Abstract: An image enhancer for providing a sharp, contrasting image of a pattern, such as a fingerprint pattern is disclosed. In one embodiment, an image enhancer is comprised of a viscous, opaque liquid interposed between an optical glass window and a reflective elastomeric membrane. Artificial lighting is evenly focused on the underside of the membrane and a sharp fingerprint image of a finger pressing said membrane against the window is produced. The image can be either photographed or focused on a conventional matrix of image sensors or pixels.

Abstract: A pattern recognition system which detects line bifurcations and line endings, denoted minutiae, in a pattern of lines such as are found in a fingerprint is disclosed. In one embodiment, an image of a pattern is focused on a conventional matrix of image sensors or pixels. An interface circuit serially reads the voltages from the pixels and applies them to an automatic, programmable threshold detector which optimally selects a cutoff voltage and outputs a binary signal representative of the presence of a point to a minutiae detection circuit. One part of this circuit electrically reforms the matrix on a first-in-first-out basis and simultaneously forms a smaller submatrix or window. Another part of the detection circuit determines firstly if a point is present in the central array of the window, and if so, secondly whether no more than two points, which are also contiguous, are present in the peripheral part of the submatrix.

Abstract: A hydraulic turbulence amplifier is provided for measuring and controlling the temperature of a liquid supplied to the power nozzle of the amplifier, i.e., the working fluid. As a result of the high pressures at which the laminar-to-turbulence flow transition occurs power applications without additional amplification is feasible. A crossover capability for the output of two sensor-amplifiers operated at different values of supply pressure enables temperature or pressure control systems to be provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a shock absorber for wheeled and track type vehicles in which the conventional compression valve is replaced by an acceleration controlled vortex throttle. A beam deflection amplifier introduces fluid radially, tangentially or at an intermediate position into a vortex chamber under control of an accelerometer. The vortex throttle is controlled such that in the presence of acceleration of a wheel relative to the ground shock motion is lightly resisted while long term movement of the wheel toward the vehicle is strongly resisted so that the wheel more closely follows the terrain contour with reduced energy delivered by the wheel to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A system for drying and/or transporting particulate material, including fluidizing the material by means of pulsed air flow in jets which oscillate parallel to the path of motion of a bed of the material in an assymetric sweeping fashion which applies a net transporting force in one sense or direction, or by applying such pulsed flow so that the net force in either sense is zero, to cause drying without transport. The system utilizes phase locked acoustic oscillators to provide sweeping jets of fluid moving in opposite directions for drying and in the same direction for transporting the particulate material. The fluid oscillators are fabricated from 2 groups of molded or extruded members with the members of each group being identical. Spacers are employed to position the parts whereby to provide the desired oscillator configuration.