Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080275572 | Aiming Feedback Control For Multiple Energy Beams - Plural energy beam sources are aimed at an energy receiving device by way of feedback control signals. Each energy beam is uniquely modulated by way of amplitude, polarization and/or coning patterns to enable individual detection and control. Sensors detect individual energy beams incident to the energy receiving device and provide corresponding detection signals. Control electronics receive the detection signals and derive one or more control signals that are coupled to the plural energy sources. Aircraft and other vehicles are thus provided with electrical and/or thermal energy without the need for source-to-vehicle cabling or substantial on-board energy resources. | 11-06-2008 |
20080312836 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING WATER VAPOR PROFILE USING GPS SIGNALS - A system and method for obtaining weather related information for a portion of the Earth's atmosphere between a predetermined surface portion of the Earth and an airborne object located over the predetermined surface portion, and operating at a known altitude, using position locating signals from a space vehicle. In one exemplary implementation the space vehicle transmits a first position locating signal. The first position locating signal is received by the airborne object directly from the space vehicle. A second position locating signal from the space vehicle is received by the airborne object after being reflected from the predetermined surface portion at a known angle. Phase information from the first and second position locating signals is used to determine a refractivity of the atmosphere between the predetermined surface portion and the airborne object. The refractivity is used to determine weather related information for the atmosphere. | 12-18-2008 |
20090009393 | AIRBORNE TURBULENCE LOCATION SYSTEM AND METHODS - A system and methods for calculating a range to a turbulent air region from an antenna platform is disclosed. The methods determine a correlation lag value corresponding to a time shift in receiving propagation of an interference pattern traveling along a path that is subject to the turbulent air region at antennas responsive to incident electromagnetic energy. Based upon the correlation lag value, the methods calculate the range to the turbulent air region from the antenna platform and issue a warning that indicate the range. | 01-08-2009 |
20090021388 | SYNTHETICALLY GENERATED SOUND CUES - A communications system is disclosed that may incorporate a first platform and a second platform. The second platform may have a relative position with respect to the first platform, with at least one of the platforms being mobile. A communications subsystem is included that is adapted to modify a signal sent from the second platform to a user on the first platform that provides a spatial indication to the user as to a position of the second platform relative to the user. | 01-22-2009 |
20090045969 | SYNTHETICALLY GENERATED SOUND CUES - Communication systems and apparatus to allow a user to perceive the relative spatial location or present position of other elements of interest in a control space, such as the location of a speaker participating in a telephone conference or that of an aircraft carrier to a remotely piloted vehicle on final approach. The system inserts synthetic sound cues into the communication to the user that represent the relative position(s). In one embodiment, the user will perceive the communication as though it were communicated through free space to the user from the relative position of the represented source, so that, for example, the squad leader will perceive his wingman to be at his immediate left. Methods of conveying relative position sound cues are also provided. | 02-19-2009 |
20090100934 | USING THERMAL BURSTS TO APPLY A COMBINED SHOCK WAVEFRONT TO STRUCTURAL BONDS - A system for applying a controlled stress on a joint in a structure includes means for applying a plurality of thermal bursts in a designated timing sequence and trajectory pattern to produce a combined shock wavefront directed toward the joint. This system can provide increased accuracy in measuring the strength and quality of composite bonds and laminations. | 04-23-2009 |
20090189802 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING IRIDIUM SATELLITE SIGNALS FOR METEOROLOGICAL MEASUREMENTS - A method for obtaining weather related information for a portion of the Earth's atmosphere between a mobile platform traversing over a predetermined surface portion of the Earth, and at least one Iridium satellite from the Iridium satellite constellation. The method involves modifying at least one Iridium satellite from a constellation of Iridium satellites to include time and location information in wireless signals that are transmitted in real time by the one satellite. The mobile platform receives the wireless signals from the one Iridium satellite. An occultation system carried on the mobile platform analyzes the time and position information, in addition to location information pertaining to a real time location of the mobile platform, and to derive real time atmospheric weather related information for a geographic area between the mobile platform and the one Iridium satellite. | 07-30-2009 |
