Abstract: A method for grinding an oxygen sensitive ceramic material to a powder which comprises grinding an oxygen sensitive ceramic feed material having an average particle size of between 1 and 200 microns in a contamination free high energy autogenous attrition mill in non-oxidizing fluid in the presence of media for a sufficient time to obtain a specific surface area of at least 5 m.sup.2 /g and preferably at least 9 m.sup.2 /g. The media consists essentially of the same ceramic as the feed material is of high purity and has an average particle size of less than 4 mm and preferably less than 2.5 mm. the ground material may be further treated so that the average particle size is less than one micron and so that the greater than 97 numerical percent of the particles of the finished powder is smaller than 5 microns. The invention includes the finished powder.

Abstract: A high density planar array of substrate-supported, thin film diodes constituting photoresponsive semiconductor elements is placed between a document to be read and a light source for illuminating the document. The document is illuminated by the light source via windows in the array, reflected light from the document impinging on the photoresponsive elements constituted by the diodes which are electronically interrogated to provide a signal which is indicative of image information on the document. The light source directly illuminates small portions of each diode to establish a discharge or bias current that makes the array more sensitive and responsive. The high density diodes of the array can be formed in a manner that minimizes leakage current between adjacent diodes.

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: A process is provided for the production of superconducting wires, ribbons, tapes, fibers and the like including the steps of forming an amorphous metal alloy containing at least one of scandium, yttrium or the rare earths; copper; and at least one alkaline earth as an elongated body, and reacting the amorphous metal alloy with oxygen at a temperature below the crystallization temperature of the alloy to form a sheath of superconducting oxide exterior to a core of amorphous metal alloy. Included in the invention are the elongated bodies thus produced and superconductor devices fabricated from said bodies.

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 comprising a hydraulic cement, aggregate in an amount of up to 80% by weight based upon the total weight of said cement mix, sufficient water to effect hydraulic setting of the cement, and an air-entraining additive consisting essentially of a coconut fatty acid diethanolamide produced by reacting alkyl ester of coconut acid with diethanolamine, said additive being in an effective amount whereby air will be entrained in said mix in an amount of 3% to 9% by volume of said mix.

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.