Abstract: The present invention is related to a composite sheet material, a method of producing this material, and the application of this material as a sensor for monitoring and measuring shear forces (or lateral translation). In one embodiment, the present invention includes a composite sheet material having an upper and a lower surface comprising an elastomeric matrix, which is essentially non-conductive, and discrete electrically conductive elements within the matrix wherein the electrically conductive elements in a region of the composite sheet material are arranged into columns, and the orientation of these columns are in an essentially organized, non-random pattern with a majority of these columns oriented at angles less than about 90° and greater than about 15° to the lower surface of the composite sheet material. In another embodiment, the present invention provides for a method of forming the sensors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reconfigurable porous technology for fluid flow control system and more particularly to reconfigurable porosity fluid flow control system for vehicles such as aircraft, missiles, ground and water vehicles to improve the performance of such vehicles. The present invention further relates to a method of operating the reconfigurable fluid flow control system. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a reconfigurable porosity system for fluid flow control on the surface of an aircraft, missile, water-craft or ground vehicle comprising a porous outer skin comprising individual pores; individually addressable valves corresponding and connected to the individual pores for opening and closing the pores; and a pneumatic system for connecting the pores wherein fluid from a high pressure area of the porous outer skin can be directed to a low pressure area of the porous outer skin by opening and closing the individually addressable valves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a forebody flow control system and more particularly to aircraft or missile flow control system for enhanced maneuverability and stabilization at high angles of attack. The present invention further relates to a method of operating the flow control system. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a missile or aircraft comprising an afterbody and a forebody; at least one deployable flow effector on the missile or aircraft forebody; at least one sensors each having a signal, the at least one sensor being positioned to detect flow separation on the missile or aircraft forebody; and a closed loop control system; wherein the closed loop control system is used for activating and deactivating the at least one deployable flow effector based on at least in part the signal of the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A rheology modifying copolymer composition containing a cross-linked copolymer of unsaturated carboxylic acid, a hydrophobic monomer, a hydrophobic chain transfer agent, a cross linking agent, and, optionally, a steric stabilizer, provides increased viscosity in aqueous electrolyte-containing environments.

Abstract: An analyzer apparatus and method is provided for analyzing restenosis associated with a stent implanted within a living body. The apparatus includes an input for receiving ultrasonic data from an ultrasonic imaging apparatus; digital memory for storing the ultrasonic data at least temporarily; a processor for analyzing the ultrasonic data, the processor being configured to analyze the data in accordance with at least one predefined criteria to diagnose a degree of restenosis experienced by the stent; and an output for outputting information indicative of the diagnosis.

Abstract: Improved crosslinked ionic polymers or salts thereof having a soluble polymer fraction of less than about 15 wt %, and methods for making the same. The polymers are useful as bioadhesives, thickeners, emulsifiers, suspending aids, and pharmaceutical controlled release excipients.

Abstract: A blend of one or more crosslinked polymers or copolymers prepared from an olefinically unsaturated polymerizable carboxylic or anhydride monomer and at least one high molecular weight essentially linear polymer prepared from an olefinically unsaturated polymerizable carboxylic acid monomer. The blend is neutralized to typically a low pH, and generally contains a noncovalent, e.g. ionic, crosslinking agent, and a cure rate modifier. The hydrogel blend is capable of containing a large amount of water, has good tack, good adhesion, and can be utilized as an application vehicle having a backing thereon as well as containing various substances such as personal care compounds, pharmaceuticals, active ingredients, and the like.

Abstract: An implant device is provided which is responsive to an external interrogation circuit. The implant device includes a structure implantable within a living animal and operatively configured to carry out or assist in carrying out a function within the living animal. The device further includes an electrically passive sensing circuit integral with the structure for sensing a parameter associated with the function. In particular, the sensing circuit includes an inductive element wherein the sensing circuit has a frequency dependent variable impedance loading effect on the interrogation circuit in response to an interrogation signal provided by the exciter/interrogator element, the impedance loading effect varying in relation to the sensed parameter.

Abstract: A device and system for remotely interrogating a diagnostic implant device utilizes acoustic energy to power and/or interrogate the device. Acoustic energy is utilized to excite the device from outside the body of a patient. By analyzing the response of the device to such excitation, it is possible to ascertain the condition of the device. Additionally, acoustic energy may be used to provide operating power to the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an abrasive tool that comprises sol-gel alumina abrasive grains bonded together by a glass-ceramic bond material, the tool comprising from about 35 to 65% by volume void spaces, wherein at least about 75% of the volume of the bond material is located in the bond posts or in a coating on the abrasive grains and in which the volume proportion of bond to grain is from about 0.06 to 0.6.

