Flow separation control is critical to the performance and safety of military airborne or seaborne vehicles. fluids flowing over airfoils or through flow passages can separate from wall surfaces, causing flow instabilities. unchecked flow separation can result in vehicle power loss, damage or… More

Microvalves previously made cannot be relied upon for long term tight shutoff. if microfluidic systems are to become a reality, tight shutoff must be achieved by micromachined valves. although surfaces on microvalves in theory should be atomically smooth, thus allowing for tight shutoff, practice… More

Recycling of plastic containers has been retarted by the lacck of demand for plastic scrap. This is due to the dearth of products manufactured from recycled plastics. One of the reasons for this is the poor quality surface finish which is obtainable from recycled plastics such as high density… More

This work will develop a novel microactuator mechanism for use with a computer interfaced refreshable braille display system (rbds). the microactuator will be designed to operate within the power limitations of the rbds. it will also be designed to meet the refresh and response rates tolerances… More

Control of vortices on the leading edge of an airfoil has the potential to decrease drag and increase lift by decreasing the pressure on the forward facing and upper airfoil surfaces. A novel microactuator is proposed which allows for arbitrarily large displacements to be achieved. The actuator is… More

Fatigue is a phenomena that accompanies repeated muscular exertion. The ability of the muscle to produce force is reduced as fatigue occurs. Local muscle fatigue is manifested in electromyography (EMG) signals by a shift in the EMG power spectrum from high to low frequencies. By utilizing this… More

The Orbital Research Unified Control Solution will provide an efficient, flexible modular distributed control system for automated heavy payload handling systems. Part of the efficiency and flexibility of the Orbital Research Unified Control Soloution is provided by the Orbital Research Intelegent… More

A smart surface, containing microelectromechanical devices (MEMS), able to enhance the performance capabilities of weapons systems, will be designed, fabricated and tested. The prototype smart surface will consist of an adaptive/predictive controller, an integrated array of microsensors and… More

Several deployable flow control devices which utilize various MEMs actuators will be designed to enhance the performance capabilities of slender cylindrical bodies with 3:1 ratio tangent ogive nose cone at high angles of attack. The flow control devices will be integrated with a feedback/predictive… More

Not Available The U.S. Navy uses fill fluids in their sonar towed arrays to provide high quality sonar performance, proper buoyancy, and corrosion protection for the sonar electronic components. The currently used fluid, Isopar L, poses two environmental hazards, the first to humans during the… More

The effective coordination of large groups, or

Operational requirements of the next generation aircraft carrier (CVNX) demand a level of hardware and software automation which current technologies have yet to meet. Of critical importance is the dramatic reduction of crew size. Orbital Researchproposes the development of an advanced, robust,… More

With the ever-increasing demands on engine performance, emissions reduction and better fuel economy, reliable pressure transducers are needed for in situ aircraft turbine engines. To meet these needs, Orbital Research Inc. proposes an in-situ pressuretransducer enabled via a thin film ternary shape… More

This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel and flexible, dry, physiological recording electrode that conforms to non-planar surfaces and does not require extensive surface preparation or conductive gels to achieve a low impedance interface with the body. This… More

"Effective coordination of large groups, or "swarms" of Uninhabited Air Vehicles (UAVs) working collaboratively demands the development of control architectures that leverage emergent collective intelligence. Nature, has optimized this behavior. Inparticular, certain insect societies demonstrate… More

Currently, active cooling of pressure transducers is required in high temperature sections of turbine engines, which limit their use to ground-based engine tests. Lacking high temperature pressure measurement capabilities, turbine engines must operatewithin a wide engine performance margin, which… More

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project is to complete the development of a low-cost, no preparation required, flexible dry physiological recording electrode. These electrodes have the potential to significantly improve quality of care and reduce total cost of biopotential signal… More

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project is to complete the development of a low-cost, no preparation required, flexible dry physiological recording electrode. These electrodes have the potential to significantly improve quality of care and reduce total cost of biopotential signal… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The digital revolution has placed a wealth of electronic information literally at the touch of a button to the average individual. Unfortunately blind people have been left behind by the revolution due to the lack of efficient, low-cost display systems. Existing… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Orbital Research has developed novel, low-cost, micro-valves, which can be placed underneath each dot in a standard Braille character. The micro-valves then control the flow of air that pressurizes a chamber under a flexible surface on the top of the Braille… More

"The effective coordination of large groups, or "swarms" of autonomous vehiclesworking collaboratively demands the development of control architectures thatemerge collective intelligence among groups of individuals. Nature, throughevolution and natural selection, has optimized this behavior. Insect… More

"Orbital Research proposes to develop a multi-input, multi-output, closed-loop Reactive Flow Control System (RFCS) consisting of intelligent control modules designed to be integrated with flight vehicle airframes which incorporate integrated flow controlsensors, actuators and feedback controller.… More

