Abstract: An apparatus includes an adjustment knob, an inner locking ring, and an outer locking ring threadably coupled to the inner locking ring. The adjustment knob includes at least one tooth protruding radially inward from an inner peripheral edge of the adjustment knob. The inner locking ring includes at least one tooth protruding radially outward from the inner locking ring and configured to engage the at least one tooth of the adjustment knob to prevent rotational movement of the adjustment knob. The outer locking ring is configured to move the inner locking ring in a first axial direction toward the adjustment knob when the outer locking ring is rotated in a first rotatable direction. The outer locking ring is also configured to move the inner locking ring in an opposite second axial direction away from the adjustment knob when the outer locking ring is rotated in an opposite second rotatable direction.

Abstract: A system and method for recording, detecting and tracking objects on a digital record to provide an effective and efficient means to improve performance during training experiences. Merely by way of example, a preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes a video recording device to record clay pigeon shooting experiences for the purpose of improving shooter performance by analysis of the video record. The invention provides a system attached a recording device to a weapon and a method to analyze the record that will identify the relevant events, determine object(s) location, determine if the event has a favorable outcome or not (e.g. hit/miss), and display the object(s) path prior to, during and after an event occurs (e.g. a shot). The method will also determine the weapon's aimpoint path relative to the object(s) location to provide an efficient and effective training aid.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide a personal tactical system configured to be worn by an individual for protection against threats. In one implementation, the personal tactical system includes one or more internal components disposed in an interior formed by an outer layer and an inner layer. The internal components include a flexible body armor, a ballistic plate, a ballistic frame, and/or a ballistic plate cover.

Abstract: A ballistic shield apparatus for a weapon includes: a flexible ballistic shield made of penetration-resistant material, the ballistic shield having opposed front and rear faces, spaced-apart side edges connecting spaced-apart top and bottom edges, and a central area bounded by the side edges; one or more flexible securing members extending laterally outward from each of the side edges, each of the one or more flexible securing members including a releasable connector disposed on a distal portion thereof; and at least one releasable connector disposed on the ballistic shield, the releasable connectors collectively configured such that the distal portion of each of the one or more flexible securing members can be releasably secured to the central area of the ballistic shield, or to a distal portion of one of the one or more flexible securing members.

Abstract: A self-resetting portable target assembly that is configured with a housing design to withstand repeated impacts from projectiles striking the target assembly without adverse effect on the target assembly function, that includes a moveable target face that eschews active operations to move the target face between positions visible to a shooter and hidden from a shooter. The target assembly further comprises a user-controllable means for retaining the moveable target face in a first position in which the target face is hidden from view of a shooter and selectively releasable whereupon the target face returns to a second position in which the target face is visible to the shooter. An operator interface enables a remote operator to manage the state of a target retainer means which, in turn, holds the target face in a hidden position or releases the target for viewing by a shooter allowing the operator to simulate a pop-up target to the shooter.

Abstract: A bullet collecting robot comprises a bullet collecting device, a travel driving mechanism, and a controller. The bullet collecting device comprises a collection bin including a bullet accommodating cavity and a collection opening in communication with the bullet accommodating cavity, a friction roller provided at the collection opening, and a collection driving member connected with the friction roller. The travel driving mechanism is configured to drive the bullet collecting device to move. The controller is connected in communication with the collection driving member and the travel driving mechanism, and is configured to control the collection driving member and the travel driving mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for locking a detonating cord against a shaped charge.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for specialized shaped charges that perforate similar sized diameter holes regardless of the fluid gaps between the shaped charge and the casing wall.

Abstract: An enhanced linear shaped charge (X-Jet) includes a sheath and a spinal charge element. The sheath extends along an axis between a first end and a second end to define a sheath length. The sheath has a first hollowed chevron-shaped cross-section that defines a main charge cavity, an upper apex, and a lower apex. The spinal charge element is disposed within the main charge cavity and abuts the upper apex. The spinal charge element further includes a spinal casing that extends along the sheath length to define a spinal length. The spinal casing has a hollowed cross-section defining a spinal charge cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a subsonic ammunition including a polymeric casing body comprising a generally cylindrical hollow polymer body having a body base at a first end thereof and a mouth at a second end to define a propellant chamber; a propellant insert positioned in the propellant chamber to reduce the internal volume of the propellant chamber, wherein the propellant chamber has an internal volume that is at least 10% less than the open internal volume of a standard casing of equivalent caliber; a propellant disposed and confined within the propellant chamber; a primer insert positioned at the body base and in communication with the propellant chamber; a primer disposed in the primer insert in combustible communication with the propellant; and a projectile frictionally fitted in the mouth in combustible communication with the propellant.

