Small, low cost, artificial kidney

Disposable hemodialyzer is described that can be used at home by non-medically trained personnel. Short lengths of semipermeable membrane tubes are arranged in parallel, supported by plastic mesh and encased in epoxy at ends. Tubes are connected to input and output blood manifolds which are separated by dialysate chamber. Daily dialysis requires only two hours or less

Self-adjusting multisegment, deployable, natural circulation radiator Patent

Development and characteristics of natural circulation radiator for use with nuclear power plants installed in lunar space station

Asynchronous transfer mode link performance over ground networks

The results of an experiment to determine the feasibility of using asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) technology to support advanced spacecraft missions that require high-rate ground communications and, in particular, full-motion video are reported. Potential nodes in such a ground network include Deep Space Network (DSN) antenna stations, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and a set of national and international end users. The experiment simulated a lunar microrover, lunar lander, the DSN ground communications system, and distributed science users. The users were equipped with video-capable workstations. A key feature was an optical fiber link between two high-performance workstations equipped with ATM interfaces. Video was also transmitted through JPL's institutional network to a user 8 km from the experiment. Variations in video depending on the networks and computers were observed, the results are reported

Deep Space Network information system architecture study

The purpose of this article is to describe an architecture for the Deep Space Network (DSN) information system in the years 2000-2010 and to provide guidelines for its evolution during the 1990s. The study scope is defined to be from the front-end areas at the antennas to the end users (spacecraft teams, principal investigators, archival storage systems, and non-NASA partners). The architectural vision provides guidance for major DSN implementation efforts during the next decade. A strong motivation for the study is an expected dramatic improvement in information-systems technologies, such as the following: computer processing, automation technology (including knowledge-based systems), networking and data transport, software and hardware engineering, and human-interface technology. The proposed Ground Information System has the following major features: unified architecture from the front-end area to the end user; open-systems standards to achieve interoperability; DSN production of level 0 data; delivery of level 0 data from the Deep Space Communications Complex, if desired; dedicated telemetry processors for each receiver; security against unauthorized access and errors; and highly automated monitor and control

Thermoelectric Nuclear Fuel Element Quarterly Progress Report for April- June 1960

A hot-pressing system was designed and is adaptable for bomb melting experiments up to 2000 deg C. Two devices were constructed for measuring. One was designed to measure Seebeck coefficients, resistivities, and bond resistances of swaged and machined thermoelectric wafers and the other was designed to measure thermoelectric parameters of cylindrical thermoelectric pellets up to 1000 deg C. Design studies on a fission-fired thermoelectric generator were completed. Seebeck coefficient and resistivity were determined for Li/sub .06/Ni/ sub .94/ and p type PbTe as a function of thermal fiux at 400 deg C (average). Designs of prototype thermonuclear fuel elements are presented which include single-leg, double-leg, multi-junction notched-bar, and multi-junction pelletized designs. The effects of heattreatment on the thermoelectric properties of n and p type PbTe were determined at 68 deg F. The compatibility of PbTe and GeTe with cladding materials was investigated at 510, 600, and 650 deg C. The results of life testing a swaged single-leg GeTe element are discussed. The nuclear characteristics of a 500-kw thermoelectric core that employs a rod-type fuel element were calculated. Designs of a thermoelectric reactor system that utilizes thermal circulation are presented. (For preceding period see WCAP- 1545.) (C.J.G.

Development of radiation hard scintillators

Substantial improvements have been made in the radiation hardness of plastic scintillators. Cylinders of scintillating materials 2.2 cm in diameter and 1 cm thick have been exposed to 10 Mrads of gamma rays at a dose rate of 1 Mrad/h in a nitrogen atmosphere. One of the formulations tested showed an immediate decrease in pulse height of only 4% and has remained stable for 12 days while annealing in air. By comparison a commercial PVT scintillator showed an immediate decrease of 58% and after 43 days of annealing in air it improved to a 14% loss. The formulated sample consisted of 70 parts by weight of Dow polystyrene, 30 pbw of pentaphenyltrimethyltrisiloxane (Dow Corning DC 705 oil), 2 pbw of p-terphenyl, 0.2 pbw of tetraphenylbutadiene, and 0.5 pbw of UVASIL299LM from Ferro.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/31055/1/0000732.pd