Abstract: On-axis actuator system includes an actuator bracket formed with at least one bracket cavity. Actuator links couple open and close rollers. An actuator member coupled to close roller and disposed within an actuator housing. Moving the actuator member towards the actuator bracket presses the close roller against the bracket to rotate the bracket. A device coupled to the bracket rotates with the bracket.

Abstract: A system for supplying hydrogen gas to a lighter-than-air (LTA) vehicle includes a manifold having multiple vessels. Each vessel has a first chamber that is separated from a second chamber by a barrier. A trigger assembly integrated with the barrier allows a liquid to be combined with a reactant and a catalyst in the second chamber to form a chemical reaction to generate hydrogen gas. A pressure relief valve located on each vessel opens to allow the hydrogen gas to exit when a predetermined pressure is reached, and the hydrogen gas is supplied to the LTA vehicle connected to the manifold.

Abstract: A valve for delivery of fluid between two chambers. The valve includes a plug, force spring that opens the plug, and a base that joins/mates with the inner surface of a chamber. Plug sealing mechanisms seal the plug to the base. Chamber sealing mechanisms seal an inner surface of a chamber bore or conduit. The valve also includes a trigger arm that holds the plug down until the trigger arm is actuated to cause the plug to move and the valve to open. The valve also includes a remotely-actuatable trigger for releasing the trigger arm. A channel permits the transfer of fluid from one side of the plug to the other.

Abstract: A valve for delivery of fluid between two chambers. The valve includes a plug, force spring that opens the plug, and a base that joins/mates with the inner surface of a chamber. Plug sealing mechanisms seal the plug to the base. Chamber sealing mechanisms seal an inner surface of a chamber bore or conduit. The valve also includes a trigger arm that holds the plug down until the trigger arm is actuated to cause the plug to move and the valve to open. The valve also includes a remotely-actuatable trigger for releasing the trigger arm. A channel permits the transfer of fluid from one side of the plug to the other.

Abstract: This invention is a method and system for addressing structural weaknesses and geometric differentials introduced to a cable when splicing optic fibers. The apparatus and method utilize structurally integrated layers of protective polymers and bonding materials selected for strength and flexibility relative to their thickness. This results in an apparatus having a minimally increased circumference compared to the cable. The method and apparatus include one or more strengthening layers which allow the repaired cable substantially similar flexibility compared to the cable, but prevent formation of sharp bends or kinks. The strengthening layers also allow the repaired cable a resistance to tension similar to the original cable. The method and apparatus further include an outer layer having a geometric configuration which includes sloped terminating ends designed to prevent the reinforced area of the cable from being damaged by the force of objects or substances in contact with cable.

Abstract: A pressure activated release system and method are disclosed for deployment of surface, aerial and subsea payloads. The system and method include a payload release switch that is activated, without human intervention, by a pressure differential. The system and method also includes a payload release mechanism having an unreleased configuration at pressures below a specified pressure. The release mechanism has a released configuration at pressures above the specified pressure. The switch causes the release mechanism to move from the unreleased configuration to the released configuration.

Abstract: A USB-style data-transfer device employs volatile memory that is connected to an onboard power-storage device for data storage. Through this design, any data stored on the memory can be physically cleared by interrupting the supply of electrical power from the onboard power-storage device to the memory. Enhanced security relative to conventional USB flash devices is provided by the volatile memory-based USB-style data-transfer device as the memory can be physically cleared without being plugged into a computer system either automatically when the onboard power storage device runs out of electrical power to supply to the volatile memory, or by user initiation through either a programmed instruction to interrupt the supply of electric power after a set time period or the operation of a manual switch which interrupts the supply of electric power.

Abstract: A USB-style data-transfer device employs volatile memory that is connected to an onboard power-storage device for data storage. Through this design, any data stored on the memory can be physically cleared by interrupting the supply of electrical power from the onboard power-storage device to the memory. Enhanced security relative to conventional USB flash devices is provided by the volatile memory-based USB-style data-transfer device as the memory can be physically cleared without being plugged into a computer system either automatically when the onboard power storage device runs out of electrical power to supply to the volatile memory, or by user initiation through either a programmed instruction to interrupt the supply of electric power after a set time period or the operation of a manual switch which interrupts the supply of electric power.

Abstract: A pressure activated release system and method are disclosed for deployment of surface, aerial and subsea payloads. The system and method include a payload release switch that is activated, without human intervention, by a pressure differential. The system and method also includes a payload release mechanism having an unreleased configuration at pressures below a specified pressure. The release mechanism has a released configuration at pressures above the specified pressure. The switch causes the release mechanism to move from the unreleased configuration to the released configuration.

Abstract: A system for generating hydrogen includes a vessel having a first chamber that is separated from a second chamber by a barrier. A trigger assembly integrated with the barrier allows a liquid to be combined with a reactant and a catalyst in the second chamber to form a chemical reaction to generate hydrogen gas. A pressure relief valve located on the vessel opens to allow the hydrogen gas to exit when a predetermined pressure is reached.

Abstract: A system for supplying hydrogen gas to a lighter-than-air (LTA) vehicle includes a manifold having multiple vessels. Each vessel has a first chamber that is separated from a second chamber by a barrier. A trigger assembly integrated with the barrier allows a liquid to be combined with a reactant and a catalyst in the second chamber to form a chemical reaction to generate hydrogen gas. A pressure relief valve located on each vessel opens to allow the hydrogen gas to exit when a predetermined pressure is reached, and the hydrogen gas is supplied to the LTA vehicle connected to the manifold.

