Abstract: Polyphosphazene polymers having crown ether and related podand side groups have been prepared. The polymers are useful as solid solvents for ionic conduction. Branched polyphosphazene polymers having the formula [NP(OCH.sub.2 CH(CH.sub.2 O(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.m R)(O(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.m R)).sub.2 ].sub.n, as well as the corresponding crown ether polyphosphazenes, were synthesized where m=0-3 and R is C1-C4 alkyl. The physical properties of these polymers were compared with the related polymer poly[bis(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)-ethoxy)phosphazene], MEEP. Also, a series of poly(organophosphazenes) which bear oligoethylenoxy side groups has been synthesized and characterized. The polymers have the general formula [NP(O(CH.sub.2).sub.m CH.sub.3).sub.x (OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3).sub.y ].sub.n, where x and y are approximately 1 and m ranges from 1-20.

Abstract: An electrophoresis device is disclosed which may be partially disassembled and sterilized in an autoclave. The device includes a base and support framework extending from the base. A separation column including a separation chamber having a pair of plates spaced from and positioned generally parallel to one another is supported from the framework. A pump is provided for pumping buffer solution through the separation chamber. A sample injection device is located near an inlet of the separation chamber and a collection assembly is located near the outlet of the separation chamber. An electrical compartment is supported by the framework and controls the pump, injection device and collection assembly and is removably located in the electrical compartment. The separation column plates are made of a heat resistant plastic.

Abstract: An improved BST dielectric powder is created used a sol-gel procedure. Addition of graphite to the powder, followed by a firing of the mixture results in a highly porous BST substrate, with the included graphite being burned off. By adjustment of the amount of added graphite, the porosity of the BST substrate is widely adjustable and enables achievement of a low bulk dielectric constant. A low dielectric filler is added to the fired substrate so as to provide a composite substrate with physical rigidity. Conductive layers are then adhered to the composite substrate to enable a tuning of the dielectric constant in accordance with applied DC voltage potentials. Antenna and other applications of the improved composite BST substrate are described.

Abstract: Persistent director axis reorientation is induced in a liquid crystal film in response to a projected optical image by a method that includes the following steps: applying adc potential across the liquid crystal film; exposing the liquid crystal film to a spatially varying optical intensity which, in combination with the dc potential, produces a spatially varying dc current flow and a spatial charge field in accordance with the intensity variation of an optical image, the spatial charge field resulting in persistent refractive index changes in the liquid crystal film; and removing the dc potential and spatially varying optical intensity. To retrieve the image that is "stored" in the liquid crystal film, the liquid material is illuminated with a monochromatic optical beam. With certain liquid crystal films, reapplication of the dc potential combined, application of the optical illumination results in retrieval of the stored optical image.

Abstract: A seamless, light weight container that provides two levels of liquid and gaseous containment. The container has removable covers that have a double seal which allows confirmation of seal integrity prior to shipment by applying a vacuum or pressure to the internal space between the inner and outer seals. This close-out vacuum or pressure test can be completed within minutes and it provides certification that the container seals meet design criteria for quick turn-around in spacecraft environments.

Abstract: A cardiac defibrillator which incorporates the invention hereof includes a multilayer capacitor with a plurality of conductive electrodes and interspersed dielectric layers, each dielectric layer composed of constituents which cause the dielectric layer to exhibit antiferroelectric characteristics. The defibrillator includes a charging circuit for applying to the capacitor an electric field across each dielectric layer that is at least equal to E.sub.f, where E.sub.f is a field value that enables the dielectric layer to transition to a ferroelectric phase. A preferred dielectric material comprises lead, lanthanum, zirconium and titanium, all at constituent values which cause the resulting ceramic material to lie within the antiferroelectric region.

Abstract: Copolymers comprising poly(.alpha.-olefin) having at least few p-alkylstyrene (para-alkylstyrene) groups or/and p-alkylstyrene derivatives within the structure therein, said polymer having monomer units represented by the structural formula: ##STR1## in which R, R' and R" are, independently, either hydrogen, alkyl, or primary or secondary alkyls. Preferably, R is hydrogen and C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 linear and branched alkyl, and most preferably R is hydrogen, C.sub.1 and C.sub.2. R' and R" are hydrogen, C.sub.1 to C.sub.5 alkyl, or C.sub.1 to C.sub.5 primary or secondary alkyl, and most preferably R' and R" are hydrogen. F comprises a hydrogen or a functional group, such as --COOH, --OH, --NH.sub.2, --Cl, --Br, --M, --COOM (M=metals, e.g. Li, Na, K and Ca) etc., or a mixture of functional group and hydrogen. In the copolymer composition, the .alpha.-olefin mole % (m) is between about 5 and 99.9. Preferably, m is between 85 and 99.9, and most preferably m is between 95 and 99.9.

Abstract: An impact-absorbing flooring system of modular design is described, with applications in areas of nursing homes where there is a high risk of injury due to falls or in sports facilities for high impact events such as gymnastics and tumbling or with other uses. For example, the invention could also take the form of a safety mat or coaming for use around slippery areas like bathtubs, showers or the edge of swimming pools. The system provides a significant reduction in peak impact load during falls, yet retains a substantially non-compliant configuration during normal motions. The flooring system comprises a series of sections or tiles which can be interconnected to cover the high-risk area. Each tile is composed of a plurality of elastomeric columns sandwiched between two urethane sheets. The top sheet and projecting columns are preferably molded as one piece and then the lower sheet is secured about the free ends of the columns to produce a secure attachment and an integrated unit.

Abstract: A new method for the preparation and sterilization of skin allografts is presented. Human skin allografts are radiated in the present invention and applied as a temporary wound dressing on a graft dome. The invention is particularly useful for wound and burn therapies and presents a low cost, safe, and effective treatment that can be widely used with extensive storage capability.

