Radar Reflector Patents (Class 342/5)
  • Publication number: 20120093658
    Abstract: A core for a composite structure is described. The core has first and second core layers, and an interlayer region between the first and second core layers. At least one of the first and second core layers has hinge portions that facilitate draping of the core without interrupting the interlayer region. The interlayer region may include functionality such as a radar reflecting layer and/or optical fibres. Alternatively, the core may be a bonded core in which the interlayer region includes an adhesive layer for bonding the first and second core layers together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventors: Steve Appleton, Knud Stenbæk Nielsen
  • Patent number: 8125369
    Abstract: A modular RCS (Radar Cross Section) and IR (Infra-Red) signal generation device includes: a plastic bag which is normally stored in a folded state, and inflated when gas is introduced into the bag as desired; a radar reflector received in the plastic bag, the radar reflector being configured in a multi-hedral reflector structure having a reflection characteristic similar to that of a naval vessel to be protected; hot air tubes formed through the plastic bag, hot air being capable of generating IR signals by flowing through the hot air tubes; and connection patches positioned on one of the surfaces of the plastic bag at the points where the ends of the hot air tubes intersect with the surfaces, respectively, the connection patches being adapted to be attached to those of adjacent modular RCS and IR signal generation devices, respectively, so as to interconnect the hot air tubes with those of the adjacent modular RCS and IR signal generation devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Korea Maritime & Ocean Engineering Research Institute
    Inventors: Hee-Jin Kang, Dong-Kon Lee
  • Patent number: 8106810
    Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation filter uses a plurality of dipole antennas to mitigate the transmission of electromagnetic radiation. The dipole antennas can form one or more arrays that scatter electromagnetic radiation. Examples of application include mitigating the reception of a difference frequency in non-linear radar, use in protective goggles, and use in a protective shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Sandor Holly, Nicholas Koumvakalis, Robert A. Smith
  • Patent number: 8102296
    Abstract: An exemplary example of the present disclosure proposes an electromagnetic conductor reflecting plate including a perfect electronic conductor and at least two artificial magnetic conductors, wherein the each of the artificial magnetic conductor is disposed on arbitrary one side of the perfect electronic conductor, and a boundary between the perfect electronic conductor and each of the artificial magnetic conductor forms a virtual radiation unit. In addition, an exemplary example of the present disclosure further proposes an antenna array including an antenna and the electromagnetic conductor reflecting plate, wherein the antenna is disposed on the electromagnetic conductor reflecting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Jenn-Hwan Tarng, Li-Yuan Chang, Chin-Chung Nien, Ya-Chung Yu, Jun-Yen Huang
  • Patent number: 8022857
    Abstract: A submarine warfare radar training system 10 includes an underwater vehicle 15 towing a float device 40 and a radar reflective target 45. The radar reflective target 45 is configured as a hollow tube-shaped element 50 having circular open leading and trailing open circular end to allow water to flow through the target as it is towed. The target 45 includes a positive buoyancy material layer 60 and is horizontally oriented during towing. The float device 40 is configured to support the radar reflective target 45 open leading end above the water surface 30 as the float device 40 and radar reflective target 45 are towed along the water surface to deliver air into the hollow cross-section. The radar reflective target 45 has an adjustable RCS which can be increased or decreased by lengthening or shortening the radar reflective target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: John M. Carcone
  • Patent number: 8018374
    Abstract: A radar having a high time and high spatial resolution and being capable of performing volume scanning with an inexpensive and simple structure, while enabling reduction is size and weight. A radar (50) is provided with an antenna unit (51) including a radio wave lens antenna device, which has a spherical transmission radio wave lens (2), a spherical reception radio wave lens (3), a primary radiator (4) arranged at a focal point of the radio wave lens (2), and a primary radiator (5) arranged at a focal point of the radio wave lens (3). The primary radiators (4, 5) pivot in an elevation direction about an axis connecting center points of the radio wave lenses (2, 3) and pivot in an azimuthal direction about an axis orthogonal to the axis connecting the center points of the radio wave lenses (2, 3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Imai, Tomoo Ushio
  • Patent number: 7999720
