An acousto-optic device is disclosed. The device comprises: an optically transmissive element to receive a beam of light at an input surface, the beam being received from a direction defining an optical axis; a set of acoustic transducers spaced around the element; and a controller operable to activate the transducers to generate an acoustic wave travelling through the device to intersect with the optical axis. The controller is further operable to selectively activate a first subset of the set of transducers such that the acoustic wave propagates in a selected direction. Each of the set of acoustic transducers is differently orientated such that the selected direction is controllable through the selection of first subset of transducers from the set of transducers, and the device is thereby operable to control the direction in which the beam of light is deflected in two dimensions. A method of operating the device is also disclosed.
G02F 1/11 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on acousto-optical elements, e.g. using variable diffraction by sound or like mechanical waves
Method of and system for monitoring mechanical fatigue of a complex weapon system. First, data representing a movement of the complex weapon system is acquired. On the basis of the acquired data, a measure of mechanical fatigue damage to the complex weapon system arising from the movement is calculated. On the basis of that calculated measure, a cumulative total of the mechanical fatigue damage accrued by the complex weapon system is updated to account for the mechanical fatigue damage arising from the movement.
A method of actuating an article using a servo actuation system is disclosed. The system comprises a motor, a controller and an inverter. The controller comprises a position controller, a velocity controller and a current controller; the position controller outputs velocity demands to the velocity controller, the velocity controller outputs current demands to the current controller, and the current controller outputs voltage demands to the inverter. The inverter outputs inverted voltage demands to the motor. The method comprises: determining a parameter downstream of the inverter; calculating a limiting value from the parameter and a defined supply power limit; and applying the limiting value in the controller to ensure that the power drawn by the servo actuation system remains within the defined supply power limit.
H02P 23/14 - Estimation or adaptation of motor parameters, e.g. rotor time constant, flux, speed, current or voltage
G05B 19/4155 - Numerical control (NC), i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by programme execution, i.e. part programme or machine function execution, e.g. selection of a programme
A safety assembly for use with a laser-directed energy weapon is disclosed. The assembly comprises a control system comprising a photodetector and a processing unit; and an optical device configured to attach to a target such that, when attached, the optical device provides a light beam to the photodetector. The processing unit is arranged to compare the received light beam against one or more predetermined attributes, and to permit the laser-directed energy weapon to fire only when the received light beam is determined to have the one or more attributes.
A method of controlling a servo actuation system in a missile is disclosed. The method comprises estimating a temperature of a motor comprised in the servo actuation system from a plurality of motor parameters; and controlling the motor based at least in part on the estimated motor temperature.
H02P 29/66 - Controlling or determining the temperature of the rotor
G05B 19/4155 - Numerical control (NC), i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by programme execution, i.e. part programme or machine function execution, e.g. selection of a programme
The present disclosure comprises an evaporative cooling assembly (200) for cooling an apparatus (220), and a method for cooling an apparatus (220). The evaporative cooling assembly comprises a refrigerant tank (202), the refrigerant tank (202) containing refrigerant (204). The apparatus also comprises a first evaporator (210) configured to be positioned proximal to the apparatus (220), and a second evaporator (216) positioned to cool the refrigerant tank (202). Each of the first evaporator (210) and the second evaporator (216) are in fluid communication with the refrigerant tank (202), and the second evaporator (216) is positioned downstream of the first evaporator (210). The method for cooling a heated apparatus (220) comprises passing a refrigerant (204) from a refrigerant tank (202) to a first evaporator (210), which is located proximal to the apparatus (220). At least part of the refrigerant is evaporated, and then passed to a second evaporator (216), which is positioned to cool the refrigerant tank (202).
A method of controlling a self-propelled flying device that seeks a target. A desired time to reach the target is obtained. The position of the target is acquired. A bias value is calculated, and the flight of the device towards the target is adjusted for a period of time using the bias value. The bias value is calculated so that the device reaches the target at the desired time.
There is disclosed a missile comprising an outer skin, an electronics unit, and a thermal link between the electronics unit and the outer skin. The thermal link comprises a jumping drop vapour chamber arranged such that, when the outer skin is at an elevated temperature relative to the electronics unit, the electronics unit is thermally insulated from the outer skin; and such that, when the outer skin is at a lower temperature relative to the electronics unit, the electronics unit is thermally linked to the outer skin.
