Abstract: Method for the quick determination of the susceptibilities of various unidentified bacteria contained in an aqueous physiological fluid sample, particularly urine, to one or more antibiotics. A bacterial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) assay is carried out after the elimination of non-bacterial ATP to determine whether an infection exists. If an infection does exist, a portion of the sample is further processed, including subjecting parts of the portion to one or more antibiotics. Growth of the bacteria in the parts are determined, again by an ATP assay, to determine whether the unidentified bacteria in the sample are susceptible to the antibiotic or antibiotics under test.

Abstract: A plasma polymerization process for the deposition of a dielectric polymer coating on a substrate comprising disposing the substrate in a closed reactor between two temperature-controlled electrodes connected to a power supply, maintaining a vacuum within the closed reactor, causing a monomer gas or a gas mixture of a monomer and diluent to flow into the reactor, generating a plasma between the electrodes, and varying and controlling the dielectric constant of the polymer coating being deposited by regulating the gas total and partial pressures, the electric field strength and frequency, and the current density. A monomer, such as a polar saturated or unsaturated nitrogen-containing compound, or a monomer and diluent, such as a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon and nitrogen, can be polymerized to form a dielectric coating having a varying dielectric constant in accordance with this plasma polymerization process.

Abstract: Cermet compositions having high temperature oxidation resistance, high hardness and high abrasion and wear resistance, and particularly adapted for production of high temperature resistant cermet insulator bodies, comprising a sintered body of particles of a high temperature resistant metal or metal alloy, preferably molybdenum or tungsten particles, dispersed in and bonded to a solid solution formed of aluminum oxide and silicon nitride, and particularly a ternary solid solution formed of a mixture of aluminum oxide, silicon nitride and aluminum nitride. Also disclosed are novel ceramic compositions comprising a sintered solid solution of aluminum oxide, silicon nitride and aluminum nitride.The cermet compositions are designed particularly to provide high temperature resistant refractory coatings on metal substrates, preferably molybdenum or tungsten substrates.

Abstract: The presence, frequency and amplitude of radio frequency interference superimposed on communication links originating from a terrestrial region and including a relay in a geostationary spacecraft are determined by pointing a narrow beam antenna on the satellite at the terrestrial region. The level of noise radiated from the region, in a predetermined frequency band of interest, to the antenna is measured at a terrestrial station that is usually remote from the region. Many of the measurements are performed in each of a plurality of frequency bands across the spectrum. Calibrating radio signals having a plurality of predetermined EIRP's (Effective Isotropic Radiated Power) and frequencies in the spectrum are transmitted from the region through the spacecraft narrow beam antenna back to the station. At the station, the levels of the received calibrating signals are separately measured for each of the frequency bands and EIRP's.

Abstract: The present invention provides several new and useful improvements in steering and control of phased array antennas having a small number of elements, typically on the order of 5 to 17 elements. Among the improvements are increasing the number of beam steering positions, reducing the possibility of phase transients in signals received or transmitted with the antennas, and increasing control and testing capacity with respect to the antennas.

Abstract: An FM/CW radar system with improved noise discrimination in which the received signal is multiplied by a sample of the transmitted signal, and the product signal is employed to deflect a laser beam as a function of frequency. The position of the beam is thus indicative of a discrete frequency, and it is detected by the frequency encoded positions of an array of photodiodes. The outputs of the photodiodes are scanned, then threshold detected, and used to obtain the range and velocity of a target.

Abstract: The performance of a waste-water reclamation system is monitored by introducing a non-pathogenic marker virus, bacteriophage F.sub.2, into the waste-water prior to treatment and, thereafter, testing the reclaimed water for the presence of the marker virus. A test sample is first concentrated by absorbing any marker virus onto a cellulose acetate filter in the presence of a trivalent cation at low pH and then flushing the filter with a limited quantity of a glycine buffer solution to desorb any marker virus present on the filter. Photo-optical detection of indirect passive immune agglutination by polystyrene beads indicates the performance of the water reclamation system in removing the marker virus. A closed system provides for concentrating any marker virus, initiating and monitoring the passive immune agglutination reaction, and then flushing the system to prepare for another sample. Peristaltic pumps are provided for volumetric control and for positive fluid displacement.

