Award Data

The enabling solid state semiconductor technology in modern electronics and radar systems increases their vulnerability to the effects of high power, fast rise-time EMP, HPM, and UWB pulses. In recent years, significant advances in the technology used to produce these pulses have been made in the United States and abroad, increasing the need for effective protection against these threats. Howeve ...

A critical component of a biochemical sensor system for detection and analysis of airborne pathogens are mechanisms for automated acquisition and transport of an air sample from the sensor inlet to the analysis chamber. While considerable capability already exists for sampling and handling of macroscopic volumes of gas, formidable technological challenges needed to be overcome before microfabrica ...

A novel approach to the propulsion of very small, micro air vehicles is proposed in which electrostatic forces acting between an ion gas cloud and an appropriate anode are harnessed for thrust or lift. A means is proposed for the generation and maintenance of the ion gas from ambient air and for the regulation of the propulsor. Preliminary study indicates the new concept is valid only for air v ...

Proposed is an investigation into the use of flexible, extremely strong and tough, superelastic Nitinol shape memory alloy as a means of dramatically improving puncture resistance for personnel body armor. The Nitinol material is proposed as a surface material or coating for reinforcement or organic fiber fabrics and/or composites or aramid and UHMW polyethylene used in the current body armor sys ...

Applying multivariable optimization in conjunction with modern materials technology has revealed an opportunity to dramatically improve flywheel energy storage technology. Using this innovative approach, GTL’s Advanced Flywheel™ could deliver 500 W-hr/kg with the potential to achieve in excess of 1000 W-hr/kg. This represents a substantial increase in performance over conventional high-perfo ...

To achieve the high propellant mass fraction (PMF) required by future high energy propulsion systems, light-weight propellant tanks are essential. GTL’s Supra-tanks™ can approach the theoretical performance limit for carbon fiber pressure vessels using cryogenic or room-temperature propellants. By combining the Blended Hybrid Laminate™ (BHL™) technology with aspects of the Highly Integra ...

Efficient shipboard naval lighting is important for numerous reasons. There is also a need for efficient explosion-proof lighting coupled with reliable dimmable driver electronics for shipboard naval environments. Important considerations for such an efficient and dimmable light include ensuring long service life and the ability to withstand high-temperature operation under consistently high lev ...

MicroDexterity Systems was founded by Steve Charles, MD to develop systems for dexterity enhancement for microsurgery; a concept he originated in the mid 80's. Dexterity enhancement is a subset of tele-operation. The MDS mission statement was broadened in 1994 to address the problem of non-ferromagnetic tele-operation for intra-operative magnetic resonance imaging frequently called image guided ...

Motion Control will develop an innovative body-powered (BP) upper extremity (UE) prosthetic system which offers substantial improvements in functionality, comfort, and aesthetics, for persons with UE deficiencies at all levels. This “Utility Arm” system will in¬crease independence and work capabilities for users of arm prostheses, with less com-plexity than a full myoelectric arm system, and ...

Motion Control, Inc. (MCI) will complete an electronic-controlled version of the advanced hydraulic foot/ankle which will demonstrate the feasibility of the automatic adjustment of resistance throughout the range of motion. The advanced MCI Foot, especially the automatic controlled version, is expected to contribute to the function of the prosthesis wearer, resulting in advanced and more natural ...