Abstract: Embodiments are directed toward a storage container. In some embodiments, the container includes a portable storage unit having a first opening configured to receive items to be removably stored and a second opening configured to receive the tensioner with the securing member disposed inside the portable storage unit. The proximal end portion of the tensioner has the securing member disposed internally to the storage unit while the distal end portion is configured to secure the portable storage unit to an external structure. The securing member is configured to prevent the proximal end portion of the tensioner from being pulled out of the portable storage unit through the second opening. Accordingly, the securing member being disposed inside the portable storage unit facilitates securing the portable storage unit closer to the structure.

Abstract: Mounting blocks for securing items to a tire are secured by a tensioner wrapped around the tire and mounting blocks. Tensioning blocks maintain tension in the tensioner. The tensioner may be a pair of cables passing through grooves in the mounting blocks. The mounting blocks may define recesses over which the cable passes. Straps may pass around the cable in a recess to secure a pouch over a center of the tire. The cables may include widened portions that fit within widened portions of slots defined in the tensioning blocks. The mounting blocks and tensioning blocks may be identical but used differently. The mounting blocks may define openings for receiving straps securing items to the mounting blocks. Straps may be used in the place of cables and a pouch secured to the mounting blocks using other structures on the mounting blocks.

Abstract: A collapsible travel case includes a plurality of panels that are each non-removably secured to at least one other panel of the plurality of panels. Each panel of a subset of the panels may be removably secured to another panel of the subset of panels such that the plurality of panels define a substantially cuboid shape. A top panel may define a top opening with a closure mechanism. A bottom panel may be foldable and insertable within the top opening with other panels of the plurality of panels folded between the top panel and the bottom panel. The bottom panel may include a retractable stiffening element. Panels may define openings through which flaps secured to other panels may insert and be secured within using fastening material.

Abstract: A sheet of material has a left panel secured to the left edge and a right panel secured to a right edge such that a pouch is formed at one end of the sheet of material with a roll panel portion of the sheet extending outwardly form the pouch. Storage structures, such as pouches and tool rolls may secure to the roll panel removably or non-removably. The storage structures and roll panel which may be rolled up and placed within the pouch. A perimeter of the pouch may include a closure mechanism, such as a cord and cord lock for constricting the opening of the pouch. A suspension portion may secure to the roll panel for hanging the roll panel and pouch during use.

Abstract: Mounting blocks for securing items to a tire are secured by a tensioner wrapped around the tire and mounting blocks. Tensioning blocks maintain tension in the tensioner. The tensioner may be a pair of cables passing through grooves in the mounting blocks. The mounting blocks may define recesses over which the cable passes. Straps may pass around the cable in a recess to secure a pouch over a center of the tire. The cables may include widened portions that fit within widened portions of slots defined in the tensioning blocks. The mounting blocks and tensioning blocks may be identical but used differently. The mounting blocks may define openings for receiving straps securing items to the mounting blocks. Straps may be used in the place of cables and a pouch secured to the mounting blocks using other structures on the mounting blocks.

Abstract: Fastening patches with fastening material (VELCRO, 3M DUAL LOCK) on both surfaces each include a column with outwardly extending tabs. Fastening patches secure to a backing layer and the tabs of fastening patches may secure to one another to form loops for securing items. The backing layer may include fastening material for securing to an inner surface of luggage. The arrangement of the tabs may correspond to the MOLLE or PALS standard. Fastening patches may include smaller anchor tabs at the top and bottom of the column and be secured to luggage without stitching.

Abstract: Fastening patches with fastening material (VELCRO, 3M DUAL LOCK) on both surfaces each include a column with outwardly extending tabs. Fastening patches secure to a backing layer and the tabs of fastening patches may secure to one another to form loops for securing items. The backing layer may include fastening material for securing to an inner surface of luggage. The arrangement of the tabs may correspond to the MOLLE or PALS standard. Fastening patches may include smaller anchor tabs at the top and bottom of the column and be secured to luggage without stitching.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hitch-mounted apparatus for use in conjunction with a vehicular hitch receiver to efficiently transport one or more payloads. In particular, the hitch-mounted apparatus may include first and second support arms that are adjustably connected to a connecting member. In some embodiments, each of the first and second support arms and the connecting member include at least one mounting surface defining one or more slots. Utilizing the one or more slots, at least one of the first and second support arms can slide relative to the connecting member. Similarly, upper and lower retention mechanisms for securing a payload can slide relative to the respective first and second support arms. Further, via the one or more slots of the connecting member, lever locks can secure or loosen fasteners at a pivot joint coupling the connecting member and a hitch tube inserted into a vehicular hitch receiver.