Abstract: A projectile has a body with an axis and a meplat disposed substantially orthogonal to the axis. The meplat is bounded by a substantially square edge.

Abstract: A projectile has a body with three fins which partially define a meplat. Three flutes are alternatingly arranged with the three fins about an axis of the body. Each of the three flutes is at least partially defined by a curved surface having a substantially smooth radius of curvature that is substantially constant from the meplat to a side surface of the body.

Abstract: A differential compensator reduces uncertainty in determination of movement of a structural member and includes: a first probe line to attach to the structural member and to provide a first combination of displacement of the structural member and a first expansion of the first probe line in response to movement of the structural member and expansion of the first probe line; and a second probe line having a coefficient of thermal expansion that is different than that of the first probe line, the second probe line to attach to the structural member at a position on the structural member proximate to a point of attachment of the first probe line to the structural member and to provide a second combination of displacement of the structural member and second expansion of the second probe line in response to movement of the structural member and expansion of the second probe line.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor apparatus comprising a dielectric elastomer device, a power source, a sensor, and a processor. The dielectric elastomer device comprises a layer of dielectric material and a pair of conductive electrodes on opposing sides of the dielectric layer. The power source is coupled with the electrodes to apply a stimulus signal between the electrodes, the stimulus signal comprising two or more stimulus components of different frequencies. A sensor coupled with the electrodes obtains a sensing signal indicative of a frequency response of the dielectric elastomer device. The processor is coupled with the sensor to receive the sensing signal, and configured to detect an external coupling with the dielectric elastomer device based at least in part upon the frequency response of the dielectric elastomer device. Also provided is a method for sensing an external coupling.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography microscopy apparatus (1) is presented for detecting a three-dimensional image of an optically translucent or reflective sample object (OS), the apparatus comprising an interferometric optical setup including a photo sensor unit (20). A sense signal Si from the photo sensor unit (20) is detected using a detection reference signal. The detection reference signal is derived from a signal indicative for a relative displacement of the sample object (OS) with respect to a reference object.

Abstract: Systems and methods that provide a framework for location tracking of a movable target component or device (e.g., an automated device or a hand-operated device) to accurately cover an area of interest along a specified path or in a specified region. Grid patterns are projected onto a surface of a workpiece or a part. The projected grid lines may be straight or curved. Straight grid lines can be parallel or intersecting. The grid pattern may include a path to be followed. The lines of the projected grid pattern are detected by a grid detection sensor which is mounted onboard the movable target component or device. Information from the grid detection sensor is fed to a location mapping program. The systems and methods also enable navigation for use in automated and autonomous manufacturing and maintenance operations, as well as other tracking-based applications.

Abstract: A length artifact has a first side wall, a second side wall, and a base portion, the first side wall and the second side wall separated by an air gap at least four millimeters wide, the base portion being attached to a bottom of the first side wall and the second side wall, the base portion further having a first platform region that includes a first nest and a second platform region that includes a second nest, the first nest and the second nest configured to accept a spherical surface of a retroreflector target.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an optical fiber length measurement method and apparatus, where the method is used to measure an optical fiber length between a first device and a second device, and the method includes: acquiring, by a measurement device, timestamp parameters, where the timestamp parameters include a first transmit timestamp Ta1, a first receive timestamp Ta2, a second transmit timestamp Tb1, and a second receive timestamp Tb2; and determining, by the measurement device, the optical fiber length L according to the timestamp parameters, where when (Ta2?Tb1)+(Tb2?Ta1)?n*T, L=2.5*[(Ta2?Tb1)+(Tb2?Ta1)], or when (Ta2?Tb1)+(Tb2?Ta1)?n*T, L=2.5*[(Ta2?Tb1)+(Tb2?Ta1)?n*T]. The method does not depend on a dedicated measurement instrument such as an OTDR, an OFDR, or an OCDR, thereby simplifying a measurement process, and helping reduce a measurement cost.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for measuring multidimensional stress characteristics in a substrate. Generally, the methods include applying a sequence of optical pump pulses to the substrate. The optical pump pulses induce a propagating strain pulse in the substrate. Optical probe pulses are also applied. By analyzing transient optical responses caused by the propagating strain pulse, multidimensional stress components characterizing the stress in the substrate can be determined. Multidimensional stress components may also be determined at a depth of a substrate. Multidimensional stress components may also be determined at areas adjacent a through-silicon via.