The invention relates to a method of determining the relative positions of components of a munitions system, the munitions system comprising a first component (331) and at least one second component (333). The method comprises monitoring the output of a resonant circuit (305) provided on a first component (331), the resonant circuit (305) having a resonant frequency, detecting a change in the output due to a change in the resonant frequency caused by a change in the relative positions of the first component (331) and the at least one second component (333), and using the detected change to determine that the at least one second component (333) has moved relative to the first component (331).
F41F 3/06 - Rocket or torpedo launchers for rockets from aircraft
F41G 7/00 - Direction control systems for self-propelled missiles
G01V 3/10 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detecting; Measuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices using induction coils
There is disclosed a device for determining a strength of an oscillating electric field. The device comprises an absorber to absorb radiation at the frequency of the oscillating electric field, and a thermal insulator transparent to radiation at the frequency of the oscillating electric field, which thermal insulator is arranged to thermally insulate the absorber. The device also comprises a first temperature sensor arranged to measure the temperature of the absorber, and a second temperature sensor arranged to measure the temperature external to the thermal insulator. Methods of measuring electric field using such a device, and methods of calibrating such a device, are also disclosed.
An imaging device includes: an array of liquid crystal cells, each liquid crystal cell providing a respective phase shift to electromagnetic radiation passing through the liquid crystal cell; control electronics for controlling the phase shifts provided by each of the liquid crystal cells; a detector; and an image processor for generating an image from electromagnetic radiation detected by the detector. The array of liquid crystal cells form a plurality of patches; and the control electronics is configured to control the phase shifts of the cells of each patch to form each patch into a respective lens that focuses electromagnetic radiation towards the detector such that the plurality of patches form an array of lenses.
G02F 1/29 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the position or the direction of light beams, i.e. deflection
A cover for an intake of an air-breathing engine in a missile is disclosed. The cover comprises a motive arrangement operable to move from a first configuration in which the cover is lockable to a missile, to a second configuration in which the cover is pushed outwardly from the missile. In the first configuration, the surface of the cover is flush with the surface of the missile and the motive arrangement is located inwardly of the cover surface. A missile provided with such a cover is also disclosed.
A circuit assembly (200) is disclosed comprising a substrate (210) and conducting layers (250) on opposing sides of the substrate (210), there being at least one via (220) through the substrate (210), which via (220) forms a conductive path between the conducting layers, wherein the substrate (210) is a foam substrate, and wherein the via (220) is provided with a solid dielectric lining (270) plated with a conducting material (250).
A mission planning method for use with a weapon is disclosed. The method comprises: obtaining a first training data set describing the performance of the weapon; using the first training data set and a Gaussian Process (GP) or Neural Network to obtain a first surrogate model giving a functional approximation of the performance of the weapon; and providing the first surrogate model to a weapons system for use in calculating a performance characteristic of the weapon during combat operations.
A cover for an intake of an air-breathing engine in a missile is disclosed. The cover comprises a closure for closing the inlet so as to prevent ingress of debris; and a fastening attachable to an aircraft-mounted launcher and configured such that the cover remains attached to the aircraft on launch of the missile.
F02C 7/055 - Air intakes for gas-turbine plants or jet-propulsion plants having provisions for obviating the penetration of damaging objects or particles with intake grids, screens or guards
F02K 9/78 - Rocket-engine plants, i.e. plants carrying both fuel and oxidant therefor; Control thereof combined with another jet-propulsion plant with an air-breathing jet-propulsion plant
F02C 7/05 - Air intakes for gas-turbine plants or jet-propulsion plants having provisions for obviating the penetration of damaging objects or particles
An inductive power transfer system (1) for coupling a power source to a load across an air gap (11) is disclosed. The system (1) comprises a primary unit (3) associated with a host platform and a secondary unit (5) arranged to receive power transmitted inductively from the primary unit (3). The primary unit (3) includes a phase detection circuit (21) configured to detect phase changes in a signal in the primary unit (3) indicative of changes in an operating condition within the secondary unit (5), and a drive circuit (17). The drive circuit (17) is configured to adjust the power level transmitted to the secondary unit (5) depending on the detected phase.
H02J 50/12 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling of the resonant type
H02J 50/80 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power involving the exchange of data, concerning supply or distribution of electric power, between transmitting devices and receiving devices
H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
17.
