Abstract: The invention utilizes a virtual reality display to present a random noise stimulus to a patient. Using an input device a patient indicates the location of disturbances in the random noise display. In a preferred embodiment, a scanning retinal laser projects the random noise stimulus directly onto a patient's eye(s). The image is preferably presented at virtual infinity and can be imaged over the peripheral retina. A patient is directed to centrally fixate on the random noise display. A visual aid, such as a cross hair, may be included in the generated display to facilitate this focus. With a scanning laser virtual reality device having a narrow exit, the failure of a patient to centrally fixate causes the image presented to be distorted, incomplete or disappear from view. While a patient views the random noise display, the patient is directed to indicate any areas of disturbance using an input device. A preferred input device is a computer pen and tablet.

Abstract: A precision GaAs low-voltage DC amplifier includes a level shift circuit, an amplifier and a first and a second bias control circuit. The level shift circuit shifts an input signal to generate a level shifted input signal, whose bias level is controlled by a first bias control voltage. The amplifier amplifies the level shifted input signal to generate an output signal. The bias level of the output signal is controlled by a second bias control voltage. The first bias control circuit insures that the first bias control voltage varies as necessary with temperature to hold constant the bias level of the level shifted input signal. The second bias control circuit insures that the second bias control voltage varies as necessary with temperature to hold constant the bias level of the output signal.

Abstract: Methods for treatment of conditions of abnormally increased intraocular pressure, particularly those caused by glaucoma, by administration of phosphonylmethoxyalkyl nucleoside analogs are provided. Compositions formulated and packaged for intraocular administration for use in the methods are also provided. Administration of the compound may be by intravitreal injection, aqueous humor injection, injection into the external layers of the eye, such as subconjunctival injection or subtenon injection, or may be, when penetrating derivatives are used, by topical application to the eye. The degree of reduction in pressure is dosage-dependent, and significant reduction in pressure is obtained. A single injection can produce prolonged, and perhaps permanent, lowering of the intraocular pressure.

Abstract: A method of making a casting reinforced with a reinforcement insert, such as a fiber reinforced metal matrix composite insert or intermetallic insert therein, wherein a preformed fiber reinforced metal matrix composite reinforcement insert is clad or covered with a material that is effective to avoid the aforementioned adverse reactions between the insert/melt and any exposed insert fibers/matrix, the clad insert is suspended in the mold cavity, a melt is introduced into the mold cavity about the clad insert, and the melt is solidified about the clad insert to provide a casting of the solidified melt having the clad insert disposed therein to reinforce the casting.

Abstract: A dual optical fiber transceiver, for use with first and second optical fibers, includes a laser transmitter for transmitting laser light into the first optical fiber, a laser light receiver for receiving laser light from the second optical fiber, and a controller coupled to the laser transmitter and laser light receiver. The controller includes a multi-protocol state machine for establishing the full duplex connection whenever the other device operates in compliance with either (A) a predefined "on-off-on" signaling protocol for establishing full duplex connections, or (B) a second predefined signaling protocol for establishing full duplex connections. In a preferred embodiment, the predefined "on-off-on" signaling protocol is the Open Fiber Control (OFC) protocol and the second predefined signaling protocol is a standard "laser transmitter always on" protocol.

Abstract: Methods for treatment of conditions of abnormally increased intraocular pressure, particularly those caused by glaucoma, by administration of phosphonylmethoxyalkyl nucleoside analogs are provided. Compositions formulated and packaged for intraocular administration for use in the methods are also provided. Administration of the compound may be by intravitreal injection, aqueous humor injection, injection into the external layers of the eye, such as subconjunctival injection or subtenon injection, or may be, when penetrating derivatives are used, by topical application to the eye. The degree of reduction in pressure is dosage-dependent, and significant reduction in pressure is obtained. A single injection can produce prolonged, and perhaps permanent, lowering of the intraocular pressure.

Abstract: A preformed fiber reinforced metal matrix composite reinforcement insert is clad or covered with a material that is effective to avoid the adverse reactions between the insert/melt and any exposed insert fibers/matrix. The clad insert is suspended in the mold cavity and a melt is introduced into the mold cavity about the clad insert. The melt is solidified about the clad insert to provide a casting of the solidified melt having the clad insert disposed therein to reinforce the casting.

Abstract: Treatment of conditions of abnormally increased intraocular pressure, particularly those caused by glaucoma, by administration of a phosphonylmethoxypropyl cytosine compound, preferably (S)-1-(3-hydroxy-2-phosphonyl-methoxypropyl) cytosine [HPMPC], is disclosed. The cytosine compounds may be present preferably as a free drug or alternatively encapsulated into liposomes or other :long acting drug delivery systems, Administration of the compound may be by intravitreal injection, aqueous humor injection, injection into the external layers of the eye, such as subconjunctival injection or subtenon injection, or by topical drops, in an inert carrier. The degree of reduction in pressure is dosage-dependent, and significant reduction in pressure is obtained. A single injection is expected to be sufficient to produced prolonged, and perhaps permanent, lowering of the intraocular pressure, although in some cases additional injections may be required at infrequent intervals.

Abstract: In making a dual alloy gas turbine rotor, a plurality of superalloy components are formed to include an airfoil having a directionally solidified columnar grain structure or a single crystal grain structure. A boron-bearing melting point depressant material is applied to the inner surface and a side surface of the components. The components are arranged side-by-side in an annular array with the first side surface of one component juxtaposed to the second side surface of an adjacent component and with the inner surfaces defining a spray-receiving surface. The airfoils extend in a radial axis or direction of the array while the spray-receiving surface extends in a circumferential direction of the article. A sealing member is positioned adjacent an axial end of the array of the components to close off that end and form a spray-receiving cavity. Boron-bearing melting point depressant material is provided between the sealing member and the end of the array.

