Abstract: A passive thermal control blanket and a method for its manufacture, the blanket including a plastic substrate on which is deposited a film that is a homogeneous mixture of silicon and germanium, thereby combining the excellent reflective and electrostatic discharge properties of germanium with the superior adhesion and corrosion resistance properties of silicon. The uniform mixture is preferably obtained by sputtering the two materials simultaneously onto the substrate, using either separate targets, a single mosaic target, or a single composite target.

Abstract: A mortar mixing apparatus for simplifying mortar mixing that can be used with a conventional wheelbarrow comprises a rigid planar safety shield having a top side and a bottom side. A mixer motor is connected to the safety shield top side. A mixing blade is rotatably connected to the safety shield bottom side. The mixing blade is drivingly connected to the mixer motor.

Abstract: A communication system and more particularly to a variable rate differential phase shift keying (DPSK) communication system with minimal hardware that does not have power or performance penalties associated with known DPSK modulation systems is disclosed. The DPSK modulation system in accordance with the present invention includes a transmitter, which includes a carrier signal source, a phase modulator and a DPSK encoder for modulating a carrier signal. The modulated carrier signals may be amplified, for example, in optical communication systems by a rare earth element doped fiber amplifier. The signals are continuously transmitted to a multi-rate receiver through a communication channel, for example, free space. The multi-rate receiver includes a single demodulator, for example, a single optical interferometer, used for multiple integer sub-harmonic data rates which demodulates the modulated signal.

Abstract: A thermal blanket (28) for use in connection with a spacecraft (10) or spacecraft component for providing a thermal control coating. The thermal blanket (28) includes a plastic substrate (22) on which is deposited a silicon film (24) by a vacuum deposition process. The silicon film (24) provides a relatively high infrared light transmission and moderate absorption of high energy bandwidths in the solar spectrum that allows for the reflectance of high energy visible light and the emittance of infrared radiation. Additionally, the silicon film (24) is a hard, robust coating that provides resistance to humidity and other corrosive environments.

Abstract: A process for forming a glass run channel composite having a thin film of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene as a sealing contact surface and an elastomeric rubber as a substrate by film transfer rubber molding and the product formed thereby

Abstract: A stabilizer bar bushing adapted to receive a metal stabilizer bar and to be secured within a mounting assembly that is attached to a vehicle frame for cooperatively resisting excessive sway when a vehicle is turning and a method of manufacture. The stabilizer bar bushing includes an elastomeric member and a low coefficient of friction film layer. The elastomeric member has an outer diameter, an inner diameter defining a bore and a slot extending the longitudinal length of the elastomeric member from the outer diameter to the inner diameter. The low coefficient of friction film layer is adhered to the inner diameter and the slot to facilitate ease of insertion of the stabilizer bar within the bore and reduce frictional engagement of the elastomeric member with the stabilizer bar.

Abstract: A high precision replication system creates a nearly atomic level replica. The basic building block of the replication system is a substrate with a smooth replication surface which is to be replicated, and a graded transition layer applied to the replication surface. The graded transition layer comprises a binding material that adheres strongly to the replication surface and a release material that adheres to the replication surface with substantially less force than does the binding material. The portion of the transition layer closest to the substrate comprises predominantly the binding material, and the portion of the transition layer farthest from the substrate comprises predominantly the release material. A separation layer is applied to the transition layer, followed by a coating. The coating provides a backing to the separation layer, acting as structural support to the separation layer.

Abstract: A process for forming a glass run channel composite having a thin film of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene as a sealing contact surface and an elastomeric rubber as a substrate by film transfer rubber molding and the product formed thereby.

Abstract: A stabilizer bar bushing adapted to receive a metal stabilizer bar and to be secured within a mounting assembly that is attached to a vehicle frame for cooperatively resisting excessive sway when a vehicle is turning and a method of manufacture. The stabilizer bar bushing includes an elastomeric member and a low coefficient of friction film layer. The elastomeric member has an outer diameter, an inner diameter defining a bore and a slot extending the longitudinal length of the elastomeric member from the outer diameter to the inner diameter. The low coefficient of friction film layer is adhered to the inner diameter and the slot to facilitate ease of insertion of the stabilizer bar within the bore and reduce frictional engagement of the elastomeric member with the stabilizer bar.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method for producing a three-dimensional image representation of a body. The body can be animate or inanimate; i.e. the invention can be used to obtain 3D image representations of for example, parts of the human body or any object that one wishes to view or measure. The 3D image representations can be used to produce 2D displays of sections, contours, etc., or displays having 3D perspective, such as wire-frame type illustrations. This facilitates automatic computation of areas or volumes. In a disclosed embodiment, an ultrasonic imaging subsystem is provided for producing signals representative of two-dimensional images of sections of the body, the subsystem including a scanning transducer that is moveable to determine the section of the body to be imaged. The image representative signals are stored as arrays of digital pixel values.

Abstract: Vaccines for counteracting inhibition of neutrophil degranulation by pathogenic cellular microorganisms comprise one or more purines conjugated to antigenic carriers. The purines include adenine and/or guanine in the form of a base, nucleoside, or nucleotide. The vaccines can be used with cattle to increase resistance to infections by Brucella abortus (brucellosis) and/or Haemophilus somnus (thromboembolic meningoencephalitis) and related symptomatic complex.