Abstract: A computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer in a vehicle, cause the computer to carry out a method for determining an energy-optimal path for the vehicle from an initial location to a final location, the vehicle corresponding to a vehicle energy model. Based at least on the initial location, an initial time, the final location, the vehicle energy model, and an environmental forecast a global path is generated. The global path includes a final maximum net energy path and a plurality of waypoints. Based on the global path a local path from the present location to a next waypoint of the plurality of waypoints is generated. Whether a net energy gain is generated by a deviation from the global path to the next waypoint of the plurality of waypoints is determined. Generating a local path is repeated until the vehicle reaches the final location.

Abstract: A multi-modal vehicle includes a main fuselage body; one or more wings extending from the main fuselage body and having a shape configured to provide aerodynamic lift when the vehicle travels through the air and hydrodynamic lift when the vehicle travels through the water; and a buoyancy control engine situated within the vehicle and configured to control the buoyancy of the vehicle relative to surrounding water when the vehicle is submerged in water, thereby providing a buoyancy force to selectively propel the vehicle upwards and downwards, respectively, through the water.

Abstract: A rotary piston engine having a rotor with an output shaft and a plurality of longitudinally extending cylinder-forming bores, each having a slidable piston disposed therein. The rotor is contained in a housing that contains an elliptical cam track that interacts with the pistons, upon combustion, to cause rotation of the rotor. An opening in the housing end cap admits air into the cylinders on the rear side of the pistons and a port delivers air driven by the rear side of the pistons to an intake port in the side of the housing where, in response to the angular position of the rotor, the air is admitted to the front side of a piston for compression with injected fuel. The compressed fuel-air mixture is ignited and an exhaust port in the side of the housing opens to discharge the products of combustion.

Abstract: A multi-modal vehicle includes a main fuselage body; one or more wings extending from the main fuselage body and having a shape configured to provide aerodynamic lift when the vehicle travels through the air and hydrodynamic lift when the vehicle travels through the water; and a buoyancy control engine situated within the vehicle and configured to control the buoyancy of the vehicle relative to surrounding water when the vehicle is submerged in water, thereby providing a buoyancy force to selectively propel the vehicle upwards and downwards, respectively, through the water.

Abstract: A computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer in a vehicle, cause the computer to carry out a method for determining an energy-optimal path for the vehicle from an initial location to a final location, the vehicle corresponding to a vehicle energy model. Based at least on the initial location, an initial time, the final location, the vehicle energy model, and an environmental forecast a global path is generated. The global path includes a final maximum net energy path and a plurality of waypoints. Based on the global path a local path from the present location to a next waypoint of the plurality of waypoints is generated. Whether a net energy gain is generated by a deviation from the global path to the next waypoint of the plurality of waypoints is determined. Generating a local path is repeated until the vehicle reaches the final location.

Abstract: A rotary piston engine comprising, a cylindrical rotatable rotor with an output shaft and a plurality of longitudinally extending cylinder-forming bores, each having a slidable piston disposed therein, where the rotor is contained in a housing whose interior contains a cam track that interacts with the pistons to move them back and forth within their respective cylinders in response to rotation of the rotor. A rear end cap on the housing contains an arcuate opening for admitting ambient air into the cylinders on the rear side of the pistons and an arcuate port for delivery the air driven by the rear side of the pistons into a transfer manifold that directs the air to an intake port in the side of the housing where, in response to the angular position of the rotor, the air is admitted to the front side of a piston for compression with injected fuel.

Abstract: Addressed are systems and methods for providing to pilots of landing aircraft real-time (or near real-time) information concerning runway conditions and aircraft-stopping performance to be encountered upon landing. The systems and methods contemplate using more objective data than utilized at present and providing the information in automated manner. Information may be obtained by using conventional ground-based runway friction testers or, advantageously, by using air-based equipment such as (but not limited to) unmanned aerospace vehicles (UAVs).

Abstract: Addressed are systems and methods for providing to pilots of landing aircraft real-time (or near real-time) information concerning runway conditions and aircraft-stopping performance to be encountered upon landing. The systems and methods contemplate using more objective data than utilized at present and providing the information in automated manner. Information may be obtained by using conventional ground-based runway friction testers or, advantageously, by using air-based equipment such as (but not limited to) unmanned aerospace vehicles (UAVs).

Abstract: Addressed are systems and methods for providing to pilots of landing aircraft real-time (or near real-time) information concerning runway conditions and aircraft-stopping performance to be encountered upon landing. The systems and methods contemplate using more objective data than utilized at present and providing the information in automated manner. Information may be obtained by using conventional ground-based runway friction testers or, advantageously, by using air-based equipment such as (but not limited to) unmanned aerospace vehicles (UAVs).

