Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to fire suppressing aqueous foam compositions and related methods. The compositions are configured to suppress Class 3 fires and is non-fluorinated. The compositions include water, a surfactant, and carbon elements (e.g., graphene, graphene oxide and/or graphite oxide). The surfactant is a non-fluorinated surfactant. The carbon element is present at about 0.1-10 wt %. The surfactant is anionic, cationic, nonionic, or zwitterionic and is present at 2-25 wt %. The compositions include a water-soluble polymer present at 0.5-3.0 wt %, a solvent present at 3-20 wt %. The solvent includes a glycol and/or glycol ether. The includes a biocide and/or corrosion inhibitor. The corrosion inhibitor is present at 0.001-10 wt %. In one embodiment, a method of preparing the aqueous foam composition is disclosed. The method includes combining the water, surfactant, and carbon element to generate an aeratable slurry.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a wearable communications node. In one embodiment, the node includes an enclosure, communications device, antenna element(s), battery, and control circuit communicatively coupled to the communications device and the battery. The communications device is rigidly affixed within the enclosure; the antenna element is coupled to the communications device; the control circuit establishes a self-organizing LAN with mesh networked computing devices. The enclosure is worn on the torso of a user and includes a housing and cooling panel affixed thereto. The enclosure includes a housing having an internal environment that includes the control circuit, communications device, and/or battery are rigidly affixed therewithin. The cooling panel thermally couples the internal environment to the ambient environment. The antenna element includes a conductive composition that includes a polymer having graphene sheets dispersed therein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an autonomous aerial vehicle (AAV). In one embodiment, the AAV may include a communications device, antenna element, and battery. A control circuit can be coupled to the communications device and battery. The control circuit can establish a self-organizing LAN with computing devices that each connect directly, dynamically, and non-hierarchically to the LAN. The antenna element can include a polymer and graphene sheets that forms a three-dimensional percolated network within the polymer. The graphene sheets can be separated on a nanoscale within the polymer. The AAV can fly autonomously or via a remote control. At least one of the computing devices can be a wearable communications node or handheld radio. The control circuit can be configured to identify a RF signal associated with a user and position the AAV relative to the user to maintain a predetermined SNR and/or Fresnel zone.

Abstract: A first aspect relates to systems enabling communication between computing devices comprising a RF source, mobile device, and wearable item. The mobile device communicatively couples to the RF source via a first wireless signal modulated via a cellular communication protocol and comprises a first signal strength. The wearable item comprises a device, communications device, and control circuit. The device comprises an antenna array and communicates with the RF source. The wearable item comprises attachment sites selectively attached to antenna elements of the antenna array. The control circuit communicates, via the device, with the RF source via a cellular signal received at a second signal strength; communicates, via the communications device, with the mobile device via a non-cellular signal received at a third signal strength; and causes the mobile device to communicate with the RF source via the non-cellular signal when the second signal strength is greater than the first.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a distributed self-contained communications system (dSCCS). The dSCCS includes primary computing devices (PCDs) and secondary computing devices (SCDs). The PCDs and SCDs are man-portable. Each PCS includes a communications device. Each SCD includes geolocation device and a unique digital identifier. The PCDs form a mesh network. Each PCD communicates with a SCD via a LAN. Each SCD transmits their geospatial data and unique identifier to a PCD. Each PCD transmits the geospatial data and unique identifiers to a command node included in the mesh network. The PCD and/or the command node is configured to map the geospatial data and the unique identifier to Earth coordinates in real-time or at predetermined intervals. Each PCD and SCD includes an antenna element that includes graphene dispersed in a polymer. Each SCD includes a heatsink and thermal dissipation structure.

Abstract: A modular communications system may in an apparel item. The apparel item can include a plurality of landing pads; a plurality of antenna elements each demountably and conductively coupled to a landing pad; having a conductive composition; and fabric sealed. The modular communications system may also include a plurality of communications devices each demountably affixed to the apparel item as well as demountably and conductive coupled a landing pad. The conductive composition may include: a polymer; and fully exfoliated single sheets of graphene present in the polymer as a three-dimensional percolated network having nanoscale separation. The apparel item can be cut resistant, waterproof, fire resistant, chemical resistant, and/or optically reflective. Each antenna element may have a radius of curvature of 0.5 to 3 inches. The apparel item can be configured to be worn on an upper torso and/or lower torso of a mammal.

