Abstract: A method of measuring the permittivity of porous media by passing a fluid from a chamber with a decreasing volume to a chamber with an increasing volume through the media. The volume of the cylindrical chambers is controlled by pistons with coaxial piston rods connected externally and driven by an electric motor, determining the fluid flow through the porous media while transducers in each chamber measure the pressure difference across the porous media. In addition means are provided to observe the fluid flow though the porous media using a video camera.

Abstract: It is often necessary to unfold the integral carrying case of a device such as a portable electronic instrument comprising an upper and lower module. However if it is necessary upon unfolding the case to move apart the modules a limited distance while maintaining their relative alignment the common scissor-slider mechanism will not suffice inasmuch as the scissor mechanism does not latch on retraction and rotation. The disclosed invention provides a scissor-slider mechanism that extends without constraint in the usual fashion, but upon retraction and rotation about the slider axis required for folding the scissor-slider mechanism self-latches, keeping the upper and lower modules from separating.

Abstract: An alpha-numeric character telecommunications address assignment system which distinguishes between first and second telecommunication addresses which are identified by the same alpha-numeric characters appearing in the same order by including a symbol having a distinctive symbol dialtone intermediate the ends of one of said addressees where the symbol dialtone is not used in an alpha-numeric telecommunications address assignment system so that either the first or second addresses can be selectively accessed by the selective use of the symbol dialtone.

Abstract: A portable weighing device comprising two laterally displaced, electrically connected and rigidly aligned weighing modules is disclosed that permits convenient weighing of the mobility-disabled while occupying a conventional manually-operated wheelchair supported by two front caster wheels and two rear main wheels. The weighing platforms are so contoured that the wheelchair wheels can roll smoothly onto and off of the weighing platforms without disturbing the weighing device. The weighing device fully guides the operator through the sequence of steps required to weight the occupant of a wheelchair.

Abstract: A drive assistance device is disclosed to assist the occupants of ordinary manual weelchairs to propel themselves. Rather than grasping the grip rings secured to the main wheels of the wheelchair the drive assist provides laterally positioned handles upon which the propulsion force can be comfortably applied. The drive assist device can be simple removed for the wheelchair by the occupant when not required. The device does not require any modification of the ordinary wheelchair. The hub assembly components of the drive assist device are simply bolted to the ordinary wheelchair using the existing fastener arrangement and if necessary can be as easily unbolted and removed.

Abstract: An imaging interferometer is disclosed in which incident rays are focused by separate tangential and sagittal plano-cylindrical ribbon reflectors aligned with a common optical axis, with rotation of the interferometer about its optical axis allowing the entire object field to be scanned, thereby dispensing entirely with the circular aperture. In this manner high resolutions and wavefront continuity can be achieved without the weight or complications associated with single or multiple circular apertures.

Abstract: A portable weighing device comprising two laterally displaced, electrically connection and rigidly aligned weighing modules is disclosed that permits convenient weighing of the mobility-disabled while occupying a conventional manually-operated wheelchair supported by two front caster wheels and two rear main wheels. The portions of the weight of the wheelchair supported by each wheel is successively summed and the tare is electronically subtracted. The weight of the occupant is then displayed. Accordingly with the weighing device wheelchair users can be conveniently weighted at rehabilitation centers, physician's offices or hospital clinics, or alternatively can weight themselves at their residence. The weighing device can be folded for carriage or storage.

Abstract: A Bicameral Keyboard is provided for generating pictographic characters wherein twenty keys are sufficient to specify the roughly 3000 characters required for ordinary personal and business correspondence. The Bicameral Keyboard is compatible with pictographic expression and pedagogy and will permit direct access to word processors, translation machines, page editors, and printers at input rates more rapid than possible using the alphanumeric keyboard with western orthographic characters.

Abstract: Rather than physically disabling tactical armored vehicles such vehicles can be rendered equally ineffectual as weapon systems by attenuating or distorting the electromagnetic radiation necessary to their control, communications, and target acquisition ability. This objective can be achieved by blanketing a portion of such vehicles with a rigid polymeric foam within which is dispersed metallic flakes. Upon activation of the foaming system by a proximity fuse foam is generated and ejected from the warhead. The foam expands and solidifies on ports, emitters or receptors of tactical armored vehicle, generally within a second or so after delivery, attenuating or distorting visible, radio-frequency, and microwave radiation sufficiently to destroy the effectiveness of the vehicle. The surface condition of the vehicle is of secondary importance, as chemical adhesion is not relied upon.