Abstract: Disclosed is a velocity measuring device that utilizes photoelectric sensor rings. A first and second photoelectric sensor ring are spaced a known distance apart. The rings include a repeating pattern of first and second emitters and first and second receivers. The first emitters and the first receivers have a first matched modulation frequency, and the second emitters and second receivers have a second matched modulation frequency. A signal is transmitted between the emitters and receivers, and when an object is passed through the photoelectric sensor rings, the blocking of the signal causes a change in measured voltage. The velocity of the object is calculated by the dividing the known distance by time between voltage changes. The inventive device allows for measuring velocity of small, slow moving objects that cannot be measured utilizing currently known techniques.

Abstract: A method that includes receiving user input associated with identifying a threshold point associated with a classification task, identifying, a machine learning model, in the first set of visual data, a machine placement candidate point associated with identifying the threshold point, and identifying, based on the machine placement candidate point, a set of baseline confidence values via a baseline uncertainty model. The method includes training the machine learning model based on a determined state space by identifying, subsequent sets of visual data additional threshold points, receiving user feedback indicating an accuracy, comparing the baseline confidence values with locations associated with the additional threshold points, generating reward values based on an identified amount of error, and configuring the machine learning model based on the reward values.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tunable microwave-initiated antenna igniter. The device includes a pair of tunable microstrip antennas on a substrate configured to receive an electromagnetic radiation frequency that provides ignition energy; and a conductive material spanning a dielectric gap between the pair of tunable microstrip antennas. The conductive material spanning the dielectric gap can include a dielectric epoxy or a bridgewire. The microstrip antennas are tunable for frequency and bandwidth by varying dipole length and/or width. Tuning causes the microstrip antennas to reject accidental ignition from an off frequency high power microwave field. The tunability, bandwidth selectivity, and low energy requirements allow for use of the tunable microwave-initiated antenna igniters in a number of new and challenging ignition applications.

Abstract: A method of reducing uncertainty in a machine learning model that may include providing a first set of visual data, and receiving user input associated with identifying a threshold point in the first set of visual data. The method may include identifying via a machine learning model, in the first set of visual data, a machine placement candidate point associated with identifying the threshold point, and training, by the processing device, baseline and cognitive uncertainty models. The method may include identifying via the trained baseline uncertainty model, one or more confidence values associated with a machine placement candidate point for a visual feature in a second set of visual data, and identifying via the trained cognitive uncertainty model, one or more confidence values associated with a machine placement candidate point for a visual feature in a second set of visual data, the visual feature being associated with the classification task.

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: 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: A junctional tourniquet apparatus and related methods of use. An exemplary tourniquet has an inverted cone shape, wherein a narrower end has a mushroom shaped base that is pressed against a compression target and a broader end has a plurality of pass-through slots for straps. Another exemplary tourniquet has a broad plate component and a handle component. The handle component has a mushroom shaped base on a first end and a handle on a second end. The handle component passes through the center of the plate component with threads that allow the handle component to compress a target by twisting the handle.

Abstract: This disclosure, and the exemplary embodiments provided herein, include AM processed Ti-MMCs reinforced with either aluminum oxide or tantalum pentoxide. According to an exemplary embodiment, composite feedstock powders of Ti-6Al-4V (Ti64) with 1% and 3% (by volume) reinforcements of either nano-Al2O3 or Ta2O5 are prepared by high energy ball milling and then 3-D printed using SLM.

Abstract: A pneumatic cryocooler using a pneumatic motor for use in cryogenically cooling superconductors, which pneumatic cryocooler is capable of operation in strong magnetic fields.

Abstract: Electromagnetic actuators are provided, which generate bidirectional linear force output without magnetic bias from current or permanent magnets. Systems and methods based on the electromagnetic actuators are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition having an insect repellent compound and a polymer that is miscible in the insect repellent compound at 23° C. Also disclosed herein is a method of: providing an insect repellent compound, providing a polymer that is miscible in the insect repellent compound at 23° C., and dissolving the polymer in the insect repellent compound to form a composition.

