Award Data

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

City planners and engineers need detailed assessments of public rights-of-way to evaluate existing conditions, determine compliance with draft accessibility guidelines, and plan reconstruction projects. Current assessment methods are inadequate and inefficient due to the time and resources required. This project will develop an automated public rights-of-way assessment process and the measuremen ...

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 ...

Our long-range goal is to cryopreserve blue catfish sperm reliably at a commercial scale in a cost-effective manner for high-throughput production of catfish hybrids. This effort could allow farmers to specialize in germplasm only, or hybrid fingerling production only, thereby diversifying the industry and enhancing economic opportunities for catfish producers throughout rural southeastern region ...

Plant virus infections cause tremendous economic losses in agricultural production each year in the U.S. Potential introduction of foreign pathogens which could threaten the safety of American agriculture has accelerated in recent years because of increasing international seed and plant trade. The first line of defense against such devastating viral diseases is the early and sensitive detection of ...

The membrane drying process for ethanol plants should be of great value in increasing capacity and/or reducing energy consumption for existing ethanol plants. We will manufacture modules of the novel membrane with a commercial partner. A pilot demonstration unit will be constructed and deployed at an actual ethanol plant for demonstrating the membrane process capabilities and advantages.

The U.S. poultry industry produces two billion pounds of feathers each year, which are considered waste biomaterials and currently converted into low value protein for use in animal feed. In Europe, feathers are autoclaved or burned and then buried as a waste material due to regulations prohibiting animal by-products in feed. A more appropriate use for feathers is to utilize their unique structura ...

Problem: This project will demonstrate the applicability of using rice bran and rice bran extract as a commercial scale growth medium for yeast. Currently, the production of yeast is carried out on a high sugar starting medium composed of beet or cane molasses, both of which are in short supply and command high prices. The innovative process proposed by Nutraceutical Innovations uses as a starting ...