Abstract: An optical transmitter and receiver for use in a fiber optic LAN and characterized by reduced pulse-width distortion, low noise, simplicity of design, and advantageous use of widely-available low-cost components. Pulse-width distortion of an optical transmitter is reduced using a pulse input and conditioning circuit that maintains the optical source in an ON state when the injected pulse energy subsides for a time closely approximating the source's turn-on delay. A pre-amplifier portion of an optical receiver is of the transimpedance type, having a low-noise first stage and a moderate-gain second stage connected to the first stage by a feedback resistance on the order of a few kilo-ohms. The low impedance of the feedback resistor minimizes thermal noise, whereas the moderate gain of the second stage still allows a high transimpedance to be achieved. A simple, single-transistor LO-LITE circuit is also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector assembly having a housing with front and rear barrels is readily securable to a printed circuit board. A laser device is positioned in the rear barrel portion and an optical fiber ferrule device is insertable into the front barrel portion for receiving laser light. An insert member means for positioning the ferrule means in proximity to the laser means is disposed in the rear barrel portion forward of the laser means.

Abstract: A digital phase acquisition circuit includes logic for detecting an edge of incoming data and a plurality of candidate clock phases, the circuitry further including logic for determining when the data undergoes a phase transition and at least one candidate phase which undergoes a digitally equivalent transition close in time to the data transition so as to enable the candidate phase to be used for a clock for recovering information representative of the data. The circuit allows clock to be recovered within 1 bit time of a predetermined data transition occurring, thus allowing preambles of 1 bit to be utilized in data packets.

Abstract: A digital phase acquisition circuit includes circuits for detecting an edge of incoming data and a plurality of candidate clock phases, the circuitry further including logic for determining when the data undergoes a predetermined phase transition and at least one candidate phase which undergoes a digitally equivalent transition close in time to the data transition so as to enable the candidate phase to be used for choosing an appropriate clock phase for recovering information representative of the data. The circuit further includes logic for comparing a frequency of the chosen clock pulse and the data and adjusting at least one of these frequencies when a predetermined amount of drift therebetween is detected. The invention allows clock to be recovered within 1 bit time of a predetermined data transition occurring and allows an appropriate clock to be maintained through an entire packet regardless of packet length.

Abstract: A method of forming a fine grained equiaxed ingot by melting metal and placing it in a mold having a restriction at the entrance disposed to solidify the metal in the entrance to the mold prior to complete solidification of the metal in the mold such that a shrinkage void is formed below the entrance to the mold. The ingot is then hot isostatically pressed (HIPped) to fully densify the ingot and eliminate the shrinkage void.

Abstract: A high temperature alloy displaying excellent elevated temperature properties as well as low strategic metals content. Based on the iron/aluminum system, the alloy contains about 10 to 19% aluminum, 2 to 8% titanium, from about 0.5 to 10% molybdenium, from 0.1 to 1% hafnium and the balance substantially iron.

Abstract: A method for producing precision shapes which includes the consolidation of powder metal preforms into a shaped porous preform. A first coating is applied to the preform, this first coating being porous while providing a diffusion barrier. A second coating which is also initially porous is then applied and the coated preform can then be degasified by subjecting the preform to a vacuum, particularly at elevated temperatures. The coated preform is then heated under vacuum to a temperature such that the second coating is densified to the extent that it becomes non-porous. Finally, the preform is subjected to a hot isostatic pressing operation whereby formation of high integrity, fully dense metal shape results.

Abstract: A method for the production of metal articles resistant to corrosion at elevated temperatures. The method involves the application of a first coating on an article surface, this coating comprising a cobalt, iron or nickel alloy which is compatible with the substrate and which is ductile in character. A second coating highly resistant to corrosion at elevated temperatures is applied over the first coating to form a composite coating, and an elevated temperature treatment follows to provide interfacial bonding and to minimize the detrimental effects of thermal and mechanical stresses encountered during use. The provision of a ductile first layer provides a barrier against degradation of the corrosion resistance of the outer layer and serves as a barrier against detrimental interdiffusion and crack propagation.

Abstract: A method for producing cast, superalloy, ferrous and titanium articles comprising the formation of a material void in the cast article, for example by utilizing a core during the casting operation or by machining a void after casting. The void is sealed relative to the surrounding atmosphere and the article is then subjected to an elevated temperature and pressure treatment in a gaseous atmosphere whereby the metal in the area of the void will yield so that the void is partially or totally eliminated. The pressure application is carried out at a temperature such that local deformation of the cast structure occurs in the region previously occupied by, and adjacent to, the void whereby a fine-grained recrystallized structure is developed in this section. Grain refined cast articles are characterized by superior low-cycle fatigue and tensile properties.

Abstract: A process for providing coatings on metal articles whereby the articles will be resistant to corrosion at elevated temperatures. The process involves the application of an overlay on an article surface, the overlay comprising a ductile metal of a composition normally resistant to corrosion at elevated temperatures. An outer layer of aluminide or metal which is resistant to corrosion at elevated temperatures but which is subject to embrittlement at such temperatures is applied to complete the coating. Porosity in the coating is then eliminated and a high integrity corrosion resistant coating not subject to cracking is obtained by heating the article in a gaseous atmosphere to elevated temperature and simultaneously applying isostatic pressure to the article.