Abstract: An optical energy transfer and conversion system comprising a fiber spooler and an electrical power extraction subsystem connected to the spooler with an optical waveguide. Optical energy is generated at and transferred from a base station through fiber wrapped around the spooler, and ultimately to the power extraction system at a remote mobility platform for conversion to another form of energy. The fiber spooler may reside on the remote mobility platform which may be a vehicle, or apparatus that is either self-propelled or is carried by a secondary mobility platform either on land, under the sea, in the air or in space.

Abstract: An optical power transfer system for launching a spacecraft into low Earth orbit comprising a ground-based laser power generation station and a launch vehicle optically connected thereto. The generation station is capable of generating high optical power in the range of kilowatts to tens of megawatts and transferring the optical power generated to a launch vehicle to generate thrust. The generation station comprises a high power source, a chilling station, a laser, optical fiber, and at least one coupler. The launch vehicle comprises an actively cooled fiber spooler mounted thereon with a length of fiber for transmission of high optical energy circumscribing at least part thereof. The launch vehicle also contains a working fluid and fluid reservoir, a thruster assembly, an air intake and a storage chamber. In alternative embodiments, the launch vehicle may contain a beam switch assembly, multiple fiber spoolers and multiple thruster assemblies wherein at least one thruster assembly is gimbaled.

Abstract: A fiber optic rotary joint for use in an optical power transfer system. The fiber optic rotary joint comprising a first housing element and a second housing element rotatable with respect to the first housing element. The first and second housing elements define a chamber. Optical connectors are disposed through the housing elements and have a beam expansion block positioned in the chamber. A laser is optically connected with the fiber optic rotary joint and transmits optical energy therethrough. Collimating optics aligned with the beam expansion blocks are orientated to direct the received optical energy to a position. The optical connectors and housing elements define a continuous coolant communication path with a coolant inlet and outlet. A rotary water coupling traverses through the housing elements. In an alternative embodiment, the fiber optic rotary joint also contains an actively cooled mirror positioned optically between the collimating optics.

Abstract: An optical power transfer system for powering a remote mobility system for multiple missions comprising a high power source and a chilling station connected to a laser source. The laser source transmits a high optical energy to a beam switch assembly via an optical fiber. The beam switch assembly is optically connected to actively cooled fiber spoolers. Docking stations are adapted for securing the fiber spoolers until alternatively ready for use by a remote mobility system. The remote mobility system is optically connected to the fiber spoolers and has a receiving port adapted for securing the fiber spoolers thereon. The fiber spooler transmits the optical energy to a power conversion system which converts the optical energy received to another usable form of energy. More than one power source may be used where the remote mobility system transfers from one source to another while maintaining an operational radius to each source.

Abstract: An optical power transfer system comprising a fiber spooler, a fiber optic rotary joint mechanically connected to the fiber spooler, and an electrical power extraction subsystem connected to the fiber optic rotary joint with an optical waveguide. Optical energy is generated at and transferred from a base station through fiber wrapped around the spooler, through the rotary joint, and ultimately to the power extraction system at a remote mobility platform for conversion to another form of energy.

Abstract: A power conversion system for converting optical energy received from a fiber optic line to electrical energy, the system comprises a housing, a heat sink within the housing, a high power connector coupled to the line and having an end positioned within the housing, beam forming optics within the interior space positioned proximal to the connector, and a partially spherical end array and annular arrays of photovoltaic chips.

