a receiving device. The transmitting device is capable of receiving multiple external inputs and generating and transmitting a radio frequency signal encoded with data corresponding to the inputs. The transmitting device is variably configurable to enable it to accept inputs having different characteristics and ranges and to enable it to provide variable sampling rate, gain and filtering of the inputs. The transmitting device having a microprocessor such that the microprocessor controls the operation thereof. The receiving device is capable of receiving the radio frequency signal, demodulating it and decoding the data. The receiving device has a microprocessor such that the microprocessor controls the operation thereof. External programming device programs the transmitting device and the receiving device by wired connection or through radio frequency signal.

Abstract: A deployable flow control device for a flow surface over which fluid having a fluid boundary layer flows which fluid boundary layer exhibits certain dynamics is disclosed. The deployable flow control device comprises a flow effector which is movably attached to a housing which is attachable, either initially or retrofitably, to a flow surface. The flow effector can position in a modular sub-housing removably attachable to the housing. The flow effector is deployed into and retracted out of the boundary layer on the flow surface and thereby controls the boundary layer dynamics. Devices (including devices utilizing a sealable, flexible element) operably connect to the flow effector and deploy and retract it. The sealable, flexible element has two elastic states defined as quiescent and deformed such that, when the sealable, flexible element is utilized, the flow effector is deployed into and retracted out of the fluid boundary layer based upon the elastic state of the sealable, flexible element.

Abstract: A pressure relief reminder and compliance system and method to prevent the formation of pressure sores on a person's skin is disclosed. The system comprises sensor which responds according to pressure exerted on the skin; a programmable microcontroller connected to the sensor; means for programming the microcontroller; and indicating means. A programming device operates software to changeably program the microcontroller with certain values of pressure and time, such that the level and duration of pressure on the skin and the duration of the absence of pressure thereon, are compared to the programmed values, is given to the wheelchair user, and the levels and duration of pressure are stored in memory. The programming device also can download from the memory the recorded values for review and analysis by a physician, clinician, therapist or other health professional. The indicators can be an audible alarm, like a beeper or buzzer, or a vibrator.

Abstract: An interface pressure measurement device, comprising a sensor comprising two sensor sheets formed from thin flexible plastic material, each sensor sheet has a sensor area having flexible conductive ink printed thereon comprising a conductive surface with an electrical lead such that when the sensor sheets touch, an electrical contact is present forming a sensor switch, and the sensor also has sensor tubing. A digital device is connected to the sensor by the sensor tubing. The digital device comprises an enclosure, a push button, pressure transducer, signal conditioning, microcontroller with processor, analog-to-digital converter, memory, clock, display, buzzer and battery/power supply wherein the processor interrupts the battery/power supply current flow to shut off the digital device after a preset time.

Abstract: A wireless EEG system for effective auditory evoked response, comprising an electrode array which is adapted to be attached to a person and senses voltages produced by the brain electrical activity of the person; transmitter electrically connected to the electrode array such that the transmitter produces a radio frequency signal corresponding to the voltages sensed by the electrode array, encodes the radio frequency signal with error correcting encoding and transmits the radio frequency signal by radio frequency telemetry through a transmitting antenna; the transmitter utilizing carrier frequency shift keyed circuitry to modulate a phase locked loop synthesized carrier frequency and reference frequency shift keyed circuitry to modulate a reference frequency to allow for non-return to zero format of the radio frequency signal obviating the need for Manchester encoding; receiver that receives through a receiving antenna the radio frequency signal produced and transmitted by the transmitter and whereby the recei

Abstract: A fluid flow control device, comprising a flow surface over which a fluid flows, a flow effect means located on the flow surface and operated by pressure such that the flow effect means improves the flow characteristics of the flow surface, pressure supply means to operate the flow effect means and at least one microelectromechanical system ("MEMS") valve means which controls the flow effect means by controlling the supply of pressure to the flow effect means from the pressure supply means.

