US Government As Represented by the Secretary of the Army

Charles P Marsh

Dongxiang Liao

Charles R Welch

Ivan Petrov

Todor I Donchev

Brian A Temple

Eric Olson

Charles C Lozar

Meredith C K Sellers

Jianguo Wen

Ryan Franks

Philip Garcin Malone

Michael S Strano

Munir H Nayfeh

Charles Arthur Weiss, Jr

Michael K McInerney

Vincent F Hock, Jr

Sean W Morefield

Ghassan Al-Chaar

Dustin L Majure

Clint M Arnett

Warren Charles Whittaker

Frank Jay Robb

Carl A Feickert

Aaron J Averbuch

Orange S Marshall

Vince F Hock

Andy Friedl

Gordon L Cohen

Justin Hesterberg

Julie L Webster

Kyle B Ford

John Alexander Magerko, Iii

Nassim E Ajami

Jae Hee Han

Niels P Zussblatt

Michael Collins

Charles F Cornwell

Axy Pagan-Vazquez

Benjamin Ulmen

Thomas A Carlson

Christopher Joel Foster

Scott M Lux

Select embodiments of the present invention employ biological means to direct assemble CNT-based nanostructures, allowing for scaling to macrostructures for manufacture. In select embodiments of the present invention, a method is provided for assembling DNA-functionalized SWNTs by phosphodiester bonding catalyzed by ssDNA-ligase to form macroscopic CNT aggregates.

Enzyme-mediated assimilation of DNA-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs)

The pressure-detecting system utilizes a nanocomposite sensor with quantum dots embedded in a matrix. Under pressure, both the quantum dots and the matrix fluoresce when illuminated by a laser. A spectroscope detects the intensity of each fluorescence and sends the information to a data processor. The data processor calculates a ratio using the intensities. Comparing this ratio to ratios stored in a data object in a database provides a value for the pressure detected by the sensor. The data object contains multiple ratios, each correlated to a specific pressure during a calibration process for the sensor. This calibration process subjected the sensor to known pressures, with the resultant ratios calculated and stored in the data object, correlated to the appropriate pressures.

Nanocomposite optical strain gauge

The present invention is a fluid power generator with elastic tension gradient strips that move in a serpentine fashion to generate power from fluid flow. Each strip has a tension gradient that decreases going back. This allows steady serpentine movement of the strip to move a coil generator across multiple magnets to generate power. Tensioning tubes keep the strips under tension and attach the strips to a strip support that also supports a magnet holder. The magnet holder keeps the magnets in position within the coil generators so that any serpentine movement of the strip can generate power.

Fluid generator system

A nanoparticle sensor apparatus includes a silicon-based nanoparticle having a centrosymmetric crystalline structure. A lanthanide atom embedded within the silicon-based nanoparticle provides light emission when the sensor apparatus undergoes pressure loading. This sensor apparatus may be encapsulated in a polymer matrix to form a nanoparticle sensor matrix apparatus which may be located on or in a structure. To measure the pressure on such a structure, a UV light source illuminates the sensor apparatus. An optical emission detector detects the intensity of light emitted from the sensor in response, while a processor correlates that intensity to the pressure loading.

Lanthanide and silicon-based nanoparticle pressure sensor and system

The present invention is a polymer supercapacitor and method for making such a supercapacitor. The supercapacitor is formed by loading a flexible electrode plate of a high surface area material with metal oxide particles, then encasing the electrode plate in a coating of a polymer electrolyte. The electrode plate is then folded in half and flexible plates attached to the upper and lower surfaces to form the supercapacitor.

Polymer supercapacitor and method of manufacture

Carbon nanotubes have excellent mechanical properties such as low density, high stiffness, and exceptional strength making them ideal candidates for reinforcement material in a wide range of high-performance composites. Fibers with increased tensile strengths are produced by employing plasma treatment under various conditions. Tensile strength is improved by at least 35%, relative to an untreated fiber. Methods of making such high strength carbon nanotube fibers via plasma processing are disclosed.

High strength carbon nanotube plasma-treated fibers and methods of making

A method for using a reusable sample-holding device for readily loading very small wet samples for observation of the samples by microscopic equipment, in particular in a vacuum environment. The method may be used with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), a transmission electron microscope (TEM), an X-ray microscope, optical microscope, and the like. For observation of the sample, the method provides a thin-membrane window etched in the center of each of two silicon wafers abutting to contain the sample in a small uniform gap formed between the windows. This gap may be adjusted by employing spacers. Alternatively, the thickness of a film established by the fluid in which the sample is incorporated determines the gap without need of a spacer. To optimize resolution each window may have a thickness on the order of 50 nm and the gap may be on the order of 50 nm.

