A method and system for determining damage prediction of a component. The component may be critical component used in an aircraft or other vehicle experiencing cyclic loading. The method and system determines the ΔK, Kmax and Kinternal values for the component and utilizes these values in order to predict damage and/or failure of the component.

A method for controlling pore size of a membrane that includes providing a porous magnetic architecture and magnetizing the porous magnetic architecture. The porous magnetic architecture changes pore size when magnetized. A method for inhibiting the mobility of a solute through a membrane includes magnetizing a porous magnetic architecture in a flow stream that includes a solute. A membrane system for a solute includes a porous magnetic architecture disposed within a flow stream that also includes a solute, and a magnetic source disposed such that the nonuniform porous magnetic architecture is selectively magnetized.

A method and system for detecting and classifying intruders is provided. A noise threshold can be determined and set based on background noise. A seismic sensor can be configured to receive a plurality of seismic data signals. A microcontroller can be configured to count the number of times the noise threshold is exceeded over a defined time interval by the plurality of seismic data signals, and then detect and classify the presence of an intruder based on the count. Additionally, an amplitude evaluation module can be configured to determine a signal amplitude for the seismic data signals associated with the detected intruder and compare the detected intruder signal amplitude to known signal amplitudes in order to determine a sub-type of the intruder. Finally, a transmission source can be configured to transmit intruder detection and classification information to a remote location.

System and method for navigating an unmanned undersea vehicle (UUV) using three-dimensional acoustic reflectivity data sets and a beam steered downward looking sonar capturing sub-bottom features and creating three-dimensional representations to compare with the reflectivity data sets to general navigation corrections. Acoustically senses and exploits sub-bottom features for navigation of UUVs that can provide more reliable navigation than using surface features alone, since much of the sea floor is flat (e.g. on continental shelves and abyssal plains).

Networked groups of sensors that detect Chemical, Biological, and Radiological (CBR) threats are being developed to defend cities and military bases. Due to the high cost and maintenance of these sensors, the number of sensors deployed is limited. It is vital for the sensors to be deployed in optimal locations for these sensors to be effectively used to analyze the scope of the threat. A genetic algorithm, along with instantaneous plume prediction capabilities meets these goals. An analyzer's time dependant plumes, upwind danger zone, and sensor capabilities are used to determine the fitness of sensor networks generated by the genetic algorithm.

Embodiments include systems and methods of estimating at least one state of a modeled dynamic system. In particular, in one embodiment, an observer such as an extended Kalman filter is used to estimate the state of a modeled dynamic system. A covariance matrix associated with state variables of the observer is periodically checked for compliance with a specified condition, e.g., positive definiteness. If the matrix deviates from the specified condition, the matrix is set to a specified value.

The present invention is a device for and method of language processing that includes a communication database of communications, a transcription database of transcripts for the communication, an extractor for extracting a visual representation of each communication, a first displayer for displaying a visual representation of a communication and its transcription, a segmentor for segmenting a visual representation, a media player, a first editor for blanking portions of a transcription and adding text, a second editor for filling in blanks and adding text, a second displayer for displaying a transcription that were blanked along with the corresponding entries made by the second editor and adding textual information, and a third displayer for providing feedback.

System and method for using forecast ocean currents to improve the prediction of an underwater vessel's trajectory as compared to using a simple dead reckoned path determined by vessel commanded heading and speed through the water. System and method include a motion model specific to underwater gliders that incorporates 4d forecast currents.

A system for simulating one or more hemorrhages in order to provide a more dynamic and realistic hemorrhage simulation in order to train medical personnel and other critical care givers, such as first responders, medics, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) on treating hemorrhages. The system includes a reservoir, a flow controller, and at least one conduit connected to at least one simulated wound site wherein the system supplies fluid to the simulated wound site in order to simulate a hemorrhage. The system may further include a plurality of wound sites that have their respective fluid flows controlled by the fluid flow controller. In at least one embodiment, the reservoir and the flow controller are housed within a bag. In at least one embodiment, the system further includes an audio system for providing audio cues to the simulation participants to enhance the realism of the simulation.

