Abstract: An asynchronous medium access control layer scheduler increases efficiency for directional mesh networks by removing extra overhead in the time slots. The efficiency is increased by dividing time slots into sub-slots to allow for a receiving node to be offset by at least one sub-slot from the transmitting node. This enables the scheduler to more efficiently schedule operations for the nodes so that nodes can be performing other functions rather than waiting to receive a transmission or waiting after transmitting a transmission. The sub-slots may be sized to approximate the transmission propagation time or time of flight delay.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating, in an aircraft in flight, a feasibility display indicative of the feasibility of a weapon, the method comprising: providing a performance envelope for the weapon; determining, using the performance envelope, configuration data for configuring a generic algorithm; uploading the configuration data to the aircraft; generating feasibility data indicative of the feasibility of a weapon carried on the aircraft successfully engaging a target and/or the feasibility of a weapon carried on the target successfully engaging the aircraft; determining, on board the aircraft, using the same generic algorithm and the uploaded configuration data, one or more test criteria; performing, on board the aircraft, an assessment process including determining whether or not the feasibility data satisfies the one or more test criteria; and, based the assessment, using the feasibility data, generating the feasibility display.

Abstract: A tile assembly (22) which, in use, is fitted to a base structure to form at least part of a fluid washed surface. The tile assembly comprises a housing (42) with at least one plenum (45) being provided within the housing (42). A wall (44) of the housing (42) is provided with a plurality of flow passages (46) which extend from the plenum side of the wall (44) to an outer surface (48) of the wall. Flow passage closures (50) are provided which are operable to open and close at least some of the flow passages (46).

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for providing a secure computational platform that facilitates collaboration of assets from different asset providers without exposure of the assets to threats. The assets may be in the form of tools, models, simulations, and other computational assets, which can be used, for example, to perform trade studies. The secure computational platform provides for integration of the assets in a workflow, while protecting the assets during construction and execution of the workflow. In some instances, each asset in the workflow is executed in an IT infrastructure of the asset provider to which the asset belongs.

Abstract: In the method for scrubbing a chemical from a medium, wherein the improvement comprises the steps of using a carbide derived carbon to adsorb the chemical which may later be released by heating. The carbide derived carbon may be a powder, a fiber, a solid foam, a mesh, or other solid form. The carbide derived carbon can adsorb a chemical in the gaseous, liquid, particulate, or aerosol phase.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant lock assembly comprising a plate having a slot for receiving a key, the slot extending through the plate from an opening in a front face thereof to an exit in an opposing rear face thereof, the opening having a first profile and the exit having a second, different profile, the key comprising a shaft having a bit extending therefrom, the bit being formed of a shape memory material and being pre-configured such that its cross-sectional shape in its temporary form matches the first profile and the bit can be inserted through the slot via the opening and, upon application of a predetermined external stimulus, returns to a permanent form in which its cross-sectional shape matches the second profile and the bit can be retracted from the slot via the exit.

Abstract: A battery module heating assembly for a battery module having a plurality of battery cells arranged in a frame with the cell terminals being connected to one another via busbars. The busbars are covered by the heating assembly. The heating assembly includes at least one thermally conductive pad in contact with one or more heat spreader plates. The heat spreader plates have heating elements attached thereto.

Abstract: A power supply for a gate driver circuit is provided. The power supply is configured to supply a logic voltage, a positive voltage and a negative voltage to the gate driver circuit such that a gated semiconductor driven by the gate driver circuit does not inadvertently turn on. The gate driver power supply is configured such that the logic voltage becomes a steady-state voltage prior to the positive voltage becoming a steady-state voltage and remains above a first voltage value until the positive voltage is less than a second voltage value.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of geolocating a target includes: receiving, from a plurality of sources, a corresponding plurality of angle estimates of the target relative to the respective sources; generating a corresponding plurality of planar renditions of the received angle estimates; selecting a combination of two or more planar renditions whose intersection defines a polygon; in response to multiple such combinations, selecting one having a largest number of planar renditions; and determining a center of the polygon of the selected combination.

Abstract: A system and method for improved detection of lasers for use in laser guidance systems. By providing background illumination via one or more radiation sources the accuracy of the laser detection system can be improved. A closed loop system detects the background current on the detector and provides additional illumination when the back ground level is below a threshold current value thus providing for a faster detector response.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tracked amphibious vehicle having a vehicle frame and a pair of track assemblies attachable to a respective side of said vehicle frame, said vehicle frame being arranged to support a tilting vehicle cab and an engine configuration, said vehicle frame comprising a pair of separated longitudinal wall elements extending in the longitudinal direction of the tracked vehicle and a bottom element connecting said pair of longitudinal wall elements so as to form a space for supporting and housing said engine configuration, wherein said vehicle frame comprises an extension frame and has a lateral extension so that no portion of the vehicle frame extends laterally passed a respective track of said pair of track assemblies so as to allow easy access to said space.

