Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for communicating between platforms, comprising the steps of initializing a first platform and a second platform; optically tracking a movement of the second platform by the first platform; and optically communicating bi-directionally between the first platform and the second platform. Disclosed herein is an optical communication device comprising various elements including but not limited to: a processor configured to provide at least a tracking mode and a communications mode; an input-output interface coupled to the processor; an electro-optic controller coupled to the input-output interface; an acquisition-tracking portion coupled to the electro-optic controller; and a communication portion coupled to the electro-optic controller.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for communicating between platforms, comprising the steps of initializing a first platform and a second platform; optically tracking a movement of the second platform by the first platform; and optically communicating bi-directionally between the first platform and the second platform. Disclosed herein is an optical communication device comprising various elements including but not limited to: a processor configured to provide at least a tracking mode and a communications mode; an input-output interface coupled to the processor; an electro-optic controller coupled to the input-output interface; an acquisition-tracking portion coupled to the electro-optic controller; and a communication portion coupled to the electro-optic controller.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods that utilize multicore optical fibers for gyro coil winding. Particularly, the use of multicore fiber enables inherent thermal stability without the need for complex, tedious, and costly winding patterns. Enabling the use of level winding techniques eliminates the need for complex quadrupole winding patterns. This simplicity lends itself to advancements towards full automation of winding coils for multicore fibers, without sacrificing performance. This, in turn increases the production rate and overcomes current barriers to fiber optic gyroscope (FOG) market expansion. In accordance with the embodiments, multicore fiber can be utilized in various gyro coil winding techniques, including: level winding; Interrupted Level Wind (ILW); and Dual Axis Symmetric (DAS) winding. Furthermore, each of the multicore fiber gyro coil winding patterns can incorporate a multicore shuffle bridge.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods that utilize multicore optical fibers for gyro coil winding. Particularly, the use of multicore fiber enables inherent thermal stability without the need for complex, tedious, and costly winding patterns. Enabling the use of level winding techniques eliminates the need for complex quadrupole winding patterns. This simplicity lends itself to advancements towards full automation of winding coils for multicore fibers, without sacrificing performance. This, in turn increases the production rate and overcomes current barriers to fiber optic gyroscope (FOG) market expansion. In accordance with the embodiments, multicore fiber can be utilized in various gyro coil winding techniques, including: level winding; Interrupted Level Wind (ILW); and Dual Axis Symmetric (DAS) winding. Furthermore, each of the multicore fiber gyro coil winding patterns can incorporate a multicore shuffle bridge.

Abstract: Through-the-Air Link Optical Component is a low Size, Weight, and Power optical communications device that 1) acquires and maintains a broad band communications link between two platforms in line of sight with one another, 2) measures azimuth and elevation angle relative to each platform reference from one TALOC to the communicating TALOC and vice-versa, 3) measures distance between communicating TALOC units, and 4) sees through atmospheric disturbances such as clouds and fog. These remarkable functions open the door to several important derivative capabilities, such as determining absolute positions of all platforms in a community and formation of platform community into a phase array antenna.

Abstract: Through-the-Air Link Optical Component is a low Size, Weight, and Power optical communications device that 1) acquires and maintains a broad band communications link between two platforms in line of sight with one another, 2) measures azimuth and elevation angle relative to each platform reference from one TALOC to the communicating TALOC and vice-versa, 3) measures distance between communicating TALOC units, and 4) sees through atmospheric disturbances such as clouds and fog.

Abstract: Transportation infrastructure comprises linear induction drives wherein a roadway surface is induced to simultaneously exert forward, lateral, levitation and three axis angular alignment forces on a vehicle and wherein a vehicle is capable of inducing roadway surface currents that produce said forces in said roadway surface. Comprehensive system sustains continuous traffic flow from the point of entering the infrastructure to the moment of disembarking in a parking facility. Transportation infrastructure comprises integration of air and space travel with substantially reduced cost and transit time.

Abstract: Transportation infrastructure comprises linear induction drives wherein a roadway surface is induced to simultaneously exert forward, lateral, levitation and three axis angular alignment forces on a vehicle and wherein a vehicle is capable of inducing roadway surface currents that produce said forces in said roadway surface. Comprehensive system sustains continuous traffic flow from the point of entering the infrastructure to the moment of disembarking in a parking facility. Transportation infrastructure comprises integration of air and space travel with substantially reduced cost and transit time.

Abstract: A method and system producing and transmitting pulsed or continuous wave signals through one or more optical fibers to a plurality of remote sensors provided in a hostile environment. The produced signals transmitted along one of the optical fibers would be demultiplexed and transmitted to separate sensors. The sensors would then modulate these signals which would then be combined onto a single output optical fiber which is to be analyzed. A spectrometer or other signal processing device, generally included in a shielded environment, would be utilized to process the modulated signals.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the absolute position of a linear or rotary actuator. A code plate having a series of digital words thereon is associated with the linear or rotary actuator. Each of the digital words consists of a plurality of bits, each bit consisting of a series of parallel encoder elements, each in the shape of a wedge. One or two optical sensor heads would be used in conjunction with a signal processor to determine the exact position of the code plate, and, in turn, the linear or rotary actuator. The exact position of each of the sensor heads with respect to the code plate is determined based upon the value of optical signals reflected off of the wedge-shaped elements and detected by each of the optical sensors.

