Abstract: A system and method for mitigating Analog to Digital (A/D) clipping is disclosed. The mean and variance of analog input data are tracked and the bits of A/D are dynamically reassigned to keep the input signal within their range. The quantization levels of A/D are dynamically re-mapped to avoid changes in sensitivity of sensor system. The method is based on random walk statistic and keeps the sensitivity of the sensor system constant. Also the system and method provides a way to mitigate A/D clipping that avoids changing the sensitivity by dynamically re-mapping the quantization levels of the A/D, keeping the sensitivity of the system constant.

Abstract: A method of detecting gross weight overload of a vehicle comprising the steps of positioning one or more ultrasonic sensors on the vehicle so that said sensors measure the distance to a ground surface, using the sensors to measure height above the ground surface of the vehicle in a non-overloaded condition, adding known weights to the vehicle until maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) is attained, ascertaining height above the ground surface at this gross vehicle weight (GVW), and continuously measuring height of the ground surface and collecting height above the ground surface data to establish when an overload condition occurs.

Abstract: An adaptive time delay control system is provided for matching the propagation time delay between two samples of a signal traveling through two independent paths so that they can be coherently combined for additional signal processing functions such as cosite interference cancellers, adaptive interference cancellers and adaptive beam formers. The adaptive time delay control system and associated method advantageously provide improved continuous matching of the two channels over a wider adjustment range while preserving both convergence speed over the full range and minimum jitter upon convergence by using composite autocorrelation functions to control (adjusting) a matching time delay in one channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide adaptability in a mobile ad hoc network (MANET), based on an existing protocol, such as adaptive hybrid domain routing (AHDR). The systems and methods are especially suited for fast changing topologies that may change after a reactive route discovery has been completed.

Abstract: A fiber-optic connector for connecting an optical fiber to other optical assemblies is disclosed. The fiber-optic connector includes a top plate having a window of similar refractive index and transmission index as the material of an optic fiber to be contained within the fiber-optic connector. The fiber-optic connector also includes a ferrule connected to the top plate via multiple spring-loaded screws. The ferrule includes an interface and an insert. The insert is capable of firmly gripping an optical fiber. In order to reduce Fresnel reflection losses of the fiber-optic connector, the window is pre-coated with an anti-reflective surface on the side opposite an optic fiber to be contained within the fiber-optic connector.

Abstract: A method of fabricating structural elements on the surface of a component is provided. The structural elements are configured to modify flow of a fluid passing over the surface. Conveniently, the fabrication is performed using a Direct Write technique. A three dimensional element is formed by depositing material on the surface, and subsequently curing the deposited material.

Abstract: A system is provided for the force decay triggered release of a device, the system comprising: a base; a plurality of retention rods extending from the base; a rotationally movable actuator, to which a linear force is configured to be applied, converting the linear force to a rotational force; a plurality of retention pins, the retention pins being coupled to the actuator, and each the pin being removably disposed within a retention rod of the plurality of retention rods, such that a rotation of the actuator withdraw each the pin from respective the rod; a force triggered detent, the detent allowing the rotation of the actuator when the rotational force exceeds a threshold level.

Abstract: A system and method for selecting an optimal frequency channel to communicate on in a wireless network is disclosed. The optimal frequency is selected from a predefined set of frequencies for all nodes to communicate on based on an exposure calculation. All underlay nodes collect initial SNR information from initial detection of other nodes and adjust their transmit power for an intended receiver such that the signal is received at the lowest allowable underlay-to-overlay power ratio, thus minimizing exposure. The desired underlay-to-overlay ratio is set based on how much we are capable of cancelling the overlay signal and the SINR at which a signal can be recovered such that the data can be successfully received from the underlay node. The optimal channel selected by this algorithm is the one with the least area of undesired exposure, or least probability of interfering with the primary user. The performance increases as a function of number of nodes, or data points.

Abstract: An adaptive time delay control system is provided for matching the propagation time delay between two samples of a signal traveling through two independent paths so that they can be coherently combined for additional signal processing functions such as cosite interference cancellers, adaptive interference cancellers and adaptive beam formers. The adaptive time delay control system and associated method advantageously provide improved continuous matching of the two channels over a wider adjustment range while preserving both convergence speed over the full range and minimum jitter upon convergence by using composite autocorrelation functions to control (adjusting) a matching time delay in one channel.

Abstract: A communications network router is described for secure routing of calls between domains of different classification levels. The network router includes a first communications port arranged to receive a first communications channel of a first domain, a second communications port arranged to receive a second communications channel of a second domain, a switch apparatus arranged selectively to connect the first port to the second port to establish a communications link between the first and second domains. The first domain has a different level of classification to the second domain.

Abstract: An apparatus for optical spectrometry utilizes a simplified construction, reducing the number of independent optical elements needed while providing a sizeable dispersed spectrum. The apparatus provides a spectral intensity distribution of an input source wherein individual spectral components in the source can be measured and, in some embodiments, can be manipulated or filtered.

