Abstract: A composition includes a carbon nanotube (CNT)-infused glass fiber material, which includes a glass fiber material of spoolable dimensions and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) bonded to it. The CNTs are uniform in length and distribution. A continuous CNT infusion process includes: (a) disposing a carbon-nanotube forming catalyst on a surface of a glass fiber material of spoolable dimensions; and (b) synthesizing carbon nanotubes on the glass fiber material, thereby forming a carbon nanotube-infused glass fiber material. The continuous CNT infusion process optionally includes extruding a glass fiber material from a glass melt or removing sizing material from a pre-fabricated glass fiber material.

Abstract: A composition includes a carbon nanotube (CNT)-infused carbon fiber material that includes a carbon fiber material of spoolable dimensions and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) infused to the carbon fiber material. The infused CNTs are uniform in length and uniform in distribution. The CNT infused carbon fiber material also includes a barrier coating conformally disposed about the carbon fiber material, while the CNTs are substantially free of the barrier coating. A continuous CNT infusion process includes: (a) functionalizing a carbon fiber material; (b) disposing a barrier coating on the functionalized carbon fiber material (c) disposing a carbon nanotube (CNT)-forming catalyst on the functionalized carbon fiber material; and (d) synthesizing carbon nanotubes, thereby forming a carbon nanotube-infused carbon fiber material.

Abstract: A composition includes a carbon nanotube (CNT)-infused metal fiber material which includes a metal fiber material of spoolable dimensions, a barrier coating conformally disposed about the metal fiber material, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) infused to the metal fiber material. A continuous CNT infusion process includes: (a) disposing a barrier coating and a carbon nanotube (CNT)-forming catalyst on a surface of a metal fiber material of spoolable dimensions; and (b) synthesizing carbon nanotubes on the metal fiber material, thereby forming a carbon nanotube-infused metal fiber material.

Abstract: A mobile, telescoping radar array is disclosed. In some embodiments, the radar array has a plurality of support stages that fully nest when stowed and assume a telescoped form when deployed. A plurality of radiating elements depend from each stage. The support stages, as deployed, have a geometry that supports 360 degrees of radar coverage without rotating or otherwise repositioning the radar array.

Abstract: A “breathable” radome that has an air-permeable structure is disclosed. The air-permeable structure permits a relatively greater flow of cooling air to be drawn over the radiating elements of an air-cooling system that is used for the electronics that are being sheltered by the radome. The increase in cooling efficiency that results from the use of the breathable radome enables air-cooled systems to be used with relatively higher-powered electronics.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system are provided for controlling a clock distribution network. For example, an embodiment of the method can include programming a predetermined delay time into a plurality of processing elements and controlling an activation and de-activation of these processing elements in a sequence based on the predetermined delay time. The processing elements are located in a system incorporating the clock distribution network, where the predetermined delay time can be programmed in a control register of a clock gate control circuit residing in the processing element. Further, when controlling the activation and de-activation of the processing elements, this activity can be controlled with a state machine based on the system's mode of operation.

Abstract: Fiber tows are formed by situating carbon-nanotube-infused filaments in close proximity to one another, enabling the nanotubes on the filaments to interdigitate. In some embodiment, this enables the formation of fiber tows that do not require do not require resin impregnation.

Abstract: A continuous, plasma-based process for the production of carbon-nanotube-infused fibers is disclosed.

Abstract: A cold-launch uses shape-memory-alloy (“SMA”) actuators to accelerate materiel to a required launch velocity. The SMA actuators are arranged into one or more actuation stages. SMA actuators within a given actuation stage are simultaneously triggered. Actuation stages, however, are triggered sequentially, each triggering adding to the velocity of the materiel.

Abstract: A cold-launch uses shape-memory-alloy (“SMA”) actuators to accelerate materiel to a required launch velocity. The SMA actuators are arranged into one or more actuation stages. SMA actuators within a given actuation stage are simultaneously triggered. Actuation stages, however, are triggered sequentially, each triggering adding to the velocity of the materiel.

Abstract: An armor that is used, for example, in multi-cell missile launchers is disclosed. In some embodiments, the armor includes three layers. The inner-most layer undergoes explosive welding when exposed to a pressure wave from an explosion. An intermediate layer in-elastically deforms when exposed to the explosion. The third and outer-most layer includes a plurality of elongated, pressurized tubes that contain fire retardant, among other chemicals. Silicone gel is interposed between the tubes.

