Abstract: A surface-tension liquid pumping system is provided by one or more arrays of converging solid monofilament fibers or metal wires (strands) spaced apart at an input end to gather liquid, and gathered close together at the opposite end where menisci forms between wetted strands to force liquid in the direction of convergence of the strands. The liquid pumping system is independent of gravity. It is illustrated as being used in a heat pump having a heating box to vaporize liquid and a condensing chamber. Condensed liquid is returned by the pumping system to the heating box where it is again vaporized. A vapor tube carries the vapor to the condensing chamber. In that way, a closed system pumps heat from the heating box to the evaporating chamber and from there radiated to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A composite material suitable for providing insulation for the nozzle structure of the Space Shuttle and other similar surfaces is disclosed which comprises an outer skin layer of nickel chromium and an interleaved inner region comprising a top layer of nickel chromium foil which acts as a primary convective shield, at least two layers of alumina batting adjacent to layers of silicon carbide fabric, and an additional layer of nickel chromium foil to be used as a secondary convective shield. The composite is particularly advantageous for use as nozzle insulation because of its ability to withstand high reentry temperatures, its flexibility, oxidation resistance, low conductivity, and light weight.

Abstract: A lower stage chemisorption refrigeration system physically and functionally coupled to an upper stage physical adsorption refrigeration system. Waste heat generated by the lower stage cycle is regenerated to fuel the upper stage cycle thereby greatly improving the energy efficiency of a two-stage sorption refrigerator. The two stages are joined by disposing a first pressurization chamber providing a high pressure flow of a first refrigerant for the lower stage refrigeration cycle within a second pressurization chamber providing a high pressure flow of a second refrigerant for the upper stage refrigeration cycle. The first pressurization chamber is separated from the second pressurization chamber by a gas-gap thermal switch which at times is filled with a thermoconductive fluid to allow conduction of heat from the first pressurization chamber to the second pressurization chamber.

Abstract: A probe for measuring circumferential pressures inside a body cavity. In the preferred embodiment, a urodynamic pressure measurement probe for evaluating human urinary sphincter function is disclosed. Along the length of the probe are disposed a multiplicity of deformable wall sensors (15) which typically comprise support tube sections (55) with flexible side wall areas (57, 16). These are arranged along the length of the probe in two areas, one just proximal to the tip (13) for the sensing of fluid pressure inside the bladder, and five in a sensing section (14) which is positioned within the urethra at the point at which the urinary sphincter constricts to control the flow of urine. The remainder of the length of the probe comprises multiple rigid support tube sections (10) interspersed with flexible support tube sections in the form of bellows (58) to provide flexibility.

Abstract: A reflection oscillator is provided which employs an active device operated in its roll-off region and two resonant circuits. For an oscillator employing a bipolar transistor, the emitter is connected to a series resonant capacitor-crystal network and the base is connected to an L-C tank circuit with the transistor being operated in the roll-off region of its gain versus frequency curve. This will provide a very high frequency of operation with a relatively inexpensive, low frequency, active device. These oscillators are easily tuned, stable, and require little d.c. power.

Abstract: An apparatus for collection of fecal matter designed to operate efficiently in a zero gravity environment. The system comprises a waste collection area within a body having a seat opening. Low pressure within the waste collection area directs fecal matter away from the user's buttocks and prevents the escape of undesirable gases. The user actuates a piston covered with an absorbent pad that sweeps through the waste collection area to collect fecal matter, scrub the waste collector area, press the waste against an end of the waste collection area and retracts, leaving the used pad. Multiple pads are provided on the piston to accommodate multiple uses of the system. Also a valve allows air to be drawn through the body, which valve will not be plugged with fecal matter. A sheet feeder feeds fresh sheets of absorbent pad to a face of the piston with each actuation.

Abstract: Heptapeptide analogs of somatastatin which inhibit secretion of growth hormone.

Abstract: A fault-tolerant multi-processor computer system of the hypercube type comprising a hierarchy of computers of like kind which can be functionally substituted for one another as necessary. Communication between the working nodes is via one communications network while communications between the working nodes and watch dog nodes and load balancing nodes higher in the structure is via another communications network separate from the first.

