DoD SBIR FY02.1 - SOLICITATION SELECTIONS w/ ABSTRACTS

DoD SBIR FY02.1 - SOLICITATION SELECTIONS w/ ABSTRACTS
Navy - Air Force - DARPA - MDA - DTRA - SOCOM - CBD - NIMA

---------- NAVY ----------

230 Phase I Selections from the 02.1 Solicitation

(In Topic Number Order)

GS ENGINEERING, INC. 22015 Coal Dock Rd. Hancock, MI 49930
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(906) 370-6832 Dr. Glen Simula NAVY 02-001 Selected for Award
Title:	Durability Improvement of Lightweight Track and Suspension Components for Armored Vehicles
Abstract:	GS Engineering, Inc. will develop several concepts of lightweight road wheels for the AAAV along with exploring wear options. The casting will include high pressure lost foam aluminum wheel castings, permanent mold castings, and aluminum forging for the structural road wheel. Advanced wear techniques including High Velocity Particle Compaction, Selectively Reinforced Silicon Carbide Whiskers, Titanium Composites, and typical Induction Hardened Steel will be placed as inserts on the wheel. This will allow for refurbishment of the road wheels when the elastomer wears out. The road wheel elastomer will be polyurethane. This Phase I investigation will allow concept weights, wear mechanisms, cost and risk to be evaluated. A secondary issue will be a preliminary investigation into selectively reinforced aluminum silicon carbide whiskers of the current AAAV forged aluminum track block using stronger alloys. The composite wear characteristics will allow the current shoe design to last longer at the current weight. A high pressure lost foam aluminum road wheel with high wear resistant inserts at the center guide wear location will result in a longer lasting, lower cost wheel than the current production wheel, at the same weight. This is desirable for the AAAV program to reduce O&S costs of the road wheels. Also, a selectively reinforced aluminum shoe body will last longer than the current track shoe at a higher initial cost, but a lower life cycle cost. Both of these technologies have direct applications to commercial off-road construction equipment, forestry, and automotive applications along with FCS applications.

MATERIAL SOLUTIONS INC. 826 Harold St. Moscow, ID 83843
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(208) 885-6743 Dr. Keith Prisbrey NAVY 02-001 Selected for Award
Title:	Durability Improvement of Lightweight Track and Suspension Components for Armored Vehicles by Using Ti-6Al-4V
Abstract:	The objective is to replace AAAV aluminum idler wheels with titanium to allow better wheel and spoke designs for mud-clogging prevention. Cost and weight limitations are the main constraint. The weight limitations will be met by designing the wheel using finite element calculations. Titanium is heavier, but since it is stronger, less is necessary, thus producing a wheel close to the current aluminum wheel's weight (perhaps lighter). The cost limitations will be met by using low- cost nanocrystalline Ti-6Al-4V powders produced from a recently patented mechanochemical process. The nanocrystalline quality of the titanium powders enables an advanced metal injection molding plus super plastic forming manufacturing method. 1)Advanced mechanochemical processing insures a domestic source of low cost titanium powder. The only other low cost titanium powders come from strategically vulnerable foreign sources (China, Ukraine). Some of these low cost sources have quality risks because they depend on secondary processing such as hydriding-dehydriding titanium scrap. By contrast our Ti-6Al-4V powder comes from a primary process through the direct mechanochemical reduction of TiCl4 + AlCl3 + VCl3 for quality control. 2) The idler wheel microstructure is nanocrystalline. This increases fatigue, strength, modulus, impact resistance, Poisson's ratio and lowers metal injection molding costs when compared to conventional titanium powders. 3) The manufacturing process of metal injection molding combined with low cost titanium powders has wide commercial application. For example, these titanium powders could replace much of the expanding stainless steel powder metallurgy market because the costs are almost equal.

MATERIALS & ELECTROCHEMICAL RESEARCH (MER) CORP. 7960 S. Kolb Rd. Tucson, AZ 85706
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(520) 574-1980 Dr. Roger Storm NAVY 02-001 Selected for Award
Title:	Durability Improvement of Lightweight Track and Suspension Components for Armored Vehicles
Abstract:	x x

OPTRA, INC 461 Boston Street Topsfield, MA 01983
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(978) 887-6600 Ms. Julia H. Rentz NAVY 02-002 Selected for Award
Title:	Compact Two-Band Thermographer for Remote Measurement of Skin Temperature
Abstract:	OPTRA proposes the development of a novel two-color imaging remote thermographer for skin temperature measurements at large standoffs. This system employs a unique optical layout that separates an infrared image into two spectral channels registered laterally on a single uncooled microbolometer focal plane array. The difference between corresponding pixels of the two images effectively quantifies the location of the center wavelength of the Planck profile associated with the temperature of the target. The sensor response is continuous and monotonic with temperature. We have carefully constructed the two infrared channels to minimize the effects of atmospheric water vapor in the measurement path and eliminate the effects of carbon dioxide. The difference technique also allows for the rejection of stray radiation common to both channels. This system offers spatial resolution of 10 cm at a standoff of 200 m with a projected ñ 1øC accuracy The anticipated benefits of the proposed system is the capability to accurately measure skin temperature at large standoffs in the presence of high humidity and ultimately rain and fog. Applications of the proposed system include skin temperature measurement within the military as well as for emergency response and medical use. Other applications include machine monitoring, perimeter surveillance, and remote monitoring of industrial equipment and chemical processes.

PHYSICAL SCIENCES INC. 20 New England Business Center Andover, MA 01810
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(978) 689-0003 Dr. William J. Marinelli NAVY 02-002 Selected for Award
Title:	Remote Thermographer to Measure Skin Temperatures
Abstract:	Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI), in conjunction with Spectral Sciences Inc. (SSI), proposes to develop a multispectral thermal imaging system, operating in the wavelength range from 7.6 to 10.5 mm, for the measurement of skin temperature to within ñ 1 deg C at ranges to 1 km. The multispectral imaging sensor is based on PSI's Adaptive Infrared Imaging Spectroradiometer system, now in development as part of the U.S. Army's Chemical Imaging Sensor. Critical to the achievement of the temperature measurement requirement is the need to accurately determine atmospheric attenuation of infrared radiation from the subject. In our concept multispectral infrared measurements in this wavelength region are used to measure water vapor absorption band intensities that, in conjunction with well-established models of atmospheric radiative transfer, can be used to estimate atmospheric attenuation to within 1 percent. Radiative transport modeling, used to provide real-time correction to the infrared imagery, is provided by SSI, this country's leader in such modeling and developers of the widely used MODTRAN code. The team will experimentally demonstrate the ability to acquire infrared imagery, with high spatial resolution, and to correct the imagery for atmospheric effects so as to provide a measure of skin temperature with an accuracy of ñ 1 deg C. If successful the proposed effort will lead to the development of a long range dermal imaging system for use with active denial systems and in combat care applications. The primary commercial customer will be the U.S. Defense Department, with secondary commercial markets in emergency management and medical thermal imaging.

VOXTEL INC. 2640 SW Georgian Place Portland, OR 97201
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(503) 421-4389 Mr. George M. Williams NAVY 02-002 Selected for Award
Title:	DUAL BAND INFRARED RADIOMETER FOR PRECISE BATTLEFIELD SKIN TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENTS
Abstract:	Voxtel Inc. proposes in this Phase I effort to develop and optimize for the battlefield environment, a miniature, robust, and reliable multi-band infrared radiometer that will remotely monitor vital physiological parameters and provide accurate measures of millimeter wave induced hyperthermia. Thermography is a well-established discipline, but in real world situations, the parameters governing heat transfer are variable and uncontrollable; variations in ambient conditions such as temperature, wind, rain, fog, background noise, etc., as well as the physiological state of the human subject, all reduce the accuracy of conventional thermography methods. To solve these problems, Voxtel will develop and integrate precise models of the temporal and spatial heat transfer mechanisms of the human body with and without EM induced hyperthermia, emissivity models of various obscurants, environmental and atmospheric models, and sensor and signal processing models. The result of this effort will be an optimize design of a precision, multi-band, infrared, imaging (BMI2R) radiometric instrument capable of high accuracy at a 200-meter or longer battlefield range. Our trade studies will include: 1) a baseline handheld, dual band, QWIP camera design contrasted with the performance of: 2) single and dual band HgCdTe and 3) a split window, uncooled LWIR microbolometer. A novel infrared face detection and tracking will augment the system. In addition to the mature applications of thermography such as industrial control, insulation test, the innovation is expected to improve the research, diagnostic, and clinical tools necessary for dosimetry, optical and cancer detection and RF induced thermal cancer therapy, bioeffects research and compliance measures for RF communications devices, skin welding, veterinary studies, and a variety of other medical, scientific, and industrial applications.

EUREKA AEROSPACE, LLC 400 Continental Blvd, 6th Floo El Segundo, CA 90245
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(310) 426-2160 Dr. James Tatoian NAVY 02-003 Selected for Award
Title:	Non-Lethal Area Denial to Vehicles
Abstract:	Eureka Aerospace proposes a novel approach for denying ground vehicles the entrance to selected area by stopping them using a microwave system for stopping vehicles(MSSV). The proposed system consists of high power source, such as magnetron and suitable antenna to direct the microwave energy towards the vehicle and bring the vehicle to rest, without causing permanent damage to the vehicle or pose any danger to humans. The MSSV can be deployed in a variety of places including (1) an airborne platform such as helicopter, or fixed-wing plane including the UAVs, (2) ground vehicle, such as a car, van or a truck or (3) ground-based utility pole or a tree. The proposed effort will focus on the parameter trade-off analysis to arrive to an optimal and practical operational HPMS, whose prototype will be tested in Phase II. The benefits include nonlethal approach to quickly and safely stop cars on roads and highways for law enforcement. In addition MSSV can effectively protect high priority state,local and commercial assets.

MISSION RESEARCH CORPORATION 735 State Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(703) 339-6500 Dr. John A. Pasour NAVY 02-003 Selected for Award
Title:	Electromagnetic System for Non-Lethal Area Denial to Vehicles
Abstract:	The goal of this program is to develop a robust, practical system that uses electromagnetic energy to disable vehicles. Critical electronic components in most modern military and civilian vehicles can be damaged or disrupted by illuminating them with high power electromagnetic radiation. In this program, the emphasis is on dramatically reducing the size, weight, and power requirements of the system needed to generate and transmit sufficient electromagnetic energy to disable the targeted vehicle. During Phase I, analyses, computer simulations, design studies, and limited laboratory testing will be performed to study energy transmission and coupling details, optimize system configurations, and determine operational limitations of a practical device. A prototype system will be developed and field tested in Phase II. The system will provide an effective means of disabling vehicles. It can be installed in a semi-permanent configuration (e.g., for perimeter defense) or on mobile platforms (e.g., for pursuit or fast-response applications). Compared to conventional electromagnetic systems that have been studied for this application, the proposed system is much more compact, requires much less power, reduces the risk of fratricide, and allows increased stand-off distances. The system can be used for a broad range of other non-lethal military applications, including mine clearing, disabling small boats, and interrupting communications, command, and control facilities. It also can be used by civilian law enforcement agencies.

AQUA-DYNE, INC. 3620 W. 11th Street Houston, TX 77008
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(713) 864-6929 Mr. Mark Naedler NAVY 02-004 Selected for Award
Title:	Dual Sander/High-Pressure Water Cleaning (HP WC) Unit for Recoat Surface Preparation
Abstract:	The surface preparation industry has always had a need for selectively removing areas of coatings, which have lost their adhesion while maintaining the areas of soundly adhered coatings. Most recently, carefully blasting with grit or ultra-high pressure water have been the primary means to perform this procedure, although blasting can impair the integrity of sound coatings by fracturing their structure. New environmentally preferred water based coatings have increased the demand for surface preparation that don't remove the sound coatings since these new coatings don't adhere as well to bare surfaces as their solvent based predecessors. The proposed devise is a remotely controlled vertical wall climbing unit that uses a three-step method to prepare surfaces for recoat without damaging the areas of sound coatings. First, the surface is cleaned with 4,000psi (275 bar) water spray-jets to remove the bulk dirt and grim. Second, grit sanders scuff the areas of sound coating. Finally, 8,000psi (550 bar) water-jets thoroughly remove any dislodged coating or dirt. The All waste is captured beneath a vacuum shroud. The wall climber uses pneumatic winches to maneuver over large surfaces. This process will provide a better surface for recoat at a lower cost than equivalent existing methods. A dual sander/high-pressure water-cleaning unit can be used in commercial and military applications where sound coatings do not need to be stripped completely from the surface. It is a functional improvement over present blasting methods because there is no impact to fracture the coating's structure. The anticipated cleaning rate greatly exceeds current methods used on ship hulls, storage tanks, steel and concrete structures. It is expected that the unit's cost effectiveness and its environmental and ergonomic friendliness will make it a valuable tool for those preparing large surfaces for recoat. Shipyards, storage tank facilities and other large vessels requiring coatings are potential purchasers of the proposed unit. New coating technology is increasing the need for an alternative to blasting to the bare surface, further expanding the proposed unit's potential market.

TDA RESEARCH, INC. 12345 W. 52nd Ave. Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(303) 940-2317 Dr. Silvia Luebben NAVY 02-005 Selected for Award
Title:	Premixed Non-skid Media for Aviation Facility Flooring
Abstract:	Today's anti-slip coatings for industrial flooring consist of a multi-layer coating system with a surface-broadcasted grit element. The installation of such a coating is expensive and time-consuming, and broadcasting is the most labor-intensive part of the installation. Moreover, it is difficult to obtain a floor with homogeneous non-skid properties by broadcasting because of the uneven distribution of the grit. Inorganic grits such as aluminum oxide are not covalently bonded into the coating matrix and, therefore, they tend to chip off easily; the coating system wears out quickly and must be replaced or repaired every few months. To address these problems, reduce the cost and time of the installation and increase the lifetime of the applied flooring system, TDA Research, Inc. (TDA) will develop a new non-skid urethane coating with pre-mixed grit. The use of TDA's non-skid coating with pre-mixed grit will eliminate the need for broadcasting while reducing the floor installation time and cost. TDA's grit will be covalently cross-linked within the urethane matrix, considerably increasing the wear resistance and durability of the coating compared to the current system. This in turn will reduce the number of required repairs and re-applications. TDA's material will have immediate application as a non-skid coating for the Navy aviation hangers. The new non-skid coatings may find numerous other applications in civil aviation and as flooring system for chemical manufacturers, petrochemical plants, paper mills, wastewater plants, and other industrial applications. Other uses of non-skid coatings in the civil market include ship decks, ramps, aisles, walkways, steps, garages, swimming pools, and handicap zones.

POLYMERIGHT, INC. 4404-C Enterprise Place, Fremont, CA 94538
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(510) 252-9090 Dr. Leonid Rappoport NAVY 02-006 Selected for Award
Title:	Polysulfide Modified Epoxy Novolac Cladding for Steel Immersion/Splash Zone Service
Abstract:	Environmentally-resistant, spray-applied, self-priming, fast-cure, flexible, edge-retentive, impact- and abrasion-resistant, polysulfide-modified epoxy novolac cladding for corrosion control of steel in immersion/splash zones is achieved using formulations containing epoxy novolac, urethane-epoxies and urethane-mercaptan resins with saturated hydrocarbon/polysulfide backbone, which are produced by polycondensation of saturated dimeric fatty acids and di(2-hydroxyethyl)disulfide. The molecular structure of cured cladding includes the following chemical blocks: * Cured epoxy structures, contributing high adhesion to steel; * Urethane groups, providing excellent wear resistance, toughness, oil/gasoline resistance, flexibility and chemical stability; * Multiple disulfide links producing high hydrophobicity, flexibility, oil/gasoline resistance, low glass transition temperature and reduced viscosity of resin; * Multiple ester groups contributing toughness, good UV and chemical resistance * Long saturated chains that contribute UV resistance hydrophobicity and flexibility/hardness of coating. POLYMERight will use technology that produces effective odorless mercaptan curing agents at relatively low cost from commercial precursors. Carefully controlled assembling of the chemical blocks will provide both tough and flexible cured polymers. This approach involves the creation of reactive resins with properties not currently available commercially. We expect these resins, and polymer formulations using them, to permit production by many companies of new castable polyurethanes, adhesives, coatings and sealants with improved properties. In addition to providing the improved cladding desired by the Navy, the technology developed under this SBIR will demonstrate the production and use of novel polymers having properties not now available in the market place. The newly developed resins employed, and the additional new polymers that can be made using them, will enable advantageous applications in fields such as: * Other protective coatings * Encapsulating and potting compounds for electrical and electronic components designed to serve in harsh environments * High dielectric materials for electrical insulation and radar systems * Sealants, barrier coatings, equipment linings, underwater coatings in construction, fuel handling, marine uses, etc. POLYMERight expects to both make polymer formulations for such commercial applications and to offer the resins themselves for sale to other formulators. The resulting broad availability of these resins, with the unique attributes they impart, will permit many formulators to develop better performing materials for their own spheres of activity at modest costs. This will have wide spread importance in many commercial areas of the economy.

POLYSPEC, L.P. 6614 Gant Road Houston, TX 77066
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(281) 397-0033 Mr. Paul H. Anderson NAVY 02-006 Selected for Award
Title:	Polysulfide Modified Epoxy Novolac Cladding for Steel Immersion/Splash Zone Service
Abstract:	The proposed Phase I research will develop a sprayable, self-priming, fast cure, flexible, edge retentive, impact and abrasion resistant, polysulfide modified epoxy Novolac cladding for steel immersion/splash zone service. Currently the coatings of steel waterfront structures have a life expectancy of 5 years splash zone service. Maintenance applied coatings give an additional 3 years service prior to reapplication. This required regular maintenance and repair cycle is costly. The initial application of a polysulfide modified epoxy novolac will extend the maintenance cycle, thereby reducing repair costs. Potential commercial applications will include bridges, roofing, bilges, bulkheads(sheet pile, pipe pile, H-piles, cranes, in/offshore petrochemical structures, water and waste water structures, industrial facilities, contaiment systems, mooring structures, and marine equipment.

TEXAS RESEARCH INSTITUTE AUSTIN, INC. 9063 Bee Caves Road Austin, TX 78733
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(512) 263-2101 Dr. George Hansen NAVY 02-006 Selected for Award
Title:	Polysulfide Modified Epoxy Novolac Cladding for Steel Immersion/Splash Zone Service
Abstract:	US Naval piers and offshore drilling platforms are common steel structures located in marine splash zones around the world. To provide adequate use life, these structures must be protected from persistent corrosion, with current coatings considered to be inadequate to meet the end-user's needs for protection and time between maintenance re-coats. TRI/Austin proposes development and production of a novel polysulfide-Novolac epoxy paint designed to be impact and abrasion resistant and have a useful life far in excess of currently used materials. A joint venture team consisting of TRI/Austin and Vickers Industrial Coatings will be assembled to develop this new product platform based on products already on the market. This team of coating engineers, scientists, and NACE professionals is highly motivated to bring this product into its current product line and is committed to demonstrating product scale-ability in manufacturing as a deliverable of the Phase I effort. The proposed work will result in development of an improved corrosion prevention coating for steel structures in the marine splash zone. This market represents significant business potential for members of the joint venture. The product to be developed will also provide a platform from which other markets can be derived such as storage tank and chemical reactor vessel linings, waste water effluent pipe lining, military hardware protective coatings, military and commercial ship exterior coatings, steel bridge coatings, marine-industrial facilities coatings and chemical plant and refinery protective coatings.

ZWEAVE, INC. 98 Greene Street New York, NY 10012
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(212) 343-3959 Ms. Laura McCann NAVY 02-008 Selected for Award
Title:	Three-Dimensional (3-D) Anthropometrie Data; Apparel Application Methods and Tools
Abstract:	Use of 3-D scanning systems for capture of human body dimensions is becoming prevalent. Incorporation of 3-D anthropometric data into the design process promises significant breakthroughs and benefits for a wide variety of industries and applications, including the Apparel industry. Despite clear customer satisfaction, quality, and cost benefits, however, the Apparel industry has been slow to adopt 3-D anthropometry in its design and manufacturing processes. This Phase 1 SBIR study will investigate new methods and tools that can help accelerate the incorporation of 3-D anthropometry into the Apparel industry design and manufacturing processes. The study will include an assessment of the typical design and manufacturing practices in use in the Apparel industry today, with emphasis on the use of sizing-related practices, information and tools. Industry research, interviews, "As-Is" business process descriptions, and assessment of the current technology landscape will be used to identify the factors inhibiting use of 3-D anthropometry. The study will identify and develop the conceptual design of new methods and tools to integrate 3-D anthropometry and identify and describe the key technical requirements for developing and integrating these solutions. Business, economic and technical feasibilities will be performed to assess the likelihood of industry adoption. Adoption of 3-D anthropometry will permit an Apparel manufacturer to respond to sophisticated customer expectations and drive more effective product development and supply chain workflows, while fostering a collaborative environment both within the enterprise and in the customer relationship. Those early adopters who have embraced mass customization are already experiencing higher gross profit margins, reduced inventory, fewer returns and increased customer satisfaction and intimacy. Accelerating this adoption rate is critical to the introduction of 3-D anthropometry in the industry.

ADVANCED MATERIALS AND DEVICES 4451 Lynnfield Way Reno, NV 89509
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(775) 826-8306 Mr. Gregory Hitchcock NAVY 02-009 Selected for Award
Title:	A Fail-Safe Controllable Magneto-Rheological Fluid Smart Pad/Damper System for Submarine Based Weapon Shock and Vibration Mitigation
Abstract:	The goal of the proposed Phase I effort is a feasibility study on the design and development of an innovative, fail-safe, controllable magneto-rheological fluid (MRF) smart pad for shock and vibration mitigation of Trident submarine based vertical launch weapon systems. The objective of this project is to explore the design feasibility of the proposed MRF shock absorber system which consists of a MRF material, a fail-safe MRF damper, and a control system. The effort includes preparation of a MRF material system suitable for this particular application. The properties of the base fluid and magnetic particles will be studied. In addition, a feasibility study of a novel MRF damper will be conducted in which the magnetic circuit and orifices will be designed to meet the shock pad requirements. Moreover, a robust control system that can provide accurate and fast response will be developed. Numerical simulations will be performed to demonstrate the capabilities of the MRF damper's dynamic force range and control design. The MRF shock pad design will be extensively evaluated against current elastomeric pad technology. Emphasis will also be placed on applicability to other emerging sectors especially automotive industry. Advanced weapon shock and vibration mitigation systems require reliable, fast responding, controllable devices with a broad range of damping forces to effectively reduce vibration during possible impacts. Modified versions of the new proposed MRF smart pad for Navy's Trident submarine based vertical launch weapon systems can potentially be used for other DoD applications, such as, vibration suppression of the U.S. Army's high mobility multi-purposed wheeled vehicles (HMMWV) and tanks in rough terrains, as well as helicopters' rotor systems, artillery and weapon recoil systems. In addition, the off-road application can be commercially pursued for sport utility vehicles, racing motorcycles and mountain bicycles in the public sector. The same technology can be extended to vibration mitigation in engine and transmission mounts, automotive shock absorbers, stabilizers for camera systems of new commercial satellites, automation and motion control for industrial manufacturing systems, and protective smart systems for building and bridges.

CSA ENGINEERING, INC. 2565 Leghorn Street Mountain View, CA 94043
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(650) 210-9000 Mr. Jason E. Lindler NAVY 02-009 Selected for Award
Title:	System for Reconfigurable Shock and Vibration Mitigation
Abstract:	Current attempts to enhance the ability of SSBNs to deploy guided missiles has created the opportunity to replace the existing pad-based missile shock isolation systems with those based on smart material technologies. The utilization of these advanced materials promises to deploy more modular, adaptable isolation systems that may be tuned to a broad class of current and future missiles. Working closely with our Naval contacts, CSA will develop a system requirements trade space that incorporates the isolation needs of several strategic and guided missiles. From these requirements we will then investigate the feasibility of various isolation technologies. These disciplines will range from passive VEM based solutions to fully "active" technologies that employ sensors, actuators and intelligent control. From these studies we will develop detailed component level and material-specific requirements that dictate device design and test. Out of these component requirements will come an assessment as to the best technology to employ in the real system. Our goal is to develop a shock isolation system whose shock attenuation exceeds that of the existing systems and yet can be easily tuned and reconfigured to several classes of ballistic and guided missiles. Beyond the stated application, the proposed system would be an invaluable tool for the transportation of high dollar items in air-borne, land or sea-borne platforms for both military and commercial applications.

ADVANCED ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. 27 Industrial Blvd, Unit E Medford, NY 11763
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(609) 514-0315 Dr. Hans Bluem NAVY 02-010 Selected for Award
Title:	Improved High-Current Injector Design
Abstract:	With the achievement of 2.1 kW CW I R operation and an upgrade to10 kW in progress, free-electron lasers (FEL) are now a serious option for high-power, military and commercial applications. As specifically identified in the recent "Department of Defense Laser Master Plan", the key technology issue on the path to high-power FEL deployment is the demonstration of reliable, high-brightness, photocathode injector operation. A DC gun/superconducting accelerator combination provides the most promising and most mature path to efficient, weapon-level electron beam power. One of the primary issues identified with this type of gun is beam quality degradation for operation at weapon system charge levels that approach 1 nC per bunch or higher. Longitudinal phase space aberrations set in that can significantly reduce the lasing efficiency of the FEL. We are proposing to design a doubly resonant first accelerating cavity to both correct the development of this aberration and accelerate the electron beam for current levels that approach one ampere. The proposed design will represent a proof-of-principle demonstration. The discriminating attributes of FELs are their wide-band tunability, their implicit potential for very high-power operation and the intrinsic picosecond pulse structure that promises superior performance for certain applications. Significant military FEL directed energy weapon (DEW), countermeasure and communication applications exist at various power levels, which will benefit from the proposed SBIR project. Commercial applications spanning high-value-added micro-machining to low-value-added, high-throughput surface processing of metals and polymers have also been demonstrated and patented. Their immediate deployment is prevented only by the availability of a suitable, economic, high-power light source, to which development the present project contributes. The development of the proposed high-brightness, electron injector would provide a significant benefit in terms of improved efficiency and thus cost reduction for both the military and commercial FEL applications. In addition, the applications identified for material processing with radiation could lead to the development of new, on-shore, high-technology, environmentally-friendly manufacturing opportunities.

