Abstract: A system, method, and device for RF upconversion. The system can include a laser, two EAMs, a photonic filter, a photonic service filter, two photodiodes, and a mixer. The first EAM can convert a received RF signal into the photonic domain by modulating an optical signal (received from the laser) based on the received RF signal to output a modulated optical signal. The photonic filter can output a filtered optical signal based on the modulated optical signal to the first photodiode which can output a filtered RF signal in the RF domain. The second EAM can output an LO modulated optical signal based on a received LO to the service filter which can output a filtered LO optical signal to the second photodiode which can output a filtered LO signal in the RF domain. The mixer can mix the filtered RF and LO signals to generate an IF signal.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to a dual-band photodetector. The dual-band photodetector includes a barrier layer (10) disposed between two infrared absorption layers (8, 12) wherein the barrier layer (10) is lattice matched to at least one of the infrared absorption layers (8, 12). Furthermore, one infrared absorption layer includes dilute nitride to adjust the band gap to a desired cut-off wavelength while maintaining valence-band alignment with the barrier layer. Embodiments also relate to a system and processes for producing the photodetector fabricated from semiconductor materials.

Abstract: A system is disclosed including a mountable component configured with an attachment to allow the mountable component to be readily attached to and removed from an independent wearable garment, a positioning slide connected to the mountable component, a display mount connected to the positioning slide, a lens adjustment arm attached to the positioning slide, and a curved lens surface connected to the lens adjustment arm. The positioning slide is configured to move the lens and display mount in a back and forth direction and a left to right direction. Another system and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a countermeasure assistance system that, in response to detecting a threat to an aircraft, calculates and presents via a user interface an instruction to assist a pilot in evading the threat. For example, the system may determine a direction to which the aircraft should be turned to present a beam of the aircraft toward the threat, which may assist in evading a radar-enabled threat. The system may calculate a shortest turn to present the beam to the threat. The system may additionally display information regarding a position, nature, and degree of the threat, including through formatting of at least a portion of a user interface for displaying information regarding the threat. The system may additionally calculate and display an intervisibility zone for the threat and for the aircraft's current position to further assist the pilot in navigating to an area at which the threat may be evaded.

Abstract: A computerized method for intelligently distributing computer processing of mail piece scan images across a plurality of mail piece scan image processors. The method can include receiving a mail piece scan image from a mail piece scan image job requestor and selecting one of a plurality of scan mail piece scan image processors to process said mail piece scan image. The mail piece scan image can be transmitted to said one of a plurality of plurality of mail piece scan image processors and a mail piece scan image processing result can be received from said one of a plurality of plurality of mail piece scan image processors. Post-processing operations can be performed based on said mail piece scan image processing result. The mail piece scan image processing result can be transmitted to said mail piece scan image processing requestor.

Abstract: Mechanisms for validating the authenticity of an item. A reader device records authentication data that is obscured in a label. The authentication data is provided to a remote authentication server via a network. The reader device receives, from the remote authentication server, an authentication response based on the authentication data. Based at least in part on the authentication response, the reader device displays an indication that identifies whether the item is authentic.

Abstract: Variable scan rate image generation is disclosed. A scanning device scans a scene with a detector array at a first constant scan rate. Photon accumulation values are iteratively transferred from each set of detector elements in the detector array to an adjacent set of detector elements at a first transfer rate based on the first constant scan rate. Photon accumulation values of one set of the plurality of sets are iteratively read out at the first transfer rate. The first constant scan rate is accelerated to a second constant scan rate, and photon accumulation values are iteratively transferred from each set to an adjacent set at a second transfer rate based on the second constant scan rate, and photon accumulation values of the at least one set of the plurality of sets are iteratively read out at the second transfer rate.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and associated fiber-laser architectures for high-power pulsed operation and pumping wavelength-conversion devices. Some embodiments generate blue laser light by frequency quadrupling infrared (IR) light from Tm-doped gain fiber using non-linear wavelength conversion. Some embodiments use a fiber MOPA configuration to amplify a seed signal from a semiconductor laser or ring fiber laser. Some embodiments use the frequency-quadrupled blue light for underwater communications, imaging, and/or object and anomaly detection. Some embodiments amplitude modulate the IR seed signal to encode communication data sent to or from a submarine once the modulated light has its wavelength quartered.

Abstract: A method of, and an applicator for, applying a bead of a liquid coating material to a work surface by configuring a reservoir of a liquid coating applicator for viscous retention of the liquid coating material to be applied, and further configuring the reservoir to dispense the liquid coating material via surface adhesion, cohesion, and gravity.

Abstract: According to some aspects, a network interoperability device is provided, comprising a first interface configured to electrically couple to one or more inter-integrated circuit (I2C) devices via an I2C bus, a second interface configured to electrically couple to a data input port and a distinct data output port of a non-I2C transceiver, and a control circuit electrically coupled to the first and second interfaces and configured to control communication of an I2C frame between the I2C bus and the non-I2C transceiver.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for monitoring and control of the operation of various types of industrial plants, including power plants, nuclear power plants and plants including various types of mechanical, electrical and chemical machinery. The invention employs modular non-microprocessor based, non-software based digital hardware that enables communication between sensors and control logic and between the control logic and actuators that control a functional aspect of each plant.

