Abstract: A quantum communications system may include 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 at least one Talbot effect image position along the quantum communications channel. The receiver node may be located along the quantum communications channel at the at least one Talbot effect image position.

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: 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: 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: 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: Methods and systems in accordance with the present invention provide an RF spectrum analyzer on a computer chip, such as an integrated circuit. They may provide RF spectrum analyzer functions on a much smaller scale, which is easier to implement, transport and install in other equipment. They present a single chip solution that is smaller, lighter and more compact than conventional systems. Additionally, they may be put in hand held (or smaller) devices.

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: Methods and systems in accordance with the present invention provide a continuum measure of visibility from a single image without prior knowledge of the camera system or the cameras in the system. This may be, for example, a score on the weather visibility quality of the image, ranging from good to poor, or a numeric score representing the weather visibility quality of the terrain in the image. This may be done without prior knowledge of the camera system, the camera that took the image, or the environment. It is also done with the single image without using multiple images, or reference images. The system derives a real-time continuum measure of visibility from a single daytime image, with unknown camera quality, system configuration, and environmental conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises: a triaxial antenna including orthogonal x, y, and z linearly polarized elements to convert RF energy to x, y, and z RF signals; converters to convert the x, y, and z RF signals to x, y, and z complex signals, respectively; a polarization generator to rotate x, y, and z axes of the x, y, and z complex signals angularly responsive to angle signals, apply x, y, and z complex weights to the x, y, and z complex signals to produce x, y, and z controlled complex signals, respectively, and sum the x, y, and z controlled complex signals into a combined signal, such that the x, y, and z complex weights apply a polarization to the RF energy as manifested in the combined signal, and the angle signals rotate a plane of the polarization relative to the x, y, and z axes, without moving the triaxial antenna.

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: Methods and systems in accordance with the present invention provide an RF spectrum analyzer on a computer chip, such as an integrated circuit. They may provide RF spectrum analyzer functions on a much smaller scale, which is easier to implement, transport and install in other equipment. They present a single chip solution that is smaller, lighter and more compact than conventional systems. Additionally, they may be put in hand held (or smaller) devices.

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: 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 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.