Abstract: An unmanned aerial system (UAS) is described that is operable on or in water, in addition to being able to fly in the air. The UAS can float in a body of water, or submerge itself underneath the water, and then later launch from the water without human intervention to perform a flying mission. The UAS can then return back to the water. The UAS incorporates an electric ducted fan acting as the propulsion engine for the UAS in the water as well as in the air.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes various apparatus, system, and method embodiments for vehicle recovery. One embodiment includes an inflatable member for impact of a vehicle thereon, an inflation source for inflating the inflatable member, and where the inflatable member and inflation source are housed in a portable package.

Abstract: System and methods are described for irreversibly destroying optical signatures that utilize optical signature defining material, for example discrete objects or fluids, disposed in optical signature chambers to create individual optical signatures that together form an optical signature for the system. By irreversibly destroying the individual optical signatures, unauthorized replication of the system optical signature is prevented ensuring the security of the optical signature and any technology relying upon or tied to the optical signature.

Abstract: A water based biomass producing system that is disposed in a body of water, for example a freshwater lake or a sea, and is capable of producing a biomass that can be converted into a biofuel. The system relies on a pool of freshwater that is suspended in the body of water to grow the biomass. The pool is contained within a flexible polymeric membrane that is impermeable to the water of the body of water. The membrane is suspended in the body of water by a float. A filtration system is connected to the float that has an inlet that is for introduction of water from the body of water and an outlet that is for discharging freshwater into the pool. A biomass extractor is provided to harvest the biomass from the freshwater pool. The harvested biomass can then be converted into a biofuel.

Abstract: A device and method that exchanges heat is described, which includes intaking air into a chamber and then forcing air from holes of a heat conducting surface that fluidly communicate with the chamber to create a toroidal mass of air resulting from vortex shedding. A pump, for example a flexible diaphragm, is employed to increase and decrease a volume of the chamber in communication with the holes. When the volume of the chamber is increased (air intake), a boundary layer of heat breaks up by the heat conducting surface which helps to improve cooling. When the volume of the chamber is decreased, jets of air are discharged from the holes to create vortices of air that cause vortex shedding and can also help disrupt the boundary layer of heat.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes various apparatus and method embodiments for vehicle recovery. One embodiment includes at least one inflatable member having a target area for impact of a vehicle thereon and wherein the at least one inflatable member is inflated with a fluid provided by an inflation source.

Abstract: A variable orifice valve provides a changing orifice dimension based solely upon the temperature or other property of the fluidic medium, such as flow-rate of the fluidic medium passing through the valve, and is actuated via a thermally active wire or flow-rate activated spring, for example, immersed in the fluidic medium.

Abstract: A direct ocular virtual 3D workspace (laser-based 3D display system) utilizes traditional binocular methods of image composition to produce a 3D workspace in the observers' psyche. This direct ocular virtual 3D workspace is implemented such that in moving environments, such as on a ship or vehicle, the immersion of the individual into the display environment will not result in vertigo and/or motion sickness. This is resolved by utilizing a system that accomplishes eye-tracking, and produces the display image within the eye by means of laser projection. Two images can thus be projected into an individual's eyes to produce a 3D holographic-like image space. The individual will still maintain partial vision, resulting in a holographic-like display in space that the observer can look through. The images provided to multiple collaborators/users are geometrically corrected for each collaborator.

Abstract: An engine muffling system includes a Helmholtz tuning chamber to meet the changing acoustic muffling requirements associated with multiple applications. The engine muffling system in one embodiment includes at least one chamber configured as a plenum device, typically filled with an aggregate material or acoustic absorbing particulate material(s) in order to produce a tortuous path through the at least one chamber.

