Abstract: A device for transmitting a load from an object to a load-bearing element is provided. The device includes an attachment mechanism for attaching to a load-bearing element, such as a vertical stanchion. A loading mechanism includes a pressure block and a mechanism interconnecting the pressure block and the attachment mechanism. The loading mechanism can apply a preload to an object and transmit a force from the object to the load-bearing element.

Abstract: A buckling restrained brace includes a deformable core contained within an outer casing. Ends of the core protrude from the casing for connection to a frame or other structure. A length of the deformable core between its ends, referred to as the gauge or yielding section, is capable of deforming during an earthquake or blast loading. The gauge section is differentially heat treated from the ends so that the gauge section has a lower yield strength than the ends. The casing provides containment of the core to prevent buckling of the core. A metal foil interface or unbonding layer is provided between the deformable core and the casing so that the deformable core does not bind to the casing. The buckling restrained brace provides significant performance improvements over prior art BRBs coupled with simplified assembly.

Abstract: A modular packaging system of containers each having a generally tubular, hollow container body of a fiber-reinforced composite material with cooperative mating interlocking elements extending axially along its length. The interlocking elements allow the containers to be stacked and palletized in a stable manner. An interface between a closure mechanism and the container body provides a good seal and prevents fraying or brooming of the fiber-reinforced composite material at the end face of the body.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle mounts a payload section to an air delivery vehicle. The air delivery vehicle includes deployable wings and tail fins for gliding or powered flight. A set of propeller blades are provided for powered flight. The propeller blades are mounted for movement from a stowed position to deployed position extending radially from the fuselage for powered flight.

Abstract: A hybrid metal/composite material beam is suitable for withstanding bending stresses. The hybrid beam is a combination of dissimilar materials that are geometrically optimized in a structure to provide benefits beyond the characteristics of the materials separately. Also a stanchion assembly incorporates the hybrid beam.

Abstract: A shock and vibration isolator device has one or more connecting elements of a superelastic shape memory alloy composite material extending between a base member, configured to mount to a structure or ground, and a mounting member, configured to support equipment or machinery. The superelastic shape memory alloy composite material is formed of a plurality of superelastic wires embedded in an elastomeric matrix material.

Abstract: Continuous pultrusion of prepreg material systems is provided. A prepreg material, comprising fibers infiltrated with a partially cured resin, is introduced into a pultrusion die with a barrier layer between surfaces of the prepreg material and facing inner surfaces of the die. The prepreg material and the barrier layers are continuously pulled through the pultrusion die. The barrier layer is removed from each surface of the prepreg material after exiting the die.

Abstract: A modular packaging system of containers each having a generally tubular, hollow container body of a fiber-reinforced composite material with cooperative mating interlocking elements extending axially along its length. The interlocking elements allow the containers to be stacked and palletized in a stable manner. An interface between a closure mechanism and the container body provides a good seal and prevents fraying or brooming of the fiber-reinforced composite material at the end face of the body.

Abstract: A grid fin control system for a fluid-borne body includes a nozzle extension, an optional stabilization device, and a plurality of grid fins. The grid fins are stowable folded against the nozzle extension and deployable to extend radially outwardly.

Abstract: A buckling restrained brace includes a deformable core contained within an outer casing. Ends of the core protrude from the casing for connection to a frame or other structure. A length of the deformable core between its ends, referred to as the gauge or yielding section, is capable of deforming during an earthquake or blast loading. The gauge section is differentially heat treated from the ends so that the gauge section has a lower yield strength than the ends. The casing provides containment of the core to prevent buckling of the core. A metal foil interface or unbonding layer is provided between the deformable core and the casing so that the deformable core does not bind to the casing. The buckling restrained brace provides significant performance improvements over prior art BRBs coupled with simplified assembly.

Abstract: A reinforced carbon-carbon (RCC) composite material has improved impact resistance. The RCC composite material is formed from a fiber reinforcement of layers or plies of thin ply carbon fiber fabric impregnated with a carbon matrix. Carbon nanotube reinforcement in the matrix further improves impact resistance. The stacking arrangement of the plies of the thin ply fabric also further improves impact resistance.

Abstract: A foundation adapter module includes a plate assembly having a fitting attachable to a piece of equipment to attach the equipment to a track system. An upper plate is adjustably fastenable to a lower plate for locating the fitting in any location between tracks of the track system and between tie-down points along the tracks. A deck tile system includes arch deck tiles fastenable to the track system. A further deck tile system includes flat deck tiles fastenable to a raised frame attached to the track system.

