A system includes an illuminator. A first end of an optic fiber is operatively connected to the illuminator for transmitting illumination along the length of the optic fiber. An optical sensor operatively connected to the second end for reflecting sensor returns of the illumination back along the length of the optic fiber. A set of fiber Bragg grating (FBGs) is formed in the optic fiber between the first end and the optical sensor. A delay span is included in the optic fiber between the FBGs and the optical sensor. An interrogator is operatively connected to the first end to receive the sensor returns and the FBG returns from the optic fiber. The delay span has a length along the fiber that is configured to create a delay between when the interrogator receives the FBG returns and when the interrogator receives the sensor return.
G01D 5/353 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using optical means, i.e. using infrared, visible or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells influencing the transmission properties of an optical fibre
H04B 10/071 - Arrangements for monitoring or testing transmission systemsArrangements for fault measurement of transmission systems using a reflected signal, e.g. using optical time domain reflectometers [OTDR]
A smart sensor can include a plurality of analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) configured to receive analog signals from a sensor module, and a plurality of channel modules. Each channel module can be connected to a respective ADC and each channel module can include a limited data processing module configured to provide initial processing. The sensor can include a data control module operatively connected to each of the plurality of channel modules and configured to select a selected channel of the plurality of channels to receive initially processed data from the limited data processing module of the selected channel. The data control module can be configured to interface with external memory to store data to the external memory and/or to read data from the external memory. The sensor can include a batch processing module operatively connected to the data control module and configured to receive the initially processed data of the selected channel from the data control module to provide further processing of the initially processed data.
H04L 67/12 - Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
H04L 67/10 - Protocols in which an application is distributed across nodes in the network
H04Q 9/00 - Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a dongle for a sensor system can include a pass-through signal carrier configured to allow signals from a sensor discretely associated with the dongle to pass through the dongle to a data concentrator via a first connection, and a non-volatile memory configured to connect to the data concentrator via a second connection. The nonvolatile memory can include calibration data for the sensor that is associated with the dongle.
A Fabry-Pérot sensor assembly includes an optical element defining a Fabry-Pérot optical cavity therein. A ferrule is affixed to the optical element. The ferrule is configured to physically connect to an optic fiber, aligning the optic fiber optically with the cavity. The optical element includes a MgAl2O4 spinel or aluminum oxynitride Al23N27O5. A method of making an Fabry-Pérot optical cavity includes using a ceramic processing etching process to remove material from a first optical member to form the cavity therein, leaving a rim of the optical member surrounding the cavity peripherally. The method includes affixing a second optical member to the rim to enclose the cavity.
A method of controlling an actuator includes transmitting a drive signal to an actuator motor to move a device, including automatically compensating for and rejecting uncertain and unmodeled torque disturbances of the actuator motor. A controller for an actuator includes a processing device configured to transmit a drive signal to an actuator motor to move a device, including automatically compensating for and rejecting uncertain and unmodeled torque disturbances of the actuator motor to perform the method.
In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a lens is provided. The lens can be used in an imaging platform of a moving platform (e.g., a projectile or guided munition), for example, in a seeker arrangement. The lens can be configured to optical rotation information of the moving platform to an optical sensor as the moving platform moves in space, for example, following a mission profile.
A method includes receiving a plurality of laser pulses as a pulse train on a plurality of imaging sensor pixels in an array of pixels. For each pixel in the array of pixels, the method includes receiving a respective one of the laser pulse trains, and scanning the pixels response across a range of frequencies with a bandpass filter to determine pulse shape characteristics of the respective one of the laser pulse trains. The method includes filtering out all of the laser pulse trains that do not fit a predetermined pulse shape characteristic for a true target designation pulse train, and physically adjusting trajectory of a physical resource toward a target based on location on the imaging sensor of one or more pixels receiving a laser pulse train that fits the predetermined pulse shape characteristic for the true target designation pulse train.
A circuit board assembly can include a circuit component die, a first dielectric layer disposed on a first side of the circuit component die made of a first dielectric material having a high thermal conductivity, a second dielectric layer disposed on a second side of the circuit component die made of the first dielectric material, and a bulk dielectric material having a lower thermal conductivity than the first dielectric material. The bulk dielectric material can have a lower glass transition temperature than the first dielectric material and being heterogeneous to the first dielectric material. The bulk dielectric material can be in flowed contact with lateral sides of the circuit component die, the first dielectric layer, and the second dielectric layer to laterally enclose the circuit component die, the first dielectric layer, and the second dielectric layer.
A system can include a spinning structure configured to spin in operation, and at least one mass operatively connected to spinning structure to rotate about a spin axis with the spinning structure. The at least one mass can be configured to be moved relative to the spinning structure during a spin of the spinning structure. The system can include an actuation system configured to move the at least one mass relative to the spinning structure. The actuation system can be configured to move the at least one mass while the spinning structure is spinning to use the spin of the spinning structure to induce a precession torque on the spinning structure. The actuation system can be configured to synchronize actuation motion of the at least one mass to the spin of the spinning structure such that the induced precession torque is in a desired direction.
A MEMS accelerometer system can include a proof mass device having a proof mass configured to move from an initial position in response to an input acceleration, a transducer operatively connected to the proof mass device to output a transducer signal correlating to a movement and/or position of the proof mass, a driver operatively connected to the proof mass device and configured to drive the proof mass, and a controller operatively connected to the driver to control the driver. The controller is operatively connected to the transducer to receive the transducer signal and output a drive signal to the driver to drive the proof mass toward an initial position. The system can include an observer module operatively connected to the controller to receive the drive signal. The observer module can be operatively connected to the transducer to receive the transducer signal. The observer module can be configured to deterministically estimate the input acceleration based on the transducer signal and the drive signal based on a deterministic model. The observer module can be configured to output an estimated input acceleration signal.
G01P 15/13 - Measuring accelerationMeasuring decelerationMeasuring shock, i.e. sudden change of acceleration by making use of inertia forces with conversion into electric or magnetic values by measuring the force required to restore a proofmass subjected to inertial forces to a null position
G01P 15/08 - Measuring accelerationMeasuring decelerationMeasuring shock, i.e. sudden change of acceleration by making use of inertia forces with conversion into electric or magnetic values
G01P 15/125 - Measuring accelerationMeasuring decelerationMeasuring shock, i.e. sudden change of acceleration by making use of inertia forces with conversion into electric or magnetic values by capacitive pick-up
A liquid level measurement system includes a wave guide strip including a first end and a second end. The measurement system includes a sensor array positioned more proximate to the first end than the second end. The wave guide strip is configured and adapted to guide waves emitted from the sensor array. A method for determining a liquid level measurement in a fluid tank includes emitting an excitation from a transmitter of a sensor array along a wave guide strip into the fluid tank, thereby generating a plurality of guided waves. The method includes receiving at least one reflected wave with at least one receiver of the sensor array. The method includes determining a liquid level within the fluid tank by correlating at least one characteristic of the at least one reflected wave to a liquid level in the fluid tank.
A heatsink system includes a heatsink plate having a first set of slots defined in a first face thereof and a second set of slots defined in a second face thereof opposite the first face. The first and second sets of slots are configured to house phase change material (PCM) therein.
H05K 7/20 - Modifications to facilitate cooling, ventilating, or heating
F28D 15/02 - Heat-exchange apparatus with the intermediate heat-transfer medium in closed tubes passing into or through the conduit walls in which the medium condenses and evaporates, e.g. heat-pipes
In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a sensing system includes a sensor mat configured to conform to a component having a central axis, a first sensor cluster disposed on or in the sensor mat configured to sense one or more conditions at a first location on the component, and a second sensor cluster disposed on or in the sensor mat configured to sense one or more conditions at a second location circumferentially spaced to the first location. In embodiments, the second location can be diametrically opposed to the first location.
G01L 1/24 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations of optical properties of material when it is stressed, e.g. by photoelastic stress analysis
G01K 11/3206 - Measuring temperature based on physical or chemical changes not covered by group , , , or using changes in transmittance, scattering or luminescence in optical fibres at discrete locations in the fibre, e.g. using Bragg scattering
14.