    Abstract: One aspect relates to camouflaging an object by affecting a presentation at least partially using at least one positional element based at least in part on a position of the at least one positional element. Another aspect relates to configuring at least a first camouflage positional element and at least a second camouflage positional element to act as a decoy presentation, an active chaff, and/or a smart chaff. Another aspect relates to providing at least one positional element that can deceive, confuse, defeat, or lead one or more sensors towards or away from a target, such as to act as chaff, one or more flares, fog, one or more decoys, or a combination thereof. Another aspect relates to determining a suitable camouflage for at least one camouflage positional element at least partially considering a background for the at least one camouflage positional element, and affecting a presentation using the at least one camouflage positional element at least partially based on the suitable camouflage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7994962
    Abstract: A method for concentrating radio frequency (RF) radiation on an object located in proximity to a reflector includes the steps of: selecting a target reflector and a level of power for conveying to the target reflector by reradiation from the target reflector, determining a resonance profile of the target reflector, the resonance profile including at least one resonant frequency of the target reflector, selecting a transmission profile matching the resonance profile, the transmission profile comprising the at least one resonant frequency, and transmitting RF radiation in accordance with the transmission profile towards the target reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Drosera Ltd.
    Inventor: Eran Ben-Shmuel
  • Publication number: 20110180661
    Abstract: Optically reconfigurable radio frequency antennas for use in aircraft systems and methods of its use are disclosed. In one embodiment, the antenna includes a surface-conformal reflector that includes optically addressable carbon nanotubes. The nanotubes can be combined with light-sensitive materials so that exposure to light of the correct wavelength will switch the nanotubes back and forth between a metallic and non-metallic state. The antenna has a transmitter that radiates a radio frequency signal in the direction of the surface illuminator and an addressable optical conductor to illuminate the nanotubes with one or more optical signals. When the domains are illuminated they switch portions of the carbon nanotubes between its non-metallic states and metallic states to reflect the radiated radio frequency signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Thomas L. Weaver
  • Patent number: 7973696
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a tunable absorption-emission band in a wavelength selective device are disclosed. A device for selectively absorbing incident electromagnetic radiation includes an electrically conductive surface layer including an arrangement of multiple surface elements. The surface layer is disposed at a nonzero height above a continuous electrically conductive layer. An electrically isolating intermediate layer defines a first surface that is in communication with the electrically conductive surface layer. The continuous electrically conductive backing layer is provided in communication with a second surface of the electrically isolating intermediate layer. When combined with an infrared source, the wavelength selective device emits infrared radiation in at least one narrow band determined by a resonance of the device. In some embodiments, the device includes a control feature that allows the resonance to be selectively modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Nomadics, Inc.
    Inventors: Irina Puscasu, Edward A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7965219
    Abstract: A structure is described that includes a plurality of columnar pieces of metamaterial, and a plurality of columnar pieces of non-metamaterial. The columnar pieces are arranged in an alternating pattern adjacent one another, and the metamaterial and the non-metamaterial are chosen such that indices of refraction for each are equal in magnitude, but opposite in sign, at a chosen wavelength, such that incident radiation is returned directly towards its source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Keith Daniel Humfeld
  • Patent number: 7961140
    Abstract: A multi-beam radar sensor has a plurality of antenna elements disposed next to each other, a collective lens situated at a distance in front of the antenna elements, and an additional preliminary focusing lens disposed in such a way that it affects only a portion of the radar radiation transmitted from, and/or received by, the antenna elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Binzer
  • Patent number: 7948425
    Abstract: A high frequency signal calibration target deployable in outer space includes an expandable and electrically conductive symmetric structure. The structure may mechanically expand from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration. Scatter of high frequency signal off of a substantially symmetric signal calibration target may be measured to accurately calibrate systems using high frequency signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Cornell University
    Inventors: Paul A Bernhardt, Chuck Hoberman, David L. Hysell, Andrew C. Nicholas, Michael W. Nurnberger
