Abstract: A body coil support structure includes an elongate support member. The elongate support member defines an opening and an examination axis passing through the opening along a length of the elongate support member. The opening is configured to accept an object to be imaged. The elongate support member has a target shape for use during operation of the MRI system, with the elongate support member configured to be subjected to an operational load during operation. In a design state, the elongate support member defines a design shape, with the elongate support member not subjected to the operational load in the design state. In an installed state after installation in the MRI system, the elongate support member defines an operational shape. The elongate support member is subjected to the operational load in the installed state. The operational shape is closer to the target shape than is the design shape.

Abstract: In order to provide interventional access during an image-guided interventional procedure, while increasing the signal-to-noise ratio for generated images compared to a single loop coil, a local coil includes a single coil element disposed around an opening through the local coil and two coil elements positioned on opposite sides of the single coil element. The opening provides access for an interventional tool used during the image-guided interventional procedure.

Abstract: A flexible magnetic resonance coil apparatus, an applicator, and a method for arranging a magnetic resonance coil apparatus on an object under examination are provided. The magnetic resonance coil apparatus includes at least one coil element and at least one carrier structure. The at least one carrier structure is configured to adapt its geometric shape.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes a calculation unit, a collecting unit, and an execution unit. The calculation unit calculates, based on a pulse sequence used in data collection by fast spin echo method, a phase shift amount on at least one echo component included in each of a plurality of echo signals. The correcting unit corrects, based on the calculated phase shift amount, phases of refocusing pulses applied in the pulse sequence such that phases match at least one of between spin echo components, between stimulated echo components, and between a spin echo component and a stimulated echo component. The execution unit executes the pulse sequence in which the refocusing pulses of the corrected phases are applied.

Abstract: A phantom for use with magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) and, in particular, for calibrating quantitative diffusion MRI is provided. In general, the phantom includes a solution composed of a solvent that has diffusivity value higher than that of water, and a solute that when added to the solvent reduces the diffusivity of the solution. By varying the combined concentration of the solvent and solute, the diffusivity of the solution can be controlled to fall within a range of diffusivity values found in biological tissues in a variety of different physiological conditions or tissue environments.

Abstract: Phantoms for use in magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) and, in particular, for use in quantifying fat concentration, iron concentration, or both, are provided. The phantoms are constructed to accurately reflect in vivo magnetic resonance signal behavior in the presence of both fat and iron. The phantoms described here can thus be used for phantom-based validation of MRI techniques for the joint quantification of fat and iron concentration, for phantom-based validation of MRI techniques for quantifying fat concentration in the presence of iron overload, and for phantom-based validation of MRI techniques for quantifying iron concentration given the confounding presence of fat.

Abstract: A measuring device comprises at least one port, an external cable connected to the at least one port, a transmitter connected to the at least one port through a switch, a receiver connected to the at least one port through the switch and a reference path connecting the transmitter with the receiver through the switch. The cable is connected to calibration elements, e.g., short and open. The switch alternately switch in a manner that in a first state the transmitter and the receiver are connected to the at least one port and that in a second state the transmitter and the receiver are connected via the reference path.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying the position and orientation of a vehicle. The method includes obtaining an environmental model of a particular location from, for example, a map database on the vehicle or a roadside unit. The method further includes detecting the position of the vehicle using GPS signals, determining range measurements from the vehicle to stationary objects at the location using radar sensors and detecting visual cues around the vehicle using cameras. The method includes registering the stationary objects and detected visual cues with stationary objects and visual cues in the environmental model, and using those range measurements to the stationary objects and visual cues that are matched in the environmental model to determine the position and orientation of the vehicle. The vehicle can update the environmental model based on the detected stationary objects and visual cues.

Abstract: A system for tracking an object includes a plurality of fixed devices and at least one tracked device. The fixed devices are positioned at fixed locations and the tracked device is affixable to the object. The fixed devices and the tracked device are configured to transmit and/or receive signals used for time of flight measurements. A processor is configured to determine one or more positions of the tracked device relative to one or more of the fixed devices based upon one or more time of flight measurements between the tracked device and one or more of the fixed devices.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, at least three geosynchronous satellites are employed in combination, at respective known positions above a terrestrial water surface to locate an underwater terminal (vehicle). Each satellite includes a light source, and each has a controller for activating its respective light source to simultaneously transmit a light pulse, to a predetermined cell area on the terrestrial water surface, at a precisely scheduled time, t0, for receipt by the underwater terminal. A computer at the terminal then evaluates the respective light pulse arrival times, t1, 2 & 3, to determine the location of the underwater terminal.