Methods and algorithms for liquid level measurement
In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a method for measuring a liquid level in a liquid container includes, emitting one or more guided waves from a guided wave sensor array through a liquid volume within a liquid container, the guided wave sensor array coupled to the liquid container, detecting the one or more guided waves with at least one of the guided wave sensor array or a second guided wave sensor array, and determining a liquid level of the liquid container using the one or more detected guided waves.
G01F 23/18 - Indicating, recording, or alarm devices actuated electrically
G01F 23/16 - Indicating, recording, or alarm devices being actuated by mechanical or fluid means, e.g. using gas, mercury, or a diaphragm as transmitting element, or by a column of liquid
In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a system includes one or more electronics boards and one or more plates configured to interleave the one or more electronics boards in a stack along an axis. When in the stack, an outer surface of the one or more plates is configured to form an outer mold line of a portion of a moving platform. Each of the one or more plates includes an inner diameter and an outer diameter, where the outer surface has an outer circumference at the outer diameter.
In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a system includes a reinforcement structure configured to seat in an air gap between one or more solder balls of a ball grid array of a surface mount packaging component. The reinforcement structure is configured and reduce bending of the circuit board during acceleration of the circuit board.
An optical sensor includes an optic fiber optically coupled to a cavity. An optical path is defined from the fiber, across the cavity, and reflected back across the cavity back into the fiber. The cavity is an open cavity that is in fluid communication with an environment ambient to the cavity for detection of changes in index of refraction inside the cavity due to whether the environment ambient to the cavity is gaseous or liquid.
A system includes an optical pressure sensor. A controller is operatively connected to receive input from the optical pressure sensor. An output connection is operatively connected to communicate output data from the controller. The controller includes machine readable instructions configured to cause the controller to receive data from an optical pressure sensor, detect an accumulation of contaminant on the optical pressure sensor, and initiate a corrective action through the output connection in response to detecting the accumulation of contaminant.
G01L 9/00 - Measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or a fluent solid material by electric or magnetic pressure-sensitive elementsTransmitting or indicating the displacement of mechanical pressure-sensitive elements, used to measure the steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or fluent solid material, by electric or magnetic means
G01L 9/06 - Measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or a fluent solid material by electric or magnetic pressure-sensitive elementsTransmitting or indicating the displacement of mechanical pressure-sensitive elements, used to measure the steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or fluent solid material, by electric or magnetic means by making use of variations in ohmic resistance, e.g. of potentiometers of piezo-resistive devices
G01L 27/00 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus for measuring fluid pressure
G01F 23/16 - Indicating, recording, or alarm devices being actuated by mechanical or fluid means, e.g. using gas, mercury, or a diaphragm as transmitting element, or by a column of liquid
B64D 15/22 - Automatic initiation by icing detector
19.
Contamination detection for optical pressure sensors
A system includes an optical pressure sensor. A controller is operatively connected to receive input from the optical pressure sensor. An output connection is operatively connected to communicate output data from the controller. The controller includes machine readable instructions configured to cause the controller to receive data from an optical pressure sensor, detect an accumulation of contaminant on the optical pressure sensor, and initiate a corrective action through the output connection in response to detecting the accumulation of contaminant.
G01F 23/16 - Indicating, recording, or alarm devices being actuated by mechanical or fluid means, e.g. using gas, mercury, or a diaphragm as transmitting element, or by a column of liquid
G01F 23/14 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measurement of pressure
G01F 25/20 - Testing or calibration of apparatus for measuring volume, volume flow or liquid level or for metering by volume of apparatus for measuring liquid level
G01N 21/31 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
An optical sensor includes an optic fiber optically coupled to a cavity. An optical path is defined from the fiber, across the cavity, and reflected back across the cavity back into the fiber. The cavity is an open cavity that is in fluid communication with an environment ambient to the cavity for detection of changes in index of refraction inside the cavity due to whether the environment ambient to the cavity is gaseous or liquid.
In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a thermoelectric generator (TEG) system can include a TEG conversion element configured to be in thermal communication with a leading edge surface subject to hypersonic flow and a heatsink to generate a temperature differential across the TEG conversion element mounted between the leading edge surface and heatsink, and an electrical conductor configured to connect between the TEG conversion element and a powered unit to supply electrical energy from the TEG conversion element to the powered unit.
H01L 35/32 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR - Details thereof operating with Peltier or Seebeck effect only characterised by the structure or configuration of the cell or thermocouple forming the device
F42B 15/01 - Arrangements thereon for guidance or control
F42B 15/34 - Protection against overheating or radiation, e.g. heat shieldsAdditional cooling arrangements
A resistance measurement system includes a plurality of resistors connected in series along a single line. The plurality of resistors includes N resistors. The system includes a plurality of capacitors for at least N−1 of the resistors. Each capacitor is connected in parallel to the single line with a respective resistor to form a respective resistor-capacitor (RC) pair. Each RC pair includes a different time constant such that each RC pair reaches a steady state voltage at a different time. The system includes a current supply connected to the single line to supply a current to the line. The system includes a control module configured to sense a total voltage across the single line and to successively determine resistance of each resistor from the total voltage based on the current, a known total steady state voltage, and known time-to-steady-state-voltages of each RC pair and/or resistors.
A diode voltage measurement system includes a plurality of diodes connected in series along a single line. The plurality of diodes include N diodes. The system includes a plurality of capacitors for at least N−1 of the diodes. Each capacitor is connected in parallel to the single line with a respective diode to form a respective diode-capacitor (DC) pair. Each DC pair is configured such that each DC pair reaches a steady state voltage at a different time. The system includes a current supply connected to the single line to supply a current to the line. The system includes a control module configured to sense a total voltage across the single line and to successively determine voltage of each diode from the total voltage based on the current, a known total steady state voltage, and known time-to-steady-state-voltages of each DC pair and/or diode.
G01R 19/00 - Arrangements for measuring currents or voltages or for indicating presence or sign thereof
G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitanceMeasuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance methodMeasuring loss factorMeasuring dielectric constants
24.
Sliding discrete Fourier transform (DFT) bins for fuel quantity measurements
A method includes receiving wavelength domain data for a time step, performing a Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) to transform the wavelength domain data for the time step into frequency domain data for the time step only for the limited set of frequency bins associated with a frequency of interest, calculating pressure based on the frequency domain data for the time step, and updating the frequency of interest and the limited set of frequency bins. The method includes repeating receiving wavelength data for subsequent time steps, performing a DFT to transform the wavelength data for the respective subsequent time steps, calculating pressure for each subsequent time step, and updating the frequency of interest and limited set of frequency bins for each subsequent time step. The method includes outputting pressure data based on calculating pressure for the subsequent time steps.
G01L 9/00 - Measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or a fluent solid material by electric or magnetic pressure-sensitive elementsTransmitting or indicating the displacement of mechanical pressure-sensitive elements, used to measure the steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or fluent solid material, by electric or magnetic means
B64D 37/04 - Arrangement thereof in or on aircraft
G01F 23/14 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measurement of pressure
In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a fuel quantity measurement system includes, one or more pressure sensors are configured to operatively connect external to a fuel volume of a fuel tank, and can be operative to sense and output a signal indicative of a pressure outside of the fuel volume. One or more hollow pressure tubes can be configured to be disposed in the fuel volume in the fuel tank. The one or more hollow tubes can have a first end in fluid communication with the fuel volume and a second end configured to be sealed against an ambient environment external to the fuel tank. One or more temperature sensors can be configured to operatively connect within the fuel tank, operative to sense and output a signal indicative of a temperature of the fuel tank.
G01F 22/02 - Methods or apparatus for measuring volume of fluids or fluent solid material, not otherwise provided for involving measurement of pressure
A laser diode drive system configured to output a drive signal to control a voltage provided to a laser diode can include a circuit sensor system configured to output a sensed signal indicative of a drive current of a laser diode, and a temperature sensor configured to output a temperature signal indicative of a temperature of the laser diode or an ambient temperature of the laser diode. The system can include a temperature compensation system configured to output a correction signal based on the temperature signal to compensate for a temperature dependent factor in the sensed signal.