Abstract: A depth value of an object is measured. The object is illuminated with a luminaire comprising at least three or more pixel-layers including a first pixel-layer, a second pixel-layer and a third pixel-layer, each pixel-layer including a rectangular array of pixels. One or more images are captured of the object illuminated by the pixel-layers of the luminaire. The depth value of a point on the surface of the object is determined based on the one or more captured images. The spaced-apart pixel-layers of the luminaire are grouped into at least a front group and a back group, and the front group is separated from the back group by a distance that is relatively large as compared to a distance by which the spaced-apart pixel-layers within any one group are separated.

Abstract: A system and a method for producing an adjustable light pattern are provided herein. The system may include: a transmitter configured to illuminate a scene with a patterned light being adjusted based on predefined criteria; a receiver configured to receive reflections of the adjusted patterned light; and a computer processor configured to control the adjustment of the patterned light and further analyze the received reflections, to yield a depth map of objects within the scene, wherein the transmitter may include: a light source configured to produce a light beam; a first reflector tiltable approximately along a line on an x-y plane in a Cartesian x-y-z coordinate system; and a second reflector tiltable along a z-axis in said coordinate system, wherein the reflectors are tilted along their respective axes back and forth so as to divert the light beam for creating the adjusted patterned light.

Abstract: A shape measurement apparatus includes: a holder for holding a measuring object having a spherical measurement surface; a sensor configured to emit light onto the measurement surface to perform non-contact measurement of a distance between the sensor and the measurement surface and output a measured value; a rotation mechanism for rotating the sensor around a first axis; a sensor movement mechanism for moving the sensor along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis so as to be movable across an intersection of the second axis with the first axis; a holder movement mechanism for moving the holder along a vertical direction and on a plane orthogonal to vertical direction; and a control device configured to: calculate the shape of the measurement surface based on the measured value; calculate a spherical center of the measurement surface; and cause the holder movement mechanism to match the spherical center with the intersection.

Abstract: An alignment device to facilitate the alignment of a pulley and a sheave. The device may be used to align invention can be used in adjustable sheaves and in sheaves with multiple grooves. The device includes a laser beam generation component with a pulley contact section configured for releasable engagement with an interior surface of the groove of the pulley. The device also includes a laser beam target component with a sheave contact section configured for releasable engagement with an interior surface of the groove of the sheave. When the laser beam generation component and the laser beam target component are positioned facing one another in the pulley and sheave, respectively, the laser beam from the laser beam generation component contacts the target of the laser beam target component and wherein when the laser beam aligns with the target, the pulley and the sheave are aligned.

Abstract: An apparatus (2) for determining thickness of refractory material (4) lining a metal vessel (6) is disclosed. The apparatus includes a radiation source (16) for emitting radiation through a metal wall of the vessel and into the refractory material, wherein some of the radiation is scattered by the refractory material, and a radiation detector (20) for detecting radiation scattered by the refractory material through the wall of the vessel. A converter provides an output signal dependent on the quantity of radiation scattered by the refractory material through the wall of the vessel and detected by the radiation detector.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a system and method for detecting a surface of a substrate within a scanner.

