Abstract: A mask insert to provide conformal support for the reflective seal of an oxygen mask comprising a formed rim made of a resiliently deformable material which is held in place beneath the reflective seal by a supporting framework which conforms to the contours of the interior surface of the mask. The formed rim applies constant pressure on the face-engaging surface of the reflective seal, adjusting for variations in the user's facial structure, thereby eliminating leaks.

Abstract: A castable explosive composition consisting essentially of about 50 to 90 weight percent tungsten powder, about 3 to 40 weight percent of a high energy explosive, about 3 to 16 weight percent of an energetic binder, and about 2 to 10 weight percent aluminum powder. The aluminum powder acts as a processing aid, virtually eliminating tungsten settling.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the dynamic response of a physical structure is disclosed. A single sheet of a piezoelectric polymer film, preferably polyvinylidene fluoride, or PVDF, is coated on one side with a thin layer of conductive material to serve as a ground electrode. The other side of the sheet is coated with a thin layer or conductive material in a non-contiguous pattern of individual electrodes defining an array of discrete piezoelectric transducers. Sensor leads are connected to each individual electrode and lead to a signal processor which includes associated software for determining from the processed electrical signals relative strain amplitudes of the surface area of a physical structure onto which the sheet is attached. The resulting output can be used to record strain time histories for later processing or, more simply, to show the time-averaged, steady state strain response of a structure.

Abstract: A new apparatus and method for applying a biaxial load to a flat plate test specimen is disclosed. A rhombus-shaped four-bar linkage is attached at one vertex to a fixed attachment point and a uniaxial tensile force is applied to the opposite vertex. The test specimen is placed inside the four-bar linkage and is attached to the four bar linkage by load transfer members connected at one end to the links of the four bar linkage and at their other end to grips holding the test specimen. In one embodiment, load transfer members parallel to the applied uniaxial tensile force are attached to test specimen grips adjacent to the link attachment points of the load transfer members and perpendicular load transfer members are attached to test specimen grips opposite their link attachment points. Application of the uniaxial tensile force then produces a biaxial tensile force in the test specimen.

Abstract: A method is described for producing homogeneous wrought microstructure during equal channel angular extrusion of difficult-to-work high temperature alloys that exhibit a high degree of flow softening at hot-working temperatures, wherein flow non-uniformities are minimized by imparting an increment of initial upset deformation to an alloy immediately preceding shear flow through the deformation zone.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and system for preparing a description of an electromagnetic scattering net approximating an actual scattering net for analyzing effect on sensor imagery is comprised of: (1) inputting a basic tent configuration comprising a number of tent poles, spacing of tent poles, a covering net, an amount of net sag, and plurality of locations of ground anchor points, representing the design variables selected by an operator from which a net can be modeled; (2) dividing the overall net shape into a plurality of large facets that describe the overall shape conforming to the basic net configuration; (3) subdividing each large facet into a plurality of small facets in accordance with the input number of small facets per large facets chosen so that the small facets correspond in wavelength to the scattering of an actual scattering net; (5) rotating each small facet to achieve an approximation of the signature reduction of an actual scattering net; and (6) outputting a description of rotated sma

Abstract: E. coli strain JM109 transfected with nitrate reductase gene containing plasmid pIC20RNR1.1 produces diazoluminomelanin when cultured in a medium containing nitrate, 3-amino-L-tyrosine and luminol, under suitable metabolic conditions.

Abstract: A cooling arrangement for a high speed open rotor reluctance motor/generator apparatus of the type finding combination use in aircraft applications for engine starting and electrical energy generation in both normal and auxiliary power unit operating conditions. The cooling arrangement identifies fluid flow alternatives which include inlet region redirection of coolant fluid to improve its induction into rotor interpolar space, rotor movement-induced centrifugal pressurizing of coolant using simple and more complex structural elements, machine heating of the coolant fluid, kinetic energy extraction from heated moving coolant fluid and combinations of these arrangements in particular machine configurations. Use of the invention under extremes of machine energy levels and self heating in military and commercial aircraft environments are contemplated.

Abstract: A variable area inlet structure for a vehicle utilizing ram air for coolant is described which comprises a variable area inlet device in the ram air inlet in the form of a butterfly valve, damper, shutter, or similar structure, a temperature sensor in thermal contact with a component within the vehicle to be cooled by ram air flow, a controller and actuator, responsive to the temperature sensor and operatively connected to the variable area device, for controlling the inlet area in response to the component temperature.

Abstract: A method of making a mechanically stable, fiber having an inclusion of ion-conducting material which includes the steps of coating a single-crystal or polycrystalline .alpha.-alumina fiber with a zirconia or a hexaluminate precursor, optionally heating the coated fiber to dry the coating, when the coating is applied as a suspension or sol, heating the coated fiber to a temperature of about 1000.degree. to 1800.degree. C. to promote the growth of alpha-alumina toothlike extensions in the coating and epitaxial formation of the zirconia or hexaluminate on the sides of the extensions, embedding the fiber in an .alpha.-alumina matrix material, and heating the resulting fiber-matrix composite to react and texture the coating and densify the assembly.

