Abstract: A Method and apparatus for differential spectroscopic atomic-imaging is disclosed for spatial resolution and imaging for display not only individual atoms on a sample surface, but also bonding and the specific atomic species in such bond. The apparatus includes a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) that is modified to include photon biasing, preferably a tuneable laser, modulating electronic surface biasing for the sample, and temperature biasing, preferably a vibration-free refrigerated sample mounting stage. Computer control and data processing and visual display components are also included. The method includes modulating the electronic bias voltage with and without selected photon wavelengths and frequency biasing under a stabilizing (usually cold) bias temperature to detect bonding and specific atomic species in the bonds as the STM rasters the sample.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for fractionating lignocellulosic materials fast-prolysis oils to produce phenol-containing compositions suitable for the manufacture of phenol-formaldehyde resins. The process includes admixing the oils with an organic solvent having at least a moderate solubility parameter and good hydrogenThe United States Government has rights in this invention under Contract No. DE-AC02-83CH10093 between the United States Department of Energy and the Solar Energy Research Institute, a Division of the Midwest Research Institute.

Abstract: The efficiency of laser welding and other laser material processing is optimized according to this invention by rotating the plane of polarization of a linearly polarized laser beam in relation to a work piece of the material being processed simultaneously and in synchronization with steering the laser beam over the work piece so as to keep the plane of polarization parallel to either the plane of incidence or the direction of travel of the beam in relation to the work piece. Also, depending to some extent on the particular processing being accomplished, such as welding or fusing, the angle of incidence of the laser beam on the work piece is kept at or near the polarizing or Brewster's angle. The combination of maintaining the plane of polarization parallel to plane of incidence while also maintaining the angle of incidence at or near the polarizing or Brewster's angle results in only minimal, if any, reflection losses during laser welding.

Abstract: A method of storing and controlling a release of latent heat of transition of a phase-change material is disclosed. The method comprises trapping a crystallite of the material between two solid objects and retaining it there under high pressure by applying a force to press the two solid objects tightly together. A crystallite of the material is exposed to a quantity of the material that is in a supercooled condition to nucleate the crystallization of the supercooled material.

Abstract: Unwanted build-up of the film deposited on the transparent light-transmitting window of a photochemical vacuum deposition (photo-CVD) chamber is eliminated by flowing an etchant into the part of the photolysis region in the chamber immediately adjacent the window and remote from the substrate and from the process gas inlet. The respective flows of the etchant and the process gas are balanced to confine the etchant reaction to the part of the photolysis region proximate to the window and remote from the substrate. The etchant is preferably one that etches film deposit on the window, does not etch or affect the window itself, and does not produce reaction by-products that are deleterious to either the desired film deposited on the substrate or to the photolysis reaction adjacent the substrate.

Abstract: An atmospheric optical calibration system is provided to compare actual atmospheric optical conditions to standard atmospheric optical conditions on the basis of aerosol optical depth, relative air mass, and diffuse horizontal skylight to global horizontal photon flux ratio. An indicator can show the extent to which the actual conditions vary from standard conditions. Aerosol scattering and absorption properties, diffuse horizontal skylight to global horizontal photon flux ratio, and precipitable water vapor determined on a real-time basis for optical and pressure measurements are also used to generate a computer spectral model and for correcting actual performance response of a photovoltaic device to standard atmospheric optical condition response on a real-time basis as the device is being tested in actual outdoor conditions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses composite material for thermal energy storage based upon polyhydric alcohols, such as pentaerythritol, trimethylol ethane (also known as pentaglycerine), neopentyl glycol and related compounds including trimethylol propane, monoaminopentaerythritol, diamino-pentaerythritol and tris(hydroxymethyl)acetic acid, separately or in combinations, which provide reversible heat storage through crystalline phase transformations. These phase change materials do not become liquid during use and are in contact with at least one material selected from the group consisting of metals, carbon siliceous, plastic, cellulosic, natural fiber, artificial fiber, concrete, gypsum, porous rock, and mixtures thereof. Particulate additions, such as aluminum or graphite powders, as well as metal and carbon fibers can also be incorporated therein. Particulate and/or fibrous additions can be introduced into molten phase change materials which can then be cast into various shapes.

Abstract: A method for forming high resolution submicron structures on a substrate is provided by direct writing with a submicron electron beam in a partial pressure of a selected gas phase characterized by the ability to dissociate under the beam into a stable gaseous leaving group and a reactant fragment that combines with the substrate material under beam energy to form at least a surface compound. Variations of the method provide semiconductor device regions on doped silicon substrates, interconnect lines between active sites, three dimensional electronic chip structures, electron beam and optical read mass storage devices that may include color differentiated data areas, and resist areas for use with selective etching techniques.

Abstract: Elastomeric hose having relatively low thermal conductivity is provided comprising an outer tubular cover vulcanized to an inner tube, the outer cover being radially expanded and having a cellular or porous network formed therein. A braided or knitted reinforcing layer may be provided between the radially expanded cellular cover and the inner tube with the former being bonded or vulcanized to the latter through the interstices of the reinforcing layer. The elastomeric hose may be formed by a process wherein a first forming composition, including a thermosetable elastomer, is extruded to form an uncured inner tube which is then simultaneously introduced into a cross-head extruder with a second, separately prepared, forming composition including a thermosetable elastomer and a blowing agent.

