Abstract: This invention provides a means for establishing and controlling a desired image on a material that is both conformal and flexible by nature. Such materials include paper, textiles, molded plastics, and woven fabric. The invention permits a low cost, effective means for generating both static and dynamic images on these materials while preserving the primary structural and functional attributes of the host material.

Abstract: The invention presents a new methodology to monitor and display the resin flow during fabrication of organic matrix composite laminates in real-time or near real-time and includes data acquisition, remote data distribution, flow analysis and reconstruction, and flow visualization. The data acquisition apparatus is based on SMARTweave technology, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,210,499, which provides the location of points on the flow front as a function of time by using voltage measurements. However, the methodology will monitor and display the resin flow if the location and time information is acquired using modified SMARTweave or different apparatus.

Abstract: The Spread Spectrum Image Steganography (SSIS) of the present invention is a data hiding/secret communication steganographic system which uses digital imagery as a cover signal. SSIS provides the ability to hide a significant quantity of information bits within digital images while avoiding detection by an observer. The message is recovered with low error probability due the use of error control coding. SSIS payload is, at a minimum, an order of magnitude greater than of existing watermarking methods. Furthermore, the original image is not needed to extract the hidden information. The proposed recipient need only possess a key in order to reveal the secret message. The very existence of the hidden information is virtually undetectable by human or computer analysis. Finally, SSIS provides resiliency to transmission noise, like that found in a wireless environment and low levels of compression.

Abstract: An apparatus for the activation of a remote device having a transmitter to generate and transmit user-set special coded signals. The transmitter has a function selector switch to select modes of operation for the transmitter. Included is also a receiver to receive the user-set special coded signals, and the receiver also has a function selector switch to select modes of operation for the receiver. The function selector switch selects the following modes of operation for the transmitter: (a) a “transmit/fire” mode that enables a fire signal to be transmitted to the receiver; (b) a “wake-up” mode that enables a set-up receiver mode for immediate firing; (c) a program mode for low power transmission of programmed codes; and (d) a “test” and operational mode that enables an operational test of the apparatus with no firing output.

Abstract: A vortex ring is used to produce a flow of fluid through a flexible tube, to remove surface deposits from a surface, and to transfer heat from a platen to a ring vortex. In pumping a fluid through a flexible conduit or tube, a vortex ring is launched along the tube so that the vortex ring encircles the tube. The vortex ring compresses and expands the flexible tube utilizing a high circumferential pressure formed at the bow of the vortex ring and a low pressure at the wake of the vortex ring. In removing deposits from a surface, a vortex ring launched along the surface mechanically abrades the surface and fractures the adhesion bonds of the surface deposits. In transferring heat from a heated surface to a vortex ring, the vortex ring removes the heat from the surface of the heated platen by forced convection.

Abstract: A fin disengagement device for limiting the range of a projectile uses an electronic safe and arm circuit to sense launch and spin levels. Once armed, the stored energy from the electronic safe and arm circuit is dumped into an initiator or directly to explosive bolts. The initiator ignites an energetic material to separate the fin from the projectile in-flight at a predetermined time. Alternatively, the explosive bolts separate the fin from the projectile in-flight at a predetermined time. In the embodiments using an initiator and energetic material, an opening or cavity in the rear portion of the projectile body or rod adapter acts as a pressure chamber. When enough pressure has built up from the burning of the energetic material, the front hub of the fin section expands enough to disengage the threads and separates the fin section from the projectile body.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting the presence of submicron sized particles in a sample taken from the environment includes a collecting a sample from the environment and purifying and concentrating the submicron particles in a sample based on the size of the particles. The purified and concentrated particles are detected with an apparatus which includes an electrospray assembly having an electrospray capillary, a differential mobility analyzer which receives the output from the capillary, and a condensation particle device for counting the number of particles that pass through the differential mobility analyzer. The system is intended to collect a sample containing submicron size particles having a size from about 10 to about 350 nanometers and include submicron size particles selected from the group consisting of viruses, prions, macromolecules, proteins, satellites, and virus fragments. Automated controls can be utilized to control the flow of the sample through the system.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of different size groups of submicron size particles in a fluid sample collected from the environment includes apparatus for collecting the environment. The collected a liquid sample containing submicron size particles selected from the group of viruses, prions, macromolecules, proteins and satellites, is directed to an electrospray assembly having an electrospray capillary for ejecting droplets of the fluid sample under the influence of an electric field. The ejected droplets from the electrospray assembly are directed to a differential mobility analyzer which passes the ejected droplets through an electric field, and the particles are then directed to a condensation particle device for counting the number of particles that pass through the electric field.

Abstract: A portable containment system includes a glovebox apparatus, a self-contained filter unit, and removable conduits extending therebetween. The glovebox apparatus includes a first module for releasably covering a first sidewall opening. The first module, which has body and flange portions, has a storage position where the body portion is positioned through the first sidewall opening into the glovebox interior and an operative position where the body portion is positioned exterior of the glovebox. The glovebox apparatus includes second modules for releasably covering a second sidewall opening where the second modules are smaller than the first sidewall opening for inserting the second modules into the interior of the glovebox for storage. The filter unit includes a plurality of gas filters, an air pump, and detectors for monitoring the air flow through the system.

