Lockheed Martin Corporation Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160105970 | FINE LINE 3D NON-PLANAR CONFORMING CIRCUIT - A method of producing a non-planar conforming circuit on a non-planar surface includes creating a first set of conforming layers. The first set of conforming layers is created by applying an oxide dielectric layer to the surface, applying a conductive material layer to the oxide dielectric layer, applying a resist layer to the conductive material layer, patterning the resist layer according to a desired circuit layout, etching the surface to remove exposed conductive material, and stripping the resist layer. The process may be repeated to form multiple layers of conforming circuits with electrical connections between layers formed by blind microvias. The resulting set of conforming layers can be sealed. | 04-14-2016 |
20160104995 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A DELIVERY FIBER FOR ISOLATION AGAINST BACK REFLECTIONS - An apparatus and method that provide optical isolation by permitting substantially all forward-propagating light into a delivery fiber from an optical amplifier and substantially preventing backward-traveling light from the delivery fiber entering the optical amplifier without the use of a conventional optical isolator. Eliminating the isolator improves efficiency and reduces cost. Some embodiments use a delivery fiber having a non-circular core in order to spread a single-mode signal into multiple modes such that any backward-propagating reflection is inhibited from reentering the single-mode amplifier. Some embodiments amplify an optical signal in a gain fiber having an output end, output the forward-propagating amplified signal as a high-brightness optical beam (having a first Rayleigh range) into a removable delivery fiber having a non-circular waveguide, output the amplified signal from a distal end of the delivery fiber, and, without the use of a non-linear optical isolator, inhibit backward-propagating light from re-entering the gain fiber. | 04-14-2016 |
20160070879 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISEASE DETECTION - Aspects of the disclosure provide a system for disease detection. The system includes an interface circuit, a memory circuit, and a disease detection circuitry. The interface circuit is configured to receive data events associated with a patient sampled at different time for disease detection. The memory circuit is configured to store configurations of a model for detecting a disease. The model is generated using machine learning technique based on time-series data events from patients that are diagnosed with/without the disease. The disease detection circuitry is configured to apply the model to the data events to detect an occurrence of the disease. | 03-10-2016 |
20160067776 | METAL NANOPARTICLES FORMED AROUND A NUCLEUS AND SCALABLE PROCESSES FOR PRODUCING SAME - Metal nanoparticles and compositions derived therefrom can be used in a number of different applications. Methods for making metal nanoparticles can include providing a first metal salt in a solvent; converting the first metal salt into an insoluble compound that constitutes a plurality of nanoparticle seeds; and after forming the plurality of nanoparticle seeds, reacting a reducing agent with at least a portion of a second metal salt in the presence of at least one surfactant and the plurality of nanoparticle seeds to form a plurality of metal nanoparticles. Each metal nanoparticle can include a metal shell formed around a nucleus derived from a nanoparticle seed, and the metal shell can include a metal from the second metal salt. The methods can be readily scaled to produce bulk quantities of metal nanoparticles. | 03-10-2016 |
20160046795 | Gas Barrier Material with Atomic Sheet - A gas barrier material includes an atomic sheet, such as graphene and/or an analog of graphene. The gas barrier material can be arranged as part of a component, such as a container or other vessel, to limit the flow or permeation of gas through the component. Where the component is a container or part of a container, the gas barrier material may be formulated and arranged to limit or prevent gas ingress or egress with respect to the internal volume of the container. The atomic sheet offers improved gas barrier properties compared to traditional polymeric barrier materials and is particularly useful in applications where it is desired to limit permeation of small gas molecules such as helium, such as airships or other lighter than air vehicles. | 02-18-2016 |
20160041300 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GRAVIMETRY WITHOUT USE OF AN INERTIAL REFERENCE - A gravimeter for measuring the gravitational field of the Earth without an inertial reference comprises accelerometer pairs disposed on a platform where the sensitive axis of each accelerometer is arranged on the platform to measure plumb gravity. At least one accelerometer pair is spatially configured to define a baseline therebetween. The gravimeter is positioned so that the baseline is maintained parallel to a linear survey path. Each accelerometer outputs a signal representative of the sum total of the accelerations detected, including accelerations due to gravity and kinematic accelerations of the host vehicle and mounting structure. A processor subtracts the accelerometer pair outputs for common-mode rejection determination of a down gravity gradient and combines with a direct plumb gravity measurement to obtain an enhanced gravity data output that is not subject to frequency limits attributed to the performance limitations of inertial reference devices. | 02-11-2016 |
20150367550 | Open-Face Molding - An open-face molding apparatus for use in open-face injection molding operations to more accurately control the thickness of coatings applied to workpiece surfaces of slightly varying contour profiles. A conformable tool face is carried by a rigid tool backing and a perimeter seal releasably seals the conformable tool face around its perimeter to the workpiece surface. The conformable tool face and perimeter seal define a mold cavity together with the workpiece surface. An array of actuators are connected between the rigid tool backing and the conformable tool face to provide a desired tool face contour and desired spacings between the conformable tool face and a workpiece surface by deflecting the conformable tool face relative to the rigid tool backing. | 12-24-2015 |
20150347841 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR 3D IRIS RECOGNITION - Aspects of the disclosure provide an iris recognition system. The iris recognition system can include a three-dimensional (3D) sensor that is configured to capture a 3D image of an iris, an iris feature extractor that is configured to generate an iris template based on the 3D image of the iris, and a memory that is configured to store the iris template. | 12-03-2015 |
20150346302 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SIGNAL PROCESSING - Aspects of the disclosure provide a system for signal processing. The system includes a selection circuitry and a coordination detection circuitry. The selection circuitry is configured to receive data sets sampled at different time for a subject and select a plurality of data units from each data set that corresponds to regions of interests in the data set. The coordination detection circuitry is configured to receive the selected data units corresponding to the regions of interests over time, and detect a coordination of the regions of interests over time. | 12-03-2015 |
20150332870 | SUPERCAPACITOR HAVING IMPROVED CONDUCTIVITY PROPERTIES AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - An improved supercapacitor includes a first and second electrode with each electrode made at least in part from a highly-porous electrically conductive material, a insulative separator separating the electrodes; a first electrically conductive current collector in physical and electrical contact with the first electrode; and a second electrically conductive current collector in physical and electrical contact with the second electrode, wherein at least one current collector is configured to have multiple separate portions with each portion having a current capacity that varies as a function of current passing through during capacitive operation. | 11-19-2015 |
20150317558 | QUANTUM-ASSISTED TRAINING OF NEURAL NETWORKS - Aspects of the disclosure provide a method for configuring a Quantum Annealing (QA) device. Then QA device has a plurality of qubits and a plurality of couplers at overlapping intersections of the qubits. The method includes mapping a node of a neural network that have a plurality of nodes and connections between the nodes to a qubit in the QA device, and mapping a connection of the neural network to a coupler at an intersection in the QA device where two qubits corresponding to two nodes connected by the connection intersect. The method further includes mapping a node of the neural network to a chain of qubits. In an embodiment, a coupling between qubits in the chain is configured to be a ferromagnetic coupling in order to map the node of the neural network to the chain of qubits. | 11-05-2015 |
20150310603 | SYSTEM, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR INDICATING HOSTILE FIRE - A network for indicating and communicating detection of hostile fire, and systems, methods, and computer program products thereof. Hostile fire is optically detected and identified at a first vehicle and such identification is transmitted from the first vehicle to one or more other vehicles in the network. Data regarding hostile fire directed at the first vehicle can be stored at one or more of the other vehicles and even retransmitted to other vehicles or base stations. | 10-29-2015 |
20150307913 | SPORE DETECTOR - A system and method of detecting spores includes a light source configured to emit a light pulse within a first wavelength range, and a light sensor configured to detect a resulting phosphorescence emitted from one or more desiccated spores phosphorescing within a second wavelength range in a vicinity of the light pulse. The spore detector also includes circuitry configured to trigger emission of the light pulse and record the emitted phosphorescence at a pre-determined time after the light pulse. | 10-29-2015 |
20150303554 | DIMENSIONALLY TOLERANT MULTIBAND CONFORMAL ANTENNA ARRAYS - Some embodiments relate to a multiband antenna array formed on a flexible substrate. Low frequency antenna elements may be formed using nanoink. High frequency elements may be provided on a prefabricated antenna chip. The antenna array may be heated in a low temperature oven to sinter the nanoink into a solid antenna element. In some embodiments, an adhesive insulation layer may be provided which allows the antenna array to be attached to any surface. In other embodiments, the antenna array may be embedded in a composite material. | 10-22-2015 |
20150302265 | REMOTE ENCODING CENTER AUTOMATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A nontransitory computer readable medium having stored thereon software instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform operations. The operations can include intercepting a request for manual processing of a mail piece image. The request can be transmitted by an originating MPE having failed to resolve the mail piece image. The request can be ignored and the mail piece scan image can be forwarded to an automated mail recognition system (AMRS). If the AMRS successfully resolved the image, a response, including a plurality of addressing data corresponding to the mail piece scan image, can be received from the AMRS. If the AMRS successfully resolved the image, at least a portion of the plurality of addressing data can be transmitted to the originating MPE. If the AMRS did not successfully resolve the image, the request can be forwarded to a manual mail recognition processing system. | 10-22-2015 |
20150299849 | CNT-INFUSED METAL FIBER MATERIALS AND PROCESS THEREFOR - A composition includes a carbon nanotube (CNT)-infused metal fiber material which includes a metal fiber material of spoolable dimensions, a barrier coating conformally disposed about the metal fiber material, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) infused to the metal fiber material. A continuous CNT infusion process includes: (a) disposing a barrier coating and a carbon nanotube (CNT)-forming catalyst on a surface of a metal fiber material of spoolable dimensions; and (b) synthesizing carbon nanotubes on the metal fiber material, thereby forming a carbon nanotube-infused metal fiber material. | 10-22-2015 |
20150293212 | VISUAL DISRUPTION NETWORK AND SYSTEM, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT THEREOF - Aspects of the disclosed subject matter involve an airborne-based network for implementing a laser-based visual disruption countermeasure scan pattern system, method, and computer program product. The scan pattern can be comprised of a plurality of lasers each with their own scan pattern and may be used to disrupt an optical system of a weapon or an individual. One vehicle in the network can transmit target information and/or scan information to one or more other vehicles or to a non-vehicle remote location in the network. | 10-15-2015 |
20150285902 | VISUAL DISRUPTION SYSTEM, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - Aspects of the disclosed subject matter involve airborne-based systems, methods, and computer program products for optimizing a laser-based visual disruption countermeasure scan pattern. The scan pattern can be comprised of a plurality of lasers each with their own scan pattern and may be used to disrupt an optical system of a weapon or an individual. Based on the scan patterns and/or data used to generate the scan patterns, the shape or intensity of the scan pattern or patterns can be modified. | 10-08-2015 |
20150284775 | MICROFLUIDIC CARTRIDGE - A microfluidic cartridge can include at least one nucleic acid analysis portion. Each nucleic acid analysis portion can include a fluidic network being configured for micro-liter volumes or less, a sample input at the beginning of the fluidic network, a plurality of vent ports and fluidic channels in the fluidic network configured to effectuate hydrodynamic movement within the fluidic network, an extraction mixture reservoir in the fluidic network, a mixing chamber in the fluidic network, an amplification chamber in the fluidic network, and a separation channel in the fluidic network. A nucleic acid analyzer can be capable of performing nucleic acid analysis using the microfluidic cartridge. A nucleic acid analysis method can be performed using the microfluidic cartridge. | 10-08-2015 |
20150282317 | EDGE CONTACTS OF CIRCUIT BOARDS, AND RELATED APPARATUS AND METHODS - In some embodiments, flat electrical contact pads may be fabricated along a routed edge face of a printed wiring board (PWB). Some embodiments of the edge pads may, for example, be perpendicular to a plane of the printed wiring board. In some embodiments, the edge pads may be of a specified length and/or width. Some embodiments of the edge pads may, for example, have a surface finish suitable for soldering and/or for direct contact interconnections. In some embodiments, the edge pads may, for example, be configured for electrical connection to an adjoining device (e.g., PWB) with mating pads to form a tiled array configuration of interconnected devices (e.g., PWBs). | 10-01-2015 |
20150277561 | TACTILE AND PERIPHERAL VISION COMBINED MODALITY HOVER DRIFT CUEING - Combined modality hover drift cueing methods, systems and computer readable media are disclosed. For example, some implementations can include a system comprising one or more sensors, and a combined modality hover drift cueing controller coupled to the one or more sensors and configured to determine hover drift and to control a plurality of indicators in response to determined hover drift. The system can also include a mode selector coupled to the combined modality hover drift cueing controller and configured to provide an indication of mode selection between one of a first mode, a second mode and a third mode, wherein the first mode is a combined modality mode. The system can further include a peripheral vision hover drift indicator coupled to the controller and mounted on an inside surface of an aircraft cockpit, and a tactile feedback indicator coupled to the controller. | 10-01-2015 |
20150271463 | ADDING CONTENT TO A PROGRAM - Mechanisms for adding content to a projected light stream are disclosed. A polarization rotation panel receives content and generates a polarization rotation pattern based on the content. The polarization rotation panel receives at least a first portion of a first projected light stream that has a first polarization orientation. The first polarization orientation of a sub-portion of the at least the first portion of the first projected light stream is rotated an offset amount to a first offset polarization orientation in accordance with the polarization rotation pattern, and the at least the first portion of the first projected light stream and the sub-portion are issued in a downstream direction. | 09-24-2015 |
20150270111 | MULTIPLE IONIZATION SOURCES FOR A MASS SPECTROMETER - Systems and methods for a mass spectrometer include an atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization (APCI) source, one or more low-pressure chemical ionization (LPCI) sources, a mass analyzer configured to separate ions of a sample flow from the APCI source and the one or more LPCI sources, a detector configured to identify and quantify the received separated ions, and a plurality of valves configured to open and close associated input lines to the APCI source and the one or more LPCI sources, via a computer-implemented controller, and configured to maintain a vacuum environment of the mass spectrometer during the opening and closing. | 09-24-2015 |
20150268547 | REMOVING AND RECOMBINING A PORTION OF A PROJECTED LIGHT STREAM - Mechanisms for clipping, or diverting, a portion of a projected light stream and seamlessly recombining the diverted portion with the projected light stream on a display surface are disclosed. A reflective surface having a shape diverts a portion of a projected light stream from a first optical path between a projector and a display surface to an imaging system outside of the first optical path. The imaging system focuses the portion at a focal plane that is coplanar with the display surface to generate a focused portion based at least on a distance between the imaging system and the display surface. The focused portion is issued through an aperture having the shape to combine the focused portion with the projected light stream on the display surface. | 09-24-2015 |
20150268011 | PREEMPTIVE COUNTERMEASURE MANAGEMENT - Embodiments of the invention are directed to techniques for preemptively managing countermeasures of a vehicle. Prior to identifying an actual threat, at least one countermeasure device may be preemptively oriented to point in a direction most likely to produce a threat. The preemptive orientation may be determined my environmental information and/or vehicular information. Once an actual threat is identified, the countermeasure device may re-orient to point to the identified threat. The preemptive orientation may save time in the re-orientation process thereby providing extra time for countermeasures to be actively deployed. | 09-24-2015 |
