Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for ammunition handling, including identifying and locating selected ammunition rounds in a magazine and then rapidly transferring the selected rounds to a weapon for firing. An ammunition handling system according to embodiments of the invention provides a smart or smart-capable, self-indexing ammunition handling and transfer system utilizing precision sensors and actuation mechanisms. Particular embodiments can index loaded rounds in a magazine by type and location, build an inventory of remaining munitions accessible by the system, locate selected rounds in the magazine and rapidly deploy the selected rounds to a weapon for firing. Other capabilities preferably include stores management and sorting for munitions deployment optimization. Preferred embodiments are also compatible with legacy weapons platforms.

Abstract: A 3D food printing system, which can deposit macro- and micro-nutrients in an additive process to prepare a wide variety of different types of food. According to embodiments described herein, a 3D printed food system can be used to rapidly and efficiently prepare meals on demand, rather than in advance, while also allowing nutritional content, flavor, and taste to be customized for individual crew members. In some embodiments, the food can also be prepared in a largely or even completely automated fashion.

Abstract: A method for rapidly adhering thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material to a void in a metallic surface, the method comprising placing a solid volume of a TPU over metallic surface; directing a laser toward the TPU; applying pressure on the TPU; and irradiating the TPU material until the material melts and adheres to the metallic surface. Some embodiments make use of a hand-held near-infrared radiation laser tool to irradiate the TPU material, the laser tool comprising a laser optics and fiber; a housing for holding said laser optics and fiber and maintaining a desired distance and orientation of the laser relative to the fastener to be filled; electronics for controlling said laser; a collimator; a beam expander; a laser shield; and a conformal dome or a flat pressure head for holding a solid portion of a filler material in place while the beam is used to melt the material and for applying pressure to the melted filler material.