The MAgnetostrictive Rubber Isolation Mount (MARIM) program is to develop a rubber isolation mount with embedded magnetic particles. The embedded magnetic particles will add magnetostrictive properties to the rubber mount that can be used to enhance the passive or active isolation characteristics of… More

A self-sensing piezoelectric actuator is proposed. The device has the potential to be extremely useful, versatile, and widely-applicable. The research involves developing a self-tuning, self-sensing actuator which automatically adapts to changing electrical characteristics (capacitance) of the… More

Vibration suppression/rejection is important for many space system attitude controls. Structural vibration of solar arrays and instrumentation booms can significantly degrade the performance of attitude control systems and reduce the accuracy of scientific instrumentations. In establishing effective… More

Two novel variable ballast systems for small undersea vehichles are proposed that incorporate the "smart material" Nitinol. These innovations should reduce the noise, volume, and energy typical of current variable ballast designs. Nitinol is a shape memory alloy of Nickel and TItanium that can… More

The use of Nitinol wire as the activating mechanism for an emergency parachute Automatic Actuation Device (AAD) is envisioned to address the shortfalls of the systems currently employed. The use of a ballistic charge to automatically open a parachute increases the operating costs of such… More

Especially during emergencies, pilots face ey might look away from their altitude and orientation sensor displays when something else demands their attention. It would help pilots, in the language of microcontrollers, to be de and orientation… More

A Magnetically Activated Shape Memory Actuator (MASMA) is propiOsed. The MASMA c state-of-the-art materials technology with magnetic activation to supply a large s elevated bandwidth, actuator. MASM alloys have shown activated strains on the o 1.3% at room temperatures, for cm sized single crystals… More

An adaptive passive vibration absorber prototype based on a electrically shunted piezoelectrics is proposed. The vibration absorber comprises of sensing, signal processing, electrical impedance and actuation subsystems. The sensing subsystem provides reference signals for the adaptation algorithm.… More

Not Available Naval and Marine Corps aircraft systems, subsystems, and components are typically designed to minimize failure due to severe lightning strikes. To minimize the effects of lightning strikes, the aircraft's exterior surface incorporates a copper mesh that is covered with an anti-static… More

Not Available Repairs to composite structural parts on aircraft require cure by temperature cycling to precise specifications. The environment is not isothermal, and standard heat blankets applied to complex shapes have non-uniform heat transfer characteristics. The presence of metallic structure… More

Mid¿ is proposing innovative energy-absorbing seat and restraint system enhancements for improving crashworthiness in aircraft, using Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs). It is proposed that the passive superelastic properties (energy-absorption) of SMA¿s are investigated for integration into various… More

The development of distributed power systems using energy harvesting is proposed. Energy is dynamic structural deformations will be harvested with structurally mounted piezoelectric crystals. The harvested energy will be stored in batteries orconditioned to be used as a direct power source for… More

Mid¿ Technology Corporation has developed a novel method of using shape memoryalloy as a controlled, medium bandwidth actuator. This technology, ACSMART, allowsthe extremely high actuation energy density of shape memory alloy (up to 2000 J/kgfor Nitinol) to be used for mechanical control systems… More

Mid¿ Technology Corporation proposes fast valve technology for fuel injection. Fast valves will have wide spread impact in both military and commercial sectors. The proposed technology leverages a highly efficient gained smart materials device with anappropriate valve and injector design. Together… More

Mide is proposing to investigate the use of adaptive control algorithms to enhance total system performance of switching power amplifiers and converters, with intended implementation in a radiation hard dc-dc converter. Mide is also proposing toinvestigate the area of component adaptation in these… More

Mide Technology Corporation proposes to develop a fuel injection system for automotive combustion control. The design is composed of a fast-acting piezoelectric actuator to operate a fuel injection valve and emission sensors located in the exhaust, both used in concert with a rapid-learning control… More

Mide is proposing to develop actuators based on Ferromagnetic Shape Memory Alloy(FSMA). FSMA's are a new class of actuator materials showing the large strains of shape memory alloys with faster response. This is due to their magnetic, rather than thermalenergy input. Phase I experiments concluded… More

Piezoelectric single crystals have the potential to revolutionize the field of active structures. Mid¿ proposed to capitalize on the large stroke character of these materials by implementing them onto a helicopter rotor blade for the primary purpose ofsolving the blade tracking problem. Once… More