Structure for controlling the aero-acoustic environment in an aircraft weapons bay
An aircraft comprises a weapons bay, the weapons bay comprising a cavity having an opening through which stores may be deployed, and a door assembly for exposing/closing the opening of the cavity. A first store is held in the cavity via a launcher and a first structure is disposed inside the cavity, for controlling the aero-acoustic environment. The first structure for controlling the aero-acoustic environment is removeably mounted in the weapons bay, such that if the first store is exchanged for a second, different, store, the structure for controlling the aero-acoustic environment may be unmounted from the weapons bay and removed, to be exchanged for a second, different, structure for controlling the aero-acoustic environment.
An aircraft comprises a weapons bay, the weapons bay comprising a cavity having an opening through which stores may be deployed, and a door assembly for exposing/closing the opening of the cavity. A first store is held in the cavity via a launcher and a first structure is disposed inside the cavity, for controlling the aero-acoustic environment. The first structure for controlling the aero-acoustic environment is removeably mounted in the weapons bay, such that if the first store is exchanged for a second, different, store, the structure for controlling the aero-acoustic environment may be unmounted from the weapons bay and removed, to be exchanged for a second, different, structure for controlling the aero-acoustic environment.
An interferometric position sensor for sensing the position of an object is disclosed. The position sensor comprises a light source arranged to emit light, a beam splitter, and a detector array. The beam splitter is arranged to split the light between first and second optical paths, which are configured such that the split light is recombined so as to form an optical interference pattern dependent on the difference between the optical path lengths of the first and second optical paths. The detector array is arranged to measure the intensity of at least a part of the optical interference pattern. At least one of the first and second optical path lengths is arranged to be dependent on the position of the object, such that changes in the optical interference pattern can be related to changes in the position of the object.
G01B 11/26 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for testing the alignment of axes
G01D 5/26 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means 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 converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using optical means, i.e. using infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
A target designator for a guided weapon is disclosed. The designator has a sight arranged to display, in operation, a reticule superimposed upon a field of view. The reticule is moveable within the field of view. The designator further comprises an eye tracker operable to track the gaze of the operator whilst the operator uses the sight. The eye tracker communicates with the sight such that the reticule moves so as to be aligned with the direction of the gaze of the operator.
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
F41G 3/02 - Aiming or laying means using an independent line of sight
F41G 3/16 - Sighting devices adapted for indirect laying of fire
F41G 3/22 - Aiming or laying means for vehicle-borne armament, e.g. on aircraft
F41G 7/00 - Direction control systems for self-propelled missiles
A method of targeting a missile. A plurality of images of a target, taken from a plurality of viewpoints, are received. Features in the images characteristic of the target are identified. Data representing the characteristic features are provided to the missile to enable the missile to identify, using the characteristic features, the target in images of the environment of the missile obtained from an imager included in the missile.
G01C 11/08 - Interpretation of pictures by comparison of two or more pictures of the same area the pictures not being supported in the same relative position as when they were taken
F41G 7/00 - Direction control systems for self-propelled missiles
G06T 7/73 - Determining position or orientation of objects or cameras using feature-based methods
G06K 9/62 - Methods or arrangements for recognition using electronic means
In a method of carrying a munition on a munition launcher platform, the munition launcher platform is provided with a data tag activator and a data tag reader. A munition is attached to the munition launcher platform, the munition being provided with a data tag. An activation signal is transmitted from the data tag activator to the data tag. As a result of receiving the activation signal, the data tag returns a data response to the data tag reader. The receiving of the data response provides the munition launcher platform with an indication that the munition is still attached to the munition launcher platform.
F41F 3/065 - Rocket pods, i.e. detachable containers for launching a plurality of rockets
G05B 19/12 - Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using record carriers
G06K 17/00 - Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups , e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
B63G 3/04 - Arrangements of ammunition stores or handlers; Vessels characterised thereby for missiles
F41F 3/06 - Rocket or torpedo launchers for rockets from aircraft
Monopulse radar apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a digital processor and an antenna having a plurality of receive channels through which signals received by the antenna are passed to the processor. Each receive channel includes an analogue to digital converter, and the processor is arranged to calculate sum and difference signals from the signals received through each receive channel. The processor is also arranged such that, in the event that a malfunction is detected in one of the plurality of receive channels, compensated sum and difference signals are calculated by the processor using the signals from the remaining, functioning receive channels.
A composite reactive material for use in a munition is disclosed. The composite reactive material comprises a metal lattice structure having interstitial spaces and a powder in the interstitial spaces. The powder comprises at least one metal powder and/or at least one halogen-containing polymer powder.