Abstract: A hydrogen-oxygen fueled internal combustion engine is described herein, which utilizes an inert gas, such as argon, as a working fluid to increase the efficiency of the engine, eliminate pollution, and facilitate operation of a closed cycle energy system. In a system where sunlight or other intermittent energy source is available to separate hydrogen and oxygen from water, the oxygen and inert gas are taken into a diesel engine into which hydrogen is injected and ignited. The exhaust is cooled so that it contains only water and the inert gas. The inert gas in the exhaust is returned to the engine for use with fresh oxygen, while the water in the exhaust is returned to the intermittent energy source for reconversion to hydrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: Apparatus for demodulation and correlation of a code modulated 10 MHz signal is comprised of a sample and hold analog-to-digital (A/D) converter synchronized by a frequency coherent 40 MHz pulse to obtain four evenly spaced samples A1,B1,A2 and B2 of each cycle of the signal, and means for adding, or subtracting, each sample to, or from, one of four accumulators to form the sums: ##EQU1## where M1 = 10 MHz Reference .multidot. Receiver Code .angle.0.degree.M2 = 10 mhz Reference .multidot. Receiver Code .angle.90.degree.The correlation functions that are used for the range measurements are then computed from the following equations:I = S1.sub.I cos .alpha. - S2.sub.I sin .alpha.Q = S1.sub.Q cos .alpha. - S2.sub.Q sin .alpha.where sin .alpha. and cos .alpha.

Abstract: A low-friction, axially extensible strut, automatically lockable in both tension and compression, for use as a secondary load path in helicopter main rotor force measurement systems.

Abstract: A parabolic reflector is supported so that it can track the sun. The support for this reflector comprises an azimuth frame supported on two wheels and a central pivotal point which are positioned in a substantially triangular configuration. The two wheels rotate on tracks. On top of the azimuth frame, there is provided an elevation frame. The elevation frame includes curved rails which define a portion of an arc and extend vertically. The reflector rides on wheels captured within the curved rails. The wheels of the azimuth frame are driven by an azimuth actuator. The reflector structure is counterbalanced about its elevation axis by a pendulum cable system which is driven by a motor to change elevation. At the focal point of the parabolic reflector, a heat engine or receiver is mounted independently on the reflector. Suitable means are provided for moving the reflector about its two axes in order to track the sun.

Abstract: A volumetric direct nuclear pumped laser has been developed in which the gas is a mixture of .sup.3 He and a minority gas from the group of argon, krypton, xenon, chlorine and fluorine. The mixture of .sup.3 He and the minority gas produces lasing with a minority gas concentration of from 0.01 to 10 percent argon, 1 percent krypton, 0.01 to 5 percent xenon and small concentrations of chlorine or fluorine.

Abstract: A circuit for adjusting the amplitude of a reference signal to a predetermined level so as to permit subsequent data signals to be interpreted correctly. The circuit includes an operational amplifier having a feedback circuit connected between an output terminal and an input terminal; a bank of relays operably connected to a plurality of resistors; and a comparator comparing an output voltage of the amplifier with a reference voltage and generating a compared signal responsive thereto. Means is provided for selectively energizing the relays according to the compared signal from the comparator until the output signal from the amplifier equals to the reference signal. A second comparator is provided for comparing the output of the amplifier with a second voltage source so as to illuminate a lamp when the output signal from the amplifier exceeds the second voltage.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for achieving large populations of metastable spin-aligned He.sub.2 (a.sup.3 .SIGMA..sub.u.sup.+) molecules in superfluid helium to obtain lasing in the vacuum ultraviolet wavelength regime around 0.0800.mu.m by electronically exciting liquid (superfluid) helium with a comparatively low-current electron beam (100-200keV, .ltorsim.10.mu.A) and spin aligning the metastable molecules by means of optical pumping with a modestly-powered (100mW) circularly-polarized CW laser operating at, for example, 0.9096 or 0.4650.mu.m. Once a high concentration of spin-aligned He.sub.2 (a.sup.3 .SIGMA..sub.u.sup.+) is achieved with lifetimes of a few milliseconds, a strong microwave signal destroys the spin alignment and induces a quick collisional transition of He.sub.2 (a.sup.3 .SIGMA..sub.u.sup.+) molecules to the A.sup.1 .SIGMA..sub.u.sup.+ state and thereby a lasing transition to the X.sup.1 .SIGMA.g.sup.+ state.

