Abstract: A deployable vehicle for an instrumented rail system includes a first locomotion module having a first mobility assembly configured to engage a first rail, a second locomotion module having a second mobility assembly configured to engage a second rail, an adjustable frame extendable between the first and second locomotion modules by a distance corresponding to the distance between the first and second rails, and a sensor module removably attachable to the frame. The sensor module includes a sensor suite having a plurality of sensors for gathering data while the vehicle is deployed. The sensor module includes a communications module having a first radio configured to enable the vehicle to establish at least a first communication link with a remotely located mobile base station, and a second radio configured to establish a second communication link with the remotely located mobile base station.

Abstract: A deployable vehicle for an instrumented rail system includes a first locomotion module having a first mobility assembly configured to engage a first rail, a second locomotion module having a second mobility assembly configured to engage a second rail, an adjustable frame extendable between the first and second locomotion modules by a distance corresponding to the distance between the first and second rails, and a sensor module removably attachable to the frame. The sensor module includes a sensor suite having a plurality of sensors for gathering data while the vehicle is deployed. The sensor module includes a communications module having a first radio configured to enable the vehicle to establish at least a first communication link with a remotely located mobile base station, and a second radio configured to establish a second communication link with the remotely located mobile base station.

Abstract: An earplug includes a body, insertable into an ear canal, where the body defines a channel having at least two ends. The channel can house a movable structure configured to allow passage of sound around the movable structure in a rest position, and to block at least a portion of the channel in a deflected position. The movable structure moves from the rest position to the deflected position based on receiving, at one of the at least two ends of the channel, a pressure wave having at least a threshold amplitude pressure to block at least a portion of the pressure wave from reaching the other end of the channel.

Abstract: A pulsed plasma thruster (PPT) and a method of making the PPT are disclosed. The PPT includes no moving parts and can be made in a small size. The PPT can achieve long operating duration by using vapor as a fuel. Liquid used to form the vapor can be easily stored and can provide an ample supply of vapor. The PPT is also designed to facilitate easy and rapid manufacture. The process for making the PPT uses known techniques for making printed circuit board devices.

Abstract: A pulsed plasma thruster (PPT) and a method of making the PPT are disclosed. The PPT includes no moving parts and can be made in a small size. The PPT can achieve long operating duration by using vapor as a fuel. Liquid used to form the vapor can be easily stored and can provide an ample supply of vapor. The PPT is also designed to facilitate easy and rapid manufacture. The process for making the PPT uses known techniques for making printed circuit board devices.

Abstract: A pulsed plasma thruster (PPT) and a method of making the pulsed plasma thruster are disclosed. The PPT includes no moving parts and is able to achieve a small size. The PPT is also designed to facilitate easy and rapid manufacture. The process for making the PPT uses known techniques for making printed circuit board devices. Another PPT also has no moving parts and uses a liquid fuel that is progressively advanced by capillary action.

Abstract: A pulsed plasma thruster (PPT) and a method of making the pulsed plasma thruster are disclosed. The PPT includes no moving parts and is able to achieve a small size. The PPT is also designed to facilitate easy and rapid manufacture. The process for making the PPT uses known techniques for making printed circuit board devices. Another PPT also has no moving parts and uses a liquid fuel that is progressively advanced by capillary action.