H01S 5/068 - Stabilisation of laser output parameters
H02H 3/08 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to excess current
27.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FUEL FREEZE MITIGATION AND PREVENTION
A fuel freeze mitigation and/or prevention system includes a power generator configured and adapted to be positioned within a fuel storage tank. A fluid mover device is in electrical communication with the power generator. The fluid mover device is configured and adapted to be positioned within a fuel storage tank to mitigate or prevent fuel freeze in the fuel storage tank. A method for mitigating or preventing fuel freeze in a fuel storage tank includes harvesting energy with a power generator positioned within the fuel storage tank, charging a battery with the harvested energy, monitoring a fuel temperature inside the fuel storage tank, and turning a fluid mover device positioned within the fuel storage tank ON or OFF depending on at least one of a manual command or the fuel temperature inside the fuel storage tank to mitigate or prevent fuel freeze in the fuel storage tank.
In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, an actuation system for a guided munition, includes a reservoir disposed in a guided munition body housing a compressible fluid in a compressed state, a fluid path connecting the reservoir in fluid communication with a heat exchange volume, a throttling orifice disposed in the fluid path configured to expand the compressible fluid, and an actuation path connecting the heat exchange volume in fluid communication with a moveable component. The actuation path can be configured to supply pneumatic pressure to the moveable components.
F42B 15/34 - Protection against overheating or radiation, e.g. heat shieldsAdditional cooling arrangements
F25B 9/02 - Compression machines, plants or systems, in which the refrigerant is air or other gas of low boiling point using Joule-Thompson effectCompression machines, plants or systems, in which the refrigerant is air or other gas of low boiling point using vortex effect
F42B 10/20 - Stabilising arrangements using fins spread or deployed after launch, e.g. after leaving the barrel deployed by combustion gas pressure, or by pneumatic or hydraulic forces
A heatsink can include a body, one or more thermal fin arrays defined by and/or extending from the body, and a phase change material disposed in contact with the one or more fin arrays. The phase change material can be configured to be a first phase in a cool state and a second phase in a heated state. The phase change material is configured to be cooled back to the solid state.
In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a thermal management system for an electronics assembly includes, a reservoir housing a compressible fluid in a compressed state, a throttling orifice disposed in fluid communication with the reservoir and configured to expand the compressible fluid, cooling the compressible fluid, and a heat exchange volume in fluid communication with the throttling orifice to receive cooled compressible fluid from the throttling orifice.
H01L 31/024 - Arrangements for cooling, heating, ventilating or temperature compensation
H01L 23/427 - Cooling by change of state, e.g. use of heat pipes
H01L 23/473 - Arrangements for cooling, heating, ventilating or temperature compensation involving the transfer of heat by flowing fluids by flowing liquids
31.
Power and communication systems for remote components
A system (e.g., a power and communication system for remote components) can include a first wire, a second wire, and a first module operatively connected to the first and second wire. The first module can be configured to output power to and to communicate over the first wire and second wire. The system can include a second module operatively connected to the first module by the first wire and the second wire. The second module can be configured to receive power from the first module and to communicate with the first module over the first wire and/or second wire. The first module can be configured to modify a voltage on at least the first wire to signal to the second module to provide serial communication to the first module via the first wire and/or second wire.
A non-uniformity correction (NUC) calibration method comprises obtaining image data for a plurality of images with an image sensor, wherein each image in the plurality of images is obtained at a different respective global pixel gain setting and global expose in the image sensor; and using the image data for non-uniformity correction calibration to compute pixel NUC values for the pixels in the image sensor. The method can further include storing the pixel NUC values and obtaining further image data corrected by the stored pixel NUC values. In embodiments, the method can include moving a platform based on the further image data. In certain embodiments, the platform can be a guided munition.
In certain embodiments, an imaging system includes an enclosure with an objective aperture opening into an interior space of the enclosure, an optical assembly optically coupling the objective aperture to an imaging sensor within the enclosure, a spatial light modulator (SLM) mounted to the objective aperture for selectively blocking and admitting illumination through the objective aperture into the interior space, and an illuminator mounted to illuminate the interior space of the enclosure.
A reconfigurable edge computing node of a complex system is provided, the edge computing node including a core module executing selectable core software, and selectable input module(s) and/or output module(s) which can be installed in corresponding input/output ports, wherein each of the input module(s) or output module(s) provides a conduit for moving data to or from the complex system, with selections being chosen from catalogs of available input modules, available output modules, and available core software. The edge computing node provides reconfiguration upon attachment of any input or output module(s), or upon installation of any core software, automatically reconfiguring the edge computing node to enable communication between the core module and the input module(s) and output module(s) using compatible protocols. Reconfiguration of the edge computing node has been previously tested for each allowable combination of available selections of the input and output module(s) to satisfy a certification requirement.
A method for validating a capacitance measurement device including, sending a first drive signal from a capacitance measurement device to a capacitor emulator, modifying the first drive signal by an four quadrant analog multiplier, directing the modified signal across a capacitor to produce a return signal, sending the return signal to the capacitance measurement device to validate the capacitor, and validating the return signal against an expected return signal by the capacitance measurement device.
G01F 25/20 - Testing or calibration of apparatus for measuring volume, volume flow or liquid level or for metering by volume of apparatus for measuring liquid level
G01F 23/263 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring variations of capacity or inductance of capacitors or inductors arising from the presence of liquid or fluent solid material in the electric or electromagnetic fields by measuring variations in capacitance of capacitors
G01F 23/26 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring variations of capacity or inductance of capacitors or inductors arising from the presence of liquid or fluent solid material in the electric or electromagnetic fields
36.
METHOD FOR IMPROVING THE OPERATIONAL AVAILABILITY OF AN AIRCRAFT FLEET
A method including identifying a plurality of maintenance schedules for a plurality of aircraft of a fleet of aircrafts each of which satisfy a minimum maintenance free operating period, monitoring and measuring a health of each of the aircrafts, utilizing the measured heath of the aircrafts within a degradation model in order to produce a plurality possible maintenance events for each of the aircrafts, each of the possible maintenance events associated with a different maintenance time, identifying at least one maintenance event for each aircraft in the fleet of aircraft using the set of possible maintenance events found for each aircraft from the plurality of maintenance schedules resulting in number of aircraft down for maintenance below a predetermined threshold, and executing the at least one maintenance event based on the at least one identified maintenance event.
G06F 30/20 - Design optimisation, verification or simulation
G07C 5/08 - Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle, or waiting time
B64F 5/60 - Testing or inspecting aircraft components or systems
A method of determining component health including measuring an electrical characteristic of a component during operation using a sensor coupled to the component having internal circuitry to be monitored and to a configurable external sensing device to as specified by configuration settings stored in the external sensing device and comparing the measured electrical characteristic to a baseline using a computational device within the configurable external sensing device in order to determine component health.
G01R 31/00 - Arrangements for testing electric propertiesArrangements for locating electric faultsArrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere
B64F 5/60 - Testing or inspecting aircraft components or systems
B64D 15/00 - De-icing or preventing icing on exterior surfaces of aircraft
G08B 21/08 - Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons responsive to the presence of persons in a body of water, e.g. a swimming poolAlarms for ensuring the safety of persons responsive to an abnormal condition of a body of water
B64D 45/00 - Aircraft indicators or protectors not otherwise provided for
A precision guided munition (PGM) system is disclosed. The PGM system comprises a body including a nose portion. The nose portion includes an aperture. A window is attached, secured, or adhered to the body at the nose portion. One or more antenna substrates is attached, secured, or adhered to the window. A plurality of radiating elements is attached, secured, or adhered to the one or more antenna substrates. An image sensor configured to capture an image in front of the body. The image sensor is behind the aperture and is configured to focus at an infinity focus in front of the body. The one or more antenna substrates include unpopulated areas configured to let photons pass through the antenna substrates from the window to the image sensor. The photons are parallel or collimated and the captured image does not include features of the antenna substrates.
A system includes a guided munition having a housing. A first reservoir is defined within the housing holding a first chemical reactant. A second reservoir is defined within the housing, wherein the second reservoir holds a second chemical reactant configured to undergo an endothermic reaction with the first chemical reactant. A frangible barrier separates between the first and second reservoirs. The frangible barrier is configured to break under forces acting on the guided munition as the guided munition is fired from a weapon. An electronic device can be housed within the housing in thermal contact with at least one of the first reservoir and/or second reservoir for cooling the electronic device with an endothermic reaction upon mixing of the first and second chemical reactants.
A switching device includes an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) or MOSFET having a gate, an emitter, and a collector configured to allow current to pass between the emitter and the collector based on voltage applied to the gate. A stack of alternating layers of photo-sensitive p-n junction layers and insulating layers stacked on the gate for optical switching control of voltage through the IGBT or MOSFET.