Abstract: A thermal imager comprises a thermal video detector for detecting thermal video images and generating a video signal representing those thermal video images. Often, imaging optics are used for imaging light onto the thermal video detector. A display mode selector is also provided for enabling a selection between different video display modes. A video controller then scales the video signal in response to the display mode of the selector for display on a visible video display, which receives the scaled video signal from the video controller and displays the thermal video images. In the typical application, the display mode selector is operated by a user to select between a hand-held mode or mode in which the imager is used with a non-magnifying gun weapon sight, on one hand, and a mode for use with a magnifying telescopic sight of a weapon, on the other. In these latter applications, possibly only a portion of output of the video display is imaged through the telescopic sight of the weapon.

Abstract: An apparatus and method improves the fault tolerance of a rocket or missile guidance system which includes a resonant sensor. When improper initialization is detected, the resonant sensor is reinitialized, repeatedly if necessary, until normal operation is achieved. Improper initialization is detected by comparing data from the guidance system with pre-specified physical limits to roll, pitch, yaw, and/or other features of the flight scenario. Embodiments can also detect a fault condition due to an error signal from a “Built-in-Test” (BIT) module. The initialization sequence initiated by the invention can be identical to the power-on sequence, or it can be a separate, reinitiating sequence. Subsequent resets are initiated as needed, for example until the burn of the rocket fuel and the associated vibrations have ceased and the resonant sensor has been successfully initialized.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods and apparatus for infrared imagers including fast electrostatic shutters and offset compensation. Fast electrostatic shutters are used for video image correction including image offset compensation where temporal noise and scene nonuniformity are corrected. This method provides a shutterless experience for the user because the image will be blocked for only one frame at a time. A method of manufacturing an electrostatic infrared shutter includes a conductive infrared-transparent substrate, covering it with an insulating layer, depositing adhesive and a thin film stack, delineating a working area, providing contacts, heat-treating the assembly, and making the polymer non-reflective in the infrared.

Abstract: Imaging systems, methods, sensor pods, and vehicles having imaging systems. An imaging system can be coupled to a vehicle and can comprise: a plurality of imaging sensors with multiple spectrums; and a processing unit configured to generate an image model in substantially real-time by: warping, fusing, and stitching images; and two or more displays coupled to the processing unit such that the two or more displays can simultaneously each show a different portion of the image model, and such that a user can manually calibrate via the processing unit at least one of the warping, fusing, or stitching. In some imaging systems, imaging sensors are coupled at different elevations relative to a ground vehicle. The present sensor pods can comprise a housing; two or more first imaging sensors having a first spectrum; and two or more second imaging sensors having a second spectrum that is different than the first spectrum.

Abstract: A seat for a vehicle is disclosed with a support for attachment to an aspect of a vehicle and a platform block which may be securely attached to the support. A seat element for accommodating an occupant is provided together with a suspension system connecting the seat element to the platform block. The suspension system includes a resilient member having an equilibrium condition to which the resilient member is biased to return if it extends beyond, retracts below or otherwise varies away from the equilibrium condition.

Abstract: The replacement and elimination of duplexers in a tightly coupled dipole phased array starts with transmit and receive functions physically separated and having different antenna port feeds. The simple coupling network used with tightly coupled dipole arrays is replaced by a state switch which alternates between a coupling state and a dipole feed connection state. The basic method can be applied to antenna apertures of various kinds, including both linear and dual polarized versions. The ability to locate state switches at various nodes in tightly coupled dipole phased arrays permits flexibility in antenna design and eliminates bulky and lossy components, simplifies the design requirements and allows independent optimization of the components.

Abstract: An armored cab having at least an upper wall, two side walls, a front wall, a back wall, and a bottom wall. The armored cab and its respective walls include a longitudinal axis extending from the back wall to the front wall. The bottom wall includes at least one concave surface. The at least one concave surface faces downwardly and away from the armored cab, and is disposed in a direction substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the armored cab.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a distribution of a population (4) distributed over a region of interest (2), the region (2) being divided into cells, the method comprising: measuring, at two different points in time, values of a measure of population intensity in each cell; for a cell, determining a vector of values, each value in the vector being a function of the intensity values measured in that cell and the population intensity values measured in a different cell; determining a matrix using the determined vector(s) and the population intensity values measured at one of the different points in time; and predicting, using the matrix and the value of the population intensity measured in a cell at either of the different points in time, a value for the measure of population intensity in that cell for a point in time different to the two different points in time.

Abstract: Techniques and architecture are disclosed for providing an ultra-wideband, multi-channel solid-state power amplifier architecture. In some embodiments, the architecture includes a power divider which splits an input signal and delivers that split signal to a plurality of downstream channel chipsets. Each channel chipset is configured to amplify a sub-band of the original full-band input signal and to provide the resultant amplified sub-band for downstream use, such as for transmission by an antenna operatively coupled with that channel. In the aggregate, the amplified sub-bands provide coverage of the same ultra-wideband frequency range of the original input signal, in some cases. In some embodiments, the architecture provides high radio frequency (RF) power with good amplifying efficiency and ultra-wide instantaneous frequency bandwidth performance in a small-form-factor package.