20090230236 | AIRBORNE POWER STATION - Disclosed is a system for generating power from sunlight collected substantially above the earth's surface, comprised of an airborne platform which supports an apparatus to collect sunlight, an apparatus to convert sunlight to electricity, and an apparatus to transmit the electricity to a selected location on the earth's surface. The invention collects solar energy above the clouds and transmits the energy to a receiving station on the ground via a cable, thereby avoiding the attenuating effects of clouds and pollution, resulting in an improved solar power generation system. | 09-17-2009 |
20090230237 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MAKING OPTIMAL USE OF A PHOTOVOLTAIC ARRAY ON AN AIRBORNE POWER SYSTEM - A system for generating power from sunlight collected substantially above the earth's surface comprises an airborne platform which supports solar power generation system to collect sunlight, convert the sunlight to electricity, and to transmit the electricity to a selected location on the earth's surface. The solar power generation system is coupled to the airborne platform by a support which can be manipulated by a control system to move the solar power generation system away from a shadow that might be cast by the airborne platform. | 09-17-2009 |
20090267826 | SYSTEM FOR MEASURING TURBULENCE REMOTELY - A system for detecting turbulence along a path that is subject to turbulence. The system may make use of at least one transmitter to transmit electromagnetic (EM) energy along the path and at least one receiver to receive the EM energy. At least one of the transmitter and the receiver moves along the path. The receiver may have an antenna responsive to incident EM energy to produce a received signal, and an input for accepting a velocity signal indicating a velocity that the receiver or the transmitter is moving. The receiver processes the received signal using the velocity signal to remove a shift associated with the received signal because of relative motion between a source of the EM energy and the receiver or transmitter that is moving along the path. Thus, the receiver determines an alteration of the EM energy caused by the turbulence and outputs a signal indicative of the turbulence. | 10-29-2009 |
20090273510 | SYSTEM AND METHOD USING AIRBORNE RADAR OCCULTATION FOR MEASURING ATMOSPHERIC PROPERTIES - A method for estimating an atmospheric condition existing between a portion of the Earth's surface and an airborne mobile platform travelling over the portion of the Earth's surface. The method may involve emitting a radar signal beam toward the Earth's surface from the mobile platform and receiving back at least a portion of the radar signal beam reflected from the Earth's surface. The time of flight information of the radar signal beam is analyzed as a function of elevation angle to determine a specific time of flight value associated with a specific elevation angle of the radar signal beam. The specific time of flight value is used to determine a refractivity of the atmosphere through which the radar signal beam and the reflected radar signal has passed. The refractivity is used to determine the atmospheric condition. | 11-05-2009 |
20100052978 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING AIRBORNE RADAR HORIZON MEASUREMENTS TO MEASURE ATMOSPHERIC REFRACTIVITY PROFILES - A method for determining a refractivity profile of an atmosphere of the Earth. The method may involve: generating radar signals from a radar device located above the Earth's surface toward the Earth's surface; measuring a time of flight and a reflected intensity of reflected radar signals received back at the radar device; using the measured time of flight and the reflected intensity of the reflected radar signals received by the radar device to determine a distance to a radar horizon where the radar signals are tangent to the Earth's surface; and using the distance to the radar horizon to determine a refractivity profile of the atmosphere through which the radar signals and the reflected radar signals have travelled. | 03-04-2010 |
20100133383 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRACING AIRCRAFT VORTICES - Systems and methods for tracing aircraft vortices. One method includes directing a tracer from a first aircraft into a vortical flow generated by the first aircraft. The method can further include detecting a characteristic corresponding to the presence of the tracer directed into the vortical flow. Based at least in part on the detected characteristic, the method can include directing the flight of the first aircraft, or a second aircraft following the first aircraft, or both. | 06-03-2010 |
20100133384 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRACING AIRCRAFT VORTICES - Systems and methods for tracing aircraft vortices. One method includes directing a tracer from a first aircraft into a vortical flow generated by the first aircraft. The method can further include detecting a characteristic corresponding to the presence of the tracer directed into the vortical flow. Based at least in part on the detected characteristic, the method can include directing the flight of the first aircraft, or a second aircraft following the first aircraft, or both. | 06-03-2010 |
20100138173 | TOOL TO ANALYZE PERFORMANCE OF POWER-BEAM PHOTOVOLTAIC RECEIVER - A tool to analyze the performance of a power-beam photovoltaic (PV) receiver is disclosed that includes a system and method for determining the output of a PV array under non-uniform, inconstant illumination. The system and method includes providing PV cells in a user-defined physical layout with various user-defined electrical connections among the PV cells and optional devices forming the PV array. The disclosure provides an analysis tool for designing optical power-beaming systems. | 06-03-2010 |