ENERGEN, INC. 17 D Sterling Road Billerica, MA 01862
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(978) 671-5400 Dr. Chad H. Joshi NAVY 02-010 Selected for Award
Title:	Active Vibration Control for Free Electron Laser Systems
Abstract:	The Navy is exploring the use of Free Electron Lasers (FEL) on ships for use in directed energy weapons. The potency of the laser based weaponry is directly related to vibration isolation from the floor and other sources. Active vibration control is preferred because of the stringent requirements on alignment and isolation over a broad range of frequencies. Energen, Inc. proposes to develop a high force support that provides active vibration damping based on magnetic `smart" material actuators The system consists of motion sensors that measures motion due to vibration, a high speed digital signal processor and high force actuators based on magnetic smart materials and capable of operating at cryogenic temperatures. In Phase I, Energen, Inc. will develop a prototype actuator and measure its performance characteristics and sensitivity, and develop a design for an optimal control system. The developed control systems will be able to actively damp vibrations in one dimension. In Phase I option, Energen, Inc. will investigate and develop low frequency velocity sensors operating at cryogenic temperatures. The control systems design for a 3-dimensional active vibration isolation platform will be developed. Active vibration control technology has a wide range of applications. The low frequency damping capability that will be developed under this program will be valuable for semiconductor processing equipment, sensitive instrumentation such as electron or tunneling microscopes, etc.

MISSION RESEARCH CORPORATION 735 State Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(703) 339-6500 Dr. John A. Pasour NAVY 02-010 Selected for Award
Title:	FEL Efficiency Enhancement via Concurrent RF Acceleration
Abstract:	The goal of this program is to analyze, design, and develop an efficiency enhancement scheme for free-electron lasers (FELs). In the proposed technique, a radio-frequency (RF) electric field is superimposed on the FEL wiggler field to reaccelerate the electron beam as it loses energy. This reacceleration allows the electrons to remain in resonance with the wiggler and radiation fields over a longer distance, much as tapering the wiggler does in typical FEL enhancement schemes. The advantage to be gained by the RF acceleration technique is improved control of the longitudinal electron beam dynamics (minimization of beam energy spread). During Phase I, the primary focus will be on use of the lower frequency FEL resonance to accelerate the electrons in an applied RF field (inverse FEL mechanism). This approach will be contrasted with an alternative design in which an RF accelerating structure is added to the FEL interaction region. In Phase II, a preferred approach will be selected for detailed design, fabrication, and testing. Efficiency enhancement is crucial in high-average-power FELs, such as are being suggested for antiship cruise missile defense and other defense applications, as well as for industrial processing and other commercial uses. An important drawback of conventional tapered-wiggler efficiency enhancement is the large energy spread it imposes on the electrons, making subsequent acceleration or energy recovery very difficult. The concurrent RF acceleration approach proposed here can overcome this disadvantage, making the application of high-average-power FELs much more practical for both military and civilian uses.

RELIABILITY TOOLS & ANALYSES, INC. PMB 5029, 2231 Crystal Drive, Suite 500 Arlington, VA 22202
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(703) 780-6017 Mr. Reid Willis NAVY 02-011 Selected for Award
Title:	Battle Force Reliability Modeling and Simulation
Abstract:	This project consists of three related efforts. The first is to conduct research into the requirements, procedures, and algorithms needed to model the reliability aspects of a battle force of ships operating over a multiphase mission timeline. The second effort is to incorporate these results into the design of the Navy TIGER computer program for mission reliability prediction and analyses. The final effort is the implementation of the design to produce TIGER Force, a battle force-capable program with an intuitive user interface that will run on desktop host computers. The battle force-capable TIGER program will support engineering for reliability assurance of complex commercial systems. Examples of other applications are commercial airlines, electric utilities, and package delivery systems.

SOHAR INCORPORATED 8421 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 201 Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(323) 653-4717 Dr. Herbert Hecht NAVY 02-011 Selected for Award
Title:	Battle Force Reliability Modeling and Simulation
Abstract:	This research will define and implement enhancements to TIGER, the standard assessment tool used by the Navy to measure readiness in terms of operational availability. The current version can handle the thousands of components aboard a ship. However, it is not suited to modeling the massive task of Battle Force simulation and tradeoffs. In this research, we will identify the functional, user interface, and structural requirements to extend TIGER to modeling Battle Forces. The innovations in this research are algorithms for the aggregation of individual ship functions into group-level services. In addition, we will define user interface enhancements to reduce training and provide higher quality output. The result of the Phase I effort will be the definition of SuperTIGER, a tool to provide battle force level availability and reliability assessments, spare allowances, and related functions. The benefits of this research will be to update one of the most significant tools used by the Navy to predict operational availability, perform tradeoff analyses, and evaluate cost-effective sparing strategies. TIGER PLUS will be of value not only to the U.S. Navy but also to many Federal, State, and Local Government authorities responsible for maintenance planning, logistics support and sparing. In addition, TIGER PLUS will be of use to private entities with large investments in complex maintainable assets.

GENEX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 10605 Concord Street, #500 Kensington, MD 20895
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(301) 962-6565 Dr. Jason Geng NAVY 02-012 Selected for Award
Title:	An Intelligent Omnidirectional Digital Video System for Shipboard Machinery Condition and Personnel Assessments
Abstract:	The primary objective of this SBIR is to develop and demonstrate an advanced omnidirectional digital video system that overcomes the shortcomings of existing technology for machinery condition and personnel assessments in a harsh shipboard environment. The proposed Omni-Guide system consists of a novel omnidirectional IR sensor for temperature measurement and human activity detection, a low-light visible PTZ camera for tracking human activity and for acquire facial image for face ID, an intelligent controller to coordinate actions of these two sensors, and a host computer to perform digital recording of both IR and visible imagery, event trigger actions, facial identification, database management, and alarm settings. Five major innovations in the proposed Omni-Guide system include (1) The highly sensitive omnidirectional IR sensor (2) Intelligently controlled PTZ low-light camera (3) 3D Facial Identification scheme (4) Registered 3D-IR-visible modalities (5) Intelligent Watchdog for Machinery Condition Assessment. The commercial market for the technologies to be developed under this SBIR is obviously sizable. The proposed Omni-Guide systems can be used in machinery condition and personnel activity assessment in factory or environmentally harsh areas. It also could be used in physically unacceptable or dangerous areas where direct human interaction is prohibited. In general, the technologies of omnidirectional imaging, low-light PTZ, 3D face ID and 3D-IR model can lead to significant advances in security enhancement for any types of military and civilian applications. These technologies can be used in other security applications, ranging from warehouse, train-stations, airports, Government facilities, corporations, sport events, to public and private schools in US, from elementary to university. The tragic event of 9/11 triggers tremendous interests in the security enhancement for all private sectors. We see great potentials for the commercial applications of the technologies developed under this SBIR project.

PHOTON-X, INC 102A Wynn Drive Huntsville, AL 35805
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(256) 704-3416 Mr. Blair Barbour NAVY 02-012 Selected for Award
Title:	Intelligent Video System for Condition Based Maintenance
Abstract:	The U.S. Navy has aggressively pursued the implementation of Smart Ship technology initiatives to achieve Total Ownership Cost (TOC) savings primarily through reduced manpower requirements. These reductions are enabled by innovative adaptation of Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) technologies, substantial changes in Policy and Procedures and new Maintenance methods such as Condition Based Maintenance (CBM). The team also brings a wealth of technical experience in state of the art spatial phase video development, passive 3D reconstruction, shadow penetration, hardware prototyping, and other applicable video sensing technologies. Photon-X team offers a new innovative video technology, which is capable of breaking down and recording the phase elements of the light in a revolutionary manner. Photon-X has developed a patented imaging process, which has demonstrated initial proof of concept for passive shadow/fog/haze penetration, passive 3D video processing/reconstruction, measurement of the structural changes in materials and enhanced biometric recognition and tracking. The Photon-X's innovations are: (1) Passive real-time personnel identification (Biometrics) and tracking using invisible passive tagging techniques. (2) Enhanced vision through rough environmental conditions, such as fog, haze and shadowed low light areas. (3) Visually detect structural changes in materials and automation of the machinery conditions using Photon-Xs intelligent phase based processing. The photon-X technology has multiple commercial markets, such as passive tracking with invisible barcodes and the intelligent 3D shape based video. Both of these technology directions offer tremendous market potential. Photon-X has patents pending for this technology and has formed a commercial spin-off company called Sport-X to rapidly develop the tagging technology for Sports tracking/broadcasting and enhanced interactive computer animation. The ability to non-obtrusively tag someone or something and both tracking it real-time and to identify each tag has been a long-term goal of researchers and commercial developers. Photon-X has spun-off a commercial venture dedicated to developing a tagging, tracking and identification optical bar code system to be used in the Sports and interactive gaming markets. The Sport-X mission is to develop non-intrusive tags that can be easily placed on athletes and other sports gear to track these elements for real-time analysis of the players performance, fatigue, weaknesses, etc., this can be used by coaches or by broadcasters as sports commentary. Shape based video or 3D vision has a desire by technologist as well as consumers around the world. And the fact that these cameras are intelligent and can develop object signatures, which are invariant to its look angle, will revolutionize the robotic vision market.

KAZAK COMPOSITES INCORPORATED 32 Cummings Park Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(781) 932-5667 Dr. Jerome Fanucci NAVY 02-014 Selected for Award
Title:	Low Cost, Pultrusion-Based Composite Joiner Panel System with Simplified Installation
Abstract:	KaZaK Composites proposes, with Bath Iron Works and Newport News Shipbuilding, to develop and demonstrate a new joiner panel system that makes substantial material, configuration, manufacturing and installation process changes to the system currently in use on Naval vessels. At least two of the primary components, the joiner panel itself and the coaming, will be made from pultruded composites. Significant, cost-saving changes to techniques for attaching the coaming to the deck and the joiner panel to the coaming will be investigated. Alternatives to the current cut-and-fit technology for patching the curtain plate around many overhead obstructions will be studied. A key component of the Phase I work will be a demonstration of joiner panel pultrusion using KCI's 10-foot wide pultrusion machine. Advantages of pultrusion will include lower fabrication cost and the ability to make panels in arbitrarily long lengths. This will create a new installation cost and weight paradigm by reducing the number of joints. Phase I will terminate with a prototype demonstration, including a pultruded joiner panel, a new composite coaming, possibly a variation of the curtain plate, plus evaluation of new installation concepts. In the Option Phase we will perform FST and other key property tests. Successful completion of the proposed work will result in a light weight, low cost joiner panel system with a widespread market in both the commercial and military shipbuilding industry. KCI will work to adapt and apply the developed system to both new installations aboard CG-47, LPD-17, DDG-51, CVN-X and other platforms, as well for service life extension programs in the military and commercial world. More importantly for KCI and the Navy, use of large pultruded joiner panels on Naval vessels in a low risk application will provide an opportunity to demonstrate the significant cost saving potential of pultruding very large ship structure, compared to making similar structure by VARTM technology, without requiring the Navy to commit to installation of experimental composite parts in some difficult to replace mission-critical location of ship's structure. Success with the joiner panel product could represent the first step in the path to acceptance of a new material and process technology combination that will have a broad reaching effect on the future use of composites in shipbuilding.

WEBCORE TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 591 Congress Park Drive Dayton, OH 45459
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(937) 435-5034 Dr. Donald Klosterman NAVY 02-014 Selected for Award
Title:	Development of Lightweight, Fireproof Composite Joiner Panel for Navy Ship
Abstract:	This phase I SBIR project is focused on the development of lightweight, fireproof, damage-tolerant and affordable composite joiner panels for Navy ship. The Phase I work will demonstrate the feasibility of using WebCore's patented TYCOR fiber reinforced foam (FRF) core sandwich panel to meet the structural, fire and cost targets for this application. Phase I work will include composite joiner panel design requirements definition; design and fabrication of TYCOR composite panels; physical, mechanical and fire testing; design of attachments; and an optional task to design and fabricate a prototype joiner panel. WebCore will team up with Newport News Shipbuilding (now part of Northrop Grumman Ship Systems) to obtain the necesary design requirements and also to implement the technology in the Navy fleet. The proposed research will provide an affordable solution to the Navy by replacing heavy metal joiner panels with lightweight, fireproof composite panels. Fireproof and damage-tolerant composite panel can be used extensively in Navy ships to reduce the weight and cost of maintenance in many parts such as doors, scuttles and hatches as well as topside structures. The technology developed in this program has broad applications in marine, transportation, construction, industrial and aerospace market.

AGUILA TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 310 Via Vera Cruz, Suite 107 San Marcos, CA 92069
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(760) 752-1192 Dr. Y. Joon Lee NAVY 02-015 Selected for Award
Title:	Development of High Temperature Barrier Coating
Abstract:	The object of this proposal is a cost-effective coating to be used to guard bulkheads and other naval structures from exposure to high-temperatures during a fire event. Material is to be capable of withstanding the action of a flame while preventing the covered surface from reaching a temperature of 225-250øF above ambient temperature, meeting the requirements of UL 1709. The approach is to provide a high temperature coating with novel fillers and additives in a variety of paint compositions. Commercially available thermosetting resins, such as cyanate resin and aromatic epoxy resin, are good candidates as the resin matrix material. We propose to use a proprietary filler in the resin coating mix for thermal insulation. During a fire event, the filler will expand, resulting in a foamed resin composite structure. Ease of reparability of the coating is targeted as well as low maintenance and long service life. Feasibility demonstration shall include ease of installation, ease of removal, cost and anticipated service life expectancy. The paint will be especially tailored for use on new types of lightweight naval structural materials that require barrier coatings to prevent them from reaching elevated temperatures during a fire situation, which will significantly reduce their strength. One of the primary markets for this product is for the protection of bulkheads and various structures in naval vessels. Another somewhat smaller market is barrier coatings for fire insulation in power plants, chemical plants, and other industrial facilities.

METSS CORPORATION 300 Westdale Avenue Westerville, OH 43082
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(614) 797-2200 Dr. Donald Bigg NAVY 02-015 Selected for Award
Title:	Development of High Temperature Barrier Coating
Abstract:	METSS plans to develop an intumescent coating that can be applied and bonded to a steel structure that provides sufficient protection to keep the temperature of the steel below 325§F for at least 30 minutes. Two similar approaches will be examined for maximum cost and performance effectiveness. The first approach consists of a complex coating based on a polymeric binder. This coating will adhere strongly to steel, intumesce to form a strong, flake-resistant char foam that evolves heat absorbing water vapor and contains an infrared reflecting additive. This composition will contain hollow microspheres to reduce the density of the coating. Exfoliated nanoclays will be incorporated into the matrix polymer to strengthen the char foam. The second approach is a similarly complex ceramic-based coating. Ceramics do not burn, and therefore offer excellent fire resistance. Intumescent ceramic based coatings also release water, form an insulating foam, contain density reducing hollow microspheres, and IR reflecting additives. The most significant potential difference and the focus of the research relates to adhesion to the steel and the stability of the intumescent foam. The addition of IR reflecting additives represents a unique and significant addition to intumescent formulations. METSS proposal also addresses the critical issues of modifying both coatings systems to maximize adhesion to the steel, and the stability of the foam in order to meet the Navy's cost and performance goals. There are considerable benefits to developing a barrier coating system that prevents weakening of structural steel members during an intense fire. Fires, particularly those from petrochemical sources, produce very high temperatures and are similarly energetic. As such, they cannot only destroy combustible materials and structures, but also weaken nonflammable support structures such as steel. There are very significant material, structure, and life savings that can be realized by limiting the damage to structural members during an intense fire. The longer a structure can survive the greater the possibility of saving life and the structure. The Navy is not the only potential beneficiary of the development of high temperature barrier coatings. Commercial ships, cruise ships, oil platforms, petroleum processing facilities, chemical processing plants, commercial buildings, and hotels are among the structures that can benefit from improved fire barriers.

MAINSTREAM ENGINEERING CORPORATION 200 Yellow Place, Pines Industrial Center Rockledge, FL 32955
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(321) 631-3550 Mr. Lawrence R. Grzyll NAVY 02-016 Selected for Award
Title:	Demonstration of an Autocascade Cryocooler for Rapid Cooldown of OASIS Towed Bodies
Abstract:	The goal of the Phase I effort is to demonstrate Mainstream's innovative multi-stage autocascade refrigeration technology as a portable, temporary cooling system that could interface with an Organic Airborne and Surface Influence Sweep (OASIS) towed body to quickly cool the system and decrease the preparation time required to deploy it. Mainstream's autocascade refrigeration system incorporates several innovative technologies to provide high reliability and high efficiency in a shipboard and flightdeck environment. Previous demonstration experiments have shown that this technology has efficiencies as high as 20% of Carnot. The military application for this technology is of great importance to the Navy. There are also significant commercial applications for this technology. The immediate market for these systems are medical and biological laboratories and test facilities where the 1997 sales are between 20 and 40 million dollars. The semi-conductor industry, which uses cryocoolers for condensing impurities from gas streams used in wafer manufacture, is also very attractive.

DYNAMICS TECHNOLOGY, INC. 21311 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 300 Torrance, CA 90503
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(310) 543-5433 Dr. Enson Chang NAVY 02-017 Selected for Award
Title:	Classification Enhanced Target Tracking
Abstract:	Anti-submarine warfare in shallow water is notoriously difficult, especially against low/no-doppler targets. Tracking is a useful means for differentiating a candidate contact from clutter tracks. However, weak target returns and high false alarm rates in the littoral often result in large number of false tracks and operator saturation. Current tracker-classifiers such as the ETC operate in a sequential mode with tracking preceding classification. A feedback loop that passes contact classification information back to the tracker can prune the number of false alarms significantly. Furthermore, certain contact features (e.g., its orientation) can be incorporated into the tracker's state vector to improve tracking performance. These and other potentially viable architectures are obviously more effective if the system has sufficient spatial resolution to resolve contact features. We propose to use our high-fidelity target and environmental simulations to assess the feasibility of several classification-enhanced tracking architectures based on the high azimuthal resolution offered by synthetic aperture processing. The enhanced tracking and classification techniques will find direct applications in any government and commercial activities that require active sonar, e.g., harbor surveillance and security, rapid coastal bathymetric mapping, location and characterization of environmental dumping in both U.S. and international waters, petrochemical and mineral exploration, harbor surveys for industrial and municipal outfall installation, and underwater search and recovery operations.

ORINCON CORPORATION 9363 Towne Centre Drive San Diego, CA 92121
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(858) 455-5530 Mr. Mike Kurnow NAVY 02-018 Selected for Award
Title:	Statistical Operator Workload Allocation to Maintain USW Performance
Abstract:	A major driver in total cost of ownership of Navy's surface combatants is the cost of manning the platforms. Reducing USW manning is an exceptionally difficult area ORINCON is already working under IUSW 21 automation. However, workstation automation addressed by that program provides no systematic methodology to allocate available operator workload to tasks both tactically significant and necessary to maintain acceptable performance. Additionally, all focus is on single manned USW operations without consideration for operators to flex and perform as a team. This SBIR will investigate and add innovative techniques for directing operator attention to high probability of importance actions which increase total performance of the USW system. Specifically, we will draw the operator's attention to areas having higher likelihood of a threat, insure his awareness of how well the underlying automated DCL is operating, and direct his attention to areas needing assistance. Methods for insitu grouping of automated DCL outputs into families will be investigated. Initial focus will be on the DCL problem, leaving work on other aspects of the USW workload until Phase II. We will also look at methods and rationale for distributing work across multiple operators with differing proficiency levels by extending workstation automation capabilities and doctrine already developed by ORINCON and TecFocus for IUSW-21. By using the existing IUSW-21 workstation automation as a starting point for this effort, the risk in accomplishing program objectives is reduced while the immediate benefit to the Navy is maximized. This Phase I SBIR effort will provide a demonstrable foundation for Phase II effort that will result in a comprehensive, automated, distributed, statistical USW workload capability integrated into IUSW-21 workstations and available for integration into continuing IUSW-21 ADM developments. The development and integration of statistical workload management techniques within the TAIPE technology intelligent user interface framework can be applied to numerous military and commercial domains that require an intelligent interactive control of complex systems by human operators, such as, power plant operations, space station operations, and advanced military C4ISR systems.

DESKIN RESEARCH GROUP, INC. 555 E. Weddell Drive Sunnyvale, CA 94089
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(408) 400-8036 Dr. James M. Marshall NAVY 02-019 Selected for Award
Title:	Robust Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Satellite Communications Protocol for UUVs
Abstract:	A program is proposed that is intended to develop recommended signaling technique(s), protocols and a system architecture that will permit robust UHF SATCOM communications to UUV platforms under adverse sea state conditions as high as sea state 4. The outage problems encountered on UUVs are similar in nature to outages encountered on UHF MSS Satellite links. This effort will apply the design and protocol development experience from a commercial UHF packet communications MSS satellite program to the UUV problem. Message delivery reliability and messaging services requirements are similar in nature to the UUV problem. It is anticipated that the results of this program in developing a robust link protocol will be mutually beneficial to the Navy as well as commercial MSS SATCOM. A second phase of this program will provide a technology demonstration under controlled laboratory conditions. A third phase will provide a prototype system for integration and testing into a UUV test vehicle. The proposed program affords the Navy the opportunity to solve both the washover problem and the robust link reliability problem of the UUV environment. The UUV environment while unique, does offer an opportunity to solve similar communication link problems that are encountered on mobile satellite networks. For example, the washover outage is similar to underpass outages of terrestrial ground mobile satellite links. This is not an area most commercial satellite developers would be focused on, but it is relevant to the class of MSS Satellites that DRG has developed. It is anticipated that the results of this program in developing a robust link protocol will be mutually beneficial to the Navy as well as commercial MSS SATCOM.

WAVIX, INCORPORATED 8100 Professional Place, Suite 205 Landover, MD 20785
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(301) 459-6682 Dr. Jeffrey N. Shaumeyer NAVY 02-019 Selected for Award
Title:	Robust Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Satellite Communications Protocol for UUVs
Abstract:	Wavix proposes to capitalize on its unique combination of expertise in satellite communications and oceanographic systems to develop an optimized-protocol solution to the problem of RF satellite communications in disadvantaged marine environments. Our solution will invoke a diverse but coordinated array of noise-mitigation techniques that function at the lowest levels of the 7-layer OSI Model, namely, the Physical Layer and the Link Layer of the protocol. In this Phase-I effort we will characterize the physical marine environment for the requirements it places on RF systems. Working from those requirements, we will develop a parameterized conceptual model for low-level protocols that addresses the degraded performance faced by maritime users. We will also consider compatible error-reduction strategies and approaches to embedding higher-level protocols that can further increase data-transmission efficiency. In modeling the low-level protocol, our requirements analysis will go beyond just noise characteristics. We also will consider constraints imposed by the physical limitations of the application, e.g., small UUVs or profiling buoys of limited power, weight, and size, as well as compatibility with existing UHF SATCOM systems. Wavix has an ongoing business in satellite communications, with our current major customer being users of e-mail services in developing countries. Our intention from the start was, and remains, to serve the oceanographic community with a system that can retrieve data from buoys. The system we currently have in place is achieving this goal but with some serious limitations. The protocol envisioned for this effort will increase our link margins somewhat allowing us to decrease antenna size enough to serve a larger customer base. In addition, it will allow us to increase our current system capacity as well as the density of users in any particular location. There are other niche markets that such a system can serve that, when aggregated, become a significant opportunity. There is a high demand world-wide for inexpensive data transmission services. By dropping the price for such services, many new markets will open, such as providing inexpensive e-mail and data services on ships for crew and passengers and supporting Arctic, Antarctic, and other scientific research in remote areas. A satellite system designed to serve oceanographic research can easily accommodate these other niche markets.

CONTINENTAL CONTROLS AND DESIGN, INC. 1921 N. Gaffey Suite J San Pedro, CA 90731
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(310) 831-8669 Mr. James P. Hynes NAVY 02-020 Selected for Award
Title:	Remote Controlled Non-Gasoline Burning Water Craft
Abstract:	In this project we investigate non-gasoline burning, remote controlled, high speed surface craft. The possibilities include an improved Roboski, modified for heavy fuel. Orbital Engines designs and oversees the manufacture of direct injection fuel management systems for many of the current PWC manufacturers. They will help us modify the injection and ignition maps, and recommend compression changes for jp5 and DFM fuel. We also consider slightly smaller (<200lb) craft, powered by 50-100cc stochiometric homogeneous charge combustion ignition engines. That's a fancy name for the `model airplane diesel' that was developed almost 50 years ago. As a third option, we investigate a 16' target based on a COTS diesel stern drive or outboard. Working as much as possible with existing technology, and teaming with good people, we should be able to demonstrate multiple solutions in Phase 1 Everybody in the defense field is looking for non-gasoline burning engines. Both the air-assisted direct injection, and the stochiometric HCCI approaches are promising approaches.

