Abstract: In one aspect the present invention features process for making a tablet comprising at least one pharmaceutically active agent, said method comprising the step of applying radiofrequency energy to a powder blend to sinter said powder blend into said tablet, wherein said powder blend comprises lossy coated particles and said at least one pharmaceutically active agent, wherein said lossy coated particles comprises a substrate that is at least partially coated with a lossy coating comprising at least one activator, wherein said substrate has a Q value of greater than 100 and said activator has a Q value of less than 75.

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention features process for making a tablet comprising at least one pharmaceutically active agent, said method comprising the step of applying radiofrequency energy to a powder blend to sinter said powder blend into said tablet, wherein said powder blend comprises lossy coated particles and said at least one pharmaceutically active agent, wherein said lossy coated particles comprises a substrate that is at least partially coated with a lossy coating comprising at least one activator, wherein said substrate has a Q value of greater than 100 and said activator has a Q value of less than 75.

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention features process for making a tablet comprising at least one pharmaceutically active agent, said method comprising the step of applying radiofrequency energy to a powder blend to sinter said powder blend into said tablet, wherein said powder blend comprises lossy coated particles and said at least one pharmaceutically active agent, wherein said lossy coated particles comprises a substrate that is at least partially coated with a lossy coating comprising at least one activator, wherein said substrate has a Q value of greater than 100 and said activator has a Q value of less than 75.

Abstract: Antioxidant polymeric compounds are provided that comprise a plurality of monomeric portions, where each monomeric portion includes an antioxidant molecule interposed between at least two acrylate molecules, and where at least one acrylate molecule of each monomeric portion is linked by a diamine molecule to an acrylate molecule of an adjacent monomeric portion to thereby form the polymer. Methods of synthesizing polymeric compounds and methods of using the antioxidant polymeric compounds to reduce oxidative stress are also provided.

Abstract: The invention includes a vehicle simulator for simulating the sounds and vibrations generated by a moving vehicle. The vehicle simulator includes a housing configured to receive any standard infant carrier including infant vehicle seats. An acoustic system, including an acoustic output transducer and a control unit, is coupled to the housing. The control unit provides a drive signal to the acoustic transducer, which the acoustic output transducer converts into sound waves that provide both vehicle movement sounds and vehicle movement vibrations. When an infant carrier in which an infant is seated is received within the housing, the vehicle movement sounds and vibrations are transmitted by the acoustic output transducer to the infant carrier where the sounds and vibrations create a soothing environment of sound and vibration designed to mimic the environment inside a moving vehicle.

Abstract: A reusable module is affixed atop a reusable orbital vehicle (OV). Various configurations of the reusable module have identical external dimensions in the region of attachment to the OV, aerodynamic characteristics, and mounting configurations to permit interchangeability. Different configurations can accommodate a variety of missions of different type and duration. The module may be a cargo module, a satellite payload module or a passenger module. The passenger module is provided in a variety of configurations to accommodate a different number of passengers and cargo based on mission parameters.

Abstract: A reusable module is affixed atop a reusable orbital vehicle (OV). Various configurations of the reusable module have identical external dimensions in the region of attachment to the OV to permit interchangeability. Different configurations can accommodate a variety of missions of different type and duration. A variety of cargo modules of different configurations allow cargo to be uplifted into orbit. In one embodiment, the cargo module is an unpressurized cargo module in which the cargo is exposed to the environment of space during the unloading process. The cargo module may also be a pressurized cargo module. In an alternative embodiment, the cargo module may include both a pressurized cargo module and unpressurized cargo module.

Abstract: A reusable module is affixed atop a reusable orbital vehicle (OV). Various configurations of the reusable module have identical external dimensions in the region of attachment to the OV to permit interchangeability. Different configurations can accommodate a variety of missions of different type and duration. A variety of cargo modules of different configurations allow cargo to be uplifted into orbit. In one embodiment, the cargo module is an unpressurized cargo module in which the cargo is exposed to the environment of space during the unloading process. The cargo module may also be a pressurized cargo module. In an alternative embodiment, the cargo module may include both a pressurized cargo module and unpressurized cargo module.

Abstract: An active satellite dispenser is preferably attachable to a reusable launch vehicle for deployment of one or more satellites into one or more desired orbits. The active satellite dispenser includes a center mast that releasably receives the satellite(s), a liquid propellant rocket, and an orbital control system on an avionics pallet. In the preferred embodiment, a pressurized gas selectively pressurizes the propellant tanks (which may include fuel and oxidizer tanks), to provide propellant to the rocket. In operation, the launch vehicle releases the satellite dispenser in a first deployment orbit. The active dispenser rocket and orbital control system then transport the active dispenser and satellite(s) into the final deployment orbit. In the preferred embodiment the active dispenser can operate multiple times to place individual satellites in different orbits.

