Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating gases, especially for removing water or from a gas such as air. This invention uses a short-cycle process which produces reduction in dewpoint (for dehydrating gas separation processes) or change in gas concentration (for non-dehydrating gas separation processes) at high pressure, and which includes adding a short burst of heat during the beginning of the reactivation cycle to boost desorption and complete it typically in about thirty minutes or less time. An easily desorbed desiccant (or other adsorbent material for non-dehydrating applications) and the short low-temperature burst of heat serve to reactivate a significant portion of the desiccant bed (or adsorbent bed), and the cooler purge fluid that follows cools that portion of the bed in preparation for the next drying (or adsorbing) cycle.

Abstract: Data processing systems are disclosed which use arithmetic processors with final stage discriminate rectifiers and discriminate data sampling to evaluate parameters which effectively minimize parametric expressions representing sums of normalized datum variances to provide corresponding data representations which account for such items as nonlinearities, nonuniform error distributions, and variable precision uncertainties. Conformal analysis is provided as an optional replacement for regression analysis to account for significant errors in more than a single variable parameter. The applications include general forms of curve fitting, transformations, function approximations and corresponding forms of real time data processing. The systems provide for both linear and nonlinear forms of data reduction.

Abstract: Alarming mechanism, sounding and/or flashing, which signals fluorescent lamp malfunctioning as visibly manifested by flickering. The alarming mechanism according to this invention electrically engages the starter mechanism of a fluorescent lamp and is responsive to current change associated with abnormal flickering. Timely corrective action which is prompted by the alarm may avoid or mitigate one or more deleterious effects of such malfunctioning, such as energy waste, lamp damage, fire hazard and electronic interference. For many embodiments the alarming mechanism and the starter mechanism are advantageously coupled as a single structural unit.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for accurately and efficiently metering at least one compressible fluid and at least one incompressible fluid for mixing, whereby pressure and therefore density is regulated with regard to each compressible fluid, and volume is regulated with regard to each compressible fluid as well as each incompressible fluid. Compressible fluids in particular are metered more accurately because the mass of each fluid is used as the variable measurement standard, both the density and the volume of each fluid being maintained at controlled and predictable levels.

Abstract: Inkless skin printing apparatus and method featuring unique cooperation of common, harmless, odorless solvent in association with ordinary thermal (fax) paper material. The skin area is coated with a substance which includes the solvent and then impressed onto and withdrawn from the thermal paper, thereby visibly forming a developing impression on the thermal paper which eventually fully develops into a quality skin print. Heat application to the developing impression may serve to accelerate and/or enhance the development. Skin prints such as fingerprints are generated according to this invention with "no muss, no fuss, no-clean-up-required" neatness and efficiency, and if desired with on-location portability.

Abstract: A design for a high damping composite joint which dissipates vibrations through the use of air gaps and viscoelastic material minimizing the transfer of vibrations to the metallic coupling. Viscoelastic material is used with adhesive to provide for increased energy dissipation by the joint. As the load increases on the joint, the load transfers from adhesive to the viscoelastic. The viscoelastic begins to take the load of the joint at the point where the adhesive becomes plastic. Acoustic vibrations are then dissipated in the viscoelastic and are prevented from being transferred to the metallic coupling by air gaps provided in the joint. The amount of viscoelastic and adhesive used depends on the anticipated load. Finite element analysis is used to calculate optimal amounts of viscoelastic and adhesive.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting fire including a light source for generating light, a light sensor for receiving light from the light source and providing an analog signal representing the intensity of the received light, and a clear plastic light guide for transmitting the light from the light source to the sensor. The light guide include notches for allowing smoke to enter the notches. Smoke entering the notches decreases the intensity of the light passing therethrough. A calibration sensor is included. The sensitivity of the fire detector is increased by a lens assembly which collimates the light generated by the light source. The color of smoke entering the light guide may be determined by generating colored light. Temperature, humidity and carbon monoxide levels are also detected and the information is integrated with the smoke detection data to provide a reliable fire detector.

Abstract: A gasket for watertight/airtight sealing of individual-acting movable structural closures (such as shipboard doors, hatches and scuttles), featuring utilization of silicone rubber material in a specifically proportioned rectangular-parallelepipedoid shape having two 45.degree. chamfers and a lengthwise intermediate semicylindrical groove. The gasket's superior sealing properties derive from its configuration and composition as well as its resultant unsusceptibility to permanent set. The gasket is softer and hence easier and quicker to install, performs better in a fire environment, has a significantly longer life expectancy, requires far less maintenance and overall affords substantial savings.

Abstract: The present invention comprises improved electroset materials and processes. Electroset materials with electrically programmable electric and mechanical properties comprise electrically polarizable particles immersed within the suspended within castable dielectric fluids. The polarizable particles may comprise ions or, alternatively, electrically conductive or semiconductive particles.

Abstract: The quantity of gases dissolved in liquids is determined by introducing a quid sample into a hollow cylinder with a plunger, retracting the plunger to create a void space into which gases originally dissolved in the liquid sample diffuse, compressing the gases into a reduced volume, measuring the absolute pressure of the gases, and calculating the amount of gases originally dissolved in the liquid from the absolute pressure, the temperature, the vapor pressure of the liquid at the prevailing temperature, the volumes of liquid and the final volume of the gas, by using the ideal gas law.

