| Abstract: | Due to poor nanotube-matrix interactions, the
exemplary prope
ARMY - 253 Phase I Selections from the 00.2 Solicitation
---------- ARMY ----------
253 Phase I Selections from the 00.2 Solicitation
(In Topic Number Order)
ARCHITECTURE TECHNOLOGY CORP.
9971 Valley View Road
Eden Prairie, MN 55344 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(952) 829-5864
Jordan C. Bonney
ARMY 00- |
| Title: | Determination of Distributed Modeling System Interoperability |
| Abstract: | This proposal suggests an approach for determining
interoperability between disparate distributed
modeling and simulation software. The approach is
based on the network-level analysis of the
information sent between the constituent hosts of
the distributed simulation and modeling systems,
developer-provided descriptions of data format,
and research into an information ontology that can
help define the commonality between the disparate
systems. Software that can successfully ascertain
the interoperability between simulation systems
can be used to dramatically reduce the time
required to integrate disparate systems. The
integration time is reduced because the system
integrators can quickly determine what data can be
interchanged, the format of the interchanged data,
and data timing. Beyond simulation systems, such
a tool can be used to assess the interoperability
of any disparate distributed systems. Automating
system interoperability is a powerful tool for
system integrators.
|
ELO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
2443 208th St. Unit E4
Torrance, CA 90501 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(310) 782-8314
Luan Vo
ARMY 00- |
| Title: | Epitaxial Liftoff for Laser Integration onto Silicon |
| Abstract: | The Epitaxial Liftoff (ELO) Packaging Process for
integration of optoelectronic devices onto
silicon-based circuitry allows for optimized
device performance of dissimilar materials, such
as CMOS and III-V laser systems, since the
liftoff optoelectronic device structure is grown
on its native substrate. In comparison, other
proposed techniques, such as wafer bonding and
direct grown of crystalline epitaxial multilayers
on a dissimilar lattice constant substrate, have
very challenging problems with large dislocation
densities and thermal stresses. The liftoff
optoelectronic and the silicon electronic devices
can be processed separately prior to bonding, in a
fashion not constrained by the presence of the
other. This technique is particularly attractive
for low cost, high yield, high reliability, and
high performance integrated optical interconnects.
Integrating the ELO laser structures on top of
CMOS integrated circuits will enable
cost-effective and space saving packaging optical
interconnection for high data rate communication.
The optical interconnects will reduce planar metal
interconnects and input/output bottlenecks,
thereby, increasing overall processing speed and
reducing packaging dimensions significantly. In
addition, optical interconnects also reduce
electromagnetic interference (EMI) due to
conventional metal interconnect and wire bonds.
Integrating the ELO laser structures on top of
CMOS integrated circuits will enable
cost-effective and space saving packaging optical
interconnection for high data rate
communication.
|
CAE SOLUTIONS CORP.
40935 Camero Place
Fremont, CA 94539 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(510) 226-6021
Mr. Douglas Stillman
ARMY 00-001 |
| Title: | Software System for Advanced Warhead Computer Aided Engineering (CAE)/Computer Aided Design (CAD) |
| Abstract: | Advanced EFP warheads provide a number of modeling
challenges that must be handled well to make
designs feasible, but are very difficult to
accomplish with current state of the art general
purpose solver technology. A new modular, object
oriented hydrocode system including graphical
interfaces and optimizers has been developed using
the Java programming language. Testing indicates
that its performance is similar to existing
packages, but the object oriented design of the
coding permits it to be adapted and extended at
rates that are more than an order of magnitude
faster than traditional hydrocode systems. The
Java based graphical interfaces are also easily
adapted to provide exactly what is needed for a
particular design problem, thus, providing
enormous benefits to users in terms of faster
learning and much less time spent on the warhead
design process. Additional modules will be
developed in this effort to provide support for
advanced EFP designs. The past decade has seen a
rapid increase in the usage of non-linear finite
elements and hydrocodes for many different kinds
of design activities. Much of this increase in
use has been the result of rapidly decreasing in
computing costs. Over the past two years,
however, the computing costs have dropped to a
level that is less than the cost of a specialized
engineer to run these systems. Thus, the emphasis
in mechanical simulation technology must
necessarily be shifted from the traditional one of
high performance computing oriented products to
one of more user friendly and intelligent systems.
A separate problem is that non-linear finite
element software simply cannot address all of the
problems presented by engineering. Thus, today's
software is both too complex and frequently
inadequate for a given systems' unique needs.
Another complication is that the time necessary to
train an engineer to properly use the general
purpose software systems if frequently greater
than the average time he is likely to stay at a
company.
The software system developed under this contract
is being done using the Java programming language
which represents a major change from the
traditional usage of Fortran. A modern object
oriented programming structure for the system is
used which allows numerical methods that are
ideally suited to mechanical design problems to be
implemented along with appropriate graphical user
interfaces. Testing has shown that newer releases
of Java are only slightly slower than Fortran for
scientific programming. Most specific problem
classes, however, have properties that can be
exploited to make the Java based simulations even
faster than the general purpose Fortran systems.
With an object oriented modeling system, it is
possible to produce better and faster simulations
and designs at lower overall cost, including the
customization of the software system.
A final benefit of the system is that the Java
language provides immediate access to standardized
interfaces for a variety of technologies which are
taken for granted in consumer software, but
largely absent from mechanical engineering
software. The most important of these are
internet technologies, database interfaces and
multimedia. A proper exploitation of these
capabilities will provide productivity
improvements to engineers for a long time to come.
|
NOVA R&D, INC.
1525 Third St., Suite C
Riverside, CA 92507 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(909) 781-7332
Dr. Martin Clajus
ARMY 00-002 |
| Title: | Development of Polarization Free CdZnTe Detector Arrays for Ultra-Fast Hyperspectral X-Ray Imaging |
| Abstract: | X-ray imaging has become an essential tool in
various medical, industrial, and
military applications. In its most advanced form,
this method combines the shape
information obtained in the imaging process with
spectral information obtained by
measuring the attenuation of the x-rays at
different energies. Immediate discernment
of material composition defects and anomalies at
production rates in all kinds of
products requires fast imaging. Therefore,
ultra-fast hyperspectral imaging will be
an important next step in this field. CdZnTe is
the detector of choice at present
for hyperspectral imaging because it works at room
temperature with excellent energy
resolution and it has a large atomic number (Z),
which is essential for high
sensitivity detection of x-rays. However,
polarization in these detectors at high
x-ray rates is hampering the application of CdZnTe
to hyperspectral imaging. We
propose to study this effect in CdZnTe detector
arrays and develop polarization
free detector arrays for room temperature
ultra-fast hyperspectral x-ray imaging.
Commercial Applications: The first application we
propose is for automatic baggage
inspection for contraband such as explosives,
agricultural products, drugs and
currency. Today, baggage inspection is limited to
transmission/absorption image
reconstruction. To detect, identify, characterize
and quantify the various items,
the system must also be able to detect and
quantify the energies of the
characteristic x-rays that are produced by the
items in the bag, box or container.
Federal Government Use: High-quality, CZT-based,
detection systems can be used by
both government and industry. Baggage inspection
is a prime example of government
use. Other applications, such as the medical and
industrial imaging, are also of
major interest to federal, state, and local
government agencies. Therefore, the
government sector can be a major market for the
proposed detector system.
|
RADIATION MONITORING DEVICES, INC.
44 Hunt Street
Watertown, MA 02472 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(617) 926-1167
Dr. Gerald Entine
ARMY 00-002 |
| Title: | CZT Arrays for Ultra-fast X-ray Imaging |
| Abstract: | Cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) is the room
temperature x-ray detector of choice for
non-destructive imaging applications. Monolithic
arrays with high count rate capability (> 1 x 106
counts/pixel) are required for ultra-fast
hyperspectral x-ray imaging. Presently, the yield
of CZT arrays which can perform hyperspectral
imaging in milliseconds, is very low. Most
monolithic arrays suffer from "polarization" when
exposed to high flux levels (> 106
photons/sec-mm2) which are required for rapid
imaging. Polarization is manifest as a leveling
off or reduction in count rate when incident flux
is increased beyond a certain level.
The goal of this Phase I program is to identify
the underlying cause(s) of polarization in
monolithic CZT arrays at high count rates and
determine means to prevent polarization within the
arrays. To achieve this goal we will
experimentally explore the dependence of high
count rate induced polarization on (1) CZT
crystallinity, (2) CZT crystal orientation, (3)
monolithic array geometry, and (4) electrodes and
surface treatment.
Additionally, a new source of CZT will be
evaluated to determine if polarization can be
eliminated through improved crystal growth.
Monolithic CZT arrays with high count rate
capability would enhance imaging systems which
require detector arrays with energy resolution and
high throughput for fast, accurate imaging.
Benefits realized in the medical field would
include bone densitometer systems and combined
emission/transmission computed tomography (ET/CT)
systems with increased throughput. This would
enable the benefits of such imaging systems,
namely, the acquisition of information vital for
medical diagnostic purposes, to be available to
more people. In industrial inspection system
applications, such arrays would enable rapid and
accurate identification of objects hidden from
sight.
Potential commercial applications of CZT arrays
with high count rate capability include baggage
scanner systems in airports, bone densitometer
systems in hospitals, and high speed imaging
systems in research hospitals.
|
ORINCON CORP.
9363 Towne Centre Drive
San Diego, CA 92121 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(703) 351-4440
Dr. Larry L. Burton
ARMY 00-003 |
| Title: | Innovative Acoustic Sensor(s) for Multiple Acquisition |
| Abstract: | Current Army acoustic ground sensors are able to
detect, track, and classify single vehicles but
have great difficulty in performing these
functions when multiple closely spaced vehicles
are involved. However, it is precisely this
capability that is of greatest interest to field
commanders, who want to know the numerical size of
an enemy mechanized force. To meet this need,
ORINCON proposes to develop acoustic algorithms
capable of identifying and counting all vehicles
within a 1000m square grid. During Phase I, we
will define operational scenarios, evaluate
alternative sensor configurations, analyze data
from acoustic ground sensors, and develop and
validate the required acoustic algorithms. This
effort will build on previous ORINCON experience
in acoustic detection and classification for the
Army, Navy, and DARPA; adaptive beamforming for
the Navy; and tracking and data fusion for a
number of DoD customers. During Phase II, we will
implement the recommended sensor configuration,
fine tune the algorithms for real-time operation,
and conduct a proof-of-principle demonstration in
a target-rich field environment. Success during
Phase II will allow for transition of these
algorithms to other military battlefield
surveillance and perimeter monitoring
applications. Commercial applications also exist
for airport and industrial security and highway
traffic monitoring and control. The detection,
classification, and counting algorithms for
acoustic ground sensors developed for this SBIR
will provide a significant enhancement to US Army
battlefield awareness capabilities by providing
field commanders with information necessary for
decisions about fire missions. Our
commercialization strategy involves multiple
components, including transitioning of these
algorithms to other military applications, such as
perimeter monitoring, and potential inclusion of
this software as a special option feature of our
RIPPENr software package that we sell
commercially. We also plan to investigate the
civilian application, through license agreements,
of these acoustic algorithms to airport and
industrial security and highway traffic monitoring
and control.
|
SCIENTIFIC APPLICATIONS & RESEARCH
15261 Connector Lane
Huntington Beach, CA 92649 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(714) 903-1000
Mr. John Spadaro
ARMY 00-003 |
| Title: | Innovative Acoustic Sensor(s) for Multiple Target Acquisition |
| Abstract: | Current acoustic unattended ground sensor systems
have the capability of detecting, characterizing
and localizing vehicle targets with relatively
large surveillance areas. One of the major
shortfalls of these systems is their inability to
perform effectively in multi-target clutter
environments. Specifically, the system ability to
estimate the number and types of targets when
groups of targets are present such as convoys with
closely spaced vehicles is limited. The proposed
effort presents a multi-target counting (MTC)
algorithm based on beam steering and a fuzzy logic
volume of noise estimate to attack this problem.
One of the keys to the proposed solution is a
simulation embedded in the algorithm which allows
for iterative estimates of the types and number of
targets to in a surveillance area. The algorithm
will be tested using simulation techniques
previously developed for use with the US Army
Scout UAV program, LOSAS (currently a successful
Phase II program at SARA). SARA brings over 40
years of combined acoustics experience to bear on
the problem leveraging their familiarity with
target signatures, sensor technologies, advanced
algorithm development and acoustic sensor system
architecture. Potential applications will come
from organizations requiring acoustic information
from remote locations for the performance of their
responsibilities. These would include US Army and
US Marine special ops, infantry, artillery forward
observers, and intelligence; and an assortment of
government/private agencies responsible for law
enforcement, border surveillance (alien and drug
interdiction), remote search and rescue, airport
noise monitoring, and environmental assessment.
|
CREARE, INC.
P.O. Box 71
Hanover, NH 03755 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(603) 643-3800
Mr. W. Dodd Stacy
ARMY 00-004 |
| Title: | Human Amplification System |
| Abstract: | Creare proposes to develop an intelligent, powered
load handling system adapted to the rapid
transport of artillery rounds between a support
vehicle and a firing platform, or between
vehicles. The semi-autonomous system mounts to
the support vehicle and transfers loads directly
between one crew member working in the bed of the
vehicle and one crew member stationed near the
weapon's breech. The Phase I effort will produce
an engineering design package and a dynamic CAD
simulation of the system in operation. The Phase
II program will develop and demonstrate a
prototype system and conduct extended testing over
the full spectrum of applicable platforms,
vehicles, and ammunition packaging configurations.
The proposed system will reduce injury, reduce
labor costs, speed the delivery of goods and
materials, and improve the productivity of
transportation assets. Commercial applications
span the entire trucking and delivery spectrum,
especially where product is packaged in manageable
but heavy units, such as 80 lb sacks, and unloaded
by hand. Transfers involving elevation change
will be eased substantially.
|
CHARLES RIVER ANALYTICS, INC.
725 Concord Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(617) 491-3474
Paul G. Gonsalves
ARMY 00-005 |
| Title: | Integrated Software Environment for Battlespace Digital Mapping and Target Range Acquisition |
| Abstract: | The explosive growth in information technology
provides a tremendous opportunity for enhancing US
warfighting capabilities. The associated
digitization of the battlespace, in tandem with
deployment of highly capable sensor systems,
provides a tremendous opportunity to enhance
battlespace operations. Additionally, the use and
proliferation of Geographic Information Systems
(GISs) and digital mapping can further enhance
military situation awareness and visualization.
These advances have substantial application for
the development of improved tactical fire control
support systems for target-rich multi-shooter
environments. Here we propose an Integrated
Software Environment (ISE) for Battlespace Digital
Mapping and Target Range Acquisition. Our novel
system integrates: an in-house battlefield
simulation and visualization software environment
with an embedded COTS-based GIS processing for
digital mapping support and target range
acquisition; and a geometric approach for target
location prediction augmented with conventional
estimation algorithms. We see considerable
potential for this approach in enhancing fire
control support systems and addressing information
dominated battlespace requirements.
Our Phase I effort will: 1) identify system
requirements and scope; 2) formulate and design a
limited-scope prototype ISE ; 3) develop a working
concept prototype; 4) demonstrate its use and
assess overall feasibility in a selected scenario;
and 5) develop requirements for follow-on
development and commercialization.
We see several potential applications of the
developed technology. Direct application of the
developed ISE exists to DoD C2 and fire control
support systems. Generalization of the developed
GIS processing and visualization system to other
domains, in particular, law enforcement and search
and rescue is also apparent. Additionally, we see
opportunities for enhancement of our Intelligent
Agent Toolkit (IAT) product via the incorporation
of the software development environment and
visualization components of the proposed ISE.
|
NAVSYS CORP.
14960 Woodcarver Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80921 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(719) 481-4877
Mr. David Lee
ARMY 00-006 |
| Title: | Digital Wideband Antijam Technology for Global Positioning System (GPS) Protection |
| Abstract: | The proliferation of inexpensive low-power GPS
jammers is an increasing concern. These
battery-powered jammers are a menacing problem
because they can deployed by the hundreds the air
by tethered ballons, for example, or concealed on
the ground. These low-power jammers operate for
several days on a battery pack. Small jammers
may be difficult to find and individually are
considered low-value targets. Wideband low-power
jammers often modulate high-speed CW swept or
Chirp interference in order to appear like noise
in the frequency spectra.
Most spectral analyzers use Fast Fourier Transform
(FFT) methods to estimate spectral energy of RF
signals. Real time frequency domain filtering
using the FFT and inverse FFT has been
demonstrated to extract frequency-stable narrow
band CW interference in GPS bands. However,
Fourier techniques are not effective against
frequency-agile sources of interference, which are
rapidly being aggressively marketed. In order to
address the frequency-agile interference problem,
modern spectral analysis techniques such as
wavelet analysis are better suited. The
singular advantage of wavelets is the
multi-resolution time-frequency signal analysis
property.(i)
Wavelet sub-band coding and filter banks is a
promising new signal processing algorithm has been
demonstrated to be an effective means gaining of
20-30 dB J/S for spread-spectrum receivers.
Wavelet sub-band filters was performed by
introducing frequency-agile interference
(high-speed swept and chirp) on C/A band of GPS
down converted and post-processed. Although the
results are promising, the work was not advanced
to a wideband (P-code) GPS real-time
implementation. (ii)
The wavelet sub-band filter technique has been
demonstrated to add 20-30 dB of J/S in direct
sequence spread spectrum receivers against a
catalog of frequency agile jammers. In order for
this work to yield practical benefits for tactical
system, the algorithm needs transition real-time
over a 20 MHz band. This technique can be
implemented without high latency.
Spectral interference rejection by digital signal
processing does not require a special antenna. In
addition, it does not assume constantly radiating
interference. These issues affect spatially
interference rejection (CRPA) approaches. The
inherent processing latency is fixed unlike the
null steering antennas, which do not converge upon
best performance when platform dyamics and
interference transmission cycles on and off.
Spectral filtering has been demonstrated to be
affective against multiple jammers simultaneously,
while spatial filters performance degrades
substantially with each additional null and has a
hard limit of (N-1) jammers. As a result, DSP
using wavelet filter banks may be used stand alone
or complementary anti-jam technique within a
layered approach.
|
SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY & SYSTEMS
5220 Pacific Concourse Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90045 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(310) 643-1315
Mr. Stephen F. Rounds
ARMY 00-006 |
| Title: | Low Cost GPS Anti-Jam Processor for Wideband Antijam Protection |
| Abstract: | STS will demonstrate the feasibility of a low
cost, GPS Anti-jam Processor (GAP), utilizing
Space Time Adaptive Processing techniques to
cancel wideband noise jamming of GPS signals (L1 &
L2) and provide 60 dB of jamming protection. The
GAP is a pre-correlation spatial and spectral
jammer canceller, with a scaleable architecture.
As a low power silicon device, the GAP is immune
to changes in performance due to shock, and
therefore especially suitable for volume
restricted, precision guided weapons, such as gun
launched projectiles.
Detailed simulations of the GAP chip were
conducted under a DARPA/NCCOSC program entitled
"Anti-Jam Enhancements to Direct Y Fast
Acquisition." In Phase 1, STS will review the
detailed simulations from the DARPA program and
study the benefits/risks of implementing the GAP
in Phase 2 as an FPGA or as an ASIC. In Phase 1
STS will also define the requirements for a Phase
2 discrete RF section, GPS core software and test
plan.
Phase 2 will produce an FPGA/ASIC implementation
of the GAP and demonstrate its anti-jam
performance with a SAASM GPS receiver. The
ultimate goal is to produce GAP chips that will
cheaply and effectively protect GPS receivers, in
precision guided munitions, from wideband jamming.
STS's proposed demonstration will prove the
feasibility of a low cost, low power, single chip
anti-jam processor capable of providing over 60 dB
of wideband jamming protection. The performance,
size and flexibility of the digital GAP chip
surpasses any RF or antenna based anti-jamming
process, especially for low cost, small size, high
production rate applications such as gun launched
projectiles. STS studies show that the use of
temporal processing not only equalizes the channel
to reject wideband jamming, but also compensates
for channel mismatches. Null depths of 50dB are
shown to be readily achievable with a small number
of temporal taps.
The GAP chip is also very useful in commercial
applications where protection from unintentional
interference from other RF sources is needed or in
cases such as commercial aviation where protection
from terrorist jamming may be necessary.
|
21ST CENTURY SYSTEMS, INC.
427 South 166th Street
Omaha, NE 68118 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(402) 333-2992
Mr. Richard A. Flanagan
ARMY 00-007 |
| Title: | Shoot & Scoot Assistant |
| Abstract: | A military combat unit must "see" the battlefield
better than the enemy, decide sooner than the
enemy to what to do, "move" to see the enemy and
fight effectively and "shoot" to destroy the
enemy. As the US Army moves toward weapons
systems for the digital battlefield, newer,
lighter weight and more capable hardware is
emerging. These digital data sources may not
realize better "seeing", that is, situational
awareness. Cognitive task load will be
overwhelming if the crew is to interpret and
distill the data, deciding what to do fast.
Well-informed troops will outstrip a rogue enemy
in a combat environment. It's all about whom gets
into firing position, first. We propose to first
integrate the incoming data to assist the crew in
reducing the great amount of incoming data into a
timely, relevant, situational awareness picture
(the "see" task) and secondly, provide the crew an
corresponding, real-time course-of-action aiding
based upon the awareness and the crew's mission
objectives. Together, these two opportunities
form the "Shoot & Scoot Assistant". We will
define an agent architecture that supports reuse,
all mission phases and conforms to the Technical
Architecture. Non-military applications of the
agent-based decision aid are the category of where
high personal risk needs a "battle-drill" decision
aid. Examples include a very wide range of
adaptable aids. For example: (1) highway
patrolman using a police car aid with digital
links during a chase reduces lethal consequences
to the patrolman or public, (2) a plant operator's
console aid at an industrial production line where
fast-acting decisions during automated assembly
when equipment malfunctions reduce product waste
and increases employee safety and (3) airline
flight crew warning, caution & advisory systems
reduces crew workload during moments of high
stress.
|
AMERICAN GNC CORP.
888 Easy Street
Simi Valley, CA 93065 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(805) 582-0582
Dr. Ching-Fang Lin
ARMY 00-007 |
| Title: | Intelligent Software Agents for Battlefield |
| Abstract: | Autonomy technologies are key and revolutionary
technologies that are needed to fulfill weapon
crew operations on the future digital battlefield.
This project develops the intelligent software
agents consisting of automation in multi levels,
knowledge base, inference mechanism, and
communication. The proposed intelligent software
agents for battlefield not only takes advantage of
innovative techniques of individual decision and
control methodologies but also, more
significantly, emphasizes the synergism among all
subsystems to assure the overall system
performance. In this project, design issues
involved in the choice of a hierarchical
intelligent control and health monitoring system
architecture, and methods for interfacing elements
of the resulting hybrid system are investigated.
Efficient and adaptive computational schemes are
developed by integrating planning and decision,
soft computation, autonomous control, and discrete
event control techniques to enhance accommodation
of environmental and operational changes. A
modeling, design, analysis, and simulation
environment is established to implement the system
architecture, and environment recognition and
adaptation. The performance of the intelligent
software agents will be demonstrated and evaluated
for battlefield applications. The techniques and
systems developed in this project provide
technology that can be exploited in various
military and commercial applications, such as
manufacturing, precision machine tools, process
control, smart highway systems, smart weapons,
robotics, defense manufacturing and command and
control.
|
CHI SYSTEMS, INC.
Gwynedd Office Park
Lower Gwynedd, PA 19002 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(858) 618-1064
Mr. Ken Graves
ARMY 00-007 |
| Title: | Adaptable Cognitive Decision Aids For Embedded Weapon Applications |
| Abstract: | The reduction of crew sizes in new Army systems
such as Future Combat System (FCS) is threatening
to overload the cognitive abilities of the
remaining operators. Since past technology
advances have already served to automate many of
the rote procedural tasks contributing to crew
workload, much of the remaining improvement must
come through application of automation and aiding
for the more complex cognitive tasks, such as
interpretation of trends and patterns. A need
exists for developing cognitive decision aiding
capabilities that reduce cognitive workload of
combat systems crews.
Proposed effort will develop a cognitive decision
aid for FCS addressing the function of tactical
trends and patterns analysis for prediction of
enemy actions based on current states. Cognitive
modeling techniques will be employed first to
understand user requirements, then to create a
suitable decision aid design and to implement the
aid using the iGENT cognitive modeling tool. It
will be scaleable and reusable in accordance with
ARDEC's component-based reference architecture
concepts and will conform to Joint Technical
Architecture-Army (JTAA), Appendix F. The Phase I
prototype will include an executable cognitive
model of the trends and patterns analysis process,
implemented as a "plug and play" component
suitable for use in other systems.
This decision aid will fill a need for
development of decision aids to reduce cognitive
workload on combat systems operators. The
reusable cognitive model developed for this
program will reduce the costs of software
development for other cognitive decision aids to
be used on these systems. The concepts and
implementations will serve as a technical base for
technology insertion into a number of Army Science
and Technology Objective (STO) programs under
consideration for Initial Brigade Combat Team
operations. The cognitive model can also be
applied to civilian domains such as stock quoting,
logistics management, and police operations.
|
TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS, INC.
P.O. Box 4233
Anthony, TX 79821 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(915) 886-2478
Dr. Alton Gilbert
ARMY 00-007 |
| Title: | Adaptable Cognitive Decision Aids For Embedded Weapon Applications |
| Abstract: | A heavy mortar platoon providing immediate
indirect fire (IF) support to an Infantry or Armor
Battalion (BN) generates and processes many
time-critical and mission-critical events. The
effectiveness of the platoon is directly related
to its ability to deliver On Order missions and
Final Protective Fires accurately and on-time,
while exploiting terrain features providing cover
and concealment for survivability. Recent advances
in battlefield communications, the quality and
availability of digital cartography, weapon
systems technical architectures and intelligent
aiding tools for coordinated tactical activity
have created new opportunities for information
exploitation to increase the operational tempo and
combat effectiveness of the heavy mortar platoon
as will be required for Future Combat System (FCS)
and Force XXI operations. Intelligent aiding of
mortar planning including target area coverage,
movement, fire-point selection including
generation of hasty fire-points while on the move,
and the conduct of On-Order and Final Protective
Fire missions is proposed. The resulting decision
aiding subsystem will be created by using a
combination of analytical and cognitive decision
processes implemented in reusable software
components conforming to Appendix F of the JTA-A,
and implemented so as to be installed on the
Mortar Fire Control System. Application Programmer
Interfaces will be provided for crew interaction
using voice, and other non-contact I/O methods.
This effort is a novel decision aid approach for
tactical systems, in that it attempts to reason
across multiple decision factors by applying
decision rules and cognitive processes. Such
decision processes have been applied to some
extent in data mining, but the approach taken here
is more adaptive, in that it monitors for
conditions requiring reassessment. This approach
is broadly applicable to commercial and military
decision making situations.
|
TANNER RESEARCH, INC.
2650 East Foothill Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91107 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(626) 792-3000
Dr. Patrick B. Chu
ARMY 00-008 |
| Title: | MEMS-based Low Cost Mortar Fuze with Integrated Safe and Arm Mechanisms |
| Abstract: | Existing miniature fuzes tend to be costly,
inaccurate, difficult to use, and insufficiently
small or sophisticated for advanced munition
applications. In alliance with fuze manufacturing
experts, Tanner Research proposes to develop a
novel mortar fuze with integrated safe and arm
(S&A), and fuzing mechanisms based on micro
electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology. Our
innovation is to incorporate a smart, programmable
MEMS S&A device in the mortar fuze that minimizes
size and weight, increases reliability and safety,
improves timing accuracy, and reduces component
and system cost. Due to its small mass and
mechanical nature, our S&A device will be
insensitive to electro-magnetic radiation and able
to survive high-g accelerations, while minimizing
collateral damage.
Tanner Research has demonstrated expertise in the
designs of MEMS, integrated circuits, electronics
systems, and packaging. During an Air Force Phase
I SBIR, we have already developed several designs
of MEMS fuze systems and performed feasibility
tests with spot charges. Our device will be
fabricated using commonly available fabrication
equipment to ensure low-cost production and ease
of manufacturing and technology transfer. Our S&A
design will enable the integration of sensors and
electronics with a fuzing device in a compact
volume (fraction of a cubic inch).
Explosives are commonly used by expert operators
in mining, construction, and demolition,
rescue/emergency operations, and the entertainment
industry. Novel, low-cost, and reliable S&A
devices can improve the safety and cost of all
electronically-controlled explosive systems,
protecting both expert and novice users.
|
KARNATECH, INC.
2046 La Fremontia
South Pasadena, CA 91030 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(323) 254-9232
Dr. Karna J. Wahlstrand
ARMY 00-009 |
| Title: | Modeling & Simulation of Directed Energy Weapon Systems for Combined Target Effects |
| Abstract: | The modern battlefield will increasingly make use
of directed energy weapons, and a
simulation of their effectiveness and utility on
the battlefield will be needed to
guide their development and operational
implementation. We propose the first
complete validated source-to-target energy
transfer computer simulation of the
deployment of millimeter/microwave, acoustic, and
laser weapons against personnel
and materiel targets, including both theoretical
models and experimental data. We
also consider energy propagation under weather and
other environmental effects, with
the eventual incorporation of conventional weapons
and a simplified two-party war
game in Phase II. The combined effects of these
weapons interacting at the single
target level will be treated with original
theories which will demonstrate the
resultant nonlinearly enhanced coupling to the
target. Our software approach is
graphical user interface (GUI)-based and
object-oriented, with modular calculation
functions and operated standalone on a personal
computer. A relational database of
kill and incapacitation probabilities and percent
degradations will be generated at
the completion of Phase II for use in separate
force-on-force codes for further
weapons system evaluation. Potential commercial
applications of this type of directed energy
weapons simulation
(with appropriate customization to the relevant
markets) include PC-based training
simulations for prisons and incorporation into
more visually sophisticated law
enforcement training simulations, both
domestically and internationally, and in
aiding the development of directed energy weapon
technologies in the larger
commercial aerospace companies and other military
government customers.
|
PHYSICAL SCIENCES, INC.
20 New England Business Center
Andover, MA 01810 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(978) 689-0003
Dr. Hartmut H. Legner
ARMY 00-009 |
| Title: | Modeling & Simulation for Combined Target Effects |
| Abstract: | Directed energy weapon (DEW) systems can
potentially become an important part of war
fighting for the Army. Although much is known
about the effects of millimeter/microwaves (HPMs),
acoustics, and laser/white light on materials and
entire systems, no general purpose computational
tool exists to evaluate the lethality of
individual DEWs. There is even less information
available on the combined effects of two or more
DEWs on military targets. Physical Sciences Inc.
(PSI) proposes to remedy this situation by
developing a Personal Computer Code for Combined
Directed Energy Weapon Assessment (CDEWA Code).
This new computer simulation model is envisioned
to evaluate the target effects of DEWs by
utilizing detailed geometric and material target
models that have evolved over the years for
detailed conventional and/or nuclear weapon
effectiveness. The leveraging of these resources
makes the task of creating CDEWA focus on
developing the appropriate physical effects
models. The complete CDEWA architecture would be
developed for the entire set of DEWs and target
scenarios in Phase I. The complete CDEWA would be
designed, developed, implemented, tested and
validated in Phase II. The Combined Directed
Energy Weapons Assement (CDEWA) Code would have
direct applications in government and industry for
evaluating lethal on non-lethal DEW effectiveness.
The DEWs include laser, high-power microwaves,
acoustic and white light weapons. The CDEWA Code
would be marketed as a software product applicable
to industry and law-enforcement agencies.
|
KNOWLEDGE ANALYSIS TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
4001 Discovery Drive Suite 390
Boulder, CO 80303 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(303) 545-9092
Dr. Thomas Landauer
ARMY 00-010 |
| Title: | Latent Semantic Analysis-based tutorial and assessment tools for ADL |
| Abstract: | In today's rapidly changing global operations
environments, teams often must be assembled and
individuals re-trained quickly for new force
requirements, new systems, and changing missions.
The goal of this research is to produce innovative
computer software for individual assessment and
team selection, for adaptive learning, and for
cognitive performance support environments that
exploit the power, economy, and customization
enabled by ADL. A suite of recently developed and
proposed cognitive tools based on Latent Semantic
Analysis (LSA) can contribute importantly to this
goal. LSA is a machine-learning system that can
build assessment, tutorial, and knowledge-mining
agents automatically from existing instructional
and archival text in almost any domain. These
intelligent agents are constructed in far less
time and expense, and with much less need for rare
specialists as has previously been possible. In
the combined Phase I and II effort, we will create
a prototype of an integrated system, called
Military Knowledge Forum (MKF). In Phase I we will
plan the system, and perfect or develop several
critical LSA-based components that also stand
alone as useful ADL/cognitive readiness tools. In
Phase II, we will create or perfect additional
tools and join them into a total distributed group
learning and cognitive support environment. Almost
every present-day industry or business has a need
to train widely distributed personnel frequently
in new operating procedures and group
problem-solving methods. They must be able to
select, re-train and support adaptable individuals
and teams. The individuals and teams must be
possess and be capable of verbally communicating
all necessary task-relevant knowledge. No
integratable set of adaptive automatic assessment,
tutorial, knowledge resource, and cooperative
problem-solving support capabilities, such as
those that would be developed for the envisaged
Military Knowledge Forum system described herein,
exists. The development of technology of this kind
would help government and private-sector
organizations meet the needs of rapidly changing
markets, technologies, and labor forces in a
timely, effective and economical manner.
In Phase I, features and functionalities
suitable for use either in the envisioned
integrated system or in other ADL systems will be
demonstrated as stand-alone web-based
applications. Some, such as the automatic
free-response assessment tool, will be of
immediate utility in marketed or marketable
commercial and military training systems.
Component LSA-based adaptive assessment and
tutorial tools from this project, even without
combining into an integrated system, will be of
significant commercial value for development of
ADL and private-sector cognitive readiness and
distance-education systems.
KAT would embed some of these new capabilities
in its own current and future Internet-based
educational testing and tutorial services, and
offer both piece-part components and appropriate
versions of integrated learning environments for
purchase or licensing by military, corporate, and
other training and assessment organizations.
|
KINETIC RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT, INC.
1143 Tower Rd.
Schaumburg, IL 60173 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(847) 884-0662
Mr. Michael Boruta
ARMY 00-011 |
| Title: | Advanced, Small, Internal Combustion Engine |
| Abstract: | We propose the development of a small novel
internal combustion engine
that can burn heavy diesel fuel, with a disk
nutating around the
rotating shaft (ref.~1). The uniquely novel
arrangement of this engine
permits the displaced volume of the engine to be
used twice per engine
revolution, corresponding to what in piston
engines would be considered
one power stroke per engine revolution. This
feature enables the engine
to produce the power/volume and power/weight in
small power ranges as
required in this solicitation, while the external
combustion chamber
permits burning diesel fuel as in small gas
turbines.
The potential of the new technology is high, the
risk is manageable, and
the probability of success high.
The engine can exceed the power/weigh and
power/volume constraints of
the proposal in engines of under 10 kW power while
burning diesel fuel.
The engine is inherently balanced, with few and
small components,
enhancing dynamic durability. Scaling issues of
the nutating engine have already been examined in
previous publications from 2 kW to 500 kW. This
engine when developed has very high potential for
commercial applications ranging from engines for
aircraft to power generation to land vehicles. Its
power density can be utilizd to save fuel due to
saving weight in the powertrain of land vehicles
as well as in aircraft. Lower manufacturing cost
is also a plus that would ensure market success.
|
LOCUST, USA, INC.
8324 N.W. 74 Ave.
Miami, FL 33166 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(561) 691-9585
Mr. Robert R. Sellers
ARMY 00-011 |
| Title: | Microturbine Feasibility Demonstration |
| Abstract: | A program is proposed to evaluate the feasibility
of using low-cost microturbines to meet the U.S.
Army future requirements for small, lightweight
engines (less than 10 kW power) that operate on
heavy fuel and achieve very high power per cubic
foot of engine volume.
The program will accomplish this evaluation in two
tasks; the basic program using today's technology,
and an option that will evaluate innovative
technology advances.
In the basic program today's state-of-the-art
microturbine capability will be demonstrated
through both analysis and test. A very simple,
low-cost turbojet developed for the model aircraft
industry will be modified into a shaft engine and
tested to determine it's capabilities, including
it's power density. Along with the test
evaluation, analysis will be conducted to provide
an engineering understanding of the engine
demonstration. Analysis will include performance,
thermal and stress analysis, sealing/leakage
evaluation, dynamic behavior, and life
projections.
In the program option a microturbine in the power
range of interest will be conceptually designed
using advanced technology features and innovative
component arrangements to maximize the volumetric
power density.
This program will provide the U.S. Army with an
engineering evaluation of the suitability of an
important class of engines (microturbines less
than 10 kW) for use in air/ground unmanned
vehicles and to supply power needs for the Army
footsoldier. Commercially, this will provide a
heavy-fuel, lightweight alternative to small
gasoline engines for smooth and safe aero, marine,
business, or home application.
|
MATERIALS SYSTEMS, INC.
521 Great Road
Littleton, MA 01460 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(978) 486-0404
Mr. Patrick McGuire
ARMY 00-012 |
| Title: | Low Cost Optical Finishing of Transparent Ceramics |
| Abstract: | Glass and polymer coatings applied to sapphire or
other hard transparent ceramics offer several very
low-cost approaches for optical finishing. In
Phase I, MSI will investigate (A) polishing the
applied coatings, (B) bonding of polished glass
faceplates, (C) replicating optically smooth
surfaces using polished mandrels, and (D) very
thin coatings as applied. The resulting windows
will be characterized with the objectives to
achieve high in-line transmittance, low haze, and
angular image resolution quality of less than 1
milliradian. All processes developed will be
compatible with the PVB bonding/autoclaving used
for assembling transparent armor systems. In the
Phase I Option, the most promising approaches will
be further optimized and preliminary production
cost estimates will be made. In Phase II, MSI
will scale-up the most successful low-cost optical
finishing processes to 12 x 14 inch windows while
the optical quality is increased to at least 80%
in-line transmission and less than 5% haze.
Commercialization of this technology will be
facilitated through MSI's on-going business
relationship with Raytheon Optical Systems, Inc.
This program will provide new low-cost methods for
achieving optically transparent hard ceramic
windows by eliminating the expensive and time
consuming polishing of the sapphire or ALON
itself. As a result, transparent armor will be
available at substantially reduced costs, thereby
opening up new markets for these products. By so
expanding the range of applications, the cost of
light-weight, large-area transparent armor panels
for military land vehicles and aircraft will be
further reduced. Commercial personnel security
vehicles will also benefit from the technology
developed in this program. The sapphire and/or
ALON transparent armor will offer protection
against small caliber armor piercing projectiles
at substantially reduced weight and thickness.
|
TRITON SYSTEMS, INC.
200 TURNPIKE ROAD
Chelmsford, MA 01824 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(978) 250-4200
Mr. Jon Nebo
ARMY 00-012 |
| Title: | Durable, Index Matching, Coatings for Low Cost AlON Finishing |
| Abstract: | Triton Systems proposes a nanoparticle-enhanced
polymer coatings approach to significantly reduce
the costs associated with polishing and finishing
of large area AlON windows. We will develop
novel, high refractive index (RI) coatings that
will match the refractive indices of aluminum
oxynitride (AlON), spinel, and other transparent
armor ceramics. This solution-based coating will
be able to fill/level the surface imperfections of
unfinished or partially finished AlON and provide
an optically smooth surface in a single coating
step. This will significantly reduce the time,
number of steps, and the cost of finishing these
high hardness ceramics. We will use Triton's low
viscosity solution-based NanotufT
abrasion-resistant coating as the platform, and
then incorporate surface-compatibilized
nanoparticles to tailor the specific optical and
other properties of the coating system. We will
achieve index-matching by controlling the index
and concentration of the nanoparticles, and will
thus design coating systems with indices ranging
from 1.46 to ~1.9. This range of indices will be
used to form graded index and other coating
systems with anti-reflection properties. The
mechanical properties of the coatings will also be
tailored by using this approach. Our approach
will make these materials economically viable for
a variety of military and civilian applications.
Reduced cost, large area AlON windows will see
application in variety of military, law
enforcement, safety and other civilian
applications. The variable index coatings
developed here will be useful for a wide range of
optical coatings and high index materials may be
of use in electro-optic devices.
|
RADIOMETRICS CORP.
2840 Wilderness Place, Unit G
Boulder, CO 80301 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(303) 449-9192
Dr. Randolph Ware
ARMY 00-013 |
| Title: | Wind Radar, Microwave Profiler, and GPS Data Fusion for Mesoscale Modeling |
| Abstract: | New developments in atmospheric sensing and
modeling present the opportunity for
significant advancements in local weather modeling
and forecasting. New sensors
include wind radar, microwave profiler and GPS
networks. These sensors provide
continuous wind, temperature and humidity
measurements. We propose in Phase I to
demonstrate the assimilation of these data into
high-resolution weather models and
to evaluate the potential of the resulting weather
forecasts for military and
commercial applications. If the results are
promising, we will propose in Phase II
to develop a turnkey system using these new data
types for local weather modeling
and forecasting.
Turnkey systems for local weather modeling can be
used to improve artillery and
rocket accuracy, to predict atmospheric dispersion
of chemical, biological and
nuclear materials, and for battlefield visibility
and weather forecasting. Similarly, commercial and
civil applications include local weather
forecasting for efficient and safe management of
sporting and other outdoor events, construction
projects, airports, space ports, and ground
transportation.
|
AZZAZY TECHNOLOGY, INC.
27111 Aliso Creek Road
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(949) 448-7840
Dr. Medhat Azzazy
ARMY 00-014 |
| Title: | Non-Intrusive Gas Turbine Combustor Measurement Techniques |
| Abstract: Abstract not available...
|
MEGAWATT LASERS
PO Box 24190
Hilton Head Islan, SC 29925 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(843) 342-7221
Mr. Scott J. Hamlin
ARMY 00-015 |
| Title: | Compact Laser Igniter for Medium Caliber Cannon |
| Abstract: | Medium caliber cannons, such as the Army's M230
chain gun, currently utilize a high current
electrical pulse to initiate the propellant. While
electrical ignition is reliable, electrical based
primers are susceptible to premature ignition from
EMI, EMP, or other stray or directed
electromagnetic sources. In the event of a weapon
jam, electrically initiated primers are
potentially dangerous as the potential for a
static electrical discharge results in a risky
task to safely unload and free the jammed
mechanism. Furthermore, current electrical based
primers contain lead styphnate, which is
considered an environmentally hazardous material.
The proposed effort will research the design
characteristics of a laser igniter, suitable for
replacement of existing electrical ignition
systems, as used in small and medium caliber
cannons. In addition to being inherently
electromagnetically safe, laser ignition systems
provide the possibility of utilizing `Green' or
environmentally friendly propellants, primers, and
boosters, thereby eliminating hazardous materials
used in conventional primers and possibly reducing
ammunition costs. As the intended application is
for rotorcraft, particular attention will be
directed to minimizing size, weight and power
consumption while maintaining the structural
integrity to withstand high shock/vibration
levels.
In addition to providing a safer, more
environmentally friendly ignition systems for
medium caliber cannons, the proposed research
effort will benefit other laser ignited armament
systems as well as provide potential commercial
and military applications for miniature laser
technology. Applications for the technology
developed under this effort include remote
sensing, such as ranging, chemical/biological
sensing, laser induced breakdown spectroscopy, as
well as medical applications including
dermatology, dentistry, and surgery.
|
BIOCRYSTAL, LTD.
575 McCorkle Boulevard
Westerville, OH 43082 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(614) 818-1170
Dr. Emilio Barbera-Guillem
ARMY 00-016 |
| Title: | Synthesis and Functionalization of Quantum Dots for Bio Agent Detection |
| Abstract: | A new class of fluorescent nanocrystals offers the
prospect of replacing organic dyes for many
fluorescence detection and analysis schemes
commercially in use. BioCrystal has developed a
family of proprietary fluorescence-based detection
reagents which utilize a semiconductor nanocrystal
core(CdSe) encased in a semiconductor(ZnS)shell
and one or more organic layers which confer water
solubility, as well as reactive sites which may be
used to bind molecules such as affinity ligands to
the functionalized nanocrystal. They are
monodisperse and resist photobleaching.
The Phase I work effort will demonstrate the
feasibility of the following:(1)the use of a
continuous flow production technique to produce
monodisperse CdSe nanocrystals (CdSeNC) of uniform
size in different colors to industrial
proportions;(2)the industrial scale production of
water-soluble, functionalized CdSeNC, including
the production and purification of avidin-labeled
CdSeNC;(3)the conjugation of functionalized CdSeNC
to bioreceptors, and their use for detection by
FRET or aggregation testing.
This work will preface the Phase II objective of
developing a procedure for the detection of
bio-contaminants using functionalized CdSe
nanocrystals, and, in parallel, to produce a
miniaturized, autonomous sensor device to perform
this procedure under continuous use, or during
desired periods of time. Multiplexing, constant
emission, particulate structure and energy
transfer are inherent characteristics which afford
fluorescent CdSe nanocrystals a number of
advantages over fluorochromes for use in detecting
multiple bio-contaminants in sensor devices, and
for a number of other commercial uses: as DNA/RNA
probes in qualitative disease detection; viral
genotyping; automated biological assays for high
throughput screening (HTS) applications in drug
discovery; fluorescence-based histological
studies, including the identification of cancerous
tissue, and as encoded beads in multi-dimensional
micro-assay formats.
|
USA ARMORING
5816 E. Shields Avenue, Suite
Fresno, CA 93727 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(559) 292-3185
Mr. Murray Neal
ARMY 00-017 |
| Title: | Flexible-Modular Body Armor For Armor Piercing Protection |
| Abstract: | The overall objective of this proposal is to
develop body armor capable of defeating high power
rifle threats that are designed as armor piercing;
in a flexible manner, that is thinner, lighter,
multiple threat resistant, and capable of
sustained multiple repeat hits. This armor will
also be configured in two formats: conceallable
and overt tactical. This armor will be
substantially superior to current utilized plate
technology with its limited capabilities.
Potential post military applications would be
flexible and rigid varieties of the same armor,
designed for attachment to vehicular, vessel and
aircraft upgrade armor applications. This has
exceptionally mid to long term enhancements for
the U.S. military.
This leads to the recapitalization requirement the
U.S. Army has to ensure that its equipment remains
safe to operate and to provide soldiers with
reliable and effective systems to go to war. This
new felxible high power armor piercing rifle
protection system can be easily integrated into
current body armor systems that currently employ a
plate component; that is either damaged, missing
or ballistically inferior to the current
deployment requirement.
This makes recapitilization for body armo and hard
armor upgrades economically feasible, as it can be
interfaced through replacement, extended service
programs, pre-planned product improvements, and
technology insertion.
Potential commercial applications would be all
fields of law enforcement such as federal, state
and local jurisdictions, to coperate high-risk
security concerns. Both of these would also have
international markets. Military concerns such as
overmatching, could be ensured by offering a lower
threat defeating material substrate composite. The
post applications are very diverse, but well
within current and future demand.
|
AMBERWAVE SYSTEMS CORP.
7 Camelot Road
Windham, NH 03087 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(603) 425-1965
Dr. Mayank Bulsara
ARMY 00-018 |
| Title: | Photonic Devices on Si Using SiGe Interlayer Technology |
| Abstract: | AmberWave Systems Corporation (ASC) proposes to
implement its proprietary SiGe interlayer
technology to demonstrate lasers on Si with
emission in the visible spectrum. The technology
employs ASC's proprietary SiGe interlayer
processes to accommodate the lattice-mismatch and
thermal expansion differences between GaAs and Si.
In conjunction, ASC has established expertise in
the growth of antiphase-domain-free GaAs on Ge.
The final result is GaAs (and other III-V compound
semiconductors) on Si of unprecedented material
quality. ASC will demonstrate the fundamental
technology to develop III-V compound lasers on Si
and then commercialize the technology in
high-speed computation and optical communications
systems. The advantages of such systems will be
the combination of the high-performance
capabilities of III-V compounds with the low cost
and very large scale integration capability of Si
manufacturing methods. In Phase I, ASC proposes
to epitaxially grow, fabricate, and test a laser
on Si that emits in the visible spectrum.
