Battery Substitute This Advanced Products and Services (APS) sponsored product is essentially the smallest internal combustion engine ever built (currently configured to run on butane) that has been configured into a direct drive system that powers a direct current generator. The working prototype is compact enough to fit inside and power a digital watch. The micro engine can run for two years on a cubic millimeter of butane. At first by calculation and now from physical test data at this scale it produces 700 times more energy than a conventional battery and is less than a centimeter long. By calculation, charging an ordinary battery to deliver one unit of energy involves putting 2,000 units into it. The little engine, producing energy locally and direct driving a micro generator, is far more efficient. The main technical barriers overcome have been in the discovery of critical volume and orifice size as well as thermal management of the combustion process. 

This material solution can be integrated into portable electronics to provide dc power to power the electronic components in place of batteries.  The micro engine direct drives a rotary shaft which in turn spins a rotor/stator assembly whose changing magnetic field generates an electric current.  The micro device can be fabricated in massive parallel processing with scalable array sizes that can power portable electronics.  The overall dc power requirements are also lowered due to the efficiencies of supplying dc power at the source.  The design intent for the battery substitute package is to power electronics the size of a cell phone for the projected life of the product (3 to 5 years without a refill) and the size of a laptop computer for 3 to 4 months without requiring a fuel refill.

The timeline for operational implementation to be a transitional/disruptive technology (i.e. phasing out batteries) in the commercial area is a projected six years. Prototypes for testing on small electronic items such as a cell phone to prove efficiencies and operational readiness are approximately one year out.  If properly funded, the effort to develop units powerful enough to drive laptop computers is about two years from introduction.

This has its own separate corporate entity and a professional management team in place to transition it to a standalone company or to be made into a subsidiary of a company such as  Enersys.  APS owns 75% of the technology with 25% under exclusive license with the University of Birmingham (UK).  They understand that while the device originated with them, APS will have to take it to commercial form.   The limited licensing fees owed to UB will be 2% for three years as compensation, reduced after that according to contribution to the art.  APS will use UB for some directed research.

Blast Protection:  As one part of unified counter IED strategy, this is an enhancement of Transformation Induced Plasticity TRIP steel via high energy density beam assisted forming in the transformation induced plasticity process.  This Dense Beam Assisted Forming (DBAF) process will transform the martensitic microstructure of the TRIP steel in a thermodynamically based continuum mechanics framework at large strains with a novel homogenizing process.  The transforming microstructure can be considered as a rank-one laminate composed of a martensite plate and an austenite layer. The total deformation gradient in the transforming region is assumed to be similar to the forces in place during standard mill forming operations. The evolution of martensitic volume fraction will be developed in order to refine and direct the constitutive behavior of the transformed region.  (There will be tradeoffs in forming versus hardness.)  Ultra high hardness after forming is also assured by the fine grain structure resulting from the instantaneous cooling that occurs once the high energy density beam is removed at the end of forming.  General Dynamics Land Systems considers this a viable technology and is interested in a way forward together.  A presentation touching on a directed joint venture is scheduled to take place within two weeks.

High hardness in TRIP steels in high strength low alloy varieties is normally induced during processing at the steel mill.  Transformation Induced Plasticity occurs during solid phase transformation and is triggered by an applied mechanical load (rolling into sheets or forming into bars), and which causes irreversible strains at stress levels that are below the current yield stress of the softer phase. Low alloyed multi-component TRIP steels present a unique combination of high ductility and strength, which comes from both TRIP and the synergy between the properties of the multicomponents.  In relation to other advanced high-strength steels, TRIP steels exhibit better ductility at a given strength level. This enhanced formability comes from the transformation of retained austenite (ductile, high temperature phase of iron) to martensite (tough, non-equilibrium phase) during plastic deformation. Due to this increased formability, TRIP steels can be used to produce more complicated parts than other high strength steels allowing structural and mechanical engineering more freedom in part design to optimize weight and structural performance in armored vehicles.  Nowhere are weight and protection issues mitigating blast effects more apparent than in the protection of fuel tanks.

Armored Conduit: Armored Conduit is a protective covering for vulnerable electrical, fuel, water, lubricant, air, and hydraulic/pneumatic lines that can be used for aircraft, vehicles, controls equipment, and buildings.  We have existing samples of ballistic/crush proof conduit on the shelf as well as a test piece for EMI resistance in that variety.  The base sample in hand has been configured to protect against corrosion of all types, ballistics and explosions, crushing, cutting and fire.  It retains excellent flexibility for routing and is easy to install and modify.  In contrast to other protective conduit and “armored” wire, Armored Conduit provides a total and adaptable solution.

