Abstract: A multiple stage orbital delivery vehicle that uses tractor propulsion to launch the vehicle into space. Only the upper stage of the vehicle includes an engine and avionics allowing the lower stages to be only liquid propellant tanks that may be dumped when empty. The liquid propellant may be either monopropellant or bi-propellant. The upper stage may include multiple nozzles that burn the propellant. Alternatively, the upper stage may include an aerospike engine instead of nozzles. The multiple stage orbital delivery vehicle may be air launched from an airborne aircraft or may be launched from the ground.

Abstract: A multiple stage orbital delivery vehicle that uses tractor propulsion to launch the vehicle into space. Only the upper stage of the vehicle includes an engine and avionics allowing the lower stages to be only liquid propellant tanks that may be dumped when empty. The liquid propellant may be either monopropellant or bi-propellant. The upper stage may include multiple nozzles that burn the propellant. Alternatively, the upper stage may include an aerospike engine instead of nozzles. The multiple stage orbital delivery vehicle may be air launched from an airborne aircraft or may be launched from the ground.

Abstract: A multiple stage orbital delivery vehicle that uses tractor propulsion to launch the vehicle into space. Only the upper stage of the vehicle includes an engine and avionics allowing the lower stages to be only liquid propellant tanks that may be dumped when empty. The liquid propellant may be either monopropellant or bi-propellant. The upper stage may include multiple nozzles that burn the propellant. Alternatively, the upper stage may include an aerospike engine instead of nozzles. The multiple stage orbital delivery vehicle may be air launched from an airborne aircraft or may be launched from the ground.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a self-contained, random scattering laser generating device comprising a housing comprises an opening and an inner chamber, at least one quantum dot positioned inside the inner chamber, a high-energy emitting source positioned within the inner chamber and in radioactive communication with the at least one quantum dot, and a first lasing medium. The present disclosure also relates to a method comprising providing at least one quantum dot, contacting the at least one quantum dot with a high-energy emitting source whereby randomly scattered light is produced, partially coherently amplifying the randomly scattered light emitted from the at least one quantum dot, and generating a random scattering laser.

Abstract: A solar powered radiometric lift device operable to generate sustained lift is disclosed. A hot surface powered by solar energy and a colder surface are utilized to generate a pressure differential via free molecular momentum exchange. An insulating space may be situated between the hot surface and the colder surface, and formed into channels allowing thermal transpiration. The solar powered radiometric lift device is operable to provide sufficient lift for a geostationary stratospheric platform. Embodiments of the solar powered radiometric lift device are further operable to provide station keeping thrust and controllability.

Abstract: A pressure oscillation damping mechanism comprises a cavity having an entrance exposed to fluid flowing on an exterior of the cavity. The damping mechanism may include a constriction positioned adjacent to the entrance and being sized to dampen an amplitude of the pressure oscillations occurring within the cavity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a light modulating communication device comprising a housing comprising at least one inner chamber, and an opening, at least one quantum dot positioned inside the at least one inner chamber, a high-energy emitting source positioned within the at least one inner chamber, a modulator positioned proximal to the opening of the housing, and optionally, at least one reflector positioned within the at least one inner chamber. The present disclosure also relates to a method comprising providing at least one quantum dot, contacting the at least one quantum dot with high-energy particles such that light is produced from the at least one quantum dot, and modulating the light produced from the at least one quantum dot.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to illumination devices and methods of generating light for extended periods of time without requiring an outside source of power, recharging, refueling or maintenance. The devices of the present disclosure comprise a plurality of quantum dots and a radioisotope, and may be used in numerous ways, for example, for the marking critical areas or paths, for the illumination of pathways in aircraft, ships, trains, buildings, and other facilities where these routes must be precisely delineated or identified for safety reasons, for the inclusion of signs or other indicia that must be illuminated at all times, as well as many military uses, such as for the demarcation of temporary airfields for fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters or for IFF (identification friend or foe).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to illumination devices and methods of generating light for extended periods of time without requiring an outside source of power, recharging, refueling or maintenance. The devices of the present disclosure comprise a plurality of quantum dots and a radioisotope, and may be used in numerous ways, for example, for the marking critical areas or paths, for the illumination of pathways in aircraft, ships, trains, buildings, and other facilities where these routes must be precisely delineated or identified for safety reasons, for the inclusion of signs or other indicia that must be illuminated at all times, as well as many military uses, such as for the demarcation of temporary airfields for fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters or for IFF (identification friend or foe).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a self-powered, random scattering laser generating device comprising a housing comprises an opening and an inner chamber, at least one quantum dot positioned inside the inner chamber, a high-energy emitting source positioned within the inner chamber and in radioactive communication with the at least one quantum dot, and a first lasing medium. The present disclosure also relates to a method comprising providing at least one quantum dot, contacting the at least one quantum dot with a high-energy emitting source whereby randomly scattered light is produced, partially coherently amplifying the randomly scattered light emitted from the at least one quantum dot, and generating a random scattering laser.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a light modulating communication device comprising a housing comprising at least one inner chamber, and an opening, at least one quantum dot positioned inside the at least one inner chamber, a high-energy emitting source positioned within the at least one inner chamber, a modulator positioned proximal to the opening of the housing, and optionally, at least one reflector positioned within the at least one inner chamber. The present disclosure also relates to a method comprising providing at least one quantum dot, contacting the at least one quantum dot with high-energy particles such that light is produced from the at least one quantum dot, and modulating the light produced from the at least one quantum dot.