Abstract: Apparatuses and methods related to improving environmental protection and waste collection from application of deposition material using portable systems that are easier for operators to use on surfaces such as ship hulls are provided. Embodiments include a portable and repositionable deposition material applicator enclosure and application system for applying deposition material on a substrate employing non-adherent deposition material waste removal and selective enclosure coupling and decoupling structures or systems employing magnetic and suction or differential pressure based forces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of: providing an electrochemical energy storage device having a first electrode and a second electrode; and simultaneously: a) maintaining the first electrode and a first temperature; b) maintaining the second electrode at a second temperature; and c) charging or discharging the device. The coolest portion of the second electrode is at least 1° C. warmer than the warmest portion of the first electrode.

Abstract: An armor system includes an armor plate, and an appliqué affixed to an exterior of the armor plate, wherein the appliqué has a density increasing in a direction towards the armor plate and configured to minimize reflection of a blast wave from the armor plate. The coupling system comprises a binder material that surrounds filler particles configured to create an impedance gradient parallel to the impulse propagation direction.

Abstract: Photovoltaic (PV) device comprising an ultra-thin radiation-tolerant PV absorber mounted on a flexible film having an embedded persistent phosphor and having a plurality of interdigitated top and bottom contacts on the top of the PV absorber. The PV absorber is ultra-thin, e.g., typically having a thickness of 300 nm or less for a III-V-based absorber. The phosphor absorbs some of the photons incident on the device and then discharges them for use by the device in generating electrical power during times when the device is not illuminated by the sun.

Abstract: Systems and method are provided for using millimeter-wave radar for terrain-aided navigation in support of autonomous guidance, landing, and mapping functions in all weather for unmanned air vehicles (UAVs). In an embodiment, a UAV can generate a map, based on millimeter-wave (MMW) radar returns, that rejects a large number of radar measurements as clutter and generates a flight path using waypoints based on the map. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a means of correlating MMW radar returns with high resolution terrain maps to enable navigation in GPS-denied environments. This process significantly reduces cost, development time, and complexity when compared to conventional approaches.

Abstract: A lift assist mechanism is provided for positioning a hatch cover in relation to a corresponding opening in a hatch frame. The assist mechanism includes a torsion bar and a lifting mechanism. The torsion bar has first and second opposite ends. The first end secures to the hatch frame. The second end connects to a bar spur gear. The lifting assembly includes a lift spur gear and a hinge gear. The lift spur gear engages the bar spur gear. The gears convert an acute angle twist of the bar to substantially perpendicular pivot the hatch cover from the hatch frame.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing datasets comprising the steps of: (1) partitioning each dataset into a plurality of bins according to a first partitioning rule, wherein each bin contains a random subset of elements of symmetric difference taken from a universe of all possible elements, (2) performing a first round of polynomial interpolation (PI) at a first encoding threshold on each bin of the first-partitioned datasets, wherein if any bin contains a number of elements that is less than or equal to the first encoding threshold the elements contained therein are decoded during the first PI round, and wherein if any bin contains a number of elements that is greater than the first encoding threshold the elements contained therein are not decoded during the first PI round; and (3) synchronizing the datasets based on the decoded elements.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for performing magnetic anomaly sensing. Each of two magnetometers generates magnetic field measurements. The magnetometers define a one-dimensional gradiometer having a baseline between them. A difference value is generated using the magnetic field measurements. The magnetometers are independently moved to maintain the baseline when the difference value is unchanging. Detection of a magnetic anomaly by a first magnetometer is indicated when the difference value deviates. The second magnetometer is then maneuvered until the magnetic field measurements generated thereby are indicative of detection of the magnetic anomaly by the second magnetometer. When this occurs, an adjusted baseline is defined between the magnetometers. At least one of the magnetometers is maneuvered to position the adjusted baseline in each of three orthogonal dimensions.

Abstract: An article having a nanoporous membrane and a nanoporous graphene sheet layered on the nanoporous membrane. A method of: depositing a layer of a diblock copolymer onto a graphene sheet, and etching a minor phase of the diblock copolymer and a portion of the graphene in contact with the minor phase to form a nanoporous article having a nanoporous graphene sheet and a nanoporous layer of a polymer. A method of: depositing a hexaiodo-substituted macrocycle onto a substrate having a Ag(111) surface; coupling the macrocycle to form a nanoporous graphene sheet; layering the graphene sheet and substrate onto a nanoporous membrane with the graphene sheet in contact with the nanoporous membrane; and etching away the substrate.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the detection of magnetic fields, strain, and temperature using the spin states of a VSi monovacancy defect in silicon carbide, as well as quantum memory devices and methods for creation of quantum memory using the spin states of a VSi monovacancy defect in silicon carbide.

Abstract: A compound made by copolymerizing a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) chain transfer agent, an acrylate salt, and a polyethylene glycol diacrylate. A compound made by copolymerizing a polyethylene glycol, a glycerol ethoxylate, and an aliphatic diisocyanate.

