Abstract: A wireless sensor system for an aircraft including a central access point and a plurality of slave nodes arranged in a star network in which the central access point wirelessly exchanges data with the slave nodes in a bidirectional manner. At least one of the antenna at the central access point and the antenna of each of the slave nodes is circularly polarized.

Abstract: Transmitting power and data to electronic components using a single optical fiber includes receiving a light power signal via the single fiber optic, converting the power light signal to electrical energy, at least a portion of which may be stored in an energy storage element, and, in response to a pause in the received light power signal, transmitting a light data signal via the single optical fiber, where power used in connection with data transmission is provided by electrical energy stored in the energy storage element. A photovoltaic element may be used to convert the light power signal into electrical energy. The photovoltaic element may be an array of photodiodes or a single photodiode. The energy storage element may be a capacitor. Transmitting a light data signal may be provided by a communication light source.

Abstract: A Reconfigurable Nose Control System (RNCS) is designed to adjust the flight path of spin-stabilized artillery projectiles. The RNCS uses the surface of a projectile nose cone as a trim tab. The nose cone may be despun by the action of aerodynamic surfaces, to zero spin relative to earth fixed coordinates using local air flow, and deflected by a simple rotary motion of a Divert Motor about the longitudinal axis of the projectile. A forward section of the nose cone having an ogive is mounted at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the projectile, forming an axial offset of an axis of the forward section with respect to the longitudinal axis of the projectile. Another section of the nose cone includes another motor, the Roll Generator Motor, that is rotationally decoupled from the forward section and rotates the deflected forward section so that its axis may be pointed in any direction within its range of motion.

Abstract: Described are techniques for using statistical analysis to reduce the number of samples required in accordance with statistical analysis confidence intervals to verify correctness of a component. These techniques may be used in verification of a neural network or other hardware or software component.

Abstract: Alternative direct sequence spread spectrum symbol to chip mappings and methods for generating the same for use in a direct sequence spread spectrum wireless protocol and embedded in a transceiver chip used by wireless subsystems are provided. The present invention discloses alternative symbol to chip mappings that are orthogonal or nearly orthogonal to the N/2 unused chip sequences defined by a standard transmission protocol. The present invention is advantageous because it provides for an increased number of users and better reliability for wireless subsystems operating in increasingly overcrowded frequency bands. Other advantages of the present invention include a reduction in the negative effects of clear channel assessment including delayed or cancelled signal transmission and interference for wireless subsystems that transmit time-sensitive data.

Abstract: Detecting video phenomena, such as fire in an aircraft cargo bay, includes receiving a plurality of video images from a plurality of sources, compensating the images to provide enhanced images, extracting features from the enhanced images, and combining the features from the plurality of sources to detect the video phenomena. Extracting features may include determining an energy indicator for each of a subset of the plurality of frames. Detecting video phenomena may also include comparing energy indicators for each of the subset of the plurality of frames to a reference frame. The reference frame corresponds to a video frame taken when no fire is present, video frame immediately preceding each of the subset of the plurality of frames, or a video frame immediately preceding a frame that is immediately preceding each of the subset of the plurality of frames. Image-based and non-image based techniques are described herein in connection with fire detection and/or verification and other applications.

Abstract: A proximity sensor for determining a position of an object. The proximity sensor includes a SAW device having a load end and an input end for receiving an input pulse. A sensing section connects to the load end of the SAW device. When the object is in a first position, the sensing section provides a first response indicative of the first position and, when the object is in a second position, the sensing section provides a second response indicative of the second position such that the position of the object can be determined based upon the response to the input pulse.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for determining a future time associated with a component, where the future time can be indicative that some action can be taken with respect to the component. In some embodiments, the future time can be indicative of a component's remaining useful life or time until maintenance is required. The future time can be determined as a function of a health indicator and a material constant. In some embodiments, the functional relationship between the future time, the health indicator and the material constant can be based on the functional relationship of Paris' law for fatigue crack growth.

Abstract: Optical power uses light to run remote, isolated circuits without metallic wires. An optical power system may include a single photovoltaic component that supplies a first voltage in response to impingement of light on the photovoltaic component. A voltage booster receives the first voltage from the photovoltaic component and supplies a second voltage signal at a second voltage that is greater than the first voltage. The optical power system may be integrated with a sensor that is powered by the second voltage from the voltage booster. The photovoltaic component may be an inexpensive light emitting diode.

Abstract: Described are techniques used in a wire diagnostics system to detect events, such as defects, that may occur within a wire or cable under test. An incident voltage signal is sent out on the wire and a measured voltage signal is obtained which includes the incident voltage and the reflected voltage. Compensation processing is performed on the measured waveform to remove unwanted reflective components. Additionally, the waveform is then subject to attenuation processing and event detection processing. Detected events, such as defects, are classified and output as results. Events are classified by parametric classification using a library of known events or faults. The library of known events or faults is previously generated using empirical analysis and modeling techniques. Additionally, joint time-frequency domain reflectometry (TFDR) techniques are described for event identification and classification for a wire under test.

