Abstract: A water-buoyant structure formed from concrete is disclosed. The structure comprises an outer wall that surrounds a perimeter of the structure and an inner wall separated from the outer wall by a cavity, such that the cavity extends for the perimeter of the structure. Separating the cavity can provide sufficient buoyancy to the structure to allow 5 the structure to float. The combination of outer and inner walls may also provide increased resistance to catastrophic damage in the event of an impact (e.g. the inner wall may remain intact).

Abstract: A device for obtaining surveillance information from an aerial vehicle. The device includes a camera configured to obtain image data based on a position of the vehicle, a transceiver configured to receive operator controls and output the obtained image data, a designator unit configured to emit a light source onto a surface of an object of interest to illuminate that surface when a designation command is received from an operator, a gimbal mechanism having a plurality of motors configured to orient the designator unit, a gimbal controller configured to control the motors of the gimbal mechanism, and a controller configured to control the designator unit to continuously emit the light source onto the surface of the object irrespective of the position of the vehicle. The controller compensates for an orientation of the designator unit based on the aerial vehicle's movement such that the designator unit continuously illuminates the object.

Abstract: A device for obtaining surveillance information from an aerial vehicle. The device includes a camera configured to obtain image data based on a position of the vehicle, a transceiver configured to receive operator controls and output the obtained image data, a designator unit configured to emit a light source onto a surface of an object of interest to illuminate that surface when a designation command is received from an operator, a gimbal mechanism having a plurality of motors configured to orient the designator unit, a gimbal controller configured to control the motors of the gimbal mechanism, and a controller configured to control the designator unit to continuously emit the light source onto the surface of the object irrespective of the position of the vehicle. The controller compensates for an orientation of the designator unit based on the aerial vehicle's movement such that the designator unit continuously illuminates the object.

Abstract: A blade configuration for efficiently moving a fluid using a waving action. The blade configuration uses a flexible panel. A pocket depression is formed in the flexible panel. The pocket depression is closer to a rear edge than to a front edge. Consequently, the flexible panel has a first average slope from its front edge to the pocket depression and a second average slope from its rear edge to the pocket depression. The second average slope is greater than the first average slope. Due to the shape of the pocket depression and attachment to the framework, waving movement of the blade through the fluid causes vortices to be generated and shed in a manner causing the fluid which interacts with the flexible panel to flow mostly in the direction of the front edge of the flexible panel. This directs much of the displaced fluid out the front edge.

Abstract: A system has been found which monitors and measures the concentration of polymer dispersant in industrial water systems, such as open recirculating, cooling tower water. The system comprises a polymer concentration monitor which is an in-line analyzer, and which has the ability to measure more than one characteristic or component at a time. The polymer concentration monitor is comprised of a filter module and a detection module. The incoming water first passes through the filter module and then on to the detection module and then out of the system. According to one embodiment, the detection unit comprises a sample preparation unit, pumps, an optical measurement unit, a temperature measurement and control unit and an electronics unit. The optical measurement unit is comprised of a single or multiple photo optical components. The presence of more than one photo optical component provides the ability to perform more than one measurement at one time.

Abstract: A filtration system is disclosed that uses a combination of dead end filtration across opposing membranes with a sample take-off in the middle and cross-flow to prevent cake formation on these opposing filters. In one embodiment is a system that uses opposing filters with a central collection chamber that flips flow back and forth between the sides at a frequency that minimizes filter cake formation. In another embodiment, a combination flip-flip, cross flow system is disclosed. An additional embodiment discloses an actuator valve driven sampling system, in which valves collect the cross flow/counter flow filter cake samples as they are liberated from a filter surface and a quick through filter fluid pulse loosens the sample cake from the filter material. The invention increases effective operation time, allows for continuous filtration operation without interruption, and provides filtered samples that accurately represent the concentration of macromolecular species in industrial systems.

Abstract: About ten weight percent nickel is added to a Fe-base alloy which has a ferrite microstructure to improve the high temperature castability and crack resistance while about 0.2 weight percent zirconium is added for improved high temperature cyclic oxidation and corrosion resistance. The basic material is a high temperature FeCrAl heater alloy, and the addition provides a material suitable for burner rig nozzles.

Abstract: Zirconium is added to a Ni-30 Al (Beta) intermetallic alloy in the range of 0.05 w/o to 0.25 w/o. This addition is made during melting or by using metal powders. The addition of zirconium improves the cyclic oxidation resistance of the alloy at temperatures above 1100.degree. C.

Abstract: NiCrAl alloys are improved by the addition of zirconium. These alloys are in the .beta. or .gamma./.gamma.'+.beta. region of the ternary system.Zirconium is added in a very low amount between 0.06 and 0.20 weight percent. There is a narrow optimum zirconium level at the low value of 0.13 weight percent.Maximum resistance to cyclic oxidation is achieved when the zirconium addition is at the optimum value.