Lightweight electrically-powered flexible thermal laminate

Cross-layered woven or unwoven yarns are used to provide an active thermal control mechanism for spacecraft use. One set of yarns is composed of flexible electrically conductive metal fibers which are capable of being resistance heated by the application of voltage. Another set of yarns, nonconductive and flexible, provides mechanical strength and precludes the passage of electrical current between the metal yarns by virtue of the spacing between them. A lightweight, electrically nonconductive film is bonded to the cross-layered yarns to protect the metal yarns from the elements (minimize electrical shorts from moisture such as rain), to provide additional strength to the fabric, and to prevent conductive loss of heat in nonvacuum applications. The nonconductive film is metalized on its obverse side to provide a more uniform heat load distribution

Viscoelastic cushion for patient support

Flexible container, filled with liquid, provides supportive device which conforms to patient's anatomy. Uniform cushion pressure prevents formation of decubitus ulcers, while the porous sponge substructure damps fluid movement through cushion response so that patient is not dumped when his weight shifts

Measuring device Patent

Expulsion and measuring device for determining quantity of liquid in tank under conditions of weightlessnes

Lawson criterion for ignition exceeded in an inertial fusion experiment

For more than half a century, researchers around the world have been engaged in attempts to achieve fusion ignition as a proof of principle of various fusion concepts. Following the Lawson criterion, an ignited plasma is one where the fusion heating power is high enough to overcome all the physical processes that cool the fusion plasma, creating a positive thermodynamic feedback loop with rapidly increasing temperature. In inertially confined fusion, ignition is a state where the fusion plasma can begin "burn propagation" into surrounding cold fuel, enabling the possibility of high energy gain. While "scientific breakeven" (i.e., unity target gain) has not yet been achieved (here target gain is 0.72, 1.37 MJ of fusion for 1.92 MJ of laser energy), this Letter reports the first controlled fusion experiment, using laser indirect drive, on the National Ignition Facility to produce capsule gain (here 5.8) and reach ignition by nine different formulations of the Lawson criterion

Evaluation of possible biological effects from exposure to gaseous SF{sub 6} breakdown products

A variety of chemical byproducts including SOF{sub 2}, SO{sub 2}F{sub 2}, SF{sub 4}, HF, SO{sub 2}, etc. are produced at varying concentrations by electrical arcs, sparks or corona discharge in SF{sub 6}; most of the byproducts are toxic to some degree. Using a cell culture system, we have studied the toxicity of individual byproduct gases, as well as electrically decomposed SF{sub 6}. The toxic potency of various byproducts can be compared, using this cellular assay. The animal toxicological data for these gases, although sparse, is also reviewed. The rationale for selection of various byproduct gases as monitors for evaluating the hazard potential of decomposed SF{sub 6} is discussed

Marathon Medicine: Keeping Our Endurance Athletes Safe

With increased participation in running and walking marathons, more PAs and NPs are needed to help provide marathon medical coverage. In addition to preventing medical emergencies through effective pre-race planning and other strategies, these clinicians address serious conditions, including exercise-associated collapse, exertional heat stroke, dehydration, and hyponatremia