Abstract: A method for refurbishing or restoring a turbine vane or other airfoil to restore a desired flow area includes the steps of: providing a plate to be used to restore the flow area on the airfoil; cutting the plate into a desired shape; machining a series of tapers into the cut plate so that the cut plate has a single region with a substantially uniform thickness; overlaying a surface of the airfoil with the pre-cut, pre-shaped plate so that the substantially uniform thickness region is positioned over that part of the airfoil where the flow area is to be restored; and attaching the pre-cut, pre-shaped plate to the airfoil. The refurbishment or restoration method further includes heat treating the pre-cut, pre-shaped plate so that the plate softens and conforms to the shape of the airfoil surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermosonic wire bonding technique for forming high quality wire interconnections in semiconductor devices. The technique includes using palladium or palladium alloy lead wires to form the wire interconnections between the components of a semiconductor device. The technique also includes forming a protective atmosphere about the palladium lead wire during a portion of the bonding process and controlling the stage temperatures used during the bonding process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat exchanger assembly having a plurality of heat exchange fluid passageways formed from a modified copper-zinc alloy. The copper-zinc alloy contains from about 21% to about 39% zinc, from about 1% to about 5% nickel, from about 0.02% to about 1% arsenic and the balance essentially copper. In a preferred embodiment, the copper-zinc alloy consists essentially of from about 25% to about 35% zinc, from about 2.5% to about 3.5% nickel, from about 0.03% to about 0.06% arsenic and the balance essentially copper. The heat exchanger assemblies of the present invention have particular utility as motor vehicle radiators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to solutions for extracting magnetic particles from a surrounding matrix. The solutions extract the magnetic particles by dissolving the surrounding matrix and leaving the magnetic particles. Useful solutions include aqueous citrate solutions and aqueous solutions containing free ammonia. The magnetic particles produced using the solutions of the present invention have particular utility in magnetic recording media.

Abstract: A method for producing a metallic strip is disclosed. A metallic melt containing above about 20% by weight of iron is formed into a strip so that fine iron particles are distributed throughout. The strip may be rolled to elongate the iron particles.

Abstract: A predominately beta phase copper base alloy which is adapted for forming in a semi-solid slurry condition. The alloy has a microstructure comprising discrete particles within a lower melting point matrix and consists essentially of from about 9% to about 10.5% by weight aluminum, at least about 10% by weight nickel and the balance essentially copper. In accordance with an alternative embodiment the nickel can be replaced on a one for one basis by iron within certain limits. The alloys are processed by chill casting with a cooling rate throughout the section of the casting comprising at least about 10.degree. C./sec. The alloys as-cast or when reheated to a semi-solid exhibit a microstructure suitable for press forging.

Abstract: A composite is provided which is adaptable to be a substrate for an electronic application. The composite comprises first material particles having a coefficient of thermal expansion in the range of about -20.times.10.sup.-7 to about 50.times.10.sup.-7 in/in/.degree. C. Second material particles having a coefficient of thermal expansion in the range of about 100.times.10.sup.-7 to about 200.times.10.sup.-7 in/in/.degree. C. are mixed with the first material particles. A bonding agent adheres the first and second material particles into a coherent composite having a coefficient of thermal expansion in the range of about 1.times.10.sup.-7 to about 50.times.10.sup.-7 in/in/.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing magnetic particles for use in recording media. The method comprises providing an alloy capable of forming a magnetic precipitate, aging the alloy to form a magnetic precipitate comprising a plurality of magnetic particles dispersed throughout a surrounding matrix; and dissolving the matrix to leave the magnetic particles. Magnetic particles produced by the present method are characterized by a size in the range of about 100 .ANG. to about 2000 .ANG., a single magnetic domain, an aspect ratio up to about 10:1, a relatively smooth surface, and a substantially uniform composition throughout.

Abstract: An improved hermetically sealed semiconductor casing and a process for producing the casing are disclosed. This casing includes a lead frame having an electrical device affixed thereto. A base member is glass bonded to a matching surface of the lead frame. A metal window frame shaped device is provided having one surface with a refractory oxide coating and a second opposite readily solderable surface. The refractory oxide layer of the window frame device is glass bonded to the lead frame and the base member. The semiconductor or electrical device is connected to the lead frame after the window frame has been glass bonded into place. A metal lid having a solderable surface is solder bonded to the solderable surface of the window frame to hermetically seal the electrical device within the casing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a communication cable having improved adhesion between metallic and non-metallic layers. The cable has a metallic core structure in which at least one optical fiber and/or electrical conductor is housed, at least one external layer fabricated from a non-metallic material and an adherent, plasma deposited polymeric film coating between the core structure and an external layer for improving the adhesion between the core structure and the external layer. A process and apparatus for fabricating the communication cable are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for forming a substantially uniform electrodeposit on a metal or metal alloy foil. The apparatus includes a frame assembly for substantially preventing bowing and/or flapping of the metal or metal alloy foil and for promoting substantially uniform electrodeposits by maintaining the gap between the foil and each treatment anode substantially constant. The process and apparatus have particular utility in the treatment of delicate copper foil for use in electronic and electrical applications.