C06B 27/00 - Compositions containing a metal, boron, silicon, selenium or tellurium or mixtures, intercompounds or hydrides thereof, and hydrocarbons or halogenated hydrocarbons
F42B 12/20 - Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect of high-explosive type
F42B 12/22 - Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect of high-explosive type with fragmentation-hull construction
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 signalling
F42B 12/74 - Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the material of the core or solid body
F42B 12/32 - Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect of high-explosive type with fragmentation-hull construction the hull or case comprising a plurality of discrete bodies, e.g. steel balls, embedded therein
F42B 12/44 - Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for signalling of incendiary type
C06B 45/04 - Compositions or products which are defined by structure or arrangement of component or product comprising solid particles dispersed in solid solution or matrix
A ground-based source of a jamming signal capable of disrupting a GNSS satellite-based navigation system, for example a GPS jammer, is located with a detector carried by a suitable platform, for example an airborne UAV or missile. The detector, when the platform is at a first location, measures a characteristic of the jamming signal. The platform and its detector are then moved to a chosen second location, from which a further measurement of the jamming signal is made. The measurements made by the detector are then used to determine the location of the source of the jamming signal.
An aircraft comprises a weapons bay, the weapons bay comprising a cavity having an opening through which stores may be deployed, and a door assembly for exposing/closing the opening of the cavity. A first store is held in the cavity via a launcher and a first structure is disposed inside the cavity, for controlling the aero-acoustic environment. The first structure for controlling the aero-acoustic environment is removably mounted in the weapons bay, such that if the first store is exchanged for a second, different, store, the structure for controlling the aero-acoustic environment may be unmounted from the weapons bay and removed, to be exchanged for a second, different, structure for controlling the aero-acoustic environment.
crt) in accordance with the calculated error. Detectors, methods of calibrating detectors, image correction apparatus and guidance systems comprising the detectors are also disclosed.
H04N 5/357 - Noise processing, e.g. detecting, correcting, reducing or removing noise
H04N 5/359 - Noise processing, e.g. detecting, correcting, reducing or removing noise applied to excess charges produced by the exposure, e.g. smear, blooming, ghost image, crosstalk or leakage between pixels
H04N 5/3745 - Addressed sensors, e.g. MOS or CMOS sensors having additional components embedded within a pixel or connected to a group of pixels within a sensor matrix, e.g. memories, A/D converters, pixel amplifiers, shared circuits or shared components
H04N 5/378 - Readout circuits, e.g. correlated double sampling [CDS] circuits, output amplifiers or A/D converters
28.
Deflector for a thrust flow powered vehicle and thrust flow powered vehicle with said deflector
The present invention provides a thrust flow powered vehicle comprising a first thrust flow expeller for expelling a first thrust flow in a first direction, a second thrust flow expeller for expelling a second thrust flow in a second direction, the second direction being a different direction to the first direction but sharing a plane with the first direction, a thrust flow deflector surface at an angle to the plane of the first and second directions, and an outlet portion for providing an output thrust flow, such that, in use, the thrust flow deflector surface deflects at least a portion of both the first and second thrust flows to form the output thrust flow such that the output thrust flow has a component in the plane of the first and second directions, and a component out of that plane.
F02K 1/00 - Plants characterised by the form or arrangement of the jet pipe or nozzle; Jet pipes or nozzles peculiar thereto
F02K 9/80 - Rocket-engine plants, i.e. plants carrying both fuel and oxidant therefor; Control thereof characterised by thrust or thrust vector control
F02K 9/90 - Rocket-engine plants, i.e. plants carrying both fuel and oxidant therefor; Control thereof characterised by thrust or thrust vector control using deflectors
F02K 9/30 - Rocket-engine plants, i.e. plants carrying both fuel and oxidant therefor; Control thereof using solid propellants with the propulsion gases exhausting through a plurality of nozzles
F41F 3/048 - Means for imparting spin to the rocket before launching
F42B 10/66 - Steering by varying intensity or direction of thrust
F41F 3/042 - Rocket or torpedo launchers for rockets the launching apparatus being used also as transport container for the rocket
F42B 10/30 - Stabilising arrangements using spin induced by gas action using rocket motor nozzles
F02K 9/88 - Rocket-engine plants, i.e. plants carrying both fuel and oxidant therefor; Control thereof characterised by thrust or thrust vector control using auxiliary rocket nozzles
B63H 11/12 - Marine propulsion by water jets the propulsive medium being steam or other gas
B64G 1/40 - Arrangements or adaptations of propulsion systems
In an image-processing method, a stack is provided for storing a predetermined number of frame portions. An image including a target object is obtained, the image being formed by an array of pixels. A frame portion is extracted from the image, the frame portion being at least a portion of the pixels forming the image, corresponding to a region of interest in the image, the region of interest comprising the target object. The frame portion is stored in the stack, the storing including discarding an oldest previously stored frame portion from the stack if the number of frame portions stored in the stack has reached the predetermined number. The steps of the method are repeated a plurality of times. Frame portions in the stack having a phase substantially equal to a given phase are averaged. A super-resolved image is calculated from the plurality of stored frame portions.
