Abstract: The particle volume and particle mass production rate of particulate solids entrained in fluid flowstreams such as formation sand or fracture proppant entrained in oil and gas production flowstreams is determined by a system having a metal probe interposed in a flow conduit for transmitting acoustic emissions created by particles impacting the probe to a sensor and signal processing circuit which produces discrete signals related to the impact of each of the particles striking the probe. The volume or mass flow rate of particulates is determined from making an initial particle size distribution and particle energy distribution and comparing the initial energy distribution and/or the initial size distribution with values related to the impact energies of a predetermined number of recorded impacts. The comparison is also used to recalibrate the system to compensate for changes in flow velocity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for laser velocity interferometry employing a fixed interferometer cavity and delay element. The invention permits rapid construction of interferometers that may be operated by those non-skilled in the art, that have high image quality with no drift or loss of contrast, and that have long-term stability even without shock isolation of the cavity.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating x-rays for use in, for instance, x-ray photolithography. The method of generating x-rays includes the steps of providing a target and irradiating the target with a laser system which produces a train of sub-pulses to generate an x-ray producing plasma. The sub-pulses are of both high intensity and short duration. The apparatus for generating x-rays from a plasma includes a vacuum chamber, a target supported within the chamber and a laser system, including a short storage time laser.

Abstract: A container for liquids is disclosed which comprises a cylinder which is initially open at both ends. One end of the cylinder is closed by a valve unit and the other end of the cylinder is closed by an end cap. The end cap has a line of weakening therein so that the package can be opened by tearing away part of the end cap. A piston is provided within the cylinder, there being between the valve unit and the piston a compartment of receiving the liquid to be dispensed. The valve unit includes a valve closure element which is spring loaded against a seat. When a force is supplied to the rear face of the piston to pressurize the liquid product in the compartment, the liquid acts on the valve closure element to urge it against its seat. Liquid can only be dispensed when an operating member, inserted into the valve unit from externally of the container, unseats the valve closure element.

Abstract: A system for transmitting aircraft beacon information received by a secondary surveillance radar through telephone lines to a remote display includes a digitizer connected to the radar for preparing a serial file of data records containing position and identification information of the beacons detected by each sweep of the radar. This information is transmitted through the telephone lines to a remote computer where it is displayed.

Abstract: In an electronic device comprising a semiconductor material and having at least one performance characteristic which is limited by the mobility of holes in the semiconductor material, said mobility being limited because of a valence band degeneracy among high-mobility and low-mobility energy levels accessible to said holes at the energy-momentum space maximum, an improvement is provided wherein the semiconductor material is a strained layer superlattice (SLS) whose layer compositions and layer thicknesses are selected so that the strain on the layers predominantly containing said at least one carrier type splits said degeneracy and modifies said energy levels around said energy-momentum space maximum in a manner whereby said limitation on the mobility of said holes is alleviated.

Abstract: A method and an optical device for bistable storage of optical information, together with reading and erasure of the optical information, using a photoactivated shift in a field dependent phase transition between a metastable or a bias-stabilized ferroelectric (FE) phase and a stable antiferroelectric (AFE) phase in an lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT). An optical disk contains the PLZT. Writing and erasing of optical information can be accomplished by a light beam normal to the disk. Reading of optical information can be accomplished by a light beam at an incidence angle of 15 to 60 degrees to the normal of the disk.

Abstract: An underwater location beacon emits a continuous wave signal which is phase-shift modulated by a pseudo-noise, spread spectrum code. This signal is detected with an exact replica of the transmitted code. To an unauthorized observer without the replica, the transponder's signal is indistinguishable from background ocean noise. The spread spectrum code allows extraction of the signal from high levels of ocean noise, providing an increased detection range, jamming resistance, covertness, and unique signals for each pinger. The outputs of the surface spread spectrum receiver are used with automated location algorithms. Several receivers at different surface positions provide the underwater coordinates of the pinger's location.

Abstract: An archery apparatus including a mechanism for storing and releasing energy in multiple directions along the limbs of a limb and hand grip assembly. The mechanism for storing and releasing energy are elongated members running longitudinally of the bow limbs and on different sides of the limbs.An archery apparatus including composite eccentric members and sheaves which effect coordinated changes in direction of energy storage and release. The eccentric members are positioned adjacent the bow handle and rotate when tension is applied to the bow string, the latter being connected to the energy storing and releasing device. Sheaves may be drivingly connected to each other and to the eccentric members so that the bow limbs will deflect equally when a tension force is applied to the bow string.

Abstract: A trailer suspension system eliminating jackknifing of the towing tractor and trailer assembly, providing stability to the trailer and more efficient braking especially during emergency stops and materially increasing vehicle maneuverability. Steering control is provided by a connection with the towing tractor in laterally offset relation to the vertical pivot axis formed by the kingpin and fifth wheel articulate connection between the towing tractor and trailer.