Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a near-field signal system to generate signals underwater for navigation and/or communication. In one embodiment, a system includes a signal processing module coupled to a first antenna to transmit near-field signals underwater and a second antenna to receive near-field signals underwater transmitted by the first antenna. In one embodiment, a wetsuit includes an integrated near-field signal system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a near-field signal system to generate signals underwater for navigation and/or communication. In one embodiment, a system includes a signal processing module coupled to a first antenna to transmit near-field signals underwater and a second antenna to receive near-field signals underwater transmitted by the first antenna. In one embodiment, a wetsuit includes an integrated near-field signal system.

Abstract: A system includes a structure configured to undergo oscillatory movement. The system also includes a friction damping clamp coupled to the structure. The friction damping clamp includes a housing having a groove. The friction damping clamp also includes a roller positioned at least partially within the groove, where the groove has first and second ramps. The roller is configured to move up each ramp of the groove so that more compression is applied on the structure and to move down each ramp of the groove so that less compression is applied on the structure. The roller may be configured to apply more compression on the structure to increase friction between portions of the structure, to apply less compression on the structure to decrease friction between the portions of the structure, and to apply substantially no compression on the structure when the roller is located at a center of the groove.

Abstract: A system includes a structure configured to undergo oscillatory movement. The system also includes a friction damping clamp coupled to the structure. The friction damping clamp includes a housing having a groove. The friction damping clamp also includes a roller positioned at least partially within the groove, where the groove has first and second ramps. The roller is configured to move up each ramp of the groove so that more compression is applied on the structure and to move down each ramp of the groove so that less compression is applied on the structure. The roller may be configured to apply more compression on the structure to increase friction between portions of the structure, to apply less compression on the structure to decrease friction between the portions of the structure, and to apply substantially no compression on the structure when the roller is located at a center of the groove.

Abstract: A laminated wing structure includes at least one layer of metal material and at least one layer of a shape memory polymer (SMP) material. The SMP is heated to a temperature in its glass transition band Tg to roll the wing around the air vehicle into a stored position. The metal layer(s) must be thin enough to remain below its yield point when rolled up. In preparation for launch, the SMP material is thermally activated allowing the strain energy stored in the layer of metal material to return the wing to its deployed position at launch. Once deployed, the SMP cools to its glassy state. The SMP material may be reinforced with fiber to form a polymer matrix composite (PMC). SMP may be used to provide shear strain relief for multiple metal layers. By offloading the motive force required to return the wing to its original deployed position from the SMP to the metal, the polymer does not acquire a permanent set and the wing may be deployed accurately.

Abstract: A shape-changing structure has a superelastic metal foam structural member that changes shape (morphs) to change configuration of the structure. The superelastic metal foam structural member changes shape while maintaining a continuous outer surface, with the continuous metal foam material inside the outer surface expanding, contracting, or otherwise changing shape. The superelastic metal foam material may be heated above a transition temperature to allow it to change shape, and then cooled to cause it to increase in strength, more easily maintaining its new shape. The superelastic metal foam material may be a suitable alloy, for example a nickel titanium alloy, that exhibits superelastic (pseudoelastic) behavior. The superelastic metal foam material may be a shape memory alloy material that returns to a set shape upon moderate heating. The superelastic metal elastic foam structural member may be heated either by an internal heat source or by external heating.

Abstract: A laminated wing structure includes at least one layer of metal material and at least one layer of a shape memory polymer (SMP) material. The SMP is heated to a temperature in its glass transition band Tg to roll the wing around the air vehicle into a stored position. The metal layer(s) must be thin enough to remain below its yield point when rolled up. In preparation for launch, the SMP material is thermally activated allowing the strain energy stored in the layer of metal material to return the wing to its deployed position at launch. Once deployed, the SMP cools to its glassy state. The SMP material may be reinforced with fiber to form a polymer matrix composite (PMC). SMP may be used to provide shear strain relief for multiple metal layers. By offloading the motive force required to return the wing to its original deployed position from the SMP to the metal, the polymer does not acquire a permanent set and the wing may be deployed accurately.

Abstract: A shape-changing structure has a superelastic metal foam structural member that changes shape (morphs) to change configuration of the structure. The superelastic metal foam structural member changes shape while maintaining a continuous outer surface, with the continuous metal foam material inside the outer surface expanding, contracting, or otherwise changing shape. The superelastic metal foam material may be heated above a transition temperature to allow it to change shape, and then cooled to cause it to increase in strength, more easily maintaining its new shape. The superelastic metal foam material may be a suitable alloy, for example a nickel titanium alloy, that exhibits superelastic (pseudoelastic) behavior. The superelastic metal foam material may be a shape memory alloy material that returns to a set shape upon moderate heating. The superelastic metal elastic foam structural member may be heated either by an internal heat source or by external heating.

Abstract: Novel targeted compositions which may be used for diagnostic and therapeutic use. The compositions may comprise lipid, protein or polymer gas-filled vesicles which further comprise novel compounds of the general formula L-P-T, wherein L comprises a hydrophobic compound, P comprises a hydrophilic polymer, and T comprises a targeting ligand which targets tissues, cells or receptors, including myocardial cells, endothelial cells, epithelial cells, tumor cells and the glycoprotein GPIIbIIIa receptor. The compositions can be used in conjunction with diagnostic imaging, such as ultrasound, as well as therapeutic applications, such as therapeutic ultrasound.