Abstract: A tunable notch filter comprising a transmission line, a tunable bandstop filter and a tunable bandpass filter. The transmission line has an input port, an output port and a length electrically connecting the input port to the output port and receiving an RF signal at the input port. The tunable bandstop filter comprises a first direct current voltage source, a first coupling line and a first tunable capacitor. The first direct current voltage source provides a first adjustable voltage to the first tunable capacitor. The first tunable capacitor adjusts its capacitance based on the first adjustable voltage. The tunable bandpass filter comprises a second direct current voltage source, a second coupling line and a second tunable capacitor. The second direct current voltage source provides a second adjustable voltage to second tunable capacitor. The second tunable capacitor adjusts its capacitance based on the second adjustable voltage.

Abstract: A bipolar plate for a fuel cell is provided. The bipolar plate includes a main body with a first end and a second end spaced from the first end along a longitudinal axis of the main body. At least one inlet is disposed at the first end of the main body. At least one outlet corresponding to the at least one inlet is disposed at the second end of the main body. At least one continuous flow path extends from the at least one inlet to the at least one outlet. The main body comprises a single, contiguous piece.

Abstract: Methods for segmenting an ocean bottom area into multiple homogenous, rectangular sub-mission areas and generating new, composite sensor performance functions for each sub-mission area are provided. The method discretizes each voxel into a plurality of equally sized, square range bins and obtains a mean P-of-Y curve for each row and column based on a bottom characterization for each of the voxels. Zone parameters along each direction are iteratively calculated, with adjacent zones merged when their parameters are within predetermined values. Pooled variances are calculated for each direction and a preferred mission direction is chosen based on the direction with the smallest pooled variance.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor, a process for utilizing a fiber optic sensor, and a process for fabricating a fiber optic sensor are described, where a double-side-polished silicon pillar is attached to an optical fiber tip and forms a Fabry-Pérot cavity. In an implementation, a fiber optic sensor in accordance with an exemplary embodiment includes an optical fiber configured to be coupled to a light source and a spectrometer; and a single silicon layer or multiple silicon layers disposed on an end face of the optical fiber, where each of the silicon layer(s) defines a Fabry-Pérot interferometer, and where the sensor head reflects light from the light source to the spectrometer. In some implementations, the fiber optic sensor may include the light source coupled to the optical fiber, a spectrometer coupled to the optical fiber, and a controller coupled to the high-speed spectrometer.

Abstract: An agile attitude control system (AACS) that is a three axis attitude control device for small spacecraft based on miniature single gimbal control moment gyroscopes (SGCMGs) actuators. The AACS enables agile attitude slewing and accurate pointing/tracking for spacecraft made of multiple CubeSat units, or, more generally, for nanosatellites.

Abstract: A method for making transparent nanocomposite ceramics and other solid bulk materials from nanoparticle powders and transparent nanocomposite ceramics and other solid bulk materials formed using that method. A nanoparticle powder is placed into a reaction chamber and is treated to produce a clean surface powder. The clean surface powder is coated with a second material by means of p-ALD to produce core/shell or core multi shell nanoparticles having a coating or coatings of a other material surrounding the nanoparticle. The core/shell nanoparticles are cleaned and formed into green compact which is sintered to produce a transparent nanocomposite ceramic or other solid bulk material consisting of nanoparticles or core/shell nanoparticles uniformly embedded in a matrix of a different material, particularly in a matrix of a different ceramic material, formed by outer shell of initial core/shell. All steps are performed without exposing the material to the ambient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating the position and attitude of an aerial vehicle transiting over terrain through a combination of steps combining image registration and the inherent image coordinate system of the camera. The aerial vehicle captures an image of the terrain and extracts features from the camera image and pre-existing aerial imagery, and determines a perspective transform between the images. Image reference points are projected with the 2D perspective transform and an elevation map provides estimated 3D coordinates of the image reference points. Subsequently a camera position and orientation necessary for the camera to obtain the initial camera image is determined by projecting reference points with locations defined by the image coordinate system of the camera to define terrain points, and conducting an optimization to minimize displacements between the estimated coordinates and the terrain coordinates. The estimated camera position provides a location and attitude for the aerial vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for using the system comprising a head mounted device (HMD), a remote maintenance server (RMS), and a control section operable to identify the system under test (SUT) using an image recognition function, to identify a plurality of subsystems (PLoS) within the SUT in a data library, to create three dimensional models of the PLoS and displaying the same on a visual interface of the HMD using an augmented reality function, to connect to the RMS using an encryption algorithm via streaming video or images sent to the RMS, to collect SUT data and external (to the SUT) sensor data, to conduct a prognostics and/or health, maintenance, and/or management (HMM) service on the collected data to determine system health and projected health of the SUT and/or PLoS, to authenticate remote user access to the RMS, to update the data library, and to insert a plurality of (HMM) designators on the visual interface.

Abstract: A system includes a substrate, a high-temperature superconductor compound film disposed on the substrate, an array of superconducting regions formed within the film, a plurality of Josephson junctions formed within the film, where each Josephson junction of the plurality of Josephson junctions is formed between adjacent superconducting regions within the array of superconducting regions, and a voltage source connected to the array of superconducting regions. The plurality of Josephson junctions are separated by a distance such that they emit coherent radiation in the terahertz frequency range responsive to a voltage applied to the array of superconducting regions.