Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a balloon system that includes a flexible volume balloon hull configured to contain a lifting gas, a flexible volume ballonet contained within said balloon hull configured to contain a refrigerant gas and a refrigerant gas transfer device in fluid communication with the ballonet to control the balloon's vertical ascent and descent.

Abstract: In the present application, a storage container is configured to provide a sealed portion for the storage of identification material. The storage container includes a container for holding various elements and a sleeve coupled to the container. The sleeve has an opening to accept the identification material. The sleeve is configured to be selectively sealed such that the interior of the sleeve is isolated from the interior of the container and the exterior of the container.

Abstract: A product and method of manufacturing a non-woven, industrial hydrophobic absorbent. The absorbent includes a core of cotton ginning byproducts (such as cotton regin) and bicomponent fibers. The cotton regin is processed to create a low-density and, thus, a high-absorbency web. The method includes processing cotton regin to a suitable range of fiber length and particle sizes, mixing the cotton regin with a thermoplastic bonding agent, and depositing the material onto a steadily advancing belt to produce a relatively low density, loosely formed web core. Subsequent processing of the web core in an oven softens or melts the bonding agent, thereby adheres it to other web material to give the web core desired strength and integrity. At least one, dual-layer, continuous, air-permeable scrim is secured or bonded the core to provide additional strength and an exterior surface having enhanced grip and non-slip characteristics.

Abstract: A non-woven industrial absorbent with at least one dual-layer outer scrim. The absorbent includes a core made of cellulose material and bicomponent fibers and has first and second surfaces. A scrim is bonded to at least one of the surfaces. The scrim includes a first layer, the function of which is to adhere to the core, and a second layer, whose function is to provide enhanced grip. The product may be made by processing cellulose to a suitable size, optionally applying a liquid fire-retardant to the cellulose, drying and mixing the cellulose with a thermoplastic bonding agent, and depositing the material onto a belt to produce a web. Subsequent processing of the web softens or melts the bonding agent, thereby adhering it to other web material and giving the web strength and integrity. The one or more scrims or an optional netting provide additional strength or particular surface characteristics.

Abstract: An autonomous stratospheric airship comprising a hull which contains an equipment bay, forward and aft ballonets, forward and aft air management sub-systems, a propulsion system, and a control system is described. The airship also comprises a regenerative solar energy power and storage sub-system which allows powered daytime and nighttime operations. Further, the control system of the airship enables autonomous operation between selected waypoints or along a specified line of sight. The solar arrays utilized by the airship are internally mounted and gimballed so as to provide maximum collection efficiency and not impede the aerodynamic profile of the airship. A greatly simplified and slightly less controllable version of the airship, which makes use of alternative solar array control and ballast management systems, while carrying the equipment bay on the exterior of the hull, is also disclosed.

Abstract: An autonomous stratospheric airship comprising a hull which contains an equipment bay, forward and aft ballonets, forward and aft air management sub-systems, a propulsion system, and a control system is described. The airship also comprises a regenerative solar energy power and storage sub-system which allows powered daytime and nighttime operations. Further, the control system of the airship enables autonomous operation between selected waypoints or along a specified line of sight. The solar arrays utilized by the airship are internally mounted and gimballed so as to provide maximum collection efficiency and not impede the aerodynamic profile of the airship. A greatly simplified and slightly less controllable version of the airship, which makes use of alternative solar array control and ballast management systems, while carrying the equipment bay on the exterior of the hull, is also disclosed.

Abstract: An autonomous stratospheric airship comprising a hull which contains an equipment bay, forward and aft ballonets, forward and aft air management sub-systems, a propulsion system, and a control system is described. The airship also comprises a regenerative solar energy power and storage sub-system which allows powered daytime and nighttime operations. Further, the control system of the airship enables autonomous operation between selected waypoints or along a specified line of sight. The solar arrays utilized by the airship are internally mounted within the bull and gimballed so as to provide maximum collection efficiency and not impede the aerodynamic profile of the airship. A greatly simplified and slightly less controllable version of the airship, which makes use of alternative solar array control and ballast management systems, while carrying the equipment bay on the exterior of the hull, is also disclosed.

Abstract: An autonomous stratospheric airship comprising a hull which contains an equipment bay, forward and aft ballonets, forward and aft air management sub-systems, a propulsion system, and a control system is described. The airship also comprises a regenerative solar energy power and storage sub-system which allows powered daytime and nighttime operations. Further, the control system of the airship enables autonomous operation between selected waypoints or along a specified line of sight. The solar arrays utilized by the airship are internally mounted and gimballed so as to provide maximum collection efficiency and not impede the aerodynamic profile of the airship. A greatly simplified and slightly less controllable version of the airship, which makes use of alternative solar array control and ballast management systems, while carrying the equipment bay on the exterior of the hull, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the forming and use of a coherent abrasive suspension jet, which involves treating water with additives to give the water a high shear dependent viscosity or viscoelasticity, or a moderate yield value, and suspending fine, abrasive particles within the treated water. The suspension that is formed may be retained in a reservoir prior to use, and requires no agitation or stirring as a slurry solution would require. The suspension that is formed allows for the use of an abrasive jet nozzle that requires only a single supply conduit and requires no mixing chamber, collimating cone, or collimating tube, as conventional jets require. The coherent abrasive suspension jet medium allows for the use of much lower pressures, much finer orifices, and much simpler operations. The process overcomes many of the difficulties associated with the reduced velocities and increased jet diameters that are attained by conventional abrasive jets.

