Abstract: Methods are disclosed for controlling a turret assembly with two or more gimbaled, swivel assembly sub-systems, such as a gimbaled gun and a gimbaled electro-optical sensor. The turret can be automatically slewed in response to one of the swivel assemblies rotating. A user can switch turret modes reflecting a priority between the gimbaled sub-systems system so that one takes priority over the other(s) during a mission.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are presented for optimizing performance of a base vehicle platform (e.g. an automobile) and operating the base vehicle platform without human intervention. Some embodiments may receive base vehicle platform data indicative of at least one performance characteristic of the base vehicle platform. Some embodiments may also receive environmental conditions data indicative of at least one characteristic of at least one weather condition or terrain condition, and receive base sensor data from at least one base sensor indicative of at least one up-to-date environmental condition or base vehicle platform condition. Embodiments may then generate at least one module based on the base vehicle platform data, the environmental conditions data, and the base sensor data, such that the at least one module operates the base vehicle platform without human intervention, and dynamically modifies at least one base vehicle platform performance characteristic without human reconfiguration.

Abstract: A coupler that generates and emits a simulated missile signature for assessing the operational capability of a missile approach warning system. The coupler may be directly attached to the system by an adapter. Couplers may be used in multiplicity, simultaneously or sequentially. The simulated signature may be digitally stored, as may be the results of the assessment. Simulated signatures may also be generated from freeform. The coupler also performs sensitivity testing.

Abstract: Generally, systems, devices, and methods for a generalized architecture for power and networking in robotic systems is presented. On a robotic chassis, a branching cable harness routes multiple power connections and communications interfaces from an onboard computer and multiple power supplies to various locations on the chassis. Each branch carries all the power and communications connections that are needed by various peripherals, and all the branches terminate with identical connectors. A custom patch cable for each peripheral, such as a camera, taps the appropriate power and communications interfaces from the branches for the peripheral. The peripherals can be relocated on the chassis by unplugging their respective patch cables from the central cable, relocating, and then plugged the patch cables into the nearest branch.

Abstract: A hand controller for controlling an electro-optic sensor of a weapons system may include a first cam/spring mechanism configured to provide non-linear displacement to an operator applying a torque to rotate the hand controller in a first direction. A second cam/spring mechanism may be configured to provide non-linear displacement to an operator applying a torque to rotate the hand controller in a second direction. A first sensor may be configured to sense torque being applied in the first direction and to generate a command signal to control rotation of the electro-optic sensor in the first direction. A second sensor may be configured to sense torque being applied in the second direction and to generate a command signal to control rotation of the electro-optic sensor in the second direction. The command signals may be substantially mathematically proportional rate command signals with respect to applied torque.

Abstract: A system for reforming diesel fuel into hydrogen including feeds for water and diesel fuel, a supercritical water (SCW) reactor in fluid communication with the water feed and the diesel fuel, at least one pre-heater in thermal communication with the water feed, the diesel fuel feed that is configured to heat water from the water feed and diesel fuel from the diesel fuel feed to a predetermined temperature equal to or greater than the critical temperature of water before the water and the diesel fuel are mixed, a water-gas shift (WGS) reactor, and a hydrogen capturing system, where the SCW reactor reforms the diesel fuel into a synthesis gas comprising a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide and outputs the synthesis gas, the synthesis gas output by the SCW reactor is fed into the WGS reactor which converts the carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and hydrogen and outputs an output gas including a higher percentage of hydrogen to carbon monoxide compared to the synthesis gas, and the hydrogen in the output ga

Abstract: High-bit depth sensors often capture more information then can be displayed on a commercially available display. Due to this, image processing systems and methods are disclosed to ensure that as much information as possible is presented to a user in a meaningful and statistically significant manner. The image processing systems and methods disclosed herein allow a user to view and process data that would otherwise be invisible to the user.

Abstract: A method is provided for detection of an airborne contaminant in a atmospheric environment. The method comprises capturing an air sample from the atmospheric environment; separating candidate particles of interest from particles of non interest in the air sample; generating an image of the candidate particles; identifying a contaminant from among the candidate particles by comparing the image of candidate particles with a plurality of stored reference images, each of which reflects a respective identified contaminant; and notifying a remote third party in response to detecting a contaminant from among the candidate particles.

Abstract: A coupler that generates and emits a simulated missile signature for assessing the operational capability of a missile approach warning system. The coupler may be directly attached to the system by an adapter. Couplers may be used in multiplicity, simultaneously or sequentially. The simulated signature may be digitally stored, as may be the results of the assessment. Simulated signatures may also be generated from freeform. The coupler also performs sensitivity testing.

Abstract: A pneumatic door closer with a protective external telescoping cylinder and angled handhold. Such a closer is generally outfitted with a structural tubular support that follows the telescoping and collapsing of the closer's piston and that has sufficient stiffness to limit the stresses imposed on the piston throughout its extension. The support provides a resistance to perpendicular force. Moreover, when the piston is collapsed within the exterior chamber, the support pivots to the exterior chamber with bushing(s) fixed to the end of the support that travel along the length of the exterior column as the closer telescopes or collapses, to permit continued smooth sliding motion throughout the extension stroke.

