Abstract: A cellular automata neural network method for process modeling of film-substrate interactions utilizes a cellular automaton system having variable rules for each cell. The variable rules describe a state change algorithm for atoms or other objects near a substrate. The state change algorithm is used to create a training set of solutions for training a neural network. The cellular automaton system is run to model the film-substrate interactions with the neural network providing the state change solutions in place of the more computationally complex state change algorithm to achieve real-time or near real-time simulations.

Abstract: A damage resistant and tolerant optical element is disclosed. Prior art solid or liquid host matrices are replaced by a soft crosslinked polymer or similar host material. The viscoelastic properties of the matrix host material are controlled during formation so that there are regions of different softness, of stiffness, within the matrix, to form a stiffness gradient. Preferably, the matrix will be softest at a preselected focal plane where maximum electromagnetic radiation or energy output may be expected. The host matrix is doped with a light altering dopant having a concentration distribution, preferably such that the concentration of light limiting dopant is highest in the region where the host matrix material is most soft. Two important disclosed example embodiments are an optical limiter and a solid state dye laser.

Abstract: A bi-directional, conical carbon-carbon clutch bearing engagement mechanism for the inner race of a conventional rolling element bearing comprising a plurality of wave springs for axially urging the clutch into a non-engaged position, and a guide consisting of contiguous pairs of non-parallel ball raceways and a ball positioned in both pairs of the ball raceways whereby relative rotation of the ball raceway pairs in opposite directions results in axial movement of the clutch ring housings in opposing axial directions to an engaged position. The mechanism includes a pair of conical carbon-carbon rings mounted in the movable clutch ring housings conformed to engage opposing conical shaft runners.

Abstract: A new process for making a neodymium gallate (NGO) surface layer on the inside surface of a protective outer sheath of nickel surrounding a core of yttrium-based copper oxide (YBCO) superconductor material permits manufacture of very high performance superconducting wire and tape. The NGO surface layer acts as a diffusion barrier to prevent diffusion of nickel into the YBCO during high temperature melt-processing. The NGO is applied, preferably by slurry casting, to a flat strip of solid nickel and then sintered at temperatures above about 1000° C. The sintering binds the NGO to the nickel strip and fixes it so that it will not react chemically with the YBCO during later melt-processing. The nickel strip and NGO diffusion barrier layer are next rolled into a trough and YBCO ceramic powder inserted inside the trough. The trough is then further rolled into a tube leaving an open seam for oxygen to penetrate during the oxygen anneal procedure of melt-processing.

Abstract: An orthogonal functional basis method for function approximation is disclosed. Starting with the orthogonal least squares method, a new subset selection method for selecting a set of appropriate basis functions is explained where, instead of picking a subset from a given functional basis, the subset is selected from a combination of functional basis evolved from a set of heterogeneous basis functions. The method results in a more efficient neural network.

Abstract: Chitosan-based electro-optic elements are disclosed. An optical waveguide is made from films of chitosan-acetic acid, and from films of chitosan-acetic acid doped with various rare-earth metal ions, over a substrate. Optical limiters are made from chitosan gel host materials doped with a variety of photo-interactive or light limiting dopants. Three different suitable example chitosan gel hosts are disclosed. An electrostatically self-assembling multilayer film is made with a chitosan base layer.

Abstract: A new method for ion beam deposition of diamond-like carbon coatings onto a variety of substrates is described. A high power, radio frequency excited-inductively coupled ion gun directs a beam of carbon and hydrogen ions at a substrate inside an ultra vacuum deposition chamber. A four axis scanner is used for coating large and nonplaner substrates. A quadrupole mass spectrometer is mounted inside the deposition chamber for real time monitoring of ion composition. The disclosed method is particularly effective for coating zinc sulfide and zinc selenide infrared windows.