AmberWave Systems Corporation (ASC) can produce
monolithically integrated III-V compound
optoelectronic devices on Si of world-record
quality. In Phase I, ASC will validate ASC's
state-of-the art materials integration technology
by fabricating an efficient and reliable visible
laser on Si. The commercial application of such
devices include high-speed computing via optical
interconnects on Si and integrated optical
communications systems on Si.
|
BEAM ENGINEERING FOR ADVANCED MEASURE
686 Formosa Avenue
Winter Park, FL 32789 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(407) 629-1282
Dr. Nelson V. Tabirian
ARMY 00-019 |
| Title: | Supra-nonlinear Nano-particulate Liquid-crystalline Opto-electronics |
| Abstract: | The main objective of the Phase 1 of the present
proposal will be demonstration of feasibility of
multi-functional highly nonlinear materials for
photonics and opto-electronics that possess high
sensitivity and allow multiple control
opportunities of their responses to
electromagnetic influences (such as laser beams,
electric and magnetic fields). As prime candidate
for such materials we will study liquid crystals
(LC) that incorporate internal structure made of
nanoparticulate networks. We will use proprietary
LC with photo-excitation enhanced record high
optical nonlinearity as host material, and
nanoparticles of various origins such as
dielectric, electroconductive, semiconductive, and
magnetic for building reconfigurable networks
inside LC. The opto-electronic properties of such
a material system will be characterized by spatial
distribution and dynamics of LC orientation, by
the geometry and the dynamics of the structure of
the internal network, and inter-coupling between
the network and the LC. Such combination will
result in the highest number of both control and
behavior parameters among all known
opto-electronic materials. Coupling and
interaction between the network and the LC will
ensure sensitivity of the material to a variety of
electromagnetic influences and the capability of
electronically and optically switchable
reconfiguration of the orientation pattern of the
LC. Highly nonlinear LC with reconfigurable
internal structure will advance opto-electronics
beyond their present boundaries of laser beam and
optical information control and display. The most
versatile multifunctional optical components with
strongest light modulating capability will enhance
operation of commercial and defense optical
systems.
|
FOSTER-MILLER, INC.
350 Second Ave.
Waltham, MA 02451 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(781) 684-4186
Dr. Bindu Nair
ARMY 00-019 |
| Title: | Highly Nonlinear Optical Nano-Networks |
| Abstract: | The objective of this Phase I proposal is to
synthesize and characterize supra-nonlinear
optical materials in conjunction with nanoparticle
networks containing dispersions of highly
non-linear optical (NLO) materials. Nematic
liquid crystals (LC) doped with methyl red, a
photoconducting dye, have shown some of the
highest NLO responses recorded to date.
Nano-dispersing this dye-doped LC should result in
faster NLO responses. Furthermore, nano-dispersed
NLO materials can be activated with lower power
sources than their bulk counterparts. Fast, low
power NLO materials are necessary to develop the
next generation of spatial light modulators that
are needed for the high mobility applications
envisioned by the DoD. Foster-Miller proposes to
meet this objective by developing an innovative,
low cost, chemically-based method for
nano-encapsulating NLO moieties in a
reconfigurable matrix. In Phase I, Foster Miller
will select the matrix material, produce films
using NLO chromophores dispersed at the
nanoscale, characterize the material, and test the
composite material system for NLO properties and
switching speed. Details on the approach and work
plan are contained within this proposal. (P-00876)
Fast-responding, low-power non-linear optical
materials show special promise as optical sensors,
and image processing devices. Important
applications include protection of sensors and
eyes against low energy lasers, advanced
(IFF)/Combat ID sensors, image-scene processing
for battlefield situational awareness, and
countermeasure and protective devices. Other
applications include optical computing and image
processing.
|
ATMOSPHERIC GLOW TECHNOLOGIES
2340 Stock Creek Blvd
Rockford, TN 37853 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(865) 583-0985
Dr. Kimberly Kelly-Wintenberg
ARMY 00-020 |
| Title: | Decontamination using a One Atmosphere Uniform Glow Discharge Cold Plasma |
| Abstract: | Atmospheric Glow Technologies proposes to develop
an innovative Mobile Atmospheric
Glow Decontamination (MAGDEC) system based upon
the patented One Atmosphere Uniform
Glow Discharge Plasma (OAUGDP) technology. This
advanced system will be a deployable
military protection system that will decontaminate
highly toxic chemicals and
microorganisms on sensitive equipment, personnel
protective equipment, and aircraft,
vehicle, and shelter interiors. Phase I efforts
will focus on neutralization of
chemicals while Phase II efforts will extend
studies to biological warfare agents
including spores, building upon the proven
efficacy of the OAUGDP against a wide
range of microorganisms. Phase II work will
conclude with testing additional
simulants and, where possible, CBW agents
themselves in collaboration with
researchers at Aberdeen Proving Ground. The
completion of this Phase I effort will result in
the design of the MAGDEC system
for the decontamination of chemical warfare
agents. The success of the Phase I and
Phase II projects will provide the military with a
singular means to achieve
biological and chemical decontamination of
equipment ranging from robust vehicles
to sensitive electronic equipment within minutes
with no significant production
of harmful by-products. An additional arena of
use for our design could include
domestic Hazardous Materials Management Teams
charged with decontaminating
buildings or industrial sites following spills or
terrorist events.
|
VIRGINIA DIODES, INC.
8 Deepwater Point
Palmyra, VA 22963 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(804) 923-0542
Dr. David W. Porterfield
ARMY 00-021 |
| Title: | Integrated Terahertz Transmit/Receive Modules |
| Abstract: | The Terahertz frequency band, from roughly 300 GHz
through 10 THz, is often sited as the most
scientifically rich, yet unexplored region of the
electromagnetic spectrum. The major problem that
continues to forestall the full exploitation of
the terahertz band is the lack of compact,
reliable and cost efficient terahertz sources and
receivers. Previous research has shown that GaAs
diode technology can be used for terahertz
frequency transmit/receive modules, but the cost
is prohibitive, the reliability is poor and the
frequency agility is limited. This SBIR proposal
promises a radically improved T/R architecture
based on the integration of GaAs mesas and the
associated embedding circuitry on low-loss
dielectric substrates. Such integration is the key
to improving electrical performance and greatly
increasing power handling, while also creating a
compact, highly reliable, and manufacturable
technology. Phase I will end with a clear
demonstration of the potential of this technology.
A successful Phase II program will culminate in
the demonstration of militarily practical T/R
modules in the terahertz frequency band. The
integration of terahertz technology is the key to
opening this region of the electromagnetic
spectrum to military and commercial applications.
Successful completion of this SBIR research
program will lead to militarily practical Teraherz
components. These will find immediate application
in laboratories throughout the US and Europe that
strive to investigate and develop terahertz
science, technology and applications. The military
applications of this technology will include
communications systems (ultra-secure,
ultra-broadband, satellite), bio/chem threat
detection, collision avoidance radars that
penetrate smoke and fog, space communications,
compact range radars, fuses for smart munitions
and medical diagnostics.
|
MATERIALS & ELECTROCHEMICAL RESEARCH
7960 S. Kolb Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85706 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(520) 574-1980
Dr. W Kowbel
ARMY 00-022 |
| Title: | Multifunctional Carbon, SiC and Polymer Textile Fibers Reinforced with Nanotubes for Enhanced Performance |
| Abstract: | Due to poor nanotube-matrix interactions, the
exemplary properties of carbon
nanotubes have yet to be realized in composite
applications. Fiber architectures offer promise
for allowing integration and alignment of the
nanotube into the
matrix, yielding a composite fiber that fully
realizes the extraordinary mechanical, thermal and
electrical properties of the nanotube
reinforcement. High purity single wall nanotubes
(SWNT), double wall nanotubes (DWNT) and multiwall
nanotubes (MWNTS),
relatively free of contaminating byproducts, can
be synthesized and functionalized
with a variety of adducts that permits easy
dispersion and chemical incorporation of the
nanotubes into the surrounding fiber matrix. In a
team effort between MER and the University of
Kentucky (UK), as-grown and functionalized
nanotubes with adducts to interact with the fiber
matrices will be investigated to produce carbon,
SiC,
polyolefin, polyester and polyamide fibers. Both
MER and UK have incorporated nanotubes in carbon,
SiC, and polymer fibers with very promising
results of
increasing fiber strength, modulus and electrical
conductivity over the base fiber. This
collaborative, ongoing effort regarding nanotube
fibers, utilizing the resources of the world's
largest producer of nanotubes of all types and an
institution leading the development of nanotube
composite materials, assures that
this program will demonstrate carbon nanotube
reinforced fibers with significantly
enhanced properties. There is an extensive market
in textile and carbon/graphite fibers that would
be
expanded and/or replaced with nanotube fibers
exhibiting enhanced properties and
specialty textile fibers with electrical
conductivity, increased stiffness and
strength. Fiber applications include ballistic
applications for military and law
enforcement, conductive housings such as telephone
and a plethora of electronic
devices, photovoltaics and even power
transmission.
|
REYTECH CORP.
742 SE Glenwood Dr
Bend, OR 97702 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(541) 617-1556
Dr. Thomas A. Reynolds
ARMY 00-022 |
| Title: | Ultra-High-Performance Carbon Nanotube-Based Fibers |
| Abstract: | Development of carbon nanotube-based composites
offers a promising pathway toward the realization
of novel materials for a broad range of
military/civilian applications. This SBIR project
is focused upon developing multifunctional,
ultra-high-performance fibers containing carbon
nanotubes (CNT's) that will meet Army requirements
in applications requiring fibers that are superior
to those based on conventional carbon, polymer,
ceramic, and composite technology. The goal is to
produce the next generation of fiber
technology-paving the way for major improvements
in existing fiber-based applications and allowing
for new technologies to be tested and implemented.
The specific Phase I goal is to establish the
feasibility of developing two types of fibers
containing CNT's that demonstrate favorable
adhesion and orientation within the fiber matrix.
ReyTech Corporation proposes to prepare and
evaluate composite fibers based on a combination
of CNT's and high-performance, robust polymers
based on proprietary techniques developed during
previous work at ReyTech. Successful
demonstration of feasibility will set the stage
for initial prototype development under the Phase
I Option and for a follow-on, full-scale Phase II
prototype development and demonstration project.
Success in this multi-phase project will result
in a broad range of important military and
civilian applications, including the following:
high-strength and lightweight composites for
armor; structural, electronic, and
thermo-mechanical components; protective clothing
for chemical and biological warfare; chemical and
electromagnetic sensors; electromagnetic shields;
and advanced device applications. It is likely
that fibers containing carbon nanotubes can be
formed to serve multiple, concurrent
functions-e.g., as a lightweight structural member
that also shields against electromagnetic
interference (EMI) or that senses strain,
radiation, or chemical agents.
|
IPITEK PHOTONIC TECHNOLOGY
2451 Impala Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(760) 930-2220
Dr. Araz Yacoubian
ARMY 00-023 |
| Title: | Heterogenous Integration of MEMS and GHz Electro-Optic Polymer Modulators for RF Communications |
| Abstract: | Heterogeneous integration of
micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) with
polymer based electro-optic modulators is
proposed, to produce compact and deployable
modulators for RF photonics applications. Current
technology allows fabrication of compact and
light-weight modulators, but these interferometric
devices are still not truly deployable, because
they require control and feedback electronics for
balancing and stabilization. Here we proposed to
integrated GHz Mach-Zehnder modulators with
KHz-MHz MEMS based oscillator and feedback
electronics to balance the modulator at
quadrature, thus eliminating the need for bulky
and power dissipating external oscillators and
lock-in amplifiers. The method takes advantage of
two state of the art technologies that have
reached certain degree of maturity. Polymer
modulators have been shown to work at frequencies
over 100 GHz with drive voltages of less than 1V,
whereas MEMS based oscillators and high Q filters
have been successfully fabricated in the KHz-MHz
frequencies. Integration will be carried out on Si
substrates, where polymer waveguides will be grown
and processed on top of MEMS circuitry. Combining
feedback electronics will allow 2 to 3 orders of
magnitude reduction in size, mass and power
consumption over current methods, and will enable
mass production and low cost fabrication of
high-frequency modulators. The proposed
integration approach allows for fabrication of low
power consumption, compact, lightweight and
deployable modulators to be used for high-speed
communication systems. In the commercial
industry, markets include telecommunication
industries for voice, video and data transmission.
Military markets include RF photonics and
phased-array radar applications. Both MEMS and
polymer electro-optics use the same lithographic
processing step on Si substrates, therefore
heterogeneous integration has the potential for
low cost mass production.
|
BOULDER NONLINEAR SYSTEMS, INC.
450 Courtney Way, Unit 107
Lafayette, CO 80026 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(303) 604-0077
Mr. Steve Serati
ARMY 00-024 |
| Title: | Wavefront Control and Sensing System based on an Opto-Silicon-Integrated Phase-Contrast Technique |
| Abstract: | This proposal describes the design and development
of a high-speed, high-resolution wavefront sensing
and control system. The system will couple
high-resolution analog liquid crystal spatial
light modulators with an innovative subtractive
imaging sensor. The resulting system will acheive
vast improvements in resolution, size, weight and
cost over currently available systems.
The system will be capable of sensing and
correcting strong disturbances in the atmosphere,
resulting in a device suitable for astronomy,
military imaging, fluid flow measurement and
point-to-point laser communications.
|
EMAG TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
3055 Plymouth Road, Suite 205
Ann Arbor, MI 48105 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(734) 747-6646
Dr. Kazem F. Sabet
ARMY 00-025 |
| Title: | Enhanced Computer Analysis and Computer Aided Design (CAD) of Active Radio Frequency Antenna Arrays |
| Abstract: | The objective of this Small Business Innovation
Research project is to lay the foundation of a CAD
software tool for the design of large-scale active
radio frequency antenna arrays. A circuit-based
global modeling strategy is proposed that can
integrate the analyses of spatially distributed
electromagnetic structures, linear passive
networks and nonlinear active circuits within a
unified framework that can even incorporate
thermal analysis self-consistently. The proposed
strategy can be utilized in both frequency and
time domains. In the Phase I feasibility study, we
will interface a general-purpose planar structure
simulator based on the method of moments with a
general-purpose linear/nonlinear circuit simulator
that uses a harmonic balance technique. The Phase
I effort will be confined to the frequency domain
and the time domain development for transient
analysis is relegated to Phase II of the project.
The object-oriented software architecture of
emPiCASSO, our commercial antenna CAD tool, will
be used as the foundation of the proposed
software. Active antenna arrays are finding
growing applications in radar and guidance systems
and wireless communications. The proposed active
antenna CAD tool will drastically facilitate the
design of such sophisticated systems. It can also
be used for global modeling and design of any
active microwave circuit.
|
ETECH, INC.
1310 E. Boston St.
Altadena, CA 91001 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(310) 540-1623
Dr. David M. Owen
ARMY 00-026 |
| Title: | Blast Resistant Glass Facades for Structural Applications |
| Abstract: | Glass panels are the weakest element in the fa‡ade
of any structure. Under blast loading due to
accidental or intentional explosion, standard
plate glass shatters into dangerous, high speed
shards that are often the cause of a significant
fraction of serious injuries. Although tempering
and lamination with plastics can improve both the
strength and failure behavior of glass, they are
typically relatively thick and heavy and
significantly more expensive. This project is
undertaken to develop new design methodologies for
light-weight, cost-effective blast-resistant
glass. The fundamental design concept involves the
multi-dimensional tailoring of the failure
behavior through the manipulation and variation of
material properties through the thickness and
in-the-plane. The approach involves a unified
experimental / computational effort. The
experiments feature high-speed diagnostics to
obtain real-time, detailed quantitative
information regarding the response of glass to
blast overpressures. The computations feature
cohesive elements which enable to the simulation
of the complex failure patterns associated with
the failure of glass under blast loading. It is
anticipated that this approach will lead to the
development of a design tools and rules that will
lead to the fabrication of inexpensive,
light-weight blast-resistant glass panel systems.
Through a unified experimental / computational
approach tools and rules for the design of blast
resistant glass will be developed. In this manner,
plate glass having optimized cost, failure
characteristics and/or weight can be fabricated.
Plate glass having high strength combined with
controlled failure behavior in the face of blast
overpressures will have use in architecture,
automotive and even consumer products - anywhere
the shattering of glass poses a significant threat
to safety.
|
INTREPID, INC.
2533 N. Carson Street
Carson City, NV 89706 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(831) 622-0240
Mr. Tom Wollny
ARMY 00-027 |
| Title: | Broadband Focused Radar at Ground Penetrating Frequencies for Detecting Mines, Unexploded Ordnance, or Mobility Related Surface Layers |
| Abstract: | The above ground penetrating radar systems for
close-up surveying of terrain are inadequate for
the detection of frozen or thawed soil layers
(which is important for mobility determination)
and for locating near surface buried objects such
as pipes, waste containers, mines, or unexploded
ordnance. Current antenna systems are not capable
of providing a small spot size at a useful
frequency. Antennas that can provide a small spot
size operate at too high a frequency to adequately
penetrate wet soil. The current low frequency
antennas are not suitable for coherent signal
processing and accurate ranging due to the
non-planar wave fronts at short ranges. We
propose a novel antenna approach to cover the
frequency band from 10 MHz to 1000 MHz which
provides a small footprint on the soil surface A
convincing demonstration of a cost effective
Broadband Focused Radar at Ground Penetrating
Frequencies for Detecting Mines, Unexploded
Ordnance, or Mobility Related Surface Layers
design would provide the Government an opportunity
to provide this equipment to the military forces
operating to clear mines, UXO or when operating on
frozen terrain. This technique if successful can
make a significant contribution to the use of
Ground Penetrating Radar at frequencies that
really do penetrate the ground. The Military and
Commercial demand for this type of instrument is
expected to be significant.
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN RESOURCE LABS, INC.
801 N. Lincoln
Jerome, ID 83338 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(208) 324-7522
Dr. Bruce J. Bradley
ARMY 00-028 |
| Title: | Wet-Vacuum Sampler For Surface Biocontamination Detection |
| Abstract: | In response to possible biological warfare (BW)
attack, accurate sample acquisition and rapid
detection of point microbial contamination on
military equipment, housing and supplies is
required for personnel safety and early response
strategies. A novel hand-held, wet-vacuum
sampling unit (VSU) is proposed, which will allow
application of sterile rinse solutions onto
diverse material surfaces or textures to promote
detachment and recovery of biological agents (BA).
Dried material of interest may be pre-hydrated
without vacuum as needed to improve microbial
detachment. Liquid-suspended BA's are collected
and filtered onto a 47mm disc filter within the
VSU in a single operation. Liquid transport or
resuscitation media may be added. Simple removal
of the VSU's final filter will accommodate
conventional or rapid detection method (RDM)
processing. The feasibility of utilizing Solid
Phase Laser Cytometry for rapid detection of
microbes directly on the VSU's filter is also
proposed. In future R&D, procedure development is
anticipated to back-flush microbes off the VSU's
filter for PCR, ELISA and other RDM or further
processing in liquid. This unique system is
projected to offer a more reliable sample
acquisition alternative to military and civilian
environmental and health safety officers to
counter acts of bioterrorism or hostile BW
attacks. The proposed microbial sampling system
will provide improved health and safety potential
for military and civilian personnel by allowing
more rapid and accurate sample acquisition and
monitoring of contamination from biological
warfare and terrorist threats or attacks. Other
government and civilian agencies involved in food
safety issues resulting from pathogenic
contamination of food or food-preparation surfaces
and environments will also benefit from the
commercial availability of this improved microbial
sampling and detection system.
|
FIBERTEK, INC.
510 Herndon Parkway
Herndon, VA 20170 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(703) 471-7671
Dr. Ti Chuang
ARMY 00-029 |
| Title: | Man-Portable LIFDAR System for the Remote Detection of Clandestine Laboratories |
| Abstract: | The proliferation of clandestine laboratories for
illegal drug manufacturing has escalated
throughout the years. National total of
methamphetamine laboratories seizures has grown
from 43 in 1973 to a 2025 in 1999. Last year it
registered an increment of 24% compared to the
previous year. These statistics only reflects the
number of sites that were detected and seized. It
is recognized, however, that many more labs are
operating than those that are discovered.
Detection of clandestine labs is accomplished by a
number of intelligence gathering procedures,
including reporting of activity by suspecting
neighbors. There is a need to insert more
advanced techniques to acquire evidence of illegal
drug manufacturing activities at a suspected
location. The proposed effort will begin with the
selection of volatile compounds that will be
considered the targets of interest (TOIs) for the
duration of the project. An analysis of the
fluorescence properties of these TOIs will be
performed using 266 nm excitation. A system
architecture and performance model for a
laser-induced fluorescence LIDAR (LIFDAR) system
will be defined. The Phase I effort will end with
the development of a preliminary design for this
system. Phase II will cover the production of a
fieldable system for customer evaluation. The
man-portable LIFDAR to be developed under the
proposed SBIR program has significant potential
for application in military sensing,
environmental remediation and biological agent
detection. In addition, a market exists for
advanced sensors, primarily for airborne
biological agent detection. The cost of the
proposed system should be low enough in production
that sensors based on this technology could be
acquired by virtually every single law enforcement
unit dedicated to the detection and seizure of
clandestine laboratories. We have estimated
potential business in excess of >$130 M based on
the proposed technology. Not all of this would be
realized by a single company, but the business and
potential saving clearly justifies investment in
this technology by government and industry.
|
PACIFIC ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
P.O. Box 359
Santa Ynez, CA 93460 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(805) 688-2088
Ms. Michele Hinnrichs
ARMY 00-029 |
| Title: | Remote Detection of Hazardous Chemicals |
| Abstract: | Clandestine laboratories produce illegal drugs
through the chemical synthesis of
precursors, reagents and solvents. These
laboratories are not only illegal in their
operations, but these processes are extremely
dangerous because of the hazardous
chemicals used for the extraction of the product,
as well as the by-products and residues
produced. This produces a hazard in operations
due to the explosive and safety nature of
these materials, and these facilities pose a
safety hazard for the government investigative
agencies, particularly policing agencies that must
enter these facilities.
Pacific Advanced Technology (PAT) has developed a
field portable infrared imaging
spectrometer technology (Image Multi-spectral
Sensing or IMSS) for defense related
applications such as the detection, analysis and
warning of numerous targets from
missile plumes to chemical warfare agents. PAT
proposes to utilize this new IMSS
technology and apply it to hazardous chemical
vapor detection and analysis. This
technology can provide a small, hand held camera
that can detect and analyze gases
and determine their chemical species. PAT
proposes to analyze and test the IMSS
technology during the Phase I effort and fabricate
a chemical detection camera during
the Phase II program. An inexpensive, small,
lightweight, portable, hand held "instrument" that
could
remotely detect and classify hazardous chemicals
and vapors would be a tremendous asset
to law enforcement agencies in the detection and
enforcement actions against clandestine
drug labs. Such a camera would also be a
significant improvement in chemical detection
for the petrochemical industry where fugitive gas
leaks are a problem due to both the
environmental impacts and lost product costs.
|
APPLIED THIN FILMS, INC.
1801 Maple Avenue, Suite 5316
Evanston, IL 60201 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(847) 467-5282
Dr. Sankar Sambasivan
ARMY 00-030 |
| Title: | Low Conductivity for Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBCs) |
| Abstract: | Higher inlet operational temperatures for turbine
engines is expected to provide significant
benefits in fuel efficiency and performance for
both military and commercial air vehicles. To
accomplish this goal, new generation of thermal
barrier coatings with superior reliability and
durability will be needed. While the
currently-used zirconia-based thermal barrier
coatings provide excellent thermal protection,
they suffer from thermomechanical degradation
during exposure at elevated temperatures. In this
Phase I effort, a crystal chemistry approach is
being explored to examine a new family of layered
perovskites. Key properties of these highly
anisotropic materials include low thermal
conductivity (0.7 W/M.K @ 13000C), tailorable CTE
to match substrate, and inherent
toughness/compliance primarily imparted through
weak bonding between interbasal planes. In Phase
I, coatings will be developed by plasma spray
techniques with subsequent characterization of
microstructure, texture, and thermal conductivity.
The objective is to induce microstructurally
designed features via texture and porosity to
further lower thermal conductivity and to improve
mechanical properties. The multifunctional nature
of these materials will allow for their use in a
broad range of applications. Potential commercial
applications include TBC coatings for helicopter
engines, diesel engine components for low wear and
friction, and coatings for MEMS and microturbines.
|
ULTRAMET
12173 Montague Street
Pacoima, CA 91331 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(818) 899-0236
Mr. David J. Scott
ARMY 00-030 |
| Title: | Low-Cost, High-Performance Nanostructured Thermal Barrier Coatings for Turbine Engine Applications |
| Abstract: | Brayton and combined-cycle (turbine) engines are
widely used for a variety of applications,
including aeropropulsion and power generation.
The performance of turbine engines is limited by
the allowable use temperature of their hot-section
components. Due to increasingly complex cooling
passages and greater turbine temperature and life
requirements, current protective coating
compositions and deposition/application
technologies are inadequate for future turbine
engines. In this project, Ultramet will develop a
low-cost, low temperature wet chemical synthesis
and application technique to produce a superior
thermal barrier coating (TBC) system consisting of
high melting point, low thermal conductivity, low
oxygen permeability oxides. The low oxygen
permeability and improved thermal insulation
properties, particularly at higher temperatures,
of this TBC system will be demonstrated through
cyclic oxidation verification testing. This new
TBC system for high temperature turbine engines
will allow operation at higher temperatures
(>=2800øF) while increasing the life and reducing
the cost of such systems. Not only will the new
coating system allow turbine engines to operate
more economically, but it will also reduce coating
cost relative to existing state-of-the-art
systems. The next-generation TBC system to be
developed in this project will have improved
thermal performance, longer life, and greater
quality comparable to current coatings, with the
potential for an 80-90% reduction in cost.
Improved TBCs will have wide application to
military and commercial propulsion and power
generation systems, including turbine and
reciprocating engines.
|
CHI SYSTEMS, INC.
Gwynedd Office Park
Lower Gwynedd, PA 19002 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(215) 542-1400
Dr. James Eilbert
ARMY 00-031 |
| Title: | Comanche Tactics and Survivability Expert Planner |
| Abstract: | There is a great need for innovative tools to
support training, mission planning and cognitive
decision aiding for tactics and survivability of
advanced rotorcraft systems like Comanche and
Apache Longbow. As the Rotorcraft Pilots
Associate (RPA) program is demonstrating,
recognizing human cognitive limitations and
capabilities enables development of cognitive
technologies for dramatically aiding aviators to
overcome these limitations and take maximal
advantage of their cognitive capabilities. The
proposed research will identify and characterize
advanced mathematical modeling techniques
supporting identification of aircraft
vulnerabilities, learning, and selection of
courses of action (COA). The key innovation
proposed, however, is the integration and
development of a context-sensitive cognitive agent
capable of representing, reasoning about, and
deciding in real-time when and how to apply
expertise. In this case, expertise includes that
required for selection and use of these
mathematical techniques, and the expertise in
tactics and survivability necessary to enable
real-time context-sensitive COA generation and
selection. Such a cognitive agent, iCTEP, is
inherently compatible with RPA's cognitive
decision aiding processes, and utilizes one of the
most advanced executable cognitive architectures
currently available in a COTS IDE: the COGNET
architecture as implemented in the iGENTM
cognitive agent software toolkit and integrated
development environment (IDE).
The iCTEP will be applicable for commericial
avaiation and military aviation trainng systems
such as the Commanche and Longbow. By the end of
Phase II, a desktop planning system is expected to
be integrated into a stimulator which will
determine which technique (Baysian, etc.) will be
optimal for the situation at hand.
|
FRONTIER TECHNOLOGY, INC.
6785 Hollister Avenue
Goleta, CA 93117 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(703) 671-0508
Mr. G. Ed Crowder
ARMY 00-031 |
| Title: | Comanche Tactics and Survivability Expert Planner |
| Abstract: | U.S. Army attack helicopters are arguably among
the most lethal, responsive and flexible
components of U.S. armed forces today, and the
Comanche weapon system will see that they remain
so for the foreseeable future. To live up to its
potential, however, the Comanche must also be
survivable on the modern battlefield, which in
turn demands fast and accurate organic tactical
decision making processes and supporting
information technologies/tools/systems. An
automated Comanche survivability and tactics
expert planner (C-STEP) is needed to recognize
battlefield situations, support identification of
routes and tactics that reduces/minimizes
detection by threats, increases survivability, and
maximizes target detection and Comanche lethality.
An easy-to-use, intuitive automated tool that
could aid the Comanche pilot in either pre-planned
or real-time selection and evaluation of
alternative routes/tactics according to
user-selected criteria will be tremendously
valuable to Comanche pilots. A tool that could
also automatically find and display optimal routes
and tactics according to user-selectable criteria
will be even more valuable, with the potential to
increase the probability of success of any
Comanche mission where survivability is an issue.
This research will research and prove the concept
of such a C-STEP tool. Commercial applications of
automated real-time adaptive decision support
include transportation applications analogous to
the Comanche expert planner problem and financial
industry applications where complexity and
time-sensitivity make human performance
problematic.
|
THORPE SEEOP
320 S. Nina Suite #14
Mesa, AZ 85210 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(480) 969-2021
Mr. Douglas T. Thorpe
ARMY 00-032 |
| Title: | Wing-Store Unmanned Aerial Vehicle |
| Abstract: | A wing-store unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is
presented deployed from widely fielded existing
weapons launchers. Computational simulation and
modeling of the UAV as it is launched from a
helicopter in hover, forward and sideward
(crosswind condition) flight is considered.
Comparison of simulation with data from a company
100% scale model test flown previously
demonstrates accurate results of simulation. The
present effort is directed at the preliminary
design of the wing-store UAV for use as a "Bird
Dog" off aircraft sensor provider. The pre-design
UAV will be modeled and a computer simulation of
the launch envelope with a helicopter downwash
flow field will be conducted. A "Concept
Demonstrator" UAV will be built and test flown
from a test stand and from an aircraft during the
proposed effort. Off aircraft sensor providers
such as a "Bird Dog" UAV would have significant
benefits to warfighter and commercial aviation
users. Law enforcement, search and rescue, and
resource managers would benefit from the
application of this technology.
|
TOYON RESEARCH CORP.
75 Aero Camino, Suite A
Goleta, CA 93117 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(805) 968-6787
Dr. Thomas L. Larry
ARMY 00-033 |
| Title: | Retrofit Anti-Jam CRPA for Handheld GPS Receivers |
| Abstract: | Toyon Research Corporation proposes to design a
low-cost, jammer resistant antenna element
suitable for legacy handheld GPS receivers. The
design will mechanically and electronically
interface with the handheld unit and require no
change to the receiver. This active antenna device
will provide 35 to 40 dB of improvement in the J/S
(jammer to signal) ratio. The design itself will
use Toyon's innovative electronically
reconfigurable antenna (ERA) techniques. Such
antennas make use of active control load devices
in the antenna aperture. These devices enable the
antenna characteristics to adapt to the signal
environment. Toyon has considerable experience in
ERA design and the design and fabrication of the
associated control devices and processes. For this
Army handheld application, we have taken Toyon's
innovative anti-jam GPS antenna design approach
and developed new innovative control techniques
that allow it to retrofit the existing PLGR
(AN/PSN-11) receiver. The jammer resistant GPS
antenna proposed for this handheld unit will fit
in a package that is 4-inches long and one inch in
diameter. At the end of Phase I a proof-of-concept
breadboard version of the antenna will have been
designed, fabricated, and tested for its
suitability as a GPS CRPA with anti-jam
capabilities. Applications range from military
applications, including the obvious handheld Army
GPS antennas to commercial GPS applications. This
electronically reconfigurable antenna concept is
applicable for any commercial application of GPS,
which is subjected to electromagnetic interference
such as business aircraft or helicopters flying in
and out of populated areas.
|
WANG ELECTRO-OPTO CORP.
2140 Newmarket Parkway
Marietta, GA 30067 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(770) 955-9311
Dr. Johnson J. H. Wang
ARMY 00-033 |
| Title: | Retrofit Antijam Applique for Handheld GPS Receivers |
| Abstract: Abstract not available...
|
ATLANTIC CONSULTING SERVICES, INC.
167 Avenue at the Common
Shrewsbury, NJ 07702 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(732) 460-9416
Mr. Mark R. Lambert
ARMY 00-034 |
| Title: | Interoperability between Modeling and Simulation Applications and Army Command and Control (C2) Systems for Planning/Decision Support |
| Abstract: | The utilization of Modeling and Simulation (M&S)
technology to support the life cycle development,
fielding, training and sustainment of military
systems has demonstrated tremendous benefit as M&S
applications have matured. The benefits of
interoperability between M&S applications and
Command and Control (C2) systems are becoming
increasingly more evident as successful
implementations are developed and used in Army
experiments and exercises. As M&S technology
improves, more successful use has been applied
across domains and the benefit of
interoperability, particularly in time, cost and
effectiveness, has been demonstrated. The purpose
of the Phase I effort is to investigate approaches
for defining interoperability standards between
M&S applications and Army C2 systems for planning
and decision support. This will focus on Army C2
systems and constructive force-on-force simulation
systems that are used for analysis, training, and
as scenario drivers (e.g., OneSAF, Janus, Eagle,
WARSIM 2000). This will be accomplished by
developing an object model that captures the
common data representation requirements to promote
better interoperability between M&S applications
and C2 systems. ACS will use an innovative
approach for this problem through specification of
the C2 representation from a purely data
perspective that is independent of a particular
simulation interoperability architecture. Will
leverage significant investment in simulation
technology to provide capabilities as part of
Future Combat Systems (FCS) that will allow
warfighters to "train as they fight."
|
PHYSICAL OPTICS CORP.
Engineering & Products Div.
Torrance, CA 90501 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(310) 320-3088
Dr. Tin M. Aye
ARMY 00-035 |
| Title: | Spectral Camouflage Holographic Coating for Photovoltaic Solar Panel |
| Abstract: | Physical Optics Corporation (POC) will camouflage
solar panels by modifying the reflective
properties of the photovoltaic (PV) silicon cells.
In current solar panels, multilayer thin film
antireflective coatings and cut-off filters reject
some visible wavelengths (mostly blue-green)
transmit near-IR, giving them a highly reflective,
specular blue-green spectral signature. POC
proposes to develop a new holographic coating
technology, multiplexing subtractive and additive
reflection holographic structures. This can
produce solar cells in any color (including black)
by combining (multiplexing) three narrowbands
primary color holographic coatings, which are
flexible environmentally stable, rugged,
nonspecular (diffuse), and exhibit no color shift
with changes in incidence angle or temperature.
The proposed holographic coating is commercially
attractive because of its low-cost material and
fabrication and compatibility with
state-of-the-art solar cell technology. In Phase
I, POC will investigate the proposed concept by
theoretical analysis and computer simulation, and
by experimentally fabricating solar cell coatings
in at least four colors: black, green, brown, and
tan, and will demonstrate the feasibility of the
approach. The proposed spectral camouflage
holographic coating will be a new generation of
camouflage material, which can be applied to many
kinds military equipment, vehicles, command posts,
and field stations. The technology developed for
camouflaging solar panels will also make solar
panels that are integral to buildings
aesthetically appealing.
|
EAST WEST ENTERPRISES, INC.
524 JORDAN LANE
HUNTSVILLE, AL 35805 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(256) 534-4782
Dr. RAMARAO INGUVA
ARMY 00-037 |
| Title: | ADAPTIVE INFORMATION AND AUTOMATED DECISION AIDS FOR THE WARFIGHTER |
| Abstract: | East West Enterprises Inc. (EWE) proposes a novel
method to integrate individual personal profiles
of the decision maker into the overall decision
making process and human system interface to
achieve improved battlefield situational awareness
for the command post. Through a technically sound
survey and interviews with decision makers
personal profiles will be generated. This will
involve collection of verbal, non-verbal and
neurophysical cues. Using the Neuro Linguistic
Programming (NLP) tool, a model for the decision
process in terms of audio (A), visual (V) and
kinesthetic (K) responses will then be developed.
Using this unique tool, the amount of information
displayed as well as the information display
system (graphical user interface) will be
completely redesigned. EWE expects performance
enhancements of several orders of magnitude in the
decision making process as measured through more
timely and accurate decisions because of improved
situational awareness. Not only will this NLP
approach improve the decision making process it
will help alleviate the problem of information
overload in a information rich time critical
environment. This new architecture will have many
applications in the government and industry.
Defense and commercial applications include
improved Battlespace Management Communication,
Command, and Control (BMC3) human interface
systems, improved decision/display aids for
pilots, increased safety in the nuclear industry,
and applications in the security industry. The new
technology would greatly benefit all DOD agencies
wherever human systems interface is involved and
other agencies such as Department of Energy for
safeguards and security of nuclear material,
airport security,airline pilots,NASA and pilot
decision making and learning strategies.
|
JONA GROUP LTD.
140 Marine Street
Farmingdale, NY 11735 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(631) 420-1271
Dr. Ronald Rothchild
ARMY 00-038 |
| Title: | Integrated Computer Mouse (ICM) For On-The-Move Operations |
| Abstract: | Increased use of computers on military vehicles
requires operator interface with a mouse or
mouse-equivalent, regularly or continuously. The
interface is susceptible to influence by vehicle
random motion; the differential motion between the
mouse platform and the operator's hand, induced by
bumps and vibration appears as a random component
of on-screen cursor motion that can degrade
operator effectiveness.
There is a need for a practical mouse-equivalent
that eliminates the effects of vehicle-induced
differential motion between it's platform and it's
control element. Jona proposes to address this
need with a combination of hardware and signal
processing. The hardware will reduce actual
differential motion to a very low level. The
signal processing will eliminate the effects of
unintended motion that still remains.
Objectives of Phase I are:
1. Develop a controller configuration that can
significantly reduce vehicle-induced differential
acceleration.
2. Design a package geometry that will allow
precise use with minimum physiological stress and
maximum long-term comfort.
3. Develop signal-processing means to remove
unintended signals from the controller output.
4. Demonstrate the rejection of unintended signals
by simulation.
5. Prepare a preliminary package design and
formulate a test plan for prototypes to be built
in Phase II.
The proposed Integrated Computer Mouse (ICM) will
have immunity to inertial effects up to a generous
threshold, and a superior combination of high
operator effectiveness with low fatigue, in a
low-cost device including adaptive self-optimizing
signal processing.
|
CHARLES RIVER ANALYTICS, INC.
725 Concord Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(617) 491-3474
Dr. Subrata Das
ARMY 00-039 |
| Title: | Network-Based Truth Maintenance System for Tactical Situation Assessment |
| Abstract: | The growing digitization of the battlefield gives
the intelligence analyst a unique opportunity to
access large amounts of information collected over
time across a variety of sensors to achieve an
unparalleled level of tactical situation
awareness. However, before using this array of
dynamically changing tactical information, the
data must be correlated and fused, and, most of
all, managed in a truth maintenance system (TMS)
ensuring logical data consistency. Rather than
adopting a highly inefficient logic-based
theorem-proving approach to maintain consistency
across the entire database, we propose a Bayesian
belief network (BN) approach that focuses truth
maintenance only on the portions of the fused data
relevant to the current assessment task. Each BN
is constructed to assess a specific high-level
situation in the form of the commander's priority
intelligence requirement (PIR). Before posting
incoming evidence at a BN node, a truth
maintenance procedure is invoked to detect
information inconsistency between the node's
current state and the state of the evidence to be
posted. In the case of inconsistency, the truth
maintenance procedure isolates only relevant
inconsistent nodes based on the causal dependency
of the network. The proposed network-based TMS
thus incrementally maintains only consistent BN
states to ensure trustworthy situation assessment.
Commercial applications of the proposed approach
to truth maintenance in situation assessment
incorporating Bayesian belief network technology
exist in many areas including operation centers
for complex process control (e.g., nuclear power
plants), financial services, credit verification,
loan approval, and rail and air traffic management
centers. A belief network based situation
assessment procedure that focuses only on the
relevant data can also solve the information
overload problem in high-value complex operational
environments.
|
NAVSYS CORP.
14960 Woodcarver Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80921 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(719) 481-4877
Dr. Alison Brown
ARMY 00-040 |
| Title: | Geolocations with Distributed Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Sensors |
| Abstract: | Under this proposed SBIR effort, NAVSYS will
develop a design for a networked SIGINT sensor
architecture use Software Radio signal processing,
GPS geolocation, and data fusion techniques to
detect and geolocate interference sources. To
achieve this propose to leverage the inherent
signal processing capabilities available in the
next generation of Software Radios being purchased
by the US Army to allow them to act as SIGINT
sensors in this Software-Radio Networked SIGINT
(SRN-SIGINT) architecture.
In Phase I we propose to develop the SRN-SIGINT
architecture and produce a design for a Software
Radio with embedded SIGINT capability to be built
under the Phase II project. Our plan is to
develop a design that is compatible with the Joint
Tactical Radio System (JTRS). The operation of
the SRN-SIGINT capability will be demonstrated
using simulation data to show the capability to
fuse TDOA, FDOA and AOA SIGINT information from
multiple Software Radios. We are also proposing
to demonstrate the SRN-SIGINT concept with
in-house software radios and a data fusion
workstation developed on another contract for GPS
jammer location. Under Phase II, we propose to
partner with the JTRS prime contractors to enable
the SRN-SIGINT capability to transition into this
operational program.
The SRN-SIGINT capability integrated into the
multi-spectral JTRS will provide a powerful yet
inexpensive mechanism for collecting SIGINT data
and distributing it to a SRN-SIGINT workstation
for analysis, using a networked architecture.
Commercial applications exist for this capability,
embedded into personal communication systems, for
geolocation of both interference sources and also
personal geolocation in support of mobile E-9-1-1
applications. NAVSYS' commercial partners have
applications for this capability for emergency
medical response, personal safety and convict
tracking operations.
|
SIGNATRON TECHNOLOGY CORP.
29 Domino Drive
Concord, MA 01742 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(978) 371-0550
Dr. Steen A. Parl
ARMY 00-040 |
| Title: | Geolocations with Distributed Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Sensors |
| Abstract: | The proposed research will address issues of
locating an emitter with unknown waveform, and
will assess the potential for improved performance
through channel multipath estimation and through
the synchronized diversity effect of multiple
sensors. The proposed approach embodies a new
algorithm that determines the location of an
emitter with enhanced accuracy by combining the
data from multiple SIGINT sensors in a
synchronized network. The approach generalizes
AOA and TDOA, normally used in triangulation
methods, and combines them into an algorithm
estimating location directly. The resulting
location can be distributed for digital map
display over a wireless virtual private network.
Sensor platforms of different capabilities and
sizes are automatically combined. Sensors may
include random arrays and space-time processing of
varying complexity. The approach is based on a
new distributed signal-combining method developed
by the proposing firm for geolocation of tags.
Experiments with this system for known waveforms
have successfully demonstrated improved location
accuracy. In Phase I the performance with unknown
waveforms will be studied through analysis and
simulation. Performance improvements will be
investigated and compared with other techniques of
comparable complexity. A prototype design will be
developed for a Phase II implementation planned to
be demonstrated in a JTRS-type radio. The primary
application is the location and tracking of
potential emitters in military operations. The
proposed geolocation technique also has many law
enforcement and emergency applications for
locating target radios. It can be used for the
location of callers using cellular handsets or
wireless PDAs. In addition, the technology can be
used for other emitter location and tracking
problems such as locating special tags to find
lost children, patients, and pets, as well as
tracking parolees, cargo and vehicles.
|
STATISTICAL SIGNAL PROCESSING, INC.
1909 Jefferson St.
Napa, CA 94559 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(707) 226-9933
Dr. Chris W. Reed
ARMY 00-040 |
| Title: | Geolocations with Distributed Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Sensors |
| Abstract: | SSPI proposes to develop
a SIGINT tool that
would produce high-accuracy emitter position
estimates
for a large class of measurement types including
propagation time (PT),
time difference of arrival (TDOA), frequency
difference of
arrival (FDOA), and angle of arrival (AOA). If
the source
is known to be near the surface of the earth and a
digitized
terrain map is provided, this information can be
used to enhance
the quality of the estimate. The robustness
and general applicability of the proposed Maximum
Likelihood
approach make it ideally suited
for high-accuracy geolocation through the
combining of multiple
geo-observables from distinct types of SIGINT
sensors. The proposed general-purpose geolocation
technique can be used for law enforcement
and emergency services to locate a transmitter.
The technique is also applicable
for FCC to locate unauthorized transmitters.
Another potentional application
is to locate malfunctioning or modified radios in
a cellular or PCS communications
system.
|
CHARLES RIVER ANALYTICS, INC.
725 Concord Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(617) 491-3474
Dr. Greg L. Zacharias
ARMY 00-041 |
| Title: | Information Operations Decision-Aid for Rapid Response Individual Vulnerability Assessment |
| Abstract: | Information Operations (IO) preparation typically
takes advantage of large staffs and years of
planning, with much of the effort focused on
well-researched threat decision-makers. The
situation is different now, with a rapidly
changing focus towards unpredictable "hot spots"
on the globe, and with unconventional Operations
Other Than War (OOTW) missions. We propose to
address this problem by prototyping a decision-aid
that compensates for small staffs, short response
times, and, most critically, a lack of knowledge
concerning the individual decision-makers targeted
by a PSYOPS operation. The approach is based on
the following: 1) we have available a long-term
knowledge store on potential threat groups and
their associated key psychosocial/behavioral
attributes; 2) we have only limited knowledge of
threat individual decision makers, possibly only
their group affiliations; 3) we can combine known
group attributes with known individual
affiliations, to infer likely
psychosocial/behavioral attributes of that
individual; 4) we can combine key situation
characteristics with the inferred individual
psychosocial/behavioral attributes, to make
reliable estimates of expected behavior in a given
OOTW situation. We propose to evaluate different
approaches to researching and prototyping this
type of decision-aiding function by combining
behavioral and organizational knowledge within a
hybrid architecture of complementary artificial
intelligence inferencing techniques. We see
considerable potential for application of the
behavior prediction, decision-aiding, and
visualization prototype in the commercial area,
specifically in high volume, time critical
financial transactions. These include the
commodities futures market, local and national
stock exchanges, and international currency
markets where much, if not all, of the market
movements are governed by psychological and
organizational factors, well beyond the ken of
conventional financial and economic analysis. The
focused application of a PSYOPS-oriented tool in
these arenas could have a significant impact on
the perceptions of other players in the market and
could translate to significant increases in profit
margin for active traders in these markets.
|
CHI SYSTEMS, INC.
Gwynedd Office Park
Lower Gwynedd, PA 19002 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(215) 542-1400
Mr. Fred Reed
ARMY 00-042 |
| Title: | Data Sonification |
| Abstract: | A Semiotic Design Methodology for Data
Sonification
Display of complex information through sound, or
Data Sonification (DS), is a promising technology
that remains relatively unexploited in both
military and non-military information systems. The
primary reason for this deficit is the lack of
satisfactory design knowledge, methods, and
process for economically and reliably deploying DS
applications. We propose to demonstrate the
feasibility of a novel, unified design methodology
for Data Sonification (DS) based on a fundamental
theory of sign systems, or "semiotics". Using
semiotic theory as a framework, CHI proposes to
integrate and extend DS-relevant research and
practices into a comprehensive, systematic,
end-to-end process for deploying DS applications.
This effort will enhance development of DS
applications through: maximum use of existing
design knowledge, greater synergy of all design
phases based on a common theoretical foundation,
reduced time and cost to deploy DS applications,
and better integration of DS in multi-modal
workstation design. This enhanced development
capability would open up new opportunities for
commercialization of DS technology in a broad
range of applications, including data mining,
process control, simulation and modeling, software
engineering, education and training, and games. In
addition, DS has broad applicability anywhere the
user is visually disabled or in reduced-visibility
environments.
|
SYSTEMS & PROCESSES ENGINEERING CORP.
101 West Sixth Street
Austin, TX 78701 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(512) 479-7732
Dr. N.B. Penrose, P.E.
ARMY 00-043 |
| Title: | Electronic Warfare Environment Simulator System (EWESS) |
| Abstract: | SPEC proposes to develop an Electronic Warfare
Environment Simulator System (EWESS) based on the
latest digital synthesis modulation techniques.
The hardware-in-the-loop simulator system will be
based on SPEC's state-of-the-art Advanced Digital
RF Memory (DRFM) Kernel architecture based on its
proprietary direct digital synthesis (DDS)
coherent modulation core. The Advanced DRFM
Kernel architecture's inherent characteristics
will provide the EWESS the ability to simulate any
radar or communications system in its frequency
range, including those with complex emitter
characteristics such as stagger, agile, jitter,
pulse Doppler, and other scan types. It will be
capable of creating scenarios where many different
emitters separated by frequency, time and other
parameters can be simulated. The system will
retain the major beneficial operating
characteristics of the synthesizer; low cost,
sub-microsecond response time, phase coherence,
low phase noise and spurious content, high
reliability, small size and weight for airborne or
man-portable applications.
In the Phase I program, SPEC will work with
potential customers to determine required
parameters and system performance specifications.
