Abstract: Communications in a mobile network are scheduled by defining reservation frames having time slots during which network nodes can transmit certain traffic loads while avoiding interference. The nodes maintain maps that identify the slots as either free or reserved based on each node's existing reservations, and reservation information the node receives from neighboring nodes. A node wishing to transmit traffic determines the number of slots required to carry the traffic, selects a first set of slots from among those identified in its maps as free, and transmits a reservation initiation message (RIM) that identifies the first set of slots. Nodes receiving the RIM determine which, if any, of the first set of slots are already reserved based on their own maps, and transmit counter reservation initiation messages (CRIMs) if any slots are reserved. The CRIMs also identify those slots that the CRIM transmitting nodes determine to be currently free.

Abstract: Methods, antennas and other embodiments associated with impedance matching an antenna feed slot are based on a fractal shape. A slot antenna includes a planar metal sheet. A feed slot opening is formed in the metal sheet. The feed slot has a first end and a second end. A tapered opening is formed in the metal sheet. Adjacent sides of the tapered opening touch the first end of the feed slot. An impedance matching fractal shaped opening is formed in the metal. The impedance matching fractal shaped opening touches the second end of the feed slot.

Abstract: Fuzzy logic is utilized to control an RF amplifier and associated tuner for continuous self-optimization and automatic load matching to at least double the battery life of a battery-powered transmitter.

Abstract: Statistics are collected for each network user, including signal bandwidth (BW), required receive power (RRP) for decoding a user signal, and available transmit margin (ATM). Users are ordered by BW from greatest to smallest. Users with a greatest BW are then ordered by ATM from lowest to highest, and divided into lower half users having lower ATMs, and upper half users having higher ATMs. A two-tier channel plan is defined, and lower half users are assigned to channels in a lower tier. An upper half user is assigned a channel in an upper tier after placing a lower half user in the same channel in the lower tier, if the upper half user's ATM is >(U User RRP+L User RRP). Otherwise, the user is assigned a different channel in the lower tier. The dividing and subsequent steps repeat for any remaining sets of users requiring successively smaller signal bandwidths.

Abstract: In an integrated gimbal and High-Powered Multiband Laser (HPMBL) for use in an infrared countermeasure apparatus in a pod mounted on an aircraft, the improvement comprises an optical bench that connects the optical path between side-by-side mounted gimbal and high power laser; and a kinematic mounting system that prevents optical bench bending.

Abstract: A system for firing multiple projectiles in a parallel or diverging manner is provided. The system can comprise tail-end portions of projectiles that add structure to a cartridge, provide for efficient combustion, allow projectiles to transition from a straight configuration in the cartridge to a splayed configuration in a chamber, and ensure complete evacuation of the chamber. The system can include a tail-end portion of a particular projectile with openings that distribute energy from combustion of an ignition charge, facilitating firing of multiple projectiles. A tail-end portion of a projectile can include a ball joint upon which the body portion of the projectile moves causing an angle between the body portion and the tail-end portion. A space can exist in the body portion adjacent to the ball joint to allow off-center shifting of the body portion with respect to the ball joint.

Abstract: Methods, antennas and other embodiments associated with impedance matching an antenna feed slot. A slot antenna includes a planar metal sheet. A feed slot opening is formed in the metal sheet. The feed slot has a first end and a second end. A tapered opening is formed in the metal sheet. Adjacent sides of the tapered opening touch the first end of the feed slot. An impedance matching star shaped opening is formed in the metal. The impedance matching star shaped opening touches the second end of the feed slot.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting, tracking and identifying a gas plume. The system comprises a processor and a detector in communication with the processor. The detector is effective to detect spectral radiance from a region of interest to detect first and second detected spectral radiance data with a known time difference. A database is in communication with the processor, the database includes a library. The processor is effective to create at least a first image and a second image from the first and second detected spectral radiance data and co-register the first and second images to produce a first co-registered image and a second co-registered image. The processor is further effective to subtract the first co-registered image from the second co-registered image to produce a difference image and generate a cluster region around a difference region in the difference image.

Abstract: An architecture for designing complex systems includes combining functional decomposition and object-oriented techniques at each level along with specifying links between the levels as well as links between the objects at a level to promote understanding of the system under development and assist both the system design engineers and the hardware and software engineers to develop the system.

Abstract: A method for detonating a munition comprising the steps of providing a plurality of micro-detonators and microprocessors in said munition and initiating said micro-detonators in a predetermined sequence by means of said microprocessor. Depending on the specific predetermined sequence which is selected, one of a variety of explosive modes may be achieved.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing energetic proton flux trapped in the inner radiation belt by injecting Ultra Low Frequency (ULF) electromagnetic waves is disclosed. The ULF electromagnetic waves is generated by space or ground based transmitters and the frequency range is selected such that the injected waves are in gyrofrequency resonance with trapped 10 to 100 Mev protons. Pitch angle scattering of the trapped protons in gyro-resonance with the injected waves increases their precipitation rate by forcing their orbits into pitch angles inside the atmospheric loss-cone where they are lost by intaracting with the dense neutral atmosphere at altitudes below 100 km. The reduction of energetic proton flux trapped in the inner radiation belt allows use of commercial electronics with submicron feature size on Low Earth Orbit satellites and microsatellites without the operational constraints imposed by the presence of energetic proton fluxes trapped at the inner radiation belts.