"To meet the goals of the Objective Force, the Army has initiated the development ofMulti-Role Armament Munitions for Future Combat System (FCS). Current smart cargoprojectiles and hit-to-kill munitions use conventional control surfaces like finsand canards for stability and control, which limit… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This Phase I program will develop and fabricate an innovative flexible array of dry physiological recording electrodes that require no surface preparation and will reduce application time. The proposed flexible arrays have the potential to… More

"Propulsion systems aboard current SOCOM Combatant Craft utilize propulsor systems that produce large wake forms, such as rooster tail. Large wake forms exaggerate the true visible and radar cross section of the Combatant Craft and thus increase probabilityfor detection by littoral sensor and radar… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The goal of this NIH Phase II proposal is to develop, fabricate and clinically test a dry micro-machined physiologic recording electrode that can be used without requiring electrolytes and/or skin preparation. Traditionally, the monitoring of human physiological… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The goal of this NIH Phase II proposal is to develop, fabricate and clinically test a dry micro-machined physiologic recording electrode that can be used without requiring electrolytes and/or skin preparation. Traditionally, the monitoring of human physiological… More

The next generation of aircraft carrier, CVNX, must achieve significant reductions in man-power to meet its required operational requirements while reducing the amount of manual labor aboard the ship by 70% and substantially reducing the size of the crew.To achieve these reductions in man-power it… More

Orbital Research proposes to develop and demonstrate a non-intrusive Weakly Ionized Plasma Actuator array (WIPA) technology for active lift augmentation and drag reduction of air vehicles. The overall objective of the Phase I research is to demonstrate thefeasibility of the WIPA technology coupled… More

The intense sound produced by screech can threaten mission objectives as these acoustic waveforms can be used by enemy detection systems to locate and track US military aircraft. Screech waveforms can also destroy sections of augmentor, which increasesdowntime, costs and maintenance. Active… More

To meet the aerodynamic performance requirements of highly agile air-to-air missiles, Active Thrust Vectoring Microsystems (ATVMs) utilizing two different micro-adaptive flow control actuator schemes adapted for 7

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The digital revolution has placed a wealth of electronic information literally at the touch of a button to the average individual. Unfortunately, blind people have been left behind by the revolution due to the lack of efficient, low-cost display systems. Existing… More

Current maneuvering technology on Army's FCS munitions utilizes conventional hinge-based flight control surfaces for control and stability. These systems impose substantial weight, volume, and power requirements and ultimately reduce projectile aerodynamicperformance and payload capacity. The mail… More

The goal of this program is to develop and demonstrate an innovative, hingeless flight control system for air vehicles using a virtual shaping technology to improve air vehicle performance by directly altering the vehicle's effective aerodynamic shape. During the successful Phase I, Orbital… More

Orbital Research Inc. and Theiss Aviation, Inc., propose the development of a novel micro vehicle with multiple modes of mobility that uses biological inspiration to yield an efficient and robust architecture necessary to effectively imbue a vehicle with multiple modes of locomotion. To realize… More

As recent experience has taught us, superior technology and sophistication is insufficient to protect our military forces from the attacks of individuals and small groups who can easily conceal themselves and deceive standard detection techniques. The danger that these attacks pose drives the need… More

Destructive Expendable (DEX), a small rocket-powered projectile, is an effective countermeasure platform against anti-aircraft missiles. DEX requires high stability and extreme maneuvering capabilities to protect the aircraft from advanced anti-aircraft missiles that have seek-and-destroy… More

Orbital Research, Inc. and The University of Notre Dame will collaborate to design, develop, and demonstrate a 'weakly-ionized plasma flow control' technology to enhance the aerodynamic control and maneuvering capabilities of long-range, long-loiter, low-to-high subsonic munitions. This flow… More

Orbital Research Inc. (ORI) working teaming with The Ohio State University (OSU) propose the development of a novel integrative architecture for ultra tight coupling of GPS/INS. Ultra tight coupled GPS/INS offer the potential to improve jamming tolerance of future guided munitions resulting in… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): To function effectively, people require the ability to read, write and share information in a variety of educational, employment and daily living environments. Blind people are increasingly bypassed in the digital revolution because a majority of electronic… More

Every year, billions of dollars are lost to bad decisions. Without the proper tools to analyze and evaluate decisions before implementation, even more money will be lost. Decision problems that must contend with autonomous entities are the areas most subject to erroneous decisions due to the… More

In this program, Orbital Research Inc. will enhance its current embedded pressure sensor technology, which previously has been demonstrated for sensing in-situ engine combustion events, for the automation and control of shipboard fluid valves. Precise control of high pressure fluidic systems is… More

