Abstract: A communication system utilizing unified gateways bridges communication gaps between data transmitters having differing transmission, security, data format, overhead restrictions and performance metrics by dynamically determining optimal data paths for the data being routed. The unified gateways can also dynamically alter data packages to upgrade/downgrade security standards, alter transmission networks, translate data to match recipient requirements and split/combine data to optimize data throughput using disparate systems.
Type:
Application
Filed:
May 24, 2019
Publication date:
November 26, 2020
Applicant:
SIERRA NEVADA CORPORATION
Inventors:
Kyle Andrew Shepard, Kevin Jeffrey Streander, Peter Fischer
Abstract: A communication system utilizing unified gateways bridges communication gaps between data transmitters having differing transmission, security, data format, overhead restrictions and performance metrics by dynamically determining optimal data paths for the data being routed. The unified gateways can also dynamically alter data packages to upgrade/downgrade security standards, alter transmission networks, translate data to match recipient requirements and split/combine data to optimize data throughput using disparate systems.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 24, 2019
Date of Patent:
April 13, 2021
Assignee:
SIERRA NEVADA CORPORATION
Inventors:
Kyle Andrew Shepard, Kevin Jeffrey Streander, Peter Fischer
Abstract: A communication system utilizing unified gateways bridges communication gaps between data transmitters having differing transmission, security, data format, overhead restrictions and performance metrics by dynamically determining optimal data paths for the data being routed. The unified gateways can also dynamically alter data packages to upgrade/downgrade security standards, alter transmission networks, translate data to match recipient requirements and split/combine data to optimize data throughput using disparate systems.
Type:
Application
Filed:
March 12, 2021
Publication date:
July 1, 2021
Applicant:
SIERRA NEVADA CORPORATION
Inventors:
Kyle Andrew Shepard, Kevin Jeffrey Streander, Peter Fischer
Abstract: A beam-forming antenna for transmission and/or reception of an electromagnetic signal having a given wavelength in a surrounding medium includes a transmission line electromagnetically coupled to an array of individually controllable antenna elements, each of which is oscillated by the signal with a controllable amplitude. The oscillation amplitude of each of the individual antenna elements is controlled by a switch. The antenna elements are arranged in various shapes such as a parabolic arc, a circular arc, a cylindrical surface or a conic surface. The antenna elements have various spacing such as uniform, parabolic, circular, or raised cosine.
Abstract: A beam-forming antenna for transmission and/or reception of an electromagnetic signal having a given wavelength in a surrounding medium includes a transmission line electromagnetically coupled to an array of individually controllable antenna elements, each of which is oscillated by the signal with a controllable amplitude. The oscillation amplitude of each of the individual antenna elements is controlled by a switch. The antenna elements are arranged in various shapes such as a parabolic arc, a circular arc, a cylindrical surface or a conic surface. The antenna elements have various spacing such as uniform, parabolic, circular, or raised cosine.
Abstract: A system is provided that can introduce data redundancy into wireless communications, and in particular ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless communications to increase the communication range when transmitting data that has low transmission rates. Multipath degradation, introduced by the extended communications range, can be mitigated by frequency hopping between the orthogonal frequency-division multiplexed symbols of the ultra-wideband waveform. Frequency hopping can place adjacent symbols in different frequency channels for filtering. Data redundancy can be expanded in the time domain and/or the frequency domain, resulting in extended range.
Abstract: A system is provided that can introduce data redundancy into wireless communications, and in particular ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless communications to increase the communication range when transmitting data that has low transmission rates. Multipath degradation, introduced by the extended communications range, can be mitigated by frequency hopping between the orthogonal frequency-division multiplexed symbols of the ultra-wideband waveform. Frequency hopping can place adjacent symbols in different frequency channels for filtering. Data redundancy can be expanded in the time domain and/or the frequency domain, resulting in extended range.
Abstract: A full band waveguide orthomode transducer (OMT) includes first, second, and third waveguide sections coupled to one another, the first, second, and third waveguide sections respectively having a first port, a second port, and a third port. A first wire grid polarizer in the first waveguide section is transparent to electromagnetic signals having a first polarization and reflective of electromagnetic signals having a second polarization orthogonal to the first polarization. A second wire grid polarizer in the second waveguide section is transparent to electromagnetic signals having the second polarization and reflective of electromagnetic signals having the first polarization. The third waveguide section is configured to transmit and/or receive electromagnetic signals having the first polarization and/or the second polarization.
