Abstract: Boron powders are sintered and densified utilizing a microwave environment for so doing.

Abstract: A uniquely surface-modified metallic part is provided by the utilization of microwave energy to promote diffusion of desired metals into the surface of the formed metallic part.

Abstract: A system to determine the location of a person within a structure utilizes a magnetometer, magnets, pressure sensors and a CPU to calculate the length and direction of each step. The data may be displayed to the wearer, preferably on a map or floorplan and may be broadcast to persons outside the structure.

Abstract: The gas mixture is fed in a circulating stream at a volume flow rate of 3-120 l/min, the mixture being cleaned and its temperature and qualitative and quantitative composition regulated. The gas mixture contains oxygen and at least one of the following gases in quantities of up to 95%: helium, argon, neon, krypton, xenon, radon, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, or a mixture of these gases. Pharmaceutical preparations can also be introduced into the breathing mixture, and the level of inhaled carbon dioxide can be adjusted with the aid of the exhaled carbon dioxide. The apparatus has a circulation loop comprising connecting pipes, a respirator bag, flow booster, temperature regulator, and at least one absorption unit for absorbing the carbon dioxide, moisture, and harmful trace contamination exhaled by the patient.

Abstract: A dispensing device for a beverage container, preferably a large bottle such as a 2 or 3 liter soda pop bottle has a base and separate pathways to admit make-up air and withdraw fluid. The pathways are controlled by a valve which opens the pathways separately. This invention is especially characterized by the use of an expandable bladder to prevent loss of carbonation into the headspace.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating and emitting amplified coherent acoustic energy. A cylindrical transducer is mounted within a housing, the transducer having an acoustically open end and an acoustically closed end. The interior of the transducer is filled with an active medium which may include scattering nuclei. Excitation of the transducer produces radially directed acoustic energy in the active medium, which is converted by the dimensions of the transducer, the acoustically closed end thereof, and the scattering nuclei, to amplified coherent acoustic energy directed longitudinally within the transducer. The energy is emitted through the acoustically open end of the transducer. The emitted energy can be used for, among other things, effecting a chemical reaction or removing scale from the interior walls of containment vessels.

Abstract: An adaptor for a ceiling fan downrod which uses a pair of concentric cylinders with a larger cylinder capable of receiving a large downrod component and a smaller cylinder capable of receiving a smaller downrod component.

Abstract: A Ni3Al alloy with improved weldability is described. It contains about 6-12 wt % Al, about 6-12 wt % Cr, about 0-3 wt % Mo, about 1.5-6 wt % Zr, about 0-0.02 wt % B and at least one of about 0-0.15 wt % C, about 0-0.20 wt % Si, about 0-0.01 wt % S and about 0-0.30 wt % Fe with the balance being Ni.

Abstract: A device for sealing an open beverage can employs a cap and clamping jaws articulated from the cap which lock into the top lid of the can to push the can into secure contact with the cap. The cap may include a turret and straw for drinking from the can without removing the cap. Insulating sleeves to keep the beverage cold may be part of the cap.

Abstract: This invention describes a method of producing polymer powders from solution in a compatible solvent using a new device referred to as a microdroplets on demand generator (MODG). The embodiment of this invention is the MODG apparatus and its relevance as a method to extensive application in materials science and technology. Proof of concept is demonstrated using poly(ethylene) glycol polymer microparticles generated with the MODG and captured in a microparticle levitation device.

Abstract: A method for regenerating strong-base anion exchange resins utilizing a sequential chemical displacement technique with new regenerant formulation. The new first regenerant solution is composed of a mixture of ferric chloride, a water-miscible organic solvent, hydrochloric acid, and water in which tetrachloroferrate anion is formed and used to displace the target anions on the resin. The second regenerant is composed of a dilute hydrochloric acid and is used to decompose tetrachloroferrate and elute ferric ions, thereby regenerating the resin. Alternative chemical displacement methods include: (1) displacement of target anions with fluoroborate followed by nitrate or salicylate and (2) displacement of target anions with salicylate followed by dilute hydrochloric acid. The methodology offers an improved regeneration efficiency, recovery, and waste minimization over the conventional displacement technique using sodium chloride (or a brine) or alkali metal hydroxide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting and monitoring micro-volumetric enthalpic changes caused by molecular reactions. Micro-machining techniques are used to create very small thermally isolated masses incorporating temperature-sensitive circuitry. The thermally isolated masses are provided with a molecular layer or coating, and the temperature-sensitive circuitry provides an indication when the molecules of the coating are involved in an enthalpic reaction. The thermally isolated masses may be provided singly or in arrays and, in the latter case, the molecular coatings may differ to provide qualitative and/or quantitative assays of a substance.

