www.nasatech.com Vol. 21 No. 7 Special Focus: Meehan. I Components SA Spinoff a raen- Success https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=20100028931 2019-08-30T11:16:05+00:00Z Get Integrated! With NEW HiQ® 3.1 Analyze • Powerful built-in analysis libraries • Intelligent data import/export wizards • HiQ-Scripr programming language designed for analysis • Interactive Problem-Solver notebooks • Add-on analysis toolkits • Direct link to Excel data • Direct link to LabVIEW for data acquisition Visualize • Fast OpenGL 3D data visualization • Interactive 2D and 3D graphs • Engineering and scientific graphs • Customizable plots, axes, and legends • Colored lighting and transparency • Graphical animation tI~') --Irtd'l.''+ -k.aHJ.'~ dI~'I_-iJII1-~ " ... ¥M14,* d;")_-1"Rl·'-~+lJ.II:' ~ ";,11_"""l4,-!+ .,,#:41 ."" 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For More Information Circle No. 639 6 TECH BRIEFS Features 18 NASA NewsBriefs 20 Mission Accomplished Briefs ----- 28 Special Focus: Mechanical Components 28 Miniature, Low-Power Alphatron 30 Micromechanical Oscillating Mass Balance 32 Improved Fillets to Withstand Thermal Shocks 34 Thermostatic Valve for Low-Pressure-Drop Flows of Gas 34 Optically Controlled Microvalves for Microfluidic Devices 36 Removable, Reusable Handle 42 Electronic Components and Circuits 42 Active-Pixel Image Sensor with Regional Electronic Shutter 42 Wide-Band Operational-Amplifier Circuits 44 Transverse-Mode Electron-Beam Microwave Generator 46 Electronic Systems 46 Fast Three-Dimensional-Imaging Camera 48 Computerized Generation of Inspection Reports 48 Improved System for Tracking Inventory of Hazardous Wastes 49 Improved Ultraviolet-and-Infrared Hydrogen-Flame Detectors www.nasatech.com July 1997 • Vol.21 No.7 [Q)@!p)cIDuJL .. ~ 12 Commercial Technology Team 16 Notebook 24 Reader Forum 26 Commercia I ization Opportunities 38 Special Focus Products 86 New on the Market 88 New Literature 89 New on Disk 92 Advertisers Index These empty plastic milk jugs are on their way to becoming a lightweight insulation for rescue blan- kets and clothing. NASA's Ames Research Center worked with researchers at S.D. Miller & Associates of Flagstaff, AZ, to develop a metal spacecraft insu- lation using a new honeycomb structure that is more efficient than fibers. A commercialized ver- sion of the insulation, made of the recycled plastic jugs, provides four times the warmth of wool, even when wet. For more information, see Mission Accomplished on page 20. Photo courtesy of NASA Ames ASA Tech Briefs,july 1997 Superdraw III TM All New Finite Element Modeling Software! Download it at no cost from the Internet at: WWW.ALGOR.COM Or, order the CD-ROM below. r--------------------· --------------------Three ways to order Algor's product information CD-ROM which includes a trial version of Superdraw III, plus: o of lob tests confirming Algor results ' More of the latest r t J to try • In-depth ",dud I • Cns h ertu capability • "oster ace. than the Inteme! • Cf Y"nf • The newlile1fer • An _I , or use your own • I nformofion on E books, videos and CD-ROMs 1) Call or e-mail now 2) Order at Algor's Web Site: :JU.GO CO __ 0&-1 3) Complete this form and fax to: +1 (412) 967-2781 I : Name Company I : Address ____________________ _ I : City StatelProv. ZiplPostal Code ___ _ : Country Telephone _________ _ I :~ ~d I ~------------------------------------------------------~ For More InfomUltJon Circle No. 609 When the Engineering Has to be Right'" Algor, Inc. 150 Beta Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15238-2932 USA Phone: +1 (412) 967-2700 fax: +1 (412) 967-2781 California: (714) 564-0844 Europe (UK): +44 (1) (784) 442 246 E-mail: info@algor.com Co nte nts continued 52 Physical Sciences 52 Alternating-Precessive-Slab Laser Preamplifier 54 Light-Scattering Measurements of Regression of Fuel Droplets 56 Acoustic Wind-Velocity Analyzer 57 Improved Determination of Si in Bi Borosilicate Glass 58 Direct Time Integration of Maxwell's Equations 60 Electronic "Noses" Made From Conductive Polymeric Films 62 Quality/Flowmeter for Two-Phase Fluid 63 Identifying Electric-Charge Locations With Potential To Generate Lightning 65 Materials 65 Heteroepitaxial Growth of Monocrystalline Boron Nitride 65 Monolithic Foam Supports for Iridium Catalysts 66 Making InP Solar Cells From Tertiarybutylphosphine 68 Computer Software 68 68 68 70 70 Software for Efficient Dynamic Management of Memory Space Software Restores Image Blurred By Spatially Variable PSF Program Generates Point-Spread Functions Mechanics Constructing Finite Elements for the Integrated Force Method This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the ational Aeronautics and pace Administration. Neither Associated Business Publications Co., Ltd. nor the United StateS Government nor any person acting on behalf of the nited StateS c;o,.'efTlI1lent assumes any liability resulting from the use of the information contained in this docu- men~ or .... arran15 that such use will be free frnm privately owned righ15. The U . Government does not endorse any commercial produ~ process, or activity identified in this publication_ Permissions; Authorization to photocopy item. for internal or personal use, or the inter- nal or personal use of specific clien15, is granted by Associated Business Publications, pro- vided that the Oat fee of$3.00 per copy be paid directly to the Copyright Oearnnce Center (21 Congress SL, Salem, MA 01970) . For those organizations that have been granted a photoCopy license by CCC, a separate system of payment has been arranged. The fee code for users of the Transactional Reporting Service is; ISSN 01 4!>-31 9XI 94 $3.00+.00 74 Machinery / Automation 74 First Supersonic Yaw-Vectoring Flight for the ACTIVE Program 76 Manufacturing/Fabrication 76 Au X-Ray Grids on Si by Optical Lithography and Etching 78 Collimating Cylindrical Microlens Assembly for Diode-Laser Arrays 80 Life Sciences 80 Microwave Treatment of Cardiac Arrhythmias 82 Automated Microspectrofluorimeter and Cell-Culture Apparatus Special Supplement Electronics Tech Briefs Follows page 64 in selected editions only. On the cover: Data visualization software illustrates com- plex 2D and 3D fluid flow and heat transfer problems. These pressure contours on an impeller in a crystallizer were visualized with AVSIExpress Version 3.1 from Advanced Visual Systems of Waltham, MA. The ribbons illus- trate the flow around the impeller. See New on Disk on page 89 for information on this and other new software. Image courtesy of AEA Technology pic and Advanced Visual Systems ASA Tech Brier., ISSN 014!>-319X, USPS 750-070, copyright C 1997 in .5. is pub- lished monthly by Associated Business Publications Co., Ltd., 317 Madison Ave., ew York, NY 10017-5391. The copyright information does not include the (U.S. righ15 to) individual tech brier. that are supplied by NASA Editorial, sales, production, and cir- culation offices at317 Madison A,..,. , e",York., fY 10017-5391. Subscription for non- qualified subscribers in the . ., Panama Canal Zone, and Pueno Rico, $75.00 for J year; $135 for 2 years; $200.00 for 3 years. Single copies $10.00. Foreign subscriptions one-year U . . Funds $195.00. Remit by check, draft, postal, express orders or VISA, MasterCard, and American Express. Other remittances at sender's riSL Addre all communication for subscriptions or circulation to NASA Tech Brier., 317 Madison Ave., ewYork., NY 10017-5391. Second..:lass postage paid at ewYork, NY and addi- lional mailing offices. 8 www.nasatech .com ASA Tech BriefS,July 1997 Design engineers worldwide specify ISOLOSS and ISODAMP components to reduce shock, vibration, noise and excess motion in tightly packed electromechanical devices - without the sway space required by rubber or neoprene isolators. Proven in applications. Available in a variety of proprietary formulations - standard configurations, or as part of a custom-devlsed package - hlgh-performance E-A-R molded compo- nents can provide the critical difference for virtually any OEM application. • Custom-engineered shock control components for hand-held paging and telecommunications devices incorporate the latest CAD-to-tool technology for quick-turnaround prototypes. • Off-the-shelf isolation mounts eliminate accuracy-robbing vibration and reduce dis- tracting noise in precision lab eqUipment. • Custom-designed components protect sensitive electroniCS and LCD displays In portable computer penpherals - enhanc- ing product reliability and extending MTBF (mean time between failures!. 7911 Zionsville Road Phone: 317-692-1111 Indianapolis, Indiana 46268 Fax: 317-692-3111 On-target solutions. E-A-R applications engineers combine complete diagnostic tools with the industry's widest selection of mechani- cal energy control materials to deliver cost-effective solutions that meet tight product design cycles. Let E-A-R help make the cfdference in your product. Call our Customer Service Hot Une, 317-092-3000, for an isolator design guide, technical data sheets, samples- or to request engineering design assistance. For MOn! Information Clrde No. 675 solution engineering for vibration, shock, noise & ctJShioning REAL-TIME VIDEO ON COMPUTERS SIMULATION SURVEILLANCE INT E RACTIVE VIDEO DISC TRAINING 10 ROBOT I CS INDUSTRIAL CONTROL VIDEO TELECONFERENCING SUPER VIEW~ OFFERS Up to 6 real time video windows Windows scaleable to full screen Optional inputs for FUR , radar, VGA and medical imagers Text and graphics overlays on video Compatibility with all high resolution graphics controllers Video windowing systems are available in standalone and board level configurations SPECTRUM- A visual communications company~ 950 Marina Village Parkway Alameda, CA 94501 Tel : (51 0) 814-7000 Fax: (510) 814-7026 For More Information Circle No. 429 TECH BRIEFS WW?8 N3P Pubhshed by ........................................................ Associated Business Publications PresidenVChlef ExecutIVe Officer ......................................................... 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Paul Gillespie at (508) 429-8907 Bill Doucette at (508) 429·9861 Western MA, CT, VT .................................... ...................................... George Watts at (802) 824-5546 Southeast, South Central ................................................................ Thomas E. Duffy at (770) 844-7996 OH, MI, IN, KY .......... ...................................................................... Louise demens at (216) 397-7477 IL, WI, MO, lA, MN, NO, SO, NE. KS, Central Canada ............................. Paul Tucker at (773) 296·2040 N. Calif ., CO ............................................................................................. BiII Hague at (408) 492·9292 WA, OR, 10, MT, WY, UT, Western Canada .......................... BiII Madden; Bill Hague at (253) 858·7575 S. Cahf., A2, NM, NY (for NASA Tech Briefs) ..................................... Blake Dahlgren at (310) 288-0391 S. Cahf., A2, NM, NV (For Electronics and Laser Tech Briefs) ................. Richard Ayer Jane Hayward at (714) 366·9089 Tech Deck Postcard Sales ......................... ..... ........ ...... ... ......................... .Janet Krebs at (773) 296·2040 How To Reach Us On Line NASA Tech Briefs home page: http://www.nasatech.com Letters to the editor: ntb_edit@mindspring.com To find out about advertising opportunities: ntb_advertiseOmindspring.com NASA Tech Briefs,July 1997 The Mac S Report Number two in a series - the facts about Mac OS 8 lac 0 1 coming. It will gi¥e }OU, and milllon: of other lacinto a whole new way of working. of tv. are Once you're up and running, PowerPC -nati\e code IITlproves your performance. Mac OS 8 i com compatible with all PowerPC and 68040- ed It "ill gne} ur Apple ........~... hardware and software. matter, any oth r your choice) a dramatic new look and ~ along with all kinds of enhanced capa- bili tie for acce mg tlle Internet. It wilt a l:t an entirely new tandard of powerful, intuiti\e computmg a standard the competitlon em tr} to catch up to (Agam A new way of working The moment you start using Mac OS 8 }ou'll feel the difference: )ou'll find your elf accompU hlng more in Ie s time. A multi-threaded Finder·lets you eJ ecute mul- tiple tasks imultaneou h, uch as launching applications and COP} ing file. lac OS 8 mcludes new IIlformation- management tool, lIeh as contextual pop-up menu and pring-loaded folders, tllat gi\e you qUicker and easier access to all )our information A calable environment lets you eitiler limit }ollr menu and wmdow options, or expand them whlche\er \\orks better fOf)ou. A ne\1i: dimensional look make' the interL'lCc more d}TIanllc and engaging than em. And Mac 0 8 also inelud th \\lth 1 \PEG upport, \ef} Becau our n }OU thr ugh each tep of confi Qulck1im VR and QUlckDra 3D Ho\\ easy is it to get going with all th new technol - A new way of accessing the Internet me os 8 includes TCP liP and PPP for easy network or m em access direct from the Finder. You get Netscape igatofMicrosoft Internet E.xplorefand the PointCrut twork: And a new Internet Setup Assistant makes it e Jer than ever to get on the 'et, whether yOU'i~ doing It rom home with a modem or from work with a high- speed connection. Personal web sharing is standard, so you .......... "' .. -... _-...... ---.....--.................. "'---. ........ J ....... ....-.... 1. .... -....-- j. .,....i00i., ....... _.....--1-- can turn any Mac into an internet web server. And Java-support is built in, so you can run Ib::~==_ ___ _=I ='-=a' Java applications just a! th ugh they were any other desktop applications. (If you re~,OI dering. Windows 95 c.lIft do this.) os And more advancements are on the way uch as protected m 1I10f}. preemptive multi king and mm tnc multiproce mg. RhapsodY\.IU also pem d back'wards compatibility so 'Oll can b ure that th \~ t majorIty of ~ ur 1ac 0 app III run on Rha od. 100 In other words, pple IS lill d I pmg the m p rt our tem that t ch,1I1 1b learn mor, It \V\V\\.maco .apple.com lJ:l1am.e1 Explorer IhcrOsofI hllRrl/et E.I:{JImer jm: ",II be baRJY kJ ml' /hal Iins pouerfuJ treb broUIStT IS ow bu,1t 718h1 in. 0!0Ice /3 /Ilsl OIIU/the mallY lfat; OS SI1MJ/JoS. PolntCast" II I"" PomiCasJ .velUm. II aJItIJ!S ",Ib Ilac ill S. And II grabs lhe nell" you 1/\11/1 d,redly off the Nel Ie crmJI! cuslomimJ desklop ,tell'S f1tJ8eS. Daily. Hourfl il,< Ojlerl as you """, lI11tIl you gel fIle OS 8, II 0/,'10 gel bllilt·/n j41'l1 supporl, St) you can fUll IxJlh local alld -ba..1t1Df> oppIlCIlllbm NASA Commercial Technology Team NASA's R&D efforts produce a robust supply of promising technologies with applications in many industries. A key mechanism in identifying commercial applications for this technology is NASA's national network of commercial technology organizations. The network includes ten NASA field cen- ters, six Regional Technology Transfer Centers (RITCs), the National Technology Transfer Center (NTTC), business support organizations, and a full tie-in with the Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC) for Technology Transfer. Call (206) 683-1005 for the FLC coordinator in your area. NASA's Technology Sources If you need further information about new technologies presented in NASA Tech Briefs, request the Technical Support Package (TSP) indicated at the end of the brief. If a TSP is not available, the Commercial Technology Office at the NASA field center that sponsored the research can provide you with additional information and, if applicable, refer you to the innovator(s). These centers are the source of all NASA-developed technology. Ames Research Goddard Space Johnson Space Langley Research Marshall Space Center Flight Center Center Center Flight Center Selected techno- Selected techno- Selected techno- Selected techno- Selected techno- logical strengths: logical strengths: logical strengths: logical strengths: logical strengths: Fluid Dynamics; Earth and Artificial Aerodynamics; Materials; Life Sciences; Planetary Intelligence Flight Systems; Manufacturing; Earth and Science and Human Materials; Nondestructive Atmospheric Missions; LlDAR; Computer Structures; Evaluation; Sciences; Cryogenic Interface; Sensors; Biotechnology; Information, Systems; Ufe Sciences; Measurements; Space Communications, Tracking; Human Space Infonnation Propulsion; and Intelligent Telemetry; Flight Operations; Sciences. Controls and Systems; Command. Avionics; Sensors; Dr. Joseph S. Dynamics; Human Factors. George A/com Communications. Heyman Structures; Bruce Webbon (301) 286-5810 Hank Davis (804) 864-6006 Microgravity (415) 604-6646 galcom@gsfc. (713) 483-0474 j .s.heyman Processing. bwebbon@mail. nasa.gov hdavis@gpl01.jsc. @/arc.nasa.gov Harry Craft arc.nasa.gov nasa.gov (205) 544-5419 Jet Propulsion harry.craft@msfc. Dryden Flight laboratory Kennedy Space nasa.gov Research Center Selected techno- Center Lewis Research Selected techno- logical strengths: Selected techno- Center logical strengths: Near/Deep- logical strengths: Selected techno- Stennis Space Aerodynamics; Space Mission Environmental logical strengths: Center Aeronautics Engineering; Monitoring; Aeropropulsion; Selected techno- Flight Testing; Microspacecraft; Sensors; Corrosion Communications; logical strengths: Aeropropulsion; Space Protection; Energy Propulsion Flight Systems; Communications; Bio-Sciences; Technology; Systems; Thermal Testing; Infonnation Process Modeling; High Test/Monitoring; Integrated Systems; Work Planning! Temperature Remote Sensing; Systems Test Remote Sensing; Control; Materials Nonintrusive and Validation. Robotics. Meteorology. Research. Instrumentation. Lee Duke Merle McKenzie Gale Allen Ann Heyward Kirk Sharp (805) 258-3802 (818) 354-2577 (407) 867-8035 (216) 433-3484 (601) 688- 1929 duke@iouie.dfrf. merle.mckenzie@ galeallen-l@ ann.o.heyward@ ksharp@ nasa.gov ccmail.jpl.nasa.gov ksc.nasa.gov lerc.nasa.gov ssc.nasa.gov NASA-Sponsored Commercial Technology Organizations These organizations were established to provide rapid access to NASA and other federal R&D and foster collaboration between public and private sector organizations. They also can direct you to the appropriate point of contact within the Federal laboratory Consortium. To reach the Regional Technology Transfer Center nearest you, call (800) 472-6785. Dr. David Moran Dr. William Gasko Gary Sera Chris Coburn National Technology Center for Technology Mid-Continent Great Lakes Industrial Transfer Center Commercialization Technology Transfer Technology Transfer (600) 678-6882 Massachusetts Center Center Technology Park Texas A&M University Battelle Memorial (508) 670-0042 (409) 645-8762 Institute Ken Dozier (216) 734-0094 Far-West Technology J. Ronald Thornton Lani S. Hummel Transfer Center Southern Technology Mid-Atlantic Technology University of Southern Applications Center Applications Center Caiifornia University of Florida University of Pittsburgh (213) 743-2353 (904) 462-3913 (412) 383-2500 NASA ON-LINE: Go to NASA's Commercial Technology Network (CTN) on the World Wide Web at http://nctn.hq.nasa.gov to search NASA technology resources, find commerciaiization opportunities, and learn about NASA's national network of programs, organizations, and services dedicated to tech- nology transfer and commerciaiization. NASA Program Offices At NASA Headquarters there are seven major program offices that develop and oversee technology pro- jects of potential interest to industry. The street address for these strategic business units is: NASA Headquarters, 300 E St. SW, Washington, DC 20546. Carl Ray Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) & Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STIR) (202) 358-4652 cray@mail.hq. nasa.gov Dr. Robert Norwood Office of Aeronautics and Space Transportation Technology (Code R) (202) 358-2320 morwood@mail.hq. nasa.gov Philip Hodge Office of Space Flight (Code M) (202) 358-1417 phodge@osfrns1.hq. nasagov Gerald Johnson Office of Aeronautics (Code R) (202) 358-4711 gjohnson@aeromail. hq.nasa.gov Bill Smith Office of Space Sciences (CodeS) (202) 358-2473 wsmith@sm.ms.ossa. hq.nasa.gov Bert Hansen Office of Microgravily Science Applications (Code U) (202) 358-1958 bhansen@gm.olmsa. hq.nasa.gov Granville Paules Office of Mission to Planet Earth (Code Y) (202) 358-0706 gpaules@mtpe.hq. nasa.gov NASAls Business Facilitators NASA has established several organi- zations whose objectives are to estab- lish joint sponsored research agree- ments and incubate small start-up companies with significant business promise. Karen Robbins American Technology Initiative Menlo Park, CA (415) 325-5353 Dr. Jill Fabricant Johnson Technology Commercialization Center Houston, TX (713) 335-1250 Joe Boeddeker Ames Technology Commercialization Center San Jose, CA (408) 557-6799 Dan Morrison Mississippi Enterprise for Technology Stennis Space Center, MS (800) 746-4699 If you are interested in information, applications, and services relating to satellite and aerial data for Earth resources. contact Dr. Stan Morain. Earth Analysis Center, (505) 277-3622. For software developed with NASA funding. contact the Computer Software Management and Infonnation Center (COSMIC) at phone: (706) 542-3265; Fax: (706) 542- 4807; E-mail: http://www.cosmic.u9a.edu or service@cosmic.uga.edu. 12 www.nasalech.com ASA Tech Briefs,July 1997 FOR YEARS AT INLAND PAPERBOARD AND PACKAGING, INC·S CORRUGATING MEDIUM MILL IN NEWPORT, INDIANA, A TREACHEROUS STRETCH OF WHITE WATER WAS SENDING BEARINGS TO A WATERY GRAVE. CONTINUALLY BATHED IN CORROSIVE LIQUID, THE BEARINGS ON WIRE RETURN ROLLS WERE FAILING AT A RATE OF ONE EVERY FOUR MONTHS THIS LED TO DAMAGE IN THE WIRE RETURN ROLLS, CAUSING THEM TO REQUIRE FREQUENT CHANGING. QUITE AN EXPENSIVE PROBLEM. THAT·s WHEN A CRACK TEAM OF TORRINGTON ENGINEERS WAS CALLED IN. THEY RECOMMENDED TDC" (THIN DENSE CHROME) TO COMBAT THE RUST-LOVING WHITE WATER. TDC-cOATED BEARINGS PROVIDE SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE AND RESIST RUST AND CORROSION, BEARINGS ON THEIR WIRE RETURN ROLLS TO PUT THEM TO THE TEST. THE TDC BEARINGS SUCCEEDED FAR BEYOND INLAND·S EXPECTATIONS. IN FACT, AFTER MORE THAN THREE YEARS IN SERVICE, THEY·VE YET TO REPLACE A SINGLE ONE. INLAND IS SO PLEASED THAT THEY·RE NOW USING TDC IN THEIR FELT ROU POSITIONS AS WELL. THEY ESTIMATE THAT TORRINGTON TDC SAVES THE MILL OVER $100,000 A YEAR. SETTING NEW STANDARDS IN BEARING PERFORMANCE AND RELIABILITY IS N..L IN A DAY·S WORK FOR THE PEOPlE AT TORRINGTON. WE·RE CONTINUALLY DEVELOPING INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS TO HElP OUR CUSTOMERS THRIVE UNDER EVEN THE MOST ADVERSE CONDITIONS. EVEN IN THE HARSHEST ENVIRONMENTS. JUST THE TORRINGTON COMPANY. INCLUDING CHURNING TORRINGTON WHAT INLAND EEDED. THEY INSTALLED TDC WHATEVER IT TAKES. WHITE WATER. GERSOll-RAND www.torrington.com Vespel® parts can handle some of the tou est jobs. epayingfor themselves. Everyone knows that Vespel'!