Abstract: In the field of chain-link modules for voltage source converters, there is a need for an improved chain-link module. A chain-link module, for connection in series with other chain-link modules to form a chain-link converter selectively operable to provide a stepped variable voltage source within a voltage source converter, includes at least one pair of series-connected switching elements that are connected in parallel with a number of series-connected energy storage devices. Each energy storage device has an auxiliary power supply unit connected in parallel therewith to source energy therefrom for supply to an auxiliary chain-link module control circuit. The chain-link module also includes a modulation controller which is interconnected between each auxiliary power supply unit and the auxiliary chain-link module control circuit. The modulation controller is configured to modulate the proportion of energy supplied to the auxiliary chain-link module control circuit by each auxiliary power supply unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing, tracking and improving security maturity of an organization are provided. Described is a system for assessing security maturity of an organization. The system receives a list of data sources located across multiple jurisdictions for the organization, collects data sources/data using custom rules from a plurality of data sources of the list of data sources, determine criticality score for each of the plurality of data sources, calculates data source coverage and asset collection coverage, determines use case coverage, and determines security maturity score using a maturity score model. The maturity score model is a logistic equation which is a function of the data source coverage, the asset collection coverage, the criticality score associated with each of the plurality of data sources, the use case coverage, asset coverage by each the plurality of data sources.

Abstract: In the field of chain-link modules for voltage source converters, there is a need for an improved chain-link module. A chain-link module, for connection in series with other chain-link modules to form a chain-link converter selectively operable to provide a stepped variable voltage source within a voltage source converter, includes at least one pair of series-connected switching elements that are connected in parallel with a number of series-connected energy storage devices. Each energy storage device has an auxiliary power supply unit connected in parallel therewith to source energy therefrom for supply to an auxiliary chain-link module control circuit. The chain-link module also includes a modulation controller which is interconnected between each auxiliary power supply unit and the auxiliary chain-link module control circuit. The modulation controller is configured to modulate the proportion of energy supplied to the auxiliary chain-link module control circuit by each auxiliary power supply unit.

Abstract: A watercraft propulsion system for moving a watercraft along a waterway having a bottom and a surface, wherein the watercraft presents a port side and a starboard side. The watercraft propulsion system comprises a boom assembly having a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end being rotatably coupled with the watercraft. The watercraft additionally comprises a wheel mounted to the distal end of the boom. The wheel includes at least one generally radially-extending blade assembly, with the blade assembly comprising a primary blade and a secondary blade. The secondary blade extends at an angle with respect to the primary blade so as to present a fluid channel between the primary blade and the secondary blade.

Abstract: A dewatering system for separating a slurry into solid material and effluent water. The dewatering system comprises a plurality of support frames arranged to enclose an interior space of the dewatering system, with the interior space being configured to receive the slurry. The dewatering system further includes geo-fabric material positioned on a portion of the support frames, with the geo-fabric material being configured to filter the slurry received within the interior space, such that effluent water permeates through the geo-fabric material and is discharged from the interior space. The dewatering system further comprises a dump door assembly associated with at least one of the support frames, with the dump door assembly including a plurality of hatches configured to selectively open to allow effluent water to be discharged from the interior space of the dewatering system.

Abstract: A cutterhead for dredging a body of water. The cutterhead comprising a shroud including a top wall, a bottom wall, and two sidewalls each extending between the top and bottom walls. The cutterhead additionally comprises a rotatable cutterbar at least partially received within an interior space presented by the shroud, a first water-jet bar extending along a portion of the top wall of the shroud, and a second water-jet bar extending along at least a portion of one of the two sidewalls. The cutterbar and the water-jet bars are configured to generate a slurry of fluidized material from the water-bed.

Abstract: A watercraft propulsion system for moving a watercraft along a waterway having a bottom and a surface, wherein the watercraft presents a port side and a starboard side. The watercraft propulsion system comprises a boom assembly having a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end being rotatably coupled with the watercraft. The watercraft additionally comprises a wheel mounted to the distal end of the boom. The wheel includes at least one generally radially-extending blade assembly, with the blade assembly comprising a primary blade and a secondary blade. The secondary blade extends at an angle with respect to the primary blade so as to present a fluid channel between the primary blade and the secondary blade.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing floating waterbourne debris. The apparatus includes a capture section comprising a carrier and a motive member mounted on the carrier, with the motive member adapted to contact and direct floating debris rearwardly. The apparatus further includes a collection and pumping section positioned rearward of the capture section for collecting and removing debris directed from the capture section. The collection and pumping section includes a hopper having opposed first and second ends, the first end thereof positioned adjacent the motive member and comprising an opening adapted to receive debris directed by the motive member, and the second end presenting a port for passing debris therethrough, and a pump mounted to the hopper adjacent the port and in fluid communication with the hopper for transporting the debris received from the hopper to a remote location.