Abstract: A method for operating an oxygen sensor arrangement senses the oxygen in a breathing loop of a breathing apparatus. The sensor arrangement includes a primary oxygen sensor to measure the oxygen in the breathing loop, a secondary oxygen sensor to measure the oxygen in the breathing loop, and a control arrangement to obtain measures from the oxygen sensor. A test channel arrangement provides a first gas having a first fraction of oxygen from a first gas supply to the primary oxygen sensor at a position adjacent to the primary oxygen sensor. A test valve arrangement opens and closes the flow of the first gas through the test channel arrangement. The control arrangement actuates the first test valve arrangement to provide an amount of the first gas to the primary oxygen sensor via the test channel arrangement and obtain measures from the primary and secondary oxygen sensors.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor arrangement is arranged to sense the oxygen in a breathing loop of a breathing apparatus. The sensor arrangement comprises at least one primary oxygen sensor arranged to operatively measure the oxygen in the breathing loop, and a control arrangement for obtaining measures from the oxygen sensor. A test channel arrangement is adapted to operatively provide a first gas having a first fraction of oxygen from a first supply to the primary oxygen sensor at a position adjacent to or directly adjacent to the primary oxygen sensor. A first test valve arrangement is arranged to operatively open and close the flow of the first gas through the test channel arrangement. The control arrangement is arranged to operatively actuate the first test valve arrangement so as to provide an amount of the first gas to the primary oxygen sensor via the test channel arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mouth piece for a breathing apparatus, a breathing apparatus and a method for adjusting a valve trigger mechanism arranged on a mouth piece for a breathing apparatus. The mouth piece according to the present invention comprises a housing comprising a mouth piece breathing part opening for inhaling and exhaling a breathable gas. An inlet port for providing breathable gas into said mouth piece housing, the inlet port being in communication with valve means arranged to open or close said inlet port. The housing further comprises a first exit port for exhausting gas from said housing into a closed circuit flow channel and a second exit port for exhausting gas from said mouth piece housing into an ambient environment. Switch means for selectively directing said exhaust gas between said first exit port and said second exit port to change the mouth piece between open circuit breathing and closed circuit breathing.

Abstract: An underwater vehicle including an axi-symmetric framing system rotatable about a centerline to define a shell of revolution having a uniformly-convex outer boundary. A narrow-beam sonar array is mounted on the axi-symmetric framing system, and includes a multitude of simultaneously-fireable and/or asynchronously-fireable transducers distributed substantially evenly over a 4?-steradian viewing angle. The present invention provides the necessary configuration for a vehicle wherein an internal algorithm can compare a “new” geometry to an “old” geometry collected earlier to construct a best fit of the new world map with the old world map and locate the vehicle within the context of the new world map. This then provides a completely independent mechanism for correction of the gradual drift in x and y that is not dependent on any form of external navigation aid.

Abstract: The Invention is directed to an oxygen sensor arrangement (8) and a method for operating such an arrangement for sensing the oxygen in a breathing loop (29) of a breathing apparatus. The sensor arrangement comprises: at least one primary oxygen sensor (30) arranged to operatively measure the oxygen in the breathing loop (29), at least a secondary oxygen sensor (31) arranged to operatively measure the oxygen in the breathing loop (29), and a control arrangement (40) for obtaining measures from said oxygen sensors. A test channel arrangement (15, 48) is adapted to operatively provide a first gas having a first fraction of oxygen from a first gas supply (16) to said primary oxygen sensor (30) at a position (267) adjacent to said primary oxygen sensor (30). At least a first test valve arrangement (41, 42) is arranged to operatively open and close the flow of said first gas through said test channel arrangement (15, 48).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mouth piece for a breathing apparatus, a breathing apparatus and a method for adjusting a valve trigger mechanism arranged on a mouth piece for a breathing apparatus. The mouth piece according to the present invention comprises a housing comprising a mouth piece breathing part opening for inhaling and exhaling a breathable gas. An inlet port for providing breathable gas into said mouth piece housing, the inlet port being in communication with valve means arranged to open or close said inlet port. The housing further comprises a first exit port for exhausting gas from said housing into a closed circuit flow channel and a second exit port for exhausting gas from said mouth piece housing into an ambient environment. Switch means for selectively directing said exhaust gas between said first exit port and said second exit port to change the mouth piece between open circuit breathing and closed circuit breathing.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an oxygen sensor arrangement 8 for sensing the oxygen in a breathing loop 29 of a breathing apparatus 100. The sensor arrangement 8 comprises at least one primary oxygen sensor 30 arranged to operatively measure the oxygen in the breathing loop 29, and a control arrangement 40 for obtaining measures from said oxygen sensor. A test channel arrangement 15, 362 is adapted to operatively provide a first gas having a first fraction of oxygen from a first supply 20 to said primary oxygen sensor 30 at a position 267 adjacent to or directly adjacent to said primary oxygen sensor. A first test valve arrangement 41 is arranged to operatively open and close the flow of said first gas through said test channel arrangement 15, 362. Said a control arrangement 40 is arranged to operatively actuate said first test valve arrangement 41 so as to provide an amount of said first gas to said primary oxygen sensor 30 via said test channel arrangement 15, 362.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system, method, and program for promoting the replacement of lower energy efficiency equipment with higher energy efficiency equipment, and more particularly less energy efficient lighting systems with more highly energy efficient lighting systems, is disclosed. High energy efficiency lighting fixtures are fitted with preferably removable and replaceable translucent acrylic diffuser overlays that are printed with advertising content from a third party advertiser. A program administrator arranges for such advertising content from one or more third party advertisers, and uses the advertising revenue generated from such third party advertiser to offset the costs incurred by an end user that is purchasing the high energy efficiency equipment that bears the third party advertiser's advertising content.

