Abstract: Valves having a straight bore are fitted with a structurally discrete cylindrical ceramic liners. An additional ceramic insert may be inserted in the interior of the bonnet. The ceramic liner and ceramic insert protect the interior of the valve from abrasive and corrosive fluids flowing through the valve.

Abstract: An electronic device which optically determines the relative position of a joystick using one or more sets of light emitters and light detectors. This device simulates the closing and opening of electromechanical switches without any physical contact with the joystick control shaft. Light beams are selectively blocked or allowed to shine on the opposing photo-detector of a set by movement of the joystick. When the photo-detector receives sufficient light a logic high is lowered to a logic low allowing more current to flow through it, thus simulating the closure of a mechanical switch. From the "open" or "closed" states of the photo-detectors, the displacement of the control shaft may be determined. The sensitivity may be easily changed, or the controller changed between a 4-way and 8-way controller by altering the outer diameter of the control shaft, such as by an interchangeable bushing.

Abstract: A process for recovering molybdenite from feed materials containing copper sulfide and molybdenite (e.g. copper/molybdenum concentrates from flotation processes) wherein the feed material is treated with ozone and then floated to recover molybdenite.

Abstract: Carbonaceous powders are blended with a high coking value pitch, e.g. mesophase pitch, formed into shaped bodies and then simultaneously compressed and baked in an envelope of finely divided, non-reactive particles, followed by graphitizing, if required, to produce high strength, high density carbon or graphite articles.

Abstract: A binder system for use in the production of graphite electrodes comprises pitch and a minor proportion of a polynitro-substituted aromatic compound containing an electron releasing substituent. A pitch/2,4-dinitroaniline blend results in graphite electrodes having a 14 percent improvement in coking value and a 52 percent improvement in flexural strength.

Abstract: An erosion resistant article such as a turbine blade having, in use, a surface subject to high angle impingement and a surface subject to low angle impingement, said article comprising a substrate defining said surfaces composed of a refractory metal, titanium alloy, refractory alloy, aluminum alloy, superalloy based on Fe, Co or Ni, stainless steel or ceramic composite, and an erosion-resistant coating of zirconium nitride having an averge grain size of not greater than about 3000 Angstroms applied by physical vapor deposition to said surfaces, said zirconium nitride coating preferably having a ratio of the erosion rate at an impingement angle of 90.degree. to the erosion rate at an impingement angle of 20.degree. of not greater than about 1.5 and having an erosion rate at all impingement angles from 20.degree. to 90.degree. at least about two times less than that of said substrate at the same impingement angles.

Abstract: A Group IIA metal-Group IIIA metal-silicon substantially homogeneous liquid alkoxide is prepared from a reaction mixture of a Group IIA metal, a Group IIIA metal, a silicon tetraalkoxide, and a liquid defined by the formula ROR' where R is an alkyl group and R' is hydrogen or an alkyl group. The alkoxide can then be hydrolyzed, azeotropically distilled, dried, milled, and calcined to produce a ceramic powder. Advantageously, the ceramic powder can be compacted and sintered at relatively low temperatures which enable it to be used in electrical applications where high sintering temperatures would be deleterious.

Abstract: A coating composition applied to a substrate by thermal spray process, characterized by improved wear, thermal shock resistance and chemical resistance at elevated temperatures, the coating composition containing greater than about 60 volume percent refractory oxide with the balance comprising a cobalt and/or nickel and/or iron base metal matrix containing chromium, aluminum and tantalum.

Abstract: A joint for electrodes with a peg securing electrode members together produces an electrode joint of superior strength, and with resistance to thermal, and mechanical stress which tend to loosen the joint.

Abstract: The invention is to friction rolls for working elongate members, e.g., webs or strands, such as crimper rolls, draw rolls, yarn package drive rolls comprising a roll having a generally cylindrical external surface and a ceramic, e.g., alumina, mixtures of alumina and titania, chromia, zirconia, or metallic carbide, e.g., tungsten carbide, coating bonded to the external surface, the coating being laser-engraved, that is, having a plurality of laser-formed depressions having a pattern covering substantially the entire exterior working surface of the roll and providing a uniform, wear-resistant surface texture over substantially the entire working surface.

Abstract: Wear- and corrosion-resistant ceramic, cermet or metallic patterned embossing surfaces, e.g., as a coating bonded to an embossing roll, containing an average of 50 to 2,000 peaks per inch covering said patterned embossing surface. Also, methods of producing a patterned, wear-resistant embossing surface by bonding a ceramic, cermet or metallic coating to a patterned embossing surface, e.g., of an embossing roll, providing an average of about 50 to about 2,000 peaks on the external surface of said coating covering said embossing surface.

Abstract: A carbonaceous source material, other than premium petroleum coke is subjected to the action of elemental boron or a boron compound, whereby the highly disordered structure is transformed into one that is very graphitic in an otherwise conventional electrode manufacturing process.

Abstract: Pyrolysis tars are upgraded by hydrotreatment in the presence of a catalyst having a hydrogenation component and an acidic component. The treated pyrolysis tars are used to produce premium cokes useful in the production of graphite electrodes.

Abstract: A binder which comprises pitch and the condensation product of (A) a ketone or dione selected from the group consisting of C.sub.3 to C.sub.13 aliphatic linear, branched or cyclic ketones and diones having at least one active hydrogen on each carbon atom adjacent to a ##STR1## group, compounds of the formula: ##STR2## wherein a and b are integers having a values of 0 to 6, and the C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl substituted derivatives thereof; and (B) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of C.sub.5 to C.sub.11 aldehydes, said aldehydes having an aromatic ring containing 4 to 6 carbon atoms and 0 to 1 oxygen atoms, wherein said condensation product has a Heat of Reaction Value of less than about 155 cal/g. Said binders being useful in the production of graphite electrodes having superior physical and electrical properties.

Abstract: A nitro-substituted pitch demonstrates softening point temperatures in the range of 75.degree.-250.degree. C. and a coking value of at least about 40%. Such pitch is produced by reacting a tar with a nitrating agent at a temperature below 150.degree. C. and above about 0.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for producing boron nitride which comprises providing a nitrogen-containing nitride promoter, preferably melamine or dicyandiamide, in contact with an admixture of boron oxide and a sufficient amount of boric acid to enhance the formation of boron nitride under a non-oxidizing atmosphere, and maintaining same at sufficiently elevated temperature to form boron nitride.

Abstract: Pyrolysis tars are upgraded by hydrotreatment thereof in the presence of an acidic catalyst. The treated pyrolysis tars are used to produce premium cokes useful in the production of graphite electrodes.

Abstract: A castable mix formulation for casting ceramic articles which comprises ceramic particles and an organic resin binder composed of furfuryl alcohol and a catalyst consisting essentially of zinc chloride and para toluene sulfonic acid.

Abstract: An electrode member comprising an electrode body having cementing pitch adhered to and impregnated within at least a portion of its electrode joint surface. Also a process for producing an electrode joint comprising applying a cement which is a solution/slurry of cementing pitch in nonaqueous organic solvent to at least a portion of the mating surfaces of such electrode joint.

Abstract: A method for treating a carbon or graphite electrode comprising contacting the electrode with a phosphate-containing compound and a halide-containing compound. The treated electrode is oxidation retarded and inhibits non-conductive film formation between the electrode and a copper electrode holder, thereby inhibiting arcing between the electrode and the electrode holder when used in an electric arc furnace.