20150260812 | ENHANCED NUCLEAR QUADRUPOLE RESONANCE AND GROUND PENETRATING RADAR USING METAMATERIAL ANTENNA - A method and system for enhanced NQR or GPR include a metamaterial antenna configured to both transmit and receive a magnetic field focused at a near-field distance separated from the antenna at a corresponding antenna frequency corresponding to a nuclear quadrupole resonance frequency of an atom in a target material. | 09-17-2015 |
20150256286 | WAVEFORM-ENABLED JAMMER EXCISION (WEJE) - A method for waveform-enabled jammer excision (WEJE) may include performing a jammer measurement during a look-through window when no signal-of-interest (SOI) is present and obtaining a jammer signal. A SOI-plus-jammer measurement may be performed and a SOI-plus-Jammer signal may be obtained when both the jammer signal and the SOI are present. Optimal weights that maximize a SOI-to-jammer power ratio may be determined. SOI-plus-jammer signals from a number of antenna elements may be optimally weighted and combined to copy the SOI and null the jammer signal based on the determined optimal weights. | 09-10-2015 |
20150254512 | KNOWLEDGE-BASED APPLICATION OF PROCESSES TO MEDIA - A processing system and method for reviewing and tagging streams of media are disclosed. For example, a processing system for processing a media stream can include rules processing circuitry configured to determine whether to apply one or more media processes to a stream of received media based on mission criteria, wherein the mission criteria defines at least one concept, object or event of interest that is sought for in the received media stream, and variable processing circuitry configured to apply any of a number of known processes on the received media stream based on commands received from the rules processing circuitry. | 09-10-2015 |
20150254489 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR REDUCING THE LIKELIHOOD OF FALSE POSITIVE DECODES - Systems and methods for reducing the likelihood of false positive decodes within a set of barcodes are disclosed. The method can be implemented in a computing device, which includes: providing a list of barcode configurations that meet damage tolerance criteria; reducing, if possible, each configuration list to barcode configurations that have a compatible configuration pair between sets; and comparing all possible combinations of barcode type configurations to find at least one set of configurations that are resistant to false positives decodes between barcode types during decoding processes. | 09-10-2015 |
20150247178 | SYRINGE FOR OBTAINING NANO-SIZED MATERIALS FOR SELECTIVE ASSAYS AND RELATED METHODS OF USE - A syringe for obtaining nano-sized components from a solution includes a barrel having an interior, a needle extending from one end of the barrel, and a plunger received in the interior at an end of the barrel opposite the needle. A filter cartridge is positioned between the needle and the barrel, wherein the filter cartridge maintains at least one membrane having apertures of two distinct size ranges, and wherein operation of the plunger to draw the solution into the barrel allows for retention of nano-sized components of a size between the two distinct size ranges. | 09-03-2015 |
20150241545 | Single Platform Doppler Geolocation - To make small UAVs capable of geolocation of emitters, a low cost, low power, small weight and power radio receiver receives and tracks Doppler frequency at a minimum. In order to minimize the size, weight and power (SWAP), a single receiving element array is utilized. The analysis of geolocation performance with single and multiple UAV receiving platforms is considered. With a single UAV platform measuring Doppler frequency with unknown center frequency, a localization accuracy on the order of ten to 100 meters is possible within a couple of minutes, or about one to five percent of the target range. | 08-27-2015 |
20150241221 | PROJECTED SYNTHETIC VISION - Projected synthetic vision methods, systems and computer readable media are disclosed. For example, a system can include one or more sensors, a terrain database, and a projected synthetic vision controller coupled to the one or more sensors and the terrain database, the projected synthetic vision controller configured to generate and project synthetic vision images based on aircraft position, terrain information and aviator boresight information. The system can also include one or more projectors coupled to the projected synthetic vision controller. | 08-27-2015 |
20150240970 | FRICTION STIR WELDED PIPES - Fluid conveying pipes and processes of forming such pipes using friction stir welding. The fluid conveying pipes are formed from a pipe section that includes a first barrel coaxially and concentrically disposed within a second barrel. The first barrel and the second barrel are each formed from one or more sections or plates where longitudinal extending facing edges of the plates are friction stir welded (FSW) together along a seam(s) that extends longitudinally from the first end to the second end thereof. A plurality of the pipe sections can be connected together end to end using circumferential FSW seams to form a pipe. | 08-27-2015 |
20150237763 | EFFICIENT HEAT TRANSFER FROM CONDUCTION-COOLED CIRCUIT CARDS - A conduction-cooled card assembly is disclosed that includes a conduction-cooling frame, a printed wiring board mounted on the frame, and a wedgelock fastener. The conduction-cooling frame has a thermal management interface adapted to transfer heat from the frame to a chassis, and the wedgelock fastener is adapted to press the thermal management interface of the conduction-cooling frame against a rail of the chassis. The assembly also has one or more of the following characteristics: (a) the thermal management interface of the conduction-cooling frame is made primarily of a first material and a portion of the thermal management interface that is adapted to engage the wedgelock fastener or the rail of the chassis is made of a second material that is softer than the first material, and (b) the wedgelock fastener is made primarily of a first material and a portion of the wedgelock fastener that is adapted to engage the thermal management interface or another rail of the chassis is made of a second material that is softer than the first material. A chassis for conduction-cooled card assemblies is also disclosed which comprises a housing and at least first and second rails within the housing that are adapted to receive a conduction-cooled card assembly therebetween. At least one of the first and second rails is made primarily of a first material and has a surface portion made of a second material that is softer than the first material. | 08-20-2015 |
20150234085 | DE-CENTRALIZED CONTROL ARCHITECTURE FOR IMPROVED SENSITIVITY OF ACCELEROMETER-BASED GRAVITY GRADIOMETERS - A method for rebalancing a group of accelerometers in a gravity gradiometer instrument (GGI) includes the steps of defining and implementing a number of group-wise actuation constrainment modes based on a design of the gravity gradiometer instrument and its accelerometers. Implementing one constrainment mode comprises differentially scaling and distributing a single electrical current to multiple accelerometers' rebalance circuitry to cancel a specific acceleration effect experienced by the group of accelerometers or gradiometer as a whole. Superposition of a number of such modes enables rebalancing the full acceleration environment experienced by the group of accelerometers, given negligible local differential acceleration effects specific to, say, an individual accelerometer of the assembly. Mathematically, the multiple of constrainment modes are encapsulated by an actuation or constrainment modal influence matrix, arranged one mode per column of the matrix, and the electrical currents of respective modes are encapsulated in a vector listing of currents. | 08-20-2015 |
20150230365 | FLUID-FLOW-THROUGH COOLING OF CIRCUIT BOARDS - A disclosed apparatus for use with a conduction-cooled card assembly may include a frame comprising first and second thermally conductive portions adapted to engage respective thermal management interfaces on opposite sides of a conduction cooling frame for at least one circuit card. The apparatus may also include a passageway extending between first and second openings in the frame so as to allow cooling fluid to flow into the first opening, through the passageway, and out of the second opening. According to a disclosed method, an insert may be installed between components of a mezzanine connector so as to increase a height of the connector. In some implementations, the installing of the insert may be performed while the first and second components of the mezzanine connector are mounted on a host card and a mezzanine card, respectively, so that installation of the insert between the first and second components increases a spacing between the host card and the mezzanine card. | 08-13-2015 |
20150227807 | AIRBORNE MINE COUNTERMEASURES - An airborne mine countermeasure system includes a processor coupled to a memory having stored therein software instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform a series of image processing operations. The operations include obtaining input image data from an external image sensor, and extracting a sequence of 2-D slices from the input image data. The operations also include performing a 3-D connected region analysis on the sequence of 2-D slices, and extracting 3-D invariant features in the image data. The operations further include performing coarse filtering, performing fine recognition and outputting an image processing result having an indication of the presence of any mines within the input image data. | 08-13-2015 |
20150227773 | LATENT FINGERPRINT DETECTORS AND FINGERPRINT SCANNERS THEREFROM - An automatic fingerprint system includes an optical sensor having a first light source that provides a collimated beam for interrogating a first sample surface, and a camera including a lens and a photodetector array having a camera field of view (FOV | 08-13-2015 |
20150226708 | LASER PROJECTED ACOUSTIC SENSOR APPARATUS AND METHOD - A plurality of lasers produces a lattice of projected points. A sensor system detects movement in the projected points in response to an incoming wave. | 08-13-2015 |
20150225783 | NONDESTRUCTIVE COLLECTION OF EVIDENCE - A system and method of identifying a print includes an image-capturing and lighting optical system configured to maximize specular reflection of light reflected from a print and to minimize diffused reflection of light reflected from a background surface of the print via adjustment of at least one of a frequency and a reflection angle of the light emitted upon a sample of the print. The system and method also include an IC having one or more FETs with a nanostructure configured to detect a plurality of analytes from the print. The system and method also include a nucleic acid analyzer configured to process the print and to determine a DNA content of the print. There is no contact made with the print, while being subjected to processing by the image-capturing and lighting optical system and the IC. | 08-13-2015 |
20150225049 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR NEUTRALIZING UNDERWATER MINES - A mine neutralizing device that includes a buoy. The buoy includes a mine neutralizing device capable of swimming to an undersea mine to neutralize it. A method for neutralizing undersea mines includes locating an undersea mine, placing a buoy containing a mine neutralizer near the mine, and swimming the mine neutralizer to the undersea mine. | 08-13-2015 |
20150219269 | THERMAL INSULATION WITH FUNCTIONAL GRADIENT AND INORGANIC AEROGEL LAYER - According to some aspects, a thermal insulation material is provided, comprising a first insulation layer comprising an aerogel, and a second insulation layer comprising inorganic fibers, wherein a thickness of the second insulation layer is greater than a thickness of the first insulation layer. According to some aspects, a fire protection thermal insulation system is provided, comprising a first insulation layer comprising an aerogel, the first insulation layer on a fire facing side of the thermal insulation system, and a second insulation layer comprising inorganic fibers, the second insulation layer on a non-fire facing side of the thermal insulation system, wherein a thickness of the second insulation layer is greater than a thickness of the first insulation layer. | 08-06-2015 |
20150219268 | THERMAL INSULATION INCLUDING A CELLULAR MATRIX - According to some aspects, a thermal insulation material is provided, comprising a first insulation layer having a cellular structure, wherein cells of the cellular structure comprise an inorganic insulator in a powder form and a second insulation layer comprising inorganic fibers. According to some aspects, a fire protection thermal insulation system is provided, comprising a first insulation layer having a cellular structure, wherein cells of the cellular structure comprise an inorganic insulator in a powder form, the first insulation layer on a fire facing side of the thermal insulation system, and a second insulation layer comprising inorganic fibers, the second insulation layer on a non-fire facing side of the thermal insulation system. | 08-06-2015 |
20150213327 | VISUAL FEATURE EXTRACTION METHODS AND SYSTEMS - Systems and methods for image processing are disclosed. For example, a system for processing images includes voxel-ranking circuitry that ranks individual voxels using voxel data derived from physiological responses resulting from exposure to a plurality of corresponding baseline stimulus images, and voxel selection circuitry that selects a portion of the set of ranked voxels based on their rank. | 07-30-2015 |
20150202823 | Joint Molding - A joint molding apparatus for molding joints between composite panels comprising inflatable molding bladders connectable to a source of pressurized fluid. A bladder support structure supports the bladders in respective positions adjacent an intersection of panels where, when inflated, the bladders support a joint formed at the intersection of panels while an uncured portion of the joint is curing to hold the joint in a desired configuration at the panel intersection. | 07-23-2015 |
20150201527 | ELECTRONICS CHASSIS ADAPTABLE FOR FORCED AIR OR LIQUID CONDUCTION COOLING - An electronics chassis comprises a frame including at least one fluid flow path along a side of the frame and that is sealed relative to an interior volume of the frame. A first opening to the fluid flow path is at a first end of the frame; and, a second opening to the fluid flow path at a second end of the frame. The first and second ends of the frame are configured to interchangeably receive components for forced air conduction cooling and components for liquid conduction cooling through the fluid flow paths. | 07-16-2015 |
20150177032 | Air Data System - An air data system including a housing, a bore, a dynamic port, a static port, a gas permeable membrane, and a device configured to determine a pressure differential. The bore may be located within the housing and may extend from an inlet for receiving air flow to an outlet. The dynamic port may be located in the bore and be configured and positioned to receive air passing through the bore. The static port may be configured and positioned to receive unmoving or ambient air. The device may determine the pressure differential between dynamic air received at the dynamic port and static air received at the static port. And the membrane may span the dynamic port, the static port, or both and is configured to direct moisture away from the port which it spans. | 06-25-2015 |
20150161904 | SIMULATION PLATFORM MODULE - A simulation platform module. The simulation platform module determines that an external simulation object exists. The simulation platform module initiates the external simulation object into an executing state, and receives from the external simulation object an event mapping. The event mapping maps an input to an event implemented by the external simulation object in response to notification of the occurrence of the input, and an object attribute identifier that identifies an object attribute controlled by the external simulation object. The simulation platform module receives a user input from a user, and determines that the user input matches the input. The external simulation object is notified of the occurrence of the input, an input identifier that identifies the input is stored in a data structure. | 06-11-2015 |
20150161479 | METHOD AND SYSTEM ADDRESS RESULT ARBITRATION - A method to arbitrate between results obtained from observationally data derived by several procedures. | 06-11-2015 |
20150151302 | NON-CONTACT INFRARED THERMOCYCLING - A microfluidic chip includes one or more reaction chambers to hold fluids for chemical or biochemical reactions, such as PCR. A non-contact heat source heats the reaction chamber and the fluid, such that the heat source does not contact the reaction chamber or the fluid. The heat source can heat the reaction chamber and the fluid separately, where the reaction chamber and the fluid separately absorb heat radiation from the heat source. A temperature sensor acquires a temperature of the reaction chamber and/or the fluid. Control circuitry controls the heat source according to a cycling profile for the reaction in the fluid to cycle the heat source between heating and not heating the reaction chamber and the fluid based on the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor. Cooling can be provided passively or actively. | 06-04-2015 |
20150143812 | Exhaust Plume Cooling - An exhaust plume cooling device for cooling an exhaust gas plume to reduce deleterious heat effects on impinged and surrounding surfaces. The device is supportable in a position downstream of an exhaust nozzle of an exhaust gas plume-producing engine and configured to periodically interrupt the flow of exhaust gases. | 05-28-2015 |
20150132005 | HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPACT RF RECEIVER FOR SPACE FLIGHT APPLICATIONS - A compact photonic radio frequency receiver system includes a laser source that is configured to generate laser light Radio frequency (RF) and local oscillator (LO) input ports may receive RF and LO signals, respectively. One or more miniature lithium niobate waveguide phase modulators may be coupled to the laser source to receive the RF and LO signals and to modulate the laser light with the RF and LO signals in a first and a second path, and to generate phase-modulated laser lights including an RF-modulated light signal and an LO-modulated light signal. A first and a second miniature filter may be coupled to the miniature lithium niobate waveguide to separate a desired spectral band in the phase-modulated laser light of the first path and to facilitate wavelength locking of the laser light of the second path. An optical combiner may combine output laser lights of the first and second filters | 05-14-2015 |
