Abstract: Disclosed is a rapid road repair vehicle capable of moving over a surface to be repaired at near normal posted traffic speeds to scan for and find an the high rate of speed, imperfections in the pavement surface, prepare the surface imperfection for repair by air pressure and vacuum cleaning, applying a correct amount of the correct patching material to effect the repair, smooth the resulting repaired surface, and catalog the location and quality of the repairs for maintenance records of the road surface. The rapid road repair vehicle can repair surface imperfections at lower cost, improved quality, at a higher rate of speed than was was heretofor possible, with significantly reduced exposure to safety and health hazards associated with this kind of road repair activities in the past.

Abstract: This invention relates to new ceramic piezoelectric compositions having superior electrical properties, processes for the preparation of the new piezoelectric composition and applications for the new compositions. Specifically, a solid solution composition of 85.5-87.5 molar percent lead zinc niobate, 9.5-9.7 molar percent lead titanate and 3-5 molar percent of a barium titanate dopant or strontium titanate dopant has exhibited desirable electrical properties. This specific composition is well suited for use in a 3-1 connectivity composite, which can be used as a hydrophone. These compositions may be prepared by oxide sintering techniques utilizing extremely high purity materials, or alternatively, by a sol gel process.

Abstract: A method for producing a stabilized magnesium hydroxide slurry comprising physically deflocculating the magnesium hydroxide solids in a starting slurry to produce a stabilized magnesium hydroxide slurry. Depending on the chloride level of the starting slurry, a cationic polymer may be added to the slurry. Optionally a thickening agent may be added to the deflocculated slurry. Also disclosed is a stabilized magnesium hydroxide slurry produced by the method which may be transported and stored without substantial agglomeration of the magnesium hydroxide solids.

Abstract: A secondary battery having a rechargeable lithium-containing anode, a cathode and a separator positioned between the cathode and anode with an organic electrolyte solution absorbed therein is provided. The anode comprises three-dimensional microporous carbon structures synthesized from polymeric high internal phase emulsions or materials derived from this emulsion source, i.e., granules, powders, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing acoustic radiation from an enclosure containing a fluid includes one or more vibration sensors in communication with surfaces of the enclosure. The vibration sensors feed signals corresponding to detected vibrations in the surface to a radiation filter. The radiation filter assigns weights to the signals and generates a summation signal which is then input to a control unit, with the summation signal ideally representing only those vibrations that will actually radiate from the enclosure. The control unit uses a reference signal and the summation signal to calculate a cancellation waveform to offset the cause of the detected vibrations. The cancellation signal is input to a fluid displacement unit which applies pressure oscillations to the fluid corresponding to the cancellation waveform.

Abstract: A binder composition particularly well suited for pelleted and compressed aquatic animal feeds comprising: 10-17%, by weight a reactive metal source; 25-35%, by weight, a reactive metal oxide or hydroxide; 18-28%, by weight, sugar and 28-42%, by weight, corn syrup solids. The binder composition produces feeds with lower calcium and magnesium concentrations that typically utilized binders.

Abstract: A device for remote sensing utilizing fiber optic techniques is presented. This device makes use of multi-mode optic fibers in conjunction with light polarized in multiple directions. The device presents a platform which is insensitive to phenomena outside of the remote sensing region while capable of detecting and analyzing multiple phenomena within the sensing region. The device is also capable of inspecting multiple remote sensing regions simultaneously.

Abstract: A device and method are described for measuring changes association with a gap between a lead-in optical fiber and a lead-out optical fiber. A hybrid fiber optic sensor is created by inserting the lead-in and lead-out optical fibers into a small tube such that a gap is provided between the fibers. Laser pulses incident on the gap create two interfacial reflections that interfere with one another, thus providing a method of measuring changes in gap length in the same was as a typical Fabry-Perot type interferometer. Moreover, a reflection from the far end of the lead-out fiber gives gap information in the same way as typical intensity-based sensor. Together the two measurements overcome the limitations that occur when each technique is used separately, and are made possible by means of the above hybrid fiber optic sensor which contains both a Fabry-Perot interferometer portion and an intensity-based sensor portion.

Abstract: A dielectric ceramic composition is disclosed comprising lead magnesium niobate and strontium titanate, barium titanate or a combination thereof. Dopants such as Ta, La, Y, Eu, Nd, Sm, Gd, W, Si, Zr and Sb may also be included in the composition. The lead magnesium niobate with strontium titanate and/or barium titanate composition has been found to possess extremely favorable properties such as high dielectric constant, low dielectric loss, high breakdown strength, low field-induced strain, high electrical resistivity and exceptionally high energy storage capacity. A process is also disclosed for the production of dielectric ceramic materials which includes the use of hot isostatic pressing in an oxygen-containing atmosphere. The disclosed dielectric compositions are useful in capacitors for many applications, including medical devices such as defibrillators and pacemakers.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the production of highly diffusive or absorptive metal surfaces. A dendritic crystal structure surface layer of metal is electrodeposited on a substrate, using a bipolar pulse plating technique. This metal surface layer may then be oxidized to provide a highly anti-reflective surface.

Abstract: A binder composition for aggregate mixtures which comprises a sugar selected from the group consisting of mono saccharides, di saccharides, tri saccharides and mixtures thereof. Also disclosed are a novel monolithic layer composition incorporating the binder and a method of forming a protective layer in a metallurgical vessel utilizing the monolithic layer composition.

