Abstract: Multiple embodiments of thru-hull adapters for underwater pressure-proof housings are described. The adapters are suitable for use with pressure proof housings including spheres, cylinders, flat and domed end caps. The thru-hull adapter is comprised of a pressure-proof circular disk that is sized to fit over a through hole drilled through the outer wall of a pressure-proof housing, a hollow threaded shaft that attaches to the circular disk and extends into the interior of the pressure proof housing, a fastener stack including washers and a jam nut that when tightened pulls the circular disk against the outer wall of the pressure proof housing and, with a bonded or o-ring elastomeric seal, forms an air and water tight seal between the thru-hull adapter and the wall of the pressure proof housing.

Abstract: An automated floating dock system is provided having a controller for controlling the repositioning of a floating dock. The system can be controlled remotely using a controller device. The system may also have sensors and controls that will automatically report sensor condition and perform necessary functions to relocate a floating dock.

Abstract: A fission based nuclear thermal propulsion rocket engine. An embodiment provides a source of fissionable material such as plutonium in a carrier fluid having neutron moderating constituents, such as hydrogen and/or carbon, therein. In various embodiments, the carrier fluid may be methane, or ethane, or a combination thereof. A neutron source is provided, such as from a neutron beam generator. By way of engine design geometry, various embodiments may provide for intersection of neutrons with the fissionable material injected by way of the carrier fluid, while in a reactor provided in the form of a reaction chamber. Impact of neutrons on fissionable material results in a nuclear fission in sub-critical mass reaction conditions in the reactor, resulting in release of heat energy to the materials within the reactor.

Abstract: A nuclear thermal propulsion rocket engine. A source of fissionable material such as plutonium is provided utilizing a carrier fluid having neutron moderating constituents, such as hydrogen and/or carbon, therein. A carrier fluid may be methane, or ethane, or a combination thereof. A neutron source is provided, such as from a neutron beam generator. Reactor design geometry provides containment of fissionable material in the reactor during acceleration. Collisions occur between neutrons and fissionable material injected by way of the carrier fluid. Impact of neutrons on fissionable material results in a nuclear fission in sub-critical mass reaction conditions in the reactor, resulting in release of heat energy to fluids provided to the reactor.

Abstract: A nuclear thermal propulsion rocket engine. A source of fissionable material is provided in a bed of fuel pebbles located in a reactor. A fluid having neutron moderating constituents, such as hydrogen and/or carbon, therein, is provided, which may be in the form of methane, or ethane, or a combination thereof, or may further include various isotopes of hydrogen. An external neutron source is provided using a neutron beam generator. Reactor design geometry provides containment of fissionable material, and for any byproducts of fission reactions, in the reactor during acceleration of the rocket. Impact of neutrons on fissionable material results in a nuclear fission reaction conditions in the reactor, resulting in release of heat energy to fluids provided to the reactor. The reactor is sized and shaped to contain fuel pebbles containing fissionable material, and to confine expandable fluids as they remove heat from fuel pebbles.

Abstract: A purge system and methods are described. The system allows purging of closed vessels in a precise and reproducible manner under microprocessor and sensor control. The process includes automated valves that allow repeated purge cycles with little or no operator attention. The purge parameters may be stored in memory for recall at a later time to repeat the purge process on the same or a different vessel. In a preferred embodiment the equipment and process allows for purging and desiccation of deep-sea vehicles without the need to carry compressed gas cylinders out to sea.

Abstract: A nuclear thermal propulsion rocket engine. A reactor is provided to receive a fissionable fuel and a propellant fluid. Fuel may be transported and injected using a carrier fluid. Carrier fluid for fuel may be hydrogen or an isotope thereof. Fuel may be plutonium or selected actinide. A neutron generator is provided, and utilizes an ion generator and a target container which extends into the reactor to hold a target material therein. Neutrons may be emitted almost omni-directionally by impact of ions from the ion generator on target material. Cooling of the target container may be provided by a cooling sleeve that receives and circulates a cooling fluid, and discharges the cooling fluid after it has been heated. Fuel injectors provide fuel through fuel injector valves regulated to cycle on and off to pulse output power of the rocket engine, by timing frequency and duration of fuel feed, and regulating injected fuel amounts, to regulate the energy released over discrete time periods.

Abstract: A fission based nuclear thermal propulsion rocket engine. An embodiment provides a source of fissionable material such as plutonium in a carrier gas such as deuterium. A neutron source is provided, such as from a neutron beam generator. By way of engine design geometry, various embodiments may provide for intersection of neutrons with the fissionable material injected by way of the carrier gas, while in a reactor provided in the form of a reaction chamber. Impact of neutrons on fissionable material results in a nuclear fission in sub-critical mass reaction conditions in the reactor, resulting in release of heat energy to the materials within the reactor. The reactor is sized and shaped to receive the reactants and an expandable fluid such as hydrogen, and to confine heated and pressurized gases for discharge out through a throat, into a rocket engine expansion nozzle for propulsive discharge.

Abstract: A free vehicle suitable to serve as a platform to carry a variety of equipment to the ocean floor, actuate devices at the floor and at intermediate points on the way to and returning from the ocean floor is described. The free vehicle includes standardized power, control electronics, navigation equipment and mechanical release mechanisms that can be used in conjunction with custom experiments. Exemplary experiments include sensors and sampling equipment used for deep-sea exploration. The free vehicle platform provides for scalable designs to meet scientific needs and surface vessel constraints.