20150125230 | APPARATUS FOR AN ON-TOOL POWER SUPPLY - An apparatus comprises a housing and a tool holder that is mounted to a first end of the housing. The tool holder is configured for selectively engagement with a spindle to support the tool and selective disengagement from the spindle for interchanging the tool with other tools. The tool further comprises a work-piece end mounted to a second end of the housing to perform component forming functions and/or component inspection functions. At least one energy harvesting device at the housing is configured to harvest a form of energy associated with the operation of the apparatus to generate sufficient electrical power for wholly powering the machine implement. Accordingly, there is an electrical interconnection between the at least one energy harvesting device and the work-piece end. | 05-07-2015 |
20150123843 | RECEIVER DUAL-REFLECTOR ANTENNA SYSTEM FOR INTERFERENCE SUPPRESSION ONBOARD SATELLITE - A system for interference suppression onboard a satellite may include an antenna that is configured to receive uplink signals from a ground-coverage area and to generate a first signal. A spot-beam antenna may be configured to receive interference signals and to generate a second signal. A processor may be configured to receive the first signal from the antenna and the second signal from the spot-beam antenna and to perform a cross-correlation to generate a composite signal that includes a null at an interference frequency. The antenna may be a shaped reflector antenna and the spot-beam antenna may be a parabolic reflector antenna. | 05-07-2015 |
20150117477 | LASER APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GENERATING OPTICAL PULSES BASED ON Q-SWITCHING MODULATED WITH A 2-D SPATIAL LIGHT MODULATOR - A laser apparatus and method are provided for generating optical pulses based on Q-switching controllable with a fast and reliable two-dimensional (2-D) spatial light modulator, such as a digital micro-mirror device (DMD). Temporal and spatial modulation may be applied to selectively control the Q-switching provided by the spatial light modulator. The apparatus and method may be optionally optimized with straightforward optical components to increase angular magnification of a beam incident on the spatial light modulator and thus effectively reduce the Q-switching time. | 04-30-2015 |
20150112582 | ROUTE RE-PLANNING USING ENEMY FORCE LETHALITY PROJECTION - A method, system and computer readable media for route re-planning including generating enemy force movement predictions to be used during mission planning. During a mission, enemy force movements can be compared to the predictions. By using enemy force movement predictions for an initial comparison, the enemy force movements may only need to be compared to the own force mission plan if the enemy forces deviate from the predictions. When enemy force movement deviates from the predictions, new enemy force movement predictions can be generated. The new enemy force movement predictions can then be compared to the own force mission plan to determine if a route re-plan is needed. The route can be re-planned to determine a route that reduces or eliminates the chance of a lethal encounter with an enemy or threat. | 04-23-2015 |
20150106308 | DISTRIBUTED MACHINE LEARNING INTELLIGENCE DEVELOPMENT SYSTEMS - A system, method, and computer-readable instructions for a distributed machine learning system are provided. A plurality of distributed learning environments are in communication over a network, wherein each environment has a computing device having a memory and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor adapted implement a learning environment via one or more agents in a rules-based system, wherein the agents learn to perform tasks in their respective learning environment; and a persistent storage in which knowledge comprising a plurality of rules developed by the agents for performing the tasks are stored, wherein the knowledge is tagged and shared with other agents throughout the plurality of distributed learning environments. | 04-16-2015 |
20150097742 | Tunable Serpentine Antenna Assembly - An antenna assembly is mountable to a craft. The craft has a power source. The antenna assembly includes a base securable to the craft. A monopole post extends out from the base. A plurality of voltage lines extend through the base and the monopole post. The antenna assembly also includes a plurality of capacitors operatively connected to the monopole post. Each of the capacitors is electrically connected to each of the plurality of voltage lines. The plurality of capacitors extend through serpentine paths distributing electrical charge across the plurality of capacitors to vary reactance properties of the antenna assembly. | 04-09-2015 |
20150092178 | UNDERWATER PLATFORM WITH LIDAR AND RELATED METHODS - Systems and methods for conducting autonomous underwater inspections of subsea and other underwater structures using a 3D laser mounted on an underwater platform such as AUV, an ROV or a tripod. The systems and methods described herein can be used for scanning underwater structures to gain a better understanding of the underwater structures, such as for example, for the purpose of avoiding collision of an underwater vehicle with the underwater structures and for directing inspection, repair, and manipulation of the underwater structures. | 04-02-2015 |
20150090027 | LOOP DE-COUPLING CAPSULE FOR HOSTING ULTRA-SENSATIVE EXPERIMENTS IN A LOGGING SONDE - A capsule comprising two non-directly contacting halves enables otherwise coupling loads between experiment and gauging to be re-routed through the outer-most portable body (e.g. a logging sonde housing) having substantial inertia, thus serving to attenuate the parasitic loads. For co-located leveled experiment and gauging, a pair of concentric bearings (shaft in shaft) is utilized. Independent bearing sets and shock/vibration isolation support each capsule half within the outer sonde housing. A first half of the capsule supports the experiment, which the second half supports the gauging apparatus. | 04-02-2015 |
20150087176 | Interlocking Terminal - An embodiment electrical connector includes a body portion having a central aperture extending between a first surface and an opposing second surface, the first surface including indents and the second surface including corresponding detents and a wire post portion unitarily formed with the body portion, the wire post portion supporting a wire clamping feature and laterally offset relative to the central aperture of the body portion. An embodiment electrical connection system includes a first connector having a first central aperture, a first wire clamping feature laterally offset from the first central aperture, and first indents, and a second connector includes a second central aperture, a second wire clamping feature laterally offset from the second central aperture, and second detents. The second detents are configured to engage the first indents when the first and second connectors are mated to prevent rotation of the first connector relative to the second connector. | 03-26-2015 |
20150077558 | Image-Aided Illumination Assembly and Method - An illumination assembly includes a laser for producing a laser beam of light and an optical fiber disposed adjacent the laser and extending between a beam receiving end for receiving the laser beam of light from the laser and a beam emitting end for emitting the laser beam of light therefrom. A beam splitter splits the laser beam into a target beam and a feedback beam and directs the target beam toward the targeted object. A feedback sensor receives the feedback beam and generates a feedback signal to identify a targeted image portion correlated to the targeted object. A motor is operatively connected to the vehicle with the beam emitting end fixedly secured thereto. A controller receives the feedback signal generated by the feedback sensor and generates a control signal transmittable to the motor to position the beam emitting end of the optical fiber such that the target beam continues to be directed toward the targeted object. | 03-19-2015 |
20150075667 | CARBON MACROTUBES AND METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME - A method of manufacturing a carbon macrotube includes providing at least one layer of graphene and wrapping the at least one layer of graphene around a scaffold material to form a carbon macrotube is disclosed. In other words the carbon macrotube includes at least one layer of graphene having opposed lateral edges that are spirally wrapped around itself so as to form the macrotube. | 03-19-2015 |
20150075242 | FRICTION-STIR EXTRUDERS AND FRICTION-STIR EXTRUSION PROCESSES - A friction-stir mandrel includes a textured end portion integral with a body portion. The textured end portion is configured to friction-stir process a starting material forced across the textured end portion and through a die in a plasticized state to form a pipe. A pipe can be formed by forcing a starting material across a textured end of the mandrel and through a die in a plasticized state, so that the textured end of the mandrel breaks up existing grains of the starting material. The pipe is formed from material that is forced through the die. The friction-stir mandrel can be used with porthole die friction-stir extrusion, seamless tube friction-stir extrusion, and tube friction-stir drawing processes to provide tubing in which the grains are broken up by the textured portion of the friction-stir mandrel. The textured portion can include features, such as threads, ridges, studs, protrusions, and the like. | 03-19-2015 |
20150072637 | Frequency Resolver - A frequency resolver and a method for using the resolver. The resolver includes an oscillator circuit, a mixer circuit, and a controller circuit. The oscillator circuit is configured to provide at least two oscillated signals. The mixer circuit is coupled to the oscillator circuit and includes a first frequency mixer and a second frequency mixer for mixing an incoming RF transmission with the two oscillated signals. The mixer circuit further is configured to provide a first output signal from the first mixer and a second output signal from the second mixer. The controller circuit is coupled to the mixer circuit and configured to determine whether at least one of the first or second output signals are associated with an upper sideband (USB) frequency or a lower sideband (LSB) frequency of the RF transmission. | 03-12-2015 |
20150066825 | SIMULATED INFRARED MATERIAL COMBINATION USING NEURAL NETWORK - Mipping systems and methods are disclosed. For example, a mipping system can include processing circuitry configured to receive combinations of a plurality of pixels N at a time, each pixel having material codes directed to respective materials of the pixels, where the material codes relate to infrared properties of the respective materials, and N is a positive integer greater than 1; and train an artificial neural network having a classification space by providing respective neurons for each unique combination of material codes, and condition the artificial neural network so that the respective neurons activate when presented with their unique of material code combinations in order to create a combined set of material code parameters for accurate rendering of the mipped pixels. | 03-05-2015 |
20150053073 | Multiple Missile Carriage and Launch Guidance Module - A multiple missile carriage and launch guidance module comprising a plurality of missile launch rails that are each configured to carry and guide the launch of a missile and are carried on a common missile carriage wall in respective positions and orientations allowing for missile carriage and launch from the rails. | 02-26-2015 |
20150047034 | COMPOSITE ANALYSIS OF EXECUTABLE CONTENT ACROSS ENTERPRISE NETWORK - Identification, characterization and attribution of executable content within and across an enterprise infrastructure (e.g., hosts, subnets, routers, etc.) to provide situational awareness for cyber security for purposes of supporting proactive defense and response. Copies of executable content collected at one or more locations within an infrastructure (e.g., hosts, network edges, etc.) may be passed to a central analysis server whereby various characteristics of the executable content may be extracted or gleaned from the copies such as author marks (e.g., directory names), tool marks (e.g., compiler settings), behaviors (e.g., function extraction), patterns (e.g., byte sequences), text, and/or the like. The characteristics may be analyzed in various manners to build profiles of actors or organizations associated with (e.g., responsible for) executable content within the enterprise infrastructure. | 02-12-2015 |
20150046017 | Method And System For Remotely Controlling A Vehicle - A method for determining the physical location of a vehicle being guided with an onboard navigational positioning system capable of detecting and generating a positioning location vector for the vehicle. The method includes the steps of detecting and receiving a plurality of electromagnetic radiation signals. A plurality of ambient parameter measurements is also received. A confirming location position is calculated from the plurality of electromagnetic radiation signals and the plurality of ambient parameter measurements. The confirming location position is compared to the positioning location vector generated by the onboard system to create a differential vector. If the confirmation location position and the positioning location vector are greater than a predetermined value, the positioning location vector generated by the onboard navigational positioning system is prevented from being used in directing the movement of the vehicle until the position differential is below a predetermined error value. | 02-12-2015 |
20150040349 | Composite Live Hinge - A hinged component includes first and second portions of material coupled together by a composite live hinge. The live hinge includes a layer of tensile fabric and a layer of elastomer interposed between the tensile fabric and the material of one or both of the coupled first and second portions. The composite live hinge is capable of joining structural composite materials without the need for scoring, and thereby weakening, the structural composite material along the desired hinge line. The live hinge can be embedded in the materials it joins in a method that is compatible with traditional structural composite layup processes and in a manner which prevents resin from the structural composite materials from infiltrating the tensile fabric and compromising its flexibility. | 02-12-2015 |
20150040062 | MULTI-MONITOR FULL SCREEN MODE IN A WINDOWING ENVIRONMENT - Mechanisms for implementing a multi-monitor full screen mode in an application module are disclosed. An application module determines a number (N) of monitors that are coupled to a plurality of video ports of a device. The application module directs a window management module (WMM) that is independent of the application module to display at least one cover window that has dimensions coextensive with dimensions of respective maximum display areas of the N monitors. A primary monitor of the N monitors is determined, and a full screen display area associated with the primary monitor is determined. A main application window of the application module is sized to have dimensions that are at least coextensive with dimensions of the full screen display area, and the WMM is directed to display the main application window on the at least on primary monitor. | 02-05-2015 |
20150038888 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SUPPLEMENTING CIRCULATION IN A BODY - A system including a compressible element configured to compress a muscle in a limb of a user, a controller configured to control a sequence, rate or amount of compression of the compressible element, and a generator configured to move a working fluid to compress the compressible element as controlled by the controller. The sequence, rate or amount of compression of the compressible element is established to reduce an amount of effort expended by a heart of a user to move a volume of blood. Another system and a method are also disclosed. | 02-05-2015 |
20150030212 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR APPLYING COMMERCIAL WEB SEARCH TECHNOLOGIES TO BIOMETRIC MATCHING AND IDENTIFICATION - A system and method are provided for implementing a scheme to apply commercial web search technologies to biometric matching and identification based on converting biometric identification data to one or more text strings. Collected biometric identification information regarding particular physical traits is converted to a form that facilitates application of commercial Web search technologies to implement biometric matching and identification. A scalability of multi-modal biometric identification systems is maintained while substantially eliminating reliance on proprietary matchers and templates in support of interoperability and customer satisfaction. Separate biometric templates are converted into strings of searchable text in any combination of alpha-numerics during a standard biometric data enrollment process in order to limit the data storage requirements and streamline the later undertaken comparison process. | 01-29-2015 |
20150028159 | SIDE-BY-SIDE DUAL-LAUNCH ARRANGEMENT WITH IMPROVED PAYLOAD COMPATIBILITY - A side-by-side dual-launch spacecraft arrangement is provided. The arrangement may include a dual-launch adaptor, a first spacecraft, and a second spacecraft. The first spacecraft and the second spacecraft may be mounted on the dual-launch adaptor and may be arranged side by side on the dual-launch adaptor. An aspect ratio of each of the first and second spacecraft may be within a range of 0.55 and 0.8. | 01-29-2015 |
20150027545 | Suppression of Shock-Induced Airflow Separation - An apparatus for suppressing shock-induced separation of high speed airflow from a relatively low-energy boundary layer. The apparatus may include an actuator or array of actuators configured to alternately inhale and exhale fluid and positioned to alternately inhale fluid from and exhale fluid into a boundary layer of a fluid mass flowing along the wall. The actuator may be positioned to inhale fluid from a boundary layer separation bubble induced by a supersonic shock wave propagated in the fluid mass. | 01-29-2015 |
20150027442 | Respiratory Gas Monitoring - A device for monitoring gases present in a breathing mask. A gas sensing element carried by the breathing mask senses the partial pressure of a gas present in the breathing mask and outputs signals corresponding to the sensed gas partial pressure. The gas sensing element may comprise a gas-sensing material configured to emit, in response to light excitation, an optical signal at an intensity corresponding to the partial pressure of a sensed gas. | 01-29-2015 |
20140358474 | MECHANISMS FOR DERIVING AN ACCURATE TIMING SIGNAL FROM A NOISY WAVEFORM - Deriving a clean timing signal from a waveform is disclosed. A sensor-of-interest (SOI) sample set and a waveform sample set that correspond to the SOI sample set in time is collected. The waveform sample set is partitioned into a plurality of waveform sample subsets, and the SOI sample set is partitioned into a plurality of SOI sample subsets, each SOI sample subset corresponding to one of the plurality of waveform sample subsets. A plurality of waveform sample subset angular speeds is determined, wherein each waveform sample subset angular speed corresponds to a different waveform sample subset. An aggregate mean angular speed based on the plurality of waveform sample subset angular speeds is determined. Each SOI sample subset is resampled to the aggregate mean angular speed based on the corresponding waveform sample subset angular speed to generate a plurality of resampled SOI subsets. | 12-04-2014 |