Following this, SPEC will determine the key
software and hardware components that will
interface with the Advanced DRFM Kernel to produce
the EWESS. In Phase II, SPEC will build and
demonstrate a prototype EWESS. The development of
the EWESS will provide the Government with the
state-of-the-art in EW hardware-in-the-loop
simulation capabilities. This
capability is critical for the next generation
warfighter. The EWESS
technology has immediate application to the
digital wideband
communications market.
|
SENSORS UNLIMITED, INC.
3490 U.S. Route 1
Princeton, NJ 08540 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(609) 520-0610
Dr. Robert M. Brubaker
ARMY 00-044 |
| Title: | A 640x512 Short Wave Infrared Mini-Camera for Low Light Level and Range-Gated Imaging |
| Abstract: | Sensors Unlimited Inc. will deliver a 640x512
pixel miniaturized camera utilizing a new Indium
Gallium Arsenide focal plane array. The array
will be sensitive to the 0.9 æm to 1.7 æm short
wave infrared wavelength band. The final camera
will include system noise less than 20 electrons
for night vision imaging, no image lag at video
display speeds, and snapshot-mode exposures less
than 5 æs for range-gated imaging.
During Phase I, we will design and simulate CMOS
readout integrated circuit architectures. The 32
best candidates will be combined in a 128x128
pixel array. The final layout, ready for
fabrication, will be delivered at the end of the
program.
We will also improve the InGaAs photodiode array
using a novel buffer structure. The new array
will be hybridized to an existing readout to
characterize the material. The focal plane array
will be delivered at the end of the program.
During Phase II, we will submit the readout design
to a foundry for fabrication. The readout will be
hybridized to an InGaAs array and evaluated. The
results will be used to select the best design for
fabrication in a 640x512 pixel format. The final
FPA will then be characterized and delivered in
the final miniaturized camera.
The output of this program will be the next
generation FPA, with a lower noise readout and
improved InGaAs material. Generally, this will
allow use of cameras at lower light levels and
higher temperatures, which will extend their use
and decrease costs associated with cooling.
Commercially, a high resolution, low noise device
is desired for applications such as night
surveillance by civilian police departments, and
ice detection for aircraft, bridges and roadways.
|
INTEGRATED SENSORS, INC.
502 Court St.
Utica, NY 13502 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(315) 798-1377
Dr. Charles Ferrara
ARMY 00-045 |
| Title: | Real-Time Image Restoration for Generation 3 Forward Looking Infrared Systems |
| Abstract: | Integrated Sensors, Incorporated (ISI) proposes to
evaluate a variety of image restoration algorithms
for a compact, real-time, high-resolution FLIR
implementation. The target hardware solution is a
field-programmable gate array (FPGA)
multiprocessor architecture. These provide the
speed of a hardware implementation, while offering
the reprogramming flexibility of a general-purpose
processor.
Algorithms such as adaptive Wiener filters and
recursive maximum likelihood / entropy
optimizations are among those under consideration.
All of these require precise models of the system
MTF (Modulation Transfer Function). The Wiener
approach is nonrecursive and would be the simplest
to implement, while the recursive approaches tend
to perform better under nongaussian conditions. A
major challenge is to improve the convergence time
of the recursive approaches. Innovation is also
required to structure these algorithms for an
efficient, real-time solution.
The algorithms will be evaluated using restoration
performance and computational requirements as key
discriminants. The performance will be evaluated
subjectively on real images and quantified using
minimum resolvable temperature difference (MRTD)
measurements on simulated data. A hardware
solution will be customized to support the most
promising algorithm.
ISI will include this technology as part of its
ImageExpressT commercial motion analysis system,
to enhance measurement accuracy.
Commercial applications include the enhancement
of ISI's ImageExpressT product line and marketing
the technology to vendors of high resolution FLIR
and consumer video systems.
|
INTELLIGENT OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
2520 W. 237th Street
Torrance, CA 90505 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(310) 530-7130
Dr. Emile Fiesler
ARMY 00-045 |
| Title: | Real-Time Image Restoration for Image Enhancement and an Increased Target Acquisition Range |
| Abstract: | The U.S. Army has expressed a need for improved
real-time target acquisition capabilities of
strategic systems for tactical applications such
as battlefield data collection, reconnaissance,
and search and rescue operations. To address this
need, Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS) proposes
to develop a super-resolution processor module
that will greatly improve the imagery of
third-generation, forward-looking infrared (FLIR)
sensor systems. The IOS Super-Resolution (SuRe)
processor will be a digital signal processor (DSP)
chip that will implement a state-of-the-art
restoration and super-resolution algorithm in real
time. The processor will significantly extend the
range of third-generation FLIR sensors,
significantly increasing their capabilities for
target surveillance and tracking. An image
restoration algorithm capable of processing the
output of a staring, focal-plane array with a time
delay of less than two frames will be demonstrated
during Phase I. During the project, IOS will
conduct market analysis and identify financial and
other support to ensure the successful
commercialization of the SuRe processor.
The ability of the SuRe processor to function in
real time and its significant benefits in size,
weight, and cost will make it extremely
competitive in many areas where the enhancement of
acquired imagery data is desired.
In addition to greatly enhancing the target
surveillance and tracking capabilities of military
sensors, the SuRe processor will be beneficial in
non-military applications such as: air traffic
control (landing aids and runaway monitoring);
improved video cameras for surveillance and
security applications; enhanced imagery devices
for industrial product inspections and quality
control; and numerous civilian
airborne-surveillance tasks such as crop and
forest monitoring, and the monitoring of land-use.
|
OBSERVERA, INC.
4451 Brookfield Corp. Dr.
Chantilly, VA 20151 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(800) 444-6905
Mr. Todd Jamison
ARMY 00-045 |
| Title: | Real-Time Image Restoration for Generation 3 Forward Looking Infrared Systems |
| Abstract: | Observera, Inc. has teamed with the Sarnoff
Corporation to research, design and prototype a
real-time image restoration system for large
format, low noise IR focal plane arrays (FPA).
Phase I will identify and prototype an image
restoration algorithm that is capable of
increasing the target acquisition range of third
generation FLIR systems by 50%. The Phase I
"option effort" will look at multiple image
restoration techniques as a means of improving
image quality. A real-time image restoration
system will also be designed that meets the
latency requirements with less than 2 frame delay
between input of image and output of restored
image. The Phase II effort will be characterized
by rapid prototyping methodologies, spiral
development, and real-time processing objectives.
The Observera/Sarnoff Team has a strong record of
past performance and proven capability in
commercializing advanced imaging and video
technologies. Our extensive experience in
algorithm/hardware evaluation, real-time video
exploitation, advanced image processing, and
high-performance computing hardware technology
make our team uniquely qualified for this task.
Super resolution technology will be incorporated
into our commercial video processing hardware and
software. This effort will allow high-resolution
displays for low-resolution video and digital
cameras and allow aerial video images to be more
fully utilized for intelligence, targeting, damage
assessment and battlespace awareness. Civilian
applications for our products include land-use
management, utility and transportation corridor
monitoring, surveillance, and environmental
protection.
|
EE SOLUTIONS, LLC
219 West Main Street
Newark, DE 19711 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(302) 831-8170
Dr. Dennis W. Prather
ARMY 00-046 |
| Title: | Electromagnetic-Based Computer Aided Design (CAD) for Wavelength Scale Optics |
| Abstract: | In this effort we proposed to develop an
integrated software environment for the rigorous
electromagnetic analysis and design of diffractive
optical elements (DOEs). To this end, we will
develop a user-friendly graphical user interface
(GUI) specifically geared towards DOEs; we will
refine, expand and integrate our suite of
electromagnetic analysis tools based on the
finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method; and
we will incorporate both discrete and continuous
optimized design methods.
The need for such a tool arises from the rapid
miniaturization in modern technologies.
Manufacturers are pushing for linewidths of 0.1 um
and less in mass production. Thus, optical and
electro-optical devices fabricated with
subwavelength features will go from
state-of-the-art to ubiquitous. As the
components within these systems reduce to a scale
comparable to their operational wavelengths,
traditional methods used to analyze their
performance become inaccurate. Therefore we
propose to overcome this limitation through the
development of a computer aided design (CAD) and
analysis package that is based on an exact 3D
electromagnetic model. The software will be
designed specifically for a PC platform and
incorporate an intuitive graphical user interface.
To create and enabling tool for the burgeoning
field of diffractive optical elements and
micro-optical devices.
|
INDIGO SYSTEMS CORP.
5385 Hollister Ave #103
Santa Barbara, CA 93111 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(805) 690-6640
Mr. William Terre
ARMY 00-047 |
| Title: | Micro Air Vehicle and Weapon Sight Infrared (IR) Camera |
| Abstract: | While the advantages of a thermal weapon sight are
well-recognized, the disadvantages of all current
IR sights include excessive weapon-borne weight
(>5 lb), awkward size (>>100 in3), and high power
consumption (>5 W). These drawbacks significantly
detract from the utility of a weapon sight, making
it a burden rather than a battlefield aid. Recent
advances in the development of very low-powered
miniature IR cameras (i.e. the UL3 camera
developed by Indigo Systems) offer tremendous
opportunity to eliminate these drawbacks. UL3
stands for Ultra-Low Size, Ultra-Low Weight, and
Ultra-Low Power. The UL3 family of uncooled
microbolometer cameras has unleashed exciting new
opportunities for the application of infrared
technology in important commercial applications
such as fire-fighting, security/surveillance, and
predictive maintenance. UL3 also provides
critical new technology to substantially advance
the effectiveness of man-portable military systems
and micro-sensors.
Indigo Systems, in conjunction with Insight
Technology, propose to develop a weapon sight
based on the UL3 family of miniature IR cameras.
During Phase I, a conceptual design of a
ruggedized, wireless sight employing a 320x240
microbolometer array will be developed. In
parallel, the detailed design of a demonstration
sight built around Indigo's ALPHA„ camera will be
completed. Miniaturized electronics will be
designed to generate reticle patterns and menu
overlays on the IR imagery. User controls and a
battery compartment will be developed with a
strong focus on ergonomics, location, and ease of
use. To optimize the design around these and
other MANPRINT considerations, Indigo will enlist
the considerable experience of Insight Technology.
A prototype of the ALPHA„-based demonstration
sight will be fabricated as a Phase I Option.
The proposed development will result in a
configuration of an IR micro-camera featuring an
integral battery compartment, user controls,
on-screen symbology, and a wireless video link.
In addition to its military utility, this complete
stand-alone system serves a broad range of
man-portable sensing applications, such as
firefighter vision systems, law enforcement,
environmental and industrial imaging.
|
IRVINE SENSORS CORP.
3001 Redhill Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA 92626 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(714) 444-8833
Mr. Charles S Kaufman
ARMY 00-047 |
| Title: | Micro Air Vehicle and Weapon Sight Infrared (IR) Camera |
| Abstract: | Irvine Sensors Corporation (ISC) will develop a
modular miniaturized uncooled thermal imaging
system. The system's camera head will be based on
a miniaturized microbolometer sensor head
currently under development at ISC. This camera
head can then either be integrate with a
miniaturized wireless data link or an image
stabilization module. When configure with the
wireless data link this system is a mini-thermal
imaging targeting system for handheld weapons.
This configuration will include the camera that
will display imagery on a GFE HMD via a short
range covert wireless link. The output to the HMD
will include an aim sight that will overlay the
camera's image. The input to the HMD will be a
standard video format that will be compatible with
COTS HMD as well as integrate Helmet/HMD currently
under development for the US Army. The other
configuration will replace the short range
wireless link with a miniaturized image
stabilization module, and is intended for a Micro
Unmanned Air Vehicle application. The technical
innovations that will be addressed include the
development of a short range covert wireless link
between the weapon/weapon sight and a HMD, and the
low power miniaturized image stabilization
function. The anticipate benefit of this project
is the development of a imaging sighting system
for handheld weapons and UAV applications. The
potential commercial applications include both
local and federal law enforcement agencies. A
simple derivative of the system (without the HMD
and wireless link)
|
ARCHITECTURE TECHNOLOGY CORP.
9971 Valley View Road
Eden Prairie, MN 55344 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(952) 829-5864
Dr. Maher N. Kaddoura
ARMY 00-048 |
| Title: | Adapting IP QoS Provisioning Techniques to Wireless Networks |
| Abstract: Abstract not available...
|
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CORP.
2300 Windy Ridge Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30339 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(770) 989-9551
Dr. Peter Sholander
ARMY 00-048 |
| Title: | Adaptable Packet-Switched, Battle Command Information |
| Abstract: | True end-to-end Quality of Service (QoS) support
for DoD applications requires the integrated use
of various protocols and services. Some of the
necessary tools include policy management that
distributes QoS policy to the network links/nodes,
policy enforcement methods, QoS-aware routing for
mobile ad-hoc networks, traffic classification,
and resource reservation techniques (e.g.
signalling support) so that applications can
request their desired QoS from a network. Systems
that address policy management and policy
enforcement are commercially available and gaining
acceptance. As such, this Phase 1 SBIR effort
will focus on the traffic classification, resource
reservation, and QoS-based routing problems, with
an emphasis on retrofitting technically and
economically viable solutions onto legacy end
systems such as Windows workstations and PCs. In
particular, SRC will develop an architecture which
may use one signalling technique (such as RSVP)
between the user and the first network element,
and different techniques (such as Diffserv) within
the network core. SRC has already developed
software technology (IP Overdrive) for the Windows
platform that classifies important network
traffic, and hence enables QoS in the both Local
Area Networks and the network core. Enhancing the
existing IP Overdrive software to provide support
for resource-reservation signaling will
successfully address both the traffic
classification and resource reservation problems.
Finally, SRC can leverage its existing work on the
Zone Routing Protocol (ZRP) to address QoS-aware
routing for the mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs)
prevalent in DoD tactical applications.
|
TRLOKOM, INC.
124 Vista Circle Dr.
Sierra Madre, CA 91024 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(626) 836-5545
Dr. Jayant Shukla
ARMY 00-048 |
| Title: | Security and QoS in Packet-Switched Networks |
| Abstract: | IP is today's dominant networking protocol. Newer
version of this protocol is expected to be used in
the next generation wire and wireless networks.
However, the lack of quality of Service (QoS) and
data security are the two major shortcomings of
the IP protocol. Unauthorized data or resource
access on IP networks has been facilitated by the
lack of these services.
Trlokom proposes to develop a system that
integrates data security and QoS. Our system will
use dedicated hardware to improve the
cryptographic data processing to the wirespeed.
Strong authentication of the data packets
transmitted over the network will form a natural
defense against the network based attacks, such as
the DoS attacks. The APIs for RSVP and
Differentiated Services (DS) will be used to
provide QoS for the applications. The QoS and
security support in our system will ensure proper
functioning of the applications even when the
network is under an attack.
Our proposed system can also be used for building
interactive video applications, virtual private
networks (VPNs), and multi-level security systems
at a low cost. At the end of Phase I, we will
deliver an architecture to provide security and
QoS to the applications in the IP networks.
A security system with QoS and hardware crypto
accelerator can be used for various
applications, such as virtual private networks,
multi-level security system,
multi-media multicast etc. This system will
provide end-to-end security and QoS that
is easy to use at a reduced cost.
|
FOSTER-MILLER, INC.
350 Second Ave.
Waltham, MA 02451 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(781) 684-4171
Dr. Patricia Wilson
ARMY 00-049 |
| Title: | Embedded Antenna Loops for the VHF-UHF |
| Abstract: | The next generation Warrior systems pose a number
of challenging problems for communications. In
particular, the fast-growing amount of information
the individual soldier is required to receive and
transmit requires radio and communication systems
with increased performance. This need is
complicated by current antennas which impede the
mobility of the soldier by protruding from the
soldier system. In addition, the high loads
carried by the soldier put pressure on system
designers to seek technology which can reduce
weight. What is needed is an antenna system which
is conformal to the body and which can be embedded
into the soldier system to optimize performance
and mobility. Foster-Miller and its partner, BAE
Systems, plan to design and evaluate such an
embedded antenna system as part of the proposed
program. (P-00860) The proposed development of a
wearable antenna system for the dismounted soldier
will provide a major improvement in communication
performance, operational logistics and soldier
safety. Body borne, loop antenna technology,
which eliminates the need for antennas that
protrude from the body, has high market potential
in applications such as the
following: law enforcement, large system
maintenance, wearable computers, and special
operations and disaster relief.
|
LUNA INNOVATIONS, INC.
2851 Commerce Street
Blacksburg, VA 24060 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(540) 953-4266
Mr. Scott Meller
ARMY 00-050 |
| Title: | Bluetooth RF Solutions for Short Range Military Applications |
| Abstract: | Wireless communications are becoming a preferred
method of sending information anywhere in the
world. Wireless systems have gone beyond radio,
telephones, and television, to include computer
networks, merchandising services, data systems,
and personal communications devices. Advances in
technology are making wireless communications
easier, safer, of higher quality, and less
expensive every month. This rapid development of
wireless technology is creating new opportunities
and challenges for communications users and
suppliers.
Recent Army battlefield experiments have
identified the need for more effective wireless
communications. The military needs RF systems
with the ability to self-assemble in ad-hoc
networks when brought in close proximity to one
another. Short range wireless systems are needed
both for dismounted soldiers voice/data
communications and for quick network assembly of
computer equipment in Command Posts.
The opportunity now exists to leverage new short
range RF devices developed by the computer and
communications industries to military applications
at significantly reduced cost. Luna Innovations
and the Center for Wireless Telecommunications at
Virginia Tech propose to develop a miniature,
robust, telemetry system for military applications
based on the emerging Bluetooth technology,
standard for short range RF communications
championed by the major companies in the computer
and communications industries.
Luna Innovations anticipates large non-defense
related markets in industrial preventive
maintenance systems and diagnostic
instrumentation. Specific applications include
spacecraft and aircraft monitoring and control,
nuclear/conventional power plant health
monitoring, transportation vehicle design and
testing, and industrial rotating machine
monitoring.
|
TRIDENT SYSTEMS, INC.
10201 Lee Highway
Fairfax, VA 22030 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(703) 691-7780
Mr. Dan Bindbeutel
ARMY 00-050 |
| Title: | Single Chip, Low Cost, Very Short Range Radio Frequency (RF) Systems for Military Applications |
| Abstract: | Recent advancements in integrated circuit
miniaturization and network topologies
in the communications industry have given rise to
the development of products
providing short range (less than ten meters)
wireless connectivity for both voice
and data communications. Several industry
initiatives, among them Bluetooth and
HomeRF, have created de facto standards for RF
systems that operate using spread
spectrum modes in the industrial, scientific, and
medical (ISM) bands of
frequencies, at very low power levels. One
promising application for this emerging
technology is in the area of wireless personal
area networks (WPANs). Trident
proposes exploiting this technology to provide
secure wireless voice and data links
between soldier-borne systems such as combat net
radios, personal GPS units (PLGR),
and digital message transfer devices (DMTDs), as
well as tetherless intercom
connections for vehicle crews and associated
dismounted personnel. These links
will enhance operational efficiency by eliminating
cabled connections and providing
dynamically self-configuring personal voice and
data network connectivity on the
battlefield. Trident will exploit its background
in portable SA/C2 systems to
develop a solution that integrates readily into
the Army's battlefield digitization
effort.
The successful completion of this project will
provide the Army with a flexible,
practical solution for short-range wireless voice
and data connectivity. This
capability will reduce task complexity and enhance
operational efficiency
associated with tactical communications for both
mounted and dismounted personnel.
The resulting system would be immediately
applicable for use by other military
services (USMC, SOCOM), and has direct
applications for a variety of commercial
markets, from wireless industrial control systems
to personal voice and data
connectivity for mobile internet and intranet
users.
|
INTELLIGENT AUTOMATION, INC.
2 Research Place
Rockville, MD 20850 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(301) 590-3155
Dr. Leonard Haynes
ARMY 00-052 |
| Title: | Survivable Networks Based on Mobile Agents |
| Abstract: | The innovations herein described are specific
methods to use active networks hosting mobile
agents to achieve efficient, flexible, survivable
wireless communication networks. The methods
proposed use mobile agents interacting using a
contract net paradigm to maintain dynamic
knowledge of the network connectivity, to select
near optimal routes, and to provide bandwidth and
latency control for a wide range of instantaneous
user requirements. A specific method which we
have used very successfully in other domains is
also detailed to provide in-network data mining
for certain classes of data anomalies. This
capability will allow the network to detect
situations requiring increased priority and
possibly modifications to packet destinations.
Lastly, this proposal describes a fundamental
problem with fully decentralized networks, gives
data to support its occurrence, and proposes a
specific method to reduce the occurrence and
mitigate the impact of this problem. During the
proposed Phase 1 work, these innovations will be
investigated using proprietary tools designed
specifically to build mobile agent systems. These
tools will simplify the development of a network
simulation, and will also simplify the development
of the agent code that will form the basis of the
active network. IAI has investigated one small
application for robust wireless networks for
wireless interconnection of hospital equipment,
and for high value inventory tracking within
hospitals. Even this tiny domain is estimated to
be in the several billion dollar range.
|
APS MATERIALS, INC.
4011 Riverside Drive
Dayton, OH 45405 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(937) 278-6547
Mr. Philip H. Chitty
ARMY 00-054 |
| Title: | Advance Anode Materials for Electro-Osmotic-Pulse Technology to Control Water Intrusion in Porous Structures |
| Abstract: | There is a need for research and development of
new and cost effective anode materials and
processes to facilitate the already successful
Electro-Osmotic-Pulse (EOP) Technology for
controlling moisture in existing concrete
structures. The new anode technology will extend
use of EOP to a broader range of construction
materials to include masonry block, brick and
stone structures. There is also a need for the
innovative anode technology to be integrated with
these building materials during new construction.
Moisture control can be accomplished by the onsite
thermal spray deposition of suitable EOP anode
materials. This involves the possibility of
several different thermal spray processes
including but not limited to two-wire arc and
plasma spray. In addition, further enhancement of
existing anode technology for new and existing
building structures using various precious metal
catalytic coating processes in conjunction with a
greater variety of titanium substrate
configurations also provide the opportunity for
significant EOP Technology advancement.
For Phase I, CerAnode Technologies Division of APS
Materials, Inc., will investigate at the
laboratory scale the practical options available
for eventual use in the field during phases II &
III.
The availability of the new cost-effective anode
technologies tailored for the construction market
described will create many new applications in
both commercial and military sectors. The
successful control of moisture intrusion into
building facilities will increase the quality of
life in terms of health and comfort as well as
greatly reduce the traditional costs associated
with providing moisture free storage and
warehousing. Consequently, the innovative anode
technology will find immediate interest in the
overall construction market. Reliable
state-of-the-art anode materials for 20 to 50-year
life are expected. APS Materials, Inc. has 25
years of experience and has applied well over 2000
different material systems using a variety of
thermal spray processes in the laboratory, in our
production facility and in the field. It will
therefore be in a position to commercialize the
anode technology in phases II & III.
|
ADVANCED FUEL RESEARCH, INC.
87 Church Street
East Hartford, CT 06108 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(860) 528-9806
Dr. Stuart Farquharson
ARMY 00-055 |
| Title: | Combinatorial Synthesis and Screening of Sensing Nanomaterial for Warfare Agents |
| Abstract: | The overall goal of the proposed program is to
provide military personnel with a hand-held
analyzer capable of detecting chemical and
biological agents, as well as toxic industrial
chemicals. This will be accomplished through the
use of a new nanocomposite material (metal-doped
sol-gel) that enhances analyte specific Raman
signals sufficiently to allow identifying and
quantifying agents at relevant concentrations
(microgram/liter, part-per-billion). Phase I will
employ combinatorial chemistry to synthesize four
medium sized libraries of sol-gel coated sample
vials varying in composition and properties (e.g.
polar, non-polar, positive charge, negative
charge) and screen their surface-enhanced Raman
(SER) activity towards chemical simulants and
potential biological agent signatures. Baseline
performance will be established using a high
resolution, high sensitivity, hand-held Raman
spectrometer.
Phase II will automate the combinatorial synthesis
and screening process to allow the generation of
large sol-gel nanomaterial libraries to determine
the chemical compositions that maximize detection
of each chemical agent, bioagent signature
chemical, and toxic industrial chemical by SER
spectroscopy. Screening with actual agents will
be performed at U.S. Army facilities. Finally,
the sol-gel nanomaterial will be designed into
sampling systems for discrete or continuous
monitoring of air or water by a hand-held Raman
analyzer capable of wireless data transmission.
In addition to military personnel, the proposed
technology would have immediate use in monitoring
domestic water supplies (drinking and
recreational) and detecting release of toxic
chemicals at industrial plants. It would also be
applicable to environmental analysis of
groundwater (e.g. leaking agent storage facilities
or pesticides from agricultural). The proposed
SER active medium represents an enabling
technology and is broadly applicable to
pharmaceutical, biologic, medical, and chemical
research.
|
TRITON SYSTEMS, INC.
200 TURNPIKE ROAD
Chelmsford, MA 01824 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(978) 250-4200
Dr. Huaibing Liu
ARMY 00-056 |
| Title: | Novel Integrated Materials for Plastic Encapsulated Microcircuits |
| Abstract: | The use of plastic-encapsulated microcircuits
(PEM's) is one of the new major thrust areas in
military electronic component packaging. PEM will
potentially replace hermetically-sealed ceramic
and metal devices presently used to achieve and
maintain high reliability in military use
environments. On the proposed Phase I effort,
Triton Systems will apply its broad experience in
polymeric materials design, nanomaterial
engineering and electromagnetic interference (EMI)
shielding to create integrated polymeric materials
that will have the potential of significantly
advancing the current state-of-the-art in
encapsulation material performance for
non-hermetic integrated circuits. The materials
will be designed to have a microporous percolating
structure for rapid escape of moisture during
thermal assembly to eliminate popcorning effect.
Inorganic fillers will be incorporated in the
formulations to lower the coefficient of thermal
expansion and to enhance the thermal conductivity.
Incorporation of rubber particles into the matrix
will also be evaluated as a way to lower the
modulus. During the Phase I option, the selected
formulations will be further enhanced to provide
integral EMI shielding without comprising
electrical resistivity. In Phase II, we will
optimize the material formulations and carry out a
component-level demonstration by applying the
selected materials to the integrated circuit
package frames. There is an immediate need of
plastic-encapsulated microcircuits with improved
high reliability in military electronics
packaging. Materials optimized for better thermal
and mechanical characteristics will lead to
increased operational cycles before failure and
lowering replacement costs. The integral EMI
shielding and increased thermal conductivity will
allow further integration, higher density
integrated circuits, reduced volume and increased
functionality.
|
UTILITY DEVELOPMENT CORP.
112 Naylon Avenue
Livingston, NJ 07039 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(973) 994-4334
Mr. Harry S. Katz
ARMY 00-056 |
| Title: | Non-Hermetic Electronic Encapsulant Materials |
| Abstract: | Our main objective will be to investigate and
develop an affordable, high performance organic
material formulation and application/molding
process that will significantly advance the
state-of-the-art in current encapsulation material
performance for non-hermetic integrated circuits
(ICs). The new encapsulants will be permeable to
moisture and have controlled coefficient of
thermal expansion (CTE) and modulus of elasticity
properties that minimize stress between the
printed circuit board (PCB) substrate and
integrated circuit. Fillers will be used to
improve thermal conductivity and reduce the
thermal expansion coefficient. Additives will be
used to improve the adhesion and fire retardance.
The developed encapsulants will be tested by
the encapsulation of small parts by UDC and
testing by end users. At the end of Phase I, we
will provide a report with results and
conclusions, and a Phase II plan, schedule and
cost estimate.
This program will provide a high performance
non-hermetic electronic encapsulants. These
encapsulants will improve the performance, lower
the cost, and improve reliability of nearly all
electronic components used in weapon systems.
Encapsulants for microcircuits are urgently
needed throughout the commercial sector as well as
in defense. Examples include computers, cell
phones, and all devices with microcircuits. This
technology will provide lower cost and higher
performance in all of these applications.
|
COMBUSTION RESEARCH & FLOW TECHNOLOGY
174 North Main Street
Dublin, PA 18917 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(215) 249-9780
Dr. Sanford M. Dash
ARMY 00-057 |
| Title: | Transient Jet-Interaction Combustion Modeling |
| Abstract: | Interceptor missiles achieve high maneuverability
in final phases of their mission via the use of
divert/attitude control jets. Jet firings are of
relatively short duration (10-40ms) and the
aerodynamic interaction process is highly
transient, characterized by large regions of
jet-induced separation. The interactive process
is strongly dependent on afterburning of jet
exhaust constituents and on particulate
interactions for heavily metalized DACS motors.
Concerns of combustion products reaching seeker
windows and related particle obscuration/radiative
heating issues also need to be addressed. Present
abilities to support missile design are limited by
computer resources with high-fidelity simulations
for a fraction of the transient event requiring
use of 64 or more processors and taking months to
complete. This proposal addresses present
limitations by advances in numerics and parallel
code architecture, as well as in inclusion of
pertinent physics and thermochemistry. Key
elements of work proposed address: new zonal,
multi-time step parallel architecture strategies
to make the solution process more efficient, and,
inclusion of advanced dynamic turbulent
transitional models and pdf-based turbulent
combustion models which have a first-order effect
on jet interactions at higher altitudes (h>30km).
An optional task to examine use of unstructured
numerics with specialized dynamic grid adaption is
also proposed. The research proposed is of obvious
benefit to the interceptor missile community and
we have supported both DoD and prime contractors
(Lockheed, Raytheon, .) for many years in
design-related issues pertinent to divert/attitude
control jet interactions. This effort will
clearly enhance our commercial relationships with
both DoD and prime contractors. In addition,
transient jet interactions are of interest to the
automotive and spray coating communities and we
have been working with industry (Ford Motor Co.,
Sulzer Metco, .) in supporting advanced design
work. Lastly, pulsatile spray injection is being
investigated to enhance mixing in next generation
airbreathing missile systems and this work has
great relevance to the design of next generation
combustors.
|
CONTINUUM DYNAMICS, INC.
34 Lexington Avenue
Ewing, NJ 08618 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(609) 538-0444
Dr. Alexander H. Boschitsch
ARMY 00-058 |
| Title: | A Revolution in Heat Conduction Software |
| Abstract: | This research will revolutionize commercial
software for heat conduction by using non-Fourier
conduction to predict transient temperatures in
solids. Here "non-Fourier" refers to applications
where the standard model of Fourier's law fails to
provide accurate predictions. Using non-Fourier
conduction is revolutionary because commercial
software currently uses Fourier's law despite the
growing number of applications that can be
correctly simulated only with non-Fourier
conduction. Incorporating non-Fourier conduction
into these simulations can improve the accuracy of
predictions that rely on temperature, including
thermal stress, solid-phase reactions, and phase
changes. Also, the effects of non-Fourier
conduction can be exploited to devise new
materials and processes not obvious with Fourier
conduction. The key objectives for Phase I are to:
(i) Provide an analytical expression for
determining the relative importance of non-Fourier
and Fourier conduction, (ii) Demonstrate a
technique for numerically solving non-Fourier
problems as a precursor to software development in
Phase II, (iii) Determine the conditions for which
non-Fourier conduction is important to help
identify experiments needed in Phase II to
validate non-Fourier software. The non-Fourier
software resulting from this research will have an
impact across an enormous range of applications,
such as improving the performance of rocket
nozzles and heat shields constructed of composite
materials, optimizing the ignition of granular
propellants in rocket motors, advancing the
laser-fabrication and repair of
micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) and
microchips, designing better clothing to protect
against thermal burns, and guiding laser surgery.
|
COHERENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
655 Aspen Ridge Drive
Lafayette, CO 80026 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(303) 604-2000
Dr. Philip Gatt
ARMY 00-059 |
| Title: | Agile-Pulse Dual-Mode High-Power Eyesafe Doppler Lidar |
| Abstract: | CTI has demonstrated helicopter signature
detection using both long and short pulse lidars.
A long-pulse lidar is optimal for sensing
increases in spectral width, however this
signature is susceptible to wind turbulence and
shear clutter. Short pulse lidars are optimal for
inflow-signature detection, however they require
much longer update times. To satisfy these two
competing effects, CTI proposes to develop a novel
agile-pulse dual-mode coherent lidar. In the
turbulence-detection mode, the scan rate of this
compact 5 W lidar will exceed 90 degrees in 15
sec, while providing 5 m cross range resolution at
5 km. CTI will leverage its experience in the
field of wake-vortex detection and tracking to
develop advanced algorithms for the reduction of
clutter-induced false alarms. Inflow-signature
detection will be accomplished using a
short-pulse. Here, update rates less than 10
seconds per LOS are expected. In both modes, a
velocity precision better than 20 cm/s at ranges
in excess of 5 km is expected. In Phase I CTI
will develop, test and refine advanced clutter
rejection algorithms utilizing previously and
newly acquired data sets and develop a preliminary
lidar design. In Phase II CTI will develop, test,
and demonstrate the prototype sensor and implement
the advanced clutter-rejection algorithms in CTI's
real-time signal processor. The proposed Phase
I/II program will result in the development of a
compact, agile-pulse, efficient, high power
eyesafe coherent lidar. This technology will have
application in many military as well as commercial
settings. Potential commercial applications
include clear-air-turbulence detection, general
aviation wind shear detection, airport wind
surveillance, and environmental monitoring.
Military applications include helicopter signature
detection and correction for precision airdrop and
ballistics weapon systems.
|
LITE CYCLES, INC.
2301 N. Forbes Blvd.
Tucson, AZ 85745 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(520) 798-0652
Dr. James T. Murray
ARMY 00-059 |
| Title: | Portable High Resolution Doppler Lidar |
| Abstract: | The Phase I effort will define an optimized,
portable, rugged, incoherent, eye-safe Doppler
lidar system for use in detecting wind velocity
above helicopters at ranges greater than 5 km.
Initial system design and component specifications
will be completed in this effort. Lite Cycles,
Inc. intends to commercialize this technology
within both the DoD and the private sector. There
are three primary private sector markets that have
applications for this technology: (1) Wind shear
detection at high altitudes for Clear Air
Turbulence (CAT) for commercial airlines; (2) Wake
vortex detection lidar systems on major airport
runways to space incoming landings safely; and (3)
Wind sensing for weather prediction. The Clear
Air Turbulence requirement is a result of
passenger and crew injuries and death on
commercial flights when encountering CAT during a
flight. The CAT risk is higher when flying over
certain mountain ranges. Airlines are interested
in an affordable solution to early warning
instruments that will allow either flight course
changes or a seat belt buckle advisory for
passengers. Coherent lidar systems have limited
use at 30,000 ft altitude and above because they
depend on aerosol scattering for the return
signal. Direct detection can use the return from
molecular scattering, so it is not dependent on
the availability of aerosols to provide the
return. Incoherent Doppler lidar is less complex
than coherent systems and will be more robust,
compact, and less expensive. CAT instruments
could potentially be installed on most commercial
aircraft worldwide. This is a large number of
systems and constitutes a large enough market to
justify development of a system both for
incorporation into new aircraft and for
retrofitting existing aircraft. The wake vortex
detection instrument is used to determine the wake
vortex trailing large aircraft during landings at
airports. Current airport regulations for time
between aircraft landings are based on experience.
An instrument to measure and report wake vortex
data for each aircraft would allow far safer and
considerably higher landing rates at busy
airports. The market is worldwide, and airports
with high traffic rates would be targeted for
installation of these systems. Larger airports
may require several systems to cover multiple
runways.
|
PHYSICAL OPTICS CORP.
20600 Gramercy Place
Torrance, CA 90501 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(310) 530-1416
Dr. Paul Shnitser
ARMY 00-059 |
| Title: | High-Precision Eye-Safe Doppler Wind LIDAR |
| Abstract: | In response to the Army's request for a compact
eye-safe light detection and ranging (LIDAR)
device for high-precision, remote measurement of
atmospheric turbulence caused by air vehicles or
natural phenomena, Physical Optics Corporation
(POC) proposes to develop a frequency modulation
(FM) LIDAR based on a powerful continuous wave
(CW) laser diode. Utilizing the possibility of
direct modulation of the laser diode emission with
a high frequency, such a system can provide both a
high-range resolution and a high accuracy of
Doppler shift measurement. Simplification of the
signal processing electronics will be achieved by
employing a voltage-modulated optical detector for
range measurement. The Phase I project will
include a comprehensive system analysis and design
of its major components. In Phase II, the LIDAR
prototype will be built and delivered for testing
and performance evaluation. During both Phases I
and II, POC will conduct market analysis and
identification of financial and other resources
that will ensure successful commercialization of
the new technology in Phase III. In addition to
its specific military application for the
detection airborne targets by their turbulence
signatures, the proposed compact, eye-safe LIDAR
can be widely used at military and civilian
airports for detection of wind shear and other
strong atmospheric vortexes. Such vortexes can be
generated by large aircraft and can exist in the
atmosphere for a long time after a large aircraft
lands. They are extremely dangerous for smaller
aircraft. Wind shear, microbursts, and other
clear-air disturbances are dangerous for both
large and small aircraft. The proposed LIDAR will
enhance air traffic safety.
|
COMBUSTION RESEARCH & FLOW TECHNOLOGY
174 North Main Street
Dublin, PA 18917 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(215) 249-9780
Dr. Sanford M. Dash
ARMY 00-060 |
| Title: | Missile Aero-Acoustic Response Modeling |
| Abstract: | Large dynamic pressure loads occur on missile
airframes produced by aerodynamic interactions
associated with lateral/divert jet firings and
from varied separation events (stage, shroud,
submunitions dispense). The accurate prediction
of such loads is a critical element of missile
design since mission failures have been directly
related to vibration problems (e.g. guidance
component failure) stemming from such
interactions. No first-principles-based
simulation methodology is available to support
design, and present engineering methods have
proven to be inadequate. The Phase I effort
initiates the path towards development of an
advanced modeling framework. Key elements
include:
(1) the formulation of a hybrid LES/RANS CFD
framework to predict rigid body dynamic pressure
loads associated with divert jet firing
interactions;
(2) the validation of this framework using new PIV
data with detailed turbulent statistics;
(3) the inclusion of rudimentary structural
response capabilities into the CFD code which will
primarily attenuate the dynamic loads on the
missile surface.
An optional task is proposed to investigate the
dynamic loads on a seeker window associated with
the shroud separation event. The partially open
shroud has resonant characteristics of a forward
facing cavity and there are very strong bow shock
oscillations and resultant large dynamic loads on
the seeker window.
There are no existing high-fidelity techniques to
predict hypersonic flow structural aero-acoustic
response associated with events producing surface
vibrations. In addition to providing major
benefits to the entire missile community, this
research has direct applicability to the design of
reusable launch vehicles and to space planes which
must perform multiple missions and thus have more
stringent structural requirements. It is also
directly applicable to the design of missile
launchers and to scramjet combustors where
plume/fuel jet aerodynamic interactions produce
large dynamic pressure loads. Discussions with
NASA and prime contractors have indicated
significant commercial potential for this modeling
to support space/launch vehicle design.
|
OPTICAL INSIGHTS, LLC
1807 Second Street, #28
Santa Fe, NM 87505 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(505) 955-1585
Dr. Mark Hopkins
ARMY 00-061 |
| Title: | Polarization Laser Detection and Ranging (LADAR) |
| Abstract: | Optical Insights (OI) proposes to successfully
marry its polarization imaging technology with
LADAR imaging technology to create an integrated
imaging system. The introduction, by OI, of its
multi-channel imaging technology makes
simultaneous acquisition of two-dimensional
polarization images possible using a low-cost,
portable, lightweight, and rugged optical system.
OI will team with LADAR system manufacturer,
Schwartz Electro-Optics, Inc. (SEO), to create the
integrated system. The Phase I effort will
significantly contribute to the state-of-the-art
by (a) quantitatively defining the requirements
for coupling polarization and LADAR imaging into a
single imaging system using existing technologies
and products and (b) developing a conceptual
design, based on the defined requirements, to
marry two separate, but complementary,
technologies for improving target detection and
discrimination.
While most Phase I efforts attempt to
establish the feasibility of design ideas via
modeling or simple breadboard experiments, this
Phase I effort will accomplish a more thorough and
convincing feasibility study by leveraging
products that have already been developed for
these purposes. OI and SEO propose using their
existing base of products to carry out the initial
feasibility assessment. With minor modifications,
both products can work side-by-side to acquire
both polarization and LADAR images of the same
scene. There are a variety of applications that
could benefit greatly from a portable polarization
LADAR imaging system. Aside from the target
identification and discrimination applications in
the defense industry, polarization LADAR imaging
systems can be useful in meteorological
applications such as identification of the
constituents of cloud formation for determining
storm development. The aviation sector as well as
the department for transportation (DOT) represents
two other markets that can use polarization LADAR
sensing. In both cases it can be used to identify
ice formation (on wings, runways and roads) and
fog for collision and crash avoidance.
Additionally, polarization LADAR imaging can have
significant utility in crop inspection
applications. Recent research has suggested that
polarized laser remote-sensing measurements can be
correlated to crop yield, the NDVI, and the leaf
area index.
|
ANVIK CORP.
6 Skyline Drive
Hawthorne, NY 10532 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(914) 345-2442
Mr. Marc Zemel
ARMY 00-062 |
| Title: | Maskless Lithography System for Generation of High Density DNA Microarrays |
| Abstract: | Recent developments in DNA microarray generation
technology have made entirely new methods of gene
analysis feasible. The DNA microarray can greatly
facilitate research in the areas of drug and
vaccine discovery, disease screening, and
toxicology, among others. Therefore, the
importance of a low-cost, high-resolution,
high-throughput DNA microarray generation system
cannot be understated. Current DNA microarray
generation techniques suffer from severe
limitations. The development of a new DNA
mircoarray generation technique that has the high
resolution of photolithography with the low cost
of operation of mechanical deposition would
significantly accelerate the pace of gene
research. In this proposal, we present a method
to generate DNA microarrays using a maskless
lithography system. The maskless lithography
system incorporates a large-array spatial light
modulator to serve as a programmable mask. The
spatial light modulator technology is integrated
with Anvik's patented seamless scanning technology
to produce a breakthrough in lithography system
development that allows rapid, high-density DNA
microarray generation at low cost. In the Phase I
program, we will optimize the design the
lithography system and develop the process
specifically for DNA microarray generation. In a
follow-on Phase II program, we will optimize the
process and construct a fully functional DNA
microarray generation system. The proposed system
will enable the generation of DNA microarrays at
higher densities, higher throughputs and lower
costs than possible with current manufacturing
techniques. These advances will benefit numerous
military and commercial researchers in the areas
of drug and vaccine discovery, disease screening,
toxicology, and biological warfare agent
detection.
|
FOSTER-MILLER, INC.
350 Second Ave.
Waltham, MA 02451 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(781) 684-4174
Dr. Vladimir Guilmanov
ARMY 00-063 |
| Title: | Design and Characterization of a Two-Bag Blood Products Lyophilization System |
| Abstract: | Storage blood bags become vulnerable when they are
defrosted. In particular, the U.S. Army has
reported many instances of significant loss of
blood products from storage bag breakage. Freeze
drying of blood products may be considered to be
an alternative to the current practice of
cryopreservation. In general this technique is
well established and is widely used for the
preservation and long term storage of protein
drugs and microbial cells. The lyophilization of
platelets and red blood cells has recently been
demonstrated. This proposal addresses the problem
of lyophilizatoin of the blood products in a
collection and storage bag.
The general design and experimental strategy for
the program involves the design of a two-bag,
blood products lyophilization system, the
selection and characterization of the inner and
outer bag materials, and lyophilization of the
test product. In particular, the water vapor
transmission rates of commercially available
polymer membrane materials will be experimentally
determined. The optimization conditions for
lyophilization of bovine serum albumin and various
blood products will be determined. A Phase I
Option task will extend the test program to
include modification to the polymers to obtain
optimum water vapor permeation and to carry out
extensive blood product testing. (P-00886)
This system provides the desired simplicity of
collection, preservation, storage, reconstitution
and dispensation of the blood product in one
device.
The primary use of the technology will be for
improving the availability of blood products in
the field under emergency situations for the
Department of Defense. Commercial applications
would include use in rural and disaster care
situation where freezer facilities are not
available.
|
MINI MITTER CO., INC.
20300 Empire Avenue
Bend, OR 97701 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(541) 322-7272
Dr. Jack E. McKenzie
ARMY 00-064 |
| Title: | General Purpose Miniature Thermometer for Remote Monitoring of Soldiers |
| Abstract: | Mini Mitter Co., Inc. will design a body
temperature telemetry system that will provide the
US Army with an innovative and cost-effective
method for monitoring body core temperature and
skin temperature of soldiers in the field. We will
demonstrate the feasibility of a system supporting
ingestible pill thermometers as well as multiple
skin patch thermometers with on-board
transmitters. The precision thermometer sensors
and the thermometer packaging will be derived from
Mini Mitter's proprietary temperature
transmitters. A body-worn receiver will identify
individual thermometers and automatically
calibrate each sensor. Periodic radio-frequency
transmission techniques will multiplex
thermometers and eliminate cross talk between
their transmitters. Microelectronic assembly
techniques with simplified manufacturing processes
will meet the US Army's price objectives of $10 -
$20 per thermometer. Mini Mitter's solution will
apply directly to the US Army's Warfighter
Physiological Status Monitoring program. Phase I
objectives are: (1) verify that our existing
technologies can support the performance
requirements, (2) determine a method of data
transmission, and (3) compose a high-level
engineering plan for system development in Phase
II. Mini Mitter's unique combination of
experienced physiologists and strong engineering
staff creates an optimal environment for success,
providing the scientific and technical expertise
to design this system. Mini-Mitter has identified
several market segments that will benefit from the
development of a General Purpose Miniature
Thermometer for Remote Monitoring. These segments
include Military Operations, Medical Clinical
Research, Hospitals, and Industrial Heat Stress
monitoring. The most important and most immediate
are the military applications. Key military
operational applications include (1) scientific
research to evaluate the effects of thermal stress
on physical performance; (2) improving the
guidelines for troop training regimens; and (3)
monitoring of the soldier's physiological data for
evaluating the combat efficiency, mission
readiness, and safety of troops.
|
INTELLIGENT OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
2520 W. 237th Street
Torrance, CA 90505 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(310) 530-7130
Dr. Allan Wang
ARMY 00-065 |
| Title: | Imaging Modality to Identify Angiogenesis |
| Abstract: | The goal of this project is to develop intelligent
imaging software for the automated identification
and analysis of angiogenesis. The project will
demonstrate the feasibility of using this
innovative technique for clinical angiography.
The formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis)
is a critical component in a variety of
physiological and pathological processes, such as
in the healing of wounds, bone fractures, and
ulcers and other angiogensis related diseases.
There is, however, no software specifically
designed for analyzing angiogenesis. Intelligent
Optical Systems, Inc. (IOS) proposes to develop a
user-friendly innovative method for the automatic,
reliable, rapid, sensitive, and accurate
identification and analysis of angiographies
acquired from Magnetic Resonance Imaging,
computerized tomography, or Doppler ultrasound.
This method will use neural network assisted
imaging analysis software to identify and analyze
the angiogenesis.
This software will be useful in the diagnosis of
angiogenesis in bone fractures, ulcers, cancer
growth and metastasis, diabetes-induced retinal
pathy, rheumatoid arthritis, and coronary disease.
In addition, the timely analysis of angiogenesis
may help soldiers avoid unnecessary surgical
interventions and reduce injury morbidity and
mortality resulting from complications. Over 1000
research laboratories and 200 companies are
engaged in angiogenesis research and development.
These studies will potentially benefit over 65
million surgical patients, 10 million eye
patients, 7 million heart patients, and over 9
million cancer patients in the U.S. IOS will
demonstrate the feasibility of this new technology
by using innovative imaging analysis to meet the
requirements for the specific, rapid, and accurate
diognosis of clinical angiography.
|
ANTEX BIOLOGOCIS, INC.
300 Professional Drive
Gaithersburg, MD 20879 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(301) 590-0129
Dr. Richard Walker
ARMY 00-066 |
| Title: | Development of a Microbead Whole Cell Delivery System for Oral Immunization against traveler's diarrhea |
| Abstract: | Antex biologics is developing inactivated whole
cell vaccines for oral delivery to prevent
infections by bacteria causing traveler's
diarrhea. A new, possibly breakthrough, microbead
formulation technology is being developed which
should be evaluated for its potential to enhance
these inactivated whole cell vaccines. These
beads should improve the safety, stability and
immunogenicity as well as ease of administration
of the whole cell vaccine. In this Phase I SBIR,
Campylobacter jejuni, a major cause of diarrhea,
will be prepared as a dry formulation by
spray-coating the inactivated bacterial cells onto
a sugar/starch microbead core and then covering
the antigen-coated core with a methacrylic acid
copolymer. The microbeads will be insoluble at
gastric pH, but will be readily soluble at higher
(intestinal) pH. This formulation will be tested
for its oral immunogenicity and efficacy in a
mouse model Antex has developed. This effort
should provide a means to better achieve
immunoprotection against enteric infections, for
which no vaccines are now available. It may also
establish an approach for more effective oral
vaccines against a broad range of infections.