20100154512 | Methods and Systems for Measuring Atmospheric Water Content - Methods and systems for measuring atmospheric water content, are provided. The method includes measuring a first air temperature and a first air pressure at a first location in a compressor, measuring a second air temperature and a second air pressure at a second location in the compressor, computing a ratio of specific heats from the first and second air temperatures and the first and second air pressures, and determining an atmospheric water content from the ratio of specific heats. | 06-24-2010 |
20110004407 | REFRACTIVITY RETRIEVAL VIA DIRECT MEASUREMENT OF GNSS BENDING ANGLE - A method and system for taking direct measurements of GNSS signal's arrival angle to remotely measure the atmospheric variables used for weather prediction. More specifically, an improved method and system for obtaining and processing accurate information regarding the weather and other atmospheric changes by measuring the total refractive bending angle of the GNSS signal. For mobile platforms on which receivers are mounted, phased array receivers are used to allow precise measurements of GNSS arrival angles. By measuring the refractive bending angle, more accurate and cost-efficient measurements of atmospheric changes are obtained, thereby resulting in more accurate predictions of the weather. | 01-06-2011 |
20110013016 | Visual Detection of Clear Air Turbulence - Presented is a system and method for detecting clear air turbulence comprising an image capturing element, a lens having focal length adapted to focus a scene onto the image capturing element such that the combination of the lens and array of pixels are capable of optically resolving any visual distortions of features in the scene that are caused by turbulent air, and a processor. The processor compares the image with a subsequent image, or a stored image of the scene, to detect a change in refraction of light received from the feature in the scene that is due to turbulence and produces an indication of the area of turbulence in the scene. | 01-20-2011 |
20110025868 | Visual Occultation to Measure Refractivity Profile - Presented is a system and method for measuring the refractivity profile of a parcel of atmosphere comprising an image capturing device for capturing an image of a visual feature, such as a topographic feature like the horizon, combined with a lens having focal length adapted to focus an image onto image capturing device such that the combination of the lens and the image capturing device are adapted to resolve at least 100 microradians of angle, and an image processor adapted to compare a detected position of the visual feature in the image to the expected position of the visual feature. The system uses the difference between the detected position and the expected position to detect the change in arrival angle caused by atmospheric refraction of light from the visual feature as it passes through the atmosphere. | 02-03-2011 |
20110085698 | Measuring Turbulence and Winds Aloft using Solar and Lunar Observable Features - Presented is a system and method for detecting turbulence in the atmosphere comprising an image capturing device for capturing a plurality of images of a visual feature of a celestial object such as the sun, combined with a lens having focal length adapted to focus an image onto image capturing device such that the combination of the lens and the image capturing device are adapted to resolve a distortion caused by a turbule of turbulent air, and an image processor adapted to compare said plurality of images of said visual feature to detect the transit of a turbule of turbulent air in between said image capturing device and said celestial object, and compute a measurement of the angular velocity of the turbule. A second plurality of images is used to triangulate the distance to the turbule and the velocity of the turbule. | 04-14-2011 |
20110140955 | SYSTEM FOR MEASURING TURBULENCE REMOTELY - A method of predicting turbulence that may involve receiving electromagnetic energy that has traveled along a path subject to the turbulence, with the turbulence altering the electromagnetic energy. A determination may be made as to the alteration caused by the turbulence by filtering the electromagnetic energy as it was received with a velocity of one of a transmitter of the electromagnetic energy or a receiver that received the electromagnetic energy. | 06-16-2011 |
20110181393 | Wireless Collection of Fastener Data - Data is remotely collected from a plurality of fasteners in response to a query signal wirelessly transmitted by a reader. Each of the fasteners includes a sensor for measuring a parameter related to the stress on the fastener. A device adapted to be attached to each of the fasteners receives the query signal, activates the sensor to measure the parameter and wirelessly transmits the data including the parameter to the reader. | 07-28-2011 |