Abstract: A stanchion assembly is provided for retaining cargo in a hold from lateral motion, the hold having a deck grid fitting assembly and a ceiling grid fitting assembly. The stanchion assembly includes an elongated beam with a box cross section of two parallel webs and two parallel flanges. The beam is an extrusion of an aluminum or aluminum alloy. The assembly includes upper and lower end caps on the ends of the beam. A spring assembly within the elongated box beam retains the beam in a vertical position within the corresponding fitting on the grid assembly on the deck and the ceiling. The stanchion assembly has a weight no greater than 67 pounds. The stanchion assembly has a length L in the longitudinal direction from a lower end cap to an upper end cap when the spring assembly is uncompressed. The beam has a stiffness capable of resisting a design load applied to one of the webs normal to the longitudinal direction with a deflection no greater than L/90.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of lattice fins for fluid-born bodies is provided. In one embodiment, lattice fins having a metallic cell structure are manufactured from strips or sheets of metal. In another embodiment, composite lattice fins are manufactured from a log assembly of elongated mandrels covered with a fiber reinforced composite material. After curing, individual fins are sliced from the log assembly. Upon removal of the mandrels, a cell structure is obtained. Combinations of the two embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: A hatch or door system for closing an opening in a surrounding structure has a panel assembly having a metal frame enclosing a composite material panel. An operating mechanism is operative in a first stage to hold the panel assembly in the closed position. In a second stage, a discrete-to-continuous latching mechanism of the operating mechanism seals the frame within the opening.

Abstract: An extendable wing system for a fluid-born body has a forward wing and an aft wing pivotably coupled together at a location outward of their wing roots. A linkage mechanism mounted on the body provides both pivoting of the wing roots about a pivot point and translation of the wing roots and their pivot points to extend the joined wings from a stowed position to a deployed position. Translation of the forward wing root pivot point allows the stowed wing system to occupy additional space toward the nose of the body, thereby allowing use of wings having a longer wingspan and greater aspect ratio. The linkage mechanism can also be used to incorporate flight control, such as roll and pitch control, directly into the wing system. In another embodiment, the wings can incorporate actuator elements on or within the wings to effect flight control by deformation of the wing structure.

Abstract: A hatch or door system secures and seals an opening in a surrounding structure, such as a horizontal or vertical surface of a marine vessel. A panel having at least two straight edges is rotatably mountable to the surrounding surface. An operating mechanism is mounted on the surrounding structure, rather than on the panel, to retain the panel in the closed position. The operating mechanism includes dogging members configured to apply a force along at least a portion extending continuously along each of the two straight edges when in a panel-securing position. A gasketing mechanism is included to seal the panel in the closed position.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of lattice fins for fluid-born bodies is provided. In one embodiment, lattice fins having a metallic cell structure are manufactured from strips or sheets of metal. In another embodiment, composite lattice fins are manufactured from a log assembly of elongated mandrels covered with a fiber reinforced composite material. After curing, individual fins are sliced from the log assembly. Upon removal of the mandrels, a cell structure is obtained. Combinations of the two embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle recovery system includes a landing pad secured or securable to a supporting surface. The landing pad has an upwardly facing capture surface having a passive retaining medium thereon. The aerial vehicle to be recovered includes one or more shoes affixed to a lower portion of the aerial vehicle. The shoes have a complementary passive retaining medium thereon configured to mate or interlock with or adhere to or otherwise interface with the retaining medium of the capture surface on the landing pad. The retaining medium on the landing pad and the complementary retaining medium on the aerial vehicle together form a passive retaining system that retains the vehicle on the landing pad upon the exertion of sufficient compressive force by the vehicle on the capture surface. The aerial vehicle recovery system can be used in conjunction with a variety of supporting surfaces, such as a ship's deck, an offshore platform, a truck bed, or the ground.

Abstract: An extendable wing system for a fluid-born body has a forward wing and an aft wing pivotably coupled together at a location outward of their wing roots. A linkage mechanism mounted on the body provides both pivoting of the wing roots about a pivot point and translation of the wing roots and their pivot points to extend the joined wings from a stowed position to a deployed position. Translation of the forward wing root pivot point allows the stowed wing system to occupy additional space toward the nose of the body, thereby allowing use of wings having a longer wingspan and greater aspect ratio. The linkage mechanism can also be used to incorporate flight control, such as roll and pitch control, directly into the wing system. In another embodiment, the wings can incorporate actuator elements on or within the wings to effect flight control by deformation of the wing structure.