Abstract: The invention discloses method for self-optimizing, dynamically and in real time, a machine relative to a specific performance characteristic in response to variations on a prescribed number m of variables. This method comprises statistically designing a matrix of operating conditions of the machine; sequentially operating the machine according to the designed matrix of operating conditions; testing the performance characteristic of the thus-operated machine; analyzing the tested performance characteristic against a given optimizing criterion; and feeding back for or returning to the designing step for a new, improved operating condition. A machine in the form of programmed microprocessor embodying this self-optimizing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for grinding/polishing the surface of material samples comprises a horizontal circular wheel which has an upper surface and rotates about its central vertical axis of rotation. On the upper surface is provided mixed abrasive particles centrifugally separated to have the larger particles located near the wheel periphery while the smaller particles near the wheel center. A one-step grinding/polishing operation is thus achieved which is fast, economical, and reproducible. Methods for preparing the apparatus and for the improved grinding/polishing process are also disclosed.

Abstract: A temperature controlled apparatus has a heat-sensitive device chip having its top and bottom major surfaces in direct thermal contact with, respectively, a metal disk and a heat-sinking substrate. A resilient sheet surrounds the chip to form a first gas-tight enclosure between the metal disk and the substrate. A rigid can encloses the assembly and contains an evaporatable liquid to complete the package. When power is applied and dissipated, the chip and metal disk get hot, heating the liquid to increase its vapor pressure, generally logarithmically, inside the can and pressurizing the metal disk. Because of the very large areal ratio between the metal disk and the chip, a pressure is induced on the chip which is greatly magnified, according to the areal ratio, from the vapor pressure.

Abstract: The ultra-miniaturized, active solid-state devices and circuitries have unique material bodies having signal-translating regions attached thereto for active signal translation. These regions, comprising melt-grown, or simulated melt-grown, metallurgical compounds including oxides, eutectics, and intermetallics, are of controlled compositions, concentration profiles, and electronic or other optoelectromagnetic properties. In some devices, the microstructure of the compounds comprises a plurality of microscopically thin, regularly-shaped and uniformly-spaced bodies of one phase material dispersed in a matrix of another phase material. The electronic conductivity of the bodies is substantially different from that of the matrix, and the bodies all terminate at microscopic distance from the pn junction (or other interfacial rectifying barrier region), so as to confine the signal current carries to flow mainly in only one of the phases. This achieves carriers microstreaming or microbranching effects.

Abstract: A method for ore prospecting comprises: locating the ore body, determining the concentration values of a selected chemical element at two positions in the ore body; measuring the distance between the two positions; estimating the freezing segregation behavior of the selected element during the freezing of the ore body; and from the determined concentration values, measured distance, and estimated freezing segregation behavior calculating the size of the ore body.

Abstract: The invention discloses method for self-optiming, in real time, a machine relative to a specific performance characteristic in response to variations on a prescribed number m of variables. This method comprises selecting a statistical design; repeatedly and at n time instants adjusting conditions of the m variables and simultaneously recording the dependent values of the performance characteristic; analyzing the n sets of data to determine the functional relationship between the m variables and the specific performance characteristic; determining the combination of the m variables that gives optimum value of the performance characteristic; and setting the conditions of the m variables at the thus-determined combination. A machine in the form of a programmed microprocessor embodying this self-optimizing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invented method for sampling freeze-segregated material comprises determining a position in the segregated pattern where the elemental concentration is the same as the initial concentration, and taking a sample either at, or around the position so that the sample as a whole also has the same composition as the initial concentration.

Abstract: The improved powder metallurgy (P/M) process for making a P/M product having a multi-component alloy system of a given composition comprises collecting powder particles of the base metal and forming on the surface of these particles a coating containing the alloying elements to a thickness calculated to provide the given composition in the finished product. The forming step is accomplished with a pure solution of a chemical compound of the alloying elements.

Abstract: A new type of self-lubricated bearing ball or roll has a microstructure. This microstructure consists of uniformly shaped and equal-sized elongated grains all aligned normally of the bearing surface, to achieve uniform chemical composition and physical and chemical properties at all points on, and also at a specific distance normally into, the bearing surface. The grain boundaries are filled with a lubricating eutectic compound which is self-replenishing to the bearing surface at precisely when and where needed.

Abstract: A method of making hybrid solar cell comprising eutectically forming a vertical multi-junction solar cell having vertical photovoltaic junctions in the form of Schottky barriers and/or PN junctions and comprising a plurality of vertically elongated bodies of a first semiconductor material and a plurality of similarly elongated metal bodies which contact the semiconductor material bodies and space them from each other. All the bodies terminate at a common termination surface. The method also includes providing a horizontal solar cell comprising a layer of a second semiconductor layer deposited on the common, horizontal termination surface. The horizontal semiconductor layer has photovoltaic junctions either located at the common termination surface, or separating it into two horizontal sublayers, or both. The vertical and horizontal solar cells are so electrically interconnected that the output voltage of the hybrid cell is the sum of the output voltages of the two cells making it up.

Abstract: The ultra-miniaturized, active solid-state devices and circuitries have unique material bodies having signal-translating regions attached thereto for active signal translation. These regions, comprising melt-grown, or simulated melt-grown, metallurgical compounds including oxides, eutectics, and intermetallics, are of controlled compositions, concentration profiles, and electronic or other optoelectromagnetic properties. In some devices, the microstructure of the compounds comprises a plurality of microscopically thin, regularly-shaped and uniformly-spaced bodies of one phase material dispersed in a matrix of another phase material. The electronic conductivity of the bodies is substantially different from that of the matrix, and the bodies all terminate at microscopic distance from the pn junction (or other interfacial rectifying barrier region), so as to confine the signal current carriers to flow mainly in only one of the phases. This achieves carriers microstreaming or microbranching effects.

Abstract: A convectively air-ventilated furniture comprises an elongated and hollow member having a lower end with an air inlet opening thereat and an upper end with an air exit opening thereat. A massive and elongated convective air channel extends from the air inlet opening to the air exit opening inside the hollow member. The contact areas between the user of the furniture and the top surface of the member are thermally conductive so that the body heat of the user heats up the air inside the hollow member thereby, through chimney effect, initiating and maintaining in the air channel a convective air current directed from the air inlet opening toward the air exit opening and substantially increasing the rate of heat transfer between the user and the air inside the hollow member.

Abstract: This invention discloses the structure of, and the method and apparatus for making, improved metal-matrix composites. Each of the composites comprises a strain-hardenable metal matrix, and a plurality of high-strength, high-modulus, elongated reinforcing members arranged in spatial relationship therein. Each of the members is effectively bonded to the surrounding matrix at selected, discrete surface regions along its length so as to locally strain the matrix around the discretely bonded regions upon the composite being suitably stressed. When thus locally strained, the matrix is spatially selectively and differentially strain-hardened and strengthened near the bonded regions. The spheres of influence of the straining and strain-hardening in the matrix near the bonded regions on one member are caused to significantly overlap similar spheres of influence near the neighboring members.