Abstract: A battery-powered system comprising: 1) a housing adapted to contain electro-mechanical machines; and 2) an apparatus disposed within the housing. The apparatus comprises: i) a battery configured as an annular cylinder having an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and a length; and ii) a cylindrical device disposed within a cavity formed by the annular cylinder of the battery. An outer diameter of the cylindrical device is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the battery and the cylindrical device has a length substantially equal to the length of the battery. The cylindrical device may be a fluid reservoir or a second battery.

Abstract: An enhanced vision system includes an image intensifier that includes a phosphor screen. The phosphor screen includes a thin-film phosphor layer deposited, patterned, transferred, or otherwise disposed on the substrate using a thin-film deposition technique. A conductive layer is deposited across at least a portion of the phosphor layer. The relatively smooth morphology of the phosphor layer beneficially permits the use of a relatively thin conductive layer. The use of a relatively thin conductive layer advantageously reduces the operating voltage between an electron multiplier and the phosphor screen. A secondary electron emitter may be disposed across at least a portion of the conductive layer.

Abstract: A dual-spectrum photocathode capable of emitting photo-electrons into a first vacuum space includes a first photodetector array formed using a first optoelectronic material that generates photo-electrons responsive to incident electromagnetic energy in a first spectral band. The dual-spectrum photocathode also includes a second photodetector array formed using a second optoelectronic material that generates photo-electrons responsive to incident electromagnetic energy in a second spectral band that is different from the first spectral band. The first spectral band may include the visible electromagnetic spectrum between 390 nanometers and 700 nanometers and the second spectral band may include the short-wave infrared (SWIR) electromagnetic spectrum above 900 nanometers.

Abstract: An enhanced vision system includes an image intensifier that includes a phosphor screen. The phosphor screen includes a thin-film phosphor layer deposited, patterned, transferred, or otherwise disposed on the substrate using a thin-film deposition technique. A conductive layer is deposited across at least a portion of the phosphor layer. The relatively smooth morphology of the phosphor layer beneficially permits the use of a relatively thin conductive layer. The use of a relatively thin conductive layer advantageously reduces the operating voltage between an electron multiplier and the phosphor screen. A secondary electron emitter may be disposed across at least a portion of the conductive layer.

Abstract: A surface wave antenna system is presented. The surface wave antenna system is configured to be coupled to a surface and includes an antenna and a radiation modifier. The radiation modifier includes a material having a graded dielectric constant. A final portion of the radiation modifier includes material having a dielectric constant that produces a signal phase velocity in signals emitted from the radiation modifier that is substantially equal to a phase velocity of signals on the surface.

Abstract: A multilayer printed circuit board comprising: i) a plurality of circuit board layers disposed in parallel planes to one another; ii) an outer via forming an electrical connection between a conductor contact on a first circuit board layer and a conductor contact on a second circuit board layer, wherein the outer via has a hollow central core; and iii) an inner via formed within the hollow central core of the outer via. The inner via forms an electrical connection between a conductor contact on a third circuit board layer and a conductor contact on a fourth circuit board layer. The inner via and the outer via are substantially concentric cylinders.

Abstract: An electronic system comprising: 1) an antenna; 2) a transmission line coupled to the antenna; 3) RF electronics circuitry coupled to the transmission line that is sensitive to a high frequency EMI/RF signal on the transmission line; and 4) a protection circuit comprising passive mode circuitry operational when the electronic system is powered off and active mode circuitry operational when the electronic system is powered on.

Abstract: A surface wave antenna system is presented. The surface wave antenna system is configured to be coupled to a surface and includes an antenna and a radiation modifier. The radiation modifier includes a material having a graded dielectric constant. A final portion of the radiation modifier includes material having a dielectric constant that produces a signal phase velocity in signals emitted from the radiation modifier that is substantially equal to a phase velocity of signals on the surface.

Abstract: A control interface circuitry configured to control an array element of a phased array antenna system. The control interface circuitry comprises: 1) a first RF combiner network for transceiving first RF signals with first transmit/receive path circuitry in the array element; and 2) a central controller configured to communicate with control logic circuitry in the array element, the control logic circuitry controlling operation of the first transmit/receive path circuitry. During Data mode, the central controller transfers control data to the control logic circuitry via the first RF combiner network. During RF mode, the first RF combiner network transceives the first RF signals with the first transmit/receive path circuitry. The control interface circuitry further comprises: iii) a second RF combiner network for receiving second RF signals from second receive path circuitry in the array element.

Abstract: A fusion night vision system has a plurality of hinged joints that allow an operator to adjust the distance between the left eye piece and the right eyepiece while allowing a row of pixels from a display to be maintained viewable through the right eye piece parallel with an imaginary line formed by an optical axis of the left eye piece with an optical axis of the right eye piece.

Abstract: Image intensifiers may include a photocathode that emits photoelectrons in proportion to the rate photons impact the photocathode. The photoelectrons are multiplied using a microchannel plate that includes a plurality of microchannels. Photoelectrons are scattered by the microchannel plate when the photoelectrons strike the surface of the microchannel plate rather than enter one of the microchannels. Electron scatter within an image intensifier results in a halo or bloom around bright or luminous objects. Halo or bloom may be minimized by reducing the electron scatter within the image intensifier. Deposition of an anti-scattering layer on the surface of the microchannel plate within the image intensifier can absorb photoelectrons that fail to enter a microchannel and may thus reduce the incidence of halo or bloom.

