Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic flow process for making monomers, monomers made by such processes, and methods of using such monomers. In such process, microfluidic reaction technology is used to synthesize cyanation reaction products orders of magnitude faster than is possible in batch and continuous syntheses. The aforementioned process does require strictly regulated, highly toxic cyanogen chloride. Thus the aforementioned process is more economically efficient and reduces the environmental impact of thermosetting resin monomer production, and produces thermosetting resin monomers in greater purity than obtained through typical processes.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting a load to a desired altitude using an evacuated hollow lift body is disclosed. Once evacuated, the apparatus is lighter than the surrounding atmosphere. The lift body can be formed as a hollow fluid tight structure with a tube wound and sealed in a helical pattern or a dual membrane structure with a pressurized intermediate volume sandwiched between inner and outer membranes. A load can be attached to the apparatus and lifted to an altitude where the effective density of the apparatus and load is equivalent to the density of the surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: A method for cyber security monitor includes monitoring a network interface that is input-only configured to surreptitiously and covertly receive bit-level, physical layer communication between networked control and sensor field devices. During a training mode, a baseline distinct native attribute (DNA) fingerprint is generated for each networked field device. During a protection mode, a current DNA fingerprint is generated for each networked field device. The current DNA fingerprint is compared to the baseline DNA fingerprint for each networked field device. In response to detect at least one of RAA and PAA based on a change in the current DNA fingerprint to the baseline DNA fingerprint of one or more networked field devices, an alert is transmitted, via an external security engine interface to an external security engine.

Abstract: An exo-bearing system for a turbomachine is operable to improve aerodynamic efficiency and mechanical limits of rotor blades for fans, compressors, turbines, pumps and the like. The exo-bearing system is positioned between the tips of the blades and a surrounding structural housing. The exo-bearing system eliminates the air gap that is formed in prior art turbomachines and causes the blades to load in compression during operation which increases mechanical operability of the blades.

Abstract: A finger strengthening device (FSD) includes a plurality of finger strengthening elements formed therewith. The FSD is attachable to a structure in a plurality of different orientations to permit a variation in finger exercise techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to substrates comprising a network comprising core shell liquid metal encapsulates comprising multi-functional ligands and processes of making and using such substrates. The core shell liquid metal particles are linked via ligands to form such network. Such networks volumetric conductivity increases under strain which maintains a substrate's resistance under strain. The constant resistance results in consistent thermal heating via resistive heating. Thus allowing a substrate that comprises such network to serve as an effective heat provider.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Nb-based refractory alloys that are less expensive and less dense than current Nb-based refractory alloys, have better ductility than current Nb-based refractory alloys, yet which have similar or better high temperature strengths and oxidation resistance when compared to current Nb-based refractory alloys. Such Nb-based refractory alloys typically continue to be compatible with current coating systems for Nb-based refractory alloys. Such Nb-based refractory alloys are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A vascular access disassembling needle assembly is provided that enables rapid insertion of a guide wire into the needle and subsequent rapid removal of the access needle off the guide wire by facile disassembly of the needle. The disassembling needle assembly includes a needle portion wherein the needle breaks apart by splitting along at least one seam that extends from the proximal to the distal end to allow removal of the guide wire. Various mechanical features are described that can facilitate the separation of the needle body along at least one seam. Once one or more seams are separated, the needle body may be removed from the guide wire without the need to withdraw the needle along the length of the guide wire, which permits preloading of expanders and other medical devices onto the guidewire.

Abstract: A piston actuated cartridge valve (PACV) can be formed within a fluid fitting such as a tee or cross member in a fluid piping system. The PACV includes a base mount extending between first and second ends having a stop and a slide positioned therein. The slide is movable between a closed position and a fully open position by an actuation piston and spring working in combination. The slide permits fluid flow therethrough in the open position and restricts fluid flow in the closed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to cross-linkable thermoplastics, processes of making such cross-linkable thermoplastics and products comprising such cross-linkable thermoplastics. Such cross-linkable thermoplastics provide articles made by the additive manufacturing (AM) process with increased strength, the desired in use temperature stability and the desired thermo-oxidative stability.

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: Endovascular variable aortic control catheters (EVACC) are provided that are adapted to augment upstream blood pressure and regulate downstream blood flow for patients in shock. The EVACC devices provide improved treatment for truncal wounds, which may be used for example on a battlefield, thereby increasing survivability of injured soldiers. The devices are a catheter-based system having a proximal hand piece for controlled deployment of the device through a delivery sheath. A collapsible, wire framework supports an expandable and collapsible occlusion barrier. The wire basket and occlusion barrier expand to fit within the lumen of the aorta. Various movable elements are used to adjust an adjustable passageway to regulate controlled anterograde blood flow.