GSE, INC. 219 East Enterprise St., P.O. Box 7743 Incline Village, NV 89450
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(775) 831-3917 Mr. Greg Stevenson NAVY 02-020 Selected for Award
Title:	Remote Controlled Non-Gasoline Burning Water Craft
Abstract:	Current DoD policy prohibits the procurement of future combat systems dependent on gasoline type fuels, while simultaneously Congress strongly supports DoD acquisitions that are based on Commercial off-the-shelf solutions. Commercial recreational equipment such as Personal Watercraft and outboard motors have high-speed performance, fitted with optimum lightweight, compact, efficient transmission and propeller designs. Near term federal regulations mandated by the EPA have influenced PWC and outboard manufactures to convert high-end 2-cycle gasoline powerplants to Direct Cylinder Fuel Injection. (i.e.: OMC-FICHT or Mercury orbital). These spark injection (SI) technologies have greatly reduced the emissions of 2-cycle engines operating on gasoline, but are limited in performance on kerosene based fuels such as Diesel #2. This proposal outlines a true multi-fuel compression ignition (CI) technology that operates at speeds comparable to existing gasoline SI engines up to 8,000 RPM. The brake mean effective pressure (BMEP) of the CI cycle is 75-80% of the SI cycle at the same RPM. Therefore the proposed approach operates at high speed on multi-fuels enabling direct injection with a comparable specific output. Since the CI cycle is immune to detonation of low octane kerosene fuel, higher power is immediately available through the adoption of some form of supercharge. Both military and commercial applications will benefit directly with a high-speed diesel technology yielding a specific weight ratio comparable to current gasoline engines. The ability to operate a small diesel at high speed represents the potential for a paradigm shift in commercial applications that are to vast to list.

AIR CYCLE CORPORATION 2000 S. 25th Avenue, Suite C Broadview, IL 60155
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(708) 344-7860 Mr. Richard Beierwaltes NAVY 02-021 Selected for Award
Title:	Fluorescent Light Compression/Containment
Abstract:	Disposal of spent fluorescent lamps everywhere, and on ships in particular, is made difficult by the hazardous levels of both liquid and vaporous mercury they contain. Existing practice is storing whole lamps for on-shore disposal, which is both expensive and dangerous - storage space, unnecessary handling, accidental breakage (due to the handling of long tubes of glass in confined areas) with related vapor releases, and higher final disposal cost are common deterrents. We propose a drum-mounted, lamp-crushing machine with powder and mercury vapor capture to allow for safe and clean compacting of spent lamps at sea. The machine will be simple to operate, durable and extremely compact: machine and the waste container combined will be no larger than 24x34x40" high. Having manufactured and sold more than 3000 lamp crushing systems worldwide, we will draw on our ten plus years of experience to optimize a system for the Navy. Air Cycle proposes either a secondary on-ship purifying system designed to remove remaining mercury from the containerized lamp waste or a low cost nationwide recycling program currently offered by Air Cycle to pick up, transport, and recycle the lamp waste at designated, permitted recycling facilities. Because we are already a commercial business manufacturing lamp crushers, we can immediately capitalize on the products that will come out of this effort.

RISSER TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING COMPANY 2724 W. Palomino Dr. Chandler, AZ 85224
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(480) 755-4554 Mr. Scott J. Risser NAVY 02-021 Selected for Award
Title:	Fluorescent Light Compression/Containment
Abstract:	A low cost fluorescent light bulb processing system having a very small footprint less than an average students desk has been proposed. The system will render the solid components of the bulb non-hazardous for recycling or disposal in a typical refuse landfill. The system crushes the bulb and removes the mercury contained in them. The processed bulb is disposed in a non-hazardous metal receptacle for recycling or disposal. The mercury is verified to be in the elemental form using an R-TEC proprietary reactor system and fixed on a solid substrate for subsequent recovery or disposal as hazardous material. The system allows the Navy to dispose of spent fluorescent light bulbs in an environmentally and hygienically acceptable method that saves space on-board ship and can be used at land bases as well. Fluorescent light bulbs provide some of the most efficient white light of any electric light source. However, the mechanism producing the light utilizes a hazardous material, mercury. This ingredient requires that the spent bulb be land filled as hazardous waste. An efficient, cost and space effective processing system that can remove and efficiently immobilize the mercury from the bulb material would allow the glass and metal to be disposed as non-hazardous refuse or be recycled. The mercury could be reclaimed or land filled. The danger of breakage and the hassles of storage of large quantities of bulbs before land filling would be eliminated. This is of major benefit to both the environment and the large quantity fluorescent bulb user.

BMH ASSOCIATES, INC. 5365 Robin Hood Road, Suite 100 Norfolk, VA 23513
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(757) 857-5670 Dr. David Cavitt NAVY 02-022 Selected for Award
Title:	Front-end Controller for an Intelligent Synthetic Forces Simulation Engine
Abstract:	The Battle Force Tactical Training (BFTT) system provides realistic, high-stress combat team training. Current implementation relies upon pre-scripted simulation in the synthetic battlespace, resulting in rigid and non-interactive behavior. JSAF models have been integrated into BFTT to begin addressing limitations. However, BFTT must be further enhanced to 1) provide an operator interface to facilitate dynamic instantiation, monitoring and tasking ISF entities; and 2) improve representation and reasoning capabilities of ISF entities. This paper proposes developing a "distributed reasoning" architecture to support new behavioral component integration and take advantage of technologies and approaches not supported by JSAF. These "plug-able" behavioral entities will be attached to BFTT via an HLA "bus" and will drive existing JSAF physical models via the SAF Generic Model Interface. Exploring this new architecture and as proof of concept, a well-understood/simple behavioral model will be re-implemented using LISA, an open source platform supporting intelligent software agent development. Finally, to support operator interaction, a dynamic, enhanced representation of entity subsystems will be developed. This capability will allow BFTT to 1) observe or manipulate a synthetic entity's reasoning and behavioral models interactively; and 2) add/remove behaviors during runtime. The proposed architecture will significantly enhance the combat training environment. A distributed reasoning environment that leverages existing JSAF physical models provides an opportunity to develop more powerful and sophisticated behavioral and reasoning components that can take advantage of a wide array of applied AI technologies.

MAK TECHNOLOGIES 185 Alewife Brook Parkway Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(617) 876-8085 Mr. Kevin Johnson NAVY 02-022 Selected for Award
Title:	Front-end Controller for an Intelligent Synthetic Forces Simulation Engine
Abstract:	The Battle Force Tactical Training (BFTT) System is currently being deployed and used aboard US Navy ships to provide realistic combat training. The BFTT instructors provide pre-scripted scenarios to students based on training objectives. The setup of these pre-scripted scenarios is labor intensive, and the execution of the scenario is fairly brittle, requiring significant intervention by instructors to keep the scenario believable. Significant improvement in training value, and significant reduction in instructor time spent crafting, customizing, and running exercises can be enjoyed through the development of more advanced technologies in exercise setup, and computer generated entity intelligence. MAK will develop new versions of its COTS product line to meet the needs of the BFTT program. The underlying VR-Link toolkit will be FOM-mapped for the NTMF, thereby making all MAK products NMTF compliant. A Subsurface Stealth will be derived from the MAK Stealth for underwater 3D visualization, and an Automated Laydown Engine will be developed on the VR-Forces CGF toolkit, to include adaptable behaviors for Naval vessels, and high-level behavioral interface for the user. In addition, MAK will make its current scenario file format generic and propose it as an industry standard in the SISO process. This effort will result in several benefits that will help the BFTT program and the Navy in general going forward. An NTMF compliant product line will exist. A well-known developer?s toolkit (VR-Link) will enable other simulation developers to make NTMF compliant federates. A COTS replacement for JSAF, with a much friendlier user interface, will make the lives of BFTT instructors much easier, and an industry-wide standard for CGF scenario interchange will enable scenarios to be swapped between CGFs. By the end of Phase II, we expect to have the following accomplishments commercialized and institutionalized not only within the BFTT program, but benefiting the entire Navy: 1. NTMF Compliant VR-Link, 2. NTMF Compliant VR-Forces toolkit, 3. NTMF version of Stealth, 4. NTMF version of PVD, 5. NTMF version of Data Logger, 6. Industry standard scenario file format.

DIVERSIFIED TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 35 Wiggins Ave. Bedford, MA 01730
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(781) 275-9444 Dr. Ian Roth NAVY 02-023 Selected for Award
Title:	Shipboard Power Conversion
Abstract:	Legacy electronics require 400-Hz power, and need a frequency converter to operate with 60-Hz ship power. A converter is specifically needed for submarine weapon systems. This converter should produce low conducted and radiated emission, should be sufficiently cooled, and should deliver a well-regulated output into transient and non-linear loads. DTI will develop a switching frequency converter that meets these specifications. This will be done by using high-frequency switching, well-designed filters, high-gain feedback with a large phase margin, and mounting all power components on a cold plate. The Weapon Power Converter developed under this SBIR will completely meet the specific power-converter specifications, as well as the Navy's overall need for reliable, safe, and maintainable electronics systems. This approach will also provide a cost-effective solution for other frequency converter requirements - in the military, and for commercial applications where frequency conversion is required, such as between 50 and 60 Hz, and various military and commercial aircraft support. Furthermore, the controls developed here, in conjunction with DTI's high-voltage switching technology, are applicable to a wide range of commercial and military power-conditioning and control applications, including power factor correction, VAR compensation, and Flexible AC Transmission Systems.

SATCON TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 161 First Street Cambridge, MA 02142
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(617) 349-0114 Mr. Andrew Barnett NAVY 02-023 Selected for Award
Title:	Shipboard Power Conversion
Abstract:	SatCon Technology Corporation proposes to develop a modular, expandable 60 Hz to 400 Hz power converter system for shipboard power conversion applications. The proposal objectives in support of this converter are twofold. The primary objective will be to implement a converter that meets the output power, voltage regulation, transient response, and nonlinear load requirements defined by Navy SBIR # N02-023 and the references given by that SBIR, specifically Reference 2, "Weapon Power Converter Procurement Specification, dated 5/15/01". The second objective will be to implement a modular control topology that will allow for parallel operation of multiple converters into a common load while maintaining independent control and operation of the individual converters. In this manner higher power 400 Hz load requirements can be met by parallel connection of multiple converters into the common load while drawing power from a single common 60 Hz source. The modular, stackable design will allow multiple 60 Hz to 400 Hz converters to be connected in parallel to meet higher power load requirements. Independent control of each converter will minimize unwanted interactions and circulation of power between individual converters and will allow each converter to source an equal portion of the net load. The control topology can be applied to higher power converters as well, increasing system flexibility. The primary commercial use of the resulting converter will be for Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) applications. This will require a change in output frequency from the 400 Hz requirement however this is a minor control issue. SatCon in fact produces an in-line UPS, rated at 100KVA steady state and 150KVA peak, that combines a 480 Volt three phase input with a low voltage dc input from a battery or similar energy storage device to provide uninterruptible 480 Volt three phase 60 Hz power. The control topology that will be developed under this proposal is directly applicable to this and other higher power converters. The ability to independently stack multiple converters in parallel will significantly enhance the market potential of SatCon's in-line UPS product line. The baseline low power 60 Hz to 400 Hz converters could be adapted to UPS applications for critical point loads, with varying power levels met by stacking the proper number of converters in parallel.

PROGENY SYSTEMS CORPORATION 8809 Sudley Road, Suite 101 Manassas, VA 20110
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(703) 368-6107 Mr. Michael W. Redden NAVY 02-024 Selected for Award
Title:	Automated/Simplified Weapons OMI
Abstract:	Consistent with the NAVSEA identified need for reducing the timeline from target acquisition to time of fire, Progeny Systems Corporation is pleased to propose the development of streamlined displays, a knowledge based computing tool kit and remote display access for achieving this goal. By approaching this need with a three pronged approach, we feel that we can best meet the needs of NAVSEA and the fleet in enhancing weapon employment.Among the expected favorable characteristics are: (1) De-clutter/Streamline current Combat Control Displays to enhance "user friendliness" and speed weapon employment; (2) Shorten the number of manual steps required by an operator; (3) Integrate disparate data sources into a machine recommended set of tactics that can be approved/modified by an operator; (4) Update current displays into a more modern/adaptable display software language; and (5) Provide remote/wireless access to decision makers both within the attack center as well as at other locations. The results of this SBIR effort are expected to be widely applicable to both commercial facilities that can use or are currently using expert system technology as well as all current U.S. and foreign maritime assets.

MIKEL, INC 2050 W. Warm Springs Rd, #1923 Henderson, NV 89014
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(702) 521-4020 Mr. Brian Guimond NAVY 02-025 Selected for Award
Title:	Non-collinear Wave-front Curvature Range Measurement
Abstract:	Improvements in wave front curvature (WFC) techniques to account for non-collinear sensor placements will decrease acquisition costs associated with submarine WFC ranging systems. Because the number and placement of sensors is not constrained to be collinear, improved target localization coverage and accuracy is achievable at reduced cost. This work will specifically develop time difference of arrival (TDOA) estimation algorithms using generalized cross correlators, matched filters and leading edge detectors. Target localization algorithms will be developed that estimate the target's range, bearing and depression elevation angle based on the TDOAs measured from non-collinear sensor pairs. The localization algorithms will consider the number of sensor placements as well as varying sound speed profiles and inexact knowledge of the hydrophone postions when processing the TDOAs to determine target range, bearing and depression/elevation angle. A laboratory simulation will be developed to test the performance of the TDOA and target localization estimation algorithms. Finally, a sensitivity analysis will be peformed using monte carlo methods to determine target localization accuracy as a function of target geometry, TDOA accuracy, number of hydrophones and hydrophone spacing/geometry. The use of TDOA estimation for localization of moving objects has been successfully utilized in systems such as GPS and LORAN. It is expected that the successful development of an underwater "GPS like system" for tracking acoustic emissions of stationary and moving underwater objects will have great applicabity in marine mammal as well as oil and gas exploration activities including underwater seismic measurements.

OCEAN ACOUSTICAL SERVICES AND INSTRUMENTATION SYST 5 Militia Drive Lexington, MA 02421
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(781) 862-8339 Philip Abbot NAVY 02-025 Selected for Award
Title:	Non-collinear Wave-front Curvature Range Measurement
Abstract:	Present submarine passive sonars utilize collinearly located sensors to obtain target range by the method of Wavefront Curvature Ranging (WCR). The requirement for sensor collinearity creates difficult and costly installation problems. Thus, the goal of the proposed effort is to demonstrate the technical feasibility of using non-collinear sensors and a WCR method to obtain range, bearing and D/E estimates of incoming threat targets in the frequency range of 1 kHz to 100 kHz. The feasibility will address the following issues: 1) basic physics and geometry, including range, accuracy, sensor number, location; 2) acoustics, signal and noise, including time delay estimation, signal properties, sensor properties, shallow water environments, sensor backing impedance; and 3) advanced signal processing techniques. Also, practical system issues such as optimizing the use of onboard sensors, system architecture and integration, and cost-benefit tradeoffs will be evaluated. A preliminary design for a cost-effective, reliable, and robust acoustic intercept (AI) system will be developed. The system will likely utilize the existing AN/WSQ-9 sensors working in conjunction with other sensors. A plan to demonstrate the system feasibility will be provided for the Phase II effort. The end benefit is a significantly improved Acoustic Intercept System for the protection of submarines.

IDOLON TECHNOLOGIES 72 Stone Place Melrose, MA 02176
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(781) 665-9200 Mr. George Hovorka NAVY 02-026 Selected for Award
Title:	Sealing Method for Odor Barrier Bags (OBBs)
Abstract:	The requirement for an inexpensive portable odor barrier bag sealer arises from the need to reliably close these bags in a variety of Navy shipboard applications. The objective of the Phase 1 is to determine the feasibility of a lightweight and portable odor bag sealer that will be highly reliable, lightweight, quiet and low-cost. This device will have a simple user interface and rugged construction. It is a further objective to demonstrate the feasibility of a "smart sealer" system that is able to automatically compensate for variations in the odor barrier bag and the environment in which the bag is sealed. The aim of the proposed program is to build a prototype unit and evaluate it under a variety of realistic operational scenarios. The results of this work are expected to be a odor barrier bag sealing system that can be used in a variety of military situations. The application of this device will also include commercial food service and will have applications in industry where a reliable device with a simple user interface is required.

TEXAS RESEARCH INSTITUTE AUSTIN, INC. 9063 Bee Caves Road Austin, TX 78733
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(512) 263-2101 Dr. M. Dingus/Mr. P. Hall NAVY 02-026 Selected for Award
Title:	Sealing Method for Odor Barrier Bags (OBBs)
Abstract:	The U. S. Navy has a requirement to meet the provisions of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS) before the current exemption for submarines expires. Currently, plastic waste is compacted inside an Odor Barrier Bag (OBB), then placed inside another OBB, heat sealed, and stored or ejected. The OBBs, when sealed properly, have kept noxious odors from being released. The Doboy electric heat sealer currently used to make the seals is difficult to use, inconsistent, expensive, loud, unreliable, and requires too much skill. TRI/Austin proposes to develop a sealing approach especially for submarines and other Naval vessels required to seal plastic waste in OBBs. Naval vessels have a wide array of power sources available. TRI will examine the feasibility of using a submarine specific sealer powered by electricity, compressed air, or other sources. A steam powered sealer will also be examined for applications where steam is available in the galley area such as surface ships. Alternative approaches, such as mechanical seals and enhanced adhesive technology, will be considered as well. The ideal approach will allow Naval vessels to achieve their mission, meet the requirements of APPS, and provide enhanced quality of life for sailors. A shipboard compatible heat sealer will be developed to meet the unique demands of shipboard use. This device will be designed with few moving parts, contributing to greater reliability, and the device will be repairable onboard and require no skill to use effectively. The same benefits will be useful on all Navy and Coast Guard vessels, plus commercial and NATO naval ships around the world.

B&B ENGINEERING 78349 Kistler Way Palm Desert, CA 92211
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(760) 200-4406 Dr. Robert A. Sielski NAVY 02-027 Selected for Award
Title:	Submarine Rescue Chamber/Hold-down Installation Via Underwater Friction Stud Welding Using Atmospheric Diving Systems
Abstract: Abstract not available...

DIGITAL SYSTEM RESOURCES, INC. 12450 Fair Lakes Circle, Suite 625 Fairfax, VA 22033
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(703) 263-2889 Dr. Bill Mahood NAVY 02-028 Selected for Award
Title:	Advance Algorithm for Total Ship Monitoring Improvements
Abstract:	The Navy has recently exerted a focused management effort TSMS for submarines, resulting in significant progress in several areas. TSMS functionality includes noise detection, noise localization, and extrapolation of measured noise to far field vulnerability. Due to limited research and development funding, none of these functional areas has received concerted attention for algorithmic improvement since the implementation of existing TSMS baselines. In our view TSMS is not primarily an analysis workstation but a tactical tool to identify acoustic vulnerabilities as promptly and quantitatively as possible, and to identify actions required for mitigation. While the current baseline makes it a valuable measurement and diagnostic asset, it has potential to be a prominent tool used establish and maintain tactical control against threat submarines. DSR intends to focus on the goals of making TSMS more tactically useful and less operator intensive. This SBIR topic presents an opportunity to explore and develop significant improvements to the TSMS functional capabilities. The opportunity for transition of any developed improvements is especially good since the modularity of the current TSMS COTS-based software baseline can support a wide range of processing improvements flexibly and without architectural impact. DSR proposes to identify improvements in five specific areas of TSMS performance: ú More rigorous transient detection and characterization, integrating data from accelerometers and hydrophones; ú Automated classification and identification of offending steady state and transient signals; ú More automated localization of offending signals, integrating data from accelerometers and hydrophones; ú Improved estimation of far field tactical vulnerability from own ship noise; and ú Identification of simplified and more tactically useful OMI.

ALPHATECH, INC. 50 Mall Road Burlington, MA 01803
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(781) 273-3388 Dr. Peter B. Weichman NAVY 02-029 Selected for Award
Title:	Non-Gaussian Likelihood Detectors for Broadband Active Sonar
Abstract:	In shallow water environments or using broadband processing, sonar signals can exhibit highly non-Gaussian noise statistics due to the discrete nature of the background returns from different clutter elements in different range/bearing resolution cells. Optimal likelihood detectors rely crucially on accurate noise statistics estimation, and poor fits to an assumed Gaussian PDF can lead to increased false alarm rates when the true PDF is heavy tailed. We will implement both empirical and physics-based models of non-Gaussian clutter statistics, in order in improved likelihood detectors. For example, physics-based forms for bottom reverberation statistics may be derived from assumed forms for the scale-dependent surface roughness spectra, which also provide models for statistical correlation between different range cells. SIRV or Gaussian mixture model parameterizations will be used to construct rapidly computable analytic or semi-analytic forms for the PDF. Our approach smoothly interpolates between the low frequency regime (100 Hz to 1000 Hz) to mid and high frequency ranges. This is because our acoustic models have natural low, middle and high frequency implementations, and because of the adaptive nature of our models for the clutter returns. We also propose to develop criteria to optimize active waveforms for improved suppression of clutter interference. The improved detection performance of broadband active sonar systems equipped with algorithms capable of exploiting the non-Gaussian statistics of the shallow water littorals promise to provide great benefits to the government and private sector. Some of the areas where the increased performance of sonars will be of benefit include search and rescue, harbor safety, fish finding and marine resource management, drug interdiction, and a variety of other Coast Guard related activities. The generality of the approach will also allow direct application of our results to high-resolution radar problems.

KAZAK COMPOSITES INCORPORATED 32 Cummings Park Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(781) 932-5667 Dr. Jerome Fanucci NAVY 02-030 Selected for Award
Title:	Simplified, Low Cost, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Recovery System
Abstract:	The Navy is rapidly committing to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in support of fleet operations. Current systems for recovering these vehicles are difficult and labor intensive to employ. KCI, working with Bath Iron Works, proposes to design and build a new UAV recovery device that serves three purposes: launch, recovery and transport. The concept, essentially a multi-functional wheeled platform incorporating a unique, low cost arresting mechanism to capture and hold the landing UAV, will be made using a combination of stainless steel and pultruded composite structural elements fabricated by KCI for this application. We will draw heavily on experience gained in the design and fabrication of a similar multifunctional system for the Air Force. Our proposed capture system will eliminate the need for the 100 pound device currently carried by the specified baseline vehicle, greatly increasing its effective payload. In Phase I KCI will work directly with BIW to conceive and iterate various system alternatives, compare them with our baseline system, and discuss the best of the alternative with the Navy. We will also develop test methods, fabricate test specimens and perform experimental studies to determine the effectiveness of our proposed vehicle arresting system. KCI's proposed solution for the UAV recovery problem will provide the Navy with a low cost, light weight, corrosion resistant platform that greatly reduces manpower required to launch and recover UAVs. A side benefit of KCI's unique method for capturing the UAV is the elimination of the need for a 100 pound probe on the vehicle, greatly increasing the payload of the UAV. The proposed capture system technology has direct application to other hardware programs currently underway at KCI.

SYSTEMS PLANNING AND ANALYSIS, INC. 7331 Hanover Pkwy, Suite D Greenbelt, MD 20770
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(301) 474-1310 Dr. Jason S. Kiddy NAVY 02-030 Selected for Award
Title:	Advanced Ship/UAV Recovery, Securing and Handling Interface
Abstract:	Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) proposes to develop a novel shipboard recovery, securing, and handling interface for the VTUAV and other helicopter systems. This system will be designed to effectively recover the landing UAV without human intervention. During the Phase I effort, the effectiveness of the automatic guidance and securing systems will be analyzed and demonstrated. Handling and transportation of the aircraft will also be possible without disengaging the securing mechanism. Furthermore, the proposed system will overcome a major deficiency in current systems by requiring the aircraft to be outfitted with only a securing pin in place of 200 lb grappling hook. Use of a single attachment point will allow for the aircraft to be easily rotated into the wind during takeoffs. Furthermore, the handling system will have a limited logistical burden and can be integrated with little to no modification of the existing ship structure. The proposed system will provide benefits for all shipboard helicopter flight operations. This low-cost, simplistic recovery, securing, and handling system will benefit both military and commercial helicopter operators. The proposed system is especially attractive as a retrofit to current vessels which have limited resources or use of helicopters where a more advanced recovery system is economically prohibitive.

AGILE SYSTEMS, INC 3050 Clover Road Bethel, OH 45106
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(513) 734-7009 Mr. James P. Karlen NAVY 02-031 Selected for Award
Title:	Automated Bin-Picking and Package Delivery System
Abstract:	Opportunities exist to use sensor-guided robotic manipulator systems on future surface combatants to automate the process of breaking-out palletized loads into individual packages and items, and to assemble mixed loads of such goods--to order--for delivery to end-users aboard ship. The system envisioned will be capable of handling provisions, consumables, spare parts and similar commodities originally delivered to the ship and stowed in storerooms on pallets or in containers. It will be designed such that the "hand-off" of packages from automation system to sailor assures crew safety and system reliability in high seas, and to be cost-effective. In Phase I, the preliminary design will be developed and its feasibility established through engineering and process analyses. In Phase II, an operational prototype of the bin-picking system will be built using commercial manipulators for laboratory tests and demonstrations, and designs for a shipboard model will be developed. In Phase III, a shipboard system will be built for tests on a Ship Motion Simulator and, ultimately, for sea trials. This automated bin-picking and package delivery system will be designed to be fully compatible with the NAVSTORS automated stowage and retrieval system and the Universal Loading Tray. - Reduced crew workload associated with shipboard palletized load break-out, package distribution and inventory control. - Enhanced crew safety during strike-down operations in high seas. - Robotic bin-picking systems for industrial applications.

