Award Data

The goal of this project is to determine the feasibility of developing a ground station network capable of delivering real time space weather data to end users. Specifically, the proposed works seek to assess existing and future communications requirements for providing better than 15 minute latency (threshold objective) for transfer of data from NOAA space weather assets to the ground for distrib ...

Most sensor data collection systems are unique to a given application, sensors do not easily transcend across applications or platforms. Smart sensor development improved the ability to utilize common communications to a certain degree, where most used RS-232 or RS-485 type communications protocols, but differences are still found and no uniformity exists in the commercial markets. The Smart Modul ...

In Phase I, Vadum will develop a signal processing module designed to fuse data from multiple heterogeneous, multi-tiered sensors, as well as asoftware prototype demonstrating the automation of the fusion process for presentation to a Brigade Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear(CBRN) analyst. The techniques developed will incorporate Chemical/Biological (CB) agent detection sensors, non-CB se ...

The pressing need exists within industry to accurately measure high aspect ratio microscale structures. For example, diesel injector nozzles are manufactured with microscale holes ranging from 50-200 micrometers in diameter and 3-5 mm depths. One fundamental challenge is to nondestrucvely measure these features in order to validate models, enhance manufacturing processes, and reduce fuel emissions ...

Manning Applied Technology proposes to develop a handheld infrared spectrometer, ideally suited to detection of airborne chemical agents at and below permissible exposure limits. This approach offers unmatched sensitivity and specificity for detection of all types of chemical vapors. The instrument is modular, rugged, compact and highly sensitive. Volume pricing will be less than $1000 each. ...

Improved sensors for Methane are needed to implement national and international programs that will better mankind¿s understanding of global warming and associated climate change. The proposing company has developed a baseline sensor; its detection limit is 23 ppb, or 1% of Methane¿s background (1800 ppb). With the proposed improvements, this sensor will exceed the levels of performance posed b ...

A smart machine tool must be able to monitor its condition and report problems. Every CNC machine should provide an alarm for tool condition problems, including tool wear, much as every automobile has a low oil indicator. Tool wear is particularly important for unattended machining as a worn tool can ruin a part. All current tool condition systems operate "blind" without direct information on curr ...

MCNC PROPOSES A FEASIBILITY STUDY AND EVALUATION OF THREE PROMISING APPROACHES TO THE FABRICATION OF SURFACE TEST STRUCTURES ON SILICON. SURFACE FEATURES ON THE FIRST STRUCTURE WILL BE PRODUCED BY CONTROLLABLY ETCHING THERMALLYGROWN OXIDES. FEATURES ON THE SECOND WILL BE MADE BY ETCHING PIEZOELECTRIC THIN FILMS. USING THE PIEZOELECTRIC FILM AS PART OF A CAPACITOR, STEP-HEIGHT CAN BE VARIED AND PRO ...

INADEQUATE STARTER FEEDS SEVERELY HOLD BACK NEW AQUACULTURE ENTERPRISES SUCH AS PRESENT ATTEMPTS TO RAISE FISHES WHOSE LARVAE DEVELOP FROM SMALL EGGS AND HAVE VERY "DIFFICULT" FOOD REQUIREMENTS. INERT LARVAL FEEDS HAVE NOT SUCCESSFULLYELIMINATED THE STRICT DEPENDENCY ON NATURAL FORAGE DURING THE CRITICAL POST-LARVAL STAGE AFTER YOLK ABSORPTION AND BEFORE THE DEVELOPMENT OF A DIGESTIVE SYSTEM WITH ...