Abstract: Articles are manufactured using self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) reactions. Particulates including reactants can be blended to form a particulate blend. The particulate blend can be preformed. The preform article can be heated to a pre-heat temperature being below an auto-activation temperature and above a minimum compression activated synthesis temperature. Compressive stress can be exerted on the preform article at the pre-heat temperature to initiate the SHS reaction between the reactants and thereby form a product metallic compound. At approximately peak temperature, a flow stress of the product metallic compound can be exceeded to substantially reduce porosity and thereby form a shaped substantially dense article.

Abstract: Articles are manufactured using self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) reactions. Particulates including reactants can be blended to form a particulate blend. The particulate blend can be preformed. The preform article can be heated to a pre-heat temperature being below an auto-activation temperature and above a minimum compression activated synthesis temperature. Compressive stress can be exerted on the preform article at the pre-heat temperature to initiate the SHS reaction between the reactants and thereby form a product metallic compound. At approximately peak temperature, a flow stress of the product metallic compound can be exceeded to substantially reduce porosity and thereby form a shaped substantially dense article.

Abstract: A head up display system includes first and second optical waveguides. A bracket holds the optical waveguides in a spaced-apart fixed relationship to one another such that their optical axes are separated by a distance of 63.5-65 millimeters. The optical waveguides are angularly disposed with respect to one another to produce a binocular image whose focal plane is located out at a distance of 2-4 meters. The bracket also specifically positions the optical waveguides adjacent to a transparent face plate of a dive helmet or dive mask.

Abstract: A head up display system includes first and second optical waveguides. A bracket holds the optical waveguides in a spaced-apart fixed relationship to one another such that their optical axes are separated by a distance of 63.5-65 millimeters. The optical waveguides are angularly disposed with respect to one another to produce a binocular image whose focal plane is located out at a distance of 2-4 meters. The bracket also specifically positions the optical waveguides adjacent to a transparent face plate of a dive helmet or dive mask.

Abstract: A breathing-air tank pressure tracking system includes a housing having lights mounted therein. The lights are spaced-apart from one another and disposed along a line. A pressure sensor is coupled to a tank containing pressurized breathing air. The pressure sensor detects a pressure of the pressurized breathing air and produces a signal indicative thereof. The housing is configured to be coupled to an exterior portion of a dive helmet wherein the lights are positioned in a field-of-view of a user wearing the dive helmet. A controller, mounted in the housing, is coupled to the pressure sensor and the lights. The controller activates selected ones of the lights based on the signal received from the pressure sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for authenticating a credential holder. A method includes receiving biometric data obtained from a machine-readable indicia. A data structure including biometrics is stored in the machine-readable indicia. Biometric data of the credential holder is compared with the biometric data stored in the biometric data structure. Authentication of the credential holder is performed based upon the comparison.

Abstract: Articles are manufactured using self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) reactions. Particulates including reactants can be blended to form a particulate blend. The particulate blend can be preformed. The preform article can be heated to a pre-heat temperature being below an auto-activation temperature and above a minimum compression activated synthesis temperature. Compressive stress can be exerted on the preform article at the pre-heat temperature to initiate the SHS reaction between the reactants and thereby form a product metallic compound. At approximately peak temperature, a flow stress of the product metallic compound can be exceeded to substantially reduce porosity and thereby form a shaped substantially dense article.

Abstract: A microwavable lidded container assembly comprising a container base having peripheral walls and an open top, a lid able to seat and thereby close the container base at the open top to define an enclosure; characterised in that the lid has a closable vent and the lid has a body adapted to carry a near peripheral seal to be interposed between a downward facing shoulder or plateau of the lid onto the top of a peripheral wall of the base container yet to have outstands at opposed perimeter regions of the lid to act as handle pairs for lifting the lid relative to the container base to deseat the lid therefrom.

Abstract: A microwavable lidded container assembly comprising a container base having peripheral walls and an open top, a lid able to seat and thereby close the container base at the open top to define an enclosure; characterised in that the lid has a closable vent and the lid has a body adapted to carry a near peripheral seal to be interposed between a downward facing shoulder or plateau of the lid onto the top of a peripheral wall of the base container yet to have outstands at opposed perimeter regions of the lid to act as handle pairs for lifting the lid relative to the container base to deseat the lid therefrom.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a facemask wearer to view high resolution, high data content, color imagery are provided. A display using organic light emitting diode (OLED) micro-displays provides 800×600 color pixel resolution at 60 Hz. The OLED micro-displays allow for powering the system through a standard Universal Serial Bus (USB) port connected to a compatible sensor system that provides the required power and standard display signal to the OLED display. The display is held away from the user's field of view by a quick release facemask attachment bracket. The bracket can provide for flipping the display up and down, swiveling the display, or rotating the display with one hand. When needed, the display can be flipped down, such that the display is in contact with the facemask faceplate, enabling clear, focused images even in zero visibility water.