Abstract: A system for processing organic material to produce energy includes a reactor vessel for hydrothermally treating the organic material with water to produce an effluent. In the reactor vessel, the organic material is gasified to produce an effluent containing combustible gases, steam, particulates, salts and corrosive species. The effluent is passed to a heat exchanger for cooling to a temperature sufficient to condense any water vapor in the effluent. The cooled effluent is subsequently separated into a relatively clean gaseous portion and a residual portion containing the condensed water, particulates, salts, and other corrosive species. The gaseous portion is fed into the combustion chamber of a gas turbine, along with air, to produce energy. The heat extracted from the effluent and the waste heat from the gas turbine can be used to preheat the organic material before hydrothermal treatment or to drive a steam turbine.

Abstract: Reaction-brazing of tungsten or molybdenum metal bodies to carbonaceous supports enables an x-ray generating anode to be joined to a preferred lightweight substrate. Complementary surfaces are provided on a dense refractory metal body and a graphite or a carbon-carbon composite support. A particulate braze mixture comprising Hf or Zr carbide, Mo or W boride, Hf or Zr powder and Mo or W powder is coated onto the support surface, and hafnium or zirconium foil may be introduced between the braze mixture and the refractory metal body complementary surface. Reaction-brazing is carried out at or near the eutectic point of the components, which may be influenced to some extent by the presence of carbon and boride. Heating to about 1865° C.

Abstract: A solid-state laser device consists of a gain medium in the shape of a polyhedron. A beam enters the gain medium at one surface of the polyhedron and is reflected internally at one or more surfaces with each reflection occurring in approximate the same plane as the plane of incidence of the incident beam. The beam enters and exits the gain medium at different locations. Pump radiation enters the polyhedron through one or more faces. The laser device may be used as the gain medium for a laser oscillator or a laser amplifier. In one variation, the polyhedron contains an internal core section in which there is no gain material. In another variation, the gain medium further includes one or more surfaces oriented to achieve a 90 degree internal reflection of the beam.

Abstract: A homopolar machine produces an axial counterforce on the rotating shaft to compensate for the load on the shaft's thrust bearing to reduce wear and noise and prolong bearing life. The counterforce is produced through magnetic interaction between the shaft and the machine's field coils and is created by changing the current excitation of the field coils, which results in a magnetic flux asymmetry in an inner flux return coupled to the shaft. The homopolar machine may also have a configuration that uses current collectors that maintain substantially constant contact pressure in the presence of high magnetic fields to improve current collector performance. The current collectors are flexible and may be made from either electrically conductive fibers or stacked strips such that they bear up against the armature so that the pressure is maintained by the spring constant of the current collector material.

Abstract: A transuranic transmuter includes a sealable steel housing having a window to allow a beam of protons to enter the housing and strike a spallation target, thereby generating fast neutrons. Conductive tubes holding minor actinides are positioned within the housing and at a distance from the spallation target. A graphite block is positioned within the housing to interpose the minor actinides between the graphite block and the spallation target. Plutonium and toxic fission products are positioned in recesses formed within the graphite block. Upon exposure to fast neutrons from the spallation target, the minor actinides transmute by either fission or neutron capture reactions into one or more stable, less radiotoxic isotopes. Some neutrons from the target pass through the moderator and subsequently transmute the plutonium and the toxic fission products into one or more stable, less radiotoxic isotopes.

Abstract: A portable electronic device incorporates PEM fuel cells and is designed to operate by the reaction of hydrogen from a hydride-containing fuel container and oxygen from the air, while efficiently removing the product water by a novel water transportation system. Temperature is effectively controlled by placing a plurality of fuel cell subunits as a generally planar array in the lid of the PC adjacent a heat transfer plate. A particularly efficient resupply system is provided where an electrolyzer that supplies H2 at a pressure sufficient to continue to power the PC and simultaneously recharge an operatively-connected container and a second spare container in the electrolyzer.

