Abstract: A vehicle for driving on ferromagnetic structures includes a chassis, first and second wheels rotatably coupled to the chassis, and a magnet array coupled to the chassis for magnetically attracting the vehicle to the structures. The magnet array is controllable to aim a magnetic field produced by the magnet array over a range of angles relative to the chassis.

Abstract: A robotic system which includes a fluid controller, an arm portion, and a soft end effector apparatus coupled with the fluid controller and the arm portion. The soft end effector apparatus includes a base constructed and arranged to mount to the arm portion, a set of wrist assemblies coupled with the base, and a set of finger assemblies coupled with the set of wrist assemblies. Each wrist assembly of the set of wrist assemblies (i) couples with a respective finger assembly and (ii) provides movement to that respective finger assembly relative to the base during actuation of that wrist assembly and during independent actuation of that respective finger assembly in response to control from the fluid controller. Along these lines, the fluid controller may individually provide pressurized fluid to each wrist assembly and each finger assembly when controlling interaction between the soft end effector apparatus and an external object.

Abstract: An RF signal switch circuit that allows connection of any of N radio frequency (RF) input terminals to a switch output port, either in a low loss mode, in a bypass mode, or, optionally, in a signal function mode. Embodiments of the invention allow for both a single switch in the series input path to a target circuit while still having the ability to isolate the bypass path from the target circuit. In the low loss and bypass mode, the circuit simultaneously exhibits low input insertion loss (and thus a low noise factor) and high bypass mode isolation.

Abstract: An RF signal switch circuit that allows connection of any of N radio frequency (RF) input terminals to a switch output port, either in a low loss mode, in a bypass mode, or, optionally, in a signal function mode. Embodiments of the invention allow for both a single switch in the series input path to a target circuit while still having the ability to isolate the bypass path from the target circuit. In the low loss and bypass mode, the circuit simultaneously exhibits low input insertion loss (and thus a low noise factor) and high bypass mode isolation.

Abstract: A technique for carrying a payload by a UUV includes providing a structure that extends around an outer surface of the UUV along a length of the UUV. The structure has an outer membrane that forms a streamlined shape around the UUV and contains the payload.

Abstract: An RF signal switch circuit that allows connection of any of N radio frequency (RF) input terminals to a switch output port, either in a low loss mode, in a bypass mode, or, optionally, in a signal function mode. Embodiments of the invention allow for both a single switch in the series input path to a target circuit while still having the ability to isolate the bypass path from the target circuit. In the low loss and bypass mode, the circuit simultaneously exhibits low input insertion loss (and thus a low noise factor) and high bypass mode isolation.

Abstract: An RF signal switch circuit that allows connection of any of N radio frequency (RF) input terminals to a switch output port, either in a low loss mode, in a bypass mode, or, optionally, in a signal function mode. Embodiments of the invention allow for both a single switch in the series input path to a target circuit while still having the ability to isolate the bypass path from the target circuit. In the low loss and bypass mode, the circuit simultaneously exhibits low input insertion loss (and thus a low noise factor) and high bypass mode isolation.

Abstract: An RF signal switch circuit that allows connection of any of N radio frequency (RF) input terminals to a switch output port, either in a low loss mode, in a bypass mode, or, optionally, in a signal function mode. Embodiments of the invention allow for both a single switch in the series input path to a target circuit while still having the ability to isolate the bypass path from the target circuit. In the low loss and bypass mode, the circuit simultaneously exhibits low input insertion loss (and thus a low noise factor) and high bypass mode isolation.

Abstract: A technique provides a modular sensing device having multiple separable modules attached end to end. The modules are selectable based on mission requirements, with different modules and combinations thereof selected for different mission types and/or requirements.

Abstract: A variable buoyancy device has an inner region and an outer cavity. The outer cavity extends at least partially around the inner region and is adapted to contain fluids, such as a liquid and a gas, the relative proportions of which can be varied to vary buoyancy. The inner region provides an advantageous location for equipment, while the outer cavity provides a significant volume for achieving a wide range of buoyancy adjustments.