Abstract: A missile launch system is disclosed that allows for the rapid reloading of missiles in support of missions (e.g., littoral warship missions, etc.) that require a high-volume assault of one or more targets. In particular, the illustrative embodiment of the present invention uses a munitions module that is capable of launching missiles and is able to fit inside a warship. In addition to accommodating multiple missiles, the munitions module accommodates one or more missile types. The munitions module is configured with a door at a breech end to provide access to multiple launch cells for the rapid reloading of missiles. The door is physically configured to define a plenum that couples the launch cells to an exhaust duct for the purpose of venting exhaust gases. The munitions module mitigates some of the problems associated with launch systems in the prior art.

Abstract: A “breathable” radome that has an air-permeable structure is disclosed. The air-permeable structure permits a relatively greater flow of cooling air to be drawn over the radiating elements of an air-cooling system that is used for the electronics that are being sheltered by the radome. The increase in cooling efficiency that results from the use of the breathable radome enables air-cooled systems to be used with relatively higher-powered electronics.

Abstract: A deck-mounted inclined munitions launcher is disclosed. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, the launcher includes a platform, two pivotally-coupled munitions canisters, and a drive system. An exhaust end of each munitions canister is movably coupled to the platform while the launch end of each canister is not coupled to the platform. A drive system engages the exhaust end of each munitions canister. The canisters lay substantially flat, side-by-side, in a pre-launch position. To raise the munitions canisters to a launch position, the drive system pulls the exhaust end of each of the canisters toward one another. Since the canisters are pivotally coupled, the pull of the drive system on the exhaust end of the canisters causes the launch end of each canister to rise in a scissoring motion.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a programmable chalcogenide fuse within a semiconductor device is disclosed. A resistor is initially formed on a substrate. Then, a chalcogenide fuse is formed on top of the resistor. Finally, a conductive layer is deposited on top of the chalcogenide fuse for providing electrical conduction to the chalcogenide fuse.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a programmable chalcogenide fuse within a semiconductor device is disclosed. A resistor is initially formed on a substrate. Then, a chalcogenide fuse is formed on top of the resistor. Finally, a conductive layer is deposited on top of the chalcogenide fuse for providing electrical conduction to the chalcogenide fuse.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing microchips are provided. A plurality of alternating metallic wiring-layers and non-metallic layers, terminating with a metallic wiring-layer, are formed on a wafer. A plurality of vias is formed for electrically interconnecting various metallic wiring-layers. A plurality of electrically conducting pads is formed adjacent various vias. A passivation layer is formed adjacent the terminal metallic wiring-layer and the plurality of conducting pads. A portion of the passivation layer is removed to expose the plurality of conducting pads. A layer is formed adjacent the passivation layer and the plurality of exposed conducting pads for protecting the microchip against electromagnetic radiation. A portion of the protective layer is removed to expose the plurality of conducting pads. Each conducting pad is electrically isolated from the protective layer. An electrically conducting bump is formed on each conducting pad.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a programmable chalcogenide fuse within a semiconductor device is disclosed. A resistor is initially formed on a substrate. Then, a chalcogenide fuse is formed on top of the resistor. Finally, a conductive layer is deposited on top of the chalcogenide fuse for providing electrical conduction to the chalcogenide fuse.

Abstract: An improved transducer array includes a two-dimensional array of multilayer actuators, capable of producing very high displacement with low input voltage, integrally packaged with conditioning electronics. Preferred microcomposite actuators use multiple layers of stacked electrostrictive ceramics and conductive materials. The actuators are aligned in a two-dimensional array and can be integrated with the conditioning electronics in a variety of packaging systems. A preferred packaging system is a flexible high density interconnected multi-chip module which has the integrated circuit chips disposed in a substrate, interconnection layers disposed thereon and the multilayer composite actuators disposed on the surface of the interconnection structure. The actuators in this packaged array may be optionally addressed individually or in blocks, depending on the application intended.

Abstract: The ice content of a mixture of ice and liquid water is determined by (a) measuring the electrical conductivity C.sub.i of the original water at a temperature above its freezing point and before any of it has been converted to ice; (b) cooling the water to produce a mixture of ice and a liquid water phase; (c) measuring the electrical conductivity C.sub.n of the liquid water phase; and (d) computing the fraction of ice in the mixture by use of the equationF=1-C.sub.i /C.sub.nwherein F is the fraction of ice in the mixture, C.sub.i is the electrical conductivity of the original water before ice formation therein, and C.sub.n is the electrical conductivity of the liquid water phase in the mixture having the ice fraction F.