Abstract: Determining adjustments to decrease vibrations caused by rotating blades from a plurality of rotors includes determining a first plurality of adjustment normalization values for a plurality of possible adjustments of blades of a first one of the plurality of rotors, where the first plurality of adjustment normalization values normalizes different types of adjustments having different units, determining a second plurality of adjustment normalization values for a plurality of possible adjustments of blades of a second one of the plurality of rotors, where the second plurality of adjustment normalization values normalizes different types of adjustments having different units and where, for a particular adjustment type, an adjustment normalization value of the first plurality of adjustment normalization values is independent of a corresponding adjustment normalization value of the second plurality of adjustment normalization values for the particular adjustment type, providing coefficient of vibration data that c

Abstract: Detecting video phenomena, such as fire in an aircraft cargo bay, includes receiving a plurality of video images from a plurality of sources, compensating the images to provide enhanced images, extracting features from the enhanced images, and combining the features from the plurality of sources to detect the video phenomena. Extracting features may include determining an energy indicator for each of a subset of the plurality of frames. Detecting video phenomena may also include comparing energy indicators for each of the subset of the plurality of frames to a reference frame. The reference frame corresponds to a video frame taken when no fire is present, video frame immediately preceding each of the subset of the plurality of frames, or a video frame immediately preceding a frame that is immediately preceding each of the subset of the plurality of frames. Image-based and non-image based techniques are described herein in connection with fire detection and/or verification and other applications.

Abstract: Alternative direct sequence spread spectrum symbol to chip mappings and methods for generating the same for use in a direct sequence spread spectrum wireless protocol and embedded in a transceiver chip used by wireless subsystems are provided. The present invention discloses alternative symbol to chip mappings that are orthogonal or nearly orthogonal to the N/2 unused chip sequences defined by a standard transmission protocol. The present invention is advantageous because it provides for an increased number of users and better reliability for wireless subsystems operating in increasingly overcrowded frequency bands. Other advantages of the present invention include a reduction in the negative effects of clear channel assessment including delayed or cancelled signal transmission and interference for wireless subsystems that transmit time-sensitive data.

Abstract: A proximity sensor for determining a position of an object. The proximity sensor includes a SAW device having a load end and an input end for receiving an input pulse. A sensing section connects to the load end of the SAW device. When the object is in a first position, the sensing section provides a first response indicative of the first position and, when the object is in a second position, the sensing section provides a second response indicative of the second position such that the position of the object can be determined based upon the response to the input pulse.

Abstract: A method of assembling an inductive proximity sensor maintains inductive coil wound bobbins in fixed relation to an inductive core within a housing. The method includes configuring two inductive coil wound bobbins with an integral ledge cantilevered from an inside surface thereof for forming a pocket under the integral ledge at a bottom of each bobbin; disposing each inductive coil wound bobbin around a corresponding leg of the inductive core; containing a foot of each core leg into the pocket of the corresponding bobbin; inserting each of two legs of a thruster element into a corresponding bobbin so that each leg rests upon the ledge of the corresponding bobbin; disposing the inductive core, inductive coil wound bobbins, and thruster element into the housing; disposing a spring element on a top surface of the thruster element; and compressing the spring element against the top surface of the thruster element.

Abstract: A first measured value is determined which is associated with the proximity of a target to an inductive sensor. A first voltage signal having a first amplitude is generated. The first voltage signal is provided as a driving signal to the inductive sensor. A sensor current signal is received as a return signal output from the inductive sensor. The sensor current signal has an amplitude proportional to a proximity of the target to the inductive sensor. The sensor current signal is converted to a corresponding second voltage signal having a second amplitude. A differential measuring technique is used to determine the first measured value in accordance with relative amplitudes of said first voltage signal and said second voltage signal.

Abstract: A proximity sensor assembly includes a multilayer printed wiring board proximity sensor, the proximity sensor being operable as either a variable-reluctance sensor or an eddy current loss sensor. The proximity sensor includes a plurality of layers configured to form at least one wound coil disposed about at least a portion of a core. The coils are electrically driven to generate an alternating magnetic field such that the inductance of the coils changes when a permeable or conductive object is moved in relation to the magnetic field. The change in inductance is recognized and used to detect the proximity and presence of an object relative to the sensor.

Abstract: A float switch system for limiting to desirable levels current and energy entering a tank of combustible liquid comprises: a float switch disposed within the tank; an interface circuit external to the tank and coupled through wiring to the float switch; a passive transient suppression circuit coupled to the wiring external and in proximity to the tank, and operative to limit current and energy entering the tank over the wiring to the desirable levels; and a control circuit coupled to the float switch through the transient suppression circuit and to the interface circuit, the control circuit operative to monitor the status of the float switch with current within the desirable current level and to energize the interface circuit based on the switch status.

Abstract: Detecting video phenomena, such as fire in an aircraft cargo bay, includes receiving a plurality of video images from a plurality of sources, compensating the images to provide enhanced images, extracting features from the enhanced images, and combining the features from the plurality of sources to detect the video phenomena. The plurality of sources may include cameras having a sensitivity of between 400 nm and 1000 nm and/or may include cameras having a sensitivity of between 7 and 14 micrometers. Extracting features may include determining an energy indicator for each of a subset of the plurality of frames. Detecting video phenomena may also include comparing energy indicators for each of the subset of the plurality of frames to a reference frame.

Abstract: Described are systems and methods for determining the gross weight of an aircraft. A flight regime is determined based on one or more inputs. A neural net is selected based on a flight regime. The neural net inputs may include derived values. A first estimate of the gross weight is produced by the selected neural net. The first estimate is used, along with other inputs, with a Kalman filter to produce a final gross weight estimate. The Kalman filter blends or fuses together its inputs to produce the final gross weight estimate.