Abstract: An electrode for beta-photovoltaic cells includes: a substrate formed of a conductive layer with a thickness ranging between about 10 nm to 1 micron; a composite layer of radioluminescent phosphor with radioisotope particles homogeneously dispersed therein formed on conductive substrate with a thickness ranging between about 1 and 25 microns; and a semiconductor comprising a P-i-N/P-u-N junction or a N-i-P-P junction. The radioisotope may be a beta-emitter, such as Ni-63, H-3, Pm-147, or Sr-90/Y-90.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a tribometer comprises: an infrared (IR) transparent and optically transparent disk coupled to a platform, the disk having an observation side disk surface on an observation side of the disk and a contact side disk surface on a contact side of the disk; a motor coupled to the disk to rotate the disk around a rotational axis of the disk; a pivot support coupled to the platform; a pivoting member connected to the pivot support to pivot along a pivot plane; a sample holder configured to hold a sample and be coupled with the pivoting member to place the sample in contact with the contact side disk surface of the disk; and an IR camera and an optical microscope disposed on the observation side of the disk to observe the sample in sliding contact with the contact side disk surface of the disk driven in rotation.

Abstract: A remote weapon station (RWS) system for an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) includes a dedicated weapon, multi-axis gimbal and ammunition handling capabilities with all operations functioning remotely and wirelessly. The RWS system is a gas powered, or self-powered, belt fed, rotating bolt lock weapon. In addition, the RWS is man-portable and air-droppable as the major subsystems may be latched together in the field without tooling or needing to make electrical connections.

Abstract: A small lightweight weapon system for integration into an unmanned aerial vehicle comprises a weapon operating group which utilizes blowback operation to fire a full-powered centerfire rifle ammunition. An operating rod of the weapon operating group has an axis of translation offset from the longitudinal axis of the barrel thereby creating a moment couple on the system. A motor assembly controls the operation of the weapon operating group. Through a gear train, actuation of the motor assembly lifts a sear against a return torsion spring, which holds the operating group back when not firing. The gear train comprises a one way flywheel disconnect to increase the torque of the direct current motor and overcome the force of the torsion spring. Intelligent motor commutation and burst control are achieved through an encoder and software package.

Abstract: Camouflage patterns on a substrate such as a fabric comprise in a first aspect a substrate having a camouflage pattern with a set of intermixed colored blotches thereon, the colors of the set of intermixed colored blotches being selected from a group of colors comprising an Olive 527 color, a Dark Green 528 color, a Tan 525 color, a Brown 529 color, a Bark Brown 561 color and a Dark Cream 559 color. In another aspect the colors of the set of intermixed colored blotches being selected from a group of colors comprising an Olive 527 color, a Dark Green 528 color, a Light Sage 560 color, a Tan 525 color, a Brown 529 color, a Bark Brown 561 color and a Dark Cream 559 color.

Abstract: A process and device for enhancing the chemical protection capability of a collective protection filter whereby the process stream exiting the collective protection filter is passed through an Auxiliary Filter. The auxiliary filter containing an ammonia removal media, such as zirconium hydroxide impregnated with zinc chloride (ZnCl2/Zr(OH)4), an oxidizing media, preferably zirconium hydroxide impregnated with potassium permanganate (KMnO4/Zr(OH)4), and a methyl bromide removal media, preferably activated carbon impregnated with triethylenediamine (TEDA/carbon). The auxiliary filter and process are configured to remove toxic industrial chemicals including NH3, NOx (mixtures of NO and NO2) and CH2O, and CH3Br.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a continuous process for producing a foamable celluloid product by introducing a solid component (comprising nitrocellulose, chemical blowing agent (CBA), stabilizer and alcohol) and a liquid component (comprising camphor and acetone) into a mixer/devolatilizer machine where the chamber is under atmospheric pressure and having significant overhead space. The chamber is comprised of two zones wherein the first zone has a temperature that is less than the second zone and at least one rotor comprising hollow, temperature-controlled arms having a tilted angle affixed to the rotors. The rotors of the mixer/devolatilizer machine act to mix the solid and liquid components under lower shearing forces, lower mechanical stress and longer residence times than those used by twin-screw extruders.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wireless communications comprising a plurality of agents, which together as the group, are configured to: (i) wirelessly broadcast an interference signal by forming a radiation pattern having null vectored substantially toward a client; (ii) wirelessly transmit a communication signal to the client by forming a radiation beam carrying the communication signal vectored substantially toward the client; and (iii) wirelessly broadcast a combined communication signal and interference signal to the client using phases of processes (i) and (ii). In some embodiments, the agents together as a group may be further configured to: allocate and adjust power for performing processes (i) and (ii) at substantially the same time.

Abstract: Apparatus for attenuating a sound level comprising an enclosure having an inlet and an outlet, where an exhaust flow director is positioned within the enclosure and fluidly coupled to the inlet and the outlet. The exhaust flow director comprises a plurality of overlapping vanes that directs the exhaust flow to attenuate the level of the sound produced by the exhaust.