Abstract: A system for identifying and measuring stress at specific locations within a ferromagnetic material by the production and detection of Barkhausen noise during magnetization of the material. The method involves introducing into the material a time varying magnetic field component and a spatially-varying magnetic field component that in combination create a singular zero magnetic flux element within the material that "sweeps" from one position within the material to another and back. By time-gating the detected acoustic Barkhausen signal that results as this zero flux element moves within the material, the signal is isolated as having been generated at a specific depth within the specimen. Since the level of Barkhausen noise varies with stress, a tomographic mapping of stress is obtained for the interior of the ferromagnetic specimen. Through the use of a computer, a three dimensional map of stress in the ferromagnetic material is obtained.

Abstract: A telemetric measuring device for measuring physical conditions of machinery having a periodically moving part. The device generates its own power with power generator that uses the periodic motion of the machinery to move a reciprocator slug inside a coil, and thereby opening and closing a magnetic circuit and generating a continuous alternating current. This current powers a transmitter that receives output from a multi-channel switch for a number of sensors. The transmitter delivers a radio frequency signal, whose frequency is a function of the condition being measured.

Abstract: A pressurization system for a continuous blood pressure monitor transducer. The system comprises dual chamber compression apparatus and a switching mechanism, both of which are engaged with a servo motor drive mechanism. The drive mechanism simultaneously controls the compression apparatus and the switching mechanism, thereby coordinating flow of air from the compression chambers to the pressurizable chamber within the transducer. A detachable connector permits simultaneous interruption of air flow and the control signals to the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A compact, low noise inflation system for pressurizing occlusion cuffs used in conjunction with automatic blood pressure monitoring equipment. In the preferred embodiment, an electric pump is controlled by a closed-loop, pressure feedback control circuit which compares the cuff pressure with a desired pressurization profile set by the user or stored in a memory device. Acoustic filters are connected to the intake and exhaust ports of the pump to attenuate the intensity of acoustic noise and pressure waves to allow accurate detection of oscillometric pulse data by the blood pressure monitoring system.

Abstract: A system for automatically positioning a blood pressure monitor transducer in a desired position relative to an underlying artery. The positioning system comprises a positioniong motor which drives a gear assembly. The gear assembly is operatively engaged with a lead screw having a follower mounted thereto in threaded engagement therewith. The follower is secured to a strap which is routed through a roller system. As the motor is activated in response to output signals from the sensor mounted within transducer housing, the lead screw will rotate, thereby effectuating lateral movement of the transducer housing and sensor along a path defined by the strap.

Abstract: An inflation system for providing rapid, linear inflation of a container, such as an occlusion cuff used in connection with a blood pressure monitoring system. The invention system provides an automatic fast-fill of the cuff to a predetermined pressure level, followed by a smooth, linear pressurization profile which is independent of the volume of the cuff. An efficient electronic actuation system allows the system to inflate the cuff many times using the power supplied by a low power battery. A pressure relief system is provided to automatically terminate operation of the inflation system once systolic pressure has been detected or if the pressure in the system rises above a predetermined level. The system is extremely lightweight and compact, thus allowing a patient to carry the system on his person without undue fatigue.

Abstract: An electronically actuated switching valve for controlling the flow of gas streams in a pneumatic system. The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a double piloted three-way spool valve which moves within a valve housing having a plurality of ports which cooperate with the spool valve to direct gas streams in a predtermined manner. The position of the valve spool within the housing is controlled by pressure pilots on either side of the valve spool. Electronically actuated solenoid exhaust valves are operable to cause pressure drops in the pressure pilots to cause the valve spool to change position. Once the valve spool has changed position, it is maintained in that position without the need for a continuous supply of electric current to the electronic actuators.

Abstract: A device for detecting defects in the bore of a tubular member. The device includes an inspection head including an electromagnet for magnetizing the internal surface of a tubular member. The device also includes a sensor or sensors to detect magnetic flux leakage indicative of a defect. The magnetic flux sensor output is sent to a control-data acquisition system concurrently with signals as to the axial and circumferential position of the defect, which are obtained by their respective encoders. The control-data acquisition system is capable of processing and displaying the data in analog and digital form.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting flaws in the threaded end of a ferromagnetic pipe is disclosed. The apparatus comprises means for applying a magnetic force to produce a field generally axially through the threaded end of the pipe, first and second means adjacent successive crests of a thread for sensing a generally radial magnetic field and generating a first and second signal corresponding to the sensed magnetic fields, and means for differentially connecting the signals generated by said first and second sensing means, whereby a differential output signal is produced in response to a flaw between the crests of the thread being inspected. The apparatus also comprises means for helically rotating said sensing means to follow a path corresponding to the threads of the pipe, whereby the first and second signals vary with time.A method for detecting flaws in the threaded end of a ferromagnetic pipe is also disclosed.