Mid¿ Technology Corporation proposes a Wireless Ignition System UtilizingPiezoelectrics (WISEUP) for internal combustion engines. A similar system hasalready been patented by Mid¿ Technology: the Piezoelectric Ignition and SensingDevice (PISD) was successfully integrated into an engine, proving… More

Mide is proposing to develop actuators based on Ferromagnetic Shape Memory Alloy(FSMA). FSMA's are a new class of actuator materials showing the large strains of shape memory alloys with faster response. This is due to their magnetic, rather than thermalenergy input. Phase I experiments concluded… More

The proposed innovation is a High-bandwidth, Efficient, fuel Flow Actuator (HEFA). The design stems from a systems perspective, including power electronics, mass & volumetrically efficient driving mechanism, preferential failure modes, and thermallytolerant operation. Our solution leverages… More

The determination of the environmental extremes that a sensitive piece of equipment has been exposeddo during shipping and storage is of critical importance. All electronic equipment and chemicalshave limitations as far as specific environmental conditions are concerned. If these… More

"Mide is proposing to develop an adaptive mixed-signal controller for DC-DC converters. The controller will use adaptive control algorithms to enhance total system performance of switching DC-DC converters. The innovative concepts include: 1) digitalimplementation of feedback and feedforward power… More

"The proposed device is a High-bandwidth, Authority, Fuel Flow Actuator (HAFFA). The design stems from a systems perspective, including power electronics, mass & volumetrically efficient driving mechanism, preferential failure modes, and thermally tolerantoperation. Our solution leverages… More

"A low-cost low-profile environmental monitor is proposed. Themonitor will be installed in Tomahawk All Up Rounds (AURs) tomonitor temperature, pressure, humidity and shock. TheInformation recorded by the monitor will be interfaced with theNavy?s Advanced Technology Ordnance Surveillance System… More

MidT is proposing innovative energy-absorbing seat and restraint system enhancements for improving crashworthiness in aircraft, using Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs). It is proposed that the passive superelastic properties (energy-absorption) of SMA¿s are investigated for integration into various… More

"Mid¿ is proposing a novel and innovative strain-sensor-grid using pseudoelastic shape memory alloys. By embedding a grid of ultra-thin pseudoelastic wires in an epoxy and encapsulating the embedded grid between two layers of Kapton, the embedded sensorcan be used as a layer in a composite, thus… More

"Hypervelocity missiles are currently dependent on the deflection of aerodynamic surfaces for flight control. These deflections and surfaces contribute significantly to the drag of the missile. By eliminating these surfaces it is estimated that anincrease of up to 30 % in speed of kinetic energy… More

"Mid¿ is proposing to investigate the use of morphing structures to achieve hull forms that can perform optimally underwater and on the surface. Using our extensive experience with large strain materials, Mid¿ will examine in Phase I the feasibility ofhull structures to morph from symmetric… More

The Disturbance-Optics-Controls-Structures (DOCS) suite is an Integrated Development Environment for assembly of multidisciplinary analyses into an accurate dynamic integrated model for analysis of performance and margins and identification of resource-optimal redesign. The suite is innovative… More

The Disturbance-Optics-Controls-Structures (DOCS) suite is an Integrated Development Environment for assembly of multidisciplinary analyses into an accurate dynamic integrated model for analysis of performance and margins and identification of resource-optimal redesign. The suite is innovative… More

Promising developments in diesel injection technology have given rise to an increasing acceptance of diesel engines in the passenger vehicle market, especially in Europe. As with heavy-duty vehicles, more stringent emission levels are achieved via control of the diesel combustion process through… More

Promising developments in diesel injection technology have given rise to an increasing acceptance of diesel engines in the passenger vehicle market, especially in Europe. As with heavy-duty vehicles, more stringent emission levels are achieved via control of the diesel combustion process through… More

MidT is proposing innovative energy-absorbing seat and restraint system enhancements for improving crashworthiness in aircraft, using Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs). It is proposed that the passive superelastic properties (energy-absorption) of SMA¿s are investigated for integration into various… More

"An innovative sensor grid of shape-memory alloy wires is proposed to sense the shape of an aerodynamic surface. Shape memory alloys change resistance when deformed and they can thus be used as strain-sensors. The grid is formed by embedding a number ofshape memory alloy wires in an epoxy as one… More

"Uniform flow conditions are critical in obtaining accurate mass flow measurements from bellmouth-mounted instrumentation. The presence of inlet flow anomalies, in particular vortices, significantly degrades these measurements. Engine test conditions likeswirl and total pressure inlet distortion… More