Potential populations for use of such a product
include deployed military personnel, international
travelers, and global and national public health
and child immunization programs.
|
LYNNTECH, INC.
7610 Eastmark Drive
College Station, TX 77840 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(979) 693-0017
Dr. Duncan Hitchens
ARMY 00-067 |
| Title: | A New Soluble Powder for the Sterilization of Medical/Dental Instruments |
| Abstract: | The objective of this project is to develop a new
disinfectant/sterilization system that can be
easily deployed to support troops in the field.
The standard method of sterilizing medical
instruments, by high temperature steam autoclave,
is impractical for many field uses due to size,
weight, and power constraints. Liquid
sterilization methods can be used to sterilize
medical equipment when autoclaving is impractical.
However, existing liquid sterilants have a number
of limitations. Many liquid sterilants are
unstable, contain ingredients that are potentially
harmful to personnel, or are difficult and costly
to transport. Thus, there is a continuing need
for a new practical, safe, sterilants for medical
instruments in challenging environments. This
project concerns development of a novel cold
sterilant formulation consisting of a stable dry
powder. Large volumes of liquid sterilant can be
prepared from potable water, thereby minimizing
logistic demands. The proposed formulation is
stable at room temperature and is effective
against a broad spectrum of microorganisms,
including bacterial spores. Preliminary testing of
the formulation indicates a high potential for
sterilization of medical equipment in 30 minutes
at room temperature. The prospects for regulatory
acceptance are high because the ingredients have
little potential to impact on human health. The
proposed research will demonstrate the feasibility
of this approach, focusing on sterilization
verification and stability testing protocols.
A powdered sterilization formulation has
significant dual use applications in medical
situations in an austere environment. In addition
to military uses, the resulting technology has
numerous uses in the private sector including,
industrial hygiene, food safety, hospital
infection control, hazardous spill cleanup, and
emergency response management. Lynntech's
management team is experienced in obtaining
private sector funding for technology
commercialization through strategic partnerships
with companies serving the infection control
market.
|
SRICO, INC.
2724 SAWBURY BOULEVARD
COLUMBUS, OH 43235 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(614) 799-0664
Dr. Stuart A. Kingsley
ARMY 00-068 |
| Title: | High Frequency Optrode System for Ambulatory EEG Monitoring and Wireless Signal Transmission |
| Abstract: | There is a need for small, lightweight, low-power
sensors for real time, unobtrusive monitoring of
the physiologic status of individuals in military
and civilian environments. Studies show that sleep
deprivation can dramatically reduce performance.
For example, monitoring the electroencephalogram
(EEG) of military personnel can indicate a
soldier's level of alertness and sleep/wake
status. Such monitoring would enable field
commanders to assess and predict the overall group
performance level and take appropriate action.
This study will design and demonstrate the
technical feasibility of a high frequency (1 kHz)
optical electrode (optrode) system for
acquisition, transmission, and analysis of EEG
signals for real time determination of alertness
state. The optrode sensors will meet real world
needs for insensitivity to motion effects and
electromagnetic interference. Also the sensors
should be comfortable enough to be "wear and
forget". Only in this totally non-intrusive
format will the sensors provide for monitoring of
physiologic parameters in a realistic,
free-ranging scenario. Further, the sensors will
be compatible with the standards set for the
soldier's wireless personal area network (pLAN) to
allow for transmission of the physiologic
information to military command and medical
personnel.
Benefits are all-optical, insensitivity to
electromagnetic interference and motion, no
adhesives or gels, timesaving, cost saving,
non-intrusive.
The EEG optrode technology can also be used in
civilian settings to evaluate alertness levels of
operators of heavy machinery, truck drivers,
aviators, and others working in around-the-clock
occupations that demand high levels of
performance. Other commercial applications
include anesthesia awareness monitoring, sleep
study research, and mobile medical monitoring for
space flight, commercial aviation, emergency
patient care, and routine diagnostic assessment.
|
SOLUS BIODEFENSE
700 New Hampshire Ave NW
Washington, DC 20037 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(202) 215-9373
Dr. Roger von Hanwehr
ARMY 00-069 |
| Title: | Synthesis of Combinatorial Chemical Libraries Containing Potential Inhibitors of Botulinum Neurotoxin Protease Activity |
| Abstract: Abstract not available...
|
PHYSICAL OPTICS CORP.
Engineering & Products Div.
Torrance, CA 90501 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(310) 320-3088
Dr. Andrew Kostrzewski
ARMY 00-070 |
| Title: | Virtual Medical Training System |
| Abstract: | Physical Optics Corporation proposes to develop a
high resolution, high quality image generator and
display for combat trauma surgery training. The
Virtual Medical Training (VMT) system, based on
our patented 3-D display technology, includes a
3-D display (horizontal geometry without headwear)
for the trainee and instructor linked to a virtual
human database with an injury generator and a
haptic feedback device. The Holographic
Horizontal (H2) screen and 3-D projection display
3-D objects floating over the screen surface where
each viewer can see the same object from his or
her own perspective. The 3-D effect is achieved
by projecting slightly different views of the
object in front of each viewer at a high refresh
rate. The viewer can move freely within the
volumetric 3-D zone that extends out from the edge
of the screen. The essence of the system is a
special type of screen that converges the light
into a narrow beam slice of about 1 degree (2 mm
wide) representing a single view of the object
that is time multiplexed (shifted in front of the
viewer), producing a multiplicity of views. The
narrow beam position is synchronized with the
rendering of the corresponding view, producing a
true 3-D effect. The major benefits are efficient
training of medical personnel. The system can
also be used in television, robotics, and
teleoperation. Additional applications include
video games and CAD/CAM simulation.
|
MATTEK CORP.
200 Homer Ave
Ashland, MA 01721 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(508) 881-6771
Dr. Seyoum Ayehunie
ARMY 00-071 |
| Title: | Development of a Vaccine for the Treatment and/or Prevention of Cancer |
| Abstract: | Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin
malignancy in the United States. With the
exception of lung cancer, it is the leading cause
of death in men in the country. By age 80, the
risk of developing prostate cancer is estimated to
be 1 in 7. Despite increased public awareness,
regular check-ups, and improved therapeutic
interventions, greater than 31,000 American men
will die from prostate cancer during calendar year
2000. The current proposal seeks to develop a new
form of immunotherapy using dendritic cell based
DNA vaccines to combat this serious disease.
During Phase I, in vitro studies will be performed
to lay the groundwork for an improved DNA vaccine
against prostate cancer. This vaccine will result
in increased antigen presentation by utilizing
dendritic cells (DC) to administer a combination
of prostate cancer, immuno-stimulatory cytokines,
and chemokine receptor genes. The transformed DC
will be more efficient at presenting antigen to T
cells resulting in enhanced killing of prostate
cancer tumor cells by cytolytic T-lymphocytes.
The proposed vaccine offers a therapy for
advanced prostate cancer for which currently no
cure is available. The proof of concept in vitro
studies in this proposal will form the basis for
Phase I and Phase II human clinical trials. In
addition to providing a means of combating this
serious, often-fatal disease, the proposed vaccine
strategy will find applications in other fields of
cancer, including breast and ovarian cancer, as
well as in fighting infectious diseases such as
HIV/AIDS.
|
MEGAWAVE CORP.
PO Box 614
Boylston, MA 01505 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(508) 869-2700
Mr. Marshall Cross
ARMY 00-072 |
| Title: | Innovative Soldier Conformal Antenna Suite |
| Abstract: | This proposal describes our approach for
establishing the technical feasibility of
developing an innovative, body conformal VHF/UHF
antenna suite capable of being integrated into the
MLLE and providing mixed polarization coverage
regardless of the soldier's position
(prone-to-standing) and orientation. We will
investigate three advanced techniques: use of
Tesla's series connected bifilar-wound ribbons of
metal sputtered upon Kapton film around small
diameter flexible ferrite-in-rubber tubes forming
a loop around the back of a soldier's waist;
feeding COTS "T" and grounded-line "postage-stamp"
PCS/ISM elements against artificial dielectric
groundplanes to improve performance and decrease
SAR and switching these elements using miniature
gravity-actuated liquid, ball or moving
magnet/reed RF switches to select the element,
from sets of elements located at various positions
on the MLLE, that best provides the required
radiation pattern as a function of soldier
position. Our proposed work is divided into
mostly analytical during Phase I followed by
laboratory evaluation of several key and enabling
technologies during the Phase I Option period.
Body conformal VHF/UHF antenna systems that can be
incorporated into military or civilian worn
equipment items and clothing will eliminate the
need for protruding whips or "rubber-ducks,"
reducing size and weight. When used with
artificial dielectric groundplanes,
"postage-stamp" sized wireless antennas will have
increased efficiency and decreased SAR.
|
STAR-H CORP.
51 Spring Dell Rd.
Lancaster, PA 17601 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(717) 394-1981
Mr. G. Yale Eastman
ARMY 00-072 |
| Title: | Soldier Conformal Antenna Suite |
| Abstract: | The team of STAR-H Corporation and the Electrical
Engineering Department of The Pennsylvania State
University propose to develop for the Army a high
performance, wide band, VHF/UHF receiving and
transmitting antenna, or suite of antennas, that
can cover an unusually broad range of frequencies
and be worn by a soldier in the field. It will be
light in weight, weatherproof, launderable,
efficient and as nearly omni-directionable as
possible. The enabling technology originated in a
totally different field, thermal radiators for
NASA lunar and Martian power plants, and lends
itself well to this new purpose. The proposed
technical approach is inherently low in cost,
readily adaptable to quantity production and
compliant. Preliminary models of the new antenna
have been designed, fabricated and tested over a
ten kilometer range at power levels from 1 to 35
watts in the UHF portion of the spectrum, meeting
several of the Army's goals in advance. The
proposed antenna has potential beyond its military
significance. It is expected to be adaptable for
use for relaying cell phone and data
communications inside buildings and tunnels.
|
STIRLING TECHNOLOGY CO.
4208 West Clearwater Ave
Kennewick, WA 99336 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(509) 735-4700
Mr. Raymond M. Erbeznik
ARMY 00-073 |
| Title: | Feasibility Study of a Diesel-Fueled Micro-Cogeneration System Integrated with Military Experimental Mobile Kitchens |
| Abstract: | Stirling Technology Company proposes to perform a
feasibility study of a
Micro-Cogeneration System based on a proven
free-piston Stirling engine to
provide quiet, efficient and reliable electricity
and thermal energy for
advanced military field kitchens that use
Centralized Thermal Fluid Heater
technology. Diesel fuel will be combusted in a
radiant matrix burner to provide
heat for the Stirling engine. Waste heat from the
engine will be used to heat
water while the burner exhaust provides heat for
the thermal fluid heater. The
system will provide up to 3 kW of electricity and
100 kW of heat at efficiencies
well above 75%. The design of the system will
incorporate an existing Stirling
cycle engine and leverage heavily from natural gas
fired cogeneration and boiler
systems already developed for European homes. A
conceptual design will be
developed to address any foreseeable integration
issues, and the feasibility of
a diesel-fired radiant matrix burner will be
demonstrated in the Phase I project. Introducing
the Stirling Micro-Cogeneration System (SMCS) into
the Rapid
Deployment Kitchen will have several benefits.
First, the SMCS will eliminate
the need for noisy, dirty, high-maintenance and
inefficient internal combustion
(IC) generators to supply electricity for the
field kitchen. The SMCS can be
integrated directly into the kitchen's Central
Thermal Fluid Heater System (CTFH)
to provide electricity and thermal energy
internally. The SMCS will also
dramatically improve the efficiency of the kitchen
by reducing the wasted heat
from 27.5 kW to less than 15 kW. The reduction in
waste heat provides a more
safe and comfortable working environment for the
kitchen staff. With the cooling
fan as the loudest component, the Stirling cycle
generator operates in virtual
silence so the introduction of the SMCS will not
add any audible noise to the
normal operation of the kitchen Without the need
for lubricating oil or
periodic maintenance of any kind, the RG-3000 is
very clean and easy to operate
once installed, with no harmful or unsanitary
fluids to dispose of. The
maintenance-free, useful life of a Stirling
generator typically far exceeds
the total operating life of even a well-maintained
IC engine. The inherent long
life of the Stirling cycle generator, combined
with superior fuel efficiency
makes the Stirling more cost effective to operate
than an IC generator. The
RG-3000 is clearly preferable to IC engine
generators for providing heat and
power cogeneration in, not only kitchens and
laundries, but in many types of
field logistical equipment. Following development
for military applications,
this technology will be viable for use in
commercial mobile kitchens, laundries
and for use in rural and off-grid homes.
|
PHYSICAL SCIENCES, INC.
20 New England Business Center
Andover, MA 01810 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(978) 689-0003
Richard Barnard
ARMY 00-074 |
| Title: | Flame/Thermal Protective Fabric Test Apparatus |
| Abstract: | In this Phase I program, Physical Sciences Inc.
(PSI) proposes to develop a prototype testing
apparatus to evaluate protective clothing fabrics
for military procurement approval and test the
protective performance of commercial fabrics.
PSI's design includes an IR radiant heat source,
skin temperature measurement, a skin-simulant
material, an adjustable sample platform, sensors
measuring incident heat fluxes and thermophysical
properties of the fabric sample, and relevant burn
injury calculations. The system components will
be integrated into an automated system that is
capable of running multiple test scenarios and
analyzing the data directly from the user
interface. Phase I will demonstrate that an
innovative system design utilizing the latest
technologies is feasible for meeting the specified
technical objectives. During the proposed
program, PSI will evaluate a series of design
concepts and develop a prototype to demonstrate
concept feasibility. A detailed design and
additional testing of the prototype is included as
a Phase I Option task. The successful completion
of this program will provide the Army with a new
and quantitative capability for the evaluation and
procurement approval of protective fabrics. The
proposed development will benefit government
agencies in effectively evaluating protective
fabrics in flame/thermal testing. The Army will
obtain an improved capability in testing
commercial fabrics for military procurement
purposes. The apparatus will also be applied to
commercial companies and organizations that
produce and test fabrics for industry use. These
industries include factories, power plants, car
racing, airlines, and others involving fire
hazardous environments.
|
CLEVER FELLOWS INNOVATION CONSORTIUM
302 10th St.
Troy, NY 12180 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(518) 272-3565
Mr. John A. Corey
ARMY 00-075 |
| Title: | Thermoacoustic Refrigeration of Large Food Storage Containers |
| Abstract: | Operational demonstration of a CFC-free,
electrically-powered thermoacoustic refrigeration
unit is proposed, enabled by cost-shared
availability of proposer's patented STAR resonant
drivers. STARs (developed in part through
previous SBIR work and already used in acoustic
cryocoolers) uniquely resolve the primary
performance problem demonstrated in all previous
thermoacoustic refrigerators: the efficiency and
power limitations of conventional drivers. STARs
exhibit high electro-acoustic efficiency,
intrinsic capacity modulation, and compact power
delivery. The proposer's extensive experience
with Stirling and thermoacoustic machine
development assures similarly effective results in
analysis, design, and production of specialized
heat exchangers and other components proposed for
this integrated thermoacoustic system.
The work statement includes analysis, design,
construction, and a proof test. There is a
configuration study with cycle analyses to compare
mechanical arrangement options in simulation
(using DeltaE and Sage modeling codes). This is
expected to show (for the optimal configuration)
an average energy efficiency greater than existing
vapor-compression equipment. Construction of a
proof unit is included, using an existing STAR
motor drive from the proposer's cryocooler
products. Testing of the proof unit against a
laboratory load will be done, to demonstrate
electrically-driven thermoacoustic cooling power
sufficient to serve the Army's 40 cubic foot field
kitchen refrigerator (650 Btu/hr).
STAR-powered, modulating, thermoacoustic
refrigeration can significantly improve the
logistical impact of food storage on Army field
operations. Commercialization of this technology
depends on early demonstration of superior energy
efficiency and operational flexibility. The
proposed Phase 1 project enables both military and
commercial gains.
For the Army's use, the anticipated results of
this project provide a food storage cooling system
that consumes less energy overall and exhibits
significantly lower peak power, noise, and
maintenance demand. Total field-use energy
consumption includes not just steady-state
operation, but transportation and support
logistics. STAR-thermoacoustic cooling, lower
peak power draws (through modulation) and lower
maintenance demand (of simpler, long-life
non-lubricated components) can reduce the size of
field generators and the spare parts inventory
essential to fielded readiness. Less to haul
means more energy savings and enhanced operational
flexibility. Smaller generators and higher
efficiency mean less fuel carried and lower
thermal signatures, too. The absence of
conventional refrigerant in the proposed equipment
also furthers the Army's mission to minimize
adverse environmental impact in its operations.
For commercial use, the proposed development of a
military refrigerator is a necessary catalyst and
a proving ground for advanced equipment that can
address a huge number of civilian applications.
The STAR-thermoacoustic cooling system is expected
to offer overall performance superior to
conventional vapor-compression systems, at
comparable cost and size, in most cases where the
cooling is delivered directly adjacent to the
refrigeration machinery. These include: household
and commercial refrigerators and freezers, grocery
storage and display cases, vending machines, hotel
room air conditioning/heat pumps, window and
rooftop air conditioners, industrial cabinet and
electronics cooling, and truck trailer and railcar
cargo coolers. Only split system uses, like
household central air conditioning, are not now
practical to address. The proposers have
identified a $16 billion/year addressable US
market for these target applications. Present
technologies use refrigerants that retain
significant ozone-depletion or global-warming
potentials and must be phased out soon. Other
identified alternatives (e.g., absorption,
thermoelectrics) have severe penalties in size,
complexity, or efficiency. Adoption of the
STAR-thermoacoustic technology proposed for this
project in even a small fraction of these
applications can eliminate the environmental
threat while reducing the enormous electric energy
consumption applied to such cooling, without
major changes to the packaging or production of
most products and at a reasonable cost.
1) 1.9 Trillion kWhr/yr, $73Billion/yr for US
Household 1997& commercial buildings 1995. This
represents about 1/4 of total electric consumption
for these sectors.
|
ACCURATE AUTOMATION CORP.
7001 Shallowford Road
Chattanooga, TN 37421 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(423) 894-4646
Dr. John Mankowski
ARMY 00-076 |
| Title: | Development of Radio Frequency Mitigation Technologies for Missile Defense Electronics |
| Abstract: | Accurate Automation Corporation is proposing the
development of a plasma limiter for
the protection of sensing electronic equipment
from high power EM radiation. The
Limiter is essentially a self-breaking,
fine-point, electrode placed within the
receiving transmission line. In Phase I, AAC will
begin development and testing of
the concept in an S-band resonant ring located at
Texas Tech University. The testing
matrix will include breakdown for several gases at
a range of pressures, various
point diameters, and gap distances observing
primarily breakdown development time and
reflection and transmission characteristics. This
work will lay the foundation for
future Phase II development and research into an
X-band system. The commercialization of this
product will apply to a variety of sensing
technologies. The potential market is tremendously
broad and includes radar systems,
telecommunication systems (mobile phones), and
DSTV. Additionally, this technology
applies to both ground based and spaced based
systems.
|
GOMEZ RESEARCH ASSOC., INC.
2707 Artie Street
Huntsville, AL 35805 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(256) 551-0431
Mr. Michael Madewell
ARMY 00-076 |
| Title: | Development of Radio Frequency Mitigation Technologies for Missile Defense Electronics |
| Abstract: | Increased demands on the reliability of solid
state electronics operating in an enriched
electromagnetic environment necessitates the
development of protection devices that cover a
broad frequency band and that protect against high
powers and pulses with very short rise times.
Current limiters have not been able to provide
this wide range of protection. The objective of
this proposal is to demonstrate a Fractal Limiter
Device (FLD) that will protect sensitive
electronic systems from various forms of high
power Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). The
physical realization of such a device is
accomplished by exploiting the fundamental
properties of fractal antennas and signals (i.e.,
their geometrical similarity). In this proposal,
it will be shown that the geometrical
self-similarity of radiation patterns emitted by
fractal antennas allows one to construct transmit
and receive fractal antenna elements that function
as a receiver protection device (i.e., limiter).
The FLD offers substantial advantages over
traditional limiters in that it will exhibit
faster response times (picoseconds) and will
provide reliable protection from a wider variety
of high power external signal interference. The
objective of Phase I is to prove, through assembly
and test, that a FLD can be produced that will
mitigate the effects of various forms of high
power electromagnetic pulses on electronics. The
need for cost effective limiter devices exhibiting
fast response times and high power handling
capabilities is continually growing in both
commercial and defense electronics markets.
Specific FLD applications include protection of
communication receivers, computer networks, radio
and television receivers, and medical diagnostic
equipment.
|
FARR RESEARCH, INC.
614 Paseo Del Mar NE
Albuquerque, NM 87123 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(505) 293-3886
Dr. Everett G. Farr
ARMY 00-077 |
| Title: | An Ultra-Wideband Antenna Built Into a Parachute |
| Abstract: | While explosive munitions are quite effective at
causing damage due to blast and fragments, their
radius of damage is somewhat limited. We seek here
to introduce a method of increasing the damage
radius by adding an RF weapon system to the
munition, consisting of an impulse source and a
broadband antenna. By this technique, additional
damage will be created in the area by upsetting
computers and communications systems in the
vicinity of the attack.
A key part of the RF weapon system is the antenna.
We propose incorporating an antenna into the
parachute of a munition as it approaches its
target. Such a device would be similar in form to
a collapsible impulse radiating antenna (CIRA)
that is currently manufactured and sold by Farr
Research. The parachute would be fabricated in
part from a conducting ripstop nylon that would
simulate a parabolic reflector. We call the
combination of parachute and IRA the Para-IRA.
During Phase I we will build a prototype antenna
on a small scale. We will test the device at our
time domain test facility, and we will provide a
preliminary design for a larger-scale design. We
will talk with parachute manufacturers to
investigate the challenges of incorporating an
antenna into a standard parachute design.
This research will lead to a new design for an
ultra-wideband antenna embedded into a parachute.
This device will be one part of a hybrid system
that combines an UWB RF weapon with a high
explosive munition. Such a weapon extends the
damage radius beyond that of a simple explosive
munition.
|
ENGINEERING MATTERS, INC.
23 Farwell St.
Newton, MA 02460 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(617) 965-8974
Dr. David Cope
ARMY 00-079 |
| Title: | Large-Scale Common-Mode Current Rejection |
| Abstract: | There is a demonstrated need to protect power
lines from disruptions to the Earth's magnetic
field which can induce currents in the electrical
conductors of such communications systems and
pipelines. These disruptions can be caused by
high altitude detonation of nuclear weapons or by
solar activity. These geomagnetically-induced
currents (GICs) cause saturation of the
transformers, resulting in increased heating,
generation of harmonics, and reactive power
demand, each of which can lead to problems with
system operation and dramatically increased
corrosion rates of metallic pipelines.
During the Baseline program, Engineering Matters
will develop protective system designs for
transformers and transmission lines in conjunction
with our commercial utility teammate. We will
then demonstrate the success of these designs in
tests using sub-scale systems. During the
Optional Task, we will design an additional
technique to protect rotating synchronous
generators. Electric system infrastructure
preservation and reliable delivery of high quality
electric power will be aided by the development of
GIC mitigation techniques.
|
TECHNOLOGIES & DEVICES INTERNATIONAL
8660 Dakota Dr.
Gaithersburg, MD 20877 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(301) 208-8342
Dr. Alexander Syrkin
ARMY 00-080 |
| Title: | High-Temperature High-Power Silicon Carbide Power Device for Hybrid Vehicles |
| Abstract: | TDI proposes to develop high-power silicon carbide
normally off junction field effect transistor
(JFET) for military and commercial applications.
Recently TDI has reported silicon carbide pn
structures grown by sublimation and liquid phase
epitaxy and demonstrated building blocks for SiC
power devices including low resistivity Ohmic
contacts to p-SiC, highly doped p+-4H-SiC layers,
4H-SiC pn diode chips with breakdown field >
2MV/cm and low leakage current. 6H-SiC diode
chips with stable electric breakdown at 50 kW/cm2
dissipating power were demonstrated. These results
open the opportunity to fabricate robust
high-power high-current SiC devices.
JFET is known as most reliable and rugged device
with excellent current sharing capabilities having
much better high-temperature reliability than
Schottky diodes, MESFETs or MOSFETs. The goal of
the Phase I is to prove the concept, design,
demonstrate and test 4H-SiC normally off JFET.
Detail device modeling will be performed to
optimize high-power/high-current device
performance. Modeling and experimental results
will be compared with published data.
In the Phase II, we will focus on the
fabrication and characterization of SiC power
JFETs scaled to 1500 V and 2000 A level.
High performance SiC power devices for electric
power conversion and traction motor control will
find a host of applications in military vehicles,
air platforms, space platforms, in commercial
components like industrial motor drives, power
converters and power supplies.
|
UNITED SILICON CARBIDE, INC.
100 Jersey Ave. Building D
New Brunswick, NJ 08901 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(732) 565-9500
Mr. Peter Alexandrov
ARMY 00-080 |
| Title: | Design and Fabrication of a Novel SiC Power Device |
| Abstract: | We propose to design, fabricate, and commercialize
a novel SiC power device for high
temperature and high power applications. The
proposed device does not reply on a future
solution to the problem of gate dielectric
reliability at high temperature and electric
field. Successful demonstration of the proposed
device would rapidly accelerate the development
and pratical applications of SiC power devices in
harsh
environment. In Phase I, we plan to carry out a
detailed computer modeling and experimental study
(i) to show the expected performance advantages of
the proposed SiC power switch over the existing
SiC devices, (ii) to simulate both DC and AC
performances at temperatures up to 250 C, (iii) to
quantify a structure for experimental
demonstration, (iv) to experimentally fabricate
the proposed power switch, and (v) to fully
characterize the device performance. In Phase II,
we will further develop the required processing
technologies to fabricate improved versions of the
proposed device based on improved design and
modeling. We will reduce the ON-state voltage
drop, increase the blocking voltage, substantially
improve the current capability, and clear show the
advantages of the proposed SiC power switch over
the existing SiC switches. High temperature SiC
power switches for ground and sea vehicles, for
actuator controllers and power supplies in air
platforms, space platforms and weapons systems
with extensive commercial applications in traction
drives in electric and hybrid electric vehicles,
industrial motor drives, power converters, power
supplies and appliances.
|
FOSTER-MILLER, INC.
350 Second Ave.
Waltham, MA 02451 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(781) 684-4283
Mr. Robert Lee Cardenas
ARMY 00-081 |
| Title: | Bridge Anchorage Systems |
| Abstract: | Anchor systems are used to keep military support
bridging in place and to withstand the water
currents flowing in the wet gap they span.
Current anchorage systems use kedge anchors, which
are dropped from individual pontoons of the
floating bridge to the streambed, and a
combination of overhead lines connected to towers
at each shore and guy lines. Experiences at the
Sava River at Zupania, Croatia, demonstrated
several specific shortcomings in the present
anchorage system. The systems are time consuming
to emplace, cumbersome to transport, prohibit
periodic opening of the waterway for river traffic
or to clear debris buildup on the upstream face of
the bridge, and in the case of the poor river
bottom conditions in Croatia just didn't work. By
developing a system that is operationally more
flexible and effective than current equipment, is
easily maintained by operational units and is
based on widely available commercial and
industrial components, we can both increase the
operational effectiveness of US Army bridging
units and reduce the overall costs of the Bridge
Companies. The new system may incorporate a
system of lightweight, rapidly deployed anchors
which can provide reliable anchorage for dry
(access/egress situations) and submerged
conditions. (P-00808)
A successful development program will result in a
logistically efficient system that will support
the future Ribbon Bridge installations.
Rapidly deployed and lightweight anchor systems
have application in the maritime support,
construction and forestry industries and will find
utility in Emergency Response situations.
|
CHARLES RIVER ANALYTICS, INC.
725 Concord Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(617) 491-3474
Magnus Snorrason
ARMY 00-082 |
| Title: | Scene Estimation & Situational Awareness Mapping Engine (SESAME) |
| Abstract: | Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) must have
self-localization capabilities, not just in
abstract units like longitude & latitude, but with
reference to real terrain. The ideal solution uses
both onboard sensing (for real-time local scene
information) and preloaded digital maps (for a
global perspective). We propose to develop a Scene
Estimation & Situational Awareness Mapping Engine
(SESAME) to accomplish this goal for UGVs such as
Utah State University/TARDEC's T3. Our design will
use mature commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) stereo
cameras and computer vision processors, enabling
us to deliver a robust, fully-functional system at
the end of Phase II that does not rely on exotic,
high-cost hardware. In Phase I, we will specify
hardware requirements (and optionally evaluate
available COTS stereo camera vision systems &
acquire one), design the overall system
architecture and all algorithms, and implement &
evaluate software prototypes for key algorithms.
Our mapping engine will generate local
high-resolution digital elevation maps (DEMs) in
real-time from stereo input and integrate with
preloaded low-resolution DEMs. Our scene
understanding algorithms will use color and shape
to classify objects by material class
(grass/foliage vs. rock/concrete, etc.) and
category (tree vs. road, etc.). Situational
awareness is then derived from correlating
detected objects with known locations. SESAME has
direct commercial potential to numerous DoD, DoE,
and private industry UGV projects as a situational
awareness module designed for low-cost COTS stereo
cameras. The developed situational awareness
algorithms also have excellent commercial
potential as a spin-off product for the computer
game industry: a software development kit that
enables game developers to easily add
sophisticated path planning capabilities to their
games' built-in artificially intelligent opponent.
|
SCIENTIFIC SYSTEMS CO., INC.
500 West Cummings Park
Woburn, MA 01801 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(781) 933-5355
Dr. B. Ravichandran
ARMY 00-082 |
| Title: | Navigation, Scene Understanding, and Situational Awareness for an Unmanned Ground Vehicle |
| Abstract: | The objective of this project is to design and
implement a system to
provide accurate position and situational
awareness for an unmanned
ground vehicle (UGV). These tasks will be
accomplished by a modular
system where each module will accomplish the
functions of (1)
navigation (2) scene understanding and (3)
situational awareness. In
order to accomplish these functions, we will
design and develop three
modules. The Positioning Sensor Module (PSM) will
address navigation,
Local-scene Sensor Module (LSM) will address scene
understanding and
the Internal Representation Module (IRM) will
address situational
awareness.
The focus of Phase I will be on: (1) demonstrating
the capability of
the scene understanding tasks (the Local-scene
Sensor Module) and (2)
the design of an architecture for the three
modules (PSM for
navigation, LSM for scene understanding, and IRM
for situational
awareness).
Phase II will focus on all the modules and
demonstrate their
capabilities via field tests using on a UGV.
The project team is composed of Scientific Systems
Company Inc (SSCI),
The Sarnoff Corporation and the Center for
Self-Organizing and
Intelligent Systems (CSOIS) at Utah State
University.
This SBIR project
will complement these ongoing efforts between
CSOIS and TACOM
and focus on developing the position sensing and
situational awareness system.
During the course of this project the CSOIS UGVs
will serve as a
platform for the basis of our design and
demonstrations.
The development of the above core technologies in
position
sensing and situational awareness for a UGV will
serve as a foundation
for Phase III commercialization. Commercial
application of this
technology exist in several areas such as: remote
sensing, road and
bridge inspection, buried and/or hazardous waste
detection,
unmanned space exploration, and counter terrorism.
|
TURING ASSOC., INC.
1392 Honey Run Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48103 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(734) 665-4818
Mr. Gary Witus
ARMY 00-082 |
| Title: | Position Sensing and Situational Awareness for Robotic Vehicles |
| Abstract: | The proposal is to develop low-cost technologies
for enhanced perception and terrain understanding
for robotic ground vehicle navigation. We propose
to combine structured lighting with stereo vision,
using innovative image processing based on
shape-from-shading and shadow processing. This
will provide robust ability to detect and segment
negative obstacles (e.g., down steps), to estimate
upcoming terrain slope, to improve object
detection and segmentation (including porous
obstacles such as fences), and improve texture
characterization. We propose to use internal
self-status sensors (e.g., inertial navigation
sensors, current meters, load sensors) to collect
data to characterize terrain trafficability (e.g.,
roughness, slope, ground resistance, traction
limits, slip) for path planning. The mobile robot
will exectute stylized maneuvers to measure
terrain trafficability characteristics. We
propose to use frequency analysis feature
extraction and machine learning to classify
terrain based on its trafficability (supporting
landmark recognition and map region localization).
We propose to train machine leaning systems to
predict trafficability characteristics from
structured lighting/stereo vision image texture
metrics and segmented-region shape features.
Preliminary experiments have demonstrated the
feasiblity of key elements of the proposed
approach. The research products will be applicable
to DoD unmanned ground vehicle programs including
the Future Combat Systems (FCS) vehicles, security
robots, mine clearing and unexploded ordnance
removal robots. The products will have potential
applicability in commercial automotive intelligent
vehicle development.
|
NANONEX CORP.
7 FOULET DRIVE
PRINCETON, NJ 08540 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(609) 683-3973
Dr. Jian Jim Wang
ARMY 00-083 |
| Title: | High Performance Nano-Wire-Grid Wide-angle Broadband Polarizing Beamsplitters |
| Abstract: | This small business innovation research phase-I
project will provide the design and the
proof-of-principle demonstration of
high-performance wide-angle, broadband (over the
visible spectrum) polarizing beam-splitters. The
proposed polarizing beam-splitters (PBSs) use
nano-wire-grid as the polarization element, and
hence is coined nano-wire-grid PBS (NWG-PBS). The
proposed research will optimize the design of the
geometry (size, pitch and shape) of the metal wire
girds and supporting dielectric materials, as well
as the selection of these materials, to achieve
the desired extinction ratio, splitting
efficiency, and transmittance in the wavelength
range from near-infrared down to 400 nm. The
designs will be first tested using simulation
tools, then will be fabricated and characterized
experimentally. The key tool of the fabrication is
nanoimprint lithography, which can allow low-cost,
high throughput patterning of sub-10 nm features
over a large area- one of the expertise of Nanonex
Corporation.
The proposed NWG-PBS has many superior
performances over existing PBSs, including (1)
high polarization efficiency (> 99%) and high
extinction ratio (> 100:1) for both s- and p-
polarizations throughout the visible spectrum; (2)
high transmission and reflection efficiencies
(both > 95%); (3) large working incident angle
range (0øñ45ø) and acceptance angle throughout the
visible spectrum; (4) large clear working aperture
(up to 5 inches in diameter); (5) ultra-thin
active layer (< 0.5 micron); and (6) capability of
integration with other devices.
The proposed NWG-PBSs have many significant
applications, which include projection TVs, liquid
crystal displays & projectors, color copies/color
printers, communications and computing components
and vision systems. This proposed device, if
successfully developed, would revolutionize the
optics industry by significantly improving the
performance of numerous optical & electro-optical
products for both civilian and military
applications.
|
NMI
53 Plymouth St
Cambridge, MA 02141 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(617) 492-3984
Mr. Timothy A. Savas
ARMY 00-083 |
| Title: | Wide-Angle Broadband Polarizing Beamsplitter |
| Abstract: | The objective of this proposal is to demonstrate
the feasibility of fabricating polarizing
beamsplitters that are broadband and have a wide
field of view. We propose to use lithographic
techniques to fabricate a polarizing beamsplitter
that has acceptance angles up to +- 55 degrees and
extinction ratios greater than 50:1 throughout the
visible spectrum. Various materials and
processing techniques will be investigated. In
addition, we propose to fabricate small prototype
polarizing beamsplitters and measure their
polarization properties. The efficiency and
extinction ratios for both S and P beams will be
measured as a function of incident angle and
wavelength. This beamsplitter device, if
successfully developed, may not only find use in
advanced imaging for military and medical systems,
but may also prove indispensable for consumer
applications such as projection displays.
|
PHOTERA TECNOLOGIES
12777 High Bluff Drive
San Diego, CA 92130 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(858) 755-8855
Dr. Maurice Pessot
ARMY 00-083 |
| Title: | Polarizers for High Angular, Spectral, and Efficiency Requirements (PHASER) |
| Abstract: | Polarizing beamsplitters are critical to optical
systems which range from head-mounted displays
(HMDs) to electronic cinema; their efficiency
often dictating the size, weight and cost of such
systems. Hence, nominal improvements in polarizer
performance have far-reaching implications.
Relative to a figure of merit which assigns equal
weights to polarizer efficiency, field of view and
spectral coverage, we show that the performance of
beamsplitting polarizers can be greatly enhanced.
Innovative refinements of age-old technology can
yield a two-fold improvement, while the successful
application of new technologies could offer a
revolutionary four-fold improvement. Moreover,
three of the newer technologies lead to
beamsplitting polarizers which operate at normal
incidence; thereby opening up a host of new system
geometries.
Our proposed Phase I program involves the
experiments and analyses necessary to establish
the viability of several different approaches. It
also involves the gathering of information
concerning the availability, size limitations and
cost of all materials and processes required to
produce full-scale versions of each polarizer
type. Hence, at the conclusion of the Phase I
effort, not only will we be in a position to
assess technical viability, but also to assess the
cost effectiveness of each approach.
Successful development of any one of the proposed
polarizers will have a profound effect upon the
performance, size, weight and cost of numerous
military and commercial optical systems. Relative
to pancake-window-based HMDs, for example, such a
development would enable an order of magnitude
improvement in performance.
|
PRECISION MAGNETIC BEARING SYSTEMS,
36 Green Mountain Drive
Cohoes, NY 12047 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(518) 783-4343
Dr. Dantam K. Rao
ARMY 00-084 |
| Title: | Compact All-Silicon Carbide Inverter Development |
| Abstract: | We propose to develop an Inverter Test Facility to
evaluate the performance of Silicon vs. Silicon
Carbide power devices. In Phase-I, we will use
this Test Facility to measure the performance of a
baseline Silicon-based 5 HP inverter; in Phase-II,
we will use this data as bench mark to evaluate
the superiority of Silicon Carbide devices. The
intent is to demonstrate key benefits of high
temperature capability, small-size or higher
efficiency of SiC devices over existing Si
devices. In Phase-I, we will (i) develop an
Inverter Test Facility that can accept either Si
or SiC devices or modules and (ii) develop a high
speed CAN-based DSP controller card that drives
the test bed (iii) develop DSP software to control
a 5 HP 3-phase motor, (iv) develop a dyno test rig
to measure its performance and (v) test the
full-power performance of the Si inverter,
including the effect of temperature on efficiency.
We will also review the advances in SiC power
device development and identify leading suppliers
or developers. In addition, in Phase-I Option, we
will continue the preliminary design of the
All-SiC inverter and will finalize the procurement
or engineering sample development strategies for
the All-SiC devices and modules. With SiC devices
inverters can operate at higher temperatures than
those possible by the current technology Si
inverters. They also reduce size or increase
efficiency. Applications include military
vehicles, mining industry motors, More Electric
Aircraft , Navy and Pulse Power as well as
numerous commercial markets.
|
PZ TECHNOLOGY, INC.
1209 Gulley Road
Neptune, NJ 07753 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(732) 599-5837
Mr. Bill Wright
ARMY 00-084 |
| Title: | High-Speed High-Temperature Silicon Carbide Motor Drive Inverter for Hybrid Vehicles |
| Abstract: | We propose to develop a SiC inverter for
controlling a three-phase AC induction motor of at
least 6 HP. In Phase I, we shall concentrate on
(i) building a Si-based inverter with DSP for real
time control by using high speed Si devices for
over 30 KHz operation, (ii) building a hybrid
SiC-diode/Si-IGBT based inverter and evaluating
its performance, (iii) preliminary design of a
SiC-based inverter, (iv) survey of
state-fo-the-art in SiC device development and
identifying the type of SiC devices for Phase II
SiC inverter development, and (v) drafting a test
plan for the SiC inverter. In Phase I, inverter
characterization will be concentrated on
switching losses vs. temperature, inverter
efficiency at different temperatures, and the
highest possible operating frequency and
temperature. We shall also, in Phase I,
characterize state-of-the-art SiC diode as well
as its performance in the hybrid inverter
circuit. In Phase II, SiC devices will be procured
to build SiC inverters for motor control up to at
least 6 HP. Improved SiC inverter design will be
identified and used to guide the commercial
development in Phase III.
High performance SiC inverters for motor control
in Army vehicles such as HMMWV and for commercial
hybrid and all electric vehicles as well as for
numerous commercial power electronic systems.
|
SATCON TECHNOLOGY CORP.
161 First Street
Cambridge, MA 02142 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(410) 694-8054
Mr. William Hall
ARMY 00-084 |
| Title: | High-Speed High-Temperature Silicon Carbide Motor Drive Inverter for Hybrid Vehicles |
| Abstract: | Silicon carbide has long held the promise of
founding a new generation of higher-density power
electronics and its beneficial characteristics of
higher temperature and higher frequency operation
have been demonstrated. The question of how to
package and apply SiC devices to take best
advantage of these beneficial characteristics is
largely unanswered. With the recent availability
of prototype power devices, however, it is now
possible to build a practical power-electronics
circuit using SiC devices and explore its
operational bounds in an attempt to provide these
answers. A hybrid-electric vehicle motor drive,
which potentially has widespread future use in
both military and commercial vehicles, has been
identified as a suitable application for this
research. The construction and evaluation of a
SiC based inverter driving a hybrid-vehicle
induction motor is proposed. A significant
increase in power density of power electronics
would be of great benefit in reducing size and
cost. Power-density improvement is presently
limited by silicon device operating temperature
and heat removal technology, both of which are
receiving research attention. Silicon carbide
with its higher operating temperature offers the
hope for a step increase in power density. This
project will be one of the first efforts to bring
silicon carbide out of the research laboratory and
into a practical realm and will benefit others in
industry seeking higher power density or extended
temperature range operation.
|
SCIENTIFIC SYSTEMS CO., INC.
500 West Cummings Park
Woburn, MA 01801 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(781) 933-5355
Dr. Raman Mehra/Sanjeev Seereeram
ARMY 00-085 |
| Title: | Intelligent Classification and Clustering Techniques for Text Data Mining |
| Abstract: | For Federal agencies' management programs, there
exists a
specific need for an integrated software analysis
suite which can:
(1) process online information relevant to their
needs,
(2) provide pattern and trend identification, and
(3) link solicitations and requirements documents
to open-source suppliers,
research and development capabilities.
Automated information retrieval and document
classification has
become one of the most important technologies for
web-based
applications.
Integration of data mining algorithms with textual
analysis
systems, termed Text Data Mining (TDM), represents
a promising
approach to such a knowledge management problem.
The objective of this Phase I research is to
design an overall system architecture
for an Information Intelligence-based Program
Management System, and
investigate classification and clustering
techniques
to analyze document collections, classify incoming
documents
and identify trends within the subject areas.
In particular, we will investigate the use of
selected statistical,
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Neural Networks
(NN) techniques for
improving the classification and clustering
performance of TDM systems.
Profesors Daniella Rus (Dartmouth College) and
Joydeep Ghosh (University of Texas)
will provide consulting support for this Phase I.
The Phase I base will investigate the feasibility
of the proposed
approaches for TDM. The Phase I option will create
a detailed
design specification for a prototype IIPMS.
Commercial applications of the proposed
technology include all private
sector companies, federal and state agencies with
either technology
requirements, or products and services for sale.
It will appeal to high-technology businesses,
prime contractors,
small/medium companies,
individual consultants, innovators, university and
federal
research institutions as a cost-effective
alternative to traditional
(in-house) sales and marketing.
Federal, state and local agencies, prime
contractors and
other businesses are increasingly in favor of
acquisition and licensing of
technology items instead of in-house engineering
(buy vs. build).
The total potential market for the company's
products and services is
estimated to be over one million subscribers
worldwide.
|
SEARCH TECHNOLOGY, INC.
4960 Peachtree Industrial Blvd
Norcross, GA 30071 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(770) 441-1458
Mr. Paul R. Frey
ARMY 00-085 |
| Title: | An Integrated Suite of Text and Data Mining Tools for Program Managers |
| Abstract: | This proposal describes an effort to build an
integrated suite of tools for R&D Program
Managers, incorporating text mining and data
mining tools for information extraction and
knowledge discovery from requirement sources and
bibliographic databases of R&D literature.
Successful program management depends in part on
identifying and understanding requirements,
discerning linkages among requirements (e.g.,
commonality, dependency, priority, etc.), and
recognizing correspondence between program
requirements and the capabilities of available
resources. Requirements take several forms, but
of particular interest are large written
documents, such as Strategic Plans and R&D Master
Plans. Requirements may originate from databases
of operating experience and maintenance
information. In either the database form or the
resulting documents, mastery of these information
sources presents a daunting challenge. The
technologies of text and data mining have great
potential for assisting Program Managers in their
task of defining or understanding requirements
from these very large data sources by identifying
relationships among requirements and discovering
connections between the requirements and other R&D
activities reported in bibliographic databases.
In Phase I, we will 1) analyze requirements
sources, 2) prepare a report on text and data
mining techniques, 3) develop a software
specification, and 4) demonstrate the feasibility
by developing a demonstration prototype.
Successful completion of all three phases of this
program will result in a powerful suite of tools
for text mining. Program Managers in large
organizations (government and commercial) will be
able to use these tools to extract knowledge from
databases of operational and maintenance
experience. This knowledge will assist the
Program Manager in defining, articulating, and
defending programmatic requirements. The suite of
tools will also allow the manager to mine clusters
of requirements from free text documents such as
Requirements Documents, Science and Technology
Master Plans, and Strategic Plans. These
requirements clusters can then be used to mine
open literature S&T bibliographic databases to
identify centers of excellence and assess the
qualifications of individuals and organizations
submitting proposals. By cross-mining
requirements documents and S&T literature, the
manager can also find new relationships among
technologies and applications that may provide
leverage points for investment of R&D resources.
By mining internal research plans against patent
databases, managers can enhance their protection
of an organization's intellectual property by
assessing how their research agenda and product
development plans compare with their competitor's
patent strategy.
|
STOTTLER HENKE ASSOC., INC.
1660 So. Amphlett Blvd.
San Mateo, CA 94402 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(206) 545-1478
Ronald Braun
ARMY 00-085 |
| Title: | Employing Data Mining to Create an Improved Information Intelligence System |
| Abstract: | We propose an innovative combination of text
analysis and data mining techniques in the design
of an information intelligence-based program
management system. By drawing on our extensive
experience, we have devised a novel approach to
translating free and field-delineated text into
quantitative data suitable for use with a wide
range of data mining techniques. In particular,
our system (FlexiMiner), will support the
application of text preprocessing, term discovery,
concept formation, and automated text segmentation
techniques in the encoding of text documents. The
resulting quantitative data can take on a variety
of forms depending on the goals of the analyst and
the available computational resources. FlexiMiner
will offer an improved capability to explore
material needs documents and open source R&D
abstracts, as well as discover logical linkages
between these two sets of information. Finally,
the ability to do cross-field pattern discovery
and free-text analysis will offer more flexibility
than that offered by the Technology Opportunities
Analysis System. Phase I research and development
of a proof-of-concept limited prototype will build
on our existing data mining toolkit, IKODA, and
lay the groundwork for the Phase II implementation
of a fully functional common tool suite for both
text and quantitative data mining. The US military
is not alone in its need for advanced text mining
tools. The proposed system would be very valuable
to venture capitalists, medical researchers, and
engineering design firms.
|
FOSTER-MILLER, INC.
350 Second Ave.
Waltham, MA 02451 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(781) 684-4379
Mr. Arnis Mangolds
ARMY 00-086 |
| Title: | Mission Payload for Small Urban Robots |
| Abstract: | This proposal will address the payloads and the
integration issues associated with small unit UGV
robot systems defined as systems that could be
disassembled and backpacked or hand carried to a
forward position. These robots will support
dismounted and mounted infantry and will be
particularly useful in urban and dense forest
terrain that will not be directly addressed by the
larger FCS systems. The focus will be on
developing an ability to hotswap payloads in a
self configuring plug and play format. The
payloads will be automated to the degree possible,
as will the Operator control unit. Three
payloads will be selected and the physical,
electrical and software integration techniques
will be demonstrated. (P-00809)
Small robotics has the potential of extending the
soldier's reach and minimizing his risk. A modular
robot that can be reconfigured in the field will
greatly expand the utility of the base system. By
automating the swap-out configuration, less
training and stress will be placed on the
solider/operator, resulting in a more reliable
system.
|
INDUSTRIAL MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS, INC.