Abstract: A new portable apparatus and method for sequentially pumping blood headward to assist cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other medical procedures is disclosed. A pair of autocycling retrograde inflation trousers comprise calf and thigh encircling air bladders and abdomen covering air bladders connected in pneumatic series so that as the air bladders are filled starting with the furthermost (from the heart) calf encircling air bladders, the bladders sequentially fill to force, or milk, blood headward. The trousers are filled from an adjustable autocycling air pressure regulator connected to a standard fire department self-contained breathing apparatus air bottle. The air pressure regulator adjusts the air pressure between a higher pressure sufficient to force blood flow headward and a lower pressure sufficient to maintain peripheral vascular resistance. The autocycling inflation and deflation controlled by the air pressure regulator aids a heath care provider in timing CPR.

Abstract: A new method for improving the mechanical properties and nonlinear optical performance characteristics of gallium selenide crystals (GaSe) is disclosed. A charge of GaSe crystals was doped with indium before being made into a crystal. The indium-doped GaSe crystals have improved physical properties in that they can be cut along the cleave planes and the cleaved surfaces polished without the usual delaminations typically observed in prior art pure GaSe crystals. The indium-doped crystals were tested in a second harmonic generation (SHG) system and found to have nearly twice the SHG efficiency as pure, or undoped, GaSe crystals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for immunomagnetic separation and concentration of target biological materials is disclosed. The immunomagnetic separation is performed by a magnetic flow cell, or filter block, as part of an automated mostly continuous immunomagnetic assay system. The magnetic flow cell has two bundles of ferromagnetic rods or pins positioned inside an internal chamber so that a fluid sample flowing through the flow cell passes through the pins. A pair of cobalt magnets flank the flow cell so that the pins concentrate and sufficiently increase the magnetic fields so that even nanometer size magnetic beads can be captured. The overall system combines a reaction subsystem for reacting coated magnetic beads with a sample, a collection subsystem for capturing magnetic beads, a rinsing subsystem for removing debris and a filtering subsystem for removing captured magnetic beads from the collection subsystem. The new magnetic flow filter is the key component for the collection and filtering subsystems.

Abstract: A new apparatus and method for irrigating wounds and for performing gastric lavage utilizes a novel connector that has a spiked end shaped to mate with the self-sealing outlet of a compressible bag of sterile irrigation fluid and a nozzle end having the shape of a syringe tip. The spiked end of the connector is spiked into the bag of irrigation fluid and an intravenous (IV) catheter attached to the nozzle end. The bag of irrigation fluid is held and squeezed to direct a stream of irrigation fluid through the IV catheter and into the wound. For gastric irrigation, a nasogastric tube is attached to the nozzle end and the bag of irrigation fluid held and squeezed to force irrigation fluid into the stomach.

Abstract: A new apparatus and method for dynamically absorbing resonant vibration in jet engine blades and other rotating turbomachine components over all engine speeds is disclosed. A distributed pendulum (a pendulum having its axis of motion inside its body instead of at an end) is mounted inside a jet engine blade to function as a centrifugal pendulum. A centrifugal pendulum can be tuned so that its natural frequency linearly tracks the rotational speed of the engine or other turbomachine in which it is mounted and can absorb resonant vibrations from turbomachine components whenever the frequency of a source of vibratory excitation from a so-called speed line of the turbomachine coincides with a resonant frequency of the component. The equations of motion of a distributed pendulum are derived to show that a distributed pendulum small enough to fit inside a turbomachine component can be tuned to track a turbomachine speed line by adjusting its mass distribution about its axis of motion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the dynamic response of a physical structure is disclosed. A single sheet of a piezoelectric polymer film, preferably polyvinylidene fluoride, or PVDF, is coated on one side with a thin layer of conductive material to serve as a ground electrode. The other side of the sheet is coated with a thin layer or conductive material in a non-contiguous pattern of individual electrodes defining an array of discrete piezoelectric transducers. Sensor leads are connected to each individual electrode and lead to a signal processor which includes associated software for determining from the processed electrical signals relative strain amplitudes of the surface area of a physical structure onto which the sheet is attached. The resulting output can be used to record strain time histories for later processing or, more simply, to show the time-averaged, steady state strain response of a structure.

