Abstract: The apparatus for cooling a high power electrical transformer and electrical motors uses thermally conductive material interleaved between the turn layers of a high power transformer and iron core laminates to provide a low resistant thermal path to ambient. The strips direct excess heat from within the interior to protrusions outside of the windings (and core) where forced air or thermally conductive potting compound extracts the heat. This technique provides for a significant reduction of weight and volume along with a substantial increase in the power density while operating at a modest elevated temperature above ambient.

Abstract: This invention is related to the field of uncooled infrared (IR) detector technology, and it particularly demonstrates the use of thin film structures on oxidized silicon consisting of Guanine Cytosine (GC)—rich double-stranded DNAs and peptide nucleic acid (PNAs) helices and the current CMOS electronic circuits for optimizing the IR detector performance of uncooled microbolometer technology. PNAs are a new class of DNA mimics in which the regular nucleotide bases of adenine, thymine, cytosine and guanine are connected via a peptide-like backbone (Ref. 1). PNA molecules retain the same Watson-Crick base pairing as regular oligonucleotides, with the added benefits of resistance to enzyme digestion.

Abstract: Spherically or toroidally curved, double focusing crystals are used in a spectrometer for X-ray diagnostics of an extended X-ray source such as a hot plasma produced in a tokomak fusion experiment to provide spatially and temporally resolved data on plasma parameters using the imaging properties for Bragg angles near 45. For a Bragg angle of 45°, the spherical crystal focuses a bundle of near parallel X-rays (the cross section of which is determined by the cross section of the crystal) from the plasma to a point on a detector, with parallel rays inclined to the main plain of diffraction focused to different points on the detector. Thus, it is possible to radially image the plasma X-ray emission in different wavelengths simultaneously with a single crystal.

Abstract: A modified night vision image intensifier device providing an enhanced viewable scene with greater than 60 degrees FOV utilizing a modified tube assembly including: a curved photocathode, curved micochannel plate and phosphor screen.

Abstract: In the development of new minimum signature ducted rocket technology, the U.S. Army MICOM Propulsion Directorate has conducted studies for the development of fuel-rich gas generators for ducted rockets. The propellant formulation goals of this study include increasing burning rate, pressure exponent, and combustion efficiency without significantly decreasing fuel value. Formulations described in this application contain an energetic nitramine-prepolymer, a range of curing agents, and zirconium hydride (ZrH2) fuel element and carbon (C) as an optional fuel element.

Abstract: There is provided herein a three-dimensional structure for camouflaging edifices having a large roof area from effective identification and targeting by aerial observation. The structure is light in weight, has minimal bulk, and is relatively easy to transport and deploy. The structure is comprised of a light weight metal frame having structural bar members arranged in substantially parallel horizontal and vertical arrays when assembled. The bar members are connected to each other by hinges so that the structure may be readily collapsed (lowered) or raised quickly and on short notice. The structure is deployable and retractable (i.e., may be raised or lowered) with the camouflage cover placed over the frame. A fabric cover imbued with camouflage patterns and colors on its exterior side is draped over the frame. Windup cables, pulleys and winches or cranks allow for the raising or lowering of the structure from the ground or other remote location.

Abstract: Particle mediated immunization of tick-borne flavivirus genes confers homologous and heterologous protection against tick borne encephalitis.

Abstract: A thin foil stripper and simple non-obstructing power meter for a space based neutral particle beam system consisting of a panel of thin foils supported by resistance wires and mounted on a wheel or disk in such a manner that the surface used for stripping the beam may be changed or replaced periodically. The power meter consists of four resistors arranged in the form of a bridge, a power source (battery), a detector (voltmeter), and a display unit (recorded, etc.). Two of the resistors consist of the wires which support the foils and are nearly identical. The other two resistors are used to balance the bridge. When one of the strippers is exposed to the neutral particle beam, the support wire is heated, the resistance changes, and the bridge becomes unbalanced. The magnitude of the voltage produced is proportional to the power in the beam. The power meter is non-obstructing.

Abstract: Provided is a detector for an IR laser beam which has a chopper wheel of alternating spokes and spaces, the spokes having phosphor coatings thereon. The chopper wheel is placed in the path of the beam and rotated so the IR beam forms a visible or luminous spot on the rotating phosphor coats which are recharged. Intermittently, the IR beam passes through the rotating openings between the spokes to continue on its path to a mirror or target and the like. At the same time, as noted above, the beam forms a visible spot on the rotating phosphor coatings so as to depict the location, size and quality of the normally invisible IR beam.

Abstract: Provided is an approach to efficiently correlate a previously captured digitally created image to one provided in real-time. The real-time digitally created image is represented by the digitally processed image of just the edges of objects within a scene. This is accomplished via digital edge extraction and subsequent digital data compression, based on comparing only the spatial differences (e.g., range values) among pixels. That is, digital data representative of signal intensity are not used. An application is the efficient correlation of real-time digitally processed 3-D images generated from laser scans, in particular, scans of laser “radars” or LADARS. The process simplifies and improves on conventional techniques by iterating three sequential steps. A “hard” edge or a corner of an object is detected via a “corner-detector” algorithm that assigns a raw edge-strength value to each pixel in the image digitally created from the LADAR return.