Abstract: A coupler that generates and emits a simulated missile signature for assessing the operational capability of a missile approach warning system. The coupler may be directly attached to the system by an adapter. Couplers may be used in multiplicity, simultaneously or sequentially. The simulated signature may be digitally stored, as may be the results of the assessment. Simulated signatures may also be generated from freeform. The coupler also performs sensitivity testing.

Abstract: A dual compartment cooling device that is designed to cool water, or other beverages, as a batch based on expected demand. This provides for the cooling of beverages which are to be consumed in a subsequent demand cycle at which time it is refilled but allows remaining water to remain “hotter” until it is to be in the next dispense cycle.

Abstract: A hand controller for controlling an electro-optic sensor of a weapons system may include a first cam/spring mechanism configured to provide non-linear displacement to an operator applying a torque to rotate the hand controller in a first direction. A second cam/spring mechanism may be configured to provide non-linear displacement to an operator applying a torque to rotate the hand controller in a second direction. A first sensor may be configured to sense torque being applied in the first direction and to generate a command signal to control rotation of the electro-optic sensor in the first direction. A second sensor may be configured to sense torque being applied in the second direction and to generate a command signal to control rotation of the electro-optic sensor in the second direction. The command signals may be substantially mathematically proportional rate command signals with respect to applied torque.

Abstract: A system for reforming diesel fuel into hydrogen including feeds for water and diesel fuel, a supercritical water (SCW) reactor in fluid communication with the water feed and the diesel fuel, at least one pre-heater in thermal communication with the water feed, the diesel fuel feed that is configured to heat water from the water feed and diesel fuel from the diesel fuel feed to a predetermined temperature equal to or greater than the critical temperature of water before the water and the diesel fuel are mixed, a water-gas shift (WGS) reactor, and a hydrogen capturing system, where the SCW reactor reforms the diesel fuel into a synthesis gas comprising a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide and outputs the synthesis gas, the synthesis gas output by the SCW reactor is fed into the WGS reactor which converts the carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and hydrogen and outputs an output gas including a higher percentage of hydrogen to carbon monoxide compared to the synthesis gas, and the hydrogen in the output ga

Abstract: A supercritical water reformer (SCWR) and methods for using supercritical water to convert hydrocarbons, particularly hydrocarbon fuels such as diesel fuel or gasoline, into carbonaceous gases and hydrogen. The synthesis gas stream generated by the fuel reforming reaction can then be further refined to increase hydrogen content, and the resultant hydrogen can be utilized to power fuel cells.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the detection of substances (particularly particulate substances) within mail pieces, specifically letters and other “flats” of mail. In particular, the systems and methods are for the detection of residues of Chemical or Biological Warfare Agents (CBWAs) which may be present within the mail pieces. The system is principally designed to be included as part of Dual Pass Rough Cull System (DPRCS) for the collection and detection of the residue when the contaminated mail piece first enters a mail facility and before it is intermingled with other mail pieces. The system also utilizes aerosol chambers using at least two arrays of pinch rollers to provide for decreased incremental changes on mail pieces and decrease the likelihood of mail piece damage.

Abstract: Methods for using supercritical water to convert hydrocarbons, particularly hydrocarbon fuels such as diesel fuel, jet fuel, or gasoline, into carbonaceous gases and hydrogen. The synthesis gas stream generated by the fuel reforming reaction can then be further refined to increase hydrogen content, and the resultant hydrogen can be utilized to power fuel cells.

Abstract: A hand controller for controlling an electro-optic sensor of a weapons system may include a first cam/spring mechanism configured to provide non-linear displacement to an operator applying a torque to rotate the hand controller in a first direction. A second cam/spring mechanism may be configured to provide non-linear displacement to an operator applying a torque to rotate the hand controller in a second direction. A first sensor may be configured to sense torque being applied in the first direction and to generate a command signal to control rotation of the electro-optic sensor in the first direction. A second sensor may be configured to sense torque being applied in the second direction and to generate a command signal to control rotation of the electro-optic sensor in the second direction. The command signals may be substantially mathematically proportional rate command signals with respect to applied torque.

Abstract: Systems and methods using the properties of supercritical water to allow raw air including a contaminant to be combined with water and to be purified in a supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) process. A supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) air purifier will generally take in a mixture of water and raw air which includes oxygen via a pumping and mixing apparatus, put the mixture into a supercritical water reactor (SCWR), and run the resultant effluent stream through a system for separating the water from the resultant clean air and the other relatively harmless outputs of the supercritical water reactor (SCWO).

Abstract: Systems and methods using the properties of supercritical water to allow raw air including a contaminant to be combined with water and to be purified in a supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) process. A supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) air purifier will generally take in a mixture of water and raw air which includes oxygen via a pumping and mixing apparatus, put the mixture into a supercritical water reactor (SCWR), and run the resultant effluent stream through a system for separating the water from the resultant clean air and the other relatively harmless outputs of the supercritical water reactor (SCWO).