Abstract: A repeater for maintaining wireless line of sight communications. The repeater is autonomously repositional in both absolute location and azimuthal orientation. The repeater has at least two vibratory motors, or other vibration sources, which provide oscillations to depending legs against a support surface. By selectively operating one or more of the vibration sources together or independently, the repeater may be moved as helpful to maintain line of sight communication with another repeater or other operational hardware. A command signal from a remote base station controls the locomotion of the repeater to provide both a change in absolute position relative to the surroundings and a rotational change in azimuthal orientation as necessary to maintain communication under dynamic conditions.

Abstract: A morphing airfoil includes 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 bend in response to control inputs to change a lift force without separate movable control surfaces. A plurality of standoff mounts is attached to an inner surface of anisotropic skin. The standoff mounts include through apertures for receiving a flexible stringer. The anisotropic skin is attached to underlying structure through the flexible stringers. The flexible stringers interface with actuated position control ribs and passive compliant support ribs. 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 and drag distributions along a span of the airfoil without separate control surfaces.

Abstract: Apparatuses and associated methods for polishing side surfaces of fibers. The system includes a fiber loading mechanism for securing a fiber to the apparatus, a polishing mechanism, and a linear motion mechanism for linearly translating one of the polishing mechanism and the fiber for polishing a side surface of the fiber using the polishing mechanism.

Abstract: An emergency vehicle flotation system has bladder(s) attached in a compressed state on a vehicle. An inflation initiating component comprising a selected one or more of a submersion sensor attached to the vehicle to detect water pressure indicative of submersion of the vehicle and a user interface device. Selectable force gas generator(s) (SFGGs) have one gas-generating propellant cells that are individually fired. The SFGG(s) have conduit(s) that receive gas from fired gas-generating propellant cells and direct the gas to inflate the bladder(s). A controller is communicatively coupled to the inflation initiating component and the gas-generating propellant cells of the one or more SFGGs. The controller enables the emergency vehicle flotation system to receive an inflation signal from the inflation initiating component, and to fire a selected number of the more than one gas-generating propellant cells to at least partially inflate the bladder(s).

Abstract: A scattered light detector comprises a first photodiode array comprising one or more photodiodes arranged in a planar, semicircular pattern on a substrate, each of the one or more photodiodes having an outer edge and an inner edge; and a notch perpendicular to the substrate and located adjacent the inner edge of each of the one or more diodes, and equidistant from the outer edges of each of the one or more photodiodes, the notch configured to accept an optical fiber oriented perpendicular to the plane of the one or more photodiodes. When there are two or more photodiodes, the photodiodes may be divided into two or more segments extending outwardly from the notch. Each of the photodiodes shares a common electrical ground. The planes of the one or more photodiodes of the first and second photodiode arrays are oriented parallel to each other and spaced a predetermined distance apart.

Abstract: An electrically conductive, flexible, strain resilient product is produced by mixing metal coated carbon nanotube networks with a liquid polymeric resin to produce a liquid mixture, and the mixture is cured to produce the product. The networks may include welded junctions between nanotubes formed by depositing and melting metal nanoparticles on the nanotubes to form the metal coating. After the mixing step the liquid mixture may be deposited on a flexible substrate in the form of an electrical circuit. The mixing step may further include mixing the composite with a volatile solvent to produce a selected viscosity. Then, a three-dimensional printer may be used to print the product, such as an electrical circuit, on a substrate. The product is cured in an atmosphere that absorbs the solvent. The conductivity of the mixture may be adjusted by adjusting the weight percentage of the metal coated carbon nanotube networks from 50% to 90%, but a preferred range is between 75% and 85%.

Abstract: A method of forming a doped substrate comprises heating a substrate comprising a layer of a dopant on at least one surface to a predetermined temperature; applying a predetermined degree of isostatic external pressure on the surface of said substrate at said predetermined temperature for a time sufficient to induce thermal migration of the dopant into the substrate to provide a doped substrate; and removing the isostatic pressure and cooling the doped substrate to about room temperature. The substrate is a glass material, a single crystal material, a poly-crystalline material, a ceramic material, or a semiconductor material, and the substrate may be optically transparent. The dopant comprises one or more transition metals, one or more rare earth elements, or a combination of both. The layer of a dopant comprises one or more segregated layers of distinct chemical species. The isostatic pressure and elevated temperature may be applied simultaneously or sequentially.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a system and method for monitoring degradation of a high temperature composite component (HTC). The HTC is defined by a volume that includes a matrix material and a fiber formed from at least one of ceramic and carbon material. One or more electrical conductors are disposed within the volume and connected directly or indirectly to a monitoring system.