245 West Roosevelt Rd.
West Chicago, IL 60185 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(630) 876-8981
Dr. Donald E. Yuhas
ARMY 00-088 |
| Title: | An Ultrasonic Tomography System for Imaging Reinforcement Steel in Concrete Bridge Girders |
| Abstract: | Recent studies have indicated the potential of
reconstruction methods such as tomography as a
modality suitable for finding and imaging steel
reinforcement encased in bridges. The objective
of the proposed research is to develop and
demonstrate an ultrasonic tomography system
capable of imaging reinforcement steel in concrete
bridge girders. The system will be capable of
locating position and size of the reinforcement to
less than 1/8". Initial experiments in this Phase
I program are directed at establishing baseline
resolution data using existing commercially
available tomographic reconstruction algorithms as
well as existing synthetic aperture code. Next,
in order to improve resolution, we formulate and
evaluate two diffraction tomographic algorithms.
In a series of experiments using concrete test
specimens we formulate design rules for optimal
tomographic sensors and requirements for automated
data collection under field conditions. Finally,
using the optimal reconstruction methods we assess
image quality in terms of spatial and contrast
resolution. Current technology uses magnetic or
eddy current based approaches to locate subsurface
reinforcement or relies upon large-scale tests to
determine load ratings. An ultrasonic approach for
verifying steel placement will have several
distinct advantages over other available
technologies. These include, increased accuracy,
ease of operation, ease of interpretion and speed
of operation.
|
INNOVATIVE MECHANICS, INC.
265 Coe Road
Clarendon Hills, IL 60514 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(630) 887-9020
Dr. Andres Peekna
ARMY 00-089 |
| Title: | Measuring Time Dependent Pavement Surface Deflection Profiles Under Rolling Vehicles Using a Portable System |
| Abstract: | Several of the approaches proposed would involve
arrays of vertical-sensing sensors plus
horizontal-sensing sensors supported by a 4-meter
long lightweight beam. End supports could extend
out from the roadside, or consist of longitudinal
extenders. The vertical-sensing sensors would
sense road profile and pavement deflection under
load. They could be either contact sensors
(linear variable differential transformers) or
optical distance sensors. The horizontal-sensing
sensors would be low-cost ultrasonic sensors, and
would be aimed toward the vehicle's tires. They
would record the actual lateral position of the
tires during the test. By clearly indicating
whether there is a tire next to any of these
horizontal-sensing sensors, they would also record
the longitudinal position of the vehicle wheels at
any instant in time. Representing a different
approach, a scanning laser option would also be
considered. The Phase I development would center
on survey of different technologies and choosing
the best candidate design. The Phase I Option
would include evaluation of candidate sensors
under laboratory conditions and subsequently,
completing a final hardware design. Such a system
would provide the Army with a portable method for
assessing load carrying capacity of roads in
widely different world locations, before driving
military convoys over them. This would help
minimize potential friction with the governments
involved. Use in airport runway testing may also
be anticipated. In assessing the load carrying
capacity of roads in the USA, in view of the low
estimated cost per system, interest by county
governments as well as state departments of
transportation is anticipated.
|
SIMULATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
3307 BOB WALLACE AVENUE
HUNTSVILLE, AL 35805 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(256) 876-4204
Mr. Jody S. Loyd
ARMY 00-090 |
| Title: | Advanced Multispectral Decoy Technologies |
| Abstract: | This proposal shows a comprehensive approach for
the development of advanced decoy
technologies that answers key issues in fidelity
and validation in all the important
signature realms. The basis of the SimTech
approach is a full "virtual prototyping"
environment that utilizes computer modeling,
state-of-the-art signature analysis,
plus experience in fabrication and design. The
SimTech team's abilities in these
areas are documented in numerous publications. The
proposed products from Phase I
are examples of decoy virtual models - complete
with signature analysis, and
validation approaches - including novel evaluation
metrics. Overall, the Phase I
approach is shown to lay a foundation upon which a
Phase II effort may be built.
Several goals of a Phase II effort are discussed,
including development of an
innovative decoy/target signature testbed. This
novel product would be as a logical
and much needed spin-off from the decoy world to
the target world, and carries the
potential for outside investment.
This novel product would be as a logical
and much needed spin-off from the decoy world to
the target world, and carries the
potential for outside investment.
|
EFX SYSTEMS, INC.
3900 Collins Road
Lansing, MI 48910 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(517) 336-4630
Dr. Robert Hickey
ARMY 00-091 |
| Title: | In situ Biological Treatment for Explosives in Ground Water |
| Abstract: | The U.S. Army has 21 ammunition plants in the U.S.
along with a large number of Army Depots and
Forts. It is estimated that 40 of these
installations reqire clean up of explosives such
as TNT, RDX and their partai; breakdown products
such as TNB. A low cost method for treatment of
explosives in-situ for soils and groundwater is
needed.
Anaerobic reductive transformation appears to be a
promising option based on successful use of this
technology for treatment of explosives containing
wastewaters such as pinkwater. Better information
on the factors that will control the rate and
extent of explosives treatment in-situ is needed
before proceeding to the field.
The objectives of this proposed effort is to
examine both nitrate reducing and methanogenic
anaerobic conditions with a suite of different
possible electron donors to determine the best
conditions for proceding to field tests in future
work. The information and know how developed as a
part of this proposed effort will provide the base
of information needed to proceed to field testing.
This same information will be extremely useful in
optimizing and improving on-site treatment of
munitions effluents such as pinkwater. This same
approach of reductive transformation in-situ will
have further application for the treatment of
other recalcitrant compounds such as pesticides.
|
MAGNUM TECHNOLOGY, INC.
16 West Spanish Main St.
Tampa, FL 33609 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(407) 831-8949
Mr. David Byron
ARMY 00-092 |
| Title: | Lightweight Gun Barrel |
| Abstract: | Because of their desirable physical properties,
technical ceramics have been investigated for use
in gun barrels. When compared to steel, ceramics
offer significantly less weight, longer barrel
life and the ability to survive higher rates of
fire and the use of hotter propellants. Previous
attempts by government and industry to use
technical ceramics in gun barrels typically have
focused on use of ceramic liners or coating in
some manner. Typically, these efforts have
produced only marginal results due to ceramic
failure. Our approach builds actual ceramic
barrels that are reinforced to enable their
satisfactory use as gun barrels. The basis of our
technology is the reinforcement of materials that
are extremely hard and brittle so that they may be
used for purposes not previously feasible, such as
gun barrels. Referred to as Composite Reinforced
Ceramic Technology (CRCT), this technology has
been privately researched and funded. A proof of
principle has been successfully demonstrated with
thousands of satisfactory firings in small
caliber. The technology is ready for further
research and development for military calibers.
Lighter weight, longer life and lower cost gun
barrels for use in law enforcement and shooting
sports. Advanced internal combustion engines with
high power to weight ratio. Industrial tubing for
transporting corrosive chemicals and super heated
steam.
|
TDJ, INC.
192 East 100 North
Fayette, UT 84630 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(435) 528-7999
Mr. Richard R. Lyman
ARMY 00-092 |
| Title: | Lightweight Gun Barrel |
| Abstract: | Christensen Arms proposes to research and apply
existing high temperature materials to expand
current lightweight gun barrel technology.
Christensen Arms to date, has designed,
structurally analyzed and fabricated for the
civilian and military market over 1,000
lightweight graphite-epoxy gun barrels (.17
caliber through .50 Caliber). Test specimens have
strongly demonstrated significant temperature
reductions over standard metal barrels per
MIL-S-46047E.
The barrel design will take advantage of years of
past advanced composite experience by Christensen
Arms design and production team. This includes
research experience on many DoD composite weapon
system designs, including analysis, pre-production
fabrication, tooling, first article testing and
production-run manufacturing of land, water and
aerospace components and assemblies. Current
company funded research on high temperature
materials for semi and fully automatic weapons
will be incorporated.
Christensen Arms standard barrels have a thin
match grade stainless steel liner and are
over-wound with a graphite/epoxy casing in
accordance with four patents and two patents
pending. The design for this proposal will be
based on this proven technology.
Existing ultra high temperature resistant metals
and/or barrier/wear coatings will be used for the
barrel liner. An existing or an in-house high
temperature composite matrix will be used for the
barrel casing.
Christensen Arms is committed to succeeding
during the Phase I effort of the lightweight gun
barrel program. We sincerely feel that we are
closing in on the solution or combination of
solutions to this now long standing need. If the
program is a success, then it will be a great
advancement in gun technology. Our findings show
that there are a significant number of small to
medium sized commercial entities that are also in
various stages of solving this problem. We have
aligned ourselves with some of them and intend to
achieve further alignments in the near future.
The benefits of these many efforts will result in
superiority in some extremely critical weapon
systems throughout the DoD.
Potential Commercial Applications other than
weapons include: Pistons and piston
housings(combustion engines), High pressure or hot
ignition chambers(rocket motors, jet engines,
aerospace), Hot gas insulation chambers(Automobile
mufflers/catalytic converters), Grating(Blast
Furnace), Chimneys/Flues(Coal/Nuclear powered
plants), Personal high pressure tanks(Underwater,
underground, hazardous conditions, fire fighting),
Combustible Transport Tanks(Fuel tanker trucks,
trains, aircraft), Explosion proof chambers(Grain
silos), High temperature friction
surfaces(Aircraft brakes, spacecraft
brakes/surfaces, pulleys, bearings, gears)
|
CHI SYSTEMS, INC.
Gwynedd Office Park
Lower Gwynedd, PA 19002 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(215) 542-1400
Mr. William Weiland
ARMY 00-093 |
| Title: | Innovative Hands-Free Point-and-Click Computer Control Device Within a Moving Vehicle |
| Abstract: | A concept for a Gaze-based Point-And-Click (G-PAC)
interface component is proposed as an ideal
human-computer interaction technology for
operations within moving vehicles. In recent
years there has been considerable interest in
combat vehicle crew reduction through the
incorporation of increased automation. As
currently envisioned, these automation systems
require the use of mouse or trackball. The need
to simultaneously manipulate other manual control
devices makes the use of these standard manual
computer interface mechanisms impracticable.
Beginning with an analysis of hands-free HCI
component requirements, in both real-world vehicle
contexts and software reference architecture
contexts, we propose to develop a multimodal
interface based on eye-tracking and speech
recognition technologies. G-PAC will allow
crewmembers to perform point-and-click operations
on graphical interface objects in a manner similar
to mouse-based systems, while simultaneously
performing manual control operations. G-PAC
builds on earlier research performed by the
proposed research team which demonstrated the
feasibility of building versatile control
mechanisms by combining eye-control and
voice-control techniques. The G-PAC interface
addresses the extension of previous eye-voice
interface research into the context of combat
vehicle systems and plug-and-play architectures.
The proposed Phase I effort will culminate in a
proof-of-concept demonstration that will show
multimodal interaction in a simulated vehicle
context. Where human operators are required to
continuously manipulate manual controls while
interacting with computer-based systems, the need
for hands-free interface technology is clear.
G-PAC is an ideal interface technology in these
situations. In addition to a wide range of
military contexts, potential applications are
envisioned for, among others, firefighting and
police operations domains. G-PAC also offers the
opportunity of opening the computer market up to a
large disabled population which cannot function
with mouse-based systems.
|
LC TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
9455 Silver King Court
Fairfax, VA 22031 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(703) 385-7133
Mr. Dixon Cleveland
ARMY 00-093 |
| Title: | Hands-Free Point-and-Click Computer Control Device Within a Moving Vehicle |
| Abstract: | The purpose of this project is to develop an eye
and voice-operated system to
perform computer point-and-click operations in a
moving vehicle. The eye and voice-
driven protocols will replace operations currently
performed by hand via mouse or
trackball, which are unwieldy in a moving vehicle
environment where it is difficult
to maintain steady hand movements. To point and
click an icon, the operator simply
looks at the icon and speaks a key command word
such as "click." Different command
words are used to designate alternative click
types, such as left click, right click,
double click, and drag-and-drop. Ultimately more
advanced speech recognition
systems will also replace the keyboard for data
and text entry. The combined
eyetracker and speech recognition system will
permit full and efficient control of
a computer console without typing or manually
manipulating a mouse or trackball. Human Computer
Interaction: Command and Control, Situation
Awareness, Office Automation, Usability Analysis,
Aid for People with Disabilities.
Psychological Research: Fatigue Monitoring,
Task/Scan Analysis, Advertisement Analysis.
Physiological Analysis: Visual Response Testing,
Reading Diagnostics.
|
TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING RESEARCH, INC.
16 Wildhedge Lane
Holmdel, NJ 07733 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(732) 219-0020
Mr. Benjamin Tirabassi
ARMY 00-093 |
| Title: | Innovative Hands-Free Point-and-Click Computer Control Device Within a Moving Vehicle |
| Abstract: | Most computer programs require both keyboard data
entry and Point-and-Click (PAC)
operations with a mouse or trackball device to
operate efficiently. In a moving
environment such as an airplane, car, bus, or
armored vehicle, PAC operations become
more difficult. Speech recognition can replace
tedious data entry, and with domain
specific grammar corrections it can ensure spoken
data and dictation are recognized
and entered properly. Adding a secondary device
to complement speech input, which
could perform all the PAC operations efficiently
and require no steady hand
movements, would permit full use of a computer in
moving vehicles. The use of a
multiple-controller approach enables the
interaction to be tailored to the task and
environmental constraints, as well as user
preferences. A natural language
software-based speech recognizer in combination
with eye-tracking, facial gesture,
brain wave and neuromuscular sensor technologies
are to be configured in a variety
of ways to provide the required functionality.
Unique to this proposal is the
development of an integrated set of human-computer
control suite technologies using
standard Application Program Interfaces (APIs) in
the commercial Windows and Unix
environment that are compatible with the Army
Technical Architecture for efficient
hands-free operation of computer systems. Some
PAC needs could be met by using a
combination of eye movement, facial muscle, and
brain wave bio-potential combined
technologies detected at the forehead, to generate
computer inputs. Both the
frequency bands and electrical signal content
levels derived from these sensors have
shown progress in the selective mind and voluntary
neuromuscular control of a
computer display pointer and clicking on a
displayed selection. Projective task
analysis, driven by a decision support activity
scenario, will be conducted for
various combinations of interface technologies to
derive an effective and feasible
PAC conceptual design integrated with natural
language. Quantitative performance
and qualitative human interaction analysis will be
documented and provided with the
conceptual design. This research would be helpful
for the military in controlling combat simulations
and interacting with command and control consoles,
it would also make a useful
commercial gaming device and afford many
handicapped individuals, who cannot
efficiently use a mouse, trackball, or keyboard;
the opportunity to access the next
generation internet.
|
ROBOTICS RESEARCH CORP.
101 Landy Lane
Cincinnati, OH 45215 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(606) 525-4064
Mr. Paul H. Eismann
ARMY 00-094 |
| Title: | Adaptable and Reusable Hardware/ Software (HW/SW ) Architectures And Components for Automated Materiel Handling |
| Abstract: | The US Army has an immediate need to minimize the
manpower required to perform field material
handling applications in forward supply
operations. Replacing the existing manual
equipment is not cost effective. This program
aims to provide the Army with a generic,
open-architecture, component based control system
that can be readily and economically adapted to a
broad range of existing field material handling
systems. The program builds on technology
previously developed for the Army by RRC and
others, providing the final components needed for
deployment in the field.
RRC has demonstrated in a previous program that
through the application of robotic control and
sensor technology, an existing manual material
handling system can be modified to perform many
tasks autonomously. However, an operator is still
required to teleoperate portions of the tasks and
monitor operation to avoid collisions. While the
system reduces the manpower required to perform
the tasks, several areas of improvement have been
identified that will increase an operator's
efficiency including; enhancements to the man
machine interface and application development
environment, implementation of obstacle avoidance
and compliance control strategies and knowledge
based programming techniques. These advancements
complete the technology to enable Army deployment
of practical field material handling systems.
In addition to the material handling applications
within the military complex, the development of a
generic open architecture control system with
advanced user interface features has significant
government and commercial market potential in any
application demanding robotic manipulation in
unstructured and/or hazardous environments, such
as assembly, welding, cutting, stripping, cleaning
and coating operations. Target sectors include
the environmental remediation industry; civil
infrastructure and commercial construction
industry; and shipbuilding and aircraft industry.
|
CREARE, INC.
P.O. Box 71
Hanover, NH 03755 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(603) 643-3800
Dr. Nabil A. Elkouh
ARMY 00-095 |
| Title: | Large Caliber Gun Tube Erosion Mitigation Coating Technology |
| Abstract: | Creare proposes to develop an innovative
thermal-spray coating system to coat the interior
of large caliber extended-range gun tubes to
extend their service life by ten to twenty times.
The coating system is comprised of an innovative
thermal spray technique using novel refractory
materials. Our combined hardware/materials system
holds the promise of forming coatings inside of
gun tubes that are capable of withstanding the
erosive environment caused by extreme
temperatures, chemical release, and charge
movement that are the direct result of firing.
The hardware is a unique combination of
commercially available thermal spray and specialty
coating equipment that offers the potential of
creating dense, adherent coatings having tight
tolerances. The materials systems we propose are
unique in character and hold the potential to
greatly increase performance. In Phase I, we will
prepare sample coupons, which will be subjected to
a battery of tests that simulate the erosion and
wear in a gun barrel. The results from Phase I
will guide the development of an in-bore coating
system in Phase II that will be employed to coat
the interior of a large caliber gun tube to test
coating performance under typical firing
conditions. The benefits of the proposed gun tube
coating process are expected to be (1) improved
erosion performance, (2) reduced life-cycle cost,
and (3) excellent coating deposition control. A
similar coating system could extend the life of
tubes, boilers, turbine blades, and reactors
associated with extreme environments encountered
in chemical processing industries, power plants,
marine environments, aerospace turbines, and
foundries.
|
CONTINENTAL CONTROLS & DEVICES, INC.
1921 N. Gaffey Suite J
San Pedro, CA 90731 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(310) 831-8669
Mr. James P. Hynes Jr.
ARMY 00-096 |
| Title: | Electronic Sight Unit (ESU) |
| Abstract: | We propose to integrate the latest commercial, off
the shelf technology to build autonomous fire
control systems for mortars. While the
technologies are familiar individually (GPS
attitude, magnetometers, laser rangefinders, MEMS
inertial sensors) we will demonstrate full
function indirect and direct fire control
solutions with a fraction of the weight and cost
of today's equipment. Through dynamic simulation
we argue that these new technologies can transform
the handheld 60 mm M1 mortar into a precision
direct fire weapon. We will also field demonstrate
an SPS (Standard Positioning Service) kinematic
GPS as a replacement for traditional aiming sticks
as azimuth reference. In Phase 2 we will partner
with Trimble to demonstrate improved accuracy with
a Y code (PPS) version. It's time for a change in
mortar firing doctrine. The results of this R&D
program have a very high probability of being
commercialized within the DoD and industry. This
technology can transform the 60mm from an area
weapon to an accurate and versatile direct fire
gun with first shot kill capability.
|
SCENPRO, INC.
101 W. Renner Rd.
Richardson, TX 75082 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(972) 437-5001
Mr. Michael Gately
ARMY 00-097 |
| Title: | Assessing Decision-Making Skills in Virtual Environments |
| Abstract: | ScenPro, Inc. proposes to develop the Virtual
Soldier Skills Assessor (ViSSA), a set of three
components that work together to allow an Urban
Soldier trainer to effectively assess soldier and
small unit leader decision-making skills. The
first component allows the trainer to annotate a
virtual urban environment (associated with a
specific scenario) with features relevant to
decision-making such as optimal routes, decision
points, engagement rules, and sub-team formation.
The second component is a DIS/HLA compatible
software system that monitors the actions of a
soldier and assesses their decision-making skills
based upon the features previously specified by
the trainer. This second component will report
this assessment to the trainer. The third
component will be a Trainer's Tool that can be
used by the trainer to observe the soldier's
progress during a training simulation. A viable
Virtual Soldier Skills Assessor will be useful to
a wide range of government and private sector
organizations. There is a clear need for such a
tool within the military and civilian training
communities that have embraced Dismounted
Infantryman technology. In military applications,
it is likely that the technology can be
transferred to work with other virtual objects
such as tanks and aircraft. With minimum
modifications, products could be developed to aid
in the assessment of tank commanders, tank
drivers, tank platoon commanders, pilots, and
section leaders.
We have held discussions with Raytheon's Systems
Analysis and Simulation Center regarding a
potential Phase II/III partnership, and Raytheon
has expressed interest in participating in the
commercialization of this work.
In civilian applications, this technology may be
of significant benefit in the training of
Police/Fire/EMS personnel. There is a clear need
for such a tool within this sector which will
allow for identification, tracking, and
documentation of critical decision points made
during the course of training. By identifying
decision strengths/weaknesses of the individual
during a high-risk training scenario, the trainer
will be able to focus in on these issues, which
will allow for corrective actions resulting in a
more ideal training outcome. This may, in turn,
reduce poor decisions made in the field, thereby
reducing the frequency of critical errors in rapid
decision-making during high-risk urban situations.
|
TEKNOWLEDGE CORP.
1810 Embarcadero Rd
Palo Alto, CA 94303 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(703) 352-9300
Dr. Michelle Sams
ARMY 00-098 |
| Title: | Training Media to Support Night Operations in Urban Settings |
| Abstract: | This project proposes to leverage a variety of
computer-based technologies to improve the
training and skill transfer of soldiers in the
effective use of night vision devices in urban
settings. The intelligent training system will
include a database of night imagery, scenarios for
skill practice, and instruction adapted to the
individual learner. Realistic urban training sites
have been built to further the Army's goal to
"train as we fight". However, these sites are
expensive to build and high demand for time at
these sites limits availability to troops. The
proposed computer-based training system will
provide repeatable, scenario based skill practice
that should transfer well to physical training
sites and real world operations. In addition, an
intelligent training system can reduce the time it
takes to learn and increase the knowledge gained
within that time frame.
|
AGILE MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
536 Mills Way
Goleta, CA 93117 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(805) 895-2056
Mr. Chris Elsass
ARMY 00-099 |
| Title: | True Time Delay and Constant Phase Shift Circuit Elements |
| Abstract: | This program is aimed at the development of low
loss (less than 1dB), wide band, true-time-delay
phase shifter circuits using thin-film BST (Barium
Strontium Titanate, a tunable dielectric). Recent
advances in BST deposition technology have led to
dramatic improvements in material quality, making
BST suitable for millimeter-wave circuit
components. First, we will develop physics-based
equivalent-circuit models for passive structures
on a variety of substrates, and optimize BST
varactors for low loss in the Ka-band. In
addition, we will model distributed-circuit
delay-lines using physics-based equivalent-circuit
models for BST and MMIC varactors. This will
quantify frequency and temperature-dependence of
insertion loss and phase delay in a 50-Ohm
environment in terms of device and embedding
circuit parameters. Modeling of IMD in
distributed-circuit phase shifters to quantify IP3
in terms of fundamental parameters such as
tunability, breakdown field, and loss will be
performed. Additionally, proposed constant-phase
shifting devices will be investigated. The drastic
cost reduction of phased array antennas requires a
paradigm shift in design strategy. Phase shifters
are a critical component of a phased array that
enables the antenna to actively steer a beam and
is also the cost driver of the array. Phase
shifters have significant RF loss and therefore
amplification must be provided in front of the
phase shifter to compensate for this loss.
Theoretically if a phase shifter could be designed
with little or no loss up to 80% of the amplifiers
could be deleted from a phased array system.
This proposed SBIR program is therefore targeting
a critical problem and technology barrier that
will enable new paradigm shifts in phased-array
development, opening up a potentially vast market.
|
M2MEMS
2108 Brockman
Ann Arbor, MI 48104 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(734) 647-1793
Dr. Gabriel Rebeiz
ARMY 00-099 |
| Title: | True Time Delay and Constant Phase Shift Circuit Elements |
| Abstract: | We propose the development of very low loss
multi-throw MEMS switches for DC to mm-wave
applications. The novel switches exhibit a loss of
0.1-0.2 dB from 0.1-50 GHz, and are used in
true-time delay and constant-phase 2-bit, 3-bit
and N-bit phase shifters. We also plan to partner
with consultants at Microassembly, Inc., to
develop a hermetic packaging technique for MEMS
switches and phase shifters. The hermetic package
is compatible with RF MEMS and will allow the
integration of input and output lines through the
wafer. The combined effort should lead to a novel
and packaged phase shifters for X-band to mm-wave
operation. We believe that the SBIR proposal
effort will help in the commercialization of
MEMS-based switches and phase shifters if the
packaging aspect is solved. Other than the DOD
applications and systems, the largest market will
be the mobile telephone suppliers, since such a
switch results in excellent performance (0.1 dB
insertion loss) and can be used after the power
amplifier in the transmit path. It also can be
used before and after the switched filter bank in
tri-band telephones. This is the reason why it is
important to develop a packaging technology which
is compatible with RF MEMS, and which can be done
at a wafer-scale level.
|
SY TECHNOLOGY, INC.
5170 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(256) 922-9095
Dr. David Chenault
ARMY 00-100 |
| Title: | Seeing Through Smoke, Fog, and Obscurants Using Circular Infrared (IR) Polarimetric Imaging |
| Abstract: | SY Technology, Inc. proposes to assess the
feasibility for portable instrumentation that will
enhance a soldier's ability to see through
battlefield aerosols and obscurants. The
proposed polarimetric imager will consist of a
polarized source and a suitable polarization
detection imaging system. The Phase I will
primarily consist of a measurements program on
appropriate aerosols throughout the spectrum to
determine the optimal choice of wavelength,
illumination polarization state, and detected
polarization state. The combinations of
scattering media and spectral range in which
polarization can enhance contrast will be
identified and suitable system concepts will be
developed. In the Phase I Option, a complete
system design will be completed including
component specifications, schematics, data
reduction algorithms, and calibration procedures.
The Phase II work will implement the design;
calibrate, test, and demonstrate the
instrumentation; and explore commercial
applications for the techniques developed in this
work.
The measurements will take advantage of SY
Technology's capability and expertise in
polarization measurements and instrument design.
This effort will also capitalize on recent
experiments in this area using instrumentation
available at SY Technology, Inc. and other
government partners through research and
development agreements.
It is anticipated that the imaging polarimeter
will significantly enhance a soldier's ability to
see through conventional and IR obscurants on the
battlefield. Potential commercial applications
include aiding a firefighter's ability to see in
smoke filled areas, imaging through fog for
aircraft and automobiles, ice detection,
humanitarian de-mining, remote sensing, and
medical imaging.
|
MATERIALS SYSTEMS, INC.
521 Great Road
Littleton, MA 01460 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(978) 486-0404
Dr. Richard Gentilman
ARMY 00-101 |
| Title: | Low Cost ALON |
| Abstract: | This program will first establish a low-cost
aluminum oxynitride (ALON) powder synthesis
process, known to yield powder that can readily be
densified to optical transparency. This program
will then establish a new low-cost source for
transparent ALON windows. In Phase I, MSI will
demonstrate a proven, low-cost method for
synthesizing ALON powder. The process will
utilize carbothermal reduction of high purity
alumina in a nitrogen atmosphere to form ALON
directly, avoiding AlN entirely. Starting
constituents (Al2O3 and carbon powders) will be
weighed, blended, reacted at elevated temperature
in a nitrogen atmosphere, and then milled.
Chemical purity, phase purity, lattice parameter,
particle size, particle size distribution, and
surface area of the resulting powders will be
measured. In the Phase I Option, the ability to
densify the powder to optical transparency will be
verified, and scale up of the powder synthesis
will be initiated. In Phase II, MSI will develop
a high-volume continuous process for producing
ALON powder and establish a complete transparent
ALON fabrication capability. In addition, we will
investigate ways to streamline the ALON
fabrication process that could eliminate one or
more major process steps.
Transparent ALON armor offers superior protection
against small caliber armor piercing projectiles
at substantially reduced weight and thickness.
Initially, this program will provide a low-cost
source of high purity ALON powders. Subsequently,
when the Phase II program has been completed, a
new low-cost source for transparent ALON
components will have been established. A primary
defense application for transparent ALON is
low-cost, light-weight, large-area transparent
armor panels for military land vehicles and
aircraft. Commercial personnel security vehicles
will also benefit from the technology developed in
this program.
|
MATERIALS & ELECTROCHEMICAL RESEARCH
7960 S. Kolb Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85706 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(520) 574-1980
Dr. R.O.Loutfy
ARMY 00-102 |
| Title: | A Continuous Reactor for the Large Scale Production Of Nanotubes |
| Abstract: | It is proposed to development of a large-scale
production apparatus that produces
single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) and
catalytic multi-walled nanotubes (MWNT)
on a continuous process basis. A novel and
flexible reactor design will be
investigated. The proposed reactor design will
allow the control of production
parameters including catalyst type and particle
size, the type of carbon source,
catalyst/carbon ratio, temperature of reaction and
reaction time. The apparatus
will be designed for continuous operation and
product collection, which promises
high production rates and low cost, and assures a
successful Phase II scale-up
to produce commercial quantities of this novel and
versatile material. Large scale production of low
cost, high yield, and controlled properties
nanotubes can open up the potential
commercialization of these novel materials.
Nanotubes have the potential applications as cold
electron field emitter,
gas storage media, and as nanoreinforcement for
advanced polymer composites.
|
NANOLAB, INC.
35 Galen Street
Watertown, MA 02172 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(617) 926-4161
Mr. David Carnahan
ARMY 00-102 |
| Title: | High Volume, Low-Cost Production of High-Purity Carbon Nanotubes |
| Abstract: | Carbon nanotubes have tremendous potential in many
applications, but are limited by their high cost.
The cost is driven by two factors, the low process
yield and the laborious purification procedures
required by current synthesis techniques, DC
discharge and laser ablation. However, nanotubes
produced by the Chemical Vapor Deposition process
have both high yield and purity, as well as
control over nanotube diameter and length.
Further, straight, aligned nanotubes can be grown
on a substrate, a key advantage for device
fabrication. NanoLab is the exclusive licensee of
the CVD nanotube growth process developed by Dr.
Zhifeng Ren and patented by the University of
Buffalo. Dr. Ren, now at Boston College, has
performed the fundamental research on this
process, as highlighted in the National
Nanotechnology Initiative. Therefore, the program
goal is to design and implement a high output
pilot facility for carbon nanotube production.
The key development will be a CVD belt furnace,
where nanotubes can be continuously harvested. In
Phase I, we will demonstrate a semi-continuous
process for nanotube production, based on an
extension of the existing CVD technology. After
validating the semicontinuous production, we will
design a full scale production unit for large
quantity nanotube synthesis. The advent of
production quantities of carbon nanotubes will
enable new applications that become viable when
the cost is lower. Field emission displays,
sensors, and other devices can be effectively
produced using this process, as well as bulk
materials for composites and high volume
applications.
|
ACTIVE CONTROL EXPERTS, INC.
215 First Sreet
Cambridge, MA 02142 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(617) 577-0700
Mr. Marco Giovanardi
ARMY 00-103 |
| Title: | Embedded Sensor-Electronics System |
| Abstract: | ACX proposes to design, fabricate, and test a
sensor with enclosed signal conditioning and
amplification electronics for embedding into
composite structures. The amplified signal can
then be transmitted using either an
analog-to-digital converter and a digital fleixble
circuitry line, or an RF transmitting device. This
method of collecting data maintains the structural
integrity, and the materials used for the patented
ACX QuickPack packaging and in the flexible
circuitry are compatible with the epoxies used in
most composites, as has been demonstrated in the
past.
The most commonly used techniques for non-invasive
structural health monitoring include ultrasound
devices, but embedded piezoceramic sensors are a
very attractive alternative of the future. One of
the main reasons of concern when using
piezoceramic sensors, though, is the fact that
wires are needed to transport the signal from the
sensors to an acquiring device. The proposed
concept solves this problem in one of two ways. If
it is found feasible, then RF transmitting devices
will be integrated into the structure, and the
sensors are therefore going to be stand-alone. If
this solution does not yield the expected results,
then a digital line of flexible circuitry can be
laid between the sensor and the edge of the
structure.
ACX's manufacturing technique allows for the
inclusion of electroncis within the sensor
package, as well as extending flexible, thin
cirucit lines from the sensor to the edge of the
structure. In this Phase I effort, the main focus
will be on determining the best design for this
kind of solution, in terms of materials to use,
electronics to choose, and sensor placement and
size for each structure, and on building test
samples. Embedded sensor systems for structural
health monitoring are an expanding sector, and ACX
can grow into the market by fabricating
non-destructive sensor systems. ACX also
specializes in structural control and vibration
reduction systems, and is therefore qualified to
design the algorithms necessary for complete
structural health monitoring systems.
|
ADVANCED ELECTROMAGNETICS
4516 Stockbridge Ave NW
Albuquerque, NM 87120 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(505) 897-4741
Dr. Edgar L. Coffey
ARMY 00-104 |
| Title: | Electromagnetic Modeling of Complex Structures |
| Abstract: | A System-Level Modeling Framework for
electromagnetic modeling is proposed. The heart
of the Framework is a rule-based, whole-object
conversion process that takes Computer Aided
Design (CAD) geometry and material data and
transforms it into valid, electromagnetic geometry
and material modeling elements. The CAD Converter
creates an "intermediate," parametric model of the
structure to be analyzed. The user manipulates
the "shadow surfaces" of the intermediate model by
varying embedded parameters. These parameters
represent physical characteristics of the
structure, such as tank turret rotation angle or
main gun elevation angle. When the intermediate
model is correct, the rule-based gridding approach
proposed herein is applied, and a valid
electromagnetic model is created for the desired
computer code. It is anticipated that several EM
codes (GEMACS, NEC, BSC, CARLOS-3D, XPATCH, and
APATCH) will be supported by the products this
effort produces, merely be changing the rule set
driving the gridding. The overall Framework
provides elements for database/library, modeling
rules, an electromagnetic modeler's workbench,
visualization and code interface, in addition to
the CAD-to-EM conversion process. The EM System
Level Electromagnetic Framework represents a new
and innovative way for government agencies, their
contractors, universities, and commercial firms to
approach electromagnetic modeling. The goal is to
produce a product to leverage scarce
electromagnetic expertise by applying it only
where it is essential and letting less experienced
engineers perform most of the tasks. The cost
savings of this approach is potentially enormous
for both government and commercial areas, such as
antenna analysis and design, radar, in-situ
antenna coupling, radiation and scattering,
EMC/EMI, EMP, high-power microwave, and similar
areas.
|
SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
13766 S. Hawthorne Blvd.
Hawthorne, CA 90250 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(310) 679-2281
Mr. R. Wade Allen
ARMY 00-105 |
| Title: | An Integrated Anthropometrics, Vehicle and Biodynamics Software Tool |
| Abstract: | The objective is to simulate and predict the
performance of Army personnel riding in a ground
vehicle subject to vibrations. Established
software tools are available for parts of this
problem: anthropometrics for reach and vision
analysis, vehicle dynamics for vibration and ride
quality analysis, and biodynamics for human motion
in response to force inputs. In Phase I we propose
to write a software specification to integrate
selected software components that will efficiently
and accurately set up and analyze this class of
problems. The team members own the source code
that will be integrated (JACK, VDANL and BIODYNE).
The innovation is to use manual control as a means
to define and measure task performance.
Representative closed loop tasks such as driver
avoidance maneuvers or target tracking will be
defined, and the vehicle will be considered "good"
if these tasks can be adequately performed, by
different sized drivers and passengers, traveling
over different types of roads and terrains. A
sample problem will be selected and analyzed in
Phase I using the non-integrated software tools
and a rapid prototype visual interface will be
developed. The Phase II objective is to develop
and validate a prototype of the integrated
software package.
An integrated tool for predicting human task
performance on moving platforms does not currently
exist and has many potential military and
commercial applications. These include ambulances,
fire engines, off-road vehicles, agricultural
equipment, rotorcraft and aircraft. The use of
manual control provides a natural way to define
and more importantly validate task performance.
Existing customers of the software components
(such as TACOM) will have increased capabilities.
|
DIGITAL SYSTEM RESOURCES, INC.
12450 Fair Lakes Circle
Fairfax, VA 22033 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(714) 279-3054
Mr. Ronald A. Borrell
ARMY 00-106 |
| Title: | Platform Noise Reduction |
| Abstract: | The Army wishes to mount acoustic sensors on
operational vehicles and use them to detect and
localize other operational vehicles in the
vicinity. The effectiveness of such a system can
be limited by the noise created by the platform on
which the sensors are mounted. DSR proposes a
system that combines noise cancellation techniques
with adaptive beamforming techniques in order to
simultaneously reject own-platform noise while
still detecting and localizing far-field target
signatures. Our proposed solution provides
innovative approaches to address processing issues
such as stability, convergence time, training
needs and decoupling of the algorithms that have
to process both near-field and far-field returns.
DSR's effort will result in definition of MOE's,
specification of processing algorithms,
characterization of near-field and far-field
acoustic returns, system performance estimates,
identification of system issues and plans for
development of a prototype for future field
testing. Completion of this effort (Phase I and
Phase II) will lead directly to an acoustic sensor
and processing system design ready for integration
in support of Army battlefield operations.
Capability could also be applied to Navy ASW
programs and commercial robotic applications where
in both cases own-platform noise must be rejected
in order to acoustically detect targets.
|
SIGNAL SYSTEMS CORP.
P.O. Box 787
Severna Park, MD 21146 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(410) 431-7148
Dr. Laurence R. Riddle
ARMY 00-106 |
| Title: | Platform Noise Reduction |
| Abstract: | For acoustic sensors to have sufficient detection
ranges on future combat systems, a platform noise
reduction system that achieves near ambient noise
levels is needed. The overall objective of this
project is to demonstrate the feasibility of
platform noise reduction using noise cancellation
sensors and algorithms. During Phase I Signal
Systems Corporation will collect data on either a
HMMWV or an unmanned vehicle. We will determine
noise sources, and the spatial coherence of the
noise field under different platform operating
conditions. We will investigate new acoustic array
designs with improved platform noise suppression;
examine noise reduction techniques applicable to
moving conditions; and demonstrate (off-line)
broadband noise reduction. We will develop a
preliminary design for a high frequency noise
reduction system applicable to acoustic shock wave
processing. Technical results included in the
Phase I effort are noise reduction versus vehicle
speed; noise reduction versus algorithm approach;
noise reduction versus number of array and
reference sensors, and self-noise classification
features that discriminate between near and
far-field acoustic signatures. The results of our
Phase I effort will have addressed the critical
risk areas of this project and provide a solid
foundation for a real-time prototype effort in
Phase II. Our approach will enable maximum
platform noise reduction onboard future combat
vehicles, such as reconnaissance unmanned
vehicles. By making acoustic sensors effective, we
can provide an all-weather, all-time surveillance
capability that helps to queue infrared and visual
sensors without the cost, power and weight
associated with radar processors. This technology
will also improve speech recognition performance
in the wireless and handheld information appliance
products.
|
EPITAXIAL LABORATORY, INC.
25 East Loop Road
Stony Brook, NY 11790 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(516) 909-9209
Dr. Jie Piao
ARMY 00-107 |
| Title: | Development of TlGaAs/GaAs materials for High Speed Electronic Devices |
| Abstract: | High-performance, low cost monolithic
radio-frequency integrated circuits (RFIC) have
many applications for ARMY, other DOD components,
and commercial site. The need for RFIC operating
in the high mm-wave range stresses the current
GaAs based PHEMT technology to its limits, and has
spurred development effort of InP based
HEMT/PHEMT. The cost of InP based HEMT/PHEMT is
very high due to expensive, much smaller and less
robust substrate, and the InP-specific fabrication
steps.
Calculations predict that TlGaAs based PHEMT on
GaAs has better device performance figures over
current GaAs based PHEMT and is comparable to InP
based HEMT. When considering the mature GaAs
MESFET and PHEMT technology with 4 inch and 6 inch
fab lines, retaining GaAs substrate in
manufacturing operation, as opposed to switching
to InP substrates, is highly desirable.
ELI proposes to develop a TlGaAs based PHEMT on
GaAs substrate. TlGaAs on GaAs PHEMT will offer
many advantages over present technologies. These
include improved performance with reduced cost,
better reliability, and lower leakage currents. In
phase I, TlGaAs/GaAs 2DEG growth and
characterizations will be carried out, and high
performance PHEMT device will be realized in phase
II.
TlGaAs based high speed, low cost PHEMT has many
applications in both military and commercial
sectors. These applications include but are not
limited to hand-held personnel communication
systems, automotive collision warning radars,
digital radios, satellite communication system,
phased-array radar, and wireless local area
network(WLAN)
|
MICRO ANALYSIS & DESIGN, INC.
4900 Pearl East Circle
Boulder, CO 80301 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(303) 442-6947
Ms. Susan Archer
ARMY 00-108 |
| Title: | Crew Station Design Tool |
| Abstract: | Modeling and simulation have become an integral
part of the engineering process and, through DoD
initiatives like Simulation-Based Acquisition, are
likely to assume an even greater role in the years
ahead. The increasing complexity of weapons
systems, coupled with budget pressure and manpower
limitations, has fostered a deep and sincere
appreciation for ensuring that the soldiers will
be able to effectively and efficiently operate,
maintain and support new systems when they are
fielded. This has fueled the hunger for Design
Visualization techniques and tools.
This proposal describes a specific process that
capitalizes on previous work performed in the
human factors industry and combines this work to
provide an innovative and uniquely powerful design
visualization tool. This design visualization
tool would provide a method through which controls
and displays would be positioned in a work station
in a manner that optimizes the crewmember's
ability to perform their work. This technique
involves function and task analysis, integration
of human factors standards and guidelines, as well
as workload analysis modeling and human figure
modeling.
This product will assist designers in developing
layout of the controls and displays in any system
that includes human components, so long as
constructive representations of the system and
environment exist or can be developed. Examples
include: nuclear power plants, air traffic
control, air- and space-craft, space mission
control, metropolitan emergency management, and
police command and control units.
|
AURORA ASSOC.
3350 Scott Boulevard
Santa Clara, CA 95054 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(408) 748-2960
Dr. I. C. Chang
ARMY 00-109 |
| Title: | High Speed Solid State Mid-Infrared Spectral Tuner for Laser Radar Applications |
| Abstract: | The Army has a need for a compact high-speed solid
state hyperspectral tuner for rapildy tuning
mid-infrared lasers and optical parametric
oscillatorrs operating in the 3-5 micron range.
Such electronic tunable source is needed in laser
radar and Lidar systems for various applications
such as countermeasures and standoff detection of
chemical and biological weapons. Present
techniques are bulky and suffer from critical
alignment, poor reliabiltiy from moving parts, and
slow tuning rates. The objective is to construct
and demonstrate a high-speed spectral tuner in the
3-5 micron range based on acousto-optic
techniques. Based on experimental results, the
oprojected performance of two types of AO tuners
are: 1cm^-1 resolution and 95% efficiency at 1
watt drive power. Using a transverse
configuration, the tuning speed is estimated about
1MHz. The proposed approach is to use the above
design as a low-risk baseline. Performance
enhancement techniques are proposed to
significantly improve the performance. The
onbjective is to overcome the limitations
including spectral resolution (2.2cm^-1),
transmission efficicency (97%) and beam quality.
All these factors will greatly affect the
performance of the tunable OPOs. A rugged,
field-deployable non-mechanical acousto-optic
tuner for OPOs will have many military
applications. The near-term applications with the
largest potential markets are chemical detection
systems for environmental monitoring systems and
manufacturing process monitoring.
|
MATERIALS PROCESSING, INC.
6401 Elm Crest Court
Fort Worth, TX 76132 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(817) 294-0135
Dr. Animesh Bose
ARMY 00-110 |
| Title: | Powder Injection Molding for Large Military Components |
| Abstract: | Powder injection molding (PIM) is a new technology
that uses the shaping advantages of plastic
injection molding but expands its applications to
advanced materials such as metals, alloys, and
ceramics. These advanced materials have
potential applications both in the military and
commercial sector. The applications of PIM in
the military area have been limited due to the
inability of the process to produce in an
environmentally friendly manner, large components
using inexpensive tooling materials. The current
project will explore a novel medium pressure
injection molding (MPIM) machine in conjunction
with either a water based binder extraction system
or a supercritical gas phase binder extraction
process, that will be able to produce large and
complex shaped parts in an environmentally
friendly manner. The concept of MPIM, which uses
significantly lower injection pressures compared
to conventional machines, will also allow the use
of low cost tooling material for producing large
and complex shaped parts. The process will be
developed using a 17-4 PH stainless steel alloy
that has dual use. Later the concept will be
expanded to submicron or nano-sized powders.
Success in this project will open up new horizons
for the PIM industry that has numerous
applications for large components. The success in
this project will provide DoD with a novel
technology for fabricating large complex shaped
military components in an environmentally friendly
manner. The process developed will have
tremendous impact in the commercial PIM arena as
it will expand the ability of the PIM process to
produce large components in a cost effective
manner by using low cost tooling materials. This
advantage will be extensively utilized by both the
defense (projectile fins, shape charges, EFP's,
warhead liners, gun parts, grenade shells, etc.)
sector and the commercial (automotive, medical,
business machines, hand tools, textile machines,
aerospace, etc.) sector.
|
NEW JERSEY MICROSYSTEMS, INC.
240 King Blvd.
Newark, NJ 07102 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(973) 297-1449
Dr. Dadi Setiadi
ARMY 00-111 |
| Title: | Magnetic Microsensor Module |
| Abstract: | We propose a magnetometer using a MEMS sensor and
CMOS signal conditioning circuitry to detect
magnetic anomalies generated by the presence and
movement of vehicles and troops. The minimum
detectable signal is 1 nT and the signal output
sampling periods are 1, 2, or 10 seconds with a
serial formatted output. The device has a field
life of up to 12 months depending upon the energy
of batteries. This magnetometer is autonomous
and operates with nanopower CMOS internal circuits
detecting threshold magnetic fields preset in the
range generally below 100 nTesla Rejection is
provided to discriminate out the earth field as
high as 100 microTesla. Higher frequency
acoustics and vibrations filtered. This
magnetometer is highly complimentary to the NJM
Sense-it TM line of remote readout microsensors.
The dual use technology will permit retrofitting
of the magnetic sensor module directly into many
of the existing military and non-military
magnetometer products. The NJM magnetometer module
will greatly reduce the price for 1nT sensors and
should therefore open up markets that previously
were not cost effective. These markets include
further penetration into the consumer magnetometer
and industrial material sensor
/surveillance/security markets.
|
QUANTUM MAGNETICS, INC.
7740 Kenamar Ct.
San Diego, CA 92121 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(858) 566-9200
Dr. Yacine Dalichaouch
ARMY 00-111 |
| Title: | Development of a Magnetic Microsensor Module for Battlefield Applications |
| Abstract: | The goal of the proposed work is to develop a
technology for small, low power, low cost magnetic
microsensor modules that can detect magnetic
anomalies in the battlefield generated by the
presence and movement of armed troops and military
vehicles. The focus will be on Anisotropic
MagnetoResistive (AMR) sensors that can be
fabricated by microelectronics techniques. These
sensors represent a mature technology and are
widely available commercially. They operate at
room temperature with high sensitivity and have a
broad bandwidth. During the course of the
project, Quantum Magnetics will design, develop,
and test a small, low-cost magnetic microsensor
module including on-board electronics, power
supply, and data communications capabilities. The
long-term vision is to integrate these modules
into a network of battlefield microsensors that
include a variety of other sensing technologies
(acoustic, seismic, IR, etc.) A highly sensitive
magnetic microsensor module would also find
numerous applications in security operations and
surveillance of perimeters and borders, detection
of unexploded ordnance UXO, detection of concealed
weapons, and monitoring of urban and highway
traffic.
|
SATCON TECHNOLOGY CORP.
161 First Street
Cambridge, MA 02142 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(617) 349-0821
Mr. James H. Goldie
ARMY 00-112 |
| Title: | Magnetorheological Fluid-Based Continuously Variable Transmission |
| Abstract: | A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is
proposed that utilizes magnetorheological (MR)
fluids. Using a typical MR fluid with a saturation
yield stress of 70 kPa at 1600 Oe, it appears
feasible to design a 60 hp CVT within the desired
volumetric footprint: 3-inch axial length and
10-inch diameter. Initially, the Phase I will
investigate the tradeoffs between the various
possible approaches for the MR fluid-based CVT, in
order to select the most promising concept. The
effort will then proceed to development of an
optimum design for the selected concept. The
design effort will address issues such as
production and shaping of the activating magnetic
field, viscous losses in non-activated regions of
the MR fluid, overall efficiency, stresses in
critical elements, and sealing of the MR fluid. We
will conclude the program with testing on a
representative small-scale prototype that
incorporates the critical features and addresses
the risks of the proposed MR fluid CVT. A compact,
efficient continuously variable transmission (CVT)
with high rpm capability offers improved fuel
economy, reduced vehicle weight, reduced engine
torque/speed demands, and reduced vehicle
emissions. Such a CVT will also benefit products
and equipment where there is variable-speed
mechanical power transmission.
|
BROOKHAVEN TECHNOLOGY GROUP, INC.