A system for simulating one or more hemorrhages in order to provide a more dynamic and realistic hemorrhage simulation in order to train medical personnel and other critical care givers, such as first responders, medics, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) on treating hemorrhages. The system includes a reservoir, a flow controller, and at least one conduit connected to at least one simulated wound site wherein the system supplies fluid to the simulated wound site in order to simulate a hemorrhage. The system may further include a plurality of wound sites that have their respective fluid flows controlled by the fluid flow controller. In at least one embodiment, the reservoir and the flow controller are housed within a bag. In at least one embodiment, the system further includes an audio system for providing audio cues to the simulation participants to enhance the realism of the simulation.

A system for simulating one or more hemorrhages in order to provide a more dynamic and realistic hemorrhage simulation in order to train medical personnel and other critical care givers, such as first responders, medics, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) on treating hemorrhages. The system includes a reservoir, a flow controller, and at least one conduit connected to at least one simulated wound site wherein the system supplies fluid to the simulated wound site in order to simulate a hemorrhage. The system may further include a plurality of wound sites that have their respective fluid flows controlled by the fluid flow controller. In at least one embodiment, the reservoir and the flow controller are housed within a bag. In at least one embodiment, the system further includes an audio system for providing audio cues to the simulation participants to enhance the realism of the simulation.

In the modern practice of obstetrics, the military is in the position of having experts in both simulation training for obstetric emergencies and teamwork training. The military has the potential to train better and provide the safest environment possible with these resources. Accordingly, an embodiment of the invention provides an obstetrics simulation system, comprising an articulating maternal birthing simulator. The maternal birthing simulator is a full size and full-body female having an intubeable airway with a chest rise component, a forearm having a medication receiving component, and/or a fetal heart sound component. Additionally, the maternal birthing simulator includes a head descent and cervical dilation monitor, a placenta positionable in at least two locations, two or more removable dilating cervices, and/or postpartum vulval suturing inserts.

An embodiment of the invention provides a method wherein a simulation system having a simulator, a processor, and at least one display is assembled. This includes assembling a birthing mannequin and a mobile cart having at least one touch-screen monitor, wherein the birthing mannequin includes a means for shaking to simulate a generalized seizure. The simulation system is provided along with documentation to a plurality of medical facilities within a system. Training on use of the simulator, different simulations, and criteria for grading performance on the simulations is also provided. The training includes team training for conducting the simulations using the simulation system.

A system, method, and apparatus to train autopilots to fly a simulated aeronautical vehicle includes a three-degree of freedom gimbaled platform comprising a pitch, roll, and yaw axis; an autopilot comprising an inertial measurement unit mounted to the platform; motors that rotate the platform along the pitch, roll, and yaw axes; shaft encoders connected to the motors to calculate an angular position of the platform; motor drivers connected to the motors to power the motors; a microcontroller connected to the motor drivers; a quadrature encoder connected to the shaft encoders and the microcontroller; sensors that generate and sense environmental conditions affecting the platform and the autopilot; a flight simulator connected to the microcontroller; and a computer that executes the flight simulator causing actuation of the platform, causing the sensors to generate environmental conditions, and causing the autopilot to react to the environmental conditions.

A method and system for detecting targets comprising at least one first receiver for receiving radiation, the radiation comprises beams of radiation spaced horizontally; at least one second receiver for receiving radiation, the radiation comprises beams of radiation spaced horizontally and vertically such that the beams of radiation received by the second receiver travel through different predetermined heights from the horizontal plane; at least one processor for receiving data from the first and second receivers, the at least one receiver operating to locate a target passing in the vicinity of the first and second receivers and determine the height of the target based upon the recordation of certain of the beams at a predetermined heights relative to the horizontal plane and the width of a target based upon the horizontal spacing of the beams.

