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.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for radar calibration that utilizes external shielding structures to be constructed around the body frame of a system to manage external signature presence and block unwanted signal emissions and intrusions. The inventive structures can adapt to desired user requirements or to environmental change as needed. The variable shielding with isolating connectors to the body frame of the system allows for aerodynamic needs to be sustained due to the mesh design while also protecting against electromagnetic spectrum interference and electro-optical short wave and long wave infrared signature emissions. The shielding can also be formed to emit a known or desired radio frequency response based on geometric shapes in order to influence radar cross-section readings. Communication with external environment is completed through the use of the shielding as a series of antennas.

Abstract: A flow battery comprising: a first tank having a variable internal volume and containing a first ionic solution having a first oxidation state, and wherein the first tank is substantially evacuated of any gas; a second tank having a variable internal volume and containing a second ionic solution having a second oxidation state that is different from the first oxidation state, and wherein the second tank is substantially evacuated of any gas; a reaction chamber operatively coupled with the first and second tanks such that the first ionic solution within the reaction chamber is separated from the second ionic solution by an ion exchange membrane; a first pump configured to pump the first ionic solution through the reaction chamber; and a second pump configured to pump the second ionic solution through the reaction chamber.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for foreign object debris monitoring in an environment with a dynamic debris field, such as an environment for operating an aircraft. The debris monitoring technique includes generating a light beam and dispersing it to create a virtual witness plate, which is a two-dimensional sheet of light that covers a detection area. The technique also include detecting scattered light from the virtual witness plate caused by debris passing through it. A debris event may be generated based on the scattered light, indicating the presence of debris in the detection area.

Abstract: Provided is an ammunition container lid for use with an ammunition canister. The container lid includes a four-sided frame, a cover, a hinge assembly, a feed tray, a latch, and a Last Round Switch. The hinge assembly includes a repeating pattern of ammunition can hinge sections, feed tray hinge sections, and cover hinge sections with a rod holding the sections together. The lid has an integrated aerodynamic forward face that matches the curvature of the ammunition can. The feed tray assembly is incorporated into the container lid to prevent a reduction in ammunition can capacity. The cover and feed tray rotate on the same axis, thereby resulting in simplified, ergonomic operation, which eliminates the problems inherent in current designs that can open directly into the airstream during flight. The inventive lid does not require special tools for installation/removal and does not reduce ammunition can capacity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a porous substrate having silver and optionally silver oxide and a silver sulfide coating. Also disclosed herein is a battery having a cathode, an anode, and a separator between the cathode and the anode. The cathode includes a substrate having silver and optionally silver oxide and a silver sulfide coating. Also disclosed herein is a method of submerging a substrate having silver and optionally silver oxide in a solution of elemental sulfur in dimethyl sulfoxide to form silver sulfide on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of performing light detection and ranging (LIDAR). According to some embodiments, a first data packet is generated, transmitted, and/or received to initiate transmission of a primary light signal to a remote target, and a first timestamp associated with the first data packet is generated. A second data packet is generated, received, and/or transmitted indicating reception of a reflected light signal, wherein the reflected light signal is a reflection of the primary light signal from the remote target. A second timestamp associated with the second data packet is generated, and a distance to the remote target is determined based on the first and second timestamps. Related LIDAR systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A triple-mode monopulse tracking antenna and antenna system with risley prism beam steering. In particular, a monopulse tracking antenna, comprising: a triple-mode circular waveguide horn, configured to generate three monopulse patterns; at least two Risley prisms, each positioned a fixed distance from the triple-mode circular waveguide horn, configured to receive and steer the three monopulse patterns, wherein each Risley prism is coated with an anti-reflective layer; a means for axially rotating each of the at least two Risley prisms; and a parabolic phase correcting surface, positioned intermediately between the triple-mode circular waveguide horn and at least two Risley prisms.

Abstract: A method for improving long-term stability in a time-switched frequency modulated accelerometer includes demodulating a frequency of the time-switched frequency modulated accelerometer in an anti-phase vibrational mode one or more instances. Assuming an initial phase offset value, demodulating occurs in-phase and out-of-phase with a modulation reference to extract the in-phase and out-of-phase responses. The method further includes calculating a slope between the in-phase and the out-of-phase responses where if the slope is not equal to 1 or ?1, the phase offset value is adjusted, and the demodulating is repeated until the slope is equal to 1 or ?1. If the slope is equal to 1 or ?1, the selected phase offset value is kept as a selected phase offset value. The method further includes using a linear model to detect bias drift with the out-of-phase response, thereby compensating for bias drift in the in-phase response.

Abstract: A method for radiating a co-located antenna including radiating the co-located antenna using a dual mode, where the co-located antenna has an inter-element spacing of about 1? and the dual mode includes a TM11 mode and a TM21 mode. The TM11 mode is radiated to generate a TM11 far field pattern, where the TM11 mode has a broadside pattern characterized with a beam peak at broadside and the TM11 mode produces grating lobes in addition to the beam peak at broadside. The TM21 mode is radiated to generate a TM21 far field pattern orthogonal to the TM11 far field pattern, thereby causing the TM21 mode to produce a null at broadside to suppress the grating lobes produced by the TM11 mode.