25 East Loop Road
Stony Brook, NY 11790 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(631) 751-7415
Dr. J. Paul Farrell
ARMY 00-113 |
| Title: | Nuclear Isomer Energy Storage System |
| Abstract: | This proposal concerns the use of nuclear isomers
as an energy storage system for defense and space
applications. Nuclear isomers offer the potential
to store energy at densities that are 10^4 times
higher per pound ( ~ 10^9 J/g) than chemical
systems. Nuclear isomers are long lived ( > 1 ns)
excited states of nuclei that release their excess
energy by electromagnetic decay. The importance of
isomers for energy storage depends both on their
availability and on the ability to stimulate the
release of their stored energy. (Stimulated
release of energy from nuclear isomers is also an
important condition for the implementation of
concepts related to gamma ray lasers. ) One of
the most interesting isomers in terms of half-life
(T1/2 = 31 y) and energy storage per nucleus ( ~
2.446 MeV) is 178m2Hf. This proposal examines
important aspects of a nuclear isomer energy
storage system based on this isomer with
particular emphasis on optimization of beam based
methods of isomer production, concentration of
isomer, and examination of methods for optimizing
the stimulated release of its energy. These and
various other aspects related to the application
of isomer energy storage systems are the subject
of this proposal.
If successful, this research project would
provide a lightweight energy storage system that
has important benefits for increrasing mobility
and providing future advanced battle systems that
are smaller, lighter and more lethal than existing
chemical systems.
|
SRS TECHNOLOGIES
500 Discovery Drive NW
Huntsville, AL 35806 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(256) 971-7836
Mr. Hill Roberts
ARMY 00-113 |
| Title: | Nuclear Isomer High Energy Density Storage System for Army Applications |
| Abstract: | Nuclear isomers store energy in metastable nuclear
states at up to a million-fold greater density
than high-energy chemical systems. A particular
isomer of Hafnium, Hf-178m2, stores 1.3 gigajoules
of energy per gram of isomer. It has an unusually
long half-life of 31 years. It releases its 2.45
MeV of stored energy per nuclei as a cascade of
gamma photons. The truly unique aspect of this
isomer, first shown in 1998, is that it can be
triggered to release the stored energy at an
accelerated rate using low energy photons. A
quantum energy gain of at least 60 is achieved,
raising the possibility of using a portion of the
released energy to self-sustain a continuing chain
reaction at either a controlled or unlimited rate
of release. The controlled accelerated release of
this stored energy with the application of high
energy density storage systems for future Army
systems is the subject of this research. The
concept design parameters will be defined through
a combination of calculations, existing empirical
data, and specific experiments on the Hf-178m2
isomer for verification. A break-even experiment
will be defined, and a master program plan will be
developed to accomplish the technology development
in a phased demonstration approach. Nuclear isomer
technology will allow the development of energy
storage devices with far greater energy densities
than conventional devices while also being far
safer than other nuclear devices. Nuclear isomers
also have potential applications in the areas of
lethality against biological weapon threats,
advanced space propulsion, oncology treatments,
and gamma ray lasers.
|
DANIEL H. WAGNER, ASSOC., INC.
40 Lloyd Avenue
Malvern, PA 19355 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(757) 727-7700
Dr. C. Allen Butler
ARMY 00-114 |
| Title: | Software Agent Technology for Large Scale, Real-time Logistics Decision Support |
| Abstract: | Daniel H. Wagner Associates proposes to develop a
tool called the Logistics Agent Wizard (LAW) for
the creation and control of logistics goal-based
software agents. The LAW will consist of three
major parts: the Requirements Wizard, the Agent
Builder, and the Agent Monitor. The Requirements
Wizard will provide an interface for the user to
enter the information required to perform a
specified task (e.g. consumption trend analysis,
predictive failure, etc.). The Agent Builder will
provide an interface for modifying agent behavior
based on the algorithmic components of the
specified task. The Agent Monitor will provide an
interface for the user to view agent progress and
control agent behavior. The agents dispatched by
the LAW in Phase I will be preprogrammed software
components with limited capabilities designed
toward specific goals. We will extend this work
in Phase II to develop a full prototype LAW
capable of creating and controlling fully
configurable agents to perform advanced logistics
functions. The immediate benefit to the Army
logistics community will be more automated
decision making based on automatic retrieval and
display of information. This will lead to more
efficient operations in the logistics community.
Similar benefits will also be demonstrated in
other knowledge domains (METOC, weaponeering,
etc.) and in the other military services during
Phase II development and Phase III transition.
This transition will also support an existing
Wagner Associates software product called METPLAN
to provide METOC data and visualization products
to the Navy and Joint mission planning community.
Commercial extensions of the Logistics Agent
Wizard will be pursued in areas such as
manufacturing, food service, travel planning,
financial planning, etc., as well as to create
agents similar to an existing Wagner Associates
software product called WeatherDog, which provides
automated context-sensitive weather information
through a web browser.
|
TECHNOLOGY SERVICE CORP.
11400 West Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(315) 797-0613
Mr. Mark Cammarere
ARMY 00-114 |
| Title: | Software Agent Technology for Large Scale, Real-time Logistics Decision Support |
| Abstract: | The ability to rapidly adapt mission plans is key
to modern operational success. Although this is
particularly true for combat forces, it is equally
critical for the logistics structure that supports
them. Although the availability of logistic
decision support systems is increasing, an
information overloaded digital battlefield hampers
their effective use. This information overload
includes both data quantity (large amounts of
information of varying type) and quality
(information of varying relevance and usefulness).
In addition, the dynamic nature of much of this
data further compounds the problem.
Software agent technologies may offer some hope of
mitigating logistics information overload.
Technology Service Corporation (TSC) believes that
an end-to-end agent design approach that
integrates reasoning models, ontology requirements
and communication mechanisms will produce the best
results. To this end, TSC proposes to identify,
define and demonstrate software agent
applicability to logistics using its Logistic Site
Planning and Operation Tool (LOGSPOT; currently
being developed under another Army SBIR) as the
baseline system. Since LOGSPOT development will
occur in parallel with the proposed effort, the
synergy between the efforts should help ensure the
straightforward insertion of identified agent
technologies during Phase 2. Anticipated benefits
of the research include the identification of
agent technologies to mitigate much of the
up-front data management, collection and synthesis
operator activities currently part of the LOGSPOT.
Because TSC plans to commercialize the LOGSPOT
technology, any identified and inserted agent
technologies will also be commercialized.
|
CERADYNE, INC.
3169 Redhill Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA 92626 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(714) 549-0421
Dr. James Shih
ARMY 00-115 |
| Title: | Synthesis and Process of Boron-Rich Boron Carbide |
| Abstract: | A low cost, high purity powder synthesis process
is proposed for the boron-rich boron carbide for
light weight armor applications. Rapid
Carbothermal Reduction (RCR) will be used to
synthesize the submicron boron carbide powder
without the needs of acid washing or powder
comminution processes. Boron carbide powder with
different boron to carbon ratio will be
synthesized, and the lot-to-lot consistency will
be evaluated. Hot pressing will be use to
demonstrate the fabrication of boron-rich boron
carbide. A partnership with a commercial powder
manufacturer will be established. A preliminary
database will be established for use in designing
a Phase II program to scale-up and optimize the
manufacturing process in synthesis and processing
of boron-rich boron carbide. The noval powder
synthesis process will produce low cost, high
purity, submicron boron carbide powder. The
resulting boron-rich boron carbide material can be
used for various applications, including light
weight armor systems, nuclear reactors, and
industrial wear products.
|
CHEMAT TECHNOLOGY, INC.
9036 Winnetka Ave.
Northridge, CA 91324 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(818) 727-9786
Dr. Gengwei Jiang
ARMY 00-116 |
| Title: | Highly Proton-Conducting Inorganic Membrane From Functionalized POMs |
| Abstract: | The proposed research is to develop highly proton
conductive and thermally stable inorganic
electrolyte for proton exchange membrane fuel cell
(PEMFC) based on functionalized POM membrane. POM
has been proven to have high room temperature
proton conductivity (0.17S/cm) and much lower cost
than Nafion. Main drawback of POM is poor film
forming capability and high solubility in water.
Its conductivity is also sensitive to humidity and
temperature. Functionalized POM inorganic
polymeric network (1) will provide POM with
membrane forming capability. (2) the ionic
conductivity will be further improved, because
anions are integrated into network backbone and
thus immobilized; protons are the only movable
ions in the polymeric system. The conductivity
will be competitive with state-of-art PEMs. (3)
hydrates form hydrogen bond with bridge ligand and
polymeric network, therefore hydrates can be
stabilized and protected to higher temperature.
No water management system is needed to achieve
high proton conductivity. Developments in fuel
cell power sources will have immediate impact on a
wide range of commercial power sources from
computer power to emergency medical power supplies
to recreational power uses. Potential fuel
savings by higher efficiency power production via
subject technology. Successful research would
reduce significantly the cost due to battery
consumption in the field.
|
ELTRON RESEARCH, INC.
4600 Nautilus Court South
Boulder, CO 80301 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(303) 530-0263
Dr. Zhonglin Wu
ARMY 00-116 |
| Title: | Water Maintenance-Free Inorganic Proton Conductors for PEM Fuel Cells |
| Abstract: | This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I
project will identify and characterize novel
inorganic proton conducting materials which do not
require water maintenance for protonic transport.
These materials could be used as membranes in
proton exchange membrane fuel cells as well as in
a wide variety of hydrogen separation
applications. The composite materials of interest
will be based on hydrogen sulphates and selenates
of large monovalent cations heterogeneously doped
with nanoscale secondary phases of oxyacid salts.
Dense composite membranes of different
compositions will be fabricated using various
preparation techniques, and will subsequently be
tested for their structural, electrochemical, and
transport properties, as well as their
stabilities. The composite materials showing the
most promise will then be incorporated into
laboratory scale membrane reactor configurations
where their ability to mediate hydrogen without
the need of water will be experimentally
determined. Prototype proton exchange membrane
fuel cells based on these composites will also be
built and evaluated. Successful completion of this
program will result in identifying a new
generation of proton exchange membrane fuel cells
for electricity generation. Full implementation
of this technology would be of significant
economic and technical benefit to the Army and
other government components as well as industries
by providing low cost, high reliability, high
efficiency fuel cells through the elimination of
water-management systems. In addition, these
membranes can be applied to a variety of hydrogen
separation process and can act as novel reactors
for carrying out different chemistries such as
hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions at
potentially lower costs and higher yields compared
to other conventional processes.
|
CHARGED INJECTION CORP.
11 Deer Park Drive
Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(732) 274-1470
Dr. Arnold J. Kelly
ARMY 00-117 |
| Title: | Ultra-lightweight Field Unit for Production and Repair of Chemical Biological Warfare (CBW) Protective Materials and Instant Bandages |
| Abstract: | Compact, energy efficient charge injection
electrostatic atomizers are capable of operating
at arbitrarily high throughput levels. One
version of this class of devices, the paper clip
sized, cold-cathode, field-emitter, submerged
electron gun SPRAY TRIODE atomizer is capable of
electrospinning fibers at a gram per second and
higher throughput levels. Micron sized fiber
battings of molten polyethylene terephthalate
(PET), and methylene chloride/Lexan and
tetrahydrofuran (THF)/Pellethane solutions have
been electrospun from solution to form nanofiber
webs using milliwatts of input electrical power.
Applicability for field use has been demonstrated
by the approximately ten hour operation of a
handheld SPRAY TRIODE based applicator using two
(2) 9V transistor batteries for power. Building
on this science/technology base, the Phase I
effort will investigate the influence of charge
density, operating and fluid parameters on fiber
development for polymeric materials to be
specified. Work will be undertaken to use the
S'tron electron gun charging process for
electrospinning polar solutions. Phase II will
focus on S'tron development for field and large
scale industrial applications requiring liter per
minute throughputs. Charge injection permits the
energy efficient electrospinning at the throughput
levels required for high volume production of
non-woven sieve materials. In addition to being
applicable to battery operated hand-held field
repair applicators, charge injection
electrospinning can be used for the large scale
production of charged (electret) and uncharged
nanofiber polymeric films. Such sieve materials
can be used for film barriers, surgical dressings,
vascular grafts, catheters, surgical pads,
scaffolding for tissue engineering, reinforcing
meshes for surgical usage, sanitary barrier
products, sieve non-woven fabrics for clothing
including chemical and biological warfare suits,
surgical gloves, face masks, and tentage. This
technology is an energy efficient replacement for
melt blown fiber generation. In addition, it is
an inexpensive means to manufacture ultra-suede,
and enables the direct spray formation of clothing
either on mandrels or directly on the body. The
same technology is applicable to the in-situ
generation of high efficiency, electret
ultra-filters for air and liquid purification.
|
RADIATION MONITORING DEVICES, INC.
44 Hunt Street
Watertown, MA 02472 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(617) 926-1167
Dr. Vivek Nagarkar
ARMY 00-118 |
| Title: | Advanced Detector Design for Large Area, Ultra-Fast X-ray Imaging |
| Abstract: | High speed x-ray imaging is extremely important
for several military and civilian applications
such as imaging exploding land mines, high speed
computed tomography for medical imaging, time
resolved x-ray diffraction of biological systems,
and drug development research. The advent of high
flux, micro-focused, flash x-ray sources have now
facilitated high-speed x-ray imaging in laboratory
environments. However, these x-ray sources have
not yet realized their full potential due to the
lack of a suitable fast x-ray imaging system.
Specifically, a lack of high-resolution detection
systems with large active imaging areas and a
microsecond time resolution is the major limiting
factor in these important applications.
To address these limitations we propose to develop
a novel x-ray imaging system based on a high
resolution, high efficiency, fast decay time
structured CsI scintillator, optically coupled to
an advanced ultra-fast CCD. The proposed digital
system will operate at 105 frames per second or
greater, with the effective dynamic range of 12
bits. The Phase I research will demonstrate the
feasibility of the core technology and will
provide a detailed plan for the Phase II system
development.
In addition to the army applications, the
proposed detector would find widespread use in
instrumentation wherever high resolution and fast
readout x-ray detectors are used. These include
structural biology, microtomography of teeth and
bones, polymer processing, x-ray astronomy,
nondestructive testing, and basic physics
research. High-resolution x-ray imaging detectors
currently have a large commercial market, and as
such, the proposed development holds a very high
potential for commercialization.
|
MESOSYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
3200 George Washington Way
Richland, WA 99352 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(509) 375-1111
Dr. Yin-Fong Su
ARMY 00-121 |
| Title: | High Output of Near-Monodisperse Bioaerosols with an Ink Jet Aerosol Generator |
| Abstract: | Existing aerosol generators cannot meet the Army's
need for sufficiently high output, monodisperse
aerosols for use in room-size test chambers.
MesoSystems Technology, Inc. (MesoSystems) will
utilize the design principles produced from a
smaller ink jet aerosol generator (IJAG) recently
patented by DoD. (MesoSystems is negotiating for
a license for this technology that produces a low
particulate output). MesoSystems proposes to
scale-up this invention to produce an IJAG design
capable of being used for chamber tests.
Viability of vegetative cells such as Erwinia
herbicola (Eh) has been demonstrated with the
small IJAG unit. The proposed high output design
uses recently produced ink jet nozzle assemblies
composed of greater than 150 nozzles that could
produce in excess of 1.5 million particles per
minute. In Phase I, we will assemble and test a
proof-of-principle aerosol generator to
demonstrate the feasibility of our approach. This
full-scale prototype will be commercialized in
Phase II by packaging IJAG units with our
micromachined aerosol collector sales. The
resulting high output IJAG will be simple to
operate, compact, and provide highly monodisperse
aerosols at very high concentrations. The proposed
aerosol generator will meet or exceed the Army's
requirements. The design is scalable and could be
used in a variety of applications, including
testing of ventilation systems, dispersion of
agents for agriculture, materials processing, and
biomedical research.
|
MARK RESOURCES, INC.
3878 Carson Street, Suite 210
Torrance, CA 90503 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(310) 543-4746
Dr. Richard L. Mitchell
ARMY 00-122 |
| Title: | Low Cost High-Resolution Radar System |
| Abstract: | There is a critical need at several test ranges
for a remote sensing capability to
image targets and perform such measurements as
vector miss distance, target attitude,
deployment and event timing, and damage
assessment. Radar is the only sensor capable
of making these measurements on high-altitude
targets, but suitable radars, with the
necessary bandwidth and coverage, are not
available. MARK Resources proposes to
develop a new affordable wideband radar to meet
this need. In fact, the radar should
be so affordable that multiple units could also be
used simultaneously to obtain true
vector (three-dimensional) solutions. There are
many test ranges in the world, and all are
potential customers for the
wideband radar systems. There is no other
affordable product in existence with such
advanced capabilities.
|
CLEVELAND MEDICAL DEVICES, INC.
11000 Cedar Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(972) 254-4155
Mr. Farron L. Dacus
ARMY 00-123 |
| Title: | Smart Cellular/GPS Rugged Tracking System |
| Abstract: | The Smart Cellular/GPS Rugged Tracking System
Phase I program will provide a
rigorous feasibility study and demonstration of
system design and technology
implementation methods for a software controlled
radio and GPS asset tracking
system. Low cost highly compact "wearable"
Trackers shall integrate GPS and data
radios under a custom cellular network to read
asset position and velocity, and
report it to the system many times per second.
Trackers may be worn by people or
attached to equipment. Attachment methods will
include an eletrocleavable adhesive
that is solidly mounted without modification to
equipment, and quickly removed by
passing an electric current through the metal
case. Databasing of time, space, and
position information of a large number (>1000) of
tracked assets (staff,vehicles,
aircraft, equipment) will be provided on PC based
Monitoring Stations. A modern
spread spectrum Time Division Multiple Access
cellular system design emphasizes
flexibility, reliability, and future growth.
System range can extend hundreds of
miles via adding cells as desired. The custom
cellular network provides complete
user control and freedom from airtime charges. The
system will be designed with a
modular architecture using commercial off the
shelf technology to limit cost. This capability in
an integrated, wide ranging, high asset count,
software
controlled system does not currently exist
elsewhere. Its development is in
keeping with the Army's concept of superiority in
field operations through superior
information technology,i.e., the Digital
Battlefield. Other U.S. services also
have a significant interest in similar capability
and future expanded versions of
it. Civilian applications include vehicle fleet
management, theft prevention,
tracking of at risk staff such as police officers
and forest rangers, and tracking
of domestic and wild animals. The frequencies of
operation chosen allow for both
military and civilian application, and thus for
minimum cost to the government
through high volume commercial reuse.
|
FLOW ANALYSIS, INC.
256 93rd Street
Brooklyn, NY 11209 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(650) 604-3770
Mr. John Bridgeman
ARMY 00-124 |
| Title: | Scalable Aerodynamics and Coupled Comprehensive Methods for the Prediction of Rotorcraft Maneuver Loads |
| Abstract: | Modern rotorcraft, when operating near performance
boundaries typical of
high-speed or maneuvering flight, can experience
complex and highly
non-linear aerodynamics phenomena which induce
exceptionally high loads on
the rotor system. The strong interaction between
the aerodynamics and the
structural dynamics can lead to violent
vibrations, reduced handling
qualities, and a reduction in fatigue life. The
principle mechanism of this
behavior is dynamic stall, which involves a cyclic
event of massive flow
separation, vortex shedding and convection over
the blade surface. The multidisciplinary nature
of the problem necessitates a
tightly coupled predictive capability.
Conventional Navier-Stokes approaches have shown
promise but their computational cost is
prohibitive.
Flow Analysis, Inc. (FAI) has developed a
technique for predicting dynamic
stall using the Vorticity Confinement method
incorporated into a compressible flow solver.
This approach requires far fewer computational
resources when compared to conventional methods.
The proposed effort involves
the integration of the Vorticity Confinement
method and a structural dynamics code in a tightly
coupled fashion. Through the judicious use of
parallel processing resources, scalable
performance can be achieved, making this approach
computationally practical. The method will be
demonstrated on a scale
suitable for a Phase I level of effort and
sufficient for proof of concept.
The successful completion of the research will
result in the development
of a code that uses a state-of-the-art
comprehensive method tightly
coupled to a high-fidelity aerodynamics method,
with a unique and efficient
dynamic stall predictive capability. The code will
demonstrate excellent
performance and scalability on parallel computers,
and with the
proper hardware and operating system environment,
on workstation or PC
clusters. This will provide the Army and U.S.
Aviation industry a tool
for improved predictions of high speed and
maneuvering flight, immediately at the conclusion
of the Phase II effort. Further extensions, in
Phase II and Phase III, will provide computational
tools that will have many commercialization
benefits, including aircraft aeroelastic
applications.
|
INTELLIGENT INVESTMENTS, INC.
620 S. Elm ST
Greensboro, NC 27406 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(336) 274-3316
Dr. David G. Goldstein
ARMY 00-125 |
| Title: | Knowledge Acquisition and System Engineering Toolset (KASET) |
| Abstract: | Developing Cognitive Decision Aiding (CDA) systems
(e.g., Rotorcraft Pilot's Associate) costly
knowledge acquisition and engineering. Many
emerging technologies combined with pure research
would provide dramatic improvements for tools and
processes to build CDA systems. We believe that
order of magnitude improvements would be realized
through a prototype incorporating the
followingtechnologies:
- Integrating Software Engineering (SE),
knowledge engineering and project management
concerns.
- Natural language understanding of
requirements.
- "Sugared" formal analysis of requirements.
- Mechanisms to resolve differences among expert
opinions.
- Intelligent decision aids to offer plans for
interviewing.
- Extensibility mechanisms to various commercial
and research KA, SE, and project management
products.
- Network-based operation.
- Automated support for common ontologies.
- Automated scheduling and communication among
team members.
- Automated, personalized tools for acquiring
and documenting knowledge.
KASET will incorporate substantial amounts of
software in order facilitate CDA systems, such as
versions of the RPA for new platforms. KASET will
employ a standards-based architecture (e.g.,
CORBA, SQL, Java, DII/COE, HPKB) to facilitate
integrating diverse components. Network-based
operation will support distributed team members.
Fundamental concepts in KASET are collaboration,
personalization, and formality.
KASET will comprise a software environment that
expedites creation of Cognitive Decision Aiding.
Its strongest competitive advantagaes will apply
to high-risk applications developers (government,
telecommunications, etc.), which use formal
specification methods since they cannot risk
downtime. Annual Commercial sales could reach $10
million to $100 million.
|
SMA INFORMATION FLOW TECHNOLOGIES
2119 Oliver Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55405 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(612) 578-7438
Mr. Harry B. Funk
ARMY 00-125 |
| Title: | Knowledge Acquisition Tools for Cognitive Design Aid and Development |
| Abstract: | Rotorcraft Pilot's Associate (RPA) flight test and
other previous and ongoing system evaluations
[Dorn99] have demonstrated the military utility of
Cognitive Decision Aiding Systems (CDASs). There
is, however, an increasing awareness that the
knowledge which must be acquired, captured,
represented, implemented and tuned offers a
tremendous cost and process hurdle to the
development, evolution and fielding of CDA
Systems. What is needed is a means of tracing the
lifecycle of every bit of knowledge in the system,
and of every design decision that involves that
knowledge-and of doing so in a manner that does
not impose undue additional workload on the
engineers building the system.
In this effort we will examine the benefits
realizable from implementing a number of
alternative proposed extensions to the Unified
Modeling Language (UML) use case formalism. We
anticipate melding attributes from a number of
available extension proposals into a synthesized
methodology enhancement that effectively
integrates acquired knowledge in support of CDASs
into the standard software development process.
We will apply this methodology to a representative
set of problem cases experienced on RPA and other
similar efforts, analyze the contributions and
refine the design. Other supporting advances in
knowledge acquisition and tagging are described.
Reduced cost of knowledge acquisition activities.
More effective use of acquired knowledge. Better
insight into influence effects of knowledge on
standard software development environments.
Capability to build critics analogous to existing
software inspection tools through enhanced
traceability.
|
METROLASER, INC.
18010 Skypark Circle
Irvine, CA 92614 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(949) 553-0688
Dr. Vladimir Markov
ARMY 00-126 |
| Title: | Portable Optical Module for Fatigue Damage Precursor Detection |
| Abstract: | We have outlined a concept for a laser-based
sensor for the aerospace components inspection for
creep or fatigue damage. The sensor detects
precursors to crack formation occurring as early
as the first 10% of fatigue life and therefore can
be used to identify accumulated fatigue damage
prior to crack initiation. In addition, the same
method can easily detect the presence of
micro-cracks that occur late in fatigue life and
alert the user of imminent failure. In this
proposal, we show experimental data that supports
our precursor detection concept, and present
preliminary designs for a compact, hand-held
instrument. During Phase I we will demonstrate
feasibility of the technique by constructing an
optical measurement breadboard, measuring
production aerospace components under fatigue
loading, and correlate the results with
measurements from electron microscopy techniques.
In addition, we will investigate the use of
infrared wavelengths to interrogate painted
surfaces. The results of the Phase I study will
permit detailed design of a prototype instrument
and estimates of its performance envelope. In
Phase II, the prototype system will be built and
field-tested. Since over 90% of mechanical
failures are due to fatigue damage, the proposed
sensor will be useful in many industries employing
dynamically loaded mechanical systems. Of
particular significance are the commercial and
military aircraft industries, where the instrument
could be employed to quickly verify the safety
condition of most critical components, such as
turbine blades, fuselage panels, and landing gear.
In addition, many other industries can benefit
from this diagnostic tool including automotive,
power generation, railroad, etc.
|
PHYSICAL OPTICS CORP.
Engineering & Products Div.
Torrance, CA 90501 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(310) 320-3088
Dr. Yunlu Zou
ARMY 00-126 |
| Title: | Digital Integrated Shearographic Camera for On-Wing Defect Inspection of Aircraft Components |
| Abstract: | High-performance high-strength aircraft components
can suffer catastrophic failure as a result of
fatigue at very small cracks. Detecting fatigue
or creep at an early stage can eliminate loss or
fatal damage to a multimillion dollar machine and
save lives. Current maintenance techniques for
inspecting components for creep or fatigue damage
require disassembly of aircraft systems/subsystems
contributing to operation and support (O&S) costs
and maintenance downtime. Physical Optics
Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a digital
integrated shearographic camera (DISC) for
real-time inspection of aircraft components,
including turbine/compressor blades inside turbine
engines, to detect both superficial and buried
defects. DISC integrates several system functions
in an innovative single element. Digital
processing of the shearograms extracts detailed
quantitative measures of microstrain at each flaw
location. The borescope-based handheld device
will give the DISC access to perform measurements
in difficult-to-reach areas. The system will be
designed to address U.S. Army Operating and
Support Cost Reduction (OSCR) initiatives. In
Phase I, POC will procure and develop the
essential hardware and software, and will
demonstrate the capability to detect microstrains
in aircraft components in situ. Transition from
Phase I design to Phase II prototype development
will be initiated in the option period. The
proposed digital shearographic camera has wide
potential in both military and civilian
applications, including in aircraft and unmanned
aerial vehicles (UAVs) of the Army, Air Force,
Navy, and NASA, and in commercial engine and
aircraft manufacturing. The instrument can also
be used for defect measurement on automobile
bodies and wheels, other machines, buildings, and
infrastructure.
|
QUALTECH SYSTEMS, INC.
100 Great Meadow Rd.
Wethersfield, CT 06109 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(860) 257-8014
Dr. Amit Mathur
ARMY 00-127 |
| Title: | Data Mining within an Advanced Diagnostic and Prognostic System for Rotorcraft Maintenance |
| Abstract: | Qualtech Systems, Inc. (QSI), as a provider of
model-based diagnostic and maintenance aiding
tools, possesses key components required to
implement many of the data analysis and
decision-making functions required for on-line
health management of large complex systems.
Leveraging these capabilities, the proposed effort
seeks to develop data mining capabilities required
by reasoning systems to sustain seamless,
distributed, multi-level health management and
maintenance functions. Major innovations of this
effort are the use of maintenance data mining
results in flight-line maintenance activity to
optimize troubleshooting strategies based on a
combined analysis of onboard sensor data and
fleet-wide history data, and customization to
site-specific profile (available time, parts and
maintenance resources, etc.). The data mining
results will be made available via the Internet to
the appropriate ground facility, contributing to
significant benefits to current fleet operations
and operational cost savings. The Phase I effort
will focus on enhancing QSI's knowledge base with
a prototype capabilities for harvesting fleet-wide
maintenance history and configuration data and
analyzing it with a set of novel data mining
techniques to update key parameters aiding future
flight-line maintenance. The Phase I prototype
capabilities will be developed in Phase II and
interfaced with the Army's maintenance and
logistics management systems. Aircraft maintenance
and logistics management, health and usage
monitoring of aircraft, spacecraft, manufacturing
processes and machinery, patient health monitoring
|
DIVERSIFIED TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
35 Wiggins Ave.
Bedford, MA 01730 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(978) 275-9444
Dr. David Fink
ARMY 00-128 |
| Title: | Variable Geometry High-Lift Airfoil for Rotorcraft |
| Abstract: | In this proposal, DTI will leverage its expertise
in electromechanics and aerodyamics to explore the
concept of a continuously deformable Leading Edge
ElectroMagnetic Airfoil(LEEMA).The airfoil,
embedded in the rotor blade, will be deformed by
coils and magnets embedded in flexible and fixed
structures of the airfoil. Key elements of the
research will include determining optimum size,
weight, power, structural configuration, and
reliability of this innovative airfoil system. In
the Phase I option, DTI will evaluate candidate
actual mainline helicopter airfoil shapes
exhibiting high peak lift coefficients for
advancing and receding blade shape that can be
mimicked by a single deformable leading edge
airfoil. In addition to the rotorcraft performance
improvements described above, a leading edge
variable airfoil improves aerodynamic efficiency
and has significant potential economic and human
factors benefits including:
_o Reduced fuel consumption
_o Higher cruise speed
_o Reduced vibration resulting in improved
component lifetime and reduction in maintenance
_o Improved passenger and crew comfortLong term,
successful development of this technology has
significant application throughout military and
civilian rotorcraft aviation because it addresses
one of the key technical barriers to rotorcraft
technology - the inherent limitations in rotor
aerodynamic performance.
|
TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS GROUP, INC.
4957 10th Avenue South
Grand Forks, ND 58201 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(701) 746-1818
Dr. William C. Gorman, Jr.
ARMY 00-129 |
| Title: | Advanced Corrosion Protection Scheme for Magnesium Helicopter Components |
| Abstract: | Technology Applications Group, Inc. (TAG) proposes
to construct a "mobile" Tagnite
unit that will apply non-chromate anodized
coatings to bare magnesium surfaces. The
"mobile" unit would consist of a small rectifier,
cooling unit, electrolyte storage,
collection reservoirs as well as application heads
or brushes mounted on a mobile
cart with a large work surface. The magnesium
component would be placed on the work
surface and anodized coating would be applied to
the bare magnesium surfaces using a
high alkaline, silicate based electrolyte. This
process would be able to coat areas
up to 1 ft^2 in a short time period. Primary
areas of investigation are the impact
of application process on organic finishes and
ferrous inserts. Salt spray corrosion
resistance, abrasion resistance and paint adhesion
testing would be done on WE43 and
ZE41 magnesium test panels and compared to DOW 19.
TAG wishes to investigate the feasibility of low
current anodized coatings as a means
to repair small surface areas (<1in^2) on
magnesium components. Successful
development of low current anodized coatings would
lead to the development of battery
operated anodizing units that would be capable of
repairing scratches on magnesium
components while still on the rotorcraft.
Anticipated Benefits
1. Mobile Tagnite
The mobile Tagnite unit would be a small,
mobile anodizing cart capable of depositing
an anodized coating on magnesium surfaces after
final machining by the OEM and during the
overhaul phase of the component at the depot
level. The coating would be non-chromate
and provide superior corrosion protection,
abrasion resistance and paint adhesion compared
to the DOW 19 chromate conversion coating.
Application cost would be comparable
to DOW 19 with minimal environmental impact.
2. Portable Tagnite
Successful formulation of low current anodized
coatings will lead to the development
of a handheld, battery operated Tagnite
anodization unit. This unit would be ideal for
the
repair of small scratches or dings to magnesium
components. The portable nature of
the unit will allow the scratch to be repaired
while the magnesium component
is still on the rotorcraft.
Potential Commercial Applications
This technology could be readily transferred to
the commercial aircraft market. The
"mobile" and "portable" Tagnite units could be
used to selectively anodize magnesium
components on civilian fixed wing aircraft and
rotorcraft.
The automotive manufacturers are rapidly
increasing their usage of magnesium on cars.
Initial magnesium applications were in the
interior of the car but use of magnesium is
spreading to exterior parts such as transmission
and transfer cases, master brake
cylinders, support brackets and wheels. These
parts will need to be serviced or
repaired and this will lead to scratches that will
need touchup.
The use of magnesium components is rapidly
escalating in the marine, power tool,
consumer electronics and sporting goods areas.
These areas would all benefit from
a durable, easily applied, environment friendly
anodized coating.
|
PLRA
485 Summit Springs Road
Woodside, CA 94062 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(650) 851-0917
Dr. Carol Simpson
ARMY 00-130 |
| Title: | Integrated Warning Caution and Advisory System (IWCA) |
| Abstract: | Current audio generation technology, in
combination with recent advances in human
factors design principles for auditory alerting
systems, offers the potential for
a new design, an Integrated Warning Caution and
Advisory (IWCA) system which will
enhance crew situational awareness during
responses to abnormal and emergency
situations. The objective of this Phase I effort
is to determine the feasibility
of designing and building a prototype IWCA which
could function within the systems
architectures of current and future Army
helicopters. An IWCA would provide improved crew
alerting functions for the Army's several
different helicopters. There is also a potential
benefit for Department of
Defense aircraft in general. Likewise, in the
commercial aviation sector, an
IWCA could provide the alerting functions that are
now performed by a federated
system of individual alerting systems.
|
THOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
7600 Jefferson NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(505) 296-3615
Dr. Stuart T. Schwab
ARMY 00-131 |
| Title: | Advanced Materials and Processing Methods for CMC Ducts |
| Abstract: | Continuous fiber-reinforced ceramic composites
(CFCCs) are inherently wear and oxidation
resistant, retain strength at higher temperatures
and have lower specific densities than competing
metal systems. The hot sections of gas turbine
engines and related devices are exposed to
aggressive gaseous species at high temperature.
Because of their thermochemical stability and
oxidation resistance, continuous fiber-reinforced
ceramic composites have been identified as leading
material candidates for high temperature
applications; however, new processing methods are
needed to lower the cost of producing these
materials, and to produce them in forms that can
be attached readily to supporting metal
structures. Thor Technologies, Inc. will team
with Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL),
Materials Research & Design (MR&D), and Allison
Advanced Development Company (AADC) to integrate
two novel technologies into an innovative, low
cost method of producing hybrid CFCCs for turbine
engine applications, such as inter-turbine ducts.
The novel polymer infiltration/microwave pyrolysis
(PIMP) process enables the production of hybrid
CFCCs, in which new features enable the use of
conventional attachments (i.e., bolts). The PI
has over fifteen years experience in processing
CFCCs, and the team has the design, manufacturing,
and testing expertise to produce inter-turbine
engine ducts at low cost. The reduction in cooling
air requirements will lower the overall weight and
increase the operating efficiency of turbine
engines ranging from aerospace engines to
stationary power plants. The availability of low
cost CFCCs will enable new industrial
applications, such as corrosion-proof piping for
chemical processing.
|
INTELLIGENT AUTOMATION, INC.
2 Research Place
Rockville, MD 20850 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(301) 590-3155
Dr. Chiman Kwan
ARMY 00-132 |
| Title: | A New Traffic Prediction Based Bandwidth Management Tool for Wireless Networks |
| Abstract: | Intelligent Automation, Incorporated (IAI)
specializes in signal processing and
communications. We have applied this technology to
a wide range of systems including factory
production control, automatic target recognition,
prediction of network traffic, prediction of power
system load, fast flow control of high-speed
communication networks, and equalization of
nonlinear channels. The Advanced Engineering and
Sciences division of ITT Industries (ITT-AES), the
subcontractor of this Phase 1 project, has
extensive experience in developing tools for
Quality of Service (QoS) based network
communications, including satellite communications
and wireless land mobile communications. This
proposal details how we synergistically merge
expertise of IAI and ITT-AES to yield an efficient
bandwidth management tool over wireless network.
The key idea of this proposal is to manage
bandwidth based on predicted future traffics in
the system. Conventional approaches to network
management are reactionary in nature. That is, the
decision on bandwidth allocation is based on past
measurement of traffic and hence is slow and
inefficient in response. In contrast, our traffic
prediction based bandwidth management tool is a
look-ahead approach and will be more efficient and
quick in bandwidth management. Moreover, much less
collisions will occur among users and less
bandwidth will be wasted. The new QoS based
bandwidth management tool will provide help to new
commercial applications such as video distribution
as well as military applications such as
distributed control, commands, and communications.
We expect this tool will find many applications in
wireless and ATM networks, which will be a
multibillion-dollar industry in the 21st century.
|
SCALABLE SIMULATION SOLUTIONS LLC
11022 Santa Monica Blvd #260
Los Angeles, CA 90025 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(310) 966-9947
Scott S. Lee
ARMY 00-132 |
| Title: | Adaptive Bandwidth Management in Heterogeneous, Mobile, Wireless Networks |
| Abstract: | In this project we address the management of
wireless bandwidth in heterogeneous networks
typified by the Warfighter Information Network
(WIN) for military applications and mixed wired,
wireless, and satellite networks that are being
commonly deployed for a multiplicity of
commercial applications. The main goal is to
strike a balance between efficient use of scarce
and unstable bandwidth resources and the QoS
guarantees made to real-time users and for low
latency/ high priority applications.
Specifically, we will develop solutions that will
allow such a network to provide:
(a) differentiated services to real time and best
effort traffic following the Diff Serv model
proposed for the wired Internet
(b) bandwidth allocation and, more generally,
performance guarantees to accepted real time
connections
(c) resource aware and precedence compliant Call
Admission Control to enforce guarantees
(d) efficient and fair bandwidth sharing among
applications in the same class;
(e) enforcement of priorities across traffic
classes;
(f) renegotiation of bandwidth and other resource
when path characteristics change after connection
setup;
Phase I of the effort will demonstrate the
feasibility of the proposed techniques in
achieving the preceding objectives via simulation
of large scale heterogeneous networks that are
subjected to realistic traffic and mobility
patterns.
The commercial marketplace for wireless
applications is exploding. According to a
survey from the Wireless Data and Computing
Service, a division of Strategy Analytics,
the mobile e-commerce industry may earn $200
billion by 2004. At the same time
ISPs are proposing networking integrated
wired/wireless architectures with
dramatic differences in the available bandwidth.
As illustrations of this trend,
we mention Metricom type wireless metropolitan
networks, which are soon expected to also include
HALO (UAV type) and satellite connections will.
Also, wireless extensions to the wired IP network
are growing, that include cellular (UMTS); indoor
wireless LANs (WaveLAN and Bluetooth); and LEO/GEO
satellite links.
|
SCIENTIFIC SYSTEMS CO., INC.
500 West Cummings Park
Woburn, MA 01801 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(781) 933-5355
Dr. Michael Perloff
ARMY 00-132 |
| Title: | Bandwidth Estimation and Management for Mobile, Wireless Networks |
| Abstract: | Bandwidth management in mobile, wireless networks
is different and more difficult than in landline
networks due to lower data rates, mobility,
interference, and channel variability, which makes
bandwidth dynamic instead of fixed over time.
Furthermore, bandwidth allocations affect more
users through increased noise levels or collision
interference at neighboring nodes and inefficient
bandwidth allocations lower network performance
through unnecessary pre-emption blocking. To solve
these problems we propose innovative machine
learning and analysis methods to obtain bandwidth
estimates that account for mobility and variable
channel conditions. We use these estimates to
determine information and protocol steps for a
full suite of robust, effective bandwidth
management protocols supporting allocation,
channel sharing, reservation, and Quality of
Service. We build on our work in designing a
WIreless NEtwork Simulation (WINES) that provides
simple mobility and channel models along with
flexible, parameterizable
models of many proposed mobile, wireless routing
methods. We will be assisted in this effort by
Sonia Fahmy of Purdue University, an expert in IP
and ATM approaches to bandwidth reservation,
allocation, and Quality of Service. We will also
be assisted by BBN Technologies, who developed the
Internet and have an extensive track record in
development of innovative mobile wireless
technologies. This effort will provide effective
means for bandwidth allocation for mobile,
wireless networks (and other IP networks for which
the problem
are simpler) operating in harsh conditions where
users contend for
scarce bandwidth. Immediate applications include
military networks and civilian emergency
communications networks. Bluetooth, a new standard
for low power wireless communications will result
in new applications for mobile, self organizing,
wireless networks that must adapt to and carry out
prescribed functions in widely variable
conditions. The methods developed here will prove
applicable to those networks and help propel their
widespread acceptance for industrial, home, and
personal applications.
|
MISSION RESEARCH CORP.
Post Office Drawer 719
Santa Barbara, CA 93102 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(607) 797-4660
Dr. Jiri Fridrich
ARMY 00-133 |
| Title: | Secure and Reliable Image Management using Watermarking |
| Abstract: | In this Phase I SBIR research, MRC proposes to
develop new information protection and
assurance technology based on robust and fragile
digital watermarking. In particular,
we will develop secure image authentication and
integrity verification techniques
capable of localizing changes in images and
estimating the extent of the modifications.
The techniques will be compatible with the public
key encryption infrastructure and
will enable convenient secure distribution of
imagry between all military subjects
including mobile battlefield agents. Also, a new
class of self-embedding techniques
will be developed that will enable images to
repair themselves after intentional or
unintentional damage. Such smart images will
significantly increase the security and
reliability of data transmission from and to
agents in the battlefield. We further
propose a class of robust watermarking techniques
that can be combined with the
fragile authentication watermarks to build hybrid
watermarking schemes capable of
distinguishing innocent (or allowed) changes
including lossy compression or image
enhancement, from malicious changes, such as
feature removal or adding. Finally, all
proposed watermarking techniques will be flexible,
expandable, applicable to all
image formats, and compatible with all existing
and future battlefield agents. The
watermarking algorithms will be implemented in a
software product running on Windows
95/98/2000/NT platforms. Cryptographically secure
fragile authentication techniques, hybrid
watermarking
schemes, and self-embedding techniques have
important applications in a variety of
commercial areas, including trusted imagery in
court, secure hardware/image links,
intelligent imagery, and secure image author/image
links. Companies that deal with
encryption, intellectual property protection,
multimedia, internet commerce,
steganography, and general imagery could all
benefit from development of the proposed
technologies. The authentication algorithms
developed from this research could also
be implemented directly in the hardware of secure
surveillance digital cameras and
video-cameras.
|
CAROLINA UNMANNED VEHICLES, INC.
4105 Graham-Newton Road
Raleigh, NC 27606 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(919) 851-9898
Mr. Michael E. Rogers
ARMY 00-134 |
| Title: | Helikite Elevated Platform |
| Abstract: | Frontline units need a system to provide
continuous reliable GPS support. The Army
requires a method of deploying a Pseudolite at
several hundred or thousand feet to provide
augmented GPS signals. To meet this need Carolina
Unmanned Vehicles, Inc. will develop the HELIKITE
Elevated Platform (HEP), consisting of a small
tethered blimp mounted in a special Carrier that
allows operation by a single person. It can be
towed by a HMMWV or other small vehicle. HEP may
also be used for Differential GPS support to
enhance areas such as helicopter all weather
navigation. Other payloads can include video
cameras or communication equipment. The project
will provide an improved capability for the
military and civilian agencies for continuous low
cost augmented GPS coverage of large areas with
minimum manpower, training and investment. This
Phase I project will conduct the requirements
analysis, systems engineering and design,
culminating in a recommended design for Phase II.
The contract would have an period of performance
of six (6) months for Phase I and three (3) months
for the Option.
|
CHARLES RIVER ANALYTICS, INC.
725 Concord Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(617) 491-3474
Dr. Dan L. Grecu
ARMY 00-135 |
| Title: | SIMKAP: Situation and Mission-responsive Knowledge Access Portal |
| Abstract: | The modern organizational and operational
structures emerging within the US Army will
require revolutionary transformations of the
informational tools supporting the tasks of the
new units. Knowledge access portals will become
instrumental in gaining rapid situational
understanding, and in making decisions leading to
success in a wide range of operations. Unlike
general-purpose portals, knowledge access portals
designed for use in operational contexts need to
respond to specific situation and mission
characteristics. To support this need for
context-sensitive knowledge access we propose the
development of a Situation and Mission-responsive
Knowledge Access Portal (SIMKAP) for the Brigade
Combat Team. The portal encodes access-knowledge
that captures the type of information and
domain-knowledge needs specific to given
situations and missions, as well as the specific
knowledge access, navigation, and visualization
modes that best support the associated cognitive
processes of the decision-maker. The SIMKAP
platform will select and customize knowledge
sources, knowledge navigation and access
capabilities, and services matching the
decision-maker's tasks in specific operational
modes, and will take into account the constraints
and major requirements imposed by the associated
contexts. The development effort will comply with
DII-COE standards, and will integrate with
existing US Army knowledge and information
repositories. The proposed effort has significant
potential aplications, both as a technology and as
an end-product. As a technology the approach will
provide tools for context-based knowledge access,
in response to a decision-maker's task
characteristics and task context. Candidate
domains range from command and control centers, to
corporate knowledge access, engineering design
projects, and educational tool development. As an
end-product, the associated knowledge engineering
tools will support on-going DoD efforts to develop
powerful command and control tools that will
enable the warfighter to take rapid, and informed
decisions in complex, real-time situations.
|
INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
2800 28th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(310) 581-5440
Dr. Azad M. Madni
ARMY 00-135 |
| Title: | Knowport: Knowledge-Access Portal for Brigade Combat Team and other Knowledge Warriors |
| Abstract: | Brigade Combat Team (BCT) units are expected to
accomplish complex, multidimensional tasks in a
confusing, often unpredictable environment. To
this end, the knowledge warriors within the BCT
need to build a knowledge base whose contents can
be accessed and exploited as necessary to achieve
the requisite situation understanding. Situation
understanding, in this context, is a measure of
the degree to which a knowledge warrior is aware
of and understands the significance of all factors
(i.e., METT-T, local events, regional non-military
factors) that typically influence the outcome of
operations within an asymmetric environment. The
goal of this overall effort is to develop,
demonstrate, and transition an innovative
knowledge access portal for improved Cognitive
Readiness and Knowledge-based decisionmaking on
the part of BCTs. Phase I of the effort will
study and develop an early prototype of a
knowledge portal capable of: a) integrating,
personalizing, and optimally displaying both
structured and unstructured content from diverse
sources such as personal knowledge bases,
battlefield information, web, digital libraries,
and military archives; and b) interacting with
knowledge warriors while providing decision
support wherever possible. The information
sources will cover CONUS, non-military regional
factors, and local variables that all contribute
to enhanced situation understanding and
decisionmaking. Informed decisionmaking and
operating and support cost reduction through
just-in-time knowledge delivery and distance
learning. Potential commercial applications of
the R&D include distributed supply management,
distributed web-based learning, airline
contingency management, mid-office operations
management, front-end to ERP/CRM systems.
|
INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONIC MACHINES
60 Fourth Avenue
Albany, NY 12202 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(518) 449-5504
Mr. Zack Mian
ARMY 00-135 |
| Title: | Knowledge Vortal Tools |
| Abstract: | Aimed at knowledge management, IEM's innovative
knowledge Vortal accomplishes all of the essential
elements central to knowledge management. Our
design connects to relevant sources of knowledge
such as subject matter experts (SMEs), allows a
uniform and easy method to enter knowledge, and
extracts/grabs pieces of useful knowledge from
diversely located SMEs. Furthermore, our system
indexes, categorizes, sorts, labels, abstracts the
knowledge, makes knowledge(information) available
to the users in easy, learnable manner; and
updates, improves, maintains the knowledge base.
The proposed design include over a dozen
innovations including: artificial intelligence
based expert system, innovative knowledge search,
and powerful information delivery methods.
In the Phase I effort, IEM will prototype all of
the innovative features and create a prototype
knowledge management site to study its operation
and usefulness. The prototype site will serve as
the basis of the Phase II design and
implementation. This project will be done with the
help of our partner, Smart Force, the largest
e-Learning company in the world (IDC).
Some of the applications for DOD as well as
commercial markets include: a revolutionary
e-learning model suitable for many other
e-learning sites, creation of help desk type
online facilities, knowledge repository sites for
just about any topic, and improved knowledge
search mechanism
|
ASTRON ANTENNA CO.