BENEDICT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC. 3660 Hartsfield Road Tallahassee, FL 32303
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(850) 576-1176 Mr. Charles E. Benedict, Ph.D.,P.E. NAVY 02-031 Selected for Award
Title:	Automated Shipboard Provisions and Material Transfer System
Abstract:	Automated storage and retrieval systems have proven effective methods of increasing efficiency and lowering overhead costs in many land-based industries. Implementing such systems in Navy Destroyer class ships is the objective of the next generation DDX. Automated or semi-automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) improve the efficiency of and reduce manpower required for storing, retrieving and tracking inventory. An (AS/RS) decreases time needed to re-supply the ship and retrieve supplies on demand, while increasing the stowage capacity of the ship, a direct result from more efficient use of manpower and space in the cargo hold. Before a system concept can be developed to fit (or retrofit) the destroyer or any vessel, a thorough spatial analysis must be performed to assess feasibility. This analysis will allow insight into design content selection, clearly show features most critical for a successful systems operation, and provide information for simulating the entire system. Thus, development time and cost of the scaled model in Phase II will be reduced, allowing for more effective design effort to be spent on creating an evolutionary, cost effective, rugged, user-friendly, and operationally reliable AS/RS, which satisfies shipboard constraints and restrictions. No strike down is required. Development of this automated or semi-automated storage/retrieval system AS/AR as described in this proposal will benefit many existing industries by providing a low cost, reliable system, which will improve inventory tracking and maximize storage density. Currently, billions of dollars are spent annually on the installation, maintenance and management of inventory through the use of existing storage and material retrieval system. The simplicity of the proposal concept, coupled with its multidirectional capability by use of multiple transporters will enable many businesses to automat3e their material handling of inventory, whereas in the past this was cost prohibited. Thus, they will become more cost competitive and profitable. Industries that will benefit include but are not limited to: military logistics commands, distribution warehouses, assembly lines, baggage handling (both airline and cruise ship), and parcel/package services such as FedEx, UPS, and the U.S. Postal Service. This system will also translate into future applications in the medical industry for homebound and handicap patient mobility.

FOSTER-MILLER, INC. 350 Second Ave. Waltham, MA 02451
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(781) 684-4096 Mr. William Leary NAVY 02-031 Selected for Award
Title:	Automating the Navy's Provision and Material Transfer System
Abstract:	Foster-Miller proposes to develop a plan to automate a portion of the Navy's existing provision and material transfer system. Current methodologies used in material and provision transfer onto and within Navy ships are manpower intensive, sometimes unsafe, and don't utilize the more modern equipment and automation processes found in private industry. Furthermore, the readiness of the Navy is diminished through an inefficient flow of material and provisions through the system. Total asset visibility, through an automated information system, is the enabling technology for an automated PTS. Foster-Miller will explore current DOD and private sector initiatives to develop wireless asset tracking methods. A high-level automation solution will be developed in Phase I that will utilize a state-of-the-art wireless asset tracking system. Simulation modeling will be utilized as a tool for optimizing material flow and processes within the proposed PTS solution. This system will be the basis for a laboratory prototype to be built and demonstrated in a Phase II program. (P-020166) Automation of the Navy's provision and material transfer system will reduce the highly intensive manpower operations currently in place, improve safety, improve planning and logistics, utilize space more efficiently, reduce signature impacts, reduce outfitting requirements, and improve overall readiness. Potential opportunities exist for utilizing asset identification and automation in all material transfer operations within the DOD and commercial sector.

ADVANCED ROTORCRAFT TECHNOLOGY, INC. 1685 Plymouth Street, Suite 250 Mountain View, CA 94043
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(650) 968-1464 Dr. Chengjian He NAVY 02-032 Selected for Award
Title:	Modeling Tool for Design, Manning, and Training of Shipboard Aircraft Operations
Abstract:	Increased reliance on shipboard deployment of aircraft in modern combat operations has placed increased demands on the efficiency and safety of shipboard aircraft operations. The ability to optimize design parameters early in the development cycle can result in considerable savings. A shipboard aircraft operations modeling and simulation tool is needed to provide early evaluation and modification of design variables to facilitate safe and efficient shipboard aircraft operations with minimal cost. The operational scenarios modeled with this tool will also be valuable training aids for shipboard personnel. ART has developed FLIGHTLAB, the leading commercial modeling and simulation tool for rotorcraft. Under recent Navy SBIRs, specialized capabilities to model the Dynamic Interface phenomena of shipboard landing have been added to FLIGHTLAB, in support of Shipboard flight testing. Operational scenarios using detailed rotorcraft dynamics models and a nonlinear ship dynamics model in FLIGHTLAB are being used to evaluate operating limits. ART's visualization products, PilotStation and FL_PLAYBACK, provide three dimensional rendering, animation and replay of the scenarios modeled in FLIGHTLAB to aid in assessing their safety and efficiency. Under this Phase I SBIR, ART proposes to expand FLIGHTLAB's shipboard modeling and simulation to address the impact of modifications in the ship's design on shipboard aircraft operations. Graphical editing tools can be used to interactively alter the ship's geometry and the revised parameters can be accessed by FLIGHTLAB and PilotStation to explore the effect on the ship's airwake and on the ship's dynamic response to sea state. Under Phase II, combat operations and the modeling and animation of human resources will be added, a training application will be developed, and the ship design capability will be expanded. The proposed effort is a logical extension of FLIGHTLAB's existing ship/aircraft modeling capability and will result in a new product with significant commercial potential. A modeling and simulation tool for the design of ships and shipboard operations to support aviation will allow the design to be optimized early in the life cycle, resulting in significant cost savings. The utilization of the design tool to create training applications will improve safety and operational efficiency. Potential customers for the design tool include research and development organizations, Government acquisition organizations, and commercial organizations involved in the development of new ships to support aircraft operations. The training tool should be of use to all personnel involved in shipboard aircraft operations both individually and networked for collective training. The tool can also support design and training for aircraft operations on offshore platforms and be used to optimize aircraft for shipboard operations.

SONALYSTS, INC. 215 Parkway North, P.O. Box 280 Waterford, CT 06385
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(860) 326-3770 Mr. Daniel L. Bowden NAVY 02-032 Selected for Award
Title:	Modeling Tool for Design, Manning, and Training of Shipboard Aircraft Operations
Abstract:	Sonalysts, Inc. proposes to develop a networked modeling tool to demonstrate design, manning, and training of shipboard aircraft operations. This project will leverage Sonalysts' commercial naval simulation technology to provide computations, graphics, video capture, and simulation for shipboard aviation operations model. This proof of concept will demonstrate the ability to simulate a variety of fixed wing, rotary, and unmanned aircraft during launch, recovery, and ground handling operations from different types of surface combat ships. This simulation will allow the user access to a 3-D camera view of the aircraft during these aircraft operations to determine structural interference, effects of ship's motion in various sea states, visibility and weather conditions. The Naval combat environment is included in the simulation for own-ship and associated aircraft to experience combat damage from other ships, aircraft, and ground-based objects. The proof of concept will include the ability to create and modify ship's geometry required in this simulation. Finally, this tool will demonstrate that the model development and execution processes can be bundled into a compact package for use during concept design. The application tool will be of a modular design to incorporate modifications and updates with changes in functionality, technology, and missions. Potential benefits derived from this research project will have applications to other military, government and commercial interests involving air operations. This concept design model could prove beneficial to U.S. Coast Guard, National Guard, police departments, federal agencies, and commercial aviation companies operating fixed wing and/or helicopter aircraft from a training perspective. The ability to conduct networked training using a computer-based simulation would benefit both individual and team training. Sonalysts, with a history of commercial military simulations, believes this project has strong potential to market as a software development kit option for a future commercial simulation product.

ALLIED SYSTEMS COMPANY 2300 Oregon St. Sherwood, OR 97140
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(503) 625-2560 Mr. Robert Nourse NAVY 02-033 Selected for Award
Title:	Automated Handling Systems for Launch and Recovery of Offboard Vehicles
Abstract:	The objective of this proposal is to describe an automated (or semi-automated) lightweight, low-cost handling system for lauch & recovery of offboard vehicles which can be fitted to existing Navy ships or designed into new classes of ships. Many of the systems required for this effort are either in preliminary development of have been developed. It is intended that by combining existing offboard handling techniques and integrating new technologies, a suitable system can be offered and demonstrated in a reasonable amount of time. The non-hydraulic systems to be developed and demonstrated as a result of this using modern Direct Torque Control variable-speed electric drives and Remote-controlled automation control systems. Reduced manning, safer handling and reduced total ownership costs with the proposed electric systems. Constant tension/heave compensation systems and pendulation control impose less shock on handling equipment and offboard vehicles (e.g. RIB's, Remote Minehunting Systems, ORCA semisubmersibles, and oceanographic research & exploration devices. Potential commercial applications include subsea exploration, oceanographic research, undersea mining, oil & gas exploration and multi-mission small boat handling for diving, rescue and related activities).

INTELLIGENT AUTOMATION, INC. 7519 Standish Place, Suite 200 Rockville, MD 20855
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(301) 222-0444 Dr. Donald Myers NAVY 02-033 Selected for Award
Title:	"Flying Carpet" Offboard Launch and Recovery System
Abstract:	A ship maintenance system, the "Flying Carpet" (FC), is being prototyped at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. FC is a work platform suspended by powered cables from the side of a dry dock to permit rapid placement of personnel and loads at the bow, stern, or sides of a ship. During this proposed SBIR program, Intelligent Automation, Inc. (IAI) will adapt the FC mechanism to launch and recovery of offboard vehicles. The FC systems offers several unique advantages, including complete six-degree-of-freedom control of the vehicle and the ability to actively control the stiffness of the vehicle carrier when contacting the vehicle. The FC also ensures stability against wind gusts and high sea states. To automate recover, we propose to investigate the use of a novel communications system that supports both two-way communications and range measurement. In Phase I IAI will produce a realistic dynamic simulation of the device in operational launch and recovery retrofitted to an existing ship. Automated handling systems are in great demand throughout industry; the oil exploration industry in particular employs a large number of off board vehicles and would have a use for such a system.

BEACON INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS 30 Spinelli Place Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(617) 441-9229 Ms. ML Mackey NAVY 02-034 Selected for Award
Title:	Scalability and Reusability Methods for Intelligent Tutors and Job Performance Aids for the Maintenance of Reduced Manning Ships
Abstract:	Phase I of this solicitation sets the groundwork for the creation of an integrated intelligent tutoring and JPA solution. The work accomplished here addresses not only the status of the broader technical and business marketplaces, but also the specific needs of a sample system. By taking this multi-path approach, the solution will be on-topic for the Navy as well as for commercial organizations. At the heart of Phase I is the performance of a functional specification, or needs analysis, focused on a sample system. This in-depth analysis provides real-world basis for the development of patterns and methodologies used in creating a broad-based solution, one that can work in any type of environment and to any scale. Using a diverse team of engineers, analysts and scientists, methodologies for reusability, scalability, multi-modal information presentation, and porting will be developed. Phase I also includes a review of current marketplace initiatives such as SCORM in order to ensure compatibility, modularity and reusability. As a final step, Phase I will result in a conceptual design that takes into consideration not only research and methodologies, but also the capabilities of the chosen host application for meeting real-world needs. The anticipated benefits of this Phase I proposal is to take the results and create a commercially viable product for an immense and growing need. Based on a study by IDC, the market for E-learning solutions is growing at over 80% per year. The innovativeness of an integrated approach of learning and JPA in a multi-modal environment makes for a compelling market solution. Today, companies are looking for ways to cut costs, increase efficiency and provide better customer service as a way of increasing sales. By creating a dynamic and flexible system that combines on-demand intelligent tutors with contextual job performance aids, many companies will benefit. Beacon Interactive Systems is in an excellent position to provide this type of solution. Since our founding, we have been developing workflow, content delivery, collaboration and data sharing software systems in a variety of commercial environments. These systems have involved presenting data and information in a multi-modal environment, whether text, graphics, video or audio. Using our development capabilities in both software and hardware, we expect to push the envelope with ADL and SCORM and take it beyond simple training capabilities into the operational aspects of an organization, adding to the feasibility of commercialization.

MICRO ANALYSIS AND DESIGN, INC. 4949 Pearl East Circle, Suite 300 Boulder, CO 80301
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(517) 347-6117 Dr. Thomas Carolan NAVY 02-034 Selected for Award
Title:	Scalability and Reusability Methods for Intelligent Tutors and Job Performance Aids for the Maintenance of Reduced Manning Ships
Abstract:	The focus of this Phase I SBIR effort will be to research and develop a conceptual design for an integrated training and job performance aid system to target maintenance tasks aboard the reduced manning ships that are the future of the U.S. Navy. The ultimate tool that will result from this effort will be called the Maintenance Assistance and Training (MAT) package. This tool will include software modules that function, as both on demand training materials as well as real time job performance aids for specific maintenance tasks. The goal of MAT will be to provide an extensible software system composed of multiple levels of maintenance tasks (component to platform level) that can be utilized by maintenance personnel to not only improve their ability to perform required maintenance tasks, but also to function in a real time maintenance situation and provide the information required to perform the maintenance tasks. The final MAT system will be easily extensible to include new systems introduced to the ship, multiple levels of maintenance tasking and be capable of being deployed on reduced manning ships with minimal impact to the ship's computing resources. The research and development effort undertaken in Phase I of this SBIR has many potential benefits to both DoD and commercial organizations. Through the extensive research into creating an on-demand training and job performance aid system that is scalable, with reusable content that combines intelligent tutor methodology with what the latest developments in distance learning architecture and hands free computing the resulting system will represent a leap forward in JPA's and on demand training for maintenance tasks. The methods developed in the creation of MAT will be easily transferable to industrial maintenance environments where training is infrequent and job performance aids are not readily available.

SONALYSTS, INC. 215 Parkway North, P.O. Box 280 Waterford, CT 06385
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(860) 326-3760 Mr. John L. Wayne NAVY 02-034 Selected for Award
Title:	Scalability and Reusability Methods for Intelligent Tutors and Job Performance Aids for the Maintenance of Reduced Manning Ships
Abstract:	This Phase I effort will include a detailed methodology for the dual-use application of an intelligent tutoring system Domain Expert that supports training, and that also functions as an Intelligent Agent that supports performance in a maintenance setting. Techniques for scaling Domain Expert software to support training from system- to component-level will be examined. The Tactical Readiness Instruction, Authoring, and Delivery (TRIAD) delivery mechanism will be used to provide electronic documentation support in both training and performance support settings. Sonalysts ExpertTrainTM simulation-based intelligent tutoring technology will be leveraged to support design of the Domain Expert/Intelligent Agent and Learner Model. Phase II will include development of a prototype training/performance support system for maintenance tasks. This research will significantly contribute to the cost-effective development of training and performance support applications for a given domain. In other words, if the decision is made to build an Intelligent Agent to provide performance support in a certain domain, then that same software can be used (with minimal modification) to provide training support in the same domain; and vice-versa. We expect that the technology developed under this SBIR topic will be employed in future naval ships (DD (X), CVNX, etc.), and within the Navy's afloat- and shore-based maintenance and training infrastructures.

APPLIED ORDNANCE TECHNOLOGY 103 Paul Mellon Court, Suite A Waldorf, MD 20602
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(301) 863-0422 Mr. William A. Schroeder NAVY 02-035 Selected for Award
Title:	Integrated Ship Environmental Management System (IS-EMS)
Abstract:	Phase I will define the requirements and architecture of a shipboard environmental compliance information and tracking system that is web-enabled and supported by a shore side website for information aggregation and dissemination based on extensive prior experience with web and/or GIS-enabled technologies in an environmental analysis and documentation environment. The objective of this research project is to develop a software tool that will facilitate and enable the development and use of a functional Environmental Management System (EMS) for the management and assessment of the operating ship environmental responsibilities. The intended result of the Integrated Ship Environmental Management System (IS-EMS) is to improve ship environmental performance, provide current and updated environmental requirements and regulations, Navy policy, crewmember responsibilities, and reporting features to streamline shipboard environmental workload. The maritime industry is required to implement Safety Management Systems by the International Safety Management Code. These systems must include pollution prevention management, and are very similar to EMS. The maritime industry could benefit from an EMS capability. A Navy generated IS-EMS system would have great benefit to the commercial fleets and an even greater benefit to the environments of the states and ports involved. The potential for future applications of the software/website concepts developed during Phase I include expanded functionality for Navy use, adoption for other government and commercial fleets and cruise line industry, and adoption for the offshore oil industry.

GEOMET TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 20251 Century Blvd., Suite 300 Germantown, MD 20874
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(301) 428-9898 Mr. Mark Stunder NAVY 02-035 Selected for Award
Title:	Integrated Ship Environmental Management System (IS-EMS)
Abstract:	A naval ship in the 21st Century will be faced with increased environmental regulations and sailor environmental burdens, while having to maintain mission readiness. In addition, the advancement of Pollution Prevention (P2) type technology will also help environmental efficiency, yet increase and complicate the overall environmental burden. Thus, the deployment of IS-EMS is focused on reducing the environmental burden through a series of functional modules designed to meet compliance and other goals. In addition, linkages to onboard sensors or alarms will allow the Afloat Environmental Protection Officer (AEPC)and others the ability to monitor the environmental situation. Meeting INSURV or self assessment type requirements on the environmental side will also be a priority. An architecture utilizing Palm/PDAtechnology coupled with server database development should allow IS-EMS maximum flexibility with respect to sailor usage, expansion and fleet deployment. IS-EMS will allow sailors to reduce their environmental work burden through a variety of means including providing an easy way for compliance tracking and paperwork production. IS-EMS will allow for better tracking of maintenance needs including assisting in the inspection process as well as assist in tracking personnel training needs and emergency related items. Commercial applications of IS-EMS clearly point to use by cruise lines who face similar yet sometimes different maritime environmental regulations. Additional users could include the merchant marine fleet worldwide.

SONALYSTS, INC. 215 Parkway North, P.O. Box 280 Waterford, CT 06385
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(860) 326-3809 Mr. John Carlson NAVY 02-035 Selected for Award
Title:	Integrated Ship Environmental Management System (IS-EMS)
Abstract:	The Phase I effort will include a detailed analysis identifying the fundamental requirements needed to effectively develop an Integrated Ship Environmental Management System (IS-EMS). A ship to shore infrastructure will be defined that will accommodate individual, ship-and shore-based environmental policy requirements within a PC-based software system. It will employ a seamless combination of policy compliance, program management, automatic feedback and connectivity. Sonalysts will examine several Sonalysts' technologies as well as EMS technologies during the Phase I study for potential leverage into the Phase II prototype system. These include: TRIADT, wXstationT as well as representative, robust EMS systems. Phase II will include development of a small-scale IS-EMS system focused on a shipboard safety organization. This research will significantly contribute to development of a fully functional IS-EMS system that will support individual and team training and policy compliance within a total ship-to-shore environment. We anticipate that the technology developed under this SBIR topic will be employed in future naval ships (DD-X, CVNX, etc.) as well as back-fitted into current platforms, and within the Navy's shore-based environmental policy monitoring infrastructure.

CARLOW INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED 20856 Waterbeach Pl Potomac Falls, VA 20165
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(703) 444-4666 Dr. Thomas B. Malone NAVY 02-036 Selected for Award
Title:	Engineering Control Human Performance Tool to Enhance Situational Awareness
Abstract:	The objective of this effort is to develop and demonstrate an automated tool designated the Engineering Manning, Business processes, interaction with Automation, and Requirements for Knowledge (EMBARK) tool. EMBARK will enhance the ability of human systems integration (HSI) professionals and systems engineers to identify shipboard engineering operational tasks in which a high potential for human overload and error can be expected, and to develop solutions in the form of prototype displays that will provide needed information and situational awareness while reducing cognitive workload and human error potential. The EMBARK tool will also address the enhancement of situation awareness and human performance achieved through an optimal interaction between the operator and the automation. The objectives of the Phase I effort are to (a) develop requirements and conceptual design for the EMBARK tool; (b) develop prototype user interfaces for the tool; and (c) conduct a limited demonstration of the operation of the tool. This tool will support early HSI analysis to assess workloads, manning and human performance of commercial as well as military systems with significantly reduced time, effort and cost of the analysis. Potential commercial applications include commercial shipping, maritime and offshore systems, manufacturing plants, electrical power plants, chemical and pharmaceutical plants, and any other commercial enterprise where manpower reduction and human performance improvement is a priority.

MICRO ANALYSIS AND DESIGN, INC. 4949 Pearl East Circle, Suite 300 Boulder, CO 80301
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(303) 442-6947 Ms. Beth Plott NAVY 02-036 Selected for Award
Title:	Engineering Control Human Performance Tool to Enhance Situational Awareness
Abstract:	Reductions in crew sizes and the increased use of autonomous machinery control have caused the crewmember to become more of a supervisory controller, where a computer makes complex transformations on system data to produce integrated (chunked) displays for the human, or retransforms crewmember commands to generate detailed control actions. In this environment, it is critical for humans to know how and when to intervene. When humans do not attend to the information display or fail to recognize that status changes shown in the display require intervention, or when cognitive workload is so high that they miss a critical signal, they are not maintaining adequate situational awareness. Therefore, it is imperative to evaluate display/controller interaction to determine whether the human can reasonably maintain adequate situational awareness to prevent omissions and errors. This project will design and prototype a tool that can be used by HSI professionals to identify tasks that have a high potential for human overload and error. The proposed tool can be iteratively used to design and evaluate the interfaces that provide information in shipboard supervisory control systems to maximize the probability that the operator will maintain adequate situational awareness and respond appropriately. The issues that are currently driving the acquisition of military and commercial hardware systems are those that revolve around personnel costs, system performance, and safety. Designers and manufacturers of advanced commercial systems must respond to the pressure to be more cost effective without sacrificing efficiency and safety. The proposed software tool will advance the state of the art in human systems integration technology because information about the ability of sailors to detect, process, and comprehend information presented in complex displays will be used to impact system design. This will result in a more effective force under today's reality of the shift from being an engineer/operator to having supervisory control over multiple autonomous systems.

AMERICAN GNC CORPORATION 888 Easy Street Simi Valley, CA 93065
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(805) 582-0582 Mr. Harlis Brend NAVY 02-037 Selected for Award
Title:	Low-Cost Wireless Shipboard Local Area Network Management
Abstract:	The object of this project is to develop an integrated approach for automatic configuration management of shipboard physical systems and related information by exploiting shipboard wireless local area networks (WLAN). This innovative approach will facilitate a reduction in total ownership cost by reducing shipboard workload and enable simplified technology and other shipboard upgrades due to streamlined configuration management. Wireless configuration based on the physical layer and network layer will be designed, which takes advantage of the features of the newer IPv6. Shipboard wireless systems offer adaptability for COTS technology refresh over long shipboard lifecycles and are particularly applicable for collecting system data/information from multiple remotely located systems and for mobile access to computer networks. An automatic shipboard wireless configuration management system using WCM tags would find utility in any system with a wireless LAN such as a building for tracking high value equipment, an off-shore oil platform tracking parts and components, an commercial aircraft tracking components and their maintenance records.

ARCHITECTURE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 9971 Valley View Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(952) 829-5864 Mr. Jordan C. Bonney NAVY 02-037 Selected for Award
Title:	Shipboard Wireless Management, Repair, and Tracking System (SWiM-RTS)
Abstract:	This proposal presents a new method for tracking large numbers of assets with RFID tags using wireless-LAN technology. An innovative approach to dispersing RFID readers and wireless LAN nodes is presented, as is an approach to a fully-wireless LAN infrastructure. The end user of the proposed system accesses information relating to an RFID tag from a handheld computer. While this handheld computer is not directly connected to an RFID reader, the wireless-LAN infrastructure enables the handheld computer to gather information from nearby readers and in turn fetch associated asset information. An innovative method for providing visual feedback from queried assets is also presented. SWiM-RTS is intended to provide a complete asset tracking and maintenance-information system for shipboard environments. The concept is easily adaptable to any asset-tracking environment, especially those that can benefit from wireless LAN technology. The technology that allows a user with no RFID reader to gather information on assets within close proximity to the user is expected to be marketed through the proposing firm's commercial-software distribution channels. Design and implementation of similar systems is expected to be marketed as a consulting service.

DIGITAL SYSTEM RESOURCES, INC. 12450 Fair Lakes Circle, Suite 625 Fairfax, VA 22033
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(808) 338-1647 Mr. Charles Walton NAVY 02-037 Selected for Award
Title:	Low-Cost Automatic Shipboard Wireless Configuration Management
Abstract:	The objective of this SBIR is to demonstrate an inexpensive, open architecture and accurate ship based automated Configuration Management (C/M) System. This system will employ wireless Automatic Identification Technology (AIT) such as passive Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID) or Real Time Location System (RTLS). These AIT devices are read/write addressable and will internally store National Stock Number (NSN), Part Number, Model Number, Modification Number and other O&M data as allowed by addressable storage on the device. These devices when interrogated by a fixed array or mobile tag readers are merged into a single cohesive C/M database. The middleware platform serves to universally communicate with different types of RFID technologies and provide for navigational cross-referencing to ship's Operations & Maintenance (O&M) databases. Middleware will be designed using a "customer's based approach for establishing requirements". Middleware allows technology refresh, cost competitiveness and seamless integration with existing C/M databases. This system will simplify current shipboard C/M administration/validation, reduce manual human interaction with numerous databases, forms and documentation. The goal is to reduce manpower, data entry errors, improve integrity of the ship's C/M database(s) and ultimately provide for sustained operational readiness. The proposed Phase I investigation is expected to yield strategies for exploiting the capabilities of a DSR Middleware- (MW) based solution. MW will provide a mechanism for rapidly porting and scaling application software to new hardware platforms. Our approach will demonstrate the feasibility of using an open architecture/middleware to facilitate the most prudent selection of AIT hardware. DSR's open system and middleware-based technical approach enables N-tier software architectures that strongly encourage the use of open source and open specifications for all system interfaces. Published interfaces for components will enable a "plug and work" architecture that allows the middleware to rapidly absorb and adapt new devices and will enable the seamless integration of new technology components as they become commercially available. Vendors will work to isolate individual proprietary technology dependencies and strive to cooperate and share the open source interfaces for applications that have an open source specification, such as Automated Wireless Shipboard Configuration Management.

