Abstract: Fissile target materials are provided. The fissile target materials can include a target substrate and a capturing layer operably interfacing with at least one surface of the target substrate. Fission fissile target materials are also provided that can include a target substrate comprising at least one fissile atom and a capturing layer operably interfacing with at least one surface of the target substrate. The capturing layer can include at least one fission product.

Abstract: Ruggedized luminescent nanoparticle tracers have luminescent nanoparticle cores coupled to a luminescent substrate. The substrate is a large-particle size phosphor, while the nanoparticles are photoluminescent quantum dots (QDs) whose emission spectra can be tuned based on their chemical composition, size, and fabrication (e.g., dopants). The QDs are encapsulated by a protective layer to form a nanoparticle core. The protective layer can shield the QDs from external environments that would otherwise damage the delicate QDs. The substrate is also encapsulated by a protective layer, and the protective layer of the nanoparticle core is coupled to the protective layer of the substrate via a molecular linker to form a tracer particle complex. The tracer particle complexes can be disposed in a silicate suspension for subsequent use.

Abstract: Methods for the near real-time detection of airborne analytes using imprinted micelles and electrochemical cells are described. The methods demonstrate selectivity to the imprinted micelles over others that are of similar size and configuration and are compatible with airborne aerosol sampling techniques. The detection method can be used to monitor and detect any airborne analyte, including pathogens (such as SARS-CoV-2), toxins, proteins, organic molecules, inorganic particles, chemicals, explosive particles, and environmental pollutants.

Abstract: A beta-voltaic device made up of silica covered scintillating particles incorporated within an isotope absorbing layer to produce an improved power source. Lost beta particles are converted to UV light which is also converted to power in a beta-voltaic converter. The addition of the scintillating particles effectively increases the power efficiency of a BV device while maintaining the slim profile and smaller size of the power source. This arrangement makes possible implementation in space, defense, intelligence, medical implants, marine biology and other applications.

Abstract: A system and method are that includes a frame and a weapon mount on the frame that receives a weapon mock-up. The method includes setting up a trainer simulator including opening a transportable shipping container, wherein the transportable shipping container includes a coupled integrated common base frame and a universal mount tower. The method includes assembling a seat and pivoting the universal mount tower from a horizontal position to a vertical position wherein the universal mount tower auto-locks into position. The method includes delivering ground vehicle based weapon system training to a user using a continuum of human interface fidelities that includes a first, second and third fidelity, wherein the user is first delivered training at a first fidelity, and then at a second fidelity and then at a third fidelity. A system for a mission reconfigurable trainer simulation is also presented.

Abstract: A system and method are that includes a frame and a weapon mount on the frame that receives a weapon mock-up. The method includes setting up a trainer simulator including opening a transportable shipping container, wherein the transportable shipping container includes a coupled integrated common base frame and a universal mount tower. The method includes assembling a seat and pivoting the universal mount tower from a horizontal position to a vertical position wherein the universal mount tower auto-locks into position. The method includes delivering ground vehicle based weapon system training to a user using a continuum of human interface fidelities that includes a first, second and third fidelity, wherein the user is first delivered training at a first fidelity, and then at a second fidelity and then at a third fidelity. A system for a mission reconfigurable trainer simulation is also presented.

Abstract: A system and method are that includes a frame and a weapon mount on the frame that receives a weapon mock-up. The method includes setting up a trainer simulator including opening a transportable shipping container, wherein the transportable shipping container includes a coupled integrated common base frame and a universal mount tower. The method includes assembling a seat and pivoting the universal mount tower from a horizontal position to a vertical position wherein the universal mount tower auto-locks into position. The method includes delivering ground vehicle based weapon system training to a user using a continuum of human interface fidelities that includes a first, second and third fidelity, wherein the user is first delivered training at a first fidelity, and then at a second fidelity and then at a third fidelity. A system for a mission reconfigurable trainer simulation is also presented.

Abstract: A beta-voltaic device made up of silica covered scintillating particles incorporated within an isotope absorbing layer to produce an improved power source. Lost beta particles are converted to UV light which is also converted to power in a beta-voltaic converter. The addition of the scintillating particles effectively increases the power efficiency of a BV device while maintaining the slim profile and smaller size of the power source. This arrangement makes possible implementation in space, defense, intelligence, medical implants, marine biology and other applications.

Abstract: Ruggedized luminescent nanoparticle tracers have luminescent nanoparticle cores coupled to a luminescent substrate. The substrate is a large-particle size phosphor, while the nanoparticles are photoluminescent quantum dots (QDs) whose emission spectra can be tuned based on their chemical composition, size, and fabrication (e.g., dopants). The QDs are encapsulated by a protective layer to form a nanoparticle core. The protective layer can shield the QDs from external environments that would otherwise damage the delicate QDs. The substrate is also encapsulated by a protective layer, and the protective layer of the nanoparticle core is coupled to the protective layer of the substrate via a molecular linker to form a tracer particle complex. The tracer particle complexes can be disposed in a silicate suspension for subsequent use.

