Abstract: A method to maximize the coupling efficiency between a collimated, free-space optical signal and a fiber optic waveguide using an active optical element to steer and focus the collimated beam driven by an adaptive controller that periodically auto-calibrates the active optical element's parameters to maximize the measured power received by the waveguide using a gradient ascent optimization algorithm.

Abstract: A capsule contains fluid and a solid inertial mass that is free to move within the capsule. The capsule is embedded in a foam panel. A plurality of such foam panels are attached to the internal wall of a launch vehicle fairing. This device augments acoustic energy dissipation with damping the resonant frequency of the fairing to reduce the amount of energy that is transmitted into the acoustic volume contained within the wall. Incorporating a plurality of capsules respectively tuned to many frequencies provides broadband structural attenuation. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, and is intended to allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A flexible membrane is attached to an internal wall of the fairing of a flight vehicle. The membrane is inflated with gas to achieve a shape that couples with and thereby attenuates the first acoustic resonance occurring within the volume enclosed by the fairing. A sensor senses the varying ambient atmospheric pressure during flight. A pressure regulating system includes an inflation valve and pressure relief valve. Based on the sensed ambient atmospheric pressure, this system adjusts the membrane's gauge pressure throughout the flight trajectory to maintain the desired coupling gauge pressure. Acoustic blankets can also be attached to the internal walls of the fairing to abate resonances having frequencies greater than 500 Hz. Inflating the membrane with helium enhances the attenuation otherwise obtained. Multiple membranes can be individually tuned to respectively attenuate multiple acoustic resonances.

Abstract: A damper containing magneto-rheological (“MR”) fluid and a plunger lies between and is mechanically coupled both to a fixture and a vibration source. The plunger has a head immersed in the MR fluid. Annular magnets circumscribe the damper and produce a magnetic field surrounding the damper. A tubular shielding sleeve composed of magnetically impermeable material surrounds a portion of the damper. The sleeve is mechanically coupled both to the fixture and the vibration source by springs, and can translate relative to the damper to affect the strength of the magnetic field acting on the MR fluid surrounding the plunger head. The sleeve oscillates responsive to vibration of the vibration source and controls the viscosity of the MR fluid surrounding the plunger head in proportion to the amplitude of the sleeve's oscillation. The resonant frequency of the sleeve is adjusted to approximate the fundamental resonance of the fixture.

Abstract: A fixture is isolated from the transmission of vibration emanating from a vibration source by a damper containing magneto-rheological (“MR”) fluid and a plunger mechanically coupling the damper and the fixture. The isolation apparatus is mechanically coupled to the vibration source. The viscosity of the MR fluid contained in the damper is controlled by a magnetic field produced by the vibration of an isolation system responsive to the vibration of the vibration source. The resonant frequency of the isolation system is adjusted to approximate that of the fixture.

Abstract: A lightweight self-contained vibro-acoustic device is disclosed for dissipating low frequency vibration and acoustic energy within the payload fairing of launch vehicles. The device can be mounted on the interior surfaces of a fairing and adaptively tuned to match targeted structural and acoustic dynamics using electronic feedback loops.

Abstract: This invention presents a novel means to passively achieve a compact moving-coil actuator with a very low natural frequency. The diaphragm and voice coil are mounted in a sealed enclosure from which the air is partially or completely evacuated. This reduces the air spring effect. The diaphragm is supported by a non-linear, buckling, or collapsible support apparatus. By taking advantage of the non-linear stiffness properties of such structures, the stiffness of the actuator can be designed to be small at the operating point, which when combined with the moving mass, yields a low natural frequency.

Abstract: A virtual sky hook vibration isolation system provides reduction of transmissibility at resonance without significantly increasing high frequency transmissibility. Isolation is achieved passively and without the need for an inertial reference frame. Design of the primary and secondary suspension systems is performed concurrently to achieve the desired performance. The primary suspension affords the necessary static deflection properties and high frequency isolation. The secondary system couples to the system at resonance and provides damping to the dynamic response. This combination yields the isolation benefits of the skyhook damper concept. The penalty for this performance is the necessity of a secondary spring-mass-damper device. However, results indicated that good performance can be achieved using a relatively small secondary mass (5% of the primary mass).

Abstract: A modular reusable transport container system is described for safely transporting small or medium size satellites and other sensitive cargo. The invention incorporates shock and vibration isolation systems, environmental control systems, integrated power converters, battery backup systems, and monitoring systems.

Abstract: This invention presents a passive vibroacoustic device that serves the dual function of attenuating the vibration of a flexible structure, and providing acoustic dissipation to the volume or cavity enclosed by the structure. This reduces the transmission of sound from external sources into the enclosure, and reduces vibration of the structure. By design of the shunting resistor and the mass and suspension properties, the device can be optimized to achieve high levels of both structural vibration attenuation and acoustic attenuation. Incorporating a feedback loop or adaptation mechanism will permit the device to maintain optimum attenuation in the case of time varying systems.