Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for a steerable phased array antenna having a plurality of antenna elements disposed in a predetermined number of rows, M, and a predetermined number of columns, N, wherein M and N are positive integers; a M number of first beamformer components including phase tapers, wherein each first beamformer component corresponds to a row of antenna elements, and wherein each first beamformer component is operatively connected to the N number of antenna elements in the corresponding row; and a N number of second beamformer components including phase tapers, wherein each second beamformer component corresponds to a column of antenna elements, and wherein each second beamformer component is operatively connected to the M number of antenna elements in the corresponding column.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for a receive function in a phased array including an M by N array of antenna elements, where M and N are the number of rows and columns, respectively, in the array of antenna elements. Each antenna element is provided with a combiner. The phased array apparatus and system includes M row beam-formers plus N column beam-formers. The row beam-formers supply a progressively phase-shifted carrier signal to the combiners where the signal received by the corresponding antenna element is combined with a phase-shifted carrier signal. The outputs of the combiners in each column of antenna elements is sent to a corresponding column beam-former. The outputs of the column beam-formers are combined to recover the signal that is desired to be received.

Abstract: Antenna system being tunable over multiple frequency bands. One planar surface of the antenna structure has metallic radiating elements of various geometries with selectable electrical interconnections between the radiating elements. An opposite side of the antenna structure has a signal transmission network with signal feedthroughs to selected metallic radiating elements. The signal transmission network also has phase shift inducing means. Depending on the frequency band of operation, metallic radiating elements are appropriately combined through the electrical interconnections to form composite radiating elements with resonant frequencies within the frequency band of operation. Induced phase shifts in the signal paths feeding selected metallic radiating elements cause a net resultant free-space directivity gain.

Abstract: Antenna system being tunable over multiple frequency bands. One planar surface of the antenna structure has metallic radiating elements of various geometries with selectable electrical interconnections between the radiating elements. An opposite side of the antenna structure has a signal transmission network with signal feedthroughs to selected metallic radiating elements. The signal transmission network also has phase shift inducing means. Depending on the frequency band of operation, metallic radiating elements are appropriately combined through the electrical interconnections to form composite radiating elements with resonant frequencies within the frequency band of operation. Induced phase shifts in the signal paths feeding selected metallic radiating elements cause a net resultant free-space directivity gain.

Abstract: A dynamically-reconfigurable feed network antenna having a microstrip patchwork radiating surface wherein individual radiating patches and elements of a stripline feed structure can be connected to and disconnected from each other via photoconductive interconnections. Commands from software alternately turn light from light emitting sources on or off, the light or lack thereof being channeled from an underside layer of the antenna so as to enable or disable the photoconductive interconnections. The resultant connection or disconnection of the radiating patches to each other and to the stripline feed structure will vary the antenna's frequency, bandwidth, and beam pointing.

Abstract: A dynamically-reconfigurable antenna having a microstrip patchwork radiating surface wherein individual radiating patches can be connected to and disconnected from each other via photoconductive interconnections between the radiating patches. Commands from software alternately turn light from light emitting sources on or off, the light or lack thereof being channeled from an underside layer of the antenna so as to enable or disable the photoconductive interconnections. The resultant connection or disconnection of the radiating patches will vary the antenna's frequency, bandwidth, and beam pointing.

Abstract: A low-cost method for thermoplastic injection molding of thermoplastic/fiber composite structures which are imparted with the desired properties of electrical conductivity, radio frequency (RF) energy reflectivity, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, while also possessing the basic physical and structural properties of the same part produced by traditional resin/fiber composite means such as expoxy/carbon fiber lay-up or infusion.

Abstract: A dynamically-reconfigurable feed network antenna having a microstrip patchwork radiating surface wherein individual radiating patches and elements of a stripline feed structure can be connected to and disconnected from each other via photoconductive interconnections. Commands from software alternately turn light from light emitting sources on or off, the light or lack thereof being channeled from an underside layer of the antenna so as to enable or disable the photoconductive interconnections. The resultant connection or disconnection of the radiating patches to each other and to the stripline feed structure will vary the antenna's frequency, bandwidth, and beam pointing.

Abstract: A dynamically-reconfigurable antenna having a microstrip patchwork radiating surface wherein individual radiating patches can be connected to and disconnected from each other via photoconductive interconnections between the radiating patches. Commands from software alternately turn light from light emitting sources on or off, the light or lack thereof being channeled from an underside layer of the antenna so as to enable or disable the photoconductive interconnections. The resultant connection or disconnection of the radiating patches will vary the antenna's frequency, bandwidth, and beam pointing.

Abstract: A method for resin-based molding of electrical structures which possess desired properties of electrical conductivity, radio frequency (RF) energy reflectivity, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, while still retaining the basic physical and structural properties of the base (plastic) material.

Abstract: An antenna for a compact satellite terminal. Antenna is a rigid parabolic structure of metal matrix composite capable of disassembly into segments affording a high degree of portability such as for man-packable satellite terminals and the like. A shallow feed horn assembly is joined to an orthomode transducer by a common hub, the hub also serving as the attachment point for a plurality of antenna segments, where a quick release means joins the segments to the hub. The feed horn, hub, orthomode transducer and antenna segments are designed for extremely compact stowability in a variety of applications.