Abstract: An electronic assembly and device are provided. The electronic assembly includes a first circuit board, with PCB pads located adjacent to an edge of the circuit board, and a corresponding plurality of contacts, each contact soldered to one of the PCB pads. Each contact has a first portion, soldered to the PCB pad, and a second portion that extends past the edge of the circuit board and forms a leaf spring. The leaf spring compresses when placed in contact with a PCB pad of a second circuit board, where the PCB pad is substantially coplanar with a surface of the second circuit board. A restoring force of the second portion maintains contact between the second portion and the PCB pad of the second circuit board. The contact forms an electrical connection between the PCB pad of the first circuit board and the PCB pad of the second circuit board.

Abstract: An electronic circuit assembly comprising: i) a circuit card assembly (CCA) having circuits integrated on a circuit surface; ii) a housing having an upper surface and a lower surface disposed on the CCA circuit surface, the housing comprising a via extending from the lower surface to the upper surface; and iii) a waveguide assembly disposed in the via. The waveguide assembly comprises: a) a first waveguide having a first dielectric value, a contact end of the first waveguide configured to make contact with the CCA circuit surface; b) a second waveguide having a second dielectric value, wherein the first dielectric value is greater than the second dielectric value; and c) a carrier for holding the first waveguide in contact with the second waveguide. The electronic circuit assembly further comprises: iv) a wave washer disposed in the via on a support surface of the carrier; and v) a third waveguide having a third dielectric value that is less than the second dielectric value.

Abstract: An antenna assembly for use in a tile architecture antenna system. The antenna assembly comprises: i) a first substrate layer having a first surface; ii) a first antenna disposed in an X-Y plane on the first surface of the first substrate layer; iii) a second substrate layer having a first surface, the second substrate layer displaced in the Z-direction with respect to the X-Y plane on the first surface of the first substrate layer; and iv) a first tuning balun disposed on the first surface of the second substrate layer and coupled to the first antenna by means of a first feed via. The antenna assembly further comprises a first transmission line disposed on the first surface of the second substrate layer. The first transmission line is coupled to the first antenna by means of a second feed via.

Abstract: An apparatus for compensating for distortions in RF beams caused by a radome. The apparatus comprises: i) a plurality of metal patches arranged in rows and columns; ii) a first plurality of varactors coupling adjoining ones of a first plurality of metal patches in a first row of metal patches; and iii) a first reference voltage source configured to apply a first reference voltage to the first plurality of metal patches in the first row. The apparatus further comprises: iv) a second plurality of varactors coupling adjoining ones of a second plurality of metal patches in a first column of metal patches; and v) a second reference voltage source configured to apply a second reference voltage to the second plurality of metal patches in the first column. The first and second reference voltage sources adjust the phase delays of RF beams passing through each metal patch in the rows and columns.

Abstract: An antenna assembly for use in a tile architecture antenna system. The antenna assembly comprises: i) a first substrate layer having a first surface; ii) a first antenna disposed in an X-Y plane on the first surface of the first substrate layer; iii) a second substrate layer having a first surface, the second substrate layer displaced in the Z-direction with respect to the X-Y plane on the first surface of the first substrate layer; and iv) a first tuning balun disposed on the first surface of the second substrate layer and coupled to the first antenna by means of a first feed via. The antenna assembly further comprises a first transmission line disposed on the first surface of the second substrate layer. The first transmission line is coupled to the first antenna by means of a second feed via.

Abstract: An antenna assembly for use in a tile architecture antenna system. The antenna assembly comprises: i) a first substrate layer having a first surface and a second surface; ii) a plurality of electromagnetic band gap (EBG) patches disposed on a first surface of the first substrate layer; iii) a second substrate layer having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface of the second substrate layer is disposed on the first surface of the first substrate layer and on the plurality of EBG patches; iv) an antenna disposed on the first surface of the second substrate layer; and v) a transceiver circuit disposed proximate the second surface of the first substrate layer, wherein the transceiver circuit provides an output signal to be transmitted by the antenna.

Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB), electronic assembly, and method are provided. A PCB adapted to receive a radio frequency (RF) chip includes one or more features that extend through at least a portion of the depth of the PCB. The features are filled with an RF absorber composite comprising a binder and an RF absorber material. The features are positioned in the PCB to reduce RF signal coupling between the RF chip and one or more metal surfaces of the PCB.

Abstract: A system and method for training a student employ a simulation station that displays output to the student and receives input. The computer system has a rules engine operating on it and computer accessible data storage storing (i) learning object data including learning objects configured to provide interaction with the student at the simulation system and (ii) rule data defining a plurality of rules accessed by the rules engine. The rules data includes, for each rule, respective (a) if-portion data defining a condition of data and (b) then-portion data defining an action to be performed at the simulation station. The rules engine causes the computer system to perform the action when the condition of data is present in the data storage. For at least some of the rules, the action comprises output of one of the learning objects so as to interact with the student. The system may be networked with middleware and adapters that map data received over the network to rules engine memory.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for temperature regulation of an electronic component. A nozzle produces a jet of coolant that impinges on the electronic component. The jet and the electronic component are submerged in a volume of the coolant. The system further includes a heat exchanger and a pump. The pump moves a flow of coolant from the volume of coolant, through the heat exchanger, and into the nozzle, thereby forming the jet of coolant. The system may also include a heater that heats the coolant as it passes from the pump to the nozzle. The system may include a plurality of jets and a corresponding plurality of electronic components submerged in the volume of coolant.