Abstract: A method forming a composite electrolyte by preparing a suspension. The suspension includes a solvent (comprising 90 wt % to 95 wt % of a total weight of liquids); a non-solvent (comprising 5 wt % to 50 wt % of a total weight of liquids); a binder (comprising 20 wt % to 50 wt % of a total weight of the composite electrolyte) and selected from the group consisting of PVDF, PVDF-HFP, PFTE, PEO, PMMA, PAN, CNC, SBR, and combinations thereof; and a ceramic filler (comprising 50 wt % to 80 wt % of the total weight of the composite electrolyte) having a cross-section diameter ranging from 50 nm to 150 nm and being selected from the group consisting of Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2, MgO, Li2O, LiAlO2, BaTiO3, LaGP, LATP, LLTO, and combinations thereof. The suspension is cast or printed and dried.

Abstract: A family of low-molecular-weight, main-chain thermotropic liquid-crystalline co-polyimides (TLC-CoPI) that are crosslinkable, and based on a unique, liquid-crystallinity (LC)-enabling diamine, namely, 1,3-bis[4-(4?-aminophenoxy)cumyl]benzene (BACB) and two or more mesogenic dianhydrides, at least one of which is a diphthalic dianhydride (DPA) that contains one or more thermally reactive and crosslinkable moieties similar to that of phenylethynyl (PE) is disclosed. Processes of making and using such low-molecular-weight, main-chain thermotropic liquid-crystalline co-polyimides are also provided.

Abstract: A system for solventless calibration of volatile or semi-volatile compounds and methods thereof. The system includes a fluid path having a first end configured to be operably coupled to a fluid source and a second end configured to be operably coupled to the analytical instrument. A solid sorbent is disposed along the fluid path and is configured to absorb an analyte. The flow of fluid along the fluid path from the first end to the second end causes absorbed analyte to be desorbed from the solid sorbent at a desired concentration to the instrument.

Abstract: An aquatic rescue vehicle formed by adding directional and speed controls to a watercraft along with an autonomous control system to guide the vehicle to specified waypoints is disclosed. The rescue vehicle includes search devices such as a radio direction finder (RDF) and an infrared sensor (or camera) to be used to narrow the search for an isolated person (IP). The rescue vehicle may be discharged from a larger watercraft or an airplane and autonomously set out on its rescue mission. The vehicle may first navigate to a designated waypoint near an IP, and then use signals gathered from the RDF and infrared sensor to finally locate, assist, and retrieve the IP. The vehicle also includes a self-righting mechanism so that the vehicle can complete its mission even under the most adverse conditions.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to shape memory films that are tri-functionally crosslinked and that comprise multiple, non-terminal, phenylethynyl moieties. In addition, the present invention relates methods of fabricating such films. Due to the improved properties of such SMPs, the SMP designer can program in to the SMP thermomechanical property enhancements that make the SMP suitable, among other things, for advanced sensors, high temperature actuators, responder matrix materials and heat responsive packaging.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus related to a multijunction solar cell. The apparatus comprises a first sub-solar cell, a second sub-solar cell in series with the first sub-solar cell and one or more quantum wells. At least some of the quantum wells are disposed in a region of the first sub-solar cell, and have a thickness and a bandgap sized such that a bandgap in selected quantum wells are less than a bandgap of a material of the first sub-solar cell and greater than a bandgap of a material of the second sub-solar cell resulting in radiative coupling between the first sub-solar cell and the second sub-solar cell.

Abstract: A multi-gateway multi-beam satellite communication system. The system has a satellite a plurality of gateways for providing broadband services to users and being in bilateral communication with the satellite by a like plurality of feeder links and a second plurality of clusters of coverage areas in bilateral communication with the satellite by a like plurality of service links. The system has a precoder for allocating power to either or both of the feeder links and service links. Precoding can be based on signal to noise plus interference ratio or interference temperature. Precoding can be based on discrete-time dynamical feedback system frameworks with real-time feedback signaling comprised of signal-to-noise plus interference ratio, signal-to-leakage-plus-noise ratio, interference temperatures and/or tracking errors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanochemical based synthesis of perfluoropyridine monomers, polymers made using such monomers and methods of making and using articles comprising such polymers. Such perfluoropyridine monomers are easily chemically tuned have the strength needed for high temperature applications and the flexibility needed for low temperature applications. In addition, to the aforementioned monomers, a mechanochemical based synthesis for such perfluoropyridine monomers is provided. All of the aforementioned performance application advantages are also found in polymers comprising Applicants' perfluoropyridine monomers.

Abstract: An air deployable buoyant device for transmitting data on its location and the conditions in the air as it descends to the surface of a body of water, and on conditions on a body of water on a real-time basis is disclosed. The device includes a buoy and a plurality of sensors and a transmitter associated with the buoy. The transmitter transmits data on the location of the device and the conditions in the air and on a body of water on a real-time basis to at least one receiver. The receiver may be located over the horizon or in line of sight with the device. The sensors are in communication with the transmitter, and each sensor measures at least one condition in the air and/or on a body of water to assist in locating a person in the water and provide information on the water conditions to a rescue team. Methods of deploying and using the buoyant device are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The emergency egress apparatus includes a protuberance mated to a first portion of the door barricade and a keeper mated to a second portion of the door barricade. A retainer is selectively disposed between one of two positions. A first position defines the placement of the retainer that establishes an interference fit between the protuberance and the keeper. A second position defines the placement of the retainer such that it is not in contact with the protuberance or the keeper. The first position secures the first portion of the door barricaded with respect to the second portion of the door barricade, and the second position decouples the first portion of the door barricade with respect to the second portion of the door barricade.

