Abstract: A material test specimen design is taught for the determination of critical strain and stress states for multiaxial fracture. The objective of the specimen is to increase the amount of data obtained per specimen while retaining simplicity in testing procedure by using standard tension testing machines to generate the primary deformation of the specimen. The specimen, in conjunction with analytical or computational simulation, uses nonuniform deformation fields produced by secondary and tertiary strain concentrations to generate and track these multiaxial strain states to fracture. Typically, the primary deformation is uniaxial tension of a panel, the secondary strain concentration is a circular hole in the panel and the tertiary strain concentrations are areas of reduced thickness within the deformation field of the circular hole. Multiaxial strain ratios from −0.50 to −0.10 and control over fracture initiation sites may be generated by a test specimen design of the type taught by this invention.

Abstract: The shipboard wave measurement system (SWMS) makes measurements as a function of time of vehicle position, range from the vehicle to the water's surface, and vehicle heave, pitch and roll to compute the height, direction, period and wavelength of the principal ocean wave component. Since the vehicle is moving, the wave heights measured are at different spatial locations, as well as at different times, and the observed wave height signal is Doppler shifted. The SWMS is composed of a positioning device, a timing device, a wave height estimator (WHE), a Doppler Integrator (DI) and a computer. The positioning device measures the vehicle's position, the timing device provides accurate time referencing for the vehicle position and wave height measurements. The wave height estimator measures range to the water's surface from the vehicle and vehicle vertical acceleration, pitch and roll and generates wave height at specific instants of time.

Abstract: An optical receiver for receiving a signal from an optical fiber in a fiber-optic digital transmission system that includes a first low noise optical amplifier to amplify an input optical signal. The first low noise optical amplifier has an input 3 dB compression point lower than the desired system input sensitivity at a desired bit rate. A high power optical amplifier further amplifies the amplified optical signal, and has an automatic gain control for output signal leveling at a desired operation point of the transmission system. A high current photodetector converts the further amplified optical signal from the high power optical amplifier to an electrical signal that drives a retiming circuit without requiring further amplification of the electric signal.

Abstract: The fiber-optic true time-delay array antenna feed is a device for dynamically generating a plurality of identical electromagnetic radiation (EMR) signals with continuously variable time-delay separations. The EMR signal to be transmitted modulates a continuous-wave optical signal from a laser source which is applied to a plurality of high dispersion single-mode optical fibers acting as synchronized true time-delay modulators forming an array antenna feed system. Each fiber is chosen to have the same nominal time delay but a different net dispersion. Photodetectors convert the optical intensity back into an EMR electrical signal to feed each of the elements of the array antenna.

Abstract: The transmission cathode for X-ray generation is a device wherein an electrical current generated by a low voltage power supply produces an electron flow from the transmission cathode that is accelerated by a high voltage power supply towards an anode where X rays are emitted on impact. As the X rays are emitted, a primary beam passes through the cathode striking a sample placed outside the tube. The transmission cathode is X comprised of an electron emitter structure, preferably, an electron field emitter diode or thermionic emitter or a photoemitter or a nanotube or a pyroemitter or a piezoemitter, fabricated, preferably of elements of atomic numbers of 14 (silicon) or below, with electrically conductive components or conductive mechanical structural components, preferably, conductive silicon or diamond or aluminum or beryllium metal, and non-conductive electrical insulators or non-conductive mechanical structural components, preferably, diamond or silicon dioxide or boron carbide.

Abstract: The interferometric fiber optic accelerometer is viewed as a mass-spring transducer housed in a sensor case. The sensor case is attached to a moving part whose motion is inferred from the relative motion between the mass and the sensor case. A flexural disk is housed in a sensor case which is accelerated in a direction normal to the plate surface. The plate undergoes displacement resulting in strains on the plate surface. A coil of optical fiber, made to be part of an optical interferometer, is attached to the flexural disk, the strain from the disk is transferred to the fiber thus changing the path length of the fiber interferometer. The interferometer output in demodulated providing the acceleration response. The design of the accelerometer housing is such that it is highly immune to extraneous signals, i.e., dynamic and hydrostatic pressure.

Abstract: An indoor or quasi-indoor aviary for soft-bill and small hook-bill birds designed so as to permit the creation of both a miniature natural habitat and the illusion of an unenclosed space. The aviary features a lower frame that rests on a floor. Four removable corner supports extend vertically from each corner and provide support for an upper frame. Detachable netting connects to both the upper and lower frame and to a flexible lean-in, walk-in entryway. The top of the upper frame supports a removable upper cover. The sides of the upper frame support a built-in perch, an entry guide, vertical snap-on nesting poles and a horizontal brace extending across the top. The lower frame contains a feeding stand accommodating both peg-style and hanging-style feed and water containers. It also contains a plant rack with built-in holders for dried plant materials. Four legs lift the lower frame off the floor. A decorative upper band wraps around the upper frame.

Abstract: This invention is a method of reducing the incidence of bovine mastitis by mounting an extended release insecticide dispenser on the ventral surface of the bovine's tail just cranial to the switch. This allows the insecticide vapors to permeate the area between the rear legs and the udder and its associated teats. This greatly reduces the incidence of biting insects which transmit mastitis causing bacteria to the teats. Also, tabs are provided on the extended release insecticide dispenser to hold the same in place on the tail until the adhering medium is cured. These tabs are preferably made from a moisture degenerative type material such as paper.

Abstract: This invention is a combination golf club head cover and hand warmer. The head cover stays on the head of the golf club to protect the same except when the club is being used. In the present case, the cover fits on the longest club which is the one the golfers traditionally rest their hand on when carrying their clubs in a golf bag. During cold weather the hand of the golfer can be slipped into the handwarming pocket or pouch to eliminate the need for taking gloves or mittens on and off during play while at the same time keeping the hand warm and ready to play.

Abstract: A semiconductor contact system is formed by inductively coupling an ohmic electrode, such as a metal, to a semiconductor region by means of an intervening diamagnetic boride glass, which necessarily constrains most electric current to prevail along the uniaxial normal to the semiconductor contact. The low permeability of the diamagnetic boride glass results in a low resistance to direct-current electricity along the uniaxial displacement axis of the diamagnetic boride glass. The transient time constant associated with the inductor is generally much smaller than the semiconductor device switching times, with the steady-state current being essentially established by the semiconductor resistance so as to result in an ohmic semiconductor contact void any significant rectification effects. An ohmic contact by means of an inductively-coupled electrode is generally independent of the semiconductor conductivity or ionicity.

Abstract: This invention is a system for raising land and aquatic, plant and animal crops in a symbiotic-type polyculture using organic/sustainable methods of agronomy, animal husbandry, aquaculture, and hydroponics whereby yields are optimized while reducing production costs, conserving resources, and protecting the environment. Year-round production is also achieved by providing a canopy means along with additional environmental control and supplemental systems that increase yields in temperature zones normally having ambient temperature fluctuations too great to sustain production for more than a few months per year. Any number of cropping combinations are possible, but as an example, this system would establish a beneficial symbiotic-type production link between poultry, microalgae, fish and aquatic animals that consume algae, and vegetables or other land crops.