In a method of tracking an object, a plurality of images of a target object is obtained. A super-resolved image of the target object is calculated from the plurality of images. A further image of the target object is obtained. The further image is correlated with the super-resolved image, in order to identify the location of the target object in the further image.
An image-processing method includes obtaining an image including a target object, the image being formed by an array of pixels. A current frame portion is extracted from the image, the frame portion being at least a portion of the pixels forming the image, corresponding to a region of interest in the image, the region of interest comprising the target object. A previously calculated current super-resolved frame portion is provided, corresponding to the region of interest in the image. An updated super-resolved frame portion is calculated from the current frame portion and the current super-resolved frame portion.
A sensor for a missile seeker includes a primary, concave, reflector that is reflective to RF waves and to another kind of waves, but that includes a transmissive region, through which RF waves can pass. A secondary, convex, reflector is reflective to RF waves but transmissive, and not reflective, to the other kind of waves, and is arranged facing the primary reflector to further reflect RF waves reflected by the primary reflector through the transmissive region of the primary reflector. An RF detector is arranged on the opposite side of the primary reflector from the secondary reflector and arranged to detect the RF waves reflected by the secondary reflector through the transmissive region of the primary reflector. A second detector, for detecting the other kind of waves, is arranged on the opposite side of the secondary reflector from the primary reflector and is arranged to detect the other kind of waves after they are reflected by the primary reflector and transmitted through the secondary reflector.
H01Q 19/19 - Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic using reflecting surfaces having two or more spaced reflecting surfaces comprising one main concave reflecting surface associated with an auxiliary reflecting surface
F41G 7/00 - Direction control systems for self-propelled missiles
H01Q 19/00 - Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic
(vi) in response to detecting the reflected LADAR signal, the designator stops the designation of the target. This may enable the designator to perform other tasks, while the missile tracks and engages the target.
An imaging apparatus and method are provided for improving discrimination between parts of a scene enabling enhancement of an object in the scene. A camera unit is arranged to capture first and second images from the scene in first and second distinct and spectrally spaced apart wavebands. An image processing unit processes the images so captured and processes polarimetric information in the images to enable better discrimination between parts of the scene. An image of the scene, including a graphical display of the polarimetric information, may be displayed on a visual display unit thus enhancing an object in the scene for viewing by a user. Correlation parameters indicating, possibly on a pixel-by-pixel basis, the correlation between the actual image intensity at each angle of polarization and a modelled expected image intensity may be used to enhance the visibility of an object.
In a method of guiding a missile in flight to a target (FIG. 1), the location of the missile and the range to the target are measured at a plurality of moments during the flight of the missile (step 10). The location of the target is calculated from the measured ranges and the measured missile locations (step 20). A required velocity vector angle is calculated from the calculated location of the target and a guidance law (step 30). A lateral acceleration required to provide the missile with a velocity oriented to the target at the required velocity vector angle is calculated for the missile (step 40). The missile is caused to accelerate with the calculated lateral acceleration, so that the missile to follows a trajectory according to the guidance law (step 50).
G01S 13/87 - Combinations of radar systems, e.g. primary radar and secondary radar
G01S 13/88 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications
G01S 13/90 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging using synthetic aperture techniques
G01S 13/06 - Systems determining position data of a target
G01S 13/00 - Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
A radar receiver includes an analogue receiver for receiving a radar echo signal and a digital receiver. The digital receiver includes an analogue-to-digital converter arranged to receive and sample an IF analogue signal from the analogue receiver. The sampling is undersampling according to the Nyquist criterion, so that a plurality of IF digital signals are produced, in different Nyquist zones, including one or more aliased IF digital signals. The digital receiver is arranged to select an IF digital signal from the one or more aliased digital signals.