Abstract: An orbital vehicle (34) having a propulsion module (33) and a logistics module (36). The logistics module includes a generally cylindrical outer shell (56, 541, 542) with first and second ends. An openable cover (58) is coupled with the outer shell at the first end, thereby providing access to the interior of the logistics module. The second end is adapted to couple to the propulsion module. A cargo container (54) is disposed generally within the outer shell, the cargo container including a berthing mechanism (70) disposed to be accessible when the cover is opened. A retractable grapple fixture (176) is provided on the logistics module, selectively positionable between an extended position and a retracted position. When the grapple fixture is in the extended position a grapple shaft (78) can be accessed to secure the orbital vehicle. When the grapple fixture is retracted, it is enclosed within the orbital vehicle.

Abstract: An active satellite dispenser is preferably attachable to a reusable launch vehicle for deployment of one or more satellites into one or more desired orbits. The active satellite dispenser includes a center mast that releasably receives the satellite(s), a liquid propellant rocket, and an orbital control system on an avionics pallet. In the preferred embodiment, a pressurized gas selectively pressurizes the propellant tanks (which may include fuel and oxidizer tanks), to provide propellant to the rocket. In operation, the launch vehicle releases the satellite dispenser in a first deployment orbit. The active dispenser rocket and orbital control system then transport the active dispenser and satellite(s) into the final deployment orbit. In the preferred embodiment the active dispenser can operate multiple times to place individual satellites in different orbits.

Abstract: An aerospace vehicle for delivering a payload into space includes a first stage and a second stage with a plurality of separation assemblies coupling the first stage to the second stage. At least one container charged with pressurized gas in fluid communication with the separation assemblies provides pressurized gas to the separation assemblies to cause separation of the first stage and the second stage.

Abstract: A feedline for transporting propellant from a tank of a launch vehicle to an engine includes a first conduit coupled to the tank, a second conduit coupled to the engine, and a flexible joint connecting the first conduit to the second conduit. The flexible joint provides fluid communication between the first conduit and the second conduit.

Abstract: A system is provided for delivering liquid propellant in a booster stage of a launch vehicle. The system includes an arrangement of tanks and valves to direct a first supply of liquid propellant during ascent of the booster stage and a second supply during descent of the booster stage. In disclosed embodiments, tanks may be arranged in series or parallel.

Abstract: An aluminum cryogenic tank for launch vehicles has aluminum skirts that extend from each end of a peripheral wall of a tank body. The skirts provide a temperature differential between the tank body and the ends of the skirts so that composite panels can be used in locations longitudinally proximate to the tank body without over stressing either the skirts or the composite panels in regions near their junctures and without sacrificing structural integrity of the composite panels due to an excessively low temperature. The peripheral wall of the tank and the skirts provide a portion of a structural/aerodynamic wall or shell of the launch vehicle.

Abstract: A payload module couples to a forward end of a re-entry vehicle. The payload module includes a cap and a fairing to contain a payload during ascent of the vehicle and to withstand aerodynamic heating from the atmosphere upon re-entry of the vehicle. In a particular embodiment, the fairing has an extended position to contain the payload and a retracted position for re-entry into the atmosphere after payload deployment.

Abstract: The provision of a clock chopper, pulse shaper, single-shot circuit with NOR gates a delay path and a set-reset latch. In response to a high input (for example) to a first NOR gate, the circuit output goes high and remains high until the output of the one NOR gate propagates through the delay one input of a second NOR gate whose other input is coupled to a set-reset latch. When the delayed output of the first NOR gate reaches the input of the second NOR gate, the circuit output falls, and the change in circuit output is fed back to reset the latch. The change in latch state changes the output state of the second NOR gate and resets the circuit for next input.

Abstract: A high-speed clock delay circuit in which an external differential digital clock signal is connected to a pair of differentially connected, current switching transistors. Emitter follower drivers couple the switching transistors to differential delayed clock output terminals. A pair of diodes cross-coupled between the differential output terminals and the switching transistors provide a relatively large Miller Effect capacitance, the charging and discharging of which provides a delay in the switching of the transistor pair, as measured differentially. Changing the charging and discharging current through the emitter follower driver, changes the bias across the diodes and thus changes their effective capacitance.

Abstract: A memory cell responsive to a write enable signal for storing write signals present on a pair of write bit lines and responsive to a read enable signal for presenting stored data on a pair of read sense lines further includes a timed, active write load. The memory cell includes first and second NPN bipolar transistors having commonly connected emitters, and cross-coupled bases and collectors; and first and second PNP bipolar transistors configured as loads for the pair of NPN bipolar transistors. Write transistors are provided responsive to the write enable signal for draining current from a selected one of the first or second nodes. Transistors connected as diodes between the respective PNP bases and each of the cross-coupled NPN nodes are responsive to the current draining effected by the write transistors for biasing a selected one of the first or second PNP transistors into an active mode of operation.