WILLIAMS-PYRO,INC. 2721 White Settlement Rd Fort Worth, TX 76107
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(817) 335-1147 Mr. Kartik Moorthy NAVY 02-037 Selected for Award
Title:	Low-Cost Automatic Shipboard Wireless Configuration Management
Abstract:	This proposal focuses on decreasing total ownership costs of Naval ships by reducing shipboard workload. Specifically, there is emphasis on the development of an automatic configuration management system for physical shipboard systems, using prevailing wireless location area networks (WLAN) technology. This proposal builds on the extensive experience of Williams-Pyro, Inc. and our ongoing working relationship with Bath Iron Works. The proposed structure consists of passive wireless configuration management (WCM) Tags for rugged and robust shipboard handling and neural networks featuring a new Discrete Event Controller based on matrices designed to dynamically detect the addition/deletion of equipment from the existing setup and perform failure diagnosis and fault prognosis. The system will employ an industry-standard Open Systems Architecture for seamless integration of the WCM Tag information into the WLAN. The Tags will be designed to permit distributed use for ship systems. Commercialization at WPI is generally a five-step process after technology development. The first step is to host a product demonstration at WPI's in-house laboratory for the U.S. Navy and Bath Iron Works. Second, our system will undergo a field test on Navy ships. The third step is a trial production to supply a test market. Because WPI will be manufacturing its own parts throughout the development process, there will be no delay in preparing a suitable manufacturing facility or training technicians. Fourth, WPI's marketing department will investigate alternative product applications. WPI's relationship with companies in these markets will be especially useful in determining a good product fit. The final commercialization step is full production and product launch. As the components of our system are largely inexpensive, initial cost estimates indicate the price of the system should be reasonable for the intended consumer, and may decrease as systems are mass produced. Enabled by our extensive facilities and experienced personnel, WPI will develop, market, and manufacture the WCM Tags and readers in house. With more than 200 products on the market, WPI possesses the experience, expertise, and resources to drive this solution from the concept level to a commercialized product.

Q-DOT, INC. 1069 Elkton Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(719) 590-1112 Mr. Michael E. Harrell NAVY 02-038 Selected for Award
Title:	Bandpass, Delta-Sigma, Analog-to-Digital Converter (BP Delta-Sigma ADC) for advanced Digital Array Radar (DAR) (9611)
Abstract:	Q-DOT proposes to develop a BP delta-sigma ADC in 120 GHz SiGe for use in advanced DAR. IBM's 7HP SiGe BiCMOS process enables the integration of a complete ADC modulator plus support circuitry (e.g., laser diode driver) on a single small, inexpensive silicon chip. It's small size, low power dissipation, and low cost permit this high-performance ADC to be included in the T/R module for each array element! Its single-bit digital output supports data transmission via COTS optical fiber components. Together with a single-bit delta-sigma DAC (under development separately by Q-DOT), the entire signal interface to the T/R module comprises two, single-bit streams of digital data. The ADC (and DAC) combined with wide bandwidth, one-bit delta-sigma, true-time-delay, digital beamforming will yield an innovative, high-performance, low-cost, multi-function DAR. The BP delta-sigma ADC will be conceptually designed in Phase I to assess its performance. It will be designed and fabricated in Phase II and integrated into a demonstration system in Phase III. The BP delta-sigma ADC technology will enhance the capability of radar for commercial aviation on aircraft and on the ground. It will enable Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) reception on moving vehicles (e.g., automobiles). Single ADCs will enable highly versatile, software-configured receivers for communications hand-sets and base stations.

SOPHIA WIRELESS, INC. 14225-C Sullyfield Circle Chantilly, VA 20151
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(703) 961-9573 Dr. Philip Koh NAVY 02-038 Selected for Award
Title:	High Power, High Frequency Amplifiers
Abstract:	A new power amplifier architecture is proposed which will give significantly higher power at higher frequencies than is currently available. Wireless base stations for 3 GHz and 5 GHz unlicensed bands, aviation radar.

MIKROS SYSTEMS CORPORATION 707 Alexander Road, Building 2, Suite 208 Princeton, NJ 08540
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(610) 687-2255 Mr. David C. Bryan NAVY 02-039 Selected for Award
Title:	Multiple Function Distributed Test and Analysis Tool
Abstract:	This project will focus on developing standardized test equipment and testing processes, using modern software techniques enabled by recent advances in information technology, to provide a foundation for new methods of system maintenance, alignment, fault detection and isolation. The long-term goals for the new testing approach to be developed by this project are: ú Increased readiness through reduced maintenance downtime ú Increased system reliability through predictive failure analysis and proactive remediation ú More efficient and effective use of technical manpower through increased automation, distance support and interactive training. Specifically, this effort will use the AN/SPY-1 AEGIS Radar as the testbed to accomplish the following five things: ú Develop an automated "smart" capability for troubleshooting and repair ú Develop a data collection capability for alignment and maintenance efforts ú Reduce alignment and calibration time ú Develop an interactive capability for distance support ú Develop an interactive training capability. The techniques to be investigated could reduce the complexity and time required for calibration and alignment of complex systems as diverse as PCS and cellular communications systems, broadcasting systems, commercial radar and air traffic control, automated assembly lines and remote monitoring systems.

TECHNOLOGY SERVICE CORPORATION 11400 West Olympic Blvd., Suite 300 Los Angeles, CA 90064
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(812) 336-7576 Mr. Robert C. English NAVY 02-039 Selected for Award
Title:	Multiple Function Distributed Test and Analysis Tool
Abstract:	TSC proposes an Active Maintenance and Sustainability Support (AMaSS) system. AMaSS is based on the concept of a Critical Item (CI), defined as "a component or a product whose failure can significantly affect safety, operating success or repair/replacement costs." AMaSS will allow technical personnel to collect complex electronic system characteristics from each CI through remote monitoring, and analyze the data to identify degraded performance and incipient failures. AMaSS provides the following benefits: assists Fleet personnel in identifying problems that threatening Combat System availability, provides Sailors with precise information on impending component failures, augments Sailor's skills with expert shore-based support, increases component life through proactive maintenance strategies, and provides Fleet-wide trending information that can improve system readiness and reduce life cycle costs. Phase I will identify the CIs for the AN/SPY-1 D(V), develop CI performance indicators, i.e., a single signal, or a series of signals that AMaSS can combine, to determine whether a component has failed or needs adjustment, establish the requirements to send AMaSS information over the Navy Remote Support System (NRSS), and develop an assistance package for the Sailor based on the AN/PSM-93 (V)test set and support from shore-based experts via the NRSS. The Active Monitoring and Sustainability Support (AMaSS) system will help users of complex, single-purpose electronic equipment reduce manning costs while maintaining a high level of system availability. AMaSS is directly applicable to critical government systems such as FAA ASRs, and to private companies relying on complex electronic monitoring equipment to ensure continuous high quality production, e.g., semiconductor industry, paper production, and continuous casting facilities. Failures in these complex systems can have catastrophic consequences. Reactive solutions to problems are expensive, requiring unplanned tasking of skilled and expensive personnel. AMaSS offers equipment maintainers a proactive solution to both the criticality issue and the cost issue. AMaSS active monitoring of key components, its provision for feedback to support personnel, and its ability to analyze data over time and across installations will reduce maintenance costs, improve system performance, and raise availability.

APTIMA, INC. 12 Gill Street, Suite 1400 Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(781) 496-2428 Dr. Gavan Lintern NAVY 02-040 Selected for Award
Title:	Multi-Function Displays for Warfighter Consolidation
Abstract:	The Navy is under pressure to reduce staffing levels on its combat ships. However, current displays are designed to support single-functions, which makes it difficult to reduce manning without limiting the crew's ability to perform the current number of combat functions. New multi-function displays are needed to allow smaller crews to perform a greater number of functions. We propose a revolutionary approach to interface design for multifunctional systems, drawing on the techniques of Cognitive Work Analysis and Ecological Interface Design, to design a multi-function interface tailored for two mission areas within a modern US Navy warship. Tentatively, we propose that these be time-critical targeting and damage control. The interface will be structured on the basis of functional properties identified by application of Cognitive Work Analysis. In Phase I of this project we will demonstrate the integration of Cognitive Work Analysis methods and tools to produce a prototype interface that spans two disparate work functional areas. In Phase II we will extend that analysis and design effort to resolve issues related to the shared, distributed and dynamic nature of the work and we will evaluate the effectiveness of our interface design as it impacts worker effectiveness. There is a virtually unlimited market for methods and tools that can increase the productivity of workers interacting with complex systems of systems. Tools for the creation of computer-based multi-function interfaces will directly benefit, for example, military C2 centers, air traffic control centers, hospitals, virtual manufacturing environments, managers of corporate databases, and both military and commercial maintenance operations.

MAK TECHNOLOGIES 185 Alewife Brook Parkway Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(617) 876-8085 Mr. Kevin Johnson NAVY 02-040 Selected for Award
Title:	Multi-Function Display System for Warfighter Consolidation
Abstract:	MŽK Technologies, along with the Fraunhofer Center for Research in Computer Graphics, propose to develop a display management architecture to manage and display information to support multiple roles on a single display. The Multi-Function Display System (MFDS) design will be based on an open architecture approach, using agent and knowledge base technology to manage the data inputs and information displayed. In Phase I we will design the Multi-Function Display System, which will then be prototyped during Phase II. We propose to base the system architecture on the Fraunhofer CRCG Decision-Centered Visualization (DCV) design. This will be augmented with an internal, HLA-based communications architecture for the data input and information display to facilitate distributed processing and embedded training requirements. The primary Phase II deliverable will be a prototype system, based on the Phase I design, for managing multiple, simultaneous, synchronized, intelligent displays. The proposed effort will leverage COTS, standards-based, visualization software, reducing cost, development time, and risk. Recent research has achieved advances in information and knowledge management, and information display management that can provide a direct benefit toward this effort. MŽK is currently working with the US Army CECOM to develop a display management toolkit for C4ISR displays. Fraunhofer CRCG has performed research and developed prototypes for advanced displays and agent-based information management. The proposed MFDS has the following benefits: 1. Increased effectiveness of reduced number of watchstanders by enabling consolidation of displays into integrated, intuitive presentations. 2. Reduction of decision times by timely presentation of mission-relevant and mission-critical information. 3. Reduction of role-specific stations via multiple uses of displays based on roles and situation assessment. Leveraging MŽK?s COTS PVD, Stealth and CGF software, Fraunhofer CRCG?s visualization and DCV architecture work, and MŽK?s extensive experience supporting commercial-grade software toolkits has the following benefits: 1. Increased capability of the proposed multi-function display system due to the $2M internal, product funding commitment MŽK has made to these products. 2. Increased viability of the proposed multi-function display system due to MŽK?s best-commercial-practices design, implementation, documentation, and support capability. 3. Low cost, time, and risk via extensive leverage of non-developmental software.

PATHFINDER SYSTEMS, INC. 200 Union Blvd., Suite 300 Lakewood, CO 80228
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(303) 763-8660 Mrs. Sheila Jaszlics NAVY 02-040 Selected for Award
Title:	IMAN - Intelligent Information Management System
Abstract:	We will develop an information management system that provides an efficient and fully synthesized picture of the Battlespace to support successful naval operation execution. We call our system the Intelligent Information Management System (IMAN). IMAN will use a distributed architecture of intelligent agents that will assist naval personnel in the execution of their duties. These intelligent agents will execute a variety of user defined data analysis and fusion tasks to reduce manning requirements on US Navy ships. Innovative display technologies will include two-dimensional, three-dimensional and augmented reality displays that will portray the state of the Battlespace to the users. The first application of the technology will be to support CIC operations onboard Arleigh Burke DDG-51 class destroyers. It is anticipated that this effort will result in the development of a set of information management and display technologies that will reduce manning requirements on US Navy ships. The IMAN system will provide an enhanced view of the battlespace that will translate into missions successfully executed with fewer resources and longer lasting results. The technology can be directly applied to transportation systems, command and control systems for other military services as well as the management of large-scale amusement parks and power plants.

NANOENGINEERING CO. 23 Sundown Way Dawsonville, GA 30534
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(706) 216-4930 Mr. Jerome J. Schmitt NAVY 02-041 Selected for Award
Title:	Radar Technology/Unit Cost Reduction
Abstract:	Recent pioneering work in the field of electrically tunable ferroelectric thin-film microwave devices provides compelling motivation to develop low cost manufacturing methods that will enable practical uses of these devices in commercial and defense electronic systems. NanoEngineering is a new company with a focus on engineering improved manufacturing methods for advanced electronic materials and devices. In this Phase I project, we plan to adapt for the purposes of microwave device fabrication a newly available, production-proven large wafer (200-mm) thin film process tool that was originally developed for the silicon integrated circuit industry. This project will be carried out in collaboration with the process tool company. Phase I materials and device will be tested and evaluated by the Naval Research Lab under subcontract. Success in Phase I will provide technical demonstrations that will point the way toward manufacturing process and device performance optimization in Phases II and III. During Phase I we will seek to identify a test vehicle application, in collaboration with a leading defense radar system OEM that will lead to technology insertion early in Phase III. Candidate radar applications include phase shifters and notch filters. There are also significant potential uses in the telecommunications and automotive industries. The work could produce lower cost, higher peformance tunable microwave system devices for applications in phased-array antenna, tunable filters and other components for radar and radio systems for use in defense, automotive and telecommunications systems.

PEREGRINE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION 6175 Nancy Ridge Drive San Diego, CA 92021
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(858) 455-0660 Dr. Ron Reedy NAVY 02-041 Selected for Award
Title:	Single Chip Phased Array Antenna Elements
Abstract:	The objective of this proposal is to develop technology that enables direct integration of power and thermal management functions at the component level of transmit and receive phased array antenna modules (TRAM). The project will enable flexible use of the highest performance active devices such as PHEMT and HBT GaAs or InP by means of a novel chip-on-chip (COC) flip-chip integration technique. The project will include design, manufacture and test of one integrated circuit each for transmit and receive sides, with each chip providing amplification, phase shifting, signal power routing and control logic. The chip will be manufactured in an advanced silicon on sapphire (SOS) technology called Ultra Thin Silicon (UTSi) CMOS. This advanced technology enables integration of RF, IF and base band control functions in a single CMOS chip, a capability which is not possible in any other form of CMOS. Potential system level benefits of this technology would be improvements in antenna performance along with mass, size and cost reduction, These will be accomplished primarily through integration of phase shifters, active RF circuitry, RF switching elements and passive devices for both LNA and PA circuits. By flip-chipping GaAs or InP transistors onto the UTSi device (which will contain all passive matching circuits along with active current and temperature control circuits), the highest available performance can be achieved in a monolithic structure. Choice of CMOS on sapphire is necessary to keep high performance passive devices at the 10-20 GHz frequencies typically used in phased array antennae. Use of a commercially established CMOS on sapphire process ensures that the devices will be highly manufacturable (which is necessary for the large number of antenna elements required for all applications) and that the performance and cost constraints of both commercial and military requirements will be met. The significance of this project is that projected high volume applications of phased array antennae for both commercial and military uses in both satellite and aerospace applications require easy-to-implement systems based on highly integrated TRAM's. High levels of integration have proven value in computing and digital signal processing functions, but RF and IF functions have not previously been integrated because of isolation and substrate issues in most IC technologies. Therefore, this project not only will solve the need for a low cost, miniature phased array transmit/receive antenna module, it will also demonstrate a single chip device capability which could be applied to other high frequency systems and to higher frequency TRAM's when deeper submicron UTSi CMOS is developed.

AEPTEC MICROSYSTEMS, INC. 15800 Crabbs Branch Way, Suite 290 Rockville, MD 20855
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(301) 670-6779 Mr. Ray Wang NAVY 02-042 Selected for Award
Title:	Low-Cost Wireless Shipboard Local Area Network
Abstract:	As the Navy is expanding its shipboard information networks, information technology systems requiring wireless technologies are being developed to support increased shipboard information gathering for logistical, personnel, and maintenance-related functions. Such wireless systems - like the Wireless LAN (WLAN) - offer simplified adaptability for Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) technology refresh over long shipboard lifecycles. Further, they are particularly applicable for collecting system data/information from remotely located systems as well as for mobile and un-tethered access to shipboard computer networks. In addition to productivity enhancements, WLANs offer the potential to reduce or eliminate expensive shipboard cabling installations and modifications thereby reducing ship impacts and installation/maintenance costs. The cost savings over a ship's lifecycle when compared with "wired" networks can be quite significant. Further, new ship construction benefits will include costs savings from the drastic reduction or elimination of cable installations, and the increase in space availability and weight reductions associated with shipboard cabling. Despite the significant gains that may be achieved from WLANs, their acquisition and installation costs are a major impediment to fleet-wide implementations. The cost for acquiring and installing separate systems to satisfy differing wireless requirements including RF LAN access, infrared data synchronization, and RF voice communications are quite significant. This program will address these challenges with a focused research and development effort. A successful approach will result in a blueprint for development of a low cost and robust wireless local are network that will be capable of being acquired for fleet wide deployment to support applications including voice, data and multi-media communications. It is further expected to have wide application in areas such as DOD operational forces, inter and intra ship communications, hospitals, emergency response centers, space stations, underground command bunkers, nuclear plants, mobile and remote workers, and any high value industrial asset or process.

TALKING LIGHTS LLC 28 Constitution Road Boston, MA 02129
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(617) 242-0050 Mr. Al-Thaddeus Avestruz NAVY 02-042 Selected for Award
Title:	Hybrid Optical Wireless Network
Abstract:	The objective of this Phase I program is to provide an optical wireless network based on the use of modulated illumination as the information carrier. Existing Talking Lights technology will be expanded to increase bandwidth and achieve two-way communication. The system is very inexpensive because it creates the communication network using existing lights and lighting fixtures and only requires replacement of fluorescent light ballasts to implement the network. This Phase I program will develop a prototype hybrid optical wireless network (HOWN) transmitters and receivers which will combine optical and RF communications systems to enhance the capabilities of each. The capabilities of HOWN will be evaluated and demonstrated. In Phase II, minaturized HOWN stationary and mobile transceivers will be designed and built , and then the HOWN network demonstrated and evaluated in actual ship-board installations. Phase III will involve the commercial manufacture and sale of HOWN devices for operational use. Transceivers developed in this project will be installed on operational surface vessels to provide enhanced functional communication capability at low cost. The same wireless technologies should also be of commercial value in submarines, aircraft, buses and autos. Hybrid wireless technologies should provide new communication technology and the HOWN transceivers will be commercial products.

TRANS WORLD TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 100 West Main Street, Suite 205 Lansdale, PA 19446
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(215) 855-4002 Mr. Stephen J. Drabouski, Jr. NAVY 02-042 Selected for Award
Title:	Impulse Radio Transceiver Wireless Local Area Networks
Abstract:	This research effort explores Impulse Radio as an enabling technology for the implementation of wireless LANs aboard U.S. Navy ships. Impulse radio, a form of ultra-wide bandwidth (UWB) spread spectrum signaling, has properties that make it a viable candidate for short range communications in dense multipath environments such as those encountered on steel hull ships. Additionally, current impulse radio technologies exhibit the potential to operate at the sub-milliwatt average power levels required for the efficient use of power harvesting methods that eliminate power cables for sensors and actuators. This research effort identifies, analyzes and evaluates currently available impulse signal technology from the standpoint of developing a cost effective, low power, UWB transceiver with excellent multipath and interference immunity. The development of this transceiver will enable the cost-effective implementation of wireless Local Area Networks aboard U.S. Navy ships. Additionally, this research effort identifies and evaluates previous government and commercial wireless automation research to identify leveraging opportunities. Finally, this proposed effort includes a production, implementation, and life cycle cost analysis for the candidate UWB transceiver that addresses both retrofit and forward fit applications. Recent advances in wireless LAN and power harvesting technologies exhibit the potential to substantially reduce the initial and life cycle cost for ship monitoring and control automation systems. Commercial applications for the proposed system include business applications, industrial process control systems, robotics and various Merchant Marine, Marine Salvage, and Off-Shore drilling applications. Environmentally sensitive vessels involved with hazardous cargoes such as oil, chemicals, are nuclear waste are primary candidates for this technology.

WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS PRODUCTS, LLC 20 Miry Brook Road Danbury, CT 06810
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(203) 798-0755 Mr. James L. Saulnier NAVY 02-042 Selected for Award
Title:	Low-Cost Wireless Shipboard Local Area Network
Abstract:	Wireless Communications Products Mobility and portability for users and equipment, security of wireless information links, modular scalable wireless system, clear channel operations of wireless links in a metal box environment locator functions for personnel and equipment no interference with RF sensitive equipment

ENGENIUM TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 4220 Eagles Wing Ct., Suite 100 Ellicott City, MD 21042
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(410) 908-8003 Dr. Mike Pascale NAVY 02-043 Selected for Award
Title:	Long Range Wireless Network Communication Capability
Abstract:	We propose the Flexceiver, an ultra-wideband, spread spectrum modem for long range wireless networks. The basic concept of the Flexceiver is to sweep the carrier frequency of a modulated signal very rapidly across a wide bandwidth. The Flexceiver avoids interfering with other RF systems operating in dedicated bands by dynamically constructing frequency profiles that hop over the frequencies occupied by those systems. RF interference from other systems is avoided in the same manner. All-weather capability is enabled by operating below the 4 GHz band where attenuation due to weather is insignificant. Low latency is afforded by the FPGA based implementation. By eliminating from the link budget a fading allowance, high data rate and range performance are facilitated by multipath tolerance of the system. While the total occupied bandwidth is wide, the instantaneous bandwidth of the waveform is narrow, consistent with that of the rate and type of modulation. The channel fades that occur at specific frequencies can be very deep, but are narrow and low duty cycle compared to the total occupied bandwidth. By sweeping rapidly, individual fades can be limited to single bit duration or less. Forward error correction is employed to recover faded bits. The anticipated benefit of developing a Flexceiver, a flexible Software Defined Radio (SDR) transceiver, targeted for long range wireless networks include: all-weather capability, ElectroMagnetic Compatability (EMC) with other RF devices, resistance to ElectroMagnetic Interference (EMI), Low Probability of Detection (LPD), and Low Probability of Jamming (LPJ).

PHYSICAL OPTICS CORPORATION Information Technologies Div., 20600 Gramercy Place Torrance, CA 90501
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(310) 320-3088 Dr. Andrew Kostrzewski NAVY 02-043 Selected for Award
Title:	Ultrawide Bandwidth Communication System for Mobile Platforms
Abstract:	Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) is seeking a new type of all weather communication system, potentially non-RF, to carry data between mobile platforms. Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a novel Ultra-wide Band Laser Communication (UBLC), as a new full scale laser communication system, which will integrate laser communication, optoelectronics, gimbal mechanics, processing software, hardware, and high speed data interfaces. UBLC uniquely integrates technology that POC has already developed in laser optoelectronics, laser communication hardware, and video/imagery communication. POC's compact multiple LD source and collimator/concentrator have regulated divergence for continuous high bandwidth (more than 1 GHz) communication. UBLC's optical power budget (100 mW of continuous laser power) at an invisible eye-safe wavelength of 1.55 micrometers allows for line?of?sight (LOS) 5 km communication even through fog. All UBLC critical components will be designed, tested, and analyzed in the course of a six month Phase I project. A preliminary feasibility demonstration will also be explored in Phase I, and a full-scale system demonstration on mobile platforms will be ready at the end of Phase II. Key advantages of the UBLC system stem from its compact design, based on a lightweight laser transceiver with a multiple laser diode (LD) source that replaces a bulky Nd:YAG laser source. The UBLC system will open new possibilities for high speed communication between mobile platforms with very low probability of intercept or jamming. This is essential to achieve high-security data exchange, and can also be used for future satellite communication.

CREARE INC. P.O. Box 71 Hanover, NH 03755
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(603) 643-3800 Dr. Nabil A. Elkouh NAVY 02-044 Selected for Award
Title:	Improved Primary Battery Reliability Via Non-Destructive Evaluation
Abstract:	We propose a comprehensive non-destructive evaluation approach to primary battery quality management that takes into account (1) batteries in the weapons stockpile, (2) batteries in production, and (3) next generation batteries. Current evaluation practices are limited to expending batteries and statistical modeling to extend those results. A deterministic evaluation of potential battery performance is not currently possible. In Phase I, we will gather data and information regarding how both production practices and temporal degradation can lead to reduced battery performance in the field. We will consider both thermal and zinc/silver-oxide battery systems. Our investigation will involve interactions with both battery producers and DoD personnel, which will lead to the establishment of evaluation priorities. We will focus much of our effort in Phase I demonstrating powerful extensions to current manual NDE practices already in place that are highly labor intensive and subjective, and as a result do not prevent batteries of inferior quality from entering the stockpile. We will examine the extension of these preferred techniques to field use. Furthermore, we will outline possible redesign of next generation batteries to allow simple and inexpensive monitoring of battery quality in the field. The development program is specifically focused on improving primary battery quality that will lead to high weapons system reliability and lower total ownership costs. The NDE techniques developed under this program will find applications in aerospace, marine, and automotive industries where NDE techniques are relied upon to monitor product quality both during production and in the field.