A phased-array RF pulse generator is disclosed which includes a video-pulse generator arranged to generate video pulses each having a leading edge. An array of nonlinear and dispersive transmission lines, are arranged to generate RF pulses from the video pulses. At least one sensor is arranged to detect the leading edge of the video pulses after they have passed along the transmission lines. A phase controller is arranged to set the velocity of the video pulses in each transmission line to put the detected leading edges, and hence the generated RF pulses, into a desired phase relationship.
H03H 11/18 - Two-port phase shifters providing a predetermined phase shift, e.g. "all-pass" filters
H03K 3/45 - Generators characterised by the type of circuit or by the means used for producing pulses by the use, as active elements, of non-linear magnetic or dielectric devices
H03K 3/80 - Generating trains of sinusoidal oscillations
An electrical drive system includes an electric motor having an armature, which is mounted on a stator, and a rotor, wherein aligning stator flux with rotor flux enables current to flow in the armature without inducing torque on the rotor shaft. The disclosed operation may be used, for example, in testing the electrical drive system. The electric drive system can carry full rated current yet produce little or no torque, thereby increasing the current that can be tested during electrical drive test procedures without producing undesired forces or motion. The method may be used, for example, in heating the electric motor, for example for de-icing.
G01R 31/02 - Testing of electric apparatus, lines, or components for short-circuits, discontinuities, leakage, or incorrect line connection
H02P 21/00 - Arrangements or methods for the control of electric machines by vector control, e.g. by control of field orientation
H02P 31/00 - Arrangements for regulating or controlling electric motors not provided for in groups , or
H02P 21/04 - Arrangements or methods for the control of electric machines by vector control, e.g. by control of field orientation specially adapted for very low speeds
B60L 15/02 - Methods, circuits or devices for controlling the propulsion of electrically-propelled vehicles, e.g. their traction-motor speed, to achieve a desired performance; Adaptation of control equipment on electrically-propelled vehicles for remote actuation from a stationary place, from alternative parts of the vehicle or from alternative vehicles of the same vehicle train characterised by the form of the current used in the control circuit
A method of relatively positioning a workpiece and a reference axis comprising effecting relative displacements of the workpiece and the reference axis along orthogonal axes so that an intersection of the reference axis with the workpiece is moved at substantially constant speed along a curvilinear path.
The method is particularly applicable to SEE sensitivity mapping of a microchip memory using a pulsed laser, relative to the axis of which the chip is moved in a spiral path.
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
G05B 19/19 - Numerical control (NC), i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by positioning or contouring control systems, e.g. to control position from one programmed point to another or to control movement along a programmed continuous path
G05B 19/41 - Numerical control (NC), i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by interpolation, e.g. the computation of intermediate points between programmed end points to define the path to be followed and the rate of travel along that path
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control (DNC), flexible manufacturing systems (FMS), integrated manufacturing systems (IMS), computer integrated manufacturing (CIM)
B23K 26/38 - Removing material by boring or cutting
G01N 21/95 - Investigating the presence of flaws, defects or contamination characterised by the material or shape of the object to be examined
A method of guiding a pursuer to a target is provided, and is of particular use when the possible target location is described by non-Gaussian statistics. Importantly, the method takes into account the fact that different potential target tracks in the future have significantly different times to go. That can give rise to emergent behavior, in which the guidance method covers several possible outcomes at the same time in an optimal way. An example embodiment of the method combines Particle Filter ideas with Swarm Optimization techniques to form a method for generating guidance commands for systems with non-Gaussian statistics. That example method is then applied to a dynamic mission planning example, to guide an airborne pursuer to a ground target travelling on a network of roads where the pursuer has no-go areas, to avoid collateral damage.
An image-processing method comprising convolving a selected feature of interest (FOI) within the image with a mask of a first size, repeating the convolution with a mask of a second size, and calculating the ratio of the convolution responses, as an indication of the size of the FOI. Preferably the convolution masks are Laplacian of Gaussian. The method can be useful for prioritizing potential targets in a field of view for presentation to an operator.
An image processing method using an algorithm which incorporates simulated annealing by parallel Markov chains, the calculation of fitness values of states of the Markov chains which have substantially the same simulated annealing temperature, the calculation of the standard deviation of these fitness values, and the use of this standard deviation in setting the simulated annealing cooling schedule. The method may be used to delineate an object of interest in an image against a background by estimating the boundary of the object and optimizing the fit of the region within this boundary to the region occupied by the object.