Abstract: A device for separating gases, especially isotopes, by thermal cycling of a separation column using a pressure vessel mounted vertically and having baffled sources for cold and heat. Coils at the top are cooled with a fluid such as liquid nitrogen. Coils at the bottom are either electrical resistance coils or a tubular heat exchange. The sources are shrouded with an insulated “top hat” and simultaneously opened and closed at the outlets to cool or heat the separation column. Alternatively, the sources for cold and heat are mounted separately outside the vessel and an external loop is provided for each circuit.

Abstract: The proposed carbon-containing material comprises an electrode-active material, preferably a fluorocarbon, containing 58-67 wt. % fluorine, a binder, an agent adding to the conductance of the electrode-active material, and an expanding agent, in the capacity of which graphite fluoroxide is used is used. The proposed method of making a porous electrode comprises the following steps: a step-by-step mixing of the abovesaid components, at the first of which graphite fluoroxide is mixed together with the electrode-active material, the resultant mixture is modified, predominantly by subjecting it to impact action to prepare an intermediate product which at the second step is mixed together with the binder and the agent adding to the conductance of the electrode-active material, followed by forming an electrode and its heat-treatment to establish pores in its structure without destruction thereof.

Abstract: An optical switch is formed by introducing light lengthwise to a microcantilever waveguide directed toward a second waveguide. The microcantilever is caused to bend by light emitted from a laser diode orthogonal to the microcantilever and at an energy above the band gap, which induces stress as a result of the generation of free carriers. The bending of the waveguide directs the carrier frequency light to a second receptor waveguide or to a non-responsive surface. The switch may be combined in an array to perform multiple switching functions rapidly and at low energy losses.

Abstract: Oxide dispersion strengthening of porous metal articles includes the incorporation of dispersoids of metallic oxides in elemental metal powder particles. Porous metal articles, such as filters, are fabricated using conventional techniques (extrusion, casting, isostatic pressing, etc.) of forming followed by sintering and heat treatments that induce recrystallization and grain growth within powder grains and across the sintered grain contact points. The result is so-called “oxide dispersion strengthening” which imparts, especially, large increases in creep (deformation under constant load) strength to the metal articles.

Abstract: A means for attaching a camcorder to a telescope which allows the camcorder to be moved with the telescope to follow celestial bodies and record events such as eclipses. The means provides a rigid mounting bar, an adjustable sliding connector mounted on the bar, a bracket to align a camcorder at an angle to the optical tube and an adjustment rail attached to the bracket. The adjustment rail allows the camcorder to be aligned with the eyepiece of the telescope and to be withdrawn to change the eyepiece without altering the alignment of the camcorder and eyepiece.

Abstract: Anion exchange resins sorbed with perchlorate may be regenerated by a combination of chemical reduction of perchlorate to chloride using a reducing agent and an electrochemical reduction of the oxidized reducing agent. Transitional metals including Ti, Re, and V are preferred chemical reagents for the reduction of perchlorate to chloride. Complexing agents such as oxalate are used to prevent the precipitation of the oxidized Ti(IV) species, and ethyl alcohol may be added to accelerate the reduction kinetics of perchlorate. The regeneration may be performed by continuously recycling the regenerating solution through the resin bed and an electrochemical cell so that the secondary waste generation is minimized.

Abstract: The present invention provides a card base which is degradable by microbes in natural environment. The card base is excellent in properties necessary for card bases, such as tensile strength, impact strength, flex temperature, heat resistance, resistance to thermal expansion and contraction, blocking resistance and humidity resistance, and has rigidity, bending resistance and durability. The card base contains, as essential components, a 3-hydroxybutylate/3-hydroxyvalerate copolymer and a lactic acid polymer, and, where necessary, a polycaprolactone or a high-molecular aliphatic polyester. The card base has a single-layer structure, or a sandwich structure further having overlay layers comprising a composition containing, as essential components, a lactic acid polymer and either or both of a polycaprolactone and a high-molecular alphatic polyester.