Abstract: An electrical cable accessory, such as a terminator or an electrical connector element, to be installed at the terminus of a shielded electrical cable using a lubricant to ease the installation has an opening for receiving the cable and a flared inlet passage through which the cable terminus passes, the configuration of the inlet passage permitting the lubricant to enter the opening during installation and assuring that the cable will be gripped appropriately within the opening upon completion of the installation.

Abstract: An electrical connector and cable assembly comprising a predetermined length of cable and a pair of opposed flexible connector sections at each end thereof adapted to be separably engaged respectively with corresponding flexible connector sections on other connector cable assemblies to form an electrical cable of required size. Each opposed flexible connector section includes electric contact members connected to a live conductor or a plurality of live conductors in its associated cable with the contact members being adapted to engage complementary contact members in a connector section associated with another cable to form a connector assembly therebetween when the sections are matingly engaged thereby joining the live conductors together.

Abstract: A splice assembly tool for assembling component parts of an electrical conductor while producing a splice connection between electrical cables therewith, comprises a first structural member adaptable for supporting force applying means thereon, said force applying means enabling a rotary force applied manually thereto to be converted to a longitudinal force for subsequent application against a first component part of said electrical connection, a second structural member adaptable for engaging a second component part in a manner to assist said first structural member in assembling the component parts relative to one another and transmission means for conveying said longitudinal force between said first and said second structural members, said first and said second structural members being coupled to one another by said transmission means, wherein at least one of said component parts comprises a tubular elastomeric sleeve and said force applying means provides a relatively high mechanical advantage when said r

Abstract: An elongated sleeve or tubular member is provided concentrically fixed about the shank of a screwdriver with the sleeve having an axially flexible section between its opposed ends to facilitate axial shortening of the sleeve when the screwdriver is used to rotate a fastener the head of which is captured within the open end of the sleeve proximal to the blade of the screwdriver. Such axial shortening of the sleeve automatically seats the screwdriver blade within the slot in the head of the fastener when the frictional force between the screw's threads and those of the tapped hole into which it is being driven overcomes the interference fit between the free end of the sleeve and the screw head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding elastomeric stock, the method comprising interposing an apertured, heat-resistant, flexible, insulation plate between a heated mold and the discharge portion of an elastomeric stock injection unit such that respective mold cavities provided in the mold are aligned with respective apertures in the insulation plate which intercommunicate the mold cavities with an internal discharge chamber in the injection unit. The mold and injection unit are moved relative to one another such that each presses against the other through the intermediary of the insulation plate, thereby permitting expulsion and transferring of a portion of elastomeric stock from the injection unit into the mold cavities to be cured, an excess portion of elastomeric stock remaining in the injection unit being prevented from undergoing curing by means of the presence of the insulation plate.

Abstract: A cable repair kit including the component parts thereof and a process for repairing in the field simply and quickly high-voltage electrically conductive cables whose outer jackets have been damaged but whose inner conductors have not been damaged. The kit comprises a portable container sealingly enclosing abrasive material for abrading the damaged cable portion; a cleaning compound; a filler compound for restoring or filling in the damaged region of the cable jacket; a bonding agent for bonding a patch of insulative, flexible material circumferentially about the section of the cable wherein the damaged portion is located; the insulative patch material; and a flame-resistant tape for aiding the bonding agent in joining the patch to the cable, as well as providing the patch with a smooth and continuous surface at a junction between side edges thereof and the cable surface.

Abstract: An electrical connector in the form of a double bushing insert comprises means for electrically and mechanically threadably connecting the insert to a transformer bushing well. Such means is adapted to permit free angular rotation of the insert in opposite directions through a predetermined angle after the insert has been torqued into fixed operative threadable engagement with the bushing well stud without a need to back-off the insert from the stud by loosening the threaded connection therebetween.

Abstract: A battery separator in which plural sheets of microporous plastic material are connected by a strip or strips of polyvinylchloride in a manner suitable to form a sleeve. The strips may be high frequency heat sealed to the sheets or may be bonded thereto by solvating the outer edge portions of the strips, applying pressure between the strips and the sheets, and allowing the solvent to evaporate. A method of manufacturing a battery separator of the above type.

Abstract: An electrical terminal block is provided with a plurality of terminal-receiving cavities therein and a corresponding plurality of electrical terminal elements disposed within the terminal-receiving cavities. Each terminal-receiving cavity includes a protruding retention member extending into the terminal-receiving cavity. Each terminal element includes a chamfered key member thereon, which is adapted to be captured and to interlock with a complementary retention member during insertion of the terminal elements into their respective cavities. The retention members and their corresponding cooperatively engaging chamfered key members selectively provide means for securing or facilitating removal of the inserted terminal elements.

Abstract: A cable for supplying electrical power in underground mining comprises plural separable sections facilitating cable maintenance. Cable sections are releasably joined by an electrical connector assembly capable of sustaining cable tensile loading and of sufficient flexibility to be taken up and paid out by cable reeling apparatus.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire inflation device and method is disclosed, the device comprising an arrangement of parts that enables its user to selectively gradually inflate a tire at a specified intermediate rate and pressure, and then to selectively suddenly continue such inflation at a substantially greater rate and pressure until complete inflation is achieved.