Abstract: One example includes a signal connector system. The system includes a first connector comprising a first housing and first contacts formed from a self-passivating transition metal and configured to conduct an AC signal. The system also includes a second connector comprising a second housing and second contacts formed from the self-passivating transition metal and configured to electrically couple to a respective one of the first contacts to conduct the AC signal. The first and second housings can be coupled to enclose the signal connector and to create at least one fluid-filled channel between each of the electrically-connected first and second contact pairs in response to fastening the first and second connectors while submerged in a respective fluid to provide a resistive path in the at least one fluid-filled channel for providing signal isolation between each of the electrically-connected first and second contact pairs.

Abstract: A high-bandwidth underwater electrical connector is provided that includes first and second connectors each having free space optical transceivers. The electrical connector further includes self-passivating transition metal contacts that form a non-conductive outer layer when immersed in a fluid. The first and second free space optical transceivers transmit and receive data at high data speeds.

Abstract: A high-voltage underwater electrical connector is provided that includes first and second connectors each having a positive contact and a negative contact. The electrical connector further includes an auxiliary electrode made from a conductive material electrically connected to the first positive contact. A voltage limiting circuit electrically connects the auxiliary electrode to the positive contact. A high resistance water pathway is created between the auxiliary electrode and the negative contacts when the first and second connectors are mated while immersed in water or other corrosive environments.

Abstract: A system includes a first mating component formed from a self-passivating transition metal to supply power. The self-passivating transition metal has a property of forming a non-conductive passivation layer when immersed in water. A second mating component formed from a self-passivating transition metal provides a return path for the power and forms the non-conductive passivation layer when immersed in the water.

Abstract: A system includes a first mating component formed from a self-passivating transition metal to supply power. The self-passivating transition metal has a property of forming a non-conductive passivation layer when immersed in water. A second mating component formed from a self-passivating transition metal provides a return path for the power and forms the non-conductive passivation layer when immersed in the water.

Abstract: A process for separating phosphatic materials from coastal beach sand and sand deposits used for beach renourishment. The steps include (a) suspending a mixture of beach sand and phosphatic material in water, (b) introducing compressed gas, preferably air, into the mixture or sparging to produce a bubble froth on the surface of the water, and (c) skimming or separating the bubble froth from the surface of or within the water to effect separation of the phosphatic material in the froth from the beach sand left in the water. The bubbles of the bubble froth attract and carry the phosphatic material on the surface of the bubbles during upward movement through the mixture. A conditioner added to the water which improves the tendency of the phosphatic material to “float” is preferred.

Abstract: A process for separating phosphatic materials from coastal beach sand and sand deposits used for beach renourishment. The steps include (a) suspending a mixture of beach sand and phosphatic material in water, (b) introducing compressed gas, preferably air, into the mixture or sparging to produce a bubble froth on the surface of the water, and (c) skimming or separating the bubble froth from the surface of or within the water to effect separation of the phosphatic material in the froth from the beach sand left in the water. The bubbles of the bubble froth attract and carry the phosphatic material on the surface of the bubbles during upward movement through the mixture. A conditioner added to the water which improves the tendency of the phosphatic material to “float” is preferred.

Abstract: A timer whose purpose is to apply or remove power to or from an attached load during a monostable timing interval. A selection switch determines whether the attached appliance is on or off during the timing interval. The period of the timing interval is determined by the adjustment of a potentiometer or other control element and the timing interval is initiated by the closure of a momentary contact switch. Standard electrical interfaces are provided to allow the device to be interfaced to a standard receptacle and to provide a similar receptacle to the attached appliance.