Abstract: Techniques are provided for batch processing signal acquisition. A batch processing signal acquisition system implementing the techniques according to an embodiment includes a recording controller configured to store samples of an input signal to a memory. The input signal is received at a first sampling rate. The system also includes a playback controller configured to read samples from the memory for playback of the input signal at a second sampling rate. The system further includes an acquisition processor configured to detect and locate, in time and frequency, a signal of interest in the playback of the input signal. The system further includes a signal processor configured to process the signal of interest in the playback of the input signal based on the detection and location provided by the acquisition processor.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer readable medium for performing a generalized angle-based tracker for a target determines angle-based information from a target signal, and initializes a Stationary Surface Filter (SSF), a Moving Surface Filter (MSF), and a Pseudorange Kalman Filter (PKF) with the angle-based information. Next, the SSF and MSF are scored by the PKF. If the information is associated, then the SSF, MSF, and PKF are updated. It is determined if at least one plausible Constituent Kalman Filter (CKF) exists for the SSF and MSF. If at least one CKF exists for the SSF and no CKF exists for the MSF, then the target is stationary surface; if at least one CKF exists for the MSF and no CKF exists for the SSF, then the target is moving surface; if no CKF exists for both the SSF and the MSF, then the target is moving airborne.

Abstract: An antenna 300 comprising a housing 310 with an internal cavity 315. The cavity 315 holds an adjustable amount of electrically conductive liquid, and a twin-conductor feedline 350 connects the antenna 300 to a receiving and/or transmitting device. The conductive liquid in the cavity 315 of the antenna housing 310 acts as a first element and receives/transmits signals from/to the first feedline conductor, whilst the second feedline conductor is attached to electrical ground 320.

Abstract: An anomaly detection system is disclosed. In an embodiment, the anomaly detection system includes an anomaly detection module and a warning indicator module. The anomaly detection module includes one or more auto-encoders that receive sensor data from a plurality of sensors. Each of the one or more auto-encoders receives sensor data from at least three different sensors of the plurality of sensors. By receiving data output from at least three of the sensors, the auto-encoder can recognize expected inter-related patterns from the sensor output. The warning indicator module compares an output of a given auto-encoder of the plurality of auto-encoders to an input of the given auto-encoder to obtain an error value, and then compares that error value against an error threshold. In response to the error value exceeding the error threshold, the warning indicator module issues a warning signal associated with the sensor data received by the given auto-encoder.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an antenna assembly includes additively manufacturing an element that is a monolithic structure and that includes (i) a ground plane including one or more aperture slots, (ii) a patch antenna above the ground plane, and (iii) a sacrificial support feature to support the patch antenna above the ground plane. The method further includes applying a dielectric material between the ground plane and the patch antenna. In an example, applying the dielectric material between the ground plane and the patch antenna includes providing a dielectric foam between the ground plane and the patch antenna, where the dielectric foam at least in part supports the patch antenna above the ground plane. The method further includes removing at least a section of the sacrificial support feature, such that any remnant of the support feature does not physically couple the ground plane to the patch antenna.

Abstract: A transducer system comprising a housing, an electromechanical transducer within the housing, a wicking material adjacent to a portion of the electromechanical transducer, and a multi-phase coolant solution within the housing. The multi-phase coolant solution transitions from a first phase to a second phase in response to a temperature of the electromechanical transducer exceeding a threshold temperature. In some example cases, the multi-phase coolant solution has a boiling point of less than about 60° C., which effectively defines the threshold temperature. The multi-phase coolant solution may be chosen such that it remains a liquid during a first phase (cooling via conduction), and then evaporates during a second phase (cooling via conduction and convection) as the electromechanical transducer heats up.

Abstract: A structural damper (2) having an acoustic black hole (5), at least one sensor (7), a damper structure (4), an actuator (8) configured to apply an actuating force to the damper structure (4) and a controller (H) configured to control the actuator in dependence on a signal from the at least one sensor so as to provide structural damping of a primary structure (3).

Abstract: A wheel arm (114) for a chassis (140) of a towed howitzer system (100). The wheel arm (114) comprises a chassis coupling feature (116) centred on a wheel arm pivoting axis (160), and a wheel coupling feature (118) centred on a wheel rotation axis (162). The chassis coupling feature (116) is spaced apart from the wheel coupling feature (118). The wheel arm (114) comprises a lever engagement feature (122). The lever engagement feature (122), the wheel coupling feature (118) and the chassis coupling feature (116) are provided in series along the length of the wheel arm (114).

Abstract: Systems for efficiently starting an engine of a hybrid electric vehicle are provided. An example of a system comprises a first processor and a second processor. The second processor is configured to determine when to start an internal combustion engine, cause energy to be supplied from an energy storage device to a generator/motor to cause the generator/motor and crankshaft to rotate to at least a hold speed, transmit a first instruction to a first processor when determining that the internal combination engine should be started. The first processor does not supply fuel to at least one cylinder of the internal combustion engine in response to the first instruction. The second processor is configured to transmit a second instruction to the first processor after a variable period of time has elapse after the generator/motor or crankshaft has reached at least the hold speed.

