Abstract: The present invention is of a glow discharge switch operating in the low pressure regime where gas breakdown is limited by the distance between electron-gas particle collisions (pseudospark discharge). The invention utilizes linear discharge apertures (length greater than width) in the electrodes. The linear apertures provide significantly higher current conduction without discharge constriction than conventional round-hole pseudospark switches. A radial version of the linear pseudospark switch also is disclosed that provides for self-canceling of the magnetic fields induced by the discharge, and thus prevents discharge constriction and provides for very high current conduction.

Abstract: An amusement device comprising a modularized pod, in which one or more riders sit and are restrained, and which spins under power about a horizontal axis according to the passenger's active control. The riders control the spinning of the pod, either forward or backward, by pressing buttons on the passenger's handgrips located inside the pod. The modularized pod may be used in conjunction with many different types of amusement devices, including, but not limited to roller coasters, carrousels, Ferris wheels, virtual reality units, centrifugal tumblers. The modularized pod may also be used in conjunction with flight and space training and simulation units.

Abstract: A holder sheet device (100, 200) to securely hold boxes (50) together on a flatcar is disclosed, comprising at least one elongated sheet member (101, 102, 201), anchor belt (3, 23), and fastener (4, 24). Optionally, the holder sheet device is further provided with elastic connector (10). The anchor belt is spanned over the boxes and holds a portion of the holder sheet device so that a single worker can easily mount and set the holder sheet device on the boxes.

Abstract: A hair razor holder (10) for combing off hair is disclosed, comprising a body (11, 12) having a blade cartridge housing means, and a finger ring (13). The finger ring (13) is provided slightly off the center of gravity (G) such that the holder (10) can smoothly turn on a finger inserted in the ring (13). The holder (10) additionally has a blade refreshing means (14, 23) which facilitates renewal of the blade edge without removing the cartridge (20) from the housing. The holder (10) can provide streamlined and safe hair combing off without requiring putting the holder (10) aside during work.

Abstract: Building materials of modules of at least one mortise and tenon and either a curvilinear side face or joinder of the modules at angles other than zero and ninety degrees. Lateral ends of the modules are flush with lateral ends of adjacent modules. Preferably, the modules are: (1) of a low density aggregate cementitious mix; and/or (2) have a hollow space extending from the mortise to the tenon and include a structural support member passing through the hollow space and a compression retainer securing the structural support member to the modules; and/or (3) have grooves circumscribing the modules and which are proximate corresponding grooves on modules placed on top or below. The modules are preferably sealed to one another with sealant placed in the grooves.

Abstract: A directional traffic sensing system and method employing one or more pairs of overlapping sensor loops, a sensing controller driving the sensor loops, interference minimization between the overlapping loops, direction of travel determination, and reduction of false directional reports.

Abstract: Methods to recover nitroamines from energetic pyrotechnic materials yielding useable by-products and producing zero waste. The methods are used on materials containing HMX and RDX.

Abstract: A method of bearing estimation comprising quadrature digital filtering of event observations, constructing a plurality of observation matrices each centered on a time-frequency interval, determining for each observation matrix a parameter such as degree of polarization, linearity of particle motion, degree of dyadicy, or signal-to-noise ratio, choosing observation matrices most likely to produce a set of best available bearing estimates, and estimating a bearing for each observation matrix of the chosen set.

Abstract: A pressure transformer is provided having a housing, with a rotating group disposed therein, an adjustable port plate is disposed between a barrel of the rotating group and a head portion of the housing. The barrel has a plurality of pistons slideably disposed in cylinders defined in the barrel. The cylinders each define a cylinder port that is in intimate contact with the port plate. The port plate has three arcuate slots defined therein and spaced from one another along a predetermined circumference. Each arcuate slot has a leading edge and a trailing edge. Likewise each of the cylinder ports has a leading edge and a trailing edge. The shape and orientation of the leading edges and trailing edges of the cylinder ports and the arcuate slots are the same. During relative rotation between the cylinder ports and the arcuate slots, the leading edges of the cylinder ports and the leading edges of the arcuate slots are radially concurrent.

Abstract: A capillary discharge x-ray laser driven by a radial pulse forming line. Both Blumlein and transmission line configurations of the pulse forming line in single and multiple stage arrangements are presented.

Abstract: A method of preparing flourescent in situ hybridization slides, comprising: providing a slide with a raised ring thereon; providing to the slide a DNA probe; providing to the slide cells and target DNA; providing to the slide a formamide-free mixture of 10%.+-.2% by weight dextran sulfate and 15%-25% glycerol and 0.9% by weight salt or a solution of 10%.+-.2% by weight dextran sulfate, 10-30% by volume formamide and 0.9% by weight salt; placing a coverglass on the ring; denaturing and hybridizing the slide; and performing a post-hybridization wash of the slide.

Abstract: A roof-mounted passenger position sensor array of capacitive coupling passenger position sensors, to determine position and motion of a passenger by analysis of distances of the passenger to the various sensors of the array and analysis of the changes of distances with time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning a radiosurgery/stereotactic radiotherapy system. The system includes a linear accelerator, including a gantry and a collimator, a couch, and a stereotactic reference system mounted on the couch. The apparatus includes a laser measuring device mounted on the gantry, the laser measuring device having a laser generator element for generating a laser light beam and a laser displacement sensor. The apparatus also includes a reference fixture, attached to the stereotactic reference system, having at least one reflective surface for reflecting the laser light beam to the laser displacement sensor, upon which the laser displacement sensor measures the distance between the reflective surface and the laser measuring device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting a pipe from damage due to excessive internal pressure, such as the pressures resulting from water freezing within the pipe. A compressible core apparatus is disclosed for placement within the pipe. Methods for placing the core in the pipe, connecting core sections together, and attaching the core to the pipe are disclosed. The invention is suitable for simple application to complex pipeline systems.

Abstract: A body-mounted, strap-on fishing rod holder primarily designed for use by a disabled person who has the use of one arm. The invention includes a stabilized frame, attachable to the user's body, upon which is secured an adjustable rod-receiving element. The rod-receiving element is adjustable to any desired vertical angle, and the entire apparatus is easily reversible for right- or left-hand operation. The user can cast and reel in a fishing line with one hand while in a sitting or standing position.

Abstract: A military range scoring system with a plurality of imagers capable of viewing reference points and impact points for ordinance aimed at the reference points, imager position controllers, and data processors and video monitors for processing and viewing data received from said imagers, and communication links between the components. The imagers are preferably infrared or near-infrared, and the system manually and/or automatically scores impacts by digital signal processing of imager data.

Abstract: A continuous plating system which is horizontal, allows for submersion of the entire article to be plated, and is useful for alloy plating. The invention provides a link/hinge conveyor system, the conveyor acts as the conductor, numerous processes/baths are possible, and difficult to plate alloys, such as a tin/bismuth plate can be produced. Homogeneous alloys are possible with the present invention. Also disclosed are novel dryer and rinse systems for use with the continuous plating system.

Abstract: An installation for cleaning oil-polluted water, in particular at oil and gas production plants, is provided with a distillation column having a polluted water feed and at least one contact packing above which the outlet of the polluted water feed is located, a vapor discharge, a clean water outlet and a measuring device for the analysis of the water from the clean water outlet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting drowsiness and awakening the user. The load on a piezo-ceramic eye blinking detection unit changes upon blinking activity resulting in an electrical output. This electrical output is then processed and compared to a predetermined time interval for blinking. An alarm is sounded if the processed electrical output is less than the predetermined time interval.