20120068862 | Systems and Methods for Early Detection of Aircraft Approach to Volcanic Plume - Onboard systems and methods for early detection that an aircraft is approaching a volcanic (ash) plume or a gas plume having a concentration of a volcanic gas which would be toxic to humans. The detection method generally comprises the steps of measuring the concentration of one or more volcanic gases in air circulating in a space inside an aircraft and generating an alarm when one or more measured volcanic gas concentrations exceed a respective user-specified threshold or when a pattern of volcanic gas concentration is recognized with a user-specified confidence level. These systems are configured so that the alarm indicates the proximity of dangerous levels of either a volcanic gas or of volcanic ash. In particular, the detection system utilizes the air circulating through an aircraft cabin or cockpit to enable use of low-cost, carry-on electronic devices. | 03-22-2012 |
20120068863 | Systems and Methods for Remote Detection of Volcanic Plumes Using Satellite Signals - Systems and methods for remote detection of volcanic plumes using satellite signals. The invention solves the problem of remotely detecting volcanic plumes, including those embedded in clouds, by providing a system that can be installed onboard a mobile platform, such as an aircraft, a satellite, a weather balloon, a ship or a buoy. The volcanic plume detection system tracks RF signals (such as GPS signals from satellites) arriving at the mobile platform, and issues an alert or warning when characteristics of the RF signals indicate the likely presence of a volcanic plume in the monitored space. More specifically, the system in accordance with one embodiment utilizes the refractive properties of hydrogen sulfide (H | 03-22-2012 |
20120150364 | UNMANNED VEHICLE AND SYSTEM - An unmanned vehicle is provided. The unmanned vehicle includes a navigation system configured to navigate the unmanned vehicle relative to a beam of energy emitted from a beam source, a power receiver configured to receive energy from the beam, and an energy storage system configured to store received energy for use in selectively powering the unmanned vehicle. | 06-14-2012 |
20130087708 | DETECTING VOLCANIC ASH IN JET ENGINE EXHAUST - Onboard systems and methods for early detection that an aircraft has flown into a volcanic ash plume embedded within a water vapor cloud having a concentration of a volcanic ash which would be dangerous to an aircraft. The detection method generally comprises the steps of measuring the infrared emission characteristics of a jet engine exhaust and generating a detection signal when the intensity of infrared emissions at or near a spectral peak wavelength exceeds a threshold. | 04-11-2013 |
20130125656 | Method And Apparatus For Shockwave Attenuation - A method and apparatus for attenuating a shockwave propagating through a first medium. The method may include the steps of detecting a shockwave-producing event, determining a direction and distance of the shockwave relative to a defended target, and interposing a second medium between the shockwave and a defended object. The second medium is different from the first medium and the shockwave is attenuated in energy as it passes through the second medium prior to reaching the defended object. | 05-23-2013 |
20130140402 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROPELLING AN EXTERNALLY POWERED VEHICLE - A vehicle is disclosed that includes a propellant tank, an optical absorber operable to transform optical energy into thermal energy, a quantity of solid lithium within the propellant tank, a heat exchanger, and an engine. The heat exchanger is operable to transfer thermal energy from the optical absorber to the quantity of solid lithium to liquefy at least a portion of the solid lithium, and further operable to boil the liquefied portion of the solid lithium. The engine is operable to utilize lithium vapor from the boiled lithium to propel the vehicle. | 06-06-2013 |
20130239835 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ELECTRONICALLY SHAPING DETONATED CHARGES - According to an embodiment, a method for controlling the shape and direction of an explosion may include sensing the direction of an incoming threat, calculating an intercept vector for the threat, and triggering an explosive device in a manner that may generate an intercepting force directed along the intercept vector. According to one embodiment, a system may include a sensor configured to detect the direction of an incoming threat, an explosive device including an explosive and a plurality of embedded detonators, and a firing sequence calculator connected to receive information from the sensor regarding the direction of the threat and to trigger the detonators sequentially to produce an explosion having a selected shape, direction and intensity to create a counteracting force in response to the incoming threat. | 09-19-2013 |
20130263726 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ATTENUATING SHOCK WAVES VIA AN INFLATABLE ENCLOSURE - According to an embodiment, a method for attenuating shock waves may include detecting at least one of an incoming hostile threat or electromagnetic radiation from an explosion from the hostile threat and filling an enclosure with a gas, the enclosure being positioned between the explosion and a region to be protected. According to one embodiment, a system may include a sensor configured to detect at least one of the direction of an incoming threat and an explosion from the incoming threat, an inflatable enclosure, and an inflation device configured to receive a trigger signal from the sensor indicating the arrival of the threat or explosion from the threat and inflate the inflatable enclosure in time to allow the inflated enclosure to reflect, absorb and/or refract and defocus at least a portion of the shock wave from the explosion before it reaches the protected region. | 10-10-2013 |
