Abstract: A magnetic assembly comprising four magnets and four flux-carrying polepieces defines a working volume in which magnetic flux is distributed substantially uniformly over a major portion of the working volume. The magnetic assembly provides effective self-cancellation of stray magnetic field outside the working volume, and provides an optimized ratio of volume of magnetic flux to weight of magnetic material.

Abstract: Aluminum base alloys characterized by low density, high elastic modulus and high strength and having a composition consisting esentially of aluminum--about 0.5 to about 4.3 weight percent lithium--about 0.02 to about 20 weight percent beryllium.

Abstract: This invention relates to an antenna material and more particularly to an antenna material comprising, in its preferred embodiment, a woven mesh of amorphous silica fibers, a conductive metal coating on at least the outer surfaces of the mesh and a lubricant covering and adhering to non-metallized surfaces of the silica fibers.

Abstract: A faceplate of a cathode ray tube is shown wherein a cathodoluminescent phosphor material 1 is deposited on glass faceplate 2. A metal nitride metal absorbing inhomogeneous film 3, where the metal is aluminum or silicon, is deposited on the back side of the phosphor material 1. To avoid unwanted reflections at the interface between the glass 2 and the phosphor 1, a homogeneous film 4 is optionally deposited on glass plate 2 prior to deposition of the phosphor film 1. Additionally, an anti-reflection coating 5 may also be optionally applied to the exterior of the glass plate 2 to eliminate reflection that would otherwise occur at the air-glass interface.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell and method whereby a reactive metal anode is contacted with an aqueous electrolyte containing the hydroxide of the anodic metal, and the electrolyte is circulated to a scrubber for contact with carbon dioxide. In the scrubber, the precipitable carbonate of the anodic metal is formed, thereby reducing the metal hydroxide concentration in the electrolyte. The metal carbonate is separated from the electrolyte and the electrolyte is recirculated to the cell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing electrical energy. The apparatus defines an electrochemical cell having a lithium-containing anode and an air cathode. Electrolyte solution containing soluble oxygen is flowed into contact with one surface of the air cathode. The opposite surface of the air cathode is exposed to ambient atmosphere. A catalytic screen is provided between the anode and cathode where the soluble oxygen is present in the electrolyte in the form of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 for catalyzing decomposition of the H.sub.2 O.sub.2 and the reaction between the H.sub.2 O.sub.2 and the cathode ions. A pump is provided for selectively controlling the rate of flow of the electrolyte, as desired.

Abstract: A closed-loop arterial heat pipe comprises an evaporator domain (10) and a condenser domain (11) interconnected by a transition domain (12). An interior surface of the evaporator domain (10) defines an evaporation chamber, which has a helical channel (17) of capillary transverse dimension formed thereon. The transition domain (11) defines a conduit (13) through which vapor-phase working fluid is thermodynamically driven substantially adiabatically from the evaporator domain (10) to the condenser domain (11), and an artery (14) through which liquid-phase working fluid is returned from the condenser domain (11) to the evaporator domain (10) by capillary action. The artery (14) has a generally pyriform transverse cross-sectional configuration that converges to a throat portion adjacent a slot (16) of capillary transverse dimension on the surface of the evaporation chamber.

Abstract: A colorimeter for continuously monitoring the concentration of an ionic species in an aqueous solution comprises a source 30 of optical radiation, a flow cell 10 including three flow chambers 11, 12 and 13 interconnected so that a sample of the solution can pass through each flow chamber in succession, and photodetector devices 41, 42 and 43 positioned to respond to radiation transmitted through the solution in the flow chambers 11, 12 and 13, respectively. The lengths of the three flow cells are different from each other to provide a continuous real-time calibration check based upon photodetector responses to radiation transmitted through different quantities of the solution. Electronic circuitry interconnecting the radiation source 30 and the photodetector devices 41, 42 and 43 maintains the intensity of the radiation emitted by the source 30 at a substantially constant value.

Abstract: An improved air cathode structure for use in primary batteries and the like. The cathode structure includes a matrix active layer, a current collector grid on one face of the matrix active layer, and a porous, nonelectrically conductive separator on the opposite face of the matrix active layer, the collector grid and separator being permanently bonded to the matrix active layer. The separator has a preselected porosity providing low IR losses and high resistance to air flow through the matrix active layer to maintain high bubble pressure during operation of the battery. In the illustrated embodiment, the separator was formed of porous polypropylene. A thin hydrophobic film is provided, in the preferred embodiment, on the current collecting metal grid.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring ion concentrations in an aqueous solution comprises a plurality of electrodes insertable into the solution. At least two of the electrodes are ion-selective for particular ions. Each ion-selective electrode is electrically connected to a corresponding impedance buffer, which generates a low-impedance output signal having the same voltage as the electode. A plurality of operational amplifiers in full differential configuration is provided, each operational amplifier receiving a particular pair of output signals generated by the impedance buffers. Each differential amplifier generates an output signal indicating the potential difference between the impedance buffer output signals received as inputs by the differential amplifier.