> polyimide parts improve performance in severe service applica- tions by withstanding extreme heat, friction, pressure and contamination - with minimal or no lubrication. But now manufacturers who use Vespel parts in general applica- tions are beginning to notice improvements http://www.dupont.com/enggpolymers/americas somewhere else: the bottom line. That's because the reliability and long life of Vespel parts can make them the most cost-effective choice for general applications in the long term. If your applications require parts that can withstand extreme temperatures (-350"F to 550"F), Vespel should be your first choice. Vespel should Insulators. In plasma-arc cutting torches, Vespel insulators provide superior strength and durability at high temperatures up to 550"F, lasting up to six times longer tJum fragile ceramic insulators. Bearings. In photocopiers, Vespel composite idler gear hub bushings are a cost-effective alternative to metal. The Vespel parts provide ultra-high temperature resistance and dimensional stability while offering a low coefficient of friction, as well as long life without lubrication. Bushings. In aircraft engine valles, Vespel bushings witltstand higlt-frequency vibration ditherorg and offer excellent stability and lubricity at high tempera/ures. They also reduce assembly time. also be considered if you have parts that rub together if metal parts are too noisy, or if fluid flow needs to be controlled. Superior strength and reliability aren't the only ways Vespel can save you money. Often, you can consolidate two or more exi ting parts in one Vespel piece. ~ Seal ~ In the assembly of automobile tronsmisrions, Vespel seal rings reduce costs by replacing expensive metal rings, which canfracture or defonn during assembly. They also reduce warranty costs by producing a better seal. Thrust Washers. In/ann tractor transmissions, Vespel thrust washers reduce costs and monufacmring time by eliminating the need/or secondary mochining. Vespel washers also exhibit high perfonnance and low wear with limited or no lubrication. ~ Wear Strips. In textile equipment, Vespeltenter frame clip wear strips reduce costs by eliminating the need for lubrication. They also improve textile manufacturing quality by eliminating oil contamination. and provide good wear and temperature resistance. IF YOU WANT TO GET TECHNICAl For Information. eall 1-800-426-7246 Or wnte: DuPont Vespel~ Product Informatron Center. PO Box 1138. Bloomfield Hdls. MI 4S303-1138. ®potID Vesper Only by DuPont And Vespel parts can be direct-formed, which eliminates machining costs. When you consider how cost-effective Vespel parts can be in the long term it's clear tbat we don't just make better bushings, bearings, washers and seals. We make better sense. For More Information Circle No. 530 TSPs Go Digital T hi month we are introducing an exciting new ervice for our read- T P button on the home page and fol-low the prompts to view and download as man package as ou would like at no charge (U.S. only) . er. Technical upport Package (T Ps), which provide more informa- tion about the innovation de cribed in tech brief: , now are available on-line at the ItSA Tech Briefs web ite- www.nasatech.com. imply click on the Thi i ue's T Ps are "up" now, and future i ues will be added to create a six-month rotating inventory. Package from prior is ue - tho e dating back 16 POWER 10015. POWER AND FLUID MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS FROM DAYCOjEASTMAN. Dayco Products and Imperial Eastman com- bined to bring you one of the most comprehensive lines of hydraulic hose, couplings and accessories available today. The result; the newly-consolidated Dayco/Eastman Catalog. Included are more than 300 pages of Power and Fluid Management sys- tems, accessories and crimping equipment in an easy-to-use, indexed format. To order your copy, or for the name of your nearest Dayco/Eastman Power and Fluid Management Systems distributor, contact: Dayco Products, Inc. 1 Prestige Place p. O. Box 1004 Dayton, OH 45401-1004 Phone: (800) 283-2926 Fax: (800) 688-4854 http://wwwdayco.com For More Information Circle No. 401 more than six month - will be archived and available from the ational Technology Tran fer Center in WheeHng, WV. You till can receive paper copie of T P via standard mail by completing the "T P Order Card" bound in the magazine. To help recover co ts, there now i a mode t 5.00 po tage and han- dling fee for each hard-cop T P. e the "Free Information Request Card" for all other editorial and adverti ing inquirie . For quicker ervice, use the new fax form on page 81. Share Your Ideas On-line We invite you to explore the many other new features of the ItSA Tech Briefs web site. Fortarters, you can sub- cribe or renew your subscription elec- tronically, po t question and share ideas in the new on-line Reader Forum, and preview highlights of upcoming issues. You also can learn about ASA's nation- wide network of R&D centers and con- nect to their web ite, earch ASA patent abstracts, and locate vendors and ervice in the "Hot Products" section. Moreover, you can get complete details about the NASA Tech BriefHpon- sored Technology 2007 conference com- ing to Bo ton's Hynes Convention Center September 22-24, and obtain papers from last year's event. There's much more to come, includ- ing a "Career Opportunities" ection where readers will be able to post posi- tion wanted, can offerings from major companies, and get expert advice. Please give us your comments and sug- gestion for the web site and magazine when you sign our guest book, the fir t option you will see when you hit the home page. Our goal is to make ItSA Tech Briefs as relevant as possible to your needs and interests. I personally read every feedback card and on-line com- ment you send - with this goal in mind - 0 please keep them coming. Jo eph Pramberger Publ.isher joe@abptuf.org NASA Tech Briefs. July 1997 The MATH ~ New release! AT LA B®5 The Language of Technical COlllputing New features include: • Data structures and types, including multidimensional arrays and user-definable objects • Programming environment with visual debugging, interactive performance optimization, and online references • Interactive graphical interface (GUI) layout and development • Fast, accurate advanced visualization and 3-D modeling • Visual interfaces for Signal Processing and Control System Toolboxes and a new release of SIMULINK· Available Now! Call 508-647-7000 10 find out more about MAnAB 5, SlMUUNK 2, and the reN toolbox updaIes, mil rrrNI and request KP167 10 receive your free edition 01 MAnAs 5 News & Noles. http://www.mathworks.com/ntb For more information on our Connections CSNVAR program, visit our Web site at http://www.roothwoti SUMITOMO METALS 1-800-392-4447 Park 80 West Plaza 1 3rd Floor Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 Phone: (201) 845-0980 Fax: (201) 845-5139 5201 Great America Parkway Suite 320 Santa Clara, CA 95054 Phone: (408) 982-2503 Fax: (408) 982-2522 For More Information Circle No. 432 Space near Earth is a vacuum that con- tain oxygen and other reactive gases acti- vated by the un. These gase can be pro- duced under Eartll condition but at high energy, which has damaging effects to polymer materials. FlowGenix' break- through proce produced new "cold" reactive gases that modify surfaces with- out damage. A gas tream flows under low pre ure through a special reactor in FDRG The reactor' hape and electric design enable a large volume of reactive atoms or molecule, called radical, to form as gas moves through the plasma zone. The gas cools and becomes more Dr. Jill Fabricant (right), President of FlowGenix, and Dr. Steve Koontz, Director of Research, dis- cuss how a plasma reactor is used in their FORe process, which produces cold reactive gases that modify surfaces without damage. pure as it diffuses away from the zone. The gas thoroughly, but gently, modifies the surface it touche, turning a simple material into a high-tech , high-value- added component. FlowGenix in itially will focus on biotechnology applications for disposable products to make and purifY D A The FDRC technology allows DNA synthesis supports, chromatography media, and diagnostic cas ettes to be made from inex- pensive porous sintered polymer filters, which can be loaded interstitially for bio- chemical purposes. The products offer greater loading capacities, good dimen- sional stability, superior flow rates, less reagent utilization, ignificantly lower costs, and design flexibility. They sub tan- tially shorten cycle times for biopharma- ceutical production and development. Markets for small- and large--scale synthe- sis upports and chromatography prod- ucts are expected to exceed 300 million this year and 900 million by 2001. Fur m.oTli infrmnatian, contact Dr. flU D. Fabricant of FlowGenix at 281-316-1070; e-mail: jJabricant@jlowgenix.com; http:// www.jlowgcni.x.com. ASA Tech Briefs,July 1997 a t Take a look at our innovative range of high tech consoles and the multiuse 19" rack miracel: The dacobas modular industrial furnishing system provides un- limited flexibility for individual applications. Standard modules facilitate upgrading and future expansion. http://www.knuerr.de Universal application in all areas is guaranteed by the design of the miracel 19" rack for electronics: a stable lightweight. cost- effective multiuse rack system. NURR USA Inc. • 1890 Nortil Voyager Avenue. Simi Valley. CA 93063 • Tel. (805) 526-77 33 • Fax (805) 584-83 71 NURR USA East • 120 Northpoint Court. Blythewood. SC 29016 • Tel. (8 03) 7 86-26 66 • Fax (8 03) 7 86-24 44 For More Information Clrde No. 595 Reader Forum R£ader Farum is droofJ!d to the thoughts, concerns, questions, and comments of auT readers. If you have a comment, a question regarding a specific technical problem, or an answer to a question that appeared in a mcent issue, send yauT letter to the address beluw. I'm chairman of an agency that ser- vices consumers who are mentally retarded or have a developmental dis- ability. We employ many of these con- sumers in a business that refurbishes rail car seats. Currently, we have a contract to make a permanent impression on vinyl seat covers that looks like a sewn seam. Some equipment we've looked at to do the job costs $20,000 or more. We need a less costly way to do this. Can you refer me to a source that might be able to help us? Gene Krumm Board Chair Allegany ARC Wellsville, NY The March Reader Forum included a request from Joseph Hunter for fractal image compression techniques for DOS and/or Windows. There are a number of techniques and software available. The Internet has several news groups dedi- cated to compression, in which fractal compression is discussed; other Internet sites are dedicated to fractal technology. There are PC-based code/decode pack- ages available with source code. I sug- gest to Mr. Hunter that an Internet search be his starting point since there are a number of graduate students working to develop better algorithms - direct electronic correspondence with them should provide a positive result. Harry Hodges hhodges@ compuserve.com The March 1995 issue of NASA Tech Briefs featured a reliability engineering manual available through Lewis Re- search Center. I purchased the book, which has since aided us in saving a $35 million project by helping us identify and measure the existing system, and recom- mend appropriate changes. Eric E pstei n Director of Engr., CSIS Fairfax, VA In the May Reader Forum, Alan Lieberman inquired about a source for precision distance measuring equip- ment. My company, Ultrasonic Arrays (425-481-6611), manufactures non-con- tact, ultrasonic distance and thickness measuring equipment suitable for indus- trial and laboratory environments, and which meets Mr. Lieberman's accuracy requirements of ±0.00025". Paula Gardner Ultrasonic Arrays Woodinville, WA Post your letters to Reader Forum on-line at www.nasatech.com or send to: Editor, NASA Tech Briefs, 317 Madison Ave., Suite 1 gOO, New York, NY 10017; Fax: 212-98~ 7864. Please include your name, company (if applicable), address, and phone number or e-mail address. 24 Measurement and Control System C:HINO CHINO Works America Inc. VlCTORA I!IJSIESS PAll< 11!005 so. SAV_ WAY, CARSON. ~ 90746 TEL:213-321-3943/ 45 FAX;3t().532·7195 CHINO CORPORATION 32-8, KUMANO-aiO, ITAf!ASHl.KU. TOKYO 173, Japan TEL1l3-3956-2171 FAX:()3.395IHl915 For More Infonnation Circle No. 402 ASA Tech BriefS,July 1997 "Last night I dreamt of a digital scope. With 1 Meg of memory. That worked like an analog scope. And it came with a big plate of nachos." Sorry, no nachos. The HP 54645A oscilloscope comes with all the things you'd love to have at your fingertips. Except for snacks. With HP's exclusive MegaZoom technology, our scope captures up to a million points at 200 MSals on each of its two channels--so you get a more detailed picture of your complex signal. And pan-and- zoom allows you to zero in and analyze areas of particular interest. Best of all, it operates as easily as an analog scope, so you can concentrate on your design. And getting home to dinner a little earlier. To learn more about the HP 54645A oscilloscope, call lIP DIRECI' at 1-8004524844,** E.xt. 5277. We'll show you how to get more detail for your money. For More Information Circle No. 612 "With HP MegaZoom technology, this is the first deep- memory oscillo- scope that's as easy to use as an analog scope. And equally easy on your budget." FflOW HEWLETT® ~~ PACKARD ~., Commercialization Opportunities Miniature, Low-Power Alphatron rugged and has no moving parts. ( ee page 2 .) Originally conceived to measure pres- ure of the Martian atmosphere, this gas- pre ure gauge can be adopted for u e on Earth to measure atmospheric and ubatmo pheric gas pre ures in scientif- ic and industrial applications in the range of 10' to 10' Pa. The gauge is Removable, Reusable Handle A detachable handle fits pecially designed modular cabinets. There is no need to provide eparate handle for each cabinet. (See page 36.) 26 MUCH MORE THAN A PRETIY PICTURE (FRAME) Our competitors say, "Oh, Cardinal 's just a picture frame company!" Sure, we manufacture picture frames, but that's just one of the many markets where we shine. Just take a look at this 6-hole, multi-hollow extrusion piece ... Mo T EXTRLTIERS WOLLD~'T E\"E . QUOTE THE JOB ••• They claimed it was too difficult to economically manufacture due to its difficult shape, varying wall thicknesses, and extensive fabricating. ... BL T CARDINAL COGLD, AND DID IT ALL! Extruding the complex profile was the easy part. What kills our competition is their tremendous cost in tooling and the numerous set-ups ... FABRICATED IN 10 t-t1 UTES! Our fully automated, multi-functional fabricating equipment allowed us to completely fabricate this component in one work cell in less than ten minutes! THE BIG FI ISH Next we applied our standard decorative etch black anodize-{)ne of over 20 anodizing colors available. We also offer over 60 stock powder coat finishes, five 2-step architectural hard coats, plus any custom match-all with the surface finish of your choice. And with our Image Graphics, your extrusions can look like any material! ALL THIS FROM A SINGLE SOURCE ••• Extruding, fabricating, finishin~h yea, and picture frames- it's all here at Cardinal, your single source for high-tech aluminum extrusions since 1946. Give us a call today. I-BOO-EXTRUDE ,,~ ~~~~o!~~~t~!~!:'.1!~V~'~ 4S~;7 '-A& 1·800·EXTRUDE· Fax: (800) 969-6910 For More Infonnatlon Circle No. 403 Transverse-Mode Electron-Beam Microwave Generator This vacuum-tube device is uperior to a kl tron in that its operation does not depend on maintenance of critical volt- age, and it can generate a useful amount of power at frequencie above 100 GHz. ( ee page 44.) Improved Ultraviolet-and- Infrared Hydrogen-Flame Detector An improved detector is not as vulner- able to false alarm as commercial units. It i designed to detect small hydrogen flames, not the large ones that are lit deliberately, and the unit i not readily confu ed by other ource of light. (See page 49.) Heteroepitaxial Growth of Monocrystalline Boron Nitride A proposed depo ition process would grow monocrystalline cubic boron nitride on silicon carbide films. Success of this process may open a way for making new high-tempera- ture, high-power, high-frequency elec- tronic devices. (See page 65.) Making loP Solar Cells From Tertiarybutylphosphine A much less hazardous ubstitute for phosphine may be used in production of lnP films for solar cells. Preliminary findings are optimistic and may lead to mass production of lnP solar cells. (See page 66.) First Supersonic Yaw-Vectoring Flight for the ACTIVE Program Yaw-vectoring flights were recently conducted on F-15 aircraft. This design could lead to significant performance improvements in future aircraft, whjch would include extended range, increased maneuverability, reduced operating cost, and greater safety. ( ee page 74.) Automated Microspectrofluorimeter and Cell-Culture Apparatus All of the in trumentation needed to culture cells and examine them is con- tained in one compact package. The instrument is designed to operate under computer control. (See page 82.) NASA Tech Briefs, July 1997 We've Taken Dynamic Measurements To An All-Time Low It takes a very sensitive accelerometer to measure something that hardly seems to be moving. Fortunately Endevco accelerometers have the accuracy and res~ olution you need-even if you're working in the micro~g range or at 0 Hz. We're the only supplier with a complete array of advanced sensing technologies. So you're assured a perfect solution to address your specific measurement requirements. Yet for all their sensitivity at low vibration levels and frequencies, these units need 7754-1000 lSOTRO • AcceIerom~r. This rugged sensor has me exceptional resolution to detect less than I micro-g and flat down to 0.05 Hz. e ll "T I '" f. 0 ISO 900'1 7290A AcceIeromerer. no special handling. We even have models for extreme temperatures from ~55°C to +288°C. So these sensors keep working when others would fail. Reque>1 " fr • .., copy of ,"" "hort Funn Calalog loda, 10 find the right I:.ndevcu ,Iutl '11 for ~ou. Call 1-800-9 )·6732 or com 111 f« .... hilo@rnJevoo.col1l And for every Endevco accelerometer there's an ideal signal conditioner and low-noise cable to match-for a complete turnkey solution. So don't lower your standard by using lesser accelerometers. Call Endevco today. It's the best way to get your project moving. 4430A ignaI Cooditiooer. Ideal for low-level accelerations from 2g to lOOg full scale. Offe .. de response, ruggedne.s W 10,000g' ,amplified (±2V) output and a wide temperarure range. 752.-500 ISOTRO • Aceelerometer. This tiny accelerometer oIf= outstandrng sensitivity of 05 V/g and comes in a her- metic paclcage that weighs just 10 grams. This ,'eIS3IiIe. high-pm:ision amplifier may be oomputer controUed and offers program- mable filters, cwrent, voltage and gam adJusanentS. MEGGITT 30700 Rancho Viejo Road, S;tn Juan Cap=o, CA 92675 USA Phone (800) 982.6732 Fax (714) 661-7231 ENDEVCO~ VI. 1t our website lit http://www.endevco.com @ Miniature, Low-Power Alphatron This device would fit into a cube of about 1 cm. 11 :A. s Jet Propulsion Laboratary, Pasadena, California A propo ed gas-pre sure gauge of the "alphatron" type would feature unusual- ly wide dynamic range, mall size, and low power consumption. Conceived for measuring the pressure of the Martian aunosphere, this gauge could also be used on Earth to measure auno pheric and subaunospheric gas pres ures in scientific and industrial apparatus. Alpha particle vacuum gauges have been out of common use for decades due to lack of a practical technology compatible with workplace safety stan- dards. An alpha particle gauge is an ion- ization-type pressure gauge (more pre- cisely, a density gauge) in which alpha particles (energetic helium nuclei) from a radioactive source produce posi- tive ions in a gas. An electric field i imposed on the gas by applying a suit- able electric potential to a cathode and anode, causing the positive ions to drift to the cathode and electrons to drift to the anode. The ionization current thus collected by the cathode is measured and taken as an indication of the densi- ty of the gas (equivalently, the pressure of the gas at a given temperature). Operational-Amplifier Integrated Circuit In the proposed miniature alpha gauge (see figure) the alpha particle source would be a small piece of an americium isotope, similar to those used in household smoke detectors. The source would be covered by a gold surface layer to attenuate the alpha par- ticles to an optimum kinetic energy of the order of 1 MeV. The a ource would be electrically grounded and located near the center of an ann u lar-d is k- shaped cathode. The cathode would be connected to the input pin of an opera- tional-amplifier integrated circuit, mak- ing it possible to measure ion current as small as a fraction of a picoampere. This Miniature Alphatron would respond linearly to pressures from 1 to 1,000 millibars. A cylindrical-cup- haped anode would be placed over the a ource and cathode, and would be held at a positive potential. The dimen ion of the anode mu t be chosen, in conjunction with other design parameters, so that at the maximum intended operating gas pres- sure, the range of the a particles is greater than the distance to the anode. This is important because, if the a 28 tracks terminate within the active vol- ume, then the number of ions pro- duced is independent of pressure, and the sensor would no longer function as a pressure gauge. Preliminary experiments and design calculations suggest that the ion current would be directly proportional to pres- sure over the range from 1 to 1,000 mil- libar (102 to lOS Pa) at standard tem- perature. Like other alphatrons, this one would offer the advantages of ruggedness and no moving parts. By use of urface-mount hybrid technology, it should be possible to fit this alphatron within a package of about 1 cm in each linear dimension. This work was done by Martin G. Buehler, L. Douglas Bell, and Michael H. Hecht of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propul- www.nasatech.com sion Labora tory. For further informa- tion, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www. nasatech.com under the Physical Sciences category, or circle no. 153 on the TSP Order Card in this issue to receive a copy by mail ($5 charge). In accordance with Public Law 96-517, the contractor has elected to retain title to this invention. Inquiries concerning rights for its commercial use should be addressed to: Larry Gilbert, Director Technology Transfer California Institute of Technology Mail Code 315 - 6 Pasadena, CA 91125 (818) 395-3288 Refer to NPO-19622, volume and number oj this ABA Tech Briefs issue, and the page number. ASA Tech Briefs,July 1997 Try CorelCAD FREE!! Call1-800-772-6735 for a fully functioning, 3O-day trial version! 'Fee for shipping and handling Is required. You are eligible to upgrade to the precision and 3D flexibility of CorelCAD! Professional 3D solid modeling at a realistic price CoreICAO'" is a 32-bit design tool that allows easy, accurate modeling of real-world objects in 3~. A fully customizable interface and the industry-standard ACIS· solid modeling system will give you the flexibility to conceptualize, construct and revise product models and prototypes on the PC. With powerful Boolean operations, advanced blending, extrusions, 2D drafting features, symbols, models and more, CorelCAO will help you add a whole new dimension to all your design projects! CortI Is I ..... 1TadomIItc and CorelCAD Is • 1TadomIItc 01 CortI ~ in CiIlada. tholhllld Stalls ..vor _ .......... ACIS 15 llIQISInd 1TadomIItc 01 SpatioI Ttd1rIotIgy Int. AI_ product and eomp;r1y names 311_ or regislnd_ oIlhoi'~~ Academic version also available! .G~p.utAbility Your PC Discount Specialists -800-554 - 635 Feat es • ACIS· -based 3D solid modeling • Advanced Boolean operations • Realistic materials and rendering • Customlzable user interface Incl • 100 sample drawings • 120 TrueType· fonts • 600 + 3D symbols 7,000+ 20 drafting symbols www.corel.com CaU DOW for fued Uteraturtl Hi13-723-0826 ext 3080 Document,.. 1162 @ Micromechanical Oscillating Mass Balance Advantages would include compactness and relative simplicity. Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas A micromechanical 0 cillating mass balance has been proposed for measur- ing mall amounts (with resolution of the order of 10--8 g) of contaminant material depo ited on its surface. As in the case of the commercial quartz-crystal microbal- ance now u ed as contamination detec- tors, the contaminant mass would be measured in term of a mall cbange in the frequency of resonance of mechani- cal 0 cillation . The micromechanical oscillating mas balance would include a conduct- or/ dielectric/ conductor lamtnated composite beam with both ends rigidly fixed (see figure). Typically, the beam would be about 3 rom long, 0.1 mm wide, and 6 Jll11 thick, though of course the dimensions in a specific design could differ considerably from these representative values. The beam would be fabricated by techniques now used in the microelectronics industry and thus could be integrated on a silicon chip along with supporting electronic circuit- ry. The resonan t frequency - that is, the frequency of the fundamental mode of vibration of the beam - would typically be a few kilohertz. Penn anent magnets would be mount- ed nearby to i.mpo e a magnetic field acro the beam. An alternating current would be driven along one of the con- ductive layers on the beam, so that the force produced by the interaction between the current and the permanent magnetic field would set the beam into o cillation at the driving frequency. The o cillating motion of the other conduc- ti e layer in the magnetic field would gen- erate alternating voltage between the ends of the beam in that layer; the ampli- tude of this output voltage could be mea- sured as an indication of the amplitude of vibration. During a measurement ses ion, the output voltage would be measured as a function of the driving frequency; the res- onant frequency would be identified as that driving frequency at which the out- put voltage reached its peak value. An accumulation of contaminant mass dur- ing the time between two measurement sessions wou ld manifest itself as a Output Voltage decrease in the resonant frequency. Theoretical calculation how that a con- taminant mas of onl 10--8 g would decrease the re onant frequency by about 1 Hz in the typical case. Frequency hifts of the e magnitude are easily measur- able by currently available equipment. The mallne of the micromechanical o cillating mass balance would afford ev- era! di tinct advantages over quartz-crys- tal microbalance and other related devices. The mo t obvious advantage is enhanced portability. The mall size and mass of this device would also contribute to its ability to survive large vibration and acceleration. Another important advan- tage pertain to thennal stabilization; smallne s of size would minimize the effects of gradients of temperature, while smallness of mass would maximize the effectivene with which the temperature of the device could be controlled. Temperature conlrol could be accom- pLished easily by mounting thi device directly on a Peltier device. Another advantage would Lie in rela- tively low cost associated with the relative- ly low driving frequency. Quartz- crystal microbalance operate at frequencies in the megahertz range, thereby requiring circuit- ry more expensive than that needed for operation in the kilohertz range. Yet another advantage would Lie in the u e of the fundamental mode ofvibra- tion of the beam. A theoretical analy is of the performance of a beam vibrating in its fundamen- tal mode is easier than is the cor- responding analysis for the quartz-cry tal microbalance, which vibrates in a complex transverse mode. This work was dcne by David Altemir ofJohnson Space Cen ter. For further infannation, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.nasatech.com under the Physical Sciences categury, or circle no. 165 on the TSP Order Card in this issue to receive a copy by mail ($5 charge). This invention is owned by itSA, and a patent application has been filed. Inquiries concerning nonexclusive or exclusive license for its commercial development should The Beam Would Be Made To Oscillate by driving an alternating current along the upper conductive layer in the presence of the permanent magnetic field. The oscillation would be measured by measuring the voltage induced in the lower conductive layer. be addressed to the Patent Counsel, Johnson Space Center; (713) 483- 4871. Refer to MSC-22569. 