Abstract: A space based multi-band GPS/GNSS navigation system, including: a first RF card with a space grade application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) implementing two RF channels configured to receive and process two different received navigation signals; a space grade navigation processor configured to: execute processor instructions to process the two different received navigation signals to produce position, velocity, and time information; and process measurements using an Extended Kalman filter for enhanced performance at high altitude, including cis-lunar and lunar space.

Abstract: A portable system for dynamometry, exercise, and rehabilitation comprises a base, a detachable servomotor assembly, an embedded control system, and a physical human-machine interface for securing a human limb into a stabilized position for use in a repeatable and ambidextrous manner. In another embodiment, the portable system includes a power source and a user interface subsystem for selecting operative modes and input parameters and for real-time processing, display, and storage of the values collected by the system during operation. In another embodiment, a method for determining strength of an isolated muscle group of a human joint is disclosed. The method includes the steps of mounting and securing a detachable servomotor assembly of a portable dynamometer upon a surface and securing the human joint to be tested into a stable position with an adjustable, ambidextrous distal limb attachment assembly for use of the portable dynamometer in a readily repeatable manner.

Abstract: A composition includes an aqueous solution including at least one fluorinated organic compound; and a reaction product of a source of iron(II) and a source of sulfite in the presence of water and molecular hydrogen. A method of making a catalyst includes reacting a source of iron(II) and a source of sulfite in the presence of water and molecular hydrogen. The water may include less than or equal to 1 weight percent dissolved molecular oxygen. The catalyst may be used for degrading fluorinated organic chemicals in aqueous media.

Abstract: A method for laying up a composite material includes steps of (1) depositing the composite material onto a substrate; (2) compacting the composite material with a compaction roller, the compaction roller and the substrate defining a nip; and (3) projecting a plasma flume proximate the nip to heat at least one of the composite material and the substrate.

Abstract: A space-stable thin film composite coating is provided that exhibits high IR emittance properties similar to OSR mirrors, and which is thin enough to be applied to a flexible substrate. The composite coating can include hundreds of alternating layers of aluminum oxide and silicon dioxide vacuum deposited to individual layer thickness of about 150 Angstroms and 50 Angstroms, respectively. The composite coating can be attached to substrates having complex geometries, for example, at various points during integration and production of hardware. The thin film can increase thermal design efficiency, reduce radiator mass and costs, and reduce production time-frames by eliminating the complexity of OSR mirror bonding.

Abstract: A master oscillator configured as a seed laser for a laser optical module includes a reduced size, temperature controlled non-planar ring oscillator, a piezo-electric transducer mounted on the non-planar ring oscillator, a pump laser diode, and coupling optics configured to couple a laser output of the pump laser diode to an end face of the non-planar ring oscillator. The pump laser diode may operate as a single-mode pump.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring vapor partial pressures of water and carbon dioxide includes a pair of infrared (IR) sources and a pair of quad filter detectors are placed opposite to one another such that the vapor partial pressures of water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) is measured and quantified in a short pathlength gas cell.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating electronic data and generating enhanced data. A data subscription unit receives data having plural data formats from data source devices. The data may be received pre-filtered or filtered by the data subscription unit. A modeling unit may receive the filtered data from the storage databases, may determine eligibility of the stored data based on eligibility criteria, sort the eligible data based on at least one sorting parameter, adjust and/or normalize the eligible data based on at least one adjustment parameter and/or an aggregate value for a data attribute, generate data metrics over a defined set of time periods based on the eligible data, generate further data metrics based on the data metrics, and derive specified values from these metrics. A data distribution device may transmit or make available the data metrics, further data metrics and values to remote devices.

Abstract: A system for measuring magnetic field gradients comprising a multi-bay support structure with a series of raised contact shoulders separated from each other by voids. An optical fiber is spaced along the length of the multi-cell support structure and traverses all the raised contact points and voids. The optical fiber has a plurality of Fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) spaced lengthwise, each FBG suspended in a void. In addition, a plurality of ferromagnetic members are strung onto the optical fiber, each suspended in a void. Magnetic field gradients act on the ferromagnetic member to create localized tension in the optical fiber. The FBG's refractive indices are monitored, tension is calculated therefrom, and the tension is correlated to the magnetic field gradient. This greatly simplifies mechanical, optical, electronic and computational complexity and is bay suited for any FOSS array for measuring magnetic fields using many dense measurement points.