Abstract: A method to determine the presence of frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar with user-selectable rejection of radar signals or modification of alert modes based on detection of radar signals of minimal interest.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to a radar signal processing apparatus and a signal processing method thereof in which an additional beamforming is performed by reflecting an angle of a target that is positioned in front of the vehicle or by reflecting a surrounding clutter situation thereof in order to thereby improve the performance of detecting the target in front of the vehicle.

Abstract: An avian detection system for determining risks of collision between a collision object and bird objects includes avian radar system(s) providing a first type of information data relating to objects detected, and a transponder receiver receiving transponder data transmitted or broadcasted by transponders provided at the collision objects. Processors are configured to receive first type of information data corresponding to the detected objects and provide radar plots. The processors are further configured to receive the transponder data and provide transponder plots, to create and store a number of object tracks based on the provided radar plots and transponder plots, with each track holding object data corresponding to or determined from data of matching plots, and to determine one or more risks of collision or collision risk levels for the collision object based on object data of a plurality of the obtained object tracks.

Abstract: The present invention provides an above-ground building recognition method, including the following steps: (1) taking an infrared image of the ground from the air; (2) performing detection and positioning in the infrared image to determine a suspected target; (3) aiming at the suspected target to perform laser imaging; (4) performing range gating on a laser image to filter out foreground and background interference; and (5) extracting a shape feature of the suspected target from the laser image with interference filtered out, and taking the shape feature as a target matching element to perform matching with a target shape feature template, so as to recognize the target. In the method of the present invention, laser imaging is integrated into infrared imaging target positioning, so that an advantage of a large range of infrared imaging is utilized, and three-dimensional range information of laser imaging is also utilized, thereby effectively improving the precision of positioning a building.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present technology, edges of light drive pulses, which are produced by a light source driver and are used to drive a light source, are aligned with edges of light reference pulses that have a predetermined fixed delay relative to light timing pulses. This way, light pulses are emitted by the light source at precisely known times, so that accurate time-of-flight (TOF) measurements can be made. Additionally, edges of shutter drive pulses, which are produced by a shutter driver and are used to drive a gated light detector, are aligned with edges of shutter reference pulses that have a predetermined fixed delay relative to shutter timing pulses. This way, the gated light detector is shuttered on at precisely known times, so that accurate TOF measurements can be made.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an optical proximity switch, wherein an object distance E is determined by means of a time-of-flight method and a specified range is limited by an adjustable switching distance SAE. The switching output (6) is activated at an object distance E1<SAE and deactivated at an object distance E2>SAE+H(SAE), wherein a hysteresis H (SAE,R) depending on the switching distance SAE and on a reflectivity R is stored in the proximity switch, and, after the switching output (6) has been activated, the reflectivity R of the object is determined in addition to the object distance E2 and the switching output (6) is deactivated again only when the condition E2>SAE+H(SAE,R) is satisfied. The invention further relates to an optical proximity switch for performing the method according to the invention.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer array with at least one composite material layer. The layer having a polymer base in which polymer particles are embedded. The polymer particles are coated with a material that has a thermal conductivity that is higher than the thermal conductivity of the polymer base and the polymer particles.

Abstract: A compact delay circuit that can dynamically change delay time is configured. A probe includes an analog memory unit that accumulates electric charges corresponding to a reflected wave of an ultrasonic wave produced by a difference between the acoustic impedances on a plurality of capacitors 303 and in turn outputs the electric charges accumulated on the capacitors 303 to an analog memory unit 205. In accumulating electric charges, when a control signal Ctls_l that increases delay time of the reflected wave is inputted, the analog memory unit 205 accumulates the same electric charges on two or more of the capacitors 303 for a preset period, or in outputting electric charges, when a control signal Ctlo_l is inputted, the analog memory unit 205 outputs the electric charges accumulated on one of the capacitors 303 for a preset period.