20140355741 | MODULATED X-RAY HARMONIC DETECTION - The presently disclosed technique provides a method and apparatus for use in modulated X-ray harmonic detection and identification. More specifically, it specifies a X-ray backscatter imaging system using radio frequency modulation of the incident X-ray beam at two frequencies and detection patterns in the backscattered signal corresponding to harmonics of the modulation frequencies. | 12-04-2014 |
20140340848 | FLUID-COOLED MODULE FOR INTEGRATED CIRCUIT DEVICES - A self-contained fluid-cooled electro-optical plug in type module capable of being exchangeably mounted in an external chassis incorporates electronic or electro-optical devices mounted on one or more interposers which provide electrical power and electric and optical signal connections to the devices and are also provided with fluid conduits through which a cooling fluid is circulated in a closed-loop cooling path to a heat exchanger for transferring the heat generated in the devices to external heat disposal equipment in the mounting chassis. | 11-20-2014 |
20140339810 | PRESSURE COMPENSATED ENCLOSURES FOR SUBMERGED JOINTS - Enclosures are described that encapsulate or surround a joint between two or more elements, for example two pipes or a pipe and a valve. The enclosures prevent direct contact between the joint and the surrounding water, for example fresh or salt water, and prevent biofouling and corrosion of the joint. An enclosure encapsulates the joint and forms an enclosed space around the joint. Some or all of the enclosure includes a flexible material. The enclosed space is filled with a protective liquid that is retained in the enclosed space and that will be in direct contact with the joint. Due to the flexible nature of the flexible material, the pressure inside the enclosed space is maintained substantially equal to the exterior pressure outside the membrane. | 11-20-2014 |
20140338555 | Explosive Device and Mini Depth Charge Grenade - An explosive device contains a water-reactive material that ignites upon exposure to water. The water-reactive material ignites a water-activated fuse that has a predetermined burn rate and length. The predetermined burn rate and length allows the device to sink to a desired depth before exploding. Hence, the device explodes after a desired period of time and/or at a desired depth. Defense against underwater swimmers is an advantageous feature of embodiments of the disclosure. The device can use a forty millimeter (40 mm) form factor, which permits launch of the device from convention grenade launchers. | 11-20-2014 |
20140318373 | DRYER AND WATER RECOVERY/PURIFICATION UNIT EMPLOYING GRAPHENE OXIDE OR PERFORATED GRAPHENE MONOLAYER MEMBRANES - Apparatuses and systems for removing water vapor from a gas stream and for providing water purification, recovery and/or concentration. The apparatuses and systems employ a graphene oxide or a perforated graphene monolayer membrane to separate liquid water molecules and/or water vapor molecules from gasses, liquids, and other substances such as a wet muck or an aqueous sample. In one embodiment, an apparatus for removing water from a gas or liquid stream includes a first lumen, a second lumen, and a graphene oxide membrane separating the first lumen from the second lumen. Water molecules within a humid gas or liquid stream introduced into the first lumen pass through the graphene oxide membrane into a dry gas stream introduced into the second lumen. | 10-30-2014 |
20140314332 | REALTIME LONG RANGE IMAGING SCATTER REDUCTION - Aspects of the subject technology relate to methods and systems for removing haze from an input image. The system includes a polarimeter configured to receive an input image, the input image comprising haze corresponding to light scatter. The polarimeter is further configured to produce plural Stokes values based on received input image. The system also includes a signal processor coupled to the polarimeter. The signal processor is configured to determine a peak angle and a valley angle for the input image based on the plural Stokes values, where the peak angle corresponds to an angle at which the input image has the most amount of light scatter passing therethrough, and the valley angle corresponds to an angle at which the input image has the least amount of light scatter passing therethrough. The signal processor is further configured to perform removal of the haze from the input image based on the determined peak and valley angles. | 10-23-2014 |
20140313685 | Electromagnetic Meta-Materials - Apparatus including meta-materials and methods for making the apparatus are described. Circuit components, such as split ring resonators and/or spiral loops, may be formed on substrates to form the meta-materials. The meta-materials may be used in various types of apparatus. The methods of making the apparatus may include forming two and/or three-dimensional structures comprising the meta-materials. | 10-23-2014 |
20140312248 | ARTICLES CONTAINING NON-VISIBLE IDENTIFYING MARKS FORMED FROM NANOMATERIALS AND METHODS UTILIZING THE SAME - Identifying marks are often used for authentication and tracking purposes with various types of articles, but they can sometimes be subject to replication or removal by an outside entity, such as a person or group having malicious intent. Carbon nanotubes and other carbon nanomaterials can be used to form identifying marks that are not visible to the naked eye, thereby making the marks more difficult for an outside entity to tamper with. Various articles can include an identifying mark that is not visible to the naked eye, the identifying mark containing a nanomaterial that includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes with a registered distribution of chiralities. The registered distribution of chiralities can be further tailored to increase the level of security provided by the mark. | 10-23-2014 |
20140309808 | REFLEXIVE RESPONSE SYSTEM FOR POPUP THREAT SURVIVAL - Methods and apparatus for assessing threats to a vehicle to facilitate a reflexive response. Threat timeline parameters for a detected threat to the vehicle including a threat mode and a time progression of the threat in the threat mode is determined based, at least in part, on a plurality of information sources. One or more candidate solutions for facilitating the reflexive response to the threat are determined based, at least in part, on the threat mode and the time progression and one or more of the candidate solutions are presented to an operator of the vehicle to enable the operator to mediate the threat. | 10-16-2014 |
20140306525 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MATHEMATICAL PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS AND COMPUTATIONAL ENERGY MODELING - Systems, methods and computer program products for controlling a micro electrical power grid to select the volume of electricity produced by each power generation source in order to meet demand and achieve a particular optimization goal. In one embodiment, a system operable to control a micro electrical power grid may include a plurality of intelligent power broker (IPB) units and at least one data analytics unit in communication with the IPB units. Each IPB may be associated with an electrical power source or an electrical load and may be operable to collect data relating to its associated electrical power source or electrical load. The data analytics unit may receive the data from the IPB units and may be operable to analyze the data and direct the IPBs to remove one or more of the electrical power loads from the micro electrical grid and/or increase an electrical power output from the electrical sources during time period T. | 10-16-2014 |
20140302595 | NANOSENSORS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - A nanosensor and methods to manufacture are disclosed. For example, a detection system for detecting the presence of a target substance can include a nanosensor that includes a sensing layer, and a plurality of sockets embedded within the body of the sensing layer, each socket having a physical profile matching a shape of the target substance such that, when target substances occupy the sockets, at least one measurable physical characteristic of the sensing layer changes. | 10-09-2014 |
20140300885 | UNDERWATER PLATFORM WITH LIDAR AND RELATED METHODS - Systems and methods for conducting autonomous underwater inspections of subsea and other underwater structures using a 3D laser mounted on an underwater platform such as AUV, an ROV or a tripod. The systems and methods described herein can be used for scanning underwater structures to gain a better understanding of the underwater structures, such as for example, for the purpose of generating a 3D virtual model of the underwater structure. The 3D virtual model can be used for many purposes including, but not limited to, directing inspection, repair, and manipulation of the underwater structure, navigating around the underwater structure, and other purposes. | 10-09-2014 |
20140299714 | HEAT GENERATING TRANSFER ORBIT SHIELD - A system and apparatus are provided for preventing heat loss in a spacecraft during the upper stage launch phase and transfer orbit. A thermal control panel can be provided that can be positioned adjacent to exposed areas of radiator panels on the spacecraft in a collapsed configuration. The outer surface of the panel can have a high absorptivity, and the inner surface can have a high emissivity. During upper stage launch phase and transfer orbit, the panel can tend to emit heat toward the radiator panels on an inboard side of the spacecraft, thus reducing heat loss from the radiator panels to reduce the need for onboard electronic heaters and thereby preserve battery power for other onboard systems. | 10-09-2014 |
20140295441 | CARTRIDGE INTERFACE MODULE - A cartridge interface module (CIM), configured to engage with a removable microfluidic cartridge in a nucleic acid analyzer system can include a fluidics component, which is configured to initiate and support a liquid extraction of nucleic acids from a biological sample contained in the removable microfluidic cartridge. The CIM also includes a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assembly component which can be configured to initiate and support amplification of the extracted nucleic acids. The CIM may also include a high voltage electrodes component that is configured to initiate and support separation of the amplified nucleic acids into nucleic acid fragments in a separation channel of the removable microfluidic cartridge. The CIM also includes a detection optics component that can be configured to collect, detect, and direct label nucleic acid fragments. The CIM is configured to integrate with a microfluidic chip architecture of an inserted removable microfluidic cartridge. | 10-02-2014 |
20140290212 | REACTANTS SPRAYED INTO PLASMA FLOW FOR ROCKET PROPULSION - Specific impulse and rocket engine efficiency can be improved by injecting reactants, e.g., a propellant combination or a monopropellant and a catalyst, into a plasma flow of a rocket engine. In some aspects, a catalyst or a propellant is carried by plasma formed by passing a flow of a feed gas through an electrical arc. In some aspects, reactants are combusted in supersonic plasma flow to generate combustion ionization in the plasma flow. | 10-02-2014 |
20140284395 | GAS TURBINE EXHAUST NOISE REDUCTION - A gas turbine jet noise reduction apparatus including a variable geometry gas turbine engine nozzle comprising a circumferentially distributed array of nozzle flap panels supported for alternate collective splaying and gathering motion, with the collective splaying motion of the flap panels being from a narrow position defining a minimum cross-sectional area at a nozzle exit plane, to a wide position defining a maximum cross-sectional area at the nozzle exit plane. A plurality of nozzle seal panels is supported in a circumferentially distributed array within the array of nozzle flap panels. A seal panel actuator is operatively engageable with the seal panels to deflect the seal panels radially inward into respective deployed positions to reduce jet noise by increasing exhaust stream mixing with ambient air. | 09-25-2014 |
20140280511 | DETERMINING THE TOPOLOGY OF A NETWORK - Mechanisms for determining a network topology are disclosed. Client computer information messages are received from a plurality of client computers. The client computer information messages include a network identifier that identifies a network address of a respective client computer. A first link table that identifies ports of a first switch device and corresponding network identifiers of at least some client computers is received from the first switch device. A second link table that identifies ports of a second switch device and corresponding network identifiers of other client computers is received from the second switch device. A nodal tree structure is generated that identifies the plurality of client computers, the communication links between the plurality of client computers, the first switch device, and the second switch device based on the client computer information messages, the first link table, and the second link table. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277859 | TRAIN INTEGRITY AND END OF TRAIN LOCATION VIA RF RANGING - Systems and methods that can be used in a Positive Train Control system to continuously monitor train integrity and end of train location using radio frequency (RF) ranging techniques to determine the line of sight distance between the head end and the end of the train. The systems and methods allow PTC controlled trains to maintain positive length of train awareness and to determine if a portion of the train separates unintentionally. The systems and methods can be implemented on existing RF infrastructure used on trains, without impacting existing messaging traffic, adding bandwidth or power requirements. The systems and methods work on stretched trains running on tangent or straight track, as well as on foreshortened trains running on curved track. | 09-18-2014 |
20140273755 | Aircraft Skin Surface Planing - A contoured surface planing apparatus for removing proud-standing material from a contoured surface without damaging the surface. The apparatus may include a tool comprising a motor-driven rotary cutter supported by a main body for rotation about a cutter axis, and orientation contact points spaced around the cutter and defining an orientation contact plane disposed parallel to the cutter axis. | 09-18-2014 |
20140272286 | NANOPOROUS MEMBRANES AND METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME - A method for making a nanoporous membrane is disclosed. The method provides a composite film comprising an atomically thin material layer and a polymer layer, and then bombarding the composite film with energetic particles to form a plurality of pores through at least the atomically thin material layer. The nanoporous membrane also has a atomically thin material layer with a plurality of apertures therethrough and a polymer film layer adjacent one side of the graphene layer. The polymer film layer has a plurality of enlarged pores therethrough, which are aligned with the plurality of apertures. All of the enlarged pores may be concentrically aligned with all the apertures. In one embodiment the atomically thin material layer is graphene. | 09-18-2014 |
20140270007 | NOISE-BASED GAIN ADJUSTMENT AND AMPLITUDE ESTIMATION SYSTEM - Methods and systems for amplitude estimation and gain adjustment using noise as a reference are described. An example receiver can include an antenna and a front end amplifier coupled to the antenna. The receiver can also include a detector circuit coupled to the front end amplifier. The receiver can be configured to determine a power of a received signal at the antenna based on a gain of the receiver. The gain of the receiver can be determined based on a noise figure of the front end amplifier and a noise amplitude. | 09-18-2014 |
20140266985 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CHROMATIC ABERRATION CORRECTION FOR AN IMAGE PROJECTION SYSTEM - A system and method for reduction of chromatic aberration for an image projection system utilizes a computer system that processes a parametric equation that defines the physical parameters of a projection lens unit. Based on the parametric equation, the divergence or refractive induced bending of light rays passing through the lens unit is identified. This divergence data is then utilized to generate offset values that are transferred to a control unit of a digital image display unit so as to offset, or otherwise space apart, the position of specific color sub-pixels by an appropriate amount to compensate for the divergence or bending effects of the lens unit. The applied offset causes the color light rays emitted by the color pixels to converge or otherwise join after passing through the lens, thus eliminating, or otherwise minimizing the chromatic aberration associated with the projected image. | 09-18-2014 |
20140266882 | SYSTEM AND PROCESS OF DETERMINING VEHICLE ATTITUDE - A system and process that can be used to determine vehicle attitude with only one navigation receiver. In one embodiment, the antenna of the navigation receiver is driven with a signal that modulates sensitivity in azimuth. The received navigation signal strength is demodulated by the phase at which the antenna is sweeping and a phase angle and a magnitude for the incoming signal are calculated. Using this calculated phase angle, magnitude and antenna characteristics, the location of the user (i.e. the navigation receiver) and the location of the navigation satellite, the attitude of the antenna and hence the user or user vehicle can be determined. | 09-18-2014 |
20140266749 | PRINTED LIGHT-EMITTING DIODE CIRCUIT FOR ITEM VALIDATION - Ink-printed electric circuits including light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for validation of items is disclosed. In one embodiment, the flexible circuit includes a pliant substrate, and an ink-printed electric circuit. The ink-printed electric circuit comprises at least one ink-printed LED printed on the pliant substrate. The ink-printed electric circuit is configured to couple to a power source, determine an open circuit condition, and cause the at least one LED to transition from a first state to a second state upon determining the open circuit condition. | 09-18-2014 |
