Abstract: An ultrasound test object, i.e., a phantom, for the calibration of the imaging fidelity of acoustical imagining equipment comprises a substrate with a surface that is comprised of grooves having at least one reflecting surface with at least one scattering test target disposed at a desired distance from the reflecting surface. The reflecting surface is at an angle to the direction of propagation of beamed acoustical energy where the angle is predetermined for directionally controlled scattering of pulsed acoustical waves away from the surface thereby suppressing destructive interference between waves not impinging on the substrate and substrate-surface-reflected waves, thus increasing the field magnitude of echoed waves, thereby providing a phantom offering high resolution, complexity, and precision. A method for testing the performance of acoustical testing equipment is also taught.

Abstract: A reflector providing directional control of visible and infra-red radiation emanating from a lamp held within the reflector. The reflector includes a first, optical interference coating applied to the interior surface of the dome-shaped portion of the reflector which is operable to transmit infra-red radiation while reflecting visible light. A second coating which is non-transmissive to IR radiation is applied to selected portions of the reflector body, and preferably to the area adjacent the neck portion of the reflector whereby components placed rearwardly of the reflector are protected from IR radiation. Various application techniques are disclosed, and the second coating may be applied in manners allowing for coding of reflectors of different types, as well as creating an aesthetically pleasing effect on surfaces illuminated by the IR radiation transmitted rearwardly of the reflector. Visible light escaping from the neck portion of prior art reflectors is also addressed by the present invention.

Abstract: A composite, neutron absorbing, coated article, normally flat and thin and of comparatively light weight, suitable for installation in storage racks for spent nuclear fuel and for other neutron absorbing applications, includes a backing member, preferably of flexible material such as woven fiberglass cloth, a synthetic organic polymeric coating or a plurality of such coatings on the backing member, preferably of cured phenolic resin, such as phenol formaldehyde or trimethylolphenol formaldehyde and boron carbide particles held to the backing member by the cured coating or a plurality of such coatings. Also described is a method for the manufacture of the neutron absorbing coated article and the use of such an article.

Abstract: A method for increasing the boron.sup.10 content of a neutron absorbing article, such as one in flat, flexible sheet shape, includes coating a surface of such article with a solidifiable liquid synthetic organic polymeric material, such as a phenol formaldehyde type resin, applying boron carbide particles to the polymeric material and solidifying the polymer, such as by curing to cross-linked permanently set form, so as to hold the neutron absorbing boron carbide particles in place thereon. In highly preferred embodiments of the invention the boron carbide particles applied will extend beyond the surface of the external material and will serve as anchoring means for applications of subsequent coatings and the plurality of coatings, usually after initial partial curing to solidify them and make them form-retaining, will be permanently cross-linked simultaneously.

Abstract: A neutron absorbing article, preferably in long, thin, flat form, suitable for but not necessarily limited to use in storage racks for spent nuclear fuel at locations between volumes of such stored fuel to absorb neutrons from said spent fuel and prevent uncontrolled nuclear reaction of the spent fuel material, is composed of finely divided boron carbide particles and a solid, irreversibly cured phenolic polymer forming a continuous matrix about the boron carbide particles, in such proportions that at least 6% of B.sup.10 from the boron carbide content is present therein.

Abstract: A neutron absorbing article, preferably in long, thin, flat form, suitable for but not necessarily limited to use in storage racks for spent nuclear fuel at locations between volumes of such stored fuel, to absorb neutrons from said spent fuel and prevent uncontrolled nuclear reaction of the spent fuel material, is composed of finely divided boron carbide particles and a solid, irreversibly cured phenolic polymer, forming a continuous matrix about the boron carbide particles, in such proportions that at least 6% of B.sup.10 from the boron carbide content is present therein.

Abstract: A composite, neutron absorbing, coated article, suitable for installation in storage racks for spent nuclear fuel and for other neutron absorbing applications, includes a backing member, preferably of flexible material such as woven fiberglass cloth, a synthetic organic polymeric coating or a plurality of such coatings on the backing member, preferably of cured phenolic resin, such as phenol formaldehyde or trimethylolphenol formaldehyde and boron carbide particles held to the backing member by the cured coating or a plurality of such coatings. Also within the invention is a method for the manufacture of the neutron absorbing coated article and the use of such an article.

Abstract: A neutron absorbing article, preferably in flat plate form and suitable for use in a storage rack for spent nuclear fuel, includes boron carbide particles, diluent particles and a solid, irreversibly cured phenolic polymer cured to a continuous matrix binding the boron carbide and diluent particles. The total content of boron carbide and diluent particles is a major proportion of the article and the content of cured phenolic polymer present is a minor proportion. By regulation of the ratio of boron carbide particles to diluent particles, normally within the range of 1:9 and 9:1 and preferably within the range of 1:5 to 5:1, the neutron absorbing activity of the product may be controlled, which facilitates the manufacture of articles of particular absorbing activities best suitable for specific applications.