Abstract: Systems, methods, and software described herein provide enhancements for managing data storage in a satellite platform. In one implementation, a satellite platform includes a plurality of satellites, wherein a first satellite of the platform is configured to identify a request for a ledger entry for a blockchain maintained by the satellite platform and, in response to the request, distribute the ledger entry to one or more other satellites of the satellite platform, wherein the one or more other satellites comprise full nodes for the blockchain. Once distributed, the one or more other satellites each determine whether the ledger entry is verified and, when the ledger entry is verified, enters the ledger entry in a ledger for the satellite.

Abstract: A connector block comprised of a plurality of spring-embedded blind mate connector assemblies. Each of the spring-embedded blind mate connector assemblies can be comprised of a first connector extending in a first direction and a second connector extending in a second direction opposite the first direction, where the first connector and the second connector can have a common axis and can be operatively coupled to pass a signal between opposite ends of the spring-embedded blind mate connector assembly. The first connector can include a captivator, a connection extension, and a spring between the captivator and the second connector, where the spring can abut the captivator and have an outer diameter no greater than an outer diameter of the captivator.

Abstract: A beamforming apparatus is constructed from a pliable medium and a conductor pattern disposed on the pliable medium to form a foldable Rotman lens.

Abstract: A method of capturing an aerial vehicle comprises rotating a first blade of the aerial vehicle, the first blade coupled to a hub of the aerial vehicle and having a contour configured to facilitate entanglement of a payload line of a winch system around the aerial vehicle. The method further comprises contacting, by a leading edge of the first blade, the payload line of the winch system and pulling the payload line towards the hub of the aerial vehicle, wherein the payload line is pulled towards the hub as the first blade continues to rotate and wherein continued rotation of the first blade causes the payload line to be tangled around the hub of the aerial vehicle.

Abstract: A system includes a first tube of a plurality of tubes, the first tube having a first end and a second end. The system further includes a light detector positioned at the second end of the first tube. The light detector is configured to detect an incoming light and determine light intensity information of the incoming light. The system further includes a material coupled to the first end of the first tube. The material is configured to change in transparency. The system further comprises a processor coupled to the light detector and the material. The processor is configured to receive the light intensity information from the light detector. The processor is further configured to determine that an intensity of the incoming light is above a threshold, and, in response to determining that the intensity is above the threshold, cause a change in transparency of the material.

Abstract: A rotor blade for a rotary wing aircraft includes a rotor hub including a first flex-beam attachment member and a flex-beam assembly. The flex-beam assembly includes a flex-beam support member having an attachment end and a wrapping end. A first flex-beam includes a first end, a second end and an intermediate portion. The first end of the first flex-beam is connected at the first flex-beam attachment member and the second end of the first flex-beam being connected to the attachment end of the flex-beam support member. A second flex-beam includes first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate section. The first end portion of the second flex-beam is connected at the first flex-beam attachment member, the second end portion of the second flex-beam being connected at the second flex-beam attachment member and the intermediate section extending about the wrapping end of the flex-beam support member.

Abstract: A multiband waveguide feed network includes multiple transmit (TX) magic tees, multiple receive (RX)-reject waveguide filters configured to reject RX frequencies, and multiple branch-line couplers configured to couple the plurality of RX-reject waveguide filters to the plurality of TX magic tees. The multiband waveguide feed network includes a quadrature junction coupler configured to couple the plurality of RX-reject waveguide filters to an antenna port. The multiband waveguide feed network is configured to be fabricated in four pieces with three split planes, and the multiband waveguide feed network is circularly polarized.

Abstract: An interface assembly includes a constraint layer formed from a material that provides a coefficient of thermal expansion match between first and second circuit board substrates. The constraint layer includes a waveguide cavity that extends between first and second opposing outer surface the constraint layer. The first and second circuit board substrates are respectively coupled to the first and second outer surfaces of the constraint layer via single ground connections. Portions of the first and second circuit board substrates are aligned with the waveguide cavity and positive connections are made between components of the first and second circuit boards through the waveguide cavity.

