Navy Topic 01-158 Phase I Award Winners
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| CREARE, INC.
P.O. Box 71 Hanover, NH 03755 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(603) 643-3800
Dr. Joel L. Berg NAVY 01-158 Awarded: 06DEC01 |
| Title: | A Tactile-Based Alert Device to Improve Safety Around High-Risk Areas |
| Abstract: | Aircraft carrier personnel are exposed to additional risks when working around propeller-driven aircraft such as the E-2C and C-2A. To avoid injury from rotating propeller blades, an alert system is needed that performs even under conditions of poor visibility or high noise. Creare proposes a proximity-based, tactile alert device that can be worn as a wristband to alert the wearer when (s)he penetrates a region that is established as high-risk. The components of the system are inexpensive enough so that the device can be standard issue to all deck personnel. Creare will demonstrate the feasibility of our innovation during Phase I through bench-top tests. During Phase II, we will develop and field-test a prototype system. Because the proposed alert system provides proximity-based tactile feedback, these devices could be used for personnel guidance as well as personnel safety. For instance, the device could be used by the visually impaired to locate particular zones or objects (e.g., the telephone or doorknob). |
| NOESIS, INC.
10530 Linden Lake Plaza, Suite Manassas, VA 20109 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(410) 349-4001
Mr. Thomas Buckingham NAVY 01-158 Awarded: 27NOV01 |
| Title: | Enhanced Propeller Visibility |
| Abstract: | High tempo 24 hour day and night flight operations on a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier create a hazardous environment that taxes even the best safety procedures and programs. As the only propeller driven aircraft deployed on carriers, the E-2C and C-2A present a unique problem. Their rotating propellers create a serious threat to the safety of maintenance and flight crews working in close proximity to the aircraft, particularly in low light/low visibility conditions. Understanding the nature of the problem, this proposal addresses a visual warning system that will incorporate a Low Light Level Illumination appliqu‚ on the propeller. The appliqu‚ will combine the attributes of two materials: a powerful and revolutionary photoluminescent compound and retro-reflective sheeting. In so doing, we will maximize visual awareness in both low light and no light situations. Contingent upon successful shipboard evaluation, it is reasonable to assume that the solution developed in the proposed effort for the E-2C and C-2A application could readily transferred to other propeller aircraft in the Navy and commercial inventory including: the helicopter fleet, the P-3 land-based aircraft and the V-22 tilt-rotor. Operations involving those aircraft are also conducted in all types of lighting conditions during high tempo operations either onboard ship or at land-based sites presenting similar safety concerns to the support crews. The commercial opportunities for this product are extensive and include: the small, private aircraft industry; the commercial airline fleet of propeller-driven commuter planes; and the commercial helicopter industry. Only recently there was a fatality at a major Washington, D.C. airport in which a maintenance worker was fatally struck by an aircraft propeller, bringing home the fact that safety remains an important consideration in commercial airport and aircraft operations. In fact, Bell Helicopter Textron has indicated significant interest in our technical approach to enhancing propeller visibility. Not only does their interest validate the serious safety hazard operating tail rotors pose to maintenance crews in the commercial industry, Bell Helicopter believes our LLLI material shows great promise as the solution. |
| QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, INC.
1980 North Atlantic Avenue, Suite 707 Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(321) 868-0288
Dr. Jeffrey R. Cavins NAVY 01-158 Awarded: 06DEC01 |
| Title: | Enhanced Propeller Visibility |
| Abstract: | The Navy has identified a requirement for enhancing propeller visibility for personnel safety on carrier-based aircraft such as the E-2C and C-2A aircraft under nighttime or inclement weather conditions. After careful consideration QTSI has developed an approach based on using scanning laser diodes to paint an image on the rotating propeller. Such a device would be low cost, lightweight and low power. Placement of the device could be mounted either on the aircraft on the carrier deck, or in some remove before flight equipment such as wheel chocks. We believe such a design can be implemented cheaply and with a minimum of modification to the aircraft. Clearly this sensor has significant commercial applications. Commercial commuter aircraft have the same issues regarding propeller safety as military aircraft, and the number of small 2 and 4 engine propeller driven commuter aircraft has exploded over the last ten years. We would expect the opportunity to refit all propeller driven military aircraft over a period of time, plus incorporate the scanners in all new production aircraft for the civilian market. |