Abstract: Intersubband semiconductor lasers (ISLs) are of great interest for mid-infrared (2-20 &mgr;m) device applications. These semiconductor devices have a wide range of applications from pollution detection and industrial monitoring to military functions. ISLs have generally encountered several problems which include slow intrawell intersubband relaxation times due to the large momentum transfer and small wave-function overlap of the initial and final electron states in interwell transitions. Overall, the ISL's of the prior art are subject to weak intersubband population inversion. The semiconductor device of the present invention provides optimal intersubband population inversion by providing a double quantum well active region in the semiconductor device. This region allows for small momentum transfer in the intersubband electron-phonon resonance with the substantial wave-function overlap characteristic of the intersubband scattering.

Abstract: A separable bonding system including two opposed rigid adherends and a deformed shape memory alloy element disposed between and adhesively bonded to facing surfaces of the two rigid adherends. A method of adhesively bonding and selectively debonding and separating at least two rigid adherends including mechanically straining a shape memory alloy element to form a deformed shape memory alloy element; disposing the deformed shape memory alloy element between and adhesively bonding the deformed shape memory alloy element to facing surfaces of at least two rigid adherends; elevating the temperature of the deformed shape memory alloy element sufficient to transform the deformed shape memory alloy element from the mechanically strained state to a recovered shape, thereby weakening adhesive bonds formed between the shape memory alloy element and separating the facing surfaces of the at least two rigid adherends.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detection of multiple target nucleic acids and/or antigens such as hormones, antibodies, or nerve agents in a sample, involves presenting the sample to a plurality of reporter binding sites wherein each reporter binding site comprises two partially hybridized molecules. A first of the two hybridized molecules is bound to the binding site and is complementary to a target nucleic acid or antigen, and it will therefore hybridize to the target nucleic acid or antigen and cause the release of the second hybridized molecule into the sample. The second hybridized molecule comprises a reporter nucleic acid sequence, which uniquely identifies the target nucleic acid or antigen. Subsequent PCR amplification of the unique reporter nucleic acid sequence using labeled primers results in multiple labeled copies of the unique nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: A roller slide apparatus for mounting heavy equipment on support structures and which allows safe repositioning of the equipment for servicing and repair includes a lower plate assembly connected to a support structure, an upper mounting plate connected to the equipment, and a bearing assembly connected to both the lower mounting plate assembly and the upper mounting plate for facilitating movement of the upper mounting plate from a first operative position where the upper mounting plate is substantially superimposed over the lower mounting plate assembly to a second operative position where the upper mounting plate is moved away from the lower mounting plate assembly. Locking devices for maintaining the upper mounting plate in either the first or second operative positions, includes flanges formed on the mounting plates and extensions that slide into holes formed in flange or plate elements.

Abstract: A rotator for holding and rotating a steel shipping container includes a n frame and a cradle frame attached to the main frame to allow relative rotation between the main frame and the cradle frame under the power of a hydraulic jack or the like. The container is secured to the cradle frame while the cradle frame is horizontal, and compressed air is supplied to the jack to tilt the cradle frame and the container for refurbishing. Pins are provided to hold the cradle frame in both the horizontal position and the tilted position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flow-softening tungsten alloy having the general formula:W.sub.100-p T.sub.x M.sub.y B.sub.zwherein W is tungsten; T is one or more elements selected from the group sisting of titanium, zirconium and hafnium; M is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, tantalum. iron, cobalt, nickel,manganese and vanadium; B is one or more of the elements selected from the group consisting of boron, carbon, silicon and aluminum; x is from 5 to 30 weight percent; y is from 1 to 10 weight percent; z is from 0 to 2 weight percent; and p is equal to or less than 30 weight percent. In this alloy p is approximately equal to the sum of x, y and z. A method of preparing this alloy and a kinetic energy penetrator manufactured from it are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ignition tube for use with electrothermal chemical combustion ignition projectiles in guns, comprising a tube positionable in a combustion chamber for receiving plasma ignition from a plasma chamber. The tube is formed from high density polyethylene or other materials adapted to release plasma upon contact by plasma ignition electrical energy or pulses. The tube is specifically designed to provide an increasing exit area from the proximal end of the tube toward the distal so as to act upon the longitudinally attenuated plasma, thereby substantially decreasing the amplitude of any reflected shock in the plasma stream. The exit area comprises a plurality of radially extending orifices or holes that have a decreased angle of inclination to the longitudinal axis from proximal end to distal end, such that the orifices form a spiral pattern on the circumference of the tube. This pattern provides a uniform action of plasma on the propellant over the entire length of the ignition tube.

Abstract: Pliers having opposed gripping tips thereon wherein each gripping tip is figured as a tooth which extends toward the opposite gripping tip.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for aiming a gun at a target moving along a non-linear path is disclosed which relies upon the discovery that at any given moment in a non-linear path, a target is traversing an arc of a circle. Methods for calculating offsets for aiming a gun at a point further along on the arc of the circle in accordance with the determined time of flight of the projectile are disclosed.