Abstract: An oxygen stabilized intermetallic compound having the formula Zr.sub.x OV.sub.y where x=0.7 to 2.0 and y=0.18 to 0.33. The compound is capable of reversibly sorbing hydrogen at temperatures from -196.degree. C. to 450.degree. C. at pressures down to 10.sup.-6 Torr. The compound is also capable of selectively sorbing hydrogen from gaseous mixtures in the presence of CO and CO.sub.2.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 6, 1981
Date of Patent:
November 9, 1982
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
Inventors:
Marshall H. Mendelsohn, Dieter M. Gruen
Abstract: A process for controlling the dihydride and monohydride bond densities in hydrogenated amorphous silicon produced by reactive rf sputtering of an amorphous silicon target. There is provided a chamber with an amorphous silicon target and a substrate therein with the substrate and the target positioned such that when rf power is applied to the target the substrate is in contact with the sputtering plasma produced thereby. Hydrogen and argon are fed to the chamber and the pressure is reduced in the chamber to a value sufficient to maintain a sputtering plasma therein, and then rf power is applied to the silicon target to provide a power density in the range of from about 7 watts per square inch to about 22 watts per square inch to sputter an amorphous silicon hydride onto the substrate, the dihydride bond density decreasing with an increase in the rf power density. Substantially pure monohydride films may be produced.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 26, 1980
Date of Patent:
October 12, 1982
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
Abstract: A method of manufacturing electrodes for use in a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generator comprising the steps of preparing a billet having a core 10 of a first metal, a tubular sleeve 12 of a second metal, and an outer sheath 14, 16, 18 of an extrusile metal; evacuating the space between the parts of the assembled billet; extruding the billet; and removing the outer jacket 14. The extruded bar may be made into electrodes by cutting and bending to the shape required for an MDH channel frame. The method forms a bond between the first metal of the core 10 and the second metal of the sleeve 12 strong enough to withstand a hot and corrosive environment.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 24, 1980
Date of Patent:
May 25, 1982
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
Abstract: An evaporation system for aqueous radioactive waste uses standard 30 and 55 gallon drums. Waste solutions form cascading water sprays as they pass over a number of trays arranged in a vertical stack within a drum. Hot dry air is circulated radially of the drum through the water sprays thereby removing water vapor. The system is encased in concrete to prevent exposure to radioactivity. The use of standard 30 and 55 gallon drums permits an inexpensive compact modular design that is readily disposable, thus eliminating maintenance and radiation build-up problems encountered with conventional evaporation systems.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 12, 1980
Date of Patent:
December 15, 1981
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
Abstract: A sensor for detecting changes in the magnetic field of the equilibrium-field coil of a Tokamak plasma device comprises a pair of bifilar wires disposed circumferentially, one inside and one outside the equilibrium-field coil. Each is shorted at one end. The difference between the voltages detected at the other ends of the bifilar wires provides a measure of changing flux in the equilibrium-field coil. This difference can be used to detect faults in the coil in time to take action to protect the coil.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 26, 1980
Date of Patent:
December 15, 1981
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
Abstract: A nuclear reactor fuel element is described which has an outer cladding, a central core of fissionable or mixed fissionable and fertile fuel material and a layer of oxygen gettering material on the inner surface of the cladding. The gettering material reacts with oxygen released by the fissionable material during irradiation of the core thereby preventing the oxygen from reacting with and corroding the cladding. Also described is an improved method for coating the inner surface of the cladding with a layer of gettering material.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 2, 1976
Date of Patent:
October 21, 1980
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
Abstract: An electromagnetic energy collection device is provided which does not require a solar tracking capability. It includes an energy receiver positioned between two side walls which reflect substantially all incident energy received over a predetermined included angle directly onto the energy receiver.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 26, 1974
Date of Patent:
January 11, 1977
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development Administration
Abstract: The ratio between the output signals of a pair of reactor safety channels is monitored. When ratio falls outside of a predetermined range, it indicates that one or more of the safety channels has malfunctioned.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 4, 1975
Date of Patent:
September 7, 1976
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development Administration
Abstract: An alpha emitting isotope is positioned near the tip of a TIG welding electrode so that the alpha radiation can provide an ionized path between the electrode and the workpiece.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 23, 1974
Date of Patent:
May 18, 1976
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development Administration