Award Data

This SBIR project will develop a low cost sensor to obtain rail temperatures from a moving train. The two innovative parts of the proposed sensor are (1) a rugged four wavelength high frequency sensor that accurately measures the natural radiation emitted by the rails, and (2) an advanced algorithm that provides a emissivity compensated temperature from these measurements. The feasibility of the ...

In Phase I, we developed a suite of algorithms for the detection and classification of motorcycle and bicycle using IR LED stereo camera, LWIR thermal camera, and microphone. Test results using real data collected at streets have shown an excellent performance of this system. In Phase II, we will further improve the system developed and focus on the system performance issues in terms of near 100 ...

Certain lanthanide halides have significantly higher light output than NaI:Tl, the comparison standard for scintillators, plus other important properties, including fast decay times and excellent proportionality. Unfortunately, lanthanide halides grown by traditional melt processes have high production costs and limited availability. Crystals are usually limited to about 5 cm x 5 cm, right cylinde ...

The ability to monitor the integrity of a bridge structure and detect damage or condition changes at early stages is of significant importance for bridge operation safety. Currently, the most widely used damage detection methods rely on subjective, incremental visual assessments or localized testing techniques. In this proposal, we propose to develop and test a low cost and efficient bridge stru ...

This Phase II proposal develops a novel third rail insulator cleaner called the Vohrtex based.on the successfully completed Phase I project that developed the low water consumption, quick cleaning tool, the “Spin Wedge.” The Vohrtex slides on the third rail and is attached to a service vehicle that rides on the track. The Vohrtex has a pair of arms, which hang down on opposite sides of the t ...

This research focuses on the development of a real-time signal timing methodology and algorithms that balance safety and efficiency. This research consists of two phases: Phase I was completed in December 2009; it examined the relationships between signal timing and surrogate measures of safety, namely the frequency of rear-end, angle and lane-change conflicts. The FHWA Surrogate Safety Assessm ...

For applications in DoD satellite systems, devices based on novel nanomaterials offer significant advantages over traditional technologies in terms of light-weight and efficiency. Examples of such novel devices include quantum dot (QD) based solar cells, photodetectors, radars and sensors. However, the response of these devices to radiation effects is not well understood, and radiation effects mod ...

Current high energy, multi-room test facilities operated in support of Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) efforts suffer from a lack of robust sensors that can provide a cost-effective approach to obtaining dynamic pressure induced gas flows during internal detonations events. Exquadrum, Inc proposes a new sensor package that utilizes existing piezoelectric sensor technologies, but incorporat ...

To mitigate the Dilemma Zone (DZ) problem, Intelligent Automation, Inc. (IAI) team proposes an innovative vehicle specific Detection, Control and Warning System (DCWS). DCWS provides vehicle-specific dilemma zone protection based on travel time to the intersection as opposed to more conventional systems which protect a fixed area on the pavement. Apart from incorporating advanced signal control ...

Transecurity successfully developed a multi-variable drowsy driver mitigation system (DDMS) concept in their SBIR Phase I project. This system combines together many indicators of drowsiness and alertness into a composite drowsiness score. Advisory and warning messages are presented to the driver and supplemental notifications to fleet management are also supported. This Phase II proposal provi ...