Apparatus and method that includes providing a variable-parameter electrical component in a high-field environment and based on an electrical signal, automatically moving a movable portion of the electrical component in relation to another portion of the electrical component to vary at least one of its parameters. In some embodiments, the moving uses a mechanical movement device (e.g., a linear positioner, rotary motor, or pump). In some embodiments of the method, the electrical component has a variable inductance, capacitance, and/or resistance. Some embodiments include using a computer that controls the moving of the movable portion of the electrical component in order to vary an electrical parameter of the electrical component. Some embodiments include using a feedback signal to provide feedback control in order to adjust and/or maintain the electrical parameter. Some embodiments include a non-magnetic positioner connected to an electrical component configured to have its RLC parameters varied by the positioner.

A case for an electronic device includes: a body configured to receive the electronic device; a connector configured to connect to a port of the electronic device; and an extendable phased array antenna structure integrated with the body and moveable relative to the body between a retracted position and an extended position. The extendable phased array antenna structure comprises an array of antenna elements that are configured to form a beam in a determined direction, the antenna elements being operatively connected to the connector by circuitry in the case.

Systems and methods for extending a boom. The methods comprise: placing a drive train assembly in a start configuration in which an engagement member of the drive train assembly is coupled to an inner telescoping segment of the boom; rotating a spool in a first direction so as to unwind a slit-tube that is coupled to the engagement member; causing the inner telescoping segment to move in a direction away from a proximal end of the boom as the slit-tube is being unwound from the spool; and coupling the inner telescoping segment to an adjacent telescoping segment when the inner telescoping segment reaches an extended position. The slit-tube extends a distance inside the boom that is equal to or less than a length of the adjacent telescoping segment when the inner telescoping segment is in the extended position.

Extensible mast is comprised of multiple mast sections which are aligned along a mast axis. Each mast section is formed of an elongated tubular member disposed in a nested configuration when the mast is in a stowed condition. Each mast section is configured to slide along a direction aligned with the mast axis to facilitate a transition of the mast from the stowed condition to a deployed condition. In the deployed condition, adjacent mast sections are disposed substantially end to end so as to form a mast having an elongated length extending from a mast base to a mast tip. Mast sections includes one or more latches formed from a portion of the sidewall and resiliently engage a portion of an adjacent mast section.

A pneumatic telescoping mast having a plurality of telescopically-coupled sealing tubes is provided. Actuation of the telescopically-coupled sealing tubes occurs by introducing pressurized air into the pneumatic telescoping mast. Tube locking means lock the telescopically-coupled sealing tubes in an extended configuration by interference or friction even in absence of the pressurized air in the pneumatic telescoping mast. The tube locking means have at least one safety device configured to keep the tube locking means in a locked position, the at least one safety device being deactivatable to allow the tube locking means to switch to a released position only when air in the pneumatic telescoping mast reaches a preset pressure value. The pneumatic telescoping mast is suitable for supporting and moving military communication, lighting and/or surveillance equipment.

An AMC antenna apparatus includes a ground plane and a flexible antenna element layer above the ground plane. The ground plane includes a conductive base surface, a plurality of flexible conductors, and a frequency selective surface (FSS) layer above the base surface, where the FSS layer includes a plurality of conductive patches separated from one another. Each of the flexible conductors electrically connects one of the conductive patches to the base surface. A latch mechanism is arranged between the base layer and the FSS layer. An inflatable bladder system between the base layer and the FSS layer is configured to receive a gas input during deployment of the antenna apparatus and inflate to produce force sufficient to cause the latch mechanism to transition from an unlatched state to a latched state in which the conductive base surface is fixedly separated from the FSS layer at a predetermined distance.

A motor vehicle rear spoiler includes: an elongate external wall having a front edge and an opposite rear edge, and an internal housing; two substantially parallel longitudinal mounting brackets situated inside the internal housing; and a signal receiving device including a receiving plate having two opposite borders and a receiving casing installed on the plate between the opposite borders. The two opposite borders are designed to be secured respectively to the two mounting brackets. The longitudinal mounting brackets each include a slideway for respectively receiving the opposite borders of the receiving plate in a sliding manner.

A case for an electronic device includes: a body configured to receive the electronic device; a connector configured to connect to a port of the electronic device; and an extendable phased array antenna structure integrated with the body and moveable relative to the body between a retracted position and an extended position. The extendable phased array antenna structure comprises an array of antenna elements that are configured to form a beam in a determined direction, the antenna elements being operatively connected to the connector by circuitry in the case.

Systems and methods for extending a boom. The methods comprise: placing a drive train assembly in a start configuration in which an engagement member of the drive train assembly is coupled to an inner telescoping segment of the boom; rotating a spool in a first direction so as to unwind a slit-tube that is coupled to the engagement member; causing the inner telescoping segment to move in a direction away from a proximal end of the boom as the slit-tube is being unwound from the spool; and coupling the inner telescoping segment to an adjacent telescoping segment when the inner telescoping segment reaches an extended position. The slit-tube extends a distance inside the boom that is equal to or less than a length of the adjacent telescoping segment when the inner telescoping segment is in the extended position.

Extensible mast is comprised of multiple mast sections which are aligned along a mast axis. Each mast section is formed of an elongated tubular member disposed in a nested configuration when the mast is in a stowed condition. Each mast section is configured to slide along a direction aligned with the mast axis to facilitate a transition of the mast from the stowed condition to a deployed condition. In the deployed condition, adjacent mast sections are disposed substantially end to end so as to form a mast having an elongated length extending from a mast base to a mast tip. Mast sections includes one or more latches formed from a portion of the sidewall and resiliently engage a portion of an adjacent mast section.