Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and system by which a precise amount of a viscous fluid sealing compound can be dispensed at required locations through computer vision-based observation of the fluid deposited, its rate and amount of deposition and location; and that the dispensed fluid may be accurately shaped through robotic or other special purpose mechanism motion. The invention enables instant quality inspection of the dispensing process in terms of the locations, amounts and shapes of newly created seals.

Abstract: An example of a channelizer includes a plurality of receiver circuits, an individual receiver circuit including a frequency demultiplexer that is configured to demultiplex a plurality of subchannels and a time-division demultiplexer coupled to the frequency demultiplexer, the time-division demultiplexer configured to time-division demultiplex the plurality of subchannels to provide a plurality of time-division outputs, an individual time-division output including portions of data from each of the plurality of subchannels; and a plurality of switch circuits, each configured to receive a different time-division output of the plurality of time-division outputs from the individual receiver.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a robotic printing system for printing images on the surface of an object. One exemplary system includes a printing module carried by a motion platform to directly eject printing materials on a surface. One aspect of this disclosure provides methods for accurately controlling the motion of the motion platform, generating accurate triggering signals for printing heads, and properly aligning adjacent swaths of an image.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a driving assistance method and system for a mobile vehicle to avoid hazards in its environment. This system can detect hazards in a vehicle's surroundings and unobtrusively adjust its driving module's driving commands when necessary to avoid hazards. The system is configured to allow it to provide interference-free assistance to the operator of a human-operated vehicle or the motion controller of an autonomous vehicle to avoid hazards.

Abstract: A single-piece corrugated component, such as a feed horn, of an antenna includes a main body having a generally hollowed truncated pyramidal or conical shape which defines a body axis. The body extends from a base to an aperture, and includes a plurality of corrugations centered about the body axis, respectively. Each corrugation has a frustopyramidal ridge extending inwardly and locally perpendicularly from an inner surface of the main body at a ridge angle relative to the body axis varying between 10-60 degrees in a direction either toward the first end or the second end. A plurality of the frustopyramidal ridges have a respective inward virtual extension thereof crossing the body axis before intersecting the main body. A method of manufacturing the corrugated component includes the step of printing the component using an additive manufacturing technology.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a low mass system for releasably securing a robotic arm to a spacecraft and also securing various payloads to the robotic arm and to each other, permitting the robotic arm to be both moved from one location to another suitably equipped location on a spacecraft to another and to allow the free end of the robotic arm to be secured to any payload also similarly equipped such that this payload may be manipulated by the robotic arm.

Abstract: A system of architecture, apparatus and calibration method is invented for high-power flexible-polarization payload for satellite communications. The system comprises onboard phase-tracked apparatus, flexible polarization mechanism, and in-orbit calibration method. The power combining and polarization performance of the phase-tracked payload is monitored on ground by measuring the cross-polarization discrimination (XPD) and/or axial ratio (AR). The high performance over the life is achieved by optimization of the XPD or AR on ground and adjusting complex gain of the transponders. The high-power flexible-polarization in-orbit-calibration payload may be applied but not limited to UHF, L, S, C, X, Ku and Ka-band high power satellite systems.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a robotic printing system for printing images on the surface of an object. One exemplary system includes a printing module carried by a motion platform to directly eject printing materials on a surface. One aspect of this disclosure provides methods for accurately controlling the motion of the motion platform, generating accurate triggering signals for printing heads, and properly aligning adjacent swaths of an image.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a mechanism for releasably securing components of a spacecraft together during launch until such time as the mechanism is commanded to release those components. Upon command, the components are then released with extremely low shock forces being transmitted to the previously secured components due to the release.

Abstract: Increasing demand for communications systems for facilitating communications such as communications satellites leads to continuously increasing frequency bands of the signal for communication and the quantity of beams carrying the signals may make it more and more difficult to have a significant number of mechanical and electrical components concentrated in a location in proximity to the array while maintaining antenna efficiency. Provided is a direct radiating array (“DRA”) antenna for transmitting or receiving an electromagnetic radio frequency (“RF”) signal of at least one predetermined signal frequency band and a method of assembly that overcomes at least some of the disadvantages of existing direct radiating array systems and methods. The DRA antenna comprising a plurality of radiating elements, a plurality of RF signal chain paths and a beamforming network board having a plurality of electrical ports for electrically connecting to the plurality of RF signal chain paths.

Abstract: An example of a channelizer includes a plurality of receiver circuits, an individual receiver circuit including a frequency demultiplexer that is configured to demultiplex a plurality of subchannels and a time-division demultiplexer coupled to the frequency demultiplexer, the time-division demultiplexer configured to time-division demultiplex the plurality of subchannels to provide a plurality of time-division outputs, an individual time-division output including portions of data from each of the plurality of subchannels; and a plurality of switch circuits, each configured to receive a different time-division output of the plurality of time-division outputs from the individual receiver.

Abstract: An automated positioning system and methods of controlling the same. The positioning system includes a multi-joint positioning arm, an end effector coupled to a distal end of the positioning arm, a force-moment sensor (FMS) coupled to the end effector and a controller coupled to communicate with the positioning arm and the FMS. Using signals from the FMS, at least one external force or torque applied to the end effector is determined. A drive velocity for moving the end effector is determined, based on the at least one external force or torque. One or more joint movements of the positioning arm for moving the end effector is calculated, according to the drive velocity. The positioning arm is moved according to the one or more calculated joint movements.