Abstract: Omnivorous solar thermal thrusters and adjustable cooling structures are disclosed. In one aspect, a solar thermal rocket engine includes a solar thermal thruster configured to receive solar energy and one or more propellants, and heat the one or more propellants using the solar energy to generate thrust. The solar thermal thruster is further configured to use a plurality of different propellant types, either singly or in combination simultaneously. The solar thermal thruster is further configured to use the one or more propellants in both liquid and gaseous states. Related structures can include valves and variable-geometry cooling channels in thermal contact with a thruster wall.

Abstract: A kit of parts is provided, comprising: in one part a) a water-borne stain; and, in another part b) a water-immiscible organic solvent-borne stain, wherein said water-borne stain is essentially free of resin and further contains at least one water-miscible organic solvent. Additionally, a method of coloring a wooden substrate is described, comprising the steps of: a) applying a water-borne stain to a surface of the wooden substrate, wherein the water-borne stain is essentially free of resin and comprises at least one water-miscible organic solvent; and thereafter b) applying a water-immiscible organic solvent-borne stain to said surface.

Abstract: A sampling device including an intake pump coupled with a volume controller to provide a known volume of samples such as liquid collected through a specialized hollow membrane filter. Once the known volume of sample is filtered the intake pump is turned off, an air pump turns on and removes residual or excess sample. The membrane filter is then preserved for extraction of DNA/RNA.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a kit of parts comprising: in one part a) a water-borne stain; and, in another part b) a water-immiscible organic solvent-borne stain, wherein said water-borne stain is essentially free of resin and further contains at least one water-miscible organic solvent. The present disclosure is further directed to a method of coloring a wooden substrate comprising the steps of: a) applying a water-borne stain to a surface of the wooden substrate, wherein the water-borne stain is essentially free of resin and comprises at least one water-miscible organic solvent; and thereafter b) applying a water-immiscible organic solvent-borne stain to said surface.

Abstract: A nacelle system is disclosed. In various embodiments, the nacelle system may include a nacelle component; an attachment structure; and a bracket configured to secure the nacelle component to the attachment structure, the bracket comprising a first arm having a first bead structure disposed between a proximal end and a distal end of the bracket.

Abstract: A nacelle system is disclosed. In various embodiments, the nacelle system may include a nacelle component; an attachment structure; and a bracket configured to secure the nacelle component to the attachment structure, the bracket comprising a first arm having a first bead structure disposed between a proximal end and a distal end of the bracket.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery of useful combinations of fully cross-linked thermoplastic vulcanizates with styrenic block copolymers. The new combinations of the invention can provide a synergistic effect. Specifically, the compositions formed thereby can be both softer and more elastic than would be expected on the basis of the properties of the individual components. Such compositions can be used in numerous applications, including, for example, any application for which a soft material with very good recovery is desired.

Abstract: A conduit includes an elongate member with an outer surface and an inner surface defining an inner passage for enclosing one or more electrical signal conductors therein, and an electromagnetic shield disposed coaxially with the elongate member to block electromagnetic radiation emitted by the one or more electrical signal conductors.

Abstract: A conduit system comprises a plurality of elongate channels, each having three walls, one open side, and two open ends; a plurality of coupling devices, each adapted to be disposed between a pair of adjacent channels to couple their adjoining ends together to form a conduit with two open ends; a plurality of first covers, each adapted to be disposed over the open side of one or more channels and to be removably attached thereto by a locking device disposed within the respective channel and adapted to be operated only from within the channel; and at least one second cover adapted to be disposed over the open side of one or more channels and to be removably attached thereto by a locking device disposed within the respective channel and adapted to be remotely operated by an elongated member extending through one of the open ends of the conduit.

Abstract: A secure conduit system is described through which electrical, electronic or optical fiber cables, pneumatic tubing, hydraulic tubing or other elongated wiring, cabling or tubing can be routed. The system includes open-sided raceways through which the cable is routed, covers for closure of the raceways, at least one locking device to lock a raceway and cover and being releasable only from within the raceway, with the device release being accessible only though an open end of the conduit, and the remainder of the conduit sections being openable only after release of the locking device of the first section. The conduit system may be multibranched and is intended to be connected at its ends to secure enclosures which allow for controlled access to the cabling and to the release mechanism. Typical uses will be for computer networks, communication systems, equipment control systems and remote environmental gas sampling and analysis systems.

Abstract: A disk drive having a marker for identifying the transition between the first and last written servo wedges on a servo track. The marker indicates the likely position where closure error may occur during the operation of the hard disk drive. The marker is used by the control system of a hard disk drive to provide appropriate position control signals to the transducer assembly to maintain the proper positioning of the transducer about the disk surface. A method for forming the marker on a disk surface is further disclosed.

Abstract: Aqueous water repellent coating compositions comprising admixtures of (i) water-based water repellent compositions and (ii) water-reducible film-forming polymers are disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions of a polyvinyl chloride resin, a polyolefin which is the metallocene-catalyzed reaction product of ethylene and an alpha-olefin monomer, and a component selected from the group consisting of chlorinated polyethylene, polycaprolactone, and combinations thereof are disclosed. The compositions are essentially free of liquid plasticizers, and prossess good mechanical properties of tensile strength, elongation, and a low brittle point, even after being subjected to high heat for an extended period of time.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery of useful combinations of fully cross-linked thermoplastic vulcanizates with styrenic block copolymers. The new combinations of the invention can provide a synergistic effect. Specifically, the compositions formed thereby can be both softer and more elastic than would be expected on the basis of the properties of the individual components. Such compositions can be used in numerous applications, including, for example, any application for which a soft material with very good recovery is desired.

Abstract: Aqueous water repellent coating compositions comprising admixtures of (i) water-based water repellent compositions and (ii) water-reducible film-forming polymers are disclosed.

Abstract: A mucosal vaccine for Neisseria based on native outer membrane vesicles (NOMV) prepared from genetically engineered vaccine strain and unexposed to detergents is described. Methods for extending this vaccine approach to other Gram negative bacteria are also decribed.

Abstract: A mucosal vaccine for Neisseria based on native outer membrane vesicles (NOMV) prepared from genetically engineered vaccine strain and unexposed to detergents is described. Methods for extending this vaccine approach to other Gram negative bacteria are also decribed.

Abstract: Compositions of a plasticized polyvinyl chloride resin, a polyolefin and/or a styrenic polymer, and a compatibilizer are disclosed. The compositions retain the mechanical properties of tensile strength, elongation, and a low brittle point, even after being subjected to high heat for an extended period of time.

Abstract: Thermoplastic elastomers including a polyvinyl chloride and a nitrile rubber additive are disclosed. The nitrile rubber additive can be crosslinked and/or essentially free of plasticizer. The thermoplastic elastomers can include additional materials, such a copolyester and/or a plasticizer. The thermoplastic elastomers can be soft, elastomeric and/or oil resistant. The thermoplastic elastomers can have good low temperature properties. The thermoplastic elastomers can have good flame retardant, smoke suppressant and/or char forming properties.