Abstract: A full band waveguide orthomode transducer (OMT) includes first, second, and third waveguide sections coupled to one another, the first, second, and third waveguide sections respectively having a first port, a second port, and a third port. A first wire grid polarizer in the first waveguide section is transparent to electromagnetic signals having a first polarization and reflective of electromagnetic signals having a second polarization orthogonal to the first polarization. A second wire grid polarizer in the second waveguide section is transparent to electromagnetic signals having the second polarization and reflective of electromagnetic signals having the first polarization. The third waveguide section is configured to transmit and/or receive electromagnetic signals having the first polarization and/or the second polarization.
Abstract: A system is provided that can introduce data redundancy into wireless communications, and in particular ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless communications to increase the communication range when transmitting data that has low transmission rates. Multipath degradation, introduced by the extended communications range, can be mitigated by frequency hopping between the orthogonal frequency-division multiplexed symbols of the ultra-wideband waveform. Frequency hopping can place adjacent symbols in different frequency channels for filtering. Data redundancy can be expanded in the time domain and/or the frequency domain, resulting in extended range.
Abstract: Systems and methods are configured for power distribution in a hybrid fixed-wing VTOL drone aircraft. A drone aircraft includes two modes of operation. In a first mode of operation, the internal combustion engine is shut off while an electric motor-based VTOL system provides lift and thrust. In a second mode of operation, an internal combustion engine provides thrust while a set of fixed wings provide lift. In the second mode of operation, mechanical power from the internal combustion engine provides for power generation to charge an electrical battery to power the electric motor-based VTOL system.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 10, 2021
Date of Patent:
March 26, 2024
Assignee:
Sierra Nevada Corporation
Inventors:
Hannan Parvizian, Manuel Lopez, Guangyuan Zheng
Abstract: A full band waveguide orthomode transducer (OMT) includes first, second, and third waveguide sections coupled to one another, the first, second, and third waveguide sections respectively having a first port, a second port, and a third port. A first wire grid polarizer in the first waveguide section is transparent to electromagnetic signals having a first polarization and reflective of electromagnetic signals having a second polarization orthogonal to the first polarization. A second wire grid polarizer in the second waveguide section is transparent to electromagnetic signals having the second polarization and reflective of electromagnetic signals having the first polarization. The third waveguide section is configured to transmit and/or receive electromagnetic signals having the first polarization and/or the second polarization.
Abstract: An apparatus to separate water droplets from an air stream includes an elongated tube having a first end and a second end. The elongated tube includes an opening at a first end of the elongated tube, the opening may be positioned to accept the air stream. A reservoir is positioned at a second end of the elongated tube. A helix structure is positioned within the elongated tube. The helix structure includes an upper surface, a lower surface arranged opposite the upper surface, an outer edge, and a variable pitch along a length of the elongated tube. The variable pitch may provide a variable interior angle between an inner wall of the elongated tube and the upper surface of the helix structure.
Type:
Application
Filed:
January 31, 2018
Publication date:
May 14, 2020
Applicant:
SIERRA NEVADA CORPORATION
Inventors:
David Michael Hoerr, Ross Remiker, Michael Peterson, Zachary James Setmire, Mark Milton Weislogel, Andrew Wollman
Abstract: A live virtual constructive (LVC) gateway system is configured to transparently separate, merge, and route data traffic between operator systems, live tactical Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) systems, and simulated tactical LRU systems. The LVC gateway is configured to receive LRU commands from an operator system, parse, the commands, and reconstruct the commands suitable for transmission to live or simulated tactical LRU systems. The LVC gateway is also configured to receive live and simulated status and target data from live tactical LRU and simulated tactical LRU systems, respectively, and merge the data for transmission to an operator system.