US NANOCORP, INC. 74 Batterson Park Road Farmington, CT 06032
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(860) 678-7561 Dr. David E. Reisner NAVY 02-044 Selected for Award
Title:	Fuzzy Logic-Based Non-Destructive Testing of Thermal Batteries
Abstract:	Primary reserve batteries used in weapons systems are typically not activated until immediately before use. To periodically test the condition of these inactivated batteries, sample batteries are removed from the weapons, activated, tested, and from the tested samples, statistical techniques used to estimate the condition of the stockpile. This takes considerable time and money. In this project non-destructive techniques for determining the condition of these reserve batteries will be considered. Various stimuli to the battery including electrical, mechanical, and thermal together with the batteries' responses to these stimuli will be assessed. Both theoretical analysis of the battery response and experimental verification will be performed to develop a few candidate approaches for non-destructive testing of primary reserve batteries. One of the techniques that will be investigated in more depth is ac impedance measurements at various temperatures for the molten-salt Li-based primary thermal batteries. The present method of monitoring the condition of primary reserve batteries used in weapons systems is to test samples of stockpiled batteries by activating the batteries, and using statistical analysis to estimate the condition of batteries in the stockpile. This method has several drawbacks. It requires that samples be selected for testing, and the selected samples be activated for testing. This means that these particular tested batteries must be replaced and so a procurement process for these replacement batteries must be conducted. Additionally, time and money are spent in performing the statistical analysis to estimate the condition of the batteries in a particular stockpile. Clearly, the development of a non-destructive technique for estimating the condition of a stockpile of reserve batteries can provide considerable savings in time and money. Reducing the cost and time to assess the conditions of primary reserve batteries will be an important result of this project. The same approach developed in this project for non-destructive testing of batteries would be of use in weapons systems across the armed services and therefore benefit the entire Department of Defense (DoD). Furthermore, some of the techniques developed in this program may be applicable to commercial electrochemical systems and for biomedical applications where remote monitoring of implanted defibrillator and pacemaker batteries may benefit from the technology being developed in this project.

K TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 500 Office Center Drive, Suite 250 Fort Washington, PA 19034
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(215) 628-8681 Mr. Mark J. Montesano NAVY 02-045 Selected for Award
Title:	Advanced T/R Module Thermal Management and Packaging Development (kTC P206)
Abstract:	Radar antenna and T/R module thermal management and cooling technologies are critical for today's high power radars. A significant investment is made each year in the continued development of increasingly robust and sophisticated cooling system technologies, which are applied to the ballistic missile technology program and other major defense acquisition programs. kTC proposes to develop an encapsulated annealed pyrolytic graphite (APG) cold plate with integrated cavities for use as T/R module packages. The encapsulation material will have a CTE value close to the T/R module components to allow for direct mounting. The cavity walls will accommodate the electrical feed-throughs and hermetic metal lid. The conductivity of the cold plate will be greater than 900 W/mK (five times aluminum) and the conductance of the thermal path from the T/R components to the clod plate edges will be 40% better than the current solution (discrete T/R modules attached to an aluminum encapsulated APG cold plate). This proposed effort will develop a material system and packaging configuration that can significantly improve the performance and lower the cost of the thermal management system of current and future phased array radar systems The encapsulated APG material to be demonstrated under this program would have applications in the commercial satellite market, as well as the obvious military and NASA uses. Key potential post application relies heavily on the successful verification and certification of the proposed materials' performance. With increasing acceptance, encapsulated APG will be attractive to automotive and power supply manufacturers. Enabling technologies will allow the increase of production and the realization of the economies of scale. At this level, one can only estimate the potential impact on the personal computer and other high volume heat sensitive products.

MATERIALS & ELECTROCHEMICAL RESEARCH (MER) CORP. 7960 S. Kolb Rd. Tucson, AZ 85706
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(520) 574-1980 Dr. Chris Chen NAVY 02-045 Selected for Award
Title:	Thermal Management
Abstract:	With both the increasing density of semiconductor devices and the increasing power from these devices, substrates having high thermal conductivity will be needed. This program proposes an innovative materials that has thermal conductivity higher than 500 W/m§K, CTE matches to Si or GaAs, and remains cost effective. A common problem in the design of microelectronic packages, however, is that material candidates having high thermal conductivity also have a high CTE. The uniqueness of this composite material is that the carrier substrates can be tailored to match the thermal expansion characteristics of the chip or other heat-generating components attached to the carrier substrate which also providing improved heat transfer. The innovative material in this program is a technology that enables electronics to acheive higher speeds, smaller size and higher reliability. High thermal conductivity heat sink materials are primarily found in fiber optic components in internet related applications which include amplifiers, receivers, transmitters, tunable lasers, modulators. Other areas of application include RF power package components that are used in wireless telecommunication infrastructure for cellular phones, base stations, high definition television (HDTV), and satellite communications.

POWDERMET INC. 9960 Glenoaks Blvd, Unit A Sun Valley, CA 91352
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(818) 768-6420 Mr. Andrew Sherman NAVY 02-045 Selected for Award
Title:	Thermal Management
Abstract:	In the proposed phase I SBIR program, Powdermet will demonstrate the production of controlled thermal expansion,high thermla conductivity packaging matreials. Increasing packing densities and power consumption in Transmit/recieve modules require improved, higher thermal conductivity packaging to remove heat from active elements. Current heat spreader materials cannot remove heat fast enough from, or do not match the thermal expansion of, Si, SiC, and/or GaAs substrates using in military electronics. Int he current program, Powdermet will abricate and characterize net shape fabricated graphite-reinforced copper composite packaging materials for discreet, chip-level, and multidie high power electronics packages. The proposed technology enables bottom-up control over composition, bonding, and distribution in highly reinforced composites, extending property ranges by 30-50% (expansion and conductivity)over current state of the art materials systems. The proposed program will result in the availability of higher conductivity materials tailored to electronics packaging. The materials will incease heat dissipation from active elements, increasing reliability, speed, and operating limits in T/R modules. The technooogy is applicable to commercial electronics, including both discreet and multidie packaging.

CREARE INC. P.O. Box 71 Hanover, NH 03755
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(603) 643-3800 Dr. Joel L. Berg NAVY 02-046 Selected for Award
Title:	Combined Shock and Vibration Isolation Mounts Incorporating Novel Shock Dissipation Mechanisms
Abstract:	A critical need exists for improved shock mounts to assure that equipment being developed under the Navy's Advanced Damage Countermeasures (ADC) program are well isolated and shock tolerant. These mounts must minimize shock transmission during extreme catastrophic events while retaining excellent vibration isolation characteristics under normal conditions of operation. Heretofore it has been impossible to optimize performance for both of these requirements in a single isolator component. To address this problem, the innovation proposed by Creare is a highly effective vibration isolator that incorporates a set of novel shock dissipation mechanisms. The primary benefits of Creare's design are that it combines shock mitigation and vibration isolation in a single mount and has the potential to greatly reduce shock loads experienced by critical ADC systems. In addition, the mounts will be highly durable and resistant to environmental effects, be straightforward to install in new or retrograde applications, require no maintenance and exhibit low life-cycle cost. We will demonstrate the feasibility of our innovation during Phase I with laboratory proof-of-concept tests. During Phase II, we will fabricate and test prototype units at Creare and provide several prototype units for a selected ADC equipment application to the Navy for ship trials. The proposed mount concept is capable of providing shock and vibration isolation for critical equipment of all sizes. Although this proposal focuses on the Navy's ADC program, the mount concept is directly applicable for all pipes, machinery, and equipment for which shock and vibration are of concern. There are also many potential non-military applications such as commercial shipping, ground transportation, manufacturing, mining and others in which the environment necessitates isolation and protection to supported equipment and/or people.

ADVANCED OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. 6767 Old Madison Pike, Suite 410 Huntsville, AL 35806
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(256) 971-0036 Dr. Richard L. Hartman NAVY 02-047 Selected for Award
Title:	EXTREME COMPUTING WITH LIGHT, LOW POWER, AND SMALL EQUIPMENT (ECLIPSE)
Abstract:	Advanced Optical Systems, Inc. (AOS) has developed optical correlators with the world?s highest data throughput, lowest cost, lowest power consumption, and smallest volume. We are currently developing a line of optical processors called the Advanced Optical Correlator (AOC), which are already on the verge of meeting Navy requirements. In this proposal we propose an approach, that will not only meet the near-term goals but also has the potential for dramatically crashing though volume and power goals while dramatically increasing mission performance. The Government will be the early adopter for high throughput, low power, and low volume computing. With the current national thrust on anti-terrorism there is no doubt that markets in the areas of recognizance and security will expand, especially for UAVs and space platforms. During Phase I, at corporate expense we will start market research on these and other potential products.

IRVINE SENSORS CORPORATION 3001 Redhill Avenue, Building #4 Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(714) 444-8846 Dr. Suresh Subramanian NAVY 02-047 Selected for Award
Title:	Low Volume, Low Power, Real Time Image Processing
Abstract:	Irvine Sensors Corporation's (ISC) massively parallel Three-Dimensional Analog Neural Network processor (3DANN) brings near human-level data processing capabilities for applications in open-ended problems like pattern recognition, clutter discrimination, and target tracking and identification. The approach emulates the massive parallelism inherent in the brain to achieve extremely high computational performance at very low power and small volume. The core 3DANN processor is a general-purpose analog convolution engine that can perform over 1 TeraOp inner product calculations per second. It occupies less than 1.5 cm3 volume and consumes < 10W of power. Since convolutions form the basis of most image processing and pattern recognition applications, 3DANN holds orders of magnitude advantage over conventional digital processors in terms of computational throughput, size, weight, and power consumption. 3DANN based systems bear potential to become PetaOp speed pattern/data-fusion processors that can rapidly process multi-megabit data streams from multiple sensors, perform rapid analysis, and tirelessly provide a course of action in environments that are hostile to human operators. The proposed innovation will find application in unmanned robotic ATR systems and embedded biometric scanners and face recognition systems.

SEAKR ENGINEERING, INCORPORATED 6221 S. Racine Circle Centennial, CO 80111
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(303) 790-8499 Mr. Paul L. Murray NAVY 02-047 Selected for Award
Title:	Low Volume, Low Power, Real Time Image Processing
Abstract:	A low power, low volume, realtime image processor using a re-configurable FPGA based processor design. The flexibility of general purpose processors are blended with the speed of ASICs to accomplish very high performance image processing using FPGA's. Data compression, Automatic target recognition and tracking, airborne high performance processing, commercial remote sensing data processing.

CREARE INC. P.O. Box 71 Hanover, NH 03755
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(603) 643-3800 Dr. Nabil A. Elkouh NAVY 02-048 Selected for Award
Title:	Improved Thermal Battery Assembly Techniques
Abstract:	We propose to develop new thermal battery assembly techniques that will replace many of the manual assembly techniques currently in place at thermal battery manufacturing facilities. While it is realized that the manual assembly techniques are the cause of most battery quality issues and are thereby less than ideal, the mechanical properties associated with the battery components make automation difficult. Recent attempts to introduce automation into the assembly line have fallen short and introduced similar errors and inconsistencies to the final product. These prior attempts illuminate the difficulties involved in working with thermal battery components and serve as the starting point for our novel assembly concepts tailored specifically to the needs of thermal batteries. Furthermore, these past attempts demonstrate the perils of applying standard automation practices to the fragile thermal battery systems. In Phase I, we will develop our concepts that have the unique possibility of operating both in manual and automated modes to offer battery manufacturers production flexibility. Our concepts will be demonstrated at one of the largest thermal battery manufacturing facilities and form the basis of a prototype system that will be developed in Phase II. The application-specific automation technologies developed under this SBIR program will lead to improved thermal battery quality and lower total ownership costs. Our developed technology will benefit assembly practices involving the stacking of thin fragile components in the electronics manufacturing industries.

ATLANTEC ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS, INC. 1419 Forest Drive, Suite 205 Annapolis, MD 21403
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(410) 990-1100 Mr. Paul Rakow NAVY 02-049 Selected for Award
Title:	Technology for Shipbuilding Affordability
Abstract:	The objective of our proposal is to demonstrate that a practical and affordable connector architecture can be developed to provide interoperability between leading CAD and CAM systems used in shipbuilding. The connector architecture will use available open source and Internet technology to create a flexible, efficient, and cost-effective solution. The architecture will include a toolkit that can be made available to software developers and manufacturers of production equipment for integration into their proprietary systems. This project will demonstrate that product-model data from different CAD systems can produce an identical result utilizing a single CAM system. Alternatively, data from a single CAD system can produce the same result in different CAM systems. The architecture will be designed so that each component is readily replaceable with a competing product. Atlantec-es, Inc. will work with Electric Boat (EB) as the participating U.S. shipyard. Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) shipyard of Kiel, Germany, one of the most advanced shipyards in Europe, has joined the team under the foreign firm cooperative research and development agreement provision outlined in this Topic. The new connector architecture will provide U.S. shipyards with greater flexibility and choice in selecting CAD and CAM systems. The technology will also enable collaboration between different shipyards and/or design agents on the same project. It will also reduce the cost and complexity of developing and maintaining inflexible custom production systems. Implementation costs for new CAD or CAM systems will be significantly reduced because improvements in either area can be brought on line with little impact to existing systems. This will enhance U.S. industry competitiveness by enabling shipyards to more easily maintain state of the art design/production systems. These products will also be affordable and easy to use, utilizing open, state-of-the-art technology.

INDUSTRIAL PLANNING TECHNOLOGY, INC. 5095 S. Washington Ave., Suite 105 Titusville, FL 32780
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(321) 427-4892 Dr. Patrick Rourke NAVY 02-049 Selected for Award
Title:	Technology for Shipbuilding Affordability
Abstract:	Design for producability is the key to reducing ship construction costs. The most direct way to ensure that design for producability goals are met is to automate portions of the design process, enforcing producability requirements in software. Industrial Planning Technology Inc has developed an automated design and planning technology that is based on the use of high fidelity fabrication and assembly simulators. This technology yields lower construction costs than traditional rule-based design for producability, and does not require the development of comprehensive design rules. Distribution systems (piping, cabling, HVAC) represent between 25% and 40% of the construction cost for Naval ships. This proposal will explore the feasibility of developing an automatic design for producability tool which couples an automatic 3D spatial router for ship piping, cabling, and HVAC with IPT's construction planning and simulation tools. The benefits of this approach are lower construction cost through optimized design for producability, and reduced design costs. The technology would be packaged as a plug-in to existing commercial ship design systems. Anticipated savings are $15 million per year in construction costs and $1 million per year in design costs for U.S. shipyards. This assumes that 3% of piping fabrication work is moved from in-dock and in-module on-site fabrication to mechanized shop fabrication as a result of deploying the tools developed in this project.

KAZAK COMPOSITES INCORPORATED 32 Cummings Park Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(781) 932-5668 Mr. James Gorman NAVY 02-049 Selected for Award
Title:	Joining of Very Large, Low Cost Pultruded Advanced Composite Structures in Shipbuilding
Abstract:	Composite structures offer the shipbuilding industry the potential to reduce weight and eliminate corrosion, however cost of even "inexpensive" VARTM manufacturing of large composite sections has proven to be too high for designers to consider composites for anything other than special applications. KaZaK Composites and Bath Iron Works have teamed to begin development of a combination of very large scale pultrusion processing and special joints tailored to simplify the integration of these large pultruded panels into ship structures. We project that this new combination of technologies can reduce the cost of very large composite ship structures to less than half the cost of VARTM structure, and begin to approach the cost of steel construction. We propose a two part Phase I effort. First, we will employ our 10-foot wide pultrusion machine to make 1-inch thick solid laminates and also composite sandwich panels. Specimens cut from these pultrusion will be tested to begin establishment of a mechanical property data base containing information derived from the large pultrusions typical of ship structures. Second, we will conceive of, analyze, fabricate and test a set of composite joints specialized for integration of large composite panels and steel ship substructure. KCI believes that the key to achieving the cost reductions necessary to initiate a widespread acceptance of composite materials in place of more conventional steel in applications such as shipbuilding, bridges, piers and other very large civilian and military structures is to make the individual composite parts as inexpensively as possible by pultruding them in very large sections, then using simple and easily inspected assembly methods. KCI's 10-foot wide pultrusion machine is capable of material throughput of more than 25,000 pounds per hour when making large solid laminates that might be employed for ship superstructure. It can also make parts with a length limited only by shipping and handling considerations. These large parts reduce production labor cost to the noise level on a per-pound basis, and reduce fabrication cost by reducing the number of joints to be assembled. Work proposed in the document is intended to begin the demonstrations and developments necessary to validate these predictions. Once confirmed, ship designers will be far more comfortable employing composites in new structural developments.

ST. ONGE COMPANY 1400 Williams Road York, PA 17402
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(717) 840-8181 Mr. Mark Avakian, P.E. NAVY 02-049 Selected for Award
Title:	Development of Lean Manufacturing Spatial Planning and Analysis Tool for U.S. Shipyards
Abstract:	The last several decades have witnessed a dramatic decline in the international competitiveness of the remaining handful of large U.S. shipyards. As a result, these domestic shipyards are almost entirely reliant upon construction contracts from the U.S. Navy for their continued survival. This is highly undesirable for reasons relating both to national defense and the loss of significant economic opportunities to foreign competitors. Recent years have seen the widespread integration of Lean Manufacturing principles in U.S. industry as a whole but only to a relatively limited extent in the U.S. shipbuilding industry. Under principles of lean manufacturing, manufacturing operations are viewed as an integrated whole and are scrutinized for opportunities to further activities which contribute to the ultimate value of the manufactured product and eliminate sources of waste. Waste can take a variety of forms, including the production and storage of inordinate amounts of inventory, multiple handlings of product and bottlenecks due to the layout of production processes, and excessive transportation of product components. One means of identifying wasteful practices is spatial analysis, which tracks the production areas dedicated to various functions. A computerized Spatial Planning and Analysis Tool holds great promise for promoting shipyard efficiency and competitiveness. Delivery of a spatial analysis tool will allow U.S. commercial and government shipyards to better monitor how space utilized for a specific process contributes to value added work, improving shipyard efficiency and competitiveness.

STEP TOOLS, INC. 216 River Street Troy, NY 12180
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(518) 687-2848 Mr. Blair Downie NAVY 02-049 Selected for Award
Title:	Technology for Shipbuilding Affordability
Abstract:	STEP-NC is a feature driven language for machine control with profound consequences for the efficiency of design and manufacturing. For design it means more concise, descriptive information can be sent to manufacturing making the process of design more efficient. For manufacturing it means faster, safer and more flexible machining because a control can dynamically check the safety and optimize the performance of a part program at run time. This proposal will apply STEP-NC to pipe bending for ship building. For general purpose manufacturing operations the benefits of STEP-NC have been estimated as a 35% reduction in set-up time, a 75% reduction in the number of drawings required on the shop floor, and a 50% decrease in machining time for small to mid-sized job lots due to increased usage of 5-axis and high speed machines. This proposal will extend these advantages to pipe bending by allowing the MMAP system currently used by GDEB and NNS to control pipe bending to be deployed across the US shipbuilding industry.

VISOTEK, INC 46025 Port Street Plymouth, MI 48170
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(734) 354-6300 Dr. Stefan Heinemann NAVY 02-049 Selected for Award
Title:	Technology for Shipbuilding Affordability
Abstract:	Effective implementation of laser welding in shipbuilding is hampered by a number of issues: large capital equipment investments, multi-faceted robotic control issues, lack of effective weld cell concepts and the lack of intelligent optics for laser process control. This project proposes to develop a process and an intelligent optics for laser welding that allows thick section welding in multiple paths. Multiple path welding drastically decreases the required laser power and allows the use of more cost effective standard laser systems. The developed intelligent optic incorporates seam tracking, closed looped with beam steering to adjust the laser beam to the joint requirements of the respective path. It is also easy to integrate into the robot cell. Necessary steps will be identified to adapt the intelligent optic to the requirements for appropriate joint design, fixturing, weld cell design for shipbuilding structures, and off-line programming features needed for effective integration into a large volume, non-standard welding application. Visotek's laser welding optics is a highly integrated product that fits on almost every robot. If offers seam tracking closed looped with beam steering, simplified clamping, the possibility for on-line quality monitoring and sophisticated interfaces that allow the user to comply with high quality standards. The intelligent integrated optic created in the I-Low program will be an enabler to the use of laser welding for shipbuilding and will lead other equipment manufacturers that use thick section materials to increasingly seek ways to expand the use of lasers in the design of future products. The construction, mining, power generation and pipeline industries will be targeted for new applications of lasers utilizing the developed optic. In addition, expanded uses within the automotive and the military and commercial aerospace industries are also anticipated. This open ended capability to serve a variety of fields will create an opportunity to compile, document, package and make available integrated laser welding optics to countless non-competitive industries. The total market volume is close to $30 million annually.

WEBCORE TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 591 Congress Park Drive Dayton, OH 45459
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(937) 435-5034 Dr. Frederick Stoll NAVY 02-049 Selected for Award
Title:	Development of Composite Watertight Doors and Hatches for Navy Ship
Abstract:	This Phase I SBIR project is intended to develop lightweight, damage-tolerant and fire-resistant watertight composite doors and hatches for Navy ships. The salient features of the proposed door design include novel TYCOR(TM) composite panel with superior damage tolerance and fire-resistance and integration of proven operating mechanisms. Lightweight TYCOR composite panel utilizes a patented fiber reinforced foam (FRF) core, integrally stitched skin and special fire-resistant phenolic foam and resin to provide a superior combination of structural performance and fire tolerance. The watertight composite door will incorporate operating mechanisms, which have been proven on existing doors, thus ensuring reliable, trouble-free operation with reduced maintenance. The proposed door and hatch design is also applicable to doors and other watertight enclosures in military and commercial ships as well as in boats and yachts. There are numerous commercial applications of this technology in marine, transportation, industrial and construction.

RJ LEE GROUP, INC 350 Hochberg Road Monroeville, PA 15146
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(724) 325-1776 Mr. Niels Thaulow NAVY 02-050 Selected for Award
Title:	Predictive Durability Model for Life Extension of Naval Waterfront Concrete
Abstract:	Concrete durability and its impact on life-cycle infrastructure costs and military readiness is a major societal issue. This SBIR Phase I project focuses on the development and demonstration of the feasibility of key aspects of a plan for the implementation of new concrete durability software. Existing service-life prediction models do not capture the complexity and severity of marine exposure environments. The ultimate model will account for the major mechanisms of deterioration: corrosion, carbonation, alkali-silica reaction, and external sulfate attack, as well as porosity, transport properties, and mix design. By its unique structure (designed to take into account the occurrence of numerous, potentially coupled, deterioration phenomena), and its integration with state-of-the-art concrete forensics technology, this new model will be particularly well adapted to the prediction of the performance of Naval waterfront concrete structures. The model will also have an economic impact analysis module to evaluate various repair options and assess cost in life-cycle terms. The key deliverable under the work in Phase I will be the elaboration of the structure of this new model. Additional deliverables include review of existing Naval condition assessments and focused forensic investigations. As a result, the Navy will have specific modeling parameters to input into existing durability software. Annually, the toll paid for treatment or lost service due to destructive corrosion or other forms of concrete deterioration amounts to billions of dollars. It is common for structures to require costly repairs after only twenty years in service. This is particularly problematic considering that actual design service life expectations for U.S. Navy structures are extending to 100 years. The premature degradation of concrete structures jeopardizes Naval activities and therefore the readiness of the U. S. Navy. This comprehensive modeling and forensics approach will help the Navy and other government agencies design structures for longer service life and evaluate remediation strategies with confidence and assured readiness. The new durability software will also be useful to designers of highways, bridges, water/waste treatment facilities, parking structures, commercial and residential buildings. It is anticipated that successful commercialization of this model and approach to condition assessment will result in a new industry generating at least a hundred millions dollars per year in condition assessment and design revenues, and that it will revolutionize the military and construction industries' approach to procurement and remediation.

TECHNOVA CORPORATION 1232 Mizzen Drive Okemos, MI 48864
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(517) 485-9583 Dr. Habibur Chowdhury NAVY 02-050 Selected for Award
Title:	Predictive Durability Model for Life Extension of Naval Waterfront Concrete
Abstract:	The ultimate goal of the proposed project is to develop predictive durability models applicable to design, maintenance/repair and life-cycle cost analysis of concrete structures exposed to marine environments. Watefront concrete facilities are subject to a multitude of interacting damaging phenomena, including corrosion of steel reinforcement and deterioration of concrete under a host of chemical and physical effects (sulfate attack, aklai-silica reaction, salt crystallization, delayed ettringite formation, freeze-thaw, erosion, cation-exchange, etc.). The proposed Phase I research will: (1) develop theoretical principles and mechanistic models, in the context of a time-step approach, for deterioration of reinforced concrete in marine environments, and identify pertinent system and environmental parameters and quantifiable manifestations of damage; (2) collect field data to substatiate the limit states, and to assess the means and statistical distributions of the random variables built into the mechanistic models defining damage in terms of system and environmental parameters and time; (3) Employ the models to conduct reliability analysis of waterfront concrete structures in order to validate and refine the approach using historic data, and develop environmental models reflecting on the severity of marine exposures; and (4) transfer the predictive models and field data to industry modeling committees. Technova Corporation has formed a coalition with Construction Technology Laboratories, W.R. Grace, National Institute of Standards and Technology, UC Berkeley (Dr. Monteiro), Virginia Tech (Dr. Weyers) and Michigan State University (Dr. Soroushian) to implement the proposed project and transfer the outcomes to commercial markets. Concrete structures (including waterfront concrete facilities) form te backbone of our civilian and military infrastructure; aging and deterioration of these facilities represent a major burden on our economy. Development of predictive models and software systems for systematic consideration of durability issues in design and maintenance/repair of concrete structures would provide a rational basis to control the life-cycle cost of concrete facilities. The urgent need in this area has prompted joint industry/government/university activities, based on which new models and software systems (e.g., LIFE 365 and ConcLife) are emerging for durability analysis of concrete structures. Our project will generate predictive durability models and comprehensive field data to be incorporated into these emerging software systems in order to enhance their application to waterfront concrete structures.