Abstract: An underwater vehicle including an axi-symmetric framing system rotatable about a centerline to define a shell of revolution having a uniformly-convex outer boundary. A narrow-beam sonar array is mounted on the axi-symmetric framing system, and includes a multitude of simultaneously-fireable and/or asynchronously-fireable transducers distributed substantially evenly over a 4?-steradian viewing angle. The present invention provides the necessary configuration for a vehicle wherein an internal algorithm can compare a “new” geometry to an “old” geometry collected earlier to construct a best fit of the new world map with the old world map and locate the vehicle within the context of the new world map. This then provides a completely independent mechanism for correction of the gradual drift in x and y that is not dependent on any form of external navigation aid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a three-dimensional measuring device, comprising a rotating 360 degree sensor head, a laser scanner and an extendable mast system. The sensor head contains a 360 degree rotating multi-faceted mirror, which determines total path distance from the laser scanner to a particular target. Angular orientations on both the scanner and the faceted mirrors are calculated by a precision encoding system. The measured total path distance, mast system extension, scanner head rotation, mirror rotation angles, and mast deflection are all used to calculate the location of a target point in 3-D space relative to the scanner. The sensing device can be utilized in the construction and nuclear power areas. In the nuclear power area, the mast system can be extended into a contaminated area which the sensor remains outside the contaminated area, thereby avoiding contamination problems.

Abstract: A high speed control apparatus and method utilized in a system having a high pressure fluid supply for producing precisely controlled, amplitude and duration variable thrust are disclosed, the apparatus including a piezoelectric stack responsive to a control signal input, a displacement amplifier operatively associated with the stack, and a high pressure axial valve assembly coupled with the amplifier. A microprocessor control system and energy storage and power amplifier system provide the calibrated output voltage control signal which drives the piezoelectric stack in such a manner as to produce rapidly changing displacements in the stack (as frequent as 10 microseconds) which are subsequently amplified by the displacement amplifier. The valve assembly opens as the piezoelectric stack expands upon application of a step change in voltage, allowing fluid to expand through the valve assembly and create thrust that is substantially equal in duration and directly proportional in amplitude to the control signal.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus mouthpiece which is reversibly switchable between an open circuit and a closed circuit system by rotating a special valve in the mouthpiece. The breathing apparatus mouthpiece is compact, lightweight, easy to operate and has low breathing resistance.

Abstract: A high speed control apparatus and method utilized in a system having a high pressure fluid supply for producing precisely controlled, amplitude and duration variable thrust are disclosed, the apparatus including a co-fired piezoelectric stack connected with a control signal input, a low-loss mechanical displacement amplifier operatively associated with the stack, and a high pressure spring-loaded axial valve assembly coupled with the amplifier. A microprocessor control system and energy storage and power amplifier system are utilized to provide a calibrated output voltage control signal which drives the piezoelectric stack in such a manner as to produce rapidly changing displacements in the stack (as frequent as 10 microseconds) which are subsequently amplified by the displacement amplifier. The valve assembly is connected with the amplifier and includes a valve core which is normally forced closed upon a valve seat by a compression spring.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus mouthpiece which is reversibly switchable between an open circuit and a closed circuit system by rotating a special valve in the mouthpiece. The breathing apparatus mouthpiece is compact, lightweight, easy to operate and has low breathing resistance.