20140265310 | LARGE DIAMETER PIPE FLEXIBLE CONNECTION - A flexible connection is described for use between a vertical, large diameter cold water conveying pipe and a floating platform that supports the cold water conveying pipe or another pipe to permit the pipe and the platform to rotate in roll and pitch directions relative to one another without imposing excessive bending moments or strain on the cold water pipe. The flexible connection also contains internal and external pressure across the connection. The flexible connection includes an articulation mechanism that interconnects the vertical cold water conveying pipe and the platform or a pipe on the platform, and a flexible, fluid impermeable bellows. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263862 | AUTOMATED REAL-TIME POSITIVE TRAIN CONTROL TRACK DATABASE VALIDATION - Methods and systems are described that can be used to verify a track database of a train management system, for example that the track database has not been corrupted, built with critical errors, or is not being used properly by the software application. In one embodiment, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are mounted on the trackside features contained in the track database. The tags contain data such as the geographical coordinates of the trackside features and a unique feature identifier that uniquely identifies the respective feature. As the train passes the trackside feature, a tag reader on the train reads the tag to gather the geographical coordinates and the feature identifier. The train management system then compares the geographical coordinates and/or the feature identifier from the tag with the expected geographical coordinates and/or the expected feature identifier in the track database. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263178 | METHODS FOR CHEMICAL REACTION PERFORATION OF ATOMICALLY THIN MATERIALS - A method for forming a lattice with precisely sized holes includes disposing cutter molecules with species attached about the periphery of each molecule on to the lattice. The method continues with the species cutting molecular bonds of the lattice so as to form precisely sized holes in the lattice. The edges of the holes may then be functionalized. | 09-18-2014 |
20140262173 | PROCESS OF FRICTION STIR WELDING ON TUBE END JOINTS AND A PRODUCT PRODUCED THEREBY - A process of producing shell and tube heat exchangers where the ends of the tubes are secured to a tube sheet while reacting applied FSW forces without introducing a crevice or local deformation near the ends of the tubes. In particular, an interference fit is used to lock the ends of the tubes into the tube sheet without flaring or expanding the tube ends. A FSW process is then used to weld the ends of the tubes to the tube sheet. | 09-18-2014 |
20140261900 | FRICTION SURFACE STIR PROCESS - A process is described that employs what can be termed a friction surface stirring (FSS) process on the surface of a metal object. The FSS process occurs on some or the entire surface of the metal object, at a location(s) separate from a friction stir welded joint. The FSS process on the surface produces a corrosion resistant mechanical conversion “coating” on the object. The “coating” is formed by the thickness of the material of the object that has been FSS processed. In one exemplary application, the process can be applied to a metal strip that is later formed into a tube whereby the “coated” surface resides on the inside of the tube making it highly resistant to corrosive flow such as seawater. | 09-18-2014 |
20140258706 | GESTURE-INITIATED ENCRYPTION USING ERROR CORRECTION CODING - Methods and systems for providing gesture-based security are disclosed. For example, a method for establishing secure communications can include receiving one or more human gestures using a sensor on a first device, quantizing the one or more human gestures so as to create a metric of the one or more human gestures, performing an error correction operation on the metric using error correction information derived from a template of the metric to create a corrected metric, performing a hashing operation on the corrected metric to create a metric hash, and comparing the metric hash to a hash of the template to verify that the one or more human gestures sufficiently conform to the template. | 09-11-2014 |
20140255621 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCTION OF GRAPHENE BY PLASMA-ENHANCED CHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION - Production of bulk quantities of graphene for commercial ventures has proven difficult due to scalability issues in certain instances. Plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition of graphene can address at least some of these issues. Methods for production of graphene by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition can include: providing a metal substrate and a carbonaceous electrode, at least a portion of the metal substrate being located proximate to the carbonaceous electrode with a gap defined therebetween; applying a potential between the metal substrate and the carbonaceous electrode; exciting a plasma-forming gas in the gap between the metal substrate and the carbonaceous electrode in the presence of the applied potential, thereby forming a plasma; ablating a reactive carbon species from the carbonaceous electrode in the presence of the plasma; and growing graphene on the metal substrate from the reactive carbon species. | 09-11-2014 |
20140254894 | LATENT FINGERPRINT DETECTORS AND FINGERPRINT SCANNERS THEREFROM - This document relates to systems and method for latent fingerprint detection using specular reflection (glare). An exemplary system may include a light source alignment portion configured to align a light source at an illumination angle relative to a sample surface such that the light source illuminates a sample surface so that the surface produces specular reflection. The system may also include a specular reflection discriminator that directs the produced specular reflection to an optical detector aligned relative to said sample surface at an alignment angle that is substantially equal to an angle of reflection of the produced specular reflection. Preferably, the directed specular reflection does not saturate the optical detector; and the optical detector captures the specular reflection from the sample surface and generates image data using essentially only the specular reflection. | 09-11-2014 |
20140252766 | SHAPE CHANGING WAVE ENERGY CONVERTER - A wave energy converter is described that can change shape to mechanically tune itself to change the amount of water that the converter pushes up and down. In effect, the wave energy converter employs variable virtual added mass to tune the wave energy converter to the waves, thereby increasing the energy extraction from the waves. The shape change or variable virtual added mass type system can be employed on any type of wave energy converter including, but not limited to, point absorber wave energy converters. | 09-11-2014 |
20140250519 | CLOUD COMPUTING METHOD AND SYSTEM - Methods and systems integrating sensitive or private data with cloud computing resources while mitigating security, privacy and confidentiality risks associated with cloud computing. In one embodiment, a computer network system includes a firewall separating a public portion of the computer network from an on-premises portion of the computer network, a database storing private data behind the firewall, and a user device connected with the computer network. The user device accesses an application hosted in the public portion of the computer network. In response, the application generates return information. The user device receives the return information and generates a request for private data based on at least a portion of the returned information. The request is transmitted to the database which generates a response including the requested private data. The response is transmitted in an encrypted form from the database via the computer network to the user device. | 09-04-2014 |
20140249665 | SYSTEM FOR RESPONDING TO FULFILLMENT ORDERS - A system, method, and software are for moving inventory items to an unloading station in response to a fulfillment order. An input device is used to enter identification information about the inventory items. At a loading station, the inventory items are received and loaded intoholders. The holders are then moved to storage area. A controller is configured for creating and storing a first association between the entered identification information and each of the holders in which each of the inventory items is placed. A selector and transporter are responsive to the fulfillment order and the first association, and are configured to select a holder which holds the inventory items corresponding to the fulfillment order, and configured to transport the holder from the storage area to the unloading station. | 09-04-2014 |
20140248533 | ENERGY STORAGE DEVICES CONTAINING A CARBON NANOTUBE AEROGEL AND METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME - Conventional rechargeable batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, are somewhat limited in their energy storage density. Sulfur-based batteries can provide improved energy storage density, but their use can be hampered by sulfur's low electrical conductivity. Energy storage devices, particularly batteries, can have a first electrode that includes a carbon nanotube aerogel, and an electroactive material containing sulfur that is incorporated in the carbon nanotube aerogel. Methods for forming an energy storage device can include incorporating an electroactive material containing sulfur in a carbon nanotube aerogel, compressing the carbon nanotube aerogel to form a compressed carbon nanotube aerogel, and disposing a first electrode containing the compressed carbon nanotube aerogel and the electroactive material in an electrolyte with a second electrode and a plurality of lithium ions, such that a separator material permeable to the lithium ions is between the first electrode and the second electrode. | 09-04-2014 |
20140246269 | METHOD FOR TETHERING A PERSON TO THE HULL OF A VESSEL - A tether device includes a magnetic base; a pole having a first end attached to the magnetic base; and a connector or clip attached at a second end of the pole, for removably connecting the tethering device to a user. Also, a method for tethering a user to a hull of a vessel including the steps of providing a tether device having a magnetic base, a pole having a first end attached to the magnetic base, and a connector or clip attached at a second end of the pole; connecting the connector or clip to the user; and engaging the magnetic base with the hull of the vessel. | 09-04-2014 |
20140239534 | NANO-STRUCTURED REFRACTORY METALS, METAL CARBIDES, AND COATINGS AND PARTS FABRICATED THEREFROM - Refractory metal and refractory metal carbide nanoparticle mixtures and methods for making the same are provided. The nanoparticle mixtures can be painted onto a surface to be coated and heated at low temperatures to form a gas-tight coating. The low temperature formation of refractory metal and refractory metal carbide coatings allows these coatings to be provided on surfaces that would otherwise be uncoatable or very difficult to coat whether because they are carbon-based materials (e.g., graphite, carbon/carbon composites) or temperature sensitive materials (e.g., materials that would melt, oxidize, or otherwise not withstand temperatures above 800° C.), or because the high aspect ratio of the surface would prevent other coating methods from being effective (e.g., the inner surfaces of tubes and nozzles). The nanoparticle mixtures can also be disposed in a mold and sintered to form folly dense components. | 08-28-2014 |
20140236270 | METHOD AND OCULAR IMPLANT FOR TRANSMISSION OF NERVE-STIMULATION LIGHT - An improved prosthesis and method for stimulating vision nerves to obtain a vision sensation that is useful for the patient that has lost vision due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and other diseases. The present invention utilizes infrared light to cause action potentials in the retinal nerves similar to those which result from rods and cones stimulated by visible light in healthy retinas. In some embodiments, the invention provides a pathway or “image pipe” for transmitting a stimulation pattern of infrared light from an external stimulator array through the eye and focusing the stimulation pattern of infrared light on the retina, especially the fovea. Some embodiments provide improved resolution down to a group of nerves, or even the individual nerve level, with sufficient energy density so as to cause a desired action potential. | 08-21-2014 |
20140233226 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING LED TUBE LIGHTS WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS - A system is presented including a tube light mounted in a tube light socket. The tube light includes a printed wiring board, one or more LEDs mounted to the printed wiring board, and one or more sensors mounted to the printed wiring board. The tube light also includes a power supply mounted to the printed wiring board, such that the power supply is connected to the tube light socket to supply a direct current voltage signal to the printed wiring board. A method is also provided for forming the tube light and mounting the tube light into the tube light socket. | 08-21-2014 |
20140232596 | ANTENNA ARRAY CALIBRATION - An apparatus for performing calibration of an antenna array having a plurality of antennas including at least a first antenna and a second antenna. The apparatus includes a global navigation satellite system receiver configured to measure a first phase of a first signal received by the first antenna from a satellite and a second phase of a second signal received by the second antenna from the satellite. The apparatus also includes at least one processor configured to receive the first phase and the second phase from the global navigation satellite system receiver and to operate in a calibration mode to determine a difference between the first and second phases. | 08-21-2014 |
20140232166 | Standing Vehicle Occupant Restraint System - Presented herein is a restraint system comprising an attachment point configured to attach to a hatch opening of a vehicle, a harness having a seat and a strap attached to the attachment point and to the seat. The harness is configured to accept an occupant and support a portion of the occupant at a position below the hatch opening. The restraint system further comprises an energy absorption mechanism configured to dampen rapid acceleration or deceleration of the occupant. The strap is attached to the attachment point by a quick release mechanism. The energy absorption mechanism may comprise a retraction mechanism having a damper mechanism that is a spring, a coil spring, a viscous fluid, a fluid having a dynamically changeable viscosity or a magnetorheological fluid. The energy absorption mechanism may comprise tear-away sections configured to dampen vehicle motion energy. | 08-21-2014 |
20140230714 | EXTERNAL PAYLOAD MODULE FOR AN AUTONOMOUS UNDERWATER VEHICLE - An external payload module or body that is mechanically attached to the exterior of a standard production AUV. The module expands the applications for which the AUV can be utilized and/or enhances an existing application(s), enabling current single or limited use AUV's to have multi-mission capability or enhancing existing capability without requiring complete redesign of the AUV. This approach capitalizes on the advantages of high-volume small AUV production to maintain low manufacturing and handling costs, while enabling greatly improved AUV mission flexibility. | 08-21-2014 |
20140220251 | NANOPOROUS COATING SYNTHESIS AND APPARATUS - An example of a nanoballoon thermal protection system includes a refractory ceramic foam having carbide balloons. The foam has a closed cell structure not allowing liquid to penetrate through the foam. Each of the carbide balloons is hollow and has a diameter greater than 0 nm and less than 900 nm. Each of the carbide balloons includes a refractory carbide. In addition, a vehicle with thermal shield includes a surface and a first and second nanoballoon closed cell foam coatings. Each of the foam coatings has a melting point temperature greater than 1000° C. and a density less than 85%. Each of the foam coatings has hollow balloons having a diameter less than 900 nm. Each of the foam coatings includes a closed cell structure not allowing liquid to penetrate through the respective coating. Methods for manufacturing a nanoballoon system and a nanoballoon thermal protection system are also disclosed. | 08-07-2014 |
20140216064 | EXTENDED TRAVEL FLEXURE BEARING AND MICRO CHECK VALVE - Variations of the devices and methods disclosed herein pertain to an extended travel spiral flexure bearing having spiral arms, each of the spiral arms including an attachment point at the inner end thereof and at the outer end thereof. Variations of the bearing may also include a bearing clamp to be attached to the spiral flexure bearing at the attachment points, the bearing including an outer bearing portion to be disposed on the outer periphery of the flexure bearing and an inner bearing portion to be disposed at the center of the flexure bearing. Variations also pertain to a micro check valve assembly that includes a valve base, a valve cover, and a flexure that are all bonded together. The valve being closed when the valve door rests on the valve seat and open when the valve door is lifted from the valve seat. | 08-07-2014 |
20140207366 | ROUTE RE-PLANNING USING ENEMY FORCE LETHALITY PROJECTION - A method, system and computer readable media for route re-planning including generating enemy force movement predictions to be used during mission planning. During a mission, enemy force movements can be compared to the predictions. By using enemy force movement predictions for an initial comparison, the enemy force movements may only need to be compared to the own force mission plan if the enemy forces deviate from the predictions. When enemy force movement deviates from the predictions, new enemy force movement predictions can be generated. The new enemy force movement predictions can then be compared to the own force mission plan to determine if a route re-plan is needed. The route can be re-planned to determine a route that reduces or eliminates the chance of a lethal encounter with an enemy or threat. | 07-24-2014 |
20140205230 | OPTICAL-FIBER ARRAY AND METHOD - Method and apparatus for forming an optical-fiber-array assembly, which include providing a plurality of optical fibers including a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber, providing a fiber-array plate that includes a first surface and a second surface, connecting the plurality of optical fibers to the first surface of the fiber-array plate, transmitting a plurality of optical signals through the optical fibers into the fiber-array plate at the first surface of the fiber-array plate, and emitting from the second surface of the fiber-array plate a composite output beam having light from the plurality of optical signals. Optionally, the first surface of the fiber-array plate includes indicia configured to assist in the alignment of the plurality of optical fibers on the first surface of the fiber-array plate. In some embodiments, the second surface of the fiber-array plate includes a plurality of beam-shaping optics configured to shape the composite output beam. | 07-24-2014 |
