Abstract: A smoke detector that is insensitive to moisture, such as for use in aircraft cargo bays and the like, is provided. The smoke detector includes a housing defining a chamber that is sealed from outside light sources yet is capable of receiving smoke. The smoke detector also includes a light source that is positioned inside the chamber and a detector for receiving diffusely scattered light within the chamber. Advantageously, the smoke detector also includes a moisture compensating device that reflects a substantially consistent percentage of light incident thereupon regardless of moisture on the surfaces thereof such that the operation of the light source can be reliably tested even in environments where moisture has condensed or otherwise collected on the walls of the housing.

Abstract: PEG and related polymer derivatives having weak, hydrolytically unstable linkages near the reactive end of the polymer are provided for conjugation to drugs, including proteins, enzymes, small molecules, and others. These derivatives provide a sufficient circulation period for a drug-PEG conjugate and then for hydrolytic breakdown of the conjugate and release of the bound molecule. In some cases, drugs that previously had reduced activity when permanently coupled to PEG can have therapeutically suitable activity when coupled to a degradable PEG in accordance with the invention. The PEG of the invention can be used to impart water solubility, size, slow rate of kidney clearance, and reduced immunogenicity to the conjugate. Controlled hydrolytic release of the bound molecule in the aqueous environment can then enhance the drug delivery system.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composite (FRCMC) part includes the steps of forming a blank from FRCMC material such that the blank has a dimension approximating a desired finished dimension for the part measuring the dimension of the blank in an unloaded condition, applying a load to the blank and then removing the load so as to cause permanent strain of the blank, measuring the dimension of the blank after the load has been applied and then removed, and comparing the measured dimension after loading to the previously measured dimension. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, if the dimension after loading differs from the dimension previously measured, the loading and measuring steps are repeated. After each loading cycle, the blank is measured and the measured dimension is compared to that previously measured after the prior loading cycle.