Abstract: Chromium in solid waste residues may be immobilized by reduction of essentially all of the Cr(VI) to insoluble Cr(III). The Cr(VI) is separated from the solids by contacting with an acid to produce an aqueous solution having a pH of about 6.5 to 9.5, then adding sulfate-reducing anaerobic bacteria and, as required, a source of sulfates and nutrients for the growth of the bacteria. Where the solid residues are below the surface of the soil, a continuous recirculation may be established to extract Cr(VI), treat the resulting solution above grade to reduce Cr(VI) to Cr(III), and return the treated solution to the soil.

Abstract: A dual-pane thermal window unit comprises two non-intersecting or, preferably, substantially parallel, spaced window panes, mounted in a window frame, a first of the panes having affixed thereto a first wall of an electro-optical liquid crystal cell providing a selected light transmittance, and a second of said panes delimiting, with a second wall of said cell, a space providing a thermal break. Each of the first and second walls comprises an electrically conductive film composed of plastic and having sufficient supporting strength to maintain the structural integrity of the cell. The window is light weight, economical to manufacture and efficient and reliable in operation.

Abstract: A rapidly solidified aluminum base alloy consists essentially of the formula Al.sub.bal Fe.sub.a Si.sub.b X.sub.c, wherein X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of W,Ta,Nb, "a" ranges from 3.0 to 7.1 at %, "b" ranges from 1.0 to 3.0 at %, "c" ranges from 0.25 to 1.25 at % and the balance is aluminum plus incidental impurities, with the provisos that the ratio [Fe+X]:Si ranges from about 2.33:1 to 3.33:1 and that the ratio Fe:X ranges from about 16:1 to 5:1. The alloy exhibits high strength, ductility and fracture toughness and is especially suited for use in high temperature structural applications such as gas turbine engines, missiles, airframes and landing wheels.

Abstract: A magnesium based metal matrix composite is made from rapidly solidified magnesium alloy powder and SiC particulate using liquid suspension coprocessing or mechanical alloying. The composite is suitable for consolidation into bulk shapes having, in combination, high strength, high stiffness, low density, low coefficient of thermal expansion, and high hardness. The composite is suited for uses in such applications as space and missile guidance and navigation and control system precision components where low density, very high specific stiffness and long term dimensional and environmental stability are principal performance criteria.

Abstract: Torque in a shaft is measured by a torque sensor comprising at least one strain gage. The strain gage has a magnetic circuit comprising a magnetostrictive, soft ferromagnetic element. A drive mechanism applies a first and a second magnetomotive force to the magnetic circuit. The second magnetomotive force has a sense opposite that of the first magnetomotive force. A sensing mechanism senses the state of magnetization of the ferromagnetic element and a detecting mechanism determines the magnitude of that magnetic field applied to the ferromagnetic element by the second magnetomotive force which reduces the magnetization of the element to zero. Torque is derived from the strain indicated by a change in the coercive field of the ferromagnetic element.

Abstract: Processes for using a thin film ultrafiltration membrane for the separation of low molecular weight solutes such as the separation of glucose from sucrose and higher molecular weight sugars and the separation of amino acids from oligopeptides and polypeptides. The membrane possesses desirable properties or characteristics, and may be prepared by casting a solution of a polyelectrolyte complex on a microporous support to form a thin film of polyelectrolyte complex on the surface of the support. The thickness of the membrane will range from about 600 to 3,000 A.

Abstract: A magnesium based metal matrix composite is made from rapidly solidified magnesium alloy powder and SiC particulate using liquid suspension coprocessing or mechanical alloying. The composite is suitable for consolidation into bulk shapes having, in combination, high strength, high stiffness, low density, low coefficient of thermal expansion, and high hardness. The composite is suited for uses in such applications as space and missile guidance and navigation and control system precision components where low density, very high specific stiffness and long term dimensional and environmental stability are principal performance criteria.

Abstract: Strain within a substrate is measured by attaching thereto a magnetic circuit comprising a magnetostrictive, soft ferromagnetic element, and sensing a change in the coercive field of the element caused by strain therewith.

Abstract: Rotational displacement of the birefringent lasing medium in a lasing cavity containing a polarizing element varies the spectral width of the generated laser light. The combination in a lasing cavity of a birefringent lasing medium, a polarizing element, a tuning element and a birefringent compensator permits output of narrow bandwidth spectrally tuned laser light continuously over the total gain bandwidth of the lasing medium by rotating the lasing medium, tuning to desired wavelength, and adjusting the birefringent compensator to optimize output of laser light.

