Abstract: The disclosed MMW wave sensing camera calibration arrangement that generally includes a millimeter wave camera that uses an energy emission calibration panel as a calibration standard. The MMW camera is positioned opposite the calibration panel in the MMW camera's field-of-view. The calibration panel is held at a constant temperature to provide a standard emission of millimeter waves that is sensed by an MMW sensor to set or otherwise calibrate the MMW camera to a baseline emissivity value corresponding to the panel. The MMW camera is linked to a microprocessor and non-transient computer memory containing a calibration routine that is configured to reset the baseline only when nothing obstructs the calibration panel's field-of-view. A visual display is linked to the MMW camera and configured to display an MMW signature of a metal object that is disposed on a person's body when the person's body is in the field-of-view, the metal object concealed by clothing worn over the person's body.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a first camera and a second camera. A first antenna arrangement collects image light from a first scene as seen by the first camera, and a second antenna arrangement collects image light from a second, different scene as seen by the second camera. The first antenna arrangement includes a first polarized dish antenna and the second antenna arrangement includes a second polarized dish antenna. The first camera and the second camera are supported with a first polarization of the first polarized dish antenna orthogonal to a second polarization of the second polarized dish antenna such that at least some of the image light from the first scene travels through the second polarized dish antenna to reach the first camera and at least some of the image light from the second scene travels through the first polarized dish antenna to reach the second camera.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator includes an array of Faraday domains with each Faraday domain being selectively magnetizable to serve as an individual magnetic domain for selectively changing a polarization state of electromagnetic waves, having wavelengths that are no greater than a maximum wavelength, passing through each Faraday domain with each Faraday domain being characterized by physical dimensions and each Faraday domain is selectively magnetizable so long as the physical dimensions do not exceed a given maximum set of dimensions that correspond to the maximum wavelength. An addressing arrangement addresses the array of Faraday domains to selectively switch a magnetization state of a group of adjacent ones of the Faraday domains such that the Faraday domains that make up the group of Faraday domains cooperate to selectively change the polarization state of at least one electromagnetic wave passing therethrough having a wavelength that is longer than the maximum wavelength.

Abstract: The disclosed handheld camera device is a combination digital optical and millimeter wavelength (MMW) camera. In contrast to an optical camera, the MMW camera detects frequencies between 3-300 GHz making the MMW camera especially good at seeing metallic objects under garments, such as concealed weapons on a person or in a bag. The MMW camera can be arranged to point in the same field-of-view as the optical camera so that when an MMW image is taken it is automatically framed within the optical camera field-of-view. In certain configurations, the MMW camera takes a plurality of MMW images defined within an MMW field-of-view. In the case where the MMW field-of-view is smaller than the optical camera field-of-view, the multiple MMW images can be stitched together and overlaid on the optical image of the same scene to show a metallic object superimposed over a subject of interest.

Abstract: An advanced mobile energy storage device includes an energy storage component for the storage of electrical energy and characterized by a state of charge representative of an amount of energy stored within the energy component and by an energy storage rate into and out of the energy storage component. At least one power input transfers electrical energy into the device for storage in the energy storage component. At least one power output transfers electrical energy out of the device from the energy storage component. A processor determines, for indication to a user, an estimate of time until the state of charge at least reaches one or more particular levels, the estimate determined at least from the state of charge in conjunction with the energy storage rate. The device can network with an external computing device and can generate solar adjustment information.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a first camera and a second camera. A first antenna arrangement collects image light from a first scene as seen by the first camera, and a second antenna arrangement collects image light from a second, different scene as seen by the second camera. The first antenna arrangement includes a first polarized dish antenna and the second antenna arrangement includes a second polarized dish antenna. The first camera and the second camera are supported with a first polarization of the first polarized dish antenna orthogonal to a second polarization of the second polarized dish antenna such that at least some of the image light from the first scene travels through the second polarized dish antenna to reach the first camera and at least some of the image light from the second scene travels through the first polarized dish antenna to reach the second camera.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator includes an array of Faraday domains with each Faraday domain being selectively magnetizable to serve as an individual magnetic domain for selectively changing a polarization state of electromagnetic waves, having wavelengths that are no greater than a maximum wavelength, passing through each Faraday domain with each Faraday domain being characterized by physical dimensions and each Faraday domain is selectively magnetizable so long as the physical dimensions do not exceed a given maximum set of dimensions that correspond to the maximum wavelength. An addressing arrangement addresses the array of Faraday domains to selectively switch a magnetization state of a group of adjacent ones of the Faraday domains such that the Faraday domains that make up the group of Faraday domains cooperate to selectively change the polarization state of at least one electromagnetic wave passing therethrough having a wavelength that is longer than the maximum wavelength.