Abstract: A system includes an outer band, inner band, and a fastener. The outer band covers at least a portion of a first structure and has a first edge opposite a second edge. The second edge forms a first load redistribution ramp corresponding to a bend in the first structure. The inner band is positioned beneath a second structure and has a first surface opposite a second surface. The second surface forms a second load redistribution ramp corresponding to the bend in the first structure. A portion of the inner band adjacent to the second surface forms a curve around an edge of the second structure such that the second load redistribution ramp forms a wedge between the first structure and the second structure. The fastener couples the outer band, first structure, second structure, and inner band.

Abstract: An open-face molding apparatus for use in open-face injection molding operations to more accurately control the thickness of coatings applied to workpiece surfaces of slightly varying contour profiles. A conformable tool face is carried by a rigid tool backing and a perimeter seal releasably seals the conformable tool face around its perimeter to the workpiece surface. The conformable tool face and perimeter seal define a mold cavity together with the workpiece surface. An array of actuators are connected between the rigid tool backing and the conformable tool face to provide a desired tool face contour and desired spacings between the conformable tool face and a workpiece surface by deflecting the conformable tool face relative to the rigid tool backing.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an outer shell, a gauge ring, and a spring. The gauge ring is configured to rotate to a first position as a nut passes through an opening of the outer shell and contacts a bottom surface of the gauge ring, the first position permitting the nut to pass through the gauge ring and into a socket by aligning one or more gauge ring lobe slits with one or more outer shell lobe slits and one or more deformable lobes of the nut. The spring is configured to rotate the gauge ring to the second position after the nut passes through the gauge ring and into the socket, the second position preventing the nut from exiting the socket by preventing alignment of the one or more gauge ring lobe slits with the one or more outer shell lobe slits.

Abstract: A heat-exchanger module that conveys a fluid through one or more heat exchangers with little or no pressure drop is presented. The heat-exchanger module comprises a first manifold that smoothly channels the fluid from a fluid source to each of the heat exchangers. The heat-exchanger module further comprises a second manifold that smoothly channels the fluid from the heat exchangers to a fluid sink. The manifolds are dimensioned and arranged to mitigate development of pressure drops in the fluid flow.

Abstract: A side-by-side dual-launch spacecraft arrangement is provided. The arrangement may include a dual-launch adaptor, a first spacecraft, and a second spacecraft. The first spacecraft and the second spacecraft may be mounted on the dual-launch adaptor and may be arranged side by side on the dual-launch adaptor. An aspect ratio of each of the first and second spacecraft may be within a range of 0.55 and 0.8.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to photodetectors comprising: a substrate and a bulk-alloy infrared (IR) photo absorption layer disposed on the substrate to absorb photons in an infrared wavelength and having a graded section and an ungraded section. The photodetector comprises a unipolar barrier layer disposed on the bulk-alloy photo absorption layer. The graded section includes a graded alloy composition such that its energy bandgap is largest near the substrate and smallest near the unipolar barrier layer. The embodiments also relate to methods fabricating the photodetectors.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a multiband antenna array formed on a flexible substrate. Low frequency antenna elements may be formed using nanoink. High frequency elements may be provided on a prefabricated antenna chip. The antenna array may be heated in a low temperature oven to sinter the nanoink into a solid antenna element. In some embodiments, an adhesive insulation layer may be provided which allows the antenna array to be attached to any surface. In other embodiments, the antenna array may be embedded in a composite material.

Abstract: A system includes a focal plane array (FPA), support structure, optical assembly, flexing structure, and drive actuator. The FPA includes multiple pixels. The FPA captures an image as image data during an integration time interval. The optical assembly is fixed to the support structure and forms an image of a scene at the FPA. The flexing structure is mechanically coupled to both the support structure and the FPA, and allows the FPA to move relative to the support structure. The actuator is mechanically coupled to the FPA, and drives the FPA to move relative to the support structure. Some FPA have all readout elements arranged in a first regular grid with constant spacing, while some detector elements are on that grid and other detector elements are on a different grid offset by less than the constant spacing to provide sub-pixel resolution.

Abstract: Photovoltaic cells having copper contacts can be made by using copper nanoparticles during their fabrication. Such photovoltaic cells can include a copper-based current collector located on a semiconductor substrate having an n-doped region and a p-doped region. The semiconductor substrate is configured for receipt of electromagnetic radiation and generation of an electrical current therefrom. The copper-based current collector includes an electrically conductive diffusion barrier disposed on the semiconductor substrate and a copper contact disposed on the electrically conductive diffusion barrier. The copper contact is formed from copper nanoparticles that have been at least partially fused together. The electrically conductive diffusion barrier limits the passage of copper therethrough.