Abstract: A method of preparing a sol-gel monolithic column includes the step of forming a separation bed (14) from a sol-gel solution in a single process step. This column has improved characteristics for CEC based on its incorporated surface charge and ease of operation due to a lack of or need for end frits. Also, a second type of column includes an optical window (30) for on-column detection.

Abstract: A method of preparing a sol-gel monolithic column includes the step of forming a separation bed (14) from a sol-gel solution in a single process step. This column has improved characteristics for CEC based on its incorporated surface charge and ease of operation due to a lack of or need for end frits. Also, a second type of column includes an optical window (30) for on-column detection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for perforating pipe from its interior, and in particular for perforating plastic well casing in situ. A linear actuator drives a claw-shaped bit. Linear motion of the cylinder is converted to a pivoting of the bit in a radial direction by a deflector. In a preferred embodiment, the linear actuator is a hydraulic piston-cylinder assembly and the deflector is an inclined surface. Operation of the actuator in a first direction drives the bit into the inclined deflection surface, which causes the bit to pivot and protract radially outward of the tool housing to perforate the wall of a pipe. Operation of the actuator in the opposite direction pulls the bit back into the tool housing so that the perforator tool can be easily moved with a well casing.

Abstract: A method of preparing a sol-gel monolithic column includes the step of forming a separation bed (14) from a sol-gel solution in a single process step. This column has improved characteristics for CEC based on its incorporated surface charge and ease of operation due to a lack of or need for end frits. Also, a second type of column includes an optical window (30) for on-column detection.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a column for use in capillary electrochromatography including a tube, wherein the tube includes an inner surface having a positively or negatively charged, chemically-bonded stationary coating thereon. The present invention further provides for a method of making a column for use in capillary electrochromatography, including a tube, wherein the tube includes an inner surface having a positively or negatively charged chemically-bonded stationary coating thereon, wherein the steps include filling the column with a sol-gel solution, maintaining the sol-gel solution within the column, and forcing the sol-gel solution out of the column with an inert gas. Further, the present invention provides for a method of analytical separation with a column including an inner layer having a positively charged chemically-bonded stationary coating thereon that reverses the direction of electroosmotic flow in the column compared with a column without the positive surface charge.

Abstract: A method of preparing a sol-gel monolithic column includes the step of forming a separation bed (14) from a sol-gel solution in a single process step. This column has improved characteristics for CEC based on its incorporated surface charge and ease of operation due to a lack of or need for end frits. Also, a second type of column includes an optical window (30) for on-column detection.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a column for use in capillary electrochromatography including a tube, wherein the tube includes an inner surface having a positively or negatively charged, chemically-bonded stationary coating thereon. The present invention further provides for a method of making a column for use in capillary electrochromatography, including a tube, wherein the tube includes an inner surface having a positively or negatively charged chemically-bonded stationary coating thereon, wherein the steps include filling the column with a sol-gel solution, maintaining the sol-gel solution within the column, and forcing the sol-gel solution out of the column with an inert gas. Further, the present invention provides for a method of analytical separation with a column including an inner layer having a positively charged chemically-bonded stationary coating thereon that reverses the direction of electroosmotic flow in the column compared with a column without the positive surface charge.

Abstract: An improved aircraft flight management system includes a flight management computer (FMC), left and right control display units (CDU's) and a backup CDU. A triple redundant digital databus links the FMC and three CDU's. Upon detecting a failure in either the left or right CDU, the FMC utilizes reconfiguration rules stored in a look-up table to automatically cause the backup CDU to replace the failed CDU in operation, thereby relieving the flight crew of the burden of interfacing to the FMC through only one CDU. Upon detection of a failed databus, the system similarly utilizes structured data routing to reconfigure around the failed databuses. In addition, if any two CDU's have failed in a three CDU system, automatic data rerouting is implemented to the non-failed CDU to insure FMC to CDU communication.

Abstract: An improvement to an aircraft flight management system automatically allows changes entered into one control display unit (CDU) to be transmitted to the remaining CDU's upon failure of the onboard flight management computers. Each CDU includes memory allowing it to store the initial flight plan as being implemented by the flight management computer. Upon failure of all onboard flight management computers, detection of the failures by the CDU's initiates an alternate navigation mode. In this mode, entries made by a flight crew in one CDU are automatically transmitted to the remaining CDU's and, correspondingly, to the navigation displays, to thereby avoid redundant data entries in the remaining CDU's of a new, modified flight plan. In addition, all navigation displays are automatically caused to display the new, desired flight plan.

Abstract: A simplified lyre holder for flutes is provided which allows full adjustment of both the lyre and support rod therefor, and has specialized securing structure for simultaneously gripping the flute and support rod with manipulation of only a single thumbscrew to greatly facilitate adjustment of the lyre to suit a particular flute player. The holder assembly includes a resilient, unitary, generally C-shaped flute-gripping element having a pair of laterally projecting, bored arms; one of the arms is grooved to adjustably receive the end of the support rod, and a single thumbscrew is positioned within the arm bores such that a simple tightening of the latter serves to lock the assembly in place in a single operation.