Abstract: The condition sensor system comprises a condition detector which produces a pulse when a parameter of the monitored condition exceeds a desired threshold. A resettable condition counter counts each pulse. A resettable timer is preset to produce a particular time frame. The counter produces a condition signal when the accumulated number of pulses within the time frame is equal to or greater than a preset count. Control means responsive to the incoming pulses and to the condition signal produce control signals that control utilization devices. After a suitable delay, the last detected pulse simultaneously resets the pulse counter and the timer, and prepares them for sensing another condition occurrence within the time frame.The invention has particular utility in the process of detecting rocking motions of blind people. A controlled, audible, bio-feedback signal is provided which constitutes a warning to the blind person that he is rocking.

Abstract: A variable contour securing system has a retaining structure for a member whose surface contains a variable contour. The retaining mechanism includes a spaced array of adjustable spindles mounted on a housing. Each spindle has a base member support cup at one end thereof. A vacuum source is applied to the cups for seating the member adjacent to the cups. A locking mechanism sets the spindles in a predetermined position once the member has been secured to the spindle support cups.

Abstract: A valve assembly for controlling the flow of fluids between the inlet and outlet of a fluid valve. The valve assembly may comprise a barrier element disposed within the body of the valve and having a portion which is porous for providing fluid communication between the valve inlet and outlet. The valve assembly may also comprise a sealing element disposed in the valve body and movable, relative to the barrier element between a first position, in which fluid flow through the porous portion of the barrier element is sealingly blocked preventing fluid communication between the valve inlet and outlet, and a second position, in which the porous portion is unblocked, permitting fluid communication between the valve inlet and outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing and reinserting base member segments in an arcuate slot in an engine part where each base member separately includes blades or stators comprising holding the engine part in place while manipulating fingers on an arm into an interfitting abutting relationship with most of the blades on a base member and applying a torque force to the base of the blades to move a base member relative to such arcuate slot.

Abstract: Fully annealed aluminum sheet is first stretch formed to the complex, doubly compound shape of a previously prepared forming die, e.g., an ejection seat blowout panel of a shuttlecraft. The part is then marked with a series of grid lines for monitoring later elongation. Thereafter it is solution heat treated and refrigerated to retard hardening. While still soft, it is stretched a second time on the same die to induce a modicum of work hardening, after which it is aged to the desired stress corrosion resistant temper, perferrably the T8 level, to provide the desired hardness and stress corrosion resistance.

Abstract: A flexible pile thermal barrier insulator includes a plurality of upstanding pile yarns. A generally planar backing section supports the upstanding pile yarns. The backing section includes a plurality of filler yarns forming a mesh in a first direction. A plurality of warp yarns are looped around said filler yarns and said pile yarns in said backing section and form a mesh in a second direction. A binder prevents separation of the yarns in the backing section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for converting an optical system, employing an electrooptic device in conjunction with a pair of crossed polarizing devices, between an activated mode and a deactivated mode. Embodiments in which the optical system is used as a neutral density filter, a selective color filter, or a light shutter, as applied to a television camera are described in which the electrooptic device and the polarizing analyzer are fixed with respect to the television camera, and the first polarizing device is selectively positioned in, or removed from, the optical path of the optical system to activate or deactivate the optical system, respectively. Where the optical system is used as a selective color filter to produce light beams of alternating colors in a field sequential color television system, deactivation of the optical system renders the television a black-and-white system.

Abstract: An adjustable securing base has a surface radius of curvature which can be adjusted to support an adjacent part on the base surface. The securing base comprises a flexible thin plate with an adjustment mechanism connected on opposite edges of the base for adjusting the plate curvature. An opening in the plate is coupled to a vacuum device for securing the part adjacent the plate surface.

Abstract: The system disclosed is for controlling the iodine level in a water supply in a spacecraft. The system iodinates drinking water as necessary. It includes an iodine accumulator which stores crystalline iodine, an electro-chemical valve to control the input of iodine to the drinking water and an iodine dispenser. A pump dispenses fluid through the iodine dispenser and an iodine sensor to a potable water tank storage. The iodine sensor electronically detects the iodine level in the water, and through electronic means, produces a correction current control. The correction current control operates the electro-chemical iodine valve to release iodine from the iodine accumulator into the iodine dispenser.

