Abstract: A communication system employs a HARQ-type retransmission scheme. Bits (701) received on a first transmission are stored and combined with the bits received on later transmissions thereby increasing the likelihood of a correct decoding on later transmissions. Similarly the bits received on the second or later transmissions are stored for combining with subsequent received bits. Specific information needed at the receiver is identified and requested from the transmitter. More particularly, information that is retransmitted in a second or later transmission in the HARQ scheme is determined from a reliability of individual constituent bits in the mother codeword or from an overall reliability of the received codeword. Based on these reliability metrics, the most unreliable set of the constituent bits are requested or, in the alternative, a specific number of constituent bits is requested.

Abstract: A method of producing nanocrystalline ceramic powder by creating a plasma stream in a reactor vessel, and physically converting a ceramic precursor material into ceramic particles suspended in the vessel, using the plasma stream. A metallic reactant may additionally be introduced into the vessel using the plasma stream, wherein the metallic reactant forms ceramic particles having the same composition as the ceramic particles of the physical converting step. The plasma stream is created using an electrothermal gun. The gun may use a ceramic barrel which is eroded by the plasma stream. Alternatively (or additionally), the ceramic precursor material may be injected as particulates into the plasma stream, wherein the ceramic precursor particulates are micron-sized or larger. A novel electrothermal gun design may optionally use a replaceable insert constructed of the ceramic precursor material.

Abstract: A communication system employs a HARQ-type retransmission scheme. Bits (701) received on a first transmission are stored and combined with the bits received on later transmissions thereby increasing the likelihood of a correct decoding on later transmissions. Similarly the bits received on the second or later transmissions are stored for combining with subsequent received bits. Specific information needed at the receiver is identified and requested from the transmitter. More particularly, information that is retransmitted in a second or later transmission in the HARQ scheme is determined from a reliability of individual constituent bits in the mother codeword or from an overall reliability of the received codeword. Based on these reliability metrics, the most unreliable set of the constituent bits are requested or, in the alternative, a specific number of constituent bits is requested.

Abstract: A process for synthesizing nanosized powders utilizes a hybrid exploding wire device containing a solid metal wire fuse in the bore of a tube that is open at each end. The ends of the fuse are connected to electrodes on the ends of the tube. The electrodes are designed to erode to maintain a heavy metal plasma. The bore may comprise a corresponding ceramic to be produced, and a microcrystalline powder of a corresponding ceramic may be retained within the bore. An electrical discharge vaporizes and ionizes the fuse. The tube confines the radial expansion of the plasma such that the plasma exits from both ends of the tube where it reacts with a suitable gas to form nanoscale particles. In addition, the plasma gas ablates and vaporizes a portion of the bore wall to contribute to the nanoceramic synthesis. Other alternatives include replacing the fuse with a thin conductive sheath or a consumable metal insert.

Abstract: A process for synthesizing nanosized powders utilizes a hybrid exploding wire device containing a solid metal wire fuse in the bore of a tube that is open at each end. The ends of the fuse are connected to electrodes on the ends of the tube. The electrodes are designed to erode to maintain a heavy metal plasma. The bore may comprise a corresponding ceramic to be produced, and a microcrystalline powder of a corresponding ceramic may be retained within the bore. An electrical discharge vaporizes and ionizes the fuse. The tube confines the radial expansion of the plasma such that the plasma exits from both ends of the tube where it reacts with a suitable gas to form nanoscale particles. In addition, the plasma gas ablates and vaporizes a portion of the bore wall to contribute to the nanoceramic synthesis. Other alternatives include replacing the fuse with a thin conductive sheath or a consumable metal insert.

Abstract: A low-profile tank and system for mixing dry chemicals with water to form a concentrated hemodialysis solution, the tank having a fluid supply nozzle projecting into a cylindrical side wall of the tank, and a drain connection at an apex of a conical bottom wall of the tank. A cavity having a ramp-like bottom wall extends from the cylindrical side wall of the tank. A venturi eductor provides for transfer of dry chemicals to the tank using compressed air to aspirate the chemicals and deliver them to the tank. A plurality of load cells may be used to measure the weight of the tank and contents. Manual transfer of dry chemicals to the tank is facilitated by the low profile of the tank. A tapered shipping container is provided for nesting when empty.

Abstract: A sampling system for capturing samples of trace elements in ambient air comprises a multi-port valve coupled to a plurality of sorbent tubes. Each tube is connected to the multi-port valve by means of pairs of the valve ports. The multi-port valve is constructed and operated in a predetermined sequence to create a flow path through the multi-port valve. The flow path directs an air sample to only one connected sorbent tube at a given time and for a given time interval.

Abstract: A method of producing nanocrystalline ceramic powder by creating a plasma stream in a reactor vessel, and physically converting a ceramic precursor material into ceramic particles suspended in the vessel, using the plasma stream. A metallic reactant may additionally be introduced into the vessel using the plasma stream, wherein the metallic reactant forms ceramic particles having the same composition as the ceramic particles of the physical converting step. The plasma stream is created using an electrothermal gun. The gun may use a ceramic barrel which is eroded by the plasma stream. Alternatively (or additionally), the ceramic precursor material may be injected as particulates into the plasma stream, wherein the ceramic precursor particulates are micron-sized or larger. A novel electrothermal gun design may optionally use a replaceable insert constructed of the ceramic precursor material.

