Technology Bulletin

Magnetically powered trains require
no new rights-of-way

Scientists at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a concept for a high-speed, magnetically powered train that does not levitate, is relatively inexpensive to build, and can run on already-laid track. Dubbed "Seraphim," the train is a spin-off from technology developed at Sandia for the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization. Magnetic coils power a working model--a vertical, two-foot-tall aluminum plate that slides along a rail. In only 12 feet, the prototype reaches a speed of 34 mph. Unlike mag-lev trains, which have no engine aboard, the proposed Sandia train would carry its own drive mechanism--a gas turbine that powers on-board electromagnets. The pulsed magnets induce reversed electric currents in the aluminum plates. The induced currents create their own magnetic fields that oppose those of the train. With the aid of optical sensors, the fields pulse on just as the magnets pass the midpoint of the plates, and, by repulsion, propel the train forward. FAX (505) 844-6367.

Super-fast DNA sequencer technology to enter market next year

Premier American Technologies Corp., Bellefonte, PA, will introduce to the commercial market in 1996 a patented technology it says will increase the rate of DNA sequencing by at least 1,000-fold over current instruments. The Multiplexed Fluorescence Detector for Capillary Electrophoresis, developed by Edward Yeung, a scientist at the DOE Ames Laboratory, could help map the 100,000 genes found in the nucleus of every human cell and read the DNA code contained in them. Using a single sequencer, the best current technology would take 1,000 or more years to sequence the 3 billion or so units in a single individual's DNA. The new instrument can sequence the entire genome in 68 days. The sequencer's speed results from its ability to analyze genetic information from multiple sources by shining laser light on a number of different substances, which fluoresce or glow. A precise scientific camera records the fluorescence, while a computer automatically analyzes the results. FAX (814) 353-0605.

Fluids tests address environmental cleaning concerns

Applications and toxicological tests for new CFC/ODS replacement fluids are underway at 3M's Engineering Fluids & Systems. The new solvents do not contain chlorine or bromine and, therefore, do not cause damage to the ozone layer, according to Frank Klink and John Owens, technical specialists at 3M. In addition, they have short atmospheric lifetimes, low global-warming potentials, and do not contribute to smog formation. The compounds are designed for industrial cleaning and solvent applications formerly accomplished with chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and 1,1,1-trichloroethane. Targeted properties in developing the compounds, which have been met, included: minimal environmental impact, low surface tension and viscosity, solvency for hydrocarbons and oils, very low solubility in water, and ease of use and containment. Physical characteristics of the new hydrofluoroethers closely resemble ODS solvents. They will be produced in a range of boiling points to allow effective solvency with a number of soils. Hydrolytic stability values compare to CFC-113. Industry evaluation will begin this fall, with commercialization targeted for early- to mid-1996. FAX Raymond K. Merle at (612) 737-7635.

Polymeric foams set to compete with high-end rubbers

Newly patented closed-cell foams from Gask Tape Inc., Elkhart, IN, are targeted for the "more sophisticated" industrial, automotive, and HVAC markets. The new line will compete with traditional high-end rubbers (EPDM, vinyl nitrile, SBR blends, ECH, and EPT), and, depending upon the application, heavy-density urethanes, according to Gask Tape's Director of Marketing Charles J. Nyers. Key characteristics of the Polymeric Series foams include: temperature limits that range from 40 to 250F, low water absorption, and compression resistance and physical property retention through all temperature ranges. The material meets FMVSS (SAE J369) and ASTM 1056 (SAE J18) standards. It also resists such chemicals as H2804, HCL, and HN03 acids, petroleum-based lubricants, and toluene, gasoline, and ASTM fuel B solvents. FAX (219) 294-6113.

Super-bright blue light-emitting diode unveiled

Cree Research, Inc. has announced a breakthrough in blue light-emitting diode (LED) technology with the release of a high-output bluechip. The DH85 chip is said to be over 20 times brighter than Cree's existing blue product. The chip, based on Cree's patented G.SiC Technology™ , combines the high efficiency of gallium nitride with the reliability of silicon carbide. Typical radiant output of the chip is 500 microwatts measured at 20 milliamps, with a peak wavelength of 430 nanometers. The chip conforms to existing LED packaging standards. FAX (214) 774-4577.

