Abstract: A platform is provided for aligning and securing an instrument, and being attachable to a mount stand. The platform angularly aligns plural independent and parallel rotations separated by linear offset. The platform includes first and second plates, first and second disks and a translational interface. The first plate attaches to the mount stand. The first disk is disposed onto the first plate and can rotate on a first axis. The linear translation assembly includes a block flanked by a pair of flanges. Each flange is disposed on the first disk. The second disk is disposed onto the block and can rotate on a second axis parallel to the first axis. The block slides to translate relative to the pair of flanges. The second plate attaches to the second disk and receives the instrument.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for low-power and high-sampling rate of analog signals received from sensors transported by host devices. The devices, systems and methods may be adapted to utilize GPS and PPS signals for synchronization with digitized signals generated based on the sampling of the analog signals that are simultaneously received and processed by multiple channels. Synchronized data packets may be recorded by the disclosed data acquisition systems, and may be further transmitted to host devices and remote devices.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for detecting a target amidst clutter by a radar system able to transmit individual electromagnetic signals, wherein a sequence of the transmitted signals are sent from first to last on separate transmit antennae, receive the signals reflected off the target and the clutter, and process the received signals. The method includes determining a baseband signal for each of the transmitted signals; calculating a convolution matrix for each of the transmitted signals; estimating a clutter amplitude for each range cell using modeling estimations; calculating a clutter covariance matrix for the clutter; determining a noise variance for the transmitted signals; calculating an interference correlation matrix for the transmitted signals; and forming a target detector for the radar system.

Abstract: The present invention includes embodiments of optical receivers, communication systems and communication platforms for receiving electromagnetic radiation (EMR) signals from a plurality of sources and/or directions. An embodiment of an optical receiver, a communication system, or a communication platform may include a Lüneburg lens. The Lüneburg lens allows incoming EMR to be directed to a photodetector. A processor in communication with the photodetector may be configured for calculating power gradient of energy density of the inbound optical signals, isolating discrete inbound optical signals, determining direction of the inbound optical light signals and gathering information transmitted in the inbound optical light signals.

Abstract: A counter-underwater vehicle apparatus and marker. Moreover, a counter-underwater vehicle apparatus comprising a plurality of entanglement lines; a box configured to contain the plurality of entanglement lines; a suction cup coupled to the box configured to attach the box to a surface of an underwater vehicle; a release mechanism coupled to the box configured to detach the box from a bite plate and release the plurality of entanglement lines; and the bite plate selectively coupled to the release mechanism. Additionally a marker configured to highlight the location of an underwater vehicle, a box configured to contain and release the marker, a suction cup coupled to the box configured to attach to the box a surface of an underwater vehicle, a release mechanism coupled to the box configured to detach the box from a bite plate and release the marker, and the bite plate selectively coupled to the release mechanism.

Abstract: Described herein are biofilm bioreactors for synthesis at the interface between two liquids, and methods of using such bioreactors for the biotransformation of feedstocks into chemical products. Also contemplated is the extraction of such products.

Abstract: An in-situ bollard tester. The in-situ bollard tester may comprise: a frame, cable, and tensioner. The frame may mount onto a pier and around a bollard to provide structural support for the cable and tensioner. The frame may comprise a pair of base assemblies and a spreader bar. Each of the base assemblies may comprise a support frame and a cantilever arm, and the spreader bar may be coupled to the pair of base assemblies. A pair of jacks are coupled near proximal corners of the base assemblies. The tensioner may comprise a pair of hydraulic arms having first ends coupled near a proximal end of the base assemblies and a linear crossmember coupled to the second ends of the hydraulic arms. The cable may fasten to the bollard, and the tensioner may apply tension to the cable at various load angles in order to test the integrity of the bollard.

Abstract: A pegylated, circularly permuted construct of the CapD enzyme (a gamma glutamyl transferase enzyme acting as a hydrolase specific to poly-?-D-glutamic acid) is used to treat anthrax and other bacterial infections, including but not limited to infection with strains that are resistant to available antibiotics.

Abstract: An endless track drive that can be coupled to a vehicle includes a plurality of track feet wherein each track foot is adapted to periodically contact a surface on which the vehicle is to travel as the endless track drive is rotated. At least one spring is coupled to each track foot. The spring(s) apply a biasing force to the track foot that positions the track foot in a neutral position relative to the endless track drive when the track foot is not in contact with the surface. The biasing force is less than a frictional force experienced by the track foot when the track foot is in contact with the surface.

Abstract: An exemplary axial joint includes a planar member having a first plurality of joined sections and a second plurality of joined sections perpendicular to the first plurality of joined sections. Each section of the first plurality of joined sections and the second plurality of joined sections has a pattern of apertures therein, and each section is foldable approximately perpendicular to an adjacent section. The pattern of apertures in a first section after folding is congruent with the pattern of apertures in a second section after folding, wherein the second section is parallel to the first section, after folding. An elongate member is arranged through the apertures of one or more sections of the planar member, after folding the sections of the planar member.

Abstract: A compact modular mount is provided for mechanically compensating for focal distance change on a table due to thermal expansion. The mount includes first and second rings, a plurality of spacers and a plurality of bolts. The second material has a multi-factor higher coefficient of thermal expansion than the first material. Each of the first and second rings has a plurality of holes for receiving the bolts. The spacers each include symmetrically arranged plates hinging to adjacent segments. The bolts maintain angular alignment of the rings.