  • Patent number: 7932850
    Abstract: A buoyant target comprises an inflatable structure with a drogue chute attached to the periphery of the bottom of the inflatable structure. The drogue chute is an open flexible structure with a bottom end weighted with ballast to deploy it, and with ports through its side to permit water to flow into and out of it. A radar reflector device is attached inside the inflatable structure. The radar reflector device comprises a plurality of mutually orthogonal radar reflective surfaces having central reflection vectors pointed at predetermined directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Inventors: Arthur Anton Hochschild, III, Roman Horeczko, Arthur Anton Hochschild, IV
  • Patent number: 7903019
    Abstract: A protective device and protective measure for a radar system is provided that includes an active countermeasure by using passive emitter and/or decoys. Decoys are thereby utilized that function according to the reflection principle. These decoys are thereby radiated by the vehicle's radar. The radiation reflected by the decoys in the direction of the ARM has the same characteristic as the direct radiation from the radar itself. Thus, the ARM is unable to discriminate between decoys and the actual radar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Air Defence AG
    Inventor: Henry Roger Frick
  • Patent number: 7893390
    Abstract: A guided missile has a sensor unit, a propulsion unit, and a payload unit. A missile casing forms the outer contour, extends along a longitudinal direction, and accommodates the sensor unit, the propulsion unit, and the payload unit. At least two of the units can be fitted alongside one another in the longitudinal direction. In comparison to conventional guided missiles, the guided missile is distinguished by increased modularity and thus by increased flexibility with regard to different operational scenarios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Diehl BGT Defence GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Gerd Fisch, Michael Gross
  • Publication number: 20100328136
    Abstract: A resonant radar reflector assembly comprising first and second reflector members (110A, 110B), the first and second and reflector members each being configured to resonate at their respective resonant frequency when irradiated by radio frequency (RF) radiation of a corresponding frequency, wherein the first member has a portion (114A) responsive to an electric field applied parallel to an electric polarisation axis of the first member, the second member having a corresponding portion (114B) responsive to an electric field applied parallel to a corresponding electric polarisation axis of the second member, the first member also having a portion (112A) responsive to a magnetic field applied parallel to a magnetic polarisation axis of the first member, the second member having a corresponding portion (112B) responsive to a magnetic field applied parallel to a corresponding magnetic polarisation axis of the second member, the first and second members being arranged such that at least one electric or magnetic pol
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: Isis Innovation Limited
    Inventors: Harvey John Burd, Christopher John Stevens, David John Edwards, Tong Hao
  • Patent number: 7808427
    Abstract: A radar system comprises a first transmit/receive module for a first frequency band and a first polarization, a second transmit/receive module for the first frequency band and a second polarization orthogonal to the first polarization, a third transmit/receive module for a second frequency band and the first polarization, a fourth transmit/receive module for the second frequency band and the second polarization orthogonal to the first polarization, a first plurality of splitter/combiners to receive outputs from the first and second transmit/receive modules, a second plurality of splitter/combiners to receive outputs from the third and fourth transmit/receive modules, a plurality of lens phase shifter pairs to receive outputs from the first plurality of splitter/combiners, a plurality of diplexers to receive signals from the plurality of lens phase shifter pairs and from the second plurality of splitter/combiners, and, a radiator assembly including a series of radiator elements coupled to the plurality of dipl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Michael G. Sarcione, Daniel F. Rypysc, Kaichiang Chang, Jeffrey R. Holley, Landon L. Rowland
  • Patent number: 7804442
    Abstract: A millimeter-wave (MMW) based screening system is provided that may operate with an active sensor, a passive sensor, or in a dual mode using both the active and passive sensors. One or more such sensors are mounted so as to rotate along an axis that passes through a target region of detection, in which a person or object is positioned for screening. A reflector is disposed radially outward from the one or more rotating sensors to reflect MMW radiation between the sensors and the target region. The system may be employed as a portal screening system, and may include a structure having a wall and a roof, for rapidly screening persons for concealed objects. Algorithms may be employed to provide data output that avoids privacy issues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Reveal Imaging, LLC
