Abstract: A method of assessing the color type of diamonds by irradiating the diamonds with laser radiation of different wavelengths and generating a numerical value characteristic of the color type of the diamond based on the measured intensities of the resultant scattered Raman radiation for two or more different incident radiation wavelengths. The color type of the diamond may be determined by comparing derived relative intensities of each diamond with those of reference diamonds having been determined by standard subjective assessment. The method may also be used to sort diamonds according to their color type.

Abstract: A method for mapping the crystal structure of a diamond comprises placing the diamond in a beam of monochromatic laser radiation, filtering the resultant scattered Raman radiation, and measuring the intensity of the filtered radiation at one or more different orientations of the diamond which may be compared with records of known diamonds to identify the diamond.

Abstract: An anode for plasma torch that has a primary section and a secondary section with a gradual transition between the sections. The diameter of the hollow primary section tapers down toward a transition zone, at which point the anode formed by the sections makes a gradual transition to the secondary section. The secondary section is cylindrical and has a diameter larger than that of the primary section from which the plasma exists the anode. The transition zone will describe a generally conical surface and may include a convex radius on the neck where the primary and transition sections meet.

Abstract: Attachment hardware and modular furnace lining which may be secured to an interior surface of a furnace by any one of a variety of methods. e.g., welding, self-tapping screw, or to a previously secured stud or matingly configured member. In a preferred embodiment the module is formed of refractory ceramic fiber blanket portions which are retained into a modular unit by the hardware system. Each module includes hardware having support structure which passes through the layers of blanket adjacent the furnace wall. The hardware includes a collar which is moveable relative to the base bar to allow adjustment of the position of the module and means to facilitate access from the hot face of the module to install it.

Abstract: A method of preparing a surface of a silicon carbide article for joining by metal brazing to metal by micro-roughening that surface of the silicon carbide which is to be brazed, applying catalyst consisting essentially of aqueous PdCl.sub.2 directly to the micro-roughened surface, in the absence of pretreatment of said surface with stannous chloride, and electrolessly depositing a thin layer of metal selected from the group consisting of Ni, Cr, Au, Ag and Cu on said catalyst-treated surface.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for the electrolysis of molten salt having rotatable anode and cathode electrodes in a container for the molten electrolyte. The electrodes are conical in shape and have vent holes facilitating removal of evolved gases from the electrode surfaces. The liberated metal is thrown from the electrode and collected. The electrodes may be arranged in a symmetrical stack.

Abstract: Attachment hardware and modular furnace lining which may be secured to an interior surface of a furnace by any one of a variety of methods, e.g., welding, self-tapping screw, or to a previously secured stud or matingly configured member. In a preferred embodiment the module is formed of refractory ceramic fiber blanket portions which are retained into a modular unit by the hardware system. Each module includes hardware having support structure which passes through the layers of blanket adjacent the furnace wall. The hardware includes a collar which is movable relative to the base bar to allow adjustment of the position of the module and means to facilitate access from the hot face of the module to install it.

Abstract: An array for sensing the relative intensity of electromagnetic radiation at a plurality of locations employs a network of photodiodes and non-photoresponsive diodes. A first terminal of each photodiode, e.g. the anode, is electrically connected to a common point which is one terminal of the array. The non-photoresponsive diodes are connected in like-polarity series. The second terminal of each photoresponsive diode is connected to a different connection of non-photoresponsive diodes in the string. The array is scanned with a voltage ramp signal and each change in current flow indicates an illuminated diode. The particular voltage at which current flow changes discloses which photodiode is illuminated. Embodiments of the novel array can be made monolithically without a significant number of conductor cross overs.

Abstract: A thermal insulation is formed by simultaneously spraying ceramic fibers and a binder at a surface to be covered. An aqueous binder is prepared prior to application to the fiber during the spraying operation. The binder includes an organic component which provides necessary wet and green adhesion to the substrate surface and wet and green cohesion to the newly formed lining prior to firing of the sprayed-on layer. The binder also includes an inorganic component which functions at and after exposure to a high temperature to secure the ceramic fibers to the substrate and to one another. Drying and firing of the layer develops strength in the inorganic binder. Known ceramic fibers such as alumina-silica amorphous fibers, alumina-silica-zirconia fibers, polycrystalline mullite fibers, alumina fibers, mineral fibers, or combinations thereof, and the like may be employed. The fiber may be precoated with the organic binder.

Abstract: Attachment hardware and modular furnace lining which may be secured to an interior surface of a furnace by any one of a variety of methods. E.g., welding, self-tapping screw, or to a previously secured stud or matingly configured member. In a preferred embodiment the module is formed of refractory ceramic fiber blanket portions which are retained into a modular unit by the hardware system. Each module includes hardware having support structure which passes through the layers of blanket adjacent the furnace wall. The hardware includes a collar which is moveable relative to the base bar to allow adjustment of the position of the module and means to facilitate access from the hot face of the module to install it.