Abstract: A test fixture is provided for containing a pair of test samples (i.e., sample pair) that contact each other along an interface. The fixture receives exposure to laser emission for radiative heating while providing compression to the sample pair. The text fixture includes a housing, an isolation container, and a compressor. The housing has an axial cavity with annular cross-sections including an internal helical thread portion and a window for receiving the laser emission. The isolation container receives the sample pair. The container inserts into the axial cavity and including an opening for disposition adjacent to the window. The compressor has circular cross-sections for insertion into the axial cavity and includes an external helical thread portion for engaging the internal helical thread portion of the housing. Axial pressure applies to the isolation container by turning the compressor inside the axial cavity. The isolation container provides thermal insulation from the housing and the compressor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for growth of silicon carbide over a layer comprising graphene and/or hexagonal boron nitride, and related articles, are generally described. In some embodiments, a SiC film is fabricated over a layer comprising graphene and/or hexagonal boron nitride, which in turn is disposed over a substrate. The layer and/or the substrate may be lattice-matched with the SiC film to reduce defect density in the SiC film. The fabricated SiC film may then be removed from the substrate via, for example, a stressor attached to the SiC film. In certain cases, the layer serves as a reusable platform for growing SiC films and also serves a release layer that allows fast, precise, and repeatable release at the layer surface.

Abstract: Provided is a blast-free alternative tool for breaching operations for the intended purpose of cutting metal, including rebar, steel cables, I-beams, thin walled containers, welding doors, and the like. The apparatus includes a flexible and cuttable tube containing metal oxide/metal (thermite) mixture, capable of being formed around a target material and of NONEL ignition. The apparatus can be used to cut, weld, or ignite target material. Protective caps are included with provisions to insert shock tube or time fuse to transmit ignition to first fire mix. A fire proof or flame retardant flexible outerwrap with adhesive (such as hydrogel) or malleable retention wires covers the cutting ribbon for heat and slag retention. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus is issued/manufactured in rolls or precut lengths.

Abstract: A method for improving performance of a superconducting, flux-quantizing analog to digital converter (SFADC), comprising the following steps. The first step involves providing a known digitally-modulated signal as an input to the SFADC. Another step provides for generating an output with the SFADC based on the known digitally-modulated signal. Another step provides for comparing the characteristics of the output with ideal characteristics to identify an individual rapid single flux quantum (RSFQ) element of the SFADC that is contributing one or more of noise and error to the output. Another step provides for altering one or more of a bias, a delay, and a temperature of the individual RSFQ element to reduce one or more of the noise and the error.

Abstract: Disclosed is a natural language processing pipeline that analyzes and processes a corpus of textual data to automatically create a knowledge graph containing the corpus entities such as subjects and object and their relationships such as predicates or verbs. The pipeline is configured as an end-to-end neural Open Schema Construction pipeline having a coreference resolution module, an open information extraction (OIE) module, and an entity canonicalization module. The processed textual data is input to a graph database to create the knowledge graph displayable through a graphical user interface. In operation, the pipeline modules serve to create a single term for all entity mentions in the corpus that reference the same entity through coreference resolution, extract all subject-predicate-object triplets from the coreference resolved corpus through OIE, and then canonicalize the corpus by clustering each entity mention to a canonical form for mapping to the knowledge graph and display.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a firearm projectile capable of releasing a secondary payload mid-flight through a pyrotechnic timing mechanism. Once the firearm is fired, the powder in the casing pushes out the projectile as a typical round. In addition, the powder ignites the delay column. The formulation and amount of delay pyrotechnics determines the delay time. When the delay column is burned, the final portion ignites an expelling charge. The expelling charge builds pressure in the projectile casing and separates the base plug from the main projectile housing. The expelling assembly pushes out the secondary payload out the rear of the projectile. Although the payload exits the rear of the projectile at minimum velocity, the net velocity of the payload is still in the forward direction.

Abstract: Provided is a gyroscope stabilized gimbal assembly for collecting and timestamping video data and laser measurement data. The assembly can be used on multiple platforms and provides an ISR video camera system and one or more laser measurement devices, including photodetectors, thermopiles, filters, and analog to digital converters. The components are mounted to a bracket that can be installed and removed from the assembly to collect/record measurement data from the devices interacting with the laser beam. A processor collects and records measurement data from the devices interacting with the laser beam and calculates optical power data, irradiance data, and wavelength data. A storage device stores a first set of data comprising video data from said camera system and a second set of data comprising optical power data, irradiance data, and wavelength data, wherein said first and second set of data are timestamped, separated, and not comingled.

Abstract: Provided is an ammunition canister system that includes a can with an open interior and a mounting plate. A first and a second interior divider form three interior ammunition storage bays, while a three-to-one transition feed tray transitions belted ammunition contained in the bays to a single feed chute. The base of the can further includes loading pins, quick release locks, and lock pins, while the mounting plate includes mounting apertures, loading guides, quick release lock pin receiving apertures, and pin accepting apertures on the second side. The loading pins interface with the loading guides, the quick release locks interface with the quick release lock pin receiving apertures, and the lock pins interface with the pin accepting apertures to secure the ammunition canister to the mounting plate. The mounting plate enables the can to be mounted to the deck of helicopter or another vehicle.

Abstract: A water submersion detection system that may include a buoyant device having a conductive surface, and a housing enclosing the buoyant device and having conductive elements. The conductive elements may include a first set of one or more nonadjacent conductive elements that are electrically connected, and a second set of one or more nonadjacent conductive elements that are electrically connected. The system may include a submersion alert device that activates responsive to the buoyant device contacting the housing.