Abstract: The Transformable Swarm Robots for Pipe Inspection and Maintenance (TSRPIM) represent a comprehensive system that include a single or multiple robots, each featuring distinct functionalities and designs, that can work independently or collaboratively to accomplish the primary objective of inspecting and maintaining different pipeline systems. The robots in TSRPIM can be physically connected/disconnected with/from other robots through an electromagnetic locking mechanism. They can bypass each other inside the pipe through overriding techniques, and they can communicate through WIFI, Bluetooth, and Long-range RF communication, thus the system has intranet and internet communications.

Abstract: The autonomous hull biofouling cleaning system includes a floating platform mounted on pontoons and having thrusters to move the platform close to a hull needing cleaning. The floating platform includes both axial and transverse sliding ballast to prevent the platform from overturning from the collection of debris. Mounted on the platform is a solar power apparatus for providing power to the various modules, a motorized hose reel, concentric hoses mounted on the reel, an ozone pumping apparatus, a vacuum debris collection apparatus, and modules for sanitizing the debris to discharge sanitized water. A submersible remotely operating cleaning system (SROCS) is attached to the hose and includes thrusters to move adjacent to the hull, electromagnetic coils to attach to the hull, and rubbing discs to remove the biofouling, the hose first pumping ozone on the biofouling and the vacuum debris hose removing the biofouling to the floating platform for processing.

Abstract: The composite 3D-printed curved elements and methods of making same provide arches and domes with high resistance to shear and flexural failure, thereby allowing the production of large, curved 3D-printed elements. The elements include a primary composite fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D-printed component in the form of an arch or dome with one or more grooves on the outer surface, the inner surface, or both the outer and inner surfaces of the component. Each groove includes a plurality of deep, blind bores or slots spaced longitudinally along the bottom of the groove. In adjacent grooves, the slots are alternated in a zig-zag pattern, so that no two slots are too close to one another. Composite reinforcement materials are sequentially applied to the grooves and slots until they are filled.

Abstract: Antimicrobial bi-metallic polymeric composites are provided. The bi-metallic polymeric composites include a first metal, a second metal, and a polymeric material and demonstrate especially rapid clearance of a wide variety of bacterial species. Thus, the bi-metallic polymeric composites may be useful in forming or surface treating materials where anti-bacterial properties are desired, including but not limited to surfaces requiring regular sanitization, such as high-contact surfaces in public facilities, medical facilities, or for use in the home. The first metal and the second metal may be any metals affording an electromotive force and may be selected to provide a particular electromotive force.

Abstract: An interlock system for an industrial inspection system. The interlock system includes a first interlock mechanism having a projection that has an internal thread extending into the projection; and a second interlock mechanism having a receiving member that receives the projection. The second interlock mechanism has a threaded shaft that extends into the internal thread of the first interlock mechanism when rotated. The second interlock mechanism moves toward the first interlock mechanism when the threaded shaft is rotated.

Abstract: Face mask communication system 100 includes face mask 10 worn by user 14 and signal receiving hand glove 16 worn by user 18. Glove 16 includes data receiver 66 for data communication with mask 10 and includes multiple vibrotactile devices for generating haptic signals. Mask 10 includes an elastic element of flexible material, and a plurality of EMG sensors 12 fixed to the element, for sensing electrical activity of face regions of the user's 14 face. Mask 10 includes a processor 60; decoding algorithm 110 and transmitter 62 for, respectively, processing signals from the sensors 12; generating command instructions based on the signals; and wirelessly transmitting the signals to receiver 66 of glove 16. Mask 10 includes thread elements connected to the elastic element of mask 10 enabling tensioning of the element to provide for fitment of mask 10 to users of different sizes, for optimal location sensors 12.