Abstract: A ring oscillator circuit is disclosed. The ring oscillator in one embodiment includes an odd number of inverters connected in a loop fashion, a current mirror having a drain of a first transistor connected to the inverters, and a self-biased inverter connected to a drain of a second transistor of the current mirror.

Abstract: The system and method for frequency encoded beacons for use in covert dismount identification, friend or foe and communications. Waveforms are capped at thresholds below human and conventional night vision detection. Waveforms are further modulated to identify dismounts as well as other information such as day and time, rank, health status, and the like. The beacons may operate at different wavelengths depending on whether they are used on ground, in air, or at sea.

Abstract: A wireless receiver and method of wireless communication determines levels of noise, including interference, in communication channels without need of calibration. A digital test signal is digitally added to digitized noise, and a signal-to-noise-and-interference (SNIR) value is determined from a resulting bit error rate and/or message error rate. The level of noise is then determined from the SNIR. The amplitude of the digital test signal is adjusted to cause the SNIR to be sensitive to the noise level, which can require an SNIR between 1 dB and 10 dB. The system can include a digital test signal generator, or the digital test signal can be stored in a memory. The system can further include a channelizer, demodulator, data correlator, decryptor, and message assembler. Noise and interference level determinations can be used to select an optimal communication channel, and to adjust a transmission power and/or rate to suitable values.

Abstract: The system can utilize a standard high speed FPGA interface for a non-traditional use to facilitate the processing of high amounts of streaming digital data or the method can be implemented in other high speed data transfer systems. This system and method include the use of training/calibration pattern techniques implemented in a FPGA, or other system, to calibrate numerous multi-arm demultiplexers. The training/calibration sequence data rate being slower than the input data rate. In one example, the system and method utilized a mono-bit receiver capable of digitizing signals of at least 40 GHz with at least 20 GHz of instantaneous bandwidth.

Abstract: A system and method for imaging a sample having a complex structure (such as an integrated circuit). The sample is placed on a motion system that moves the sample with respect to an electron beam generator that is used in imaging the sample. The motion system affords thirteen degrees-of-freedom for movement of the sample, by providing a rotation stage, a fine 6-axis piezoelectric-driven stage, and a coarse 6-axis hexapod stage. Various detectors gather information to image the sample. Interferometric and/or capacitive sensors are used to measure the position of the sample and motion system.

Abstract: The system and method for accurately determining range-to-go for the time-delayed command detonation of a projectile. Using dual laser and/or radio frequency detectors on a spinning projectile to determine the range-to-go, time-to-go, or lateral offset from the projectile to the target. The detectors are forward facing and rear facing and are located in a tail kit such that cost can be greatly reduced on a spinning projectile. The deployable detector(s) may be a light pipe, mirrors, or the like and comprise APD or PIN diodes.

Abstract: A Cassegrain telescope design consists of a silicon primary mirror bonded into a silicon-carbide (SiC) telescope metering tube. A secondary mirror is bonded directly to the telescope window. The window sits in a SiC bezel that is bonded to the SiC telescope tube. A graphite snout is bonded to the rear of the primary mirror and extends forward into the telescope. The snout incorporates a field stop that blocks stray light and sources outside the acquisition field of view (FOV). A lens cell threads into the snout and holds two lenses that collimate the light exiting that end of the telescope.

Abstract: A voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) is disclosed to provide reduced phase noise at higher operating frequencies. A buffer-first VCO configured according to an embodiment includes multiple VCO core circuits configured to provide synchronously tuned oscillator signals. Each VCO core circuit is coupled to a summing node through a buffer circuit that generates uncorrelated phase noise such that the summing node provides a summation output of the oscillator signals with reduced phase noise. A multiplexer-less VCO configured according to an embodiment includes multiple buffer-first VCO circuits configured to provide oscillator signals covering a range of frequencies. Each buffer-first VCO circuit is controlled or selected by an enable signal. Buffer circuits are configured to select one of the buffer-first VCO circuits for coupling to a transmission line during a given time period based on the enable signal. The transmission line is terminated in a matched impedance at each end of the line.

Abstract: A GaN on diamond wafer and method for manufacturing the same is provided. The method comprising: disposing a GaN device or wafer on a substrate, having a nucleation layer disposed between the substrate and a GaN layer; affixing the device to a handling wafer; removing the substrate and substantially all the nucleation layer; and bonding the GaN layer to a diamond substrate.