    Inventor: Danny F. Ammar
  • Patent number: 7804441
    Abstract: A process is provided to detect an object within a defined region using standing longitudinal cavity mode waves. The process includes disposing first and second electromagnetic reflectors within the region at opposite ends of the axis; transmitting an electromagnetic signal into the region in proximity to the first reflector, measuring a received signal in proximity to the second reflector, extracting an appropriate parameter from the received signal to obtain a received characteristic, comparing the received characteristic to an established characteristic that lacks the object to obtain a characteristic differential, and analyzing the characteristic differential to obtain a position of the object between the reflectors. The analyzing can be performed by Fourier transform across wave modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Louis F. DeChiaro, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7786928
    Abstract: A monostatic multi-beam radar sensor for motor vehicles, having a group antenna, a planar lens having multiple inputs, and a homodyne mixer system, wherein the mixer system comprises multiple transfer mixers that are connected in parallel to the inputs of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Hansen, Martin Schneider, Joerg Schoebel, Oliver Brueggemann
  • Patent number: 7755539
    Abstract: Clothing 12 made of a cloth is put on a dummy object 11 that is formed into a human-like shape and made of a material having less reflection of electric wave, in order to form a dummy doll 10. Then, a collision prediction test or inspection by a millimeter wave radar is performed while swaying the clothing 12 by a blower 14. By swaying the clothing 12, the result of the measurement with the use of the millimeter wave radar same as that obtained by using an actual human can be obtained. Further, the clothing 12 may be swayed by vibrating the dummy doll 10 or moving the same, instead of the sending air. A reflection plate may be incorporated into the dummy object 11 to change the reflection state of the reflection plate. According to these configurations, the result of the test or inspection similar to the vehicle collision prediction by the millimeter wave radar for an actual pedestrian can be obtained with the use of the dummy doll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sotaro Narita, Setsuo Tokoro
  • Patent number: 7728756
    Abstract: A hovering helicopter has a radar transmitter/receiver for transmitting radar pulses for illuminating a target for SAR imaging, and rotor blades for generating lift. Radar reflectors are on the rotor blades. The radar reflectors are oriented to reflect the radar pulses from the transmitter to the target as the rotor blades rotate. The radar pulses reflected by the moving reflector from the transmitter are timed to generate the synthetic aperture image using radar returns from the target. The receiver also receives blade returns directly reflected from the moving reflectors attached to the lift rotor blades. The receiver analyzes the blade returns to extract motion details of the reflectors and uses the motion details for motion compensation of target returns for SAR imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Kapriel V. Krikorian, Robert A. Rosen, Michael Gubala
  • Patent number: 7719462
    Abstract: A time-of-flight calibration system for a radar-based measurement device is provided. The time-of-flight calibration system includes a target antenna and a waveguide, e.g. a coaxial cable. The waveguide is coupled at one end to the target antenna and terminated at its other end by a wave-reflecting impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Milltronics Process Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Shaun Philip Harwood, George Quinton Lyon
  • Patent number: 7706978
    Abstract: A method for estimating unknown parameters (pan angle (?), instantaneous tilt angle (?) and road geometry of an upcoming road segment) for a vehicle object detection system. The vehicle object detection system is preferably a forward looking, radar-cued vision system having a camera, a radar sensor and an processing unit. The method first estimates the pan angle (?), then corrects the coordinates from a radar track so that pan angle (?) can be treated as zero, and finally solves a least squares problem that determines best estimates for instantaneous tilt angle (?) and road geometry. Estimating these parameters enables the vehicle object detection system to identify, interpret and locate objects in a more accurate and efficient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan K. Schiffmann, David A. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 7675460
    Abstract: An in-vehicle radar apparatus includes a beam emitting part that emits a beam, a casing that supports the beam emitting part, and a reference unit that is attached to the casing and is equipped with multiple surfaces usable as a reference plane. A surface of the casing to which the reference unit is attached and the reference plane form an angle that depends on which one of the multiple surfaces is used as the reference plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventor: Hiromasa Sanada