Abstract: A rotating cathode cell is provided with a lithium anode. An acid oxidizing agent and an aqueous electrolyte are supplied to the moving cathode surface such that they are carried to the electrochemical junction between the anode and the cathode. The acid oxidizer continuously dissolves the layer of reaction product (LiOH) forming on the anode, improving the power output per unit weight of the cell.

Abstract: A cold water pipe (11) for an ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) system comprises a tubular membrane (12) made of a fabric such as a canvas, which is substantially impervious to flowing water. A proximal end of the pipe (11) is secured to a surface structure such as a ship (10), and a distal end of the pipe (11) is extendible from the surface structure to a selected ocean depth. The pipe (11) functions as a conduit through which cold water from the selected ocean depth can be drawn to the surface structure for use in a thermodynamic process of the OTEC system. The distal end of the pipe (11) can be quickly retracted to the surface structure when it becomes desirable to move the surface structure.

Abstract: As illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, a manifolded evaporator (60) comprises a closed evaporation chamber (61) and a delivery structure (62) through which liquid-phase working fluid is delivered into the evaporation chamber (61). One wall (63) of the evaporation chamber (61) is positioned to intercept a flux of heat from a heat source. A wick structure (64), such as a fine-mesh metallic screen, is secured adjacent the wall (63). The delivery structure (62) comprises an elongate supply phenum (65), an elongate recovery plenum (66), and a plurality of delivery conduits (67) connecting the supply plenum (65) to the recovery plenum (66). Each of the delivery conduits (67) is of generally U-shaped configuration with a transverse portion running inside the evaporation chamber (61) immediately adjacent the wick structure (64). A slot (68) along the transverse portion of each delivery conduit (67) allows liquid-phase working fluid to flow out of the delivery conduit (67 ) into the wick structure (64).

Abstract: A temperature threshold detector (10) comprises a first electrical conductor (11) and a second electrical conductor (12), which are separated by a spacing structure (13). The first and second electrical conductors (11 and 12) are made of metals that are dissimilar from each other in terms of oxidation potentials or thermally generated electromotive force. The spacing structure (13) is made of a material whose electrical resistivity is temperature dependent so that, when exposed to a temperature below a predetermined threshold value, the spacing structure (13) provides electrical isolation between the first and second electrical conductors (11 and 12). However, when exposed to a temperature above the predetermined threshold value, the spacing structure (13) enables an electromotive force to develop across the first and second conductors (11 and 12). This electromotive force is indicative of temperature rise above the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Pairs of input transducers are formed on the surface of a piezoelectric crystalline body. The input transducers in each pair produce adjacent parallel surface acoustic waves of opposite polarity and specific phase difference which are sensed by a corresponding output transducer. The input transducers of each pair are offset from one another by amounts related to the wavelength of the surface acoustic wave so that a maximum cancellation of the voltages induced in the output transducers by the acoustic waves can be used to indicate the relative delay or phase difference of signals applied to the input terminals and to do so in a manner which is insensitive to temperature variation from one point to another in the piezoelectric crystal.

Abstract: An improved finned heat exchanger tube wherein the upper circumferential portions of the fins are foreshortened to enhance axial movement of liquid introduced onto the top of the finned tube. Accordingly, the liquid can gravitate both axially and circumferentially of the finned tube and thoroughly wet the entire external surface thereof.

Abstract: Filament-wound composite bodies are disclosed. These bodies contain filament-wound fibers and resin. The resin, when cured, has a density of less than 1.05 g/cc and exhibits a water pick up of less than 1% by weight. When uncured, the resin contains an aromatic vinyl hydrocarbon monomer and as its major component poly(1,2-butadiene), carboxy-terminated poly(1,2-butadiene) or mixtures thereof and has a viscosity of less than 2000 cps at 45.degree. C. These filament-wound bodies advantageously are embodied as rocket motor cases.

Abstract: As-cast titanium alloys characterized by fine grain structures are readily produced by inoculation of the alloys prior to or during the casting thereof with small amounts of at least one composition selected from the group consisting of titanium--0.4 to 15 weight percent carbon, titanium--1.4 to 6 weight percent nitrogen and titanium--1.3 to 10 weight percent oxygen.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism for an endless traction band system in which the endless band is supported on and driven by a pair of laterally spaced roller chains. The mounting mechanism supports a double sprocket for engaging the chains and is adapted to permit a limited degree of skewing by the sprocket wheel shaft so as to maintain the sprockets in alignment with the roller chains even when the roller chains are deformed in response to laterally imposed loads.

Abstract: This invention involves a filament wound composite core which is combined with one or more additional cores to produce a loop track characterized by transverse curvature and stud bands extending between the sandwiched or laminated cores and which extend to provide sprocket engagement for transferring motive power to the loop track, and a system for mounting the novel loop track on a vehicle.