Abstract: A magnetron sputter deposition process for producing a thin film alloy exhibiting shape memory characteristics comprising conducting the sputter deposition using krypton as process gas, depositing the alloy onto heated substrate so secondary annealing is unnecessary, and using a sputter target titanium, nickel and/or palladium in proportions so as to produce a thin film alloy of a composition having a titanium content ranging from at least about 50 atomic percent to less than about 52 atomic percent.

Abstract: A nickel titanium hafnium copper thin film shape memory alloy having a composition (TiHf)5-55(NiCu)45-50 comprising about 2 atomic percent to about 10 atomic percent copper and the fabrication method of said shape memory thin film by magnstron sputtering using Kr as working gas and conducting the deposition at elevated substrate temperature.

Abstract: A process is provided for forming a thin film deposit of a Ni—Ti—Hf ternary shape memory alloy on a substrate by magnetron sputtering deposition having high transformation temperatures and good shape-memory and mechanical properties. The method of forming a thin film deposit of a ternary shape memory alloy on a substrate by sputtering deposition comprises arranging a Ni—Ti—Hf target and a substrate within a deposition chamber, maintaining a working distance from the target to the substrate of about 83 mm to 95 mm; heating the substrate to a temperature high enough to induce in-situ crystallization; introducing a krypton working gas into the deposition chamber; applying appropriate level of deposition power so that the deposition rate is from about 6 Å per second to about 120 Å per second; and, depositing a Ni—Ti—Hf shape memory alloy film having a composition ranging from about Ni48(TiHf)52 to Ni50(TiHf)50.

Abstract: A high pressure fuel hose for disposition between a fluid connector on a fuel pump canister in a fuel reservoir and a fluid connector through the reservoir wall. The fuel hose, located intermediate the fuel delivery system and a check valve at the fuel pump, has a flexible tubular body characterized by a plurality of annular sinusoidal convolutions well suited for accepting volumetric and pressure increases in the fuel trapped between the check valve and the fuel delivery system caused by temperature loading of the fuel following engine shut-down. A region of reduced wall thickness is formed in the tubular body to act as a pressure fuse having a predetermined burst pressure allowing system leakage due to overpressurization to be location controlled.

Abstract: A modular fuel sender in a fuel tank of a motor vehicle includes a reservoir, a fuel pump in the reservoir, a low pressure conduit conducting hot return fuel back to the reservoir, a secondary pump in the reservoir for pumping new fuel from the tank into the reservoir, and a control which effects a recirculation mode of secondary pump operation when the new fuel level in the fuel tank is above a predetermined low level and a scavenge mode of secondary pump operation when the new fuel level in the reservoir is below the predetermined low level. In the recirculation mode, the secondary pump recirculates reservoir fuel to avoid overflowing hot fuel into the fuel tank. In the scavenge mode, the secondary pump continuously maintains a partial vacuum in a screen in the fuel tank regardless of the fuel level in the reservoir to maximize new fuel scavenged from the fuel tank before fuel starvation occurs.

Abstract: A canister with an electric fuel pump therein is connected to a cover for an access port through which the canister is installed on a fuel tank of an automobile by three hollow struts. Each strut has a first end press fitted into a socket on the cover and is telescopically received in a bore in the canister. Coil springs around each strut urge relative separation between the strut and the cover and a flare at a second end of each strut defines a stop to limit relative separation. A passage in the cover from a return fuel connection on an exposed side of the cover to one of the sockets conducts low pressure return fuel to the one of the hollow struts press fitted therein. The return fuel flows back to the canister through the one hollow strut.

Abstract: Ductile ruthenium alloys are provided by mixing, by weight, about 70-80% ruthenium powder with about 20-30% of a pre-alloyed powder consisting essentially of cobalt, nickel, chromium, tungsten and silicon, the powders being of less than 200 mesh size, the mixture being blended with a binder to enable easy handling in pressing a green part using pressures of from about 35,000-50,000 psi followed by sintering in dry hydrogen or inert gas or in a vacuum, sintering temperature and time ranging from about 2150.degree. F to about 2250.degree. F for periods of from about 45 minutes to about 30 minutes, respectively.

Abstract: Ductile ruthenium alloys are provided by mixing, by weight, about 75-85% ruthenium powder with about 15-25% of a pre-alloyed powder consisting essentially of nickel, chromium, tungsten, silicon and iron, the powders being of less than 200 mesh size, the mixture being blended with a binder to enable easy handling in pressing a green part using pressures of from about 35,000-50,000 psi followed by sintering in dry hydrogen or inert gas or in a vacuum, sintering temperature and time ranging from about 2050.degree. to about 2150.degree. F for periods of from about 45 minutes to about 30 minutes, respectively.