H03K 17/785 - Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and -breaking characterised by the use of specified components by the use, as active elements, of opto-electronic devices, i.e. light-emitting and photoelectric devices electrically- or optically-coupled controlling field-effect transistor switches
G02B 6/42 - Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements
H01L 31/11 - Devices sensitive to infrared, visible or ultraviolet radiation characterised by two potential barriers or surface barriers, e.g. bipolar phototransistor
H03K 17/16 - Modifications for eliminating interference voltages or currents
H04B 10/25 - Arrangements specific to fibre transmission
A course correction system for a projectile can include a pre-steering trajectory determination module. The pre-steering trajectory determination module can be configured to receive a series of possible trajectories from an estimation module including a physical model defining trajectory as a function of gravitational pull and one or more launch variables, and receive a sensor data from one or more on-board sensors of the projectile. The pre-steering trajectory determination module can also be configured to reduce the possible trajectories from the estimation module to one or more refined trajectories using the sensor data, and output the one or more refined trajectories.
A fluid quantity sensor system for sensing a fluid quantity in a fluid tank can include one or more strain sensors configured to be disposed in physical communication with the tank to sense a strain on one or more portions of the tank. The one or more strain sensors can include at least a first strain sensor disposed in physical communication with a first portion of the tank, and a second strain sensor disposed in physical communication with the second portion of the tank such that the first strain sensor is configured to sense a strain of the first portion of the tank and the second strain sensor is configured to sense a strain of the second portion of the tank. The first strain sensor and the second strain sensor can be positioned such that externally induced stress on a structure forming and/or supporting the tank can be cancelled out such that such that a strain caused by only the fluid in the tank can be determined to determine a weight of the fluid in the tank.
G01F 23/20 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measurement of weight, e.g. to determine the level of stored liquefied gas
A load sensing system for sensing a load on a structure can include an optical load sensing element configured to change an optical state based on a force applied thereto, an optical source operatively connected to the optical load sensing element and configured to input an input optical signal to the optical load element, and an optical detector configured to receive a returned optical signal from the optical load sensing element. The optical detector can be configured to detect one or more frequency peaks of the returned optical signal and to use the one or more frequency peaks of the returned optical signal to correlate to a load value of the load and output the load value indicative of the load.
A system comprises an engine mounted to an aircraft wing by a plurality of clevis pins, a respective strain sensor mounted in at least one of the clevis pins, and a monitoring system operatively connected to each respective strain sensor to monitor stress in each of the clevis pins having a respective strain sensor.
G01L 1/24 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations of optical properties of material when it is stressed, e.g. by photoelastic stress analysis
B64F 5/60 - Testing or inspecting aircraft components or systems
B64C 3/32 - Wings specially adapted for mounting power plant
G01L 5/00 - Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes
A guided munition system includes a munition body including at least one fluid dynamic control for changing course of the munition body in flight. A seeker onboard the munition body is operatively connected to control the at least one fluid dynamic control. The seeker includes a coded aperture imaging device facing outward from the munition body for image based control for guiding the munition body in flight.
A method of measuring target proximity comprising the steps of transmitting a magnetic field signal by a controller of a proximity sensor at a target, measuring impedance of an inductor of a proximity sensor, calculating a relative position of the target in relation to a sensor face, and providing a near/far output status of the target at a predetermined rate.
G01D 5/20 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying inductance, e.g. by a movable armature
A germicidal system includes a handle for opening a door or compartment. An ultra-violet illuminator is mounted proximate the handle for irradiating a surface of the handle to reduce pathogens from the handle between uses. The illuminator can include at least one LED that emits in ultra-violet wavelengths. A sensor can be included proximate the handle. A controller can be operatively connected to the sensor and to the illuminator. The controller can be configured to activate the illuminator based on detection of a user by the sensor. The controller can be configured to activate the illuminator for a predetermined amount of time for each use of the handle.
A distributed network system can include a master controller having a master clock configured to output a master time, and a master transmission delay time module configured to modify the master time to add a known master transmission delay to the master time to output an adjusted master time. The system can include a first device operatively connected to the master controller and configured to receive the adjusted master time from the master controller.
A system including a system controller configured to transmit a first amount of commands in order to produce a desired effect by a group of actuators acting in combination. A system controller configured to control a group of at least two actuators in order to produce at least one combined effect, wherein the number of actuators is greater than or equal to the number of effects. A system controller configures to independent and variable bandwidths or responses of the desired effects produced by the actuators acting in combination.
G05B 13/02 - Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric
A system including at least a first node or subnet device configured to be commanded by a controller, a first controller configured to control operation of the first node and interface with a host outside of the system, and a second controller identical to the first controller configured to be a child to the first controller during normal operation and be a parent to a second node or subnet device.
A power and data communication system including an inboard computer system that includes a resistor network, an outboard computer system that includes at least one current limiter and voltage limiter that receives power from the inboard computer in order to power electronics of the outboard computer, and first and second wires connecting the resistor network of the at least one current limiter.
A method includes forming a first image of a scene through a static coded aperture onto a sensor with the static coded aperture in a first position relative to the sensor, shifting the coded aperture to a second position relative to the sensor, and forming a second image of the scene through the static coded aperture onto the sensor with the static coded aperture in the second position. Two or more images can be formed in this way. The method includes forming a combined image by deconvolving the two or more images and combining data from the two or more images into the combined image. The combined image can be a more accurate representation of the scene than either of the first and second images.
A sensor system can include a sensor configured to output raw sensor data, a plurality of processing modules configured to process the raw sensor data from the sensor to output processed sensor data, a state module for each processing module operative to cause a respective processing module to receive and/or process the sensor data, and a control module configured to receive a coded bitstring and activate or deactivate a predefined set of state modules based on the coded bitstring to control which processing modules process the sensor data and/or an order of processing. The coded bitstring can include a plurality of discrete bits less than the amount of processing modules and/or state modules. A plurality of the state modules and/or processing modules can be associated with at least one discrete bit of the plurality of discrete bits such that each coded bitstring corresponds to a predetermined group of state modules and/or processing modules.
A smart sensor can include a plurality of analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) configured to receive analog signals from a sensor module, and a plurality of channel modules. Each channel module can be connected to a respective ADC and each channel module can include a limited data processing module configured to provide initial processing. The sensor can include a data control module operatively connected to each of the plurality of channel modules and configured to select a selected channel of the plurality of channels to receive initially processed data from the limited data processing module of the selected channel. The data control module can be configured to interface with external memory to store data to the external memory and/or to read data from the external memory. The sensor can include a batch processing module operatively connected to the data control module and configured to receive the initially processed data of the selected channel from the data control module to provide further processing of the initially processed data.
H04L 67/12 - Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
H04L 67/10 - Protocols in which an application is distributed across nodes in the network
H04Q 9/00 - Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
A guided projectile includes a body and a deployable wing in which the deployable wing is coupled to and enclosed by the body. A linear distance from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the wing defines a chord line that, in the stowed position, forms an angle with a plane containing the chord line and extending parallel to a longitudinal dimension of the wing in a deployed position.
A method is provided for sensing proximity of a target. The method includes sensing inductance associated with a magnetic field, wherein the inductance is affected by the target when the target is proximate the magnetic field. The method further includes providing the sensed inductance for processing. The processing includes determining an inductance value from at least the sensed inductance and estimating a parameter of a gap between a location of sensing the inductance and the target as a function of the inductance value and application of a nonlinear model of a relationship between the gap and inductance.
A circuit card assembly (CCA) stack includes a first circuit card assembly (CCA) with circuit components mounted thereto, wherein the first CCA includes a power contact and a return contact for powering the first CCA. A plurality of additional CCAs in a stack with the first CCA, wherein each CCA in the plurality of additional CCAs includes respective power and return contacts, and wherein each CCA in the plurality of additional CCAs includes a first aperture and a second aperture for passage of power buses. The first power bus can include one or more power wires bonded to power contacts of the CCAs, and one or more return wires bonded to return contacts of the CCAs.
An electronic braking arrangement includes a brake stack assembly, a driver circuit, a current limiter circuit, and a voltage limiter circuit. The driver circuit is operably connected to the brake stack assembly. The current limiter circuit and the voltage limiter circuit are connected in series between the driver circuit and the brake stack assembly to drive friction brake loads in the brake stack assembly with a voltage limited constant drive current.
