Abstract: A programmable optical system that dynamically corrects or induces aberrations into the optical path of a missile seeker. The system is dynamic in that the amount and type of aberration may be changed while the missile is in flight. The dynamic correction is accomplished by means of deformations applied to a low-mass mirror or mirrors in the optical path of the missile seeker. The missile includes an aspheric dome, and the optical system is dynamically compensated for aberrations introduced by the dome as the seeker system is moved through the field of regard.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and compositions for treatment of dysmenorrhea comprise an intravaginal drug delivery system containing an appropriate pharmaceutical agent incorporated into a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier whereby the pharmaceutical agent is released into the vagina and absorbed through the vaginal mucosa to provide relief of dysmenorrhea. The drug delivery system can be a tampon device, vaginal ring, pessary, tablet, suppository, vaginal sponge, bioadhesive tablet, bioadhesive microparticle, cream, lotion, foam, ointment, paste, solution or gel. The system delivers a higher concentration to the muscle of the uterus, the primary site for the dyskinetic muscle contraction, which is the pathophysiologic cause of dysmenorrhea.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and compositions for treatment of dysmenorrhea comprise an intravaginal drug delivery system containing an appropriate pharmaceutical agent incorporated into a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier whereby the pharmaceutical agent is released into the vagina and absorbed through the vaginal mucosa to provide relief of dysmenorrhea. The drug delivery system can be a tampon device, vaginal ring, pessary, tablet, suppository, vaginal medicated tampon, vaginal sponge, bioadhesive tablet, bioadhesive microparticle, cream, lotion, foam, ointment, paste, solution or gel. The system delivers a higher concentration to the muscle of the uterus, the primary site for the dyskinetic muscle contraction, which is the pathophysiologic cause of dysmenorrhea.

Abstract: A transmyocardial implant includes a hollow rigid conduit having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is sized to be larger than an initial lumen diameter of a coronary vessel. The first portion is smaller than an enlarged lumen diameter. The second portion is sized to extend from the first portion and through a myocardium into a heart chamber. The implant further includes a stent having a first stent diameter and adapted to be enlarged to an enlarged second stent diameter. In the first stent diameter, the stent is sized to be inserted into the initial lumen diameter. In the second diameter, the stent is sized to dilate the lumen to the enlarged lumen diameter. When the stent is at the second stent diameter, the stent has an internal diameter sized to receive the first portion of the conduit.

Abstract: The invention provides an easy-to-use method of containing consistent growth and yield values at varying levels of resolution (stand, size-class) for loblolly pine plantations in the southern United States. The invention is able to make projections of estimated values using either existing stand data, or predicted from bare-ground conditions. The invention evaluates stand performance based on estimates of potential or "target" productivity yields. The invention provides long-term expected yields for strategic planning, and short term projections for inventory purposes. The invention can function as a simulation tool to provide insights into the life-cycle of a stand under varying initial conditions. While most growth and yield models use an empirical, multiple regression, "best fits to the data" modelling methodology, the present invention is based upon a biomathematical modelling concept.

Abstract: A head-gimbal assembly for suspending a magnetic head over a spinning disk in a magnetic disk drive having head suspension positioning apparatus includes a base plate fastenable to the positioning apparatus in the magnetic disk drive. a load beam coupled at one end thereof to the base plate and a first dimple in the load beam at another end thereof, a flexible gimbal coupled to the load beam near the other end thereof and a second dimple in the gimbal having a concave surface facing a convex surface of the first dimple and a convex surface to which the magnetic head is attachable. Preferably, the convex surface of the first dimple has a radius smaller than a radius of the concave surface of the second dimple. The head is attached to the gimbal by an adhesive material attached to the convex surface of the second dimple and a top surface of the magnetic head. The adhesive material is hardened while a bottom surface of the head and the base plate are held in a predetermined attitude relative to one another (e.g.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for accelerating the wear of gas lubricated surfaces that operate in intermittent contact. The method includes the generation of ultrasonic sound in the gaseous atmosphere surrounding the interface, and the further directing, focusing, or concentrating of said ultrasonic sound to impinge upon the gas bearing inlet. This method is capable of more accurate interface lifetime predictions than conventional methods, since, in contrast with conventional methods, the medial gas bearing properties, environmental parameters, and structural support conditions, present during testing, are unchanged from those present during typical operation. The present invention will also enable the evaluation of the effects of magnetic disk drive component design changes, in terms of head disk interface lifetime, even when a majority of the wear occurs during normal device operation and not during device starting or stopping.

Abstract: A head-gimbal assembly for suspending a magnetic head over a spinning disk in a magnetic disk drive having head suspension positioning apparatus includes a base plate fastenable to the positioning apparatus in the magnetic disk drive, a load beam coupled at one end thereof to the base plate and a first dimple in the load beam at another end thereof, a flexible gimbal coupled to the load beam near the other end thereof and a second dimple in the gimbal having a concave surface facing a convex surface of the first dimple and a convex surface to which the magnetic head is attachable. Preferably, the convex surface of the first dimple has a radius smaller than a radius of the concave surface of the second dimple. The head is attached to the gimbal by an adhesive material attached to the convex surface of the second dimple and a top surface of the magnetic head. The adhesive material is hardened while a bottom surface of the head and the base plate are held in a predetermined attitude relative to one another (e.g.