Abstract: In a disclosed embodiment, a system includes a digital imaging device, an electronic compass (e-compass), and a processor coupled to the digital imaging device and the e-compass. The processor is operable to execute instructions that cause the image device to scan a visual code, read a yaw angle from the visual code, cause the e-compass to obtain magnetic field measurements, estimate a yaw angle based on the magnetic field measurements, compare the yaw angle read from the visual code and the estimated yaw angle to determine a quality factor; and determine whether the e-compass is calibrated based at least partially upon the quality factor.

Abstract: A system and/or method for utilizing quadrature signals, for example in a MEMS gyroscope, to control drive signal characteristics (e.g., amplitude, etc.). As a non-limiting example, a quadrature signal in a MEMS gyroscope may be isolated and/or processed to generate a drive signal that is used to drive a proof mass. Such a quadrature signal may, for example, be obtained passively as part of general Coriolis signal processing. Also for example, such a quadrature signal may be actively created and/or obtained through the use of electrical and/or mechanical features.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to Superfluid QUantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs) that measure phase differences existing in quasi-particles or matter-wave systems, and the related techniques for their use at room-temperatures. These Bose-Einstein Condensation interferometry techniques include quantum scale metrology devices such as quasi-particle based linear accelerometers, gyroscopes, and Inertial Measurement Units that incorporate such interferometers. In the presence of additive white Gaussian noise, estimates are made for the Bias Instability, Angle Random Walk, and Velocity Random Walk of the device for purposes of quantum inertial sensing. Moreover, this disclosure relates to SQUIDs based on charged quasi-particles that can, in turn, be used to construct quantum computing elements such as quantum transistors, and quasi-particle circuits at room-temperatures. These quasi-particle circuits can be used to build analogs of electronic circuit elements, and offer an alternative to traditional electronics.

Abstract: This invention describes a gyroscope using a fiber coil which is coupled using integrated on-chip 3×3 and 2×2 couplers in coplanar as well as non-coplanar (NCP) configuration along with photodetectors, light sources, and processing electronics using Si, SOI, and InGaAs-on-Si, and other substrates. In one embodiment, a high sensitivity gyroscope using a combination of 2×2 and 3×3 waveguide couplers is described. The signals from three photodetectors can be used to generate feedback signals to produce high sensitivity. Still in another embodiment, usage of multiple quantum well (MQW) waveguides is illustrated. MQW waveguides can be tuned to achieve phase modulation/correction in couplers.

Abstract: A flight guidance system is provided which includes an aerial vehicle unit and a navigation display unit. In use, the navigation display unit is placed on the ground, a wall, a ceiling, or a floor of a structural object and indicates navigation information for the aerial vehicle unit. The aerial vehicle unit optically reads the navigation information out of the navigation display unit to determine an installation position where the navigation display unit is disposed and also determine a flight position thereof based on the installation position. This enables the aerial vehicle unit to continue to fly along a given flight route without need for complicating the structure and operation thereof in an area where it is difficult for the aerial vehicle unit to receive navigation signals such as GPS signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a set of sensor platforms. The apparatus comprises a map manager and a controller. The manager creates a visibility map for an area of interest for a set of sensor platforms. The map manager further updates the visibility map over time while the set of sensor platforms monitors the area of interest. The controller controls a route of each of the set of sensor platforms using the visibility map.

Abstract: A method and a system of determining a position of a mobile machine are disclosed. According to certain embodiments, the system may include a first sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of a parameter of the mobile machine. The system may also include a second sensor configured to generate a second signal indicative of a pose of the mobile machine. The system may further include a controller in communication with the first and second sensors. The controller may be configured to generate one or more estimated poses of the mobile machine based on the first signal. The controller may further be configured to update each estimated pose with a fraction of a correction. The correction may be determined, based on the second signal, in a measurement update stage of a Kalman filter.

