Abstract: Monodisperse latexes having a particle size in the range of 2 to 40 microns are prepared by seeded emulsion polymerization in microgravity. A reaction mixture containing smaller monodisperse latex seed particles, predetermined amounts of monomer, emulsifier, initiator, inhibitor and water is placed in a microgravity environment, and polymerization is initiated by heating. The reaction is allowed to continue until the seed particles grow to a predetermined size, and the resulting enlarged particles are then recovered. A plurality of particle-growing steps can be used to reach larger sizes within the stated range, with enlarged particles from the previous steps being used as seed particles for the succeeding steps. Microgravity enables preparation of particles in the stated size range by avoiding gravity-related problems of creaming and settling, and flocculation induced by mechanical shear that have precluded their preparation in a normal gravity environment.

Abstract: A microwave integrated circuit, comprised of one or more Josephson junctions and short sections of microstrip or stripline transmission line, is fabricated from thin layers of superconducting metal on a dielectric substrate. The short sections of transmission line are combined to form the elements of the circuit, and particularly, two microwave resonators. The Josephson junctions are located between the resonators, and the impedance of the Josephson junctions forms part of the circuitry that couples the two resonators. The microwave integrated circuit has an application in Josephson voltage standards. In this application, the device is asymmetrically driven at a selected frequency (approximately equal to the resonance frequency of the resonators), and a D.C. bias is applied to the junction. By observing the current-voltage characteristic of the junction, a precise voltage, proportional to the frequency of the microwave drive signal, is obtained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing and shaping acoustical levitation forces in a single-axis acoustic resonance system wherein specially shaped drivers and reflectors are utilized to enhance the levitation force and better contain fluid substances by means of field shaping.

Abstract: A drive system characterized by a base supporting a pair of pillars arranged in spaced parallelism, a shaft extended between and supported by the pillars for rotation about the longitudinal axis thereof, a worm gear affixed to the shaft and supported thereby in coaxial relation therewith. A bearing housing of a sleeve-like configuration is concentrically related to the shaft and is supported thereby for free rotation with respect thereto. A first and a second normally quiescent drive train, alternatively activatable, is provided for imparting rotation into said bearing housing.

Abstract: Cork-resin ablative insulation material is prepared in a form suitable for application to complex curved surfaces by mixing finely divided cork with a B-stage curable thermosetting resin, forming the resulting mixture into a block, B-stage curing the resin-containing block and slicing the block into sheets. The B-stage cured sheet is shaped to conform to the surface being insulated, and further curing is then performed. Curing of the resin only to B-stage before shaping enables application of sheet material to complex curved surfaces and avoids limitations and disadvantages presented in handling of fully cured sheet material.

Abstract: Monotectic alloys having aligned spherical particles or rods of the minor component dispersed in a matrix of the major component are prepared by forming a melt containing predetermined amounts of the major and minor components of a chosen monotectic system, providing in the melt a dopant capable of breaking down the liquid-solid interface for the chosen alloy, and directionally solidifying the melt at a selected temperature gradient and a selected rate of movement of the liquid-solid interface (growth rate). Shaping of the minor component into spheres or rods and the spacing therebetween are controlled by the amount of dopant and the temperature gradient and growth rate values. Specific alloy systems include Al-Bi,Al-Pb and Zn-Bi, using a transition element such as iron.

Abstract: A coal-shale interface detector for use with coal cutting equipment consisting of a reciprocating hammer having an accelerometer mounted thereon to measure the impact of the hammer as it penetrates the ceiling or floor surface of a mine. Additionally, a pair of reflectometers simultaneously view the same surface, and the outputs from the accelerometer and reflectometers are detected and jointly registered to determine when an interface between coal and shale is being cut through.

Abstract: Wind wheel electric power generator apparatus is disclosed as including a housing rotatably mounted upon a vertically disposed support column. Primary and auxiliary funnel-type, venturi ducts are fixedly mounted upon the housing for capturing wind currents and for conducting the same to a bladed wheel adapted to be operatively connected with generator apparatus. Additional air flows are also conducted onto the bladed wheel, all of the air flows positively effecting rotation of the wheel in a cumulative manner. The auxiliary ducts are disposed at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the housing, and this feature, together with the rotatability of the housing and the ducts, permits capture of wind currents within a variable directional range.

Abstract: The method of manufacture of a fiberglass-epoxy flywheel wherein layers of fiberglass cloth, generally forming a circular mass, are pre-stressed by rotation during the curing of epoxy which surrounds and thereby couples together fibers and layers of the cloth.

