Abstract: A dual-frequency conformal multi-filiar helical antenna system (20) provides a low-profile, low drag antenna useable in flying equipment. This antenna system (20) securely holds within its shell (22) signal distribution circuitry (64), signal combining circuitry (68), and any other circuit components necessary for antenna system (20) to communicate with other stations or devices. Antenna system (20) has radiating conductors (24, 32) tuned to two different frequencies such that simultaneous transmission and reception of signals is possible in the same and opposite directions.

Abstract: Provided are two-dimensional autofocus methods in a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system which include: (1) two-dimensional pulse pair product algorithm including shear PGA, eigenvector phase history (“EPH”), shear PGA/EPH); (2) two-dimensional optimization algorithms including parametric one-dimensional estimate/two-dimensional correction, parametric two dimensional estimate/two-dimensional correction, unconstrained two-dimensional nonparametric and constrained two-dimensional nonparametric methods; (3) a two-dimensional geometry filter algorithm; (4) a two-dimensional prominent point processing algorithm; (5) a one-dimensional phase estimate of higher order two dimensional phase errors; and, (6) a fast SHARP parametric autofocus algorithm.

Abstract: A base station (26) provides service in a satellite communications (SATCOM) system (22) to a terminal (24). The SATCOM system (22) operates in accordance with a first standard (43), and the terminal (24) is unable to communicate in accordance with the first standard (43). Methodology entails receiving, at a SATCOM resource controller (32), a request (62) for a satellite resource (46) from the base station (26). The satellite resource (46) is allocated to the base station (26) and the controller (32) sends a message (58) with the allocated satellite resource (46). The base station (26) applies a second standard (48), defining a specific set of functional and performance characteristics, to the satellite resource (46). The terminal (24) is enabled to perform satellite communications in accordance with the second standard (48) using the satellite resource (46).

Abstract: A mounted polarizer and corresponding assembly method is provided. The mounted polarizer includes a substrate, and a polarizer with a plurality of parallel wires mounted on a supporting base. An epoxy binds the polarizer to the substrate, such that the plurality of parallel wires is mounted between the substrate and the supporting base, and the epoxy is in direct contact with the plurality of wires. The substrate, the epoxy and the supporting base all have a substantially matching refractive index. The mounted polarizer substantially transmits one polarization of light, and substantially blocks transmission of another polarization of light.

Abstract: A system and method of implementing quantum key distribution are provided that possess increased data rates and enhanced security. These increased data rates are provided through the use of biphotons. Through encoding bits of information on the intra-biphoton delay time and enabling separate polarization bases for each of the photons comprising each biphoton, the system and method increase data bandwidth available for quantum key distribution.

Abstract: A method of determining a distance to an object is presented. A first photon and a second photon are simultaneously generated. The first photon is reflected off an object. The second photon is directed to an optical cavity. An arrival of the first photon is correlated with an arrival of the second photon, and the distance to the object is at least partially determined using the correlation.

Abstract: A system for connecting circuit boards is provided. A plurality of overlapping spaced apart circuit boards have a plurality of conductive pins passing through holes in the circuit boards. A connector includes a flexible sheet insulator and a plurality of conductive surfaces separated and supported by the flexible insulator. At least one of the conductive surfaces has a hole there through and a bent compliant lead extending there from. The hole engages one of the pins, and the complaint lead connects to one of the circuit boards.

Abstract: A connector system is provided. The system includes a substantially circular interconnecting hub, and a plurality of circuit board bays configured substantially radially around the substantially circular interconnecting hub. Each circuit board bay has a plurality of aligned connectors configured to receive a circuit board. The interconnecting circuit hub has, for each individual circuit board bay, a direct data pathway connecting the individual circuit board bay to all remaining circuit board bays of the plurality of circuit board bays. Each of the plurality of circuit board bays can directly communicate through the interconnecting hub with each of the remaining circuit boards bays.

Abstract: Systems and methods for DC offset correction in analog and digital direct conversion RF receivers. A time derivate and subsequent integration of in-phase and quadrature phase signal path components is performed to effectively remove DC offset from the resultant down converted baseband signal.

Abstract: A communication network (22) includes a central node (30) loaded with a trusted key (26) and key material (56) corresponding to an asymmetric key agreement protocol (48). The network (22) further includes vulnerable nodes (32) loaded with key material (69) corresponding to the protocol (48). Successive secure connections (68, 70) are established between the central node (30) and the vulnerable nodes (32) using the key material (56, 69) to generate a distinct session key (52) for each of the secure connections (68, 70). The trusted key (26) and one of the session keys (52) are utilized to produce a mission key (39). The mission key (39) is transferred from the central node (30) to each of the vulnerable nodes (32) via each of the secure connections (68, 70) using the corresponding current session key (52). The mission key (39) functions for secure communication within the communication network (22).

Abstract: The invention comprises methods for filling holes in printed wiring boards and printed wiring boards produced by these methods. The methods involve plating metal conductors inside the holes of the printed wiring boards while protecting the conducting surfaces of the printed wiring boards from being plated using photoresist film. The side surfaces of a printed wiring board are covered with photoresist. The photoresist is exposed to developing light, except the photoresist covering the holes on one side of the board is masked to prevent exposure of the holes to the developing light. The undeveloped photoresist covering the holes is removed. The board is subjected to a plating process, which deposits conductive materials in the holes, but the photoresist on the conducting surfaces of the board prevents conductive materials to be plated on the surfaces of the board.