20140193711 | COMBINED ELECTROCHEMICAL AND CHEMICAL ETCHING PROCESSES FOR GENERATION OF POROUS SILICON PARTICULATES - Embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of preparing porous silicon particulates by: (a) electrochemically etching a silicon substrate, where electrochemical etching comprises exposure of the silicon substrate to an electric current density, and where electrochemical etching produces a porous silicon film over the silicon substrate; (b) separating the porous silicon film from the silicon substrate, where the separating comprises a gradual increase of the electric current density in sequential increments; (c) repeating steps (a) and (b) a plurality of times; (d) electrochemically etching the silicon substrate in accordance with step (a) to produce a porous silicon film over the silicon substrate; (e) chemically etching the porous silicon film and the silicon substrate; and (f) splitting the porous silicon film and the silicon substrate to form porous silicon particulates. Further embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to the formed porous silicon particulates and anode materials that contain them. | 07-10-2014 |
20140191925 | CONFIGURABLE BACKING STRUCTURE FOR A REFLECTOR ANTENNA AND CORRECTIVE SYNTHESIS FOR MECHANICAL ADJUSTMENT THEREOF - A reflector support system is provided that includes a backing structure having a plurality of struts. The backing structure may have a plurality of hubs, each of the plurality of hubs may be configured to couple to two or more of the plurality of struts, each of the plurality of hubs may be configured to couple to another one of the plurality of hubs using one of the plurality of struts, each of the plurality of struts is configured to couple to at least two of the plurality of hubs. The backing structure may have a plurality of feet, each of the plurality of feet configured to couple to a corresponding one of the plurality of hubs, the plurality of feet are configured to couple to a reflector. In addition, a synthesis for mechanical adjustment of the reflector support system is provided. | 07-10-2014 |
20140182243 | MAIL PIECE INSERTION MECHANISMS AND METHODS OF USE - A mail piece insertion mechanism is provided and, more particularly, mail piece insertion mechanisms and methods used for inserting mail pieces such as, for example, residual mail, into individual mail piece folders or containers is provided. The method of inserting mail pieces into folders includes opening the folders and aligning a mechanism with the opened folders and inserting the mail pieces therein. The insertion mechanism includes a mechanism configured open folders and a mechanism configured to insert mail pieces into the open folders | 07-03-2014 |
20140181938 | PACKET PROCESSOR VERIFICATION METHODS AND SYSTEMS - Methods and systems for transmitting and receiving data using audio devices but without being detectable by a human ear are disclosed. For example, a device for transmitting data can include a modulator configured to transform digital data into a modulated signal having a frequency no less than about 20 kHz, and an audio transmitter coupled to an output of the modulator configured to transmit the modulated signal into a sound propagating medium without being detected by a human ear. The methods and systems can be used to perform two-factor authentication for permitting a user to access a remote server or other device. | 06-26-2014 |
20140181523 | GESTURE-BASED ENCRYPTION METHODS AND SYSTEMS - Methods and systems for transmitting and receiving are disclosed. For example, a method for establishing secure communications can include measuring one or more human gestures using a sensor on a first device so as to create a first metric of the one or more human gestures, creating a strong encryption key based on the first metric, including time-based information incorporated into the first metric, and communicating to a second device using the strong encryption key to encrypt data sent to the second device. | 06-26-2014 |
20140181125 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING THE GATHERING OF OPEN SOURCE INTELLIGENCE - Systems and methods (e.g., utilities) for use in providing automated, lightweight collection of online, open source data which may be content-based to reduce website source bias. In one aspect, a utility is disclosed for use in extracting content of interest from at least one website or other online data source (e.g., where the extracted content can be used in a subsequent search query). In other aspects, utilities are disclosed that are operable to perform various types of analyses on such extracted content and present graphical representations of such analyses on a display of a client device. | 06-26-2014 |
20140168264 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR REAL-TIME ALIGNMENT OF AN AUGMENTED REALITY DEVICE - A system including a structure attachable to a surface in a real world environment, the structure establishing a known location and orientation of the structure, a docking element, as part of the structure, to secure an augmented reality device in a stationary position for alignment of the augmented reality device with the real world environment and with a parallel virtual environment, and a processor operable to perform the alignment by resetting the inertial navigation system of the augmented reality device to the known location when docked in the docking element and aligning the location and orientation of the virtual representation of the augmented reality device in the parallel virtual environment so that the parallel virtual environment in the augmented reality device overlaps the real world environment. A method and computer software produce are also disclosed. | 06-19-2014 |
20140164652 | HARMONIC DECIMATION OF REAL TIME DATA FOR UNIQUE WORD (OR SYNC CELL) ACQUISITION IN A LIMITED PROCESSING ENVIRONMENT - A non-transitory computer-readable medium, method, and system for processing a first data stream being in a first format from a link, the first data stream having a plurality of frames, each frame having a fixed frame length; selecting a plurality of sections of the first data stream based on a harmonic pattern of the first format, each selected section being separated from a neighboring selected section by a fixed separation length that is a whole number multiple of the fixed frame length; and creating a second data stream in a second format that includes a contiguous sequence of the selected sections. The second data stream can be further processed to acquire frame alignment with a reduction of required processing power. | 06-12-2014 |
20140152373 | POWER MODULE HAVING STACKED SUBSTRATES ARRANGED TO PROVIDE TIGHTLY-COUPLED SOURCE AND RETURN CURRENT PATHS - Power modules with reduced parasitic inductances are provided. A power module includes a first substrate including a first electrically-conductive layer and a second substrate including a second electrically-conductive layer. These substrates may be stacked on each other. A scalable network of power switches may be arranged on the substrates. Power bars may be connectable to the electrically-conductive layers through electromechanical interfaces at selectable interface locations. The locations and/or type of interface may be selectable based on the arrangement of the switches. The first and second electrically-conductive layers may be disposed on mutually opposed surfaces of a dielectric layer having a thickness chosen to effect a level of coupling between respective source and return current paths provided by the electrically-conductive layers. The level of coupling may be arranged to increase the mutual inductance within the power module, which can effectively reduce the formation of parasitic inductance in the power module. | 06-05-2014 |
20140152252 | RE-CONFIGURABLE CODED INDUCTIVE CHARGING SYSTEM - A method comprising supplying current to charging elements, a charging element producing a configurable magnetic field polarity, magnetic field polarities produced by the charging elements according to a charging polarity code. The method determines a relative position between a receiving element and a charging element, receiving elements fixedly electrically connected according to the charging polarity code, responsive to determining, re-configuring a magnetic field polarity of one or more of the charging elements due to movement of the receiving elements relative to the charging elements, and inducing a charging current by the charging elements in the receiving elements to increase power transfer from the charging elements to the receiving elements. | 06-05-2014 |
20140138413 | Annular adhesive bead application - Application of uncured adhesive material in bead ring on a surface using a device that includes a nozzle comprising a nozzle intake port, a nozzle outlet port, and a nozzle cavity connecting and providing fluid communication between the inlet and outlet ports. The nozzle intake port receives uncured adhesive material into the nozzle cavity from a source of uncured adhesive material. The outlet port has an annular shape that forms an annular bead of adhesive material on a surface onto which the nozzle is dispensing adhesive material. The nozzle cavity comprises an annular flow path leading to the annular outlet port and shaped to dispense adhesive material through the outlet port axially. The nozzle comprises inner and outer concentric walls defining the annular flow path therebetween. | 05-22-2014 |
20140138059 | HEAT PIPE WITH AXIAL WICK - A heat pipe has an evaporator portion, a condenser portion, and at least one flexible portion that is sealingly coupled between the evaporator portion and the condenser portion. The flexible portion has a flexible tube and a flexible separator plate held in place within the flexible tube so as to divide the flexible tube into a gas-phase passage and a liquid-phase artery. The separator plate and flexible tube are configured such that the flexible portion is flexible in a plane that is perpendicular to the separator plate. | 05-22-2014 |
20140134350 | METAL NANOPARTICLES AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING AND USING SAME - A composition may have metal nanoparticles having a diameter of 20 nanometers or less and have a fusion temperature of less than about 220° C. A method of fabricating the metal nanoparticles may include preparing a solvent, adding a precursor with a metal to the solvent, adding a first surfactant, mixing in a reducing agent, and adding in a second surfactant to stop nanoparticle formation. Copper and/or aluminum nanoparticle compositions formed may be used for lead-free soldering of electronic components to circuit boards. A composition may include nanoparticles, which may have a copper nanocore, an amorphous aluminum shell and an organic surfactant coating. A composition may have copper or aluminum nanoparticles. About 30-50% of the copper or aluminum nanoparticles may have a diameter of 20 nanometers or less, and the remaining 70-50% of the copper or aluminum nanoparticles may have a diameter greater than 20 nanometers. | 05-15-2014 |
20140133631 | X-RAY BACKSCATTER DETECTION USING MODULATED X-RAYS - Mechanisms for identifying a characteristic of a material. An X-ray signal is generated. The X-ray signal is modulated with at least two radio frequency modulation signals to form a modulated X-ray signal. The modulated X-ray signal is directed toward a target material. A backscatter signal is received from the target material, the backscatter signal including harmonic components generated by the target material in response to receiving the modulated X-ray signal. Based at least in part on the harmonic components, a characteristic of the target material is identified. | 05-15-2014 |
20140126357 | ECN-ENABLED MULTICAST PROTOCOL FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS UNDER BLOCKAGE - A system and method are provided for implementing performance improvements in a multicast protocol for networks that support incipient congestion indications via packet marking in instances of packet loss in the network during time-correlated blockages by providing indications in the physical (PHY) layer. A receiver rate calculation is adjusted so that a loss due to blockage is ignored completely and only packets marked using an Explicit Congestion Notification (ECN) packet marking protocol are treated as losses. Receiver rates are modified based on ECN principles to ignore losses. A NORM receiver rate equation may remain substantially unchanged while a sender is enabled to keep sending at a higher data rate, even in instances of blockage in support of higher system throughputs without defining a completely new receiver rate equation. Time-correlated blockages are not treated as losses. | 05-08-2014 |
20140126042 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO EFFICIENTLY FILTER RADIATION ABOVE A PREDEFINED WAVELENGTH - A system including a light source and at least a first filter, having a front surface and a rear surface, positioned in a path of radiation from the light source, the at least first filter further comprising a reflective coating applied to a front surface of the at least first filter to reflect radiation off the front surface at a predefined wavelength. The front surface and the rear surface of the at least first filter are oriented in a non-parallel arrangement with respect to each other such that an angle is formed between the front surface and the rear surface. The non-parallel arrangement is configured to capture radiation unfiltered by the reflective coating and to re-direct the unfiltered radiation. Another system and a method are also disclosed. | 05-08-2014 |
20140125811 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR IDENTIFYING CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF OPTICALLY LIFTED LATENT PRINTS AND CONTAMINANTS - A system including an imaging device with a sensor having at least two dimensions operating in a long wave infrared emission spectrum to collect images of a latent print or a contaminant at different illuminating wavelengths, a storage device comprising a database of known material spectra, and a processor configured to determine an absorption spectrum per image based on a detection of high contrast being associated with low optical transmission and a detection of low contrast being associated with a high optical transmission and to compare the determined absorption spectrum with the known material spectra to determine a material identification of the latent print or the contaminant is disclosed. A method and a non-transitory processor readable storage medium are also disclosed. | 05-08-2014 |
20140124578 | STEGANOGRAPHY WITH PHOTO-RESPONSIVE DYES - An article identifier or code including at least one photo-responsive dye and a method of encoding or embedding information in same. A reader device for decoding or extracting information in an article identifier or code and verifying or authenticating that information and the associated extraction and authentication methods. | 05-08-2014 |
20140119619 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND COMPUTER SOFTWARE PRODUCT FOR SEARCHING FOR A LATENT FINGERPRINT WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY CONSTRUCTING A THREE-DIMENSIONAL TOPOGRAPHIC MAP OF THE SEARCHED SPACE - A system including an imaging device configured to capture one or more images of a designated area with illumination at a low optical transmission wavelength which makes a latent print or a contaminant within the designated area visible in a visible spectrum in the one or more captured images with clarity to determine an identification from the latent print or contaminant in the one or more images, and a computing system configured to create a three-dimensional image from the one or more images to provide a composite image of the designated area with the latent print or contaminant visible with clarity to determine an identification from latent print or contaminant in the composite image is disclosed. A method and a non-transitory processor readable storage medium are also disclosed. | 05-01-2014 |
20140115319 | APPLICATION LAYER ENCRYPTED PACKET ROUTING - Mechanisms for cloaking, or otherwise masking, information in packets communicated between nodes. A source node generates a packet comprising communication layer data and encrypted application layer data. The encrypted application layer data includes a payload and waypoint data. The waypoint data includes a waypoint list that identifies one or more nodes of a path of nodes that the packet is to transit from the source node to the destination node. The source node addresses the packet to an intermediate node on the path, and sends the packet toward the intermediate node. | 04-24-2014 |
20140102629 | Applique System with Anti-Corrosion Adhesive - An appliqué having anti-corrosive adhesive is provided by embodiments of the present invention. This appliqué includes a thin polymer film and a pressure sensitive adhesive. The pressure sensitive adhesive hacks the thin polymer film and includes corrosion-inhibiting additives. These corrosion-inhibiting additives reduce or eliminate the need for a chromated primer layer beneath the appliqué. Elimination of a chromated primer layer has environmental advantages as well as cost benefits through the elimination of a processing step. Additionally, environmental benefits are realized by eliminating the toxic effects often associated with the use of chromated primers. | 04-17-2014 |
20140101752 | SECURE GESTURE - Aspects of the disclosure provide a system that includes a protected module, an input module and a gesture engine. The protected module is configured to be accessible based on a specific gesture of a user predetermined to have a right to access the protected module. The input module is configured to receive an input gesture from a requester to access the protected module. The gesture engine is configured to be trained to process the input gesture in order to grant/deny an access to the protected module by the requester. | 04-10-2014 |
20140097984 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING INTEGRITY OF A GLOBAL NAVIGATION SATELLITE SYSTEM - A system and method for monitoring integrity of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) are provided. Integrity of a GNSS location is assessed based on a comparison of the GNSS location with one or more locations received from at least one other GNSS. Integrity of the GNSS location is also assessed based on a comparison of the GNSS location with one or more locations obtained from signals generated by one or more known located emitters. Integrity of the GNSS location is also assessed based on a comparison of the GNSS location with historical data, which may include contextual information of recent GNSS locations of a user equipment, measurements made by an inertial navigation system of the user equipment, and prior measurements made by the user equipment during similar paths. An integrity warning is outputted when one or more of the integrity assessments indicate a loss of integrity of GNSS. | 04-10-2014 |
20140089289 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING OPEN SOURCE INTELLIGENCE GATHERING - Systems and methods (e.g., utilities) for use in providing automated, lightweight collection of online, open source data which may be content-based to reduce website source bias. In one aspect, a utility is disclosed for use in extracting content of interest from at least one website or other online data source (e.g., where the extracted content can be used in a subsequent search query). In other aspects, utilities are disclosed that are operable to perform various types of analyses on such extracted content and present graphical representations of such analyses on a display of a client device. | 03-27-2014 |
