Abstract: A system for filtering air entering the housing of a computer. A filter is placed in the path of air entering the computer housing. A timing program is installed on the computer to keep track of the total amount of time the computer has run since installation or service of the filter. After the computer has run for a predetermined amount of time, the program causes the computer to prompt the computer user to change or service the filter.

Abstract: A fireproof barrier system for a composite structure is provided. A sheet ablative material is bonded onto the composite structure to be fireproofed. A protective phenolic resin skin is deposited on the sheet to protect the ablative material from handling and water damage while further improving the fire performance of the system. The protective skin may have between about 50 to 80 parts per hundred of aluminum trihydrate mixed therein. The protective phenolic resin skin may further be glass-reinforced.

Abstract: A phase changing composition for making articles that can be influenced as o shape and cure time by the application of an electric field. Also disclosed are apparatus and processes for using the material. The composition is characterized in that under the influence of an electrostatic field, the cure time of the composition is significantly shorter.

Abstract: An Operating At Sea Island Station (OASIS) for deployment in an area of wr a preselected distance from a body of land includes a plurality of discrete, self-sufficient operating units. Each operating unit being operable to perform a specialized function and operable in combination with other units to perform an overall task or mission. The plurality of operating units are dispersed in an area of the open sea measuring up to ten nautical (10) miles on a side. Each of the operating units includes mooring and dynamic positioning systems for maintaining the plurality of operating units in spaced apart relation within the OASIS so that any activity taking place relative to one of the operating units may progress without interference from any of the other operating units. If utilized for naval applications, the OASIS may serve as an advanced logistics support base, a critical node base or a forward operating base.

Abstract: The present invention comprises electrorheological fluids and processes. lying an electric field to an electrorheological fluid composition electrically controls chemical reactions therein. The chemical reactions may comprise those wherein the acidity of the composition is changed. Other chemical reactions may comprise those wherein the phase of the composition is changed.

Abstract: A linkage attachment device is used in cold weather in combination with f and water dispensing nozzles having triggers for opening and closing valves for dispensing liquids and for stopping the flow of liquid, without manual contact by the user with such nozzles. Means are provided for preventing the unintended opening of the valves and for limiting the degree to which the valves can be opened by actuating the linkage attachment device.

Abstract: A magnetic compass is illuminated by a light emitting diode. The compass is nclosed in a case made of a lightweight, plastic composite material. The light-emitting diode is energized by a low profile, nonmagnetic battery connected to the light emitting diode through a nonmagnetic microswitch operated on the exterior of the casing by a pushbutton. The compass has a compass rose with strips of phosphorescent material disposed thereon, a rotatable bezel with a strip of phosphorescent material thereon and a lid having a sighting slot therein traversed by a cross hair. Located at the bottom and top of the cross hair are additional strips of phosphorescent material so that the compass may be utilized in the dark. The phosphorescent material may be charged by ambient light and by light emitted by the light emitting diode.