Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for laser-based communications are disclosed. At least one embodiment relates to laser-mediated underwater communications, in which one or more laser signals transmit encoded information from a transmitter to a receiver. Additionally, an underwater transmitter node sends information to an underwater receiver node using one or more lasers. At least an additional embodiment relates to laser-based communications that may be used to send information across a variety of media (e.g., air, water, etc.). Specifically, a first and a second communications system each sends a laser beam to the other. Each communications system further includes a position sensitive detector (PSD) that obtains positioning and/or steering information of an incoming laser beam and ensures that the positions of both the outgoing laser beam and the incoming laser beam match.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to systems, materials, and methods for ore tracking. In particular, the invention relates to metamaterial RFID tags that are chip-free and comprise RF metamaterials to produce unique spectral features when illuminated with microwave radiation. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, each of the metamaterial RFID tags includes one or more tag units that have a particular spectral response representing a one-bit code. As a result, each tag may comprise a specific code that is “assembled” from a plurality of tag units in a modular fashion. One or more embodiments of the present invention further includes a blast-tolerant package for one or more of the metamaterial RFID tags that enables such tags to survive blasting, crushing, and/or other forces inherent in mine operations.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to systems and methods for preparing and producing a custom-fitted face mask, including, as non-limiting examples, a CPAP nasal mask and a CPAP full face mask. At least one embodiment of the invention utilizes infrared (IR) lasers, such as, for example, those found on smartphone cameras, in order to generate a 3D point cloud model of an individual's face. This point cloud model is then used to produce a custom face mask cushion, which is used to customize a generic face mask to conform to the user's specific facial geometry.

Abstract: A sound attenuation material includes a plurality of particles, each having a core and an elastic or compliant coating around the core, and a matrix surrounding the plurality of particles, the matrix being less dense than the core. A method of manufacturing sound attenuating materials includes adding an elastic or compliant coating to core particles and drying and/or curing the coating, mixing the coated core particles into a matrix material, and pouring the mixture into a mold. The core particles are denser than the matrix material.

Abstract: Methods, products, and systems for monitoring and improving pipeline infrastructure are disclosed. At least one embodiment of the invention comprises a smart-sensing coating, which is applied to one or more interior surfaces of a pipe or pipeline. The coating may comprise a dual-purpose metamaterial, which itself may comprise a plurality of acoustically active and tunable particles that may be embedded in a low-friction, corrosion-resistant, omniphobic polymer matrix. The particles may comprise a multi-layered assembly with a high-density material core, elastic matrix filler, and a stiff outer shell. The particles may further be specifically engineered to form an acoustic band gap at a chosen ultrasound frequency. At this chosen frequency, the particles are very nearly acoustically opaque, preventing the transmission of any and all sound. As such, the position and distribution of the particles inside the pipelines can be clearly distinguished.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to anatomically conforming apparatuses, and the creation, design, and fitting of such apparatuses. In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates to masks that require a conformal fit to a user's face, including, but not limited to, respirator and breathing masks, oxygen masks for both civil and military pilots, ventilation masks used in hazardous environments, and the like. One or more methods for clustering facial scans to design a finite set of mass-producible masks is also described, such that each individual in a given population can be assigned at least one mask in the set of masks that is anatomically conforming to that individual's specific facial geometry. Also described are one or more methods for fitting a face mask to a specific individual based on a 3-D scan of that individual's face.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermally conductive materials, including, for instance, thermally conductive tubing and thermally conductive apparel, and applications thereof. In particular, the invention relates to thermally conductive tubing that can used in thermoregulatory apparel, such as, for example, cooling garments and cooling vests. In at least one embodiment, the present invention includes a thermally conductive material made from one or more base polymers and one or more additives that increase the thermal conductivity of the thermally conductive material relative to the one or more base polymers. The base polymer may include, for example, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and the additive may include, for example, graphite fibers. The thermally conductive material may also include, for instance, a secondary polymer, such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and/or a plasticizer, such as bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA).

Abstract: Deployable smart acoustic resonance particles have dense cores, compliant matrixes surrounding the cores and stiff outer shells surrounding the matrixes. The particles have mechanical stress sensitivities that provide unique band gap shifts when compressed. Groups of similar particles with similar stress sensitivities and similar band gap shifts are added at different times to hydraulic fluids, as circulated through wells with the fluid and pushed into fractures. A plural, sonic monopole well logging tool is lowered into the well to determine locations and depth of fractures and local pressures by distinct resonance of individual groups.

Abstract: Electroless underwater metal plating of a surface of fixed or floating structure is accomplished by transferring to the surface metal ions from a metal precursor in a solid or semisolid electrolyte that is pressed against and moved over a submerged surface. Metal ions from a metal salt blended in the solid or semisolid material plate the underwater substrate.