20140043481 | Strike Detection Using Video Images - A method and apparatus for strike detection. Images of an object are identified in video images from a video camera on a vehicle. A movement of the object with respect to the vehicle is identified from the images of the object in the video images. It is determine whether the movement of the object with respect to the vehicle indicates that the object will strike the vehicle. A strike report comprising information indicating that the object will strike the vehicle is generated in response to a determination that the object will strike the vehicle. | 02-13-2014 |
20140077969 | Forest Sensor Deployment and Monitoring System - A method and apparatus for managing a location. Soil sensor units are deployed in the location in a forest from a group of aerial vehicles. Information is generated about a number of soil conditions in the location in the forest using the soil sensor units in the location. The information is transmitted from the soil sensor units to a remote location for analysis. | 03-20-2014 |
20140142787 | Determination of Flight Path for Unmanned Aircraft in Event of In-Flight Contingency - An enhanced control system for an unmanned aerial vehicle adds constraints to the process of choosing a flight path in the event of an in-flight contingency, such as engine out or an encounter with jamming, which forces a diversion or unplanned landing. The constraints are: (1) ensure communications are available when needed during contingency operations; and (2) ensure signals from a global positioning system (or other navigation system) are available when needed during contingency operations. | 05-22-2014 |
20140145040 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MINIMIZING WAVE DRAG THROUGH BILATERALLY ASYMMETRIC DESIGN - An air vehicle having a bilaterally asymmetric configuration may include a body having a longitudinal axis. The air vehicle may further include longitudinally offset engine nacelles, asymmetrically lengthened engine nacelles, and/or longitudinally offset protruding aerodynamic surfaces. | 05-29-2014 |
20140241572 | Identification of Aircraft Surface Positions Using Camera Images - A method and apparatus for identifying a position of a surface on an aircraft. Image data for an image of the surface on the aircraft is received. The image data is processed to determine whether the position of the surface on the aircraft is a desired position. A surface position identification report comprising information identifying whether the position of the surface on the aircraft is the desired position is generated. | 08-28-2014 |
20140320302 | Wireless Collection of Fastener Data - Data is remotely collected from a plurality of fasteners in response to a query signal wirelessly transmitted by a reader. Each of the fasteners includes a sensor for measuring a parameter related to the stress on the fastener. A device adapted to be attached to each of the fasteners receives the query signal, activates the sensor to measure the parameter and wirelessly transmits the data including the parameter to the reader. | 10-30-2014 |
20140340481 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTION OF CLEAR AIR TURBULENCE - Systems and methods for detection of clear air turbulence are provided. One system includes an image capture device suitable to capture one or more images of an optical phenomenon caused by non-horizontally oriented ice crystals. The system also includes a computer processor configured to receive the one or more images from the image capture device, analyze the one or more images by comparing one or more characteristics of the one or more images to one or more threshold values, and determine based on the comparing, an occurrence of clear air turbulence. | 11-20-2014 |
20140345967 | RETROREFLECTIVE HEATER - An apparatus for directing thermal infrared energy toward or away from a target is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a covering having a plurality of retroreflective elements. The plurality of retroreflective elements are configured to retroreflect electromagnetic beams primarily at thermal infrared wavelengths, receive the electromagnetic beams from the target along beam reception paths, and reflect the electromagnetic beams back toward the target along beam reflection paths. The beam reflection paths have substantially the same elevation angle and/or azimuth angle as their respective beam reception paths. | 11-27-2014 |
20140347731 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RETROREFLECTIVE COOLING - An apparatus for inhibiting heating of an enclosure is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a covering configured to shade at least a portion of a surface of the enclosure and includes a plurality of retroreflective elements. The plurality of retroreflective elements are configured to retroreflect electromagnetic beams primarily at wavelength in a range between about 380 nm and about 780 nm or sub-range thereof. The plurality of retroreflective elements receive the electromagnetic beams along beam entry paths and reflect the electromagnetic beams along beam exit paths. The beam entry paths and the beam exit paths have substantially the same elevation angle and may also have substantially the same azimuthal angle. Further, the plurality of retroreflective elements may include retroreflective elements configured to diffusively and/or specularly scatter audible sound wavelengths, RF wavelengths, and/or thermal infrared energy. | 11-27-2014 |