Abstract: A one-way imaging optical film is provided by a transparent polymer substrate bearing a first coating defining an image area and a second coating defining a background or surround area. In the visible light spectrum, the two coatings have very similar light transmittance characteristics and very similar reverse reflectance characteristics, but different reflectance characteristics such that when the film is viewed from the coated side the image area is visually distinct from the surround area, and when the film is viewed from the substrate side, the film is transparent and the image virtually non-discernible. The film has a visible light transmittance of at least about 25 percent for use especially as an architectural and vehicle window film.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a stable, high pressure plasma column with long length, and high axial uniformity. Rotating a gas-filled tube about an horizontal axis creates a vortex with minimal, or no shear flow. Such a vortex provides a stable equilibrium for a central column of high temperature gas and plasma when, for a given rotation speed, the centrifugal force dominates over the gravitational force inside the smallest radial dimension of the containment envelope. High pressure discharges inside a rotating envelope may be sustained by a variety of energy sources, including electrical, electromagnetic and chemical; they may find application in plasma torches, light sources, etc.

Abstract: The occurrence of internally-formed contaminants or negatively-charged particulates within a plasma is minimized by preventing such from becoming trapped in the plasma. The plasma is formed in a plasma chamber having control electrodes and reference electrodes. The control electrodes are biased with a negative potential. The plasma assumes a potential more positive than the control electrodes. The reference electrodes are then biased to be more positive than the plasma. Hence, negative ions or negatively-charged particulates in the plasma are attracted to the more positive reference electrodes, and thus escape the plasma without being trapped therein, and are not available to serve as nucleation or agglomeration points for contaminants. A pair of Helmholtz coils produce a magnetic field having magnetic field lines that run longitudinally between the control electrodes.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for assaying analytes, preferably, small molecule analytes. Assay methods that employ, in place of antibodies or molecules that bind to target analytes or substrates, modified enzymes, called substrate trapping enzymes. These modified enzymes retain binding affinity or have enhanced binding affinity for a target substrate or analyte, but have attenuated catalytic activity with respect to that substrate or analyte. The modified enzymes are also provided. In particular, a mutant S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) hydrolases, substantially retaining binding affinity or having enhanced binding affinity for Hcy or SAH but having attenuated catalytic activity, are provided. Also provided are methods, combinations, kits and articles of manufacture for assaying analytes, preferably small molecule analytes such as inorganic ions, amino acids (e.g., homocysteine), peptides, nucleosides, nucleotides, oligonucleotides, vitamins, monosaccharides (e.g., glucose), oligosaccharides, lipids (e.g.

Abstract: Thin multilayer signature control films having a large differential between the indices of refraction of adjoining layers are characterized by the use as the low index layer or layers of a material having a high coefficient of extinction and a very low index of refraction. The enhanced differential between the indices of refraction results in signature control materials which, in one embodiment, may be comprised of just a substrate and a coating and, in another embodiment, may be a supported or unsupported multilayer film comprised of as few as three layers that have performance characteristics equal to or exceeding prior art films comprised of 15-30 layers. Both continuous films and pigmented liquid coating compositions for signature control are provided. Improved pigments for liquid coating compositions are comprised of appropriately coated microspheres and microballoons.

Abstract: A system (10) and method for hydrothermal treatment of a feed material (11) includes a reaction chamber (14) in a reactor (12). Importantly, an additive (16) is added with the feed material (11) to the reaction chamber (14). The additive (16) causes a reaction medium (18) in the reaction chamber (14) to include phosphate compounds. The phosphate compounds allow precipitating salts to be transported through the reactor (12) without plugging and inhibiting the build-up of precipitating salts in the reaction chamber (14).

Abstract: Optical coating compositions containing thin film particulates or pigments that are capable of imparting to the coating preselected optical characteristics or properties, such as selective reflectance, transmission and absorptance of light energy, are comprised of film forming binder and improved high volume pigment particles dispersed in the binder. Each pigment particle is a high volume flake comprised of an inorganic or polymer core having two sides and a thin film optical structure deposited onto each of the two sides of the core. The core occupies a large volume of the coating composition and dramatically reduces the number of flakes and the amount of thin film structures required to produce a coating of given thickness and desired optical properties. The core may also be fabricated to have diffuse and irregular side surfaces in order to render the applied coating visually diffuse and nonspecular. Methods of making the pigment particles are disclosed.