Abstract: A direct ocular virtual 3D workspace (laser-based 3D display system) utilizes traditional binocular methods of image composition to produce a 3D workspace in the observers' psyche. This direct ocular virtual 3D workspace is implemented such that in moving environments, such as on a ship or vehicle, the immersion of the individual into the display environment will not result in vertigo and/or motion sickness. This is resolved by utilizing a system that accomplishes eye-tracking, and produces the display image within the eye by means of laser projection. Two images can thus be projected into an individual's eyes to produce a 3D holographic-like image space. The individual will still maintain partial vision, resulting in a holographic-like display in space that the observer can look through. The images provided to multiple collaborators/users are geometrically corrected for each collaborator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for designing a frequency-shifting isolator system that includes selecting, an impact absorption envelope; a geometry for the isolator mount system; and an elastomeric dampening material formed in the selected geometry. The isolator mount system is preferably configured to shift frequencies at predetermined displacements upon impact, at or before the system attains resonance.

Abstract: A method of integrating an optoelectronic device, for example a vertical cavity surface emitting laser, onto the electronic substrate of a parallel optical transceiver package by positioning and maintaining the exact relative alignment of the optoelectronic device relative to the electronic substrate for application of adhesive and curing. The method includes the utilization of a multi-piece fixture which clamps the elements into position and maintains position throughout the curing process. Alternatively, the fixture can comprise a unitary assembly for clamping the elements into position and maintaining their position throughout the curing process.

Abstract: A shock-isolation system having a platform for supporting an operator station and a console which can both be fixedly secured to the platform in a relative non-displacement mode with the platform supported by a shock mount that simultaneously isolates the platform including an operator, the operator station and the console as a unitary component from high “g” shock to thereby minimize injury to an operator due to impact with either the operator station, the console or the platform.

Abstract: A VCSEL settling fixture provides for a plurality of VCSEL chip packages to be selectively tested within a burn-in or environmental chamber having a remote pendant controller. The settling fixture includes a mounting frame including a plurality of recesses and throughbores for positioning and aligning the VCSEL's on the mounting frame. The mounting frame further includes a plurality of terminal blocks in proximity to the recesses for interconnecting the mounting frame with the controller. An activation system including a plurality of electrical contacts electrically connects the individual VCSEL chip packages with the terminal blocks so that the controller can selectively trigger a laser output from the VCSEL chip package.

Abstract: A method of integrating an optoelectronic device, for example a vertical cavity surface emitting laser, onto the electronic substrate of a parallel optical transceiver package by positioning and maintaining the exact relative alignment of the optoelectronic device relative to the electronic substrate for application of adhesive and curing. The method includes the utilization of a multi-piece fixture which clamps the elements into position and maintains position throughout the curing process. Alternatively, the fixture can comprise a unitary assembly for clamping the elements into position and maintaining their position throughout the curing process.

Abstract: A tool and method for the alignment and placement of optoelectronic devices with attached fiber optic connectors onto the electronic interface substrate of a parallel optical transceiver package. The optoelectronic devices are connected to the substrate through a flexible circuit. The tool is comprised of a mounting frame, which includes a recess for the parallel optical transceiver package, and a rotatable clamp assembly for positioning a pair of optoelectronic devices with attached fiber optic connector and flexible circuit. Rotation of the rotatable clamp assembly properly places the flexible circuit onto the attachment point of the substrate. The rotating clamp assembly is then fixed in place by securing the actuator arm to the mounting frame. Once the clamp is secured, the flexible circuit is bonded to the substrate.

Abstract: A method of positioning an optoelectronic device, for example a vertical cavity surface emitting laser, onto an optical fiber connector and maintaining that exact alignment while testing the quality of the optical output prior to applying an adhesive to make the interface permanent. The method includes the utilization of a multi-piece fixture which clamps the elements into position, allows for testing, and provides a fixture to maintain position throughout the curing process.

Abstract: A shock isolator for simultaneously isolating shocks and for supporting a static load in an axial offset compression mode comprising a four-sided elastomer having a first elongated support surface and a second elongated support surface with the laterally offset from each the elastomer rotated at a point between the first support surface and the second support surface to thereby simultaneously provide shock and vibration attenuation while providing axially offset support.