Abstract: A method of operating a hybrid-electric propulsion system for an aircraft and a hybrid-electric propulsion system is provided. The method includes: a) providing at least one thermal engine sized to provide sufficient thrust to the aircraft for at least one flight mission independent of a second non-thermal engine source of thrust for the at least one flight mission; b) providing at least one electric motor powered by a non-hydrocarbon fuel burning electrical energy source, the at least one electric motor configured to provide thrust to the aircraft for the at least one flight mission; and c) selectively providing thrust during one or more segments of the at least one flight mission using the electric motor.

Abstract: A system for controlling a tension of a tether between an object and a load tethered to the object comprises magnetorheological (MR) fluid actuator unit(s) including at least one torque source and at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus coupled to the at least one torque source to receive torque from the at least one torque source, the MR fluid clutch apparatus controllable to transmit a variable amount of torque via an output of the MR fluid actuator unit. A tensioning member is connected to the output so as to be pulled by the output member upon actuation of the magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus, a free end of the tensioning member adapted to exert a pulling action when being pulled by the output member. Sensor(s) provide information indicative of a relation between the object and the load tethered to the object. A controller controls the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus in exerting the pulling action based on said information.

Abstract: A vertical liftoff aircrafts system includes a plurality of unmanned wing structures configured for collective vertical liftoff; a plurality of tethers respectively connected to the plurality of wing structures; and a fuselage including a connector thereon for mechanically connecting the plurality of tethers. The fuselage includes a power pack for powering the plurality of wing structures via the plurality of tethers, whereby the plurality of wing structures is operatively interconnected to the fuselage with the plurality of tethers for lifting the fuselage. A method and a kit thereof also are disclosed.

Abstract: A combustion systems and components for rotary ramjet engines. An injection system, optionally stratified for ease of engine startup, provides an air and fuel mixture to a combustion chamber. An ignition system ignites the mixture. A flameholding system may be positioned for communication with the combustion chamber to force an ignited flow of the air and fuel mixture toward a center of rotation within the ramjet engine. The ramjet engine may have a diverging stator for improved exhaust efficiency. The ignition may take place in the engine air intake. Alternatively, the ignition may take place within the combustion chamber using a dual-hub electrically charged system. An impulse turbine may use recirculation of injected fuel to cool a rim-rotor and/or to reduce windage on the rim-rotor. A sealing system may reduce gas leaks from a fuel conduit into the engine air intake.

Abstract: The present disclosure introduces a rotor assembly having a concentric arrangement comprising a rotating turbine portion, a cooling channel and an annular reinforcement wall. The concentric arrangement is configured to rotate around a common axis. Also introduced is a rotary engine comprising the rotor assembly, in which the cooling channel further functions as a rotating compressor portion. The rotary engine also comprises a stator assembly that itself comprises a static turbine portion positioned upstream of the rotating turbine portion, a static compressor portion positioned downstream of the rotating compressor portion, and a combustion chamber positioned downstream of the static compressor portion and upstream of the static turbine portion.

Abstract: A vertical liftoff aircrafts system includes a plurality of unmanned wing structures configured for collective vertical liftoff; a plurality of tethers respectively connected to the plurality of wing structures; and a fuselage including a connector thereon for mechanically connecting the plurality of tethers. The fuselage includes a power pack for powering the plurality of wing structures via the plurality of tethers, whereby the plurality of wing structures is operatively interconnected to the fuselage with the plurality of tethers for lifting the fuselage. A method and a kit thereof also are disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure introduces a rotor assembly having a concentric arrangement comprising a rotating turbine portion, a cooling channel and an annular reinforcement wall. The concentric arrangement is configured to rotate around a common axis. Also introduced is a rotary engine comprising the rotor assembly, in which the cooling channel further functions as a rotating compressor portion.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that simultaneously or consecutively collects DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures from the same subject during the same collection window that adds value to forensic data collection processes. The collection of the DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures occur during the same collection window to assured the DNA sample and ridge and valley signatures identify the same individual.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that simultaneously or consecutively collects DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures from the same subject during the same collection window that adds value to forensic data collection processes. The collection of the DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures occur during the same collection window to assured the DNA sample and ridge and valley signatures identify the same individual.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that simultaneously or consecutively collects DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures from the same subject during the same collection window that adds value to forensic data collection processes. The collection of the DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures occur during the same collection window to assured the DNA sample and ridge and valley signatures identify the same individual.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that simultaneously or consecutively collects DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures from the same subject during the same collection window that adds value to forensic data collection processes. The collection of the DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures occur during the same collection window to assured the DNA sample and ridge and valley signatures identify the same individual.

Abstract: A polymerized hydrogel composition for hydrating or dehydrating a surface, particularly a dermatological surface, to which it is applied and a method for forming the composition. The composition is comprised of a mixture of two polymerizable materials, a two-part redox catalyst system and a two-part polymerization medium. The percentage by weight of each element in the composition may be varied within stated percentage ranges and depending to the desired application. The rate at which hydration or dehydration occurs may be controllably altered by varying the percentages of certain of the composition elements and by adding either or both of a fibrous filler material and a humectant to the composition.

Abstract: A polymerized hydrogel composition and applicator for hydrating or dehydrating a surface, particularly a dermatological surface, to which it is applied and a method for forming the composition. The composition is comprised of a mixture of two polymerizable materials, a two-part redox catalyst system and a two-part polymerization medium. The percentage by weight of each element in the composition may be varied within stated percentage ranges. The rate at which hydration or dehydration occurs may be controllably altered by varying the percentages of certain of the composition elements. The applicator includes a thermoplastic center section and two reservoir sections each having a reservoir storage area for holding moisture and/or medicaments. The composition is mechanically bonded onto each of the reservoir sections and then hydrated. The applicator is designed for insertion into a human mouth after hydration and is used for treating xerostomia.