Abstract: A heat pipe is disclosed for use in a vapor-absorption heat pump to provide high efficiency heat transfer between first and second fluids in contact with opposing first and second faces of the heat pipe. Although preferably disk-shaped and adapted for rotation for use in compact heat pumps, the heat pipe may be used in heat pump applications requiring other shapes, and may be either fixed or moving. In a further aspect of the invention, a vapor-absorption heat pump is provided incorporating at least one such heat pipe in at least one component thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus operate an optical memory to perform bit-slice associative memory operations by storing a plurality of keywords to define a keyword database and accessing the database by means of one of the keywords. Preferably, the plurality of keywords are unique and are used to retrieve data which corresponds individually to the keywords. Operation of the memory is by identification of a keyword, the location of which is to be determined within the memory, for example for data retrieval. The identified keyword is then used effectively as a retrieval mask to access the plurality of keywords. The keyword database and its complement are stored in an optical device with the keyword to be retrieved and its complement being stored in recall optical devices. The keyword database or its complement is repetitively swept by shifting output columnar vectors by one bit position until all bit positions have been swept.

Abstract: A temperature regulation system for the human body is provided which uses heat pipes to distribute energy to and from portions of a body to provide heating or cooling by redistributing body heat. The heat pipes are incorporated into a garment, a blanket and a pad which may be used for medical treatment or activities or for activities in environments having extreme temperatures. Supplemental means for heating and cooling are included to improve heating or cooling to a body, and to provide heating or cooling to limited areas of a body.

Abstract: A protective composite liner for installation inside a vessel, such as a supertanker, is proposed with an outer layer of high strength fibers, a middle layer of flexible, high strength, resilient film material, and an inner chemical resistant layer. Means for anchoring the protective composite liner and sensor means for detecting a leak are further provided for use with the liner of the present invention.

Abstract: A heat pipe is disclosed for use in a vapor-absorption heat pump to provide high efficiency heat transfer between first and second fluids in contact with opposing first and second faces of the heat pipe. Although preferably disk-shaped and adapted for rotation for use in compact heat pumps, the heat pipe may be used in heat pump applications requiring other shapes, and may be either fixed or moving. In a further aspect of the invention, a vapor-absorption heat pump is provided incorporating at least one such heat pipe in at least one component thereof.

Abstract: A powered transfer and transport system is provided to permit disabled individuals increased mobility and freedom of movement. The powered system performs as a wheelchair in one configuration and as a bed in another, and provides powered mechanisms for variously positioning the seating surface which are operable by the occupant from the seating surface. The powered system includes mechanisms for laterally shifting, elevating, rotating, reclining and driving the seating surface. Enhanced mobility and freedom of movement for the individual results, improving the capability for independent living and expanding employment opportunities.

Abstract: A method of improving image resolution by interpolation combines the concept of convolution with a parameter-controlled mask, with the concept of adjustment of the mask based on edge information. In the method, first the edge information is extracted from the original image data, and then interpolated to the size to which the original image data will be interpolated. With the guidance of the interpolated edge information, the interpolation process will produce an image with high contrast but minimal artifacts. A spline-under-tension function is applied to generate interpolated values, the function being modified for image data points located close to edges.

Abstract: The multiple frequency impedance measurement system of the present invention permits noninvasive examination of living tissue at any one of a plurality of frequencies. Precise frequency control is provided by a phase locked loop (PLL) circuit which is adjustable among at least a plurality of frequencies by locking the loop to the output signal generated by a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) divided by a selectable divisor. By selecting the divisor of the output signal of the VCO, the frequency is changed and, due to the use of a PLL circuit, each selected frequency is stably maintained. Electrodes connecting the circuit to tissue to be monitored are driven by a high-Q filter and buffer amplifier which convert the square wave output from a voltage controlled clipper circuit to a sine wave signal. The clipper circuit receives the output signal from the VCO and is part of a feedback loop which maintains a constant examination current for the system.

Abstract: Optical computing cells or logic cells are constructed of two or more spatial light rebroadcasters (SLR's). Data or information images in the form of light are written into and read from the SLR's with the SLR's being controlled to process the data in a desired manner. The logic cells can be used generally to construct optical computers and are particularly adapted to the construction of optical subsystems for a digital optical computer. In addition, the logic cells can be used for performing masking, interface, intermediate storage and other operations within an optical computer. Cells made up of only SLR's can be used directly for many applications. The cells also can be modified by the internal or external addition of other optical elements for routing light between or among SLR's of the cells, processing and/or blocking light as the light passes between SLR's of the cells. Such modifications and adaptations complement cells made up only of SLR's to form a family of optical logic cells.

Abstract: A thermal management system includes micro heat pipes extending radially outward from a heat sink which surrounds a heat source, rapidly conducting thermal energy away from the heat source, improving significantly the storage of thermal energy in the heat sink, and providing a means for later dissipating thermal energy from the heat sink to an ultimate heat sink over a period of time.

Abstract: A modified tube and shell heat exchanger is comprised of a tube of heat sink material having micro heat pipes extending outward into the volume between the tube and shell to enable the rapid and efficient transfer and storage of thermal energy into the heat sink from a liquid or gas circulated through the volume. Several embodiments of the invention include modifications to the heat pipes. An alternative embodiment reverses the location of the heat sink to fill the volume between the shell and tube, adapting the tube for fluid flow, and orients heat pipes inward into the tubes and outward beyond the shell in various arrangements. The heat exchanger is further shown embodied in a system for the removal, transfer, storage and dissipation of thermal energy from a heat source for ground-based and space-based applications.