Abstract: The invention is an iterative process for performing iteratively the phase retrieval of an adaptive signal x(t) matching two sets of constraint both concerning the time envelope ue(t) of signal x(t) and magnitude distribution Um(f) of its spectral representation. At each iteration k the process computes an estimate {tilde over (x)}k(t) of signal x(t) which is obtained from a first projection PA on a first set of constraint in time domain of a computed value xk(t) of x(t), xk(t) deriving from an estimate {tilde over (X)}k-1(f) of the spectrum of signal x(t), said estimate {tilde over (X)}k-1(f) being itself obtained from a second projection PB on a second set of constraints in spectral domain of the Fourier transform Xk(f) of the estimate {tilde over (x)}k-1(t) of x(t) computed at iteration k?1. Iterative computation of estimate {tilde over (x)}k(t) is repeated until {tilde over (x)}k(t) meets a predefined criterion which indicates that estimate {tilde over (x)}k(t) is close enough to expected signal x(t).

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for measuring time of flight to an object. A transmitter transmits an electromagnetic signal and provides a reference signal corresponding to the electromagnetic signal. A receiver receives the electromagnetic signal and provides a response signal corresponding to the received electromagnetic signal. A detection circuit is configured to determine a time of flight between the transmitter and the receiver based upon the reference signal and the response signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining an angle of arrival in a radar warning system that uses tracking to provide a more accurate angle of arrival than conventional systems. In exemplary embodiments, angle of arrival and range are mapped from measured body angles to a 3D coordinate system where modern tracking techniques are applied to improve accuracy and stabilization of measurements, then mapped back into body angles for display.

Abstract: A system for determining a bearing or location of a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag using a handheld RFID reader is described. In one embodiment, the reader is equipped with an accelerometer. A user moves the reader while the reader receives the tag's signal and determines the tag signal's phase at multiple locations. The locations of the reader antenna can be reconstructed using the accelerometer data. By using the phase determined at multiple locations in conjunction with the location of the reader antenna, the reader can determine the bearing of the tag. For an RFID reader not equipped with an accelerometer, the sign and ratio of the rate of change in the phase of a tag's signal to the distance traveled by the reader antenna can be used to determine the location of the tag relative to the reader.

Abstract: Systems and methods to use radar systems for radio frequency identification (RFID) applications. In one embodiment, radar systems are adapted to use RFID communications protocols and methods to enhance the usefulness of radar systems beyond the determination of the presence, distance, direction and/or speed of a vehicle or object, to additionally include the transmission of data such as object identification and additional messages or data.

Abstract: A system for tracking position of objects in an industrial environment includes an interrogator, a transponder, and a processor. The interrogator transmits a signal and provides a first reference signal corresponding to the transmitted signal. The transponder provides a response signal. The interrogator receives the response signal and provides a second reference signal corresponding to the response signal. The processor determines a location of either the interrogator or the transponder, relative to the other, based on the two reference signals.

Abstract: A system for tracking a ground imaging apparatus includes a plurality of fixed devices and at least one tracked device. The fixed devices are positioned at fixed locations and the tracked device is affixable to the ground imaging apparatus. The fixed devices and the tracked device are configured to transmit and/or receive signals used for time of flight measurements. A processor is configured to determine one or more positions of the tracked device relative to one or more of the fixed devices based upon one or more time of flight measurements between the tracked device and one or more of the fixed devices.

Abstract: A radar sensor system implemented using a radar sensor housing and a module electronic device configured to present situational awareness indicators associated with targets determined to be located in proximity to a bicycle. The mobile electronic device includes a position-determining component for determining a current geographic position of the bicycle, a wireless transceiver for receiving radar sensor data from a radar sensor in the radar sensor housing, a display, and a processor coupled with the position-determining component, the wireless transceiver, and the display. The processor is configured to determine one or more situational awareness indicators based on the received radar sensor data and cause the display to present location information and the one or more situational awareness indicators.

Abstract: A detection system for detecting a residential pest, the detection system may include a trigger module that is configured to generate triggering signals for inducing a residential pest to increase an acoustic-detectable activity of the residential pest; and a sensor that is configured sense signals responsive to a generation of the triggering signals.