Abstract: An RF signal switch circuit that allows connection of any of N radio frequency (RF) input terminals to a switch output port, either in a low loss mode, in a bypass mode, or, optionally, in a signal function mode. Embodiments of the invention allow for both a single switch in the series input path to a target circuit while still having the ability to isolate the bypass path from the target circuit. In the low loss and bypass mode, the circuit simultaneously exhibits low input insertion loss (and thus a low noise factor) and high bypass mode isolation.

Abstract: A technique for managing an attachment between first and second portions of a device. The technique includes a retaining component having a first state in which the retaining component maintains the attachment between the first and second portions by virtue of a rigid characteristic and a second state in which the retaining component loses the rigid characteristic and no longer maintains the attachment. The retaining component transitions from the first state to the second state upon exposure to liquid water.

Abstract: A robotic system which includes a fluid controller, an arm portion, and a soft end effector apparatus coupled with the fluid controller and the arm portion. The soft end effector apparatus includes a base constructed and arranged to mount to the arm portion, a set of wrist assemblies coupled with the base, and a set of finger assemblies coupled with the set of wrist assemblies. Each wrist assembly of the set of wrist assemblies (i) couples with a respective finger assembly and (ii) provides movement to that respective finger assembly relative to the base during actuation of that wrist assembly and during independent actuation of that respective finger assembly in response to control from the fluid controller. Along these lines, the fluid controller may individually provide pressurized fluid to each wrist assembly and each finger assembly when controlling interaction between the soft end effector apparatus and an external object.

Abstract: An RF signal switch circuit that allows connection of any of N radio frequency (RF) input terminals to a switch output port, either in a low loss mode, in a bypass mode, or, optionally, in a signal function mode. Embodiments of the invention allow for both a single switch in the series input path to a target circuit while still having the ability to isolate the bypass path from the target circuit. In the low loss and bypass mode, the circuit simultaneously exhibits low input insertion loss (and thus a low noise factor) and high bypass mode isolation.

Abstract: A technique for managing an attachment between first and second portions of a device. The technique includes a retaining component having a first state in which the retaining component maintains the attachment between the first and second portions by virtue of a rigid characteristic and a second state in which the retaining component loses the rigid characteristic and no longer maintains the attachment. The retaining component transitions from the first state to the second state upon exposure to liquid water.

Abstract: A technique provides a modular sensing device having multiple separable modules attached end to end. The modules are selectable based on mission requirements, with different modules and combinations thereof selected for different mission types and/or requirements.

Abstract: A variable buoyancy device has an inner region and an outer cavity. The outer cavity extends at least partially around the inner region and is adapted to contain fluids, such as a liquid and a gas, the relative proportions of which can be varied to vary buoyancy. The inner region provides an advantageous location for equipment, while the outer cavity provides a significant volume for achieving a wide range of buoyancy adjustments.

Abstract: An RF signal switch circuit that allows connection of any of N radio frequency (RF) input terminals to a switch output port, either in a low loss mode, in a bypass mode, or, optionally, in a signal function mode. Embodiments of the invention allow for both a single switch in the series input path to a target circuit while still having the ability to isolate the bypass path from the target circuit. In the low loss and bypass mode, the circuit simultaneously exhibits low input insertion loss (and thus a low noise factor) and high bypass mode isolation.

Abstract: An RF signal switch circuit that allows connection of any of N radio frequency (RF) input terminals to a switch output port, either in a low loss mode, in a bypass mode, or, optionally, in a signal function mode. Embodiments of the invention allow for both a single switch in the series input path to a target circuit while still having the ability to isolate the bypass path from the target circuit. In the low loss and bypass mode, the circuit simultaneously exhibits low input insertion loss (and thus a low noise factor) and high bypass mode isolation.

Abstract: An RF signal switch circuit that allows connection of any of N radio frequency (RF) input terminals to a switch output port, either in a low loss mode, in a bypass mode, or, optionally, in a signal function mode. Embodiments of the invention allow for both a single switch in the series input path to a target circuit while still having the ability to isolate the bypass path from the target circuit. In the low loss and bypass mode, the circuit simultaneously exhibits low input insertion loss (and thus a low noise factor) and high bypass mode isolation.