Abstract: A method of producing highly oriented multilayer films comprising laminating films having at least one layer of a fluoropolymer, at least one layer of a polyolefin homopolymer or copolymer and an intermediate adhesive layer of a polyolefin having at least one functional moiety of an unsaturated carboxylic acid or anhydride thereof. With this structure the polyolefin layer allows the fluoropolymer layer to be stretched up to ten times its original length. Such a high orientation ratio for the fluoropolymer film increases the mechanical strength, toughness, and water vapor barrier properties of the film while using a thinner gauge fluoropolymer film.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for passive measurement of atmospheric temperature using a passive direction detector for detecting the energy of a narrow wavelength band emanating from a volume of atmospheric gas. The resulting signal can be associated with an effective temperature. The effective temperature can be associated with an effective range. The system generates a temperature map which can determine, at predetermined time intervals, atmospheric temperatures in an azimuth plane associated with a predefined range from the detector. The temperature map can then be used to calculate temperature gradients that in turn can be used to compute the average Richardson number over an atmospheric layer and other atmospheric conditions to predict the presence of clear air turbulence.

Abstract: An integrity monitor for TCAS mutual suppression checks the interface circuits and cabling of the suppression system that lies between the TCAS processor and the transponder. The monitor starts by interrogating the transponder while disabling suppression. If no reply is received, the transponder is not functional. If a reply is received, interrogation of the transponder occurs again, however, this time suppression is enabled. If a reply is received, the suppression system has failed and TCAS alarms will be inhibited. If a reply is not received, the suppression system is working.

Abstract: In a closed loop control system that governs the movement of an actuator a filter is provided that attenuates the oscillations generated by the actuator when the actuator is at a resonant frequency. The filter is preferably coded into the control system and includes the following steps. Sensing the position of the actuator with an LVDT and sensing the motor position where motor drives the actuator through a gear train. When the actuator is at a resonant frequency, a lag is applied to the LVDT signal and then combined with the motor position signal to form a combined signal in which the oscillation generated by the actuator are attenuated. The control system then controls ion this combined signal. This arrangement prevents the amplified resonance present on the LVDT signal, from causing control instability, while retaining the steady state accuracy associated with the LVDT signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient process for the recovery of caprolactam from polycaprolactam-containing waste material. The present process for depolymerizing multi-component waste material comprising polycaprolactam and non-polycaprolactam components to form caprolactam comprises the step of: in the absence of added catalyst, contacting the multi-component waste material with superheated steam at a temperature of about 250° C. to about 400° C. and at a pressure within the range of about 1 atm to about 100 atm and substantially less than the saturated vapor pressure of water at the temperature wherein a caprolactam-containing vapor stream is formed.

Abstract: Evaporative coolants suitable for use as cold spray topical anesthetics containing hydrofluorocarbons and/or hydrochlorofluorocarbons, preferably 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, either alone or in combination with other hydrofluorocarbon and/or hydrochlorofluorocarbon components. The invention includes a system for cooling skin using the coolant and a device for spraying the coolant, as well as a method of cooling or topically anesthetizing the skin comprising spraying such evaporative coolants thereon.

Abstract: An adjustment arrangement for a hydraulic brake actuator (11) of the type having a piston (17) which moves a preferred distance within a cylindrical bushing (15) portion of a housing between a quiescent retracted position with a preferred clearance space between one piston end and a brake mechanism, and an extended position with the piston end engaging and actuating the brake mechanism in response to the application of hydraulic fluid pressure includes a return spring (23) which, upon relief of the hydraulic pressure, urges the piston (17) back from the brake mechanism engaging position to the retracted position. There is an internally disposed mechanical piston clearance space adjustment feature including an expandable sleeve (33) which surrounds a cantilevered pin (37) having a split expander ring (35a, 35b) near a free end thereof. Upon excessive piston (17) travel, the sleeve moves along the expander ring (35a, 35b) to establish a new retracted piston position.

Abstract: Production of a dielectric coating on a substrate whereby a poly(arylene ethers) or fluorinated poly(arylene ethers) layer is cured by exposure to electron beam radiation. A wide area electron beam is used which causes chemical reactions to occur in the polymer structure which are thought to cause crosslinks between polymer chains. The crosslinks lead to higher mechanical strength and higher glass transition temperature, lower thermal expansion coefficient, greater thermal-chemical stability and greater resistance to aggressive organic solvents. The polymer layer may also be optionally heated, thermally annealed, and/or exposed to UV actinic light.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing and dispensing in liquid form a blend of fluids which normally fractionate upon boiling. The apparatus includes a container having an internal bladder dividing the container into two chambers. The first chamber contains the liquid blend, and the second chamber contains a pressurizing fluid in sufficient quantity to maintain the pressure on the other side of the bladder in the first chamber above the bubble point pressure of the liquid blend. In this manner, the vapor space above the fluid blend is eliminated, and thus the effect of fractionation caused by vaporization is essentially eliminated during dispensing or leakage of the blend from the package.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically controlling the tilt of a radar antenna to avoid ground clutter returns while scanning the weather formations of most interest. In one embodiment a terrain database is utilized to determine tilt angles for different terrain cells. The tilt angle is determined starting at the aircraft position and working out to the radar range. If a tilt angle for a more distant cell is less than for a nearer cell it is ignored taking shadowing into account. In another embodiment the weighted tilt angle frequencies are entered into a histogram and the histogram is scanned to obtain a tilt angle resulting in an acceptable amount of ground clutter.