Abstract: Device for alarming foot weight capable of operating without restricting an individual's movement. The device comprising a power supply, at least one resistive force sensor, signal conditioning means, calibrating means, programming means and alarm generating means. The alarm generating means generates an alarm when the weight applied to the foot force sensor is at, within or above at least one weight limit or weight range.

Abstract: An extended horizon adaptive block predictive controller includes a block control system and an adaptive block prediction system. The subject adaptive block prediction system includes means and procedures for accomplishing a block of k output predictions, consisting of output predictions at each future time step up to the prediction horizon k, for dynamic systems with N outputs, M inputs and model parameter order n. The prediction system is organized for performing the calculation of a k-step ahead predictor in a highly computationally and memory efficient manner. The subject prediction system, in particular, avoids computation of a large number of the predictor parameters associated with the prior art Diophantine equation method, so that memory requirements and computational complexity are significantly reduced. The subject block control system in conjunction with an adaptive block prediction system includes means for accomplishing predictive controls of dynamic systems.

Abstract: Foot force sensor for measuring compressive force exerted by a foot. The foot force sensor is in the form of an insole made of layers of relatively thin, planar, flexible, resilient, dielectric material. Electrical contact means having first and second poles and electrical leads extending therefrom is interposed between the layers of the insole. An electrically resistive material is also interposed between the layers of the insole but displaced from the electrical contact means. An electrically conductive interconnecting means is connected between the electrical contact means and the electrically resistive material. The electrically conductive interconnecting means has a plurality of electrically isolated conductive paths laterally displaced from one another and extending through it.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for discharging urine from a urine collection bag using an electrically operated valve means connected to the drain tube of the urine collection bag and the electrically operated valve means mounted on a support means, such as a wheelchair, in a manner to be separated from the user's skin and clothing. The electrically operated valve means is controlled by actuating at least two electrical switching means. Upon actuation of the electrical switching means, the electrically operated valve means operates and the urine discharges from the urine collection bag through the drain tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid, comprising an 8-way switcg valve for directing an inlet stream of air to one of multiple adsorber beds and then to the crew compartment of an air-tight vehicle while simultaneously directing an outlet stream of air to another adsorber bed and then to the atmosphere, whereby the inlet stream may be purified by adsorption on one bed while the other bed is regenerated. The fluid is directed by passageways in rotatable valve spools axially colinearly aligned, connected together so as to rotate simultaneously, and having ports aligned with openings in a sealed valve housing which communicate with inlet and outlet piping and absorber bed piping. Rotating the valve spool aligns various configurations of passageways and piping so as to direct the streams to different beds. The valve spools may be contained in separate housings for safety, avoiding cross contamination during switching.

Abstract: A lightweight, snap together filter is provided for use under high stress environmental conditions. The casing and cover of the filter may be molded from high strength plastics and has been designed to snap together by a snap lock mechanism to secure a subtantially pressure tight filter assembly. The filter assembly may be utilized in an aircraft and other vehicles that may be exposed to extreme environmental conditions. The filter is designed to withstand a wide range of temperatures.

Abstract: A fluid purification system is provided for contaminated fluids such as air ontaminated with a wide spectrum of chemical warfare agents which includes two adsorption chambers with adsorption medium suitable for effectively removing chemical warfare agents from a stream of air; a valve selection device adapted for directing a stream of contaminated air to one or the other of the adsorption chambers, for directing a stream of contaminant-free air from the adsorption chamber, for directing a stream of regeneration fluid to one or the other adsorption chambers requiring regeneration and for directing a fluid stream with a concentration of contaminants from a regenerated adsorption chamber; a fluid stream diverter device adapted for diverting a portion of contaminant-free fluid from one or the other adsorption chambers for use as a regeneration fluid stream for regeneration of the adsorption medium in one or the other adsorption chambers; and a temperature regulation device for heating the regeneration fluid strea