Abstract: Detailed are systems and techniques for protecting structures from vehicular attack. The systems incorporate deformable materials sufficient to disable or otherwise inhibit certain vehicular traffic yet support weights and weight distributions typically associated with pedestrian or other non-threat traffic. Bodies of deformable materials further may include rigid structures or vehicle-immobilization devices.

Abstract: Detailed are systems and techniques for protecting structures from vehicular attack. The systems incorporate deformable materials sufficient to disable or otherwise inhibit certain vehicular traffic yet support weights and weight distributions typically associated with pedestrian or other non-threat traffic. Bodies of deformable materials further may include rigid structures or vehicle-immobilization devices.

Abstract: Addressed are systems and methods for providing to pilots of landing aircraft real-time (or near real-time) information concerning runway conditions and aircraft-stopping performance to be encountered upon landing. The systems and methods contemplate using more objective data than utilized at present and providing the information in automated manner. Information may be obtained by using conventional ground-based runway friction testers or, advantageously, by using air-based equipment such as (but not limited to) unmanned aerospace vehicles (UAVs).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating dredged material in which liquid is first added to the dredged material, and dewatering the dredged material to obtain a filtrate and a solid portion. Contaminants are removed from the dredged material by at least one oxidation process. The solid portion may be used to form structural articles.

Abstract: This invention provides detailed sequence analysis and characterization of the gene cluster responsible for the synthesis of bleomycin in Streptomyces verticillus. The bleomycin gene cluster provides the first hybrid polyketide synthase/nonribosomal peptide synthetase pathway and elucidation of the various modules and enzymatic domains characterizing the pathway provides convenient synthetic routes for bleomycins, bleomycin analogs, and various other polyketides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating dredged material in which liquid is first added to the dredged material, and dewatering the dredged material to obtain a filtrate and a solid portion. Contaminants are removed from the dredged material by at least one oxidation process. The solid portion may be used to form structural articles.

Abstract: An in-ground receptacle for a fluid meter and/or a valve, comprising a continuous wall defining a chamber for the meter and/or valve. The wall is co-molded in three layers comprising inner and outer layers of plastic with an intermediate plastic layer having high insulative characteristics. The receptacle is provided at its upper end with an appropriate openable closure, substantially at ground level, and permitting inspection of and access to the meter and/or valve. The receptacle may have an annular interior rim near its upper end. The rim supports an insulative pad at the top of the receptacle beneath the openable closure therefor. The pad has a removable center portion enabling inspection and access to the fluid meter and/or valve. The construction of the receptacle is such as to prevent freezing of the fluid meter and/or valve.

Abstract: An in-ground receptacle for a fluid meter and/or a valve, comprising a continuous wall defining a chamber for the meter and/or valve. The wall is molded in three layers comprising smooth inner and outer layers of plastic with an intermediate plastic layer having high insulative characteristics. The receptacle is provided at its upper end with an appropriate openable closure, substantially at ground level, and permitting inspection of and access to the meter and/or valve. The receptacle has an annular interior rim near its upper end. The rim supports an insulative pad at the top of the receptacle beneath the openable closure therefor. The pad has a removable center portion enabling inspection and access to the fluid meter and/or valve. The construction of the receptacle is such as to prevent freezing of the fluid meter and/or valve.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising a housing having a peripheral wall with a cylindrical internal surface and side walls defining a chamber, a rotor disposed within said chamber and having a central shaft extending through at least one of the side walls, said rotor having at least one recess in its periphery, at least one pivotally mounted piston disposed in each of said recesses and having a pivotal end and a movable end defining collapsible chambers above and below the piston, a cam track carried on the inside of at least one of the side walls and followers operably interconnecting the cam track and the movable end of the said piston, the improvement which includes an ambient air intake port opening into the peripheral wall of the housing, an exhaust port disposed in the peripheral wall of the housing, at least one combustion chamber disposed in the peripheral wall of the housing, a fuel injector in communication with the combustion chamber and compressed air transfer duets valves and passageways disp

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising a housing having a peripheral wall with a cylindrical internal surface and side walls defining a chamber, a rotor disposed within said chamber and having a central shaft extending through at least one of the side walls, said rotor having at least one recess in its periphery, at least one pivotally mounted piston disposed in each of said recesses and having a pivotal end and a movable end defining collapsible chambers above and below the piston, a cam track carried on the inside of at least one of the side walls and followers operably interconnecting the cam track and the movable end of the said piston, the improvement which includes an ambient air intake port opening into the peripheral wall of the housing, an exhaust port disposed in the peripheral wall of the housing, at least one combustion chamber disposed in the peripheral wall of the housing, a fuel injector in communication with the combustion chamber and compressed air transfer ducts valves and passageways disp