Abstract: A system passively images a scene using an antenna for collecting electromagnetic energy from the scene and directing the electromagnetic energy toward a single pixel sensor. A spatial light modulator includes a flexible tape that supports a series of blocking patterns along its length. The tape moves through the electromagnetic energy in an exposure region as the energy travels from the antenna to the sensor and the tape moves on a transport path that is nonlinear outside of the exposure region. A processor captures a set of output values from the sensor to form an image of the scene based on the set of output values. Two blocking pattern structures, either rigid or flexible, can be superimposed in an exposure region between an antenna and a sensor.

Abstract: An advanced mobile energy storage device includes an energy storage component for the storage of electrical energy and characterized by a state of charge representative of an amount of energy stored within the energy component and by an energy storage rate into and out of the energy storage component. At least one power input transfers electrical energy into the device for storage in the energy storage component. At least one power output transfers electrical energy out of the device from the energy storage component. A processor determines, for indication to a user, an estimate of time until the state of charge at least reaches one or more particular levels, the estimate determined at least from the state of charge in conjunction with the energy storage rate. The device can network with an external computing device and can generate solar adjustment information.

Abstract: A system passively images a scene using an antenna for collecting electromagnetic energy from the scene and directing the electromagnetic energy toward a single pixel sensor. A spatial light modulator includes a flexible tape that supports a series of blocking patterns along its length. The tape moves through the electromagnetic energy in an exposure region as the energy travels from the antenna to the sensor and the tape moves on a transport path that is nonlinear outside of the exposure region. A processor captures a set of output values from the sensor to form an image of the scene based on the set of output values. Two blocking pattern structures, either rigid or flexible, can be superimposed in an exposure region between an antenna and a sensor.

Abstract: A solar energy-storage cooler includes an insulated housing and a lid movable between a closed position, sealing the opening, and an open position for access to an interior of the housing. A solar power source generates electrical energy for an energy storage component in the housing which is part of an energy storage device. The housing can include a separate secure compartment. A compartment door can close the secure compartment door for locking by a lock mechanism to limit unauthorized access to the secure compartment. The lid and compartment door can share a common hinge. A motion sensor can characterize motion of the housing. An estimate of time can be determined as predictive of a state of charge of the energy storage device. Temperature indications are provided responsive to a temperature sensor.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator includes an array of Faraday domains with each Faraday domain being selectively magnetizable to serve as an individual magnetic domain for selectively changing a polarization state of electromagnetic waves, having wavelengths that are no greater than a maximum wavelength, passing through each Faraday domain with each Faraday domain being characterized by physical dimensions and each Faraday domain is selectively magnetizable so long as the physical dimensions do not exceed a given maximum set of dimensions that correspond to the maximum wavelength. An addressing arrangement addresses the array of Faraday domains to selectively switch a magnetization state of a group of adjacent ones of the Faraday domains such that the Faraday domains that make up the group of Faraday domains cooperate to selectively change the polarization state of at least one electromagnetic wave passing therethrough having a wavelength that is longer than the maximum wavelength.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a data storage system is provided. The system includes a controller that is configured to determine a direction of current flow to a first write element to write first data on a magnetic tape and to determine a direction of current flow to each of a plurality of neighboring write elements to write corresponding data on the magnetic tape. The controller is further configured to compare the direction of current flow to the first write element to the direction of current flow to the plurality of neighboring write elements. The controller is further configured to control the first write element to write the first data in response to comparing the direction of current flow to the first write element to the direction of current flow to each of the neighboring write elements.

