Abstract: Countermeasure simulating structures may include (a) a base and (b) one or more separated combustible tracks fixed to the base's surface. The combustible tracks may include thermite and/or other combustible material. The combustible tracks may be shaped to simulate countermeasure flares deployed by a vehicle (e.g., a jet). The countermeasure simulating structure may be incorporated into a countermeasure simulating system that includes (a) an infrared and/or optical sensing system (e.g., like those included in missiles) and (b) a simulator mount holding the countermeasure simulating structure.

Abstract: Infrared transparent constructs (e.g., infrared transparent windows) may be shaped as a dome (e.g., for an infrared detector system) and/or other desired geometries, such as portions of IR seeker domes. Electrically conductive tracing(s) may be printed in desired shapes and forms, e.g., in the form of EMI shielding, an FSS grid, an anti-static component, electrical connectors, etc., and integrated into the interior of the construct structure. The electrically conductive tracing(s) may be printed between layers of independent infrared transparent window components that are then engaged together to form a window preform. Additionally or alternatively, the electrically conductive tracing(s) may be printed between printed layers of infrared transparent ceramic or plastic material built up to form the window preform. Once formed, the window preform may be sintered, e.g., in an ultrafast high temperature sintering process (and optionally further treated) to produce the final infrared transparent construct.

Abstract: Catalyst ink may be directly printed to a substrate using a stamp. Printed catalyst ink may converted to a pattern of one or more metal traces. Materials for a stamp and/or a substrate, and/or components of a catalyst ink, may be selected based on attraction of one or more of components of the catalyst ink to one or more print surfaces of the substrate and/or to one or more write surfaces of the stamp.

Abstract: Countermeasure simulating structures may include (a) a base and (b) one or more separated combustible tracks fixed to the base's surface. The combustible tracks may include thermite and/or other combustible material. The combustible tracks may be shaped to simulate countermeasure flares deployed by a vehicle (e.g., a jet). The countermeasure simulating structure may be incorporated into a countermeasure simulating system that includes (a) an infrared and/or optical sensing system (e.g., like those included in missiles) and (b) a simulator mount holding the countermeasure simulating structure.

Abstract: Infrared transparent constructs (e.g., infrared transparent windows) may be shaped as a dome (e.g., for an infrared detector system) and/or other desired geometries, such as portions of IR seeker domes. Electrically conductive tracing(s) may be printed in desired shapes and forms, e.g., in the form of EMI shielding, an FSS grid, an anti-static component, electrical connectors, etc., and integrated into the interior of the construct structure. The electrically conductive tracing(s) may be printed between layers of independent infrared transparent window components that are then engaged together to form a window preform. Additionally or alternatively, the electrically conductive tracing(s) may be printed between printed layers of infrared transparent ceramic or plastic material built up to form the window preform. Once formed, the window preform may be sintered, e.g., in an ultrafast high temperature sintering process (and optionally further treated) to produce the final infrared transparent construct.

Abstract: A pilot arc circuit for a plasma torch establishes a pilot arc current in the channel between the torch electrode and torch tip at a first target level which is greater than a predetermined minimum current sufficient to maintain a stable pilot arc. After a period of time following pilot arc initiation, the pilot arc current is reduced to a second target level which is greater than or equal to the predetermined minimum current so that damage to the torch is reduced by minimizing wear on the parts. The pilot arc current is established and maintained as a function of a pilot arc reference signal. Pulsing the pilot arc current assists in main arc transfer and enhances pilot arc stability.