Abstract: An implant device which includes a structure implantable within a living animal and a sensor included as part of the structure. The sensor is operatively configured to detect accretion of biological material on the sensor by producing an output which varies as a function of the accretion of biological material on the sensor. A communication element is further included as part of the structure and is operatively coupled to the output of the sensor. The communication element is configured to communicate information based on the output of the sensor wirelessly to a remote element located outside the living animal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thickened aqueous bleach compositions containing either an alkali metal hypohalite or peroxygen bleach. Compositions containing hypohalite or peroxygen bleaches are particularly difficult to thicken with sufficient stability for commercial value. The addition of a rheology stabilizer minimizes the loss of stability over time and enables compositions of varying bleach and pH level to be obtained. These compositions comprise an alkali metal hypohalite or peroxygen bleach, a polymeric rheology modifying agent, an effective amount of a rheology stabilizing agent, sufficient alkalinity buffering agent, with the remainder being water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thickened aqueous bleach compositions containing either an alkali metal hypohalite or peroxygen bleach. Compositions containing hypohalite or peroxygen bleaches are particularly difficult to thicken with sufficient stability for commercial value. The addition of a rheology stabilizer minimizes the loss of stability over time and enables compositions of varying bleach and pH level to be obtained. These compositions comprise an alkali metal hypohalite or peroxygen bleach, a polymeric rheology modifying agent, an effective amount of a rheology stabilizing agent, sufficient alkalinity buffering agent, with the remainder being water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blend composition comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane and an acrylic acid copolymer wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane forms the discontinuous phase of the blend. The blend can be used in films or made into fibers for personal care products such as ostomy bags and diapers. Moreover, such materials are also useful for packaging products such as garbage bags.

Abstract: A maintenance-free sliding bearing composed of a metal support and a layer which is directly applied thereto and which consists of a copolymer of ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene forming an intermediate layer to which a second sliding layer of plastics is applied.

Abstract: The present invention is an abrasive tool comprising abrasive particles, hard phase particles and a metal bond, wherein the metal bond comprises a near-eutectic copper phosphorus composition. The present invention further includes an abrasive tool comprising a metallic core; and an abrasive composition bonded to the metallic core; wherein the abrasive composition comprises abrasive particles, hard phase particles and a metal bond, and wherein the metal bond comprises a near-eutectic copper-phosphorus composition. The invention further includes a process of manufacturing the above abrasive tool.

Abstract: Improved hot-pressed vitrified bodies are described, which comprise an abrasive material, a vitreous bond; and at least one extender agent. The extender agent may be formed of hollow ceramic bodies such as glass or mullite spheres, alone or in combination with a non-reactive material such as graphite. An improved method for preparing vitrified abrasive wheels is also described.

Abstract: A device for cutting cured and uncured (green) pavement including concrete which is capable of cutting a straight groove without the guidance of an operator. The cutting blade is positioned between the front and rear soft contour wheels in a vertical plane which is side-to-side equi-distant between the wheels. The blade, blade drive motor and the wheel drive motor are arranged so that each wheel carries approximately the same weight to enable the cutting device to move, unassisted, in a straight line.

Abstract: A remotely controlled fluid sampling device adapted to take and retrieve samples from any depth or level within a body of fluid comprises an elongated tubular container, the upper outlet end of which is sealingly attached to an end cap. The end cap has a vent passage, a drain passage, a manually operated stop cock for opening and closing off the drain passage, and an eye or hook portion for attaching a support means thereto. A sealed housing is sealingly attached to the opposite inlet end portion of the tubular container and encloses an upper valve chamber with a fluid passage in its outer wall and a lower power chamber separated by an upper end wall in which a valve bore is sealingly engaged by an axially moveable valve stem.

Abstract: The invention describes a multi-layer radome construction which is termed a D-sandwich and allows excellent transmission efficiency over areas of the entire spectrum of DC to at least 100 GHz. The radome wall construction comprises a core layer of low dielectric constant material bounded by intermediate layers of high dielectric constant material which themselves are bounded by additional layers of low dielectric constant material. Each of the low dielectric constant layers has a substantial electrical effect upon the performance of the radome as well as being a high strength material which provides substantial structural rigidity to the radome. The radome may be further provided with one or more protective surface coatings for certain environmental conditions, without destroying the desired transmission characteristics of the radome.