Abstract: A method of and architecture for controlling board elements in an orthogonal system architecture is provided. The method and architecture preferably utilize an internal bus architecture between control boards, such that a first control board can access board elements in its stack via I/O on a second control board and the second control board can access board elements in its stack via I/O on the first control board. Most preferably the internal bus architecture is a HyperTransport bus architecture.

Abstract: A digital demodulation method for a quadrature amplitude modulated signal uses a phase locked loop to generate a local carrier signal. The phase locked loop uses a feedback signal derived from one or more demodulated signals of interest. The loop has a filter characteristic with a stop band within the information bandwidth(s) of the information signal(s). The preferred method generates an error signal from DC components of in-phase and quadrature-phase baseband signals. DC components are preferably isolated using a low-latency, AC rejection filter.

Abstract: A Process Automation System and accompanying method provides for the automated or semi-automated creation of workflow management procedures having an arbitrary number of tasks to be performed manually or via computer automation in specified sequences. Workflows are automatically or in a semi-automatic generated by prompting the user with valid choices. After creating the workflow, the system then acts as the executive for execution; initiating tasks, tracking status, and managing intermediate and final products. The capability is provided to define new products and tasks for the system via a graphical user interface.

Abstract: A method for laying a military bridge over an obstacle in a combat zone with using at least one laying vehicle. First, the bridge is loaded on a self-propelled, unmanned, remote-controlled laying vehicle and transported to the edge of the combat zone by water, air, rail, and/or road. From this point, the laying vehicle with the bridge is guided by a manned pilot vehicle to the vicinity of the obstacle. The laying vehicle then begins an automatic slow approach to the obstacle, for which purpose the laying vehicle has a suitable optical system or a laser scanner. At the edge of the obstacle, the topographical situation is scanned. On the basis of the scanner data, the laying operation is simulated, taking into consideration the predetermined design limits. On the basis of the simulation results, a decision is made about whether the laying operation will be carried out or broken off. This decision is then executed.

Abstract: A system for configuring programmable logic devices includes a serial data bus, a first device to fan-out data signals on the serial data bus, a second device to fan-in data signals on the serial data bus, and a control device that uses the first device and the second device to configure the serial data bus. The system configures a set of programmable logic devices by using the control device to configure the serial data bus such that the set of programmable logic devices are in communication with the serial data bus, and by sending configuration information to the set of programmable logic devices. A method for configuring programmable logic devices includes configuring a first programmable logic device such that the first programmable logic device includes signaling logic to fan-out configuration information, and using the first programmable logic device to configure at least two secondary programmable logic devices in parallel using the signaling logic to fan-out configuration information.

Abstract: A linkless ammunition feed system for a firearm. The ammunition feed system has an ammunition container with a path for holding a plurality ammunition rounds in a single file manner and an exit for passing the ammunition rounds out of the container. A pusher is positioned in and adapted to freely slide through the ammunition path, the plurality of ammunition rounds being positioned between the exit and the pusher, the pusher adapted to push the ammunition toward the exit. The pusher is pulled through the ammunition path by a feed line connected to the pusher and extending through the ammunition path. A rotatable feed line spool collects the feed line at the container exit, and a feed sprocket rotates to move an ammunition round from the container exit to a firearm associated with the ammunition feed system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for problem solving using intelligent agents. The intelligent agents may be embodied as processor-readable software code stored on a processor-readable medium. The intelligent agents may include a brain agent to parse the input and direct the parsed input query to other intelligent agents within the system. The apparatus and method may use, for example, a personality agent, a language agent, a knowledge agent, a mood agent, a visual agent, sound agent, a tactile agent, and a smell/taste agent and various connectors to external data sources or other intelligent systems to interpret questions and provide responses back to the user. The apparatus and method may further parse questions in a conceptual manner. The apparatus and method may further optimize its system performance by evolving with and reacting to specific user interactions. Thus, the present invention may be configured to receive a human question and to output a human answer.

Abstract: Systems for and methods of detecting gravitational acceleration and gravity gradients are disclosed. The systems and methods include gravity gradiometers whose axes are substantially horizontal. In comparison with prior art systems, the systems presently disclosed provide one or both of more accurate measurements for the same amount of space, and smaller space requirements with the same or better accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compliant leaded interposer for resiliently attaching and electrically connecting a ball grid array package to a circuit board. The interposer may include a substrate, a plurality of pads, and a plurality of pins. The plurality of pads may be positioned substantially on the top surface of the substrate and arranged in a predetermined pattern substantially corresponding to the solder ball pattern on the ball grid array package. The plurality of pins may be positioned substantially perpendicular to the substrate and may extend through the substrate and the plurality of pads. The interposer may be configured to attach the ball grid array package to the circuit board such that each of the solder balls on the ball grid array package contacts at least a portion the plurality of pins and at least a portion of the plurality of pads and such that the each of the plurality of pins also connects to a contact on the circuit board.