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Remote Release Device for Marine Mammal Electronic Tags

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Navy 		Award ID:
90334 		Program Year/Program:
2009 / STTR
Agency Tracking Number:
N09A-029-0370 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
Wildlife Computers, Inc.
8345 154th Ave NE Redmond, WA 98052-
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Woman-Owned: Yes
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2009
Title: Remote Release Device for Marine Mammal Electronic Tags
Agency / Branch: DOD / NAVY
Contract: N00014-09-M-0317
Award Amount: $70,000.00
 

Abstract:

Design and evaluate components for a new device for remotely releasing electronic tags that have been attached to marine animals with a focus on a novel approach for the release mechanism. Current methods for releasing tags include corrodible metal pins and mechanical devices for cutting plastic or steel wires. These methods are less reliable because the attachment wires and pins may prematurely corrode or break from mechanical stress or the cutting mechanism may jam. An ideal release mechanism would release only in response to a received radio signal from the scientist. ElectRelease epoxy, developed for military applications under an SBIR grant by EIC Laboratories, is potentially a more reliable solution for the release mechanism because it quickly degrades when a small electrical voltage is applied and has no moving parts. This proposal combines the expertise of Wildlife Computers as a leading innovator in the design, manufacture and sale of tags for marine animals for 24 years, techniques developed by Dr. Russ Andrews who has 20 years of experience in attaching to and recovering tags from marine animals, and the unique properties of ElectRelease developed by EIC Laboratories.

Principal Investigator:

Roger D. Hill
President and Chief Engineer
4258813048
tags@wildlifecomputers.com

Business Contact:

Melinda J. Holland
CEO and Technical Director
4258813048
tags@wildlifecomputers.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

Wildlife Computers, Inc.
8345 154th Ave NE Redmond, WA 98052

EIN/Tax ID: 911580419
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
Research Institution Information:
Alaska Sealife Center
301 Railway Ave.
Seward, AK 99664 1329
Contact: Russel Andrews
Contact Phone: (907) 224-6344
RI Type: Domestic nonprofit research organization