Abstract: A method of producing a shim for use in an aircraft, the method comprising: providing an aircraft airframe; measuring a surface of the airframe; creating a digital model of the airframe using those measurements; providing an aircraft skin; measuring a surface of the aircraft skin; creating a digital model of the aircraft skin using those measurements; digitally assembling the digital model of the airframe with the digital model of the aircraft skin; using the digitally assembled models, creating a digital model of a shim, the digital model of the shim substantially filling a gap between the digitally assembled digital models of the airframe and the skin; and producing a physical shim using the digital model of the shim.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a chaff dispensing system that is provided on an aircraft. The chaff dispensing system includes a container, a dispensing assembly, a controller, and a volume of chaff material. The container has a first end, a second end, and a chamber that extends between the first and second ends, and the second end defines an ejection port. The dispensing assembly is provided on the aircraft, and the dispensing assembly is operably engaged to the container. The controller is electrically connected to the dispensing assembly. The volume of chaff material is disposed inside the chamber of the container. The volume of chaff material is dispensed by the dispensing assembly operably through the controller in metered volumes of chaff material. In addition, a first volume of chaff material may be metered at a first time and a second volume chaff material may be metered at a second time in which the second volume of chaff material is different than the first volume of chaff material.

Abstract: An encapsulation block for a digital signal processing (DSP) block. The encapsulation block includes DSP block having an input terminal, an output terminal, and an input clock. The encapsulation block also includes pacing control network operatively connected with the input terminal, the output terminal, and the input clock of the DSP block. The input terminal of the DSP block is configured to receive a samples-in data stream inputted at a predefined clock period defined by the input clock. The output terminal of the DSP block is configured to receive a samples-out data stream outputted at a predefined paced parameter. The pacing control network is configured to control data flow at the samples-in data stream and the samples-out data stream independently of the DSP block.

Abstract: Apparatus and method suitable for use with a munition According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a fuze arming system for a munition, comprising: an arming circuit arranged to detect a setback event and, in response to the setback event, generate a signal indicating that an arming event has occurred, wherein the arming circuit comprises a sensor configured to produce a graduated output when the setback event occurs, and fuze arming system is arranged to use that graduated output.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a solar cell array with a reduced magnetic field are provided. The systems include a plurality of solar cells arrayed on a first surface side of a substrate. The solar cells are electrically connected to one another in series by a first conductor structure at least partially disposed on the first surface side of the substrate, forming a solar cell or supply circuit. A second conductor structure in series with the solar cell circuit is at least partially disposed on the second surface side of the substrate, forming a return harness. The supply circuit and the return harness define current paths that are opposite one another, and that are separated from one another by the substrate. The first and second conductor structures can be formed from conductive traces on the first and second sides respectively of the substrate.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring the flex of a pole when exposed to one or more forces, the sensor including at least one magnet and Hall Effect sensor combination, wherein the at least one magnet and Hall effect sensor are at a predetermined position relative to one another when there are no forces acting on the pole and which are movable relative to one another when forces act on the pole, such that a signal proportional to the relative movement is generated by the sensor.

Abstract: In some examples, a non-incendiary tracer projectile structure for housing an electrically powered illumination source comprises a jacket comprising a generally pointed forward end and a generally blunt rearward end defining a rear opening, an internal retaining structure disposed towards the rearward end of the jacket to support a protective window that is transparent to a selected electromagnetic wavelength, wherein a portion of the rearward end of the jacket tapers in a radially inward direction whereby to define a circumferential narrowing of the rear opening so configured as to mechanically protect the internal retaining structure.

Abstract: A given pixel of a pixel array includes various operation modes with each of the operation modes having a different conversion gain for the charge received from the photodetector of the pixel. When the modes are used in conjunction with one another, the dynamic range of the pixel can be increased. A readout circuit coupled to a photodetector within a given pixel includes a transfer gate between the photodetector and a gain mode select block that includes capacitors of different sizes and one or more switches to control which capacitors are to receive the charge from the photodetector. Depending on the state(s) of the one or more switches, different operation modes with different conversion gains can be selected to increase the dynamic range of the pixel. The adaptability of the readout circuit can allow for a high dynamic range even in extreme temperature environments by lowering the dark current.

Abstract: In some examples, a structural framework component for an aerial platform comprises a body defining a cavity to receive a support system, and an arm to receive a payload, wherein the arm comprises a conduit to receive cabling linking a support system and a payload.

Abstract: Structures are disclosed for a binned set of two or more pixels of a pixel array that share a same readout circuit. The binned pixel design provides space-saving benefits on the chip and also improves the overall image quality. According to some embodiments, each of the binned pixels includes a photodetector and its own transfer gate. The readout circuit is coupled to the transfer gates of each of the binned pixels and includes its own second transfer gate that separates the pixels from a gain mode select block. The gain mode select block may include capacitors of different sizes and one or more switches to control which capacitors are to receive the charge from any one of the binned pixels. The readout circuit may also include a potential barrier (such as a diode), which allows for pumping charge onto the one or more capacitors of the gain mode select block.

Abstract: A Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) objective and relay lens system has an F# of 3.33 and angular field of view of 15.28°. It is deployed, with a focal plane and scanning system, on airborne platforms for wide area motion imagery. It is corrected for monochromatic and chromatic aberrations over of 3.3 to 5.1 micrometers. Effective focal length is 20 inches, and the overall length is 40.70 inches. The lens has, from object to image, two groups of optical elements with a cold shield/aperture stop 6 inches from the image plane. Group 1 acts as an objective lens with a positive power and three elements, Group 2 acts as a relay lens has a positive power and four elements. The lens is made of Germanium and Silicon. It used in a scanning system in a pre-objective configuration where the fast scan mirror is located in front of the lens system.