KNOWLEDGE BASED SYSTEMS, INC. 1408 University Drive East College Station, TX 77840
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(979) 260-5274 Dr. Paul Koola NAVY 02-051 Selected for Award
Title:	Wave Carpet
Abstract:	We propose to conceptualize and design a deep offshore wave-power floating system "Wave Carpet" that will ú Have overall low life cycle cost due to Integrated design, ú Be rapidly deployable, ú Be easier to maintain and have inherent reliability by design, ú And also ensure better steady power output from the randomly fluctuating input wave power source using built in energy storage and an internal electric grid. ú Independent of wave direction and ensures better short crested sea performances. ú Low power dynamically positioned device, ú Non-corrosive maintenance free hull design, ú Self-propulsion by advanced controls with minimal tug power. ú Use of device as a wave damper thereby sharing the cost of power generated. Once successful this concept will act as wave dampers to protect crucial offshore structures, aircraft carriers, MOB's etc. in addition to providing power. This dual power and damping nature of this device will make the cost of power attractive even in today's lop-sided costing for power from polluting sources. We also envision the wave carpet to be used for recreational purposes in the ocean like an ocean trampoline. The multi-functional use of this device should trigger private offshore firms and defense contractors to take a look at this design. We intend to sell of the design to those who want to mass-produce them.

SCIENTIFIC APPLICATIONS & RESEARCH ASSOC., INC. 15261 Connector Lane Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(714) 903-1000 Mr. Edward M. Patton NAVY 02-051 Selected for Award
Title:	Dynamic Non-linear Interactions for Deep Water Wave Power Generation
Abstract:	We propose a better way to extract usable electrical energy from deep water ocean waves, using a taut synthetic single-point mooring and keeping the generator below the surface, relatively motionless, while a surface float transmits the slow-moving high-magnitude wave force to it. This stands in stark contrast to shore-based or shallow water methods which are the most successful to date, but are inherently incompatible with rapid deployment or use in deep water. By placing the generator below the ocean surface and keeping it relatively motionless using a single-point mooring with a taut synthetic line, we can leverage inherent non-linearities in both the structure of the mooring and the synthetic mooring line material, tuning the dynamic response and extracting maximum energy from the waves. This concept lends itself especially well to SARA's MHD OWEC approach as demonstrated under a Phase I Navy SBIR last year, but can also be adapted to any system where a surface float is separated from a subsurface generator, with the latter intended to remain motionless. The result is both compact and highly deployable, and can be moved easily from one place to another by pulling up the single anchor. The proposed technology has numerous commercial and military applications, with the nearest term being provision of electrical power to remote ocean and coastal locations. In contrast to shore based or permanently mounted systems, this new approach offers the promise of rapid deployability in a compact and moveable system, and could eventually replace traditional fossil fueled portable generators for remote ocean locations, or along deep water shorelines.

PHYSICAL OPTICS CORPORATION Electro-Optic & Holography Div, 20600 Gramercy Pl Torrance, CA 90501
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(310) 320-3088 Dr. Michael Piliavin NAVY 02-052 Selected for Award
Title:	Material Properties Synthesis and Neural Network Based Property Prediction
Abstract:	Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a novel Neural Network Assisted Material Property Prediction (NNAMPP) software. This Windows-based software engine consists of modules to calculate electrical conductivity, mechanical properties, etc. Modularity will make it simple and easy to upgrade this tool for predicting the properties of materials before they are synthesized. The proposed NNAMPP software engine will consist of a kernel that will oversee the tasks performed for each type of property, a number of property analysis modules, each performing a distinct function, and a neural network select materials to synthesize that would have desired properties. The neural network will take the material properties as input, and work backward to material composition and synthesis. The NNAMPP engine will benefit the national welfare by synthesizing and predicting material properties of national importance such as flame resistance, toughness, and even superconduction. In Phase I we will develop and demonstrate a preliminary feasibility prototype NNAMPP software engine. Using the proposed NNAMPP, new materials can be synthesized for submarine hulls and spacecraft skins, superconductive cables, and spacecraft or submarine windows. Stronger materials will bring us lighter and stronger automobiles, and apparel and pharmacological synthesis can lead to new classes of medicines.

FASTVDO LLC 7150 Riverwood Dr. Columbia, MD 21046
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(301) 442-6063 Dr. Pankaj Topiwala NAVY 02-053 Selected for Award
Title:	Characterize and Optimize ATR Performance for EO/IR Sensors
Abstract:	This project will research and develop novel approaches to capture the edge information on targets in EO/IR imagery, using new decompositions. We will also develop innovative function-theoretic measures of activity. Faster, more robust target-processing of EO/IR imagery.

GENEX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 10605 Concord Street, #500 Kensington, MD 20895
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(301) 962-6565 Dr. Jason Geng NAVY 02-054 Selected for Award
Title:	A High Depth of Field Omnidirectional Video Camera With Selective High Resolution Imaging Capability
Abstract:	Although the current omnidirectional camera technology possesses the advantage of having a ultra-wide (hemispherical) field of view(FOV), the image resolution for a given object in the surrounding scene is lower than that acquired by a standard video camera. Number of pixels on a given video sensor is fixed. If the FOV is larger, the number of pixels allocated to a given size object will be inverse-proportionally smaller, resulting in a lower pixel counts for the object in the omnidirectional images. Furthermore, the depth of field (or rather lack of it) in the optical system design for the omnidirectional camera is also an issue of concern. Design methods that attempt to achieve higher depth of field have always been a compromise of the image sharpness in both the close-up and the far-field distances. The primary objective of this SBIR program is to overcome the drawbacks of existing omnidirectional video camera techniques, and to design and demonstrate a novel omnidirectional video camera concept, dubbed as the Super-OmniEye„, that is able to provide both ultra-wide FOV of the dynamic scene and selective high-resolution video images for the object of interest (OOI). Furthermore, the Super-OmniEye employs a special optical design thus the high depth of field performance can be achieved. The commercial and military markets for the technology to be developed under this SBIR are obviously sizable. In military arena, the proposed Super-OmniEye systems can be used in battlefield visualization, remote manipulation in hazardous environments, situational awareness, surveillance and monitoring. Commercial applications include surveillance and security monitoring public and private facilities in US, from airports, schools, universities, Government facilities, corporations, and sport events.

VISION TECHNOLOGY,INC. 1808 Foxborough Ct. Champaign, IL 61822
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(217) 398-0161 Mr. John Hart NAVY 02-054 Selected for Award
Title:	High Depth-of-Field Panoramic Video Acquisition and Analysis of Dynamic Scenes
Abstract:	This project is aimed at investigating the feasibility of the design of a family of versatile new image sensors. A typical such sensor can (i) have an infinite depth of field, (ii) provide a panoramic images of up to 360-degree wide visual fields, (iii) provide an estimate of the depth of each visible point in the scene, (iv) preserve the image resolution across the panoramic image, and (v) image a dynamic scene, and (vi) offers a trade off between cost and performance measured in terms of the quality of focus (resolution of the depth of field), reliability of depth estimates and the width of the visual field. A progressive design that will offer 5 such tradeoffs will be investigated. Two designs add new capabilities to a prototype developed under a previous SBIR award and being commercialized by a major company. Two additional designs examine the feasibility of a new approach to further extend the capabilities. The feasibility of the final design, which provides all aforementioned capabilities in a single system, is proposed as an option along with the analysis of the acquired images for object motion detection and estimation, and 3D modeling. All proposed designs appear integrable and commercially viable Imaging pervades all walks of everyday life - business, industry, education and homes alike. Since the proposed new imaging technology will introduce hitherto unavailable capabilities as well as lead to significant strides in existing capabilities, it is expected to have a major commercial impact. Potential Commercial Applications include: Surveillance of buildings, compounds, homes and stores; Wide-scene studio photography; Outdoor nature photography; Endoscopic and neurosurgery; Television broadcasting; 3D scene modeling; 3D object modeling for computer aided manufacturing; Virtual reality using omnifocused 3D display; Advertising; Visual art; Monitoring of hazardous environments; Visualization; Interactive video games.

NANONEX CORPORATION 7 FOULET DRIVE PRINCETON, NJ 08540
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(609) 683-3973 Dr. Linshu Kong NAVY 02-055 Selected for Award
Title:	Nanoimprint Lithography of Parallel Patterning of Nanoscale Magenetoelectronic Devices
Abstract:	The goal of the project is to develop nanoimprint lithography based fabrication processes for low-cost, parallel patterning of magnetic device structures of a size below 50 nm feature size. In particular, nanoimprint lithography (NIL) and reactive ion etching (RIE) of nanoscale rectangles and hollow cylinders in insulators will be studied. A variety of NIL masks will be fabricated using electron-beam lithography and RIE. NIL processes, resists and machines will be investigated to make them suitable to meet the particular needs of fabrication of nanomagnetoelectronic devices. A variety of reactive ion etching (RIE) recipes will be explored to ensure the high-fidelity etching of these nanoscale structures. Several key technical personnel of Nanonex Corporation are former post-docs and graduate students of Prof. Chou of Princeton University's group, and are experts in nanofabrication, particularly NIL, RIE, and nanomagnetic structures. Professor Chou will serve as a consultant to the proposed project. The success of the proposed project will present a significant step forward in fabricating nanoscale magneto-electronic devices. Such devices are essential to many Navy and other military hardwires. The fabrication technology can also benefit other nanostructures needed in military and civilian applications.

NVE CORP. (FORMERLY NONVOLATILE ELECTRONICS, INC.) 11409 Valley View Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(952) 829-9217 Mr. John M. Anderson NAVY 02-055 Selected for Award
Title:	Ultra-scaleable Vertical Transport GMR Devices
Abstract:	This SBIR Phase I proposal, "Ultra-scaleable Vertical Transport GMR Devices," addresses the need for ultra-submicron Giantmagnetoresistive (GMR) cells in high-density nonvolatile MRAM. The Navy particularly displays need for this technology in their vertical memory effort. Issues that complicate submicron memory cells are twofold. First, is the need to pattern magnetic devices at, or below, the limits of projected semiconductor processes. Second, and most critical, is that at the dimensions required for high-density MRAM, below 0.1 micron, thermal instability and thermal dissipation cause crippling failure rates. NVE proposes to resolve these issues by building ultra-submicron cells that take advantage of thermal dissipation. In addition, the program will investigate parallel processes to replace ebeam, which will become critical in Phase II development and Phase III production. Phase I technical objectives are (A) design thermally assisted test cells; (B) fabricate test cells using ebeam; (C) characterize the cells for functionality and to profile the process; and (D) outline a parallel fabrication process that will be employed in the Phase II development effort. The results of the Phase I effort will demonstrate ultra-submicron memory test cells and provide a path for prototype production in Phase II. Vertical MRAM is applicable in general ultra-dense, nonvolatile random-access memory, "inaccessible"or non-retrievable information storage applications, and as a potential hard disk replacement. NVE will benefit in the way of technology licensing and applying the technology to niche memory applications.

MEZZO SYSTEMS LBTC, Rm d-102, South Stadium Dr. Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(225) 334-6394 Mr. Andrew B. McCandless NAVY 02-056 Selected for Award
Title:	Packaging and Thermal Management for kW/cm2 Microwave Amplifiers
Abstract:	It is proposed to develop micro-jet cooling arrays (MJCA) to obtain high heat flux density cooling for microwave amplifiers. MJCA has advantages over existing technologies both in terms of the thermal load that it can remove and in terms of maintaining the junction temperature at acceptable levels. MJCA will be fabricated by the LIGA technique. The Phase I effort will demonstrate 100x100 array of micro-jets with diameters in the range of 100-400 microns. The Phase II effort will involve fabrication of a complete cooling cycle based on MJCA and testing of the developed system in a high power density system. Effective removal of waste heat from high power devices has applications in a large variety of military and commercial systems. The proposed thermal management system promises to result in a compact, low weight, and low cost heat removal system that would meet the heat removal needs of current and future generations of high power systems.

MICROENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 2007 E. Fourth Plain Blvd. Vancouver, WA 98661
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(360) 694-3704 Dr. Reza Shekarriz NAVY 02-056 Selected for Award
Title:	High Heat Flux Cooling Module Rosette for Power Amplifier Thermal Solution
Abstract:	MicroEnergy Technologies, Inc. (MicroET) proposes to demonstrate the feasibility and the major advantages of an innovative electronic cooling system with substrate-integrated ceramic (e.g., SiC) microchannels in which a ceramic nanoparticles suspension (i.e., SiC nanofluid coolant) is driven using a unique pumping approach to yield high intensity heat removal from the substrate. The particular thermal management system addresses the DoD requirements for cooling of power electronics where it is to be compatible with SiC and GaN based wide bandgap semiconductor microwave amplifiers. The heat transfer within the self-contained cooling module is high because of two key reasons, namely, high surface area of the microchannel surface geometry for efficient heat rejection to the coolant and very high heat transfer coefficients induced by the SiC nanofluid coolant. Combining these two effects is expected to produce heat rejection rates significantly higher than 1000 W/cm2 from the surface of the substrate to be cooled with pumping pressure drops of less than 1000 Pa (or less than 10 mW/cm2 of substrate surface area pumping power requirements) . In the proposed phase I work we intend to demonstrate a specific application of nanofluids where the morphology of the particles and the rheology of the mixture have major impact on the system performance. Based on our collective experience in thermal systems miniaturization, we believe SiC nanoparticles suspensions can be tailored to provide a unique opportunity for thermal management and enhanced heat transfer rates in high heat flux heat sinks and heat exchangers. The rosette microchannel arrangement and the particular method by which the fluid is pumped through the microchannels give rise to very low pumping power requirements while increasing the substrate surface temperature uniformity. The final product, high heat flux cooling module rosette, in addition to application in defense technologies, will have a significant commercial value to a broader industry, including the aerospace and space electronics manufacturers. Efficient distributed cooling will reduce the risk of system failure, increase system throughput, and reduce the complexity, size, and weight of the system.

ULTRAMET 12173 Montague Street Pacoima, CA 91331
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(818) 899-0236 Dr. Arthur J. Fortini NAVY 02-056 Selected for Award
Title:	Lightweight, Low-Cost, High-Performance Heat Sink for High-Power Electronics
Abstract:	A key design limitation of many current electronic systems is heat rejection. As microchips become ever more densely packed with greater quantities of components, the amount of heat generated per unit area likewise increases rapidly. As the junction temperatures within an electronic component increase, the reliability and useful lifetime of the device decrease rapidly, even silicon carbide (SiC) components. In this project, Ultramet proposes to model and fabricate a lightweight, low-cost, high-performance heat sink for actively cooled high-power SiC-based electronics. This new heat sink will utilize open-cell silicon carbide foam as its key component, which will act as a high thermal conductivity, high surface area cooling fin. Because silicon carbide has a higher thermal conductivity per unit weight than copper, and because the foam will have a useful surface area an order of magnitude greater than typical aluminum fin devices, the proposed device will greatly outperform the current devices and simultaneously provide a substantial weight savings. The perfect thermal expansion match between the advanced SiC-based electronic components and the heat sink will greatly simplify design issues. Ultramet will not only fabricate and test a SiC foam cold plate, but also model its performance at a fundamental engineering level. Commercial applications for advanced heat sinks for electronic components include military radar, military, civil, and commercial satellites, manned and unmanned spacecraft, military and commercial aircraft, and mainframe and even personal computers, to name just a few. With the rapid growth of the electronics industry and the ever-increasing power density of integrated circuits, the need for advanced electronic heat sinks will only increase.

NAVSYS CORPORATION 14960 Woodcarver Road Colorado Springs, CO 80921
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(719) 481-4877 Mr. Daniel Sullivan NAVY 02-057 Selected for Award
Title:	All-Weather Landmark Identification, Correlation, Geolocation, and Inertial Measurement Unit
Abstract:	Under this proposed SBIR effort, NAVSYS will develop an integrated video and inertial sensor system design, capable of being used to provide a back-up navigation capability for a UAV in the event of GPS jamming. The system will be able to automatically perform landmark identification and tracking from the video imagery. The location of these landmarks extracted from the video imagery will be applied as video updates (VUPTs) to the on-board inertial navigation solution to reset the navigation error drift from the inertial sensors. Under the Phase I project, the video/navigation system operation will be prototyped and tested using a flight test data collected through a CRADA with the Air Force Academy. The design will heavily leverage our previous activities developing a video/inertial precision targeting system and also low cost GPS/inertial UAV avionics. In Phase I a design will be developed for a low cost, miniature video/inertial sensor and gimbal payload, to be built under the Phase II project, that will be suitable for installation on a small UAV. Market opportunities for this product exist for manned and unmanned aircraft guidance, unmanned ground vehicle guidance, in-building or underground navigation, and also to provide a video tracking capability for instrumenting flight tests. The video/navigation technology provides a robust navigation capability during periods where GPS is unavailable and can also provide precision target coordinates extracted from the sensor data.

OPTO-KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS, INC. (OKSI) 4030 Spencer St, Suite 108 Torrance, CA 90503
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(310) 371-4445 Dr. Nahum Gat NAVY 02-057 Selected for Award
Title:	Video-based autonomous navigation
Abstract:	As a part of a precision agriculture project OKSI operates a suite of remote sensing sensors including multi-, hyperspectral, thermal IR, and a color video, from a Cessna aircraft. In order to properly register and georeference the imagery OKSI has developed algorithmic tools for image registration to a landmark reference (e.g., satellite) image, and for platform attitude (roll pitch and yaw extraction). These tools can also address differences in brightness or illumination and seasonal changes in the scene. In Phase-I we will use our sensors to acquire flight data under various environment conditions including day/night and different terrain types. We will use satellite imagery from OKSI's archives to test the robustness of the algorithms in image georegistration, and platform attitude determination. A miniaturized low cost flight sensor package will then be designed for use on board a UAV down to the size of SWARM. The experience gained in recent years through OKSI's precision agriculture project will be used to develop "autonomous video based navigation system" for use under denial of GPS conditions. Similarly, enhancements in the technology will be used by OKSI to further its remote sensing in precision farming business opportunities.

ACULIGHT CORPORATION 11805 North Creek Parkway S., Suite 113 Bothell, WA 98011
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(425) 482-1100 Dr. Mark S. Bowers NAVY 02-058 Selected for Award
Title:	High Energy, Modular, Long Pulse Laser
Abstract:	The Advanced Integrated Warfare System (AIEWS) will require a high-energy, long-pulse laser that emits wavelengths in the visible to near infrared for optical countermeasures of anti-ship missiles. To meet this future Navy need, Aculight Corporation proposes an affordable and modular diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser that is frequency converted to the visible and near infrared. This modular approach provides the required pulse energy and temporal pulse width by beam combination of multiple, moderate-pulse-energy laser modules. This concept allows for nearly complete coverage in the 425-800 nm wavelength range. The output spectrum can be tailored over this entire wavelength range, making counter-countermeasures on the threat impractical. In the Phase I, analysis and breadboard experiments will be performed to demonstrate the feasibility of the modular laser concept. Results from the Phase I will be used in the option task to design the laser modules that will be built in the Phase II. The proposed affordable, diode-pumped, solid-state laser module has commercial applications in a variety of material processing applications.

LIGHT AGE INCORPORATED 2 Riverview Drive Somerset, NJ 08873
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(732) 563-0600 Dr. Bruce Boczar NAVY 02-058 Selected for Award
Title:	High Energy, Long Pulse Laser (Multispectral line long pulse solid state laser)
Abstract:	The objective of the proposed effort is to demonstrate feasibility for a high power multi-wavelength long pulse (0.5-10 microsecond) visible to near IR laser system. The system will provide high power output simultaneously at multiple wavelengths suitable for countermeasure applications. The output will be nearly impossible to filter because it will be more than three wavelengths simultaneously and at high power. The underlying technology could also be tailored in the future to provide on-the-fly dynamic wavelength changes. The proposed a solid state system has an alexandrite laser to deliver a few Joules output at 750 nm. A proprietary Raman converter generates 1 micron light (Stokes) and other visible (anti-Stokes) wavelengths. The Stokes output is frequency doubled to provide high power green/yellow outputs at about 560 nm. This program integrates three proprietary technologies that Light Age has utilized in its custom commercial laser sources: high energy alexandrite laser output; pulse stretching to produce hard to reach 0.5 to 5 ms pulse durations; and high power Raman converters. Elements of the system and the basic technology developed herein will address diverse commercial needs having specific application to certain state of the art medical procedures. The technology that will be developed under this program will be very important to a number of commercial fields today and in the future. It is particularly important to certain medical applications. Given our approach to addressing the stated need, we will develop a long pulse duration multi wavelength solid state laser (SSL) technology. Today there are a variety of very good tunable SSL sources but they unfortunately are limited to pulse durations in the sub-20 ns temporal regime. There are several medical applications that require significant peak and average powers delivered endoscopically in order to be efficacious. However, nanosecond class lasers with high pulse energies can not be easily coupled to small optical fibers and endoscopes. Applications in cardiology, thrombolysis, ophthalmology, lithotripsy and cancer diagnostics would benefit from this technology. In addition, a high pulse energy, long pulse, three color laser would find use the field of three color holography. Recently Light Age has also played a role in making a laser for the fabrication of carbon nanotubes. Single walled nanotubes, which are an integral part of new hydrogen fuel cells under development, fabrication can be better controlled using a adjustable pulse width using Light Age pulse stretched alexandrite laser with pulses 0.5 ms to 5 ms. This field although in its infancy and impossible to predict a market may lead to many technological breakthroughs.

WEBB RESEARCH CORPORATION 82 Technology Park Drive East Falmouth, MA 02536
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(508) 548-2077 Mr. Douglas C. Webb NAVY 02-059 Selected for Award
Title:	A New, Autonomous, Current, Temperature and Salinity Profiler for Storm Conditions
Abstract:	A new instrument, capable of measuring repeated profiles of ocean currents during hurricanes and severe storms, is proposed. Our understanding of ocean and atmosphere dynamics during severe storms is handicapped in part by a lack of instruments and deployment techniques suitable for this severe environment. The joining of two proven technologies is described. Horizontal velocity of seawater can be determined by measurement of electric currents induced in the water as it moves through the earth's magnetic field. We propose to integrate this proven sensor technology with a mature autonomous ocean profiling instrument, the APEX (Autonomous Profiling Explorer), of which over 400 units have been built. The APEX vehicle can be deployed before or during a storm, from ships or C130 aircraft. APEX is certified by US DOD for deployment from C130 aircraft, and has been deployed by this method in the Atlantic Ocean and Red, Japan, Mediterranean, and South China seas. The technology is also applicable to numerous other ocean measurement programs and the platform design is suitable for additional sensor systems. Improved understanding of storm dynamics will benefit storm forecasters, Naval and commercial ship operations, coastal communities and the insurance and offshore petroleum industry. Navy operational environmental assessment, using input from a covert platform, could be enhanced. The instrument would perform several hundred vertical cycles, measuring subsurface horizontal velocity, and temperature-salinity profiles. Bi-directional data telemetry via satellite, and GPS locations, occur during brief surface intervals. The vehicle spends most of its life below the surface, safe from wave damage. Improved understanding of storm dynamics will benefit storm forecasters, naval and commercial ship operations, coastal communities and the insurance and offshore petroleum industry. Navy operational environmental assessment, using input from covert platforms, could be enhanced. The instrument can be programmed for a very wide range of applications other than storm conditions and could become a useful addition to the inventory of tools of many oceanographers. More sensors are likely to be added and the utility of autonomous profilers, already in widespread use, could be further enhanced. Measurement of currents and other environmental variables in inaccessible sites is made possible. The inaccessibility may be due to ice cover or uncooperative territorial situations.

FOSTER-MILLER TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 431 New Karner Road Albany, NY 12205
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(518) 456-9919 Dr. Hsiang Ming Chen NAVY 02-060 Selected for Award
Title:	Compact, High Density Energy Storage Devices
Abstract:	A reliable bearing system is key to the success of any flywheel energy storage system. The bearings must consume little power and provide proper stiffness and damping properties so that the rotor can achieve stable high-speed operation without critical speed or resonance problems. Development of an innovative all-active magnetic suspension system is proposed for retrofit and proof-of-concept testing in an existing flywheel energy storage system. The improvements offered by this suspension system include more damping to avoid structural resonance as well as lower power loss and wear. Longer service life and the potential for higher speeds and more power are additional benefits. Phase II will refine and further test flywheels with the new suspension system, and address additional system-level requirements, including packaging to reduce overall system size and weight. The end result will be a flywheel energy storage system that meets or exceeds the goals of 50 kW over 10 sec in a compact, energy dense package. This system will provide the Navy with a proven means of adapting commercially available energy storage technology for its unique and often low-volume needs. From powering orbiting satellites during their traverse of the earth's shadow to accelerating cars and buses, there is a ubiquitous need for efficient storage of electrical energy for rapid on-demand delivery. A high-speed flywheel energy storage system is one of the most promising technologies to meet this need. The Navy has many similar applications that range from launching aircraft to powering swimmer delivery vehicles. In addition to marine applications, the aerospace and land-based power quality markets hold significant commercial potential for a reliable, compact, high-density energy storage device.

GINER, INC. 89 Rumford Avenue Newton, MA 02466
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(781) 529-0520 Dr. Badawi Dweik NAVY 02-060 Selected for Award
Title:	High Performance, Lower Cost Electrochemical Capacitors for the Navy's Deployable, Long-Endurance Acoustic Source Device Application
Abstract:	Electrochemical Capacitors (EC) with low cost, high performance and low equivalent series resistance (ESR) are needed to develop a wide range of military, space, and industrial applications. The primary objective of this project is to develop a high energy density, high power density, all-solid polymer electrolyte EC stack whose ESR and cost are substantially reduced. Innovative low-cost highly conductive solid electrolyte membrane and electrode materials will be utilized in order to reduce the cost and the ESR of the EC. The specific innovative concept is the development of a repeating capacitor element, based on the use of a highly conductive metal oxide particulate, unitized with a low-cost, low-resistance, highly conductive thin proton-exchange membrane electrolyte, to provide a high-energy-density, high-power-density EC device. This innovation is based on Giner, Inc.'s extensive knowledge in electrode materials and solid polymer electrolyte processing. This proposed EC stack, which targets the Navy's application for a deployable, long-endurance acoustic source represent more than a 60% volume and weight reduction compared to the current state of the art ultracapacitor technology. The advantages of the proposed EC design includes long life, small size, high power density, and the extension to be used in many other applications. The EC to be developed during the proposed program may be used in a number of different applications, particularly those that require short-duration, high-energy-density, high-power-density devices. Potential adopters include the Navy (active sonar pulses and burst speed power for surface and submerged vehicles), the Army (electric guns and kinetic﷓energy weapons), industry (electric vehicle and load leveling), and space applications (power conditioning systems and components for space missions).

