Abstract: A hydrogen ion sensor comprising in combination a gas impervious membrane sheath of an oxygen ion conducting ceramic, an electrochemical system partially contained therein, a terminal external to the ceramic sheath electrically connected to the electrochemical system and means for sealing the interior of the ceramic sheath from the ambient, the electrochemical system providing a fixed steady electrical potential that varies only with temperature between the inner surface of the ceramic sheath and the terminal.

Abstract: A method of nitriding ferrous alloys for improving the quality and integrity of the resultant case or hardened surface portion formed thereby, comprising the application of a specific combination of sequenced temperature and nitrogen conditions.

Abstract: This describes a fuel assembly for utilizing plutonium fuel in combination with other nuclear fuel in a nuclear reactor core. The plutonium fuel is placed in a separate zone in the fuel assembly to take advantage of the characteristics of the plutonium fuel. Fuel costs may be reduced by mixing the plutonium fuel with natural or depleted uranium. Fabrication costs can be minimized by placing the plutonium in less than all of the fuel elements of the assembly.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a distinctive construction and method of operating a furnace or oven for controlled atmosphere service whereby substantial savings in heating power or energy are realized. The furnace or oven includes a combination of refractory and insulating materials arranged in a given sequence with respect to their relative gas permeabilities, and at least two gases of discernably different weights are strategically supplied to the furnace or oven at particular locations therein.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the nondestructive determination of the amount and quantitative distribution of a paramagnetic additive such as gadolinia in nuclear fuel elements. Changes in paramagnetic susceptibility of the material in the element are detected as the element is passed through a constant magnetic field and compared to the changes in susceptibility produced by a standard element of known additive content.

Abstract: An apparatus incorporating a microprocessor control is provided for automatically loading nuclear fuel pellets into fuel rods commonly used in nuclear reactor cores. The apparatus comprises a split "V" trough for assembling segments of fuel pellets in rows and a shuttle to receive the fuel pellets from the split "V" trough when the two sides of the split "V" trough are opened. The pellets are weighed while in the shuttle, and the shuttle then moves the pellets into alignment with a fuel rod. A guide bushing is provided to assist the transfer of the pellets into the fuel rod. A rod carousel which holds a plurality of fuel rods presents the proper rod to the guide bushing at the appropriate stage in the loading sequence. The bushing advances to engage the fuel rod, and the shuttle advances to engage the guide bushing. The pellets are then loaded into the fuel rod by a motor operated push rod.

Abstract: A position selection system comprising a map of a plurality of selection positions arranged in columns and rows with a normally unenergized light emitter and a respective normally disabled light detector positioned at opposie ends of each of the columns and rows. The light emitters are sequentially energized and the respective light detectors are synchronously sequentially enabled to thereby avoid the necessity of collimating light from the light emitters.

Abstract: A readily transportable device of relative light weight comprising a pair of tensioned guides for providing accurate and stable reference planes. An embodiment comprises a pair of rods or guides in tension between a pair of end members, the end members being spaced apart by a compression member. The tensioned guides provide planes of reference for measuring devices moved therealong adjacent a component to be measured. The device is especially useful for making on-site dimensional measurements of components, such as irradiated and therefore radioactive components, that cannot readily be transported to an inspection laboratory.

Abstract: A method of compounding thermoplastic polymeric material and fillers, including additives and agents, and unique compounded products. The compounding method comprises mixing the thermoplastic polymeric material in particulate form with particulate filler, and in progressive sequence melting the surface portion of the thermoplastic particles, blending the filler with said molten surface portion of the thermoplastic particles and removing the resultant blended melt and filler from the surface of the thermoplastic particles. The mixing and melting, and the blending and removing, are continued until the filler is substantially assimilated into the polymeric material and the thermoplastic particles become substantially diminished by melting and blending, or the method can be carried further if desired. The compounded product thus prepared is characterized by a distinctive stratified consistency.

Abstract: A curable composition comprising an ethylene-containing polymer, a curing agent, and a mineral filler treated with an organic compound selected from the group consisting of maleic anhydride, dimethyl itaconate, and acrylic acid, is compounded and fabricated to the desired shape, such as an insulation layer over a conductor. The fabricated product is then passed through a nonaqueous heat transfer medium maintained at atmospheric or ambient pressure and at a temperature sufficient to effect curing in situ of the ethylene-containing polymer. The resulting cured composition is characterized as relatively dense (substantially non-porous) especially suitable for use as insulation for wire and cable.

Abstract: The power factor of electrical insulating materials comprising clay-filled ethylene-containing polymeric compounds is reduced by the presence therein of an organoalkoxysilane and heat treating the admixed compound thereof at a temperature of about 120.degree.F to about 200.degree.F for at least about 24 hours prior to forming or molding to shape.

Abstract: A curable composition comprising an ethylene-containing polymer, a curing agent, and a mineral filler treated with tetramethyltetravinylcyclotetrasiloxane, is compounded and fabricated to the desired shape, such as an insulation layer over a conductor. The fabricated product is then passed through a non-aqueous heat transfer medium maintained at about atmospheric pressure and at a temperature sufficient to effect curing in situ of the ethylene-containing polymer. The resulting cured composition is characterized as relatively dense (substantially non-porous) especially suitable for use as insulation for wire and cable.

Abstract: A reel construction which among other innovations and improvements, enables the production of reels by the formation of identical half sections thereof which can be joined one to another in pairs to provide a complete reel unit, and including means facilitate labeling and to afford stable axial end stacking of the reel product.

Abstract: The provision of a durable, slick sliding surface on metal faces of plastic forming extrusion apparatus such as extruder nozzles and dies. The durable, slick sliding metal surface is provided by burnishing and heat treating a polysiloxane fluid on the face of the metal. The burnishing comprises vigorous rubbing of the polysiloxane fluid treated metal face with a material relatively softer than the metal face being treated, effectively over the entire surface treated.

Abstract: A curable composition, especially adaptable for use as insulation for wire and cable, comprising an ethylene-containing polymeric member, a curing agent, and a silicone fluid having a viscosity not greater than about 100 centistokes at 25.degree.C. A filler such as carbon black or a mineral filler may be incorporated into the system.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing high voltage carrying electric power cable having a conductor insulated with a multilayered covering, and the cable product thereof. The cable construction includes a primary or dielectric insulating body of thermoset ethylene-propylene rubber and a thermoset jacket about the conductor, which is substantially free of corona-prone or ionization-prone voids and separations intermediate the layers. The method comprises forming and curing the ethylene-propylene rubber compound constituting the body of the primary or dielectric insulation around the conductor and then heat treating the thermoset-cured ethylene-propylene rubber insulation prior to applying subsequent components of the multilayered covering about the condutor, including an overlying semiconductive shielding layer and a protective enclosing jacket of heat-cured thermoset polymer.