Abstract: An apparatus for deploying stowed control surfaces of a projectile is disclosed. The apparatus for deploying stowed control surfaces of a projectile includes a first and second hot gas generators, a first and second gas chambers, a piston wedge, a piston and a barrel. Initially, the first hot gas generator discharges a surge of hot gas into the first gas chamber. In response to the surge of hot gas being discharged into the first gas generator, the piston wedge displaces at least one of the control surfaces to break an environmental seal covering the projectile. After a predetermined amount of time has lapsed, the second hot gas generator discharges a surge of hot gas into the second gas chamber. The surge of hot gas displaces the piston and barrel for deploying the control surfaces completely.

Abstract: An accurate and rapid method for characterizing the performance of an APD and setting its operating voltage Vop to an optimal value uses an on-board LED or other pulsed light source to measure APD responses at different operating voltages Vop. An estimated breakdown voltage Vb is determined by comparing the measured responses, and the Vop is adjusted to a new value at a fixed offset from the estimated Vb. The fixed offset is selected according to ambient light conditions, including the presence or absence of light background noise, and whether the sun is partially or fully in the field of view. The method is iterated until convergence, or until a maximum number of iterations is reached. In embodiments, a plurality of APD's having a common Vop can be adjusted, and the Vop is never set below a minimum value VopBW necessary to meet timing requirements for a missile guidance system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method improves the fault tolerance of a rocket or missile guidance system which includes a resonant sensor. When improper initialization is detected, the resonant sensor is reinitialized, repeatedly if necessary, until normal operation is achieved. Improper initialization is detected by comparing data from the guidance system with pre-specified physical limits to roll, pitch, yaw, and/or other features of the flight scenario. Embodiments can also detect a fault condition due to an error signal from a “Built-in-Test” (BIT) module. The initialization sequence initiated by the invention can be identical to the power-on sequence, or it can be a separate, reinitiating sequence. Subsequent resets are initiated as needed, for example until the burn of the rocket fuel and the associated vibrations have ceased and the resonant sensor has been successfully initialized.

Abstract: A plurality of optical transmission sources data provides data communication from a transmitting module to a common detector cooperative with a receiving module, the modules being subject to relative rotation about a shared axis. The detector can be located on the shared axis, each of the sources directing a beam onto the detector regardless of relative module orientation, and/or the light can be diffused, so that it is detected regardless of source and detector placement and relative module orientations. Transmissions can be distinguished according to synchronized timing, differing optical frequencies, differing baud rates, and/or differing circular polarizations. The detector can split the light into a plurality of beams which pass through different optical filters and are thereby distinguished. Cut-off circuits can prevent failed sources from transmitting.

Abstract: An apparatus and method improves the fault tolerance of a rocket or missile guidance system which includes a resonant sensor. When improper initialization is detected, the resonant sensor is reinitialized, repeatedly if necessary, until normal operation is achieved. Improper initialization is detected by comparing data from the guidance system with pre-specified physical limits to roll, pitch, yaw, and/or other features of the flight scenario. Embodiments can also detect a fault condition due to an error signal from a “Built-in-Test” (BIT) module. The initialization sequence initiated by the invention can be identical to the power-on sequence, or it can be a separate, reinitiating sequence. Subsequent resets are initiated as needed, for example until the burn of the rocket fuel and the associated vibrations have ceased and the resonant sensor has been successfully initialized.

Abstract: An accurate and rapid method for characterizing the performance of an APD and setting its operating voltage Vop to an optimal value uses an on-board LED or other pulsed light source to measure APD responses at different operating voltages Vop. An estimated breakdown voltage Vb is determined by comparing the measured responses, and the Vop is adjusted to a new value at a fixed offset from the estimated Vb. The fixed offset is selected according to ambient light conditions, including the presence or absence of light background noise, and whether the sun is partially or fully in the field of view. The method is iterated until convergence, or until a maximum number of iterations is reached. In embodiments, a plurality of APD's having a common Vop can be adjusted, and the Vop is never set below a minimum value VopBW necessary to meet timing requirements for a missile guidance system.

Abstract: A power supply includes a power source having first and second terminals. A circuit is coupled to the source and is operable to maintain a first quantity between the terminals within a predetermined range of values until a second quantity between the terminals has a predetermined value. Such a power supply provides the ability to delay activating a load until the current that the supply can provide is at a level acceptable for proper load function.

Abstract: A safety mechanism for a personal vehicle that provides for separation of the motion of a body support from a ground contacting assembly of the vehicle in case of accident. In one embodiment, the body support is attached to the ground contacting module via a slide mechanism that permits the body support to continue upright motion despite overturning of the ground contacting assembly in order to prevent injury to the passenger. Another embodiment provides for coupling of the body support or the ground contacting assembly via either a real or virtual pivot located above the respective centers of mass of the body support and ground contacting assembly.