Abstract: An apparatus for orbital change of a satellite incorporates a capture mechanism for space debris and a tether connecting the capture mechanism to a satellite. The tether is extendable to position the capture mechanism relative to the space debris. A controller is employed for timed release of the space debris by the capture mechanism for orbital change by the satellite.

Abstract: A system for checking security of video surveillance of an area by a plurality of video units includes: (a) a respective signaling unit coupled with each of a respective signaling-equipped video unit among the plurality of video units; and (b) a control unit coupled with each respective video unit of the plurality of video units; the control unit providing an encoding arrangement for use by each respective signaling unit for emitting a predetermined signal. Each respective signaling-equipped video unit is oriented to permit at least one other video unit of the plurality of video units to receive the predetermined signal. The control unit cooperates with the plurality of video units to evaluate received the predetermined signals to effect the checking.

Abstract: A method, computer apparatus and computer program product are provided for autonomously transporting an asset along a track to a destination in a manner that is safe, reliable and quick. In regards to the method, instructions are received relating to the shipment of the asset to the destination. Based upon the instructions, a track-based route along which the asset is to be transported to the destination is then automatically determined. In order to automatically determine the track-based route, the integrity of the track and/or the track bed may be determined. When determined necessary in order to transport the asset to the destination, the track may be automatically reconfigured, such as by closing or opening appropriate switches. Further, the movement of the asset may be controlled in an autonomous manner along the track while continuing to monitor at least that portion of the track between the asset and the destination.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a housing having an opening, a connector unit, a moveable door, and a biasing system. The connector unit is located inside the housing. The connector unit is capable of providing an electrical connection to a complementary connector unit. The moveable door is capable of being moved into an open position and a closed position, wherein the closed position covers the opening. The biasing system is capable of aligning the connector unit with the complementary connector unit and causing the connector unit to engage the complimentary connector unit.

Abstract: A method, computer apparatus and computer program product are provided for autonomously transporting an asset along a track to a destination in a manner that is safe, reliable and quick. In regards to the method, instructions are received relating to the shipment of the asset to the destination. Based upon the instructions, a track-based route along which the asset is to be transported to the destination is then automatically determined. In order to automatically determine the track-based route, the integrity of the track and/or the track bed may be determined. When determined necessary in order to transport the asset to the destination, the track may be automatically reconfigured, such as by closing or opening appropriate switches. Further, the movement of the asset may be controlled in an autonomous manner along the track while continuing to monitor at least that portion of the track between the asset and the destination.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an automated system for mating a launch device to a launch platform may include a launch platform having a first electrical connector, and a interface member attached to the launch device. The interface member may include a second electrical connector configured to automatically couple to the first electrical connector of the launch platform.

Abstract: A launch device may be prepared for launch. The launch device may be assembled in a horizontal position on a mobile device. A lifting device attached to the mobile device may be coupled to the launch device. The launch device may be moved to a launch site using the mobile device. The launch device may be moved to a vertical position at the launch site using the lifting device. The launch device may be launched.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an automated system for mating a launch device to a launch platform may include a launch platform having a first electrical connector, and a interface member attached to the launch device. The interface member may include a second electrical connector configured to automatically couple to the first electrical connector of the launch platform.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a more robust flat panel display by using the Faraday effect to control light emission from a solid state material so as to form two-dimensional or three-dimensional images. Flux tubes can be configured to define a two dimensional array. Each flux tube is somewhat analogous to a single bubble of a magnetic bubble memory and can define a pixel. At least some aspect of light transmitted through a flux tube can be varied thereby, so as to facilitate the formation of an image.

Abstract: A half-bridge assembly is provided, such as for use in a drive assembly of a controller for controlling a motor. The half-bridge assembly includes a first arrangement, and a first diode electrically connected in parallel with the first arrangement. The half-bridge assembly also includes a second arrangement electrically connected in series with the first arrangement, as well as a second diode electrically connected in parallel with the second arrangement. Each arrangement includes a base switching element, such as a metal-oxide semiconductor field—effect transistor (MOSFET), electrically connected in series with a supplemental switching element (e.g., MOSFET).

Abstract: Embodiments include controllable voltage device drivers adapted to generate driver output voltages. A device driver includes a direct current (DC) voltage source adapted to receive a voltage level command that indicates a commanded voltage, and to generate a DC transformer input voltage having a voltage level corresponding to the commanded voltage. The device driver also includes a step-up transformer adapted to receive the DC transformer input voltage and to convert the DC transformer input voltage into an alternating current (AC) transformer output voltage. The device driver also includes at least one processing element, adapted to receive one or more control inputs, and to generate an alternating current through a primary transformer winding based on the one or more control inputs. Other embodiments include methods for a controllable voltage device driver to generate a driver output voltage, and optical systems having an electro-optical device and an electro-optical device driver subsystem.