20140086447 | REMOTE ENCODING CENTER AUTOMATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A nontransitory computer readable medium having stored thereon software instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform operations. The operations can include intercepting a request for manual processing of a mail piece image. The request can be transmitted by an originating MPE having failed to resolve the mail piece image. The request can be ignored and the mail piece scan image can be forwarded to an automated mail recognition system (AMRS). If the AMRS successfully resolved the image, a response, including a plurality of addressing data corresponding to the mail piece scan image, can be received from the AMRS. If the AMRS successfully resolved the image, at least a portion of the plurality of addressing data can be transmitted to the originating MPE. If the AMRS did not successfully resolve the image, the request can be forwarded to a manual mail recognition processing system. | 03-27-2014 |
20140083480 | HURRICANE PROOF SOLAR TRACKER - A hurricane-proof solar tracker and related method of operation includes a solar panel array assembly having one end coupled to a ballast and a tilting assembly supporting a solar panel assembly. The tilting assembly tilts the solar panel array assembly to track with the sun in a first position, and retracts the solar panel array to a substantially flat second position. | 03-27-2014 |
20140079159 | PHASOR-BASED PULSE DETECTION - A phasor-based pulse detection system includes a first multiplier stage configured to apply a first delayed conjugate multiplication operation to an input signal. The system can also include a second multiplier stage coupled to the first multiplier stage and configured to apply a second delayed conjugate multiplication operation to an output of the first multiplier stage, and an absolute value unit coupled to the second multiplier stage and configured to perform an absolute value operation on an output of the second multiplier stage. The system can further include video filter stage coupled to the absolute value unit and configured to perform a video filtering operation on an output of the absolute value unit. The system can also include a hysteresis detector coupled to the video filter stage, the hysteresis detector configured for detecting a signal in a filtered video signal received from the video filter stage, the detecting including determining a signal start when the filtered video signal exceeds a predetermined detection threshold for a first predetermined number of consecutive samples, and determining a signal end when the filtered video signal falls below a predetermined rejection threshold for a second predetermined number of consecutive samples. | 03-20-2014 |
20140076134 | Method and Apparatus for Launch Recoil Abatement - Recoil forces of a launched missile and the moment force imposed on the launch platform can be reduced by use of a recoil abatement element in communication with a launch tube. The recoil abatement element includes at least one nozzle configured to receive therethrough exhaust gasses from a missile when launched. The nozzle can be canted or otherwise configured to direct the exhaust gasses in a desired direction to thereby offset moment force imposed on the platform by the exhaust gasses. | 03-20-2014 |
20140071536 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PHOTOGRAPHING CYLINDRICAL OR SPHERICAL OBJECTS WITH REDUCED GLARE - A system including an imaging device with a line of sight to an object, capable of producing a glare, which is to be captured in an image, a light source configured to illuminate a surface of the object, and an optical barrier positioned along the line of sight between the imaging device and the object, said optical barrier being sized and positioned to reduce reflected light off the surface of the object directed along the line of sight from being captured in the image. Methods are also disclosed. | 03-13-2014 |
20140071328 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MATCHING A CAMERA ASPECT RATIO AND SIZE TO AN ILLUMINATION ASPECT RATIO AND SIZE - A system including an imaging device configured to capture an image of a target at a first aspect ratio and with a first field of view on the target, a light source configured to illuminate the target with a light at a second aspect ratio and with a second field of view on the target, and at least one optical baffle configured to shape the light at the target. The second aspect ratio equals the first aspect ratio and the second field of view equals the first field of view. Methods are also disclosed. | 03-13-2014 |
20140071295 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTICALLY LIFTING LATENT FINGERPRINTS FROM A NON-POLISHED AND/OR NON-FLUORESCING SURFACE - A system including a light emitting device configured to illuminate a light at a low optical transmission wavelength upon a surface to detect a latent print or a contaminant, and an imaging device configured to operate at the wavelength emitted by the light emitting device to capture an image of the latent print or contaminant, upon the surface, that is visible in a visible spectrum is disclosed. A method and another system are also disclosed. | 03-13-2014 |
20140071292 | SYSTEM, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR OPTICALLY LIFTING A LATENT PRINT OVER A LONG DISTANCE - A system including an imaging device, located a distance from a surface, configured to capture an image of a latent print or a contaminant on the surface at a first aspect ratio and with a first field of view on a surface, and a light emitting device, located a distance from the surface, configured to illuminate at a ultraviolet-c wavelength or a long wave infrared wavelength at the surface at a second aspect ratio equal to the first aspect ratio and with a shape of a field of view on the surface equal to the first field of view on the surface is disclosed. The captured image illustrates a reflected light image of the latent print or contaminant in a visible spectrum. A method and a non-transitory processor readable storage medium are also disclosed. | 03-13-2014 |
20140063591 | HIGH-POWER MULTI-FUNCTION MILLIMETER-WAVE SIGNAL GENERATION USING OPO AND DFG - Apparatus and method for high-power multi-function millimeter-wavelength (THz-frequency) signal generation using OPO and DFG in a single cavity. In some embodiments, the OPO-DFG cavity includes an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) non-linear material that receives pump light I | 03-06-2014 |
20140062652 | ITEM AUTHENTICATION - Mechanisms for validating the authenticity of an item. A reader device records authentication data that is obscured in a label. The authentication data is provided to a remote authentication server via a network. The reader device receives, from the remote authentication server, an authentication response based on the authentication data. Based at least in part on the authentication response, the reader device displays an indication that identifies whether the item is authentic. | 03-06-2014 |
20140060898 | Thermally-conductive particles in printed wiring boards - A printed wiring board (PWB) can be fabricated with enhanced thermal characteristics that can enable the use of higher performance electronic components and/or a smaller packaging configuration. A substrate layer of the PWB includes a matrix material and optional reinforcing fibers embedded in the matrix material. The matrix material and/or the reinforcing fibers may include thermally-conductive particles such as nanodiamonds that increase the thermal conductivity of the substrate layer. Holes may be formed through the substrate layer for receiving and/or electrically connecting electronic components. The thermally-conductive particles are sized sufficiently small to allow the formation of the holes through the substrate layer using conventional equipment and processes such as drilling. The PWB may also include a protective coating that comprises thermally-conductive particles. The thermally-conductive particles described herein can reduce the need for heavy and bulky metal thermal layers in a manufacturing-friendly manner. | 03-06-2014 |
20140060508 | Thermal Management of a Propulsion Circuit in an Electromagnetic Munition Launcher - Apparatus and methods provide thermal management of a propulsion circuit in an electromagnetic munition launcher. | 03-06-2014 |
20140056140 | TERMINATED TRANSMISSION CONTROL PROTOCOL TUNNEL - A method, a multiprotocol offload engine, and a set of instructions are disclosed. A local area network interface 150 may receive a transmission control protocol data transmission from a source local area network device. A processor 110 may encapsulate the transmission control protocol data transmission in a negative acknowledgement oriented reliable multicast data transmission. A wide area network interface 160 may transmit the negative acknowledgement oriented reliable multicast data transmission over the wide area network 260. | 02-27-2014 |
20140054021 | METHOD AND PHASE-CHANGE GAIN-FIBER HOLDER THAT CONTROL TEMPERATURE RISE AND UNIFORMITY WITH MINIMAL STRESS - A thermal-management optical-fiber packaging system that includes an optical fiber and a temperature-management device configured to remove excess heat from the optical fiber. In some embodiments, the temperature-management device includes a first housing having a first outer-perimeter surface and an inner volume facing a first inner surface (wherein the inner volume has a length), a plurality of fiber-support members coupled to, and/or integral with, the first inner surface of the first housing, wherein each of the fiber-support members has one or more small-area-of-contact supports arranged along the length of the inner volume, and wherein each small-area-of-contact support is configured to provide a small area (e.g., a point) of contact with the optical fiber, and wherein the optical fiber follows a coiled path around the inner volume. A thermal-management material surrounds the optical fiber except at those locations where the optical fiber contacts the fiber-support members. | 02-27-2014 |
20140053286 | DYNAMICALLY RECONFIGURABLE 2D TOPOLOGY COMMUNICATION AND VERIFICATION SCHEME - Systems and methods for securing devices and encoding information in hardware and hardware arrangements are provided. Variations include switched networks included in conformal coatings applied to or connected to components to be protected or encoded. The decoding or security key data is included as part of the network layout and/or switching logic such that physical changes to the network prevent the recovery of the key data. Nodes in the network may include sensors meant to change node or network behavior based on sensor detection results. | 02-20-2014 |
20140052221 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPTICAL STIMULATION OF NERVES AND OTHER ANIMAL TISSUE - A hand-held self-contained nerve-stimulation device and method using light to provide a source of precise stimulation on one or more nerve fibers. In some embodiments, this simulation is provided through a device and method wherein a laser- or LED-light source is mounted to the handpiece. Light is passed from the light source through optical tip to simulate nerves. In some embodiments, the device is constructed from non-magnetic material such as glass, plastic or ceramics. In some embodiments, the light emanating from the optical tip can be controlled manually or automatically. In some embodiments, the handpiece contains a self-contained power source, such as batteries. In some embodiments, the handpiece is at least in part, activated by remote control in order to prevent moving the handpiece during activation. Some embodiments include a unit operable to sense a response of nerve stimulation and to suppress a laser-ablation surgery operation. | 02-20-2014 |
20140049259 | RESONANT MAGNETIC RING ANTENNA - A resonant magnetic ring antenna which includes a dielectric substrate having opposing first and second sides, a first and second ring elements disposed upon the opposing first and second sides of the substrate in a corresponding location, the first and second ring elements each comprising a trace having a spiral configuration with an outer radius, an inner radius, a spacing, and a number of turns, the resonant magnetic ring antenna being configured to concentrate radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields over a controlled volume at a specified distance from an imaging device in which it is incorporated. | 02-20-2014 |
20140046510 | ESTIMATING A WIND VECTOR - Methods and devices for calculating an estimate of a wind vector. A maneuver of a platform may be identified as a steady-straight motion maneuver, a partial turn maneuver, or a full turn maneuver. A preliminary estimate of a wind vector corresponding to a wind condition prevailing near the platform may be calculated by applying a maneuver-specific calculating method. A gain associated with the preliminary estimate of the wind vector may be calculated by applying a state-specific calculation method. A filtered estimate of the wind vector may be updated based, at least in part, on the preliminary estimate of the wind vector and the gain associated with the to preliminary estimate of the wind vector. | 02-13-2014 |
20140043753 | HIGH POWER DISSIPATION MEZZANINE CARD COOLING FRAME - Some embodiments are directed to cooling frames for mezzanine cards, mezzanine card assemblies and circuit card assemblies. A recessed cooling frame may be used to dissipate heat generated by components of a mezzanine card. The cooling frame may be directly coupled to a host card or host card cooling frame, thereby reducing the number of interfaces and reducing the thermal resistance of the heat dissipation pathway. The cooling frames of some embodiments may provide more efficient heat dissipation and thereby allow higher performance mezzanine cards to be used. Some embodiments provide a mezzanine card assembly that conforms to the mechanical envelope dimensions of the VITA 20, VITA 42 or VITA 61 specifications. | 02-13-2014 |
20140041921 | CONFORMAL 3D NON-PLANAR MULTI-LAYER CIRCUITRY - A method for making conformal non-planar multi-layer circuitry is described. The method can include providing a substrate having a non-planar surface and depositing a first conformal dielectric layer on the substrate, the first conformal dielectric layer conforming to the non-planar surface of the substrate and having a non-planar surface. The method can also include applying a first conformal circuitry layer on the first conformal dielectric layer. The method can include depositing a second conformal dielectric layer on the first conformal circuitry layer, the second conformal dielectric layer conforming to a non-planar surface of the first conformal circuitry layer, and applying a second conformal circuitry layer on the second conformal dielectric layer. Successive layers can be sequentially deposited. Microvias may provide electrical connections between circuit layers. | 02-13-2014 |
20140040984 | DYNAMIC TRUST SESSION - A secure session of communication between two entities in a network is disclosed. Using client-server terminology, a client sends a connection-request to a server that authenticates the connection-request and transmits a session-request to the client in response. The client reverse-authenticates the session-request and then passively waits to receive a tunnel-request transmitted by the server. The tunnel-request sets up one or more overlapping tunnels between the client and the server to support the desired communications. Each of the tunnels exists only for a specified time and is replaced by another tunnel that is set up after a selected time delay after the start of a previous tunnel. | 02-06-2014 |
20140028514 | LOW COST, HIGH-PERFORMANCE, SWITCHED MULTI-FEED STEERABLE ANTENNA SYSTEM - An apparatus for satellite communication may include a reflector configured to redirect electromagnetic energy. Each of multiple feeds may be positioned at a predetermined location with respect to the reflector. A feed-switching mechanism may be configured to selectively activate for use at least one of the multiple feeds. A steering mechanism may be configured to steer the reflector such that a focal point of the reflector approximately coincides with a position of an activated feed of the multiple feeds. The reflector may be mechanically independent of the plurality of feeds and the feed-switching mechanism. | 01-30-2014 |
20140027616 | PHOTON SEPARATION, ENCODING, MULTIPLEXING AND IMAGING - A method and device for obtaining information from a scene. A beam of photons associated with a scene is separated into a plurality of photon sub-beams. At least two photon sub-beams are optically encoded to generate at least two corresponding encoded photon sub-beams. Each encoded photon sub-beam is encoded based on a corresponding encoding function. The encoded photon sub-beams are combined to generate a combined photon beam. A detection device detects the combined photon beam to generate image data. The image data is decoded based on the plurality of encoding functions to generate a plurality of sub-images. Each sub-image corresponds to one of the at least two photon sub-beams of the plurality of photon sub-beams. | 01-30-2014 |
20140025286 | PROACTIVE MITIGATION OF NAVIGATIONAL UNCERTAINTY - Methods and devices for navigation and/or guidance. A device may be configured to predict an uncertainty of positioning data in the area, the prediction being based at least in part on a dynamic navigation model. The device may further be configured to guide the mobile entity based at least in part on the predicted uncertainty of the positioning data in the area. By predicting and guiding while the mobile entity is outside the area, the device may proactively mitigate an impact of the predicted uncertainty of the positioning data by initiating rerouting of the mobile entity, updating an inertial navigation system, and/or issuing an alert regarding the predicted uncertainty to of the positioning data to an operator of the mobile entity. The dynamic navigation model may comprise at least one of an environment model, a cost model, one or more positioning system models, and an excursion route model. | 01-23-2014 |
20140022121 | NAVIGATING IN AREAS OF UNCERTAIN POSITIONING DATA - Methods and devices for obtaining a position of a mobile entity. An antenna may be used to receive first signals associated with a first positioning system and second signals associated with a second positioning system. Interference associated with the first and second signals may be monitored. A first location unit coupled to the first receiver may identify a first candidate position by processing first data associated with the first signals. A second location unit coupled to the second receiver may identify a second candidate position by processing second data associated with the second signals. A position may be estimated by applying filter processing to input data comprising the to first candidate position, the second candidate position, and interference data associated with the interference. | 01-23-2014 |
