Abstract: A self-adjusting barrier incorporates a series of float units restrained between a primary wall, such as a bulkhead, and a secondary wall, such as sheetpile. The secondary wall may be braced to the primary wall. The float units slidably interconnect along adjacent edges to self-adjust along a perimeter, such as a marina or waterfront lot, based on the height of water within the chamber (stilling basin) provided between the two walls. Mechanisms for deterring vandalism and providing increased environmental integrity are also provided for select embodiments. Methods of employing the barrier are also disclosed.

Abstract: Concrete with improved strength and toughness. A uniform mix of first constituents comprises: cement of Blaine fineness of 280-360 m2/kg; sand at a mass ratio of 0.75-1.25 of the cement; silica fume at a mass ratio of 0.15-0.4 of the cement; silica flour at a mass ratio of 0.15-0.3 of the cement; and microinclusions at a mass ratio up to 0.35 of the cement. This is then mixed with a blend of second constituents comprising a specified amount of an HRWRA and an amount of water at a mass ratio of 0.2-0.35 of the cement. This is mixed sufficiently to form a uniform cement-based paste to which an amount of macrofibers at a mass ratio of up to 0.35 of the cement is added to yield a uniform product. Nanoinclusions may be added to improve crack resistance and increase density.

Abstract: A top-down tiered process establishes an objective measure of the functional capacity of an asset to address a specified use. The process comprises: developing Issue Categories and lists of functional impact Sub-issue Types and specific issues under each type that may impact functionality of the asset for a specified use; providing the list to evaluators; employing evaluators to evaluate functionality, evaluators assigning a numerical Severity measure to each Sub-issue Type present during the evaluation; recording occurrences of issues under each Sub-issue Type discovered, summing occurrences to determine a Density of each Sub-issue Type; recording the evaluation in one or more engineering management systems (EMS); and using the recorded evaluation, calculating a value to be inserted on a numerical scale as a functionality index, FI. In select embodiments of the present invention, a numerical scale is used with values from 0-100.

Abstract: A collimator incorporating shielding shaped according to the formula L 0 2 = y 2 + [ y 2 ? z 2 ( y + D ) 2 ] where y is the minimum thickness of encased shielding needed to shield the collimator from un-collimated radiation entering the collimator at a distance, z, along the longitudinal axis of the collimator, z measured from the bottom of a cylindrical detector, and D is the inner diameter of the collimator as established by the outer diameter of the detector. Select embodiments may be employed for collecting collimated high energy gamma rays from soil using a gamma ray detector.

Abstract: A system and associated method for removing metal, including metal in vapor form, from high temperature fluid emissions such as may occur at the exhaust of furnaces or thermal treatment equipment. One embodiment is the Integrated Metal Emissions Control System (IMECS™) incorporating both a Steel Screen Particulate (SSP) Filter System and a Perlite Based Sorbent (PBS) System. IMECS™ uses the SSP Filter System, with pore sizes down to one micron, to capture toxic metal particulate materials and the PBS System to capture vapor phase metals using surface-modified perlite. Using the IMECS™, EPA-listed heavy metals have been removed from representative high-temperature emissions in field tests to easily meet the NESHAP standards.

Abstract: A configuration for use with a processor that incorporates a suite of agents in a “flat” hardware architecture and superimposes thereon a self-forming, self-healing, hierarchical architecture implemented in software. Embodiments may be employed in various applications, such as maintaining network integrity. In one embodiment a building security monitoring network provides for automated network agents to each be capable of communication with any other automated agents on a network at network startup. Shortly after network initialization, the software architecture is superimposed on the flat hardware architecture, re-arranging communication links to provide an efficient hierarchy of control and substituting working agents for compromised agents as necessary in the network. All of this is done in a “live” network, not requiring shutdown, or even reduced operation to accomplish.

Abstract: A stable fire retardant mixture for use in a backstop for decelerating and trapping projectiles. The backstop generally includes a support structure having an inclined surface and the stable fire retardant mixture serving as a projectile trapping medium disposed on the inclined surface. The projectile trapping medium is a resilient granular material intimately mixed with a hydrated super absorbent polymer (SAP) gel and additives. Preferably, the support structure is made of a shock absorbing, foamed, fiber-reinforced concrete, such as SACON®. In embodiments, the support structure also includes an enclosure. The additives control alkalinity, chemically stabilize the mixture, prolong life of the mixture, retard mold formation and bacterial growth and prevent leaching of heavy metals.