Abstract: An environmentally benign catalytic process for the production of sym-octahydroanthracene (sym-OHA) from sym-octahydrophenanthrene (sym-OHP) by ring-shift isomerization. Proton-form moralenite or partially dealuminated proton-form mordenite are effective catalysts for the selective formation of sym-OHA from sym-OHP. Y-zeolite and metal-ion exchanged Y-zeolites display lower selectivity towards Sym-OHA. The use of certain solvents can further improve the performance of the Y-zeolites and mordenites, particularly the selectivity of Y-zeolite catalysts. The sym-OHA is an useful product and can be converted by existing methods to various anthracene derivatives which are industrial chemicals in demand.

Abstract: A time domain reflectometer includes a clock signal source that synchronizes a Start pulse source which, in turn, generates a succession of Start pulses. Each succeeding Start pulse, after an initial Start pulse, is delayed in time from a preceding Start pulse by a test pulse interval plus a delay time. A test pulse circuit responds to each Start pulse by applying a test pulse to the LUT. A reflection signal sampling circuit samples N reflection signals in synchronism with the clock signal source, whereby successive ones of the N reflection signals are sampled at different delay times as a result of the delay time added to each succeeding Start pulse. A memory circuit assembles sampled reflection signal values from the N reflection signals in a manner that the reflection signal values are interleaved in time order as though all sampled reflection signal values were obtained from a single reflection signal.

Abstract: Synthesis and characterization of polycarbynes, a new class of carbon-based random network polymers. The network backbones of the polymers are composed of tetrahedrally hybridized carbon atoms, each bearing one substituent and linked via three carbon-carbon single bonds into a three-dimensional continuous random network backbone. Silicon, germanium, tin, lead, Group 13 through Group 16 elements, lanthanides, and Group 4 metals can be incorporated into the polymer backbone. The atomic-level carbon network backbone confers unusual properties on the polymers, including thermal decomposition to form diamond or diamond-like carbon.

Abstract: An intravascular membrane lung is adapted for percutaneous venous insertion into a living body and comprises an elongated multi lumen catheter and elongated gas exchange members in the form of a large number of microporous fibers tethered at one end to the catheter and extending away from the catheter in all directions. The microporous fibers are in communication with the lumina of the catheter which includes one conduit for delivery of 100% oxygen to the fibers and another conduit for flushing away carbon dioxide from the fibers. The catheter extends between a proximal end and a distal end being a leading end for insertion into the body. The distal end includes a selectively inflatable balloon having an enlarged size larger than a nominal transverse dimension of said catheter and smaller than the inner nominal dimensions of any of the body cavities into which it extends.

Abstract: Metallo-carbohedrene compositions, their method of manufacture and use are described. The metal component of the compositions is selected from the group of transition elements and preferably is titanium, zirconium, or vanadium. The compositions of the invention are molecular clusters in the ratio 8:12, metal to carbon respectively. A preferred embodiment is Ti.sub.8 C.sub.12 which has a cage-like structure (suggested 12 pentagonal rings and each of the rings is formed by two titanium and three carbon atoms) where each titanium is bound to three carbons. The compositions of this invention represent a new class of stable molecules (metallo-carbohedrenes) having a variety of applications and are particularly useful as electronic materials and catalysts.

Abstract: Hand-powered and controlled two-wheeled cycle for use of disabled persons having reduced leg functions. The cycle provides a rapid and efficient means of mobility for leg-disabled persons. A preferred embodiment comprises a cycle having a low rider position, hand-powered and controlled front-drive crank and variable gear propulsion means, braking means, and remotely controlled outrigger means.

Abstract: Process for producing novel mulching pellets from waste paper scrap by incorporating particulate water-insoluble, swellable, gel-forming polymer into the pellet-forming composition. The formed pellets swell and disintegrate after being spread and impregnated with water, to increase their area of ground-coverage, to release any included nutrients or seeds, and to deposit polymer particles having water-absorbing properties.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for the thermomechanical net shape finishing of precision gear tooth surfaces by controlled deformation into metastable austenitic condition. To this end, an arrangement of a fixed axis through-feed motion of workpiece and moving axes in-feed motion of two opposed rolling dies are utilized. By means of process control methods and architecture for accomplishing precision mechanical motions, thermal and environmental control and timely and automatic transfer of workpiece, high strength and high accuracy gear tooth contact surfaces are produced.

Abstract: A hapten is described which may be used to elicit antibodies that catalyze the deamidation of asparginyl-glycyl dipeptides to form two products, the isoaspartyl-glycyl dipeptide and the aspartyl-glycyl dipeptide. A general synthetic scheme is also presented which shows how to modify the hapten to provide specificity for a particular protein in the antibodies that are elicited by the (modified) hapten. Antibodies which catalyze the the deamidation reaction are also described.

Abstract: Process for producing novel fluxed PZT dielectric ceramic compositions having sintering temperatures below about 1000.degree., so as to be non-reactive with electrode layers when co-fired therewith. The PZT is sintered with an effective amount of an eutectic mixture of CuO and an oxide of an alkaline earth metal, preferably barium oxide and/or strontium oxide, to reduce the sintering temperature of the PZT composition below about 1000.degree. C. Dopant such as manganese oxide may be added to reduce the dielectric losses.

Abstract: There is provided a method of cultivating mushrooms and mushroom spawn, wherein a delayed-release nutrient supplement is utilized. The method is an improvement over prior methods which utilize nutrient supplements in the growing of mushrooms and mushroom spawn. The improvement comprises using as a nutrient supplement an intact seed having its sprouting capability irreversibly inhibited or destroyed, or mixtures thereof, and having inherent delayed-release properties.