Abstract: A system includes a host device and a disk drive interfaced with the host device are described as well as an associated method. The disk drive includes a magnetic media for storing information using an actuator arrangement to perform a data access by moving at least one head proximate to the magnetic media. The information may be subject to corruption when the disk drive is exposed, during the data access, to a given stray magnetic field having a given minimum magnetic field intensity. The given stray magnetic field will not corrupt the information on the magnetic media with the actuator arrangement positioned away from the magnetic media. A stray magnetic field protection arrangement is configured for detecting an ambient magnetic environment for use in causing the actuator arrangement to park responsive to the detection of at least the given minimum magnetic field intensity.

Abstract: A hard disk drive, its use and production are described. A read/write disk stores digital data. A spindle motor supports the read/write disk for controlled rotation thereof. A head arrangement moves to selectively access the read/write disk in a data access mode and moves to a parked position. A dedicated input is receives a first sensor related input signal. A processing arrangement executes the data access mode by cooperatively controlling the spindle motor and the head arrangement, monitoring the sensor related input signal for a predetermined characteristic thereof, and responsive to detection of the characteristic, at least moves the head arrangement to the parked position. A hard disk drive multi-sensor group, monitoring technique and interface are described.

Abstract: A system includes a host device and a disk drive interfaced with the host device are described as well as an associated method. The disk drive includes a magnetic media for storing information using an actuator arrangement to perform a data access by moving at least one head proximate to the magnetic media. The information may be subject to corruption when the disk drive is exposed, during the data access, to a given stray magnetic field having a given minimum magnetic field intensity. The given stray magnetic field will not corrupt the information on the magnetic media with the actuator arrangement positioned away from the magnetic media. A stray magnetic field protection arrangement is configured for detecting an ambient magnetic environment for use in causing the actuator arrangement to park responsive to the detection of at least the given minimum magnetic field intensity.

Abstract: A system includes a host device and a disk drive interfaced with the host device are described as well as an associated method. The disk drive includes a magnetic media for storing information using an actuator arrangement to perform a data access by moving at least one head proximate to the magnetic media. The information may be subject to corruption when the disk drive is exposed, during the data access, to a given stray magnetic field having a given minimum magnetic field intensity. The given stray magnetic field will not corrupt the information on the magnetic media with the actuator arrangement positioned away from the magnetic media. A stray magnetic field protection arrangement is configured for detecting an ambient magnetic environment for use in causing the actuator arrangement to park responsive to the detection of at least the given minimum magnetic field intensity.

Abstract: A tape drive apparatus for reading and writing data on a magnetic tape includes at least one transducer that interacts with the magnetic tape. A temperature control element is positioned to thermally expand the transducer. A control system controls the amount of current supplied to the temperature control element. A sensing circuit senses the distance between the transducer and the data storage tape. The system generates a spacing signal indicative of the sensed distance and is stored as spacing data. A temperature control element is controlled based upon spacing data to adjust the spacing between the transducer and the tape. The temperature control element may be controlled based upon a fixed adjustment or empirical data. A method is disclosed for controlling spacing between the transducer and a magnetic storage tape by heating the transducer head to cause thermal expansion and reduce pole tip recession.

Abstract: A tape drive apparatus for reading and writing data on a magnetic tape includes at least one transducer that interacts with the magnetic tape. A temperature control element is positioned to thermally expand the transducer. A control system controls the amount of current supplied to the temperature control element. A sensing circuit senses the distance between the transducer and the data storage tape. The system generates a spacing signal indicative of the sensed distance and is stored as spacing data. A temperature control element is controlled based upon spacing data to adjust the spacing between the transducer and the tape. The temperature control element may be controlled based upon a fixed adjustment or empirical data. A method is disclosed for controlling spacing between the transducer and a magnetic storage tape by heating the transducer head to cause thermal expansion and reduce pole tip recession.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes a temperature sensing apparatus and method in a disk drive in which a temperature sensor is exposed to a disk induced flow that is generated by the rotation of the disk in the disk drive. The flow changes at least in proportion to pressure changes in the gas environment of the disk drive, to produce a sensor output that is responsive to a pressure change in the gas environment.