Abstract: A tube-in-tube heat exchanger for exchanging heat between two fluids is provided. The heat exchanger has at least one tube pair; spaced apart first and second tube sheets; first and second annular flow chambers; and first and second inner tube flow chambers. A gasket surrounds each inner tube of each tube pair at each end, forming a seal between each annular flow chamber, each inner tube flow chamber, and each inner tube. Such configuration allows for modular construction and easy cleaning and replacement of fouled or damaged tubes.

Abstract: A keyboard shield and copy holder is presented. The keyboard shield and copy holder has a top plate member having downward extending left and right side panels and a bottom plate member having upward extending left and right side panels. Each upward extending left and right side panel of the bottom plate member is adjustably engaged with each respective downward extending left and right side panel of the top plate member.

Abstract: A fluid separation module is provided. The module comprises a monolithic core having a first set of passages extending from a feed end to a retentate end. The first set of passages has a specific cross-sectional area. A second set of passages are positioned in a non-parallel relationship to the first set of passages for passage of a permeate. Additionally, the fluid separation module has at least one transducer affixed to the monolithic core. The fluid separation module of the present invention may be used for macrofiltration, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis.

Abstract: A chemical cogeneration process for producing chemical products and cogenerating electrical energy is presented. The process comprises the steps of providing a monolithic mass and energy transfer cell. Heating the monolithic mass and energy transfer cell to a temperature ranging from about 25.degree. C. to about 1000.degree. C. Introducing an oxidant into the first set of passages and introducing a fuel into the second set of passages. The chemical products are recovered from the monolithic mass and energy transfer cell and the electric current is recovered through the external electric circuit.

Abstract: A battery having at least one anode, at least one cathode, and at least one electrolyte disposed between the anode and the cathode is presented. Each anode comprises an anode current collector, a first soluble, amorphous, thermoplastic polyimide; an electronic conductive filler; and an intercalation material. Each cathode comprises a cathode current collector; a second soluble, amorphous, thermoplastic polyimide; an electronic conductive filler; and a metal oxide. Lastly, each electrolyte comprises a third soluble, amorphous, thermoplastic polyimide and a lithium salt. The process for preparing the battery comprises the steps of preparing an anode slurry, a cathode slurry, and an electrolyte solution. Casting a film of the electrolyte solution to form an electrolyte layer. Coating the anode slurry and the cathode slurry on each respective current collector to form an anode and a cathode.

Abstract: An optical sensor is provided. The optical sensor comprises an optical waveguide, at least one long period grating disposed within the optical waveguide and a reactive coating positioned in an operable relationship to the long period grating wherein the reactive coating causes the long period grating to produce a wavelength transmission spectrum functionally dependent on a parameter sensed. Such sensors may be used to measure physical, electrical and chemical parameters within a single system.

Abstract: A method for introducing oxygen into a propagation zone of a fermentation process is provided. A propagation zone comprising a liquid ferment and microorganisms is provided. A portion of the liquid ferment is removed from the propagation zone and a molecular oxygen source is introduced into the removed liquid ferment to form a mixture comprising an oxygenated liquid ferment and non-dissolved gases. The oxygenated liquid ferment and the non-dissolved gases are separated and the non-dissolved gases are vented. The oxygenated liquid ferment is introduced to the propagation zone to be used by the microorganisms for reproduction and growth. In an additional step, carbon dioxide gas is recovered from the propagation zone.

Abstract: The transition assembly of the present invention comprises a pneumatic tube which has a longitudinal axis, an entrance end, an exit end, an interior surface and an exterior surface. The entrance end of a furcation tube assembly is placed in an operable relationship to the exit end of the pneumatic tube. The furcation tube assembly comprises at least one furcation tube. The furcation tube has an inner tube, a fibrous sheath surrounding the inner tube, and an outer sheath surrounding the fibrous sheath. At least one furcation tube extends from the entrance end of the furcation tube assembly. The furcation tube has a length of the outer sheath removed to expose the inner tube and the fibrous sheath. The exposed inner tube is disposed within the exit end of the pneumatic tube; extends along the longitudinal axis of the pneumatic tube; and protrudes from the entrance end of the pneumatic tube. A fastener attaches the entrance end of the furcation tube assembly to the exit end of the pneumatic tube.

Abstract: A backboard immobilization device is provided. The device includes first and second complimentary body support panels which are detachably interconnected at each end by a lock. Each lock has a first tube and a second tube. The first tube has a first end disposed within the first body support panel and a second end extending therefrom. The second end is tapered and has a locking pin. The second tube has a first end disposed within the second body support panel and a second end extending therefrom. The second end has a retracting sleeve wherein the retracting sleeve is slidably connected to the tapered end of the first tube and interlocks with the locking pin.