  • Patent number: 7671783
    Abstract: A submarine warfare radar training system 10 includes an underwater vehicle 15 towing a float device 40 and a radar reflective target 45. The radar reflective target 45 is configured as a hollow tube-shaped element 50 having circular open leading and trailing open circular end to allow water to flow through the target as it is towed. The target 45 includes a positive buoyancy material layer 60 and is horizontally oriented during towing. The float device 40 is configured to support the radar reflective target 45 open leading end above the water surface 30 as the float device 40 and radar reflective target 45 are towed along the water surface to deliver air into the hollow cross-section. The radar reflective target 45 has an adjustable RCS which can be increased or decreased by lengthening or shortening the radar reflective target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: John M. Carcone
  • Patent number: 7642948
    Abstract: A reflective layer for attenuating electromagnetic radiation, the layer comprising at least one reflective component, the latter being selected from the group containing the following substances: carbon particles or fibers, in particular carbon black and/or graphite and/or an electrically conductive graphite compound, metal particles and/or fibers, in particular copper, aluminum, steel, titanium and/or iron particles of fiber and metal alloy particles. The reflective layer is characterized in that it attenuates electromagnetic radiation in a 200Hz to 10 Ghz range by more than 10Db, that it is watertight and permeable to water vapor, in addition to being resistant to the elements and designed to produce a potential compensation. The invention also relates to a method for assembling the reflective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Ewald Dorken AG
    Inventors: Gilles Schwaab, Jörn Schröer, Björn Lunau
  • Patent number: 7633450
    Abstract: A radar altering structure comprises: a structure; and at least one layer of conductive material disposed at at least one surface of the structure, the layer comprising a plurality of conductive paths arranged in a specular pattern to reduce the radar cross section of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Brittingham, James T. Hindel
  • Patent number: 7623059
    Abstract: A disruptive media dispersal system for aircraft which absorbs and scatters directed energy weapon beams such as tracking lasers and high energy lasers (HELs) is disclosed. The system may include laser detectors, laser beam propagation disruptive media and a dispersal system. When attacked by a directed energy weapon such as a laser, the laser detector system or vehicle operator deploys the disruptive media. The disruptive media is released by a feeder and dispersal system into the air in the path of the tracking and/or HEL weapon. For example, the dispersal system may be located onboard the aircraft near the front of the fuselage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: John Frederick Klein
  • Publication number: 20090262003
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for introducing a discrete, predetermined amount of material into soil at a plurality of predetermined points in the soil which includes a container for holding the material to be introduced into the soil, and tubing in fluid communication with the container at a first end thereof. At least one electrically controlled injector is provided in fluid communication with a second end of said tubing. Also, at least one shank is provided, which includes a base, and an injector mounting member attached to a surface of the base that is adapted for detachably mounting the electrically controlled injector onto the base. In addition, a controller is provided for activating the electrically controlled injector to introduce the material into the soil. Accordingly, enhanced control of the injection of the material into soil is achieved, and maintenance can be performed easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: Arysta LifeScience North America, LLC, California limited liability company
    Inventors: Michael A. Allan, Charles T. Schiller, Edward G. Salla, Frank V. Sances
  • Patent number: 7589663
    Abstract: A system for the measurement of an angle of roll of a projectile is disclosed. The projectile has a casing with a rear end, a front end, and a side wall extending therebetween. The system includes a radar configured to transmit a polarized electromagnetic signal toward the projectile and a groove disposed on the side wall of the casing. The groove has a width, a depth, and a length, the width extending along a longitudinal axis of the projectile, the depth extending inwardly from an outer surface of the casing toward the longitudinal axis, and the length extending along the outside of the casing. The radar is further configured to receive a return signal from the projectile, wherein the return signal from the groove is modulated as a function of the angle of roll of the projectile. Amplitude or phase modulation of the return signal from the groove can be used to uniquely determine the roll angle of the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Geoffrey H. Goldman, William O. Coburn, Thomas J. Pizzillo