G01S 7/41 - RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group using analysis of echo signal for target characterisation; Target signature; Target cross-section
G01S 13/90 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging using synthetic aperture techniques
The invention covers a missile canister (10) for accommodating a missile (20) along a longitudinal axis (L) of the canister. The canister comprises a plurality of generally planar longitudinal wall portions (14) connected together to form a tubular vessel having a polygonal cross-section. The interconnecting portions (16) between wall sections (14) are generally flexible so that when a missile (20) is launched the bending moment at the interconnecting portions (16) generated by the increase of pressure in the vessel is substantially less than the bending moment (10) generated at the wall portions (14). The interconnecting portions (16) allow relative angular deflection between adjacent wall portions (14) at respective interconnecting portions (16) when said missile (20) is launched.
Described herein is a method and apparatus for the detection of signals in an area of interest. Three sensor channels are provided for sensing radiated emissions in an area of interest, each channel having a sensor and a processor, the three channels sensing radiated emissions in the very low frequency band, the high/very high frequency band, and the ultra high frequency band respectively. The first and third sensor channels provide input signals to the processor in the second sensor channel so that accumulated signal data can be processed to produce an input signal for a comparator. The comparator compares the input signal with data stored in a database to indicate presence of equipment having known modes of operation.
G01R 29/08 - Measuring electromagnetic field characteristics
G01S 3/04 - Direction-finders for determining the direction from which infrasonic, sonic, ultrasonic, or electromagnetic waves, or particle emission, not having a directional significance, are being received using radio waves - Details
G06F 15/00 - Digital computers in general; Data processing equipment in general
A bomb for deployment from an air vehicle includes a rocket motor for propelling the bomb. The rocket motor includes propellant which at least partially defines a void downstream of an initial burning surface. As the propellant is burned the void will be exposed, increasing the surface area of the burning surface of the propellant to increase the thrust of the rocket motor.
F02K 9/10 - Shape or structure of solid propellant charges
F02K 9/12 - Shape or structure of solid propellant charges made of two or more portions burning at different rates
F02K 9/18 - Shape or structure of solid propellant charges of the internal-burning type having a star or like shaped internal cavity
F02K 9/22 - Shape or structure of solid propellant charges of the front-burning type
F02K 9/95 - Rocket-engine plants, i.e. plants carrying both fuel and oxidant therefor; Control thereof characterised by starting or ignition means or arrangements
F42B 15/00 - Self-propelled projectiles or missiles, e.g. rockets; Guided missiles
F42B 15/10 - Missiles having a trajectory only in the air
A reflector 38 includes a mirrored surface 48 and a frequency selective surface 46. The frequency selective surface 46 is arranged to reflect radiation of a first frequency band 52 and allow radiation of a second frequency band 50 to pass. The mirrored surface 48 is arranged to reflect radiation of the second frequency band 50. In this manner, the focal power for radiation of the first frequency band 52 is independent to the focal power for radiation of the second frequency band 50. Accordingly, the design of optical components associated with the second frequency band 50 can be undertaken independently of those associated with the first frequency band 52 so as to achieve the optimised focusing for each frequency band.
F41G 7/20 - Direction control systems for self-propelled missiles based on continuous observation of target position
H01Q 19/19 - Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic using reflecting surfaces having two or more spaced reflecting surfaces comprising one main concave reflecting surface associated with an auxiliary reflecting surface
F41G 7/00 - Direction control systems for self-propelled missiles
H01Q 19/00 - Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic
A radar apparatus including a transmit/receive antenna having a plurality of channels, a comparator coupled to the antenna channels for providing receive signal sum and difference channels, a radar receiver, a coupler for coupling the sum and difference channels to the radar receiver, a radar transmitter for providing a signal to be transmitted, a coupler for coupling the transmitter to a cross-channel port of the comparator, and an adjuster for adjusting a phase length of at least one antenna channel so that when the apparatus is transmitting, the transmitted signals from the antenna channels have a specified relative phase relationship.
A target scene generator for testing an imaging ladar in a Hard Ware in the Loop arrangement, such as might be employed for testing an optical seeker on a guided missile, the generator comprising an array of pixel elements, a photodetector for detecting incident light from a ladar a laser source for generating pulses of light representing returned ladar pulses, and a reconfigurable fiber network including an optical switch selectively coupling the laser to the pixel elements, and a controller which selectively reconfigures the fiber network, to present to selected pixel elements the pulses of light with selected time delay characteristics such that light emitted from the pixels represent light returned from a target illuminated by the ladar.