An innovative multifunctional and adaptive structure is proposed where a multi-functional sensor grid is embedded in a composite structure. The sensor grid only requires access to the external nodes of the grid. This simplifies cabling and increasesstrength of the multi-functional composite to… More

In line with the NHTSA¿s desire to encourage the development of restorable vehicle occupant safety systems here in the U.S., Mide is proposing to develop a active seat belt tensioning (AST) device that can control and tailor the rate at which the belt pre-stiffens during a crash, depending on the… More

An enabling technology for such programs as the Space Based Laser is the ability to transfer fluids on orbit from one spacecraft to another. There are many issues to be overcome, such as how is the mate made between the two spacecraft, what pressures canbe maintained, and can leaks of extremely… More

Mide is proposing an innovative method for detecting leaks in pipelines. In Phase I Mide will demonstrate that piezoelectric materials can be used to sense leaks, that a low power event recorder can be used to store detected leaks and that an innovative low-power/self powered acoustic data… More

Underwater pressure measurements on submarines, weapons, and propulsors are important for performance and acoustic analysis. Many current pressure measurement solutions are intrusive (i.e. disruptive to the flow field) and/or expensive. Mid¿ proposes tomake modifications to a commercial, of the… More

A novel method that uses the measured electrical resistances of a composite structure only along the edges of the structure is proposed to monitor its health. The major advantage of the proposed innovation is that it is practical, it minimizeswiring/cabling and it does not require any additional… More

Current clothing systems work on the principle of layering and are very effective. They do have the disadvantage, however, of being bulky and complex because they are usually made up of many parts. These problems are serious enough for the soldier thatmust carry them that there is a constant… More

Current clothing systems work on the principle of layering and are very effective. They do have the disadvantage, however, of being bulky and complex because they are usually made up of many parts. These problems are serious enough for the soldier thatmust carry them to warrant a constant effort… More

A novel method that uses the measured electrical resistances of a composite structure only along the edges of the structure is proposed to monitor its health. The major advantage of the proposed innovation is that it is practical, it minimizeswiring/cabling and it does not require any additional… More

Commonly known to the military and law enforcement personnel, flash-bangs are grenade-like devices that produce a bright flash of light combined with a loud acoustic wave which is meant to momentarily incapacitate (startle) an enemy. The flash and bangare traditionally generated by a single… More

A rotary amplified liquid proof-mass-damper is proposed. The proposed innovation is based on Bell Helicopter's LIVE, Liquid Inertial Vibration Isolator (LIVE). LIVE is currently installed on the Bell 427 helicopter. The proposed rotary version, thushave legacy and support of a rotary wing… More

Commonly known to military, FBI, and law enforcement personnel, flash-bangs are grenade-like non-lethal weapons that produce a bright flash of light combined with a loud acoustic report which is meant to momentarily startle an enemy. A single explosion using pyrotechnics contained within the device… More

A novel hybrid actuator is proposed where fast response small amplitude actuator is combined with a slower high authority actuator to control the flight path of a gun launched munition. The focus of the effort will be to develop a g-hardened hybrid actuator that can be implemented at low cost to… More

Mid¿ proposes to build an on-blade active trim tab using Shape Memory Alloys. SMAs are active materials that undergo a phase change from martensitic to austenitic form when heated. The materials can be trained to a specific shape in the austenitic phase. When heated, the material will recover… More

Mid¿ proposes an automatic active trim tab solution that will significantly reduce the maintenance effort and cost of helicopter rotor track and balancing (RT&B) process, as well as minimize airframe vibrations. Mid¿'s trim tab adjustment system may be performed automatically without maintenance. … More

Kinetic energy munitions that dispense and disperse pellets prior to impact are effective against threats on the ground or at sea. Typically, explosives or pyrotechnics also contained within the munition are used to impart a lateral velocity to the pellets. Unfortunately, explosives pose a severe… More

Mid¿ proposes to use its knowledge of hydrogels to develop a bulkhead shaft sealing device. The proposed system will incorporate hydrogel polymer embedded in an open cell foam. This polymer will be in a powder form until in the presence of seawater (i.e. in the case of a damaged bulkhead shaft… More

In line with the DOT's desire to encourage the development of a wireless brake shoe force measurement system, Mide will use its extensive experience on loadcell design, energy power-harvesting and wireless data transmission to develop an accurate system for the self-powered, wireless measurement of… More

