Abstract: A gas sensor for the detection of gases comprises a housing and an active element disposed within the housing. The active element is surrounded by a porous insulating material having a bulk density no greater than 0.15 g/cc. Another gas sensor comprises an active element surrounded by a porous insulating material having a surface area no greater than approximately 200 m2/cc. Another gas sensor comprises a copper compound positioned so that gas contacts the copper compound before contacting the active element. Another gas sensor comprises an active element surrounded by a porous material having an average pore size of at least approximately 100 Å. Another gas sensor comprises a heating element surrounded by a porous material that supports a catalyst.

Abstract: A gas sensor for the detection of gases comprises a housing and an active element disposed within the housing. The active element is surrounded by a porous insulating material having a bulk density no greater than 0.15 g/cc. Another gas sensor comprises an active element surrounded by a porous insulating material having a surface area no greater than approximately 200 m2/cc. Another gas sensor comprises a copper compound positioned so that gas contacts the copper compound before contacting the active element. Another gas sensor comprises an active element surrounded by a porous material having an average pore size of at least approximately 100 Å. Another gas sensor comprises a heating element surrounded by a porous material that supports a catalyst.

Abstract: A linear mass actuator includes an upper housing and a lower housing connectable to each other and having a central passageway passing axially therethrough a mass linearly movable in the central passageway, rollers mounted in the upper and lower housings and being in frictional engagement with the mass, for translating the mass linearly in the central passageway and drive motors operatively coupled to the roller means, for rotating the rollers and thus driving the mass axially in the central passageway.

Abstract: The invention is a system for automatically controlling the surface contour of a deployable and restowable antenna 11 having a mesh reflector surface 26 supported by a circular, folding hoop 12 affixed to a central, telescoping column 14. The antenna 11, when deployed, forms a quad-aperture reflector with each quadrant A-D of the mesh surface 26 shaped to provide an offset parabolic RF reflector.The hoop 12 is supported and positioned by quartz support cords 12 attached to the top 22 of column 14 and by lower graphite hoop control cords 23 that extend between the hoop 12 and base 24 of the column 14. The antenna 11, an RF reflective surface 26, is a gold plated molybdenum wire mesh supported on a graphite cord truss structure that includes the hoop control cords and a plurality of surface control cords 27 attached at selected points on the surface 26 and to the base 24 of column 14.

Abstract: A wheel for replacing a conventional rear wheel of an automotive vehicle, for travel on deep snow or ice-covered surfaces; the wheel including a circular wheel plate of steel, and teeth around its periphery, which each comprises a steel crosshead welded transversely across the periphery, and a replaceable cleat of rubber, bolted to the crosshead, each cleat including extendable carbide steel studs.

Abstract: A handle and wedge assembly, for use with a hammerhead, to make a manually operated hammer; the wedge including two flat opposite sides tapering toward a point, and each flat side having a raised, transverse extending bulge, while the handle includes a conventional slit on one end, so as to form a slot into which the wedge fits, and the slot having a transverse extending lock groove, into which the raised bulge of the wedge snap fits, so as to prevent the wedge working itself loose, and out of the handle.