Abstract: This disclosure relates to a device and system capable of producing electricity by using a temperature gradient and a dual-phase fluid to convert thermal energy into electrical energy. The system relies on a sealed enclosed volume that utilizes a thermal gradient to vaporize and condense a dual-phase fluid. The cycle of the fluid transforming between the two phases is used to turn a turbine to create electricity. The thermal gradient can be enhanced using energy input from the sun.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically identifying one or more candidate emergency landing sites to a pilot of an aircraft are described. The candidate emergency landing sites lie within a current flight-capable range of an aircraft, and may include non-airfield landing sites. The candidate sites may be calculated by an on-board processing system. Various types of data, such as digital terrain elevation data, ground-cover data, hostile-threat data, surface-water data, aircraft parameter data, and flight-obstacle data may be used by an on-board processing system to calculate one or more candidate emergency landing sites suitable for landing the aircraft. A pilot may initiate an emergency landing site identification process during in-flight distress via a button, touch-sensitive screen, or voice-recognition input. The systems and methods may be useful in combat scenarios.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for locating threats to an aircraft that are located on the ground. Associated bearings from a sensor in an aircraft are determined for each of a plurality of detected shots from a threat at ground level. A sensor ground projection is plotted along each associated bearing. Each sensor ground projection is mapped to an elliptical uncertainty area reflecting the inherent error in bearing determining instrumentation. An estimation of the position for the threat based on the intersection points between mapped uncertainty areas of the sensor ground projections is calculated.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a multiband antenna array formed on a flexible substrate. Low frequency antenna elements may be formed using nanoink. High frequency elements may be provided on a prefabricated antenna chip. The antenna array may be heated in a low temperature oven to sinter the nanoink into a solid antenna element. In some embodiments, an adhesive insulation layer may be provided which allows the antenna array to be attached to any surface. In other embodiments, the antenna array may be embedded in a composite material.

Abstract: Systems and/or methods for relaying messages between nodes in a network (e.g. a wireless network) are provided. In accordance with certain exemplary embodiments, substantially simultaneous communications between nodes may be accomplished. At least one secondary message may be piggybacked onto a primary message. Messages in the network may be queued and sent from a transmitter to at least one receiver based at least in part on the signal-to-noise ratio(s) of the receiver nodes with respect to the transmitter. The queuing of the messages may be performed in dependence on a link set that indicates which messages are capable of piggyback communications. Thus, it may be possible to realize a network that reduces collision problems, reduces delays in communications, and/or increases throughput.

Abstract: A depressor for towed hydrophone arrays is contemplated having a remotely controllable tow point to allow array depth to be modified without requiring manual reconfiguration. The tow cable is attached to the depressor in an adjustable manner also providing improved depth control precision.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for providing secure reliable expansion of a mobile network. The system includes one or more portable communications devices (PCDs) which incorporate routing, authentication and encryption capabilities and are adapted to provide a connection between a peripheral device and a base-station either directly or indirectly via other similarly configured PCDs. The PCDs also incorporate tamper-proofing features to provide added security.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a reusable resin distribution line for use in conjunction with a resin transfer molding apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a soft tool and a hard tool (i.e., mold). In the illustrative embodiment, two inflatable bladders are disposed on a side of the soft tool, wherein a bridge spans the bladders. The soft tool is coupled to the bridge. When the bladders are inflated, the bridge moves away from the hard tool, drawing the soft tool away from the hard tool in the region between the bladders. This creates a temporary passage or reusable resin distribution line for distributing resin to a reinforcement constituent disposed between the soft tool and the hard tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermally decoupling fuel from an airframe structure is provided. In some aspects, an apparatus may include a bladder wall having stratified refractory fabric and refractory metal, and a sealant coating an internal surface of the bladder wall. The bladder wall may be configured to maintain an internal surface temperature of 300° F. or less when exposed to an external surface temperature of at least 500° F.

Abstract: A space based occulter is provided. It comprises a base portion and a blanket section extending radially from the base portion. A plurality of starlight blocking petals are attached to the base portion and attached to the blanket section, the petals extending radially from the base portion, each of the petals being hingedly connected to an adjacent petal.

Abstract: A method of detecting changes in a scene comprising placing a fluorescent and/or phosphorescent compound in the scene and monitoring for elimination or change in position of the phosphorescent compound.

