Abstract: A fluid deionizer includes at least one graphene sheet perforated with apertures dimensioned to allow a flow of fluid and to disallow at least one particular type of ion contained in the flow of fluid. A purge valve is placed in an open position so as to collect the at least one particular type of ion disallowed by the graphene sheet so as to clean off the at least one graphene sheet. Another embodiment provides a deionizer with graphene sheets in cylindrical form. A separation apparatus is also provided in a cross-flow arrangement where a pressurized source directs a medium along a path substantially parallel to at least one sheet of graphene from an inlet to an outlet. The medium flows through the plural perforated apertures while a remaining portion of the medium and the disallowed components in the medium flow out the outlet.

Abstract: A fluid deionizer includes at least one graphene sheet perforated with apertures dimensioned to allow a flow of fluid and to disallow at least one particular type of ion contained in the flow of fluid. A purge valve is placed in an open position so as to collect the at least one particular type of ion disallowed by the graphene sheet so as to clean off the at least one graphene sheet. Another embodiment provides a deionizer with graphene sheets in cylindrical form. A separation apparatus is also provided in a cross-flow arrangement where a pressurized source directs a medium along a path substantially parallel to at least one sheet of graphene from an inlet to an outlet. The medium flows through the plural perforated apertures while a remaining portion of the medium and the disallowed components in the medium flow out the outlet.

Abstract: A fluid deionizer includes at least one graphene sheet perforated with apertures dimensioned to allow a flow of fluid and to disallow at least one particular type of ion contained in the flow of fluid. A purge valve is placed in an open position so as to collect the at least one particular type of ion disallowed by the graphene sheet so as to clean off the at least one graphene sheet. Another embodiment provides a deionizer with graphene sheets in cylindrical form. A separation apparatus is also provided in a cross-flow arrangement where a pressurized source directs a medium along a path substantially parallel to at least one sheet of graphene from an inlet to an outlet. The medium flows through the plural perforated apertures while a remaining portion of the medium and the disallowed components in the medium flow out the outlet.

Abstract: Perforated graphene or perforated graphene-based sheets can be used in forming molecular sieves. The molecular sieves can include a layer of perforated graphene or perforated graphene-based material on a polymer backing. The perforated graphene or graphene-based material and polymer backing can be spiral-wound, for example on a mandrel, to form macrotubes. Methods for producing graphene-based molecular sieves can include growing graphene or graphene-based material on a growth substrate, applying a polymer to the graphene or graphene-based material, removing the growth substrate from the graphene or graphene-based material, perforating the graphene or graphene-based material while it is on the polymer, and winding the perforated graphene or graphene-based material and the polymer into a spiral shape to form a macrotube.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus configured to be mounted to a radar array antenna having a generally planar face for aligning the antenna includes a rigid frame defining a plane generally parallel to the face of the antenna when the rigid frame is mounted to the antenna. A flexible member is associated with the rigid frame and is configured to flex relative to the rigid frame. The apparatus further includes an optical source for emitting a light beam and a target. One of the optical source and the target is associated with the flexible member and the other of the optical source and the target is associated with the rigid frame. A distance between the path of the light beam and the target is indicative of the degree of misalignment between the flexible member and the rigid frame.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus configured to be mounted to a radar array antenna having a generally planar face for aligning the antenna includes a rigid frame defining a plane generally parallel to the face of the antenna when the rigid frame is mounted to the antenna. A flexible member is associated with the rigid frame and is configured to flex relative to the rigid frame. The apparatus further includes an optical source for emitting a light beam and a target. One of the optical source and the target is associated with the flexible member and the other of the optical source and the target is associated with the rigid frame. A distance between the path of the light beam and the target is indicative of the degree of misalignment between the flexible member and the rigid frame.

Abstract: Landing gear mount techniques for aircraft are described. The landing gear is mounted to composite structures of the aircraft in a manner that distributes landing loads, including out-of-plane loads, adequately so that the landing gear and its mounting to the aircraft is tough and can withstand variable landing loads. The landing gear is disposed between and fastened on each side to composite bulkheads. The composite bulkheads are also bonded to the outer skins of the aircraft. The described mounting distributes the loads into the composite bulkheads and from there into the outer skins. This distribution of the loading helps the landing gear withstand variable landing loads and helps maintain the integrity of the composite materials.

Abstract: A composite aircraft wing that includes a core, a first composite material disposed over the upper surface of the core, and a second composite material over the lower surface of the core. The second composite material is a different composite material than the first composite material. In addition, a first wood veneer layer is disposed over the first composite material and a second wood veneer layer disposed over the second composite material. The wing is lightweight, has an airfoil shape, and is easy to construct without using molds, while also being strong enough to support the weight of the aircraft. When used on a UAV-type aircraft having a wing-mounted antenna, the wing construction has little or no RF impact on the antenna.

Abstract: An aircraft wing that includes a conductive ground plane adjacent the wingtip, where the ground plane conforms to an aerodynamic surface of the wing. Because the ground plane conforms to the aerodynamic surface, it has minimal impact on the aerodynamics of the wing. The ground plane can be part of a wingtip device that is detachably secured to the tip of a main wing portion. The ground plane described herein can be used on any aircraft wing structure that employs an antenna including, but not limited to, a wing of a UAV.