Abstract: A monolithic mass and energy transfer cell is provided. The cell comprises a monolithic ionically conductive core. The core has an outer surface including a first entrance surface and a first exit surface, which is spaced apart from the first entrance surface. A first set of passages are positioned between the first entrance surface and the first exit surface. The outer surface also includes a second entrance surface and a second exit surface, spaced apart from the second entrance surface. A second set of passages are positioned therebetween. The first set of passages are in a non-parallel relationship with the second set of passages. A first porous, electrically conductive coating is disposed within the first set of passages and a second porous, electrically conductive coating is disposed within the second set of passages. An external electric circuit is in electrical contact with the monolithic ionically conductive core.

Abstract: An insulation support system for metal frame construction is provided. The system comprises an insulation support material and a metal frame. The metal frame comprises a plurality of metal members, wherein at least two opposing metal members have at least one portion thereof stamped out to protrude on one side. An exterior sheathing is attached to an opposing side of the metal frame. The stamped out protrusion engages the insulation support material. This system is particularly useful for steel frame construction and does not require the use of adhesives or additional tools. The method of the present invention involves providing a metal frame having a plurality of metal members wherein at least two opposing members have at least one portion thereof stamped out to protrude on one side and an exterior sheathing attached to an opposing side.

Abstract: An optical waveguide sensor arrangement for sensing at least one physical parameter is provided. This arrangement comprises an optical waveguide having guided modes, lossy non-guided modes, and a long period grating coupling the guided modes to the lossy non-guided modes wherein the long period grating produces a wavelength transmission spectrum functionally dependent on the physical parameter sensed. A source means provides light to the optical waveguide sensor and an optoelectronic detector, which is positioned in an operable relationship to the optical waveguide sensor, detects light transmitted through the optical waveguide sensor. Lastly, a processing means is attached to the optoelectronic detector for correlating the wavelength transmission spectrum with a numerical value for the physical parameter sensed. The physical parameters sensed by the optical waveguide sensor include: temperature, strain, shape, refractive index and corrosion.

Abstract: Soluble, amorphous, aromatic polyazomethine polymers and copolymers were prepared by reacting a dialdehyde monomer with a diamine monomer containing trifluoromethylbenzene and various combinations thereof in a solvent, such as N,N-dimethylacetamide. The reaction was heated to reflux yielding a polyazomethine which, after cooling to room temperature, was precipitated. These polymers and copolymers may be used to make films, coatings, composites and adhesives.

Abstract: Films of thermoplastic poly(arylene ether imidazole)s (PAEI)s are used as surface modifiers for neat resin panels and composite resin panels. The PAEI polymer contains imidazole groups along the backbone which co-cure, i.e., react chemically, with epoxies or bismaleimides during processing and thereby provide excellent adhesion between the PAEI film and an epoxy or bismaleimide neat resin or composite resin facesheet. The film provides good adhesion and a smooth surface to the finished part and acts as a release agent from the mold. The as-processed integral structures have very smooth (specular) surfaces, and since the film releases readily from a glass mold, no release agent is necessary. The PAEI film is thermally stable, resistant to electron radiation, and adheres tenaciously to the facesheet. The film maintains good adhesion even after thermal cycling from room temperature to .about. -196.degree. C.

Abstract: A high temperature semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) was developed which had significantly improved processability, damage tolerance and mechanical performance, when compared to the commercial Thermid.RTM. materials. This simultaneous semi-IPN was prepared by mixing a thermosetting polyimide with a thermoplastic monomer precursor solution (NR-15082) and allowing them to react upon heating. This reaction occurs at a rate which decreases the flow and broadens the processing window. Upon heating at a higher temperature, there is an increase in flow. Because of the improved flow properties, broadened processing window and enhanced toughness, high strength polymer matrix composites, adhesives and molded articles can now be prepared from the acetylene endcapped polyimides which were previously inherently brittle and difficult to process.

Abstract: A solvent resistant copolyimide was prepared by reacting 4,4'-oxydiphthalic anhydride with a diaimine blend comprising, based on the total amount of the diamine blend, about 75 to 90 mole percent of 3,4'-oxydianiline and about 10 to 25 mole percent p-phenylene diamine. The solvent resistant copolyimide had a higher glass transition temperature when cured at 350.degree. , 371.degree. and 400.degree. C. than LaRC.TM.-IA. The composite prepared from the copolyimide had similar mechanical properties to LaRC.TM.-IA. Films prepared from the copolyimide were resistant to immediate breakage when exposed to solvents such as dimethylacetamide and chloroform. The adhesive properties of the copolyimide were maintained even after testing at 23.degree., 150.degree., 177.degree. and 204.degree. C.