Abstract: A composite membrane for use in a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly comprises a porous polymeric substrate and an impregnant partially filling the substrate such that the substrate comprises a first region having pores substantially filled with the impregnant, and a second substantially porous region. The impregnant comprises a cation exchange material. The cation exchange material covers one surface of the substrate in a dense surface layer, contiguous with the first region of the substrate. The substrate has greater than 10% residual porosity, and the composite membrane is substantially gas impermeable and has at least one substantially porous major surface.

Abstract: A composite membrane for use in a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly comprises a porous polymeric substrate and an impregnant partially filling the substrate such that the substrate comprises a first region having pores substantially filled with the impregnant, and a second substantially porous region. The impregnant comprises a cation exchange material. The cation exchange material covers one surface of the substrate in a dense surface layer, contiguous with the first region of the substrate. The substrate has greater than 10% residual porosity, and the composite membrane is substantially gas impermeable and has at least one substantially porous major surface.

Abstract: Field emission transistors where either N type or P type devices are made with an insulated gate isolated from both the emitter and the collector. Such devices have input voltage levels that match the output levels, and as such are fully cascadable and integrable. Emitter and collector functions are combined in combinations to make complimentary pairs, NAND gates and NOR gates.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to handle classes of data in computer systems that must not be permitted to intermingle due to their security classifications or criticality of their data content, as in banking or safety applications. An isolated path is established for transmitting a given class of data between elements of the computer system with assurance that the data has been transmitted from the proper source, has been received by an authorized recipient and that unauthorized elements of the system have not intercepted or altered the data. Plug in type secure bus arbiter (SBA) module or bus arbiter interconnect module (10) with a controller (11) provide a way to isolate data without modification of the computer back plane or motherboard in a computer chassis (12). Modules can be used with commercial off the shelf (COTS) and non-development item (NDI) cards for a wide variety of standard computer printed circuit boards.

Abstract: An apparatus to extend printed circuit board length allows for secure mounting of the printed circuit boards. More particularly, the extender bracket apparatus (30) is for stabilizing small or short, commercial off the shelf (COTS) circuit boards (20) for personal computers (PC). The apparatus will aid in operation of small circuit boards for rugged applications such as high vibration conditions in vehicles. The extender bracket apparatus (30) is first fastened to an adjustable clamp (60), which is then fastened to a COTS circuit board. The adjustable clamp has holes that facilitate attaching to slots in the extender bracket apparatus. The clamp and extender board may have a dielectric surface to prevent electrical conduction. The dielectric can be an adhesive to hold the printed circuit board. The apparatus can then be fastened to a computer chassis (40) for rigidly mounting the circuit board.

Abstract: An end bracket for ruggedization of Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) printed wiring cards is described. End bracket (400) has flanges (420,430) with holes for attachment of end bracket (400) to free end (250) of printed wiring card (210). End bracket (400) also has a flange (440) for attaching end bracket(400) to a fixed structure. The holes in flanges (420,430) generally form a hole pattern that matches a standard hole pattern found in free end (250) of printed wiring card (210).

Abstract: A gateway controller (100) for facilitating the exchange of information between PCI busses (101,103). The controller (100) may comprise a single printed wiring board (301) or two printed wiring boards (201,203) connected by cable (205). Busses (101, 103) are physically isolated from one another for security or other reasons.This technique provides for controlled communication capability which does not require direct linking of two subsystem buses. This technique also provides for a method of transparent communication between subsystems. This gateway controller (100) allows data control while providing bus security and physical isolation of communication buses.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rigidly stabilizing or restraining circuit boards is provided. The apparatus has a rigid cross member (20) and a circuit board clamp (10). These provides stabilization of commercial off the shelf (COTS) circuit boards for use in harsh environments. A one piece clamp has hooks with notched ends that attach to opposite sides of each circuit board. The clamp has a surface parallel to the hook. The parallel surface has threaded holes. Threaded shafts are used with the threaded holes to contact the clamp hook and provide pressure on the printed circuit board. A threaded hole is used with a threaded shaft to engage a rigid cross member. The cross member has unthreaded holes to allow for attaching to the clamps with threaded fasteners. The rigid cross member is then attached to the chassis with a fastener. This eliminates flexing of the circuit board under vibration.

Abstract: A hand-held surgical apparatus with supporting equipment comprising a mechanism for producing a pressurized jet of fluid which is sufficiently energetic to fragment diseased human and animal tissue without damaging adjacent healthy tissue. Preferably the apparatus includes a jet of fluid which impinges obliquely onto the operative area such that diseased tissue underneath overlying healthy tissue may be fragmented, especially finger-like extensions from tumorous growths of the skin. The jet rotated about a generally vertical axis such that the points of impact of the water from the jet upon the operative area describes circular patterns, thereby effectively and quickly distributing fragmenting energy over a wide operative area. A supporting vacuuming apparatus for aspirating effluent or expended fluid and fragmented tissue from the operative site.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method and apparatus for drilling horizontal holes in geological strata from a vertical position. The geological structures intended to be penetrated in this fashion are coal seams, as for in situ gasification or methane drainage, or in oil-bearing strata for increasing the flow rate from a pre-existing well. Other possible uses for this device might be for use in the leaching of uranium ore from underground deposits or for introducing horizontal channels for water and steam injections.

Abstract: Rock drilling method and apparatus utilizing high pressure water jets for drilling holes of relatively small diameter at speeds significantly greater than that attainable with existing drilling tools. Greatly increased drilling rates are attained due to jet nozzle geometry and speed of rotation. The jet nozzle design has two orifices, one pointing axially ahead in the direction of travel and the second inclined at an angle of approximately 30.degree. from the axis. The two orifices have diameters in the ratio of approximately 1:2. Liquid jet velocities in excess of 1,000 ft/sec are used, and the nozzle is rotated at speeds up to 1,000 rpm and higher.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions, containing a 4,4'-dihydroxy-3,3'-triphenylmethanedicarboxylic acid (or an oxidized derivative) as active ingredient, are described and are prepared conventionally in a form suitable for topical administration, e.g., ointment. The compositions are useful for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and inflammatory conditions of the skin. Many of the active ingredients are novel compounds. A representative novel active ingredient is 4"-cyano-4,4'-dihydroxy-5,5'-dimethyl-3,3'-triphenylmethanedicarboxylic acid.

Abstract: A hydromechanical drilling tool which combines a high pressure water jet drill with a conventional roller cone type of drilling bit. The high pressure jet serves as a tap drill for cutting a relatively small diameter hole in advance of the conventional bit. Auxiliary laterally projecting jets also serve to partially cut rock and to remove debris from in front of the bit teeth thereby reducing significantly the thrust loading for driving the bit.