Abstract: A path searching apparatus includes: a path searching unit that searches for an optimal path of a movable body that performs traveling from a start node to a goal node by performing a path searching process based on A-Star algorithm, and a predicting unit that predicts a surrounding situation of the movable body at each of times in future. The path searching unit determines whether a first surrounding situation involves a change from a second surrounding situation, on a basis of the predicted surrounding situation, and upon determining that the first surrounding situation involves the change, updates an estimated smallest cost value h* of a node on which the searching has been already performed, on a basis of the first surrounding situation.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method for improving cartographic data using utility data, the method including: obtaining cartographic information; obtaining geo-location information associated with at least one utility asset; utilizing at least one processor to execute computer code that performs the steps of: generating, based on the geo-location information, a cartographic representation of the at least one utility asset; and modifying, based on the cartographic representation, the cartographic information. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: A navigation method is to be implemented by a navigation device, and includes the steps of: planning a route which passes through a plurality of administrative divisions according to a destination inputted thereto; designating at least one of the plurality of administrative divisions as a navigation division based on a user input or on a record; determining whether a current position of the navigation device is in the navigation division; and providing navigation guidance via the navigation device when it is determined that the current position of the navigation device is in the navigation division.

Abstract: Dynamically establishing a temporary safe evacuation route away from an unsafe situation using unmanned vehicles. The temporary safe evacuation route is determined based on real-time information regarding the unsafe situation. A network of unmanned vehicles are deployed and positioned at determined points along the safe evacuation route. Guidance is provided to the network of unmanned vehicles for display along the safe evacuation route by the unmanned vehicle to aid people in evacuating from the unsafe situation. Information in real time regarding the unsafe situation may be received from the unmanned vehicles. Based on the information received, the safe evacuation route may be adjusted.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method for determining at least one recommended vehicular travel route, the method including collecting a plurality of travel route inputs from a plurality of sources, relative to a travel route comprising a starting point and an ending point; determining at least one travel route recommendation by (i) assessing the collected plurality of travel route inputs and (ii) taking in to consideration vehicle emission impact parameters; and tracking vehicle adherence. Other variants and embodiments are broadly contemplated herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are control methods of a navigation and a route guidance system of a vehicle. In a control method of the navigation and the route guidance system, a geofence setting condition may be provided to allow setting of a geofence to be performed easily and efficiently, while combining a navigation function and a geofence function. Efficient route guidance may be performed by applying a geofence setting to a navigation route guide by combining a navigation function and a geofence function. A control method of a navigation function of a vehicle may include searching for a route to a destination and transmitting information of the searched route; receiving information related to a fence setting area set in the searched route; and, when the searched route is a route passing through the fence setting area, searching for and guiding by a new route that detours the fence setting area.

Abstract: A system adapted to determine a projected range of a vehicle is described. The system includes: a storage element adapted to store a set of parameters associated with a vehicle; a map evaluation element adapted to retrieve information regarding a geographic area associated with a position of the vehicle; and a processing element adapted to determine the projected range of the vehicle based at least partly on the set of parameters and the retrieved information. An automated method of projecting a range of a vehicle includes: generating a set of range projection links; generating a monochrome bitmap based at least partly on the set of range projection links; rendering the set of range projection links within the monochrome bitmap; and tracing the rendered links to generate a polygon outline of the range of the vehicle. An automated method of caching map data for vehicle range projection is described.

Abstract: The route speed of a mobile global positioning satellite (GPS) navigation unit in a vehicle movable along one of a plurality of available route segments of a route having a plurality of intersections, is determined by locating a first and a second of the intersections, by locating a start boundary point, by locating a plurality of end boundary points for all the route segments, and by receiving geographic location information of the vehicle at an initial trajectory point located past the start boundary point, and a subsequent trajectory point past the end boundary point in the one route segment into which the vehicle moved. The trajectory points are associated with trajectory times. A server determines the route speed of the one route segment by dividing a differential distance between the trajectory points by a differential time between the trajectory times. The route speed of the other route segments is likewise determined to aid in route optimization.

Abstract: Provided herein is a control method of an electronic apparatus. The control method of an electronic apparatus includes: determining a position of a vehicle that is being operated; detecting information of a guidance point positioned in front of the determined position of the vehicle by a predetermined distance using a map data; generating an object indicating the guidance point using the information of the guidance point; and outputting the generated object through augmented reality.