20140021329 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BEAM STEERING - Aspects of the disclosure provide an apparatus. The apparatus includes a mirror module having a plurality of individually controllable mirror segments to reflect an incident beam having a variable incidence angle, and a controller configured to determine deflection profiles of the individually controllable mirror segments, and provide control signals to the individually-controllable mirror segments to adjust the deflection profiles, such that the individually controllable mirror segments collectively reflect the incident beam in a predetermined direction. | 01-23-2014 |
20140016998 | CARDLOCK CLAMP - A cardlock clamp is described that is used to secure an electronics module in a channel of a card cage. The cardlock clamp is configured to convert an input compression force into clamping forces in at least two radial directions perpendicular to the input compression force. The described cardlock clamp also provides self-alignment and self-center functions for the electronics module inserted into the channel. Further, variations of the cardlock clamp are described that provide more effective heat transfer from the electronics module to the card cage. | 01-16-2014 |
20140016935 | FIBER OPTIC NETWORK ADJUSTMENT - A number of fiber optic networks, nodes, and methods are disclosed. One fiber optic network embodiment includes a network module including a star coupler for receiving a signal from a number of nodes and outputting a combined signal, including the received signals, to the number of nodes, and the number of nodes optically connected to the network module, the number of nodes including a transmit module including a first adjustable optical amplifier and a number of optical emitters, a receive module including a second adjustable optical amplifier and a number of receivers, and a controller coupled to the transmit and receive modules for adjusting the first and second optical amplifiers in response to the combined signal. | 01-16-2014 |
20140013776 | SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR COMPRESSOR HUB WITH AN INTEGRATED RECTIFYING SYSTEM FOR DC FLOW - A system, apparatus and method for a compressor hub assembly configured for use with a dual piston compressor is provided and includes a cylindrically shaped body having a centrally located inner wall and defining cylinder sealing surface for receiving and maintaining at least one compressor pump; a plurality of bores integrated within the body, the bores defining at least one fill port, a fluid inlet port, an output port, at least two compression bores, an off-center cross-bore interconnected with the one of the at least two compression bores, and at least one reservoir passages; at least one check-valve assembly disposed in the output port, the check valve assembly including a check valve, a valve seal and a valve retainer, wherein the use of the check valve assembly and the plurality of bores produces a continuous DC flow output when fluid is flowed through the compressor pump and into the hub assembly. | 01-16-2014 |
20140003991 | NANOPARTICLE COMPOSITION AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME | 01-02-2014 |
20130347120 | SECURE DATA STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL - A system for secure data processing can include an electronic data storage device and a field programmable gate array coupled to the electronic data storage device. The field programmable gate array can be configured to include a data storage section for performing a data storage operation and a data retrieval section for performing a data retrieval operation. The data storage operation can include obtaining a seed value and retrieving one or more algebraic operations based on the seed value. The storage operation can also include processing input data according to the one or more algebraic operations to generate pseudorandom output data, prepending the seed value to the output data and storing the output data in the electronic data storage device. | 12-26-2013 |
20130333935 | HIGH RELIABILITY FLUID-TIGHT LOW-PROFILE ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE INTERCONNECTS FOR LARGE SCALE FRAME ATTACHMENT - A method for forming a frame attachment interconnect between a substrate and a frame is disclosed. The method can include applying a composite material (e.g., epoxy-glass prepreg) to a surface of a substrate. The composite material can have one or more holes disposed to substantially align with a corresponding pad on the surface of the substrate. A metal disc is placed in each hole of the composite material on top of the corresponding pad. A frame member can be placed on top of the composite material and the metal discs. The frame member can have one or more pads disposed to substantially align with the metal discs. The substrate, composite material, metal discs and frame combination can be cured in a controlled atmosphere that can include a vacuum and a predetermined temperature to create discrete electrical connections between adjacent pads but with each encapsulated and electrically isolated. | 12-19-2013 |
20130333009 | DYNAMIC TRUST CONNECTION - A network authentication system authenticates a connection-request based on a manner that the connection-request traverses the network. In client-server terminology, a server authenticates a client request for connection by examining one or more sequences of network entities (or network nodes) that form entity-patterns. The client pseudo-randomly selects entities of the network to be redirectors that redirect a received connection-request to further redirectors and/or the server. The client generates a different connection-request for each of the redirectors, and each redirector does the same for each of the further redirectors. This results in substantially unique connection-requests transmitted by each entity of the network in connection with the user request. Thus, redirector patterns are substantially unique and may be used for authentication. | 12-12-2013 |
20130332008 | AUTONOMOUS RESUPPLY SYSTEM AND METHOD - Some embodiments relate to a system and method of automatically transporting cargo from a loading station to an unloading station using a vehicle. Loading and unloading of cargo may be accomplished automatically without the need for human operators of either the loading station, the unloading station, or the vehicle. The unloading and loading station each comprise guide rails and a plurality of directional signal sources used by the vehicle to control its current position so that it may retrieve and deliver a target load. The vehicle comprises at least one sensor for detecting modulated directional signals and a controller to control the current position of the vehicle based on the received signals. | 12-12-2013 |
20130318944 | Jet Exhaust Noise Reduction - Reducing jet noise by weakening Mach cones in a jet exhaust gas streamtube. The Mach cones are weakened by modifying exhaust gas flow in a longitudinal axial core of the exhaust gas streamtube. | 12-05-2013 |
20130312895 | SELF-PROPELLED AIRSHIP HULL REPAIR SYSTEM - An airship hull repair system. The system includes a drive subsystem configured to move the system across an airship hull, a damage detecting subsystem configured to detect damage to the airship hull, a hull repair subsystem configured to repair the detected damage to the airship hull, and a magnetic coupling. The drive subsystem, the damage detecting subsystem, and the hull repair subsystem are included in an interior piece of the system configured to move on an interior of the airship hull and an exterior piece of the system configured to move on an exterior of the airship hull. The magnetic coupling couples the interior piece and the exterior piece to move together. | 11-28-2013 |
20130301887 | LATENT FINGERPRINT DETECTORS AND FINGERPRINT SCANNERS THEREFROM - This document relates to systems and method for latent fingerprint detection using specular reflection (glare). An exemplary system may include a light source alignment portion configured to align a light source at an illumination angle relative to a sample surface such that the light source illuminates a sample surface so that the surface produces specular reflection. The system may also include a specular reflection discriminator that directs the produced specular reflection to an optical detector aligned relative to said sample surface at an alignment angle that is substantially equal to an angle of reflection of the produced specular reflection. Preferably, the directed specular reflection does not saturate the optical detector; and the optical detector captures the specular reflection from the sample surface and generates image data using essentially only the specular reflection. | 11-14-2013 |
20130300207 | WIRELESS POWER TRANSMISSION SYSTEM - Various aspects of the subject technology include a wireless power transmission design based on extended range near-field resonance coupling induction, where magnetic near-field range may be extended by several orders of magnitude. One element that may help to accomplish the near-field extension, in one aspect, is the addition of a transformational magnetic lens to the transmitter. The magnetic lens may be made of metamaterials with refractive index of for example, −1. It may recover and collimate the near-field evanescent, magnetic flux, effectively extending the near-field coupling distance by several orders of magnitude. | 11-14-2013 |
20130299643 | Vortex Generation - A vortex generation apparatus including a vortex generator that deploys in response to deployment of a wing leading edge lift augmentation device. The vortex generator deploys into a position to generate vortices over a main wing body upper surface region trailing the vortex generator. | 11-14-2013 |
20130299073 | CONTOUR CAUL WITH EXPANSION REGION - A contour caul including two or more higher Tg regions that follow geometries of a composite structure and an expansion region located between the higher Tg regions. The expansion region has a lower glass-liquid transition temperature than the higher Tg regions. Also, a method making a composite structure. | 11-14-2013 |
20130297933 | MOBILE ENTERPRISE SMARTCARD AUTHENTICATION - Utilities that allow for multi-factor authentication into an enterprise network with a smart card using mobiles devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets, etc.), where almost any application (app) or website that accesses enterprise resources can be launched or executed to automatically establish of a VPN connection with the enterprise network free of necessarily having to specially configure the apps or websites to be useable with smart cards, card readers, etc. Virtually any app can be used and take advantage of the multifactor authentication free or substantially free of modification to the app itself as the disclosed utilities may take advantage of the native VPN clients and capabilities provided with the mobile device operating system (OS) (e.g., Android®, iOS). As a result, a much more flexible solution may be provided that allows the use of commercially available apps (e.g., from an “App Store”) as well as, for instance, enterprise developed apps. | 11-07-2013 |
20130297271 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VEHICLE SURVIVABILITY PLANNING - System and methods for improving vehicle survivability. In some embodiments, Mission information may be obtained regarding a mission of at least one vehicle. The mission may comprise a plurality of mission stages, and the mission information may comprise at least one model associated with the at least one vehicle and at least one threat to the at least one vehicle. A potential action of the at least one vehicle may be selected by calculating a numerical measure for the potential action based at least in part on a mission stage of the plurality of mission stages during which the potential action is to be taken and the at least one model. | 11-07-2013 |
20130297096 | EVALUATION TOOL FOR VEHICLE SURVIVABILITY PLANNING - Systems and methods for improving vehicle survivability. In some embodiments, an evaluation model may be built based at least in part on mission information. The mission information may comprise vehicle information regarding at least one vehicle and threat information regarding a plurality of threats to the at least one vehicle. The evaluation model may be used to assign a numerical measure to each potential action of a plurality of potential actions for the at least one vehicle, where the numerical measure may be based on measures of signature exposure relating to multiple threats of the plurality of threats. A sequence of actions to be executed by the at least one vehicle may be selected based at least in part on the respective numerical measures assigned to the plurality of potential actions, to improve the at least one vehicle's survivability against the plurality of threats. | 11-07-2013 |
20130293406 | PREEMPTIVE SIGNATURE CONTROL FOR VEHICLE SURVIVABILITY PLANNING - Systems and methods for improving vehicle survivability. In some embodiments, threat information relating to at least one potential threat against at least one vehicle during a mission may be accessed. The threat information may comprise threat location information indicative of at least one likely location for the at least one potential threat and at least one model associated with the at least one potential threat. Prior to commencing the mission, the threat information may be used to assign a numerical measure to each potential action of a plurality of potential actions for the at least one vehicle based at least in part on at least one measure of the at least one vehicle resulting from executing the potential action. The plurality of potential actions may be compared based at least in part on the respective numerical measures assigned to the plurality of potential actions. | 11-07-2013 |
20130291553 | INTEGRATED THERMAL PROTECTION AND LEAKAGE REDUCTION IN A SUPERSONIC AIR INTAKE SYSTEM - An air intake system suitable for a supersonic vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a channel comprising an inlet and a side wall and a plenum coupled to the side wall. The plenum is configured to accept a flow of coolant. In certain embodiments, the coolant is the waste coolant from an on-board electronics cooling system. The system also includes a porous region in the side wall configured to allow a flow of bleed air from the channel through the porous region of the side wall into the plenum so as to aid the transition to supersonic flow. In certain embodiments, the flow of the bleed air is reduced at supersonic speeds by pressurization of the plenum with the coolant. | 11-07-2013 |
20130282945 | APPARATUS AND METHOD EMULATING A PARALLEL INTERFACE TO EFFECT PARALLEL DATA TRANSFER FROM SERIAL FLASH MEMORY - Apparatus and method emulating a parallel interface to effect parallel data transfer from serial flash memory are provided. A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) may be coupled to a processor via a data bus. A serial flash memory may be coupled to the FPGA via a serial interface. The FPGA may be programmed to emulate a parallel interface by converting a serial data stream of boot code or operating software received from the serial flash memory to a parallel data stream to effect parallel data transfer over the data bus to the processor. The FPGA may be responsive to respective logic signals set by the processor to start access to the serial flash memory by pointing to at least one predefined location corresponding to at least one starting address of data to be transferred to the processor without using a plurality of address lines to access the serial flash memory. | 10-24-2013 |
20130282362 | IDENTIFYING CULTURAL BACKGROUND FROM TEXT - Diaculture of text can be determined or analyzed by tokenizing words of the text according to a rule set to generate tokenized text, the rule set defining: a first set of grammatical types of words, which are words that are replaced with tokens that respectively indicate a grammatical type of a respective word, and a second set of grammatical types of words, which are words that are passed as tokens without changing. Grams can be constructed from the tokenized text, each gram including one or more of consecutive tokens from the tokenized text. The grams can be compared to a training data set that corresponds to a known diaculture to obtain a comparison result that indicates how well the text matches the training data set for the known diaculture. | 10-24-2013 |
20130281031 | ADAPTIVE COSITE ARBITRATION SYSTEM - A system for coupling a communication unit to an antenna. The system includes a tunable bandpass filter and a second tunable filter, such as a tunable low-pass filter, in parallel with the tunable bandpass filter. The system also includes a measurement and control unit configured to measure a frequency of a signal generated by the communication unit and to tune the tunable bandpass filter to pass the signal generated by the control unit. | 10-24-2013 |
20130279858 | PIGTAIL-LESS OPTICAL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY - A pigtail-less optical connector assembly is described that is capable of data rates as high as 10 GHz. The described optical connector assembly connects the optical fiber connector to an optical die element mounted in the connector assembly using optical fiber ribbon and an optical deflecting device. The optical fiber connector is slideable within the connector assembly and is resiliently biased toward a home position. The connector assembly is designed to allow the optical fiber ribbon to flex without damaging the fiber ribbon as the optical fiber connector slides. | 10-24-2013 |
20130279529 | COMPACT HIGH ENERGY MID WAVE OPCPA LASER - Systems and methods of optical parametric chirped pulse amplification for laser pulses are provided. Techniques and components include replacing pulse stretcher and/or pulse compressors with chirped volume Bragg gratings (CVBGs) to reduce size, weight, cost, and environmental sensitivity of the laser system. | 10-24-2013 |
20130279528 | OPTICALLY LOCKED HIGH ENERGY OPO-OPA - Systems and methods for producing high-energy, pico-second laser pulses are disclosed. Systems and methods include using a modelocked laser source to drive an OPO (optical parametric oscillator) and an OPA (optical parametric amplifier) such that the OPA and OPO self-synchronize without the use of separate synchronization components and produce high-energy output without requiring pulse stretchers or pulse compressors, making the laser system viable for portability and vehicle mounting from both cost and durability standpoints. | 10-24-2013 |
20130277305 | SELECTIVELY PERFORATED GRAPHENE MEMBRANES FOR COMPOUND HARVEST, CAPTURE AND RETENTION - Devices and related methods for arresting and retaining molecules from solution upon the surface of a perforated graphene membrane with plural apertures selected to allow passage of the solutions' solvent while simultaneously arresting desired molecules upon the surface of the membrane. The method continues with arranging the perforated graphene membranes in a sequence of successively smaller plural aperture diameters to arrest and retain successively smaller molecules in series. The dislodging devices include electromagnetic, electromechanical and electrostatic configurations. | 10-24-2013 |