Abstract: A wet oxidation process for oxidizing waste materials comprising dissolving a ruthenium salt in a reactant feed stream containing the waste materials, introducing the feed stream into a reactor, heating the reactor contents to an elevated temperature to effect deposition of a catalytic surface of ruthenium black on the interior walls of the reactor and maintaining the feed stream in the reactor for a period of time sufficient to effect at least partial oxidation of the waste materials.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring gas from a first container to a second container of higher pressure comprising a free-piston compressor having a driving piston and cylinder, a smaller diameter driven piston and cylinder, and a rod member connecting the driving and driven pistons for mutual reciprocation in their respective cylinders. A conduit may be provided for supplying gas to the driven cylinder from the first container. Also provided is control apparatus for intermittently introducing gas to the driving piston, from the first container, to compress gas by the driven piston for transfer to the second higher pressure container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a malfunction detection system for detecting malfunctions in electrical signal processing circuits. In a particular embodiment shown, malfunctions of a hearing aid in the form of frequency distortion and/or inadequate amplification by the hearing aid amplifier, as well as weakening of the hearing aid power supply are detectable. A test signal is generated and a timed switching circuit periodically applies the test signal to the input of the hearing aid amplifier in place of the input signal from the microphone. The resulting amplifier output is compared with the input test signal used as a reference signal. The hearing aid battery voltage is also periodically compared to a reference voltage. Deviations from the references beyond preset limits cause a warning system to operate. In the method of the invention, the input to a circuit to be tested is periodically interrupted and, for a fixed test time interval, a test signal is applied to the circuit to be tested.

Abstract: The device concerns the circulation of cabin air through canisters which absorb and adsorb carbon dioxide, together with excess moisture, and return the scrubbed air to the cabin for recirculation. A coating on an inert substrate in granular form absorbs and adsorbs the impurities at standard temperatures and pressures, but desorbs such impurities at low pressures (vacuum) and standard temperatures. This fact is exploited by making the device in a stack of cells consisting of layers or cells which are isolated from one another flow-wise and are connected to separate manifolds and valving systems into two separate subsets. A first subset may be connected for the flow of breathable air therethrough until the polyethyleneimine of its cells is saturated with CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O. During the same period the second subset of cells is manifolded to a vacuum source.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, a load regulating mechanical latch is provided that has a pivotally mounted latch element having a hook-shaped end with a strike roller-engaging laterally open hook for engaging a stationary strike roller. The latch element or hook is pivotally mounted in a clevis end of an elongated latch stem that is adapted for axial movement through an opening in a support plate or bracket mounted to a structural member. A coil spring is disposed over and around the extending latch stem and the lower end of the coil spring engages the support bracket. A thrust washer is removably attached to the other end of the latch stem and engages the other end of the coil spring and compresses the coil spring thereby preloading the spring and the latch element carried by the latch stem. The hook-shaped latch element has a limited degree of axial travel for loading caused by structural distortion which may change the relative positions of the latch element hook and the strike roller.

Abstract: Operating fluid pressure is supplied to a fluid motor past a modulating operating fluid pressure and a work pressure so as to control the work pressure.

Abstract: A replaceable, prefilled electrode enclosed in a plastic seal and suitably adapted for attachment to a reusable, washable cap having snaps thereon is disclosed. The apparatus is particularly adapted for quick positioning of electrodes to obtain an EEG. The individual electrodes are formed of a sponge body which is filled with a conductive electrolyte gel during manufacture. The sponge body is adjacent to a base formed of a conductive plastic material. The base has at its center a male gripper snap. The cap locates the female snap to enable the electrode to be positioned. The electrode can be stored and used quickly by attaching to the female gripper snap. The snap is correctly positioned and located by mounting it in a stretchable cap. The cap is reusable with new electrodes for each use. The electrolyte gel serves as the contact electrode to achieve a good ohmic contact with the scalp.

Abstract: A surface of an article adapted for relative motion with a fluid environment is finished by coating the surface with a fluid adhesive, covering the adhesive with a sheet of flexible film material under tension, and setting the adhesive while maintaining tension on the film material whereby the tensioned film material is bonded to the surface by the adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for phase separating a gas-liquid mixture as might exist in a sub-critical cryogenic helium vessel for cooling a superconducting magnet at low gravity such as in planetary orbit, permitting conservation of the liquid and extended service life of the superconducting magnet.

Abstract: A new and improved apparatus and method for demodulation of quaternary phase shift keyed (QPSK) data, particularly unbalanced QPSK, with phase adjustment of the output of a phase-locked loop local oscillator to reduce sensitivity to amplitude variations internal to the demodulator.

Abstract: An open loop digital frequency multiplier with a multiplied output synchonized to low frequency clock pulses. The system includes a multi-stage digital counter which provides a pulse output as a function of an integer divisor. The integer divisor and the timing or counting cycle of the counter are interrelated to the frequency of a clock input. The counting cycle is controlled by a one-shot multivibrator which, in turn, is driven by a reference frequency input.