22560 Glenn Drive
Sterling, VA 20164 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(703) 450-5517
Mr. Joseph R. Jahoda
ARMY 00-136 |
| Title: | Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Antennas |
| Abstract: | Develop and test antennas suitable for an unmanned
aerial vehicle (UAV) with signals intelligence and
communications payloads and the potential to be
used with other systems. New ideas are stressed
to achieve antenna miniaturization and wide
bandwidths. The development of a miniaturized
broadband antenna covering VHF/UHF frequencies for
potential DF systems holds the potential for
applications in wireless 911 emergency location of
cell phones, as well as for military ship and
battlefield systems. The miniaturized boradband
VHF/UHF communications system antenna holds
promise for law enforcement, wireless, and
military applications in aircraft as well as ship
and vehicular applications.
|
HVS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
309 Science Park Road
State College, PA 16803 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(814) 234-3833
Mr. Richard Hollinger
ARMY 00-136 |
| Title: | Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Antennas |
| Abstract: | HVS proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of a
new generation of antenna, conformal to a UAVs
that exploits Printed Fractal Antennas. This will
be a compact and lightweight solution to the
Army's requirement of wideband antennas for UAVs.
This work is an extension of the research being
carried out at the Center for the Engineering of
Electronic & Acoustic Materials (CEEAM) at the
Pennsylvania State University (PSU) on printed
fractal antennas (patent pending). HVS developed
the automated antenna characterization system in
this regard. CEEAM/PSU is identified as a
subcontractor in this proposal. HVS now proposes
to improve the performance of such antennas in
order to satisfy the requirements of this
solicitation with respect to output power and
frequency band of operation. The advantage of the
fractal antenna technology is that it is very
wideband, VSWRs of better than 2.5, and high
gain. The size of such antennas will be reduced
down to 3"x3" by using high dielectric constant
substrates. A common hardware kit will be used for
accommodate the antenna suite to cover the entire
frequency range of 2 MHz to 40 GHz. HVS will
develop and test an array of antennas for the
Phase I effort and establish guidelines for their
efficient production and quality control during
Phase II.
These fractal patch antennas have a lot of
military as well as commercial applications. They
can be used in collision avoidance systems for use
in automobiles. They would be a valuable
technology for the communication industry. They
will also be useful for integration with wearable
and other mobile computers and communication
devices.
|
MALIBU RESEARCH ASSOC., INC.
26670 Agoura Road
Calabasas, CA 91302 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(818) 880-5494
Daniel G. Gonzalez, Ph.D.
ARMY 00-136 |
| Title: | Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Antennas |
| Abstract: | The problem outlined in the description section of
the SBIR A00-136, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle {UAV}
Antennas, points out the necessity of detecting
signals for Signal Intelligence and Communications
while conforming to available space and weight
capacity of the UAV. The requirement applies to
both fixed and rotary wing aircraft, each with its
own aerodynamic limitations to carry appropriate
sensor systems. Suggestions are presented for
interchangeable (easy-on easy-off) B kit antennas
which cover a limited band of frequencies and
which may be installed for a particular
intelligence gathering mission or several UAVs may
be launched with each one configured to cover a
different frequency band.
Typically, antenna solutions for aircraft are
designed as an afterthought after the airframe has
been completed. While this approach will always
impact the performance of larger aircraft to some
extent, in the case of smaller airframe UAV's, the
addition of discrete "add-on" antennas can add
significant flight performance risk due to
deleterious alterations to its aerodynamic
properties.
It is the purpose of this proposal to introduce a
new approach to antenna/sensor design; namely, the
utilization of the existing aircraft surfaces,
wings and blades, as antenna structures. This
concept is made possible through the utilization
of microstrip patch elements [1], and microstrip
reflectarrays [2]. The microstrip patch antenna
is utilized for low frequency applications (i.e. <
5 GHz), while the microstrip reflectarray is
optimum for frequencies greater than 5 GHz. The
principal benefits of the proposed program are the
proof of concept of simple applique type antenna
systems which can be installed on a wide variety
of military and commercial aircraft. This
technology provides opportunities for the
inclusion of advanced antenna technology on a much
less invasive basis than conventional discrete
antenna techniques. Such appliques may be
integrated as portions of the fundamental airframe
design, or they may be added to existing airframes
with minimal aerodynamic performance impact.
|
COHERENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
655 Aspen Ridge Drive
Lafayette, CO 80026 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(303) 604-2000
Dr. Iain T. McKinnie
ARMY 00-137 |
| Title: | Miniature Monolithic Transmitter for Laser Rangefinding |
| Abstract: | Laser rangefinders and target illuminators provide
critical range and target identification
information. However, they must be eyesafe,
robust and meet stringent cost, mass, size, and
performance requirements. Currently fielded laser
rangefinders are undesirably bulky, heavy and
costly, while incorporating misalignment-prone
discrete laser components. Moreover, they do not
easily scale to higher average powers required for
illumination (active imaging). Army CECOM has
addressed many of the deficiencies of current
laser rangefinders through the development of a
robust and compact monoblock laser-OPO
transmitter. This proposal offers a transmitter
that retains the ruggedness, size, and power
scalability of a monoblock architecture, while
extending it to: (a) lower cost, (b) increased
manufacturing alignment tolerance, (c) reduced
sensitivity to temperature swings and thermal
loading for power-scaling, and (d) near
diffraction limited beam quality via beam clean
up. The extensions are achieved through
innovative component technologies which are
demonstrated in Phase I to ensure low Phase II
risk. Phase II delivers two prototype
transmitters that can be either diode laser or
flashlamp pumped while maintaining compatibility
with illuminator and rangefinder requirements.
The program leverages CTI's expertise in
developing eyesafe wavelength lasers for
battlefields and severe operational environments.
There is an anxious military and law-enforcement
market for low cost, compact and rugged laser
rangefinders. Commercial applications exist in
surveying, recreation (hunting, boating,
orienteering) and in medicine.
|
COHERENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
655 Aspen Ridge Drive
Lafayette, CO 80026 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(303) 604-2000
Dr. Wayne S. Pelouch
ARMY 00-137 |
| Title: | Monolithic Waveguide Laser Range Finder |
| Abstract: | The goal for the next generation transmitter in
laser range finders is to reduce
size, cost, weight, and complexity while
increasing the robustness and operational
lifetime. Current laser transmitters contain
numerous free-space optical components
which require a skilled technician to assemble and
maintain. Coherent Technologies,
Inc. (CTI) proposes to develop a new miniature,
monolithic Er-doped direct
1.5-micron laser that can be assembled with
permanent optical alignment. The design
is based on a new waveguide laser concept that has
not been previously demonstrated
and has significant advantages over planar
waveguide and bulk laser designs. The
transmitter will (1) use a high efficiency, single
diode laser pump that has an
operating lifetime of hundreds of billions of
shots, (2) produce a significantly
lower heat load than flashlamp-pumped lasers, and
(3) have a high efficiency for
longer battery lifetime. The transmitter is
capable of 10 mJ output energy in a
TEM00 beam and sub-10 ns pulse width with a final
cost estimate (in quantity) of
less than $1000/transmitter. CTI's proven ability
to design and engineer rugged and
compact laser ranging systems for demanding
environments will ensure a successful
overall development program. Anticipated
applications include (1) Laser range finder
transmitters for multiple
platforms, (2) Low cost transmitters for other
eye-safe laser remote sensing
applications, (3) Laser sources for commercial
markets such as materials processing,
medical, and instrumentation.
|
JRM ENTERPRISES, INC.
1 Hemlock Court, Suite 1A
Fredericksburg, VA 22407 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(540) 785-4885
Mr. Joseph Russell Moulton, Jr.
ARMY 00-138 |
| Title: | Rigorous Real-Time Image Intensifier (NVG) Simulation Design |
| Abstract: | This Phase I effort will establish rigorous
technical requirements necessary to simulate image
intensifiers (NVGs) credibly and realistically in
US Army NVG simulators. The associated analysis
and requirements definition will cover such areas
as intra-scene and intensifier dynamic range and
spatial resolution, photo-cathode spectral
response versus scene spectral input,
micro-channel plate (MCP) "haloing" phenomenology,
tube MTF and noise source characterization,
automatic brightness control (ABC) and bright
source protection (BSP) circuit behavior, fixed
depth-of-focus optics, and dual-band
visible/near-IR signature synthesis. These
requirements will be translated into appropriate
specifications for simulation and optical
projection hardware and software components in a
simulator. A realizable prototype NVG simulator
design that best meets these specifications will
be developed around state-of-the-art commercial
simulation technology components. A near-IR
spectral scene signature and atmospheric
degradation model design are proposed as an option
in the prototype design. The simulation
specifications developed in this Phase I effort
around fundamental NVG physical phenomenology will
set a standard for DoD NVG effects simulation and
be a catalyst to improve the quality of DoD NVG
simulators. More credible, robust NVG simulators
will afford aviators and soldiers a much more
realistic training experience that will result in
improved navigation and search and target
acquisition skills. A phase II development of the
prototype design could easily be commercialized as
an NVG trainer for law enforcement agencies that
use NV devices.
In addition, this SBIR will result in improved
commercial sensor simulation development tools for
our 3rd-party vendors. JRM anticipates releasing
upgrades to our SigSim and SenSim offerings based
on our Phase I findings with sales almost
immediately from our current customer base.
|
SYSTRAN FEDERAL CORP.
4027 Colonel Glenn Highway
Dayton, OH 45431 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(937) 429-9008
Mr. Todd Grimes
ARMY 00-139 |
| Title: | Image Processing Card for PC Based Simulators |
| Abstract: | The recent trend in the Department of Defense
Agencies is to reduce costs associated with
simulation systems, while maintaining quality.
Such simulation systems as the Paint the Night
simulator require the use of an expensive high-end
processing system to apply sensor effects to
real-time simulated sensor data.
This study will focus on some of the latest
technologies to determine which architecture
presents the best chance of meeting the following
ambitious specifications.
The PC card should be able to manipulate each
pixel of an over-sampled 1280 x 1024 image by
means of two 10 x 10 convolutions for blurring
effects and a frame add for additive noise. All
operators are desired to be floating-point. A
frame rate of 30 Hz is required, but a rate of 60
Hz is desired. Incoming image data will be at 3
times the output resolution to ensure that no
aliasing effects are introduced into the signal.
The system will be capable of overlaying symbols
over the graphics as desired. The processed image
should be converted into a RS-170 format (Black &
White TV) for output to a monitor.
Our envisioned PCI-based sensor effects card
would provide the capability of high resolution,
high speed, and a sensor simulation device in less
expensive package then the existing configuration.
|
TECHNOLOGY SERVICE CORP.
11400 West Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(310) 954-2200
Raymond Durand
ARMY 00-139 |
| Title: | Sensor Effects Card for PC Based Simulators |
| Abstract: | The simulation of sensor effects (image
degradation by MTF and noise) is an important
feature of high-end IR and NVG sensor simulation.
Sensor effects simulation for these high-end
systems is performed on postprocessor units or VME
boards at a cost of $30K or more. The increasing
use of low-cost image PC-based image generators is
creating a demand for a low-cost sensor effects
card that can be inserted into a PC bus and
interfaced with analog or digital image generator
output. We propose to design a PCI-based sensor
effects board that will perform
two convolutions, noise addition, and video I/O
with subframe latency at real-time frame rates.
The board will be programmable, with processing
parameters determined by the sensor system. We
discuss several processing architectures and
processor technologies, including pipeline
processing, DSP, FPGA, COTS ASIC, and FFT. We
examine the tradeoffs of these technologies, and
define the strategy for the Phase I design. Based
on our 20 years of experience in sensor simulation
and designing custom signal and image processing
boards, we believe that a low-cost ( around $5K)
board is
feasible and will meet the performance
requirements
A low cost sensor effects card is of interest to
both Government and commercial markets. A low
cost sensor effects card will increase the use of
image generators for sensor testing, simulation
exercises and training functions. The device has
commercial interest in industrial and
entertainment industries.
|
BROADATA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
2545 W. 237th Street, Suite B
Torrance, CA 90505 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(310) 530-1416
Dr. Freddie Lin
ARMY 00-140 |
| Title: | An Integrated Services Architecture with End-to-End Quality of Service |
| Abstract: | To develop an integrated services architecture to
handle the integration of multimedia (voice,
video, data) over the Army tactical network with
predictable quality of service (QoS), Broadata
Communications, Inc. (BCI) proposes to develop a
time coupled packetized streaming (TCPS) protocol
to work under the multiprotocol label switching
(MPLS) network architecture. The TCPS allows the
time characteristics of multimedia information
embedded in the data packets, thus providing
guaranteed real time end-to-end multimedia data
delivery services. To provide the feasibility of
the proposed TCPS protocol in Phase I, the
foundation of the TCPS protocol will be developed.
Based on the developed TCPS protocol, a computer
simulation will be created to analyze the
performance of the TCPS for end-to-end real time
multimedia data services. The goal of this
project is to develop a practical implementation
plan of the TCPS technology. In addition to the
Army tactical network applications, the TCPS
approach can be also used for many real time
multimedia applications in commercial audio/video
streaming over the Internet.
|
TRANSTECH NETWORKS USA
100 Wood Avenue South
Iselin, NJ 08830 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(732) 452-9828
Dr. Tsong-Ho Wu
ARMY 00-140 |
| Title: | Optical Web QoS Switch |
| Abstract: | The goal of this proposal is to design and develop
a scalable, high performance, high reliability
optical web QoS switch to provide intelligent
application layer QoS switching in a seamless
manner across the boundary of LAN and WAN to
support existing mission critical web-centric data
services, voice and data integration, as well as
emerging Voice-over-IP and multimedia services.
The Phase I work will focus on system architecture
designs and a feasibility study for the optical
web QoS switch in an IP-enabled operations center
to support Army's mission critical applications
with pre-defined end-to-end QoS assurance. The
output of the Phase I work will be a system design
specification, design performance and risk
analysis for the proposed optical web QoS switch.
Criteria used for performance and feasibility
study include complexity (costs), QoS, reliability
and scalability. The system design specification
will help accelerate development of a scalable
optical web QoS switch that would provide dynamic
bandwidth, delay, and delay variation management
to support end-to-end QoS for Army's mission
critical applications. With the described
web-centric IP-enabled operation center solution
architecture with the proposed optical web QoS
switch system, Army would be able to support
integrated voice and data services in a seamless
manner accross the boundary of LAN and WAN with
pre-defined end-to-end QoS assurance through an
evolutionary process of the integrated web-centric
operations infrastructure. The same IP-enabled
operations infrastructure may be extended to
support mobility management and location services
critical to Army's telemedicine and
telemaintenance applications.
|
SCALABLE SIMULATION SOLUTIONS LLC
11022 Santa Monica Blvd #260
Los Angeles, CA 90025 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(310) 966 9947
Julian Hsu
ARMY 00-141 |
| Title: | MANET-SIM: Scalable Simulator for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks |
| Abstract: | The exploding demand for computing and
communication on the move has led to a
significant need for ad hoc networks. However,
there is relatively little
understanding of the behavior of such networks, as
they are scaled up, particularly
for traffic with strict Quality of Service
requirements. The eventual goal of
this SBIR is to develop MANET-Sim, a simulator for
Mobile Ad hoc NETworks, with
the ability to simulate wireless networks with
tens of thousands of nodes, in real
time, on common desktop platforms that are likely
to become available within the
next three years. In Phase I, we will identify
the primary bottlenecks to achieving
real time simulation capability for such
networks, and explore curative mechanisms
including parallel execution, use of abstractions,
and use of appropriate propagation
layer models to facilitate accurate and fast
simulation of mobile networks with
tens of thousands of heterogeneous devices. We
will quantitatively compare both
execution times and accuracy of detailed packet
level simulation models with
abstract models including analytical, fluid flow,
and multi-resolution models.
A prototype methodology will be developed to
demonstrate the feasibility of real
time simulation of large scale wireless networks
using selected unicast and
multicast protocols to route QoS sensitive
traffic. The phenomenal growth rate of the
Internet is a clich‚. It is also widely accepted
that the most dramatic future growth, in
commercial and military contexts, will be
in wireless connectivity. The demand for tools
to evaluate and manage these
networks is growing together with the complexity
and size of the heterogeneous
networks. A South China Morning Post Online, 10
Jan 2000 report predicts that
deals conducted through wireless devices will
generate about $14 billion a year
and identifies mobile ticket sales, vending
machine payments, and Internet shopping
as the most promising wireless commerce areas.
The Gartner Group estimates the
market for software for network management &
analysis to go from $3.6B in 1999 to
$7.1B in 2003. The research and development
activity proposed
by this effort will directly lead to products in
this large and growing market.
|
PHYSICAL ACOUSTICS CORP.
195 Clarksville Road
Princeton Jct., NJ 08550 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(609) 716-4000
Dr. Valery Godinez
ARMY 00-142 |
| Title: | Field-Portable Infrastructure Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composite Inspection & Evaluation System using Ultrasound Technologies |
| Abstract: | Recently, significant attention has been paid to
the country's dilapidated infrastructure;
buildings, bridges, and concrete water and sewer
pipes need to be retrofitted to sustain the
increasing loads. A common solution is increase
the capacity of these structures to carry loads by
the introduction of additional tension-carrying
materials as Fiber Reinforced Plastic composites.
Efficient use of FRP composite to increase the
strength of concrete components depends on the
proper bonding between the FRP plate and the
rehabilitated structure. Hence delamination
defects present at the interface or within the
composite, should be detected in order to maintain
the structural integrity of the reinforced
concrete component. However, composites are
sophisticated materials with a complex structure
and, anisotropic material properties, which are
very difficult to inspect using conventional Non
Destructive Evaluation (NDE) methods. Thus there
is great need for the development of new NDE
technologies which can address these complicated
inspection problem. Physical Acoustics Corporation
(PAC) has developed a unique Acousto-Ultrasonic
(AU) technology, which has potential as a tool for
inspection of FRP composites. This Phase I study
will demonstrate the feasibility of developing a
field-portable, battery operated system for the
inspection of fiber-reinforce polymer composites
based in Acousto-Ultrasonics. It is anticipated
that the results of this program will lead to the
development a portable fiber-reinforced polymer
(FRP) composite inspection and evaluation system
that can be used to assess infrastructure
composites and other composite in other
applications as discussed below. The developed
system will have applications for many industries
beyond the government and could be applied to a
broad range of industrial and commercial
applications. As for the commercial industry,
there are many uses for a system to inspect FRP
composites, especially in civil infrastructure.
Many of these uses and applications carry over
into the military application. The inspection of
FRP wrapping, bridge retrofitting etc. are most
certainly applicable in the military. In other
areas, as the military continues the push to make
lighter stronger structures, the use of composites
is increasing and inspection for damage is
necessary. Throughout the DoD, composite
materials are used in such areas as FRP wound
pressure vessels, thick hybrid armor panels,
composite stealth materials, ship hulls, etc. The
list is large and there are presently no reliable
systems available to inspect these materials. The
system we will develop can be adapted to test in
these applications.
|
FOSTER-MILLER, INC.
350 Second Ave.
Waltham, MA 02451 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(781) 684-4114
Dr. Robert Kovar
ARMY 00-143 |
| Title: | Robust, Low-Cost, Microencapsulated Phase Change Materials |
| Abstract: | The use of novel Phase Change Materials (PCMs) in
solid form within heating and cooling systems
offers the potential for reducing initial system
construction costs and increasing efficiency.
Current PCMs cause problems such as fouling,
segregation and high slurry viscosity within the
heat exchanger system. Foster-Miller proposes to
extend our successful microencapsulation
technology to produce robust polymer microcapsules
that contain high loadings of PCM selected for a
specific temperature range. The robust,
microencapsulated PCMs (RMPCMs) will contain
hydrophilic surfaces that exhibit low sliding
friction and drag, producing RMPCM slurries with
high fluidity. RMPCMs will exhibit near neutral
buoyancy, high toughness to avoid fracture during
long-term cycling and stability at operating
temperature. Our economical microencapsulation
process can be scaled-up to large quantities in
conventional equipment. In Phase I, we will
select one PCM with the appropriate transition
temperature range and produce a series of RMPCM
test samples of varying size, shell thickness and
PCM loading. RMPCM slurry fluidity, stability,
thermal energy transfer efficiency and resistance
to fracture during repeated cycling will be
demonstrated within a test system. Our team
includes experts in polymers, microencapsulation,
thermal energy systems and slurry flow and a heat
exchanger fluid manufacturer. (P-00885)
The proposed robust, microencapsulated phase
change materials will enable the design and
construction of simpler, more efficient,
lower-cost and more compact thermal energy systems
than are now available. Commercial applications
include central heating and cooling systems,
chilled water systems for large buildings, and
secondary loop refrigeration systems.
|
NANOMATERIALS RESEARCH CORP.
2620 Trade Center Avenue
Longmont, CO 80503 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(303) 702-1672
Dr. Tapesh Yadav
ARMY 00-145 |
| Title: | Non-toxic Nanomaterials for Obscurant Applications |
| Abstract: | Obscurant cloud or "smoke screen" are aerosols of
fine powders, flakes, or fibers
that protect warfighters from weapon systems based
on electromagnetic sensors.
Current obscurant materials suffer from high cost,
inhalation toxicity,
environmental impact and non-optimal performance.
A breakthrough is desired that
can provide novel non-toxic materials with high
extinction coefficient for
electromagnetic radiations. This effort seeks to
develop and demonstrate such
materials using recent developments in
nanotechnology. Nanomaterials have numerous dual
use applications. Some illustrative applications
include CMP slurries for microelectronics,
coatings, additives and fillers for
polymer and biomedical applications, novel
catalysts, and miniaturization of
electroceramic components.
|
PHYSICAL SCIENCES, INC.
20 New England Business Center
Andover, MA 01810 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(978) 689-0003
Dr. Susan T. Pasco
ARMY 00-145 |
| Title: | Nontoxic Biodegradable Nanomaterials and Biomaterials Signature Reduction |
| Abstract: | Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to develop
biodegradable obscurants operating over a wide
wavelength range (infrared to millimeter wave)
using variants of an electroactive polymer. High
aspect ratio fibers of the polymer in the size
range necessary to provide broad spectrum coverage
will be produced through a technique called
electrospinning. The degradation of the polymer
will be enhanced through blending with a
chemically biodegradable polymer. Calculations
show that the conductivity needed to achieve the
needed extinction coefficient is within the range
of the polymeric blend we propose. In this
proposal we demonstrate the theoretical basis by
which we believe we can achieve the desired
extinction cross section of 4 m2/g, illustrate the
synthetic methods that will be used to produce
these materials and electrospin them into the
desired forms, and describe the methods that will
be used to characterize the material properties in
terms of the extinction requirement. The proposed
nontoxic biodegradable obscurant material will
provide a safe alternative to conventional
aluminum obscurant materials. This novel
polymeric material will be completely washed away
upon exposure to a large amount of water, such as
in a rainfall, thereby eliminating the chance of
ingestion or inhalation by humans or animals.
|
EIKOS, INC.
2 Master Drive
Franklin, MA 02038 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(508) 528-0300
Dr. Jeffrey Conroy
ARMY 00-146 |
| Title: | Stabilization of Enzymes for the Destruction of Toxic Materials and Chemical Agents |
| Abstract: | Eikos will exploit the power of microarray
technology to rapidly identify and isolate a wide
variety of ultra-stable organophosphorous
anhydrolases (OPA's) to formulate an enzyme
cocktail capable of decontaminating OP nerve and
blistering agents across a spectrum of
temperatures and pH's without loss of activity or
denaturation. Extremozymes (enzymes isolated from
extremophiles) are infinitely more active and less
susceptible to denaturation in traditionally
inhospitable environments such as non-neutral pH,
oxidizing conditions, and high and low
temperatures. Therefore, these enzymes are
ideally suited for enzymatic catalysis in the
field. The arduous task of isolating such enzymes
has precluded their widespread use in industrial
catalysis. The emergence of microarray technology
has made it possible to quickly and efficiently
screen an enormous number of organisms for any
activity of interest. Eikos will fabricate an OPA
specific microarray and screen multiple
extremophilic organisms for the presence of
detoxifying enzymes. Genetic information
determined with the microarray will then be used
to swiftly isolate each enzyme. A collection of
enzymes collected in this manner will possess the
catalytic ability to detoxify OP nerve and
blistering agents in almost any environment. The
combination of microarray technology and
extraordinary extremozyme stability will
revolutionize industrial enzymatic catalysis. An
extremophile array will be capable of screening
for not only OPAs, but also polymerases,
proteases, restriction enzymes, etc. and will find
utility in commercial and industrial markets.
Industrial enzymes represent a $2 billion annual
market. Most notable markets include detergents
manufacturing with a vested interest in high
temperature proteases, environmental chemistry
interested in bioremediation, the pharmaceutical
industry interested in novel natural product
synthesis, and energy related fields interested in
the natural gas production of many extremophilic
bacteria.
|
FOSTER-MILLER, INC.
350 Second Ave.
Waltham, MA 02451 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(781) 684-4046
Dr. Suneet Chadha
ARMY 00-147 |
| Title: | Hand-Held Chemical Threat Monitor for the Soldier System |
| Abstract: | Service infantry and reconnaissance elements have
long-standing operational requirements for a field
capability to rapidly assess chemical threats,
monitor air quality, inspect, examine and in some
cases, test systems and materials in forward
deployed areas without extensive logistic support.
Compact hand-held devices tailored to rapid
response are needed to facilitate service infantry
and reconnaissance deployment to areas of the
world not normally supportable with a complicated
logistics trail. Recent breakthroughs make such a
device a reality.
During Phase I, Foster-Miller will design and
demonstrate a radically novel Chemical Threat
Monitor (CTM) and assess overall feasibility and
determine sensitivity limits for typical chemical
agents. At the heart of the device would be a
miniature mid-infrared spectrometer coupled to
tiny fiber optic sensor probes that readily
identify and qualitatively characterize a broad
range of chemical threats and materials. The
entire device including the battery power pack
would be about the size of a small pocket
calculator, making it readily transportable and
concealable. In Phase II, Foster-Miller will
optimize miniature IR probes and the high
throughput spectrometer for targeted
applications, including automated spectral
recognition and necessary electronics for a field
deployable prototype and testing at a DoD
facility. (P-01207)
The ability to successfully perform in-the-field
sophisticated autonomous chemical threat or
material analysis with a hand-held device will
create major new markets for this unique
analytical instrument in both military and
commercial applications. Chemical process control
and environmental monitoring will be major
benefactors and present vast market potential.
|
MANNING APPLIED TECHNOLOGY
419 S. Main Street
Troy, ID 83843 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(208) 835-5402
Dr. Christopher Manning
ARMY 00-147 |
| Title: | Compact, Lightweight, Low-Cost, Permanently-Aligned Infrared Spectrometers |
| Abstract: | Military, government and civilian personnel need
timely and cost-
effective warning of chemical and biological
hazards in many arenas.
Timely warning allows for effective personnel
protection. Manning
Applied Technology proposes to construct a novel
Fourier transform-
infrared spectrometer which is modular, compact,
costs less than $5000
in quantity, and is optically tilt-compensated.
The proposed design
has excellent immunity to both linear and
torsional vibrations as well
as variable resolution. The electronics
incorporate a novel
architecture based on a digital signal processor.
The power
consumption is lower than any Fourier transform
spectrometer built to
date. The part-per-million internal calibration
standard is an
inexpensive, highly efficient semiconductor.
Dr. Manning is an internationally-recognized FT-IR
spectrometer
design expert. He holds two recent patents on
novel interferometer
designs; 3 more are pending. Dr. Griffiths
authored the textbook on
Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and has 30
years experience
in the field. Commercial applications include a
wide range of
process and quality control, spectral imaging,
environmental
monitoring, laboratory research, field
measurements and remote
sensing applications. Conservative estimates
indicate a $10 million
per year market for the technology. The low cost
insures that it
will capture a significant market share. The novel
interferometer design is expected to have numerous
applications in
process and control including combustion,
commercial remote sensing, spectral
imaging.
|
CFD RESEARCH CORP.
215 Wynn Dr., 5th Floor
Huntsville, AL 35805 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(256) 726-4800
Mr. Matthew E. Thomas
ARMY 00-148 |
| Title: | Modeling and Diagnostics of Gel Propellant Mixing and Combustion |
| Abstract: | The capability to experimentally characterize the
flow patterns of gel engine mixing and combustion,
as well as validate numerical simulation
technology that predicts detailed engine
operation, is proposed. The Phase I analysis
methodology will be based on 1) advanced gel
rheology behavior simulation expertise; 2)
existing bipropellant and pintle motor system
modeling software; and 3) state-of-the-art liquid
bipropellant combustion transient CFD methodology.
Numerical simulations will focus on identifing
trade-offs between MMH gel carbon loading versus
plume signature, matching variable temperature
fuel and oxidizer gel rheology to achieve
consistent mixture ratios, refining current
injection techniques (both vortex and pintle) for
improved engine performance, and optimizing nozzle
shape to maximize Cf. Existing FMTI test data
will be utilized to validate gel motor flow
phenomena sub-models. The Phase I modeling effort
will be relied upon to select the most appropriate
laser diagnostics approach for quantifying the
mass concentrations and temperatures within the
gel combustion and associated plume expansion
processes. During the Phase I option program the
methodologies developed here will be applied to
ongoing FMTI development activities. In Phase II,
a comprehensive laser diagnostics system will be
assembled within existing AMCOM gel motor test
operations. This system will be utilized to
generate benchmark quality gel combustion data
suitable for identifying gel combustion
refinements and validating high fidelity gel
propulsion numerical simulations. The developed
analysis techniques, laser diagnostics, and test
hardware will have immediate impact on AMCOM
sponsored smart propulsion initiatives and
propulsion manufacturers in the design, analysis
and testing of gelled propulsion systems. Other
applications include numerous industrial pneumatic
actuation control systems and bipropellant
throttling within the marine and space propulsion
industries. CFDRC's close working relationships
with propulsion system manufacturers (TRW,
Atlantic Research, Aerojet, Thiokol, etc.) assures
rapid technology/expertise transfer and rapid
Phase III commercialization, respectively.
|
ORBITAL TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
Space Center
Madison, WI 53717 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(608) 827-5000
Dr. Martin J. Chiaverini
ARMY 00-148 |
| Title: | Mixing And Combustion Of Gel Propellants |
| Abstract: | ORBITEC proposes to analytically model and
empirically develop the mixing and combustion of
thixotropic gel propellants in the combustion
chamber flow field generated by innovative vortex
injection schemes. The new mode of propellant
injection uses a combination of approaches. One
approach was patented by the U.S. Army. The other
approach, patent pending, was evolved by ORBITEC.
In both methods the gels are injected
circumferentially tangent to the chamber inner
wall, inducing a swirling flow. Streaming the
propellants on the wall provides required shear to
keep the thixotropes liquefied to allow mixing and
dispersion on the wall. The thin liquid film of
propellants is vaporized and brought to ignition
temperature by the adjacent swirling combustion.
The ORBITEC method forms co-axial vortexes. The
wall vortex spirals upwards, while the core vortex
spirals down. One or more commercial codes will
be used to model the injection and mixing of the
thixotropic fluids. Propellant vaporization and
combustion in the flow field will also be modeled.
Customized subroutines will be used to treat
geometry variations, propellant alternatives, and
to link the commercial codes. In Phase II,
chamber hot-fire testing will validate the model.
The near term goal of this modeling work is to
provide for, and optimize, the use of gelled
propellants in combustion devices such as rocket
engines and air breathing propulsion systems.
Gels may also find use in fuels for industrial gas
turbines, and in oil-fired central power stations
where gels may allow coal powders to be suspended
in liquid fuels to lower costs of energy
production. A verified model that optimizes gel
engine designs will help to minimize the cost and
development times required for advanced missile
propulsion systems. Systems using gelled
propellants have the potential to replace solid
rocket motor propulsion systems in many cases.
The superior performance and control precision
provided by gels greatly increase application
flexibility and kill probability. Evolution of a
common missile utilizing gelled propellants to
replace several current single purpose systems
would provide considerable cost savings to the
Government. A common propulsion technology may
also possibly be horizontally integrated into
several existing systems, enhancing their
performance and extending their service life while
at the same time reducing cost. Gels are
inherently more safe than liquid propellants
because of reduced spill and leak potential. They
also vaporize more slowly because of their
inhibited ability to disperse under gravity or
surface wetting into thin films. This reduces the
potential to release explosive vapor clouds. Gels
are also of importance because of their ability to
hold solid particulate in suspension. This
characteristic allows metal powders to be added to
liquid fuels for greatly increased density impulse
for volume limited rocket propulsion systems.
NASA also has a demonstrated need for gelled
propellant propulsion technology for booster and
in-space engine systems where reliability, safety
and low cost are paramount considerations. An
interesting sidelight is that gels enhance space
storability of propellants by reducing sensitivity
to leakage, and by reducing slosh and migration of
propellants in the tank at zero-G.
|
TALLEY DEFENSE SYSTEMS
4551 E. McKellips Road
Mesa, AZ 85277 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(480) 898-2465
Mr. Dan V. Haun
ARMY 00-148 |
| Title: | Mixing and Combustion of Gel Propellants (ref. A00-148) |
| Abstract: | Experimental and modeling capabilities will be
developed to characterize the
mixing and combustion of gelled propellants in a
bipropulsion engine. The goal is
to use experimentally determined propellant and
engine characteristics to
accurately predict engine combustion efficiency.
The predictive capability
will be based on establishment of a numerical
model; which simulates propellant
aerosol formation, mixing and combustion.
Experimental tools will be designed to
measure key characteristics of the aerosol
formation and mixing processes so that
detailed laboratory measurements can be used to
calibrate the predictive model.
The goal of the effort is to establish these
capabilities from "First Principals"
so that the modeling capabilities will not be
empirically tied to one engine or
propellant technology. The proposed program will
provide significant improvements in the
performance of
bipropuslion engines. The modeling and
experiemental studies planned for this
effort will provide the framework for evaluation
of future propulsion systems.
|
ADVANCED OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
2702 Triana Boulevard, SW
Huntsville, AL 35805 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(256) 536-5960
Mr. Ken S. Merwin
ARMY 00-149 |
| Title: | Night Owl Universal Optics for Uncooled LWIR Applications |
| Abstract: | Advanced Optical Systems, Inc. (AOS) offers an
innovative approach to the development of
universal, inexpensive optics for uncooled IR
applications with their Night Owl design. The
requirements of small f-number optics and variable
focal length to ensure uniform testing of various
uncooled IR detectors are investigated. The
proposed Cassegrain style optics offers a
multi-spectral system in a lightweight, compact
package. Coupled with innovative replication
techniques, the Night Owl System offers
significant cost savings and has direct
application to missile seekers. The development of
universal optics for use in uncooled IR
applications will:
Provide a means of testing and characterizing
uncooled IR detectors from multiple vendors; lead
to a reduction in operation and support costs in
missiles and other military systems by proving
uncooled detector technology; and lead to a
reduction in production cost of low-cost,
lightweight seeker elements for missiles.
|
INSIGHT TECHNOLOGY, INC.
3 Technology Drive
Londonderry, NH 03053 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(603) 626-4800
Mr. Vadim Plotsker
ARMY 00-149 |
| Title: | Development of Universal, Inexpensive Optics for Uncooled Infrared Commercial and Military Applications |
| Abstract: | The objective of this proposal to develop and
demonstrate a universal optical test bed
specifically for the uncooled infrared technology
for use in aviation and missile platforms, missile
systems, and other military and commercial
uncooled applications. This proposal will explore
various affordable infrared (IR) materials and
their use and suitability for reflective,
refractive, and hybrid lens designs. This effort
will produce a state-of-the-art standardized
optical design for uncooled focal planes.
|
RDAS, INC.
11003 E.Bradford Circle
Cerritos, CA 90703 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
256-379-4802
Mr. Augustus H. Green, Jr.
ARMY 00-150 |
| Title: | Sensor Data Fusion for Target Classification and Identification |
| Abstract: | The proposed effort addresses the problem of
Non-Cooperative Target Recognition/Identification,
NCTR, for airborne targets that are beyond visual
range. To address the problem, The proposed
research is focused on novel artificial
intelligence techniques, such as fuzzy logic,
neural nets, and wavelets to make NCTR techniques
perform better. Although artificial intelligence
techniques have been investigated for single
sensors, they have not been explored extensively
when there is data available from a variety of
sensors. Topics to be investigated also involve
the application of such techniques as Pattern
Recognition, Decision Theory, and Optimization
Theory. Current NCTR techniques work quite well
but only under constrained battlefield conditions.
The intent is to use a data fused algorithm using
some of these techniques as a basis from which to
begin the development of an algorithm that is much
less susceptible to battlefield conditions.
Artificial Intelligence techniques have had
success in the control field. The approach is to
build upon the application of those techniques and
to adapt to the extent possible the manner in
which those techniques were applied. Once the
criteria and logic flow have been determined, the
design of the algorithm will occur. If the
proposed research is successful, it can have
tremendous impact on numerous weapon systems that
have a need for Non-Cooperative Target
Recognition/Identification. The ability to
achieve NCTR has been sorely need by all DOD
services. It has the potential to give the
battlefield commander better control over his
resources and could reduce logistics considerably.
With this technique, the battlefield commander
will have a capability to determine which of his
resources is the most applicable for any threat
engagement scenario. This can reduce operating
and support costs significantly. Not only can
costs be reduced, but better weapon system
performance can be realized.
|
SCIENTIFIC SYSTEMS CO., INC.
500 West Cummings Park
Woburn, MA 01801 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(781) 933-5355
Dr. Adel El-Fallah
ARMY 00-150 |
| Title: | Sensor Data Fusion for Target Classification and Identification |
| Abstract: | The effectiveness of Non-Cooperative Target
Recognition
(NCTR) against air targets is limited by a lack of
robustness in the
following respects: insufficient-fidelity
signature simulation;
statistically uncharacterizable signature
variations; excessively large
pose-model libraries; excessively large
target-type libraries;
misclassification of ``novel'' targets;
insufficient target-identity
resolvability using single sensors; and
difficulties in fusing diverse
sources/sensors. Many of these difficulties arise
from the fact that
conventional OPTIMAL techniques (e.g. Bayesian
filtering and
estimation) expect PERFECT models and,
consequently, can behave
very non-optimally if the mismatch between model
and reality is too great.
Consequently, optimal techniques cannot be applied
as a ``cookbook''
panacea---they must be augmented by ROBUSTNESS
STRATEGIES that
compensate for model-mismatch and other problems.
Scientific Systems
Company, Inc. (SSCI) and its subcontractor
Lockheed Martin of Eagan MN
(LM-E) propose the application of new ROBUST DATA
FUSION AND
ROBUST-BAYES FILTERING techniques to NCTR
problems. In our approach we (1)
use generalized likelihood functions to model the
uncertainties as well as
the certainties in data; (2) fuse very disparate
kinds of data using
generalized joint likelihood functions; (3) deal
with ``novel'' targets by
introducing and modeling an ``unknown target''
type; (4) reduce the size of
the pose-search library via fusion of kinematic
data with target ID data to
estimate pose; (5) ensure accurate, stable NCTR by
using a true JOINT
state-estimator; and (6) ensure computational
efficiency and robustness by
using an approximate filtering scheme with
efficiency O(n) or O(nlog n)
and theoretically guaranteed divergence
properties.
Target identification is one of the key
technologies for global
surveillance, precision strike, air superiority
and defense which are
three of the seven science and technology thrust
areas identified by
the Director of Defense Research and Engineering.
Commercial
applications of advanced tracking and
identification systems exist in
several areas such as: radar, biometric
identification, industrial
inspection, medical screening and diagnosis,
failure detection and
identification, and remote sensing.
|
TOYON RESEARCH CORP.
75 Aero Camino, Suite A
Goleta, CA 93117 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(805) 968-6787
Mr. Kevin J. Sullivan
ARMY 00-150 |
| Title: | Sensor Data Fusion for Target Classification and Identification |
| Abstract: | Toyon Research proposes to develop a fusion module
that fuses measurements collected by an arbitrary
number of sensors over time to provide target
recognition of airborne targets. The fusion module
will consist of a Bayesian Network and a
statistical database. The Bayesian Network will
update beliefs about what type of target is being
measured by taking into consideration a priori
information regarding the types of airborne
objects in an area and the capabilities of the
sensors providing measurements. Additionally, the
network will consider the degree to which a
particular measurement matches the expected signal
of each type of target of interest. The
statistical database will provide information
regarding the expected performance characteristics
of the sensors and the degree to which a
particular measurement matches expectations. One
of the important advantages of our approach is
that information from sensors which provide data
at different levels in a target-class hierarchy
can be effectively fused. For instance, data from
a sensor which distinguishes a jet aircraft from a
prop aircraft can be fused with data from a sensor
which distinguishes an F-15 from an F-16. We
propose to develop an initial version of the
fusion module and provide a demonstration of its
capabilities on an example problem during Phase I.
The successful completion of this research will
result in the development of a fusion module which
can fuse measurements collected by an arbitrary
number of sensors over time to robustly provide
non-cooperative target recognition of airborne
objects. Non-military applications of this
technology include air traffic control,
counter-drug operations, and medical diagnostics.
|
OPTICAL SCIENCES CORP.
P.O. Box 8291
Huntsville, AL 35808 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(256) 772-6721
Mr. David Brett Beasley
ARMY 00-151 |
| Title: | Semi-active Laser Simulator for Multi-mode Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulations |
| Abstract: | This document presents Optical Sciences
Corporations's proposal for the design and
production of an innovative laser projection
system for testing multi-mode seekers which
utilize a semi-acive laser system for acquistion
and terminal homing. The OSC SAL projector is
designed to be compatible with existing flight
motion simulator, IR projection, and MMW anechoic
chamber facilities to support testing of
multi-mode seekers. The SAL projector technology
developed under this effort will be used in
government and prime contractor HWIL facilites for
the simulation and testing of advanced multi-mode
missiles and smart munitions. The technology
developed under this effort may also be used for
production line and field testing of military
weapon systems.
|
EIKOS, INC.
2 Master Drive
Franklin, MA 02038 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(508) 528-0300
Mr. Nelson Landrau
ARMY 00-152 |
| Title: | Selective Application of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Protection and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Conformal Coatings Onto Circuit Card As |
| Abstract: | Eikos Inc. proposes to use a functionalized
version of Nanoshield„ (polymer nanocomposites
developed by Eikos Inc.) which when formulated
with commercially available conformal coatings
will provide EMI shielding to CCA's (circuit card
assemblies). The additives in Nanoshield„ are
used in such small amounts that coating properties
(i.e. viscosity, transparency, etc.) and cost will
not be appreciably affected. Formulating
Nanoshield„ with commercially available conformal
coatings means that there will be no need to
develop, change, or modify existing resin systems
or application devices (which can be quite
costly). Another advantage of developing this
additive is that it could potentially reduce
shielding requirements by as much as 50% thus
reducing the mass, volume, and cost of military
and commercial electronic devices. These coatings
may also reduce the need for additional shielding
that may be required as lower voltage integrated
circuits are designed into military and civilian
electronic systems. The potential of formulating
Nanoshield„ into commercial conformal coatings for
producing materials that will provide EMI
shielding to circuit card assemblies (CCA's).
This method of incorporated EMI shielding to
commercial conformal coatings opens the door for
the production of lighter and less costly civilian
and military CCA's. There is enormous interest in
products intended to minimize the effects of EMI
in a variety of industries, ranging from
satellites to the automotive industry. Catalog
vendors list hundreds of types of EMI shielding
products, many could be supplanted by this
technology. Most of the research and development
of these products has been done domestically, and
the U.S. remains the largest producer of EMI
goods. Furthermore, this country is still the
largest single market for ESD products. Estimates
of the size of the EMI market well over $100
million.
|
CONDOR SYSTEMS, INC.
2133 Samaritan Drive
San Jose, CA 95124 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(408) 879-2226
Mr. Peter P. Fera
ARMY 00-153 |
| Title: | Demonstration of Advanced Detection Techniques Against Low Probability of Intercept Avionics Waveforms |
| Abstract: | The objective of this proposed Phase 1 effort is
to develop and simulate a realizeable design for a
receiver-signal processor that detects, finds the
direction of arrival, and correctly identifies
weak signals from radar altimeters. The effort
extensively models and predicts the operational
system's detection sensitivity, direction finding
accuracy and identification accuracy against
frequency modulated coninuous wave (FM/CW) signals
under realistic conditions. The ultimate goal is
a system detection sensitivity of less than -118
dBm, azimuth angle arrival accuracy less than 1
degree, and indentification accuracy greater than
95%. Novel signal feature detection algorithms
and efficient digital signal processing
implementations show significant promise for
achieving these goals in operational systems.
High azimuth accuracy is achieved using unique
interferometric feature detection techniques for
very low SNR signals in wide input bandwidths.
The proposed techniques discriminate against
interference, parameterize the waveforms, and
identify them through their unique parameter sets.
Software simulation of signals and detection
processing are necessary steps in establishing
confidence in these techniques for a variety of
FM/CW waveforms and interference conditions.
Detection of pulsed altimeter signals will also be
investigated. Simulations will be compared with
performance predicted by theory. Improved
communications system performance by being able to
detect low powered signals or weak signals at
longer ranges. May apply to CDMA format
communication signals such as used in cell phone
systems.
|
LO RF CONSULTING, INC.
39 FRIEDA LANE
WANTAGH, NY 11793 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(516) 783-1264
Mr. LAWRENCE OLIVA
ARMY 00-153 |
| Title: | Demonstration of Advanced Detection Techniques Against Low Probability of Intercept Avionics Waveforms |
| Abstract: | This program proposes to study, develop, simulate,
fabricate and test a ground based receiver-signal
processor system architecture capable of
detecting, measuring the angle of arrival and
uniquely identifying the emissions of a modern LPI
radar altimeter. The basis for the program is the
use of high probability of intercept receiver
technology to scan wide frequency ranges in msec
time periods with sensitivity, when combined with
a low gain DF antenna, of at least -118 dBmi.
This acquisition receiver will be integrated with
digital receiver/processor technology to provide
paremeter and direction measurements to identify
the signal type and direction. Monitoring and
control of modern cellular and satellite LPI type
narrow and wide band mobile communications
signals.
|
RESEARCH ASSOC. OF SYRACUSE
6780 Northern Blvd
East Syracuse, NY 13057 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(315) 463-2266
Dr. Richard Wiley
ARMY 00-153 |
| Title: | Demonstration of Advanced Detection Techniques Against Low Probability of Intercept Avionics Waveforms |
| Abstract: | The proposed Advanced LPI Processor (ALPIP) will
enable a single-site, stand-alone ELINT system to
be built that detects, DFs and identifies cruise
missiles. The system will feed hostile emitter
line-of-bearing and SEI data to a multi-sensor
tracker for the production of a fused air picture
and for air vehicle engagement by hard-kill
weapons. The ALPIP will detect the majority of
fielded cruise missiles using multiple antennas
and advanced processing algorithms tailored to the
cruise missile problem. The Phase I design will
incorporate modified COTS receiver hardware and
will be tailored to fit into an existing ELINT/ESM
suite, to simplify Phase II work and to reduce the
time to IOC. The algorithms developed for this
receiver will be applicable to ESM systems in F-22
variants, the JSF, Aerial Common Sensor and
perhaps DD 21 and CVN 77. The US Army
ALPIP-enabled cruise missile detection system will
be useful to deployed and CONUS Army, Navy and Air
Force units, in addition to coalition/allied
forces in combat theaters worldwide.
|
SCIENTIFIC APPLICATIONS & RESEARCH
15261 Connector Lane
Huntington Beach, CA 92649 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(714) 903-1000
Mr. Mike Marino
ARMY 00-153 |
| Title: | Demonstration of Advanced Detection Techniques Against Low Probability of Intercept Avionics Waveforms |
| Abstract: | SARA proposes to develop an innovative, real-time
system comprised of a front-end RF receiver and a
back-end digital signal processor. The receiver
will measure the avionics' emissions and the DSP
will apply the required algorithms to classify the
airborne platform and determine its angle of
arrival. The system will operate in real-time,
thereby rapidly computing the results and giving
the capability of tracking multiple targets with
dynamic flight profiles. Emitter identification
will be accomplished using coherence for
non-parametric analysis and the Steiglitz-McBride
method for parametric analysis. Azimuth angle
determination will be accomplished using
superresolution beamforming. Superresolution
dramatically reduces system cost and complexity
compared to standard beamforming techniques.
