Abstract: A communications system for wireless transceiving of information, comprising an optical array subsystem for transceiving optical signals and a millimeter wave subsystem for transceiving millimeter wave signals, and a beam steering controller for controlling the direction of the optical and millimeter wave signals. The communication system may be on a flying platform, such as a satellite and may communicate with multiple remote terminals.

Abstract: Security material such as cloth, either normal strength or armored, or fragile webbing into which electronic micro-devices are woven to detect and react to tampering of the monitored article at the scene or via a network. Also disclosed are fasteners that permit reuse of the cloth and webbing. Facilitates the monitoring of high value articles and facilities and automatically records or responds to tampering attempts to increase the level of security for personal and organizational uses.

Abstract: A motor transmission element includes an axle, an expandable circumferential component and multiple rolled electroactive polymer (EAP) devices. The circumferential component is located at a contact radius from the axle for connection to a different rotating body and is mechanically connected to the axle. The rolled EAP devices are mechanically connected to the circumferential component and the axle. Each rolled EAP device has a pair of input electrodes and is configured to deform substantively parallel to a roll longitudinal axis upon application of a voltage difference. Deformation of a rolled EAP device causes a change in the contact radius. A voltage difference that expands the rolled EAP device increases the contact radius, and thereby the circumference of the transmission element. By varying the voltage, a continuously variable ratio can be achieved between a rate of rotation of the transmission element and a rate of rotation of the second body.

Abstract: A motor includes a support framework and a mechanical movement component moveably mounted to the support framework. An electroactive polymer device having a pair of input electrodes is configured to deform upon application of an electric potential difference across the pair of input electrodes. The electroactive polymer device is mechanically linked to the support framework and to the mechanical movement component so that deformation of the electroactive polymer device causes the movement component to move relative to the support framework. In some motors, the movement component and an electrode fixed in the support framework are driven at different electrical potentials to cause the electroactive polymer device to deform. In some motors a rolled electroactive polymer device is used with a rotating movement component. Such motors enable lightweight, powered vehicles with low radar reflectivity.

Abstract: An airship deployment system comprises an airship of unique shape having laminar flow over this shape to enable low power propulsion, capable remote control, comprising an inflatable body; a propeller assembly for station keeping and repositioning said airship and capable of being folded into a compacted position and unfolded into an operational position; and a payload, comprising gas for inflating said inflatable body; and means for transferring data between said airship and a remote location; and a missile for carrying said airship in a compacted state to a predetermined location and altitude, and releasing said airship at said predetermined location and altitude. When said airship is released from said missile said inflatable body is inflated and said propeller assembly is unfolded into said operational position.