Abstract: A "compression" pylon 10 for an aircraft with a wing-mounted engine, that does not cause supersonic airflow to occur within the fuselage-wing-pylon-nacelle channel 20. The chord length of the pylon 10 is greater than the local chord length of the wing 12 to which it is attached. The maximum thickness 45 of the pylon 10 occurs at a point corresponding to the local trailing edge 32 of the wing 12. As a result, the airflow through the channel 20 never reaches supersonic velocities.

Abstract: A passive zero or microgravity leg restraint (10) includes a central support post (17) with a top (12) and a bottom (20). Extending from the central support post (17) and calf pad tab (15), to which calf pad (16) is attached, and foot pad tab (19), to which foot pad (18) is attached. Also extending from central support post (17) are knee pads (13 and 14). When the restraint is in use the user's legs are forced between pads (13, 14, 16 and 18) by a user imposed scissors action of the legs. The user's body is then supported in a zero or microgravity neutral body posture by the leg restraint. Calf pad (16) has semi-rigid elastic padding material covering structural stiffener (26). Foot pad (18) has padding material (25) and structural stiffener (27). Knee pads (13 and 14) have structural tube stiffener (28) at their core.

Abstract: A set of film clamps and a mounting block for use in the determination of tensile modulus and damping properties of films in a manually operated or automated Rheovibron. These clamps and mounting block provide uniformity of sample gripping and alignment in the instrument. Operator dependence and data variability are greatly reduced.

Abstract: A pyrothechnic actuated structural release device which is mechanically two fault tolerant for release. The device comprises a fastener plate 11 and fastener body 12 each attachable to one of a pair of structures to be joined. The fastener plate 11 and the fastener body 12 are fastenable by a dual swivel toggle member 13. The toggle member is supported at one end on the fastener plate and mounted for universal pivotal movement thereon. Its other end is received in a central opening in the fastener body 12, and has a universally mounted retainer ring member 38. The toggle member 13 is restrained by three retractable latching pins symmetrically disposed in equiangular spacing about the axis of the toggle member 13 and positionable in latching engagement with the retainer ring member on the toggle member. Each pin is retractable by a pyrotechnic charge, the expanding gases of which are applied to a pressure receiving face on the latch pins to effect retraction from the ring member.

Abstract: A fluid leak indicator (30) for detecting and indicating leaks in visually inaccessible fluid tubing joints (20, 21), such as those obstructed by insulation (24), includes a bag system (25) and a wicking system (30) surrounding or wrapping the joints (20, 21) under the visual obstructing material (24). Leaking fluid is collected in the bag (25) or on the wicking material (34) where it is conducted along the wicking material (34) to a visibly accessible capturing transparent indicator bulb (35) for providing a visual indication of the leak without requiring a chemical change in the capturing indicator bulb (35).

Abstract: A decapeptide of the formula:N-Ac-A.sup.1 -A.sup.2 -A.sup.3 -Ser-A.sup.4 -A.sup.5 -A.sup.6 -A.sup.7 -A.sup.8 -A.sup.9, wherein each A.sup.1, A.sup.2, and A.sup.3, independently, is D-.beta.-Nal, D-p-X-Phe (where X is halogen, H, NH.sub.2, NO.sub.2, OH, or C.sub.1-3 alkyl), D-Trp, D-benzothienyl (2)-Ala, or D-benzothienyl (1)-Ala; A.sup.4 is p-X-Phe (where X is halogen, H, NH.sub.2, NO.sub.2, or C.sub.1-3 alkyl), Tyr, Lys, Arg, Leu, Trp, or Nal; A.sup.5 is D-Lys, D-Tyr, D-Arg, D-Phe, D-.beta.-Nal, D-Trp, D-homo-Arg, D-diethyl-homo-Arg, D-p-X-Phe (where X is halogen, H, NH.sub.2, NO.sub.2, or C.sub.1-3 alkyl), or D-Lys-.epsilon.-NH-R (where R is H, a branched or straight chain C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl group, or an aryl group); A.sub.6 is Leu, .beta.-Nal, p-X-Phe (where X is halogen, H, NH.sub.2, NO.sub.2, OH, C.sub.2 F.sub.5, C.sub.1-3 alkyl), or Trp; A.sup.7 is Arg, Lys, or Lys .epsilon.-NH-R (where R is H, a branched or straight chain C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl group, or an aryl group); A.sub.8 is Pro; and A.sup.