Abstract: An oceanic wave measurement system wherein wave height is sensed by a barometer mounted on a buoy. The distance between the trough and crest of a wave is monitored by sequentially detecting positive and negative peaks of the output of the barometer and by combining (adding) each set of two successive half cycle peaks. The timing of this measurement is achieved by detecting the period of a half cycle of wave motion.

Abstract: A method for separating biological cells characterized by the steps of suspending a mixed cell population in a body of aqueous polymer comprising a system consisting of phases for which said cells exhibit an affinity including at least one phase having droplets characterized by a first surface potential and at least one phase having droplets characterized by another surface potential, and subjecting said system to an electrostatic field established between a pair of electrodes, said field being of sufficient intensity for causing at least some of the droplets to migrate toward one of said electrodes with an attendant separation of the cells of said population.

Abstract: A panel for selectively absorbing solar energy comprising an aluminum substrate, a layer of zinc thereon, a layer of nickel over the zinc layer and an outer layer of solar energy absorbing nickel oxide or a copper substrate with a layer of nickel thereon and a layer of solar energy absorbing nickel oxide distal from the copper substrate. A method for making aforesaid panels is disclosed.

Abstract: A passive propellant acquisition and feed system is disclosed which will acquire and feed gas-free propellant in low or zero-g environments during orbital maneuvers which will also retain this propellant under high axially directed acceleration such as may be experienced during launch of a space vehicle and orbit-to-orbit transfers wherein the propellant system includes a dual compartment propellant tank with independent surface tension acquisition channels in each compartment to provide gas-free flow of pressurized liquid propellant from one compartment to the other in one direction only.

Abstract: A coal-rock interface detector employing a radioactive source and radiation sensor wherein the source and sensor are separately and independently suspended and positioned against a mine surface of hydraulic pistons which are biased from an air cushioned source of pressurized hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: An FM radar for the measurement of coal thickness wherein an FM transmitter is modulated by the combination of two signals, one, for example, being of a frequency of 100 Hz, and the other being of a frequency of 15 Hz. A horn-type antenna is used which is filled with a material having a dielectric constant approximating that of coal, the antenna being positioned flush against the coal.

Abstract: A radiation shadow indicator having a sight tube for sighting shadow-casting objects along a sighting axis. The indicator includes a system of gimbals mounting the tube for angular movement so that the sighting axis thereof may be caused to follow the apparent diurnal movement of celestial objects at various seasons of the year. Position indicators are provided for instantaneous read-out of angular positions of the gimbal device which, in turn, correspond to positions of the sighting axis at given seasons and/or times of day in relation to the location of the indicator on the surface of the earth.

Abstract: A multi-purpose furnace for space vehicles used for material processing experiments in an outer space environment. The furnace contains three separate cavities designed to process samples of the widest possible range of materials and thermal requirements. Each cavity contains three heating elements capable of independent function under the direction of an automatic and programmable control system. A heat removable mechanism is also provided for each cavity which operates in conjunction with the control system for establishing an isothermally heated cavity or a wide range of thermal gradients and cool down rates. A monitoring system compatible with the rocket telemetry provides furnace performance and sample growth rate data throughout the processing cycle.

Abstract: A coal-shale interface detection system for use with coal cutting equipment consisting of a reciprocating hammer having an accelerometer mounted thereon to measure the impact of the hammer as it penetrates the ceiling or floor surface of a mine. Additionally, a pair of reflectometers simultaneously view the same surface, and the outputs from the accelerometer and reflectometers are detected and jointly registered to determine when an interface between coal and shale is being cut through.

Abstract: A measurement system for measuring the departures from a straight line of discrete track sections of a track along a coal face in a mine employing a vehicle having a pair of spaced wheel assemblies which align with the track. A reference arm pivotally connects between the wheel assemblies, and there is indicating means for measuring the angle of pivot between the arm and each of the wheel assemblies. The length of the device is less than the length of a track section, and thus when one of the wheel assemblies is on one track section and one is on an adjoining track section, the sum of the indicated angles will be indicative of the angle between track sections. Thus, from the length of a track section and angle, the departure of each track section from the line may be calculated.

Abstract: The method of constructing a high voltage, low power, multi-cell solar array wherein a solar cell base region is formed in a substrate such as but not limited to that of silicon or on a substrate of sapphire, and then by the steps of application of a protective coating on the base, patterned etching of the coating and base to thereby form discrete base regions, forming a semi-conductive junction and upper active region in each base region defined by photolithography, and thus forming discrete cells which are interconnected by metallic electrodes.