Abstract: A portable splicer for an optical fiber can include a first case half and second case half with respective exterior and interior surfaces, which can be hingedly attached to define a case having an interior case surface. At least two clamps for receiving the cable to be spliced and a fuser can be attached to the interior case surface. A deployed configuration for the splice can be established, wherein the first exterior and second exterior surfaces are co-planar. In the deployed configuration, the fuser is located between the two clamps and the fuser and clamps are substantially co-planar. A first channel can be formed in the first exterior surface and a second channel can be formed in the second exterior surface. A bar can be slidably disposed within one of the channels, and can be extended into the other channel to thereby fix the case halves in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: A portable splicer for an optical fiber can include a first case half and second case half with respective exterior and interior surfaces, which can be hingedly attached to define a case having an interior case surface. At least two clamps for receiving the cable to be spliced and a fuser can be attached to the interior case surface. A deployed configuration for the splice can be established, wherein the first exterior and second exterior surfaces are co-planar. In the deployed configuration, the fuser is located between the two clamps and the fuser and clamps are substantially co-planar. A first channel can be formed in the first exterior surface and a second channel can be formed in the second exterior surface. A bar can be slidably disposed within one of the channels, and can be extended into the other channel to thereby fix the case halves in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: A variable buoyancy buoy and method for deployment therefor can include a fixed buoyancy portion formed with a cavity and an enclosure. A pressure hull containing instrumentation can be place in the cavity, and a variable buoyancy portion that can be inserted into the enclosure. The fixed buoyancy portion can have a spar buoy configuration or a marker buoy configuration, and can further be formed with at least one opening to establish a path of fluid communication between the exterior of the buoy and the enclosure. The variable buoyancy portion can be a compressible bladder, or compressible foam, which can change form a maximum volume at the water surface to a minimum volume as the buoy descends towards stowage depth. The decrease in buoyancy facilitates retrieval of the buoy by an apparatus on the ocean floor.

Abstract: An air suspension includes a crossover valve in fluid communication with a manifold, a first set of springs in fluid communication with the manifold through a first set of valves, and a second set of springs in fluid communication with the manifold through a second set of valves. The crossover valve is movable between an open position to allow fluid communication to each of the first and the second sets of springs and a closed position that separates the first set of springs from the second set of springs.

Abstract: An air braking system for a vehicle blends regenerative and foundation braking during low deceleration conditions in an effective and controlled manner. The braking system also includes a mechanical override that bypasses system electronics in response to an aggressive brake request such that treadle circuit pressure is sent directly to a brake relay circuit to actuate vehicle brakes.

Abstract: This invention is a method and system for addressing structural weaknesses and geometric differentials introduced to a cable when splicing optic fibers. The apparatus and method utilize structurally integrated layers of protective polymers and bonding materials selected for strength and flexibility relative to their thickness. This results in an apparatus having a minimally increased circumference compared to the cable. The method and apparatus include one or more strengthening layers which allow the repaired cable substantially similar flexibility compared to the cable, but prevent formation of sharp bends or kinks. The strengthening layers also allow the repaired cable a resistance to tension similar to the original cable. The method and apparatus further include an outer layer having a geometric configuration which includes sloped terminating ends designed to prevent the reinforced area of the cable from being damaged by the force of objects or substances in contact with cable.

Abstract: A pair of reverse-scissoring arms are configured to be rotatable and reverse-scissorable about a common central axis point. A volume expandable and volume contractible truck is operably disposed at each of the distal ends of the reverse-scissoring arms. Actuation of the arms simultaneously expands one of the trucks, increasing its volume, while contracting the other of the trucks, decreasing its volume. Operably coupled to each of the reverse-scissoring arms is an energy-supplied electric motor-generator. Energization of the motors actuates the arms, whereas actuation of the arms without energization of the motors generates electrical power in the motors. When submersed in liquid, the simultaneous expansion and contraction of the volume in the trucks generates positive and negative buoyancy, respectively, enhancing the dynamics of the truck expansion/contraction motion and the reverse scissorable arm actuation.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides heat management while generating hydrogen gas from a hydride achieved by coupling a hydride with a hydrate. The present subject matter unexpectedly provides improved methods so that the heat released by the hydride during hydrolysis is accurately balanced by the heat absorbed by the hydrate as the hydrate undergoes a phase transition to a less hydrated or to an anhydrous form. Examples of heat-moderated hydrogen generating systems are provided, and include, among others: NaBH4/Na2SO4.10H2O, NaBH4/CoSO4.7H2O, and NaBH4/FeSO4.7H2O. The subject matter provides a methodology for determining the correct proportions of hydride/hydrate to use in preparing a hydrogen generator capable of operating at a nearly constant temperature at or near a phase transition temperature of the hydrate or at a higher temperature that is still within a desired temperature range, such as, for example, 30-90° C.

Abstract: A system for supplying hydrogen gas to a lighter-than-air (LTA) vehicle includes a manifold having multiple vessels. Each vessel has a first chamber that is separated from a second chamber by a barrier. A trigger assembly integrated with the barrier allows a liquid to be combined with a reactant and a catalyst in the second chamber to form a chemical reaction to generate hydrogen gas. A pressure relief valve located on each vessel opens to allow the hydrogen gas to exit when a predetermined pressure is reached, and the hydrogen gas is supplied to the LTA vehicle connected to the manifold.