Abstract: A modular communications system having dynamically positionable non-metallic antenna elements and communications devices 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. The antenna elements are demountably, intermittingly, and conductively coupled to the landing pads; includes a non-metallic conductive composition; and a unique operational frequency. A hub is positioned on the surface and conductively coupled to each landing pad. Each communications device is demountably affixed to the surface; intermittingly, demountably, and conductively coupled to the hub; and includes a unique operational frequency. The hub intermittingly, demountably, and conductively couples each communications devices to a unique landing pad included in the plurality of landing pads. The foam layer is lined with a conductive material that reflects RF radiation that emanates from the plurality of non-metallic antenna elements.

Abstract: A communications node includes an apparel item in the form of a shoulder belt that includes an open state, closed state, and main body. A first portion curvingly extends from the main body. A second portion angularly extends from the main body opposite the first portion. A primary fastener demountably couples the first and second portions together when in the closed state. An antenna element and communications device are positioned within the apparel item. An hub is affixed to the apparel item and configured to receive audio/video input. A battery is positioned adjacent to the apparel item. A control circuit is positioned within the apparel item and coupled to the antenna element, hub, communications device, and battery. The control circuit establishes a self-organizing WAN with a plurality of computing devices each directly, dynamically, and non-hierarchically connected to the WAN; and communicates with the computing devices using the self-organizing WAN.

Abstract: A wearable apparatus includes an antenna affixed to a surface of the apparatus. A device is in electrical communication with the antenna. A control circuit is in electrical communication with the device and a communications device. The antenna comprises a composition comprising carbonaceous material consisting of individual graphene sheets. The individual graphene sheets are present in the composition in a continuous three-dimensional connected network where individual graphene sheets have nanometer scale separation at contact points between individual graphene sheets. The control circuit is configured to (i) communicate, using the communications device, with a mobile device via a first radio frequency (“RF”) signal; and (ii) communicate, using the device, with a cellular tower via a second RF signal. The signal strength of the first RF is greater than the signal strength of the second RF signal. The first RF signal utilizes an IEEE 802 standard for data transmissions.

Abstract: A modular communications systems includes an apparel item with a surface. Landing pads are positioned proximate to the surface with each landing pad uniquely positioned on the surface. Non-metallic antenna elements are each demountably, intermittingly, and conductively coupled to a unique landing pad; includes a non-metallic conductive composition; and a unique operational frequency compared to at least one antenna element. A hub is positioned on the surface and conductively coupled to each landing pad. Each communications device is demountably affixed to the surface; intermittingly, demountably, and conductively coupled to the hub; and includes a unique operational frequency. The hub intermittingly, demountably, and conductively couples each communications devices to a unique landing pad included in the plurality of landing pads.

Abstract: A communications node includes an apparel item in the form of a shoulder belt that includes an open state, closed state, and main body. A first portion curvingly extends from the main body. A second portion angularly extends from the main body opposite the first portion. A primary fastener demountably couples the first and second portions together when in the closed state. An antenna element and communications device are positioned within the apparel item. An hub is affixed to the apparel item and configured to receive audio/video input. A battery is positioned adjacent to the apparel item. A control circuit is positioned within the apparel item and coupled to the antenna element, hub, communications device, and battery. The control circuit establishes a self-organizing WAN with a plurality of computing devices each directly, dynamically, and non-hierarchically connected to the WAN; and communicates with the computing devices using the self-organizing WAN.