Skinny metal filaments guard against electromagnetic radiation

Radio frequency waves from wireless devices, such as cellular phones, tend to interfere with those from digital computers and calculators. That can result in minor disruptions in electronic performance or disastrous losses of information. Engineers at the New York University at Buffalo have developed a new material they say can provide better shielding against such interference. The composite material consists of "super-skinny," nickel-coated carbon filaments embedded in a polymer matrix. "Using nickel to coat carbon filaments that are less than a micron in diameter, we have developed skinny filaments that shield as effectively as solid copper," says Deborah D.L. Chung, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering. The thinnest nickel filaments available for shielding are two microns in diameter. "We've managed to make these filaments super-skinny," Chung adds, "at a price of less than $20 per pound." FAX (716) 645-3765.

Manmade crystal eclipses Cullinan diamond in size

ETREMA Products, Inc., Ames, IA, has grown a 4.5 kg rod of aligned crystal that's three times larger than the 3,100-carat Cullinan diamond--the largest gem-quality diamond ever mined. The rod of Terfenol-D®, a magnetostrictive solid-state alloy, changes its shape when a magnetic field is applied around it. The 40-mm-diameter x 40-mm-long rod, produced using ETREMA's state-of-the-art production unit, "provides the opportunities to meet applications that demand more power and longer displacement," according to Becky Jones, customer development specialist at ETREMA. Possible use: transducer elements as large as 70 mm in diameter. FAX (515) 296-7168.

'Eco-industrial park' could usher in new manufacturing era

Astudy by Cornell University's Work and Environment Initiative has shown the feasibility of a proposed "ecological-industrial park." At such a site, the study points out, a network of manufacturers could prosper by reducing waste, sharing resources, and employing environmentally responsible workers. A currently underutilized Fairfield section of Baltimore would be an ideal spot for such an industrial symbiosis based largely on carbon cycling, the Cornell group reports. The study recommends a series of pollution-prevention strategies and resource-recovery facilities that can process the carbon-based waste. One such process, continuous ablative regeneration (CAR), reduces waste materials to primary components after "flashing" in a non-oxygen atmosphere. For example, CAR has demonstrated its ability to convert steel-belted rubber tires to fuel oil, naphtha, tire black, and steel. FAX (607) 255-9736.

Imaging sensor shrinks cameras to the size of a chip

A new imaging sensor--virtually a camera on a chip--is under development at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory for the space program. It is also under consideration by several major companies for licensing. The technology makes possible an imaging system that is smaller and cheaper than current state-of-the-art electronic imaging systems, but comparable in performance, according to Eric Fossum who headed the team that developed the Active Pixel Sensor. Fossum considers the technology a "considerable leap beyond current electronic sensors." Use of complementary metal-oxide semiconductors (CMOS) made the development of the sensors possible using mainstream microelectronics technology, says Fossum. This could potentially reduce the cost of the devices to under $200 per million pixels, he predicts. Charge-coupled devices (CCDs) with a million pixels cost about $1,000 to make for low-volume applications. FAX (818) 354-4537.

Solar power gets a boost with debut of 20-kW system

Large-scale solar power production should become more than a bright idea with the inauguration of a 20-kW solar dish power system. Developed by Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) and Stirling Thermal Motors (STM), the prototype system now produces power for Public Service of Colorado at the SAIC Solar Energy Test Facility in Golden. The system consists of a parabolic dish solar concentrator, developed by SAIC, that focuses intense solar energy on a high-efficiency Stirling engine/generator engineered by STM. This four-cylinder reciprocating engine uses external heat, rather than internal combustion, to produce power. Because of this external heat source, the system can operate on fossil fuels like natural gas or kerosene at night or during cloudy days. "These systems are modular, cost effective, and very efficient," says SAIC manager Kelly Beninga. FAX (303) 384-0320.

Help students 'slip' into design engineering prominence

Creative students make good future employees. To help encourage such activities, DuPont is accepting applications for its 1996 DuPont Plunkett Student Awards for Innovation with Teflon®. The 1994 top award winner, Margaret Mary Hricko, a recent graduate of the University of Scranton in Scranton, PA, won for a metallized form of Teflon fluoropolymer resin that shields equipment from electromagnetic interference. As part of her reward, Hricko spent last summer at the DuPont Experimental Station working with top scientists on an important research project. "After this experience, I am definitely much more interested in working in an industrial setting," Hricko reports. If your company is associated with a school that has a student like Hricko, ask him or her to apply for the award by phoning 1-800-432-7536.