Abstract: An electrostatically charged aerosol decontamination system and method includes generating an aerosol fog of a decontamination reagent; electrostatically charging the aerosol particles; and dispensing the electrostatically charged aerosol particles in a contaminated area to neutralize the contaminating agent.

Abstract: A vapor extraction apparatus includes a gel sorbent capable of absorbing vapor directly into the liquid state and capable of disgorging the absorbed liquid in a phase-transition. The apparatus includes a housing adapted for movement from a first position, where it is exposed to a vapor-containing gas stream and a first environmental condition, and capable of moving to a second position, where it is exposed to a second environmental condition. A gel sorbent is disposed on at least one surface of the housing. The gel sorbs vapor from the gas stream as liquid when the sorbent is in its first position. The sorbent disgorges the liquid during phase-transition collapse when it is in the second position. A method of extracting vapor from a process gas stream includes contacting a phase transition gel sorbent with vapor under conditions sufficient for the gel sorbent to undergo a phase transition and absorb vapor as liquid inside the gel sorbent.

Abstract: A transverse flow, self-heating electrically conductive sorption system for separating species of different adsorption characteristics in a fluid includes a containment vessel, an electrically conductive permeable sorbent bed having a multiplicity of adsorption sites in said vessel; a porting structure for supplying contaminated fluid in a first direction at one surface of the bed and for receiving the contaminated fluid at another surface of the bed; and a pair of spaced electrodes for applying current through the bed in a second direction transverse to the first direction to self-heat the electrically conductive sorbent bed.

Abstract: A vapor extraction apparatus includes a gel sorbent capable of absorbing vapor directly into the liquid state and capable of disgorging the absorbed liquid in a phase-transition. The apparatus includes a housing adapted for movement from a first position, where it is exposed to a vapor-containing gas stream and a first environmental condition, and capable of moving to a second position, where it is exposed to a second environmental condition. A gel sorbent is disposed on at least one surface of the housing. The gel sorbs vapor from the gas stream as liquid when the sorbent is in its first position. The sorbent disgorges the liquid during phase-transition collapse when it is in the second position. A method of extracting vapor from a process gas stream includes contacting a phase transition gel sorbent with vapor under conditions sufficient for the gel sorbent to undergo a phase transition and absorb vapor as liquid inside the gel sorbent.

Abstract: An electrically conductive sorption and in situ regeneration system and method for separating species of different adsorption characteristics in a fluid includes flowing a contaminated fluid through an electrically conductive sorbent bed having a multiplicity of adsorption sites, and providing an electric current through the sorbent bed to heat the bed to increase the adsorption sites available for adsorption by the bed of the more strongly adsorbed specie by inhibiting adsorption by the bed of the less strongly adsorbed specie which might occupy adsorption sites in the bed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for EMI/RFI shielding of selected components mounted on a circuit board, the circuit board including a reference plane defined by conductive portions on the board. The circuit board also includes an arrangement of apertures in conductive relation with the reference plane. A first shield has depending members electrically engaging the apertures, while a second shield coacts electrically with either the apertures or depending members to provide encapsulation of the selected components.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to the preparation of near zero CTE (coefficient of thermal expansion) film-based structural components from aromatic heterocyclic, molecularly oriented, or lyotropic liquid crystalline, polymers, and to the use of such near-zero CTE film based structural components for the preparation of space-based structural members, especially film-based components used in the construction of satellites, space craft, space stations, space-based mirrors, e.g., for the Strategic Defense Initiative, and the like.

Abstract: A water spray cooler with a pair of water collecting mesh structures and having a water spraying nozzle assembly disposed therebetween. Air entering the cooler is directed through the mesh structures and towards a cooler outlet port. The entering air is cooled as it passes through a cool water spray from the nozzle assembly and through the mesh structures which have collected water.

Abstract: Capacitive coupling between coils of an electron beam deflection yoke and between coils and the electron tube is reduced by electrostatic shields. The shields are continuous for best shielding. Eddy currents flow in the shield resulting from the magnetic beam deflection fields results in field distortion and power loss. The eddy current flow and the power loss are reduced by using a nickel chromium alloy material for the shield.

Abstract: A heat treating furnace includes a vessel formed by inner and outer spaced apart walls, there being a hollow jacket between the walls. During the heating cycle, a vacuum is maintained in the jacket to reduce heat loss from the vessel and to keep the outer wall cool to the touch. During the cooling cycle, liquid is circulated through the jacket to cool the inner wall and to cool quenching gas being circulated within the vessel.