Abstract: The biodegradable composite insulation material is made from date palm leaf fibers and powdered okra. The date palm leaf fibers have a concentration of between 50 wt % and 90 wt % of the biodegradable composite insulation material, and the powdered okra has a concentration of between 10 wt % and 50 wt % of the biodegradable composite insulation material. The biodegradable composite insulation material is prepared by mixing date palm leaf fibers and powdered okra, in the above concentrations, to form a mixture. This mixture is then wetted with water, added to a mold, and heated under pressure to form a compressed article. The compressed article is then dried to form the biodegradable composite insulation material.

Abstract: The material degradation monitoring system includes a base plate; a test chamber located on the base plate; a material holding unit located on the base plate and spaced apart from the test chamber, the material holding unit being capable of holding at least one material to be tested; a material transfer unit located proximate to the material holding unit and test chamber; and a controller that directs the transfer unit to move the material holding unit to the test chamber.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hyper-elastic three-dimensional (3D) sandwich panel is disclosed, the method comprising printing a plurality of layers, the plurality of layers comprising a central composite core and upper and lower sandwich face layers; and regulating a temperature of each printed layer to match melting point temperature of a consecutive layer being subsequently printed on top of a previously printed layer, wherein the plurality of layers are printed one layer at a time. The multi-layered and multi-material hyper-elastic three-dimensional (3D) sandwich panel is a central composite rubber core stacked between upper and lower sandwich face layers made of reinforced glass-fiber, wherein the central composite rubber core further comprises a core lower face layer, a central core layer and a core upper face layer.

Abstract: The arm motion sensor system includes at least one sensor attached to the body and positioned to detect arm motions, a control system for detecting when the arm motion is characteristic of a bad habit or activity that may spread infectious disease, and an alert system warning the user to refrain from such activity. In one embodiment, the sensor attached to the wrist and includes a 3-degree of freedom, 9-axis inertial measurement unit and an Edge TPU (Tensor Processing Unit). The wrist sensor communicates with a control system in the Cloud that includes an Artificial Intelligence (AI) unit that is trained to recognize undesirable motions. The wrist sensor includes an alarm system (tactile, auditory, or visual that warns the user to refrain from undesirable arm movements. Optionally, this system may also include an infrared sensor and WiFi MCU (microcontroller unit) positioned near the neck to screen out acceptable arm movements.

Abstract: The system and method for social distancing compliance generates an alarm when at least two people are separated by a distance that is less than a predetermined threshold value. Thermal imaging is used to detect at least two people using at least one thermal image sensor. At least one distance is calculated between the at least two people, and it is determined if the at least one distance is less than a predetermined threshold value. If the calculated at least one distance is less than the predetermined threshold value, at least one of the at least two people is alerted that a minimum safe distance is not being met.

Abstract: A face mask with separate inhaling and exhaling portions can include an upper mask portion and a lower mask portion. A plurality of folds extend across each of the upper and lower mask portions. The lower mask portion can be larger than the upper mask portion. A lower edge of the upper mask portion can be secured to an upper edge of the lower portion. In use, the upper mask portion can cover the nose and the lower mask portion can cover the mouth. A user can inhale through the upper portion and exhale through the lower portion. In this manner, CO2 exhaled by the user will not mix with air that is inhaled.

Abstract: Monitoring and control of power or drive couplings in mechanical drive systems is performed using sensors at an interface of the coupling and an overload disengagement component at the coupling. A local sensor and actuation module having a wireless communication port receives signals from the sensors and uses the signals to monitoring a load on the drive coupling. An overload disengagement circuit responsive to the monitored load and provides a disconnect signal responsive to a sensed overload condition, and communicates with the local sensor and actuation module using an Internet of Things (IoT) link, using a blockchain enablement protocol. The local sensor and actuation module provide an override capability in the event of a communication failure of the IoT link.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hyper-elastic three-dimensional (3D) sandwich panel is disclosed, the method comprising printing a plurality of layers, the plurality of layers comprising a central composite core and upper and lower sandwich face layers; and regulating a temperature of each printed layer to match melting point temperature of a consecutive layer being subsequently printed on top of a previously printed layer, wherein the plurality of layers are printed one layer at a time. The multi-layered and multi-material hyper-elastic three-dimensional (3D) sandwich panel is a central composite rubber core stacked between upper and lower sandwich face layers made of reinforced glass-fiber, wherein the central composite rubber core further comprises a core lower face layer, a central core layer and a core upper face layer.