Abstract: A secure data transmission system and method for targeting specific receiver locations. The secure data transmission system includes a time multiplexer, a time delay unit, a receiver tacker, and a plurality of transmitters. Additionally, the secure data transmission system may include a multiplexing sequence, a digital switch, a plurality of empty vectors, a range calculator, a delay estimator, and a plurality of stream time delays. The method for targeting specific receiver location includes receiving an input data stream, multiplexing the input data steam, receiving at least one instantaneous receiver locations, calculating a plurality of transmission ranges for each of the plurality of output data streams, calculating a plurality of time delays for each of the plurality of output data streams, delaying each of the plurality of output data streams according its calculated time delay, and transmitting each of the plurality of output data streams.

Abstract: An infrared detector and a method for forming it are provided. The detector includes absorber, barrier, and contact regions. The absorber region includes a first semiconductor material, with a first lattice constant, that produces charge carriers in response to infrared light. The barrier region is disposed on the absorber region and comprises a superlatice that includes (i) first barrier region layers comprising the first semiconductor material, and (ii) second barrier region layers comprising a second semiconductor material, different from, but lattice matched to, the first semiconductor material. The first and second barrier region layers are alternatingly arranged. The contact region is disposed on the barrier region and comprises a superlattice that includes (i) first contact region layers comprising the first semiconductor material, and (ii) second contact region layers comprising the second semiconductor material layer. The first and second contact region layers are alternatingly arranged.

Abstract: Methods of collecting liquid samples are disclosed. According to some embodiments, a portion of a sample collection film is unrolled from a first reel to a position adjacent a sample dispenser. A liquid sample is dispensed from the sample dispenser onto the portion of the sample collection film. After dispensing the liquid sample onto the portion of the sample collection film, the portion of the sample collection film is rolled onto a second reel. Related sample collection devices, films, and reels are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tunable or dual-band antenna includes a ground plane, top plane, a cage structure, first and second half-loops, and a hybrid phase shifter. The cage structure is attached to the ground plane and the top plane that includes four leg structures in electrically-conductive contact with the top plane. The top plane is one of a cross-element with four equilateral elements, a cross-element with eight equilateral elements, or a disc element. The first and second half-loops are independent from each other, located diagonally to each other within the cage structure, and support transmitting and receiving an electromagnetic field orthogonal to each other. The hybrid phase shifter shifts a frequency of the first and second half-loops to 90° from each other. The ground plane has an inner ground plane with two or more capacitors embedded therein.

Abstract: A method for generating ultrawideband pulsed microwave signals from optical field ionization of a gas with an ultrashort laser pulse, where the amplitude and frequency of the signals can be controlled via the characteristics of the laser pulse and/or the gas. The center frequency of the spectrum of the microwave signal can be controlled by changing the laser pulse energy. The amplitude of the microwave signal can be controlled by changing the wavelength of the laser pulses. The amplitude and frequency of the microwave signal can be tuned by controlling the pressure of the gas medium. The location at which the microwave signal is generated can be controlled by controlling the location at which the laser pulse creates a plasma. Interference among microwave signals resulting from multiple laser-produced plasmas can be used to construct an ultrawideband microwave signal having a predetermined amplitude and frequency.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a mechanical actuator based on a fiber optic platform. A material that is configured to be activated by light is incorporated into an optical fiber that serves as both an actuator and a power delivery network. This platform is adaptable to different materials, types of motions, and length scales and allows for precise delivery of photons to the material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for control and guidance of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) using modulated laser light in radio frequency (RF) contested environments. The system enables the user to send light signal communications to the UAV from a handheld device. In one embodiment, where the handheld device is capable of being incorporated into a firearm fore-grip with built-in controls that allow for control of the UAV by a user in a shooting/aiming position. The UAV includes an optical array for detecting and receiving the light signal communications, as well as filtering systems for filtering out unnecessary image data for better control in different weather and time conditions, as well as an avoidance system to avoid objects and other UAVs when used in a swarm of UAVs.

Abstract: A molecular complex including a cationic lanthanide metal, two anionic ligands bonded to the cationic lanthanide metal, and a non-coordinating anion. The two anionic ligands bonded to the cationic lanthanide metal selected from the group consisting of an anionic carbon ring ligand, an anionic monodentate ligand, an anionic polydentate ligand, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method of making chalcogenide based polymeric materials and converting those materials into optical fiber preforms and polymeric optical fibers. The preforms and fibers comprise chalcogenide elements and crosslinking moieties. These fibers can be used as optical waveguides at infrared wavelengths where other polymer fibers do not operate. The optical waveguides are ideally suitable for applications requiring the transmission of low-power infrared light, but may also be useful for transmitting high-power light at visible or infrared wavelengths.