Abstract: A distance measurement apparatus comprises an acquisition section which counts time between a first timing when an output of a photodiode built in a semiconductor laser exceeds a first threshold value because a laser element of the semiconductor laser starts to output laser light and a second timing when the output of the photodiode exceeds a second threshold value higher than the first threshold value because the laser light is reflected by a measurement object and returns to the laser element, and acquires the counted time as flight time of the laser light from a moment when the laser light is output to a moment when the laser light is reflected by the measurement object and returns to calculate a distance from the laser element to the measurement object or displacement of the distance.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and image pick-up system for obtaining clear images through the rain, snow or fog. The method includes a DSP processing module controls a laser pulse generating module output laser pulse signals with a default pulse width, and shut the laser pulse generating module down when a first default time arrives; when the laser pulse signals is being output, the DSP processing module controls an electronic shutter of an image pick-up device open after delaying for a second default time, and close the electronic shutter when a third default time arrives; wherein, the third default time is a lasting period of the default pulse width of the laser pulse signals; then, an FPGA module processes the images captured by the image pick-up device, and outputs clearer images, or makes the capturing distance farther but obtains clear images.

Abstract: A LIDAR imaging system (90) includes: an illumination source block (100) having at least one illumination source (110) for emitting at least one polarized illumination beam (20) of first polarization with wavelengths in a first wave length range (21); an optical engine core (200) having a first polarized beam splitter panel (210); a quarter wave retarder panel (230) configured between the external image object (900) and the optical engine core (200); and a first imaging block (300) having a plurality of first illumination detectors (310). The imaging system is more compact and ensures optical alignment between the radiation sources and the detectors. Moreover, the polarized illumination beams and the retarded reflection beams do not interfere with each other though transiting along the same axis, thus improving the imaging quality of the imaging system.

Abstract: The invention, in some embodiments, relates to the field of global navigation satellite systems, and more particularly to the field of methods and devices for improving accuracy of position determination by receivers of global navigation satellite systems. Some embodiments of the invention relate to methods for generating a three-dimensional (3-D) representation of an urban area by a receiver of a global navigation satellite system using blocked lines of sight to satellites of the system. Additional embodiments of the invention relate to methods for transmitting a three-dimensional (3-D) representation of an urban area by a receiver of a global navigation satellite system for improving calculation of location by the global navigation satellite system receiver.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for forecasting the positions of marine vessels. In an aspect, the present system is adapted to execute a forecasting algorithm to forecast the positions of one or a great many marine vessel(s) based on one or more position reporting systems including coastal and satellite AIS (S-AIS) signals or LRIT received from the vessel. The forecasting algorithm utilizes location and direction information for the vessel, and estimates one or more possible positions based on previous paths taken by vessels from that location, and heading in substantially the same direction. Thus, a body of water can be divided into “bins” of location and direction information, and a spatial index can be built based on the previous paths taken by other vessels after passing through that bin. Other types of information may also be taken into account, such as ship-specific data, nearby weather, ocean currents, the time of year, and other spatial variables specific to that bin.

Abstract: A method for improving the measurement accuracy of scintillation based radiation detectors for ionizing radiation pulses when the multi-channel analyzer of the radiation detector is exposed to continuously varying temperatures.

Abstract: Provided are a method of fabricating an integrated digital X-ray image sensor, the method including forming a plurality of photodiode units in at least parts of a substrate having a first surface and a second surface, forming a mold on the first surface to correspond to the photodiode units, forming a microstructure having a convex part and concave parts by etching at least parts of the mold by a predetermined depth, and forming a scintillator capable of converting X-rays to a wavelength band detectable by the photodiode units, in the concave parts of the microstructure, or including forming a plurality of photodiode units in at least parts of a substrate having a first surface and a second surface, forming a microstructure having a convex part and concave parts by etching at least parts of the second surface by a predetermined depth to correspond to the photodiode units, and forming a scintillator capable of converting X-rays to a wavelength band detectable by the photodiode units, in the concave parts of th

Abstract: A digital X-ray detector is provided. The digital X-ray detector includes multiple pixels, each pixel including a pinned photodiode, and multiple readout channels coupled to each pinned photodiode, wherein each readout channel includes at least one charge-storage capacitor, an amplifier, and a transfer gate. The digital X-ray detector also includes control circuitry coupled to each pixel of the multiple pixels and configured to selectively control a flow of photocharge generated by each pinned photodiode to a respective at least one charge-storage capacitor of each respective readout channel via control of each respective transfer gate of each respective readout channel.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus includes a non-volatile storage unit and a radiation sensor unit which performs imaging on the intensity distribution of radiation irradiation from a radiation source. The non-volatile storage unit includes the first storage area in which the first sensor characteristic information of the radiation sensor unit obtained based on radiation irradiation from the first radiation source is stored, and the second storage area in which the second sensor characteristic information of the radiation sensor unit obtained after the first sensor characteristic information based on radiation irradiation from the second radiation source different from the first radiation source is stored.