Abstract: The present invention relates to utilizing atomic layer deposition (ALD) techniques to deposit a layer of boron compound in a light-weight composite carbon-based foam derived from natural precursors, graphene, or other carbon-based materials, to minimize the effects of radiation in space applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to couplers for transferring fluid between space assets, particularly in a vacuum microgravity environment with radiation exposure. In particular, the couplers provide for transfer of fluids, such as propellants, coolants, pressurant gases, or life-support fluids, preferably between assets in the space environment or in terrestrial environments such as Earth, the Moon, or Mars. The couplers provide self-alignment features which enable their use in blind-mate, telerobotic, fully autonomous robotic systems. The invention provides a common design architecture for different fluids accommodating a variety of flow rates and pressure drops depending upon the particular fluid.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes multivalent antibacterial vaccines for the treatment of bacterial infections, such as Klebsiella, E. coli and E. cloacae, as well as therapy-resistant forms thereof.

Abstract: A local phase transformation strengthened nickel-base superalloy includes at least 8.0 wt % eta phase formers; at least 7.0 wt % of chi phase formers; less than 12 wt % chromium; at least 18 wt % cobalt; and aluminum. A ratio of eta phase formers:aluminum is (3.2-3.4):1. The eta phase formers can include titanium, tantalum, hafnium, and niobium. The chi phase formers include tungsten and molybdenum. When the superalloy is subjected to elevated temperatures, these levels of components promote eta and chi phase formation along superlattice stacking faults, thereby resulting in a local phase transformation at the stacking faults, which strengthens the superalloy and inhibits creep deformation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electromagnetic meta-material structures to serve as linear polarization sensitive mirrors. Two distinct classes have been developed, including: 1) a phase cohering reflector which maintains the phase of both polarization states with a controlled delay between polarization states, and 2) a phase de-cohering reflector which preserves the phase of one polarization state and destroys the coherence in the other. These reflective structures enable mitigation of spurious resonances in dual-polarization optical systems and phase compensation between polarization states. These polarization control structures have applications in absorber coupled detectors and receiver systems for space-borne and sub-orbital remote sensing applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-functional platform, including: a printed circuit board (PCB) having a single chip integrated thereon; wherein the single chip includes a substrate having an environmental system disposed thereon, the environmental system including a plurality of three-dimensional (3D) printed, patterned and multi-layered nanostructures disposed on the substrate. The nanostructures include an on-chip heater, a power source, a wireless communication module, and a plurality of sensors, the sensors including at least one of a gas sensor, a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor, each of which is directly deposited on the substrate and printed with a plurality of nanomaterials. The 3D patterned nanostructures use functionalized nanomaterials, which are patterned by a template using one of directed assembly or nano-offset printing, to deposit the nanostructures directly on the substrate of the single chip.

Abstract: An acoustical non-contact levitation system and method for eliciting the deformation response of biological samples, coupled with the data analysis to yield quantitative measures of established time-dependent viscoelastic material properties. Embodiments allow for measurement to occur in near-real-time by way of a computer. In use, a biological sample is placed in an acoustic levitator, where it is induced to oscillate, such that material properties of the sample can be observed and analyzed by way of a camera and/or photodiode.

Abstract: A self-reacting friction stir welding (SR-FSW) tool includes a crown shoulder having a central bore and a pin that extends through the crown shoulder's central bore. The central bore includes a first region at a first axial end of the crown shoulder, a second region axially adjacent to the first region, and a third region axially adjacent to the second region. The first region and third region have a diameter that provides sliding contact with the pin. The pin and crown shoulder have an annular gap there between at the second region of the central bore.

Abstract: A thrust chamber liner includes a metallic combustion chamber having an annular protrusion extending radially away from an exterior surface of the combustion chamber adjacent to its injector opening. A metallic nozzle is coupled to the combustion chamber at its throat opening. A composite material encases the exterior surface of the combustion chamber, but is only bonded to the annular protrusion.

Abstract: Slurry EBC systems and method for fabricating slurry EBC systems for protecting component substrates and extending the longevity of such components are disclosed. The slurry EBC systems include a bond coat having a temperature capability of up to 1482° C. (2700° F.). Example bond coats include a mullite-based bond coat and a rare earth disilicate-based bond coat.

Abstract: The invention provides devices for supporting regeneration of body tissue and of tubular structures, such as the esophagus or intestine, and methods for making and for using the devices.