Abstract: A method for estimating a wetted length of a solid surface includes sensing intensity of light reflected from a gas-liquid interface on the solid surface. A waveguide faces the gas-liquid interface and a diffused light is propagated to the gas-liquid interface through the waveguide. At least one optical receiver is positioned on a side of the waveguide to receive light reflected from the gas-liquid interface.

Abstract: A nosepiece is provided with a recess or cup shape with internal dimensions that provides cavity suppression of a body entering an air and water interface. The nosepiece includes a circular portion with a diameter connectable to a nose of the body. The circular portion has a cylindrical first section and a cylindrical second section with the recess as the formed cup in the first section at a depth where the diameter and depth are selected based on a Weber number for the body such that a cavity is suppressed as the nosepiece and the body enter the air and water interface.

Abstract: A customized dermatome skin graft transplantation system is provided and configured to photograph a trauma wound using a photo-optical digital imaging device to digitize an image, to determine a spatial coordinate pattern from the digital photographic image representing an ideal skin graft shape customized to the photographed trauma wound, and to operate a computer-controlled three-dimensional printer to manufacture a dermatome customized to the spatial coordinate pattern for placement on donor skin or a polymeric material to act as a guide for the cutting of a graft flap. The skin graft flaps are customized to the shape of the trauma wound to increase the resultant perimeter-to-area ratio of the surgically applied graft, with associated healing and aesthetic benefits. Computer-assisted embodiments of the present invention can incorporate image processing and/or artificial intelligence elements.

Abstract: A variable diameter conical nose is provided. The conical nose includes a cone formed from a circular sheet of ductile material having a sector removed. The formed cone has a first overlapping portion and a second overlapping portion overlying the first overlapping portion. The first overlapping portion is fixed and the second overlapping portion is free to move. The conical nose includes an actuator capable of varying the diameter of the cone by moving the second overlapping portion relative to the first overlapping portion.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a pressurized gas launcher. The pressurized gas launcher includes a pressure source providing a quantity of high-pressure gas, a launcher barrel having a first end and a second end having an opening, and a bladder. The bladder is housed within the launcher barrel and selectively fluidically coupled to the pressure source. When filled with pressurized gas, the bladder plastically deforms. The gas launcher further includes a projectile housed within the launcher barrel with the bladder positioned between the first end of the launcher barrel and the projectile. The projectile is dischargeable from the launcher barrel when the bladder ruptures when gas in the bladder exceeds a pressure threshold.

Abstract: A mount for joining a sensor to a structure includes a housing shell joined to the structure and having an interior volume. First and second fluids are disposed in the housing shell. The sensor can be positioned within the housing shell at the interface between the two fluids. A secondary link can be provided to prevent vibration transmission from the structure to the housing shell. A membrane can be provided to separate the first fluid from the second fluid inside the housing shell. Guy lines can also be used to position the sensor.

Abstract: A shock mitigator is provided for mitigating physical shock to a joined object. The shock mitigator includes a hollow body capable of being affixed to the object and having two ends defining a volume therein. A cavitating liquid is disposed in the hollow body volume. At least one end cap is slidingly disposed within the hollow body to seal at least one end thereof. When exposed to a physical shock the cavitating liquid changes phase from a liquid to a vapor, absorbing energy from the shock.