Abstract: An improved intracavity sensor based output power control for microcavity light emitting devices. An improved phototransistor transducer is both configured and physically disposed so that it passively transmits the spurious optical energy output of the microcavity light emitting device while simultaneously generating a light determined electrical signal of easily used large magnitude that is nearly free of error. The base-collector region of the transistor is disposed with a quantum well absorbing layer and produces a signal responsive to a selected emission wavelength. The configuration of the optical energy communicating transducer is arranged so that it is improved in sensitivity and especially in selectivity in generating the laser feedback signal.

Abstract: A commercially attractive arrangement for monolithic integration of a nonlinear optical polymer transverse electro-optic device for high data rate optical signals on an electronic integrated circuit chip. The invention provides for conductive polymer sheet layers immediately adjacent to an optical signal transmitting nonlinear optical polymer core layer. Electrically passive polymer cladding layers are also provided adjacent to the conductive polymer sheet layers to achieve lower optical signal losses. The combination provides a reduced nonlinear optical polymer core layer poling voltage, reduced device length, and 5 VDC or less controlling voltage, allowing inclusion into electronic integrated circuit chips of a size compatible with multichip module integration.

Abstract: A method for protecting a titanium aluminide substrate against environmental degradation at higher temperatures, which comprises applying a layer of a ductile titanium alloy to at least one exterior surface of the substrate and applying an oxidation resistant coating to the exterior surface of the ductile layer. The titanium aluminide substrate may be monolithic or a fiber-reinforced composite structure. The oxidation resistant coating is an ion-plated coating of (a) a noble metal, such as gold or platinum, or (b) a coating of tungsten followed by an ion-plated coating of a noble metal.

Abstract: An electrolysis cell for the efficient production of hydrogen and oxygen is described which comprises a substantially closed housing defining therewithin anode and cathode chambers and having first and second inlets and outlets for flowing electrolyte through the anode and cathode chambers; an ion exchange membrane within the housing separating the anode chamber from the cathode chamber; first and second electrically conductive sheet members disposed within the respective anode and cathode chambers adjacent the membrane and substantially coextensive therewith; discrete electrically conducting ultramicroelectrode particles, preferably in the 5 to 10 micron size range, disposed within the anode and cathode chambers and defining the anode and cathode of the cell; and a source of DC electrical current operatively connected to the first and second sheet members.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a periodic table group III-IV metal semiconductor metal field-effect transistor device is described. The disclosed fabrication arrangement uses a single metalization for ohmic and Schottky barrier contacts, employs selective etching with a permanent etch stop layer, employs a non-alloyed ohmic contact semiconductor layer and includes a permanent non photosensitive secondary mask element. The invention includes provisions for both an all optical lithographic process and a combined optical and electron beam lithographic process. These concepts are combined to provide a field-effect transistor device of reduced fabrication cost, increased dimensional accuracy and state-of-the-art electrical performance.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of a pitch foam with a microcellular structure and a uniform pore size comprises the steps of (a) pressing a quantity of a pitch to provide a pressed article, (b) placing the pressed article in a pressure vessel, (c) introducing an inert gas into the pressure vessel under an elevated pressure of about 200 to 500 psi, (d) heating the pressed article within the pressure vessel to about 10.degree. to 40.degree. C.

Abstract: A conductive composite composition consisting essentially of about 10 to 90 parts of the conducting form of polyaniline, balance an aromatic benzobisthiazole, benzobisoxazole or benzobisimidazole rigid-rod polymer, and a process for making a conductive benzobisazole polymer film.

Abstract: A combustor structure is described which comprises a cavity defined in the combustor for trapping a vortex of fuel, air and hot combustion products to stabilize the flame, the cavity being formed in any suitable way such as being defined between two or more bluff bodies in tandem, or in a wall of the combustor, or in the combustor liner, and wherein fuel and air are injected directly into the fuel/air recirculation zone defined by the trapped vortex.

Abstract: A two-photon absorbing chromophore of the formulaE--Ar--Ewherein the Ar core is selected from the group consisting of ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are alkyl groups having 8 to 12 carbon atoms, and wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.

Abstract: There is provided a method for producing diazoluminomelanin (DALM) which comprises culturing in a medium containing nitrate, 3-amino-L-tyrosine (3-AT) and luminol under suitable metabolic conditions, a microorganism containing nitrate reductase.Also provided is a method for directly detecting microorganisms containing nitrate reductase or those into which nitrate reductase can be introduced by recombinant DNA technology, which comprises culturing the microorganism in a medium containing nitrate, 3-amino-L-tyrosine (3-AT) and luminol under suitable metabolic conditions, transferring the medium to a microtiter plate or tube coated with antibody or an antiligand to which the microorganism would specifically bind, washing the plate or tube and activating luminescence.Further, there is provided a method for producing diazomelanin (DM) which comprises culturing in a medium containing nitrate and 3-amino-L-tyrosine (3-AT) under suitable metabolic conditions, a microorganism containing nitrate reductase.