Abstract: A fluid recovery system and method for accessing the contents of a target container. A preferred embodiment of the fluid recovery system includes an auxiliary processing vessel for housing a container to be accessed, a cylinder rupture vessel for housing the auxiliary processing vessel, and a tapping assembly positioned within the cylinder rupture vessel for accessing the contents of a target container. One or more fluid seals may be formed. The use of the auxiliary processing vessel of the preferred embodiment provides an extra level of protection against exposure to the contents of the container.

Abstract: A variable-gap, distributed-capacitance sensor provides an output signal that is a function of its instantaneous elongation. The sensor is integrally associated with a seismic isolator section for measuring the instantaneous stretch thereof.

Abstract: An optical apparatus for simulating a highly interconnected neural network is disclosed as including a spatial light modulator (SLM), an inputting device, a laser, a detecting device, and a page-oriented hologaphic component. The inputting device applies input signals to the SLM. The holographic component optically interconnects N.sup.2 pixels defined on the spatial light modulator to N.sup.2 pixels defined on a detecting surface of the detecting device. The interconnections are made by N.sup.2 patterns of up to N.sup.2 interconnection weight encoded beams projected by N.sup.2 planar, or essentially two-dimensional, holograms arranged in a spatially localized array within the holographic component. The SLM modulates the encoded beams and directs them onto the detecting surface wherein a parameter of the beams is evaluated at each pixel thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for producing precise linear movement in response to a rotary input. More particularily, the invention comprises two threaded shafts respectively having threads of different pitches, one of the shafts being secured against both axial and rotation movements and the other shaft being connected to an actuated device in such fashion that only axial movements of the other shaft is permitted, and cylindrical member rotated by a power source connected by separate threaded sections to both said threaded shafts, whereby rotation of the cylindrical member results in a low speed movement of the actuated member at a rate proportional to the difference in the reciprocals of the thread pitches.