Abstract: Position errors of the flat-panel detector in the axes system of the radiation penetration system relative to a necessitated position which remain, for example, after a coarse setup of the radiation penetration system are balanced and thus the accuracy of the radiation penetration system is brought almost randomly close to the accuracy which would have resulted if the flat-panel detector had been exactly adjusted mechanically subsequently by executing a geometrical correction of the radiation penetration raw image, so that a change of a projection of the penetrated object in the radiation penetration raw image due to the position error is reduced or corrected.

Abstract: An acoustic sound source designed to impart vibratory energy into its surrounding environment by linearly displacing transducer face plate(s) that are coupled to a rotary motor via crankshaft/connecting rod(s) or camshaft(s). The frequency of the vibrational energy is proportional to the speed of the rotary motor and the amplitude of the vibrational energy is proportional to the linear displacement of the transducer faceplates. The motor can be manually or automatically controlled to operate at a fixed speed and/or a variety of time varying speeds such as frequency sweeps or ramps. The linear displacement or amplitude of the transducer faceplates can also be manually or automatically controlled to operate at a fixed displacement or to have the displacement vary with time and/or frequency.

Abstract: A method, system and a marine node for recording seismic waves underwater. The node includes a first module configured to house a seismic sensor; bottom and top plates attached to the first module; a second module removably attached to the first module and configured to slide between the bottom and top plates the second module including a first battery and a data storage device; and a third module removably attached to the first module and configured to slide between the bottom and top plates, the third module including a second battery.

Abstract: A seismic data acquisition system includes a recording unit to record acquired seismic data and ground equipment containing surface units and wireless field digitizer units. Each surface unit is in communication with the recording unit and contains a first wireless communication module and a power supply mechanism transmitter coil. Each wireless field digitizing unit includes a seismic sensor unit, a second wireless communication module in communication with the seismic sensor unit and one of the first wireless communication modules to exchange digital data between the first and second wireless communication modules and a power supply mechanism receiver coil. The power supply mechanism receiver coil is magnetically coupled to the power supply mechanism transmitter coil in one of the surface units to transmit electrical energy wirelessly from the surface unit to the wireless field digitizer.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method, which includes receiving a seismic data set including P-P data and P-S data, and preparing the P-P data and the P-S data for a joined inversion to produce prepared P-P data and prepared P-S data. The method further includes performing a joined inversion on both the prepared P-P data and the prepared P-S data to calculate final surface consistent scalars. The method further includes outputting a corrected P-P trace based, at least in part, on the P-P data, and a P-P gain, wherein the P-P gain is based, at least in part, on the final surface consistent scalars and outputting a corrected P-S trace based, at least in part, on the P-S data and a P-S gain, wherein the P-S gain is based, at least in part, ROM on the final surface consistent scalars.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and media for modeling and filtering noise in seismic surveys are disclosed. Methods, systems, and computer program products in accordance with the present disclosure perform operations including obtaining seismic information of a region resulting from a source waveform applied to the region. The operations also include obtaining an estimate of visco-elastic properties of a near-surface of the region. The operations further include determining an estimate of propagation of guided waves in the region based on the estimate of visco-elastic properties of a near-surface of the region. Additionally, the operations include determining a model of the guided waves in the near-surface of the region using the estimate of propagation of the guided waves and an estimate of the source waveform. Moreover the operations include determining a filtered output of the seismic information by removing the model of the guided waves from the seismic information.