Abstract: A method for producing a metallic strip is disclosed. A metallic melt containing above about 20% by weight of iron is formed into a strip so that fine iron particles are distributed throughout. The strip may be rolled to elongate the iron particles.

Abstract: The process of forming a composite with an alloy having an alloy component of about 0.5 to 12% aluminum and a matrix selected from a material of the group consisting of copper, iron or nickel. The alloy is heated in an oxygen-rich atmosphere to form a material oxide-rich layer on a surface of the alloy. The alloy is then heated in a reducing atmosphere to reduce the material oxide-rich layer to form an aluminum oxide on the surface of the alloy and a material-rich layer on the aluminum oxide layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technique for improving the tarnish and oxidation resistance of copper and copper base alloy materials. The technique of the present invention involves immersing the copper or copper base alloy material in a dilute aqueous chromic acid-phosphoric acid solution. After emerging from the chromic acid-phosphoric acid solution, the copper or copper base alloy material is preferably rinsed with a dilute aqueous caustic solution and dried. Copper and copper base alloy materials treated in accordance with the present invention have particular utility in printed circuit applications.

Abstract: A system for producing continuous lengths of electroformed metal foil or strip having enhanced ductility and a moderately refined grain structure is described. The system includes an anode and a cathode having a moving plating surface at least partially immersed within an electrolytic solution. To obtain the aforementioned improvements in foil or strip properties, the electrolytic solution is sonically agitated in the vicinity of the moving plating surface. Preferably, one or more ultrasonic generators are used to agitate the electrolyte. The generators may be mounted in a variety of locations including within the electrolyte flow path, within one of the anode and the cathode, or in contact with a surface of either the anode or the cathode.

Abstract: A copper base alloy capable of forming a microstructure comprising a plurality of discrete particles in a surrounding metal matrix having a lower melting point than the particles. The alloy consists essentially of from about 3% to about 6% nickel, from about 2% to about 4.25% aluminum, from about 0.25% to about 1.2% silicon, from about 5% to about 15% zinc, up to about 5% iron and the balance essentially copper. When iron is included in an amount from about 3% to about 5% and zinc is restricted to a range of from about 8% to about 10%, the alloy is capable of forming the desired structure in the as-cast condition using a process which does not include stirring during casting.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming a thin-walled, elongated member having superior strength properties from an age hardenable copper base alloy is described herein. A slug or billet of a slurry cast, age hardenable copper base alloy is formed into a semi-solid slurry having about 10% to about 30% of the alloy in a liquid phase. The semi-solid slurry is then thixoforged to form the thin-walled, elongated member. Thereafter, the member is age hardened to provide a product having desired strength properties. The process and apparatus of the instant invention may be utilized to form cartridge casings.

Abstract: A method of producing a strip adapted for use as an electrical contact terminal comprising the following steps. First, a strip of relatively flexible substrate material is provided. Then, a substantially continuous strip of powdered metal or metal alloy is deposited onto a surface of the strip to produce the electrical contact terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for electromagnetically coiling a molten material into a longitudinally extending casting defining a longitudinal axis thereof. The casting has a desired cross section extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. At least one portion of the outer peripheral surface of the casting extends transversely of the longitudinal axis and has a small radius of curvature. The apparatus includes an inductor extending transversely about the molten material for providing an electromagnetic containment force field acting on the outer peripheral surface of the molten material to form the desired cross section. The improvement comprises a device for turning the electromagnetic containment force field about the longitudinal axis to cause a corresponding turn of the transverse cross section of the molten material about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to copper-silicon-tin alloys having improved cleanability. These alloys consist essentially of from about 1.0% to about 5.0% tin, from about 1.0% to about 4.5% silicon, an element selected from the group consisting of from about 0.05% to about 0.5% magnesium and from about 0.01% to about 0.5% lithium, and the balance essentially copper. The alloys may also contain from about 0.01% to about 0.45% chromium.