Abstract: An antenna for a compact satellite terminal. Antenna is a rigid parabolic structure of metal matrix composite capable of disassembly into segments affording a high degree of portability such as for man-packable satellite terminals and the like. A shallow feed horn assembly is joined to an orthomode transducer by a common hub, the hub also serving as the attachment point for a plurality of antenna segments, where a quick release means joins the segments to the hub. The feed horn, hub, orthomode transducer and antenna segments are designed for extremely compact stowability in a variety of applications.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates water-bearing silicate materials achieved by modifying the basic method of essentially reacting water glass with calcium chloride to bind the free water into solid form without adversely affecting the basic chemical and physical structure of the original product. The material is then dried by using a wicking agent, such as cellulose sponge, adding an anhydrous salt to the material to form a crystalline hydrate, or adding calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide to the material to form a microstructure that physically retains the water. The material is then incorporated into a fire protection contained in which the material forms the outermost wall of the container, a light-weight porous material such as urethane foam and intermediate layer, and a phase change material with a melting point of about 70 degrees F. to 125 degrees F. forms the innermost wall.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a multi-channel, multi-user wireless intercom, comprising a plurality of multi-channel wireless transceiver radios configured to form a radio unit. Each user in a group of users employs a radio unit to communicate with other users in the group. Users may selectively communicate with another user or broadcast simultaneously to all users in the group. Additionally, subnets between users may be formed where communications take place among a number of selected users comprising less than the entire group of users. Receive and transmit audio combiners are employed such that users can hear communications traffic on one or more channels and transmit on one or more channels, simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates water-bearing silicate materials achieved by modifying the basic method of essentially reacting water glass with calcium chloride to bind the free water into solid form without adversely affecting the basic chemical and physical structure of the original product. The material is then dried by using a physical wicking agent, such as a cellulose sponge, adding an anhydrous salt to the material to form a crystalline hydrate, or adding calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide to the material to form a microstructure that physically retains the water. The material is then incorporated into a fire protection container in which the material forms the outermost wall of the container, a light-weight porous material such as urethane foam an intermediate layer, and a phase change material with a melting point of around 70 degrees F. to 125 degrees F. forms the innermost wall.

Abstract: Fire and heat protective containers having two matable portions, the outer walls of which are formed as hollow shells filled with a ceramic gel material containing at least water glass and a polyvalent metal salt, preferably calcium chloride. For ensuring that stored articles are not exposed to temperatures greater than 125 degrees F., a layer of low-density, expended or foamed plastic insulation and a layer of phase change material are provided within the gel layer. A preferred phase change material is a mixture of water glass and a hydrated salt, preferably sodium phosphate, having a melting point around 120 degrees F. and a heat of fusion of at least 250 joules per gram. The phase change material is also contained in hollow shells, the walls of both the outer and inner shells being molded plastic parts.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a multi-channel, multi-user wireless intercom, comprising a plurality of multi-channel wireless transceiver radios configured to form a radio unit. Each user in a group of users employs a radio unit to communicate with other users in the group. Users may selectively communicate with another user or broadcast simultaneously to all users in the group. Additionally, subnets between users may be formed where communications take place among a number of selected users comprising less than the entire group of users. Receive and transmit audio combiners are employed such that users can hear communications traffic on one or more channels and transmit on one or more channels, simultaneously.

Abstract: Fire and heat protective containers having two matable portions, the outer walls of which are formed as hollow shells filled with a ceramic gel material containing at least water glass and a polyvalent metal salt, preferably calcium chloride. For ensuring that stored articles are not exposed to temperatures greater than 125 degrees F., a layer of low-density, expended or foamed plastic insulation and a layer of phase change material are provided within the gel layer. A preferred phase change material is a mixture of water glass and a hydrated salt, preferably sodium phosphate, having a melting point around 120 degrees F. and a heat of fusion of at least 250 joules per gram. The phase change material is also contained in hollow shells, the walls of both the outer and inner shells being molded plastic parts.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates water-bearing silicate materials for fire protection which are essentially dry when cured. The dryness property is achieved by modifying the basic method of essentially reacting water glass with calcium chloride in such a way as to bind the free water into solid form without adversely affecting the basic chemical and physical structure of the original product. The invention further contemplates the incorporation of these materials into one or more fire protection container configurations such as a multilayered structure in which the insulation forms the outermost wall of the container, an intermediate layer comprising a light weight porous, thermal insulator such as urethane foam, and an innermost layer comprising a phase change material with a melting point of around 70 degrees F. to 125 degrees F., depending on the heat bearing characteristics of the objects to be protected.

Abstract: Method of assembling a large, lightweight, composite optical device such as a mirror or lens, includes providing a plurality of flat, lightweight optical element sections, fastening each optical element section to an associated frame segment to provide a plurality of optical elements and detachably fastening a plurality of the optical elements together in a manner causing all of them to lie in a single plane. After use, the device is disassembled and the optical elements are stacked in a compact mass to make them readily portable.