Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a HAUCS sensing platform. The methods comprise: autonomous travel by a UAAV to a first location in proximity to a body of water (“BoW”) in accordance with a mission plan; actuating a mechanical device to transition a sensor from a retracted position in which the sensor is adjacent to a UAAV to an extended position in which the sensor resides a given distance from a UAAV; collect, by HAUCS sensing platform and sensor, sensor data concerning a water condition of BoW at different depths; actuating the mechanical device to transition the sensor from the extended position to the retracted position after the sensor data has been collected; causing the sensor data to be processed using a machine learning-based analytical engine to determine whether a water distress condition exists/is predicted to occur; and modifying the mission plan when the water distress condition exists/is predicted to occur.

Abstract: Underwater Deployable Structures (UDSs) capable of achieving inflation via mechanical pumps, moisture-activated expanding foams, water swelling material, or a hybrid of a mechanical pump and water swelling material. Moisture expanding foams begin as polyurethane-based resins of low viscosity, and react in the presence of water to become solid foam. In their final forms, the foams exist as open- or closed-cell, and vary in strength, elasticity, and rigidity. Water swelling material is also disclosed wherein the water swelling material is capable of achieving expansion numerous (e.g., up to about 250) times its initial volume when in contact with water and can shrink back to its initial volume upon dehydration, making the UDSs reusable. A mechanical pump may optionally be used to assist in initial inflation until the water swelling material reaches full expansion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a HAUCS sensing platform. The methods comprise: autonomous travel by a UAAV to a first location in proximity to a body of water (“BoW”) in accordance with a mission plan; actuating a mechanical device to transition a sensor from a retracted position in which the sensor is adjacent to a UAAV to an extended position in which the sensor resides a given distance from a UAAV; collect, by HAUCS sensing platform and sensor, sensor data concerning a water condition of BoW at different depths; actuating the mechanical device to transition the sensor from the extended position to the retracted position after the sensor data has been collected; causing the sensor data to be processed using a machine learning-based analytical engine to determine whether a water distress condition exists/is predicted to occur; and modifying the mission plan when the water distress condition exists/is predicted to occur.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongate body defining a continuous enclosed liquid flow channel, at least a portion of the liquid flow channel including a modification having a first surface and a second surface and an included volume between the first surface and the second surface, at least a portion of the included volume defining an elongated air flow channel, at least a portion of the first surface and the second surface coated with a hydrophobic (e.g., superhydrophobic) material. The catheter can be a urinary catheter (e.g., a urine drainage tube connected to a urine collection bag). Methods of flowing liquid through a catheter and of catheterizing a patient are encompassed.