Abstract: An improved electroexplosive device employs a header having contact pins hermetically sealed with glass passing through from a connector end of the header to a cavity filled with a shunt layer of a new nonlinear resistive composition and a heat-sink layer of a new dielectric composition having good thermal conductivity and capacity. A bridge circuit placed across the contact pins in contact with the heat-sink layer is welded to the pins. The header is inserted into a body for the device and welded for a hermetic seal between the connector end and the bridge end. Layers of igniter and output charges are placed in the body over the heat-sink layer and bridge circuit. A closure disk is then placed over the charges and welded to the body to form a hermetic seal. The nonlinear resistive layer and the heat-sink layer are prepared from suitable comminuted materials by mixing with a low temperature polymerizing resin. The resin is dissolved in a suitable solvent and later evaporated.

Abstract: A disconnect composed basically of two halves each consisting of a poppet valve operable to isolate fluid with essentially zero fluid loss. The two halves are coupled together by a quickly releasable coupling which may be either a coupling ring tightened or loosened by a twisting motion, or a clamp operated by a pivoted handle. In either case an interlock device is provided to prevent disconnecting the two halves until both valves are in closed condition.The "positive" feature of the device is one requiring a valve closing step before a disconnect step, and takes structural form in an eccentric lobe mounted on the valve operating stem. If some obstruction prevents the poppet from moving to its seat, the eccentric lobe cannot be rotated to the closed position, and the interlock prevents a disconnect.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the effectiveness of stray light suppression light shields and baffle arrangements used in optical space experiments. The light shield and baffle arrangement and a telescope model are contained in a vacuum chamber. A source of short, high-powered light energy illuminates portions of the light shield and baffle arrangement and reflects a portion of same to a photomultiplier tube by virtue of multipath scattering. The resulting signal is transferred to time-channel electronics timed by the firing of the high energy light source allowing time discrimination of the signal thereby enabling the light scattered and suppressed by the model to be distinguished from the walls and holders around the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for obtaining significant height information of ocean waves, or peaks of rough terrain utilizing means for compressing the radar signal over different widths of the available chirp or Doppler bandwidths, and means for cross-correlating one of these images with each of the others, where the center frequencies of the images have a spacing .DELTA.f.sub.rO. Upon plotting a fixed (e.g., zero) component of the cross-correlation values R.sup.E (.DELTA.f.sub.rO) as the spacing is increased over some empirically determined range, such as 0 to 1 MHz, the system is calibrated. Thereafter to measure height with the system, a spacing value is selected and a cross-correlation value is determined between two intensity images at a selected frequency spacing, such as 0.1 MHz. The measured height is the slope of the cross-correlation value determined to the spacing value used. Both electronic and optical radar signal data compressors and cross-correlations are disclosed for implementation of the system.

Abstract: A real-time contour detector and data acquisition system for an angiographic apparatus having a video scanner for converting an X-ray image of a structure characterized by a change in brightness level compared with its surrounding into video format and displaying the X-ray image in recurring video fields.

Abstract: Bit error rate is measured by sending a pseudo-random noise (PRN) code test signal simulating digital data through digital equipment to be tested. An incoming signal representing the response of the equipment being tested, together with any added noise, is received and tracked by being compared with a locally generated PRN code. Once the locally generated PRN code matches the incoming signal a tracking lock is obtained. The incoming signal is then integrated and compared bit-by-bit against the locally generated PRN code and differences between bits being compared are counted as bit errors.