Abstract: A tire cooling system can be installed in a vehicle to receive condensate from evaporator of the vehicle and use the condensate for cooling one or more tires of the vehicle. The system includes a drain line, a collection reservoir, a pump, at least one spray assembly configured for positioning proximate a vehicle tire, a valve, water level sensors, a tire temperature sensor, and a controller. The at least one spray assembly includes at least one nozzle attached to a manifold. A filter is disposed within the drain line for filtering condensate that is directed to the reservoir from the evaporator.

Abstract: The robotic gripping assist (“RGA”) provides a user with additional grip strength by supporting and forcefully pushing a user's fingers and hand to a gripping position. Motors are supported on a user's forearm and act as a source for the forced movement. A flexible member is worn on the back of a user's hand. The motors individually draw in or let out wires that cause the flexible member to move from a gripping to non-gripping position, and may pivot the flexible member laterally to provide for ulnar and radial wrist flexion. By bending the flexible member downward, through reeling in wires below the member, the attached fingers of the user are forced into a gripping position. Lateral movement is provided by reeling in the wires on the side of the intended bending direction.

Abstract: A tire cooling system can be installed in a vehicle to receive condensate from evaporator of the vehicle and use the condensate for cooling one or more tires of the vehicle. The system includes a drain line, a collection reservoir, a pump, at least one spray assembly configured for positioning proximate a vehicle tire, a valve, water level sensors, a tire temperature sensor, and a controller. The at least one spray assembly includes at least one nozzle attached to a manifold. A filter is disposed within the drain line for filtering condensate that is directed to the reservoir from the evaporator.

Abstract: The method of recycling carbon fiber prepreg waste and transparent thermoplastic waste includes shredding of a volume of transparent thermoplastic waste and a volume of carbon fiber prepreg waste, where the carbon fiber prepreg waste includes a colored backing film. The colored backing film may have a plurality of colors associated therewith, yielding a mixture of multi-colored shreds. A mold is filled with the shredded volume of transparent thermoplastic waste, and the mold is inserted and compressed in a hot press. The shredded volume of transparent thermoplastic waste is cured in the hot press to produce a transparent sheet. The shredded volume of carbon fiber prepreg waste is then heated, such as, for example, with hot air, and then spread on the transparent sheet. The heated, shredded volume of carbon fiber prepreg waste and the transparent sheet are hot pressed to form a colored sheet with a transparent protective layer.

Abstract: The robotic gripping assist (“RGA”) provides a user with additional grip strength by supporting and forcefully pushing a user's fingers and hand to a gripping position. A motor, controller, and power source are supported on a user's forearm and act as a source for the forced movement. A bending member is worn on the back of a user's hand. The motor draws in or lets out wires that cause the bending member to bend or straighten. By bending the bending member, through rotating the motor in a first direction, the attached fingers of the user are forced into a gripping position. The fingers are moved to a non-gripping position by rotating the motor in the opposite direction.

Abstract: The method of recycling carbon fiber prepreg waste and transparent thermoplastic waste includes shredding of a volume of transparent thermoplastic waste and a volume of carbon fiber prepreg waste, where the carbon fiber prepreg waste includes a colored backing film. The colored backing film may have a plurality of colors associated therewith, yielding a mixture of multi-colored shreds. A mold is filled with the shredded volume of transparent thermoplastic waste, and the mold is inserted and compressed in a hot press. The shredded volume of transparent thermoplastic waste is cured in the hot press to produce a transparent sheet. The shredded volume of carbon fiber prepreg waste is then heated, such as, for example, with hot air, and then spread on the transparent sheet. The heated, shredded volume of carbon fiber prepreg waste and the transparent sheet are hot pressed to form a colored sheet with a transparent protective layer.