Abstract: A nut retainer for a fastener. The nut retainer may include one or more vertical support members that can mate with and receive vertical surfaces of the fastener. The nut retainer may also include one or more horizontal retaining members that can be coupled to at least one end of one or more of the vertical support members adapted to mate with and receive horizontal surfaces of the fastener.

Abstract: A system for detecting faint perturbations of interest in an image is described. The system includes a memory comprising the image, and a processor. The processor is configured to estimate a local mean and variance for each of a plurality of pixels in the image, analyze a local region of the image, an image mean, and an image variance using a filter bank, thereby generating a plurality of response vectors, determine a likelihood of a local perturbation in the image using a probability distribution based on the plurality of response vectors, and make a classification decision of the local perturbation. The probability distribution is calculated, for each of the plurality of response vectors, based on a response of each of the plurality of response vectors to the estimated local mean and variance for each of the plurality of pixels. Methods and machine-readable media are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a coherent matterwave beam are provided. In some aspects, a system includes a plurality of beam generating units. Each of the plurality of beam generating units is configured to generate a stream of charged particles. The system also includes a magnetic field generator configured to expose the plurality of streams to a magnetic field such that (i) the charged particles of the plurality of streams undergo phase synchronization with one another in response to a vector potential associated with the magnetic field and (ii) the plurality of streams is directed along one or more channels to combine with one another and produce a coherent matterwave beam.

Abstract: Composite materials are provided that include nanostructures bound together by a binder material in a manner that provides the composite material with high strain capability and toughness. The nanostructures and binder material form a matrix material in which long fiber reinforcements may be embedded to form a structural composite material. The nanostructures may have relatively low aspect ratios, preventing entanglement during processing. The nanostructures can be arranged in an interconnected network to form a high free-volume skeletal structure within the matrix material that allows the nanostructures to flex and return to their original shapes. As applied to ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials, this tough, flexible matrix material allows for full bonding of the matrix material with the fiber reinforcements so that CMC materials can realize the full potential of the reinforcing fibers and possess superior inter-laminar strength.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to constructing a heat exchanger using nanoink as a thermal bond interface between portions of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger may comprise fins and at least one base. A nanoink may be applied to at least a portion of the fins. The pieces of the heat exchanger may be sintered such that the nanoink melts and forms a bond between the pieces of the heat exchanger. Some embodiments include a second base. Some embodiments incorporate dissimilar materials within the heat exchanger construction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method using an array of VCSELs operable to emit light at one or more wavelengths, pulse-repetition rates, pulse durations, pulse powers, pulse energies, and/or light-distribution spatial and/or temporal patterns, that are effective to stimulate or photostimulate human or other animal tissue, and in particular, nerve tissue. In some embodiments, the invention provides an implantable device that includes an array having a plurality of VCSELs in a spatial pattern suitable to stimulate or photostimulate a plurality of different areas of tissue (e.g., a plurality of different nerves). In some embodiments, the device is instead partially implantable. In some embodiments, the device is instead external to the body of the animal.

Abstract: A method and system that prevents engagement with neutral aircraft utilizes secondary surveillance radar (SSR) in conjunction with traffic alert collision avoidance systems (TCAS) conventionally found on various commercial aircraft. The system and method provide for detecting interrogating signals sent out by a TCAS system of an interrogating aircraft searching for another aircraft that may pose a threat for collision. The system and method of the invention provide for a base system generating signals responsive to the interrogation signals such that there is a decreasing time difference between the interrogating signals and the responsive signals. The decreasing time difference indicates to the interrogating aircraft that another aircraft is approaching its airspace urging the neutral aircraft to change course and avoid entering a guarded tactical airspace thus avoiding unnecessary engagement of the aircraft.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that distill an organization's information security plan into a detailed and unambiguous security object model. The developed security object model provides a visualization of complex relationships between individual elements and levels that is usable to carry into effect the organization's information security plan. Configuration control and a verifiable level of security compliance are provided through implementation of the organization's information security plan by the developed security object model. The developed security object model is hosted on a computing platform in communication with at least the organization's network to provide information security plan compliance, configuration control and gap analysis in a usable form to the organization.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively affecting a launch trajectory of a projectile from a canister includes means for selectively positioning the projectile with respect to the canister and a sabot operably associated with the projectile and the means for selectively positioning the projectile. A projectile launch system includes a canister, a projectile disposed in the canister, and means for selectively positioning the projectile with respect to the canister. A method for affecting a launch trajectory of a projectile includes providing a canister and a projectile disposed in the canister and adjusting a position of the projectile with respect to the canister.