Abstract: A new apparatus and method for applying a biaxial load to a flat plate test specimen is disclosed. A rhombus-shaped four-bar linkage is attached at one vertex to a fixed attachment point and a uniaxial tensile force is applied to the opposite vertex. The test specimen is placed inside the four-bar linkage and is attached to the four bar linkage by load transfer members connected at one end to the links of the four bar linkage and at their other end to grips holding the test specimen. In one embodiment, load transfer members parallel to the applied uniaxial tensile force are attached to test specimen grips adjacent to the link attachment points of the load transfer members and perpendicular load transfer members are attached to test specimen grips opposite their link attachment points. Application of the uniaxial tensile force then produces a biaxial tensile force in the test specimen.

Abstract: A new apparatus and method for irrigating wounds and for performing gastric lavage utilizes a novel cap that has a threaded end sized to screw onto available plastic bottles of sterile irrigation fluid or saline and a nozzle end having the shape of a syringe tip. The threaded end of the cap is screwed onto the plastic bottle of irrigation fluid and an intravenous (IV) catheter attached to the nozzle end. The plastic bottle of irrigation fluid is held and squeezed to direct a stream of irrigation fluid through the IV catheter and into the wound. For gastric irrigation, a nasogastric tube is attached to the nozzle end and the bottle of irrigation fluid held and squeezed to force irrigation fluid into the stomach.

Abstract: A new apparatus and method for making a carbon or graphite reinforced composite is described. A rigid carbon foam preform is placed within a sealed flexible bag. A vacuum is created within the bag. Matrix resin is introduced into the bag, through an inlet valve, and is amply impregnated into the preform. The resulting resin-filled preform is exposed to a heat source to cure the preform. The resulting carbon or graphite reinforced composite structure is then removed from the bag.

Abstract: A novel microfocusing laser surgical probe for use in intraocular surgery combines a high power laser with a gradient index (GRIN) lens to provide sufficient energy density at a focal point inside the eye to achieve laser induced breakdown and destroy fibrovascular membranes resulting from diabetes and other diseases. The gradient index lens steeply focuses the light close to its end so that the energy density of the light widely diverges beyond the focal point to reduce the potential for damage to the underlying retina. The gradient index lens also focuses the light far enough from the end of the lens to prevent damage to the lens itself. In a first embodiment, an open transmission line couples a YAG laser to a gradient index lens so that the light is still collimated when it strikes the lens. This first probe may be articulated by the use of mirrors or other optical devices.

Abstract: A new inflatable liner for an aircraft or other protective helmet is disclosed. The liner includes a multiplicity of separate inflatable cells adjacently arranged in the general shape of a cap or of the inside of a helmet. Each inflatable cell includes a separate inflation tube. The inflation tubes extend out the back or side of the liner to one or more collector tubes. A valve controls a supply of inflatable fluid, typically pressurized air, to the collector tube. The inflation tubes may be grouped so that adjacent inflatable cells are differentially pressurized to provide impact energy absorption and so that inflatable cells on the sides of the helmet liner are more highly pressurized than cells on the top of the helmet liner to hold the helmet liner, and an accompanying helmet, more securely on a person's head.

Abstract: A novel intravenous (“IV”) warming unit warms and keeps warm intravenous fluid bags for use at remote sites under arctic conditions. The IV fluid warming unit is made of fabric cut and sewn to form a suitcase-like folding receptacle, or satchel. The satchel has four inside pockets along one inside surface and overlapping webbing on the other inside surface. Chemical heating pads are activated and placed inside the pockets and IV fluid bags placed under the webbing. When the satchel is closed, the chemical heating pads warm and keep warm the IV fluid bags. In use, the satchel is placed on top of the chest of a patient so that the satchel warms the patient from the outside while the warmed IV fluid warms the patient from the inside.

Abstract: A new apparatus for displaying and recording an image viewed by a marksman or shooter through a weapon sight is described. A beam splitter is mounted at the eye end of the weapon sight and bends part of the image intended for the shooter 900.degree. to a righting prism which bends the image another 900.degree., for a total of 180.degree.. The image from the righting prism is directed to the input of a miniature video camera mounted over and parallel with the weapon sight. The video camera transmits the image to a remote miniature video display and to a remote video recorder. By bending the image a total of 180.degree., the video camera can be mounted in a low profile position over the weapon sight such that the overall balance of the weapon is minimally upset.