Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Nanyang Technological University

Conoco Inc.

Michael S Triantafyllou

Haruhiko Harry Asada

David S Barrett

Jianmin Miao

Sampriti Bhattacharyya

Arthur W Morton

Nan Wang

Joao G De Oliveira

Paul R Erb

Ajay Giri Prakash Kottapalli

Mohsen Asadniaye Fard Jahromi

A chemical sensor for heavy metal detection is provided. The chemical sensor includes an inlet, a chamber in fluid communication with the inlet, and an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber. A working electrode is provided in the chamber. The working electrode includes a plurality of protrusions extending into a fluid flow path in the chamber beyond a boundary layer of the fluid flow path. The chemical sensor also includes a reference electrode, a counter electrode, and a plurality of contact pads electrically connected to respective ones of the working electrode, the reference electrode and the counter electrode.

Chemical sensor for heavy metal detection

Vehicles designed to use ground effect forces to control a positioning of the vehicle relative to a surface as well as their methods of use are described.

Underwater vehicle design and control methods

According to embodiments of the present invention, a sensor for determining a flow parameter of a fluid is provided. The sensor includes a polymer membrane, an elongate microstructure extending from the polymer membrane, and a hydrogel coupled to at least a portion of the elongate microstructure, wherein the hydrogel and the elongate microstructure are arranged to cooperate to cause a displacement of the polymer membrane in response to a fluid flowing and interacting with the sensor, and wherein the sensor is configured to provide a measurement indicative of a flow parameter of the fluid based on the displacement of the polymer membrane. According to further embodiments of the present invention, a method for forming a sensor and a method of controlling a sensor are also provided.

Sensor, method for forming the same, and method of controlling the same

A human powered marine vehicle is provided having a rigid front section and a flexible rear section which may be flexed at at least two point therealong. The arms and/or legs of one or more persons in the vehicle are used to power actuators for each flex point, which actuators are operated so as to provide a predetermined relationship, and in particular at least a predetermined phase relationship, between flexure at the various points so that the flexible section moves with a wave or fish-like motion. The person(s) operating the vehicle is trained so as to maintain the predetermined relationship and various techniques are disclosed to assist the operator(s), or otherwise facilitate, the maintenance of the desired relationship.

Human powered marine vehicle and method for the operation thereof

A method and apparatus for providing reduced drag on a body moving in a direction D through a selected fluid medium at a speed U which is normally sufficient to cause turbulence. Reduced drag is generally accomplished by flexing at least the outer surface of at least the rear third of the body to produce a wave-like motion of the body having a wavelength of between 0.5 and 2.0 times the length of the body, a reduced frequency value .OMEGA. between 0.1 and 0.5 and a time delay between successive points on the body reaching peaks for their flex motion which is directly proportional to the distance x.sub.i in the direction D of the point from a reference point on the body and inversely proportional to the phase speed c.sub.p of the wave. A variety of techniques are described for achieving the desired wave-like motion.

Method and apparatus for reducing drag on a moving body

A propulsion system for use in a fluid, the system utilizing at least one foil which is both oscillated at a frequency f with an amplitude a in a direction substantially transverse to the propulsion direction and flapped or pitched about a pivot point to change the foil pitch angle to the selected direction of motion with a smooth periodic motion. Parameters of the system including Strouhal number, angle of attack, ratio of the distance to the foil pivot point from the leading edge of the foil to the chord length, the ratio of the amplitude of oscillation to the foil chord width and the phase angle between heave and pitch are all selected so as to optimize the drive efficiency of the foil system.

Propulsion mechanism employing flapping foils

The present invention provides a service buoy for performing direct wireline maintenance of a subsea well. The buoy is maintained in position over the well by a rigid riser kept under tension and which allows for the well re-entry. The primary buoyant body of the buoy is maintained permanently submerged and a truss structure presenting the minimum surface area to the action of wind and waves extends above the sea level to support a small deck from which the wireline work can be performed. The centers of gravity and buoyancy for the buoy are in close proximity so as to minimize lateral surge and sway motions of the installed buoy.

Growing community of inventors

Cambridge, MA, United States of America

Michael S Triantafyllou