Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical device is disclosed including a surgical tool including a proximal transducer mounting portion defining a surface, a distal end effector end, and a waveguide disposed therebetween, the waveguide extending along a longitudinal axis. The ultrasonic surgical device further includes a transducer is in mechanical communication with the surface of the transducer mounting portion. The transducer is configured to operate in a D31 mode with respect to the longitudinal axis of the waveguide. Upon activation by an electrical signal having a predetermined frequency component, the transducer is configured to induce a standing wave in the surgical tool to cause the end effector to vibrate, the standing wave having a wavelength proportional to the predetermined frequency component of the electrical signal.

Abstract: White-rot fungi are grown on a sugar beet pulp substrate. By-product of fungal growth, such as lignin-degrading enzymes, can be recovered from the culture.

Abstract: Solid culture barley substrates for growing fungus are described. Solid cultures, packaged solid culture substrates, and methods for growing fungus using the solid culture substrates also are described.

Abstract: Polyhalogenated biphenyl compounds can be degraded by white-rot fungus grown on a sugar beet pulp substrate. The method is useful for bioremediation of materials contaminated with polyhalogenated biphenyl compounds.

Abstract: A bioremediation method for degrading aromatic compounds using white-rot fungus and a sugar beet pulp substrate having a high nitrogen content is disclosed. The sugar beet pulp substrate has a total nitrogen content based on dry weight of about ten percent. Further the white rot fungus utilized can be taken from several genera, including Phanerochaete, Phlebia, Trametes, Pleurotus and Bjerkandera. Two specific genus species of the white rot fungi useful in the biormeditation method are Phaneorochaete chrysosporium and Bjerkandera adjusta. The admixture of a white rot fungus and sugar beet pulp solid substrate is capable of enzymatically degrading aromatic compounds. In addition the method is useful for degrading chlorinated aromatic compounds and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in soil and water.

Abstract: A thermal protection system arrangement and method of manufacture for a carbon-carbon nose tip of a re-entry space vehicle that is expected to encounter very high heat fluxes upon re-entry into the earth's atmosphere. The arrangement includes a carbon-carbon nose tip which has a first sublimatable material infiltrated into the outer portion of the nose tip for release of thermal energy to the environment during the high heat fluxes of re-entry. A second sublimatable material which sublimates at heat fluxes materially less than that of the first sublimatable material is infiltrated into the inner portion of the nose tip so that the nose tip releases energy to the environment and erodes in a controlled manner thereby maintaining the interior of the nose tip at a desired temperature.

Abstract: A hot plate welding device designed specifically to apply asphalt membrane roofing material (hereafter referred to as material) without the use of an open flame. The device uses an electrically heated curved platen which heats the material as it is moved across and in contact with the heated platen. A cylindrical pressure roller applies pressure to the material to insure proper adhesion of the entire surface of the material to the roof structure. A variable speed motor is used as a drive motor for the device. This motor is interlocked with a sensor which senses the temperature of the material. If the material is not at proper temperature the device automatically slows down and waits for the material temperature to catch up to application temperature. The device is designed to have a low center of gravity which allows the device to be used on a roof of mild slope and where the device must fit under pipes and other obstacles commonly encountered when applying such roofing materials.

Abstract: A thermal barrier/core support for the fuel core of a nuclear reactor having a metallic cylinder secured to the reactor vessel liner and surrounded by fibrous insulation material. A top cap is secured to the upper end of the metallic cylinder that locates and orients a cover block and post seat. Under normal operating conditions, the metallic cylinder supports the entire load exerted by its associated fuel core post. Disposed within the metallic cylinder is a column of ceramic material, the height of which is less than that of the metallic cylinder, and thus is not normally load bearing. In the event of a temperature excursion beyond the design limits of the metallic cylinder and resulting in deformation of the cylinder, the ceramic column will abut the top cap to support the fuel core post.