Abstract: Electrically conductive films and methods for making them. The films include at least two patterns, the first of which, alone, would be visible, but with the addition of one or more other patterns, becomes invisible to the unaided human eye. These films are useful in applications where invisible patterning is desirable, such as, for example, devices employing touch screens.

Abstract: Claimed methods reduce leakage currents in transparent conductive films comprising conductive nanostructures without substantially impairing the films' optical properties or physical integrity. Imposition of electrical stimuli to separate conductive regions leads to reduced conductivity of the intervening lesser conductive regions.

Abstract: A cardlock clamp is described that is used to secure an electronics module in a channel of a card cage. The cardlock clamp is configured to convert an input compression force into clamping forces in at least two radial directions perpendicular to the input compression force. The described cardlock clamp also provides self-alignment and self-center functions for the electronics module inserted into the channel. Further, variations of the cardlock clamp are described that provide more effective heat transfer from the electronics module to the card cage.

Abstract: A cardlock clamp is described that is used to secure an electronics module in a channel of a card cage. The cardlock clamp is configured to convert an input compression force into clamping forces in at least two radial directions perpendicular to the input compression force. The described cardlock clamp also provides self-alignment and self-center functions for the electronics module inserted into the channel. Further, variations of the cardlock clamp are described that provide more effective heat transfer from the electronics module to the card cage.

Abstract: A cardlock clamp is described that is used to secure an electronics module in a channel of a card cage. The cardlock clamp is configured to convert an input compression force into clamping forces in at least two radial directions perpendicular to the input compression force. The described cardlock clamp also provides self-alignment and self-center functions for the electronics module inserted into the channel. Further, variations of the cardlock clamp are described that provide more effective heat transfer from the electronics module to the card cage.

Abstract: A wickless heat pipe including a first tube and a second tube. The first tube may form a first shape extending longitudinally in a first direction. The second tube may form a second shape extending longitudinally in a second direction different from the first direction. The first tube and the second tube intersect at at least one location. The two tubes may intersect at a right angle or an oblique angle. The first and second tube may intersect at a plurality of locations. The tubes may be formed from a metal plate used as a thermal ground plane.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a device and system capable of producing electricity by using a temperature gradient and a dual-phase fluid to convert thermal energy into electrical energy. The system relies on a sealed enclosed volume that utilizes a thermal gradient to vaporize and condense a dual-phase fluid. The cycle of the fluid transforming between the two phases is used to turn a turbine to create electricity. The thermal gradient can be enhanced using energy input from the sun.

Abstract: Shock mounts are described that provide improved shock and vibration isolation compared to existing shock mounts. The shock mounts utilize zero-overlap elastomeric mount technology designed to provide more effective shock and vibration isolation. The shock mounts described herein can be used to mount any objects in which it is desired to isolate the objects from shocks and vibrations including, but not limited to, equipment and large mass objects on military and commercial vessels.

Abstract: A heat transfer device generally includes a flexible cooling layer for use in heat pipe technology for example. The flexible layer has outer and inner surfaces. A backing layer has an outer surface and an inner surface facing the inner surface of the flexible layer. A rigid separator portion is disposed between the inner surfaces of the flexible and backing layers, and has inner and outer surfaces. The inner surfaces of the flexible and backing layers and the rigid separator portion define a sealed chamber. An evaporable working liquid is contained within the sealed chamber. The working liquid expands when heated to expand a volume within the sealed chamber, such that the flexible layer extends away from the sealed chamber. The flexible layer, when extended transfers heat through the sealed chamber to a cooler area of the device.

Abstract: A cardlock clamp is described that is used to secure an electronics module in a channel of a card cage. The cardlock clamp is configured to convert an input compression force into clamping forces in at least two radial directions perpendicular to the input compression force. The described cardlock clamp also provides self-alignment and self-center functions for the electronics module inserted into the channel. Further, variations of the cardlock clamp are described that provide more effective heat transfer from the electronics module to the card cage.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes various apparatus, system, and method embodiments for vehicle energy absorption. One embodiment includes an inflatable structure for impact of a vehicle thereon and one or more cords coupled to one or more deflation vents on the inflatable structure, where at least one of the one or more cords is an activation mechanism to activate the deflation vent upon impact of the vehicle.

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.