Abstract: An improved working electrode for use in display devices is disclosed. The working electrode comprises a transparent metal grid having a coating of metal oxide thereon. Suitable metal grids include Cu, Au, Ag, Al, Pt, Ni and Zn, while suitable metal oxide coatings include In.sub.2 O.sub.3, SnO.sub.2 and indium tin oxide (ITO). The display devices preferably include an electrochromic material comprising an aqueous solution of an electrochemically depositable metal. Display devices in which the present working electrode is used possess favorable characteristics such as rapid response times, wide dynamic range, high transmittance and improved uniformity. The devices are particularly suitable for large surface area applications.

Abstract: A binder for fertilizer granulation is taught, comprising a reactive mixture of a metal salt and a metal oxide or hydroxide. Use of this binder permits the incorporation of higher percentages of "fines" or small particle fertilizer components.

Abstract: Aluminum-base alloys which are provided which possess highly desirable properties, such as relatively low density, high modulus, high strength/ductility combinations, strong natural aging response with and without prior cold work, higher artificially-aged strength than existing Al-Li alloys with and without prior cold work, weldability, good cryogenic properties, and good elevated temperature properties. In one embodiment, aluminum-base alloys are provided having Al-Cu-Li-Mg compositions in the following ranges: 5.0-7.0 Cu, 0.1-2.5 Li, 0.05-4 Mg, 0.01-1.5 grain refiner selected from Zr, Cr, Mn, Ti, Hf, V, Nb, B, TiB.sub.2, and mixtures thereof, and the balance essentially Al. In another embodiment, aluminum-base alloys are provided having Al-Cu-Li-Mg compositions in the following ranges: 3.5-5.0 Cu, 0.8-1.8 Li, 0.25-1.0 Mg, 0.01-1.5 grain refiner selected from Zr, Cr, Mn, Ti, Hf, V, Nb, B, TiB.sub.2, and mixtures thereof, and the balance essentially Al.

Abstract: There is described an optical acoustic sensor that is pressure-compensated for operation in high-pressure environments such as the deep sea and that may be employed in multi-sensor arrays. The sensor includes an acoustically responsive diaphragm that is illuminated by light conducted through an optical fiber and that reflects the light back into the fiber. Light waves reflected by the diaphragm and fiber end interfere, and the resulting interference is conducted by the optical fiber to a to a photodetector and associated signal processing electronics such as a phase generated carrier demodulator. Pressure compensation is provided to equalize the static pressure on both sides of the diaphragm. Additionally, an array of sensors is described that employs optical time division multiplexing.

Abstract: Provided is a carbonaceous binder composition which comprises a polymerized and dehydrated carbohydrate, a monomer or polymer of resorcinol, and water. It is important that the carbohydrate is a polymer when combined with the remaining components of the composition. Polymerization of the carbohydrate prior to being combined with the other components of the composition has been found to result in an increased carbon yield upon pyrolysis of the binder. The binder composition also has an effective shelf life of three months or longer and gives off no objectionable smell either before or after being pyrolyzed. More importantly, the binder is also free of any skin or respiratory irritants, and is in effect non-carcinogenic.

Abstract: A method is taught for the in-situ precipitation of ceramic materials in a metal matrix. By means of the solvent assisted reaction, metal-ceramic composites having highly superior properties may be obtained. The invention involves the reaction of the ceramic forming constituents in a metal solvent medium to provide very finely-dispersed ceramic particles in the metal matrix. Exemplary materials include titanium diboride in an aluminum matrix.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for contacting a hot reaction mass with water to initiate an explosive reaction. The reaction mass comprises a ceramic or intermetallic material that is produced by exothermically reacting a mixture of reactive elements. Suitable reaction masses include borides and/or carbides that are formed by reacting a mixture comprising B and/or C in combination with an element selected from Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta and W. Additional metals such as Al, Li, Mg, Zn, Cu, Be, Na, K, Ca, Rb, Y, U and Cs may also be present in the reactive mixture. In operation, the hot reaction mass is contacted with water to initiate an explosive water reaction and to produce large volumes of hydrogen containing gas.

Abstract: Provided is a process for the removal of metal ions from water which comprises filtering the water through a bed or layer of granular lightburned or hardburned magnesium oxide. The use of granular hardburned or granular lightburned grades of the magnesium oxide provides one with a most effective process for the removal of metal ions, as well as a process which permits a greater throughput of water before the effectiveness of the magnesium oxide decreases substantially.The process of the present invention also involves an acidic backwash to regenerate the granular magnesium oxide. The acidic backwash is used to strip the captured metal ions from the surface of the granules, and has been found to be quite effective. The acid is generally a dilute acid, e.g., about 1 to 10 percent by weight acid concentration.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for controlling dust production from coal, for controlling dust losses from coal, for reducing decrepitation, and for facilitating cold-weather handling of coal. The compositions comprise blending oil and petroleum resin where the blending oil can comprise reclaimed motor oil, light or heavy oil obtained from the refining of petroleum crude, virgin or reprocessed vegetable or animal oils, or oils of mineral origin, and where the petroleum resin comprises resin obtained from the deresination of cylinder stocks or cylinder stock itself, or a combination thereof. The petroleum resin may also contain optional ingredients such as diesels and/or bright stock for motor oils to reduce viscosity.