Abstract: A projector includes a beam homogenizer receiving light from a light source and creating a predetermined illumination, and a spatial light modulator including grating stages to receive the predetermined illumination. Each grating stage may include a plurality of pixels where corresponding pixels in the grating stages are aligned with one another. Each of the pixels may include a liquid crystal layer disposed between two substrates, where a pixel is switchable by applying a voltage thereto, with a grating period of the pixel selected such that, when the voltage is applied to the pixel and light is passed therethrough, optical energy from the light in plus and minus first orders is deflected toward sides of the pixel and optical energy from a zero order of the light is allowed to pass through the pixel, with a polarization state of the light maintained through the pixel.

Abstract: A method of determining the location of an object in a camera field of view is disclosed. The method may utilize a camera system that includes a digital video camera and a computer that runs image analysis software for analyzing images received from the camera. The image analysis software is configured to isolate pixel groups in each image. The method includes the steps of locating an object in the camera's field of view in which the object is represented by a set of pixels; identifying the centroid of the set of pixels representing the object; and calculating the location of the object relative to the camera based upon known parameters including the focal plane and camera lens location.

Abstract: A portable tracer fluid injection system. The system has a vapor cloud generator which vaporizes a vapor cloud generating liquid. The vapor cloud generator is uses a sub-ohm resistive heater to vaporize small volumes of the vapor cloud generating liquid, allowing for a relatively small tracer fluid injection system. This system has the benefit of being able to target specific regions of a test object within a wind tunnel and being usable for different positions within the test section of a wind tunnel.

Abstract: The present disclosure defines a morphing airfoil having a dynamic flexible skin system that is capable of carrying high level aerodynamic (or fluid) pressure loads over a structural surface. The structural surface can morph and deflect in response to control inputs to change a lift force without separate movable control surfaces. The anisotropic skin is attached to underlying structure that is both actively controlled and passively supported. A control system causes the underlying support structure to move to a desired location which in turn causes the skin to bend and/or flex without exceeding a stress threshold and thus vary the lift profile along a span of the airfoil.

Abstract: A tool box with vertically stacked monolithic trays. Each tray has pockets specifically shaped to receive complementary tools. The trays have upstanding cantilevered posts, which can space apart the superjacent tray. Alternatively, the posts can be received in complementary sockets of superjacent trays to prevent undue lateral movement while in the tool box. The post and socket geometry can be constructed to index the order in which trays are stacked and index how individual trays are oriented for optimal and sequenced access to the tools.

Abstract: An instrumented wind tunnel. The wind tunnel receives a test subject which can be a model of an object to be tested with dynamic airflow. The test subject is fitted with at least one sensor to deliver data to a chassis, which in turn uses a network having at least 10 Gb/s capability to deliver the data to a RAM cache. The RAM cache can push the data to multiple viewers for real time monitoring of wind tunnel tests. The operator can then make live adjustments of the test conditions.

Abstract: A device and method for remote-controlled explosive ordnance disposal using an explosive ordnance disposal device that includes a carriage adjustably attached to a device frame having a rotatable bar. The rotatable bar including at least a laser face, an x-ray face, and a disarm device face; the rotatable bar rotated by a servo motor, the servomotor being remotely operable. The laser face having a laser capable of a laser beam visible to a remote viewing device. The remote viewing device co-mounted to the laser face and remotely viewable. The x-ray face having an x-ray device attached to it. The disarm device face having a bomb disarming device attached; wherein the carriage and the rotatable bar may be remotely adjusted such that upon remote rotation the laser, x-ray and bomb disarming device share an aligned orientation and placement for operation.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a missile having a main body and an articulating nosecone connected to the main body. An actuation system is operable for moving the nosecone relative to the main body via one or more electric motors and associated components. A central aperture is formed through electric motors and the associated components between the main body and the nosecone. One or more cables for transmitting electrical power, sensor data, control signals and the like extend through the central aperture between the main body and the nosecone to provide means for controlling the actuation system.

Abstract: Shape-programmable liquid crystal elastomers. The shape-programmable liquid crystal elastomers being synthesized by filling an alignment cell with liquid crystal monomers. The liquid crystal monomers align to a surface of the alignment cell and then are polymerized with a dithiol chain transfer agent. The alignment cell is configured to impose a director orientation on a portion of the shape-programmable liquid crystal elastomer. For some embodiments, liquid crystal elastomer laminates are prepared by arranging a plurality of liquid crystal elastomers such that a director orientation of each liquid crystal elastomer of the plurality is in registered alignment with an adjacent liquid crystal elastomer of the plurality. The arrangement is secured and the plurality of liquid crystal elastomers cured.