SCHAFER CORPORATION 321 Billerica Road Chelmsford, MA 01824
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(925) 447-0555 Mr. John Mead NAVY 02-060 Selected for Award
Title:	Super-capacitor Energy Storage System for Compact High Power Applications
Abstract:	Ocellus Technologies has developed an integrated approach for the application of double-layer capacitors. Starting with the application's power and energy specifications and using its novel conformal electrode design, Ocellus will develop a complete integrated energy storage systems optimized for the given sonar application's weight and volume constraints. Integration issues such as power conversion and system protection are addressed during the packaging and capacitor design process. Ocellus Technologies uses nano-scale carbon foams that have a continuous porosity and a very high surface area per volume making them ideal for double-layer capacitor designs. These nano-scale foams can be extruded, formed and shaped to produce conformal electrode designs to meet a variety of volume and environmental constraints. They are manufactured using processes that achieve greater efficiency, lower cost and additional utility. Under this Phase I proposal a conformal electrode design optimized for an organic electrolyte will be constructed and tested. The electrode will be designed to scale into a prototype energy storage system for a 50kW, 10 second pulse Low Frequency Acoustic Source application. The project will address integration issues related to double-layer capacitor applications specifically looking at mechanical packaging designs, power conversion options, and voltage balancing of cell stacks. There are several needs for short-duration, high-power energy storage devices in such applications as hybrid electrical vehicles, active sonar, power-quality ride through, and load-leveling in fuel cells and micro-turbines. By combining low power energy sources with these high power energy storage systems, reductions can be made in cost, overall weight, and volume within the complete system and performance improvements can be made in duty cycle and cycle life. The integrated design approach developed under Phase I of this proposal is scaleable to meet energy needs ranging from small energy applications such as smart munitions to large power applications such as sonar pulsing.

ARTIUM TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 150 West Iowa Avenue, Suite 101 Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(408) 737-2364 Dr. William D. Bachalo NAVY 02-061 Selected for Award
Title:	Development of an airborne integrated phase Doppler interferometer/imaging probe for accurate cloud droplet size distribution measurement
Abstract:	This Phase I SBIR proposal seeks to investigate the feasibility of developing an optical probe based on phase Doppler interferometry (PDI) for reliable and accurate measruement of the cloud droplet size distribution from airbonre platforms. The key features of this device are high accuracy and precision droplet sizing, large dynamic range, accurate concentration measurement throughout the entire instrument dynamic range, very low coincidence errors, and large counting volume. The other key featues of the proposed instrument are: low cost, low power consumption, compactness, and real-time data monitoring and transmission to ground-based facilities. Additionally, we propose to also investigate the feasibility of simultaneous (in the same view volume) discrimination of ice crystals from water drops, and subsequent imaging of these particles. The integration of the imaging probe with a phase-Doppler system will permit measurement of both spherical and non-spherical particles. This instrument package represents a significant improvement over past cloud droplet measurement devices, and thereby directly addresses the need for atmospheric instruments/sensors that the Navy has identified in topic N02-61 of the FY2002 SBIR solicitation. Clouds are a very important component of the climate system because of their effects on longwave and shortwave radiation, atmospheric heat, moisture, and mass transport, precipitation, and atmospheric chemistry. Clouds and feedback mechanisms associated with them are widely acknowledged as one of the key uncertainties in understanding climate and future climate prediction. A thorough understanding of clouds is also critical for weather prediction. Quantitative precipitation forecasting is one of the primary focus areas for the US Weather Research Program. The development of a suitable cloud probe will therefore have immense scientific value. Besides clouds, there are wide ranges of applications for an instrument that can characterize sprays and droplet fields over a wide size range. The immediate goal of producing a probe for measuring icing clouds and other cloud drop size distributions has a limited but adequate market potential. The obsolescence of the PMS probes has left a market opportunity for new probes based on advanced technology. There are also significant applications requiring an imaging probe for process evaluation and control. For example, in spray drying, the usual light scattering methods fail because the drops are not transparent or homogeneous. In such cases, an imaging system is the best method to use since it is not affected by the peculiarities of the droplet material. Another area deals with research in fire suppression systems used in commercial buildings. A system is needed to characterize sprays from sprinklers and to help develop these systems. No system exists for these applications whereas the number of spray drying processes including food processing, drug manufacturing, and other industrial processes is enormous. One of the complaints about the PDI method is that it cannot cover the entire drop size range in many sprays and that the larger nonspherical drops can produce significant measurement error.

MSP CORPORATION 1313 Fifth St., SE Minneapolis, MN 55414
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(612) 379-3963 Dr. William Dick NAVY 02-061 Selected for Award
Title:	Single-Particle, Angular Light-Scattering Apparatus for Aircraft Sampling
Abstract:	The objective of MSP's three-phase SBIR program is to design and build a state-of-the-art Multi-Angle Light-Scattering Spectrometer integrated with a high performance inlet and sampling system for accurate in-flight particle monitoring. The system would be kept small in physical size by the use of solid-state lasers and photo-detectors. By combining the compact Aerosol Size Spectrometer with a state-of-the-art inlet and sampling inlet, a small aircraft sampling system with superior performance can be obtained. In the Phase I project, several design alternatives will be investigated, and several novel features will be demonstrated experimentally. In Phase II, we will build a working instrument, based on the best design options elucidated in Phase I. In further Phase III work, commercial instruments will be made available for aircraft sampling and other applications. The aircraft sampling system would substantially increase the ability of the aerosol research community to contribute to questions of national defense and global climate change. In addition, the resulting aerosol spectrometer would assist civil authorities with their anti-terrorism response planning and could also be used for industrial hygiene monitoring.

SEQUOIA SCIENTIFIC, INC. Westpark Technical Center, 15317, NE 90th St. Redmond, WA 98052
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(425) 867-2464 Dr. Yogesh Agrawal NAVY 02-061 Selected for Award
Title:	Four Dimensional (4-D) Atmospheric Instrumentation
Abstract:	We are proposing an airborne version of our LISST-series laser diffraction particle sensors for measuring cloud droplet properties. The instrument will be configured as an aircraft borne device, though an ultra-low weight version for balloon-sonde applications is also possible. The device measures concentration in 32 log-spaced size classes. It will be self-contained, with laser and electronics enclosed in a single package, to be mounted below an aircraft wing. The size-range of interest is 1.2-250 microns. The concentration range of interest is from 0.1-1000 micro-liter of water/meter^3 of air. The principal task of this proposal is to advance the achievable sensitivity of the laser diffraction device. A laboratory set up is to be constructed. The device is needed as a lower-cost alternative to present day sensors that are used for research on cloud dynamics .

PRAXIS, INCORPORATED 2200 Mill Road, 5th Floor Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(703) 837-8400 Mr. R. Jack Chapman NAVY 02-062 Selected for Award
Title:	Ocean Data Telemetry Microsat Link
Abstract:	Current communications relay satellite systems do not meet validated needs for global ocean observing system data collections. A complete system architecture, including the network for providing access between the data providers and users, and the system for managing the data generated in both real-time and delayed-mode, has yet to be developed. Global ocean observing system data collections require a low-cost, robust solution using bi-directional delay-tolerant messaging capable of providing internet-like services. The proposed work would enable a robust, cost-effective two-way (space-to-ground and ground-to-space) communication relay system with significant increases in collected data from autonomous platforms. Primary is a two-way delay-tolerant messaging capability providing internet-like services on a global basis. Enablers include increased signal-to-noise at the satellite via coding, a bi-directional software radio, and a store-and-forward overlay network used in a manner similar to e-mail. The proposed microsatellite architecture will allow evolution and expansion for future sensors, and it decouples autonomous platforms from future space segment system upgrades. The system could be deployed as a mix of stand-alone microsatellites and secondary payloads aboard host space vehicles. The work proposed in this SBIR is the first step toward the development of a cost-effective space-qualified Communications Relay Payload to meet the DoD and Civil Sector needs for a real-time Integrated Ocean Observing System. Key government agencies that can further benefit from the commercialization of the communications relay and microsatellite technology concepts include: DoD laboratories, research organizations, and program offices that are developing next-generation sensor and network-centric systems; DoD organizations that are deploying sensors in rugged environments and remote locations, including portable or mobile applications; and DoD and government agencies that are deploying sensor networks for applications such as environmental monitoring, surveillance, security, machine monitoring, and battlefield awareness.

WAVIX, INCORPORATED 8100 Professional Place, Suite 205 Landover, MD 20785
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(301) 459-6682 Dr. Jeffrey N. Shaumeyer NAVY 02-062 Selected for Award
Title:	Ocean Data Telemetry Microsat Link
Abstract:	Despite careful planning, one extremely critical aspect of oceanographic data collection has been neglected. Although it is now possible to deploy thousands of oceanographic data collection platforms that can collect prodigious amounts of data for relatively little money, there is no practical, timely way to get all that data from those remote platforms to researchers. The oceanography community has tacitly assumed that by the time they needed satellite communications for their data collection programs, a number of commercial systems would be in place to choose from. The fallacy of that assumption is suddenly very clear with the bankruptcy of nearly every satellite communication company that made it so far as having satellites in orbit. This proposal lays out the first phase of a plan for the concept, design, and development of a satellite communication system that is specifically targeted to the needs of the oceanographic community. In this phase we propose to update our awareness of the needs of the oceanographic community, develop a current set of system requirements, and with that input, develop an end-to-end satellite communication system concept. This concept will comprise the proposed constellation, satellite hardware subsystems, communications protocols, ground systems infrastructure, and ocean platform hardware. The size of the market for oceanographic data retrieval is relatively small, with potential users counted in thousands. This is the main reason there are no satellite systems that fully address the needs of this market. Wavix has developed a business plan that allows us to profitably serve this niche market at very affordable prices. There are other niche markets that such a system can serve that, when aggregated, become a significant opportunity. There is a high demand world-wide for inexpensive data transmission services. By dropping the price for such services many new markets will begin to open such as providing inexpensive e-mail and data services on ships for crew and passengers and Arctic, Antarctic, and other remote locations of scientific research. A satellite system designed to serve oceanographic research can easily accommodate these additional niche markets.

FOSTER-MILLER, INC. 350 Second Ave. Waltham, MA 02451
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(781) 684-4188 Dr. Patrick Henning NAVY 02-063 Selected for Award
Title:	Innovative Lubricant Quality Monitoring Using Optical Computing
Abstract:	As a leader in sensor development for online oil condition based maintenance, Foster-Miller is pleased to respond to the Office of Naval Research's call for a low cost online lubricant condition sensor system. We presently have one of the few demonstrated capabilities for online oil monitoring with our commercially available Oil Condition Monitor (OCM). We developed this unique, "wedge" spectrometer since filter-based IR systems have limited ability to do comprehensive analysis in a simple package. For this proposed effort, Foster-Miller proposes to use emerging innovations in the field of optical computing to develop a lower cost sensor which can provide comprehensive oil analysis online. The proposed sensor will have the ability to convolute a multitude of lubricant properties simultaneously and provide an instant measure of overall lubricant quality. The successful demonstration of this innovative approach to oil condition monitoring will result in a small, robust, low-cost system which will significantly expand the application platforms for continuous online monitoring. (P-020172) A sensor which can monitor the status of several condition properties simultaneously but which is at the same time small, robust, and low-cost is a continuing challenge. Optical computing provides the potential to break the trade-off cycle between more information and larger size and cost of instrumentation. Such a sensor would have broad application in military and industrial lubricant monitoring arenas, and significantly accelerate condition-based maintenance program proliferation in both sectors.

IMPACT TECHNOLOGIES, LLC 125 Tech Park Drive Rochester, NY 14623
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(814) 861-6273 Mr. Carl Byington NAVY 02-063 Selected for Award
Title:	Broadband Impedance Spectroscopy Sensor for Real-time In-situ Analysis of Fluid System Health
Abstract:	Impact Technologies LLC, in collaboration with the Penn State Applied Research Laboratory, proposes to develop and demonstrate a fluid quality monitoring system based upon broadband impedance spectroscopy. The approach described herein includes prototype sensor design, signal processing, electrochemical property evaluation, and oil quality feature analysis combined with automated reasoning and prediction algorithms. Oil quality measurements are based on additive depletion, oxidation, thermal breakdown, or other physical/chemical properties changes. Research indicates that these changes are detectable through the analysis of the oil's bulk response to a broadband alternating current input. Preserving the phase and amplitude of the response and identifying specific features allows the classification of oil properties and relative changes. The automated reasoning will be designed to identify viscosity, water content, acid number, and additive package changes as well as predict the future values based upon a rate of degradation. This proposed sensing system will significantly improve the state of on-line oil analysis by providing inexpensive, robust measurements of oil quality parameters. With the integration of this sensor-diagnostic package to monitor the condition of fuels, lubricants, coolants, and hydraulic fluids into to condition monitoring systems there exists great potential to increase readiness, reliability, and mission assurance for platform machinery systems. The oil quality monitoring system will be developed using laboratory test stand evaluations described in the facilities section of the proposal. A commercially available, laboratory grade instrument will be used to validate and verify the oil quality parameters predicted by the system. A demonstration of the prototype hardware will be presented at the end of Phase I. Plans for the evaluation of subsequent Phase II prototypes on a variety of potential test platforms are also provided within the proposal. The proposed oil sensor system could be implemented in a wide range of military as well as commercial applications in the propulsion, prime mover and power transmission arena. Within the DoD, land vehicles, shipboard systems and aircraft could benefit from improved in-situ sensing of fluid properties and degradations. The developed technologies could also be applied to commercial land and water vehicle drive systems, industrial actuation systems, fluid power transmissions, and robotic applications. By providing an on-line assessment of fluid condition, health management systems will be able to provide better inferences on a platform's ability to complete a mission. More accurate predictions of current and future state can also reduce costly inspection routines and premature replacements by using a risk-based, maintenance optimization technique (Condition-based Maintenance, CBM). The end benefits of the CBM and integrated health management approach is a reduction of total ownership costs, increased readiness, and improved safety.

PHYSICAL SCIENCES INC. 20 New England Business Center Andover, MA 01810
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(978) 689-0003 Dr. Michael A. White NAVY 02-063 Selected for Award
Title:	Novel Methods for Real-time in situ Analysis of Lubricants, Coolants, Hydraulic Fluids, and Fuels for Condition Based Maintenance
Abstract:	A novel three-stage optical multi-sensor for condition monitoring of working fluids is proposed. This device combines several detection modalities developed by Physical Sciences Inc. into a compact, powerful tool for acquiring quantitative information on the status of a fluid. The proposed device will measure particulate contamination concentration and morphology, including information on the particulate size, shape and iron content. Simultaneously, spectral features of the fluids, contaminants, and additives will be measured using proven laser absorption spectroscopy techniques. The resulting multi-sensor will provide a robust and reliable monitoring system to be installed in-line with fluid flow systems to provide a detailed look into the "blood chemistry" of machines. This system will allow real-time monitoring and alarm based on each species of contaminant as well as a combined diagnosis of the probability of failure and performance degradation. If the proposed project succeeds through Phases I, II, and III, then a robust new technology will be available to the military for facilitating the detection of particulate and dissolved chemicals in working fluids. While the current proposal is aimed at the expressed Navy need in reference to condition-based maintenance, it is likely that this technology will find widespread application to non-military mechanical systems as well. Industrial producers may utilize the techniques described to automate refinery operations, and the techniques may find applications that cannot yet be envisioned. These applications could include virtually any liquid process where low-probability mechanical failure constitutes a serious problem.

FERRO SOLUTIONS 204 Norfolk Street Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(617) 838-8298 Mr. Jiankang Huang NAVY 02-064 Selected for Award
Title:	A Novel Vibration Energy Scavenging (VES) System
Abstract:	Ferro Solutions proposes to develop a novel Vibration Energy Scavenging System (VES) for naval applications. The technology behind the proposed VES takes advantages of our novel high-sensitivity, passive magnetic electroactive sensors (PME). . This vibration energy scavenging system will have the advantages of high-output voltage; efficiently work to varying vibration condition and easy implementation for a variety of output requirement. The development and engineering of relaxor piezoelectric single crystals and magnetostrictive materials make it possible to provide low-cost, and high-sensitivity, passive magnetic electroactive sensors (PME). The sensor is the core of the vibration energy scavenging system. There has been much demand in recent years for energy scavenging systems for wireless sensor networks. These wireless sensor networks include detection of cracks, corrosion, and impact damage to buildings, bridges, underground structures, ships, submarines, aircrafts and engines. It is imperative that the energy source last the lifetime of the sensors they power.

FOSTER-MILLER, INC. 350 Second Ave. Waltham, MA 02451
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(781) 684-4188 Dr. Patrick Henning NAVY 02-064 Selected for Award
Title:	Energy Scavenging Resonator for Wireless Sensor Networks
Abstract:	Foster-Miller proposes to develop a novel self-optimizing energy scavenging device for condition-based maintenance applications specifically targeted to engine condition monitoring sensors. The device will be able to generate up to 10 mW of DC power for online sensors and wireless CBM network nodes in the vicinity of a diesel engine. The device will scavenge energy from the intrinsic vibrations in the engine and have the ability to tune itself for optimal power output at any engine speed. A novel electrical generator based on a mechanical resonator will be developed that produces power via electromagnetic induction. Initial calculations show that a 10 mW generator can be built within a 2.5  2.5  0.5 cm3 enclosure. Additional space of comparable size is required for up to 10 J of energy storage and power conditioning electronics. The phase I program will investigate the vibration spectrum of diesel engines and design the resonator system to exploit existing vibration energy sources with a goal of producing 5 mW of DC power and store 5 J. Phase II will expand the development of the energy scavenger, upgrade the design to produce 10 mW and develop the processes necessary for limited manufacture and field testing. (P-020234) The proposed energy scavenging system will enable autonomous operation of engine condition-based monitoring and data transmission systems and reduce the complexity of under-hood power distribution. The energy scavenging system will also enable higher reliability and redundancy by distributing power generation sources to provide engine monitoring capability in the event of electrical system failure.

RLW, INC. 1346 South Atherton Street State College, PA 16801
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(434) 975-2210 Ms. Susan E. George NAVY 02-064 Selected for Award
Title:	Advanced Energy Scavenging System for Condition-Based Maintenance
Abstract:	RLW and Rockwell Automation propose to develop and demonstrate an adaptable, power scavenging device able to generate a minimum of 5mW of power and store 5J of energy. All viable energy sources and transduction methodologies for the CBM environment will be evaluated. Three will be built to scavenge mechanical energy using piezo-electric technology, mechanical energy using magnet and coil generation, and visible light using photovoltaic cells. The device will adapt to diverse energy sources and operating conditions and be scaleable to larger power and energy levels. Demonstration will occur in the Phase I Option period to explore the limits of power generation potential as a function of operating environment. A substantial portion of the effort will go toward establishing viable application scenarios for the application of CBM2 using self-powered wireless smart sensors and the results of analyzing those scenarios will inform the design and scaling concepts. CBM2 enabled by truly wireless smart sensors has extensive applicability to all branches of the services and all industries. RLW envisions broad commercial appeal when the technology proposed matures into product matched with our ongoing smart wireless sensor development.

AZTEX, INC. 360 Second Avenue Waltham, MA 02451
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(781) 622-5506 Ms. Constance Magee NAVY 02-065 Selected for Award
Title:	Metal Truss X-Cor Structures for Marine Expeditionary Fighting Vehicles
Abstract:	Aztex has developed an open cell periodic metal truss structure, Metal Truss X-Cor, as a multi-functional alternative to metallic honeycomb and stochastic cellular metal structures currently under consideration for the Marine Expeditionary Family of Fighting Vehicles (MEFFV). This all-metal structure can offer to maximize the efficiency of a metal truss design by employing defect free, wrought metal wires or tubing into a straight pin truss array. This array of pins can be bonded to metal facesheets using a Transient Liquid Phase process (TLP). The key to this approach is to provide an open cell multi-functional structure with excellent corrosion resistance, damage tolerance, structural stiffness, and weight savings in excess of 75%. In this program, Aztex and Princeton University propose to adapt an existing Aztex core technology, X-CorT, used for polymer composite structures in military aircraft. The structural performance of X-CorT material is comparable to aluminum honeycomb with the added benefit of corrosion resistance and damage tolerance. By adapting this baseline technology to all-metal structures, it will be possible to extend proven aerospace technology to the harsh environment of expeditionary vehicles using inexpensive materials and processes. Currently available metal core structures include honeycomb, metal foams, periodic metal structures from textiles and formed perforated metals. Honeycomb is the most common and inexpensive material but lacks damage tolerance and corrosion resistance. Metal foams are becoming more available in aluminum but potential weight reduction has not yet been realized. The periodic metal structures offer significant performance benefits and weight reduction when compared to metal foams due to the optimized design of the truss network. Aztex Metal Truss X-CorT technology provides a means to achieve an metal truss structure with existing technology which can expedite the development and reduce overall cost of the product. Metal Truss X-CorT technology is applicable not only to MEFFV structures but also to ship board components such as doors, hatches, and elevators.

CELLULAR MATERIALS INTERNATIONAL, INC. 3355 Free Union Road Charlottesville, VA 22901
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(925) 548-2137 Dr. Shaw M. Lee NAVY 02-065 Selected for Award
Title:	Ultralight Woven Truss and Truss-core Cellular Metal Panels
Abstract:	Ultra-lightweight high strength/high stiffness structural materials are needed for advanced military vehicles, such as the Marine Expeditionary Family of Fighting Vehicles (MEFFV). Cellular Materials International (CMI) proposes to develop and manufacture structural panel materials satisfying these criteria, suitable for corrosive marine environments, based on proprietary periodic cellular metals concepts. In particular, CMI will develop structural panels, based on woven metal textile and formed expanded metal truss cores, bonded to metallic face sheets. These materials will be 75 to 95% less dense than conventional (solid) structural panels of comparable mechanical performance. During Phase I of the proposed SBIR, CMI will demonstrate the feasibility of manufacturing of truss core and metal textile-based periodic cellular metal materials suitable for marine military vehicle applications. In addition to military applications, these ultralight, high performance structural materials will be attractive for a wide spectrum of commercial application; due to their low cost, coupled with light weight and excellent mechanical properties, they will be attractive for commercial shipbuilding, transportation and civil infrastructure. Further, the proposed manufacturing method is amenable to a wide variety of metallic materials, including ferrous, cuprous, nickel, aluminum and titanium-base alloys. The panels are also amenable to joining by conventional methods, including mechanical fasteners, brazing and welding. cost effective structural panels for Marine Expeditionary Family of Fighting Vehicles (MEFFV).

JONATHAN AEROSPACE MATERIALS CORP JAMCORP, 17 Jonspin Rd. Wilmington, MA 01887
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(978) 988-0050 Mr. Jonathan Priluck NAVY 02-065 Selected for Award
Title:	MicroPerf Lattice Block Materials in Marine Expeditionary Vehicles
Abstract:	JAMCORP proposes to develop MicroPerf Lattice Block Material using progressive coining dies to increase production rates above the current method of photolithography. MicroPerf is an octet truss based material with high strength to weight. MicroPerf is manufactured by attaching alternate layers of flat and corrugated sheet metal with much of the material removed. The layers are resistance welded forming a very stiff, very light sheet steel replacement. MicroPerf Lattice Block Material is a direct, high strength replacement for many sheet steel applications. By increasing the strength and stiffnees of sheet steel, MicroPerf will reduce the expense, complexity, and development time of the internal structures currently required in vehicles. Coining die production will yield a higher quality material at a lower cost per sheet of LBM.

ACOUSTECH CORPORATION P. O. Box 139 State College, PA 16804
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(814) 867-2629 Mr. James A. McConnell NAVY 02-066 Selected for Award
Title:	Naval Device Applications of Relaxor Piezoelectric Single Crystals
Abstract:	Acoustech proposes a Phase I study to develop an acoustic dyadic sensor using piezoelectric single crystals. The study combines theoretical and numerical modeling along with experimental data obtained from a pre-prototype unit to assess the feasibility of developing a full scale unit during Phase II for a surveillance application. Greater sensor directivity in a comparable or smaller sized package translates into greatly improved sensor performance.

ADVANCED CERAMETRICS, INC. P.O. Box 128, 245 North Main Street Lambertville, NJ 08530
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(609) 397-2900 Dr. Ajmal Khan NAVY 02-066 Selected for Award
Title:	TRANSDUCERS FROM 1-3 COMPOSITES, MADE WITH ORIENTED PSEUDO SINGLE-CRYSTAL RELAXOR FERROELECTRIC FIBERS, FOR NAVY SONOBUOY APPLICATIONS
Abstract:	Advanced Cerametrics, Inc. (ACI) has developed a technology to produce functional quantities of lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT) fibers with oriented pseudo single-crystal microstructures. These have been assembled into rudimentary composite transducers. They have also been used as seeds for larger diameter fibers to help promote templated growth for active fiber composites. This work arose, in part, from a Phase II SBIR (N00014-00-C-0188) nearing completion. The aim of that effort has been to develop a process to make the relaxor-based materials into fiber form and to assemble them into very basic functioning devices. The proposed work will build on the past work to provide devices specific to navy applications that utilize the high electromechanical coupling, d33 coefficient and strain properties of these new materials to advantage. In the Phase I effort ACI plans to fabricate and test the feasibility of constructing 1-3 composites made with oriented pseudo single-crystal fibers for use as transducers in sonobuoys. These novel transducers will have greater bandwidth, sensitivity and source levels