Abstract: A cost-effective wideband radar system capable of locating objects, such as reinforcing steel rods, pipes, and air bubbles, objects located behind or within a volume of, e.g., concrete, soil, wood, or air. A sequence of wideband radar pulses are emitted without a carrier from each of two transmit antennas. The system includes a receiver that detects reflected pulse energy (echoes) that result when transmitted pulses encounter a change in material (e.g., an air to metal change or concrete to metal change). These amplitudes of the echoes are visually displayed along with the length of the transmit/echo path for each transmitter. The lengths of the displayed transmit/echo paths are compared to determine whether the system is centered over an object located within or behind a volume, the system being centered over the object when the transmit/echo paths for each transmitter/receiver combination are of equal length.

Abstract: A software-controlled select and test system for use with a spacecraft. The system reduces the assembly, integration, test time and improves performance of the payload and spacecraft by optimizing the performance using standardized algorithms. The system also reduces the DC power required by the spacecraft, and the thermal dissipation, battery size, solar array size and mass of the spacecraft. This is achieved by optimizing traveling wave tube amplifiers for each channel instead of meeting minimum power requirement over the entire range, wherein most channels have excess power. A serial interface adapter performs the optimization functions via software.

Abstract: A metal detector includes a receive coil and a transmit coil connected in an inductive bridge. To overcome imbalances in the bridge due for instance to misalignment of the coils or the presence of mineralization in the medium which is being examined, the metal detector automatically produces a nulling (bucking) signal to cancel out the effects of any unwanted receive coil signals detected during calibration. This nulling signal is a nulling current both in terms of level and phase, and its level and phase are determined during a calibration process prior to actual metal detection. By inclusion in the metal detector of a microprocessor (microcontroller) operating at a much higher frequency than the variations in the magnetic field used to detect metal, the nulling signal generation is performed with a high degree of time resolution, resulting a precision metal detector which adaptively ignores any unwanted signals.

Abstract: A compact, light-weight, disposable, and quick-fit rehumidification filter device adapted to fit flight-masks which deliver pressurized respiratory fluids to a human. The preferred embodiment is made up of a container, a continuous strip of micropore filter paper helically rolled so as to entirely fill the space defined by the cross section of the container, optional directionally louvered screens affixed to the container, and a securing mechanism which detachably secures the filter device to the flight-mask. The securing mechanism is adapted to mate with a retaining ring projection common to most flight-masks by use of a matingly threaded ring or by a structure which flexibly and resiliently clips onto the outer circumferential surface of the retaining ring projection. The filter paper acts as a humidification counter-exchange apparatus by first extracting moisture from exhaled breath, then subsequently returning moisture to dehumidified respiratory fluids being inhaled.

Abstract: A molding apparatus and method are provided which are of the type which utilize a die set comprising at least one die which defines at least one mold cavity for receiving resin impregnated fibers therethrough. Any one die of the die set comprises first and second mold base sections which are positionable with respect to one another so as to form a mold base which defines a channel therethrough. A mold insert defines a mold cavity completely therethrough and is adapted to be removably mounted in the channel. The die set is removably clamped between first and second clamp members so as to enable easy and convenient addition or removal of dies to or from the die set if desired.

Abstract: A molding apparatus and method are provided which are of the type which utilize a die set comprising at least one die which defines at least one mold cavity for receiving resin impregnated fibers therethrough. Any one die of the die set comprises first and second mold base sections which are positionable with respect to one another so as to form a mold base which defines a channel therethrough. A mold insert defines a mold cavity completely therethrough and is adapted to be removably mounted in the channel. The die set is removably clamped between first and second clamp members so as to enable easy and convenient addition or removal of dies to or from the die set if desired.

Abstract: An electromagnetic field sensing apparatus used for locating and determining the distance to buried conductive conduits including at least two receptor means, each adapted to receive a signal from the conduit and produce an output voltage proportional to the signal received, and also including a calibrating coil, with known relative coupling to the receptor means, and capable of inducing calibrating signals therein. Computing means are employed to calculate the relative sensitivities of each said receptor means using the voltage signals induced therein by the calibrating coil, and said known relative coupling relationships. The computing means further uses the output voltages from said receptor means, induced therein by the signal radiating from the conductive conduit, and said relative sensitivities to calculate the distance to and location of the conduit. Display means are provided to indicate this distance and location.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a magnetic pump for pumping ferrofluids. The magnetic pump in its simplest form has at least two coils which are electrically connected to a multi-phase power source to produce a traveling electromagnetic field. In close proximity to the coils and substantially normal to the axis of the coils is a tube which defines the path of fluid flow. It is preferred that the coils be embedded in a stator of ferromagnetic material and that the stator be cylindrical. Preferably the tube is wound about the cylindrical stator either internal to or external to the stator. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the tube is placed in an annular gap between cylindrical stators of different diameter and having coils energized so as to produce reinforcing traveling magentic fields.

Abstract: A "pressure-cycle" fermentation process and fermenter wherein an oxygen-enriched gas containing at least 30% by volume oxygen is supplied to the fermenter downcomer and the nutrient supply to the fermenter is such as to allow growth of the culture to continue in the downcomer. The process and fermenter may be used in the production of single cell protein using bacteria such as Methylophilus methylotrophus or yeasts such as Fusarium graminearum Schwabe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cyclic method and single pipe system for collecting and transferring heat energy from a periodic heat source to a thermal storage reservoir and preventing the back flow of such heat energy. The system is responsive to the temperature of the thermal storage reservoir and the availability of the heat source without reliance upon other external energy inputs or controls such as valves, pumps, floats, sensors, or electronic circuitry. During the heat collection stroke of the cycle an evaporator containing a volatile liquid generates a flow of vapor to a remote heat exchanger where the vapor gives up its latent heat of vaporization to the thermal storage reservoir thereby condensing. Condensate flows from the heat exchanger to an insulated pressure sustaining sump that efficiently accepts pulsatile fluid delivery.

Abstract: A piano action keyboard for an electronic musical instrument or the like wipes a switch actuator (or other mechanical component of electric signal translation means) across switch contacts on a printed circuit board to generate signals indicative of the position and motionof a key when played. The keyboard provides a highly realistic piano "feel" through an array of paired depressable playing keys and arms. Each such arm supports a switch actuator or the like, with varying force transmission at different stages of depression of its corresponding key, the overall electrical-mechanical combination affording a response in terms of both actual results and kinesthetic feedback simulating a manual piano action.

Abstract: A piano-action keyboard for an electronic musical instrument or the like wipes a switch actuator (or other mechanical component of electric signal translation means) across switch contacts on a printed circuit board to generate signals indicative of the position and motion of a key when played. The keyboard provides a highly realistic piano "feel" through an array of paired depressable playing keys and arms. Each such arm supports a switch actuator or the like, with varying force transmission at different stages of depression of its corresponding key, the overall electrical-mechanical combination affording a response in terms of both actual results and kinesthetic feedback simulating a manual piano action.

Abstract: An electrical cord connecting receptacle, which may be of the grounding type, incorporates a mechanism which locks the current carrying conductor blades of a plug or cap to the current carrying conductors of the receptacle. The locking mechanism prevents the cap from being accidentally withdrawn from the receptacle under normal conditions of use. Through the use of spring-biased pins positioned to engage holes in the cap blades, the device provides for snap-in receipt of the cap blades, release of the cap by manual release of the pins, and emergency release by an unusually heavy pull on the cap.