Abstract: A dewatering system for separating a slurry into solid material and effluent water. The dewatering system comprises a plurality of support frames arranged to enclose an interior space of the dewatering system, with the interior space being configured to receive the slurry. The dewatering system further includes geo-fabric material positioned on a portion of the support frames, with the geo-fabric material being configured to filter the slurry received within the interior space, such that effluent water permeates through the geo-fabric material and is discharged from the interior space. The dewatering system further comprises a dump door assembly associated with at least one of the support frames, with the dump door assembly including a plurality of hatches configured to selectively open to allow effluent water to be discharged from the interior space of the dewatering system.

Abstract: A cutterhead for dredging a body of water. The cutterhead comprising a shroud including a top wall, a bottom wall, and two sidewalls each extending between the top and bottom walls. The cutterhead additionally comprises a rotatable cutterbar at least partially received within an interior space presented by the shroud, a first water-jet bar extending along a portion of the top wall of the shroud, and a second water-jet bar extending along at least a portion of one of the two sidewalls. The cutterbar and the water-jet bars are configured to generate a slurry of fluidized material from the water-bed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dredging sediment from aquatic environments and cutting aquatic vegetation therein includes using a cutterhead mounted to a dredge. The cutterhead may be mounted to a shroud, the cutterhead including a rotating drum having an array of teeth assemblies which auger cut vegetation toward a port in the shroud for discharge via a pump. The shroud also includes stationary cutterbars having cutterbar teeth assemblies. The teeth assemblies preferably include back-to-back tooth pairs wherein individual teeth have a flat backside and a raised or convex front side which may be provided with serrated cutting margins. Using back-to-back tooth pairs enables cutting of more types and sizes of aquatic vegetation, reducing downtime due to clogging, bending or breakage versus conventional single teeth cutterheads. The shroud may include an upwardly and/or forwardly extending shield along its top front edge to deflect water and/or vegetation back toward the drum.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing floating waterbourne debris. The apparatus includes a capture section comprising a carrier and a motive member mounted on the carrier, with the motive member adapted to contact and direct floating debris rearwardly. The apparatus further includes a collection and pumping section positioned rearward of the capture section for collecting and removing debris directed from the capture section. The collection and pumping section includes a hopper having opposed first and second ends, the first end thereof positioned adjacent the motive member and comprising an opening adapted to receive debris directed by the motive member, and the second end presenting a port for passing debris therethrough, and a pump mounted to the hopper adjacent the port and in fluid communication with the hopper for transporting the debris received from the hopper to a remote location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dredging sediment from aquatic environments and cutting aquatic vegetation therein includes using a cutterhead mounted to a dredge. The cutterhead may be mounted to a shroud, the cutterhead including a rotating drum having an array of teeth assemblies which auger cut vegetation toward a port in the shroud for discharge via a pump. The shroud also includes stationary cutterbars having cutterbar teeth assemblies. The teeth assemblies preferably include back-to-back tooth pairs wherein individual teeth have a flat backside and a raised or convex front side which may be provided with serrated cutting margins. Using back-to-back tooth pairs enables cutting of more types and sizes of aquatic vegetation, reducing downtime due to clogging, bending or breakage versus conventional single teeth cutterheads. The shroud may include an upwardly and/or forwardly extending shield along its top front edge to deflect water and/or vegetation back toward the drum.

Abstract: Vibration isolation devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, an unmanned aircraft can include a fuselage having a first fuselage section and a second fuselage section adjacent to and at least approximately longitudinally aligned with the first fuselage section. The aircraft can also include at least one vibration isolation device coupling the first fuselage section to the second fuselage section. The vibration isolation device is translationally stiffer along a longitudinal axis than it is along a lateral and a vertical axis, and rotationally stiffer about a pitch and a yaw axis than it is about a roll axis.

Abstract: Vibration isolation devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, an unmanned aircraft can include a fuselage having a first fuselage section and a second fuselage section adjacent to and at least approximately longitudinally aligned with the first fuselage section. The aircraft can also include at least one vibration isolation device coupling the first fuselage section to the second fuselage section. The vibration isolation device is translationally stiffer along a longitudinal axis than it is along a lateral and a vertical axis, and rotationally stiffer about a pitch and a yaw axis than it is about a roll axis.

Abstract: Vibration isolation devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, an unmanned aircraft can include a fuselage having a first fuselage section and a second fuselage section adjacent to and at least approximately longitudinally aligned with the first fuselage section. The aircraft can also include at least one vibration isolation device coupling the first fuselage section to the second fuselage section. The vibration isolation device is translationally stiffer along a longitudinal axis than it is along a lateral and a vertical axis, and rotationally stiffer about a pitch and a yaw axis than it is about a roll axis.

Abstract: Vibration isolation devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, an unmanned aircraft can include a fuselage having a first fuselage section and a second fuselage section adjacent to and at least approximately longitudinally aligned with the first fuselage section. The aircraft can also include at least one vibration isolation device coupling the first fuselage section to the second fuselage section. The vibration isolation device is translationally stiffer along a longitudinal axis than it is along a lateral and a vertical axis, and rotationally stiffer about a pitch and a yaw axis than it is about a roll axis.