Abstract: A configuration for use with a processor that incorporates a suite of “flat” hardware architecture and superimposes thereon a self-forming, self-healing, hierarchical architecture implemented in software. Embodiments may be employed in various applications, such as maintaining network integrity. In one embodiment, a building security monitoring network provides for automated network agents to each be capable of communication with any other automated agents on a network at network startup. Shortly after network initialization, the software architecture is superimposed on the flat hardware architecture, re-arranging communication links to provide an efficient hierarchy of control and substituting working agents for compromised agents as necessary in the network. All of this is done in a “live” network, not requiring shutdown, or even reduced operation to accomplish.

Abstract: Perlite, particularly, perlite in powdered form, is employed to adsorb metals and metal compounds from a fluid flow. In select embodiments, the perlite is treated to expand its surface area and injected into a fluid stream, such as flue gas, held for a specific retention period, and removed for subsequent disposal. In other embodiments the perlite is provided in a fixed adsorption bed and the fluid flow permitted to pass through the bed until the perlite surface is exhausted. The perlite in the fixed bed is then replaced, with the exhausted perlite disposed of as appropriate. Treatment of perlite by boiling with sulfuric acid or suspending in a suspension of sulfur in carbon disulfide has been shown to significantly expand the surface area of perlite.

Abstract: Photography is employed to objectively quantify opacity of fluids such as smoke plumes and dust via a method termed the Digital Optical Method (DOM™). The DOM™ quantifies the ratio of radiance values by means of a camera response curve obtained using objective measures. The radiance ratios are then used to calculate opacity of target fluids such as smoke plumes. The DOM™ quantifies opacity during both daytime and nighttime conditions with a much broader range of subject types, e.g., white, gray and black smoke plumes, and environmental conditions, e.g., non-blue-sky, building, and mountain backgrounds, than existing systems while not requiring human interpretation for any application. In one embodiment, the DOM™ quantifies opacity from digital photos using a pre-designed algorithm and an inexpensive digital camera. Very little training is needed to implement the DOM™ and it yields consistent objective quantitative results, while providing a permanent photographic record easily digitally archived.

Abstract: A transportable modular flotation system with sections incorporating a decked supporting structure that is buoyed by heavy duty flotation tubes. The sections are coupled together with pre-tensioned ropes, straps or cables of High Modulus Fiber. The system is suitable for off-loading items from cargo ships in small harbors and onto remote beaches. One embodiment is a heavy-duty lightweight modular causeway system (LMCS™) that is rapidly deployable and recoverable from a Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV). Other embodiments of the present invention may be deployable floating piers or docks; modular commercial causeways, and expedient means to cross environmentally sensitive areas such as marshes or wetlands without employing major earthmoving equipment. Embodiments may also be used for wet-gap crossings, such as currently served by modular bridges, such as the Army Dry Support Bridge (DSB).

Abstract: A waste stream from energetics processing is treated using a pre-filter having media, preferably sand, and a metal that has a reducing potential, preferably elemental iron (Fe0). The pre-filter is connected to a zero-valent metal column reactor. The waste stream is pumped through the pre-filter to trap solids and deoxygenate it, then enters the reactor and is subjected to a reducing process. Fe0 from the reactor is transformed to the ferrous ion (Fe+2), added to the resultant product, and fed to a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) in which Fenton oxidation occurs. This product is then sent to a sedimentation tank and pH-neutralized using a strong base such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The aqueous portion is drawn off and the sludge pumped from the sedimentation tank. Both tanks are monitored and controlled to optimize required additives, while monitoring of pressure drop across the pre-filter and column reactor establishes replacement requirements.

Abstract: An automation tool for resource managers to effectively schedule on-site visits and manage information obtained thereby. An embodiment of the present invention, the Automated Tool for Monitoring Archaeological Sites (ATMAS™), automates the process by which cultural resource (CR) managers on various installations prioritize and schedule CR sites for monitoring. Other applications for use by resource management include: environmental, safety, security, military, educational, emergency management, land use, fish and wildlife management, construction and maintenance of highways and waterways, mining, exploration, manufacturing, recreational management, urban restoration and the like. Embodiments of the present invention increase efficiency and reduce cost, while accurately and timely preserving and integrating information. Embodiments of the present invention are useful for post-processing as well as scheduling, analysis, and pro-active direction of ongoing monitoring.