B60T 13/74 - Transmitting braking action from initiating means to ultimate brake actuator with power assistance or driveBrake systems incorporating such transmitting means, e.g. air-pressure brake systems with electrical assistance or drive
B60T 8/17 - Using electrical or electronic regulation means to control braking
H02P 27/06 - Arrangements or methods for the control of AC motors characterised by the kind of supply voltage using variable-frequency supply voltage, e.g. inverter or converter supply voltage using DC to AC converters or inverters
F16D 55/36 - Brakes with a plurality of rotating discs all lying side by side
H03K 17/567 - Circuits characterised by the use of more than one type of semiconductor device, e.g. BIMOS, composite devices such as IGBT
A navigation augmentation system includes a vehicle including an imaging device operably connected to a navigation data fusion module for receiving and analyzing visual point of interest data, gyroscope data, and accelerometer data, wherein the navigation data fusion module is operably connected to a sensor compensation module and an autopilot module for controlling the navigation of the vehicle.
A sensor system can include a sensor configured to output raw sensor data, a plurality of processing modules configured to process the raw sensor data from the sensor to output processed sensor data, a state module for each processing module operative to cause a respective processing module to receive and/or process the sensor data, and a control module configured to receive a bitmask and to operate each state module based on the bitmask to control which processing modules process the sensor data and/or an order of processing. The bitmask can include a plurality of discrete bits. Each state module and/or processing module can be associated with at least one discrete bit.
H04Q 9/00 - Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure
A sensor node for a distributed sensing system, can include a physical memory configured to store configuration settings data, one or more sensor channels configured to interface with one or more physical sensors to receive signals from the one or more physical sensors, and one or more configurable logic modules connected to the physical memory and operative to receive the configuration settings data and to be configured by the configuration settings data into a logic state to control whether and/or how the one or more one or more configurable logic modules receive and/or processes data from the one or more sensor channels. The one or more configurable logic modules can include one or more FPGAs and/or PLDs, for example.
A control module for a distributed sensor system can include a non-application specific configurable module configured to operate as a function of controller configuration settings data, at least a first memory configured to store the controller configuration settings data, at least one external interface module configured to connect with a master host module of the sensor system to receive updated controller configuration settings data, the control module configured to receive and store the updated controller configuration settings in the first memory thereof via the at least one external interface module, and a subnet interface module configured to connect to one or more configurable sensor nodes on a subnetwork, wherein the control module is configured to control and/or configure the one or more sensor nodes as a function of the controller configuration setting data and receive sensor data from the one or more sensor nodes.
G06F 15/177 - Initialisation or configuration control
H04L 12/24 - Arrangements for maintenance or administration
G07C 5/08 - Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle, or waiting time
A sensor node of a sensing network acquires first sensing data from an internal sensing node and/or second sensing data via an interface from an external sensing node. The sensor node is configured with a selected configuration file. The first and second events are detected as a function of the first and/or second sensing data based on the configuration file. The method further includes performing a first action set of the plurality of action sets as a function of detecting the first event and performing a second action set of the plurality of action sets as a function of detecting the second event, wherein the first and second action sets are defined by the configuration file. Once configured with the configuration file, detecting the first and second events and performance of any of the first and second action sets is performed autonomously of a controller or host of a system being monitored by the sensing network.
H04Q 9/00 - Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure
A method performed by a plurality of digital sensing nodes included in a sensing network having a controller and/or host is provided. The method includes a first sensing node of the plurality of digital sensing nodes being configured with a configuration file selected from a plurality of configuration files, the configuration file defining a plurality of action sets to perform in association with detection of respective first and second events. The plurality of digital sensing nodes are configured for acquiring sensed data for monitoring a system. The first sensing node is configured based on the configuration file for, autonomously of the sensing network controller and host, detecting at least one of the first and second events as a function of sensed data output by a sensing element of the first sensing node, performing a first action set if the first event is detected, and performing a second action set if the second event is detected.
H04Q 9/00 - Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
A sensor node of a sensing network, configured with a selected configuration file, acquires first sensing data from an internal sensing node and/or second sensing data via an interface from an external sensing node. The first and second events are detected as a function of the first and/or second sensing data based on the configuration file. The method further includes performing a first action set as a function of detecting the first event and performing a second action set as a function of detecting the second event, wherein the first and second action sets are defined by the configuration file. Once configured with the configuration file, detecting the first and second events and performance of any of the first and second action sets is performed autonomously of a controller or host of a system being monitored by the sensing network.
H04L 67/10 - Protocols in which an application is distributed across nodes in the network
H04L 67/12 - Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
66.
DISTRIBUTED TIME SYCHRONIZATION PROTOCOL FOR AN ASYNCHRONOUS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
A slave node of one or more slave nodes and a master node of a distributed acquisition system and a method of synchronizing communication of the slave node is provided. The method includes acquiring a configuration that provides a definition for a packet interval, wherein the packet interval definition provides an adequate timing margin to ensure that communication packets transmitted by the master node and the one or more slave nodes occur only at harmonics of the packet interval definition. The method further includes receiving master communication packets from the master node via the bus, determining a start time of at least one most recent master communication packet of the master communication packets received from the master node, calculating a synchronization time based on the start time, and starting transmission of slave communication packets to the master node based on the synchronization time.
A master node of a distributed acquisition system is provided. The master node includes a communication interface for interfacing between a control component and a bus and the control component. The bus is coupled to one or more slave nodes distributed in the acquisition system. The control component is configured to acquire a configuration that provides a definition for a packet interval, wherein the packet interval definition provides an adequate timing margin to ensure that communication packets transmitted by the master node and the one or more slave nodes occur only at harmonics of the packet interval definition, distribute a time reference packet of the communication packets based on the packet interval definition via the bus to all of the slave nodes of the distributed acquisition system, and schedule transmission of communication packets transmitted by the master node via the bus to the one or more selected slave nodes based on the packet interval definition.
A master node of a distributed acquisition system is provided. The master node includes a communication interface for interfacing between a control component and a bus and the control component. The bus is coupled to one or more slave nodes distributed in the acquisition system. The control component is configured to acquire a configuration that provides a definition for a packet interval, wherein the packet interval definition provides an adequate timing margin to ensure that communication packets transmitted by the master node and the one or more slave nodes occur only at harmonics of the packet interval definition, distribute a time reference packet of the communication packets based on the packet interval definition via the bus to all of the slave nodes of the distributed acquisition system, and schedule transmission of communication packets transmitted by the master node via the bus to the one or more selected slave nodes based on the packet interval definition.
H04L 12/403 - Bus networks with centralised control, e.g. polling
H04L 67/10 - Protocols in which an application is distributed across nodes in the network
H04L 67/1095 - Replication or mirroring of data, e.g. scheduling or transport for data synchronisation between network nodes
H04L 67/1097 - Protocols in which an application is distributed across nodes in the network for distributed storage of data in networks, e.g. transport arrangements for network file system [NFS], storage area networks [SAN] or network attached storage [NAS]
A method of monitoring a condition of a system is provided. The method includes receiving a first sampled signal having first sampled points sampled at a first sampling rate, and receiving a second sampled signal having second sampled points sampled at a second sampling rate. Both the first and second sampled signals originate from sensing over a dimension in the same sensing process. The method further includes determining a first shift over the dimension between the first sampled signal and the second sampled signal at a first sampled point of the first sampled signal, determining a second shift over the dimension between the first sampled signal and the second sampled signal at a second sampled point of the first sampled signal, the second sampled point being different than the first sampled point, determining a calculated shift that is a function of the first shift and the second shift, generating a merged signal that includes each of the first sampled points and each of the second sampled points shifted based on the calculated shift, determining whether there is at least a threshold indication of failure based on analysis of the merged signal, and disabling or recommending for removal the component in response to determining that there is at least a threshold indication of failure.
A slave node of one or more slave nodes and a master node of a distributed acquisition system and a method of synchronizing communication of the slave node is provided. The method includes acquiring a configuration that provides a definition for a packet interval, wherein the packet interval definition provides an adequate timing margin to ensure that communication packets transmitted by the master node and the one or more slave nodes occur only at harmonics of the packet interval definition. The method further includes receiving master communication packets from the master node via the bus, determining a start time of at least one most recent master communication packet of the master communication packets received from the master node, calculating a synchronization time based on the start time, and starting transmission of slave communication packets to the master node based on the synchronization time.