Abstract: A metal matrix composite is produced by forming a rapidly solidified aluminum base alloy into wire. The wire is arc sprayed onto at least one substrate having thereon a fiber reinforcing material to form a plurality of preforms. Each of the preforms has a layer of the alloy deposited thereon, and the fiber reinforcing material is present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to 75 percent by volume thereof. The preforms are bonded together to form an engineering shape.

Abstract: A magnesium alloy consists essentially of the formula Mg.sub.bal Al.sub.a Zn.sub.b X.sub.c, wherein X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of manganese, cerium, neodymium, praseodymium, and yttrium, "a" ranges from about 0 to 15 atom percent, "b" ranges from about 0 to 4 atom percent, and "c" ranges from about 0.2 to 3 atom percent, the balance being magnesium and incidental impurities, with the proviso that the sum of aluminum and zinc present ranges from about 2 to 15 atom percent. Second phase particles contained by the alloy are less susceptible to corrosion attack. Articles produced from the alloy have superior corrosion resistance and mechanical properties comparable to those made from commercial magnesium alloys. Such articles are suitable for application as structural members in helicopters, air frames, such as gear box housings, where good corrosion resistance in combination with low density and good strength are required.

Abstract: A predetermined pattern of a dielectric polymer is formed on a substrate from a mixture of prepolymers which are the ethers of the oligomeric condensation product of (a) dihydric phenol and formaldehyde and (b) a dialdehyde and 3 to 4 moles of a phenol.

Abstract: Solid bodies having a reflective surface are provided with an anti-reflection coating of a fluoropolymer blends of (1) a terpolymer composition derived from (a) perfluoroalkylakyl acrylate or methacrylate, (b) acrylic, methacrylic or itaconic acid, and (c) hydroxyl- containing acrylate or methacrylate; and (2) an amorphous fluoropolymer.

Abstract: A metal matrix composite is produced by rapidly solidifying an aluminum base alloy directly into wire. The wire is arc sprayed onto at least one substrate having thereon a fiber reinforcing material to form a plurality of preforms. Each of the preforms has a layer of the alloy deposited thereon, and the fiber reinforcing material is present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to 75 percent by volume thereof. The preforms are bonded together to form an engineering shape.

Abstract: Magnesium base metal alloy sheet is produced by rolling the rolling stock extruded or forged from a billet at a temperature ranging from 200.degree. C. to 300.degree. C. The billet is consolidated from rapidly solidified magnesium based alloy powder that consists essentially of the formula Mg.sub.bal Al.sub.a Zn.sub.b X.sub.c, wherein X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of manganese, cerium, neodymium, praseodymium, and yttrium, "a" ranges from about 0 to 15 atom percent, "b" ranges from about 0 to 4 atom percent, "c" ranges from about 0.2 to 3 atom percent, the balance being magnesium and incidental impurities, with the proviso that the sum of aluminum and zinc present ranges from about 2 to 15 atom percent. The alloy has a uniform microstructure comprised of fine grain size ranging from 0.2-1.0 .mu.m together with precipitates of magnesium and aluminum containing intermetallic phases of a size less than 0.1 .mu.m.

Abstract: Superconducting ceramic layers are made by first electrochemically depositing metal layers containing embedded particulate matter, followed by oxidation of the precursor layer to form the desired superconducting ceramic. The embedded particulate matter may (a) furnish required constituent metals for the superconductor, (b) be a superconductor itself, which may be the same as or different from the superconductor to be formed, or (c) provide adjuvant substances for improving the properties (e.g., electrical or mechanical) of the superconducting layer being formed.

Abstract: A predetermined pattern of a dielectric polymer is formed on a substrate from a prepolymer which is an ether of the oligomeric condensation product of a dihydric phenol and formaldehyde having the formula ##STR1##

Abstract: Blends of amorphous fluoropolymers with copolymer compositions derived form (a) perfluroalkylalkyl acrylate or methacrylate, (b) acrylic, methacrylic or itaconic acid, and (c) a hydroxyl-containing acrylate or methacrylate, in combination, can be cured to form coatings having properties typical of fluorine-containing polymers, with unusually low critical surface energy.

Abstract: A predetermined pattern of a dielectric polymer is formed on a substrate from a mixture of prepolymers which are ethers of the reaction products of (a) a dicyclopentadiene and a phenol and (b) a dialdehyde and 3 to 4 moles of a phenol.

Abstract: Optical waveguides suitable for use in high temperature environments are constructed of a waveguiding body composed of a first crystalline aluminum garnet, which is clad with an epitaxially deposited layer of a second crystalline aluminum garnet. The second crystalline aluminum garnet has a lower refractive index than the first crystalline aluminum garnet.