Abstract: A bioprocessing system for a feed such as wastewater comprises an anaerobic reactor subsystem, an aerobic reactor subsystem, and a recycle loop for partial recycling of the aerobic reactor subsystem effluent. The anaerobic reactor subsystem is capable of providing anaerobic processing of the wastewater in the substantial absence of aerobic processing of the wastewater. The anaerobic reactor subsystem can include a single anaerobic reactor or a plurality of reactors. The aerobic reactor subsystem is in direct communication with the anaerobic reactor subsystem, with the aerobic reactor subsystem being capable of providing aerobic processing of the wastewater in the substantial absence of anaerobic processing of the wastewater. The aerobic reactor subsystem processes the wastewater from the anaerobic reactor subsystem without intervening bioprocessing of the wastewater. As with the anaerobic subsystem, the aerobic reactor subsystem can include a single aerobic bioreactor or a plurality of reactors.

Abstract: An injection system for injecting one or more additives into a pressurizable container for use with a filling system providing a flow of fluid into the pressurizable container, the injection system comprising: (a) a delivery system adapted for transferring at least one additive from a source of the additive to at least one portal; and (b) at least one portal operatively connectable between the delivery system and the filling system, the portal defining an internal space and having at least a first configuration and a second configuration, in the first configuration, the internal space being adapted to receive additives from the delivery system while being fluidly isolated from the filling system, in the second configuration, the internal space being in fluid communication with the filling system such that any additive deposited therein is carried into the container by the flow of fluid provided by the filling system.

Abstract: Pressure-compensated transducers and accelerometers, and force-sensing and acceleration-sensing methods are described. In a preferred embodiment, regression techniques are utilized in the context of a vibrating beam force transducer to provide a measure of acceleration which is both temperature-compensated and pressure-compensated.

Abstract: A radar gathers terrain data which is compared to a stored terrain data base using a test statistic. The test statistic can be used to validate the terrain data base information and/or the aircraft position data.

Abstract: A dipping sonar transducer housing includes a generally cylindrical housing (10) which is suspended at the end of a cable (12) connected to tile housing through a vibration isolation module (14) which includes springs (22) to damp out noise, particularly that from the supporting vehicle. The housing (10) contains an upper water-tight chamber (26) which contains circuit boards (28) and preamplifiers (30) which serve as amplification and multiplexing means for the hydrophones carried on extendible arms (96, 60, 88); a second water-tight chamber (35) immediately below the first chamber (26) contains an electric motor (36) which drives a hydraulic pump (38) which provides fluid under pressure to an accumulator (40). Movable vertically on the outside of the second chamber (35) is a piston (48) which drives a plurality of links (54, 56) which extend the receiver array.

Abstract: Solid lubricant compositions containing bismuth sulfide for use in friction linings for applications such as, but not limited to brake disk pads, brake drums, and clutch disks, are described. The bismuth sulfide is preferably present in the amount of from about 2 to about 10 volume percent, based on the total volume of the friction material matrix.

Abstract: The present invention provides a yarn having a force-displacement profile such that: (a) when the yarn is subjected to an initial stress barrier of from about 0.8 gram/denier to less than or equal to about 1.2 grams/denier, the yarn elongates to less than 5 percent and has an initial modulus in the range from about 30 grams/denier to about 80 grams/denier; (b) upon subjecting the yarn to greater than the initial stress barrier and to less than or equal to about 1.5 grams/denier, the yarn elongates further to at least about 8 percent; and (c) upon subjecting the yarn to greater than 1.5 grams/denier, the modulus increases sharply and the yarn elongates further until the yarn breaks at a tensile strength of at least about 6 grams/denier, wherein the yarn comprises a multiplicity of fibers, all of the fibers have substantially the same force-displacement profile, and are made from polymers having a glass transition temperature in the range from about −40° C. to about +70° C.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to mechanisms for preventing undesirable oxidation (i.e., oxidation protection mechanisms) in composite bodies. The oxidation protection mechanisms include getterer materials which are added to the composite body which gather or scavenge undesirable oxidants which may enter the composite body. The getterer materials may be placed into at least a portion of the composite body such that any undesirable oxidant approaching, for example, a fiber reinforcement, would be scavenged by (e.g., reacted with) the getterer. The getterer materials) may form at least one compound which acts as a passivation layer, and/or is able to move by bulk transport (e.g., by viscous flow as a glassy material) to a crack, and sealing the crack, thereby further enhancing the oxidation protection of the composite body.

Abstract: A control and method is provided that continuously adjusts fuel sensitive schedules in the ECU for changes in the heating value of the fuel being combusted by the engine. The control and method includes calculating, as the engine is running, an expected fuel flow for a baseline fuel type and an actual fuel flow. A ratio of these two fuel flows is determined and applied to the heating value of a baseline fuel type that is preprogrammed into the ECU. This results in a scale factor that is then applied to fuel sensitive schedules in the ECU.

Abstract: In a catalytic combustor for gas turbines, the dimensions of the preheater and premix duct, the location of the preheater and premix fuel nozzles, and the number and location of air orifices in the combustor can inner liner are configured to result in low NOx production during both preheating combustion and catalytic combustion. Placement of the air orifices helps reduce the potential for autoignition within the premix duct, while enhancing fuel-air mixture uniformity upstream of the catalyst. At the same time, the overall configuration is optimized to result in the relative compactness of the catalytic combustor, making it particularly suitable for applications such as automotive turbine engines and microturbines.