Abstract: A modular communications system having dynamically positionable non-metallic antenna elements is disclosed. The system includes an apparel item with a surface and a foam layer positioned therein. Landing pads are each uniquely positioned on the surface. Antenna elements are coupled to the landing pads; include a non-metallic conductive composition and a unique operational frequency. A hub is positioned on the surface and coupled to each landing pad. Communications devices are demountably affixed to the surface; coupled to the hub; and each include a unique operational frequency. The hub couples each communications devices to a unique landing pad. The foam layer is lined with a conductive material that reflects RF radiation that emanates from the plurality of non-metallic antenna elements. The system achieves an omnidirectional RF radiation pattern when utilizing the plurality of antenna elements and an altered RF radiation pattern when utilizing a subset of the plurality of antenna elements.

Abstract: A communications node includes an apparel item in the form of a backpack attachment that includes a panel, first and second arms extending therefrom. An antenna element and A/V hub may be affixed to an arm. The attachment may include a communications device and battery. A control circuit may be communicatively coupled to the antenna element, the A/V hub, the communications device, and the battery. The A/V hub may demountably and communicatively couple to an audio/video source. The control circuit may establish a mesh network with computing devices. The antenna element may include a graphene polymer conductive composition. The graphene may form a three-dimensional percolated network within the polymer matrix. The apparel item may include a multilayered material that reflect RF radiation generated by the antenna element away from the apparel item. The layer may include a conductive material. The layer may include a foam.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a wearable communications node (WCN) with mesh networking capabilities. The WCN, which is worn on the user's torso, includes an enclosure and shoulder strap(s) as well as communications device, antenna element(s), and battery conductively coupled to a control circuit. The enclosure includes a top area and an oppositely positioned bottom area. The shoulder strap is pivotably attached proximate to the top area and the bottom area. The communications device is rigidly affixed within the enclosure. The antenna element is conductively coupled to the communications device as well as rigidly affixed to the enclosure or flexibly affixed the shoulder strap. The control circuit is configured to establish, via the communications device, a self-organizing wide area network with a plurality of computing devices that each connects directly, dynamically, and non-hierarchically to the WAN. The antenna element includes a conductive composition that includes graphene dispersed in a polymer matrix.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to helical electromagnetic interference shielding (“HES”) structures. In one general aspect, the HES structure includes a folded state, unfolded state, and pair of rectangular EMI shielding panels. The EMI shielding panels form interconnected EMI shielding planes. Each rectangular EMI shielding panel includes a substrate and conductive layer. The conductive layer is positioned near the substrate and includes a conductive composition. The conductive composition includes graphene sheets dispersed in a polymer matrix as a 3D percolated network. The substrate is rectangular and includes a film and/or fabric. The EMI shielding planes are angularly offset from each other about their center axis and form a helical structure when in the unfolded state. Each EMI shielding plane rotates about the center axis when the HES structure transitions between the folded and unfolded states. Adjacent EMI shielding planes are an angular offset from each other.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a distributed self-contained communications system (dSCCS). The dSCCS includes primary computing devices (PCDs) and secondary computing devices (SCDs). The PCDs and SCDs are man-portable. Each PCS includes a communications device. Each SCD includes geolocation device and a unique digital identifier. The PCDs form a mesh network. Each PCD communicates with a SCD via a LAN. Each SCD transmits their geospatial data and unique identifier to a PCD. Each PCD transmits the geospatial data and unique identifiers to a command node included in the mesh network. The PCD and/or the command node is configured to map the geospatial data and the unique identifier to Earth coordinates in real-time or at predetermined intervals. Each PCD and SCD includes an antenna element that includes graphene dispersed in a polymer. Each SCD includes a heatsink and thermal dissipation structure.

Abstract: In one general aspect, RF localization methods and systems are disclosed. An exemplary method includes providing a node having a communications device and antenna elements; capturing, via the communications device, a relative signal strength indicator (RSSI) value for each antenna element to generate cardinal RSSI values associated with a RF signal; and determining, using the cardinal RSSI values, a position of a RF source of interest (RFSOI) relative to the node. The antenna elements are oriented in each nodal cardinal direction and conductively coupled to the communications device. The RF signal emanates from the RFSOI. Capturing the RSSI value for each antenna element may include causing a RF switch to successively activate the antenna elements in a predetermined order; capturing the RSSI value of each antenna element when activated; and determining at least two cardinal RSSI values that are greater than a predetermined amount thereby determining antenna elements of interest.

