Abstract: Commercial aircraft are protected from attack by infrared seeking guided missiles through the utilization of a ground-based directed infrared countermeasure system in which the deployment of an IR guided missile is detected off-aircraft and more particularly on the ground. An infrared laser beam is projected towards the detected missile such that the projected laser infrared radiation impinges upon the missile from the rear. The off-axis infrared radiation illuminates the IR transmissive dome at the head of the missile where it is internally reflected back towards the IR detector carried by the missile through the total internal reflection characteristics of the dome. The domes of these missiles are typically made of a high index of refraction IR transmissive materials such that the material is prone to total internal reflection. The infrared laser generated radiation is a modulated so as to interfere with the guidance system of the missile causing it to execute a turn and plunge to the ground.

Abstract: Commercial aircraft are protected from attack by infrared seeking guided missiles through the utilization of a ground-based directed infrared countermeasure system in which the deployment of an IR guided missile is detected off-aircraft and more particularly on the ground. An infrared laser beam is projected towards the detected missile such that the projected laser infrared radiation impinges upon the missile from the rear. The off-axis infrared radiation illuminates the IR transmissive dome at the head of the missile where it is internally reflected back towards the IR detector carried by the missile through the total internal reflection characteristics of the dome. The domes of these missiles are typically made of a high index of refraction IR transmissive materials such that the material is prone to total internal reflection. The infrared laser generated radiation is a modulated so as to interfere with the guidance system of the missile causing it to execute a turn and plunge to the ground.

Abstract: A countermeasure device includes an emitter having a surface. A band gap material is integral with the surface of the emitter. A series of apertures are formed in the band gap material. A heat source for heating the emitter is provided proximate to the emitter and may be the metal surface itself. When the emitter is heated, the band gap material, and the apertures therein, allows the emitter to emit photons at predetermined wavelengths.

Abstract: A telephony system and method are adapted for selecting an operating mode of a telephony system responsive to sensor inputs. A presence detector, communicatively coupled to the telephony system, detects people within a predetermined area associated with the telephony system. A detection signal is communicated to the telephony system responsive to a detection. The telephony system is operated in a first operating mode absent the detection signal, and in a second operating mode responsive to the detection signal. A system status display indicates a first data set in the first operating mode, and a second data set in the second operating mode, the second data set being different from the first data set. In a more particular implementation, a central station displays status information for remote telephone devices reflective of a user's presence. In another particular implementation, telephony system call routing is modified responsive to detected user presence and/or identity.

Abstract: A method for deflecting a projectile from an initial trajectory. Such a projectile has a first surface area and a second surface area and moves through a gaseous atmosphere with a surrounding plasma sheath. This method includes the step of directing electromagnetic radiation toward the projectile, wherein the electromagnetic radiation has a wavelength which is absorbed by the plasma sheath but is not substantially absorbed by the gaseous atmosphere.

Abstract: A method for deflecting a projectile from an initial trajectory. Such a projectile has a first surface area and a second surface area and moves through a gaseous atmosphere with a surrounding plasma sheath. This method includes the step of directing electromagnetic radiation toward the projectile, wherein the electromagnetic radiation has a wavelength which is absorbed by the plasma sheath but is not substantially absorbed by the gaseous atmosphere.