Award Data

Modern Model-Based Enterprise / Engineering (MBE) systems rely on freeform surfaces built as complex combinations of geometric primitives to define engineered objects. Unfortunately, the intersection of freeform surfaces in MBE applications results in highly approximated solutions, degrading models that cost billions annually by US industry to fix. Current technology limits the abilities of users ...

We will develop a series of object manipulation primitives to pick up and assemble standard mechanical parts such as screws, gears and pulleys that can be configured without any programming skills. Building up on a smart robotic gripper, 3D perception and machine learning algorithms, we will design a graphical user interface for the Universal Robot E-Series that allows an user to label arbitrary 3 ...

In this Phase I SBIR proposal, SandBox Semiconductor™ proposes to develop an Advanced Manufacturing and Material Measurements software tool called Weave ™ for accelerating and automating SEM image analysis for the semiconductor industry. During the development of a new manufacturing process line for a semiconductor device, tens of thousands of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images are take ...

Conventional characterization and test methods are increasingly ineffective when applied to structures less than 100 nanometers, causing challenges across R&D, process control and failure analysis. An increasing number of subtle defects become prominent drivers of failure as device size and operating margins decrease, e.g., processing anomalies in thin gate oxides, substrate problems related to do ...

This project will develop a new scientific instrument optimized for the advanced characterization of near-infrared fluorescent nanoparticles that can exist as left- or right-handed structures (enantiomers). Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are the leading current example of such nanomaterials. Applied NanoFluorescence, LLC (ANF) proposes a novel multi-mode chiroptical spectrometer that can ...

Human exposure to polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been linked to cancer, elevated cholesterol, obesity, immune suppression and endocrine disruption. The EPA has set a PFOA health advisory of 70 parts-per-trillion. Due to widespread use of PFAS in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) to fight fuel fires, millions of gallons of PFASs have been used at oil refineries, military bases, civil aviation ...

In addressing Topic 1C in this solicitation, “Innovative pretreatment technologies for PFAS in industrial wastewater”, this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel nanofiber mats fabricated by electrospun polymer nanofibers for the “smart” (selective) removal of perand polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from landfill leachate. The co-contaminants, low ...

Because C&D materials constitute a significant waste stream, increasing the diversion of C&D materials, through recycling and reuse, is identified as an area of need in EPA’s Sustainable materials management (SMM) Program Strategic Plan.Due to lack of technologies to quickly identify constituents, C&D-materials recyclers often dispose of potentially usable materials as a matter of precaution. Th ...

Paint stripping products are a $360 million per year business in the United States.Currently, the most effective ones rely on Methylene Chloride (MeCl).MeCl is an aggressive solvent that can loosen a coating and make it easily removed in as little as 30 minutes.Unfortunately, MeCl is toxic and dangerous to handle, especially without respiratory protection.MeCl is also harmful to the environment.Th ...

This proposed Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to develop, prototype and commercialize a Green Rooftop Technology with superior building energy efficiency to significantly reduce energy consumption of our nation’s industrial and commercial buildings. Besides, this proposed technology can significantly extend the lifespan of current building rooftop materials to ...