Abstract: A test fixture is provided for dropping an article from a height to a floor, with the article oriented in relation to the floor at a select angle. The fixture includes a column frame, an overhead beam, a carriage, first and second guy wires, first and second spools, and first and second chains. The frame supports first and second guide arms on opposing sides. The overhead beam has a distance span substantially parallel to the floor. The guy wires attach to the beam separated the span and pass through the guide arms. The spools receive the corresponding guy wires. The chains suspend the article from the carriage above the floor. Upon release of the guy wires, the carriage falls until contact with the guide arms while the article contacts the floor.

Abstract: This disclosure and exemplary embodiments described herein provide a Parallel Content Authoring Method and Tool for Procedural Guidance, and a Remote Expert Method and System Utilizing Quantitative Quality Assurance in Mixed Reality. The implementation described herein is related to the generation of content/instruction set that can be viewed in different modalities, including but not limited to mixed reality, VR, audio text, however it is to be understood that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to such application.

Abstract: The embodiments are directed to systems having an array in intimate adjacent contact with a substrate foundation. The array has a plurality of radio frequency (RF) witness films overlain on the substrate foundation. Each RF witness film is a unit cell defined in a three-dimensional coordinate frame of reference, and is centered at an origin of the three-dimensional coordinate frame of reference. Each RF witness film in the plurality of RF witness films is equally-spaced from adjacent RF witness films.

Abstract: Provided is a an active shooter monitoring and incapacitation system that can augment active security forces control during emergencies at schools, churches, military, and government institutions. The system includes one or more cameras that are controlled remotely by an operator. If a hostile person or active shooter is located, a warning system, such as an audio/visual alert and laser dazzler is activated to alert nearby people of the threat to vacate and to notify the active shooter that he/she is required to halt any hostile actions. If the hostile person does not cease his activities, one or more stun guns contained within the system are then utilized to incapacitate the active shooter with a large electric shock, thereby incapacitating the person until the authorities arrive.

Abstract: A method of inducing expression of aquaporin-4 by providing a bioconjugate having a quantum dot bound to human erythropoietin and contacting human astrocytes with the bioconjugate, which induces expression of aquaporin-4. A composition having a bioconjugate having a quantum dot bound to human erythropoietin. A method of providing a quantum dot and forming a bioconjugate by depositing human erythropoietin onto the surface of the quantum dot.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable apparatus for spectrum analysis including a display mode that provides quick and easy display of surrounding RF spectra that assists a user in determining whether electromagnetic propagation interference is extant. The apparatus includes a handheld enclosure housing a programmable spectrum analyzer to receive various EM spectra in the user's location and a processor coupled thereto to analyze and process the spectrum data. Additionally, the apparatus includes a display device configured to display electromagnetic spectrum information derived from the spectrum analyzer module in a mode that is easy and quickly understood.

Abstract: A low force pull-apart underwater connector apparatus, system, and a method of manufacturing. In one embodiment, a low-force pull-apart waterproof connector a receptacle having at least two receptacle pins, wherein the receptacle is electrically connected to a first wire, a plug having at least one plug pin, configured to selectively mate with the receptacle to form an electrical connection, wherein the at least one plug pin is oriented parallel to the at least two receptacle pins, and wherein the plug is electrically connected to a second wire, and a compressive seal sleeve filled with a marine-grade silicon grease tightly surrounding the electrical connection of the plug and the receptacle, and wherein the connection is operable to disconnect with the application of a low force.

Abstract: A method for active circuit antenna optimization includes recording a capacitance value at each frequency of a frequency range using one or more tuning capacitors, thereby generating a capacitor value frequency range. The method further includes creating one or more non-linear circuit designs in an RF circuit simulator. The one or more non-linear circuit designs match the capacitance value at each frequency of the frequency range recorded from the one or more tuning capacitors. The method then includes creating one or more non-linear circuits from the non-linear circuit design. Each tuning capacitor has a corresponding non-linear circuit where all the one or more non-linear circuits match the capacitor value frequency range of the one or more tuning capacitors.

Abstract: Antenna Array for passively modulating radio frequency signals. Specifically, an antenna array or system comprising a plurality of retroreflective antennas configured to passively receive a radiofrequency (RF) signal from a source, and configured to reflect the RF signal; and a passive modulation circuit, electrically connected to the plurality of retroreflective antennas, configured to modulate the RF signal to represent a code, wherein the code comprises information, and further comprising: a plurality of RF switches.

Abstract: An active hazard mitigation device includes a reservoir containing thermal wax and a slider translatable from a safe position to an armed position. A conduit for flow of the thermal wax in a melted state extends from the thermal wax reservoir to a rear of the safe position of the slider. A BKNO3 pellet is disposed in a forward end of the slider. A lithium intermetallic thermal sensor is disposed adjacent the BKNO3 pellet when the slider is in an armed position. When the thermal wax expands, the slider moves from the safe position to the armed position under the lithium intermetallic thermal sensor. When the lithium intermetallic thermal sensor activates, heat from the lithium intermetallic thermal sensor ignites the BKNO3 pellet in the slider and thereby produces gas and heat that ignites energetic material disposed proximate to the BKNO3 pellet.