Abstract: A method has been found for assessing an aircraft approach to landing on a shipboard landing surface. The method includes a comparison of an identified aircraft performance with the mean or median of a baseline data set. The baseline data set is assembled from a multiplicity of actual approaches to landing data that are selected for relevance and then statistically evaluated. A high data recording rate captures the pilot's control inputs and allows evaluation of the pilot's manual efficiency of input to controls. The method is particularly useful to evaluate performance under conditions in which evaluation by human observation is limited or evaluation against guidelines produces less meaningful results.

Abstract: A method has been found for centrifugal casting engine cylinders. A mold is charged with molten aluminum alloy and particulate silicon monoxide having an average size of 0.01 mm to 0.04 mm. The mold is rotated at a velocity and period of time to distribute the particulate silicon monoxide on an inner cylinder surface. The mold is allowed to cool until the aluminum alloy solidifies. A casting is demolded characterized in a uniform inner cylinder surface of the particulate silicon monoxide in an amount of 25 volume % and thickness 1 to 5 millimeters. The engine cylinders are distinguished in resistance to wear. Cylinder liners show no appreciable wear for over 100,000 miles of use.

Abstract: A metallic glass particle layer is applied to aluminum alloy armor and friction stir mixed into the surface in order to embed the material into the armor and to take advantage of its exceptional hardness. An advantage of the invention is that the hard material is an integral part of the armor, included within the body of the armor plate and not merely a surface coating. The advantage of the friction stir process is that it generates relatively low levels of heat and magnetic measurements show that the amorphous phase condition of the metallic glass is not deteriorated. The armor may be tempered to improve properties.

Abstract: An electro-chemical sensor comprises a bismuth nano-wire array. The sensor is used to detect incipient corrosion under paint. It is particularly useful in admiralty and marine applications such as for detecting incipient metal oxidation such as rusting and for monitoring the progress of metal oxidation on ship hulls and tanks. It is also useful in the automobile industry for quantifying surface quality in preparation for painting.

Abstract: A dolly is particularly adapted to lift, support and maneuver a four-wheel vehicle. The dolly comprises an adjustable, generally U-shaped frame assembly for each vehicle tire. The frame assembly has pairs of reciprocally opposed first and second frame members adapted to be positioned adjacent opposite sides of a tire and to lift the vehicle by way of the tires. A castering wheel assembly supports the vehicle on a ground surface. The frame assembly is pivotably mounted on a tractor.

Abstract: The invention is an aerosol search and rescue (SAR) grenade. A smoke signal is produced that is comparable to the smoke signal produced by a pyrotechnic grenade. An aspirating provides a propellant gas/air mixture to a reservoir of smoke material. A container configuration and gravity operated valve provide for a smoke plume only in the upward direction. The smoke grenade is useful in life rafts. It is also useful in inland areas posing a risk of fire.

Abstract: An assembly of connected circuit boards includes at least one each of a matrix board, an input board and an output board. There are two types of input board, one for hydrophone cable input and one for single-ended (SE) cable input. The matrix board provides for switching any pair of input differential signals to any channel on the output board.

Abstract: A dynamically variable lens is made from actively tunable electromagnetic metamaterial cells. The lens operates on electromagnetic radiation including: radio frequency waves, microwaves, teraherz waves, near infrared waves, infrared waves and visible waves. The focal length of the lens is changed at a selected frequency. In the alternative, the frequency of radiation operated on is changed as a function of time. A third alternative provides precise control of the index of refraction of the lens. The index of refraction is varied progressively across the lens from one edge to the opposite edge causing the radiation to be directed at an angle.

Abstract: A launcher system and method for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), wherein the launcher system comprises a barrel comprising a prepackaged internal pusher cup configured behind the UAV housed within the barrel; an expansion chamber operatively connected around the barrel, wherein the barrel extends out of a first end of the expansion chamber; a muzzle adapter operatively connected to a second end of the expansion chamber, wherein the first end of the expansion chamber is positioned opposite to the second end of the expansion chamber; a rifle slip-fitted to the muzzle adapter; and a stand operatively connected to the expansion chamber, wherein a triggering of the rifle causes the internal pusher cup to push the UAV out of the barrel at a predetermined launch velocity in order to attain a predetermined self-propelled flight trajectory.

Abstract: An optical beamsplitter comprises an optically-transparent material and a partially-reflective layer therein. The optically-transparent material has a cylindrically shaped exterior surface which provides advantages.