The proposed development is an innovative resistively encoded material used either as a layer in a carton box or as a layer in packaging tape. The innovation uses a number of conductive strips, which are randomly conductively connected to form a unique material that can be used to secure cartons and… More

Mid¿, along with ballistics and firearms expert Ed Hartwell, proposes development of the ¿Piezer¿ (pee-ay¿-zer) ¿ an untethered electro-muscular disruption non-lethal stun weapon based on piezoelectric technology for civil law enforcement officers and the military. The innovative new device… More

Mid¿ is proposing to complete the development of a hydrogel activated bulkhead shaft seal for the DDG-51 class ships. The purpose of a bulkhead seal is to prevent flooding between compartments along the main propulsion shafting. The current shipbuilder specifications require that the bulkhead… More

Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) materials present unique benefits to the control and stabilization of hypersonic projectiles. Mid¿ and the University of Colorado at Boulder is proposing to exploit these benefits of SMA materials for the control of hypersonic projectile by developing and analyzing… More

The ability to actively control the buoyancy of underwater sea gliders could greatly enhance the efficiency of the underwater vehicles. Both large displacements as well as small (trim) displacements are beneficial to finely control the buoyancy of the sea glider. Mide proposes to utilize either… More

When projectiles are being fired, they are exposed to extreme environmental conditions inside the gun barrel. There is a need to record these conditions for the purpose of designing of projectiles. With this device different areas of the projectile can be instrumented to record the stresses… More

Mid¿ proposes an innovative new acoustic/thermal liner fabric for noise reduction in military shelters. The concept combines lightweight, insulating solids that do not propagate airborne sound waves with flame-resistant open cell foam. The solids are highly porous, non-hazardous silica, described… More

During Phase I, Midé developed, pro

Railroad Freight car safety and maintenance cost is directly related to knowledge of the actual braking force provided by a brake shoe. If the brake force is too low, safety is at risk. If the brake shoe is replaced before the end of it's lifetime to ensure safety, maintenance and thus operating… More

Propellants and explosives in current gun fired munitions involve the storage and usage of energetic materials. The 25-year average age of the US ammunition stockpile is a major concern. Midé is proposing innovative technologies for airframes; airframe separation and payload dispense mechanisms… More

In the event of a physical compromise of a secure system, it may be necessary to physically disable the critical components of the system to ensure that critical hardware and software are rendered not useable for reverse engineering. Mide proposes to utilize the unique properties of shape memory… More

Midé is proposing to develop a novel resonant frequency pressure sensor that includes a self-calibrating feature. The pressure sensor has piezo-electric elements bonded to a pressure sensing membrane. Under pressure, the membrane stretches changing the resonant frequencies of the membrane. The… More

Spacesuit systems for planetary EVAs must maximize human productivity and provide the astronaut with the capability to perform useful work tasks. Mide plans to work with MIT to develop mechanisms to augment astronaut productivity during advanced EVA missions. We propose to demonstrate the… More

Reflector based architectures are promising for future space radar systems due to their light weight and potential for compact packaging. However, initial surface accuracy and operational dimensional stability are fundamental driving requirements in these systems and can represent significant… More

Midé, along with ballistics and firearms expert Ed Hartwell, proposes development of the “Piezer” (pee-ay’-zer) – an untethered electro-muscular disruption non-lethal stun weapon based on piezoelectric technology for civil law enforcement officers and the military. The… More

Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) self-detonation is an unacceptable and highly dangerous occurrence. A system that would reduce the likelihood of this occurring would be highly beneficial to the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). Mide proposes to design a Thermally Initiated Venting Systems (TIVS) that will… More

The (Airborne Laser) ABL Chemical Oxygen Iodine Laser (COIL) creates a lasing medium by utilizing Chlorine to produce Singlet Delta Oxygen (SDO) which in-turn dissociates a separately supplied Iodine molecule and then excites the resulting Iodine atom for lasing. Both Chlorine and Iodine are… More

Mide is proposing to develop a reinforced rubber with unique sealing properties to combat leak situations on US Navy ships. The proposed innovation is to develop a unique pipe sealing rubber with a reinforced surface to carry the hoop-stresses and cross-sectional lip seal geometry to ensure that… More

Mide is proposing to develop an innovative airframe that will result in a low-cost, high-performance hypersonic airframe with an integrated thermal protection system. Hypersonic launch and flight of projectiles subjects their airframes to severe in-bore launch dynamics followed by thermal shock and… More