Abstract: Embodiments of the instant disclosure relate to dual functioning signaling devices. The device has a signaling unit that includes an active-and semi-passive signaling components. The signaling unit is affixed to and/or positioned within a textile or substrate. The active signaling component includes a transceiver, power source, and input device to allow the user to selectively transmit identifying information. The semi-passive signaling component includes a radio frequency radiator that reflects an EM response signal when exposed to interrogating EM radiation. The operating frequencies of the active-and semi-passive signaling components are configured to not interfere or interference with each other. The active-and semi-passive signaling components both include antenna elements that include a conductive composition that includes fully exfoliated graphene sheets dispersed with a polymer matrix. The textile can be in the form of a pouch, patch, sticker, and/or panel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to communications tarpaulins. In one embodiment, the communications tarpaulins include a textile layer, a plurality of antenna elements, and a communications hub. The communications hub includes a plurality of radio frequency (“RF”) connectors. The communications hub is affixed to the textile layer. The RF connectors are each conductively coupled to one of the antenna elements. The RF connectors each demountably receive a communications device. The antenna elements are each affixed to the textile layer and includes a conductive composition. The antenna elements each include a conductive composition. The conductive composition includes a polymer and fully exfoliated single sheets of graphene that are present as a three-dimensional percolated network within the polymer. The textile layer includes a first textile layer and a second textile layer that are coterminous and physically coupled together and thereby form a multilayered structure.

Abstract: A chaff electronic countermeasure device that includes an antenna element positioned on a substrate and in electrical communication with an integrated circuit. The conductive antenna element includes a conductive composition of a conductive polymer and graphene sheets. The device absorbs from a radar source a first radio frequency having a first amplitude. In response to absorbing the first radio frequency, the device reradiates at least a portion of a second radio frequency having a second amplitude toward the radar source, which results in an increased radar cross section of the device as perceived by the radar source. The second amplitude is higher than the first amplitude. The device is configured to be dispersed from a mobile platform. The device is configured to reradiate at least a second radio frequency toward the radar source, thereby resulting in an increased radar cross section of the device as perceived by the radar source.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a RF localization system that determines the position of a RF source of interest (RFSOI) relative to the RFLS. The RFLS includes man-portable nodes that communicate via a self-organizing WAN. Each node includes a communications device conductively coupled to antenna elements oriented in each nodal cardinal direction and battery each communicatively coupled to a control circuit(s). The control circuit is configured to: establish the WAN; capture RSSI values for each antenna element; determine the position of the RFSOI relative to the node; when not functioning as a primary node, transmit the determined position to a primary node or a computing device that's external to the WAN for processing; and when functioning as a primary node, determine the relative position of the RFSOI relative to the plurality of nodes using the received determined position. The primary node determines the position of the RFSOI relative to the nodes.

Abstract: A wearable apparatus includes an antenna affixed to a surface of the apparatus. A device is conductively coupled to the antenna. A control circuit is communicatively coupled to a sensor, the device and, a communications device. The antenna includes a composition that includes a polymer and carbonaceous material made up of individual graphene sheets that are present in the polymer in a 3D percolated network. A mobile device is communicatively coupled to a cellular RF source via a first wireless signal. The control circuit is configured to communicate with the mobile device via a third RF signal; communicate with the RF source via a second RF signal; and cause the mobile device to communicate with the RF source via the third RF signal when the second RF signal is greater than the first RF signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the instant disclosure relate to portable radio mounting apparatus (PRMA). The PRMA includes a main body, landing pad, antenna element(s), RF connector conductively coupled to the antenna element, retaining element and has “open” and “closed” states. Landing pad laterally extends from the main body and includes the antenna element(s) and a first end pivotably coupled to main body. RF connector is conductively coupled to the antenna element. In the open state, the landing pad is pivoted away from the main body and thereby exposes the retaining element; the retaining element receives a portable radio and thereby demountably secures the portable radio to the main body; and the RF connector demountably and conductively couples to the portable radio. In the close state, landing pad is pivoted towards the main body and wrapped around the portable; and is demountably coupled to the main body.

Abstract: Wearable antenna systems in the form of suspenders are disclosed. Such communications suspenders may employ antenna elements having a reduced visual signature while maintaining the load bearing functionality of traditional suspenders. The antenna system can establish mesh networking communications and communicatively couple to portable radios via a communications device. Some of the antenna elements may be within the communications suspenders. A plurality of straps are pivotably coupled to an intermediate portion at one end and a demountable fastener at the other end that couples to the user's garment item (e.g., trousers, shorts, skirts, and similar articles). The straps may include RF shielding material positioned to reflect RF radiation that emanates from the antenna elements away from the user. The antenna elements may be formed using a conductive composition that includes fully exfoliated graphene sheets present as a percolated network in a polymer matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to transmission lines and specifically to textile transmission line assemblies. The textile transmission line assemblies are capable of lateral bending, axial rotation, and stretching without suffering from a statistically significant loss of its performance characteristics. Antenna elements are incorporated with the textile transmission line assemblies (hereinafter “combination assemblies”). The textile transmission line assemblies can be incorporated in to garments, apparel items, bags, tents, or other textile-based objects. The textile transmission line assemblies are configured to be flexibly affixed to textile items. The textile transmission line assemblies are impact resistant. Wearable communications systems that incorporate at least one textile transmission line assembly and/or combination assembly are also disclosed.