Abstract: An integrated propulsion and guidance system for an aircraft or other vehicle includes an engine coupled to a propeller via a driveshaft to produce propulsive force. One or more of the propeller blades are pivotably mounted with respect to the hub of the propeller. A control signal is provided to adjust the blade pitch of the pivotable blades as the blades rotate about the hub. The change in blade pitch as the blade rotates produces a torque imbalance that can be used to control the heading of the vehicle. By varying the magnitude and phase of the control signal provided to the propeller, the torque can be applied in a multitude of distinct reference planes, thereby allowing the orientation of the vehicle to be adjusted through action of the pivotable propeller blade(s).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for frequency scaling the PWM signal output of a controller/driver for an electrical device such as a BLDC motor. The apparatus comprises a number of multiple half-bridge assemblies, with each multiple half-bridge assembly connected to a respective phase winding of the motor. Each individual half-bridge assembly is operated within the frequency limit of its internal switching elements, but the composite output frequency of each multiple half-bridge assembly can be the product of the switching element frequency and the number of individual half-bridge assemblies in the multiple half-bridge assembly. High-speed torque loop control is implemented by synchronizing multiple DSP's with overlapping interrupts, so that the output pulse width of the PWM signal can be adjusted on a pulse-to-pulse basis. Moreover, the frequency scaling and pulse-to-pulse control processes can be achieved with standard off-the-shelf devices.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling an optical imaging system capable of providing an image of a target. The system includes a reflector, an optical amplifier and a tracking device. The reflector is capable of reflecting light representative of the image provided by the optical imaging system. In addition, the reflector is capable of being adjusted in at least one direction based upon movement of the image provided by the optical imaging system. The optical amplifier is capable of amplifying an intensity of the light reflected by the reflector with a variable gain based upon the intensity of the reflected light. And the tracking device is capable of receiving the light from the optical amplifier. As such, the reflector can be driven to a position in at least one direction based upon an image of the target represented by the light received by the tracking device.

Abstract: Active acoustic damping is provided with a motor or similar propulsive element such as a multi-phase brushless direct current (DC) motor. To produce the appropriate canceling effect with the motor, the relationship between the operating mode of the motor and the noise produced is observed. This data can be used to identify a relevant transfer function that can be applied to produce a control signal for the motor. For a multi-phase motor, the current control signals provided to at least one phase may be made asymmetric with respect to the other phases to produce actuating forces upon the motor. This actuating force can be used to modify acoustic signals produced by the motor. The active acoustic damping techniques may be applied in any vehicles or devices, including unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), in either an open loop or closed loop manner.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for driving a power amplifier load, such as a loudspeaker. The apparatus comprises a processor-controlled drive assembly configured as an H-bridge system. Groupings of half-bridge assemblies are connected to the load in an H-bridge structure, and are operated in pulse-width-modulation mode by the processor. The half-bridge assembly groupings receive time sliced commands from the processor in order to output a composite output signal to the load at a frequency higher than the operating frequency of a single half-bridge assembly. In general, the composite output frequency is the product of the individual half-bridge assembly operating frequency and the number of half-bridge assemblies in a grouping. As such, high frequency and high power output levels can be achieved using standard low-cost components.

Abstract: An integrated propulsion and guidance system for a vehicle includes an engine coupled to an impeller via a driveshaft to produce propulsive force. The impeller includes a hub and a plurality of blades, including at least one control blade pivotably mounted to the hub. A control system provides a control signal to a magnetic actuator to adjust the blade pitch of the control blades as the blades rotate about the hub. The change in blade pitch produces a torque on the driveshaft that can be used to control the heading of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling an optical imaging system capable of providing an image of a target. The system includes a focal plane array and a tracker controller. The focal plane array can receive light from the optical imaging system. At least a portion of the focal plane array can then be capable of integrating light for a selectable integration time, and thereafter reading out data representative of the integrated light for a readout time. At least a portion of the focal plane array is capable of integrating light and reading out data such that the integration time is capable of increasing at a rate higher than a rate of decrease in a frame rate of the focal plane array. The tracker controller, in turn, can control the integration time of the focal plane array based upon an intensity of light received by the focal plane array.

Abstract: An integrated propulsion and guidance system for a vehicle includes an engine coupled to an impeller via a driveshaft to produce propulsive force. The impeller includes a hub and a plurality of blades, wherein one or more of the blades is pivotably mounted to the hub. A control system provides a control signal to the impeller to adjust the blade pitch of the pivotable impeller blades as the blades rotate about the hub. The change in blade pitch produces a torque on the driveshaft that can be used to control the heading of the vehicle. By varying the magnitude and phase of the control signal provided to the impeller, the torque can be applied in a multitude of distinct reference planes, thereby allowing the orientation of the vehicle to be adjusted through action of the impeller.

Abstract: A fuel level sensor system is provided that passively protects fuel sensors and fuel tanks from receiving voltages from fuel level sensing electronics that exceed safety threshold values. The fuel level sensor system includes a safety barrier device that is located outside of a fuel tank. The safety barrier device includes a housing and a transformer located within the housing. The transformer is electrically coupled between fuel level sensing electronics and a fuel level sensor within the fuel tank. The transformer protects the fuel tank from voltages that exceed a predefined threshold value.