Abstract: A constellation, including a plurality of spacecraft, including a first, second and third spacecraft, each of the plurality of spacecraft including a broadcast capability, and each of the plurality of spacecraft in its own approximately 24-hour orbit. Each of the orbits has a substantially teardrop-shaped or oval-shaped ground track, is optimized based upon elevation angle or probability of signal availability, and has an apogee longitude of approximately 90° west to approximately 100° west. Each of the orbits has a semi-major axis of approximately 42,164 kilometers, an argument of perigee of approximately 270°, an inclination of approximately 40° to approximately 60°, and an eccentricity of approximately 0.16 to approximately 0.4. The orbits of each of the plurality of spacecraft are selected to bring each of the spacecraft to apogee at time increments of approximately eight hours.

Abstract: A method for target detection and angle estimation in a radar system includes receiving a signal from a radar array; based on the received signal, performing monopulse beamforming to obtain one or more monopulse beams; based on the monopulse beams, determining monopulse ratios; using maximum likelihood estimation based on the determined monopulse ratios to determine a monopulse ratio estimate corresponding to a maximum of a likelihood function; accessing a table correlating monopulse ratio estimates and target angle values and determining from the table an estimated target angle; accessing a complex target amplitude corresponding to the estimated target angle, comparing the complex target amplitude to a threshold; and if, based on the step of comparing, the target amplitude exceeds the threshold, providing an output signal indicative of target detection and the estimated target angle.

Abstract: A communication system includes an encryptor and a decryptor. For improved encryption security, the encryptor includes a multitap delay line to produce mutually delayed samples of the signal to be encrypted. Each sample is operated on by a key or function to produce modified signal samples, and the modified signal samples are summed or combined to produce the encrypted signal. According to one aspect of the invention, at least one of the keys or functions includes a nonlinear function. In some embodiments, the functions are time-variant for improved security. Decryption is accomplished in some embodiments by an equalizer. The preferred equalizer is the maximum-likelihood-sequence estimators matched to the encryption functions. A Viterbi algorithm makes it easy to implement the matched equalizer.

Abstract: A sorting device and method for dynamically allocating bins to objects such as mail pieces. The device has at least one reading device for reading delivery information of objects and a conveying system which transports the objects. At least one feeder inducts the objects onto the conveying system. A plurality of physical bin locations are adjacent to the conveying system for storage of the object injected from the conveying system. A controller or processor dynamically assigns and reassigns sort locations, as required, to the plurality of physical bin locations during a sorting operation for each object of the objects.

Abstract: Targets are sensed by a first sensor in a first coordinate system and by a second sensor in a second coordinate system. Gridlock or congruence between the coordinate systems is achieved by sensing at least four targets with both sensors. Pseudomeasurements are generated in both local and external coordinate systems by taking the differences between a first target location and each of second, third, and fourth target locations. The pseudomeasurements are filtered in corresponding pairs, to thereby generate an estimated rotation matrix between the local and external coordinate systems. The estimated rotation matrix is applied to the local coordinate system. The target locations in the rotated local and external coordinate systems are filtered in corresponding pairs to generate an estimated translation vector. The rotation and translation are applied to the local coordinate system to bring it into congruence with the external coordinate system.

Abstract: A satellite communications system is described for increasing capacity through spectrum reuse by multiple satellites. The system includes a constellation of satellites traveling in a geosynchronous orbit, where the geosynchronous orbit defines a ground track. The satellites operate in a first mode when traveling in a first latitudinal direction on the satellite track and in a second mode when traveling in a second latitudinal direction on the satellite track. By using different operation modes, satellites traveling in opposite latitudinal directions do not interfere with each other. Each of the satellites maintains a minimum spacing apart from other satellites moving in the same latitudinal direction to prevent interference from satellites using the same operation mode.

Abstract: A method and system for processing image data to identify objects in an image. The method and system operate using various resolutions of the image to identify the objects. Information obtained while processing the image at one resolution is employed when processing the image at another resolution.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for directing a laser beam at an object. Some embodiments include generating direction-control information, based on the direction-control information, directing laser energy into a first fiber at a first end of a first fiber bundle during a first time period, forming an output beam of the laser energy from the second end of the first fiber bundle, and steering the output beam of the laser energy from the first fiber in a first selected direction of a plurality of directions during the first time period, and optionally modulating an intensity of the laser energy according to a predetermined pattern. The direction-control information is based on sensing electromagnetic radiation from a scene. Some embodiments use a remote camera wire-connected to the image processor to obtain scene information, while other embodiments use a second fiber bundle to convey image information from an external remote lens to a local camera.

Abstract: A composite member is joined to another composite or noncomposite member, using liquid or paste adhesive resin that cures in the joint. The joint is configured in such a way that the adhesive forms an interlocking key within recesses in the joined members that prevents joint disassembly once the adhesive has cured and hardened. Both of the members are provided with recesses extending along their lengths in the joint. The recesses register with each other to define a cavity and may undulate. The recessed are designed in such a way as to take the full load capability if the joint, even if there is no adhesion to the joined members. Adhesive is injected into the cavity through injection ports spaced periodically along the length of the joint.

Abstract: A method of packaging a semiconductor component with a printed wiring board is disclosed. The method includes determining a first distance, applying a thin film onto a surface of the semiconductor component such that the thin film is spaced apart from a support of the semiconductor, applying a solder pad onto the printed wiring board, placing the semiconductor component with the thin film onto the printed wiring board, and positioning the thin film adjacent the solder pad.