Abstract: New arsenate compounds, compositions and solid diffusion sources for the arsenic doping of semiconductors are disclosed which comprise substances composed of a sintered arsenate that decomposes upon heating at temperatures between 500.degree.-1400.degree. C. to release As.sub.2 O.sub.5, As.sub.2 O.sub.3 and/or elemental arsenic vapors for transport to semiconductor elements as a controlled dopant.

Abstract: Fused cast refractory moldings having a random microstructure, which are near in size and configuration to the desired final shape, and process and apparatus used in their manufacture are described. The process includes rapid melting of the refractory material followed by controlled rapid cooling. Laminated composite fused cast refractories may be produced.

Abstract: There is disclosed a refractory, insulating assembly for preventing kiln car heat loss, said assembly consisting of dome-shaped, hollow modular members disposed in a row along each running edge of said kiln car, with the space therebetween covered with a layer of insulating refractory.

Abstract: A hydraulic cement mix including hydraulic cement, aggregate, sufficient water to effect hydraulic setting of the cement, and an additive comprising a poly(hydroxyalkylated)polyethyleneamine or a poly(hydroxyethyl)polyethyleneimine or mixtures of each or both, the additive being present in an amount sufficient to increase the compressive strength of the hardened mix. Generally, the additive is present in a total amount of up to about 1.0% by weight based upon the weight of the cement, usually in an amount of between about 0.01% and about 0.25% by weight based upon the weight of the cement, preferably in an amount in the range of about 0.02% to about 0.07% by weight.

Abstract: A hydraulic cement mix including hydraulic cement, aggregate, sufficient water to effect hydraulic setting of the cement, and an additive comprising a mixture of an alkali or alkaline earth or ammonium salt of thiocyanic acid, such as sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium or magnesium thiocyanate, and an alkanolamine, such as triethanolamine, the additive being present in an amount sufficient to increase rate of hardening, and the compressive strength of the hardened mix. Generally, the additive is present in a total amount of up to about 2.5% by weight based upon the weight of the cement, usually in an amount of between about 0.05% and about 2.55% by weight based upon the weight of the cement, preferably in an amount in the range of about 0.4% to about 0.6% by weight.

Abstract: A composition and process for improving the curing of concrete, the composition comprising a Singapore dammar resin dissolved in an organic solvent. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the resin-solvent solution is dispersed in a water-based emulsion by the use of an appropriate emulsifying agent. A preferred organic solvent is mineral spirits, and preferably the organic solvent contains a low enough level of photochemically reactive liquids to meet air pollution requirements such as Los Angeles Rule 66.

Abstract: A method is provided for improving the strength and other properties of non-plastic dry hydraulic cement mixes, such as the dry concrete mixes used for making concrete masonry units. The method comprises incorporating a synergistic combination of two additives into the cement mix. The first additive is a salified methyl or ethyl substituted benzene or naphthalene sulfonate, and is preferably added in an amount of between about 0.01 and 1%, by weight based upon the weight of the cement. The second additive is a tertiary aliphatic amine oxide, and is preferably added in an amount of between 0.001 and 0.1%.

Abstract: Improved hydraulic cement mixes are made by incorporating into such mixes an admixture comprising at least one acetic acid ester of a glycol in an amount sufficient to increase the compressive strength of products made from such mixes. In portland-type cement mixes, these admixtures also act as set accelerators. In high-alumina cement mixes, the admixtures not only increase strength but also inhibit the spontaneous loss of strength which is generally characteristic of high-alumina cements. A preferred admixture is ethylene glycol diacetate in an amount of up to about 3.0% by weight based upon the weight of the cement, preferably in an amount of between about 0.01% and 2.0% by weight.

Abstract: A method of making an optically black surface having a low reflectance of electromagnetic radiation, especially in the solar spectrum, a relatively high heat resistance, and a relatively low amount of off-gassing, comprising the steps of(a) Milling the following mixture of ingredients for up to about 50 minutes:______________________________________ Ingredient Amount (% by weight) ______________________________________ Alkali metal silicate 13-21 Internal cure agent 2-10 Black pigment 17-27 Mica 0-3 Water 50-70 ______________________________________wherein the internal cure agent is selected from the group consisting of CuO, Cu.sub.2 S, NiO .multidot.Ni.sub.2 O.sub.3 and Co.sub.2 O.sub.3.

Abstract: An improved process for producing portland and portland type cement clinker wherein argillaceous and calcareous type materials are ground and blended to form a generally homogeneous mixture and subsequently burned in a kiln at a temperature in the range of about 1200.degree. C. to about 1500.degree. C. to form cement clinker, the improvement comprising incorporating into the mixture a fluorine containing mineral acid, selected from the group comprising fluotitanic acid, fluoboric acid, fluophosphoric acid, fluosilicic acid, and hydrofluoric acid, as a fluxing and mineralizing agent, in an amount of up to 3.0% by weight based upon the weight of the dry solids in the mixture.