Abstract: Methods for forming thin, pinhole-free conformal metal layers on both conducting and non-conducting surfaces, where the morphology and properties of the metal layers are tuned to meet desired parameters by adjusting the concentration of ionic liquids during the deposition process. The formed metal films contain tunable properties for solar and electronic use and provide specific advantages for non-conducting surfaces, which are otherwise unsuitable for electroplating without the presence of the formed metal films. The disclosed methods do not require the presence of a voltage or external electric field but form the metal films through an electroless technique using electrostatic interactions between negatively charged nanoparticles. In addition, the disclosed methods are compatible with solution phase processing and eliminate the need to transfer the surfaces into a vacuum chamber for a chemical or physical vapor deposition to form a metal layer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling landing gear retract braking are described. A controller determines wheel speed data corresponding to a speed of a wheel of a landing gear. The controller determines wheel deceleration data corresponding to a rate of change of the wheel speed data. The controller generates a first control signal in response to the wheel deceleration data being greater than a wheel deceleration threshold. The first control signal initiates a wheel deceleration regulation process, the wheel deceleration regulation process to cycle an antiskid valve between a first valve position to release brake pressure from the wheel and a second valve position to cease releasing the brake pressure from the wheel. The controller generates a second control signal in response to the wheel speed data being less than a wheel speed threshold. The second control signal terminates the wheel deceleration regulation process.

Abstract: Methods for preparing fissile target materials are provided. The methods can include preparing a target substrate that includes a fissile atom, and layering at least one surface of the substrate with a capturing layer. Fissile target materials are provided. The fissile target materials can include a target substrate and a capturing layer operably interfacing with at least one surface of the target substrate. Methods for fissioning fissile target materials are also provided. The methods can include irradiating fissile target material to capture fission products of the irradiated fissile target material in a capturing layer of the target material. Fission fissile target materials are also provided that can include a target substrate comprising at least one fissile atom and a capturing layer operably interfacing with at least one surface of the target substrate. The capturing layer can include at least one fission product.

Abstract: A braking system for use with a dual landing gear aircraft. The braking system pairs outboard brake control into an outboard brake system control unit (BSCU) and inboard brake control into a second inboard brake system control unit (BSCU). Each BSCU is designed with two independent control lanes in which the forward wheel set is paired in one control lane and the aft wheels are paired onto the other. Alternate braking is provided via an alternate brake module installed in a fore-aft wheel pairing.

Abstract: A system and method are that includes a frame and a weapon mount on the frame that receives a weapon mock-up. The method includes setting up a trainer simulator including opening a transportable shipping container, wherein the transportable shipping container includes a coupled integrated common base frame and a universal mount tower. The method includes assembling a seat and pivoting the universal mount tower from a horizontal position to a vertical position wherein the universal mount tower auto-locks into position. The method includes delivering ground vehicle based weapon system training to a user using a continuum of human interface fidelities that includes a first, second and third fidelity, wherein the user is first delivered training at a first fidelity, and then at a second fidelity and then at a third fidelity. A system for a mission reconfigurable trainer simulation is also presented.

Abstract: Transaction verification mechanisms are provided that receive transaction information, from a computing device at a transaction location, including user device information specifying one or more user device identifiers associated with a user initiating a transaction, vendor device information specifying a plurality of vendor device identifiers in a near field area associated with the computing device, and account information for an account being used to perform the transaction. A user device verification is performed on the one or more user device identifiers and a vendor device verification of the plurality of vendor device identifiers is performed to verify the transaction location as being an authorized vendor location. A determination whether to approve/deny completion of the transaction at the computing device is performed based on results of the user device verification and the vendor device verification and an output is sent to the computing device based on the determination.

Abstract: A braking system for use with a dual landing gear aircraft. The braking system pairs outboard brake control into an outboard brake system control unit (BSCU) and inboard brake control into a second inboard brake system control unit (BSCU). Each BSCU is designed with two independent control lanes in which the forward wheel set is paired in one control lane and the aft wheels are paired onto the other. Alternate braking is provided via an alternate brake module installed in a fore-aft wheel pairing.

Abstract: An exemplary tow hook assembly for a vehicle includes a tow hook, a bracket, and a coupling member. The tow hook is coupled to the bracket by the coupling member. The tow hook is pivotable between a first position and a second position about the coupling member. In the second position, the tow hook is contained within a horizontal dimension and a vertical dimension defined by the bumper.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling landing gear retract braking are described. A controller determines wheel speed data corresponding to a speed of a wheel of a landing gear. The controller determines wheel deceleration data corresponding to a rate of change of the wheel speed data. The controller generates a first control signal in response to the wheel deceleration data being greater than a wheel deceleration threshold. The first control signal initiates a wheel deceleration regulation process, the wheel deceleration regulation process to cycle an antiskid valve between a first valve position to release brake pressure from the wheel and a second valve position to cease releasing the brake pressure from the wheel. The controller generates a second control signal in response to the wheel speed data being less than a wheel speed threshold. The second control signal terminates the wheel deceleration regulation process.

Abstract: Methods for forming thin, pinhole-free conformal metal layers on both conducting and non-conducting surfaces, where the morphology and properties of the metal layers are tuned to meet desired parameters by adjusting the concentration of ionic liquids during the deposition process. The formed metal films contain tunable properties for solar and electronic use and provide specific advantages for non-conducting surfaces, which are otherwise unsuitable for electroplating without the presence of the formed metal films. The disclosed methods do not require the presence of a voltage or external electric field but form the metal films through an electroless technique using electrostatic interactions between negatively charged nanoparticles. In addition, the disclosed methods are compatible with solution phase processing and eliminate the need to transfer the surfaces into a vacuum chamber for a chemical or physical vapor deposition to form a metal layer.