Abstract: An apparatus and method for hologram induced deposition of material for use in the formation of three-dimensional structures is described. An electromagnetic energy source may be directed in the form of a hologram to a process chamber with a medium. The medium may be an organometallic gaseous medium. The hologram may induce the medium to form a solid structure associated with the shape of the hologram. The pressure of the gaseous medium may range from subatmospheric to greater than 100 psi. Alternatively, the medium may be a liquid polymer, a solid particle, or others. The hologram may be formed with an LCD panel or other means. Further, a holographic movie may be projected into one or more mediums to form complex three-dimensional structures.

Abstract: The present invention provides fabrics that have unique chemical, electrical, and thermal properties. The fabrics comprise layers of yarns woven together wherein the yarns further comprise carbon nanotube fibers. These carbon nanotube fibers may be either single-walled or multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The use of carbon nanotube fibers allows the fabrics to insulate, semi-conduct or super-conduct electrical charges. Additionally, the thermal properties of carbon nanotubes allow thermal energy to flow efficiently between the fabric and a heat sink or source. Additional yarns of materials other than carbon nanotubes can be integrated or woven into the fabric to provide other unique properties for the fabric. These fabrics can be layered to form unique garments or structures.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining one or more reflectance properties of a surface using a portable apparatus that includes reflecting a first beam of electromagnetic energy off of a measured surface, the first beam contacting the measured surface at an angle that is near normal to the measured surface. The method also includes reflecting a second beam of electromagnetic energy off of the measured surface, the second beam contacting the measured surface at an angle that is near grazing to the measured surface. Reflected portions of the first and second beams of electromagnetic energy are then collected and at least one reflectance characteristic value associated with the measured surface is determined based on the reflected portions of the first and second beams of electromagnetic energy.

Abstract: A fast mechanical shutter for a laser has a reflective flag which either blocks or unblocks the laser output. In the blocking position, the flag reflects the light onto a laser output absorber. The flag is rapidly moved by an electric actuator into which shaped current pulses are forced to determine the velocity, acceleration, deceleration and position of the flag. Absent a current pulse, the flag remains in its extant position. Sensors detect and produce an error signal if (i) the flag is in a selected position or (ii) if the actuator or the laser overheat. The error signal moves the flag to its blocking position, terminates laser operation and produces an alarm. Exemplary actuators include rotary actuators, such as solenoids and AC or DC motors that can be rapidly operated by shaped current pulses. A computer may direct the operation of the shutter and the laser.

Abstract: A fast mechanical shutter for a laser has a reflective flag which either blocks or unblocks the laser output. In the blocking position, the flag reflects the light onto a laser output absorber. The flag is rapidly moved by an electric actuator into which shaped current pulses are forced to determine the velocity, acceleration, deceleration and position of the flag. Absent a current pulse, the flag remains in its extant position. Sensors detect and produce an error signal if (i) the flag is in a selected position or (ii) if the actuator or the laser overheat. The error signal moves the flag to its blocking position, terminates laser operation and produces an alarm. Exemplary actuators include rotary actuators, such as solenoids and AC or DC motors that can be rapidly operated by shaped current pulses. A computer may direct the operation of the shutter and the laser.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for hologram induced deposition of material for use in the formation of three-dimensional structures is described. An electromagnetic energy source may be directed in the form of a hologram to a process chamber with a medium. The medium may be an organometallic gaseous medium. The hologram may induce the medium to form a solid structure associated with the shape of the hologram. The pressure of the gaseous medium may range from subatmospheric to greater than 100 psi. Alternatively, the medium may be a liquid polymer, a solid particle, or others. The hologram may be formed with an LCD panel or other means. Further, a holographic movie may be projected into one or more mediums to form complex three-dimensional structures.

Abstract: A fail-safe circuit for preventing an inadvertent communication of a signal from an input terminal to an output terminal includes a series switching network electrically connected between the input terminal and the output terminal. The series switching network contains two switching circuits electrically connected in series. One switching circuit is an electrical switching circuit and the other is an electromechanical switching circuit. The switching circuits are chosen such that defects causing the electrical switching circuit to short circuit do not affect the electromechanical switching circuit and defects causing the electromechanical switching circuit to short circuit do not affect the electrical switching circuit. The fail-safe circuit also includes circuitry for preventing inadvertent communication of the signal from the input terminal through the series switching network to the output terminal when one of the switching circuits is in a short circuited state or condition.