  • Publication number: 20090207066
    Abstract: A submarine warfare radar training system 10 includes an underwater vehicle 15 towing a float device 40 and a radar reflective target 45. The radar reflective target 45 is configured as a hollow tube-shaped element 50 having circular open leading and trailing open circular end to allow water to flow through the target as it is towed. The target 45 includes a positive buoyancy material layer 60 and is horizontally oriented during towing. The float device 40 is configured to support the radar reflective target 45 open leading end above the water surface 30 as the float device 40 and radar reflective target 45 are towed along the water surface to deliver air into the hollow cross-section. The radar reflective target 45 has an adjustable RCS which can be increased or decreased by lengthening or shortening the radar reflective target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: John M. Carcone
  • Publication number: 20090173260
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for introducing a discrete, predetermined amount of material into soil at a plurality of predetermined points in the soil which includes a container for holding the material to be introduced into the soil, and tubing in fluid communication with the container at a first end thereof. At least one electrically controlled injector is provided in fluid communication with a second end of said tubing. Also, at least one shank is provided, which includes a base, and an injector mounting member attached to a surface of the base that is adapted for detachably mounting the electrically controlled injector onto the base. In addition, a controller is provided for activating the electrically controlled injector to introduce the material into the soil. Accordingly, enhanced control of the injection of the material into soil is achieved, and maintenance can be performed easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: Arysta LifeScience North America, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. ALLAN, Charles T. SCHILLER, Edward G. SALLA, Frank V. SANCES
  • Publication number: 20090153391
    Abstract: The reflectarray comprises an array of patch elements (10-13). Each patch element has a cut ring shape formed of a conductive ring with at least one crossing gap. The outer diameter and inner diameter and crossing gap are adjusted so that a phase shift ? defined by the following relations is different from zero: ?(Eox)=?(Eix)+? (1) ?(Eoy)=?(Eiy)+?+? (2) where: ??(Eox) and ?(Eoy) are the phases of the orthogonal components and of the reflected wave, respectively, ??(Eix) and ?(Eiy) are the phases of orthogonal components and of the incident wave, respectively, ?? is a phase angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicants: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE (C.N.R.S.), ELECTRONIC NAVIGATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE INDEPENDE NT ADMINISTRATIVE INSTITUTION, UNIVERSITE DE NICE SOPHIA ANTIPOLIS
    Inventors: Claire Blandine Migliaccio, Binh Duong Nguyen, Christian Yves Dominique Pichot Du Mezeray, Kazuo Yamamoto, Naruto Yonemoto, Kimio Yamada
  • Patent number: 7486226
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system, device, and method for using radar signals to measure the distance (h) to a surface from said device, the device comprising a transmitter and a transmitting antenna for transmitting radar signals, and a receiver and a receiving antenna for receiving a radar signal. The device may also comprise a first additional reflecting object separate from the receiving antenna, which additional reflector is designed so as to introduce a first predetermined alteration in radar signals upon reflection, with the device being equipped with means to differ between received signals with and without said predetermined alteration. The first predetermined alteration introduced by the first separate reflector can be, for example, a modulation shift or a shift in the polarization of the signal. In a typical embodiment the additional reflector is located close to the radar unit creating a double transition from radar unit to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Rosemount Tank Radar AB
    Inventor: Olov Edvardsson
  • Patent number: 7482969
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides several electromagnetic radiation reflectors within a volume that contains solid portions subject to movement relative to one another. At least a portion of the reflectors are positioned beneath one or more of the solid portions and move in response to movement of at least some of the solid portions. The volume is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having one or more frequencies in a range from one kHz through one THz, and a reflection is detected of at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation from each of the reflectors in response to this irradiation. Movement among the solid objects is evaluated from the reflection of each of the reflectors, which includes determining a spatial orientation of each one of the reflectors as a function of at least one of polarization selectivity and frequency selectivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Gregory Hilding Huff, Jennifer T. Bernhard, Susan Hagness, Debra Laefer
  • Publication number: 20090015457