30 www.nasatech.com ASA Tech Briefs,July 1997 Can Your FEA Software Snap Too? Scenes from Oil Can Video available on free CD·ROM or www.algor.com. Snap-through ("oil can") buckling is widely regarded as an extreme test of the "robustness" of FEA software. With Algor, "it's a snap." Gutter String: Displacement VI TIme Dynamic response of snap Dynamic response Graph of displacement versus time of center node automatically plotted by Algor's Live Monitor during the actual run. When the Engineering Has to be Right,... Algor, Inc. 150 Beta Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15238-2932 USA Phone: +1 (412) 967-2700 Fax: +1 (412) 967-2781 California: (714) 564-0844 Europe (UK): +44 (1) (784) 442246 E-mail: info@algor.com Copyright@ 1997. Algor, Inc. For More Information Circle No. 630 o Improved Fillets To Withstand Thermal Shocks Some material would be removed to reduce thermal gradients. Marshall Space Flight Center; Alabama Improved larger-radius filJets have been proposed to help orne right- angle tructural joints in turbine engines endure thermal shocks that occur during rapid heating and cool- ing. The joints in question could be , for example, those between turbine- vane airfoils and the endwalJ that support the airfoil . The problem of thermal hock (transient thermally induced mechan- ical stress) in joints of this type arises for the folJowing reasons: It i welJ documented that in the absence of thermal transients, such ajoint can be made more durable by increasing its fillet radiu to reduce concentration of mechanical tre e. nfortunately, in the presence of thermal tran ients, the mass added by increasing the fillet radiu serve a a medium that up- ports increased local gradients of tem- perature; thi causes thermal tre es to increase, negating the benefit of the larger fillet radius. The figure show repre entative olid- and hollow-airfoil / endwall joints in the ba eline, conventional larger-fillet-radius (non-thermal- shock), and proposed larger-fillet- radiu configurations. In the pro- po ed configuration the filJets would be enlarged to reduce concentration of tres es as in conventional practice. In addition, ome rna would be removed from the back ide oppo ite the ftIlets. The removal of rna from the vicinity of the filJets would reduce thermal stre es by reducing the gradi- ents between the typically higher tem- perature along the ide of the air- foil and the typically lower mas -aver- age temperatures of the fillet regions. This work was done by Donald E. Paulus of United Technologies Pratt & Whitney for Marshall Space Flight Center. 0 further documentation is available. MFS-28943 SOLID-AIRFOIUENDWALL JOINT HOLLOW-AIRFOIUENDWALL JOINT / I \ ,,'-/ Mainstream Flow ,/--- I I Enlarged " Fillet / '- .,..../ BASELINE CONFIGURATION Trailing-Edge Region V of Airfoil " Mainstream Flow CONVENTIONAL (NON-THERMAL-SHOCK) CONFIGURATION FOR INCREASING ENDURANCE Mass Removed I IMPROVED FILLET CONFIGURATION FOR THERMAL-SHOCK ENVIRONMENT / I \ , -/ Mainstream Flow //--- I I Enlarged \ Fillet \ , --- " Mainstream Flow Mass Removed / Removal of Mass from back sides opposite fillets would increase thermal-shock endurance by decreasing thermal gradients. 32 www.nasatech.com ASA Tech Briefs,July 1997 Software Enl~im~inf- Contract Specialists: Schedules: 70 A, B/C, 58 GWAC FEDSIM Dept. of Justice NASA SEWP II - Agency Specific Contracts .~qUlisition, Operations, Resource Services ..,'J\Sjiistam:e Available We're Government Micro Resources, Inc. (GMR), but there's nothing micro about us. Leading edge solutions, complete services, and best-of-breed products are hallmarks of our success. For fifteen years, GMR has been addressing customer's Information Technology needs. From laptop to mainframe and everything in between, around the beltway or around the world, GMR is the integrator with global vision. Call us today for more information on how we can take your enterprise into the 21st Century. NASA Langley • NASI-97JOI NASA Ames - NAS2-143Sl GSA Schedule BIC - G5-35F-4566G GSA Schedule A - G5-35F-0097D GSA Schedule 58 - G5-35F-1O&30 GMR 8 Government Micro Resources, Inc. Sunnyvale, CA • Norfolk, VA • Mannington, WV • San Antonio, TX • Denver, CO 7203 Gateway Court • Manassas, VA 20109 (703) 330--ll99 • (703) 330--1722 Fax For More Informatlon Circle No. 690 SEWP 11 - NAS5-32898 o Thermostatic Valve for Low-Pressure-Drop Flows of Gas Hot and cold inlet flows are mixed to obtain intermediate temperature at the outlet. John F. Kennedy pace Center, Florida thermo tati bypa diverter valve mixe hot and cold inlet flow of a gas to obtain an outlet flow at an approxi- mately con tant intermediate tempera- ture. The valve (ee figure) include lotlike inlets and a flag mounted on a bimetallic trip. The flag can I block e ither or both inlet(s) to variou degree, thereby altering the propor- tion of entering hot and cold flows. The degree of blockage of the in lets depend on the bend of the bimetallic trip; this bend, in turn, depends on temperature. The valve is intended for use in a sys- tem in which the pressure drops else- where along the relevant flow path are low. It is anticipated that neither 100-percent cold flow nor 100-percent hot flow wou ld ever be needed in this ystem. Therefore, leakage of either the hot or the cold flow through a nominally totally blocked inlet is not of concern, and the valve can be designed with generous clearance while still restricti ng the inlet flows enough to obtain the desired control. Large clearances can be utilized to reduce friction and drag, which cou ld cau e binding. At the time of reporting tl1e informa- tion for th is article, the valve had not yet been te ted for sensitivity to vibra- tion. Should the valve prove sen itive to vibration in its operational environ- ment, the mass of the flag and/ or the bimetall ic strip can be adju ted to avo id resonance, and/ or the parts adja- cent to the clearance gaps could be Cold Inlet Cold Hot Inlet Flow Inlet Flow Warm Outlet Flow 1 1 i L-_-_-J 1 :--ri 1 __ +_1 I I I Outlet Lr- _I /" III I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1/ I .... ----I+I---- J Bimetallic Strip Flag Hot Inlet Outlet Bimetallic Strip Inlets This Valve Mixes hot and cold inlet flows of gas. The temperature-sensit ive bend of the bimetallic strip determines the mixing proportions and t hus the temperature of the out let flow. coated wim polytetrafluoroethylene or a similar material to provide limited frictional damping. This work was done by Paul F. Berg of United Technologies Corp. for Kennedy Space Center. 0 further documentation is available. Inquiries concerning rights for the com- mercial use of this invention should be addressed to the Patent Counsel, Kennedy Space Center; (407) 867-2544. Refer to KSC-11871. o Optically Controlled Microvalves for Microfluidic Devices These valves would be actuated remotely, without external electrical connections. NASA:S Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California Optically con trolled microvalves have been propo ed for use in microfluidic devices. The e microvalves would be actuated remotely via me photoactua- tion effect mat occurs in me ferroelec- tric/ piezoelectric material lead lan- thanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) . Microvalves are needed in biomed- ical, microchemical, micro irrigation, micro pacecrafl, and microavionic application. Wim miniaturization, it becomes de irable to eliminate the extra baggage of peripheral electronic controls and umbilical cord that are 34 customarily u ed in remotely control- ling valves equipped with electrically driven actuator. The elimination of electrical connections i especially important where mere is a need for electrical isolation for safety; for exam- ple, in biomedical application that involve the delivery of in ulin or me control of flow in artificial organ. Photoactuation i thus an attractive option for uch applications. The basic principle of photoactua- tion by u e of PLZT was described in "Thin-Film, Light-Energized Bimorph www.nasatech.com Micromechanical Actuator· ( PO- 19607), ~SA Tech Briefs, Vol. 20, 0.8 (August 1996), page lla. The actuator in a microvalve of the proposed type would be made largely of PLZT, which could be eimer free-standing or formed on a min substrate of Si, is 4, or other suitable material. The figure show a propo ed microvalve actuated by a two- layer (PLZT I Sis 4) diaphragm. Inci- dent light would cau e the diaphragm to bend down in me middle, clo ing the valve; a similar microvalve could also be configured 0 mat illumination would ASA Tech Briefs,July 1997 CUSTOM PRE • •• • 'it"n·lirT, HAUPPAUGE, NY 11788-4289 582.6740 • FAX (516) 582-6038 For More InformllUon ClKle No. 577 Illumination Diaphragm (Wafer or Block) .. '"~ VALVE OPEN VALVE CLOSED rPLZTLayer DETAIL SHOWING LAVERS IN DIAPHRAGM This Microvalve Would Close when illuminated from the top. The diaphragm would function as a photoactuator by virtue of the ferroelectridpiezoelectric effect in PLZT. 'l Removable, Reusable Handle The handle can be attached and detached quickly and easily. Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas A detachable handle fits specially designed modular equipment cabinets. There is no need to provide each cabinet with its own handle; weight is thus saved and a streamlined cabinet surface is pre- served. The handle can be installed and removed with only one hand. It can be used quickly, its state is unambiguous, and its operation is reliable. The handle mates with a baseplate that is bolted to a face of a cabinet A human or robotic operator first inserts a stub that protrudes from the handle into a posi- tioning receptacle on the baseplate, then turns the handle 90° clockwise, so that interlocking conical sm-faces of the stub and receptacle slide into contact The operator pushes a locking button within the reach ofa thumb on the handgrip rail on the handle. This action causes a pin to Receptacle in Baseplate HANDLE SEPARATED FROM BASEPLATE protrude from the stub into a hole in the receptacle in the baseplate, thereby lock- ing the handle to the baseplate and cabi- net. To remove the handle, the operator pushes a releasing button near the base- plate. The releasing button is placed far enough from the locking button that the releasing button is unlikely to be pushed accidentally. The operator rotates the han- dle 90° counterclockwise and can then extract the handle from the baseplate. Even if the release button were pushed inadvertently, the handle would still have to be rotated 90° to be released fully. Inasmuch as only one of the two buttons can protrude at any time, the user can eas- ily see the state oflocking. This wlJ/'k was done by Robert P. Nesprxkany, Jr., oj HoneyweU, Inc., Jor Johnson Space HANDLE PLACED ON BASEPLATE BUT NOT TURNED INTO LOCKING POSITION cause the valve to open. Such valves could be actuated by pulses of light to obtain pul es of flow and/ or pressure in the fluids to be controlled. The propo ed microvalves would be made by micromachining techniques like tho e u ed to make very-large- cale integrated (VLSI) circuits, and could be embedded in VLSI wafers. They could be readily tailored to suit for specific applications. They could be produced in batches and could be inexpensive enough to be regarded as expendable. This wlJ/'k was done by Sarita Thakoor and Terry Cole oj Caltech Jor NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. F01' further infor- mation, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.nasatech. com under the Mechanics category, or circle 7IQ. 147 on the TSP Order Card in this issue to receive a copy by mail ($5 charge). NP0-19661 Center. For further injOT'l'TU.ltion, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.TU1Satech.com under the Mechanics categrJry, or circle no. 163 on the TSP Order Card in this issue to receive a copy by mail ($5 charge). Titl£ to this invention has been waived under the provisions oj the National Aeronautics and Space Act (42 U.S.c. 2457(j)}, to Honeywell, Inc. Inquiries concerning licenses Jor its com- mercial development s1wul.d be addressed to: Mr. Ron Champion HoneyweU, Inc. Satellite System operations PO Box 52199 Phoenix, AZ 85072-2199 (602) 436-1980 ReJer to MSC-22126, volume and number oj this NASA Tech Briefs issue, and the page number. HANDLE IN LOCKING POSITION ON BASEPLATE The Installation or Removal of the Handle involves both rotation and pushing a button - the lock button for installation and the release button for removal. Rotation is clockwise for installation. counterclockwise for removal. 36 www.nasatech.com NASA Tech Briefs,july 1997 THINGS THAT SEEM TO LAST AN ETERNITY a. Fruitcake b. Root canal c. Opera d. Parts lubricated with Kryto~ Wby do components with DuPont Krytox· last practically forever? For starters, Krytox· lubricants are based on exclu ive space-age fluoropolymer technology. Available in oil, grease and dry film, Krytox· provides long-lasting lubrication over the broadest range of temperatures (-70°F to 6S0"F) in even the most extreme conditions. Krytox· is also compatible with metals. elastomers, engineering plastics - and all chemicals including oxygen - which means it's nonflammable, chemically inert, and insoluble in solvents and water. It's clean, white, and it stays http://wwwJubricants.dupont.com put, with virtually no change in physical propertie over time. And if you 're looking for a clean solution to the assembly and operation of moving parts, try easy-to-apply Krytox· dry film. Whether your application is automotive, aerospace, small motors, paper making or chemical processing, you just can't get a longer-lasting lubricant than Krytoxe. For more information, call 1-800-424-7502. Krytox~ Lubrication beyond your highest expectations. c[(J PON)? Krytox· pertOnnallcc lubricants For More Information Circle No. 662 I $- Mechanical Components Comair Rotron, San Y idro, CA, offers the Dip- lomate DC 7.5" motorized impeller , which operate at 330 CFM and uses brush less DC motor tech- nology. It is available with the ThennaPro-v'" forced convection cooling tech- nology that allows the user to program it to adjust speed with temperature, set the speed desired. or maintain a constant speed when voltage varies. The impeller operates at 12. 24, and 48 VDC and can be used for pressurization or evacuation of enclosures in computers, peripherals, and filtering. Options include an inlet ring, fan perfonnance sensors, ball bearing construction, tachometer output for failure sensing, and harness assemblies. For More Information Circle No. 123 Penn Engineering & Manufacturing Corp., Danboro, PA, offers Type PFII '" panel fas- teners, which enable quick assembly and panel removal, and eliminate the need for loose hardware. The PEMe self-cl inching panel fastener assem- blies feature a large knurled knob with a combination slotl Phillips drive for fin- ger or tool operation. The shoulder fea- The HN series RF connectors from Tru-Connector Corp., Peabody, MA, are made of brass with a silver or nickel fin- ish, and silver- or gold-plated brass, phosphor-bronze, or berytlium-copper center con- ductors. Tbey feature Teflone dielectric interfaces and long dielectric creep paths, and incorporate 3/ 4"-20 couplings. The connectors handle up to 5,000 volts, provide 50 ohms impedance, and operate over a o to 4 Ghz frequency range. Designed to fit cables from 0.195" to 0.945" 00, they are available as straight-through and right-angle plugs, jacks, plug receptacles, and as in-series and between-serie adapters. For More Information Circle No. 129 The SSW201 erie non< ontact sp eed switch from OMEGA Engineering, tamford, CT, com- bines the function of a proximity switch with a timing network for motion control of rotating machinery. The switch features adjustable high- or low-speed et- points and incorporates a power- up time delay that allows the detected object to accelerate to nonnal operating speed wben the switch is used as a low alarm. The switch is in a non-conduc- tive state below, and conducts above the predetennined setpoint. It is available in low and high fre- quency range , and is suitable for use in dirty, humid, oily, and dusty applications. For More Information Circle No. 124 Thomson Saginaw, Saginaw, MI, offers metric ball screw assemblies that meet ISO Class-5 precision of 25 Ilm/ 300mm (0.001 in/ft) . T he assem blies are avail- able in 96 styles and configurations, in preloaded and non- preloaded versions ranging from 12 x 5 to 50 x 50 (diameter mm x lead mm) . End-flanged, ceDler-flanged, and cylindrical nut configurations are offered. Suited for replacing acme-screw and hydraulic and pneumatic actu- ators, the ball screws feature low power consumption, quiet opera- tion, and positioning accuracy and repeatability. For More Information Circle No. 128 South co, Concordville, PA, has introduced the Rotary Action draw latch, which operates like a standard draw latch, drawing two panels together with over- center clamping force. The latch is available in two styles: a concealed spring-loaded ver- sion and a fixed anchor plate version. The concealed spring- loaded version compensates for mounting-hole irregularities, panel variations, and gasket set, and absorbs shock and vibra- tion to reduce rattling. A lift and twist action opens the latche , preventing a latch from napping open. Both versions are available in a stainless teel finish for indoor/ outdoor applications, and a steel finish with black powder coating, which offers 400 hours of UV protection. For More Information Circle No. 131 38 www.nasatech.com NASA Tech Briefs,July 1997 onkey o y-our baCk #31: owtofind a UNlXe workstation tllat loves running WindoWs NT: ntil now, purcba ing a work lation re- quired you to choo e between U JI • and , indows 'T.- Thanks to the new DIGITAL Personal Workstation au- eries, that's no longer the ca e. It' the onI RISe work- tation that truly run both l' IX and Window T. Which mean if you're currently using NIX, ou can easil migrate to Windows T, whether you wanl to do it a year from now or thi afternoon . And DlOrrAL Personal Workstation for 1I1ndows NT and UNlX Choice qf 4JJMlh.500"!Hz and 600~z Alpha 21164 procusors ECC SDRAM fTII!mory 0-2MB LJ cach~ 5 PCl dots (2 PCI, J PCl/lSA) DlGrrAL Pow." torm· JD Graphics. AccelPrQ eries. Malrox Millennium Graphics mamaamDN Whatever H takes:" not onl does the DIGITAL Per onal Work tation dramati- cally reduce our purchase, support and migration costs, but al speeds up to 600MHz, it's the faslest workstation you can buy. What's more, the DIGITAL Personal Workstation runs all major IX and Windows T applications today. 0 the choice is clear: uyou want a worksta- tion that gives you the best of both worlds, the new DIGITAL Per onal Workstation is the one you 're sure to love. For more Information, or to learn more about our free 2.1 GB disk offer, call l.aOG-DIGITAL and ask for a workstation specialist or visIt www.workstatlon.dlgltal.com. ... o DlgIteI EquipmtrIt CoIpotIdon. 1997 0K)ITAl. and thI DtGITAL 1IQoo .. ndIrnIIb. PowerlJIonn • • feQIstetR If""." and Wh .... vef it Uk ..... ~ '"'" of 1M Oogl1al EqulPf"8'rtt Cof'po,abQft, UNIX It • Jt911C1It"" I~ 11'\ me UMtd 51,. and otheI ~, keNad .~ tI'Itough x.q.n~, lJd wn:tows f(T •• ~tr"""of me t.6cI'OIIOIi CorporwIIon"'IheU..s. IltldOlhw~ For Mont InfonnatJon Clrd. No. 533 I $- Mechanical Components EPI Teflon· seals and bearings from Engineering Plastics, We tboro, MA, can be cold- molded and machined with user- pecific compo itions. The eats, seal , and bearings are made from virgin PTFE and PTFM Teflon with pigments for color- coding. They can be produced in sizes from 3/ 8" to 50" in diam- eter, in shapes including V-ring, U-ring, split-, cup-, and lip-seals. The components are chemi- cally inert and moisture re is- tant They can be mineral-filled for steam resistance, glass-filled in varying percentages for long wear and tiffnes, and bronze-filled for self-lubricating bearing appli- cations requiring strength and lubricity. The components are pro- duced in prototype to production quantities. For More Information Circle No. 721 Weber Knapp , Jamestown, NY, has introduced a line of s p ring- counterbalanced binges for con- trolled lifting, holding, and clos- ing forces . They hold loads in an infinite number of positions, and prevent unassist- ed closing of lids, doors, hoods, hatches, and movable and articulating arms. The hinges are temperature-resistant and combine the func- tions of a hinge with position control capabilities. They are com- pact and can be used as an alternative to position control devices such as cranks, gas cylinders, torsion bars, and electric motors. For More Information Circle No. 722 ControlAir, Amherst, NH, has introduced the Ultra line of linear air cylinders for applications requiring precise force response to small pres- sure variations. The cylin- ders combine a rolling diaphragm seal, a hard- ened steel shaft, and Thomson Class A linear ball bearings. They are available in stroke ranges from 0.7 to 6.0" and operate at plant air supply pressures to 145 psi . Custom diaphragm materials allow operation at tem- peratures from -75°F to +400°F. Applications include thread tenSioning/ positioning, controlled clamping force , polishing and grinding machinery, and precision actuation . Univer al , foot, and clevis bracket mounting options are available , as well as a variety of diaphragm materials, springs, and bearings. For More Information Circle No. 730 E- witch , Brooklyn Park, MN. offers the 600 Serie sli d e gold or ilver contacts with a choice of PC board footprints to accommodate many design layouts. Silver con tacts are rated at 4A at 120V; gold con- tacts provide a rating ofO.4VA maximum at 20V maximum. Multiple actuator option , including right angle, recessed, and extended actuator versions, can be specified in SPDT or DPDT con- figurations. Applications include electronics, automotive, appliances, medical equipment, test and measurement equipment, and telecom- munications. For More Information Circle No. 720 Bayside Con troIs , Port Washington, NY, offers stainless steel gearheads with ServoMount'" design that allows mounting to any motor. The pinion is pre-mount- ed in the gearhead housing with a float- ing bearing that automatically com- pen ates for motor haft runout or mis- alignment. Features include corrosion-resistant stainless steel housing, FDA- approved FM grease and stainless steel gearing, round housing design, and a housing sealed to IP65 Standard for protection against internal contamination. For More Information Circle No. 726 The WhisperDrive gear- head from Cone Drive Textron, Traverse City, MI, is wear-compensating, enabling zero backlash to be maintained without the need for adjustment for the life of the ervo sys- tem. It is lightweight, com- pact, and provides repeat- able positioning. Features include elimination of worm endplay, 300% momentary overload capacity, versatile mounting, solid or hollow output shaft, and inch or metric dimensioned hafting. The gearhead is sealed for life and is factory-filled with synthetic lubricant For More Information Circle No. 727 40 www.nasatech.com ASA Tech Briefs, July 1997 DRIV·LOK, NOW as 9000nso 9002, LEADERS AGAIN BECAUSE .. . Since 1939, a quest for knowledge of machining processes ... Expert sales and engineering service . .. From this earliest DRIV-LOK pin maker, our in-house design of proprietary equipment has DRIV-LOK's customer service personnel are backed by sophisticated computer programs enabled us to meet difficult fastening challenges and attain a unique and leading position as a manufac- turer of press fit pins. Quality, first and foremost . .. facilitating efficient order entry proce- dures, improved costing systems and shop floor control. If you need engineering assistance for cost reduction, product improve- ment or new product design Even before quality became a leading criteria of many OEM buyers, DRIV-LOK had in place a program of continuous improve- ment. A stringent on-going training program for all employees, a Statistical Process and Quality Control System second to none, and the very latest in high tech test equipment have earned us quality recognition from leading companies including the GM Mark application, DRIV-LOK's field engineering staff is at your call. of Excellence and Ford Q1 awards. And we are now proud to be a OS 9000 certified manufacturer! To learn more, call for DRIV-LOK's Comprehensive Product Guide. DRIV-LOK, Inc. 1140 Park Avenue, Sycamore, IL U.S.A. 60178 TEL 815/895-8161 FAX 815/895-6909 E-MAIL driv-Iok@tbcnet.com WEB SITE www.driv-Iok.com For More Information Circle No. 556 QS-l)(lIIU * ISO 911112 CenifiQIe Number: 316.17 ~ Active-Pixel Image Sensor with Regional Electronic Shutter Integration time in each region is adjusted to prevent saturation or loss of signal. NA :A ~ Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California Scientific ASA application - the tar tracker, for insrance - require imagers with wide dynamic range . When a single integration period for an entire image ensor is used (as in a CCD system) to cap- ture bright stars with dim stars, either the bright star is properly exposed but the dim tars are 10 t in the noise, or the dim stars are properly expo ed but the bright star is saturated. Ratios between bright- nesses of objects captured in the same cene (e.g., a planet and nearby stars) might be as large as 108. To enable simul- taneous observation of bright stars with- out saturation and dim stars without loss of ignal, a sensor with regional-electron- ic-shutter capability is necessary. Such a sensor is described here. In the star-tracker application, a space- craft-guidance system determines space- craft attitude by matching an observed star field to a star catalog. Typically, a few stars with different magnitudes are used for tracking in a given field of view. U ing the regional electronic shutter, each star in the field of view can have its own inte- gration period. This way, simultaneous capture of bright stars with dim stars is accommodated, enabling a large in- crease in tracker capability. The regional electronic hutter pro- vide a suitable integration time for each of several regions in different parts of the array. This i done by implement- ing individual pixel re et, which was previou ly reported in "Image Sensors With Individual Pixel Re et" ( PO- 19735) , 11:A Tech Briefs, Vol. 20, o. 11 , ( ovember 1996), page 34, within each pixel thu controlling the integra- tion time for a pecific region. Individual pixel reset makes it pos ible to shorten integration time, such that if the illumination i high , the pixel till will not be aturated. This is done by controlling the reset gate via two lines that carry the column and row reset control voltages. When both the row- and column-address voltage are set high for the specific address, the pixel at that address can be reset. Using infor- mation from previou frames, the appropriate integration time for the region could be determined, and con- trol is provided to implement this expo- sure time via a regional electronic hut- ter. The concept has been implemented in a 64-by-64-pixel CMOS active pixel image sen or chip that achieves a ~ Wide-Band Operational-Amplifier Circuits dynamic range of 0 dB, a read noise of 50 electron (root mean quare) low dark current, and excellent electronic- hutter linearity. Thi prototype pave the way for lower-risk development of imilar 1,024-by-l ,024-pixel en ors with regional electronic-shutter capability. This work was done by Orly Yadid-Pecht, Bedabrata Pain, Christopher Clark, Craig Staller, and Eric Fossum of Caltuh for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.nasatech.com under the Electronic Components and Circuits category, or circle no. 117 on the TSP Order Card in this issue to receive a wpy by mail ( '5 charge). In accordance with Public Law 96-517, the contractor has elected to retain title to this invention. Inquiries concerning rights for its commercial use should be addressed to: Larry Gilbert, Director Technology Transfer California Institute of Technology Mail Code 315 - 6 Pasadena, CA 91125 (818) 395-3288 Refer to NPO-19816, volume and number of this ABA Tech Briefs issue, and the page number. Frequency responses are extended by incorporation of suitably chosen input capacitances. Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland The top part of the figure illustrate typical operational-amplifier circuits with resistive feedback networks, while the bottom part of the figure illustrate circuits that are identical except for the connection of capacitors between the inverting (-) and noninverting (+) input terminals. The frequency respon e of each circuit can be extend- ed by suitable choice of the capaci- tance, as explained below. For each operational amplifier con- sidered in isolation from other circuit components (the open-loop case), the magnitude of the gain (K) as a function 42 of frequency (j) is given by where ~ is the dc gain , and fi is a char- acteristic frequency popularly denoted the "3-dB rolloff frequency" because the power at that frequency is half (approximately 3 dB below) the power at zero frequency. When the opera- tional amplifier is incorporated into a feedback circuit (the closed-loop case), the gain is altered by the pre ence of the other circuit components. In the case of the inverting opera- www.nasatech .com tional-amplifier circuit, the magnitude of the do ed-loop gain is given by where fa denotes the open-loop gain · bandwidth product Kqfi, f3 = (RI + Rz)/ (21t~RzcafG), and a in this case equals RI/ Rz. For the noninverting operational-amplifier cir- cuit, the corresponding equations are ASA Tech Briefs,july 1997 AMP Simulation. It's how top electronics companies make it right before they make it real. Companies like Hewlett-Packard, Hughes Network Systems and NEC America can't wait while signal integrity 1\1 EC and EMI problems create repeated design and prototype cycles. Especially when theyve got a market waiting. That's why they head a list of more than 100 oomputer, oommunications and other electronics oompanies that utilize AMP to model, simulate and analyze the signal integrity of their designs, before layout, to assure optimum ystem performance. The first time. AMP Simulation finds and fixe Fh3 HEWLETT- reflections, ~~ PACKARD cross-talk, ground bounce, propagation delays, timing errors, false switching, EMI, For more information about AMP Simulation capabilities, call HID·522-6752 (fax nl-!ffi-7575). AMP Incorporated, Harrisburg. PA 17105-3608. In Canada, call 905-470-4425. On the Internet at http://m.w.amp.com For More Information Circle No. 622 and all the other interconnection problems that can turn even a logically correct design into a frustrating series of re-designs. What's more, we'll take that perfected design into layout and provide prototypes to your time-to-market schedule. And, of course, AMP can handle all your production needs. HUGHES J . th than NETWORK SYSTEMS om emore 100 companies that know-when it's time to make a design real, it's already right. With AMP Simulation. Connecting HIGHER level~ R Noninverting Amplifier Circuit Inverting Amplifier Circuit Voltage-Follower Circuit WITHOUT INPUT CAPACITOR R Noninverting Amplifier Circuit Inverting Amplifier Circuit Voltage-Follower Circuit WITH INPUT CAPACITOR The Addit ion of Input Capacitors can extend the frequency responses of these circuits. provided that the values of capacitance are suitably chosen. where a in this case equals For the voltage follower, the magni- tude of the closed-loop gain is given by (for the voltage follower, a = 1). The following procedure can be used to select a suitable value of Cfor extend- ing the frequency response of any of these circuits beyond that attainable without the capacitor: 1. Choose two different frequencies at which it is desired to have IRffiI equal a specified value. Let the specified value exceed the corresponding val- ues of IKFsI at the chosen frequencies for the circuit without the input capacitor. 2. Using the chosen frequencies and the specified value of IKFsI, find the value of f3 that satisfies the applicable one of the three equations for IKFsI. 3. Once the value of f3 has been foun d , calculate C by use of for the inverting or noninverting ampli- fier, or by use of C= 1/2rcR{3Jc for the voltage follower. This work was done by Leonard Kleinberg of Goddard Space Flight Center . For fur- ther information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.nasatech.com under the Electronic Components and Circuits category, or circle no. 118 on the TSP Order Card in this issue to receive a copy by mail ($5 charge). This invention is owned by NASA, and a patent application has been filed. Inquiries concerning nonexclusive or exclusive license for its commercial development should be addressed to the Patent Counsel, Goddard Space Flight Center; (301) 286-7351. Refer to GSC-13638. ~ Transverse-Mode Electron-Beam Microwave Generator This device offers advantages over klystrons. Goddard Space Flight Center; Greenbelt, Maryland A vacuum-tube electron-beam device generates microwave energy via the interaction between an electron beam and an electromagnetic field in an evac- uated cavity that has electrically conduc- tive walls. In some respects, this device is similar to other vacuum-tube electron- beam microwave devices - especially klystrons - but it differs from klystrons in ways that offer significant advantages. A klystron is said to operate in a lon- gitudinal mode because its operation entails bunching of electrons along the beam, accompanied by interaction between the bunches of electrons and an electromagnetic field with an elec- tric-field component parallel to the motion of electrons in the beam. To 44 generate microwave power that can be extracted and used, it is necessary to amplify the electromagnetic field. In a klystron, amplification depends on maintenance of the correct phase relationship between the motions of the bunched electrons and the electromag- netic field in the cavity. Thus, the oper- ation of a klystron is sensitive to the times of flight of electrons and, there- fore, to the voltages applied to acceler- ate the electron beam. The anti-bunch- ing effect of the mutual repulsion of the electrons limits the achievable density of electrons and thus the available out- put power. Inasmuch as power losses caused by imperfections in cavity sur- faces increase with frequency, the anti- www.nasatech.com bunching effect thus effectively limits the operating frequency; in practice, klystrons cannot generate useful amounts of power at frequencies above approximately 100 GHz. In the present device (see figure), an electron gun shoots a beam of electrons into an evacuated interaction chamber that has electrically conductive walls. Mer the electrons have traversed the interaction chamber and spent their energy interacting with the electromag- netic field in the chamber, they are col- lected by an electrode at a positive volt- age at the end of the chamber opposite the electron gun. At an opening in one of its side walls, the interaction chamber is joined to a NASA Tech Briefs.July 1997 Feedback CaVity Beam 01 Electrons TOP VIEW SIDE VIEW Grid Resonant CaVity Tuning Stub This Vacuum-Tube Electron-Beam Device is supe- rior to a klystron in that its operation does not depend on maintenance of critical voltages, and it can generate a useful amount of power at higher frequency. rectangular resonant cavity that has con- ductive walls and a screw-adjustable con- ductive tuning stub. At an opening in the opposite side wall, the interaction chamber is connected to a conductive- walled spherical feedback cavity. The dimensions of the resonant cavity and the sphere are low-order multiples of the wavelength of operation. The fre- quency of operation is relatively insensi- tive to applied voltages: it is determined primarily by the dimensions of the reso- nant cavity and can be adjusted by mov- ing the tuning stub. A grid of wires spaced about half a wavelength apart is placed in the open- ing between the resonant cavity and the interaction chamber. The geomeu), of the feedback and resonant cavities, the grid, and the interaction chamber deter- mines which electromagnetic-field modes can be sustained. Unlike a kly- stron, this device can be said to operate in transverse mode in the [allowing sense: Electromagnetic waves propagate across the interaction chamber from the resonant cavity to the pherical feedback cavity, where th.ey are transformed into waves that have radial electric-field com- ponents. These waves are reflected back into the interaction chamber, where they deflect the beam of electrons from side to side in an oscillating motion at the fre- quency of the electromagnetic field. The spatial vari.ations of the electromagnetic field are such that as the beam oscillates sideways, it gives up energy to the field. Thus, the field becomes amplified. NASA Tech Briefs,July 1997 Electromagnetic energy is extracted for use through a window on one side of the resonant cavity. Unlike a klystron, the present device does not depend on bunching. Conse- quently, its operating frequency is not limited by the anti-bunching effect. As a further consequence, it is not necessary to maintain a critical phase relationship between bunches of electrons and the electromagnetic field. Thus, the acceler- ating voltage in the electron gun can be varied without adversely affecting the operation of the device; indeed, this voltage can be varied deliberately to modulate the microwave field . less is more . Less parts, less assembly steps, less assembly time - all yield more productivity and more cost reductions. To achieve this, deSigning for assembly (OFA) is critical. PEM" products are made for OFA. Just punch or drill a hole and press a PEM fastener into place. PEM self-clinching fasteners install permanently into thin sheets. There are fewer parts and fewer total pieces to handle during assembly which translates into cost savings. We also offer threadless and multHunction fasteners to further meet your OFA needs. This work was done by LaTlffence Wharton of Goddard Space Flight Center. For fur- ther infO'rTTUJ,tion, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.nasatech.com under the Electronic Ccmponents and Circuits category, or circle no. 110 on the TSP Order Card in this issue to receive a copy by mail ($5 chaW)' This invention is owned by NASA, and a patent application has been filed. Inquiries concerning nonexclusive or exclusive license for its commercial devewpment should be addressed to the Patent Counse~ Goddard Space Flight Center,' (301) 286-7351. &fer to GSC-13521 . HERE'~ TIlE CIlNCHER These include SNAP- TOP- (shown in photo above) standoffs which eliminate the need for screws, locating pins for quick alignment of mat- ing parts, P.C. board fasteners and many others. For automated installation, our line of PEMSERTER" presses quickly install PEM fasteners, further reducing assembly time. Clinch it with PIlI' 183 Cl997 FASTeNERS & PRESSES ~ PENN ENGINEERING & MANUFAClURING CORP. ' P.O. Box 1000' Oanboro. PA 1891&-1000 For More Information Circle No. 404 45 • Fast Three-Dimensional-Imaging Camera The output level of each pixel represents the direction toward an illuminated object. Marshall pace Flight Center, Alabama The Fast 3D Imaging (F3DI) camera i a developmental system that measures the three-dimen ional coordinates of objects within its field of view at dis- tances up to a few feet. The F3DI camera compri es analog and digital electronic, electromechanical, and optical sub ys- tern that function together to generate a range image and/ or the digital-data equivalent of a range image. (A range image re embles a conventional video image except that the brightness of each pixel represents the distance to the near- est object point along the line of sight intercepted by that pixel.) A prototype of the system operates at a selectable frame rate up to about 30 Hz. This system is based on triangulation, using (1) a Laser and optics that form the laser beam into a fanlike sheet that pro- jects a Line ofLight onto the nearby scene TOP VIEW OF LASER AND SCANNING MIRROR Diode Laser and Optics for Generating a Fan-Shaped Beam 10· Wide and (2) a video camera with a field of view that intersects the sheet of Light. The di tance to an illuminated point of an object imaged onto a given pixel is readily computed from (1) the known ba eLine distance between the video camera and the laser illuminator, (2) the known direction of the line of ight between the pixel and the illuminated point, and (3) the known orientation of the sheet of light with respect to the baseline and the line of sight. As described thus far, thi ystem is similar to some other video ranging sys- tems based on triangulation. However, this system implements the triangulation principle in unique ways. The Laser illu- minator includes a scanning mirror that, during each frame period, sweep the fan-shaped laser beam through a 3D· angular interval that cro ses the field of view of the camera (see figure). A haft- angle encoder monitors the scan angle, and associated circuitry generates a can-synchronized ramp voltage wave- form; that is, the instantaneous voltage of this waveform i indicative of the in tantaneous scan angle. The video camera i of the charge- coupled-device (CCD) type, but with modifications to perform some nontra- ditional imaging functions. The circuitry in each pixel in the camera include electronic switches and a capacitor that, together, act as a ample-and-hold device. At the beginning of each frame period, a synchronizing pulse from the scanning-control circuitry causes one electronic switch to discharge the capac- itor, then the capacitor-discharging elec- tronic switch is opened and a capacitor- charging switch is closed. Range of Zone of Interest --- --- I 1 ----__ I I =12' , , , , , , , , , , '--...--- --- , --~__ 1 I ---_ 1 1 ----_ 1 1 --~ I _-----1 1 _----- I ~--- 1 -- I 1 ----- , Video Camera h===:-L-____ ..J~ - -_ Field of View of Camera , , , , , , 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 , --- " 1 --- ..... ----_:::,1 ,,-- I ' ----, ----1 -4... --_ =6' Bench The Scanning Mirror Sweeps the sheet of laser light repeatedly across the field of view. The raw output of the video camera is not a conventional video signal, but rather, one in which the voltage for each pixel is indicative of the scan angle at which the object point imaged on the pixel was illuminated. 46 www.nasarech.com ASA Tech Briefs.July 1997 DuPont Vertrel® has more answers for your precision cleaning needs. The DuPont Vertrel® family of solvent offers the versatility and performance you've been looking for. A broad range ofVertrel® cleaning and defluxing alternatives provide you with the solution that best fit your application. More than just cleaning Vertrel® is the best and only solution for all your needs. It uses advanced HFC (bydrofluorocarbon) technology to bring solutions to rin ing and drying applications. It's also an out tanding carrier fluid for fluorolubricants and silicone. All formulations are environmentally acceptable as alternatives to ozone-depleting substance . And low toxicity and nonflarnmability make Vertrel® afe to use. To learn more about confident solution from DuPont Vertrel®, call 1-800-441-9281. Verne.- i a regi lere 0) filled with a homogeneous, isotropic, nonmagnetically-permeable nonlinear dielectric medium. The elec- tric-field, magnetic-field, and electric-dis- placement vectors are taken to have com- ponents E" H,. and D" respectively, where the subscripts denote the directions. The applicable set of Maxwell's equation is (J-f y 1 aE z CDz = (J-f y ---at = J1.0 --;;X' ax ax where t denotes time; Eo and j1{) denote the electric permittivity and magnetic permeability, respectively, of the vacu- um; and P d. and P zNL denote the linear and nonlinear parts, respectively, of the electric polarization along the z axis. P d. is given by the following linear con- volution of E,(x, t) with the linear sus- ceptibility function X (I); pzdx,t) = EO j X(1) (t-t')Ez(x, t')dt' In this case, the medium is considered to have a Lorentz linear dispersion charac- terized by ) 1) (t) = (i)~ e -%sin vot, Vo which is equivalent to a dielectric per- mittivi ty, E, as a function of angular fre- ASA Tech Briefs, July 1997 quency, w, given by ( ) W02(Es -E .. ) E W = E .. + 2 . 2 Wo - jOm - a> where ~ denotes a resonant frequency, 8 denotes a coefficient of damping, and the other parameters are related by a>/ =a>02(Es -Eoo) and 2 2 82 Vo = Wo --4 P:/o.'L is given by the following nonlinear convolution of ~(x, t) with the third- order susceptibility function l '): t-t2' t-t3)x Ez(x,t1) E z( x, t2)E z(X,t3 )dt1dt2dt3 The nonlinear convolution provides for nonlinear physical effects with time retardation or memory. In this particu- lar case, the nonlinear properties are characterized by the following single- time nonlinear convolution: PZNL(X,t) = EOX(3)Ez(X,t) X f[a8(t-t')+(1-a)9R(t-t')] X Ez 2(x,t)dt' In this equation, X<') becomes a con- stant coefficient of the nonlinear suscep- tibility, 8(/) models Kerr nonresonant vir- 0,75 IN LINEAR MEDIUM ~ 0.50 ~ 0.25 :2 Gl u:: 0.00 I.) ~ iii -0.25 -0.50 -0.75 20 Distance Into Medium, JlI11 tual electronic transitions on the order of about 1 fs or less, l5R( t) = [( '1"/ + 122) / '1"11;/]i't/12sin (t/ '1"I) and models tran- sient Raman scattering, and a parame- terizes the relative strengths of the Kerr and Raman interactions. Effectively, l5R(t) models a single Lorentzian spectral line that is centered on the optical-phonon frequency 1/'1"1 and has a bandwidth of 1/~ (the reciprocal phonon lifetime). The formulation of the linear and nonlinear convolutions is completed by assuming that the electromagnetic field is zero at t ~ 0 and by defining t F(t) = EO J X(1)(t - t')Ez( x, t')dt' o and t G(t) = EO J 9R(t - t')E/(x,t')dt' o It can be shown thatFand Gsatisfy the following coupled nonlinear ordinary differenti.al equations: _1_d 2 F +~dF +[1+ es-e_ ]F 000 2 dt2 000 dt e_+ax(3)E/ (es -e_)(1-a)x(3)EzG (es -e_)Dz + (3) 2 (3) 2' E_ +ax Ez e_ +ax Ez and 1.00 0.75 0.50 E "> 0.25 ti" a; u:: 0.00 I.) ' to ~ -0.25 w -0.50 -0.75 -1 .00 180 20 where - 2 -2 1 1 8 =- and Wo =-+- '1" 2 2 2 '1"1 '1"2 These equations are first olved simulta- neously for F and G at the latest time step by u e of a second-order-accurate finite-difference scheme that operates on data for the current value of D, and previous values of D., E" F, and G. Only two time steps of storage are needed in this approach. Then the latest value of ~ can be obtained by ewton's iteration of the following equation, using the new values of D" F, and G: E z = Oz -F -(1-a))3)EzG EO( E .. + ax(3)E/) Once the E, field has been computed, H and D, can be computed from E, by use of Maxwell's equations. The figure illus- trates some results obtained by applying this method to two versions of the test case. This work was done by Peter Goarjian of Ames Research Center and Allen TafWve of Northwestern University. For further infor- mation, access lhe Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-lhw at www.nasatech.com under the Physical Sciences category, or circle no. 116 on the TSP Order Card in this issue to receive a copy by mail ($5 charge). Inquiries concerning rights for the commer- cial use oj this invention should be addressed to the Patent Counse~ Ames Research Center; (415) 604-5104. Refer to ARG13259. IN NONLINEAR MEDIUM ~ Smaller Pulse Pulse (Soliton) After Propagating 55 11m Into Medium Smaller Pulse The Same Pulse (Soliton) After Propagating 126 JlI11lnto Medium Distance Into Medium. 11m 180 The Propagation of an Optical Pulse that contained about seven carrier-frequency cydes was simulated, In the linear medium. the pulse was found to undergo dispersion. In the nonlinear medium. the pulse was found to act as a soliton that approximately retained its amplitude and duration. It was also found that a second. smaller pulse formed and moved out ahead of the main soliton pulse. ASA Tech BriefS,July 1997 www.nasatech.com 59 @ Electronic "Noses" Made From Conductive Polymeric Films Arrays of multiple sensors would be used to distinguish among different vapors. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California Broadly responsive, low-power elec- tronic chemical-vapor en ors called "chemiresistors" are undergoing devel- opment A chemiresistor compri es a pair of metal electrodes in contact with a thin, electrically conductive modified polypyrrole film on an electrically insu- lating substrate. The electrical resistivity of the film increases or decreases reversibly when the film is exposed to a chemical vapor or vapors. Multiple chemires.istors can be assembled into arrays, within which each chemiresistor is maximally respon- sive to a different chemical or mix of chemicals. the sensors in an array can be moni- tored, for example, by use of a multi- plexing digital ohmmeter, the digital outputs of which are processed together to extract data on the concentration(s) of chemical vapor(s) in the air, orne- what in imitation of the manner in which th.e brain recognizes sensory pat- terns of odors that stimulate multiple olfactory receptors in the nose (see Figure 2). ----c:J- 6 ----c:J- 7 ----c:J- 8 ----c:J- 9 ----c:J-10 ----c:J-11 ----c:J-12 ----c:J-13 Film of Electrically Conductive Polypyrrole With Plasticizer ----c:J-14 ----c:J-15 ----c:J-16 the concentrations of components of the vapor mixture. In initial experiments, an array of 14 chemiresistors was exposed to vapors of acetone, benzene, chloroform, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, methanol, tetrahydro- furan, and ethyl acetate in air. Principal- component analysis of the llR/R responses showed that the array could be used to distinguish among these vapor and quantify their concentra- Chemiresistor 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Plasticizer none none poly(styrene) poly(styrene) poly(styrene) poly(n-methyl styrene) poly(styrene-acrylonitrile) poly(styrene-maleic anydride) poly(styrene-alJyl alcohol) poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) poly(4-vinyl phenol) poly(vinyl butyral) poly(vinyl acetate) poly(bis phenol A carbonate) poly(styrene) poly( styrene) The film in a chemiresistor is made by chemical polymerization of a pyrrole with phosphomolyb- dic acid (which serves as an oxidiz- ing and polymerizing agent), along with a plasticizer, all dis- solved in tetrahydrofuran. The polymerizing solution is applied to the sensor substrate and polymer- ization proceeds as the tetrahydro- furan evaporates. Once polymer- ization is complete, the film is washed with methanol to remove excess phosphomolybdic acid and/ or pyrrole monomer. Figure 1. Multiple Chemiresistors, each made wit h a polypyrrole film containing a different plasticizer, are assembled int o an array for sensing a variety of chemical vapors. For a given film, the polymerization conditions and the concentration and type of plasticizer determine the sensory response to a given vapor chemical species or mixture; these parameters can be controlled to obtain a film with a known unique response for use in an array. Thus, an array includes sensory films that contain various plasticizers (see Figure 1). An array produces a chemically revers- ible, diagnostic pattern of changes in electrical resistance upon exposure to different odorants. The resistances of I The resistance readings are taken at selected times before, during, and after exposure of the sensor to air containing the vapor mixture of interest. The change (M) in each resistance from its initial, preexposure value (R) is divided by the initial value, yielding a fractional resistance change (IlR/R). Then the llR/R values from all the chemiresistors in the array are processed together to determine the concentrations of compo- nents of vapor mixtures. As envisioned but not yet implemented, the llR/R val- ues would be processed by a software or hardware neural network to determine II III tions. It was also found possible to resolve th.e components of mixtures of ethanol and methanol vapors. The responses of the chemiresistors were complicated somewhat by temporal vari- ations attributable to water vapor, but these complications did not adversely affect reproducibility and reversibility, and it was still possible to extract data on the responses to the organic solvents of interest. Moreover, the test environment was representative of many practical odor-sensing applications, from which air and water could not be readily excluded. IV Expose Array to Unknown Vapor Measure Responses of Individual Sensors Convert Each Response to a Maximum Percent Increase or Decrease Process Responses by a Pattern·Recognition Technique To Identify the Vapor Vapor A Sensor Array NotVaporC Time Figure 2. The Responses of Multiple Chemiresistors Are Processed to extract a pattern indicative of the chemical species and concentration(s) of the sensed vapor(s). 