Abstract: A method, system and kit for detecting the presence of an analyte includes placing a solution containing the analyte in a microcapillary tube and placing the microcapillary tube in contact with a layer of sorbent material so that the solution is withdrawn from the microcapillary tube by capillary action. The sorbent material and solvent for the solution are selected so that the solvent is absorbed into the sorbent material and the analyte is adsorbed by the sorbent material and concentrated at the spot where the microcapillary tube contacts the sorbent material. A detector reagent is applied to the sorbent material to indicate the presence of the analyte.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for screening chemical samples to detect the presence of chemical warfare agents, chemical warfare agent precursors and degradation products formed therefrom. Particular applications include detection of the presence of a cholinesterase inhibitor derived from alkyloxy methylphosphonic acids, methylphosphonic acid, and methylphosphonofluoridic acid.

Abstract: An advanced chemical-biological mask for protecting a wearer from chemical and biological environmental contaminants. The mask provides improvements for the wearer in the areas of weight/bulk, fit/comfort, optical compatibility, breathing resistance, communication, and protection. The mask includes a facepiece, eye lens, filter means, inlet and outlet valves, and a nosecup all of which may be molded or integrally bonded to the facepiece which also has a face seal adapted to engage a person's face and form seal therewith. The mask also has a suspension flange which is connected to the facepiece adjacent the seal. An elastic suspension system includes a crown portion for suspending the mask on a person's head and pulling the seal downwardly and into contact with the person's face. The separate nosecup has integral channels to direct the flow of incoming gas along a path adjacent the lens to prevent fogging of the lens.

Abstract: A system and method for detection, identification, and monitoring of submicron sized particles, the method including the steps of collecting a sample, extracting existing submicron particles from the collected sample based on density, purifying the extracted submicron particles by concentrating the extracted submicron particles based on size, and, detecting and identifying the purified extracted submicron particles based on size and density thereby determining submicron particles present in the collected sample. The submicron particles detected and identified include viruses and virus-like agents such as prions. Thus, virus and virus-like agents can be detected and identified based only on their physical properties without the use of biochemical reagents or assays. A system for carrying out the method of detection and identification of these particles is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a probe and method for measuring the radius of curvature of a bend in a section of tubing. The probe includes a member with a pair of guide means, one located at each end of the member. A strain gauge is operatively connected to the member for detecting bending stress exrted on the member as the probe is drawn through and in engagement with the inner surface of a section of tubing having a bend. The method of the present invention includes steps utilizing a probe, like the aforementioned probe, which can be made to detect bends only in a single plane when having a fixed orientation relative the section of tubing to determine the maximum radius of curvature of the bend.

Abstract: A system which provides analytical determination of a plurality of water chemistry parameters with respect to water samples subject to radiological contamination. The system includes a water sample analyzer disposed within a containment and comprising a sampling section for providing predetermined volumes of samples for analysis; a flow control section for controlling the flow through the system; and a gas analysis section for analyzing samples provided by the sampling system. The sampling section includes a controllable multiple port valve for, in one position, metering out sample of a predetermined volume and for, in a second position, delivering the material sample for analysis. The flow control section includes a regulator valve for reducing the pressure in a portion of the system to provide a low pressure region, and measurement devices located in the low pressure region for measuring sample parameters such as pH and conductivity, at low pressure.

Abstract: A robotic system for remote underwater withdrawal of the fuel rods from fuel modules of a light water breeder reactor includes a collet/grapple assembly for gripping and removing fuel rods in each module, which is positioned by use of a winch and a radial support means attached to a vertical support tube which is mounted over the fuel module. A programmable logic controller in conjunction with a microcomputer, provides control for the accurate positioning and pulling force of the rod grapple assembly. Closed circuit television cameras are provided which aid in operator interface with the robotic system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring physical characteristics of an electrically conductive material by the use of eddy-current techniques and compensating measurement errors caused by changes in temperature includes a switching arrangement connected between primary and reference coils of an eddy-current probe which allows the probe to be selectively connected between an eddy current output oscilloscope and a digital ohm-meter for measuring the resistances of the primary and reference coils substantially at the time of eddy current measurement. In this way, changes in resistance due to temperature effects can be completely taken into account in determining the true error in the eddy current measurement. The true error can consequently be converted into an equivalent eddy current measurement correction.

Abstract: A diverter assembly for diverting a pneumatically conveyed holder for a radioactive material between a central conveying tube and one of a plurality of radially offset conveying tubes includes an airtight container. A diverter tube having an offset end is suitably mounted in the container for rotation. A rotary seal seals one end of the diverter tube during and after rotation of the diverter tube while a spring biased seal seals the other end of the diverter tube which mvoes between various offset conveying tubes. An indexing device rotatably indexes the diverter tube and this indexing device is driven by a suitable drive. The indexing mechanism is preferably a geneva-type mechanism to provide a locking of the diverter tube in place.

Abstract: A method for the in situ decontamination of underground water containing -volatile contaminants comprising continuously contacting in situ underground water containing non-volatile contaminants with a liquid-absorbent material possessing high capillary activity, allowing the non-volatile contaminants to deposit in the material while the water moves upwardly through the material by capillary action, allowing substantially decontaminated water to be volatilized by impinging solar radiation, and then allowing the volatilized water to escape from the material into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A neutron reactivity control system for a LWBR incorporating a stationary seed-blanket core arrangement. The core arrangement includes a plurality of contiguous hexagonal shaped regions. Each region has a central and a peripheral blanket area juxapositioned an annular seed area. The blanket areas contain thoria fuel rods while the annular seed area includes seed fuel rods and movable thoria shim control rods.