Abstract: A travel pouch includes a plurality of panels defining a cuboid shape. Within the travel pouch is a sleeve including divider portions with fastening material that may be joined together to form a divider across the sleeve. The divider portions may each include multiple panels. Fastening material on the sleeve may facilitate folding back the divider portions when not in use. A panel may include a cable opening, an end portion of which is covered with an outer panel.

Abstract: An architecture for powering systems on an aircraft has a gas turbine engine including a main compressor, a combustor, and a turbine. The turbine powers the main compressor, and further powers a propulsor. The turbine is operably connected to drive a generator. The generator is connected to store generated power at a battery. The battery is connected to provide power to a motor from the propulsor such that the propulsor can be selectively driven by both the motor and the turbine. A bleed air control system and a tap for selectively tapping compressed air from the main compressor, and a control valve for delivering at least one of the tapped compressed air or a compressed alternative air to bleed systems on an associated aircraft. An electric bleed compressor selectively compresses the compressed alternative air. The electric bleed compressor is powered by the battery.

Abstract: Provided herein are highly porous electrode structures made from natural materials and retaining natural architecture, which are highly permeable and find use in capacitive deionization desalination systems and methods. Also provided herein are methods of making the electrodes and desalination systems, as well as methods of desalinating water.

Abstract: A collapsible travel case includes a plurality of panels that are each non-removably secured to at least one other panel of the plurality of panels. Each panel of a subset of the panels may be removably secured to another panel of the subset of panels such that the plurality of panels define a substantially cuboid shape. A top panel may define a top opening with a closure mechanism. A bottom panel may be foldable and insertable within the top opening with other panels of the plurality of panels folded between the top panel and the bottom panel. The bottom panel may include a retractable stiffening element. Panels may define openings through which flaps secured to other panels may insert and be secured within using fastening material.

Abstract: A sheet of material has a left panel secured to the left edge and a right panel secured to a right edge such that a pouch is formed at one end of the sheet of material with a roll panel portion of the sheet extending outwardly form the pouch. Storage structures, such as pouches and tool rolls may secure to the roll panel removably or non-removably. The storage structures and roll panel which may be rolled up and placed within the pouch. A perimeter of the pouch may include a closure mechanism, such as a cord and cord lock for constricting the opening of the pouch. A suspension portion may secure to the roll panel for hanging the roll panel and pouch during use.

Abstract: Passive reduction of internal jet engine component temperature in supersonic and hypersonic vehicles results from use of nanocomposite optical ceramic materials between the heat-generating portions of each jet engine and the ambient environment, allowing heat dissipation from the jet engine components directly to the ambient environment. A propulsion-airframe integrated scramjet aircraft includes a jet engine and an airframe supporting the jet engine, with at least a portion of the airframe between a heat-generating portion of the jet engine and an ambient environment comprising a nanocomposite optical ceramic material in the form of a panel or a grid of windows each supported within a frame. The nanocomposite optical ceramic material portion of the airframe disposed between the heat-generating portion of the jet engine and the ambient environment is infrared-transparent, and may transmit at least 75% of heat energy from the heat-generating portion of the jet engine to the ambient environment.

Abstract: An architecture for powering systems on an aircraft has a gas turbine engine including a main compressor, a combustor, and a turbine. The turbine powers the main compressor, and further powers a propulsor. The turbine is operably connected to drive a generator. The generator is connected to store generated power at a battery. The battery is connected to provide power to a motor from the propulsor such that the propulsor can be selectively driven by both the motor and the turbine. A bleed air control system and a tap for selectively tapping compressed air from the main compressor, and a control valve for delivering at least one of the tapped compressed air or a compressed alternative air to bleed systems on an associated aircraft. An electric bleed compressor selectively compresses the compressed alternative air. The electric bleed compressor is powered by the battery.

Abstract: A fuel and bleed controller is provided. The fuel and bleed controller includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores program instructions thereon. The program instructions are executable by the processor to cause the fuel and bleed controller to send status requests to systems of the aircraft. The systems comprise a bleed system and bleed user controllers. The program instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the fuel and bleed controller to receive status responses from the systems of the aircraft and determine fuel requirements based on the status responses in advance of operational needs by the systems of the aircraft. The program instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the fuel and bleed controller to control engines of the aircraft based on the fuel requirements.