Abstract: An oil spill sensing/communicating apparatus which is buoyantly situated, anchored or adrift, in a salt or fresh body of water, featuring a configuration which permits fluid passage therethrough of surface water/oil and sensing of hydrocarbonous gas which is emitted/exhaled from the oil. The apparatus thus functions effectively regardless of visual conditions because it "smells" rather than "sees" the oil which is present. Oil detection is signaled by the apparatus via light transmission and/or via radio transmission of location coordinates; some adrift embodiments use the Global Positioning System of satellite communication for continually updating the radio-transmitted location coordinates.

Abstract: A multiple-layered, translatedly rib-stiffened, composite hollow cylinder d method for fabrication thereof utilizing filament winding technique known in the art. Selective utilization of high strain-to-failure viscoelastic matrix material, without resort to secondary processing, results in improved damping characteristics in terms of dissipation of mechanical and acoustic-energy as well as improved structural characterics in terms of damage tolerance.

Abstract: The quantity of gases dissolved in liquids is determined by introducing a quid sample into a hollow cylinder with a plunger, retracting the plunger to create a void space into which gases originally dissolved in the liquid sample diffuse, compressing the gases into a reduced volume, measuring the absolute pressure of the gases, and calculating the amount of gases originally dissolved in the liquid from the absolute pressure, the temperature, the vapor pressure of the liquid at the prevailing temperature, the volumes of liquid and the final volume of the gas, by using the ideal gas law.

Abstract: A double hull structure includes a controllably crushable stand-off struce for maintaining a separation between inner and outer hulls and may be retrofit onto existing hulls either in modular and/or break-away sections or as a complete "shoe" enclosing the existing hull. This retrofittable hull is preferably of a non-metallic composite material which reduces or eliminates corrosion of the existing hull, extending the usable lifetime thereof. The controllably crushable stand-off structure is designed to provide sequential failure, preferably by sequential energy absorbing brittle fractures with little elastic deformation, to provide protection of the existing hull during collisions and/or groundings and thus enhance cargo containment. The brittle fracture is preferably provided by the use of non-metallic composite material in beams of the stand-off structure and/or the inclusion of syntactic foams.

Abstract: Cylinder-to-cylinder attachment method and construction featuring nonutiltion of mechanical fasteners or bonding, especially advantageous for attachment of cylinders which are composite or to be subjected to hydrostatic pressure. A fastening ring is interpositionally and rotatively engaged and aligned with a toothed axial end of each cylinder whereby the inwardly radial teeth for each cylinder appropriately mesh with the outer grooved circumferential surface of the fastening ring. The resultant joint is easily detachable and less susceptible than conventional joints to damage, breakage, degradation, stress concentrations and fluid infiltration.

Abstract: A multiple-layered, translatedly rib-stiffened, composite hollow cylinder d method for fabrication thereof utilizing filament winding techniques known in the art. An inner skin is wound over a mandrel; then, circumferential ribs are wound over the inner skin, pin rings are placed at the axial ends of the mandrel, longitudinal stringers are engaged with the pin rings and wound over the circumferential ribs, circumferential bands are wound near the axial ends over the longitudinal stringers, and another skin is wound over the circumferential bands and longitudinal stringers; these steps, commencing with the winding of circumferential ribs and concluding with the winding of an additional skin, are repeated as many times as desired, each repetition forming an additional layer, with the circumferential ribs for each additional layer being longitudinally staggered in relation to the circumferential ribs for the previous layer.

Abstract: A towing post provides a floating transducer platform on a carriage which arranged for motion in a vertical direction above the center of pressure of a model being tested, for example, by towing across or through a towing basin. Linear bearings are attached to a carriage and engage vertical tracks extending between top and bottom fixed plates of the towing post. One or more transducers may be attached, one above the other, between the floating platform and the model and thus extend through an aperture in the lower plate. Attachment to the model through a gimbal located at the center of pressure of the model allows separation of a measurement, such as of drag, from effects of position and, if desired, a wide range of motion through one or more degrees of freedom, such as pitch and roll. Effects of towing post effects on trim are also eliminated and improved restraint of other motions is achieved.

Abstract: A load bearing structural support for machinery which provides a mechanism or dissipating both mechanical and vibrational energy comprises a high damping flexible reinforcement of fiber preform infiltrated with a viscoelastic material which has a high elongation to failure property and provides a significant damping ability. In one embodiment, an I-Beam is formed by a pair of L-shapes and a T-shape. The two L-shapes are placed back to back, with the T-shape placed therebetween forming an I-beam. At least one flexible reinforcement is then positioned between the vertical segments of the T-shape and the two L-shapes to isolate the T-shape. The T-shape is actually "floating" between the L-shapes. In another embodiment, the flexible reinforcement is suspended between at least a pair of spaced anchors with a vertical support of the same flexible reinforcement attached to or integral with the suspended flexible reinforcement portion and its free end anchored to a stable base.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for fabricating textured pseudo-single crystal bulk superconducting materials, featuring introduction of a pressure gradient and/or of a magnetic field for enhancement of known melt-texturing directional solidification techniques using a steep temperature gradient furnace for increasing temperatures at which superconductive properties can be maintained in superconducting materials. The strengths of the temperature gradient, pressure gradient and/or magnetic field can be optimally varied, resulting in formation of superconducting material exhibiting superconductive properties at higher temperatures than previously achievable.

Abstract: An improved electroviscous fluid formulated with discrete fluids of diverse densities, characterized in that settling of aggregate in functional apparatus is diminished. Aggregate particles having a density between the density of two fluids migrate to the boundary layer of the fluids when the fluids are at rest. By appropriately selecting the volume of the fluids in functional apparatus, the electroviscous fluid aggregate is placed in position for more immediate response when the apparatus is activated by electrical energy.