Award Data

Two approaches are proposed to attack the problems of fixturing process. First, a novel hardware holding system, Dexterous Vise, is proposed. Functionally, a single Dexterous Vise is capable of revealing four faces of the clamped workpiece to the cutting tool without re-fixturing, which actually increases one degree of freedom to the machine tool. A pair of Dexterous Vises, the "Dual-Vise", ena ...

Advancements in digital signal processing (DSP) and video technology have created an opportunity to develop a low-cost system to allow people with disabilities to control a computer using head and eye movements. A software-based system would be developed to track head and eye movements at much lower cost than the hardware-based systems currently available. The processing power available on the c ...

In order to realize the full potential of cryogenic power converters, it is vital to develop the technology for cryogenic capacitors and inductors, in order to be combined with the switching semiconductors. Capacitors with high dielectric constant and high voltage withstand at cryogenic temperatures with low weight and volume lie on the critical path. The proposed work focuses on innovative tech ...

To Operate effectively, PEM small fuel cells stacks need a chemical hydride hydrogen generator. The chemical hydride digital reactor suggested in the proposed program will provide about 2.5 kWH of energy in a5 pound package.--almost three times the energy density of a BA5590 battery. Studies and experiments will be conducted with spe ...

Proposed is the technical development and design of the electronics and cooling systems for a 1 megawatt cryogenically cooled inverter suitable for use in a wide range of applications, including Uninterruptable Power Suplies (UPS) and motors in the +1000 HP range. The proposed work will provide a logical progression to the development that has already been done by American Superconductor Corp. I ...

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Protein is the most expensive component comprising a catfish feed; thus, a reduction in feed cost can most likely be achieved by either reducing the concentration of dietary protein, by using less expensive plant proteins, or by a combination of these factors. Feedstuffs of animal origin are expensive yet they are generally considered to be essential in catfish feeds. If low-protein, all plant-p ...

THE AIM OF THIS PROJECT IS TO IDENTIFY MICROORGANISMS CAPABLE OF PREVENTING POSTHARVEST DECAY IN TROPICAL FRUITS CAUSED BY PLANT PATHOGENIC FUNGI. ECOSCIENCE HAS DEMONSTRATED SUCCESS IN THE MICROBIAL CONTROL OF POSTHARVEST FUNGAL DECAYS IN POME FRUITS. WE WILL BUILD ON THIS EXPERIENCE TO DISCOVER AND DEVELOP MICROBIAL CONTROL AGENTS THAT CAN PREVENT INFECTION (E.G., CROWN ROT OF BANANA) OR INHIBIT ...

An underwater acoustic intensity sensor will be developed and modeled. Acoustic intensity sensors measure the power flow magnitude and direction; and thus, may be used to locate sources of sound. The unit will use a moving coil velocity detector imbedded in syntactic foam for buoyancy. Two omnidirectional hydrophones will be used to detect the pressure. The time averaged product of the p ...

The sterilization of powders and disinfestation of aggregates using existing technology present difficult product handling problems and often unacceptable economics. Ethylene Oxide is widely used for this purpose, while the alternate non-chemical (physical) processes of heat and gamma - radiations are expensive and frequently result in unacceptable damage to the product. The proposed program wil ...