Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the gap resistance between two electrodes, such as the electrodes used fusion splicing one optical fiber to another, by injecting negative ions into the gas or gasses that are located between the electrodes. As a result, the voltage that is required to cause dielectric breakdown and initiation of the electrical arc is drastically reduced.

Abstract: A closed loop air conditioning system for an aircraft includes a compressor stage including at least one power driven compressor, for compressing working fluid, a first expansion turbine over which compressed working fluid is expanded and cooled, a first heat load heat exchanger in which heat from a first heat load is exchanged to the expanded and cooled working fluid, a second expansion turbine over which working fluid from the first heat exchanger is further expanded and cooled, and a second heat load heat exchanger in which heat from a second heat load is exchanged to the further expanded and cooled working fluid.

Abstract: A method of resisting corrosion of metal elements in concrete is provided. It includes introducing into concrete containing metal elements, at least one combination compound capable of sequestering chloride ions having the formula 3Me(II)O.(R,R?)2O3.Me(II)(anion)2.nH2O, where R and R? are different and are independently selected from the group consisting of Al, Fe and Cr; anion is selected from the group consisting of NO2, NO3 and OH, n is 0 to 24, and Me(II) is a cation and is selected from the group consisting of Ca, Ba, Sr, Mn, Zn and combinations thereof. In one embodiment of the invention, concrete structures may be rehabilitated by providing an overlay containing the combination compound, with the overlay being provided in situ or as a preformed member and with possible use of a slurry in combination with an overlay segment.

Abstract: A method for treating and preventing various infections, including papilloma virus and fungal and parasitic infections is provided. In particular, an effective amount of a sulfated polysaccharide, such as cellulose sulfate and dextran sulfate are administered to prevent and treat these infections. The invention also relates to use of these compounds for the prevention and inhibition of malignant epithelial lesions associated with papilloma virus, such as cervical cancer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately measuring superheat, bath ratio and alumina concentration in an aluminum smelting bath. In one embodiment, a reusable probe determines the bath temperature and bath sample superheat. In other embodiments, the probe also determines bath composition including bath cryolite ratio and alumina concentration.

Abstract: An improved wheelbarrow includes a pair of legs that are each configured as four-bar linkages and are collapsible. Each of the legs includes an advantageously simple lock for releasably locking the leg in extended and retracted positions. The wheelbarrow includes a frame assembly, a wheel, a tray, and a pair of handles. The frame assembly can be assembled by the manufacturer, and the wheelbarrow can then be provided as a kit in accordance with the present invention that can be assembled by the retailer or the consumer by simply attaching the wheel, the tray, and the handles to the frame assembly. A support block is disclosed which facilitates assembly and strengthens the legs.

Abstract: A method of repairing a void on a nickel or cobalt base superalloy investment casting by vibrating the casting for a time before repairing the void, vibrating the casting while filling the void wherein the void is filled by repeatedly making incremental weld deposits of a superalloy filler material in the void using pulsed gas tungsten arc welding, and impinging each incremental deposit with a cooling gas after each incremental weld deposit is made and before the next incremental weld deposit is made, and vibrating the casting for a time after the void is filled.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a composite structure involves providing at least two polymeric sheets as outer layers such that a cavity is formed therebetween, adhesively bonding fibrous layers to the polymeric layers to hold the fibrous layers in place during processing, and injecting into the cavity a polymeric core material capable of exhibiting a foamed character and a resinous character. The cavity is evacuated during filling with the core material, and a blowing agent of the core material is activated upon exposure to the evacuated cavity. The core material contacting the fibrous layers is reconverted to its resinous character and forms a relative dense, resinous interface between the core and fibrous layers. Upon filling the region of the cavity between the fibrous layers, a catalytic reaction is initiated in the core.

Abstract: A method of determining a physical characteristic of a hollow transparent article includes positioning the article at an inspection station, creating a scanning light beam which is split into two inspection light beams which are caused to impinge on different portions of the article. A plurality of sensors receive light reflected from the external and internal surfaces of the wall of the article and convert the same into corresponding electrical signals. The electrical signals are based upon the elapsed time from the initiation of the light beam or scanning light beam until arrival of a reflected light beam at least two sensors. The transparent article may, for example, be a container or tube. The inspection light beams are preferably caused to impinge on the article from opposed directions with each impinging on the article within about 70° degrees and preferably about 60° degrees of a radial plane perpendicular to the article.