Abstract: Systems and methods for deploying an extendable reflector structure. The methods comprise: transitioning the extendable reflector structure from a stored configuration to a deployed configuration; and causing expansion of a pantograph coupling structure while the extendable reflector structure is being transitioned from the stored configuration to the deployed configuration. The pantograph coupling structure indirectly couples the extendable reflector structure to a boom such that a beam produced by the extendable reflector structure during operation is offset from a focal axis of the extendable reflector structure by a certain amount.

Abstract: Systems and methods for making and/or using a hybrid laminate composite tube structure. The methods comprise: wrapping a plurality of lamina layers around a male cylindrical tool (e.g., mandrel); treating the lamina layers with heat/pressure to form the hybrid laminate composite tube structure; and assembling a structure by adhesively bonding the hybrid laminate composite tube structure to a metallic fitting. The lamina layers comprise: at least one first lamina layer formed of a first material having a first CTE; and at least one second lamina layer formed of a second material different from the first material and having a second CTE different than the first CTE. The hybrid laminate composite tube structure has at least one property that is different in the axial direction than the hoop direction. An axial CTE of the hybrid laminate composite tube structure is tailored to provide a net zero CTE for the assembled structure.

Abstract: An enhanced LOng RAnge Navigation (eLORAN) system may include a plurality of eLORAN transmitter stations, each configured to transmit respective eLORAN signals at different frequencies. An eLORAN receiver device may be configured to receive the respective eLORAN signals at different frequencies from each of the eLORAN transmitter stations, determine a correction factor based upon the received respective eLORAN signals, and apply the correction factor to determine a geographical position of the eLORAN receiver device.

Abstract: Deployable reflector antenna includes a fabrication hub in which at least one additive fabrication unit disposed. The additive fabrication unit is configured to form at least one rigid structural element of a reflector antenna system. In a stowed condition, an RF reflector material comprised of a flexible webbing is disposed in a stowed configuration proximate to the fabrication hub. A fabrication control system controls the additive fabrication unit so as to form the at least one rigid structural element. The RF reflector material is arranged to transition during the additive fabrication process from the stowed configuration in which the flexible webbing material is furled compactly at the fabrication hub, to a deployed configuration in which the flexible webbing material is unfurled.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) communication system may include mobile vehicles, with each mobile vehicle including RF equipment and a controller. The controller may be configured to determine a reward matrix based upon possible RF equipment configurations and associated operational parameters, and operate the RF equipment to implement an RF equipment configuration based upon the reward matrix. The system may also include an oversight controller configured to update respective reward matrices of the mobile vehicles.

Abstract: A method for deploying a trough structure. The methods comprise: causing a first telescoping segment to move in a first direction away from a proximal end of a telescoping boom; and transiting a flexible element from an untensioned state to a tensioned state as the first telescoping segment is moved in the first direction. The flexible element is coupled to a distal end of the first telescoping segment by a first bulkhead and is coupled to a distal end of a second telescoping segment by a second bulkhead. The first telescoping segment is coupled to the second telescoping segment of the boom when the first telescoping segment reaches an extended position. The flexible element has a parabolic trough shape when in the tensioned state.

Abstract: An outer space deployable antenna may include a support shaft, a plurality of antenna fins, and an actuator. At least one draw cord may be coupled between the antenna fins and the actuator so that the antenna fins are moveable from a flat stored configuration to a fanned-out deployed configuration surrounding the support shaft.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing an incident event by a public safety and security organization. The methods comprise: performing Near Field Communication (“NFC”) or Radio Frequency Identification (“RFID”) operations by a Land Mobile Radio (“LMR”) and a field computing device to check-in a field personnel member into an incident event; communicating check-in information to a remote computing device from the field computing device via a packet switched LMR infrastructure or a public network; and using the check-in information by the remote computing device to facilitate management of the incident event by the by public safety and security organization.

Abstract: An outer space deployable antenna may include a waveguide antenna feed section. A first plurality of wires and a first plurality of biased hinges may couple the first plurality of wires together to be self-biased to move between a collapsed stored configuration and an extended deployed configuration. A horn antenna section may be coupled to the waveguide antenna feed section and may include a second plurality of wires and a second plurality of biased hinges coupling the second plurality of wires together to be self-biased to move between the collapsed stored configuration and the extended deployed configuration. A flexible electrically conductive layer may cover the waveguide antenna feed section and the horn antenna section in at least the extended deployed configuration.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a Land Mobile Radio (“LMR”). The methods comprise: performing Near Field Communication (“NFC”) or Radio Frequency Identification (“RFID”) operations by the LMR and an external device; and sending from the LMR or receiving at the LMR information associated with the NFC or RFID operations via the packet switched LMR infrastructure. The information associated with the NFC or RFID operations includes, but is not limited to, check-in information for an incident event, check-out information for an incident, sensor data, authentication keys, verification keys, access codes, and LMR configuration (e.g. personality) information, LMR software code, and/or LMR firmware.