Doppler effects will be compensated and the system
will provide the additional information of the
platform's velocity and range. Multiple,
simultaneous targets will be separated and
distinguished using both frequency space and beam
space separation techniques. A full simulation
environment of the system will be developed,
including all algorithms, Doppler effects, target
velocity, and range estimates. The simulation will
allow for testing of the system and evaluating
performance with multiple emitters and independent
flight profiles for each platform. This program
will provide a "passive cruise missile detection"
capability for the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Several deployment concepts are envisioned which
will extend the protection envelope afforded by
previous detection systems.
|
SYSTEMS & PROCESSES ENGINEERING CORP.
101 West Sixth Street
Austin, TX 78701 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(512) 479-7732
Mr. Joe Priest, P.E.
ARMY 00-154 |
| Title: | Development of a Missile Data Acquisition and Recorder Module |
| Abstract: | A small, data acquisition and recorder system is
needed to acquire and store missile and
submunition acceleration data in non-volatile
memory. The device should be autonomous, withstand
the harsh environments of a missile launch, and
permit data download efficiently after ground
impact. Additionally, the data acquisition and
recorder system should contain a flexible sensor
interface to accommodate the different gain,
offset, and filtering requirements of
accelerometers and other sensors if desired. Such
a system could be used to characterize missile and
submunition shock and pyrotechnic shock
environments during flight tests and be stored in
a database for reference in future design and
redesign activities. Such data would eliminate the
trial and error associated with designing to an
assumed pyrotechnic shock load and thus decrease
the cost associated with those activities.
Additionally, such a device could be used in a
variety of applications requiring autonomous
acquisition and storage of sensor data in high-g,
short duration events. The MDARM will provide
technology immediately applicable to programs
requiring non-volatile data acquisition and
recording of event data. SPEC will continue to
exploit the automotive market place for use of
such devices in automotive crash safety testing,
crash adaptive air bag deployment, and monitoring
of critical bio dynamic parameters during
automotive testing and racing. Additionally, this
technology could be used to monitor athletes
during sporting events and office workers during
their normal activities to decrease injuries and
fatigue.
|
LUNA INNOVATIONS, INC.
2851 Commerce Street
Blacksburg, VA 24060 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(540) 953-4270
Dr. Daniela Marciu Topasna
ARMY 00-155 |
| Title: | RF Transparent, Tailored Reflectivity Coatings |
| Abstract: | This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I
project will develop novel RF transparent but
Visible- and IR-reflective coatings for large
aperture windows. This will be accomplished by
incorporating specific nanoparticles in thin films
that can be deposited on any type of window
substrate, including transparent plastic sheets
such as polystyrene. The ionically self-assembled
monolayer (ISAM) technique of fabricating these
films allows for precise molecular level control
over the assembly of a thin film with exceptional
homogeneity and ease of processing. ISAM nonlinear
optical films offer additional major advantages of
low scattering loss, high thermal and chemical
stability, simplicity and low-cost. Luna
Innovations and its university collaborators have
shown that revolutionary ISAM methods of creating
multifunctional thin-films monolayer by monolayer
can be used to yield a wide variety of
self-assembled, electronically and
photonically-active polymeric thin films,
including light emitting diodes, photovoltaic
devices, second order nonlinear optical films, to
mention a few of the applications for the ISAM
thin films. Besides the military applications of
the ISAM RF transparent IR/Vis Reflective
coatings, other fields, such as automotive
industry, will benefit from these results. The new
transparent sheets can reduce the heating in
buildings and automobiles due to infrared
absorption, thus reducing their cooling costs.
|
ELTRON RESEARCH, INC.
4600 Nautilus Court South
Boulder, CO 80301 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(303) 530-0263
Dr. James H. White
ARMY 00-156 |
| Title: | Catalysts for Low Temperature Decomposition of CINCH Fuels |
| Abstract: | This proposed Phase I addresses the development
and testing of catalysts for the low temperature
decomposition of competitive impulse
noncarcinogenic hypergolic (CINCH) fuels developed
by the Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM)
for use in a liquid-gas generator. The catalysts
will consist of solid solutions of metal oxides
supporting precious metals. The supports will be
prepared by coprecipitation techniques and the
metals applied by standard decomposition
techniques. It is anticipated that these catalysts
will readily decompose liquid CINCH fuels forming
expanded gases which will be delivered by a liquid
gas generator. Phase I will consist of the coarse
screening of 18 - 24 catalysts representing a
spectrum of compositions from a general
composition anticipated to possess a refractory
nature in addition to decomposition activity.
Identification of preferred variants will be
followed by their optimization. A gas generator
will designed for use with CINCH fuels and the
preferred catalyst(s). Use in high specific
impulse systems or long life thrusters is
anticipated. These catalysts are expected to
possess high activity not only for these
reactions, but also for catalytic combustion.
Catalysts to result from completion of this
program will find application for decomposition of
liquid fuels as well as for ignition of
monopropellant mixtures in rockets. Other
potential applications include ammonia cracking
and the catalytic combustion of effluents
originating from incinerators and combustion
sources. Use of the catalysts for combustion of
propellants in gas turbines and other power
generators is another promising application.
These materials will also be of potential utility
for the removal of VOCs and nitrogen oxides from
gaseous effluent streams. The materials would be
of interest to the military as well as aerospace
and waste disposal industries.
|
MACH I, INC.
340 East Church Road
King of Prussia, PA 19406 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(610) 279-2340
Dr. John Leonard
ARMY 00-156 |
| Title: | Low Temperature Nanoscale Catalyst for Reduced Toxicity Monopropellant |
| Abstract: | Toxic hydrazines with iridium catalysts are
currently used in monpropellant and
gas generator applications. NASA estimated
handling carcenogenic hydrazines adds
$500,000 cost to each space shuttle mission. The
Aviation and Missile Command
developed CINCH (Competitive Impulse
Non-Carcinogenic Hypergol) fuel as a reduced
toxicity alternative. Unfortunately, the iridium
catalyst requires high (300-400
degree F) temperatures. There is a need for a
new catalyst that decomposes CINCH
fuel at temperatures as low as - 40 degrees F and
a gas generator using this catalyst
and fuel.
MACH I is proposing a program to develop this
catalyst and generator. In Phase I,
the catalytic activity of other materials will be
compared to iridium. We have
already shown palladium to be more active. The
most promising materials would then
be synthesized using MACH I's nanoscale synthesis
technologies. As the size of the
active particle is reduced, activity will
increase. Supports would be evaluated to
enhance the activity of these nano catalytic
materials. A prototype generator design
would be developed. In a Phase I Option, the
decomposition products would be
identified, catalyst and generator design would be
optimized. In Phase II, the
catalyst would be commercially produced and
several generator devices built and
evaluated to AMCOM's specifications.
There are obvious cost and environmental benefits
to the military and aerospace
industries from using the CINCH fuel and the
proposed catalysts and gas generators
to replace carcinogenic hydrazine and methyl
hydrazine systems. Palladium and other
noble metal catalysts are used in many
applications in the chemical industry both to
synthesize chemicals and remove impurities. The
more active nanoscale materials
developed in this program could offer cost and
performance benefits to these
applications.
|
METSS CORP.
720-G Lakeview Plaza Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43085 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(614) 842-6600
Dr. Richard S. Sapienza
ARMY 00-156 |
| Title: | Low Temperature Catalyst for Reduced Toxicity Monopropellant |
| Abstract: | The Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) has
developed a series of low toxicity, tertiary amine
azides - called CINCH (Competitive Impulse
Non-Carcinogenic Hypergol) fuel - that are
suitable replacements for hydrazines as hypergolic
fuels and liquid gas generator fuels. The
catalyst used for the state-of-the-art
monopropellant hydrazine facilitates hydrazine
decomposition at -40§F. This same catalyst
requires excessively high temperatures (300-400§F)
to decompose the CINCH fuel, resulting in
unnecessary operational costs. It would be
desirable to have a catalyst that is specific to
the CINCH fuel that would cause it to decompose at
-40§F. METSS proposes to conduct a catalytic
material study based upon the properties of the
amine azides and demonstrate that effective
catalysts can be synthesized that will decompose
CINCH at -40§F. Specifically, the work performed
under the proposed program will emphasize the
inorganic salt nature of amine azides and recent
developments in nitrogen fixation chemistry to
accomplish this task. Based on our expertise in
this area, METSS believes that the proposed
efforts will result in a high activity, low cost
catalyst that will decompose the CINCH fuel in a
manner consistent with the current
hydrazine-catalyst system. This project will
demonstrate a complete and cost effective
replacement technology. With the appropriate
catalyst, the CINCH fuel could be used
domestically in satellites for thrust vector
control and in reaction control systems to replace
hydrazine thrusters. This chemistry could also
lead to the development of an azide-sensitive
coatings which could be used for fiber optics or
other sensors for in military and commercial
applications (e.g., automotive air-bags).
Commercially available processing equipment and
the existing commercial market make the transition
of this methodology into the commercial
environment technically and financially feasible.
|
TDA RESEARCH, INC.
12345 W. 52nd Ave.
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(303) 940-2325
Dr. Steven Gebhard
ARMY 00-156 |
| Title: | Low Temperature Catalyst for Reduced Toxicity Monopropellant |
| Abstract: | Tactical missiles that use gel propellant systems
require a chemical gas generator for
pressurization. While hydrazine is a proven
monopropellant for gas generation, it is
poisonous, a cancer suspect agent, and has a high
vapor pressure. As a result, full body protection
and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) are
required during hydrazine loading procedures,
non-essential personnel must leave the area, and
hazardous material spill control teams have to be
readily available. The result is increased hazard
expense and difficulty associated with the
extensive safety procedures. New
reduced-toxicity, non carcinogenic monopropellants
are being developed by the Army for use in gas
generators for tactical missile applications.
Unfortunately, these new monopropellants will not
ignite at the same low temperatures as hydrazine
over existing catalysts. TDA Research Inc. (TDA),
proposes to develop a catalyst that can ignite the
new monopropellant at -40øF. We will us our
computer controlled, high-throughput, catalyst
test apparatus to screen more than 100 promising
low temperature catalytic formulations. A
preliminary design of a gas generator that uses
the new monopropellant and our catalyst will be
designed by our commercialization partner. TDA's
catalysts will enable the use of the new,
reduced-toxicity, non-hydrazine monopropellants
for both gas generation and for monopropellant
thrusters. Gas generation is used with missiles,
spacecraft, and aircraft for pressurization and
auxiliary power. Monopropellant thrusters are used
on telecommunications and military satellites. In
the case of thrusters, it has been estimated that
every 1% increase in thruster efficiency made
possible by the new generation of monopropellants
increases total revenue by $1,000,000 per year per
satellite (700+ satellites will be launched over
the next decade). For gas generation, the ability
to reduce the exposure of personnel to hydrazine
provides a strong incentive to incorporate our
catalytic technology.
|
ULTRAMET
12173 Montague Street
Pacoima, CA 91331 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(818) 899-0236
Dr. Arthur J. Fortini
ARMY 00-156 |
| Title: | Advanced Monopropellant Catalysts |
| Abstract: | The use of reduced-toxicity monopropellants such
as dimethylaminoethyl azide (CINCH) or those based
on energetic liquid salts such as hydroxylammonium
nitrate (HAN) promises a number of improvements
over conventional hydrazine propellant. Chief
among these is improved safety, which will
significantly decrease overall use costs.
However, both types of reduced-toxicity
monopropellants are difficult to ignite. While
this is an asset with respect to safety, it is a
liability with respect to design. In this
project, Ultramet will use its extensive
experience with catalysts, catalyst supports, and
catalytic ignition to develop a low temperature,
long-life catalyst for the decomposition of CINCH
fuel. This novel catalytic ignition system will
be based on the advanced monolithic catalyst
(AMCAT) beds previously developed by Ultramet for
HAN-, hydrazine-, oxygen/ethanol, and
oxygen/hydrogen-fueled rocket engines. The
proposed technology will make the use of advanced,
environmentally friendly monopropellants a
reality. This will not only eliminate the use of
toxic propellants such as hydrazine in spacecraft,
but it will also allow for the use of
reduced-toxicity propellants in gas generators on
military aircraft and fuel pressurization systems
for tactical missiles.
|
AEGIS TECHOLOGIES GROUP, INC.
6703 Odyssey Drive, Suite 200
Huntsville, AL 35806 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(256) 922-0802
Dr. Michael C. Cornell
ARMY 00-157 |
| Title: | Laser Detection and Ranging (LADAR) Simulation Techniques for Multi-mode Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulations |
| Abstract: | The capability to optically project virtual LADAR
scenes would maximize the effectiveness of
Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) simulation in the
design, development, and testing of LADAR seekers.
The goal of this research is to develop a LADAR
scene projector to meet the demands of closed-loop
weapon testing in a Multi-mode HWIL simulation
environment. During the Phase I effort, a
preliminary design of the LADAR scene projector
will be produced, which can realistically simulate
the optical return signals of a LADAR seeker and
whose operation is compatible with a flight motion
simulator. Presented in this document is the
technical approach that will be undertaken. This
discussion includes the various tasks to be
conducted along with the technologies to be
considered to meet the stated goal. The results
of the Phase I research will lead directly to the
development of a LADAR scene projection system
during the Phase II. The conceptual design
resulting from this effort will be the basis for
the development of a LADAR Scene Projector, which
would enhance the use of Hardware-in-the-Loop
simulation in the design, development, and testing
of LADAR seekers
|
COHERENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
655 Aspen Ridge Drive
Lafayette, CO 80026 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(303) 604-2000
Dr. Charles Garvin
ARMY 00-157 |
| Title: | Laser Detection and Ranging (LADAR) Simulation Techniques for Multi-mode Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulations |
| Abstract: | Passive systems such as forward looking infrared
imagers, infrared search & track arrays, missile
seekers and missile warning systems require
calibration and testing at every level in their
fabrication as well as at the depot and the flight
line. Hardware-in-the-loop simulators exist for
passive IR sensors and seekers, but no such
technology exists yet for the validation of active
coherent receivers. Common-aperture multi-mode
sensors and seekers using combinations of mmW &
ŸYW radar, passive IR, and LADAR/active IR and
data fusion require in-situ (possibly
simultaneous) testing and calibration of multiple
modes of sensing in specialized testing facilities
such as environmental rooms or anechoic chambers.
Simultaneous acquisition of numerous ladar
signatures (polarimetric reflectivity,
multi-spectral reflectivity, 1D & 3D shape echo,
and micro-Doppler signatures) enables their
combination to enhance the ability of an active
seeker to counteract the effects of camouflage,
concealment & deception and clutter that can
defeat the separate use of passive, RF and mm-wave
seekers. This Phase I Program will design and
development a hardware-in-the-loop scene projector
for active seeker characterization. The novel
coherent ladar scene projector design will be
compact, portable, and easy-to-use in the depot or
on the flight line. Potential applications include
manufacturing/production reliability testing and
performance validation for critical hardware and
software seeker components for advanced missile
systems and multi-mode weapons systems. In
addition, the scene generators developed under
this program could be used in simulators for
autonomous navigation devices. Other applications
of the technology includes test-beds for
automobile and aircraft collision-avoidance
systems.
|
DE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
3620 Horizon Drive
King of Prussia, PA 19406 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(610) 270-9700
Mr. Richard Foedinger
ARMY 00-159 |
| Title: | Composite Aeroshells with Integral Heat Shield Designs |
| Abstract: | The Phase I Small Business Innovation Research
(SBIR) program proposed herein
by DE Technologies, Inc. (DET) will identify and
evaluate candidate material
systems and manufacturing approaches for integral
heatshield/airframe designs.
Material and process trade studies will be
performed to identify the most
economical and technically feasible materials,
geometries and process parameters.
An integrated design for manufacturing methodology
will be employed to develop an
integral winding/braiding fabrication method.
Parametric thermo-mechanical analyses
will be conducted to evaluate candidate material
systems and fiber reinforcement
architectures. Fabrication of prototype
heatshield/airframe components and
thermostructural characterization testing will be
performed as part of the Phase
II development program. In addition to the primary
application for tactical missile structures, the
proposed
manufacturing technology would also have
application to future high acceleration
launch vehicles and high-speed civil transport
vehicles. The low-cost performing
and co-curing processes to be developed would also
lead to lightweight, integrated
structures for numerous applications including
automotive structures, civil
infrastructure, biomedical products and sporting
goods, for example.
|
VALIGEN, US, INC.
300 Pheasant Run
Newtown, PA 18940 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(215) 504-4444
Dr. Bryan A. Roecklein
ARMY 00-160 |
| Title: | Novel Gene Repair Technology to Generate Serum Carboxylesterase Deficient Mice |
| Abstract: | We propose to use a novel gene repair technology
(chimeraplasty) to generate serum carboxylesterase
(CaE) deficient mice. Serum CaE acts as an
endogenous anti-organophosphate (OPs) bioscavenger
that provides mice with inherent protection
against OPs. Unlike mice, humans and non-human
primates lack serum CaE and are much more
susceptible to OP toxicity. The inherent
resistance of rodents limits their use as a model
system for development of prophylactics that
detoxify organophosphate based agents. A
transgenic mouse that lacks serum CaE would
provide an inexpensive alternative to non-human
primates. Creation of serum CaE deficient mice is
proposed by treating embryonic stem cells with
chimeric RNA/DNA oligonucleotides (Chimeraplasts)
directed at disrupting the Es-1 gene that encodes
CaE in mice. RNA/DNA oligonucleotides have been
used (Chimeraplasty) both in vitro and in vivo to
correct, mutate, and disrupt genes in systems as
diverse as bacterial cells and rodents.
Chimeraplasty uses endogenous DNA repair
mechanisms and does not introduce foreign DNA or
potentially deleterious reporter genes. Once the
animals are established they will function as
models for the testing of antidotes and
establishing the in vivo safety and efficacy of a
number of bioscavenger molecules and to develop
prophylactics to eliminate OP toxicity. The
availability of a small rodent model will increase
the rate of development of antidotes designed to
eliminate the toxicity of organophosphate nerve
agent exposure. This model will provide a high
throughput system for establishing the safety and
efficacy of a number of different prophylactics.
At the present time only expensive primates serve
as a reasonable animal model for human toxicity
and development of prophylactics against OP based
nerve agents. This inexpensive rodent model will
dramatically decrease the costs associated with
this much needed development. This model will also
be of commercial interest to the pesticide
business community to help identify means for
detoxification of organophosphorus based pesticide
exposure. Of the 25,000 brands of pesticides
available in the U.S., most are either
organophosphate or carbamate compounds. These
compounds are responsible for 80% of the pesticide
poisoning in the U.S. The pesticide industry is a
$30 billion dollar industry that has been stagnant
due to several issues, which include the
contemporary awareness to environmental issues.
This model system will help to develop less toxic
compounds, which will spurn market growth,
especially appealing to the residential consumer.
|
MISSION MEDICAL, INC.
5670 Stewart Avenue
Fremont, CA 94538 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(510) 623-3777
Dr. Thomas C. Robinson
ARMY 00-161 |
| Title: | Dry System for Thawing Frozen Blood |
| Abstract: | The long-term objectives of this research are to
substantially improve the military frozen blood
system with a number of specific devices and
advances. A Dry Heat system is developed to
permit very rapid thawing (under 10 minutes)
instead of the 40 to 60 minutes now necessary
using an inconvenient, large water bath. This
heating system is also used to warm IV fluids in
surgery. Rapid thawing is crucial to meeting the
military needs for thawed deglycerolized blood in
emergencies. A new blood bag with its protective
shipping container is developed that will have
less than 3% breakage, compared to current 20% to
50% breakage in military use.
The current deglycerolization process is modified
to decrease the duration of the process (to under
20 minutes) and to reduce processing fluid
quantities.
The proposed research will evaluate the
feasibility of these various approaches by
fabricating and testing hardware and disposables
and modifying current red cell washing processes.
Military frozen blood users and blood experts will
aid in this evaluation.
These improvements to the military frozen blood
system will decrease substantially (at least a
factor of 2) the time needed to make red cells
available in emergencies. It also reduces blood
wastage, increases ease of use, increases user
productivity, decreases costs, and improves
logistics, making frozen blood far more practical
for military and commercial uses.
|
IOWA THIN FILM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
2337 230th St
Boone, IA 50036 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(515) 292-7606
Dr. Frank Jeffrey
ARMY 00-162 |
| Title: | Flexible Photovoltaics for Fabric Structures |
| Abstract: | Demand for electrical power in portable and
temporary installations continues to increase,
which adds significant logistical burden in terms
of weight, maintenance, and fuel demand. Power
demands include command & control operations,
medical operations, lighting, chemical/biological
filtering, and communications. Iowa Thin Film
Technologies (ITFT) manufactures a unique,
flexible, thin film photovoltaic material on
plastic which could be incorporated into the skins
of military tentage to significantly reduce this
logistical burden. ITFT's technology is a
monolithically integrated module on plastic film
manufactured using a roll-to-roll process. These
factors combine to give extreme flexibility, light
weight, and durability while maintaining a low
manufacturing cost. This proposal addresses the
R&D work needed to develop the technology for
integrating the photovoltaic into tent skins
without seriously compromising current tentage
characteristics. In this phase we propose to
identify candidate materials and process steps for
incorporating our flexible thin film PV modules
into tent panels and to demonstrate feasibility
by fabricating samples of the top candidates and
evaluating these samples for their mechanical
properties and processing scalability. This
project is expected to result in production of
tentage with integrated photovoltaics to supply
power for lighting and operations. This
technology for incorporating photovoltaics with
fabrics could be extended into garments, packs, or
lightweight, compact fold-up arrays for powering
communications or other personnel carried
electronics. Extension of this technology to
non-military applications include emergency
shelters for disaster relief and portable power
for cellular phones and laptop computers.
|
FOSTER-MILLER, INC.
350 Second Ave.
Waltham, MA 02451 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(781) 684-4368
Dr. Peter Warren
ARMY 00-163 |
| Title: | Self-Deploying Tentage Utilizing Integral Folding Hinge |
| Abstract: | The U.S. Army has multiple needs for mobile
structures for temporary deployment of forces.
This need has become more critical as regional
conflicts are now of primary concern to rapid Army
deployment. Personnel must often be housed, in
substantial numbers, in adverse areas, for long
periods covering both conflicts and extended
policing actions. Further, the risk of exposure to
chemical and biological agents in these types of
conflicts is greatly increased.
Foster-Miller proposes to develop a low cost,
lightweight, self deploying tent frame structure
using its integral folding hinge (IFH) technology.
The frame will be constructed from pultruded
fiberglass tubulars with locally formed hinges to
enable packaging and deployment actuation. The
initial development is proposed to replace the
TEMPER tent frame, thus providing a very near-term
opportunity for integration. The technology is
ideally suited to meet multiple configurations and
the higher loading requirements of Chemical
Biological (CB) protection fabrics and systems.
Within the Phase I base program, this design will
be finalized, materials and configurations tested
and a full-scale kinematic model built. This
hardware-based program and the substantial
leveraging of ongoing Foster-Miller work, will
enable fabrication and testing of a complete
deployable tent system in Phase II. (P-00891)
The Foster-Miller deployable frame technology
will immediately provide a rapidly erectable
TEMPER tent system. This framing system can be
easily adapted to a wide array of shelter
configurations. Beyond shelters, Foster-Miller is
pursuing multiple business opportunities ranging
from deployable spacecraft structures to
commercial staging and fencing products.
|
VIRGINIA MILLIMETER WAVE, INC.
14225 Sullyfield Circle, Suite
Chantilly, VA 20151 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(703) 961-9570
Dr. Philip J. Koh
ARMY 00-164 |
| Title: | 95GHz MMIC Amplifier |
| Abstract: | The overall goal of this work is to develop a
product line of inexpensive, highly
integrated mm-wave amplifiers extending well into
W-band and beyond. These will
deliver output power considerably higher than what
is currently available. A
PHEMT MMIC based approach will be pursued.
broadband wireless communications, commercial
radar systems
|
CHARLES RIVER ANALYTICS, INC.
725 Concord Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(617) 491-3474
Dr. Subrata K. Das
ARMY 00-165 |
| Title: | Warehouse Infrastructure for Simulating the Environment (WISE) |
| Abstract: | The Army's current and future needs in complex
modeling and simulation (M&S) efforts require
increasing access to critical environmental
information stored in a disparate and distributed
set of databases across organizations. These
distributed data sources are problematic in terms
of flexible access, visualization, and
customization of the data required for
high-fidelity interoperable simulation systems. To
address these issues, we propose to design and
demonstrate feasibility of a Warehouse
Infrastructure for Simulating the Environment
(WISE), which creates and manages an integrated
repository from heterogeneous environmental data
sources. The motivation behind the proposed
warehouse is to provide simulation engineers a
uniform logical abstraction or model of the
universally available data, leveraging on the
Synthetic Environment Data Representation and
Interchange Specification (SEDRIS) for
object-oriented data modeling and interchange. M&S
developers will be able to create their own views
of the heterogeneous and distributed data and be
relieved from the tedious manual search and data
extraction process of currently existing database
systems. We believe that our proposed warehouse
infrastructure WISE will provide an extensive,
efficient, and relevant environmental data support
functions that will facilitate efficient M&S
development, and thereby contribute to the rapid
generation of synthetic battlespaces for future
training and mission rehearsal needs. As much as
90% of the world's data is currently residing
outside relational database systems. It is also
estimated that 80% of corporate legacy data is
held on old hierarchical or network types of DBMS.
Thus the need for an appropriate data warehouse
technology is vital to integrate these data
sources into the emerging object-oriented
standard. The Meta Group, a technology consulting
firm in Westport, Connecticut, recently found that
95% of 250 information technology professionals it
surveyed said that their organizations have
created or plan to create a data warehouse. Our
proposed architecture will serve such a huge
object-oriented data warehouse market.
|
ACUSOFT, INC.
12249 Science Dr.
Orlando, FL 32826 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(407) 658-9888
Mr. Jesse Liu
ARMY 00-166 |
| Title: | Advanced Technology for Real-Time Image Generation |
| Abstract: | In this SBIR, AcuSoft will research and develop
advanced, real-time PC Image Generation
technology, as well as develop tools and integrate
the required capabilities using PC image
generators. The resultant products will provide
to the DOD M&S community the advanced real-time
image generation technology that will enable the
use of lower-cost PC graphics in military virtual
simulation. In our PHASE I efforts, we will
research and document feasible technical solutions
for those challenges that we think are paramount
to the military R&D community, and will perform a
proof-of -principle demonstration. The prototype
PC-based image generation system will incorporate
AcuSoft-developed PC Image Generation software and
will result in a cost effective, multiple channel,
PC-based image generation system. In addition,
AcuSoft will identify the most feasible
development approaches for the Phase II effort.
The DoD M&S community will benefit from advanced
real-time image generation technology that enable
the use of lower cost PC graphics as the real time
image generation for military virtual simulation.
The application of this technology can include any
Government or commercial applications that
requires real-time image generator.
|
COMPUTER GRAPHICS SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT
2483 Old Middlefield Way #140
Mountain View, CA 94043 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(650) 903-4922
Mr. Roy Latham
ARMY 00-166 |
| Title: | Advanced Technology for Real-Time Image Generation |
| Abstract: | Currently, real-time visual simulation on low cost
personal computer platforms is limited by
commercially available hardware and software that
omits key features needed for simulation. Adding
just a few features can greatly increase costs by
requiring a substantially more expensive platform.
The proposed research critically examines the
current deficiencies and proposes solutions for
the PC platform that can be added incrementally.
In Phase I, innovative solutions to load
management and synchronization problems are to be
demonstrated, and a survey and analysis of other
PC simulation problems is to be conducted. A
preliminary analysis reveals a number of areas,
including mission functions, scene management, and
sensor simulation, where modular solutions can be
developed for the PC platform. The goal is to
lower the cost of high quality simulation by
curing a variety of shortcomings in present
technology. This will
permit more simulation to be performed on low cost
platforms, and with high fidelity than presently
possible. Aside from military
training, there is a rapidly growing market for PC
simulation for commercial driver training,
industrial training, and interactive
entertainment systems. The developed technology
will be commercialized for the general markets.
|
DIAMOND VISIONICS LLC
400 Plaza Drive, Suite-A
Vestal, NY 13851 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(607) 729-8526
Mr. Graham Upton
ARMY 00-166 |
| Title: | Advanced Technology for Real-Time Image Generation |
| Abstract: | During the last several years advances in PC and
Graphics computational power has been nothing
short of phenomenal. Diamond Visionics LLC has
been developing software and hardware products to
take advantage of the technology advances.
In this Phase I proposal DVC has described
features and tools that are essential for military
visual simulation that can be leveraged from the
entertainment industry. The study proposal
includes a thorough market survey that will make
recommendations based on current and future needs
and emerging technology. Features proposed include
rigorous scene management to ensure deterministic
image update rates, screen fill optimization in
dynamic synthetic environments and a video
processor that provides essential video control
techniques.
The Phase I option will provide an advanced
technology demonstration incorporating all the
features and approaches described in this
proposal. This proof of principal demonstration
will provide multi-channel real-time simulation
illustrating these features and emulation of
hardware video control techniques.
For Phase II DVC will implement and integrate the
approaches from Phase I with the objective of
providing a well proven product with capabilities
for a complex military simulation application in
the military training arena.
The primary benefit will be a lower cost per
channel image generation product with features not
currently available in today's "off the shelf"
market. Each of the features proposed will enhance
the PC-Based Image Generator both for military and
commercial applications. The commercial
applications include airline training visual
systems and heavy equipment training that
previously required "high end" visual computers
and large maintenance contracts.
|
OPNET TECHNOLOGIES
3400 International Drive NW
Washington, DC 20008 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(202) 364-4700
Ms. Annukka Piironen
ARMY 00-167 |
| Title: | Analysis and Design Tools for Live Instrumentation Infrastructures and Processes |
| Abstract: | The objective of this proposal focuses on the
development of an integrated, high speed data
network model to simulate targeted Army locations,
such as the Aberdeen Test Center or White Sands
Missile Range. The project will utilize the
standard commercial modeling and simulation
technology, OPNET Modeler, which is compliant with
Government architecture requirements and Open
System Interconnection (OSI) standards including
Synchronous Optical Network (SONET), and
Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM). OPNET's
proposed solution includes the development of a
network model scenario to assess bandwidth
utilization, bottlenecks in the current
environment and the impact of deploying network
technologies by a simulation expert. Ultimately,
project results will support simulation based
acquisition of future range systems. OPNET is used
extensively in military, academic and commercial
sectors. In addition to our free academic license
program and widespread commercial use, military
users include both the Joint Staff (J6) and US
Army. Enhancements to the model library benefit
the entire user community. Beyond Phase I, model
development focused on the Aberdeen Test Center or
White Sands Missile Range will provide extensive
enhancements to the available Model Library.
|
MITECH, INC.
8484 Georgia Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20910 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(970) 282-8642
Dr. Klaus Schug
ARMY 00-169 |
| Title: | Next Generation Distributed Simulation Technology -- Capability to Scale Up Networking of Simulations |
| Abstract: | The objective of this proposal is to develop and
provide a proof of principal demonstration of a
distributed simulation technology capable of
supporting a real-time 100,000 entity simulation
between constructive (e.g., wargaming) or virtual
(e.g., man-in-the-loop) and live operational
systems in the field. MiTech Inc. proposes to
apply our Interoperable Network Communications
Architecture (INCAPatPend), to the HLA RTI to
improve the internal machine simulation
application level throughput of network
communicated data of simulator host computers by a
minimum of 250%. Test results of a software
implementation of INCA on actual systems and
networks show almost two orders of magnitude
increase in application level throughput of
network data without sacrificing the significant
investment in present and near term technologies.
MiTech believes that the application of the tested
and implemented INCA architecture and software
library to existing DIS, HLA/RTI, etc.,
simulators, is the new approach that will support
increased amounts of network traffic and reduce
real time response times to enable brigade and
above size simulation exercises. The resulting
RTI software product should be interoperable with
all existing programs, computers and networks,
require virtually no changes to existing systems
and be installed in minutes to hours. The
anticipated result of a high performance,
interoperable, portable software only distributed
simulation interface product will be very
attractive to current and future MiTech customers,
particularly to DoD and FAA program offices. The
approach of applying the INCA architecture to
network communications for all types of network
communications and distributed systems could lead
to numerous products and commercial endeavors. If
added to applications as opposed to host
computers, the architecture can be used to offer
high performance versions of existing and future
network communicating applications such as
Internet World Wide Web (WWW) browsers. If added
to existing and future computer systems via
linking to or integration with existing and future
Operating Systems, all applications on these
systems would see a tremendous performance
improvement. Server class machines, network
routers and network gateways could all make use of
the technology for performance improvements. As a
result, not only the multi-billion dollar
simulation industry but also almost every other
telecommunications and information management
system and application is a potential market for
commercialization of the product.
|
SYSTRAN FEDERAL CORP.
4027 Colonel Glenn Highway
Dayton, OH 45431 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(937) 429-9008
Dr. V. ("Nagu") Nagarajan
ARMY 00-169 |
| Title: | Novel Architecture for Next Generation DIS Technology |
| Abstract: | Systran Federal Corp. (SFC), the spun-off
sister-company of Systran Corporation, which is a
Products Development Company specializing in
real-time networking (i.e., SCRAMNetƒ), proposes a
novel architecture for Next Generation Distributed
Simulation Technology. This innovation is based on
providing "Native Stream ATM Communication" to
High Level Architecture (HLA) Run Time
Infrastructure (RTI) objects. Such native ATM
(Asynchronous Transfer Mode) protocol
communication capability to HLA/RTI objects will
be easily provided since SFC has developed
"state-of-the-art" ATM network interface cards and
the required driver software (i.e., SFC has the
source code) on an Army funded SBIR (Contract DAA
B07-98-C-B305), which is scheduled to be completed
by the end of September 2000. This innovation is
also based on the "novel" idea of connecting
HLA/RTI objects with multiple networks
simultaneously so that communicating objects can
pick and choose the most suitable network for the
data to be communicated. Parallel simultaneous
multiple network connectivity between HLA/RTI
objects will be provided to ATM networks through
"Native ATM" protocol, to shared-memory network
SCRAMNet, and to IP networks through SFC-developed
"high-performance" CORBA middleware (ORB_IT).
"Native ATM protocol" connectivity will be
provided either directly between HLA/RTI objects
at the application level, or through ORB_IT with
ability to manage QoS. The proposed novel
architecture would permit HLA/RTI objects to
interact and exchange information with minimal
latency using multiple networks simultaneously.
The objects would be able to exchange voice and
video iso-chronously and in real-time. The objects
would be able to select the most appropriate
network to exchange data and meet QoS criteria,
such as, latency, bandwidth utilization, etc.
|
REALTIME TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
100 N. Crooks Rd.
Clawson, MI 48017 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(248) 705-0705
Dr. Richard Romano
ARMY 00-170 |
| Title: | User Interaction Tools Supporting Collaborative Applications in Immersive Virtual Environments |
| Abstract: | The objective of this proposal is to demonstrate
the feasibility of a hierarchical component based
motion driving simulator inside of TACOM's CAVE
environment. Realtime Technologies, Inc.
real-time vehicle dynamics software will be
integrated with a small commercial motion base and
TACOM's CAVE visual display system and audio
components to create a complete driving simulator.
Introducing a motion base into a CAVE environment
presents several technical challenges which has
not been addressed previously. These include 1)
head tracking with the motion base operational 2)
latency issues in the visual display due to high
rate head motion generated by the motion base 3)
motion washout issues with a fixed screen display.
The use of Realtime Technologies SimCreator
product for development and integration will speed
the integration process and maximize real-time
performance. Easy to develop, accurate, real-time,
simulation systems can increase the world-wide
competitiveness of US automotive and aerospace
companies. CAVE style visualization environments
are used extensively for vehicle design.
Extending these systems to support full vehicle
simulation with motion will enhance their
effectiveness.
The integrated vehicle simulator can be marketed
for both military and commercial research
customers. Since the simulator can be rapidly
reconfigured using SimCreator to address a variety
of research questions the potential market is very
broad. In addition the individual cueing systems
such as the control loading and motion systems can
be marketed for use is a wide range of commercial
simulators. The motion base's small size lends
itself to use with systems such as the CAVE.
|
SYTRONICS, INC.
4433 Dayton-Xenia Road
Dayton, OH 45432 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(937) 431-6128
Mr. Timothy Barry
ARMY 00-170 |
| Title: | User Interaction Tools Supporting Collaborative Applications in Immersive Virtual Environments |
| Abstract: | SYTRONICS proposes an innovative dual-mode speech
recognition technique, combining both
command/control and dictation modes for easy
navigation of menus and environments, enabling
natural interactions, and capturing auxiliary data
in the collaborative session within the CAVE
Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE) virtual
environment. The Phase I work will show the
feasibility of using two speech recognition
engines together on one PC and seamlessly
switching between command/control and dictation
modes, and show the feasibility of processing
speech on a separate PC platform linked to the
UNIX-based CAVE systems. The experimental
Dual-mode, Advanced Speech Harness (DASH) system
will be installed in the CAVE in Phase I, making
it immediately available for experimental speech
work. The Phase I Objectives will be to define
the operational, performance, integration, and
testing requirements for DASH; prepare a
preliminary design to define the experimental
prototype configuration and to prepare for Phase
II; develop, test, and evaluate an experimental
prototype; and assess commercialization potential,
defining markets, and obtaining customers and
commercialization partners. The Phase I results
will be the requirements, the preliminary design
and specifications for Phase II, the DASH
demonstrable prototype installed in the CAVE, and
a quantified feasibility assessment based on
experimental results and analyses. DASH speech
control can replace conventional systems or be
used as a supplement to standard manual input
devices in myriad Government and commercial
applications. The combined potential of
conventional and evolving speech controls can be
exploited to provide a variety of new channels for
controlling electronic devices. DASH can support
users in space operations, field medicine
(military and civilian paramedic), biological and
chemical hazards, quality/control inspection,
aircraft or automobile maintenance, rehabilitative
engineering, and numerous other fields.
|
ADIABATICS, INC.
3385 Commerce Drive
Columbus, IN 47201 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(812) 372-5052
Mr. Lloyd Kamo
ARMY 00-171 |
| Title: | Advanced Military Diesel Engine, High Temperature Tribology |
| Abstract: | Adiabatics, Inc. has been involved in the field of
ceramic composite coatings and high temperature
uncooled Low Heat Rejection (LHR) diesel engine
development for the past 15 years. Recent
developments in previous high temperature
tribology study has shed new light on the
possiblity of coming up with a viable solution for
the high temperature tribology puzzle.
Adiabatics' proposes a 3 "pronge" systematic
solution to this problem. In the Phase I effort,
we propose to test and optimize new technology
Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) films. The first of
these DLCs is a low temperature chemical vapor
deposition (CVD) process that allows a very hard
uniform DLC layer in comparison to preliminary ion
beam assisted DLCs we have previously tested.
Though our tests are preliminary, we believe this
coating is far superior to the DLCs tested by
previous reseach and development facilities. In
addition, we seek to procure, test and optimize a
pulse laser vacuum deposition DLC that again has
superior properties to the traditional ion beam
assisted DLC. The technology is avialable from
the former Soviet Union and both technologies
would be a major advancement in applying high
temperature capable tribology surfaces to piston
ring.
From our experience in high temperature
tribology and preliminary tests running against an
Iron Titanate (Fe2TiO5) cylinder liner coating
developed and optimized in a previous TARDEC
tribology program we feel the means of achieving
success of TARDEC specified targets is at hand.
Lubricant is also a primary constituent in the
success of meeting the high temperature goals set
forth in this proposal. We feel again we are
close to a solution using Hatco basestocks and new
"minimum additive package" technology to eliminate
deposit formation tendency of the lube oil.
Demonstration of the technology will be
performed in the Phase I Option with
multi-cylinder design and operating assessement
occurring prior to a hopeful Phase II effort.
Potential benefits and commercial applications
lie exclusively in improving engine performance
and durability. The specifed coating lubricant
package is the first cost effective combination
that would be available to the commercial public.
Beside improving engine performance, the extended
time between oil change could dramatically be
influenced. This would result in savings and a
more environmentally favorable solution.
|
SURFACES RESEARCH (SURFACES RESEARCH
8330 Melrose Drive
Lenexa, KS 66214 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(913) 541-1221
Paul Sutor, Ph.D.
ARMY 00-171 |
| Title: | Extreme-Temperature Multi-Use Engine Oils |
| Abstract: | The objective of this program is to develop an
extreme-temperature lubricant for the U.S. Army
Future Combat System (FCS) propulsion system. The
system will operate at significantly higher
temperatures for longer durations than today's
prototype low heat rejection (LHR) diesel engines.
The lubricant will be used as the engine oil,
cooling fluid, and transmission fluid.
Surfaces Research has recently developed new base
fluids and additives for multigrade lubricants
with three times better resistance to oxidative
degradation than the best current high-temperature
lubricants. Previously, only single-weight oils
had sufficient stability for LHR engines. The new
lubricants have five times better wear-prevention
than current best engine oils and transmission
fluids, with ultralow carbon deposits.
The proposed Phase I program will combine our
recent breakthroughs in high-stability multigrade
fluids and innovative diesel engine additive
packages. We will synthesize and formulate four
demonstration lubricants. We will demonstrate
large leaps forward in all aspects of lubricant
performance, using laboratory tests that predict
performance in LHR engines.
We propose to scale up the best lubricant and
begin an Army engine test in the Phase I Option
period. The engine test will be in a new FCS
diesel prototype: a 750 HP, inwardly-opposed
two-cycle engine. The improved high-temperature
lubricants for advanced diesel engines will
achieve large increases in fuel efficiency, power
density, and durability, with lower maintenance.
Commercial heavy-duty truck diesels, automobile
engines, and transmissions will benefit from these
advances as much as military vehicles.
|
ARCHITECTURE TECHNOLOGY CORP.
9971 Valley View Road
Eden Prairie, MN 55344 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(952) 829-5864
Dr. Todd K. Goehring
ARMY 00-172 |
| Title: | The Librarian/Integrator Function: The Missing Element of a Product Line Architecture Integrated Development Environment |
| Abstract: | Large, complex, software intensive weapons systems
designed to operate on tomorrow's digital
battlefields typically suffer from a lack of
theoretical and technical infrastructure at the
higher levels of abstraction. These systems are
partitioned into smaller physical components
aligned along organizational and/or functional
lines within a corporation or among several
corporations. The software in turn is distributed
among these organizational entities. Despite these
divisions, it is desirable that at the
architectural-level pervasive software standards
are enforced, and that specific inter-partition
communication software design patterns be defined
and followed.
We propose to develop a preliminary design and key
algorithmic components of an architectural-level
development environment. The final tool set would
integrate existing off-the-shelf products with an
innovative Librarian/Integrator function to create
a comprehensive development environment capable of
supporting a product line architecture development
approach.
To be able to meet stringent cost, schedule, and
performance goals, more and more large system
integrators are turning to product line
architectures. However, today's integrated
design environments are not well suited to
integrating designs from multiple vendors, such as
would be found in mixed COTS, GOTS, and new
development environments. The resulting product
of this effort is a tool set to support large,
software intensive, product line based development
environments such as those required to build
future ground system vehicles, e.g., Army's Future
Scout. The product is also relevant to other
large DoD and commercial development
organizations, which have established or are
considering product line architectures.
Representatives of a major developer of ground
systems vehicles have agreed with our assessment
that such tools are needed and are excited with
our approach.
|
DYNAMET TECHNOLOGY, INC.
Eight A Street
Burlington, MA 01803 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(781) 272-5967
Ms. Susan M. Abkowitz
ARMY 00-173 |
| Title: | Lightweight Durable Titanium Tank Tracks Using Low Cost Powder Metal Titanium Composite Technology |
| Abstract: | In this Phase 1 SBIR program, a lightweight
titanium track will be designed for combat
vehicles such as the Crusader. Dynamet Technology
with expertise in titanium materials and
manufacturing technology will team with the
Keweenaw Research Center at Michigan's
Technological University which has expertise in
tank track design, analysis and testing. New
particulate reinforced titanium metal matrix
composites, which offer enhanced wear-resistance
and modulus, will be evaluated and included in
track designs. ProEngineer models and weight
calculations for an improved shoe body and
components will be developed. Advanced powder
metal manufacturing technology will be employed to
reduce the cost for titanium components and permit
unique component designs for improved life cycle
costs. Thermal management of the system to
increase the life of the elastomeric track
components will also be addressed. Test samples
will be manufactured from candidate titanium alloy
and titanium MMC materials for ASTM G-65 wear
testing as a screening test. A down-selection
will be made and wear guide test specimens will be
manufactured by advanced powder metal technology
on the selected material for testing on a KRCs
center guide wear machine simulating tank track
wear conditions. The preliminary track concept
will be finalized and detailed component weight
calculations provided. A lightweight tank track
that incorporates titanium alloys and titanium
MMCs and near-net shape powder metal manufacturing
technology will provide benefits in tank
maneuverability, facilitation of deployment, and
reduction of operation and support (O&S) costs.
This track design is expected to find commercial
application in armored vehicles including the
Crusader. It is also anticipated that the
proposed wear-resistant titanium materials could
find near-term application as key replacement
components (e.g. center guides) in other armored
vehicles (using the proven T-158 track). This
technology for low-cost lightweight, wear
resistant titanium is anticipated to find
applications in both military and commercial
vehicles and as structural components.
Specific benefits include:
ú A titanium tank track design demonstrating the
feasibility of achieving a significant reduction
(target of 20%) in weight versus the conventional
steel track.
ú Demonstrated feasibility for particle
reinforced titanium matrix composites to meet wear
requirements for grouser, center guide, etc.
ú Demonstrated capability to produce titanium
alloys and particle reinforced titanium MMCs by
advanced powder metal manufacturing technology
(i.e. life cycle cost savings; minimizing the cost
impact of use of titanium.
|
ANALYTICAL ENGINEERING, INC.
2555 Technology Blvd.
Columbus, IN 47202 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(812) 376-6472
Mr. Louis A. Krempel
ARMY 00-174 |
| Title: | Lifetime Filtration for Military Vehicles |
| Abstract: | This program will eliminate all lubrication oil
and oil filter replacement in the HMMWV and FMTV
for the entire vehicle service life. This will be
accomplished by delivering to the US Army a
retrofit lubrication filter, immediately
compatible with existing hardware, which will
install and operate in the existing envelope,
provide superior full flow filtration to existing
filters, be factory fit or field retrofitable,
provide lifetime filtration and lifetime oil
without replacement or periodic maintenance, be
robust, provide a visual indicator on the housing
when pressure criteria have been exceeded, operate
in bypass mode if necessary during mission
critical needs, be cost effective and provide
excellent reliability. This goal will be
accomplished using breakthrough technology to
design and build a combination system
incorporating a full flow filtration section
working in conjunction with an ultracentrifugal
element to effectively remove all particulates.
Proprietary time-release pellets will maintain TBN
balance. Benefits include: 1) No periodic
maintenance, reducing breakage and costs, 2)
Lifetime of vehicle oil, eliminating replacement
oil costs, 3) No used oil or filter elements,
eliminating costly disposal, 4) Simplified supply
logistic for in-field operations. The proposed
filtration system is based on AEI patented
technology developed for Class 8 on-highway
trucks. Commercialization potential is high, as
this system would be instantly applicable for all
light and medium duty diesel engine in both
civilian and military sectors. The combination of
huge ecological benefits from eliminating used
filters and used oil, combined with payback on
investment cost within 18 months will assure rapid
market acceptance and commercialization.
|
APPLIED TECHNOLOGY ASSOC., INC.
411 NW 97th LANE
CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33071 |
Phone:
PI:
Topic#: |
(954) 346-9576
Dr. Robert Cavalleri
ARMY 00-175 |
| Title: | Suppression of Thermal Emission from Exhaust Components |
| Abstract: | Thermal signatures generated by hot components or
hot engine exhaust gases can be suppressed by
mixing cool ambient air with the hot component gas
stream. In the development of signature reduction
concepts, it is desirable to obtain a better
understanding of the physical flow processes,
hardware parameters and potential configurations
that can be use for optimization of the signature
suppression methodology and thus enhance the
suppression. This screening process will be
performed using one dimensional mixing equations,
ejector performance analysis and Computational
Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Suppression methods such as
film cooling, ambient air mixing and ejector
design can be very effectively evaluated with the
use of these design techniques. The CFD evaluation
will result in guidelines for the design,
fabrication and subsequent testing of the most
promising concept(s). The methods used are also
applicable to evaluating the performance of
fullscale hardware. A theoretical and design
effort is proposed, where one dimensional mixing
analysis, ejector analysis and CFD techniques will
be employed for evaluation of potential IR
suppression techniques. The proposed effort would
reduce IR suppression development costs,
development time and permit IR suppression
optimization. IR suppression devices have
application in reducing the hazard of burns due to
hot components that are encountered in every day
civilian equipment such as commercial aircraft
jet engines, automotive exhaust pipes, electric
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