60 www.nasatech.com NASA Tech Briefs,july 1997 • No Delay ... see full traces on monitor while recording • On-Board Data Analysis as well as by host program • Patented 1\vin Printhead Design ... 300 dpi laser printer resolution for clear, crisp traces • On-Board Signal Conditioning for voltage, temperature, pressure and strain recording • Front Panel Floppy Drive for personal chart and system setups Data Capture ... store up to 32 megabytes in RAM; 1 gigab}te to internal hard drive; stream to external 2 gigab}te drive \ia SCSI; archive to DAr or floppy drive 8 to 32 Waveform Channels ... plus 32 events; DC to 20 kHz; chart speeds to 500 mmlsec • Record digital data via ethernet, SCSI, GPIB, or parallel interfaces fH ~ AstIO-Med;/nc. Astro·Med Industrial Park, West Warwick, Rhode Island 02893 • Telephone: (401) 828-4000 Toll Free: 800-343-4039 • Fa.'\: (401) 822-2430 E-mail: astro-med@astro·med.com Web Site: http:// .... 'WW.astro·med.com Astro Med is Syst erlified to I. 0 90 Sales and Service Centers tbroJlgbout the lJ.s., CAtuJdtz and Europe. Dealers wcated throughout tbe Il'orld. • This work was done by athan S. Lewis and Michael . Freund of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Far further infonnation, access the Technical upport Package (To P) free on-line at www.nasatech.com under the Physical cienas category, or circle no. 103 on the TSP Order Card in this issue to nceive a ropy b)' mail ( 5 charge). In accardance with Public Law 96-51 7, the contractor has elected to ntain title to this invention. Inquiries concerning rights for its commercial use should be addressed to: Larry Gilbert, Director Technology Transfer California Institute of Technology @ Quality/Flowmeter for Two-Phase Fluid Mail Code 315 - 6 Pasadena, CA 91125 (81 ) 395-3288 Refer to NP0-19537, volume and number of this ASA Tech Brief: issue, and the page number. Flow speed is determined by correlating upstream and downstream capacitance measurements. John F. Kennedy Space Center, Florida Figure 1 iUu trate a prototype in trurnent for measuring the volume fraction of liquid and gas and the rate of flow of a two-phase fluid . The instru- ment is called a "quality/flowmeter" becau e "quality" as used in engineer- ing di ciplines concerned with two- phase flow denotes, loosely, volume fraction of liquid or gas. Although designed specifically for measuring flows of cryogenic liquids containing bubbles of their vapors, the instrument could be readily adapted to other two- phase (including liquid/ gas, liquid/ liquid and liquid/ olid) flows like those of water/steam, water/ air, oil! water, and liquid/ solid food proces ing mixtures. direction of flow. The in trument i built around a ection of pipe 32 in. (81.3 cm) long, with a flow cro ec- tion 2 in. (5.1 cm) in diameter at the end. The pipe con titute a common outer electrode for both capacitive en- sors. The other electrode for the capacitive sensors are metal rods mounted coaxially within the pipe on radial phenolic pacers and eparated lengthwise by another phenolic spacer. The pipe tapers to a greater diameter along the length of the electrodes to keep the flow cro s section constant along the flow path; thi feature helps to minimize the effect of pressure drop. Wires connect the central elec- trodes to external electrical connec- Connector for left Electrode / ,...-Vacuum Valve and Fill Port Insulated Vacuum Jacket / Electrode Wire Phenolic Spacers feature - that i , the downstream ig- nal can be expected to be an approxi- mate, delayed ver ion of the up tream ignal - provided that the flow is not o turbulent a to alter completely the relative po itions of bubble in the interval between the up tream and down tream en or . The capacitance readings are am- pled at interval of Ie than 1 m. Correlation between the upstream and downstream reading are comput- ed for a range of off et time, and the delay between the upstream and down- stream readings is deemed to be that offset time at which the correlation reache its peak (see Figure 2.) Another unique feature of this Connector for Right Electrode Figure 1. Two Collinear Rod Electrodes mounted on the axis of a pipe serve as capacitive probes for measuring the quality and speed of flow of a fluid in the pipe. A temperature and a pressure sensor provide additional information on the state of the fluid. Like orne other quality meters, this instrument is ba ed on a capacitance- measurement concept: The fluid flows through a space between electrodes, the capacitance between the electrodes is measured, and the volume fractions of liquid and gas are computed from the effective permittivity, using the known relationships (a) between the effective permittivity and the capaci- tance and (b) between the volume fractions and the effective permittivity. One of the unique feature of this instrument i that it contains two capacitive ensor separated from each other by a small distance along the 62 tor. A vacuum jacket containing multi- layer insulation minimizes heat trans- fer into the fluid. The basic idea i to estimate the speed of flow as the quotient of the effective streamwi e distance between the capacitive en ors divided by the delay between common feature in the outputs of both en or8. The ignal fea- ture are as ociated with the sizes and po ition of bubble as they move past the electrode , and it i assumed that the velocity of each bubble clo ely approximate the velocity of the ur- rounding liquid. The two ignals can be expected to have some common www.nasalech.com in trument i the incorporation of a temperature and a pressure ensor. The combination of quality, tempera- ture, and pres ure data enables a more nearly complete characterization of the fluid . The e data can be u ed to e ti- mate the den ity. Then the mas flow rate can be estimated from the density, the flow speed obtained from the cor- relation of capacitance ignals, and the geometry of the instrument. This wark was done by James E. Fesmire and Rudy J Werlink of Kennedy Space Center and Kenneth A. Rose, William D. Haskell, Robert C. Youngquist, Robert B. Cox, and John . Moerk of I-NET. Far jur- ASA Tech Briefs,July 1997 4,000 Output of Up'stream Sensor !!! C :l 3,800 i!' 1'1 e (i) 3,400 G> (J c: !!l c:; 3.200 ! '" () / Output of Downstream Sensor 3,000 1,407 1,408 1,409 TIme, Seconds 1,410 1,411 !!! C :l i!' 1'1 :e c: a .." .!!! ~ 8 Offset TIme, Seconds Figure 2. The Correlation Between the Outputs of the upstream and downstream capacitive sensors reaches a peak at an offset time of -0.07 s. ther information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.nasatech.com under the Physical Sciences category, or circle no. 109 on the TSP Order Card in this issue to receive a copy by mail ($5 charge). This invention is owned by NASA, and a patent application has been filed. This tech- nology is being further developed through NASA s Dual Use Technology Development Program, where NASA and its partner, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., are jointly funding the developmental effort. Inquiries concerning the commercial development of this technology should be addressed to the Technology Programs and Commercializa- tion Office, Kennedy Space Center; (407) 867-3017. Refer to KSCr 11725. ~ Identifying Electric-Charge Locations With Potential To Generate Lightning Locations and magnitudes of charges are computed from electric-field measurements. John F. Kennedy Space Center, Florida The Thunderstorm Localization Workstation (TLW) is a prototype of computers that would be dedicated to predicting the locations of imminent lightning strikes within geographical regions of the order of tens of kilome- ters. The TLW operates at a station that receive readings from eleclric-field sensor, called "field mill, ~ at 31 ground location in an array that spans Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Station, The ignals are ASA Tech Briefs,July 1997 enhanced by use of advanced ignal- processing techniques. then inverted by use of a mathematical model of the electric field to obtain the locations and strengths of thunderstorm electro- static-{;harge centers from whlch light- ning could emanate. The TLW sofuvare is based partly on the Multiple Signal Characterization (MUSIC) algorithm, which is an eigen- anal) is algorithm that has been used in tracking radio transmitters. In the pre- www.nasatech.com , 500 MSPS Sampling AID Card 8 Bit Resolution 100 MB/s Data Transfer Rate to PC Memory Real-Time Capture to PC Memory at 100 MSPS Up to 2 Meg Memory Also Available; • up to 100 MSPS. 12 Bit AID Card • Up to 2 GS/s, 250 MSPS AJD Card • Memory Buffers up 10 16 Meg • Drivers in DOS, QNX, Win 3,1, Win 95 and Win NT • Support for HP VEE, LabVIEW, LabWindows CVI .... CALL 1-800-567-GAGE Ask for extension 3435 4 2 4 3 GAGE APPUED SCIENCES (U.S.) INC, 1233 Shelburne Road. SuHe 400 South Burlington, VT 054C3 Tel: 800-567-4243 Fax; 800-780-8411 e-maIL prodinfo@gage-appfted.com web SIte, hltp:llwwwgage-appliedcom F""" ... _the U S cmtacI ~ 815610 Bolo Franc, ~, OC, Canada H4S 1 All Tel (51.,331.-3 Fax: (514) 331·9644 For More Information Circle No. 409 Model 2010 -- -------- ;:-;"'r .-1r --- ... '7 !"W"='" .. : ~ -. . l'" \ , 0 ~ - -;- .... :~.,. .... :r-~ 'I :. "- f ." 1 .... 7 '!. digits Low-noise, full function Our reputation is on the line. Model 2002 --------- . ~ ~ +: ~ ,f.. -C". _; f 0 l!'!"'[1]~'~'. '-~ -.., ~ .. ' , ~ ~ -*--- ~ ~ 4 8 '!. digits High speed, high precision Model 2001 - ------- - - --.-~ -, t': .. ~,...,-,-. '''';1" "-._ f..,: ~ ·_t _; ". '" ~ « () {.;~~:,-~-t-=..- 1. -~~ ,.; - 7 '/2 digits Wide functionality & stability Model 2000 - - ~- ._---- -- ~:f' y- ~ '-: ~ - -; ~ f 0 , . . ~ ~ • I 6'!. digits Great performance & value Keithley offers the most comprehensive and advanced line of DMMs in the industry, plus built-in switching capability. For a free brochure on any of these revolutionary DMMs, contact Keithley today. KEITHLEY For More Information Circle No. 410 ent application, MUSIC is adapted to detect airborne electric charge center . The pre ent adapted version of MU IC incorporates both point-charge and djpole models of an electric field above a flat conductive ground. ually, the point-charge model suffice to rep- re ent thunder torm charge center . Inasmuch as the field mills measure ver- tical electric fields, the point-charge model i formulated to expre s the ver- tical electric field (E) at each ground location of interest E = 2QDI (41tt;/ ), where D i the altitude of the charge, Q is the amount of charge, &l i the per- mittivity of the vacuum, and r is the dis- tance from the charge to the ground location. In preparation for predicting loca- tion of lightning strikes, one defines a horizontal and vertical grid over the region of intere t. A typical grid extends 10 by 20 by 10 km and has intervals of 1 km in all three dimen- sions. One then precomputes a transfer matrix, each element of which consi ts of 2DI (41t&lr~) for a given grid point and a given field-mill location. In the case of the 2,000-point grid described above and the Kennedy Space Center array of 31 field-mill locations, the transfer matrix contains 2,000 x 31 = 62,000 elements, Precomputation of the transfer matrix saves computing time , helping to make it possible to per- form all other prediction computations in real time. In the first two steps of the process, the TLW software reads data streams from the sensors and decimates the streams to a reasonable rate (typically between 1 and 10 samples per second) that is sufficient for tracking charge centers yet low enough to not con- tribute excessively to processing time. In the third step, the data are divided into segments between lightning strikes, segments that do not contain sensor- or field-saturation effects, and segments that do not contain sensor faults. A neural-network method is used to provide sensor-fault-detection capa- bility beyond the capability provided by field-mill self-monitoring. The fourth step is to determine the order of the mathematical model (in effect, the number of charge centers) on the basis of inspection of the eigen- values of the selected segment. The fifth step is to perform the MUSIC inversion: The grid is scanned and at each point, a comparison is made between the eigenvectors of the select- ed segment and the eigenvectors of the transfer matrix. Good alignment between the two indicate that a charge www.nasatech.com center has been detected. The resulting three-dimen ional function i called the "MU IC pectrum." The ixth tep is to locate peaks of MU IC spectrum by use of a peak- detector run over the pectrum. This run yield the three-dimen ional coor- dinate of the charge centers. The seventh step is to find the amounts of the charges by inserting the coordinate of the charge centers in the model and finding the least-squares best fit of the modeled electric field to the field-mill data. In the eighth tep, the MUSIC spectrum and the location and charge information are pre ented in a di play that re emble a weather map overlaid on a weather-radar image. In tests with field-mill and lightning- detection data from thunder torm of recent years, the TLW charge-detection output data were found to agree with the lightning-detection data. A method of optimizing the place- ment of the field mills has been devel- oped along with the TLW. Thi method involves the use of Cramer-Rao bounds, and can be u ed to de ign field-mill arrays for other geographic areas. Cramer-Rao analysis has al 0 shown that sometime a vertical-dipole model per- forms better than the single-point model described above. Thus, it would be desirable to develop a computation- al method of djstinguishing between single-point and dipole charges. Investigations using neural nets for localization and wavelets for signal seg- mentation show promi e as future areas of research. This work was done by Chris Berthold, Timothy M. Rynne, Kim J Olszewski, and John T. &binson of Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc., for Kennedy Space Center. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at WWUI.nasatech.com under the Physical Sciences category, or circle no. 111 on the TSP Order Card in this issue to receive a copy by mail ($5 charge). In accordance with Public Law 96-51 7, the contractor has elected to retain title to this invention. Inquiries concerning rights for its commercial use should be addressed to: John T. &binson Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. 15262 Pipeline Lane Huntington Beach, CA 92649 (714) 373-5509 Refer to KSC-11859, volume and number of this ABA Tech Briefs issue, and the page number. ASA Tech Briefs,July 1997 1 Standard Fan Tray Choice of 55 Standard Fans ow, ebmIPapst offers one standard fan tray with your choice of fifty-five brush less DC or AC fan model. Air flow 50 to 108 CFM. Tenninations to meet your needs. Custom trays also available. The POWER OF COOL continues to lead the industry with the products, engineering and service to meet our customers' most demanding requirements. ebmlPapst offers all types of standard fans and blowers, plus the application engineering and manufacturing versatility to offer value-added. packaged cooling in F1atPak'sTM, Fan Trays or Flo-Thru Modules™. ebm/Papst is an ISO 9001 upplier with the ability to meet the most stringent quality and scheduling requirements, or simply ship a single order. Call today for infonnation or a full-line catalog. Ask for an application engineer if you have a specific need. For More Information Circle No. 450 Board Level Air Movers, Fans or Motorized Impellers Miniature fans from ebmIPap t have the same quality and perfonnance as the re t of our complete product line. These 40mm fans and motorized impellers solve board level problems. ebm~ PAPST ebmlPapst 11 0 Hyde Road Farmington, CT 06034 Phone: 860-674-1515 Fax: 860-674-8536 e-mail: saJes@ebm.com Internet: httpJ/www.ebm.com FREE Fan & Blower Catalog GET YOUR COPY OW! ebm/Pap t offers a complete line of Fans & Blowers. This easy-to-read, easy-to-use 200-page catalog offers brushJess DC andAC products for all kinds of air moving application. Backward Curved Impellers offer Quiet Versatility Quiet operation without a scroll housing. 360° airflow. Higher efficiencies and quieter operation than most other air movers. AC or brush less DC. Mount in Flo-Thru Modules™ for easy assembly. Tubeaxial Fans, 40mm to 225mm, AND Everything in between! ebmlPapst offer the widest range of brushles DC and AC tubeaxial fans in the world. Plus all kinds of other air moving products. Application engineers always available, 860-674-1515. Most products are in stock, ready to ship. FLATPAK's = Spot Cooling A great answer for spot cooling, or shallow, tight fits. FLATPAK's are quiet, efficient and good for moving air against higher static pressures. FLA TP AKTM blowers mount in any position. DC or AC models. • CS ___ ~IEFS Electronics Tech Briefs Supplement to NASA Tech Briefs July 1997 Issue Published by Associated Business Publications 6a 8a lOa C T EPAD-Eleclronic Programming of Analog Devices Polarization-Insensitive ElectroDptical Modulator Systems One-Sided Focusing Schlieren System with Reflective Grid 1 2a Capacitive High-Voltage Sensors for Phase-locked High-Voltage Supply Control Systems 13a FirstDrder Modeling of a Radiometer in Mathcad 14 a 16a Determining Temperatures from Hues of liquid Crystals High-Frequency Analog CMOS Adaptive Filter Circuit Analysis of on individual die on a hybrid microcircuit. Assessment of thermal performance helps choraderize the coaling efficiency of different combinations of substrate materials and attachment methodologies. Photo courtesy of FUR Systems Inc., Portland, OR. NEW from .... Design Validator o An exciting new product that monitors design progress Closed Loop : Standard : OP--- Q2::sotder splash - • What failures do your tests detect? Meter OperatingPolnt Measured Pass/fall • Have design changes affected perfonnance? I @Vcclll -9167m Pass @Veelll 2818m Fall • Are components stressed within limits? I @Vlnlll 0 Pass I V(ll) 0.6516 Pass Aldfm SummdfY Rrpoll I V(12) 3.581 Pass I V(13) 3166 Pass Ftied ........... ib V(I) -530 7m Fa" T • Can a component failure result in product liability? @Al~Q2::--C @AI ~J Q2::ooIdeI tpIa. . @At~l A5::0pen @Al~lQ"'~ ahort8E @At ~ Q4cot.ortCE • Do you need realistic failure effects prediction? - or is it OK to guess? Dlia ReclI:Iion r InieredMI c:'811d1 P"~ OIlaF""" www.intusoft.com email infa@intusaft.com July 1997 Use the NEW Design Valldator software to answer these questions and more. De- sign validator includes a unique configurable schematic. built in fault dictionaries. com- ponent stress reports and a complete data archive. A single drawing describes all of your test configurations. setup and stimu- lus. Failure analysis can be performed for mission critical applications from under sea For More Information Circle No. 451 • to space systems. Download a free demo now or call for a CD demo. intusoft P.O.Box710 San Pedro, CA 90733-0710 tete 310 833 0710 fax 310 833 9858 l a NEWS BRIEFS Notes from Industry and the Federal Laboratories NASA Headquarters awarded Space Electronics Inc. of San Diego, CA, a Phase I research contract under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to evaluate the techni- cal feasibility of radiation hardening of commercial microelectronics for space with the company's proprietary Single Event Latchup Protection technology. The contract will be administered by Jet Propulsion Laboratory of Pasadena, CA, and all research will be performed at the company's San Diego laboratory. Princeton Instruments Inc. (PI) of Princeton, NJ, announced that it has been acquired by Roper Industries of Bogart, GA, for an undisclosed sum. Dr. Yair TaImi, PI's founder, will become a consultant to the company, which plans to remain a leading supplier of cooled CCD cameras for spectroscopy and many applications in scientific digital imaging. John West, fonnerly CEO of PI, will become its president. Roper Industries has been expanding its ana- l tical instrumentation group, which includes Gatan, a prominent manufac- turer of cooled CCD cameras for trans- IDl SlOn electron microscopy, and Molecular Imaging, which make atomic force microscopes. Roper, which is listed on the ew York Stock Exchange, i expected to bring increased financial resources to PI, enabling the company to continue its growth. PI will remain at its current address: 3660 Quakerbridge Rd., Trenton, NJ 08619; (609) 587-9797; FAX (609) 587-1970. New Wave Research of Sunnyvale, CA, received a U.S. patent (5,611,946) for the multiwavelength laser system and probe system that the company utilizes in its LCS II, LCS III, and QuikLaze laser micromachining systems. Used primarily for semiconductor failure analysis and liquid crystal display repair, the small £1ashlamp-pumped Nd:YAG lasers oper- ate at 1064, 532, and 355 nm. Ed North, a spokesman for the company, cites as the lasers' uniqueness the ability to select the wavelength with the flip of a switch or computer command rather than changing laser heads or manually inserting dichroic mirrors and harmonic generators. North says that the patent also encompasses a motOlized energy attenuator that allows preci e control of laser energy at each wavelength. The company sold its 1000th d:YAG laser system in May, and nearly half of those sales have been multiwavelength stems used in emiconductor, LCD, and parti- cle image \'elocimetry applications. The nation's timekeepers, the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Time and Frequency Division in Boulder, CO, and the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, DC, are spreading the word that this ummer will be the longest one ince 1994. The reason is that on June 30 the two labs, along with operators of stan- dard clocks in all of the world's scientifi- cally developed cowltries, added a leap second to keep the world's atomic clocks synchronized to Earth's rotation. This marks the 21st such worldwide adjust- ment since 1972, as decreed by the International Earth Rotation Service in France. The adjusunent is needed because, though the best of advanced clocks such as those at NIST and USNO lose or gain much less than a millionth of a second in a year, the Earth's rotation varies several thousandths of a second each day. The last leap second was on December 31, 1995, and the last summer- time leap second was onJune 30,1994. 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Call 1-800-KONTRON 800566-8766 • 714-851-1872 http://www.kontron .com • KONTRON ELEKTRONIK For More Information Circle No. 452 LUMITEX Fiber-Optic Panels provide unmatched deSign flexibility for switch applications • up to 100,000 hours service life • One LED can provide high, uniform brightness for one or more switches • Superior tactile response ensures positive actuation feedback • Costs less than EL and other For more information or technical assistance. contact LUMITEX (phone: 1-800-969-5483; fax: 216-243-8402) or your local LUMITEX representative. I C l995lUMITfX,Int. . .. _"""" Lumite , Inc. Creators of WOven Light a44J OowCtrde ~iJlr.OH44136 Die cut capability - lets you adapt LUMITEX Panels to meet specific design requirements For More Information Circle No. 453 Your Battery's & For A Long Life Achieve the highest level of performance and life span for your battery with the new UCC3941 Integrated Synchronous Boost Converter. With only 1.0V of input, startup is guaranteed under full load with a blast of 500mW output power· from just a single cell. Even in high current mode, its unique control scheme stops the life from draining out of your battery, and delivers the greatest effidency. Maximize the performance of your pager, PDA or portable instrument power source by calling us today for FREE samples and application information. The UCC3941 Advantage • Integrated Synchronous Boost Converter with 500mW Output from a Single Cell • 5.0, BV or Adjustable Output Voltage • 1.0V Startup Guaranteed Under Full Load • Operation Down to O.4V Input • Output Fully Disconnected During Shutdown • Additional 9V/l00rnW Supply • Adjustable Power Urn it Control ~ UNITRODE ~ The linear Ie Company Everyone Follows TEL: (603) 429-8610 http://www.unitrode.com • FAX: (603) 424-3460 • 7 Continental Boulevard· Merrimack, NH 03054 For More Information Circle No. 455 p 0 \X' ERE D B y MOT 0 R 0 LA . ISDN Modem Have need for~? 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EPAD-Electronic Programming of Analog Devices Programming of analog Ies enables precision, versatile trimming of analog circuits. Advanced Linear Devices, Sunnyvale, California Trimming of analog circuits tradition- all , ha utilized mechanical variable re istor (trimpots) . Although practical from a parts-co t point of view, this method ha everal di advantage, including large ize, high labor co t, in tability, and the difficulty of remote implementation . With the advent of the microproce or, an alternative method has been employed u ing microcontrol circuitry. Thi y tern i versatile but require a high material cost. A new technology called EPAD (electrically programmable analog devices) electri- cally program analog ICs that are func- tioning components of an analog cir- cuit. This allows for low-cost precision trimming of analog circuits, since mate- rial and labor i minimized. It i also ver- atile, being compatible with both engi- neering-lab and production-line proce- dure , and enable remote trimming of circwts in variou ambient and field condition. EPAD devices are a new clas of CMOS integrated circuit that allows for the bias voltage of MOSFET transistors, embedded in the IC, to be pro- grammed. The programming is accom- pli hed via the u e of an inexpen ive, pecially designed programmer, an IBM-compatible PC, and an adapter module that is compatible with the par- ticular EPAD device being pro- grammed. Various configurations of such devices are possible from simple dual MOSFET transistors to operational amplifier. Standard programming soft- ware allows for basic variations in circuit performance, but users are free to establish varied and specific applica- tions by developing their own software and adapter module hardware. EPAD can be programmed in up to 2000 di crete tep with a re olution of 0.001 volt. Programming is achieved through a erie of oftware-controlled rapid-fire bur ts of voltage, and is monotonic. This means the device can be programmed to ucce ively higher voltage levels, but not lower. Bidirectional programming can be achieved, however, by utilizing the EPADs in pairs. One device can be incorporated into a simple circuit to alwa} lower voltage and the other to always increase it, thu allowing for bidi- rectional programming. Once pro- grammed, the voltage are fIXed and sta- ble, and cannot be altered, even und r power-off conditions. 