Abstract: Apparatus for altering translational velocity of molecules in a gas. A source of gas is in fluid communication with a supersonic nozzle. The nozzle is disposed on an arm at a selected distance from an axis for rotation about the axis. The nozzle has an exit portion substantially perpendicular to the arm. Motive apparatus rotates the arm so that the translational velocity of molecules with respect to a laboratory frame of reference is altered. In a preferred embodiment, gas flows from the source through the axis and the arm to exit from the nozzle.

Abstract: The system initiates a search at a first network site for user-specified data in a remote database at a second network site and conducts the search at a third network site (e.g., at a host computer's site). To begin, the system receives, at the first network site, a provider identifier associated with the database from the second network site. Thereafter, the user-specified data is input at the first network site, following which the user-specified data and the provider identifier are output from the first network site to the third network site. The system then searches for the user-specified data in a database at the third network site using the provider identifier. This database at the third network site includes data that corresponds to data stored in the remote database at the second network site.

Abstract: Multi-element microcalorimeter array. The microcalorimeter array includes at least two microcalorimeter with each microcalorimeter including a detector coupled thermally to a cold bath. Each detector has associated with it a thermal sensor to generate a signal proportional to a rise in the detector's temperature. A single negative voltage feedback JFET preamplifier circuit is connected to each of the detectors and includes a JFET with a gate, the signals from the thermal sensors connected to the gate. The output of the preamplifier circuit is proportional to radiation energy absorbed by the detector. Each detector has a different thermal recovery time so that the detectors can be discriminated. The multiplexing arrangement of the invention makes it possible to reduce the overall number of preamplifier and post-processing channels for a large multi-element array. This reduction in turn significantly lowers the JFET heat load, mass and power requirements for the microcalorimeter array.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for estimating practice golf shot deviation and distance. The apparatus includes a base, an axle mounted to the base, a golf ball attached to the axle and a sensor coupled to the axle for determining motion thereof. When the golf ball is struck by a golf club, the ball and axle attached thereto rotate around a pivot point provided by the base. When the ball is struck such that it deviates from a plane that is perpendicular to the axle, the sensor detects motion of the axle along its axis. The magnitude and direction of deviation is estimated based upon the detected motion of the axle along its axis. The distance that the ball would have traveled is estimated based upon the detected speed with which the axle rotates.

Abstract: A nanocomposite structure comprising a nanostructured filler or carrier intimately mixed with a matrix, and methods of making such a structure. The nanostructured filler has a domain size sufficiently small to alter an electrical, magnetic, optical, electrochemical, chemical, thermal, biomedical, or tribological property of either filler or composite by at least 20%.

Abstract: The method for measuring the thickness of a material which transmits a detectable amount of microwave radiation includes irradiating the material with coherent microwave radiation tuned over a frequency range. Reflected microwave radiation is detected, the reflected radiation having maxima and minima over the frequency range as a result of coherent interference of microwaves reflected from reflecting surfaces of the material. The thickness of the material is determined from the period of the maxima and minima along with knowledge of the index of refraction of the material.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating electromagnetic radiation in which the radiation has both a first and second utility. The electromagnetic radiation is modulated to produce electronically detectable variations to achieve the second utility, the variations not affecting the first utility. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation is visible light. In this embodiment, the first utility is illumination and the second utility is the transmission of data. In another embodiment, the invention provides a lamp for generating visible light capable of providing illumination and transmitting data to a receiver. Any variations in the visible light resulting from the data transmission are imperceptible by a human eye regardless of the nature of the data being transmitted.

Abstract: Nanosize powders with particle size smaller than the critical length for specific material properties are used to form the ceramic layers of passive electronic components. Ceramic substrates are coated with electrodes, which are then coated with a ceramic layer from a suspension, preferably a low viscosity suspension, of nanoscale powders. The ceramic layer is dried at low temperatures (preferably below 200 .degree. C.) and it is sintered to high density (preferably above 90%) at moderate temperatures (preferably low and less than 1,000 .degree. C.). Once sintered, an electrode layer is coated on top of the ceramic layer to yield an electrode/ceramic/electrode structure.

Abstract: A method of preparing a superconducting oxide by combining the metallic elements of the oxide to form an alloy, followed by oxidation of the alloy to form the oxide. Superconducting oxide-metal composites are prepared in which a noble metal phase intimately mixed with the oxide phase results in improved mechanical properties. The superconducting oxides and oxide-metal composites are provided in a variety of useful forms.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measurement of ice thickness employing ultra-sonic pulse echo technique, wherein an ultra-sonic pulse is emitted from a transducer at the ice-accreting surface of a structure, the pulse is reflected at the periphery of the accreted ice and the reflection is detected. The time delay is calibrated and related to ice thickness and accretion rate.

Abstract: A microchannel spatial light modulator that has a photocathode to receive incident light and to provide a spatial distribution of photoelectrons (herein called an electron image) whose spatial number density is proportional to the spatial intensity of the incident light. A microchannel plate is provided to receive the photoelectrons and to amplify the electron image. An electro-optic plate is provided to receive the amplified electron image; there is a dielectric mirror coating and an insulating light-blocking layer at one major surface thereof to receive the electron image and a transparent electrode at the other major surface thereof for biasing purposes. All of the foregoing elements are contained within a vacuum housing; suitable electrical potentials are applied to effect the necessary results. The modulator is capable of real-time phase or intensity modulation.

Abstract: A system for regenerating an n-bit data word on a token mediated communications ring includes a decoder for receiving the data signal from the ring and deriving the n-bit data word and an associated clock signal from the received data signal. A re-transmit clock generator generates a transmit clock signal incorporating the i.sup.th through the n.sup.th cycles from the derived clock signal, followed by i cycles at the nominal system clock rate. A delay network delays the derived data word by a period approximately equal to the period of the nominal system clock. An encoding network regenerates the n-bit data word for re-transmission on the ring by encoding the delayed derived data word with the transmit clock signal.