Abstract: Reduced noise abrasive blasting assemblies and systems are described. The new assemblies and systems are comprised of standard blast hose, accelerator hose, couplings and nozzle. The improved abrasive blasting system maintains abrasive particle velocity while decreasing the exit gas velocity and consequently decreasing sound production. This is accomplished through an acceleration section with reduced inner diameter and sufficient length to provide the necessary abrasive particle velocity. The new system maintains the productivity and efficiency of conventional abrasive blasting systems but with greatly reduced acoustic noise production and reduces operator fatigue due to the lower weight of the carried portion of the system.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for underwater communications are disclosed. In particular, the present invention relates to laser-mediated underwater communications, in which one or more laser signals transmit encoded information from a transmitter to a receiver. Accordingly, at least one embodiment of the invention includes an underwater transmitter node that sends information to an underwater receiver node using one or more lasers. The one or more lasers may be focused on to the underwater receiver node using a lens, telescope, or the like. The one or more lasers may additionally have a wavelength in the blue-green portion of the visible spectrum, including specifically, for instance, 450 nm, thereby enabling the one or more lasers to transmit effectively underwater. In additional embodiments of the invention, the information transmitted between the underwater transmitter node and the underwater receiver node is an encoded digital transmission.

Abstract: Frequency imaging of different areas or object in an image is created by a visible light, infrared or other cameras taking multiple sequential images is disclosed. The images are recorded and stacked. Pixels that vary in the images yield time varying data on a pixel by pixel basis. The time varying data is processed to extract pixel by pixel signal spectrum or another similar signal metric. Frequency at each pixel is displayed and distinguished, such as by recoloring the pixels based on spectral power rather than intensity contrast.

Abstract: An optically transparent radar absorbing material has alternating layers of optically transparent conductive material with layers of even thickness of optically transparent material having a homogenous dielectric constant. The even thickness is one quarter of the wavelength of a targeted electromagnetic energy.

Abstract: A method of producing modified buoyancy bodies and particulates involves pre-treating one or more substrate surfaces with acid to activate hydroxyl groups, rinsing the substrate surfaces to remove excess acid, functionalizing the pre-treated substrate surfaces with hydrophilic chemical moieties to provide hydrophilic functionality to the substrate, and attaching chemicals, materials, and/or fillers to the substrate surfaces sequentially to produce bodies and/or particles having modified functional attributes.

Abstract: A novel omniphobic surface coating is disclosed that provides both high oil-repellency and high-water repellency to the coated surface. The coating may contain perfluoropolyether (PFPE) or a similar fluorinated or perfluorinated polymer, as well as a hardener and a catalyst. One or more surfactants or viscosifiers may also be added. Further, the coating may contain one or more functional additives, including, but not limited to, coloring agents, anti-corrosive agents, anti-fouling agents, water-repellent agents, and/or oil-repellent agents. Methods for formulating the novel omniphobic surface coating are also described. Such methods include preparing a first part of the coating, which may contain, at minimum, a polymer such as PFPE or a similar fluorinated or perfluorinated polymer, and a suitable solvent; preparing a second part of the coating, which is a water-free system that may contain, at minimum, a hardener and a catalyst; and combining the first part and the second part together.

Abstract: Frequency imaging of different areas or object in an image is created by a visible light, infrared or other cameras taking multiple sequential images. The images are recorded and stacked. Pixels that vary in the images yield time varying data on a pixel by pixel basis. The time varying data is processed to extract pixel by pixel signal spectrum or another similar signal metric. Frequency at each pixel is displayed and distinguished, such as by recoloring the pixels based on spectral power rather than intensity contrast.

Abstract: A method for preparing an icephobic surface includes cleaning, etching and anodizing a target surface and applying fluorinated nanoparticles to the cleaned, etched and anodized target surface. A surface is treated according to this method.

Abstract: A sound attenuation material includes a plurality of particles, each having a core and an elastic or compliant coating around the core, and a matrix surrounding the plurality of particles, the matrix being less dense than the core. A method of manufacturing sound attenuating materials includes adding an elastic or compliant coating to core particles and drying the coating, mixing the coated core particles into a matrix material, and pouring the mixture into a mold. The core particles are denser than the matrix material.

Abstract: A multifunctional coating method involves cleaning a surface, applying a layer of corrosion-resistant alloy coating to the surface, and applying an oleo-hydrophobic composite coating over the corrosion-resistant alloy coating. An oil and gas pipe has an inner surface with a multifunctional coating applied using the multifunctional coating method, and has an inner oleo-hydrophobic composite coating, beneath the inner oleo-hydrophobic composite coating a corrosion-resistant alloy coating, and beneath the corrosion-resistant alloy coating untreated pipe or any other metallic substrate.

Abstract: A novel hydrogel wound dressing therapy and methods for making the same. The novel methods comprise forming two biopolymers, chitosan and hyaluronic acid, together into a wound dressing with inherent ability to enhance wound closure. The novel composition of the subject invention comprises cross-linked chitosan/hyaluronic acid hydrogels manufactured according to the methods disclosed having a specific cross-link density that results in a swelling ratio of 20 to 100. Hydrogels manufactured in accordance with the method of the invention dramatically increase healing rates and greatly improves outcomes of wound injuries.