In general, what is Armored Conduit and what can Armored Conduit do?

• Armored Conduit is a protective covering for vulnerable electrical, fuel, water, lubricant, air, and hydraulic/pneumatic lines that can be used for aircraft, vehicles, controls equipment, and buildings.  Armored Conduit can be configured to protect against electrical interference (usually referred to as Electromagnetic Interference or EMI) from every source, corrosion of all types, ballistics and explosions, crushing, cutting and fire.  It retains excellent flexibility for routing and is easy to install and modify.  In contrast to other protective conduit and “armored” wire, Armored Conduit provides a total and adaptable solution.
• Standard protective conduit is limited to one of two variants. The market provides either EMI shielding or crush protection. Wire ways and conduits with a single, configurable are not available on the market that provide a single package with cut and crush resistance, tunable EMI suppression and protection against Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) and High Power Microwave (HPM).   As threats to vulnerable infrastructure increase and data and signal integrity are more and more critical, we expect that demand for this innovation will turn it into a standard called out in every industry.
• Anyone with a recognized weakness in EMI susceptibility, chemical hazards, crush and abrasion risks, or in ballistic threats can benefit from the use of Armored Conduit Department of Defense and first responder organizations would also benefit from the added protection. They would also be aware of the exact technical specifications and performance requirements for the conduit in order to have a successful application.
• Armored Conduit can harden commercial and military aircraft from asymmetric warfare ballistic threats. This includes Man Transportable Anti-Aircraft weapons (MANPADS) as well as more easily acquired rocket propelled grenades or other more traditional small arms. Armored Conduit can be installed (or retrofitted) to significantly improve system survivability and signal protection for these applications.
• Telecommunications are also very vulnerable to disruptions, not only by terrorists but by natural disasters. This is a robust preventative measure for radiated and induced electromagnetic interference. It can protect critical communications lines against signal jamming or disruption by a terrorist weapon such as a “dirty” nuclear bomb. Similarly, disruptions in sensitive communications due to lightning storms or cyclical sunspot interference will be limited due to this protection. For existing EMI suppression requirements, new air platforms are becoming noisier with added electronic features and system survivability and signal protection is critical in an already aging airfleet.
• This product is potentially useful on every electrical conduit on every aerospace and Department of Defense platform with mission or safety critical operation.  There has been a steady and unaddressed increase of EMI suppression requirements. Engineers with a proliferation in knowledge of the importance of noise suppression and other protection for complex electrical systems know that tunable EMI suppression, extreme abrasion and crush resistance, enhanced ballistic protection, and improved chemical and flame resistance would be beneficial for all systems and an advance over any other product currently on the market.
• All coated wire deteriorates in service due to environmental factors and wires are especially vulnerable to electromagnetic interference from a variety of causes.  The service lifetime of wire can be significantly extended by the integration of Armored Conduit. The benefits increase when the protective conduit incorporates not only physical and but electrical shielding features.
• Commercial and Military wiring requires protection against cutting, abrasion, crushing, impact, extreme heat and cold temperature swings, humidity, salt damage (associated with marine environments) as well as by contamination from fluids such as fuel, oil, hydraulic fluid, and in cleaning chemicals. In aircraft use, the contamination can also come from deicing fluid, toilet residue, and galley spillage, and is further exacerbated by in-flight vibration causing chafing of wires rubbing against other wires or the structure of the aircraft. Most electrical applications today require wire bundles that contain many different wires with several different types of insulation composed of AC power cables, DC power cables, signal (circuit controlling) wires, and circuit ground wires. There is also a need to protect bundles that carry signal and power from different power sources (busses) where an insulation failure could result in an electrical problem that has multiple power sources and current paths to feed it. A wide variety of problems arise including shorting, arcing, or some other type of damage to a bundle with this mix of wires. Armored Conduit eliminates potential problems that may occur through configurable hazard protection that can be added as necessary to preclude these problems from happening.  If cutting and abrasion are a risk, tough fibers are added to prevent penetration.  Crush and impact can be solved by the addition of integral metal coil winding and para-aramid fibers.  The tough polymer base is formulated to handle extreme hot and cold temperatures.  The outstanding chemical resistance is due to the dense structure of the polymer’s resin.  This density also prevents internal wires and other content from chafing or rubbing against other surfaces during flight.  The electromagnetic shielding provided by the Armored Conduit ameliorates all sources of radiated and emitted noise.