Abstract: A rotator cuff therapeutic exercise apparatus is provided which includes a stack of weights supported on a frame for movement along a working stroke from a rest position against gravitational force to a displaced position and an actuator mechanism on the frame adapted to be gripped and rotated by a hand of a user to move the weights along the working stroke. The actuator mechanism is positionable in either first or second configurations for permitting a corresponding rotational working motion of the one of the user's arms whose hand grips the actuator mechanism. For transmitting the rotational motion of the user's arm to move the weights, a ratchet-type mechanism is provided which is connected to the actuator mechanism and allows internal and external rotation of the arm and for accomplishing positive and negative work therewith.

Abstract: A method for the alleviation of both motion sickness and chemically-induced emesis is provided which includes the administration of a nontoxic, therapeutically effective amount of a composition which stimulates serotonin-1A receptors in a mammal in need of such treatment. The preferred compounds for use are buspirone and 8-hydroxy-2(di-n-propylamino)-tetralin (8-OH-DPAT).

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the average characteristics of a semiconductor wafer. The apparatus comprises four electrical contacts removably connected to the wafer at generally equidistant positions on the periphery of the wafer and a flat permanent magnet positioned, adjacent the wafer for applying a substantially uniform magnetic field to one surface of the wafer. The apparatus further comprises control apparatus, connected to each of the electrical contacts for applying current successively to each of four sets of adjacent electrical contacts and measuring the voltage across the opposing set of adjacent electrical contacts in response to each application of current and to each of two sets of opposing electrical contacts and measuring the voltage across the other set of opposing electrical contacts in response to each application of current. As a result, the average dark resistivity, the average dark carrier mobility, and the average dark carrier concentration of the wafer are determined.

Abstract: An analog to digital converter, adapted to convert an optical analog signal to an equivalent optical digital signal being one of x optically presented digital numbers defined by an n-bit digital word, where X=2.sup.n. The optical analog signal is light having an intensity variable over a range from a minimum to a maximum value. The analog to digital converter comprises a linear array of comparator means, a linear array of logic means, and a linear array of decoding means. The linear array of comparator means is responsive to the light at a plurality of input positions, x, and produces binary threshold signals which respresent a one-dimensional spacial reference having a length of corresponding to the magnitude of the sensed intensity. The linear array of logic means is responsive to the binary threshold signals and produces an optical index signal which is a one-point spacial reference having a location, an index postion, corresponding to the length of the one-dimensional spacial reference.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the characteristics of a photoconductive semiconductor wafer. The apparatus comprises a light source for directing light of substantially uniform intensity toward one surface of the wafer. The apparatus further comprises masking apparatus, interposed between the wafer and light source, for transmitting the light to the wafer in the shape of a cross formed by a pixel of light at the intersection of the cross and four paths extending outwardly from the pixel to the periphery of the wafer. The apparatus also comprises a first set of contacts for providing an electrical contact with the paths of light. The apparatus further comprises control apparatus connected to each of the contacts of the first set, for applying current successively to each of four sets of adjacent paths of light and measuring the voltage across the opposing set of adjacent paths in response to each application of current.

Abstract: A system for assisting contraction of a partially paralyzed muscle. The system uses a pair of electrode terminals which sense voluntary EMG signals at the site of the muscle and periodically transmit appropriately corresponding higher level stimulation signals. Stimulation signals are generated by a pulsed stimulator operating under control of an amplifier arrangement connected to receive the EMG signals from the electrode terminals. A transistor switch interrupts the amplifier output in synchronism with the generation of stimulation signals. A pair of back-to-back diodes are positioned between the electrode terminals for limiting the signals which are applied to the amplifier.

Abstract: Method for assisting in the maintenance of a balanced stance by a person who has lost the sense of touch in one or both feet. Load signals are generated in correspondence with body weight loads applied at forward and rearward portions of the feet. The load signals are used for creation of tactile stimuli in a spaced pattern on a sensitive skin area of the person.

Abstract: A system for controlling the movement of a human knee joint during stimulated flexion thereof. The system includes a brace having an over-center hinge at the knee joint. This hinge causes the knee joint to lock under load when the hinge is opened less than a predetermined angle. A sensor senses the angle of opening of the hinge joint and generates a corresponding sensing signal for use by a computer connected for controlling the stimulation of the knee. The computer is programmed for avoiding increases in the stimulation signal when the hinge joint has an angle of opening which is less than some predetermined angle greater than zero and not greater than the critical angle of the hinge.

Abstract: A walking assistance system comprising a pair of reciprocating braces and computer controlled stimulation electrodes for stimulating alternating extension of the left and right hips of an assisted person. The braces include left and right leg portions which are interconnected by cables in such a manner as to produce forward motion of either leg when the weight of the person is resting on the opposite leg and the hip of the weight bearing leg is stimulated into extension. The braces are equipped with knee locks which may be unlocked to permit assumption of a sitting position. The cables are also operatively disengaged during sitting.