Abstract: Perimeter truss reflector includes a perimeter truss assembly (PTA) comprised of a plurality of battens, each having an length which traverses a PTA thickness as defined along a direction aligned with a reflector central axis. A collapsible mesh reflector surface is secured to the PTA such that when the PTA is in a collapsed configuration, the reflector surface is collapsed for compact stowage and when the PTA is in the expanded configuration, the reflector surface is expanded to a shape that is configured to concentrate RF energy in a predetermined pattern. Each of the one or more longerons extend around at least a portion of a periphery of the PTA. These longerons each comprise a storable extendible member (SEM) which can be flattened and rolled around a spool, but exhibits beam-like structural characteristics when unspooled.

Abstract: A satellite antenna includes first and second extensible booms and first and second sets of ribs carried by the respective first and second extensible booms. A Radio Frequency (RF) reflective film is carried by the first and second sets of ribs. First and second phased array antenna feeds are carried by the respective first and second extensible booms and directed toward the RF reflective film. First and second sets of fiducial devices are carried by the respective first and second sets of ribs. At least one camera is directed toward the first and second sets of fiducial devices to sense a physical distortion of the RF reflective film. A controller cooperates with the at least one camera to operate the first and second sets of phased array antenna feeds to account for sensed physical distortion of the RF reflective film.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) communication system may include of mobile vehicles, with each mobile vehicle including RF equipment and a controller. The controller may be configured to operate the RF equipment, determine a reward matrix based upon possible positional adjustments of the mobile vehicle and associated operational parameters of the mobile vehicle, and implement a positional adjustment of the mobile vehicle based upon the reward matrix. The system may also include an oversight controller configured to update respective reward matrices of the mobile vehicles.

Abstract: A radiation detection system may include a radiation source, and a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) radiation detector. The SPR radiation detector may include a structure, a surface plasmon support material on portions of the structure and configured to receive radiation from the radiation source that initiates a surface plasmon at an interface between the structure and the surface plasmon support material, and a probing device coupled to the structure and configured to detect the surface plasmon.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling operations of a Computer System (“CS”). The methods comprise: collecting information about events occurring in CS; performing automated ontogenesis operations using the collected information to determine a context of a given situation associated with CS using stored ontogenetic knowledge, define parameters for different sets of actions that could occur in the context of the given situation, simulate the sets of actions to generate a set of simulation results defining predicted consequences resulting from performance of behaviors by nodes, determine a confidence value for each simulation result that indicates a level of confidence that a successful outcome will result if action(s) associated with the simulation result are performed by CS, and analyze the confidence values to identify a simulation result with the best confidence level; and using the parameters associated with the best simulation result to control and optimize performance of CS.

Abstract: A quantum communications system includes a communications system that operates with a quantum key distribution (QKD) system, which includes a transmitter node, a receiver node, and a quantum communications channel coupling the transmitter node and receiver node. The transmitter node may cooperate with the quantum communications channel defining a Talbot effect image position along the quantum communications channel. The receiver node is located along the quantum communications channel at a midpoint of the Talbot effect image position.

Abstract: An electronic assembly may include a chassis, and electronic modules mounted within the chassis. Each electronic module may include a printed circuit substrate, heat-generating electronic components mounted on the printed circuit substrate, and a heat sink body mounted to the printed circuit substrate and having a plurality of heat pipe receiving passageways extending between opposing side edges and overlying corresponding heat-generating components. A respective elongate, passive, heat pipe may extend within each heat pipe receiving passageway and be removably fastened to at least one end to the heat sink body for enhanced conductive heat transport.

Abstract: An enhanced Long Range Navigation (eLORAN) system may include an eLORAN controller configured to obtain satellite-derived conductivity data and satellite-derived temperature data for different geographical positions and generate eLORAN correction factors based thereon. The eLORAN system may also include eLORAN transmitter stations. The eLORAN system may also include an eLORAN receiver device that may include an eLORAN receive antenna and an eLORAN receiver coupled to the eLORAN receive antenna and configured to receive the eLORAN correction factors. The eLORAN receiver device may also include a controller coupled to the eLORAN receiver. The controller may be configured to cooperate with the eLORAN transmitter stations to determine an eLORAN receiver position corrected based upon the eLORAN correction factors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a soldered interface between a circuit board and a connector pin. The methods comprise: using a jet paste dispenser to apply first solder into a plated contact cavity formed in the circuit board; using a stencil screen printer to apply second solder (a) over the plated contact cavity which was at least partially filled with the first solder by the jet paste dispenser and (b) over at least a portion of a pad surrounding the plated contact cavity; inserting the connector pin in the plated contact cavity such that the connector pin passes through the second solder and extends at least partially through the first solder; and performing a reflow process to heat the first and second solder so as to create a solder joint between the circuit board and the connector pin.

Abstract: An antenna reflector comprising a mesh material formed of a Carbon Nano-Tube (“CNT”) yarn that is reflective of radio waves and has a low solar absorptivity to hemispherical emissivity ratio (?solar/?H ratio) and a low Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (“CTE”).