• For military platforms, an Armored Conduit system integrated within all structures during manufacture has significant potential to reduce cost and weight and to improve reliability.  Most significantly it reduces the risk of electronic failure by eliminating common hazards and sources of breakdown. Systems such as fly by wire (FBW) aircraft would benefit greatly by allowing for improved redundancy and increased safety. There is an obvious need for an effective, multi-purpose shielding conduit that can be configured to provide custom comprehensive protection.   The ability to address several varieties of threats to wiring, up to and including electromagnetic interference (EMI), electromagnetic pulse (EMP) and High Power Microwave (HPM) directed interference in a single package is another benefit. Buildings and military platforms such as air vehicles contain many miles of electrical power and signal wiring. The configuration of this protective shield is not limited to countering traditional degradation of heat and temperature swings. Armored Conduit has options for ballistic, chemical, solvent, and salt spray safeguards as well as electromagnetic interference, nuclear and Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) protection.
• Abrasion resistance of the Armored Conduit product is provided by a tough cross-linked polymer base similar to one currently used for deep pit mining. Ballistic protection is the result of molding over and integrating tightly woven Twaron® 1 para-aramid fibers. The placement of the Twaron® jacket within the polymer base spreads directed impact. Shielded lines of any type on the inside of the conduit slide away from impact with the slick face morphology of the internal surface. The aluminum wire spiral, although primarily included for EMI protection, also adds crush resistance. The Armored Conduit can also be used as a sleeve for the protection of vulnerable air, fuel, lubricant, and hydraulic/pneumatic lines. In general, Armored Conduit is extremely flexible and, even at maximum the abrasion and ballistic protection levels, has an excellent bend radius. Armored Conduit is cost competitive to standard grade protective conduit, especially considering the improved capabilities compared to others currently on the market, and provides superior electrical, mechanical and chemical protection. The crosslinked base polymer was developed to be chemical, solvent, and petroleum product resistant as well as self-extinguishing in the presence of flame. Additions can be made to the basic formula to add more flame retardant constituents if the risk of fire is more pronounced.
• Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), HPM and EMP damage electronics by being conducted (especially in wires and antennas) or radiated through apertures and cracks. The traditional method of electromagnetic isolation was to use metal enclosures to shield against radiation. This is a very costly solution that adds significant weight. Over the past years a variety of techniques have been developed to protect electronics from threats that operate over selected frequency bands. While these measures are somewhat effective, they are also limited in application, add weight, and increase costs significantly. Spark gap protection is limited to 2.5 GHz and RF voltages exceeding certain ranges will cause unwanted ignition of the spark gap. The approach used to manufacture Armored Conduit includes halogens intercalated with lightweight graphite fiber shields and spark gap protection at wavelength specific shorting stubs. Armored Conduit eliminates ESD, HPM and EMP issues while reducing weight and complexity compared to all other products and techniques currently on the market.
• Electromagnetic (EMI) shielding, both radiated and emitted, is obtained either with adjustable aluminum wire spiral (which can be tightened or loosened to tune to a specific frequency) or the addition of striated graphite fibers (to the crosslinked polymer base) that elongate along the exposed face of the conduit during the extruding process. This manufacturing technique produces an extremely conductive path to ground which can be customized according to the desired amount of conductivity.
• This product originated as a cut and crush proof conduit before it developed into its current configuration as “smart” response material to ESD, EMI, HPM and EMP. The precursor to Armored Conduit was used for extreme automotive applications and has a long production, lifetime, and quality assurance history in outdoor power lines and in deep pit mining.  It has since been configured to blend graphite fibers intercalated with iodine and bromine compounds and interleaved with a selected base of features for enhanced electrical and ballistic protection. As in the original concept, a high resistance to and stability in the face of thermal stress has been retained. Armored Conduit can be “tuned” into a shielding form specific to incoming radiation interference.