6a The programmer i a low-co t unit that interface with a tandard IBM- compatible PC (3 6 or higher, with DO 3.0, Window 3x or Windows 95) via the parallel printer port. The pro- grammer contain control logic, a preci- ion analog-to-digital converter, a pro- gram pulse counter, a witch matrix, and the circuitry required to make pre- ci e voltage measurements. Connection to the programmer i accomplished via adapter module, into which the EPAD i in erted, with individual programs that are specially configured for each EPAD device. DOS-ba ed oftware verify that the programmed voltage lev- el are realized in each tran i tor. EPAD units can be programmed as tandalone units, before they are put into a circuit, or in the y tern after the as embly has been built. This allow trimming circuits at various environ- mental conditions. For example, EPADs may be u ed to provide trimming ofvar- ious battery-operated instruments that ma experience varied ambient condi- tion . In such cases the device can be programmed in an environmentally controlled chamber, or hosti le field con- dition . EPAD programming i compati- IBM-Compatible Cable to PC ParaU~l Printu Port PC suppli~d by us~r (386 •• ht:/Nr, DOS 3.0 •• hi:/Nr, WuuJ."" TM 3X Of' Wi.do""n< 95) 15 VDC powu supply supplied by usu Adaptu Module with ribbon cable 0- conmctor ALDEPAD ElectricaUy Progammable Analog Devic~ Schematic of Advanced Linear Devices' E100 EPAD Programming System. allows custom programming of the con- trol application software, written in Quick Basic. The interface software con- tains two windows, a parameter-setting window and a programming window. Users can develop unique programs to allow for automatic and cu tom pro- gramming of their entire circuit or ys- tem. For instance, a de ired circuit or system output could be e tabli hed and a oftware program devised to automati- cally program an EPAD device to give this output. EPAD integrated circuits are factory- et to nominal thre hold voltage levels. ers first measure the thre hold volt- age via the programmer and PC, where the voltages for each tran istor are di - played to the neare t ten-thou andth of a volt. Each channel can then be elec- tively and individually programmed, via the PC keyboard, in increments of 0.001 V. Values are di played in real time to www.nasatech.com ble with engineering laboratory instru- ments and software program, making it well uited for research and circuit development procedure. It i al 0 very applicable to production, since trim- ming of an analog circuit or ystem can be preprogrammed and completed as a final step after as embly. The procedure is rapid and inexpensive. For instance, circuits that are encap ulated into mod- ule can be trimmed without destroying the integrity of the epoxy case, thus maximizing yield, co t, and reliability. Development work on £PAD was complet- ed by Advanced Linear Devices, Sunnyvale, CA, under the direction of President Robert Chao. For additional infor- mation, fax Richard Koury, Marketing Manager, at (408) 747-1286. Patents have been applied for. Inquiries regarding licens- ing of this technology should be directed to Advanced Linear Devices, 415 Tasman Dr., Sunnyvale, CA 94089. July 1997 SONY: The world's most advanced data recorders? (All DAT and more, SIR.) Who but Sony could pack speed, range, density, features, and above all, portability, in such small packages. But rugged enough for the toughest field jobs. With multiple power capability: AC, DC, and battery. And, they perform, with individual per channel AID conversion and 16 bit linear quantization for exceptional data resolution and high dynamic range (80dB or greater). Exceptional data with interchannel phase error of less than 1°. Choose the DAT or even higher capacity SIR series. It's just a matter of how many channels and how much data you require. 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PCSCBn'" MKIf written In WindOw" 95 32-bit code controls If high performance A.D converter, up to 4 Gbyte of analog . (orege, high .peed .... rch, reaHme wave monitoring, lind tape dllta format conversion. Thllt means Improved dlltll measurement And dar's OAT. Sony Precision Technology Inc. Toyo Building, 9-17, Nishigotanda 3-chome, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 141 Japan Phone: +81 (3) 3490-3943 Fax: +81 (3) 3490-4674 I Sony Precision Technology America, Inc. 137 West Bristol Lane Orange, CA 92865 USA Phone: (714) 921-0630 Fax: (714) 921-1162 I http://www.sony.co.jpflnterChangeJsptlcorp.html For More InformatJon Circle No. 456 Sony Precision Technology Europe GmbH Stuttgarter Strasse 106 0-70736 Fellbach, Germany Phone: +49 (711) 5858-253 Fax: +49 (711) 580715 Polarization-Insensitive Electro-Optical Modulator Systems Costs of light-wave communication systems could be reduced. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California Electro-optical modulator s stems of two propo ed type would be in en i- tive to polarization; that is, variation in the polarization tate of the input light waves to be modulated would not give rise to variations in the power levels of the output modulated beams. These modulator stems would be de irable in lightwave communication systems, including fiber-optic telephone, cable- television, and millimeter-wave commu- nication systems, plu future personal mobile communication systems. The commercial electro-optical mod- ulators in current use are sensitive to polarization, making it necessary to take great care to ensure correct and stable polarizations in order to obtain stable outputs. This, in tum, necessi- tates the use of polarization-maintain- ing optical components - including, in many cases, polarization-maintain- ing optical fibers. In comparison with ordinary single-mode optical fibers, polarization-maintaining optical fibers cost about 20 times as much and are more difficult to handle; these charac- teristics contribute significantly to the high cost of present lightwave commu- nication systems. Moreover, sensitivity to polarization precludes the use of sin- gle-mode optical fibers in the field, thereby inhibiting the establishment of the superior lightwave communication systems that could be built around elec- tro-optical modulators. Because of their insensitivity to polarization, the proposed modulator systems would decrease the cost and increase the fea- sibility of such systems. The upper part of the figure schematically illustrates a proposed polarization-insensitive modulator sys- tem of the first type. The incoming lightwave to be modulated would first pass through a polarization beam split- ter, which would decompose the beam into two beams in orthogonal polariza- tion states. The two orthogonally polar- ized lightwaves would pass through sep- arate electro-optical modulators driven by the same signal. The outputs of these modulators would be directed into a polarization beam combiner, where they would be recombined into a single output lightwave. The power of each polarization going into its respective modulator would depend on the angle of polariza- tion, 8, of the input wave. However, the power of the output wave could be Sa made independent of 9: Starting from the basic equations for the behavior of the various polarization components, it can be hown that if the 1\.,,0 modula- tors were identical, then the power, P OUl> of the output beam would be given by POUl = aPin(co [tP(V(t»+tPo])2, where a is a transmi sion factor, Ptn is the power of the input beam, tP( V(t» is the variation in phase angle as a func- tion of the time-varying modulation voltage V(t) , tis time, and tPois an initial phase determined by the bias voltage applied to the modulators. Finally, the light from the reference and signal arms would be recombined in the output polarization-independent beam combiner. If the phase modula- tors in the ignal arm were identical, then the output power would again be independent of 8 and would be given by POUl = (Pln/2) (a,+a,cos [tP.( V( t» +tPs ~ o 0.4 a; E ~ 0.2 0.0 L-....l..........J._.!--1..._I-....l.....~---l 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 Wavelength. 11m TBP PH3 FF% 82.6 82.4 Voc (mV) 871 876 Jsc (mAlcm2) 30.7 36.3 p+ Buffer No Yes Dual Layer ARC No Yes Internal Quantum Efficiency was among the parameters measured in tests of cells made with TBP and compared with values from cells made with PH,. The slight deficit of the TBP cell with respect to the PH, cell in this example is attrib- uted to defects that were present in the sub- strate of the TBP cell prior to epitaxial deposi- tion of InP from TBP. Presumably, such defects could be eliminated in future units. TBP was selected as a candidate to replace phosphine because it is much less toxic (TLV 1,100 parts per million). TBP is supplied as a liquid, the vapor pressure of which is suitable for intro- duction into an OMVPE reactor. TBP costs more than phosphine does, but the greater cost ofTBP would be offset by the reduction of risk and simplification of www.nasatech.com treatment of effluent from the OMVPE proces. Prior to the e experiments, excellent InP film for microwave semi- conductors had been grown with TBP at concentration maller than the corre- sponding concentrations of pho phine, and at temperature lower than tho e used for phosphine. However, prior to the e experiments, InP films with areas large enough and minority-cmier life- times long enough for efficient solar cells had not been grown from TBP. In the experiments, doped and un- doped InP film were deposited from TBP and In(CH,h precursors injected into a flow of purified hydrogen, which erved as a carrier gas. The gas pre ure in the reac- tor was typically 150 torr (20 kPa). The depo ition substrate was heated to a tem- perature of 590 °C. Acceptor (p) doping was achieved by injection of diethyl zinc into the flow ofH2; donor (n) doping was achieved similarly, using silane as the pre- cursor. Some of the films were used to fair ricate solar cells, which were then tested. The tests showed that in most respects, the cells made with TBP performed com- parably (see figure) to state-<>f-the-art cells made with pho phine. In the table, the measured solar-cell performance parameters of open circuit voltage VQC, short-circuit current density ] sc, and fill factor FF for the TBP cell are compared to performance data from the world record PH:rproduced InP solar cell. The only shortfall of the TBP cell is in]sc, which can be improved to compa- rable levels by minor adjustments to the device structure. The internal quantum- efficiency data only show the short-cir- cuit current deficiency of the TBP cell compared to the PH3 cell. This work was done by David M. Wilt, David J Brinker, and William E. Frey of Lewis Research Center, Richard W. Hoffman, Jr., of Analex Carp., and Navid S. Fatemi, Phillip P. Jenkins, and David A. Scheiman of NYMA, Inc. For further infor- mation, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www. nasatech.com under the Materials category, or circle 00. 129 on the TSP Order Card in this issue to receive a copy by mail ($5 charge). Inquiries concerning rights for the com- mercial use of this invention should be addressed to NASA Lewis Research Center, Commercial Techoology Office, Attn: Tech Brief Patent Status, Mail Swp 7-3, 21000 BrookparkRd., Cleveland, OH 44135. Refer to LEW-16314. ASA Tech Briefs,July 1997 tJ Software for Efficient Dynamic Management of Memory Space The Per onal pace Management (PSM) computer program i a library of subprograms that provide function to upport efficient, dynamic partitioning of a contiguous block of random-acce memory to suit an application program or program . PSM minimize processing overhead incurred in the management of memory space, minimizes waste of memory pace, and prevents one appli- cation from u ing all memory space and thereby causing other applications to fail. PSM divides each partition of mem- ory space into two "pools" of variable ize; a "small" pool of low-overhead blocks containing as many as 256 bytes of user data apiece, and a "large" pool of high-overhead blocks that contain as many as 2GB of user data. The "small" pool provides extremely rapid manage- ment of the blocks within it, while the "large" pool manage its blocks some- what less rapidly but makes a greater effort to minimize waste of space. PSM runs under either VxWorks or SunOS 4.1.3 on a variety of computers. This program was written by Scott Burleigh of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propul- sion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at WUIW. nasatech.com under the Computer Software category, or circle no.120 on the TSP Order Card in this issue to receive a copy by mail ($5 charge). This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Don Hart of the California Institute of Technology at (818) 393-3425. Refer to NPO-19903. €I Software Restores Image Blurred By Spatially Variable PSF The Massively Parallel Richardson- Lucy (MPRL) computer program imple- ments the Richardson-Lucy algorithm, which deconvolves an image from a spa- tially variant point- pread function (SV- PSF). MPRL was developed to restore blurred images produced by the Hubble Space Tele cope, but is also applicable to other optical systems in which images are sensed by charge-<:oupled devices or other arrays of discrete photodetectors. Because deconvolution is computation- ally intensive and SV-PSF deconvolution 68 more 0 , the use of parallel (concur- rent) proce ing techniques greatly accelerate the code throughput. Thi entails much more computation than i needed for deconvolution with a patial- Iy invariant PSF in the Fourier domain, making it de irable to accelerate the computation by use of parallel (concur- rent) proces ing. In the Richardson- Lucy algorithm, concurrency i achieved by systematic division of the image to be re tored. Only pixel value within the support of the PSF are interdependent; thus, an arbitrary division of the image into segments with appropriate overlap- ping guard bands enable the indepen- dent processing of each segment. In MPRL, such concurrency is realized by use of a public-domain library known as the Parallel Virtual Machine (PVM) communications package. PVM makes it possible to implement a Richardson- Lucy restoration engine and to spawn a large number of such engines, each restoring different sections of the image, on a heterogeneous set of UNIX workstations. MPRL is al 0 portable to such computers as the Intel Paragon and the Cray T3D. This program was written by Andrew F. Boden of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at WUIW.nasatech.com under the Computer Software category, or circle no. 135 on the TSP Order Card in this issue to receive a copy by mail ($5 charge). NPO-19914 @ Program Generates Point-Spread Functions The Simulated Hubble Space Tele- scope (SHST) computer program gener- ates point-spread functions (PSFs) to sim- ulate the blurred images of stars and other point objects as they would appear in the Wide Field Planetary Camera II of the Hubble Space Telescope. The PSFs capture the imaging effects of diffraction and of imperfections in the telescope, camera optics, and camera photodetec- tors. SHST comprises an application pro- gram and sets of data, which include the prescription of the telescope, map of imperfections of the telescope mirrors, and data on filters and other optical com- ponents. The application program uses the pre cription and other data to trace a large grid of rays through the telescope www.nasatech.com and camera optics. The ra determine phase and vignetting for physical-optics calculations of diffracted images at the photodetectors. The image are re am- pled to the pecified pixel size. This proce is repeated for each pectralline to build up a particular P F. The P Fs generated by SH T can be u ed in image-re toration program - for exam- ple, the MPRL program described in the preceding article. SHST runs on UNIX workstation like the un PARC and DEC Alpha computers. The prescription files in SHST are compatible with the commercial MACOS optical-analysis application program, which was devel- oped in part by ASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. This program was written by David Redding of Caltech for NASA's Jet Pr0- pulsion Laboratory. For further informa- tion, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.nasatech.com under the Computer Software category, or circle no. 156 on the TSP Order Card in this issue to receive a copy by mail ($5 charge). NPO-19937 COSMIC, NASA's Software Technology Transfer Center, has an inventory of over 800 oftware packages that originally were developed by NASA and its con- tractors for the U.S. space pro- gram. These packages have a wide range of applications other than space exploration and are used by industry, academic insti- tutions, and other government agencies. For further information about software available from COSMIC, or to receive a free diskette cata- log, contact COSMIC at: COSMIC The University of Georgia 382 East Broad Street Athens, GA 30602-4272 Phone: 706-542-3265 Fax: 706-542-4807 e-mail: service@cosmic.uga.edu WWW: http: //www.cosmic.uga.edu ASA Tech Briefs,July 1997 i r(! l ~'}' t i e:-LLi ~'(! U l't u re:- I' ~'1'LLil!(!lh Cu[!ul!tlti}' • eom.u.s cnllIsaet ..... , ' Rkcati eqICdioII solvers -~~~~~~;;,~~ 7- · Model reductions ~ _ • MiIinIaI realzations • Lyap.n equaflon solvers ~ • Intemaly balanced realzatiollS \ ( I 1 • ControIaIiIty .. -~!!IIIr:~ • Root-locus plots -1IIIi!II_t~ • Case stucIes: Production and inventory control • Concentration control of a chemi(al mixture • The mininum-tine response controller • Lateral dynamics of an ciraaft • Depth control of a sublinarilt, • 186-page manual with of examples far 1 .... _ 01 WaIIram a-di proiIuds, IIIIIId: ..... ~ IKo: http-j/ .... IIIIIIIIUIIIII; itdwOwaIftUUOlll; +1-217-391-0700. ..... -.. E..,. Lit: http;// .... woIfram.couk; idvOlRIInraw .. , +44--(Ollt93-834Oll ....... _eII A.- LIt: hlllrj/-.waIIraRue.;;w.o_.I.CO.ir.+lI-{0}3-S27~S06.CI997""'''''k~iso rtgisInd IrademcR aI Wah! a.s.m.1nt" aMi -w.IwIIh ...... ,.., ....... MalhTedt, In<. Far Mont InfannatIon CIrcle No. ., o Constructing Finite Elements for the Integrated Force Method These finite elements help to realize the potential of the integrated force method. Lewis Research Center; Cleveland, Ohio A method of con tructing finite ele- ments for use in two- and three-dimen- sional structural analysis by the integrat- ed force method has been devised. In the integrated force method, all inde- pendent forces are treated as unknown variables that can be calculated on the basi of simultaneous imposition of equations of equilibrium and conditions of compatibility. Developed in recent year, the integrated force method offers advantages of greater accuracy and computational efficiency, relative to the standard displacement method. The two-dimensional finite elements that can be constructed by the pre ent method are triangular and quadrilateral elements (see Figure 1) that can be used in modeling arbitrary configura- tions. The three-dimensional finite ele- ments that can be constructed by this method include tetrahedrons and hexa- hedrons analogous to the triangular and quadrilateral two-dimensional ele- ments, plus tetrahedron- and hexahe- dron-like volumes with curved edges (see Figure 2). The mathematical derivation for two dimensions begins with the construc- tion of equilibrium and flexibility matri- ces for the elements from discretized equations for potential and comple- mentary energies, respectively. The dis- placement and stres fields within the finite elements are independently approximated. The displacement field is interpolated in the same way as in the standard displacement method. The stress field is approximated by complete polynomials of the correct order. The coefficients of these polyno- mials are initially unknown indepen- dent forces. The equations that describe the components of the stress tensor can be derived from the Airy tress function for an element, which is written in terms of a complete polynomial of a certain order. The resulting stress field identi- cally satisfies the equations of equi- librium. The element matrices generat- ed by use of this stre s field are not en- sitive to the orientation of the local coordinate system of the element. 70 The method includes a way of calcu- lating the number ofzero-energy (rigid- body) modes. It turn out that purious zero-energy modes can be eliminated by constructing the stress field such that for each element, 11.,-:;0: n,,-l, where 11.,- is the rank of the equilibrium matrix of the element and 11" is the number of kinematic degree of freedom of the element. polynomials and substituted into equa- tions for stres components. Then elim- ination of linearly dependent coeffi- cients leaves the stress components expressed as complete polynomials, the coefficients of which are defined as gen- eralized independent forces. The com- ponents of the stress tensor thus derived identically atisfy the homogenous avier equations of equilibrium. The {§ Load = o ~} = Load DISCRETIZATION WITH QUADRILATERAL ELEMENTS DISCRETIZATION WITH TRIANGULAR ELEMENTS Figure 1. A Rectangular Plate With a Round Hole in uniform tension is one of many structural-analy- sis problems that can be solved by the integrated force method, using triangular or quadrilateral finite elements generated by the method described in the text. The mathematical derivation for three dimensions resembles that for two dimensions in ome respects. It begins with a general formulation to generate a stress-interpolation matrix for each finite volume element terms of com- plete polynomials of the required order. The formulation is based on definitions of components of the stress tensor in terms of stress functions. The stres functions are expressed as complete www.nasatech .com resulting element matrices are invariant with respect to coordinate transforma- tions and are free of spurious rigid-body modes. The formulation provides a rational way to calculate the exact number of independent forces necessary to arrive at a complete-polynomial approxima- tion of the required order. Unfor- tunately, interpolation of stress with complete polynomials can necessitate NASA Tech Briefs,July 1997 PCMC/A cords for u/trQ 'c ::E Chorocteristics ~ :E <> ::E Density 100% 98% Elongation High High Tensile Strength High High Hordness High High Complexity High High Surface Finish High High Cost High Moo. Production Volume lDw High FloMet, Inc. • 810 Flightline Boulevord OeLnnd, Florido 32724 <= ., 0> ~~ E'-" 100% High High High Moo. Moo. Moo. Moo. Phone: 904-736-4890 • FAX: 904-736-6063 www.flomeUndustry.net AoMet, In<. • on ofLliot. rJ Me!ul1'IIwde< ~odods Company For More Information Circle No. 412 TYPICAL FINITE VOLUME ELEMENTS CIRCULAR ARCH MODELED WITH HEXAHEDRON LIKE CYLINDRICAL FINITE VOLUME ELEMENTS Figure 2. Tetrahed ral, Hexahedral, and Similar Elements can be used to model bodies with arbitrary shapes. For example, a circular arch can be modeled by concatenated hexahedron-like cylindrical vol- ume elements of axial length d. inner radius r •• and outer radius rb' the use of a large number of indepen- dent forces for each element, in some cases leading to inconveniently large final systems of equations. Therefore, it could be worthwhile to attempt to reduce the number of independent forces in stress-interpolation polynomi- als while preserving the accuracy and reliability of the resulting finite ele- ments. However, one should proceed with caution because at present, there is no rational procedure for uniquely deriving stress fields with minimum numbers of independent forces, there is no proof that the resulting elements are free of spurious zero-energy modes, and in some problems, the elements can fail unexpectedly. The pre ent method has been tested on two- and three-dimensional example stress-analysis problems for which exact solutions are available. In the tests, the problem were solved by (1) the inte- grated force method using finite ele- ments generated by the present method and (2) the standard displacement finite-element method. In the two- dimensional tests, it was found that over- all , the integrated force method using www.nasatech.com finite elements generated by the pre ent method performed better than did the standard displacement method in pre- dicting stresses, and that the integrated force and displacement methods per- formed comparably in predicting dis- placements. In the three-dimensional tests, it was found that typically, the inte- grated force method using finite volume elements generated by the present method performed about as well as or better than did the standard displace- ment method in predicting stresses. This work was done by Dale A. Hf1Jkins of Lewis Research Center and Igor Kaljevic ' and Surya N. Patnaik of Ohio Aerospace Institute. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on- line at www.nasatech.com under the Mechanics category, or circle no. 140 on the TSP Order Card in this issue to receive a copy by mail ($5 charge). Inquiries concerning rights for the com- mercial use of this invention should be addressed to NASA Lewis Research Center; Commercial Technology Office, Attn: Tech Brief Patent Status, Mail SIf1J 7-3, 21000 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44135. Refer to LEW-16421. ASA Tech Briefs,July 1997 o First Supersonic Yaw-Vectoring Flight for the ACTIVE Program Yaw is controlled via thrust vectoring. Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California The F-15 Advanced Control Tech- nology for Integrated Vehicles (AC- TIVE) aircraft recently engaged in its first supersonic yaw-vectoring flight at Dryden Flight Research Center. ACTIVE is ajoint program of NASA, the U.S. Air Force, McDonnell Douglas Aerospace, and Pratt & Whitney. The ACTIVE team will expand the flight envelope of the aircraft engine nozzles to mach 2 and 750 KCAS (knots cali- brated airspeed) with maximum vector angles, rates, and power settings. In addition, the team will assess performance benefits and identi- fy aerodynamic effects induced by two vectored supersonic jet exhausts. Current plans call for approximately 60 flights with a total time of 100 hours. safe dual redundant actuation system, making it compatible with single-engine as well as twin-engine aircraft. The PW- 229 engine with a similar pitch/yaw-vec- toring nozzle has been selected for inte- gration into a modified F-16D aircraft in the U.S. Air Force's Variable-Stability In- flight Simulator Test Aircraft (VISTA) program. Moreover, the P /YBBN has been selected for the concept demon- strator Joint Strike Fighter competition aircraft. Another important feature is the pro- duction-oriented P /YBB design, which will ease transition of vectoring technology to production applications. This work was done by Gerard Schkolnik, Tim Conners, John Orme, Bob Sims, Mike Earls, Kevin Kellenberger; John Carter, Mark Stephenson, Ting Tseng, and Karla Shy of Dryden Flight Research Center, Jim Disbrow, Wes Ryan, and Mike Muratore of Analytical Services & Materials, Pete Schaefer of Sparta, and Michael Hufano, The F-15 research aircraft used in the ACTIVE program (see fig- ure) is a one-of-a-kind system. For the first yaw-vectoring flight, power to reach supersonic speeds was provided by two state-of-the- art FIOO-PW-229 engines modi- fied by installation of a pair of pitch/yaw balance beam nozzles (P /YBBNs), which are multidi- rectional thrust-vectoring nozzles that were used to vector the engine thrust horizontally and vertically during the flight. F-15 RESEARCH AIRCRAFT For NASA's flight research, each P /YBBN was mounted on one of the two engines. The fan- duct cases of the engines were modified to provide the addition- al strength needed to withstand the vectoring forces. Installation of the P /YBBNs also necessitated • Fail-safe design accommodates flight condition: nozzle remains open in supersonic flight, closes once flight becomes subsonic_ • Pin joints (no roller tracks or sliders) maximize resistance to wear. • Divergent design enables independant exhaust-area control with optimal scheduling for performance and acoustics. ENGINE WITH THRUST-VECTORING NOZZLE minor modifications of the rear The ACTIVE F-15 Aircraft features two state-of-the-art engines modified to include multidirectional thrust-vec- fuselage and main engine toring nozzles. mounts. The P /YBB s are sym- metrical and can direct thrust at an angle up to 20° with respect to the engine centerline. The balanced-beam concept, which bas been proven in ser- vice in FIOO convergent/divergent exhaust nozzles, minimizes control actuation loads and reduces the need for heavy, reinforced structures. Each P /YBBN nozzle includes a fail- 74 Benefits expected to accrue from thrust vectoring in future aircraft include extended range, increased maneuverability, reduced operating cost, and greater safety. The present thrust-vectoring concept should lead to significant increases in performance of both civil and military aircraft flying at subsonic and supersonic speeds. www.nasatech.com Don Warren, and John Flynn of McDonnell Douglas Aerospace. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at wunv. nasntech. com under the Machinery/Automation category, or- circle no. 105 on the TSP Order Card in this issue to receive a copy by mail ($5 charge) DRC-96006 NASA Tech Briefs,July 1997 You can cut a lot of metal, or you can design and test with Working Model: CAD Model Fast "r/llI-analyze- refine"C)'cle help.r YOll optimize designs bifo"e you build physical prototypes. Wo,·king Model handles all contacts, collisions, and frictions, and puts you in complete c(J1l/:ml of the simulati(J1l envirlJ1l.ment. '* are proud to introduce Working Model 3D v2.0. Speed has been increased by wiler 10 times. A1Ul/yze YOllr latest design by measuring forces (like torque, accelerati(J1l, etc.) that act on any part of your simulation. Simulate 1I011-/inear or user events using a built-in equation Language. Subway Door Mechanism Modeled by Sean Taffert J,-Opor Canada Inc., Quebec, Cantlda The Motion Simulation Standard for WindowslNT Most engineers build physical rather than computer prototypes. We don't blame them. Computer simulation can actually slow down the design process if the software isn't up to the task. Doing functional tests on a computer requires software that is accurate, reliable, and easy to use. Working Model saves you time and money right out of the box. You'll notice it in the details; the clean, one- step installer makes getting up and running a breeze; the industry's most advanced motion simulation engine automatically handles collisions, contact, and friction; and Working Model's innovative user interface makes computer simulation accessible to even the occasional user. BIiiftT IN!I .. ~ ( 0 TECI:!J~RIEFS) You can design in your preferred environment with seamless interfaces to SolidWorks™, Intergraph Solid Edge™, and AutodeskMechanical DesktopTM. Automatic Constraint Mapping™ technology expands your CAD assembly into a functioning Working Model. This is why Working Model has been recognized with two of the most prestigious awards in the mechanical CAD/CAE industry: "Product of the Year" from both Design News and NASA Tech Briefs. For a demo or for your local denier call 800-766-6615 Or contoct us at www.workingmodel.com Working Model" Working Model, Inc. A Division of Knowledge Revolution 66 Bon~t Road, Suite 200 San Mateo, CA 944D2 r~",*mg .\tDlkt- 117111 AlIl11miIhc CtmStTI"" MJJppmg .... art 1T1lIf""",,1ts of KMr:Wlg< RnxJ/uriotL AU .th1997 WorHng MDlkI. Inc. For More Information Circle No. 527 iii Manufacturing/Fabrication S Au X-Ray Grids on Si by Optical Lithography and Etching These grids can be used in an x-ray solar telescope. NASA s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California Fine-pitch, thin gold grid supported by silicon substrate have been devel- oped for use in pairs to collimate x rays in imaging and spectroscopic instru- ments. These grids are designed to pro- vide collimation at photon energies up to 30 keY. A representative grid of this type (see figure) comprises gold x-ray- absorbing slats 25 llID thick and 17 llID wide, with a pitch of 34 llID (so that the slats and the slits between them are of equal width). The grid also includes integral stiffeners perpendicular to the slats, with a pitch of 500 llID. The grid occupies an area 5.5 cm in diameter on the silicon substrate, which is a 200-1Im- thick wafer of 3-in. (7.62-cm) diameter. The silicon substrate is semitranspar- ent at photon energies >10 keY, but blocks x rays with photon energies as low as 2 keY. To prevent the substrate from blocking the passage of low-energy x rays and to enable optical characteri- zation of the grid, the silicon substrate is perforated with holes 1 mm wide by 4 mm long with rounded ends. These holes are arranged in staggered rows with their long axes per- pendicular to the slits and slats. and expo ed in the pattern of the holes to be formed through the substrate. sing equipment at UC Los Angele , the exposed parts of the ubstrate are etched through the entire thickness of the ubstrate by use of XeF2 gas, which reacts with silicon to generate gaseous products that are carried away by a vac- uum pump. The remaining parts of both photore i ts are then removed by use of acetone followed by a "piranha" bath (5:1 H2S04:H20 2). The Cr/Au strike in the holes through the substrate is removed by use of a olution of 3:1 HCI:H20 2, which etches Cr much more rapidly than it etches Au. Finally, a ring made of a low-thermal-expansion nick- el/iron alloy (Invar or equivalent) is glued to the wafer. Prototype grids fabricated in this way have been characterized by use of a visi- ble-light calibration system to verify the registration of the grids. The grids were Stiffener Fabrication of the grid begins with evaporative deposi- tion of a 50-A-thick layer of Cr followed by a 300-A-thick layer of Au on one side of the sub- strate to form a seed coat ("strike") for subsequent elec- troplating of the 25-pm-thick layer from which the grid will be made. A photoresist 25 llID thick is deposited on the strike, exposed in the grid-and-stiffen- er pattern, and developed. An oxygen plasma is u ed to strip resist residue from the strike. Si Wafer (Substrate) Then gold is electrodeposited onto the expo ed parts of the strike between the remaining Slats photore ist ridges to a thick- ness of 25 lIm, forming a gold grid with photoresist between the slats. found to satisfy the regi tration pecifi- cation to the limit of the calibration ys- tern. The gold grids have been hown to be usable for the collimation purpo e for which they were de igned and can be ea ily tested by laser techniques while they are mounted in place in sci- entific instruments. This work was done by Reid A. Brennen, Dean V. Wiberg, and Michael H. Hecht of Caltech and David Pankow of The SPace Sciences Laboratory, UC Berkeley, for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.nasatech.com under the Manufactur- ing/Fabrication category, or circle no. 172 on the TSP Order Card in this issue to receive a copy by mail ($5 charge). NPO-19857 The wafer is turned over and a 50-lIm dry resist i applied A Thin Gold Grid is supported on one face of a silicon wafer that contains holes in staggered rows. The holes allow lower-energy x rays to pass through the wafer to the grid, and enable optical inspection of the grid. 76 www.nasatech.com NASA Tech Briefs,July 1997 laser cultil .. g and ITlal1d ... g is ~asy and ~cc»nC».'Y1IIiccal_ H~re's th~ p~c»"_ No mistake. Every day over 10,000 Synrad COZ lasers cut, drill and mark teel, plastics, textiles, wood, ceramic and many other materials. Applications are practically boundless-the more you learn about OUT lasers, the more uses you will find for them. Simple to use with the reliability demanded by the toughest industrial applications. No gas bottles to replace, tools to resharpen or nozzles to clean---our lasers offer maintenance-free operation 24 hour a day for over four years. That's why ynrad lasers co t Ie to buy and run than other technologies. Integrating our lasers into your existing application is easy. We design our COZ lasers to be components-think of them as light bulbs--to mate with XY tables, gantry systems, or robot arms. No major redesigns are necessary to obtain the benefits of laser processing. Our all-sealed technology means no adjustments or alignment problems--ever. Eliminate die cutters, blades, scribers or ink. The small focused laser beam produces sharp, clean edges and, as the process is non-contact, intricate patterns can be cut in thin, delicate materials with no drag- even at high speeds. COz lasers can offer increased precision, higher processing speeds and less waste. Never used a laser before?Neither had most of our customers before talking to us. To learn how sealed COZlasers can help improve your process quality and reduce your manufacturing time and costs, call 1.800.SYNRADl today. """"""_ syn rad _ co ..... Send us your sal'nlples "for a FREE Process Evaluation ~----=---~ Can you benefit from laser technology? Find out by sending us samples (remember to include a description of your current process and, if possible, an example of a "finished" product). Within 3-5 days you'll receive a Synrad SampiePak™ containing your samples (suitably marked, drilled or cut by our Applications Facility), a written Materials Evaluation and more infonnation on implementing laser technology. _'bC ......... ___ '''''........... _ d_ For More Information Circle No. 644 SYNRAD 6500 Harl>our Heights ParIn-glass photomask can be made for photolithography. Of course, all the handling of tlle film and the expo ing process must be performed in dark- ness. To reduce the difficulty of making expo ures, a laser "cam- era" has been constructed that allows the complete alignment and etting up of the laser array and film to be done in low light All that is left for the darkness is the removal of the exposure plate and the adjustment of the laser array to contact the film. The photomask is used for the standard photOlithographic process where a silicon wafer is etched with trough , correspond- ing with ilie exact arrangement of the particular diode array. The trough aspect ratio and wall slope angle are determined by (1) ilie photoresist ultraviolet exposure and etching times and (2) ilie orientation of ilie silicon crystal lattice in the wafer, respec- tively. A central section of the etched image, corresponding to the emitting face dimensions of ilie diode-array package, is cut from the silicon wafer. What remains is a rectangular hole with etched troughs, a few millimeters wide, on opposing ides of ilie hole. It is in these troughs that ilie ends of tiny cylindrical lenses will be precision glued intO place, such that the lenses will span ilie hole and be identically spaced wiili each other as ilie individual bars in tlle laser~ode array. The cylindrical lenses are silica rods, 100 to 300 J.lID in thickness, and are drawn into shape like fiber optics. Through this process, an ashperical shape can be produced on ilie front and ilie back of the lens, thus creating an excellent sin- gle-element optic (see Figure 2). This 11XJrlt was dane I7y D. &rry Coylii of Goddard Space Flight Center. Far further infunnation, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free o~line at www.nasatech.com under the Manufacturing/ Fabrication categary, or circle no. 122 on the TSP Order Card in Ihis issue to receive a capy I7y mail ($5 chaW). This invention is owned I7y NASA, and a patent application has been. filed. Inquiries concerning nonexclusive ar exclusive license far its C01n- 1nerr;ial deuelopment slwuld be addressed to the Patient Counsel, Goddard Space Flight Center; (301) 286-7351. Refer to GSC-J3635. Insulating Material Diode laser Bar Chip Heat Sink Clyindrlcal Lens CROSS SECT10NAL VIEW Figure 2 A Fully Assembled Lens Rack and a Diode Array are shown here. Strips or a layer of insulating material (e.g., tape), or high-temperature epoxy can be applied to the remaining flat face of the plate to set the lens- to·laser distance accurately for collimation. ASA Tech Briefs,July 1997 Low cost, compact controller operates on feedback from heating element - no sensor required! • Regulates up to 3 A at 4.5 to 60 VOC • Adjustable setpoint • Solid state design . Wire leads or circuit board mount Accurate temperature control with minimal space requirements & power consumption . LC~'s . Vehicular electronics . Medical devices . Miniature components: Crystals, inkjet printheads, lasers . Scientific apparatus MIN CO PRODUCTS, INC. 7300 Commerce Lane . Minneapolis, MN 55432-3177 U.SA Telephone: (612) 571·3121 . FAX: (612) 571-0927 For More Information Circle No. 417 79 8 Microwave Treatment of Cardiac Arrhythmias A catheter contains a coaxial cable that delivers microwave energy via a small antenna. Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas An experimental method of treating tachycardia involves the microwave- induced ablation of a IO-mm layer of arrhythmogenic muscle tissue at the affected inner urface of the heart. In this method, the affected tis ue is heat- ed by microwave energy applied via a catheter. A thin coaxial cable in the catheter delivers the microwave energy to the tip of the catheter. A small antenna at the tip is designed for opti- mal coupling of the microwave energy from the coaxial cable into the tissue. The absorption of microwave energy in the tissue causes heating, which, in turn, p roduces the desired lesion. The microwave frequency must be chosen so that the microwave energy is absorbed predominantly in a surface layer of the desired thickness: if the fre- quency is too low, the microwaves propa- gate too far through the tissue, produc- ing heating that is too diffuse; if th.e fre- quency is too high, the energy is dissipat- ed in too thin a layer near the surface. The optimum frequency is expected to lie in the range of 4 to 6 GHz, the exact value depending on the electrical con- ductivities and permittivities of blood and heart muscle (see Figure 1). In comparison with other methods that involve direct-current pulses or radio frequencies below 1 GHz, this method may prove more effective in treating ventricular tachycardia. This 80 i becau e the pre ent method pro- vide for greater control of the loca- tion, cros -sectional area, and depth of a lesion via selection of the location and design of the antenna and the choice of microwave power and fre- quency. An apparatus has been con- structed to test the concept in experi- E E 35r-------------------------------------~ -0 C o >. Q) CO C/) ..c: a. Q) o ~ -0 Q) .0 o C/) .0 ~ >. e> Q) c llJ a 30 25 20 15 10 E Q) 5 ~ Q) 0. o 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 Frequency, GHz Figure 1. Heating Effects of Microwaves in hea rt tissue were mat hematically modeled, using assumed values of the permittivities and electrical conductivities of heart muscle and blood. For More Information Circle No. 418 ABA Tech Briefs, july 1997 , ~ Vol. 21 , NO.7 July 1997 This card expires: Dec. 31 , 1997 Fast Fax Information Form Use this form for quickest processing of your inquiry, or if the bind-in card has been removed. Fax: (413) 637-4343. Name ________________________________________________________________________________________ _ Company ____________________________________________________________________________________ __ Addffiss ______________________________________________________________________________________ __ City/SVZip Phone ______________________________________ ___ Fax __________________________________________ __ e-mail ____________________________________________________________________________ _ Circle the numbers below to order Technical Support Packages for briefs in this issue. 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 lal~lal. lUl~l~l00l~ lUl~l~l~l~ 1~ 1~lWl001~ l~l~l~l~l~l~l~l~lro 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 1 ~1001~lM1Mloo1~ 1~1~184 1%1001~1~ 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 ~3~4~5~6~7~8~9~~ w~~~m 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 2a 2~ 245 2. 247 2~ 249 200 251 252 253 2~ 255 2~ 257 2~ 259 260 261 262 263 2~ 265 2~ 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 2M 289 290 291 292 293 284 295 296 297 298 299 300 301 302 303 304 305 306 307 308 309 310 There is a $5.00 postage & handling charge for each TSP ordered, payable by check or credit card. Method Of Payment: ;j Check to NASA Tech Briefs ;j American Express .:J VISA ., Mastercard Card No. I~ -L~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Exp. D~e ________________________________ ___ Signature _________________________________ _ No. of TSPs: __ x $5.00 each = total enclosed: $, ______ _ Mail in envelope to: NASA Tech Briefs PO Box 5077 Pittsfield, MA 01203-5077 , Circle the numbers below to receive more information about products and services featured in this issue. 401 402 403 404 405 406 407 408 409 410 411 412 413 414 415 416 417 418 419 420 421 422 423 424 425 426 427 428 429 430 al a2 433 434 a5 436 437 436 439 440 ~1 442 443 444 ~5 446 ~7 ~8 449 400 al 452 453 4~ ~ 4~ ~ 458 459 400 461 .2 .3 464 465 4~ 467 4~ 469 470 471 472 473 474 475 476 477 478 479 ~O 481 ~2 483 484 ~5 400 ~7 4M ~9 400 491 492 4~ 484 495 496 497 498 499 500 001 002 503 504 505 506 507 008 509 510 511 512 ~3~4~5~6~7~8~952O~ ill~_~~ 527 528 529 ~O ~1 532 ~3 534 535 536 ~7 538 ~9 ~O ~1 ~2 ~3 ~ ~5 S. ~7 ~ ~9 550 ~1 552 ~ 5~ 555 556 557 558 559 ~O ~1 ~2 ~3 ~ 565 ~6 ~7 5~ ~9 570 571 572 573 574 575 576 577 578 579 580 581 582 583 584 585 ~6 ~7 588 ~9 590 591 592 593 594 595 596 597 598 599 600 601 602 603 604 605 606 607 608 609 610 ~1 612 613 614 615 616 617 618 619 620 621 622 623 624 625 626 627 628 629 630 631 632 633 634 ~5 636 ~7 ~ ~9 ~O ~1 ~2 sa ~ ~5 ~6 ~7 ~ ~9 650 651 ~2 653 6~ 655 6~ 657 6~ 659 ~O ~1 ~2 663 ~ 665 ~ ~7 ~ ~9 670 671 672 673 674 675 676 677 678 679 680 ~1 ~2 683 684 685 686 ~7 ~ ~9 690 691 692 693 684 695 696 697 698 699 700 701 702 703 704 705 706 707 708 709 710 711 712 713 714 715 716 717 718 719 720 721 722 723 724 725 726 727 728 729 730 731 732 733 734 735 736 737 738 739 740 741 742 743 7~ 745 746 747 748 749 750 751 752 753 7~ 755 7~ 757 7~ 759 760 761 762 7~ 7~ 7~ 7~ 767 768 769 770 771 772 773 774 775 776 777 778 779 780 781 782 783 784 785 786 787 700 789 790 791 792 793 784 795 700 797 798 799 800 801 802 803 804 805 806 807 808 809 810 811 812 813 814 815 816 817 818 819 820 821 822 823 824 825 826 827 828 829 830 831 832 833 834 or fax to: (413) 637-4343 Thank you for your order. ments on microwave heating of imu- lated heart ti sue ( ee Figure 2). This work was done by G. D. Arndt of Johnson Space Center; J. R. Carl, G. W Raffoul, and V. G. Karasack of Lockheed Engineering and Sciences Co.; and T. Pacifico and C. F. Piper of Baylar College of Medicine. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.nasatech.com under the Life ciences caLegary, or circle no. 176 on the TSP Order Card in this issue to receive a copy by mail ( 5 charge). This invention is owned by NASA, and a patent application has been filed. Inquiries concerning nonexclusive or exclusive license fOT its commercial development should be addressed to Lhe Patent Counsel, Johnson Space Center; (713) 483-4871. Refer Lo MSC-22483. 70 60 0- 50 e:> ::J ~ .. a. E 40 .. I- 30 20 0 4-mm Depth 60 120 180 240 Time (s) INITIAL RESULTS OF TEMPERATURE RAMPING WITH MICROWAVE EXPOSURE (4.10 WATTS) 300 Figure 2. Temperature Ramping is shown here as a function of 4.10-W microwave exposure for various depths. e Automated Microspectrofluorimeter and Cell-Culture Apparatus Outstanding attributes include compactness, frequency agility, and computer control. John F. Kennedy Space Center, Florida A developmental compact instrument for experimentation on live cells includes a cell-culture-and-imaging module plus a frequency-agile microspectrofluorimeter for examining the cells. The cell-culture- and-imaging module not only maintains cell cultures but also provides for the nec- essary transfers of substances to change nutrient media and to stimulate, fix, and label cultured cells. The microspectroflu- orimeter provides tunable, multiple- wavelength visible light to illuminate the specimens; acquires quantitative, spec- trally-resolved images of single cells; digi- tally processes the images; and stores the resulting data. The instrument is designed to operate under computer control; it can be pro- grammed to perform a variety of func- tions and left to operate unattended after initial loading with cells, culture media, stimulatory chemicals, inhibitory chemi- cals, and/or other materials. Originally intended for use aboard a spacecraft, the instrument also offers advantages for ter- res trial laboratory and field experimenta- tion and clinical investigations; its automation, programmability, and fre- quency agility could prove beneficial in such applications as cytometry and patho- logical examinations of biopsy specimens. Of all the innovations incorporated into the design of the instrument, the one that contributes most to miniat:uriza- tion and that makes frequency agility pos- sible is the use of one acousto-optical tun- able filter (AOTF) instead of a conven- tional scanning monochromator or stepped-filter-wheel monochromator to obtain the required frequency (wave- length) selectivity and tunability. A typical conventional scanning monochromator has dimensions of about 15 by 15 by 10 in. (38 by 38 by 25 em), is delicate, includes stepping motors and other mov- ing parts, has low optical throughput, and is constrained to scan sequentially, with attendant slow switching between wave- lengths. A stepped-filter-wheel monochro- mator is limited to the few fixed wave- lengths of the filters in the wheel. For More Information: Phone: (617) 864-0201 , E-mail: info@aoainc.com, Internet: www.aoainc.com A Hamil ton Standard ~ AU_'KftllOIOl".C. Adlptl ... OpUu .... ocl ••••• In~. 82 For More Information Circle No_ 427 ASA Tech Briefs,]uly 1997 Until you realize we're refer- ring to the 0.5-micron incre- mental motion of our new TS Series translation stages. The TS Series gives you exceptional bi-directional repeatability, velocity, and accuracy. So it's the perfect choice for a whole stack of precision test, assembly, and research applications. And since the TS Series motion product line, now you can look to Newport for stages with incremental motions from 0.025 to 100 microns. Which means you're assured the precise combi- nation of price-performance your application needs. Now it's up to you to see if the TS Series fills a hole in your application. Just request our new catalog at 1-800-222-6440. Or visit our website rounds out our precision www.newport .com For details on the complete line of Newport precIsion motion systems and products, request our new 1997 Motion Control catalog today. USA. 8O().222.6440. 714-863-3144, Belg;um, 010-402927. canada, 90>567-0390. Franceo 1-60916868, Goo","", 06151·3621.- cence in single live cells, rather than being limited to measurements in bulk cell suspen ions. The figure shows the m.yor parts of the instrument. The cell-culture-and-imaging module includes a sample carousel that contains 40 0.2-mL culture chambers. The contents of each chamber can be observed via a coverslip on the bottom of the carousel, and access to each chamber can be gained via two septa at the top. Fluids can be pumped from any of 6 reser- voirs into any of the 40 culture chambers. A subsystem that maintains optimum cell- culture conditions is included in the module. T he microspectrofluorimeter is config- ured as an AOTF-based fluorescence microscope. The ource of light is a xenon arc lamp. Images are detected by Excitation Optical Subassemblies AOTF Emission:Mirror Emission HOUSing Housing Housing Carousel-Rotating Motor an intensified charge-coupled-device All of the Instrumentation needed to culture cells and examine them microspectrofluoromet rically is (eCD) camera. Also included in the contained in one compact package. 