Abstract: A modular communications systems includes an apparel item with a surface. Landing pads are positioned proximate to the surface with each landing pad uniquely positioned on the surface. Non-metallic antenna elements are each demountably, intermittingly, and conductively coupled to a unique landing pad; includes a non-metallic conductive composition; and a unique operational frequency compared to at least one antenna element. A hub is positioned on the surface and conductively coupled to each landing pad. Each communications device is demountably affixed to the surface; intermittingly, demountably, and conductively coupled to the hub; and includes a unique operational frequency. The hub intermittingly, demountably, and conductively couples each communications devices to a unique landing pad included in the plurality of landing pads.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a chaff electronic countermeasure device. The device comprises an antenna that is in communication with a substrate. An integrated circuit is in electrical communication with the conductive antenna element. The conductive antenna element includes a conductive composition. The conductive composition includes a conductive polymer and graphene sheets. The device is configured to absorb from a radar source a first radio frequency having a first amplitude. The device is configured to absorb from a radar source a first radio frequency having a first amplitude. In response to absorbing the first radio frequency, the device is configured to reradiate 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.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to footwear articles and a method for fabricating a footwear article. The footwear article comprises an upper and a sole that is comprised of a graphene-containing polymer composition and having one or more layers affixed to the upper. The method for fabricating the footwear article comprises forming a sole on an upper. The sole comprises a graphene-containing polymer composition and one or more layers affixed to the upper.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a symmetrical RFID antenna and method of formation. In one embodiment, the radio frequency identification antenna comprises a loop element having sides. A first and second conductive elements are in electrical communication with and extend opposite from a middle portion of a side. A third and fourth conductive elements are in electrical communication with and oppositely extend from a second side. A fifth conductive element extends from a vertex of the second conductive element to a vertex of the forth conductive element. The second and/or forth conductive elements comprise a quadrilateral portion. The second and/or forth conductive elements comprise a width that is at least about the length of a side included in the plurality of sides.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a Wheatstone bridge device and sensor array wrappings are provided herein. The Wheatstone bridge device comprises a first resistor positioned proximate to a surface of the substrate and comprising a conductive composition. The conductive composition comprises fully exfoliated single sheets of graphene and a polymer. The first resistor is configured to undergo a conductivity change as a result of binding to a target component. The fully exfoliated single sheets of graphene display no signature corresponding to graphite or graphite oxide in their X-ray diffraction pattern.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to flexible wearable electronic devices and associate methods of fabrication. In one embodiment, a general flexible wearable electronic device comprises a flexible article of apparel. A first plurality of components are in communication with the flexible article of apparel and each configured to comprise a radius of curvature of no more than 5 cm when folded. The first plurality of components comprises a display(s) and an input device(s). The first plurality of components are printed on to the flexible apparel using an electrically conductive ink that comprises a polymeric binder and single sheets of graphene comprising a thickness of up to 1 nm. A second plurality of components are in communication with the flexible article of apparel and communicatively coupled to the first plurality of components. The second plurality of components comprises a microprocessor(s) and an electronic device(s) configured for wireless communication.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a symmetrical RFID antenna and method of formation. In one embodiment, the radio frequency identification antenna comprises a loop element having sides. A first and second conductive elements are in electrical communication with and extend opposite from a middle portion of a side. A third and fourth conductive elements are in electrical communication with and oppositely extend from a second side. A fifth conductive element extends from a vertex of the second conductive element to a vertex of the forth conductive element. The second and/or forth conductive elements comprise a quadrilateral portion. The second and/or forth conductive elements comprise a width that is at least about the length of a side included in the plurality of sides.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to transponder fabrication. In an embodiment, a plurality of antenna elements is applied to a first substrate at a first pitch. A plurality of fully functioning first transponders is positioned on to the first substrate in a manner to each be in electrical communication with an antenna element included in the plurality of antenna elements and thereby forms a plurality of fully functioning second transponders. The plurality of fully functioning first transponders are positioned on a second substrate at a second pitch. The plurality of fully functioning first transponders have a first read range. Second transponders have an increased read range relative to second transponders. The second pitch is greater than the first pitch.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus and methods are provided herein useful to monitor surfaces of vessels. In some embodiments, apparatus for monitoring surfaces of vessels and may include a substrate disposed proximate to the surface. By one approach, a Wheatstone bridge circuit is affixed to the substrate and comprises a sampling resistor configured to undergo a predetermined binding event. The sampling resistor comprises a conductive composition that includes fully exfoliated single sheets of graphene and is configured to undergo a conductivity change as a result of the predetermined binding event. The conductivity change corresponds to a change in an ambient environment of the surface. The sampling resistor is configured to undergo a resistivity change as a result of the predetermined binding event. The apparatus is configured to be disposed proximate to the surface.

Abstract: Epoxy adhesive comprising graphene sheets and at least one epoxy resin and articles made therefrom.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to energy storage devices and associated methods of manufacture. In one embodiment, an energy storage device comprises an electrolyte. An anode is at least partially exposed to the electrolyte. A selectively permeable membrane comprising a graphene-based material is positioned proximate to the anode. The selectively permeable membrane reduces a quantity of a component that is included in the electrolyte from contacting the anode and thereby reduces degradation of the anode.

Abstract: Printed electronic device comprising a substrate onto at least one surface of which has been applied a layer of an electrically conductive ink comprising functionalized graphene sheets and at least one binder. A method of preparing printed electronic devices is further disclosed.