Tertiary Effects Fire Suppression: The Lead Scientist for tanks at General Dynamics Land Systems asked for us to do a White Paper and then present this innovation as we visited battle damaged platforms with him.  This is a variant of an active system the technical team built with air activated fire suppression foam.  It consists of a segmented, compliant polymer container containing fire suppression liquid that combines with air reactive foaming agents. If the pliable foam cover is breached or burned open, the foam vigorously expands and spreads to douse flames.  (It is most useful for “tertiary” combustion conditions.)  We will submit a white paper for guidance and can demonstrate with (in our Georgia controlled test facility) or without (any place that is tolerant of a large salty mess) the presence of flames.

Thermoelectric Energy Conversion (i.e. can recover heat from various areas of land, sea, or air platforms and convert it to electrical energy): We have a demonstrator unit measuring 100 mm square that can be scaled up to recover significant amounts of waste heat and convert it to energy.  Our first step would be to submit a white paper detailing the technical advantages; these are provisions to protect from vibration and shock when deployed on a combat platform, steps to account for different coefficients of expansion, and the relatively high energy conversion rates. (As you probably know, both Seebeck and Peltier devices (the heart of any solid state conversion of heat to electrical energy) by themselves are extremely brittle and require special mounting.)  The small demonstrator unit would show energy conversion rates as well as shock and vibration resistance.

Autonomous Vehicles: We have videos we have of a semi-autonomous land platform (built in 2006) and an autonomous/semi-autonomous small littoral reconnaissance vessel built in 2009. This is a proof of concept vessel is still in our possession and in operational condition. We believe that the true market for this is a station keeping vessel that could be used for counter piracy and anti-terror monitoring in a variety of marine environments. This could be very easily adapted to counter any asymmetric threats in port, riverine, coastal, or high seas applications, such as patrolling the areas around oil derricks.  The vessel can remain at sea, completely self-powered, for very long periods of time providing radar readings (as well as on-demand visual images) of any maritime traffic within the area.  To make this capable of being deployed for long periods of time, we would use technology that converts ocean waves into electrical power (called WEC, Wave Energy Conversion) provided by a company called Ocean Power. Based on preliminary wave data (and the resulting wave motion to energy conversion ratio) for the region, Ocean Power believes that it is possible for the vessel to be completely self-powered for long term patrolling missions. 

A Method Verifying Hostile Intent that can Segregate Irregular Combatants from a General Population and Detect the Intent to Deceive During Interrogations as verified by Artifacts arising from Brain Tomography – Classifying Potential Irregular Combatants within Mathematical Levels of Confidence and Validating the Truthfulness of Responses during Interrogations Using a Field Portable Device

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:  The ability of irregular forces to blend in with a population is a tactical advantage for which there has been no countermeasure.  The population in an irregular warfare area of operations ranges in attitude from actively hostile to legitimate government authority and its forces to neutrality or indifference.   Results of interrogations, especially those intended to get actionable intelligence in tactical operations, are very likely to be marked by deception due to the fluid nature of counterinsurgency areas of operations.   Based on actual tomographic and physiological data obtained in blind studies, APS has discovered a means of obtaining definitive tomographic and physiological markers of the intent to deceive and measures of hostility that can differentiate active insurgent combatants, passive supporters of an insurgency, and fearful or indifferent members of the general population. These tomographic and physiological artifacts and markers can be obtained from truly field portable equipment for use in active areas of operation.

By way of background, APS has invented a device that counters fatigue by manipulating beta brain wave responses.  (Beta brain wave increases are linked to elevated levels of alertness.) To provide data in support of commercial sales, the fatigue fighting properties were validated with a clinical study via brain wave tomography.  The study used a compact electric-encephalography (EEG) brain tomography apparatus for the testing. During standard alertness studies of the fatigue fighting device, the research team discovered tomographic indicators of the intent to deceive from subjects queried about their levels of alertness in the course of the test.  The artifacts of the intent to deceive were unmistakable and repeatable.  After this discovery, the research team verified analogous results in several technical papers related to tomographic indications of deception.  Since APS also pursues Homeland Security and Defense markets, a research team was formed to pursue the implications of this discovery and to see if a product line could address other security related issues.  The literature is replete with artifacts and markers evident from electric-encephalography (EEG) brain tomography that can be used to classify populations by levels of hostility and actionable intent.  In a research finding was that analogous to tomographic indications of deception, peer reviewed papers revealed that active and actionable hostility showed definitive increases in relative activity in the parietal temporal cortical regions (BA 40, BA 22, and BA 42) and that these artifacts would be easily detectable with our portable equipment.  The alertness testing of the counter fatigue device also necessitated rather complete physiological testing of heart-related functions and body temperatures.  Extensive studies of “A” type personalities have a large body of literature that show levels of hostility and aggressive actions damage the heart permanently and leave distinctive physiological markers that show up during cardiac evaluation.   In conjunction with the parietal temporal cortical region activities, these heart-related anomalies would allow an examiner to detect levels of hostility as well as intent of action and of deception - as well as measures of fear or indifference - with a truly field portable device.  In other words, the Warfighter in active operations can classify and segregate combatants and insurgency supporters from a general population through the use of compact medical instruments.