Abstract: A waste stream is treated in a pre-filter having media, preferably sand, connected below a zero-valent metal column reactor incorporating a metal with reducing potential, preferably elemental iron (Fe0); the combination preferably configured as a single unit. The waste stream is pumped through the pre-filter to trap solids and deoxygenate it, then enters the reactor and is subjected to a reducing process. Most of the Fe0 is transformed to the ferrous ion (Fe+2), mixed with the reduced product, and fed to a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) in which Fenton oxidation occurs. The output is then sent to a sedimentation tank and pH-neutralized using a strong base such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The aqueous portion is drawn off and the sludge pumped from the sedimentation tank. The system is monitored and controlled to optimize required additives, while monitoring of pressure drop across the pre-filter and column reactor establishes replacement requirements.

Abstract: A method for fabricating and forming a continuous covered area, such as a sidewalk or patio, employing vertically interlocking tessellated components. One embodiment, termed PORTAPAVE™, achieves this interlocking via an array of uniquely configured two-sectioned pavers. Each paver has a first section of a first shape and a second section of a second shape impressed upon the first section and bonded together. In one embodiment, first sections of pavers are installed in a bottom layer to form a cavity between them having the same shape as the second section of a paver that is inverted onto the pavers of the bottom layer, thus providing a top layer. Each inverted paver in this top layer is fitted to interlock in that cavity formed between the un-inverted pavers in the bottom layer.

Abstract: An “implant and forget” device for interacting with biota after a pre-established time period. Preferably, the biota are fauna and more particularly fish. In select embodiments, the device comprises packaging enclosing apparatus for timing interaction via opening the packaging. In select embodiments of the present invention, the device is a sealed capsule inserted in fish. Embodiments of the present invention are implanted in triploid grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) to facilitate control of aquatic weeds in bodies of water. When the carp have been in the water for a pre-established approximate period of time, toxins in the device are dispensed via long term bioerosion of the sealed opening in the packaging. Otherwise, the carp may destroy all vegetation and harm the aquatic environment for other aquatic life. Several alternative bioerodible seal configurations are provided as embodiments.

Abstract: Self-healing coatings incorporate microcapsules of about 60-150 microns diameter that contain film formers and dust suppression compounds suitable for controlling spalling of lead dust, for example. In one embodiment, a primer paint is mixed with these microcapsules and applied by brushing or rolling. After the coating has cured, any physical compromise of the coating results in microcapsules bursting to release liquid that fills and seals the compromised volume. The microcapsule contents protect the underlying substrate from damage and repair some of the outer coating. In one application, embodiments of these self-healing coatings seal existing lead-based paint for suppression of lead dust. In another embodiment, microcapsules are provided separately to enhance commercially available products.

Abstract: A system incorporating a robot to inspect ferrous surfaces. Preferably, the robot is an articulated device having a tractor module for motive power and steering, a power module for electrical power and communications and additional motive power, and a third module for cleaning and inspection. The robot uses sensors and generates and transmits signals to a computer through a tether and receives direction from an operator via the computer and tether. The computer continuously monitors the location of the robot and supports the robot during deployment. In a specific application, the robot travels the interior of a tank on a set of magnetized wheels. Prior to inspection, the tank surface is cleaned of deposits by rotary cutters and rotary brushes on the third module. The robot obtains thickness measurements via onboard ultrasonic transducers that contact the cleaned surface. A method for implementing inspection of ferrous surfaces is also described.

Abstract: A barrier to fluid passage is embedded within, instead of atop, porous material to retain the durability of the surface of the porous material. In one embodiment, a thin set mortar is applied to a concrete slab. A pleated metal foil is pressed into the wet mortar and a bond is established. The mortar is allowed to set and a top, or finish, section of concrete is then poured over the foil and finished conventionally. Provisions are made for sealing expansion joints in concrete slab floors and at the juncture of floor and wall. The foil may be provided in multiple layers to provide a mechanical bond via mortar oozing through perforations or along pleats in each of the top and bottoms layers, while providing a solid layer through which a fluid will not pass, at least in one direction.

Abstract: A dynamic pressure testing or calibration system packaged as a portable unit for characterizing pressure sensors, such as transducers. Embodiments are packaged for carry on the body, are battery-operated, compatible with existing transducer mounts, and quickly learned and easily used by a single operator. The system supplies a pre-specified impulse (pressure pulse) of fluid, preferably a benign gas, such as air, or an inert gas such as helium or nitrogen. In select embodiments, the gas pulse has a fast rise time and its amplitude may be varied over a pre-specified dynamic range. For example, the rise time may emulate that of an impulse created during an explosion by a resultant pressure wave, i.e., less than 100 microseconds. Embodiments also incorporate a data acquisition capability that accurately captures and records both the supplied impulse and the response of the sensor under test.