Provided are embodiments for techniques for monitoring components of a system, where the techniques include determining an operational status of one or more processing modules, wherein the one or more processing modules comprise one or more local memories, and configuring the one or more local memories with threshold values for configuration parameters for one or more components. The techniques also include sensing sensor data for the one or more components, determining the health status of the one or more components by comparing sensor data for the configuration parameters to the threshold values for the configuration parameters, and transmitting the sensor data and the health status of the one or more components to a central server for storing the sensor data and the health status.
A system includes at least one light projector, at least one image sensor, and at least one controller. The at least one light projector is attachable to an aircraft at a first location. The at least one light projector is configured to emit a first beam of light in a first direction at a first intensity. The at least one image sensor is attachable to the aircraft at a second location. The at least one image sensor is configured to capture a first image of a scene including reflections of the first beam of light and a second image of the scene without the at least one projector emitting a beam of light. The at least one controller is configured to determine a maximum detection range of the first beam of light based upon the light intensity of the light beam, the first location, and the second location.
A system includes at least one light projector, at least one image sensor, and at least one controller. The at least one light projector is attachable to an aircraft at a first location. The at least one light projector is configured to emit a first beam of light in a first direction at a first intensity. The at least one image sensor is attachable to the aircraft at a second location. The at least one image sensor is configured to capture a first image of a scene including reflections of the first beam of light and a second image of the scene without the at least one projector emitting a beam of light. The at least one controller is configured to determine a maximum detection range of the first beam of light based upon the light intensity of the light beam, the first location, and the second location.
G01C 11/14 - Interpretation of pictures by comparison of two or more pictures of the same area the pictures being supported in the same relative position as when they were taken with optical projection
Apparatus and associated methods relate to creating corrected images of a scene for a terminal-imaging seeker using an electrically-controllable coded-aperture mask pattern embodied in a programmable spatial light modulator. The coded-aperture mask pattern includes a plurality of pinhole-like apertures, each of which is configured to perform pinhole-like lensing of the scene. The plurality of pinhole-like apertures form a multiplex of overlapping images on a focal plane array aligned with the optical axis. An image processor reconstructs, based on a configuration of the plurality of pinhole-like apertures and the multiplex of overlapping images, a single image of the scene.
A system includes a first smart sensor, a second smart sensor, and at least one image processor. The first smart sensor is configured to sense light in a forward direction and to capture an image during a first time period. The second sensor is configured to sense light in the forward direction and to capture a second image during the first time period. The at least one image processor is configured to identify at least one object in the first and second image, to determine a first size of the at least one object in the first image and a second size of the at least one object in the second image, and to determine a distance of the at least one object from the aircraft based upon the first size and the second size.
A system includes a first smart sensor, a second smart sensor, and at least one image processor. The first smart sensor is configured to sense light in a forward direction and to capture an image during a first time period. The second sensor is configured to sense light in the forward direction and to capture a second image during the first time period. The at least one image processor is configured to identify at least one object in the first and second image, to determine a first size of the at least one object in the first image and a second size of the at least one object in the second image, and to determine a distance of the at least one object from the aircraft based upon the first size and the second size.
A method is provided of generating a course-correction signal for a spin-stabilized projectile. The method includes capturing a time-sequence of images of a scene at a frame rate, comparing respective current images of the time-sequence of images to a corresponding previous image of the time-sequence of images, determining a rotation angle between the current and previous images, rotating the images using the rotation angle, identifying a target in the rotated images, generating target bearing angles to cause the projectile to correct its course toward the target using the target bearing angles, and adjusting the target bearing angles to compensate for the rotation of the images.
F42B 12/36 - Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for dispensing materialsProjectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for producing chemical or physical reactionProjectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for signalling
G06T 7/73 - Determining position or orientation of objects or cameras using feature-based methods
Embodiments of the invention include techniques for implementing a network security framework for wireless aircraft communication, where the techniques include receiving a key index sequence over a first communication link, and transmitting a subset of the key index to one or more nodes. The techniques also include generating a random encryption key based at least in part on the subset of the key index sequence, encrypting data using the random encryption key, and transmitting the encrypted data over a second communication link.
A projectile includes a housing and a slot formed in the housing. A deployable flight surface is inside the housing. A cover is attached to the housing and covers the slot. A cutter is adjacent the cover and moves in the slot and slices the cover to open the slot and allow deployment of the flight surface through the slot.
A rotary encoder may include a magnetic encoder disc having a plurality of magnetic features added to the disc by additive manufacturing distributed over a surface of the encoder disc, wherein the disc is configured for attachment to the end of a rotatable shaft, or a cylindrical metallic encoding feature having a plurality of magnetic features added to the cylindrical encoder by additive manufacturing distributed over the surface of the cylindrical encoding feature, wherein the encoding feature is capable of attachment to an outer diameter of the rotatable shaft. The encoder additionally includes a magnetic sensor positioned adjacent to the end of the rotatable shaft to detect magnetic signals from the magnetic features on the disc and/or positioned over the surface of the rotatable shaft to detect magnetic signals from the magnetic features on the encoding feature.
G01D 5/20 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying inductance, e.g. by a movable armature
G01D 5/14 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage
G01B 1/00 - Measuring instruments characterised by the selection of material therefor
81.
Portable wireless communication adapter for avionics frequencies selectively enabled based on location within aircraft
A portable wireless communications adapter includes a wireless receiver, a wireless transmitter, an electronic interface connector, and a location sensing module. The wireless receiver is configured to receive wireless data over a Wireless Avionics Intra-Communication (WAIC) frequency range between 4.2 gigahertz (GHz) and 4.4 GHz. The wireless transmitter is configured to send wireless data over the WAIC frequency range between 4.2 GHz and 4.4 GHz. The electronic interface connector is configured to mate with a portable electronic device for communication of the wireless data with the portable electronic device. The location sensing module is configured to determine a location of the portable wireless communications adapter relative to an interior of an aircraft based on WAIC communications received at the wireless receiver and selectively enable and disable the wireless transmitter based on the determined location.
H04W 88/10 - Access point devices adapted for operation in multiple networks, e.g. multi-mode access points
H04W 4/42 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for vehicles, e.g. vehicle-to-pedestrians [V2P] for mass transport vehicles, e.g. buses, trains or aircraft
H04W 12/00 - Security arrangementsAuthenticationProtecting privacy or anonymity
B64D 11/00 - Passenger or crew accommodationFlight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
H04W 4/48 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for vehicles, e.g. vehicle-to-pedestrians [V2P] for in-vehicle communication
H04W 4/021 - Services related to particular areas, e.g. point of interest [POI] services, venue services or geofences
G08C 17/00 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link
H04B 1/3877 - Arrangements for enabling portable transceivers to be used in a fixed position, e.g. cradles or boosters
G06F 13/42 - Bus transfer protocol, e.g. handshakeSynchronisation
H04B 1/48 - Transmit/receive switching in circuits for connecting transmitter and receiver to a common transmission path, e.g. by energy of transmitter
82.
In-line power conditioning for multi-drop data bus
A T-junction circuit comprises a first connector, a second connector, a third connector, at least one data bus, a power bus, and power conditioning circuitry. The at least one data bus is communicatively coupled to the first, second, and third connector. The power bus electrically coupled to the first, second, and third connector, the power bus configured to provide power from the first connector. The power conditioning circuitry is electrically coupled between a node of the power bus and the third connector, the node of the power bus located between the first, second, and third connectors, the power conditioning circuitry configured to condition the power provided by the power bus from the first connector before providing it to the third connector.
A real-time compensation system of a projectile includes at least one flight controller, at least one imager device, at least one gyroscope, and at least one processor. The at least one flight controller is configured to rotate the projectile about an axis between a first orientation and a second orientation. The at least one imager device is configured to capture a first image at the first orientation and a second image at the second orientation. The at least one gyroscope is configured to sense a first angular rate of the projectile as the projectile rotates from the first orientation to the second orientation. The at least one processor is configured to determine a first rotation angle based upon the first and second images and a second rotation angle based upon the angular rate sensed by the at least one gyroscope, and determine a gyroscope compensation parameter.