Abstract: Method and system for acquiring seismic data. The method includes receiving an area to be seismically surveyed; receiving a sub-area that is smaller than area; determining a full seismic survey configuration, which includes streamer vessels and source vessels, to survey the entire area, wherein the full seismic survey configuration generates seismic data over the entire area; determining an in-fill process configuration that is different than the full seismic survey configuration, wherein the in-fill process configuration generates long offset seismic data over the sub-area; and sending the full seismic survey configuration to the streamer vessels and the source vessels.

Abstract: Various embodiments include apparatus and methods to estimate formation mobility from Stoneley waveforms. An objective function can be generated that represents misfit between measured Stoneley pressure values and synthetic pressure values. A minimization process can be applied to the objective function to estimate formation mobility and intrinsic attenuation. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for evaluating an earth formation intersected by a borehole. Method include detecting a reflective boundary in the earth formation by: generating a multipole acoustic signal with a logging tool in the borehole; identifying a shear wave signal resulting from shear body waves reflected in the formation in a near-field region of the formation around the borehole responsive to the generated multipole acoustic signal; and estimating at least a depth along the borehole of the boundary based on the shear wave signal. The boundary may have an angle of incidence with respect to the borehole of greater than 70 degrees. The boundary may be at least one of i) a fracture; and ii) a fault. The method may include evaluating the boundary using at least one attribute of the shear wave signal and the estimated depth.

Abstract: In a general aspect, a towed device for an aircraft can include a support structure carrying measurement means, the support structure being supple and substantially flat when deployed, a traction pole, means for fastening the support structure to the traction pole, an attachment element for attaching the towed device to a towing cable, and an attitude-correcting structure arranged between the attachment element and the traction pole. The attitude-correcting structure can include an attitude-correcting pole configured to be towed by the aircraft in a vertical position, by means of the attachment element, and traction stays. The traction stays can respectively connect a first end of the attitude-correcting pole to two opposite ends of the traction pole, and a second end of the attitude-correcting pole to the two opposite ends of the traction pole, giving the traction pole a horizontal attitude when the attitude-correcting pole is in the vertical position.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a dielectric logging tool for evaluating the earth formation using at least one transmitter antenna disposed in a cavity on a pad engaged with a borehole wall. The logging tool may comprise at least one power driver in electrical communication with the at least one transmitter antenna and configured to modulate a phase of output current of the at least one power driver. The logging tool may enforce symmetric current on both feeds of the at least one transmitter antenna causing a point of symmetry of the current to align with an axis of geometric symmetry of the at least one transmitter antenna. A parameter of interest of the formation may be estimated by using the attenuation and phase difference between the received and transmitted signals or between received signals from spaced receivers.

Abstract: A container includes multiple panels defining an interior volume, with a first panel including a composite material. A first beam detector element positioned within the interior volume detects a directed radiation scan beam that includes a modulated query message. Also positioned within the interior volume are a security element to detect an intrusion and an identification element communicatively coupled to the first beam detector element to store an identity of the container and to produce a query response message without breaking a seal of the container. A transmitter element is coupled to the identification element to transmit a response message to a receiver unit. The beam enters the inter volume along a path directed through the first panel, across a portion of the interior volume and onto the first beam detector element allowing for determination of a material property of contents of the interior volume.

Abstract: A method and system for acquiring spectral information from an energy sensitive nuclear detector is disclosed. The method includes detecting nuclear radiation at a detection device and generating an electronic input pulse indicative of energy deposited in the detection device. The method further includes integrating the electronic input pulse at an integrating device to produce an integrated output signal and digitally sampling the integrated output signal of the integrating device at intervals to produce a stream of digital samples. The method further includes resetting the integrator synchronously with a sampling clock when a limit condition is reached.

Abstract: A non-contacting spherical air bearing-based stable platform for use by a gravity gradiometer instrument (GGI) is provided by attaching a spherical ball-shaped bearing to a rotational stage of the GGI and integrating a concave spherical cup in the linear stage and mounting base assembly of the GGI which is fixedly attached to a host vehicle or platform. The spherical cup supports the spherical ball-shaped bearing on a thin cushion of air provided by a source of compressed air or gas at the concave surface of the spherical cup. The spherical ball-shaped bearing is supported, providing three degrees of rotational freedom of motion without the need for slip rings, flex capsules, races, or mechanical bearings, thereby reducing or eliminating gradient disturbance signals owing to parasitic torques and jitter in the output of the accelerometers of the GGI.