Abstract: Gases are stored, separated, and/or concentrated. An electric field is applied across a porous dielectric adsorbent material. A gas component from a gas mixture may be selectively separated inside the energized dielectric. Gas is stored in the energized dielectric for as long as the dielectric is energized. The energized dielectric selectively separates, or concentrates, a gas component of the gas mixture. When the potential is removed, gas from inside the dielectric is released.

Abstract: Gases are stored, separated, and/or concentrated. An electric field is applied across a porous dielectric adsorbent material. A gas component from a gas mixture may be selectively separated inside the energized dielectric. Gas is stored in the energized dielectric for as long as the dielectric is energized. The energized dielectric selectively separates, or concentrates, a gas component of the gas mixture. When the potential is removed, gas from inside the dielectric is released.

Abstract: Microstructured nuclear fuel adapted for nuclear power system use includes fissile material structures of micrometer-scale dimension dispersed in a matrix material. In one method of production, fissile material particles are processed in a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) fluidized-bed reactor including a gas inlet for providing controlled gas flow into a particle coating chamber, a lower bed hot zone region to contain powder, and an upper bed region to enable powder expansion. At least one pneumatic or electric vibrator is operationally coupled to the particle coating chamber for causing vibration of the particle coater to promote uniform powder coating within the particle coater during fuel processing. An exhaust associated with the particle coating chamber and can provide a port for placement and removal of particles and powder. During use of the fuel in a nuclear power reactor, fission products escape from the fissile material structures and come to rest in the matrix material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for separating one or more condensable compounds from a mixture of two or more gases of differing volatilities by capillary fractionation in a membrane-type apparatus, and a method of forming porous structures therefor. More particularly, the invention includes methods of forming and using an apparatus consisting, at least in part, of a porous structure having capillary-type passages extending between a plurality of small openings on the first side and larger openings on a second side of the structure, the passages being adapted to permit a condensed liquid to flow therethrough substantially by capillary forces, whereby vapors from the mixture are condensed, at least in part, and substantially in and adjacent to the openings on the first side, and are caused to flow in a condensed liquid state, substantially in the absence of vapor, from the openings on the first side to the openings on the second side.

Abstract: A composite article is disclosed including a porous structural member formed of carbon fiber, the porous structural member containing a multiplicity of pores of dimensions greater than about 200 microns in diameter, the porous structural member further including carbon fill material within a portion of the pores such that the pores are essentially less than about 200 microns in diameter, the porous structural member including carbon fill material defining a composite carbon/carbon intermediate article including an outer surface and a thin coating of diamond-like carbon upon the outer surface of the composite carbon/carbon intermediate article. The composite article may serve as a prosthetic device for replacement joints, bone structures and the like.

Abstract: A plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition process for depositing a titanium nitride film on a polymeric substrate is provided, the process including placing the polymeric substrate within a chemical vapor deposition chamber evacuated to a pressure within a range of from about 0.1 Torr to about 10 Torr, heating the polymeric substrate to a temperature within a range of from about 150.degree. C. to about 250.degree. C., introducing a vaporized organometallic compound and ammonia gas into the chamber, generating a plasma within the chamber, and, maintaining the polymeric substrate within the chamber for a time sufficient for a layer of titanium nitride to deposit upon the polymeric substrate.

Abstract: A field emission electron emitter comprising an electrode formed of at least one diamond, diamond-like carbon or glassy carbon composite fiber, said composite fiber having a non-diamond core and a diamond, diamond-like carbon or glassy carbon coating on said non-diamond core, and electronic devices employing such a field emission electron emitter.

Abstract: A method for producing reinforced ceramic composite articles by means of chemical vapor infiltration and deposition in which an inverted temperature gradient is utilized. Microwave energy is the source of heat for the process.