Next generation rocket propulsion systems are shifting towards higher levels of performance by incorporating advanced thrust vectoring capabilities for increased missile turning rates and maneuverability. For the Phase II program, Orbital Research will collaborate with The University of Toledo,… More

The role of Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs) in the future battlespace is projected to increase tremendously in the immediate future. Currently, viable mission scenarios for MAVs are constrained by their limited size and flight dynamics. MAVs have difficulty maintaining constant surveillance as they must… More

The U.S. Air Force is developing a Destructive Expendable (DEX) countermeasure (CM) defense system to protect aircraft from anti-aircraft missiles. In this Phase II program, Orbital Research Inc. will design, develop and demonstrate a highly maneuverable and commercially viable DEX system that… More

Orbital Research Inc. proposes a Plasma Assisted Aerodynamic Control System (PAACS) Technology Demonstration Program to design, develop, and demonstrate plasma flow control actuators and advanced flight control technologies for next generation precision-guided and loitering munitions. The program… More

Aircraft with sensors to monitor and actuators to control will benefit greatly from distributed electronic interface modules integrated close to the sensor or actuator. These benefits include improved performance and reliability as well as reduced total ownership cost and the ability to provide an… More

ORI proposes a preliminary design of a micro air vehicle (MAV) with integrated active flow control actuators and feedback control system to control longitudinal dynamics of the vehicle without conventional flight control surfaces. The proposed hierarchical control system is composed of Intelligent… More

The VAATE program and other advanced turbine engines require improved bearing materials for better resistance to fatigue, wear and corrosion. Orbital Research proposes a combination of two processing methods to ensure the optimum properties. Starting with a high strength stainless steel (Pyrowear… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Orbital Research Inc. has developed unique Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) microvalve actuator technology that will enable the production of low-cost refreshable Braille displays. A low-cost Braille display will dramatically improve the quality of life of… More

Flow inventory for the Automated Fire Suppression System (AFSS) will enable early detection of leaks and damage and will enable distributed control schemes that are robust to localized damage. Very sensitive pressure sensors are required to implement such a system. The sensitivity must be… More

Aircraft with sensors that monitor the output of actuators will benefit greatly from distributed electronic interface modules integrated close to the sensor. These benefits include improved performance and reliability as well as reduced total ownership cost and the ability to provide an open systems… More

There exists a need for effective countermeasures for protecting aircraft from anti-aircraft missiles. Orbital Research, in collaboration with the University of Toledo and Tanner Research Inc., proposes to develop an innovative "guided" destructive expendable (GuiDE) concept, compatible with the… More

Orbital Research Inc. proposes to develop a Low-Cost Miniature Control Actuator System (MCAS) for active aerodynamic control of gun-fired munitions. The proposed MCAS will employ active flow-control actuators to decrease dispersion and enhance end-game maneuverability of Army's current projectile… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The overall goal of the proposed SBIR program is to create a low-cost, large area refreshable Braille display with the combined capability of displaying tactile Braille text and graphical information. Existing methods of accessing electronic information available… More

High temperature and radiation-hardened electronics will benefit Power Management and Distribution in a spacecraft by saving space, weight and power that would otherwise be needed for heat extraction and shielding. Orbital Research Inc. proposes the development of one or more high temperature DC -… More

There exists a need for alternative flight control methods for supersonic cruise missiles. Orbital Research Inc. (ORI), in collaboration with the University of Toledo, proposes to develop an innovative Actuator Integrated Missile Steering System (AIMSS) for aerodynamic control of… More

Orbital Research will develop a tightly integrated photovoltaic cell and battery energy storage subsystem and flight test the system on a micro air vehicle (MAV). This energy harvesting (EH) technology, efficiently packaged, will also save weight by serving as a structural element of the MAV's… More

Orbital Research has successfully demonstrated a dry electrode (no electrolyte or gel required) for heart rate and ECG monitoring. Preliminary data has indicated that the electrode can be incorporated into a garment that does not require an adhesive for successful data collection. Further… More

The use of current wind turbine technology is limited by its high capital costs and non-competitive return on investment. Further, the acceptance of wind turbines is hindered due to operational costs associated with repair and maintenance from stress degradation of system components. This project… More

Orbital Research Inc. (ORI) is investigating the use of a rocket-powered, guided destructive expendable (GuiDE) as a next-generation countermeasure for aircraft self-protection from missile attacks. The GuiDE is aimed to provide a low-cost alternative solution to existing airborne or ground-based… More

Orbital Research Inc proposes to design and optimize a light-weight swashplateless helicopter rotor collective control system. One enabling technology for swashplateless rotors utilizes on-blade controls to control the lift created by each rotor blade. However, a limitation of on-blade controls is… More