Abstract: Switch circuits for electrical power are formed of a hybrid coupler configured to receive a signal as an input, and output first and second pulsed wave signals along first and second signal paths, respectively; in a plurality of time frames, wherein the phases of the first and second pulsed wave signals along first and second signal paths are aligned. The switch circuits may be incorporated in time folding power circuits as an exemplary application.

Abstract: A yaw alleviation device for an aircraft containing rotatable wing roots attached to wings. The device includes a spring configured to operatively connect to a wing; and a buckling member to operatively connect to the wing. The spring is configured to extend from an original unstrained position upon the buckling member undergoing buckling from an original unbuckled position to cause rotation of one or both wings in rotationally opposite directions. The buckling member may be positioned parallel and at an offset distance to the spring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling propagation of a light beam using a beveled endcap of an optical fiber, where the endcap has a first end coupled to the optical fiber and a second end having a bevel that circumscribes a facet. The bevel has an angle relative to the plane of the facet that directs a peripheral portion of the light beam towards a lens and the facet directs a central portion of the light beam towards the lens. As such, the light beam is collimated with substantially all of the power of the light beam propagating through the lens and all the power delivered with fiber core to the output endcap is propagating through the lens despite the divergence of the delivered beam and a restricted aperture of the lens.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a frame and stair system for engaging a wall includes multiple pad assemblies, a distal frame assembly, a lower proximal frame assembly, an upper proximal frame assembly, multiple stair assemblies, and multiple upper panel stair adapter brackets. A lower stair assembly is coupled with a left stair pad assembly, a right stair pad assembly, a left distal leveling pad, and a right distal leveling pad. A middle stair assembly is coupled with the distal frame assembly and the upper proximal frame assembly. An upper stair assembly is coupled with the upper proximal frame assembly. The upper proximal frame assembly is coupled with the lower proximal frame assembly. A left upper panel stair adapter bracket and a right upper panel stair adapter bracket are coupled with the upper stair assembly and are configured to engage an upper edge of the wall.

Abstract: A series of bio-based benzoxazine monomers were developed. These benzoxazine monomers are liquid at room temperature with good processability due to their low viscosities at or near room temperature and their relatively low polymerization temperatures. Cured materials made from these bio-based benzoxazines have excellent thermal and mechanical properties.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods that, by not physically touching the material being measured, can measure the material's differential, response quite accurately. A collimated light shines on the material under test, is reflected off it, and is then captured by a recording device. The position where the reflected light is captured is used to calculate the deflection of the material. Dynamic characteristics of the material under test may be determined from the deflection measurement. The vibration frequency or vibration amplitude of a cantilever can be determined by repeated deflection measurements, all without physically touching the cantilever during the measurement process.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, methods, and kits for performing cell-free RNA transcription and/or cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS). The disclosed compositions, methods, and kits include or utilize components prepared from Yersinia pestis species such as cellular extracts from Yersinia pestis.

Abstract: A respirator cover or second-skin includes a support structure to cover a gas mask or respirator and is provided with cut-outs in the support structure to receive components of the respirator, the second-skin including an interior flexible gasket concentric and spaced from the outer perimeter of the second-skin which seals the cover to the outer surface of the respirator. The second skin serves to provide increased chemical protection to the user of a respirator, as an aid for garment interface, or to anchor a protective hood to the respirator.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods that, by not physically touching a material being measured, can measure the material's differential response quite accurately. A collimated light shines on the material under test, is reflected off it, and is then captured by a device that records the position where the reflected light is captured. This process is done both before and after the material is processed in some way (e.g., by applying a coat of paint). The change in position where the reflected light is captured is used in calculating the deflection of the material as induced by the process. This measured induced deflection is then used to accurately determinate the stress introduced into the material by the process. Other characteristics of the material under test, such as aspects of the material composition of a bi-metallic strip, for example, may also be determined from a deflection measurement.

Abstract: A polymerizable monomer prepared by reacting at least one epoxidized cardanol with (meth)acrylic anhydride or (meth)acryloyl chloride in the presence of one or more of triethylamine, tertiary amines, pyridines and pyridine derivatives; wherein the epoxidized cardanol is formed by epoxidation of an unsaturation site of a cardanol having the formula: wherein R is selected from hydrogen and an alkyl, or alkenyl group having 1-6 carbon atoms, and n is 7, 10, or 13, a polymer and resin made form the polymerizable monomer, and a method of preparing such a polymer. The resin created from this monomer is suitable for moderate temperature composites and coatings applications.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a sand boil filter apparatus has a filter cone including an inner cone mesh and an outer cone mesh, the inner cone mesh having a finer mesh than the outer cone mesh. A filter tube extends through the hollow interior of the filter cone. The filter tube includes a lower portion disposed below the open apex. The filter tube includes an upper portion disposed above the open base. The upper portion has a plurality of sets of exit openings which are spaced along a length of the upper portion to provide different possible exit heights for the plurality of sets of exit openings, each set including one or more exit openings disposed at an exit height of the filter tube. An exit height adjustment tool blocks all of the exit openings disposed below a set of unblocked exit openings selected to provide a corresponding exit height.