    Abstract: A passive outdoor millimeter wave illuminator for use with a concealed object detection system is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the illuminator includes a panel having a plurality of horizontal louvers each having reflective properties for reflecting millimeter wave energy from the sky to a target and a pair of rear support arms for biasing the panel upwards. The illuminator further includes a base wherein a lower portion of the panel is rotatably mounted to a front edge of the base and the rear edge of the base is fixed to a lower end of the rear support so that the panel is capable of rotatable motion in a horizontal plane relative to the base. In addition, a slidable bushing engaged with a portion of the rear support arms is frictionally operable as to maintain the panel at the desired angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Robert Patrick Daly, Willem H. Reinpoldt, III
  • Patent number: 7427945
    Abstract: A local positioning system using co-polarized and cross-polarized radar mapping is provided. In one embodiment of the method, at least a first electromagnetic pulse having a first polarization is transmitted. A first return signal preferentially having the first polarization is received over a respective period of time. The first return signal is processed so as to isolate a first return pulse corresponding to an object within a radar detection area of the positioning system. At least a second electromagnetic pulse having the first polarization is also transmitted. A second return signal preferentially having a second polarization is received over a respective period of time. The second return signal is processed so as to isolate a second return pulse corresponding to the object. A characteristic of the object is determined in accordance with a relative signal strength of the first return pulse and the second return pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Navcom Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Adam Stephens
  • Patent number: 7400287
    Abstract: Missile deflector systems for protecting a vehicle from threats that use an infrared sensor for guidance are disclosed. An exemplary missile deflector system can include, for example, a radiation source and one or more deployable smart chaff elements. The light source and the one or more deployable smart chaff elements can direct the threat, such as, for example, a missile, away from the vehicle or, in other embodiments, disable the threat. Another exemplary missile deflector system can include, for example, a smart chaff element with a near-infrared emitter and a plurality of transmitting fibers to transmit the near-infrared radiation out of the smart chaff element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Saccomanno
  • Patent number: 7385551
    Abstract: A positioning system includes a passive, isotropic reflecting landmark at a fixed position and a device. The device transmits an electromagnetic pulse having a circular polarization and receives a return signal over a period of time. The return signal includes a reflected pulse from the reflecting landmark. The processes the return signal to isolate the reflected pulse from the return signal and to determine a range from the device to the reflecting landmark. The reflecting landmark includes a first passive reflector, a second passive reflector, and a static structure configured to statically position the second passive reflector at an angle relative to the first passive reflector. The device optionally moves in a particular direction while receiving the return signal, detects a Doppler shift in the reflected pulse portion of the return signal, and determines an angle between the particular direction and a straight line between the device and the landmark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Navcom Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Adam Stephens
  • Patent number: 7369847
    Abstract: A communication system has a high altitude communication device that has an antenna for directing beams to a fixed cell pattern with a polarity of cells. A specific pattern of cells having the same communication resource is provided. Preferably, cells having the same resource are separated. The antenna is shaped to suppress interference with locations having the same resource. The areas not having the same resource are not suppressed to allow the system to have maximum capacity and allow a smaller antenna aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold Rosen, Ying Feria, Parthasarathy Ramanujam
  • Patent number: 7336216
    Abstract: A radar decoy having radar reflectors disposed in the interior of the inflated canopy of a descending parachute as a first set of four corner reflectors, and a second set of corner reflectors disposed on the exterior of the canopy integral with the first set of corner reflectors, to form an octahedron of eight corner reflectors. The radar decoy is pliable and folded with the parachute for stowage in the interior of a canister. When loaded on a vehicle flying in a trajectory, the canister may open at a point P on the trajectory, to release the parachute, and thereby deploy the radar decoy to become operative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Rafael Armament Development Authority Ltd.