Method of use of reusable sample holding device permitting ready loading of very small wet samples

A reusable sample-holding device for readily loading very small wet samples for observation of the samples by microscopic equipment, in particular in a vacuum environment. Embodiments may be used with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), a transmission electron microscope (TEM), an X-ray microscope, optical microscope, and the like. For observation of the sample, embodiments provide a thin-membrane window etched in the center of each of two silicon wafers abutting to contain the sample in a small uniform gap formed between the windows. This gap may be adjusted by employing spacers. Alternatively, the thickness of a film established by the fluid in which the sample is incorporated determines the gap without need of a spacer. To optimize resolution each window may have a thickness on the order of 50 nm and the gap may be on the order of 50 nm.

Reusable sample holding device permitting ready loading of very small wet samples

An Electro-Osmotic Pulse (EOP) system is used to dewater structure, both natural and manmade. Preferably, the system employs durable, dimensionally stable anodes affixed to structure in a configuration designed to maximize electrical contact with the structure and minimize electrode gas generation. The anodes and cathodes are attached to a DC power supply that provides a voltage potential between them. DC power is cycled until the structure has been sufficiently treated. Select embodiments employ perforated metal pipes as cathodes for the purpose of transport and drainage of fluids. In select embodiments of the present invention, the cathodes are connected to variable resistors designed to reduce opportunity for corrosion of buried metal objects in the vicinity of the EOP system. Select embodiments employ a pre-specified pulse train of DC voltage pulses to migrate water from under a crawl space while moving available cations in the soil. Select embodiments also protect large structures such as concrete dams.

Electro-osmotic pulse (EOP) system for de-watering around manmade structures and method of use therefor

A system incorporating a robot to inspect ferrous surfaces. Preferably, the robot is an articulated device having a tractor module for motive power and steering, a power module for electrical power and communications and additional motive power, and a third module for cleaning and inspection. The robot uses sensors and generates and transmits signals to a computer through a tether and receives direction from an operator via the computer and tether. The computer continuously monitors the location of the robot and supports the robot during deployment. In a specific application, the robot travels the interior of a tank on a set of magnetized wheels. Prior to inspection, the tank surface is cleaned of deposits by rotary cutters and rotary brushes on the third module. The robot obtains thickness measurements via onboard ultrasonic transducers that contact the cleaned surface. A method for implementing inspection of ferrous surfaces is also described.

System and method for accessing ferrous surfaces normally accessible only with special effort

An unobtrusive on-grade barrier. One embodiment comprises a concrete-lined trench over which a biased hinged plate is affixed to an end wall of the trench. The biased hinge holds the free end of the plate against a tab affixed to the other end wall, assuring the plate does not rise above grade. The plate is supported for vehicle passage by a sliding mechanism energized by an actuator controlled by a controller that may be automated or operated by security personnel. The barrier may be configured so that vehicles may approach from either end. Upon authorizing access to the driver, the vehicle is permitted to pass over the supported plate. If the driver is not authorized access, the support is slid out of the way and any vehicle attempting to pass slides into the trench. Embodiments may include means for clearing the trench of a trapped vehicle.

On-grade barrier and method of its use

Components and a system for limiting access and egress. A properly scaled barrier of the present invention meets varied requirements for applications that include: security, safety, order, privacy, and discipline. In one embodiment, pre-manufactured panels and connectors are delivered to a site that has been prepared for installation of the system. Local materials may be used for the panels in some cases. The panels and connectors can be assembled quickly by unskilled labor and, in some embodiments, the barrier just as quickly dismantled or repaired as necessary. One embodiment may be used as a temporary or emergency solution to access control while another may employ in-fill material to provide a permanent barrier. Another embodiment may be used in a residential setting, providing storage in some installations. In all embodiments, accessories for enhancing effectiveness may be installed on or within the barrier.

Modular barrier system for satisfying needs unique to a specific user

A method of deploying a system for controlling access and egress. In a preferred embodiment, the user's requirements are considered in providing a properly scaled barrier for such varied uses as security, safety, order, privacy, and discipline. In one embodiment, pre-manufactured panels and connectors are delivered to a site that has been properly prepared for installation of the system. Local materials may be used for the panels in some cases. The panels and connectors may be assembled quickly by unskilled labor and, in some embodiments, the barrier just as quickly dismantled or repaired as necessary. One method of the present invention provides for deploying a temporary or emergency solution to access control. Another method deploys a system that may be used in a residential setting, providing storage in some installations. Accessories for enhancing effectiveness may be installed on or within barriers deployed using a method of the present invention.

Growing community of inventors

Urbana, IL, United States of America

Charles P Marsh