84 Essential for planning, tracking, reporting, presenting, and organizing your work! In the engineering world, nothing happens without a schedule and everything comes under grueling scrutiny ThatS why you need Milestones, Etc.~ 5.0 from KIDASA. Milestones, Etc. project scheduling software makes scheduling work and communicating the progress fast and easy You can create master schedules conraining instant hyperlinks to detailed schedules, documentation, flllalldal information, even web pages. And with built·in project wizards, spell-checking, import cap~, datagraphs, and more, lifl_trm,es, Etc. JIJas the sophisticated features you ~ to .jDdre effective in your job now. • 1 odld project scheduling software offers ore. See for yourself. Call today, and er Milestones, Etc. [or just $169.00. Or . it our web site at www.kidasa.com. and do",nload a free - NOW! -- For More Information Circle No. 428 __ ~T -;.: instrument are (1) a module that contains power-supply circuits plus other electron- ic circuits for operating the ceU-culture- and-imaging module and (2) a control module that contains the equivalent of a 486-1evel personal computer, with image- processing and communication circuit boards. Software in the control module controls all functions necessary for com- plete automation of cell-culture and image-data-acquisition functions. This work was done by Salvador M. Fernandez, Ernest E Guignon, Ralph Levy, Sean Cobane, and Robert K£rsten. of Ciencia, Inc., for Kennedy Space Center. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.nasatech. rom under the Lift Sciences categvry, or circle no. 157 on the TSP Order Card in this issu£ to receive a ropy by mail ($5 charge). In acamlance with Public Law 96-517, the contractor has elected to retain title to this invention. Inquiries concerning rights for its commercial use should be addressed to: Salvador M. Fernandez, President Ciencia, Inc. 11 I Roberts Street, Suite C East Hartford, CT 06108 &fer to KSGl1835, volume and number of this ABA Tech Briefs issue, and the page number. ASA Tech Briefs, july 1997 More than 50,000 Electronics Professionals will Converge at Wescon -IC Expo/97 For the first time • •• Bringing Wescon to the Silicon Valley Simultaneously at both the San Jose and Santa Clara Convention Centers ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVE ADHESIVES. Designed To Your Specifications MASTER BOND EP76M EPOXY • High conductivity • Thermal shock resistant • Durable, high strength bonds • Water and chemical resistant • Repairability • Long storage stability without refrigeration • Convenient packaging For Information, call or write: Master Bond Inc., 154 Hobart st. Hackensack, NJ 07601 . 201 -343-8983 For M ore Information Circle No. 419 86 For More Information Circle No. 420 Newl~l¥larket Tricor Systems, Elgin, IL, offers the Model S05A PC-based surface analy- sis system, which measures and ana- lyzes the gloss levels of surfaces regardle of shape. texture, or color. It also measures distinctness of image and haze index, and characterizes texture. The high-resolution video imaging system quantifies surfaces of plastics, composites. ceramics. vinyls, and coated and painted surfaces using up to 240.000 data points The TS Series of linear stages from ewporl Corp., Irvine. CA, are avail- able in travel ranges from 50mm to 300mm with bi-directional repeata- bility and minimum incremental motion ofO.5I1m. They are machined from 7075 aluminum and feature a DC servo motor, acceleration range from 0.001 to 0.20g. and a velocity range from 0.05 to 75mm/sec. The stages are supported by crossed·roller bearings and feature an integral lin- ear optical encoder. For More Information Cirde No. 743 Methode Electronics. Connector Products. Chicago. lL, offers a 50- position CompactFlash PC card receptacle for CompactFlash form- factor removable memory device in handheld computers. digital cameras. PDAs. and other portable devices. Features include flexible contact tail tool forming and a contact design that withstands repeated card inser- tions in excess of 10,000 cycles. All materiaJs are compatible with high- temperature soldering processes. The ADAM 3000 series signal condi- tioning modules from American Advaotech. Sunnyvale, CA, protect processed signals from harmful effects of ground loop. motor noise. and electrical interference. They pro- vide three-way 1000VDC isolation, an internally isolated single +24VDC power supply, and DIN-rail mount- ing. The modules have a maximum ±17711V;oC temperature drift with up to 1 KHz bandwidth using O.SW. For More InformatIon Circle No. 747 Kniirr USA. Simi Valley. CA, is inte- grated with enclosure, backplane. power supply, thermal management. cabling. and shielding. The 19" chas- sis meets EMl/RFI specifications and MlL-STD-810E requirements for shock resistance. Cooling options provide Yen tilation while maintaining shielding and stability. Assembly features include retro- fittable components and a push-fit connection system. For M ore Information Circle No. 740 Wenco Electronics, Roseburg. OR. has introduced the Celtronic battery recharger, which re-energizes nickel- cadmium. nickel metal hydride, and lithium ion rechargeable batteries. Single-. double-, and quad-station models are available that can service SO. 160, and 320 batteries per month, respectively. Features include Smart Port cable hook-up jacks and universal battery connec- tion cables. For More Information Ci rcle No. 745 Dataq Instruments, Akron, OH, offers the Model 01-400 Series 1 f). channel. single-ended/S differential data acquisition cards, which feature a 12-bit analog-to-digital converter. dual 12-bit digital-to-analog convert- er. and eight digital inputs and out· puts without direct memory access. Aoalog inputs may be expanded to 256 channels. The ISA plug-in card contains an on-board 32-million· instruction-per-second digital signal processor. For More Information Circle No. 746 ASA Tech Briefs,July 1997 NewWlcitfltl:;~JMarket The Model 2410 and 2420 SourceMeter voltage and current test instruments from Keithley InstrU- ments, Cleveland, OH, combine volt- age and current sources willl a high- resolution digital muhimeter and measurement firmware. The 2410 generates source voltages from %!lIlV to ±llooV and measures voltage from ± III V to ± 11 OOV. The 2420 generates source current from :t5OOpA to ±3A and measures current from ±IOOpA to ±3A. Memory buffer allows storing up to 5000 5-1 / 2-digit readings. The LV3000 Series low-voltage, high- current switch mode power supplies from HC Power, Irvine, CA, feature output voltages of 1.25, 2, !Ul, 4.5, 5, 12, and 18 VOC. The 3000W power supplies are nominally rated for 5 volts at 500 amps, with an optional 3.3 volts at up to 800 amps. The units provide standard AC input of 180 to 264VAC, ingle-phase 47-63Hz. For More Information Clrde No. 744 lmerpoinl, a subsidiary of Crane Co., Redmond, WA. has introduced the MHF and SM A radiation-hardened DC/DC couverters and the SFMC EMI filter, aU of which function over a temperature range of -55°C 10 + 125°C. The SMHF converter deliv- ers up to 15 watts of output power with single outputs of3.3, 5,12, or 15 VOC; the SMSA provides up to 5 watts of output power in ingle- or dual-output configurations of 5, 12, or 15 VOe. The SFMC filter is com- patible with both converters. For More Infonnatlon Orde No. 739 ASA Tech Briefs,July 1997 Spira Mfg. Corp., Nonh Hollywood, CA, has introduced the F1exi.shield EMI gasket. which is made by wrap- ping a conductive piral around a soft silicone tube or cord. The design flexes to fill uneven joint surfilces and features a low coefficient of fric- tion. Standard materials are stainless steel and beryllium copper. For M .... Information Clrde No_ 748 Setra Systems. Boxborough, MA, has introduced the BL and EL precision balances, which incorporate variable capacitance technology and a Moment Insensitive Load Cell . Features include an LED display, bi- directional RS-2!12 data communica- tions. die-<:asl aluminum hOllsing. stainless steel weighing pan, and lev- eling controls. Capacities range from 200 to 4100 gram . The DataGraph VR series video- graphic paperless recorders from Total Temperature Imtrumentation, Williston, vr, measure, compute, dis- pia)', record, and review up to 12 ana- log and computation channels. Color and monochrome versions fearure 5" active matrix LCD display, 16-bit res- olution. math functions, data analysis while recording, and software thal enables data expon to a PC. For MOl'll Infonnatlon Orda No. 736 EGC is the name to know for reliable, COSt-effective fluid sealing products. Our line includes Thennafoile/Grafoil· pre-formed rings, die-n module to the CAMCAD" PCB view. print, compose. and con· \'en program. The module enables 30 viewing of PCB de igns and impon PCB design system tranSlators such as PADS. Cadence. Memor. GenCAD and Oracle. For More information Orcle No. 711 ITRiMa[b[QJ1K. ® INC. if you have an edge ..• we have a trim! For over 25 years, the leader in flexible plastic and rubber extrusions! e-mail: trimlok@deltanet.com call toll·free 714-562 -0500 fax 714-562-0600 6855 Hermosa Circle Buena Park, Ca 90622-6180 For More Information Circle No. 425 Servometers gold plated interconnect contacts are designed to provide a lifetime of reliable interconnection. Diameters ranging from 0.037" 00 to 0.125· 00. An alternative to costly. tight toleranced assembly components. Flexible Interconnect Contacts: • Can be used individually or as dynamic pairs. • Unique lips allow pairs to self align as they connect. • Compensate for misalignments due to tolerance build up. • Low DC resistance. • Minimum insertion loss. • Lifetime spring and force repeatability. @.'-:! .' '. : Call for free brochure SeRWMeTeR® 501 Little Falls Road Cedar Grove. NJ 07009 Fax (USA): (800) 785-0756 Fax: (973) 785-0756 Tel: (973) 785-4630 _w .servometer .com For More Information Circle No. 426 89 .CUI STACK The Technology Connection To Advertise Call (800) 944-NASA "How To Offer Your Invention For Sale." We have helped hundreds of inventors and showed them haw 10 offer their inventions for sole 10 businesses all aver the world. No cost. Free Infonnotion. Call 1-800-537·1133, Kessler Sales Corp., C-47·7, Fremont, Ohio 43420, Take a bite out of resolver costs with our tough, submersible, industrial-strength, JR optical encoders. They survive harsh envi· ronments for about a tenth of what you pay for resolvers. And with less displacement. Which helps your design and your build cost. CUI/Stack supplies standard or cus- SE Stues tom components. You won't need an exceptional order to get exceptional service. Call (800) 275-4899 for a On top of it~ NASA Todl Bnefs. ISSN 0145·319X. USPS 750-<)70, copynghtC 1997 by Asoodated Busoness PulJlcahOns Co., Ltd. Copynght Is not _ tor the IndYIduoI ~odl bnoIs' oootsined In thos pubicauon. The U.S. GcMmnent has apaoc!-\lPlcanseto",",""",aI r!glts.roerthe~ __ Ior_~ NASA Todl Briafs quick quote. Or fax your specs to (503) 643-6129. IS ptilIohed fl'Oduction and c:IrcUBbon _ 8131 7 MadIoon _, New Ya1<. NY 10017·5391. ~ lor non-qcalilled __ In the U.S .. Panama Canal Zone, and F\Jofto RIco, 575.00 tor I yar. $125.00 tor 2 yeEI'S; $200.00 for 3 yoors. SngIe ccpies S10.00. FooeIgn 9t.t>oc:nptior' ono-yeIW U.S. Fu1ds S195.00. AaIM by check, draft, POStal, __ '" VISA, MastetCatd, '" American 8:lIwww .... tech.com For M ore Information Circle No. 583 Nlib 3.0 is a library of ANSI C functions for creatmg and proces ing NURBS curves and surfaces. The function are easy to call and no knowledge of NURBS mathematics is re- quired. lib 3.0 is the ideal kernel upon which to build geometry-based applications. Source code, multi-users, no royalties. Maintenance, consulting and training. http://www.gower.netlgeomware GeomWare. Inc. PH/FAX 903 839-5042 FREE! 130 Page Catalog "Optics for Industry" Fr~ 130 page product catalog from Rolyn. world's larges1 supplier of "Off-the-Shelf" optics. 24-hour delivery of simple or oompound lenses, filters. prisms, mirrors, beamsplitters, reticles, objectives, eyepieces plus thousands of other stock items. Rolyn also supplies custom prod- ucts and ooatings in prototype or production quantities. ROL YN OPTlCS Co .• 706 Arrowgrand Circle, Covina, CA 91722-2199. (626)915-5707 FAX(626)915-1379 use a 66MHz Motorola with integrated PCI controller. They achi- eve 1 MHz sample rate;;, simultaneous I/O, and bus-mastering DMA to sys· te rn memory. all with no degradation of host CPU performance. (Look next for Reason #3: "64 analog input channels.") 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PACKARD For More Information Circle No. 582 LOOKING To INCREASE Y OUR ExPORTS? Write today for a FREE sample copy of Exporter Insider- the new monthly newsletter filled with expert advice and ideas to help your business penetrate international markets. Circle no. 718 on the Informarion Requesr Form or fax your requesr on company letterhead to (212) 822-2028. Advertisers Index Company Web Site ADAC, American Grde Number Page Dala Acquisition Corporation .... www.adac.com ........................... 411 ............................ 66 Adaptive Optics Associates, Inc ....... www.aoainc.com ........................ 427 ............................ 2 Adaptive Research ............................ www.adaptive-research.com .... 641 .............................. 3 Algor, Inc ........................................... ""'W. a1gor.com .......................... 609,630 .•................ 7,31 American Variseal ............................ www.variseal.com .................... .. 407 .... .. .......... ............ 56 AMP Incorporated ................ .. .......... www.amp.com ...... ...................... 622 .•...................•.... ..43 Apple Computer, Inc .................................................................................................... .......... .11 Astro-Med, Inc ................................... www.astro-med.com .................. 670 ...........................• 61 BASF Plastic Materials .................... www.basLcom/ plastics ............. 588 ............................ 67 WM. Berg .......................................... www.wmberg.com ...................... 420 ............................ 86 Belatronix, Inc . ................................ www.betatronix.com ................. 577 ............................ 35 Cardinal Aluminum Co ....................................................................... 403 ............. ............... 26 Chino Works America Inc .................................................................... .402 ............................ 24 Cole-Parmer Instrument Company .................. www.coleparmer.com ................ 604 ............................ 53 Compaq Computer Corporation .... www.compaq.com ..................... . 627 ........................ 5(}.51 Corel Corporation ............................ www.corel.com ......... ................. 560 ............................ 29 CUI Slack ......................................................................... .. ........ ....... .. ..430 ............................ 90 Cybernetics .................................................... .. .... .. ................................................................... .21 Dayco Products, Inc ......................... www.dayco.com ........ .. ................ 401 ............................ 16 Digi-Key Corporation ...................... www.digikey.com ........................ 636 ............................. . 5 Digital Equipment Corporation ...... ""'W.workslation.digital.com .... 533 ............................ 39 Driv-Lok, Inc ..................................... www.driv-Iok.com ....... ..... .......... 556 ............................ 41 DuPont Krytox ................................ www.lubricants.dupontcom .... 662 .. .. ..... .. ................. 37 DuPont Vertrel ..................................................................................... .552 ............................ 47 DuPont VespeL. ........ www.dupontcom/ enggpolymers/ americas .... 53O ........................ 14-15 E-A-RSpecialty Composites .................................................................. 675 .............................. 9 EBM/ Papst ................ .. ............ .. ...... www.ebm.com ............................ 450 .................. COV lla EDP ...................................................................................................... ..460 .......................... 15. EGC Enterprises Incorp ................... www.egc-ent.com ..................... .421 ........................... . 87 Endevco ............................................ www.endevco.com .................... 573 ............................ 27 Exergy Incorporated ....................................................................... ..... 415 ............................ 78 F1oMet, Inc ..................................... .. ""'W.tlometindustry.net ... .. ...... .412 ............................ 72 Folsom Research ............. .. ............... www.foisom.com ........................ 652 .............................. 2 Fon Wayne Anodizing ............................................................ .............. 408 .................... ........ 58 Gage Applied Sciences (U.S.) Inc. .. www.gage-applied.com .............. 409 ........................... 63 GeomWare ........................................ www.gower.net/geomware ........ 585 ............................ 91 Government Micro Resources, Inc. .................. www.gmri.com .......................... 690 ............................ 33 Hewlett-Packard Co ....... .................. www.hp.com/ info/ bi26 ............ 672 ............................ 25 Hewlett-Packard CO .............................................................................. .582 ............................ 91 ffil Systems [nc ...................................................................................... .580 ............................ 91 Intusoft ................................ .. ............ www.intusoft.com ...................... 451 ... .. ....................... la Invention Machine Corporation .... www.invention.machine.com .. 639 ............................ ..4 IOtech, Inc .... ................................... www.iotech.com .... .. .................. 635 ............................ 71 Keithley ............................................ www.keithley.com .................... ..410 ............................ 64 Keithley MetraByte .......................... www.keithley.com ...................... 678-680 ..................... .55 Kidasa Software, Inc ......................... www.ltidasa.com ........................ 428 ............................ 84 Kontron Elektronik .......................... www.kontron.com ........... .. ......... 452 ............................ 2a Kniirr USA, Inc ................................. www.knuerr.de ......................... .595 ............................ 23 LumileX, Inc. .......................................................................................... 453 ............................ 2a LPKF ................................... .......... ... Wl\'W.lpkfcadcarn.com .............. .. 461 .......................... 15a Master Bond Inc .................................................................................. .419 ............................ 86 Company Web Site Circle Number Page The Mathworks, Inc ............................ ww.mathworks.com/ nth ........ 660 ................ I6A-B, 17 Mercotac Inc . ............ .. .............. ........ ""w.mercolac.com .................... 423 ............................ 88 Metric Equipment Sales, Inc. .......... www.metricsales.com ................ 749 ............. .. ........... I6a Minco Products, Inc ............................................................................. 417 ............................ 79 Motorola Semiconductor ................ motorola.com/ ps .................................................. ..4a-5a ational Instruments Corp .............. www.narinst/HiQ. w",w.natin tcom 6OO,405 ......... COV Il,48 National Technical Systems .................................................................. 458 ......................... 13a National Technology Thansfer Center ........................... .http;f / ntaS.techtraCS.org .......... 658 .................. COV ill Newpon COrporation ................... .... www.newportcom.l\.WW.newpon.com/catalog 656 .............................. 83 orth American Capacitor Co ....... www.nacc·mallory.com .............. 750 .......................... 16. Ocean Optics Inc ............................. www.OceanOptics.com ............ 406 ..... .. ..................... 54 Omega Engineering, Inc ................. www.omega.com ........................ 540-541 ........................ 1 Omega Shielding Products Inc ....... www.omegashielding.com ...... ..424 ............................ 88 Omron , ............................................ \\W\\I.oel.omron.com .......... ........ 457 ...................•........ 9a Parametric Technology Corporation ............ www.ptproductS.com, www.workslation.digital.com 575 .................. 73,48A·D Paroscientific ................................... www.paroscientific.com .......... .416 ................ " .... " .... 79 Penn Engineering & Manufacturing Corp. " ................ www.pemnetcom ...... " .... " " .. ... 404 ............ .. . " .. "." ... .45 Research Systems, Inc ....................... www.rsinc.com ............... " ........ 515 .............. "" .. COV IV RGB Spectrum .................................. www.rgb.com ............................ ..429 .. " ........................ 10 Rolyn Optics CO .......................................... " ........... " ..... .. " ...... " ..... " ... .581 ............................ 91 Servometer ........................................ ~.se.rvomeler.com ................ 426 ....................... .... 89 Sony Precision Technology America.. ........... ... www.sony.coJp/ lnterChange/spt/corp.html 456 ............................. 7a Sumitomo Metals ................... " ..................... " ................. .. ...... " ..... " ... 432 .......... " ................ 22 Synrad, 1nc ......................................... www.synrad .com ." .................... 644 .......... .. ................ 77 TAL Technologies, Inc . .... .. .............. www.taltech.com ....................... 583 ............ " ............ .. 91 Tamura Corporation of America ........................................................ 462 .................. COV IVa TEC Products .................................... www/ tecstress.com/tec ............ 459 ......................... .14a Technology 2007 ........ " ....................................................................................... .. ... .. ........... .lla Thompson Casting Co., Inc. ..................................................... " ....... ..414 ............................ 78 Titan Tool Supply Co., Inc . ............................................. .. ................... 751 .... " .. .................. 16a The Torrington Company .. " ......................... ... ........................................................................ 13 Transducer Techniques, Inc ........... www.ttloadcells.com ................ 422 ............................ 87 Trim·Lok Inc ............. "" ............................ " .......................................... 425 ............ " ......... " ... 89 Trompeter Electronics, Inc. ............................................. " .................. .586,587 ...................... 91 United Electronic Industries .......... "'WW.ueidaq.com ........................ 584 ............ " .............. 91 Unitrode ............................................ www.unitrode.com .................... 455 ............................ 3. Welker Bearing Company .................................................................... 418 ............................ 80 Weston-IC Expo/97 ............................................... " ............................. 695 ........................... .85 Wolfram Research, Inc ........... www.wo1fram.com/ applications/csn,www.wolfram.com 591 ............................. 69 Working Model, Inc., Div. of Knowledge Revolution .... Wl\'W.worltingmodel.com .......... 527 ....... " ................ .. . 75 92 www.nasatech.com ASA Tech Briefs,July 1997 C"" ,z ----.-: - I> MANUFACTURING' MEDICAL I> MATERIALS I> SENSORS NASA engineers have partnered with thousands of co~panies to develop new products. like an e~ercise machine patterned after a zero gravity simulator. It's now in health clubs nationwide. To leam how you can tap into our 100 billion dollars of R&D, visit OUf Web site. Or call lile National Technology Transfer Center to lId out how our technology can help your bottom line. http://ntas.techtracs.org 1_800-678-6882 Read In analyze and output your data wrth the clrck of a rnouse wrth IOL InSight Visualize your data with IDL., the Inuractivt Data Languagt, and see results in a whole new way. IDL software's array-oriented architecture is designed for high-performance processing of large, complex data. That's why it's the standard in [he Easily create amazing graph- world's preeminent medical , ics with IDL software's military, engineeting & sci- accelerated 3D system. Want ence organizations. IDL is so to spin or fly-through a efficient that a few lines of surface? 0 problem. Shade IDL can do the job of hun- and illuminate with multiple dreds of lines of C or Fortran. light sources? And, its object-oriented IT ' A NAP IN I . system lets you develop sophisticated applications from reusable code modules.

NASA Tech Briefs, July 1997

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