    Inventor: Gil Weisbrod
  • Patent number: 7333055
    Abstract: An antenna array for use within a microwave imaging system includes a plurality of reflecting antenna elements, each capable of being programmed with respective phase-shifts in a first pattern to direct a first beam of microwave radiation towards a first target, and each being capable of being programmed with respective phase-shifts in a second pattern to direct a second beam of microwave radiation towards a second target. To capture a microwave image of an object, the antenna elements are programmed with respective phase-shifts in an interleaved pattern including a portion of the first pattern and a portion of the second pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Izhak Baharav, Robert C. Taber, Gregory S. Lee
  • Patent number: 7333044
    Abstract: A rocket tube for housing a reloadable rocket motor is connected to a spacer element and a wire-rider element. A sensor target for reflecting radar signals is screwably attached to the rocket tube. The sensor target is provided with a plug for effectively sealing one end of the rocket tube with the other end of the rocket tube being utilized to reload a rocket motor upon completion of a test firing. A guide wire is threaded through the wire-rider element with the guide wire serving as a travel path. The rocket tube, spacer element, and wire-rider element are connected in an easily assembled, aerodynamic manner that allows for multiple radar tests using the same components within a brief time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Destin W. Sandlin
  • Patent number: 7327304
    Abstract: A microwave imaging system captures a microwave image of a target and minimizes noise in the microwave image using phase differentiation. A reflector antenna array is provided including a plurality of antenna elements for reflecting microwave radiation towards the target and for reflecting microwave radiation reflected from the target towards a microwave receiver. A processor programs the antenna elements with respective first phase shifts to capture a first microwave image of the target, and programs the antenna elements with respective second phase shifts to capture a second microwave image of the target. The first phase shift of each antenna element is 180 degrees different than the second phase shift for that antenna element. The processor minimizes noise from a combination of the first microwave image and the second microwave image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Izhak Baharav, Robert C. Taber, Gregory S. Lee
  • Patent number: 7315275
    Abstract: A positioning system includes a device, having an antenna and a reflector with a known position proximate to the antenna, that transmits at least an electromagnetic pulse having a carrier signal frequency. The device receives a return signal over a period of time, wherein the return signal includes a return pulse from an object within a radar detection area of the device and at least one multi-path pulse. The device processes the return signal so as to isolate the return pulse and the at least one multi-path pulse from the return signal. The device determines a range from the device to the object and the position of the device relative to the object. The range is determined in accordance with a time of arrival of the return pulse and the position is determined in accordance with a time of arrival of the at least one multi-path pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Navcom Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Adam Stephens
  • Patent number: 7301493
    Abstract: A one-way reflective sensor shield with an increased bandwidth meta-materials coating is provided which substantially reduces or eliminates deleterious electronic signatures and backscattering. The one-way reflective sensor shield with meta-materials coating operates according to surface plasmonic coupling phenomena and achieves a mirror-like one-way reflection of electromagnetic signals. In this arrangement, the meta-materials coating is composed of a dielectric material, and the corrugated metal strips are composed of a metallic conductive material with a negative dielectric constant, to allow surface plasmonic coupling between the plasma in the metal and the incident electromagnetic field. Surface plasmons occur at the interface of a material with a positive dielectric constant, such as dielectric surface, with that of a negative dielectric constant, usually a metal or doped dielectric, such as the metal strips. Sensor devices and sensor shielding systems are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Peter R. Canales, Hong-Liang Cui, Alexander Raspopin
  • Patent number: 7250901
    Abstract: A positioning system includes a passive, isotropic reflecting landmark at a fixed position and a device. The device transmits an electromagnetic pulse having a circular polarization and receives a return signal over a period of time. The return signal includes a reflected pulse from the reflecting landmark. The processes the return signal to isolate the reflected pulse from the return signal and to determine a range from the device to the reflecting landmark. The reflecting landmark includes a first passive reflector, a second passive reflector, and a static structure configured to statically position the second passive reflector at an angle relative to the first passive reflector. The device optionally moves in a particular direction while receiving the return signal, detects a Doppler shift in the reflected pulse portion of the return signal, and determines an angle between the particular direction and a straight line between the device and the landmark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: NavCom Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Adam Stephens
  • Patent number: 7209873
    Abstract: A general, closed, anisotropic kinetic turbulence theory for gases and liquids is based on new solutions of the Maxwell moment equations of the Boltzmann equations. These solutions provide a closed initial equation set for the four time average fluid mechanic variables, the sixteen time average thermal motion correlation and the sixteen time average turbulent motion correlations listed in Table I.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: James R. Kliegel