Abstract: A phased array radar system includes a first input signal source configured to generate a first input signal (e.g., a clock signal), and a second input signal source configured to generate a second input signal (e.g., a local oscillator signal). A multiplexer is operatively connected to the first and second input signal sources, and is configured to selectively route the first and second input signals onto a single output channel. At least one signal dividing device is operatively connected to the single output channel, and is configured to generate a plurality of output signals from a signal received from the signal multiplexer. A plurality of signal demultiplexers are also provided, with each demultiplexer responsive to one of the plurality of output signals for routing the output signal to one of a plurality of output channels. A plurality of radar receivers and/or exciters are operatively connected to the plurality of output channels of the plurality of multiplexers.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a cross-link phased array and a communication-link phased array. The cross-link phased array and the communication-link phased array are integrated into a single array. The cross-link phased array and communication-link phased array comprise a multi-beam phased array. The cross-link phased array provides communication between multiple space vehicles and the communication-link phased array provides communication between the satellite and the ground GPS system.

Abstract: A portable radar system comprising: a base; a mount connected to the base; a radar antenna pivotally attached to the mount; and a linear actuator pivotally connected between a portion of the base and the radar antenna, the linear actuator comprising a base containing an extendable column, which when deployed is substantially cylindrical, having a corrugated outer wall, and which is configured to raise and lower the radar antenna.

Abstract: A paint cup for a spray gun has a cup part and a lid which are connected to one another so as to be sealed at an opening which is round in cross-section. According to the invention, the lid has at least one dimensionally stable wing projecting radially from the round opening, which wing is designed such that a force can be exerted on the lid via it when removing the lid in order to move the lid and cup part relative to one another.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel membrane electrode assemblies, and devices and systems incorporating them. Representative membrane electrode assemblies comprise (a) a first, porous electrode; (b) a buffer layer optionally comprising an aqueous solution comprising a pH buffer; (c) a membrane; and (d) a second, porous electrode comprising a catalyst for the generation of oxygen (O2); wherein the membrane is interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the buffer layer is interposed between the membrane and the first electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an aperture layer coupled to a polarizer layer. The aperture layer includes an antenna and a filter. A circuit layer is mechanically and thermally coupled to the aperture layer. The antenna includes a square horn antenna made of a polymer material. The filter includes a waveguide filter having a first and a second piece separately molded. The waveguide filter includes a folded-back waveguide coupled to the horn antenna at one end and to the circuit layer at another end.

Abstract: A spiral antenna device includes one or more conductive spiral arms that are formed on a dielectric substrate attached to a wall of a cylindrical cavity. One or more coils are formed on the wall of the cylindrical cavity and are coupled to the one or more conductive spiral arms. Starting points of the one or more conductive spiral arms are in a center region of the dielectric substrate and ending points of the one or more conductive spiral arms are electrically coupled to first ends of the one or more coils.

Abstract: Automatic electromyography (EMG) electrode selection for robotic devices is disclosed. A plurality of signals from a corresponding plurality of sensors coupled to a skin of a user is received. For each pair of at least some pairs of the plurality of sensors, a sensor pair signature is generated based on differences in signals that are generated by the respective pair of sensors. Each of the sensor pair signatures is compared to a predetermined sensor pair signature to identify a particular pair of sensors. A signal difference between two signals generated by the particular pair of sensors is subsequently utilized to generate a command to drive a motor.

Abstract: An optical device is disclosed. The optical device has an optical path and includes a first polarizing filter positioned in the optical path that is configured to receive electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from a scene and to transmit a first subset of EMR comprising EMR in a first waveband that has a first polarization orientation and EMR in a second waveband. A second polarizing filter is positioned in the optical path downstream of the first polarizing filter that is configured to receive the first subset of EMR and to transmit a second subset of EMR comprising EMR in the second waveband that has a second polarization orientation and the EMR in the first waveband that has the first polarization orientation.