Abstract: A method for fusion of image block adjustments for the generation of a ground control network constituting a Metric Information Network (MIN). Utilizing the subject. fusion algorithm it is possible to duplicate the results of an extremely large simultaneous image block adjustment by sequentially performing smaller image block adjustments on small overlapping areas of interest and taking the results to update a metric information network. Note, intermediate results for less than all the imagery provide usable updates to the metric information network. The result of the infusion of sequential image block adjustments into the metric information network is that one can obtain the accuracy provided by an extremely large single image block adjustment, and do so in manageable chunks or segments involving conventional computer resources.

Abstract: RFID tag designs and sensors are disclosed that include a dispersive antenna and exhibit greater detection ranges relative to conventional designs. The designs include, for example a transponder having including a rectifier, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) circuit for receiving and responding to interrogation signals, and a frequency dispersion element for receiving a multi-phase input signal and creating a pulse therefrom for input to the rectifier. Frequency-dispersive elements (e.g., antennas) and compatible interrogation waveforms can be used so that the rectifying diodes receive high peak voltage levels relative to the average voltage levels.

Abstract: A system and method for launching countermeasures, such as flares and chaff, from an aircraft under attack by a missile. A plurality of countermeasure launchers are mounted preferably on the two sides and tail and nose of the aircraft and communicate with a missile detection and warning system mounted in the aircraft. Based upon the circumstances reported by the warning system, the appropriate countermeasure weapon or weapons are selected and dispensed. The circumstances reported are based upon the angle of elevation and azimuth angle of the approaching missile in relation to the aircraft and distance of the missile from the aircraft. Also, the speed and altitude of the aircraft are utilized in determining the countermeasures applied. The various responses are distinguished by the number and types of countermeasures dispensed, the dispense time of the countermeasures and the particular launcher or launchers used, based upon the type of aircraft being protected.

Abstract: A system for firing multiple projectiles in a parallel or diverging manner is provided. The system can comprise tail-end portions of projectiles that add structure to a cartridge, provide for efficient combustion, allow projectiles to transition from a straight configuration in the cartridge to a splayed configuration in a chamber, and ensure complete evacuation of the chamber. The system can include a tail-end portion of a particular projectile with openings that distribute energy from combustion of an ignition charge, facilitating firing of multiple projectiles. A tail-end portion of a projectile can include a ball joint upon which the body portion of the projectile moves causing an angle between the body portion and the tail-end portion. A space can exist in the body portion adjacent to the ball joint to allow off-center shifting of the body portion with respect to the ball joint.

Abstract: A method for predicting aerodynamic impact for small appendages on aircraft, wherein the improvement comprises using an adaptable computational fluid dynamic model of airflow adjacent the appendage by isolating a patch surrounding the small appendage, measuring the load on the patch without the appendage in place and with the appendage in a place and subtracting the two for increasing computational accuracy of the load predictions for the small appendage to be able to measure the effect of the small appendage.

Abstract: An etched grooved GaN-based permeable-base transistor structure is disclosed, along with a method for fabrication of same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a printed wiring board assembly having active and passive components embedded between the printed wiring board layers and associated fabrication method so as to complete a multilayer printed wiring board to improve the flexibility of circuit layout.

Abstract: A robust, compact, lightweight, low energy, low cost, and low noise mechanical mechanism suitable for military and other demanding applications includes a Geneva drive that transitions a camera shutter or other element between two positions and locks the shutter or other element in place between transitions, thereby isolating the remainder of the mechanism from shutter vibrations and torques. Accordingly, the mechanism controlling the Geneva drive need not be especially robust even for military applications, and can be similar in size, weight, energy consumption, and noise to a conventional shutter mechanism. The driving mechanism can include a rotary actuator or a linear actuator with a rack gear. In various embodiments the driving mechanism includes a piezomotor. In certain embodiments, the starting and ending positions of the mechanism are determined by sensors, and in some embodiments the starting and ending positions are adjustable.

Abstract: A method for fabrication of a field effect transistor gate, with or without field plates, includes the steps of defining a relatively thin Schottky metal layer by a lithography/metal liftoff or metal deposition/etch process on a semiconductor surface. This is followed by depositing a dielectric passivation layer over the entire wafer and defining a second lithographic pattern coincident with or slightly inset from the boundaries of the previously defined metal gate layer. This is followed by etching the dielectric using dry or wet etching techniques and stripping the resist, followed by exposing and developing a third resist pattern to define the thicker gate metal layers required for electrical conductivity and also for the field plate if one is utilized. The final step is depositing gate and/or field plate metal, resulting in a gate electrode and an integral field plate.