F42B 15/01 - Arrangements thereon for guidance or control
B64G 1/36 - Guiding or controlling apparatus, e.g. for attitude control using sensors, e.g. sun-sensors, horizon sensors
G01C 21/02 - NavigationNavigational instruments not provided for in groups by astronomical means
G01C 21/00 - NavigationNavigational instruments not provided for in groups
B64G 1/28 - Guiding or controlling apparatus, e.g. for attitude control using inertia or gyro effect
G01C 21/16 - NavigationNavigational instruments not provided for in groups by using measurement of speed or acceleration executed aboard the object being navigatedDead reckoning by integrating acceleration or speed, i.e. inertial navigation
G05D 1/10 - Simultaneous control of position or course in three dimensions
Apparatus and associated methods relate to ranging an object nearby an aircraft by triangulation using two simultaneously-captured images of the object. The two images are simultaneously captured from two distinct vantage points on the aircraft. Because the two images are captured from distinct vantage points, the object can be imaged at different pixel-coordinate locations in the two images. The two images are correlated with one another so as to determine the pixel-coordinate locations corresponding to the object. Range to the object is calculated based on the determined pixel-coordinate locations and the two vantage points from which the two images are captured. Only a subset of each image is used for the correlation. The subset used for correlation includes pixel data from pixels upon which spatially-patterned light that is projected onto the object by a light projector and reflected by the object.
G08G 5/06 - Traffic control systems for aircraft for control when on the ground
G01B 11/245 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring contours or curvatures using a plurality of fixed, simultaneously operating transducers
B64F 1/00 - Ground or aircraft-carrier-deck installations
G01B 11/25 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring contours or curvatures by projecting a pattern, e.g. moiré fringes, on the object
G06T 7/593 - Depth or shape recovery from multiple images from stereo images
B64D 45/00 - Aircraft indicators or protectors not otherwise provided for
G01S 17/48 - Active triangulation systems, i.e. using the transmission and reflection of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves
G01S 17/931 - Lidar systems, specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
Apparatus and associated methods relate to projecting a linear beam onto a distant object. One or more laser diodes are configured to emit one or more elliptical beams of light in an emission direction. If more than one laser diodes are used, they are aligned so as to have coplanar emission facets and common slow-axis and fast-axis directions, which are perpendicular to one another and to the emission direction. A first cylindrical lens is configured to receive the emitted beam(s) and to collimate the emitted beam(s) in the fast-axis direction perpendicular to a slow-axis direction. A second cylindrical lens is configured to receive the emitted beam(s) and to diverge the emitted beam(s) in the slow-axis direction such that if more than one beams are emitted, they are diverged so as to overlap one another in the slow-axis direction.
A guided projectile includes a body and a deployable wing in which the deployable wing is coupled to and enclosed by the body. A linear distance from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the wing defines a chord line that, in the stowed position, forms an angle with a plane containing the chord line and extending parallel to a longitudinal dimension of the wing in a deployed position.
F42B 10/14 - Stabilising arrangements using fins spread or deployed after launch, e.g. after leaving the barrel
B64C 3/56 - Folding or collapsing to reduce overall dimensions of aircraft
B64C 39/02 - Aircraft not otherwise provided for characterised by special use
F42B 10/00 - Means for influencing, e.g. improving, the aerodynamic properties of projectiles or missilesArrangements on projectiles or missiles for stabilising, steering, range-reducing, range-increasing or fall-retarding
F42B 10/18 - Stabilising arrangements using fins spread or deployed after launch, e.g. after leaving the barrel using a longitudinally slidable support member
F42B 10/20 - Stabilising arrangements using fins spread or deployed after launch, e.g. after leaving the barrel deployed by combustion gas pressure, or by pneumatic or hydraulic forces
87.
Method of tuning an inductance of an inductive sensor
An inductive sensor includes a core body, a coil wound on the core body, a cavity having a fixed volume within the core body, and an epoxy mixture filling a controlled portion of the fixed volume. The controlled portion of the fixed volume filled with the epoxy mixture controls an inductance of the sensor.
H01F 41/02 - Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing or assembling magnets, inductances or transformersApparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing materials characterised by their magnetic properties for manufacturing cores, coils or magnets
H01F 21/08 - Variable inductances or transformers of the signal type continuously variable, e.g. variometers by varying the permeability of the core, e.g. by varying magnetic bias
H01F 21/06 - Variable inductances or transformers of the signal type continuously variable, e.g. variometers by movement of core or part of core relative to the windings as a whole
H01F 29/14 - Variable transformers or inductances not covered by group with variable magnetic bias
H01B 1/02 - Conductors or conductive bodies characterised by the conductive materialsSelection of materials as conductors mainly consisting of metals or alloys
H01F 1/00 - Magnets or magnetic bodies characterised by the magnetic materials thereforSelection of materials for their magnetic properties
H01F 1/28 - Magnets or magnetic bodies characterised by the magnetic materials thereforSelection of materials for their magnetic properties of inorganic materials characterised by their coercivity of soft-magnetic materials metals or alloys in the form of particles, e.g. powder dispersed or suspended in a bonding agent
H03K 17/95 - Proximity switches using a magnetic detector
Rotational speed of a rotating component is determined using frequency domain vibrational data. A time sequence of vibrational data of the rotating component is sensed and converted to the frequency domain vibrational data. A portion of the frequency domain vibrational data corresponding to an expected rotational speed of the rotating component is identified. A frequency bin index of the frequency domain vibrational data corresponding to a maximum vibration within the portion of the frequency domain vibrational data is identified. The maximum vibration at the identified frequency bin index and vibrations associated with adjacent frequency bin indices are fitted to a model curve. A floating point frequency bin index corresponding to a maximum of the model curve is identified, and the rotational speed of the rotating component is determined based on the frequency bin index corresponding to the maximum of the model curve.
G01P 3/48 - Devices characterised by the use of electric or magnetic means for measuring angular speed by measuring frequency of generated current or voltage
Apparatus and associated methods relate to determining a course-correction signal for a spin-stabilized projectile based on a time sequence of images of a scene aligned with and obtained by a forward-looking imager coupled to the projectile. As the projectile rotates, the aligned scenes captured in the images obtained by the forward-looking imager are rotated. The rotation angle of each of the captured scenes corresponds to the spin angle of the projectile at the time of image exposure. Objects in the captured scenes will circle about a rotation center of the time-sequence images. The distances from a rotation center to the objects in the captured scenes, as well as the rotation angles of the captured scenes can be used to generate a course-correction signal so that the projectile can be guided to a target selected from the objects in the captured scene.
A fluid measurement system includes a signal processor and a processing system. The signal processor is configured and adapted to produce a serial word that is indicative of a fluid characteristic that is configured to be communicated externally of the signal processor. The processing system is operatively connected to the signal processor to read the serial word and decode the serial word. A method for transmitting a fluid characteristic between a sensor system and a processing system includes producing a serial word that is indicative of a fluid characteristic value with a signal processor. The method includes transmitting the serial word externally of the signal processor. The method includes reading and decoding the serial word with a processing system to determine the fluid characteristic value.
G01N 9/00 - Investigating density or specific gravity of materialsAnalysing materials by determining density or specific gravity
G01N 27/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating capacitance
G08C 19/18 - Electric signal transmission systems in which transmission is by pulses using a variable number of pulses in a train
H04L 67/12 - Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
A fluid measurement system includes a signal processor and a processing system. The signal processor is configured and adapted to produce a serial word that is indicative of a fluid characteristic that is configured to be communicated externally of the signal processor. The processing system is operatively connected to the signal processor to read the serial word and decode the serial word. A method for transmitting a fluid characteristic between a sensor system and a processing system includes producing a serial word that is indicative of a fluid characteristic value with a signal processor. The method includes transmitting the serial word externally of the signal processor. The method includes reading and decoding the serial word with a processing system to determine the fluid characteristic value.
G01F 23/263 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring variations of capacity or inductance of capacitors or inductors arising from the presence of liquid or fluent solid material in the electric or electromagnetic fields by measuring variations in capacitance of capacitors
G01N 27/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating capacitance
G01N 29/024 - Analysing fluids by measuring propagation velocity or propagation time of acoustic waves
G01F 23/22 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
H03M 5/02 - Conversion to or from representation by pulses
92.