Abstract: The invention is a pressure rig for repetitive casting of metal. The pressure rig performs like a piston for feeding molten metal into a mold. Pressure is applied to an expandable rubber diaphragm 22 which expands like a balloon to force the metal into the mold. A ceramic cavity 26 which holds molten metal is lined with blanket-type insulating material 11, 15, necessitating only a relining for subsequent use and eliminating the lengthy cavity preparation inherent in previous rigs. In addition, the expandable rubber diaphragm 22 is protected by the insulating material 14 thereby decreasing its vulnerability to heat damage. As a result of the improved design the like expectancy of the pressure rig contemplated by the present invention if more than doubled. Moreover, the improved heat protection has allowed the casting of brass and other alloys with higher melting temperatures than possible in conventional pressure rigs.

Abstract: 1-[(Diorganooxyphosphonyl)methyl]-2,4- and -2,6-dinitro- and diamino benzenes are prepared by nitrating an (organophosphonyl)methyl benzene to produce the dinitro compounds which are then reduced to the diamino compounds. The organo groups (alkyl, haloalkyl, aryl) on the phosphorus may be removed to give the free acids, (HO).sub.2 P(.dbd.O)--. The diamino compounds may be polymerized with dianhydrides or diacyl halides to produce fire and flame resistant polymers which are useful in the manufacture of aircraft structures.

Abstract: A device for reducing drag and store separation difficulties caused by shallow cavities on aircraft in supersonic flight consisting of a group of hollow pipes the same length as the cavity. The pipes are attached to the cavity floor so as to allow air to flow through the pipes. This device allows air to flow through the pipes opposite to the direction of flow outside the pipes. This results in reduced drag and improved store separation characteristics.

Abstract: Hg.sub.1-x Cd.sub.x Te is prepared in an improved directional solidification method in which a precast alloy sample containing predetermined amounts of Hg, Cd and Te is disposed in a sealed ampule (12) and a furnace (10) providing two controlled temperature zones (16, 18) is translated upward past the ampule so as to provide melting and resolidification. The present improvement is directed to maintaining the zones at temperatures determined in accordance with a prescribed formula providing a thermal barrier (32) between the zones with a maximum thickness and translating the furnace past the zones at a rate less than 0.31 .mu.m/sec.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deploying the payload of space shuttle craft or the like. The payload rotated about an axis outside of the payload but approximately longitudinally of the cargo bay of the shuttle craft. The payload may thus be rotated, through ninety degrees. In this case, that is in its rotated position, the payload may or may not have a small portion located within the cargo bay. Alternatively, the payload may be located completely outside of the bay. According to the apparatus two separable hinge-like devices connect at one longitudinal side or edge of the payload to respective ones of the payload trunnions at different longitudinally spaced locations along the length of the payload. Separation of the payload from the cargo bay is made unlatching a latch and by the use of a repulsion spring at the position of each hinge-like device. Two four-link mechanisms allow movement between payload and bay.

Abstract: Ethynyl terminated imidothioethers (ETIs) are prepared by the reaction of a dimercaptan, such as 4,4'-dimercaptodiphenyl ether, and an ethynyl containing maleimide, such as N-(3-ethynylphenyl)maleimide. Blends of thse ETIs and ethynyl terminated polymeric materials, such as ethynyl terminated sulfones and ethynyl terminated arylene ethers, are also prepared. These resin blends exhibit excellent processability, and the cured blends show excellent fracture toughness and solvent resistance, as well as excellent adhesive and composite properties.