Abstract: An apparatus includes an extendable wand, and a sensor head coupled to the wand. The sensor head includes a continuous wave metal detector (CWMD) and a radar. When the wand is collapsed, the wand and the sensor head collapse to fill a volume that is smaller than a volume filled by the sensor head and the wand when the wand is extended. Frequency-domain data from a sensor configured to sense a region is accessed, the frequency-domain data is transformed to generate a time-domain representation of the region, a first model is determined based on the accessed frequency-domain data, a second model is determined based on the generated time-domain representation, the second model being associated with a particular region within the sensed region, and a background model that represents a background of the region is determined based on the first model and the second model.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for testing aircraft countermeasure dispenser systems (CMDS) by wirelessly monitoring and controlling wireless countermeasure dispenser testing system units (WCDTs). The disclosed systems and methods may be implemented in one example to allow functions of multiple WCDT units to be simultaneously monitored and controlled in real time via a wireless connection or wireless network connection such as wireless local area network (WLAN) or other short or long range wireless network.

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: Self-centering electromagnetic transducers, such as linear motors and generators, are disclosed. In one embodiment, an electromagnetic transducer includes an outer yoke made of a ferromagnetic material, and a coil assembly including a plurality of loops of electrically conductive wire, wherein the coil assembly is substantially surrounded by the outer yoke. The electromagnetic transducer further includes a magnet, and an inner yoke made of ferromagnetic material. The magnet is disposed within the outer yoke such that the coil assembly surrounds the magnet. The inner yoke is disposed within the magnet, and the magnet is free to translate. The electromagnetic transducer further includes at least one high-reluctance zone positioned within the outer yoke and/or the inner yoke. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic transducer includes one or more actuators that vary a width of one or more high-reluctance zones to change a spring rate of the electromagnetic transducer.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an extendable wand, and a sensor head coupled to the wand. The sensor head includes a continuous wave metal detector (CWMD) and a radar. When the wand is collapsed, the wand and the sensor head collapse to fill a volume that is smaller than a volume filled by the sensor head and the wand when the wand is extended. Frequency-domain data from a sensor configured to sense a region is accessed, the frequency-domain data is transformed to generate a time-domain representation of the region, a first model is determined based on the accessed frequency-domain data, a second model is determined based on the generated time-domain representation, the second model being associated with a particular region within the sensed region, and a background model that represents a background of the region is determined based on the first model and the second model.

Abstract: Systems and methods for characterizing an obscurant and imaging a target are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of imaging a target includes characterizing at least one obscurant present in an environment, and determining, based on the at least one characterized obscurant, one or more of the following: one or more wavelengths corresponding to the at least one obscurant, a polarization state corresponding to the at least one obscurant, and a sensor exposure time corresponding to the at least one obscurant. The method further includes adjusting one or more parameters of an imagining system based at least in part on a characterization of the at least one obscurant.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting objects includes a transceiver configured to generate a radar signal, a radar having a transmit antenna configured to transmit the radar signal, and a receive antenna configured to sense a return signal in response to a transmission of the radar signal. The apparatus also includes a processor configured to detect an object based on the return signal. One or more of the transmit antenna or the receive antenna include offset spiral feed antennas.

Abstract: Self-centering electromagnetic transducers, such as linear motors and generators, are disclosed. In one embodiment, an electromagnetic transducer includes an outer yoke made of a ferromagnetic material, and a coil assembly including a plurality of loops of electrically conductive wire, wherein the coil assembly is substantially surrounded by the outer yoke. The electromagnetic transducer further includes a magnet, and an inner yoke made of ferromagnetic material. The magnet is disposed within the outer yoke such that the coil assembly surrounds the magnet. The inner yoke is disposed within the magnet, and the magnet is free to translate. The electromagnetic transducer further includes at least one high-reluctance zone positioned within the outer yoke and/or the inner yoke. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic transducer includes one or more actuators that vary a width of one or more high-reluctance zones to change a spring rate of the electromagnetic transducer.

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: Reconfigurable payload systems (RPS) and methods of configuring and using the same are disclosed that may be employed to enable external aircraft payloads to be rapidly interchanged or swapped out together with associated internal equipment within a given aircraft so as to modify or change payload capability of the aircraft, e.g., to meet a particular mission and/or to enable use of future payload types as they are developed. The RPS and associated methods may be implemented to allow multiple different payload systems to be swapped in and out on a given aircraft as required based on needs for a given mission.

Abstract: Reconfigurable payload systems (RPS) and methods of configuring and using the same with operational load envelopes are disclosed that may be employed to enable external aircraft payloads to be rapidly interchanged or swapped out together with associated internal equipment within a given aircraft so as to modify or change payload capability of the aircraft, e.g., to meet a particular mission and/or to enable use of future payload types as they are developed. The RPS and associated methods may be implemented to allow multiple different payload systems to be swapped in and out on a given aircraft as required based on needs for a given mission.

Abstract: An evaporator apparatus comprising a liquid distribution chamber and a vapor production chamber. The vapor production chamber comprises a media wick that absorbs heat from a source external to the vapor production chamber. The vapor production chamber is configured to receive liquid coolant from the liquid distribution chamber and to direct the received liquid coolant onto a surface of the media wick. The media wick distributes the received liquid coolant from the surface of the media wick throughout a body of the media wick. The heat absorbed by the media wick vaporizes the liquid coolant distributed throughout the body of the media wick. The coolant vapor flows from the media wick into the vapor production chamber.

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 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 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 antenna system can impart orbital angular momentum (OAM) to an incident electromagnetic (EM) signal from a feed antenna. The antenna system can include a partial OAM antenna with a reflective surface that has only part of a full OAM shaped surface. The antenna system can thus reflect the incident EM signal as a partial OAM beam rather than a full OAM beam.