An information system, method, and computer program product is provided for the semi-distributed warning of existing or developing significant events and/or threats to all network bridges in the system, and then to affected users carrying a user warning and positioning device, while reporting the location of all user's carrying the user warning and positioning devices of the system to existing command and control systems. The present invention's future event warning capabilities permit those same users to be warned of impending events in enough time for the users to take positive actions in response to these events and/or address those events. The system of the present invention includes a pager-like user warning and positioning device, worn by or carried by the individual user, or mounted in a vehicle or vessel, having a geographical positioning means therein, which periodically transmits the geographical location of the individual user, vehicle or vessel to local network bridges, and listens for warning/notification event messages transmitted by the local network bridge. When an event/threat warning is received by an affected user warning and positioning device, the pager-like user warning and positioning alerts the user via indicia relative to the event/situation, including audible spoken warnings and instructions on how to react, and may retransmit the event/threat warning to other user warning and positioning devices in the network, provided the threat has not occurred and the event/threat warning has not been previously relayed.

An information system, method, and computer program product is provided for the centralized warning of existing or developing significant events and/or threats to affected users carrying a user warning and positioning device, while reporting the location of all user's carrying the user warning and positioning devices of the system to existing command and control systems. The present invention's future event warning capabilities permit those same affected users to be warned of impending events in enough time for the users to take positive actions in response to these events and/or address those events. The system of the present invention includes a pager-like user warning and positioning device, worn by or carried by the individual user, or mounted in a vehicle or vessel, having a geographical positioning means therein, which periodically transmits the geographical location of the individual user, vehicle or vessel, and listens for warning/notification event messages transmitted by a network bridge or situational awareness workstation and threat warning gateway (central processing means). When an event/threat warning is received by the user warning and positioning device, the pager-like user warning and positioning device alerts the user via indicia relative to the event/situation, including audible spoken warnings and instructions on how to react, and may retransmit the event/threat warning to other user warning and positioning devices in the network, provided the threat has not occurred and the event/threat warning has not been previously relayed.

A system, device, and computer program product is provided for the centralized or distributed warning of existing or developing significant events and/or threats to users of the device within their locale, while reporting the location of all users of the system to existing command and control systems. A pager-like user warning and positioning device, worn by or carried by the individual user, or mounted in a vehicle or vessel, having a geographical positioning means therein, periodically transmits the geographical location of the individual user, vehicle or vessel, and listens for warning/notification event messages transmitted by a network bridge or central station. When an event/threat warning is received by the device, the device alerts the user via indicia relative to the event/situation, including audible spoken warnings and instructions on how to react, and may retransmit the event/threat warning to other nodes in the network.

Various embodiments associated with a commencement sound and a conclusion sound are described. The commencement sound can be a firing sound, such as a sound of a bullet exiting a rifle. The conclusion sound can be an impact sound, such as a sound of the bullet impacting a concrete wall. These sounds can replicate what it sounds like to have an experience around someone without actually subjecting that person to the experience.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods of autonomously self-righting a maneuverable robot. In one embodiment, an autonomous method for self-righting a maneuverable robot to affect recovery from an overturned state to its nominal upright configuration may include: defining a convex hull and center of mass of each link of the robot; determining the convex hull and overall robot center of mass for each joint configuration of the robot; analyzing each convex hull face to determine its stability or instability; grouping continuously stable orientations of the robot and joint configurations together defining nodes and transitions there between; assigning a cost to transitions between nodes; computing an overall cost for each potential set of transition costs resulting in achievement of the goal; and determining a sequence of one or more actions to self-right the robot such that the sequence of actions minimizes the overall cost of self-righting the robot.

A smoke detector includes processing circuitry coupled to a camera. The field of view of the camera contains one or more targets, each having spatial indicia thereon. The processing circuitry collects a sequence of spatial frequency measures, such as contrast indicating parameters. Members of the sequence can be compared to at least one reference spatial frequency measure to establish the presence of smoke between the target and the camera.