Fluid characterization system with integrated density compensation
An integrated densitometer-compensator system for providing a digital indication of the dielectric value and density of a fluid in a tank includes a dielectric capacitive measuring device, a vibrating spool fluid density measuring device, a signal processor, a power supply, and a remote computing device. The signal processor produces a digital signal representing the dielectric value and density of the fluid, and includes a serial driver that transmits the digital signal as a serial word by modulating a carrier signal. An unshielded interface cable transmits the serial word, which can contain a unique identifier, and also provides power to the system. Transmission can be electrically, optically, or wirelessly. The exemplary system measures aviation fuel characteristics in fuel tanks onboard an aircraft.
G01N 9/36 - Analysing materials by measuring the density or specific gravity, e.g. determining quantity of moisture
G01N 27/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating capacitance
H03M 5/02 - Conversion to or from representation by pulses
B64D 37/00 - Arrangements in connection with fuel supply for power plant
H04B 3/50 - Systems for transmission between fixed stations via two-conductor transmission lines
H04B 10/80 - Optical aspects relating to the use of optical transmission for specific applications, not provided for in groups , e.g. optical power feeding or optical transmission through water
G01F 23/26 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring variations of capacity or inductance of capacitors or inductors arising from the presence of liquid or fluent solid material in the electric or electromagnetic fields
An integrated densitometer-compensator system for providing a digital indication of the dielectric value and density of a fluid in a tank includes a dielectric capacitive measuring device, a vibrating spool fluid density measuring device, a signal processor, a power supply, and a remote computing device. The signal processor produces a digital signal representing the dielectric value and density of the fluid, and includes a serial driver that transmits the digital signal as a serial word by modulating a carrier signal. An unshielded interface cable transmits the serial word, which can contain a unique identifier, and also provides power to the system. Transmission can be electrically, optically, or wirelessly. The exemplary system measures aviation fuel characteristics in fuel tanks onboard an aircraft.
B64D 37/00 - Arrangements in connection with fuel supply for power plant
G01D 21/02 - Measuring two or more variables by means not covered by a single other subclass
G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitanceMeasuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance methodMeasuring loss factorMeasuring dielectric constants
94.
Mounting of optical elements for imaging in air vehicles
An optical assembly comprises a mounting structure, a plurality of optical elements, and a conformal filler material. The mounting structure has a plurality of axially spaced circumferentially recessed undercuts formed into an inner surface of the mounting structure. The optical elements are axially spaced in the mounting structure. At least one of the optical elements includes an undercut in a perimeter edge surface. The undercut is aligned with one of the plurality of undercuts in the mounting structure, such that the aligned circumferential undercuts define a void. The conformal filler material is cast in place in the void to create a mechanical lock between the optical element and mounting structure.
A wireless pressure sensor for sensing pressure of a liquid in a tank includes a hermetically sealed housing, at least one sensor, at least one photocell array, at least one communication device, and at least one energy storage device. At least a portion of the hermetically sealed housing has a diaphragm. The at least one sensor within the hermetically sealed housing is configured to sense the pressure of the liquid. The at least one photocell array is configured to receive light and generate power from the light. The at least one communication device is configured to transmit data corresponding to the sensed pressure using wireless radio frequency signals. The at least one energy storage device is configured to store power generated by the at least one photocell array and provide power to the at least one sensor and the at least one communication device.
G01F 23/00 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
G01F 23/16 - Indicating, recording, or alarm devices being actuated by mechanical or fluid means, e.g. using gas, mercury, or a diaphragm as transmitting element, or by a column of liquid
G01L 19/08 - Means for indicating or recording, e.g. for remote indication
G01L 19/00 - Details of, or accessories for, apparatus for measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluent medium insofar as such details or accessories are not special to particular types of pressure gauges
G01L 9/00 - Measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or a fluent solid material by electric or magnetic pressure-sensitive elementsTransmitting or indicating the displacement of mechanical pressure-sensitive elements, used to measure the steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or fluent solid material, by electric or magnetic means
G01F 23/18 - Indicating, recording, or alarm devices actuated electrically
G01F 22/02 - Methods or apparatus for measuring volume of fluids or fluent solid material, not otherwise provided for involving measurement of pressure
A wireless pressure sensor for sensing pressure of a liquid in a tank includes a hermetically sealed housing, at least one sensor, at least one photocell array, at least one communication device, and at least one energy storage device. At least a portion of the hermetically sealed housing has a diaphragm. The at least one sensor within the hermetically sealed housing is configured to sense the pressure of the liquid. The at least one photocell array is configured to receive light and generate power from the light. The at least one communication device is configured to transmit data corresponding to the sensed pressure using wireless radio frequency signals. The at least one energy storage device is configured to store power generated by the at least one photocell array and provide power to the at least one sensor and the at least one communication device.
A system and method for providing physical layer security in a low power wireless communication system utilizing an analog finite impulse response filter to produce an analog representation of the electronic fingerprint that uniquely identifies a transmitting device. A decision logic circuit produces a digital representation of the electronic fingerprint of the RF signal, and digital storage stores the digital fingerprints of trusted wireless nodes. A learning mode allows the storage of digital fingerprints of trusted nodes, and recognition mode permits the passage of the RF signal through a receive-permissive switch only if the digital fingerprint of a trusted wireless node is recognized. One of several triggering events may disable the receive-permissive switch including passage a specified period of time, loss of RF signal for a specified time, reduction in the strength of RF signal below a specified threshold, loss of electrical power, and other system or operator input.
H04L 29/00 - Arrangements, apparatus, circuits or systems, not covered by a single one of groups
H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
H04W 84/18 - Self-organising networks, e.g. ad hoc networks or sensor networks
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure
H04W 4/70 - Services for machine-to-machine communication [M2M] or machine type communication [MTC]
H04W 4/33 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for indoor environments, e.g. buildings
H04W 4/48 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for vehicles, e.g. vehicle-to-pedestrians [V2P] for in-vehicle communication
98.
Fast response and accurate temperature measurement of a hydraulic fluid
Apparatus and associated methods relate to measuring temperature of a fluid within a hydraulic vessel using a temperature probe that has an annular recess circumscribing a projecting sensor tip. The annular recess is configured to permit fluid flow into an aperture region of a vessel wall through which the temperature probe contacts the fluid within the hydraulic vessel. Because the temperature probe projects from the annular recess within the aperture, a net projection dimension, as measured in a projection direction from an interior surface of the vessel wall proximate the aperture to a sensor, is less than a gross projection dimension, as measured in the projection direction from a bottom of the annular recess to the sensor tip. In some embodiments, this configuration advantageously improves a ratio of thermal conductivity between the fluid and the temperature probe and thermal conductivity between the temperature probe and a sensor housing.
A seeker imaging system and method includes at least one imager, a plurality of optical elements, and control electronics. The at least one imager is configured to output image frame data. The plurality of optical elements are configured to receive light and direct the light to the at least one imager. The control electronics are configured to receive the image frame data from the at least one imager. The control electronics is configured to obtain a plurality of initial images from each frame of the image frame data, and wherein the control electronics is configured to generate a single output image based upon the plurality of initial images.
H04N 5/341 - Extracting pixel data from an image sensor by controlling scanning circuits, e.g. by modifying the number of pixels having been sampled or to be sampled
An integral fluid measurement system includes a first sensor configured to communicate using a first communication technology, a second sensor configured to communicate using a second communication technology, and a hybrid interface unit including a first interface configured to communicate with a first sensor using a first communication technology and a second interface configured to communicate with a second sensor using a second communication technology, where the first and second communication technologies are different from each other and may include electrical, fiber optic, radio frequency, optical pulse, and sonic pulse. The hybrid interface unit may also include a digital signal processor, data bus, and power supply, and may be capable of being disposed on a fluid tank wall.
G01G 17/04 - Apparatus for, or methods of, weighing material of special form or property for weighing fluids, e.g. gases, pastes
G01G 19/08 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups for incorporation in vehicles
G01F 23/00 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
G01D 21/02 - Measuring two or more variables by means not covered by a single other subclass
B64D 37/00 - Arrangements in connection with fuel supply for power plant
G01G 1/00 - Weighing apparatus involving the use of a counterweight or other counterbalancing mass
