Abstract: A phased array antenna may include a first flexible layer, in turn, including a plurality of phased array antenna elements. The phased array antenna may further include a second flexible layer including an electrically conductive material that serves as a ground plane for the phased array antenna elements. In addition, spacer members may be between the first and second flexible layers to permit movement thereof between a collapsed-together stowed position and a spaced-apart deployed position.

Abstract: A collapsible conductive material includes a generally mesh-configured, collapsible surface, that defines the intended reflective geometry of an antenna. A distribution of tensionable cords and ties form radial truss elements with a plurality of inflatable radially extending ribs and posts of a support structure. The antenna is fully deployed once the support structure is inflated to at least a minimum pressure necessary to place the ties and cords in tension so that the reflective surface acquires a prescribed (e.g., parabolic) geometry, which is stably maintained by the radial truss elements.

Abstract: Identity transform filters, such as sin(x)/x filters, are used to coherently fragment the frequency continuum of a wideband waveform, such as an ultra wideband radar signal, into a plurality of spectral segments that are capable of fitting into unoccupied spectral regions of a partially occupied electromagnetic spectrum. The wideband waveform has a bandwidth that falls within the partially occupied portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, and exceeds that of any unoccupied spectral region. The total useable bandwidth of the unoccupied regions is at least equal to that of the wideband waveform.

Abstract: A collapsible conductive material includes a generally mesh-configured, collapsible surface, that defines the intended reflective geometry of an antenna. A distribution of tensionable cords and ties form radial truss elements with a plurality of inflatable radially extending ribs and posts of a support structure. The antenna is fully deployed once the support structure is inflated to at least a minimum pressure necessary to place the ties and cords in tension so that the reflective surface acquires a prescribed (e.g., parabolic) geometry, which is stably maintained by the radial truss elements.

Abstract: A collapsible conductive material includes a generally mesh-configured, collapsible surface, that defines the intended reflective geometry of an antenna. A distribution of tensionable cords and ties form radial truss elements with a plurality of inflatable radially extending ribs and posts of a support structure. The antenna is fully deployed once the support structure is inflated to at least a minimum pressure necessary to place the ties and cords in tension so that the reflective surface acquires a prescribed (e.g., parabolic) geometry, which is stably maintained by the radial truss elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for pulverizing hard surfaces, the apparatus having multiple sets of elongated, curvilinear shearing blades. The shearing blades are helically mounted about a rotational shaft, adjacent sets of shearing blades mounted at an inverse pitch angle. The mounting orientation allows layers of the substance to be pulverized to be sheared off a compacted surface, then rotated about the rotational shaft, while also being move back and forth along the longitudinal axis of the rotational shaft, leading to more complete pulverization. The shearing blades are mounted intermediate their edges to the rotational shaft by support members, and at a rake angle relative to the surface for ensuring efficient operation. The total arc length of the blades is at least 360.degree.and the trailing edges of the blades are turned outward to prevent bucking. The arrangement of the blades also causes the apparatus to pull itself into the surface to be pulverized to ease operation. The blades are removably mounted.

Abstract: A method for making a plurality of stress sensors includes creation of cavities and corresponding diaphragms in a thin metal front plate, preferably by an acid etching process. A thin back plate, preferably comprising metal, is secured to the front plate over the cavities, preferably by welding. A plurality of strain gages is bonded to the diaphragms in the front plate with a layer of bonding agent such as epoxy. The bond layer is of substantially uniform thickness on at least that portion of the front plate where the diaphragms are located. As the bond layer cures, a magnetic force is applied to the diaphragms to reduce their movement toward the back plate, and to thereby assist in creating a bond layer of substantially uniform thickness near the diaphragms. A suitable magnetic force may be applied by positioning a rare earth magnet near the diaphragms. The magnetic force may be supplemented by a mechanical force.