Type:
Application
Filed:
February 10, 2020
Publication date:
August 13, 2020
Applicant:
SIERRA NEVADA CORPORATION
Inventors:
Brandon Boldenow, Peter Fischer, Nathan Gang, Maxwell O. Greenstein, Sarah Kooiman, Daniel Payne, Christopher Poupore, Kyle P. Werner
Abstract: A space-grade solar array includes relatively small cells with integrated wiring embedded into or incorporated directly onto a printed circuit board. The integrated wiring provides an interface for solar cells having back side electrical contacts. The single side contacts enable the use of pick and place (PnP) technology in manufacturing the space-grade solar array. The solar cell is easily and efficiently packaged and electrically interconnected with other solar cells on a solar panel such as by using PnP process. The back side contacts are matched from a size and positioning standpoint to corresponding contacts on the printed circuit board.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 21, 2017
Date of Patent:
September 8, 2020
Assignee:
Sierra Nevada Corporation
Inventors:
Brian Anthony, Rodney Dobson, Matthew Johnson, Scott Christiansen, L. Eric Ruhl
Abstract: A live virtual constructive (LVC) gateway system is configured to transparently separate, merge, and route data traffic between operator systems, live tactical Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) systems, and simulated tactical LRU systems. The LVC gateway is configured to receive LRU commands from an operator system, parse, the commands, and reconstruct the commands suitable for transmission to live or simulated tactical LRU systems. The LVC gateway is also configured to receive live and simulated status and target data from live tactical LRU and simulated tactical LRU systems, respectively, and merge the data for transmission to an operator system.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 10, 2020
Date of Patent:
April 4, 2023
Assignee:
SIERRA NEVADA CORPORATION
Inventors:
Brandon Boldenow, Peter Fischer, Nathan Gang, Maxwell O. Greenstein, Sarah Kooiman, Daniel Payne, Christopher Poupore, Kyle P. Werner
Abstract: A steerable beam antenna includes a plurality of semiconductor chips arranged along a longitudinal axis. Each of the chips has a ground plane on its upper surface, and is doped to form an array of semiconductor switches arranged along the longitudinal axis. A corresponding array of scattering elements, each having a first leg and a second leg, is mounted on each chip along the longitudinal axis. A first electrode of each switch is configured for connection to a control circuit, a second electrode is connected to the ground plane, and a third electrode is connected to the first leg of one of the array of scattering elements, the second leg of which is connected to the ground plane. A dielectric element is mounted on the antenna chips along the longitudinal axis above the arrays of switches and scattering elements and is separated from the scattering elements by an air gap.
Abstract: A cyber-security device provides secure communications bi-directionally between an external network and an internal network including a supervisor control and data acquisition (SCADA) device. The device includes a processor in data communication with the external and internal networks, the processor being programmed with a rule-set establishing validation criteria configured to validate data received from the external and internal networks. The processor is operable in an operational mode to pass between the external and internal networks only data that are compliant with the validation criteria. The processor is re-programmable with a new rule-set only in a programming mode. The device includes a switch that is manually operable to switch the processor from the operational mode to the programming mode.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 30, 2014
Date of Patent:
November 15, 2016
Assignee:
Sierra Nevada Corporation
Inventors:
Peter Fischer, Andrew Feldkamp, Nelson Rodriguez, Joshua Edwards
Abstract: A cyber-security device includes a processor operable to process messages with a data validation rule-set; an external communication interface configured for bi-directional data communication between the processor and external networks or systems; and an internal communication interface configured for bi-directional data communication between the processor and a safety-critical control device, wherein the data received by the processor via either the external or internal communication interface is blocked, sanitized, or passed by the appropriate rule-set, depending on whether the data conform to validation criteria established by the rule-set. The processor analyzes the data, preferably byte-by-byte, with the data in each byte being required to conform to the rule-set validation criteria before being passed from the processor to the appropriate interface.
Type:
Application
Filed:
August 8, 2017
Publication date:
December 28, 2017
Applicant:
Sierra Nevada Corporation
Inventors:
Peter Fischer, Joshua A. Edwards, Kyle Andrew Shepard, Kevin Jeffrey Streander
Abstract: A steerable beam antenna includes a feed line and first and second arrays of switchable scatterers along opposite sides of the feed line. The first array scatters an electromagnetic wave propagating through the feed line to form a first beam portion with a first polarization, and the second array scatters the propagating wave to form a second beam portion with a second polarization orthogonal to the first polarization. Each scatterer in the first and second arrays is switchable between a high state and a low state, the high state scatterers and the low-state scatterers in each of the first and second arrays defining a periodic pattern. The scatterers in the first and second arrays are switchable to shift the pattern of scatterers in one of the arrays relative to the pattern in the other array by a selectable period shift that yields a desired polarization for the beam.