Abstract: A purge system and methods are described. The system allows purging of closed vessels in a precise and reproducible manner under microprocessor and sensor control. The process includes automated valves that allow repeated purge cycles with little or no operator attention. The purge parameters may be stored in memory for recall at a later time to repeat the purge process on the same or a different vessel. In a preferred embodiment the equipment and process allows for purging and desiccation of deep-sea vehicles without the need to carry compressed gas cylinders out to sea.

Abstract: A free vehicle suitable to serve as a platform to carry a variety of equipment to the ocean floor, actuate devices at the floor and at intermediate points on the way to and returning from the ocean floor is described. The free vehicle includes standardized power, control electronics, navigation equipment and mechanical release mechanisms that can be used in conjunction with custom experiments. Exemplary experiments include sensors and sampling equipment used for deep-sea exploration. The free vehicle platform provides for scalable designs to meet scientific needs and surface vessel constraints.

Abstract: A composite structure fabricated by thermoplastic welding, and a method for producing such structures. First and second composite parts are provided, having first and second surfaces, respectively, that define an interface where the parts are to be joined. The parts include a thermoplastic matrix. An insert is provided, which includes a film portion, which may include the same thermoplastic matrix. The insert is provided with an electric resistance heating element. The first and second parts are urged together using low fusion pressure while the insert is heated using the electric resistance heating element. After a selected period of time, the electrical supply to the resistance heating element is turned off. A high fusion pressure is then applied to urge the parts together. The weldment joint is allowed to cool. After cooling, excess material may be removed, to form a composite structure.

Abstract: A camera pod for an aircraft includes a housing with a plurality of camera compartments configured to downwardly angle a camera therein and a port for the lens of a camera. A pliant member is configured to quickly and easily retain a camera in a compartment biasing the camera in the downwardly angled position and absorbing vibration. A back plate is secured to the housing sealing it.

Abstract: A composite structure fabricated by thermoplastic welding, and a method for producing such structures. First and second composite parts are provided, having first and second surfaces, respectively, that define an interface where the parts are to be joined. The parts include a thermoplastic matrix. An insert is provided, which includes a film portion, which may include the same thermoplastic matrix. The insert is provided with an electric resistance heating element. The first and second parts are urged together using low fusion pressure while the insert is heated using the electric resistance heating element. After a selected period of time, the electrical supply to the resistance heating element is turned off. A high fusion pressure is then applied to urge the parts together. The weldment joint is allowed to cool. After cooling, excess material may be removed, to form a composite structure.

Abstract: A camera pod for an aircraft includes a housing with a plurality of camera compartments configured to downwardly angle a camera therein and a port for the lens of a camera. A pliant member is configured to quickly and easily retain a camera in a compartment biasing the camera in the downwardly angled position and absorbing vibration. A back plate is secured to the housing sealing it.

Abstract: A method for managing a returns process in response to product alerts is provided. The method includes receiving an alert related to a product. The method also includes processing the alert into an alert repository. The method further includes retrieving product data based on the alert. The method further includes associating the product data with the alert. The method further includes facilitating a return of the product to a vendor using the product data. The method further includes receiving data in response to the return of the product. The method further includes providing an actionable display including the product data, the data in response to the return, and data related to a return action.

Abstract: A dental floss holder. The dental floss holder includes a body having a spool case for holding a length of dental floss, a cover for the spool case, a neck extending from the spool case along a first axis, and first and second fingers extending outward from said neck at an arcuate angle. In an embodiment, the fingers may be parallel. A manually engageable clamp is provided with threaded fastener that engages a threaded nut having a compressing flange, so that the compressing flange works against a land provided on the outside of the cover. A pivot post is provided to prevent dental floss from becoming entangled with the threads of the fastener.

Abstract: A dental floss holder. The dental floss holder includes a body having a spool case for holding a length of dental floss, a cover for the spool case, a neck extending from the spool case along a first axis, and first and second fingers extending outward from said neck at an arcuate angle. In an embodiment, the fingers may be parallel. A manually engageable clamp is provided with threaded fastener that engages a threaded nut having a compressing flange, so that the compressing flange works against a land provided on the outside of the cover. A pivot post is provided to prevent dental floss from becoming entangled with the threads of the fastener.

Abstract: A method for managing a returns process in response to product alerts is provided. The method includes receiving an alert related to a product. The method also includes processing the alert into an alert repository. The method further includes retrieving product data based on the alert. The method further includes associating the product data with the alert. The method further includes facilitating a return of the product to a vendor using the product data. The method further includes receiving data in response to the return of the product. The method further includes providing an actionable display including the product data, the data in response to the return, and data related to a return action.

Abstract: A mobile stretcher, having one or more lateral recumbant positioning devices, an upper base frame, a mattress frame, and a patient retention device. The mattress frame is pivotally connected to the upper base frame and each lateral recumbant positioning device has a retracted position and an extended position. When each lateral recumbant positioning device is in the retracted position the angle between the plane of the upper base frame and the plane of the mattress frame is an angle equaling zero. Conversely, when each lateral recumbant positioning device is in the extended position the angle between the plane of the upper base frame and the plane of the mattress frame is an angle greater than zero and preferably between 60° and 65°.