An angle tracking radar system particularly for a missile with a steerable antenna and gyros strapped down to the missile body—a ‘partially strapdown’ system. The body rate signals, body acceleration signals where provided, and target position signals are converted into an electronic reference frame which is controlled to align with the target sightline, the above body and target signals being employed to produce estimates of target direction, sightline rate and sightline acceleration for use in controlling the missile.
G01S 13/72 - Radar-tracking systems; Analogous systems for two-dimensional tracking, e.g. combination of angle and range tracking, track-while-scan radar
A bulk dielectric material can include a solid composite material having a solid matrix material and a plurality of filler elements distributed within the matrix material. The bulk dielectric material can have, at a frequency of greater than 1 MHz, (i) a permittivity with a real part of magnitude greater than 10 and an imaginary part of magnitude less than 3, and (ii) an electrical breakdown strength greater than 5 kV/mm and can have a minimum dimension greater than 2 mm.
C04B 35/00 - Shaped ceramic products characterised by their composition; Ceramic compositions; Processing powders of inorganic compounds preparatory to the manufacturing of ceramic products
The invention provides a security scanner that produces a radar profile of a clothed person or another object such as a bag carried by a person at a distance and does not require close proximity of the person or object to the scanner itself. The scanner includes a millimeter wave antenna system optimised for short-range active imaging and arranged to provide rapid high-resolution images of an object or person of interest and processing means for resolving the images so as to detect the presence of predetermined objects. The processing means preferably includes means for comparing contrasts in reflectivity in the scanned images with predetermined expected values from skin and light clothing. The processing means may also include means for detecting predetermined behavioral or physical traits such as the effect on gait on carried weighty objects or stiff structures strapped to the person from the images of a scanned object or person. The scanner may be incorporated within a turnstile access arrangement.
G01S 13/04 - Systems determining presence of a target
G01S 13/32 - Systems for measuring distance only using transmission of continuous waves, whether amplitude-, frequency-, or phase-modulated, or unmodulated
G01S 13/89 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
G01S 13/00 - Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
The invention comprises a feed horn (10) illuminating a circular flat panel (12) formed from a high impedance surface structure. By controlling the resonant frequencies of the individual elements of the array, a controlled phase shift profile is applied across the surface of the panel to an incident phase front spherically spreading from the feed antenna so as to reflect that wavefront in a particular direction or impose a certain desired beam shape. The principles are reciprocal so a receiving system can also be achieved or indeed a simultaneous transmit and receive operation can be supported. The phase controlled reflecting plate advantageously performs focussing to the feed and beam scanning or beam shaping. This concept of feed to a phased reflector plate allows the power distribution to be implemented in free space. In addition, the active component at each array element affecting the resonant frequency is a single varactor tuning diode per element with negligible power dissipation since it operates in reverse bias or a MeMs switch network. A further embodiment is described comprising a transmissive panel with phase shifting elements implemented in MeMs technology coupled to each element of the array. Calibration techniques are described that correct for non-systematic errors in the phase shifts on reflection which would corrupt the beam shape and pointing direction in a practical environment. These can be performed repeatedly, interleaved with the radar or communications waveforms passing through the antenna.
H01Q 3/00 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
A radar tracking system for an anti-aircraft, missile, including angle tracking, doppler tracking and range tracking feedback loops operating on sum and difference channels. Fast fourier transform digital filters are used to provide a frequency spectrum of the sum and difference I.F. channels and detection and confirmation algorithms are employed for selecting the F.F.T. target ‘bin’. Adjacent F.F.T. bins are used to simulate a bin centered on the target frequency, shifts of the latter with target/missile acceleration causing frequency errors which are detected by a discriminator and used to control the target I.F. Confirmation of target acquisition is achieved by successive summations of the target bin power the totals being accumulated and compared with upper and lower thresholds. Confirmation and rejection results from total levels outside the thresholds while further accumulation and comparison follow the intermediate condition. Multiple target discrimination is provided by comparison of two S/N ratios, one obtained from target bin power and average power, and the other obtained from coherent power in the target bin and overall power in the target bin.
A dual servo system for a seeker actuator comprises a seeker head gimballed on a platform and driven in the pitch and yaw senses by respective fast, i.e. high bandwidth low ambit, servo sub-systems, the platform being pivotally mounted with respect to a base and driven in the pitch and yaw senses by respective slow, i.e. low bandwidth high ambit, servo systems. The pivotal mounting between the platform and the base is configured to provide a spherical bearing of relatively large area (typically about 85° solid angle) to provide good resistance to high acceleration loads.
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