Abstract: Point-of-sale information distribution and presentation systems which may be controlled centrally, hierarchically or as otherwise desired in order to distribute and display audio and/or visual information selectively. The systems comprise intelligent automated devices at the point-of-sale locations, such as service stations, which may be coupled or connected to a central location by modem, other land line, satellite, or as otherwise desired. Such systems may also measure and report information that relates to actual presentation of the information, exposure of customers to the information and, if desired, customer purchases associated with their exposure to the information. Moreover, these systems may be arranged to alter the distribution or presentation of information according to environmental sensing information at point-of-sale level regionally or nationally. Overrides may be included so that the system may be employed to notify appropriate authorities in the event of an emergency.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for (1) reducing the fluid loss of and (2) reducing the concentration of polymer required to provide a desired degree of fluid loss control to, a well drilling and servicing fluid which contains at least one polymeric viscosifier, at least one polymeric fluid loss control additive, and a water soluble bridging agent suspended in an a liquid in which the bridging agent is not soluble, the methods comprising adding to the fluids a particulate, water soluble, ultra fine filtrate reducing agent having a particle size distribution such that at least 90% of the particles thereof are less than 10 micrometers and the average particle size is from about 3 to about 5 micrometers, the ultra fine filtrate reducing agent being insoluble in the liquid.

Abstract: An expansion base structure is provided with a manual docking system useable to releasably connect a portable computer to desktop computer peripherals such as a keyboard, printer and monitor, via a first electrical connector carried by a rear portion of the base structure. The docking system includes a moveable latch and drive structure that is driveably linked to a manually pivotable control lever. Docking is initiated by placing the computer on a support deck portion of the expansion base and then pushing the computer rearwardly into latched engagement with the latch and drive structure, with latch arm portions thereof received and locked within holes in the rear side wall of the computer. The computer may be operatively docked by then pushing the computer further rearwardly until an electrical connector on its rear side mates with an electrical connector on the expansion base, or by pivoting the lever to cause the latch arms to rearwardly pull the computer to effect this connector mating.

Abstract: A passive temperature regulating system for cooling a structure exposed to extreme heat and a method for manufacturing the temperature regulator system. The system comprises at least one temperature regulator integrally formed to the roof of the structure. The temperature regulator is manufactured from a mold having a lower mold portion removably attached to an upper wall. The upper wall has an uneven lower surface and is adapted to be part of the roof. A resinous material is molded within the mold to form a container. After cooling, the lower portion is removed and the container remains an integral part of the upper wall because the melted plastic has conformed to the uneven lower surface of the upper wall. Thus, the container will remain in intimate contact with the roof, thereby supporting it own weight and eliminating the need for an expensive support system.

Abstract: A passive ventilation device and method for releasing hydrogen from an enclosure (3) housing a battery (9). The enclosure has an outer shell (11) and an inner insulating layer (13) that includes a gas permeable panel (7). The panel is disposed within the chamber adjacent one of the sidewalls of the enclosure. The sidewall has an inlet opening (34) and an exhaust opening (36) in communication with a ventilation space (32) for providing an upward air flow through the ventilation space to draw hydrogen through the gas permeable panel into the ventilation space. The upward air flow can be powered by the low density hydrogen and/or by heating the air within the ventilation space to a temperature greater than the ambient temperature.

Abstract: An intelligent area monitoring system having a field sensor, a neural network computer, and a communications apparatus is disclosed. The system has the capability of detecting and monitoring the location and identity of people, animals, and objects within an indoor or outdoor area for the purpose of intrusion detection, theft deterrence, and accident prevention. The neural network computer accepts the input signals from the field sensor and forms a virtual model of the monitored area from the input. Any changes that occur within the monitored area are communicated to system users. The sensors can be active or passive, analog or binary, and the system is optimally configured with a mix of different sensor types such as vibration, sound, infrared, optical, microwave, and ultrasonic. Each analog sensor provides an analog output which varies in proportion to the size and distance of its target.

Abstract: An intelligent area monitoring system having a plurality of sensors (11,12,13,14,15,16), a neural network computer (20), a data communications network (28,30,32,42), and multiple graphic display stations (40). The neural network computer (20) accepts the input signals from each sensor. Any changes that occur within a monitored area are communicated to system users as symbols which appear in context of a graphic rendering of the monitored area. The sensors can be active or passive. Each sensor provides an analog output (54). Codes are communicated to graphic display stations (40) via a data communications network (28,30,32,42). Based on these codes, the graphic display stations (40) select and place symbols on their display screens to accurately represent the identity and location of targets in the monitored area.

Abstract: A gimbal embodying the present invention couples the magnetic head to the load beam through torsion fingers which twist to permit rotational motion of the head in one degree of freedom (e.g., pitch or roll) and bending arms which bend to permit rotational motion of the head in the other degree of freedom. Lateral separation of localized bending regions of the arms, and a dimple, serve to prevent motion of the head in other rotational and translational degrees of freedom.

Abstract: Techniques are described for treatment of ash and paper to eliminate them from the environment and to produce ceramic particles useful as light-weight aggregate (e.g., for use in concrete products). The ash may be that resulting from incineration of rubbish or sewage sludge or it may be fly ash from power plants. The ash and waste paper are mixed with clay and water, shaped into desired shapes and sizes, after which the particles are fired to produce ceramic particles which are lighter in weight than natural aggregates.

Abstract: An improved electrical circuit for controlling the firing time of an electronic flash tube. The electrical circuit includes a storage capacitor that is chargeable by a suitable power source, a flash tube and an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT), which can be activated between conductive and non-conductive states, that is connected in the discharge path of the storage capacitor through the flash tube. A signal responsive to a flash firing command is applied to the flash tube to initiate flash tube firing after the IGBT has been activated from its non-conductive to its conductive state. A flash terminating command is subsequently applied to the IGBT to terminate flash firing. The flash firing command and the flash terminating command are made independent of one another. By making these commands independent of one another, any undesirable effects of one or more electrical characteristics of the IGBT on flash tube firing is thereby eliminated.