Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Cascade Back-Propagation Learning in Neural Networks

The cascade back-propagation (CBP) algorithm is the basis of a conceptual design for accelerating learning in artificial neural networks. The neural networks would be implemented as analog...

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Using PXI-Based Arbitrary Waveform Generators for Non-Standard Raster/Stroke (Vector) Video

A number of display systems primarily used in specialized areas such as aviation, space (NASA), and military/defense employ non-standard video signal...

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Bio-Inspired Engineering of Exploration Systems

The multidisciplinary concept of " b ioinspired e ngineering of e xploration s ystems" (BEES) is described, which is a guiding principle of the continuing effort to develop biomorphic...

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Electrophoretic Deposition for Fabricating Microbatteries

An improved method of fabrication of cathodes of microbatteries is based on electrophoretic deposition. Heretofore, sputtering (for deposition) and the use of photoresist and liftoff...

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Microscope Cells Containing Multiple Micromachined Wells

An improved design for multiple-well microscope cells and an associated improved method of fabricating them have been devised. [As used here, "well" denotes a cavity that has...

Briefs: Information Technology

Using Fractional Clock-Period Delays in Telemetry Arraying

A set of special digital all-pass finite- impulse- response (FIR) filters produces phase shifts equivalent to delays that equal fractions of the sampling or clock period of a...

Briefs: Materials

Perovskite Superlattices as Tunable Microwave Devices

Experiments have shown that superlattices that comprise alternating epitaxial layers of dissimilar paraelectric perovskites can exhibit large changes in permittivity with the application...

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Piezoelectrically Actuated Shutter for High Vacuum

A piezoelectrically actuated shutter is undergoing development for use in experiments on laser cooling of atoms. The shutter is required to be compatible with ultrahigh vacuum [pressure of...

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Flight Tests of a Ministick Controller in an F/A-18 Airplane

In March of 1999, five pilots performed flight tests to evaluate the handling qualities of an F/A-18 research airplane equipped with a small-displacement center stick (ministick)...

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Mirrors Containing Biomimetic Shape-Control Actuators

Curved mirrors of a proposed type would comprise lightweight sheets or films containing integral, biologically inspired actuators for controlling their surface figures. These mirrors...

Briefs: Physical Sciences

Integrated Arrays of Ion-Sensitive Electrodes

The figure depicts an example of proposed compact water-quality sensors that would contain integrated arrays of ion-sensitive electrodes (ISEs). These sensors would serve as electronic...

Briefs: Physical Sciences

Model of Fluidized Bed Containing Reacting Solids and Gases

A mathematical model has been developed for describing the thermofluid dynamics of a dense, chemically reacting mixture of solid particles and gases. As used here, "dense"...

Briefs: Physical Sciences

Using Diffusion Bonding in Making Piezoelectric Actuators

A technique for the fabrication of piezoelectric actuators that generate acceptably large forces and deflections at relatively low applied voltages involves the stacking and diffusion...

Briefs: Software

Exchanging 3D Data Between Mechanical CAD (MCAD) Systems

Manufacturing companies must bring high-quality products to market faster than ever before. This tightened timeframe significantly impacts the manufacturing supply chain — a familiar...

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Membrane Mirrors With Bimorph Shape Actuators

Deformable mirrors of a proposed type would be equipped with relatively-large-stroke microscopic piezoelectric actuators that would be used to maintain their reflective surfaces in precise...

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Rollable Thin-Shell Nanolaminate Mirrors

A class of lightweight, deployable, thin-shell, curved mirrors with built-in precise-shape-control actuators is being developed for high-resolution scientific imaging. This technology incorporates a...

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Surface-Micromachined Planar Arrays of Thermopiles

Planar two-dimensional arrays of thermopiles intended for use as thermal-imaging detectors are to be fabricated by a process that includes surface micromachining. These thermopile arrays...

Features: Photonics/Optics

Advanced Near-Infrared Cameras

Many imaging applications in the near-infrared (NIR) region of the spectrum require sensors that see beyond the traditional charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor’s spectral range. A standard uncoated CCD...

Briefs: Motion Control

Touchdown Ball-Bearing System for Magnetic Bearings

The torque-limited touchdown bearing system (TLTBS) is a backup mechanical- bearing system for a high-speed rotary machine in which the rotor shaft is supported by magnetic bearings in...

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Flux-Based Deadbeat Control of Induction-Motor Torque

An improved method and prior methods of deadbeat direct torque control involve the use of pulse-width modulation (PWM) of applied voltages. The prior methods are based on the use of...

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Block QCA Fault-Tolerant Logic Gates

Suitably patterned arrays (blocks) of quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) have been proposed as fault-tolerant universal logic gates. These block QCA gates could be used to realize the potential of QCA...

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Hybrid VLSI/QCA Architecture for Computing FFTs

A data-processor architecture that would incorporate elements of both conventional very-large-scale integrated (VLSI) circuitry and quantum- dot cellular automata (QCA) has been proposed to...

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Block Copolymers as Templates for Arrays of Carbon Nanotubes

A method of manufacturing regular arrays of precisely sized, shaped, positioned, and oriented carbon nanotubes has been proposed. Arrays of carbon nanotubes could prove useful in...

Briefs: Information Technology

Collaborative Software Development Approach Used To Deliver the New Shuttle Telemetry Ground Station

United Space Alliance (USA) developed and used a new software development method to meet technical, schedule, and budget challenges faced...