Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems, methods, and data storage devices, such as a data storage device comprising a data path and a controller. The data path comprises a data port to transmit data between a host computer system and the data storage device. The data storage device registers with the host computer system as a block data storage device. A non-volatile storage medium stores encrypted user content data. A cryptography engine is connected between the data port and the storage medium and uses cryptographic key data to encrypt and decrypt user content data. The controller is configured to send the encrypted user content data for back-up storage external to the data storage device as encrypted by the cryptographic key data, and communicate with a user device over a communication channel that is different from the data path, to send the cryptographic key data for decryption of the encrypted user content external to the data storage device.

Abstract: Structures designed to mitigate implosion pressure spikes through the use of an external sacrificial confining structure. Such improved structures can, in some embodiments, completely surround the existing structures that are at a high risk of imploding. The improved structures can slow the rate at which the surrounding fluid media volume is consumed by providing resistance to flow into the enclosure.

Abstract: An accelerated life testing (ALT) system for the pressurization of corrosive media, such as seawater, at high pressures and at elevated temperatures (up to about 70° C.) for extended periods of time. The interior of a pressure vessel is coated in an inert ceramic/epoxy coating that provides adequate corrosion protection from the corrosive media. A fabric reinforced nitrile diaphragm separates the corrosive media from hydraulic actuating media, such as oil. The hydraulic actuating media is pressurized, which deforms the diaphragm into the corrosive media, thereby increasing the pressure. The diaphragm and supplementary flouroelastomer seals isolate the corrosive media from pressure generating, monitoring, and safety equipment. The temperature of the entire vessel and contents is maintained by complete immersion in a heated, filtered water bath. The system is particularly useful for ALT experiments on components intended for sea floor and long term deep ocean environment operations at about 6000 psi (41.4 MPa).

Abstract: Structures designed to mitigate implosion pressure spikes through the use of an external sacrificial confining structure. Such improved structures can, in some embodiments, completely surround the existing structures that are at a high risk of imploding. The improved structures can slow the rate at which the surrounding fluid media volume is consumed by providing resistance to flow into the enclosure.

Abstract: A flexible, electrically conductive composite is disclosed that includes a plurality of particles of elastomeric material and a conductive material. The conductive material at least partially covers the plurality of particles of elastomeric material. A first portion of the composite has undergone a force that has deformed a first portion of the particles of elastomeric material and broken up the conductive coating material.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing geopolitical attributes over time via a digital computer is provided. Markets of interest are identified. Qualitative data regarding one or more attributes is received for each of the markets of interest at predefined time periods. A score is determined for each market based on the qualitative data for that market. The score for each market is then classified as having a location desirability value. The scores and the location desirability values are displayed for each of the markets at each of the predetermined times.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a multifunctional electrically conductive composite. The method includes the steps of coating an electrically conductive material on particles of a polymeric material, and applying a stress force on the coated polymeric material to cause the polymeric material to become deformed and the electrically conductive material to break into smaller sized particles.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of dispersing conductive particles within a polymer. The method includes the steps of providing dry polymer particles, adding conductive material to the dry polymer particles to coat the dry polymer particles, and hot melt pressing the coated polymer particles.

Abstract: This invention provides a particulate composite comprising a polyester resin, a plasticizer, and a plurality of cenospheres. The polyester resin and the plasticizer form a matrix wherein the cenospsheres are distributed nonhomogeneously in the matrix. The nonhomogenous distribution of cenospheres further comprises a continuously varying particle volume fraction along a single dimension.