Abstract: Improved methods and techniques for fabricating a panel of control cells, or a “control panel”, useful in various electromagnetic turbulence control (EMTC) applications includes a layered structure which includes three main components or layers: a metal substrate or backing plate having a high magnetic permeability; a ribbed magnetic structure attached to the metal substrate; and an electrode board bonded to the ribs of the magnetic structure. The ribbed magnetic structure is realized, in one embodiment, by a series of rare earth permanent magnets placed side-by-side using a bowed tool to create permanent magnet columns. The magnet columns thus formed are precisely positioned and glued to the substrate or backing plate so as to form parallel magnetic ribs. An electrode board, similar to a printed circuit board, is then bonded to the ribs of the magnet columns, e.g., so that a back side of such electrode board rests on top of the magnetic columns or ribs.

Abstract: A microsensor for identifying a change in a characteristic of an environment having temperatures of up to approximately five hundred degrees Centigrade includes a substantially flat insulator layer made of silicon oxide. A base layer made of silicon is integrally attached to one side of the insulator layer and a support layer is integrally attached to the other side of the insulator layer. Together the base layer and the support layer stabilize the support layer which is only about one thousand angstroms thick. A sensor element is mounted on the exposed surface of the support layer, and opposite the insulator layer, to generate a signal in response to the change in the environmental characteristic. Additionally, there is an electronic element which is processed into the support layer. This electronic element is electrically connected directly with the sensor element to process the signal and indicate an appropriate response.

Abstract: A capacitor is made up of a housing; a first plurality of capacitors within the housing; a second plurality of capacitors within the housing; a first electrode coupled to a first terminal, with the first terminal being electrically contactable outside the housing; a second electrode coupled to a second terminal, with the second terminal being contactable outside the housing; a threshold circuit that compares performance of the first plurality of capacitors with performance of the second plurality of capacitors, detects an unbalance, and generates an output signal; and a signal output coupled to the threshold circuit, the signal output being accessible outside the housing.

Abstract: A two-stroke, opposed piston, diesel engine is provided herein. The engine includes a thermal shield and a fluid gap which surround the exhaust ports to shield the engine block from an exhaust fluid from the cylinder assembly. Additionally, a cooling fluid is transferred to a plurality of helical shaped passageways which encircles the cylinder housing. These features allow the engine to operate at a cooler temperature and allow for more uniform cooling of the engine. Preferably, the engine also includes a first injector which injects a combustion fluid into the cylinder chamber between the pistons in the same direction as a swirl created within the cylinder chamber. This increases the distribution of the combustion fluid in the cylinder chamber and enhances the efficiency of the engine.

Abstract: A multiple cell thermionic converter having a generally tubular member of electrically conductive refractory metal with an internal cavity and a coaxial tubular envelope of electrically conductive refractory metal disposed in surrounding relationship thereto. Bodies of electrically insulating ceramic material disposed on elongated sections of facing surfaces of the tubular member and the envelope support juxtaposed emitters and collectors to provide a series of thermionic cells. Tubular metal connectors having particular aperture patterns respectively join the collector of one cell to the emitter of the next adjacent cell to create a series electrical interconnection. The aperture patterns include sets of slots in a pair of parallel planes that are perpendicular to the axis, providing necessary flexibility to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction while providing low electrical resistance and long fatigue life. Axial keyhole apertures and auxiliary slits located in a central plane may also be included.

Abstract: A millimeter wave imaging system includes a plurality of millimeter wave radiometer elements disposed in a sparse antenna array integrated into a lower surface of an airborne vehicle. The antenna elements preferably form a cross or T-shaped sparse array. Images are formed using interferometric techniques. Each radiometer element includes a receive antenna coupled to an electronic mirror which provides beam steering. To compensate for deflection of the airborne vehicle, a mechanical deflection measurement system is provided. Additional radiometer elements having transmitter antenna elements may be integrated into the sparse array to provide active illumination to enhance image formation and to operate as target designators.

Abstract: Magnetic and electric fields are used in a controlled manner to create Lorentz forces that affect the flow of a conductive fluid near the boundary layer of a control tile, or a matrix of control tiles, immersed in a conductive fluid. The control tiles are combined to form control cells, with each control cell including a pair of electrodes and at least one permanent magnet. The pair of electrodes are coupled to a current source which biases the electrodes to cause an electrical current to flow from a positive electrode (anode), through the conductive fluid in which the cell electrodes are immersed, to a negative electrode (cathode). The current source is time multiplexed to better control the direction of the current flow between adjacent electrodes. The permanent magnet(s) generates a magnetic field which interacts with the electrical current to create a Lorentz force that influences the flow of the conductive fluid, near the boundary of the control tile, e.g.