Abstract: A process for synthesizing nanosized powders utilizes a hybrid exploding wire device containing a solid metal wire fuse in the bore of a tube that is open at each end. The ends of the fuse are connected to electrodes on the ends of the tube. The electrodes are designed to erode to maintain a heavy metal plasma. The bore may comprise a corresponding ceramic to be produced, and a microcrystalline powder of a corresponding ceramic may be retained within the bore. An electrical discharge vaporizes and ionizes the fuse. The tube confines the radial expansion of the plasma such that the plasma exits from both ends of the tube where it reacts with a suitable gas to form nanoscale particles. In addition, the plasma gas ablates and vaporizes a portion of the bore wall to contribute to the nanoceramic synthesis. Other alternatives include replacing the fuse with a thin conductive sheath or a consumable metal insert.

Abstract: A method of producing nanocrystalline ceramic powder by creating a plasma stream in a reactor vessel, and physically converting a ceramic precursor material into ceramic particles suspended in the vessel, using the plasma stream. A metallic reactant may additionally be introduced into the vessel using the plasma stream, wherein the metallic reactant forms ceramic particles having the same composition as the ceramic particles of the physical converting step. The plasma stream is created using an electrothermal gun. The gun may use a ceramic barrel which is eroded by the plasma stream. Alternatively (or additionally), the ceramic precursor material may be injected as particulates into the plasma stream, wherein the ceramic precursor particulates are micron-sized or larger. A novel electrothermal gun design may optionally use a replaceable insert constructed of the ceramic precursor material.

Abstract: The present disclosure sets out a sample measuring loop connected to a valve system. The valve system connects also to a sample additive loop. The valve system connects to a sample source and an additive source. They fill the loops. The valve system connects also to a wash fluid and gas source to clear the loops and valves to enable measured mixing and delivery to a sample analyzer.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward apparatus and methods for gathering liquid samples from a reservoir of liquid using a submersible pump and subsequently retrieving the samples for analysis. The invention is more specifically directed toward the gathering and preparing of water samples for analysis for tritium content, where the samples are collected from underground formations penetrated by a borehole or collected at varying depths in surface canals and the like. The samples are subsequently transferred to the surface of the earth for analysis. The submersible pump is operated by means of a surface valving system and solenoid systems mounted on the submersible pump. The pump inlet valve is set to open or "crack" at a predetermine pressure, however the pump is not filled until a vacuum is applied to the pump. After filling, the pump is purged thereby transporting the sampled liquid to the surface by applying pressure.

Abstract: This disclosure sets out a method and apparatus for extracting repeated process samples. Each sample is put into a segregated bottle or container and the container is dated and time stamped. The containers are arranged in sequence on a feed system and are filled in sequence and marked.

Abstract: A multiport valve system is disclosed in which sample gas continuously flows through all ports. More specifically, gas flowing to a specific port is selected for analysis, and gas continuously flows through the valve at this port during the analysis. In addition, non selected gas samples, which are defined as gas samples not currently being analyzed, continuously flow through non selected ports thereby always providing fresh samples at these ports when they subsequently become selected ports for analysis. Non selected gas is purged from the valve as waste. A positive pressure is maintain between portions of the valve containing selected gas and portions of the valve containing non selected gas to prevent contamination of the selected gas.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a system for providing a sample. It incorporates and appropriately connected valve element working with a surrounding seat and housing. The valve element responds to pressure from the atmosphere which purges the valve element of remnants of a sample passing therethrough so that no trace constituents are left in the valve element. The valve element is a two position, three way valve element which is rotated, thereby permitting a purge gas to flow or not flow, and it rotated to another position permitting the sample of interest to flow or not flow. A sequence of operations is defined.

Abstract: The present structure incorporates a police vehicle which is provided with a closed vault securing a VCR in the trunk. A first camera is mounted on the dash. A second camera is mounted on a portable structure such as a clipboard which is removed from the vehicle. A telemetry link from the clipboard to the vehicle is established for transmitting video data to and from the police officer on foot out of the vehicle. Likewise, a digital data transmission link is established with various input and output devices on the clipboard. At the vehicle, one or more images are recorded on a VCR, and digital data can be transmitted from the vehicle to a remote site for communication with a remotely located police computer or other data base to enable enhanced performance in the field.

Abstract: Niobium, Nb, is refined from FeNb by electron beam melt refining. The amount of the impurities in the FeNb which form suboxides with oxygen is optionally determined. Sufficient oxygen is added to form oxides with these impurities. The electron beam melt refining process is carried out at a sufficiently high temperature and under a sufficiently low vacuum so that the impurities are removed as oxides from the liquid Nb and the purified Nb is recovered. Preferably the oxygen is added as an oxygen-containing compound such as Nb.sub.2 O.sub.5. The recovered Nb can be subjected to additional electron beam melt refining cycles to obtain the desired purity.

Abstract: The apparatus gathers and prepares liquid samples for analysis for elements or compounds within the liquid samples such as water samples for tritium analysis. This disclosure is further directed toward apparatus and methods for the gathering or collecting of water samples from underground formations penetrated by a borehole, or collecting water samples at varying depths in surface canals, ponds, and the like. The invention is particularly suited for monitoring water in the vicinity of nuclear manufacturing, fabrication and disposal facilities for tritium contamination of ground waters.

Abstract: A deep well system for obtaining artesian samples is set forth. There is a first sample recovery pump which is operated to recover a sample and deliver it to the surface and through a sample flow line. It is surrounded by a packer which is inflated to isolate the region below the sample pump. The sample pump inlet is on the bottom side.

Abstract: This disclosure sets out a method and apparatus for extracting repeated process samples. Each sample is put into a segregated bottle or container and the container is dated and time stamped. The containers are arranged in sequence on a feed system and are filled in sequence and marked.