Abstract: A continuously variable beam combiner combines multiple input beams of different wavelengths into a single output beam in which the power of each input beam may be varied continuously.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus for joining the ends of two cylindrical (i.e., pipe-shaped) sections together with a friction stir weld. The apparatus holds the two cylindrical sections together and provides back-side weld support as it makes a friction stir weld around the circumference of the joined ends.

Abstract: A method for the automated generation of ballistic constants for use in a trajectory control system. The potential trajectory of a pursuing vehicle is divided into a plurality of multiple sequential phases wherein each phase is characterized by a plurality of ballistic parameters. Known simulated data from a number of runs concerning the pursuing vehicle is analyzed. Ballistic parameter values for each run are obtained and statistically analyzed to produce generic constants for a particular set of operating conditions. Resulting matrices are stored as part of a two-dimensional, kinematic vehicle model to facilitate the propagation of projected trajectories during firing control solutions.

Abstract: A rapidly actuating fire extinguishing system incorporates a shock tube construction. The system includes first and second shock-tube sections joined by flanges and sealed from one another by a diaphragm. The first shock tube section contains either fluid under high pressure, or a gas generator or an arc vaporization mechanism. The second shock tube section contains a volatile fluid extinguishant. When the system actuates, the diaphragm is ruptured, so that pressure in the first shock tube section initiates a shock wave that propagates through the extinguishant in the second shock tube section. The shock wave energizes the extinguishant so that it becomes highly pressurized and ruptures a second diaphragm, which is disposed between the second shock tube section and a conduit. The extinguishant then travels along the conduit to a spray head from which the extinguishant is dispersed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vapor corrosion cell for a real-time and quantitative measurement of corrosion of conductive materials in atmospheres containing chemically reactive gases and water vapor. Two prototypes are provided. Also provided are various applications of this apparatus in industry.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a process of producing HAN by slowly adding nitric acid to an alcoholic solution of hydroxylamine. This forms a precipitate of solid HAN. However, if more nitric acid is added, the precipitate dissolves before the stoichiometric amount of acid has been added. Therefore, sufficient nitric acid is added to form a maximum amount of solid HAN precipitate. The solid HAN is then isolated by conventional means such as filtration or centrifugation, possibly preceded by chilling this solution. The excess alcoholic solution of unreacted hydroxylamine may be recycled and used as starting material in the process.

Abstract: A self-actuating mechanical grapple for lifting and handling an object includes a support housing with upper and lower portions and defining an internal recess. The lower portion of the housing includes a bottom opening which communicates with the recess. Preferably, two or three grapple jaws are provided, the first end portions of which are connected to the housing and the second end portions thereof remain free for engaging an object. The grapple jaws are pivotable between open and closed positions. An actuator member is slidably positioned in the recess for opening and closing the jaws, and includes a cam portion in operative engagement with the first end portions of the jaws in a manner to pivot the jaws when the actuator member moves axially relative to the housing. The actuator member includes a rotatable member with at least one contact member.

Abstract: A human &mgr; opiate receptor cDNA has been identified from a cerebral cortical CDNA library using sequences from the rat &mgr; opiate receptor CDNA. The human &mgr; opiate receptor (h&mgr;OR1) shares 95% amino acid identity with the rat sequence. The expressed &mgr;OR1 recognizes tested opiate drugs and opioid peptides in a sodium- and GTP-sensitive fashion with affinities virtually identical to those displayed by the rat &mgr; opiate receptor. Effects on cyclic AMP are similar to those noted for the rat &mgr; opiate receptor. Overlapping genomic clones spanning 50 kilobasepairs and hybridizing with the h&mgr;OR1 cDNA contains exon sequences encoding the entire open reading frame of the human A opiate receptor are described. Analysis of hybridization to DNA prepared from human rodent hybrid cell lines and chromosomal in situ hybridization studies indicate localization to 6q24-25. An MspI polymorphism, producing a 3.

Abstract: The inventive “Substrate Effect Model” represents an improvement over the “Ebel Model,” a conventional XPS-based methodology for determining carbonaceous overlayer thickness. The Ebel Model generally predicts a higher value than the measured value for the ratio of the carbon's C1s electron emission peak to the carbon's CKVV electron emission peak. The invention recognizes the existence and influence of the “Substrate Effect,” whereby photoelectrons from the underlying substrate cause additional core-level ionizations in the carbon layer. The failure of the Ebel Model to account for the Substrate Effect is responsible for the variance between Ebel Model prediction and actual x-ray photoelectron spectroscopic measurement. In essence, the invention “corrects” the Ebel Model by accounting for the Substrate Effect.

Abstract: A passive system for locating a distant source of radio frequency energy, for example a pulsed radar transmitter, from a portable platform such as a moving aircraft. The disclosed system is non ambiguous in locating ability by way of using time difference of arrival and time difference of arrival-rate processing of signals received from the distant source. This is in contrast with phase-based locating wherein location ambiguities are inherent. The disclosed system is supported by an included recalibration subsystem enabling practical maintenance of time difference of arrival system algorithm accuracy notwithstanding physical component and signal delay changes attributable to thermal or other environment effects. Maintenance of delay measurements accurate into the tens of picosecond range by this recalibration arrangement are employed to obtain usefully precise energy source locations. Mathematical equation-based disclosures of signal delay algorithms and their recalibration are included.