Abstract: A 13C diamond is doped by proton induced transmutation. P-type doping is achieved by the 13C(p,??)10B reaction. N-type doping is achieved by the 13C(p,?)14N reaction. The transmutation reaction that occurs is determined by selection of proton beam energy. Stacks of junctions each calculated to be in the order of 10 nm thick have been achieved.

Abstract: A life raft canister is launched from a below deck doorway. A launcher is activated and pneumatically opens a below deck door, exposing the doorway. The same inflation tank inflates an elongated bladder that forces the life boat canister out of the doorway. The canister drops to the sea where the life boat is deployed from the canister. The life raft auto-inflates. As a result, a life raft is deployed from below-deck.

Abstract: In one general aspect, a tunable electromagnetic metamaterial as described herein includes a substrate and an array of split ring resonators formed on the substrate. At least one of the split ring resonators is a capacitively tuned split ring resonator. The capacitively tuned split ring resonator includes a structure having a gap and is formed of an electrically conductive material. The capacitively tuned split ring resonator also includes a region of photo-capacitive material formed in close proximity to the structure such that the capacitance of the metamaterial is changed when illuminated by controlling electromagnetic radiation having a selected range of wavelengths.

Abstract: An AlGaN composition is provided comprising a group III-Nitride active region layer, for use in an active region of a UV light emitting device, wherein light-generation occurs through radiative recombination of carriers in nanometer scale size, compositionally inhomogeneous regions having band-gap energy less than the surrounding material. Further, a semiconductor UV light emitting device having an active region layer comprised of the AlGaN composition above is provided, as well as a method of producing the AlGaN composition and semiconductor UV light emitting device, involving molecular beam epitaxy.

Abstract: After recycled titanium alloy chips are crushed and cleaned, they are pressed into cylindrically briquettes with a relative density of 0.6, and placed into capsules. The capsules are heated and placed into a preheated pressing rig. The pressing rig repetitively applies axial force to the capsule, resulting in a relative density of at least 0.95. The product billets are used for consumable electrodes, secondary casting alloys, forgings, extruded semi-finished products and the like.

Abstract: The method relates to metallurgical recycling of waste products, preferably titanium alloys chips scrap. Accordingly after crushing and cleaning, the chip scrap is subjected to vacuum-thermal degassing (VTD); the chip scrap is pressed into briquettes; the briquettes are placed into a mould allowing sufficient remaining space for the addition of molten metal alloy; the mould is pre-heated before filling with the molten metal alloy; the mould remaining space is filled with molten metal alloy. After cooling, the electrode is removed from the mould. The method provides a means for 100% use of chip scrap in producing consumable electrodes having increased mechanical strength and reduced interstitial impurities content leading to improved secondary cast alloys.

Abstract: The invention is a door actuator and alignment apparatus for opening and closing the 15,000-pound horizontally sliding door of a storage overpack. The door actuator includes a ball screw mounted horizontally on a rigid frame including a pair of door panel support rails. An electrically powered ball nut moves along the ball screw. The ball nut rotating device is attached to a carriage. The carriage attachment to the sliding door is horizontally pivoting. Additional alignment features include precision cam followers attached to the rails and rail guides attached to the carriage.

Abstract: A canister is provided for storing, transporting, and/or disposing of spent nuclear fuel. The canister includes a canister shell, a top shield plug disposed within the canister, and a leak-tight closure arrangement. The closure arrangement includes a shear ring which forms a containment boundary of the canister, and which is welded to the canister shell and top shield plug. An outer seal plate, forming an outer seal, is disposed above the shear ring and is welded to the shield plug and the canister.

Abstract: An automated process defines and maintains connectivity regions within a dynamic network. The automated process requires an initial input of a network component around which a connectivity region will be defined. The process automatically and autonomously generates a region around the initial input, stores the region's definition, and monitors the network for a change. Upon detecting a change in the network, the effect is evaluated, and if necessary the regions are adjusted and redefined to accommodate the change. Only those regions of the network affected by the change will be updated. This process eliminates the need for an operator to manually evaluate connectivity regions within a network. Since the automated process maintains the network, the reliance on an operator is minimized; thus, reducing the potential for operator error. This combination of region maintenance and reduced operator reliance, results in a reduction of overall error.

Abstract: An apparatus for remote delivery and manipulation of a miniature tool adjacent a work piece in a restricted space, includes a tool carrier, a carriage for manipulating the tool carrier relative to the work piece, a first actuator for operating the carriage, and an optional remote secondary operating actuator for operating the first actuator.