Abstract: A closed-loop optical network system includes a multi-mode network bus for transmitting a plurality of optical signals. The system further includes a multiplexer, a plurality of remote devices and a demultiplexer. The multiplexer can wavelength division multiplex a plurality of input optical signals for transmission via the network bus, where the input optical signals have a plurality of predetermined optical wavelengths. The remote devices are optically connected to the network bus, and can read optical signals having respective predefined optical wavelengths off of the network bus. Further, the remote devices can write optical signals having respective predefined optical wavelengths onto the network bus. The demultiplexer is capable of receiving optical signals having at least one of the plurality of predetermined optical wavelengths from the network bus and thereafter wavelength division demultiplexing the optical signals into a plurality of output optical signals.

Abstract: Optical systems use tuning of in-fiber gratings to provide an optical crossbar switch matrix of switch elements. The switch elements have a drop tap and an insert tap. A combination of the switch matrices provides a flexible way of connecting any of a plurality of transmitters with any of a plurality of receivers. A distribution arrangement has a distribution station with a plurality of serially arranged modulators, each modulating a different and corresponding optical carrier supplied by optical fiber thereto. The modulated carriers are supplied by a distribution fiber to a serially arranged plurality of passive taps, each of which drops an optical carrier corresponding to the tap and supplies it to a local transceiver. The distribution arrangement may include an arrangement where a local transceiver reflects back the modulated optical carrier and modulates it with a return signal.

Abstract: Optical fiber devices include optical fibers having grating portions with in-fiber gratings having optical characteristics which are changed by the use of strain inducing members. The strain inducing members are connected to optical fibers in such a way that the strain applied to an in-fiber grating in an optical fiber is greater than the strain in the strain inducing members. Basically, a given percentage change in a dimension of one of the strain inducing members causes a greater percentage change in a dimension of the grating portion. The strain inducing members may apply lengthwise or radial strain to the grating portion. Arrangements with mechanical coupling of two fibers using one or more strain inducing members are useful for producing equal strain in grating portions of two fibers for interferometer configurations or other applications.

Abstract: An improved optical fiber modulator producing a focused acoustic wave propagating from an acoustic transducer surrounding an optical fiber having an in-fiber reflection grating changes the core refractive index in proportion to the induced strain at the core when the focused acoustic wave arrives at the optical fiber core, and focused acoustic waves can also modulate optical carrier phase in a length of optical fiber which may lie in an arm of an interferometer. In a preferred embodiment, the index change shifts the reflection spectrum of an in-fiber grating located in the portion of optical fiber core on which the focused acoustic wave is centered with the reflection spectrum shift producing a change in the grating reflectivity for a narrow bandwidth optical signal on a skirt of the grating spectrum.

Abstract: A method of making a spool wound with optical fiber where the spool has at least one payout end and providing, at the payout end of the spool, a wear-away adhesive coating or foam rubber flange. Where payout of optical fiber is from both the outer and inner layers of the wound spool, the optical fiber payout dynamics are regulated at both ends of the spool of the fiber.

Abstract: Absolute optical encoder device using a line array detector in conjunction with a single strip of encoding bars. The bars are orthogonal to the detector array line and may be long enough to allow motion parallel to the bars without loss of measurement continuity. High resolution is achieved by combining use of a small difference between the detector element spacing and the bar spacing in selected regions to produce a vernier effect, enabling measurement to the precision of a fraction of a detector element. High resolution is further achieved by traverse of a vernier regin edge across a multiplicity of detector elements upon which adjacent vernier regions are optically superimposed, and by identification of each vernier region as a unique member of a numbered series using distinguishable patterns in the space between vernier regions or in the structure of the vernier regions themselves.

Abstract: Heat engine having a continuous band of thermally responsive shape memory material disposed in rolling engagement with one or more shafts. Below a transition temperature the band is ductile, but above that temperature the band tends to return abruptly to a shape impressed upon the band by heat treatment. The band is heated above and cooled below the transition temperature at points chosen to produce a force which imparts a rotation to at least one of the shafts.

Abstract: Solar heating device utilizing a cylindrical reflector with a spirally extending a section and a parabolically extending section for concentrating solar energy on an axially disposed absorber carrying a fluid to be heated. Substantially all of the energy impinging upon the reflector is reflected inwardly and ultimately strikes the absorber. The curvature of the reflector is such that the device can be mounted in a fixed position and deliver a large amount of concentrated solar energy to the absorber throughout the year. In some embodiments the reflector has an additional spirally extending section adjacent to the first spiral section, and embodiments having a plurality of reflectors and absorbers are also disclosed.