Significant maintenance activity is required to ensure acceptable 1/rev vibration levels from main and tail rotors. These flight and ground based maintenance activities translate into significant cost and downtime for the helicopter operator. Cost has been somewhat mitigated with the use of… More

The ability to actively control the buoyancy of underwater sea gliders could greatly enhance the efficiency of the underwater vehicles. Both large displacements as well as small (trim) displacements are beneficial to finely control the buoyancy of the sea glider. For Phase I Mide proposed and… More

NASA is continuing its development of electric propulsion engines for various applications. Efforts have been directed toward both large and small thrusters, depending on the end use. A current program is focused on the development of a miniature thruster. Development of a Miniature Xenon Ion… More

Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) materials present unique benefits to the control and stabilization of hypersonic projectiles. Mide and the University of Colorado at Boulder is concluded in Phase I that SMA materials offer distinct advantages for the control of hypersonic projectile through the development… More

The Air Force has a need to measure short-duration forces and moments generated by impulse control devices, e.g., transient transverse gaseous jets. The measurement of short-duration loads/impulses from pulsating control jets of intercept missiles is important to the missile defense program… More

NASA is continuing its development of electric propulsion engines for various applications. Efforts have been directed toward both large and small thrusters, depending on the end use. A current program is focused on the development of a miniature thruster. Development of a Miniature Xenon Ion… More

Current pitch rods are used to adjust the pitch on the main rotor blades. The collective pitch control is actuated through the swashplate to change the pitch of each blade all at once. There is no current method to individually change the pitch of only one blade individually in production, but… More

An existing Repeatable Release Holdback Bar (RRHB) is used on aircraft carriers to control the launch of aircraft in conjunction with a steam-powered catapult. This is a purely mechanical device with a finite lifespan; its proper operation depends entirely on manual adjustment and human optical… More

Mide is proposing to develop an airframe that will result in a low-cost, high-performance hypersonic airframe with an integrated thermal protection system. Phase II will focus on the development of a multi-layered airframe where alternating layers of a high strength ceramics and carbon-carbon… More

Helicopter blade systems are constructed to tight tolerances, but slight manufacturing variations cause lift to vary from blade to blade at certain specific flight conditions. The resulting unbalanced lift forces cause undesirable 1/rev vibration. The current practice calls for adjustments to be… More

Development of the basic EMAT based transverse rail defect detector has progressed toward finished form, as envisioned in the original solicitation. This modification is intended to produce a demonstratable version of a 2-rail detection system with automated signal interpertation. The objectives… More

USSOCOM Special Operations Divers operate in harsh environments, often exposed to extreme cold temperaturess for extended periods of time. An advanced thermal protection system is required that provides enhanced thermal protection at cold temperatures as well as reduced thermal performance at… More

Current Helmet Mounted Display Systems (HMDS) are mounted to aircrew members helmets to improve performance by providing night vision enhancement, by enabling look-and-shoot weapons cueing systems, and by providing continuous aircraft information to the crewmember. The added weight and resulting… More

The protection of CPI from unwanted transfer is necessary to ensure a tactical advantage over our adversaries. Various powered sensor based response techniques have been developed for AT systems. These systems require a means to constantly power the AT system for long periods of time. Current… More

Currently, communication between soldiers at the squad level is mainly limited to voice and hand signals. However, the realities of combat, including loud noise such as explosions, and line-of-sight obstructions, often degrade these communications. DARPA is interested in exploring the use of tactile… More

Mid, proposes to develop an innovative approach to harvest energy from thermal excursions and use the harvested energy selectively to prevent the explosion of solid rocket motor during slow and fast cook-off vents. The thermal energy harvester is a Shape Memory Alloy device that responds slowly… More

Communication between soldiers on the battlefield is currently limited to voice and hand signaling. However, the realities of combat, including loud noises and visual obstructions, degrade these communications modalities. The U.S. Department of Defense is interested in the use of tactile human… More

The protection of CPI from unwanted transfer is necessary to ensure a tactical advantage over our adversaries. Various powered sensor response techniques have been developed for AT systems. These systems require a means to be constantly powered for long periods of time. A downed or stored weapon… More

An existing Repeatable Release Holdback Bar (RRHB) is used on aircraft carriers to control the launch of aircraft in conjunction with a steam-powered catapult. This is a purely mechanical device with a finite lifespan; its proper operation depends entirely on manual adjustment and human optical… More