Abstract: A user is induced to have the same experience as displayed in an image. Means that obtains content stored in a route search system obtains content stored in storing means for storing a plurality of items of image data, location information, and time information in association with one another. Display controlling means displays some of the items of image data on display means. Receiving means receives a selection of a location to visit from the displayed items of image data. Searching means determines a visiting location based on location information of the image data of the selected location, determines a visiting time based on time information of the image data, and searches a route for visiting the visiting location on the visiting time.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided for componentized junction models. A plurality of road junction configurations are defined with a different set of road segment models corresponding to each of the plurality of road junction configurations. One of the plurality of road junction configurations are selected for a route through a physical road junction. A model of the physical road junction is generated by assembling the set of road segment models corresponding to the selected road junction configuration. The three-dimensional model of the physical road junction is rendered.

Abstract: A method of providing a route based on surveillance zones includes: generating a total surveillance zone by displaying surveillance zones of surveillance devices on a map; if a first user requests a route, generating a route on the map based on the total surveillance zone; if an event occurs while the first user travels along the route, acquiring a surveillance image from at least one of the surveillance devices corresponding to a location at which the event occurs; and providing the surveillance image to a second user.

Abstract: A method, a device and a system for processing a flight task are provided. The method comprises receiving a loading request for flight data, searching for corresponding flight data according to the loading request, processing located flight data in response to the loading request, and loading the located flight data to control a corresponding aerial vehicle to perform a corresponding flight task.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatuses are provided for calibrating a three-axis IMU sensor package using a single-axis rate table. In one embodiment, a method includes adjusting an x-axis position of a sensor by rotating an inner assembly along the circumference of the inner surface of the circular frame, adjusting a y-axis position of the sensor by rotating a portion of the inner assembly, spinning the single-axis rate table to generate z-axis rotation of the apparatus which results in simultaneous stimulation of all three axes of the sensor assembly, and obtaining measurements from the sensor corresponding to the x-axis position, the y-axis position, and the z-axis rotation of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for acquisition of at least one physical variable, in particular for a critical on-board avionics system, comprising a sensor for measuring the physical variable; an acquisition channel receiving an analog signal corresponding to the physical variable measured by the sensor and transforming this analog signal into a corresponding digital signal, at least some of these transformations being able to be carried out with loss of accuracy; self-test unit for checking the integrity of the acquisition channel and generating a self-test result. The system further comprises an analyzer analyzing the self-test result in order to determine an operating mode of the acquisition channel, and for activating the operation of means for correcting the signal delivered by the channel.

Abstract: A method for measuring an angular position of a rotating shaft, the method including providing a magnetic field which rotates with the shaft about an axis of rotation, positioning an integrated circuit having first and second magnetic sensing bridges within the magnetic field at a radially off-center position from the axis of rotation, the first and second magnetic sensing bridges respectively providing first and second signals representative of first and second magnetic field directions, the integrated circuit having a set of adjustment parameters for modifying attributes of the first and second signals, modifying values of the set of adjustment parameters until errors in the first and second signals are substantially minimized, and determining an angular position of the shaft based on the first and second signals.

Abstract: In a related-art resolver, a front and a back of a stator core cannot be distinguished, and it is difficult to mass-produce the resolver while matching directions of shear drops and burrs. Thus, assembly accuracy of the resolver is degraded. Further, productivity and assembling ability are degraded because electromagnetic steel sheets are laminated by rotary lamination. The present invention provides a resolver including: a resolver stator including: a stator core formed of electromagnetic steel sheets, which have teeth, and are laminated without rotary lamination; a one-phase excitation winding; and two-phase output windings; and a resolver rotor arranged to be opposed to the resolver stator, in which the stator core has marks which enable distinction of a rolling direction of the stator core and distinction of a front and a back of the stator core.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to apparatus (200) and methods for distinguishing data of a plurality of multidimensional magnetic field sensors (120). A first sensor arrangement (100-1) comprises a first magnetic field source (110-1) and a first multidimensional magnetic field sensor (120-1), wherein the first magnetic field source and the first magnetic field sensor are arranged relative to one another in a first manner characteristic for the first sensor arrangement. At least one second sensor arrangement (100-2) comprises a second magnetic field source (110-2) and a second multidimensional magnetic field sensor (120-2), wherein the second magnetic field source and the second magnetic field sensor are arranged relative to one another in a second manner characteristic for the second sensor arrangement.