Abstract: A constant or variable flashlight includes a semi-conductor boost/buck controller electrically connected to an inductor. The controller is operable to cyclically charge the inductor and then cause the stored energy to be delivered to the flashlight lamp in cycles repeating at a rate between 10,000 and one million cycles per second. A photo-responsive feedback circuit connected to the controller is operable for modulating the current to the lamp in response to an imbalance between a standard potential and the feedback circuit. Arrangements are provided for selectively changing the brightness of the lamp necessary to produce a balance of potential between the standard potential and the feedback current.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of a predetermined amount of oxygen and nitrogen in a luggage type container as a screening technique for determining the presence of an explosive in the container. Generating and accelerating a beam of monoenergetic protons at a neutron generating target formed of boron. Rapidly and periodically subjecting the proton beam to an energy degrading medium upstream of the neutron generating target to thereby selectively degrade the energy of the protons of the proton beam during the time the median is in place while allowing the energy of the proton beam to remain at the original energy when the degrading median is removed. Directing the energy variant proton beam at the boron target to generate an energy variant neutron beam, the neutron beam containing on resonant neutrons at a resonant energy of nitrogen or oxygen nuclei and containing off resonant neutrons outside the resonant energy of the nuclei of nitrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: A high vacua diffusion pump for use in a vacuum system including a chamber to be evacuated and a positive displacement pump. The diffusion pump includes a pump body structure having an open upper end and a closed lower end. A boiler and jet assembly is yieldably supported within the pump body and produces jet streams that impel the residual air molecules through the exit port. A ceramic heat break having a labyrinth passage therethrough positively separates the temperature of the condensing wall surface from the boiler temperature. A cooling system permits selective rapid cooling of the boiler and is openable to permit rapid re-heating of the boiler. In one embodiment, the pump includes a room temperature condensing surface, and in another embodiment a non-room temperature condensing surface is provided.

Abstract: A non-invasive apparatus for continuously measuring the cardiac output and cardio-respiratory function includes a gas sampling device which is inserted into the mouth of a human subject. The gas sampling device may be a disposable endotracheal tube or a smaller disposable mouthpiece. Each of these gas sampling devices is provided with a plurality of passages for sampling the lung gases and for continuously sampling the gas pressure on opposite sides of a capillary restriction member. A miniature motor pump mass spectrometer module is mounted on the upper end of the endotracheal tube or mouthpiece. Electronic circuitry connected to the mass spectrometer permits constant visual monitoring of the cardiac output and cardio-respiratory function.

Abstract: A non-invasive apparatus for continuously measuring the cardiac output and cardio-respiratory function includes a gas sampling device which is inserted into the mouth of a human subject. The gas sampling device may be a disposable endotracheal tube or a smaller disposable mouthpiece or facial mask. Each of these gas sampling devices is provided with a plurality of passages for sampling the lung gases and for continuously sampling the gas pressure on opposite sides of a capillary restriction member. A miniature motor pump mass spectrometer module is mounted on the upper end of the endotracheal tube or mouthpiece. Electronic circuitry connected to the mass spectrometer permits constant visual monitoring of the cardiac output and cardio-respiratory function.

Abstract: An electrostatic linear accelerator includes an electrode stack comprised of primary electrodes formed or Kovar and supported by annular glass insulators having the same thermal expansion rate as the electrodes. Each glass insulator is provided with a pair of fused-in Kovar ring inserts which are bonded to the electrodes. Each electrode is designed to define a concavo-convex particle trap so that secondary charged particles generated within the accelerated beam area cannot reach the inner surface of an insulator. Each insulator has a generated inner surface profile which is so configured that the electrical field at this surface contains no significant tangential component. A spark gap trigger assembly is provided, which energizes spark gaps protecting the electrodes affected by over voltage to prevent excessive energy dissipation in the electrode stack.

Abstract: A resistor device for use with electrostatic particle accelerators includes a resistor element positioned within a tubular housing having a fixed end cap at one end thereof and a movable end cap at the other end thereof. The tubular housing, fixed end cap, and movable end cap serve as an electromagnetic field for the resistor element. Conductive disks engage opposite ends of the resistor element and concentrically position the resistor element within the tubular housing. Helical springs engage the conductive disks and the end caps to yieldably support the movable end caps and resistor element for yieldable axial movement relative to the tubular housing. An annular conducting ring is secured to the tubular housing and is spaced radially from the movable end cap and cooperates with the latter to define an annular spark gap.

Abstract: A non-invasive apparatus for continuously measuring the cardiac output and cardio-respiratory function includes a gas sampling device which is inserted into the mouth of a human subject. The gas sampling device may be a disposable endotracheal tube or a smaller disposable mouthpiece. Each of these gas sampling devices is provided with a plurality of passages for sampling the lung gases and for continuously sampling the gas pressure on opposite sides of a capillary restriction member. A miniature motor pump mass spectrometer module is mounted on the upper end of the endotracheal tube or mouthpiece. Electronic circuitry connected to the mass spectrometer permits constant visual monitoring of the cardiac output and cardio-respiratory function.

Abstract: A method for increasing the efficiency of gas ionization detectors for diagnostic x-rays by matching a detector gas absorption edge with the energy level of an x-ray source to produce photons of only slightly higher energy. Sequential x-ray images using different matched gas absorption edges and x-ray source energies allows contrast information to be obtained to distinguish calcium deposits or dye from bone, for example.Specific ionization detectors useful for practicing the inventive methods are also described. One such detector uses ultrafast electronics associated with individual wires of a multiwire two dimensional proportional counter.Another detector employs a conductor backed sheet of insulating material to immobilize positive gas ions in a density distribution conforming to the x-ray image. The density distribution may subsequently be read out by electromechanical means for sensing the potential differences on the sheet.

Abstract: A particle beam, such as that generated by a scanning electron microscope, impinges upon the specimen to be analyzed. The beam produces X-rays, the energy of which enables the various elements contained in the specimen to be identified. The detected X-ray energy is converted to rectangular electrical pulses, the height of which is proportional to the detected X-ray energy and hence characteristic of the element or elements present in the specimen. The pulse signals are coded so as to trigger or energize the several guns of a conventional color cathode ray tube, such as that used in a color televison receiver. The resulting multicolor map displayed on the screen of the cathode ray tube thus visually indicates to the observer the presence of certain elements and their relative position in the specimen being investigated.