Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting an object and determining the range of the object is disclosed. A transmitter, coupled to an antenna, transmits a frequency-modulated probe signal at each of a number of center frequency intervals or steps. A receiver, coupled to the antenna when operating in a monostatic mode or, alternatively, to a separate antenna when operating in a bistatic mode, receives a return signal from a target object resulting from the probe signal. Magnitude and phase information corresponding to the object are measured and stored in a memory at each of the center frequency steps. The range to the object is determined using the magnitude and phase information stored in the memory. The present invention provides for high-resolution probing and object detection in short-range applications. The present invention has a wide range of applications including high- resolution probing of geophysical surfaces and ground- penetration applications.

Abstract: This invention is a composition of matter useful as a compression-ignition fuel. The composition has from about 30 to about 95 mass % of a light synthetic crude or syncrude, preferably from Fischer-Tropsch synthesis or related processes, and from about 5 to about 70 mass % of a blending stock that improves one or more desirable fuel property(s) including but not limited to pour point temperature, viscosity and emissions generated during combustion in a diesel engine. The blend stock preferably has an average molecular weight less than the average molecular weight of the light syncrude. Preferred blending stocks include hydrocarbons and oxygenates, such as alcohols, and ethers, having average molecular weights less than 200, preferably less than 160. The composition may optionally also contain pour point depressants, cetane improvers, carbon-containing compounds which react with water, and/or emulsifiers.

Abstract: A vortex generator for attenuating flow separation which occur during supersonic flow of air over structure such as an aircraft airfoil, its fuselage, surfaces forming a part of a jet propulsion unit, turbine or compressor blades, or similar surfaces subjected to supersonic airflow. A series of vortex generators are provided each of which comprises a cavity in the component over which the supersonic air is flowing that is configured to generate a spiral vortex which attenuates flow separation and weight drag resulting from the supersonic airflow. Each cavity is of generally triangular configuration defined by two side walls which diverge in a direction away from the apex of the triangular cavity, and a flat bottom wall joined to the side walls. In an alternate embodiment, means is provided for selectively shifting the bottom wall from a retracted inner position, to an outer location essentially flush with the surface over which the supersonic airflow is occurring.

Abstract: Improved release-extending compositions are provided for encapsulation of bioactive agents which exhibit reduced release rates of the bioactive agent from the composition matrix when compared with conventional encapsulated formulations, most preferably employed in agricultural applications for insect and weed control. The compositions of the invention from about 25-75 wt. % (non-active ingredient basis) native, undenatured starch, from about 25-75 wt. % (non-active ingredient basis) biodegradable synthetic polymer, and from about 1-40 wt. % bioactive agent.