Abstract: An electric power supply platform (1) made up of an upper conductive layer (2), a lower conductive layer (3), and a non-conductive insulating layer (4) sandwiched between the conductive layers (2), (3). Specially designed light emitting diodes (LEDs) (9) and a variety of other electronic components, each having one short lead (11) and one upper insulated long lead (10), may be removably attached to, displayed, and powered by the power platform (1) simply by inserting leads into the display surface (5) of the power platform (1). The leads of the LEDs (9) and other electronic components are different lengths so that the short lead (11) only comes into contact with the upper conductive layer (2) and the long lead (10) only comes into contact with the lower conductive layer (3) ensuring proper polarity. The leads (10), (11) of the LEDs (9) and/or other electronic components may be inserted into the display surface (5) at any location allowing the user to make any design he/she desires.

Abstract: A method for communicating a signal representative of an infrared detector element's output to electrically and thermally isolated signal processing circuitry utilizes the steps of: varying the reflectivity of a photoreflective cell in response to the output of the infrared detector element such that the reflectivity of the photoreflective cell is representative thereof; resetting the photoreflective cell when the reflectivity thereof reaches a predetermined value; optically scanning the photoreflective cell with an optical scanner which is electrically and thermally isolated from the photoreflective cell; and counting the number of times the photoreflective cell is reset so as to provide a signal representative of the infrared detector element's output.

Abstract: A circuit for coupling infrared detector elements maintained in the cryogenic environment with a processing circuit maintained at a substantially higher temperature is disclosed. The circuit comprises a detector output sampling/comparing circuit electrically connectable to an associated detector element. The sampling/comparing circuit is disposable in a cryogenic environment along with the associated detector element. The circuit is constructed to receive power from a power source that is electrically and thermally isolated from the sampling/comparing circuit. The output of the sampling/comparing circuit being communicatable to a processing circuit while remaining electrically and thermally isolated therefrom.

Abstract: Copper base spinodal alloy strip of good strength and ductility is provided, the alloy containing 5 to 35 percent nickel, 7 to 13 percent tin, balance essentially copper, and having an unaged microstructure characterized by an equiaxed grain structure of substantially all alpha, face-centered-cubic phase with a substantially uniform dispersed concentration of tin and a substantial absence of tin segregation. The strip is prepared from copper alloy powder of the indicated composition by a process comprising the steps of compaction, sintering, cooling, rolling and annealing. The strip after aging may contain up to about 50 percent alpha plus gamma phase.

Abstract: A protective accessory designed for application to the outside of a safety boot, and the combination of the accessory with the boot. The accessory includes a scuff top, for protecting the boot toe, to which a metatarsal cap may be hinged to give added protection to the boot wearer.