High temperature electronics will benefit Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) and Electronic Engine Control (EEC) in an aircraft by reducing or eliminating the need for fuel cooling of electronics. Orbital Research Inc. proposes the development of a high temperature Controller for use in… More

During the Phase II Lunar Health Monitor program, Orbital Research will develop a second generation wearable sensor suite for astronaut physiologic monitoring. The low profile system will be appropriate for both Extravehicular activities (EVA) and Intravehicular activities (IVA) monitoring… More

Orbital Research Inc. proposes to design and develop an innovative, low-cost Miniature Control Actuator System (MCAS) for active aerodynamic control of Army's next-generation smart munitions. The MCAS will employ miniature flow control actuators and advanced control strategies to provide in-flight… More

Alternative flight control methods that can reduce or eliminate the need for movable fins or wings while maintaining or improving the aerodynamic control performance of supersonic cruise missiles are sought. Orbital Research Inc, in collaboration with the University of Toledo, proposes to continue… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Orbital Research is attempting to overcome the astronomical rates of functional illiteracy (inability to read) and unemployment among blind individuals by using a novel technology to produce affordable Braille products. Under this program Orbital is developing a… More

The ability to accurately monitor vital signs in the battlefield is critical to reducing casualties. Orbital Research proposes the Battle Dress Physiologic Monitor (BDPM) a system to monitor changes in general health status. The BDPM will focus on non-inv

Ground testing of propulsion systems requires highly accurate and precise sensor systems. Setting up such systems can be more time consuming than the test. The myriad of analog connections are subject to environmental noise. The ability to effectively calibrate sensors, digitize the signals in… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Named NONA, after the Roman God of pregnancy this innovative system will monitor the expectant mother to mitigate the risk to mother and child during birth. During this Phase I project, Orbital Research Inc. (Cleveland, Ohio), with their partners at MIT,… More

Orbital Research proposes to design, optimize and demonstrate a light-weight swashplateless helicopter rotor collective control system. Swashplateless rotors are desirable for reasons including increased rotorcraft top speed, reduced vibration, reduced vehicle mass, and reduced rotorhead… More

Present full authority digital engine control (FADEC) systems interface with numerous sensing elements throughout the turbine engine to provide engine control and health management functions. Even though the sensing elements are distributed throughout the turbine engine, the electronic interfaces… More

The proposed Pilot Physiologic Assessment System is a comprehensive medical monitoring system capable of measuring standard medical indexes such as heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiration rate, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, and nitrogen levels. PPAS will be capable of both… More

The design process for Micro Aerial Vehicle (MAVs) requires specialized tools, which is particularly true for biologically inspired MAV concepts. Some of the positive features of a MAV, including light weight, novel modes of propulsion and non-traditional flight control methodologies, can also… More

Current Full Authority Digital Engine Controls (FADECs) and Electronic Engine Controls (EECs) perform their tasks by using multiple IC chips and several printed circuit boards. Tasks performed by these chips include power regulation, communications, actuator drive, sensor monitoring, processing… More

Present full authority digital engine control (FADEC) systems interface with numerous sensing elements throughout the turbine engine to provide engine control and health management functions. Even though the sensing elements are distributed throughout the turbine engine, the electronic interfaces… More

The V-22 Osprey can benefit from drag reductions in at least two areas: low angle of attack drag reduction will provide an improvement in the cruise efficiency and hover download reduction will provide an increase in cargo capability. Orbital Research, in collaboration with the University of Toledo,… More

The diagnostic systems in use in military machines are large and expensive. Other military machines could benefit from diagnostic and prognostic systems, but cannot afford the added size, weight and expense. Orbital Research proposes to address this issue by adapting the rugged ASICs that it has… More

Orbital Research Inc in collaboration with NASA Glenn Research Center (NASA GRC), Kent State University (KSU) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) will design and test the second generation, Pilot Physiologic Assessment System (PPAS-2) as part of the Phase I option and Phase II SBIR… More

Orbital Research proposes to develop, build and test a high temperature Data Concentrator Module for use in distributed turbine engine control at high temperatures. The concentrator receives analog and digital signals related to turbine engine control and communicates with a FADEC or high level… More

The proposed Combat Situational Awareness System (CSAS) is a comprehensive biometric and SCUBA status monitoring system capable of continuous monitoring of vital information such as heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiration, and full conditions such as battery metering, oxygen sensor status, and… More

ABSTRACT: The use of a distributed electronics interface in air vehicles offers many highly sought benefits but remains conceptual due to the fact that rugged electronic components capable of reliable operation in high temperature environments are not now readily available. In Phase I Orbital… More

Orbital Research proposes to develop, build and test 3 additional high temperature components for use in the design of a Data Concentrator Module in distributed turbine engine control at high temperatures. The concentrator receives analog and digital signals related to turbine engine control and… More