Abstract: An imaging circuit comprises an image detector, accumulator coupled to the image detector, a focus/defocus mechanism focusing and defocusing an optical image onto the image detector; and a controller operatively connected to the focus/defocus mechanism, wherein the controller controls the focus/defocus mechanism to focus and defocus the optical image onto the image detector to provide focused and defocused images; where the controller controls the focus/defocus mechanism to focus the optical image onto the image detector to provide charge carriers of the focused image onto the accumulator, where the accumulator accumulates the charge carriers of the focused image, the controller controls the focus/defocus mechanism to defocus the optical image onto the image detector to provide charge carriers of the defocused image onto the accumulator, where the accumulator subtracts the charge carriers of the defocused image, and the imaging circuit reads out the charge carriers from the accumulator representative of a low

Abstract: A camera assembly is disclosed which may be implemented on a mail processing system for photographing flats mail items. In one embodiment, the assembly includes lighting components (e.g., light emitting diodes) which are capable of projecting light toward a mail item in a viewing station at a specific angle, which angle may be adjusted to reduce the amount of specular reflection from an item toward a camera. The lighting components may reside in a nose unit which may be easily attached to and detached from the housing for ease of maintenance. The nose unit may be attachable to the housing in a manner which seals the camera and lighting components off from the operating environment, such that airborne dust and debris does not enter the housing or nose unit and damage the camera or lighting components.

Abstract: A method of aligning a fixture for holding an alignment telescope with an antenna array foundation. In one embodiment, the method includes mounting a fixture for holding an alignment telescope proximate to a first location on an edge of an antenna array foundation, projecting a laser beam outwards from the fixture towards a second location on the edge of the antenna array foundation, and aligning the fixture with the edge at the second location using the laser beam. The fixture may be aligned with the edge of the foundation by adjusting the position of the fixture in relation to the foundation so that the laser beam strikes the foundation edge at the second location, thereby producing a visible laser spot on the edge. The procedure may be repeated to align a plurality of spaced-apart foundation edge locations with the fixture.

Abstract: Fingers and palms can be optically scanned to produce optical finger or optical palm prints by using one or more flexible imaging members in contact therewith. The palm or finger being scanned is positioned on one side of the flexible imaging member and in contact therewith. One or more optical scanners is positioned on the other side of the imaging member. The sensor(s) then sense incident radiant energy or light indicative of friction ridge patterns and minutiae on the respective finger and/or palm. Alternately, RF or electro-static sensing could be used.

Abstract: Pulse detonation/deflagration apparatus for providing enhanced pressure wave operating frequency and/or magnitude, and methods of increasing the frequency or the magnitude of deflagration to detonation waves, are provided. A pulse detonation/deflagration apparatus can include a main/outer pulse detonation/deflagration actuator/engine (PDA/E) with multiple smaller internal combustion chambers or tubes positioned inside the cavity of the main/outer PDA/E with each performing the function of individual PDA/Es. The output pressure waves created by the internal PDA/Es can be utilized for propulsion or for controlling large scale flows, where needed.

Abstract: A ballastic material is disclosed which contains a fibrous reinforcement; and a polymer matrix enhanced by multi-wall nanotubes, single-wall nanotubes and combinations of these. The fibrous reinforcement is impregnated with the enhanced polymer matrix.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention relate to enclosure assemblies housing at least one electronic board assembly and systems (e.g., missiles or unmanned vehicles) that may employ such enclosure assemblies. In an embodiment, an enclosure assembly includes an enclosure having an interior surface defining an interior space and an inner diameter. At least one electronic board assembly is positioned within the interior space and includes a first peripheral edge region and an opposing second peripheral edge region. The electronic board assembly extends diametrically so that the first and second peripheral edge regions are at least proximate to the interior surface. In another embodiment, a plurality of electronic board assemblies are positioned within the interior space and each extends generally along a respective non-diametric chord defined by the interior surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to automatic gain switching circuits for implementation with photodetectors that include a switchable storage network including a storage element. The switchable storage network, such as one or more capacitors, is configured and arranged to respond to a photocurrent from the photodetector and provide an increased storage for the circuit at a predetermined photocurrent. The storage elements can include one or more capacitors that can be coupled to integration capacitors of the photodetector. The switchable networks can include flux sensing switches such as MOSFETS that can activate at a desired or predetermined photocurrent level. Related methods of providing multiple gain values for a photodetector circuit, as well as focal plane arrays and imaging systems with automatic gain shifting are also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a GPS navigation system comprised of a submerged vessel having a navigation processor associated via buoyant cable with a buoy having a GPS device; wherein the cable contains: a data link between the vessel and the GPS device; and a location device for the determination of the location of the cable to the vessel; and wherein the processor computes a GPS position relative to the vessel. The invention also relates to a navigation process comprising the steps of: attaching a cable between a buoy and a submerged vessel; providing a GPS data relative to the buoy and cable location data over the cable to the submerged vessel; and using the GPS position of the buoy and location data to compute the GPS position of the submerged vessel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for prophylactic measures aimed at improving wound repair. In some embodiments, laser-mediated preconditioning would enhance surgical wound healing that was correlated with hsp70 expression. Using a pulsed laser (?=1850 nm, Tp=2 ms, 50 Hz, H=7.64 mJ/cm2) the skin of transgenic mice that contain an hsp70 promoter-driven luciferase were preconditioned 12 hours before surgical incisions were made. Laser protocols were optimized using temperature, blood flow, and hsp70-mediated bioluminescence measurements as benchmarks. Bioluminescent imaging studies in vivo indicated that an optimized laser protocol increased hsp70 expression by 15-fold. Under these conditions, healed areas from incisions that were laser-preconditioned were two times stronger than those from control wounds.