Abstract: Copolymer compositions derived from (a) perfluoralkylalkyl acrylate or methacrylate, (b) acrylic, methacrylic or itaconic acid, and (c) a hydroxyl-containing acrylate or methacrylate, in combination, can be cross-linked through internal esterification or anhydride formation. These product combine properties typical of fluorine-containing polymers with processability, including processability from solution.

Abstract: This invention relates to an implantable medical device capable of encouraging cellular growth and regeneration of function fabricated totally or in part from one or more bioresorbable polymers, as for example bioresorbable homopolymers derived from the polymerization of alpha-hydroxy carboxylic acids, where at least one of the polymers has an average molecular weight of from about 234,000 to about 320,000 as measured by gel permeation chromatography.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for monitoring in situ the transformation of some fraction of a starting material to another material during the course of a thermal treatment. The starting material is heated to a preselected temperature and its resistivity is measured. A signal is transmitted to an actuator, which indicates cooling of the material when a preselected resistivity or change therein is detected.

Abstract: Essentially alternating copolymers of hexafluoroisobutylene (HFIB) and vinyl acetate (VA) are prepared under homogeneous radial conditions. They are soluble in polar solvents such as ketones, dimethylforamide, and diglyme. Their solutions can be used to cast films and for coatings. They can be hydrolyzed to form copolymers of HFIB and vinyl alcohol (VOH).

Abstract: An economical method of converting mannose to fructose uses a mannose isomerase from Pseudomonas cepacia immobilized on an alumina containing polyethyleneimine crosslinked with an excess of glutaraldehyde. The method utilizes mannose-containing aqueous solutions as the feedstock, and affords solutions in which at least 55% of the mannose has been converted to fructose. Because of the relatively higher levels of fructose than can be obtained by isomerizing glucose to fructose using glucose isomerase, substantial savings in separation of high fructose-containing products can be achieved. The process described represents the first economical mannose isomerase process.

Abstract: A temperature compensated strain gauge amplifier derives compensating signals for offset and gauge errors of bridge transducers from a single temperature sensing element. The amplifier is inexpensive to construct, provides a high degree of voltage linearity with respect to temperature and is reliable in operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging and testing a rechargeable battery is adapted to determine certain conditions, including defects and characteristics, of the battery. The apparatus detects defects caused by sulfated cells, short circuited cells, and mismatched cells, and determines battery voltage, capacity and charge acceptance capability.

Abstract: A component composed of a rapidly solidified aluminum-lithium alloy is subjected to thermal treatment at a temperature greater than 500.degree. C. for a time period greater than 5 hours under a protective atmosphere. Thus case toughened, the component exhibits notched impact toughness from 40 to 250% greater than that exhibited prior to the thermal treatment.

Abstract: An aluminum based metal matrix composite is produced from a charge containing a rapidly solidified aluminum alloy, a carbidiferous agent and particles of a reinforcing material present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to 50% by volume of the charge. The charge is ball milled energetically to uniformly mix the carbidiferous agent within the aluminum matrix, and to enfold metal matrix material around each of the particles while maintaining the charge in a pulverulent state. Upon completion of the ball milling step, the charge is hot consolidated at suitable temperatures to decompose the carbidiferous agent and result in the formation of carbide and oxide particles, and to provide a powder compact having a formable, substantially void-free mass. The compact is especially suited for use in aerospace, automotive, electronic, wear resistance critical components, and the like, which often encounter service temperatures approaching 500.degree. C.

Abstract: This invention is a method and apparatus for detecting the presence of gaseous oxygen and measuring the amount present. In the practice of the invention, luminescence from a luminophor compound is quenched by oxygen. The luminiphor is a conjugated aromatic carbonyl. The intensity of the emitted light is related to the concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere surrounding the conjugated aromatic carbonyl compound. The luminophor compound is located on a polar substrate having free hydroxyl groups at its surface and also having at its surface, in locations adjacent to the luminophor compound, a halogenated hydrocarbon compound containing at least one halogen selected from a group consisting of chlorine, bromine, and iodine. In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises an oxygen sensor utilizing a fiber-optic light guide to conduct excitation light to a substrate comprised of activated silica gel particles having methylene chloride and N-methylacridone co-deposited on them.

Abstract: The present invention is flame resistant article and related method, made of phenolic triazine resin derived from a cyanato group containing phenolic resin of the formula: ##STR1## wherein: n is a positive whole number greater than or equal to 1;q and r are the same or different at each occurrence and are whole numbers from 0 to 3, with the proviso that the sum of q and r at each occurrence is equal to 3;Z is --CN, or hydrogen and --CN;o and p are the same or different at each occurrence and are whole numbers from 0 to 4 with the proviso that the sum of o and p at each occurrence is equal to 4;--X-- is a divalent organic radical; andR.sub.3 is the same or different at each occurrence and is a substituent other than hydrogen which is unreactive under conditions necessary to completely cure the copolymer.

Abstract: A method is provided for decreasing radiative heat transfer and adjustably limiting visible light and near infrared radiation transfer and glare through a window.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for making optionally active polymers having a carbon-to-carbon backbone chain and pendant "transducer" groups having an azo linkage which involves azo-coupling, in homogeneous solution, a carbon-to-carbon backbone polymer having pendant groups terminating in an aromatic group with an aromatic diazonium salt, and recovering the resultant reaction product.

Abstract: Zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) is produced from precursor salts. The precursor salts are coprecipitated from solution to yield a gel in a liquid phase. The gel in excess of the critical temperature and pressure is dried at a temperature and pressure in excess of the critical temperature and pressure of the liquid phase to thereby convert the liquid phase to a gas. The solid particles, when separated from the gas, form a fine particulate ZTA which, upon consolidation yields near theoretical density toughened ceramics.

Abstract: A rapidly solidified aluminum base alloy is formed into a powder and plasma sprayed onto a substrate to provide a uniform and contiguous coating. Deposition and retention of the alloy onto the substrate are effected in a single process step. The coating exhibits improved mechanical and physical properties including excellent corrosion and oxidation resistance and improved elevated temperature strength and thermal stability.

Abstract: Superconducting Ba--Y--Cu--O ceramic thin film is epitaxially deposited on a crystal substrate of LaAlO.sub.3, LaGaO.sub.3, PrGaO.sub.3 and NdGaO.sub.3.

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: APO-BMI is a chain-extended with certain diamines to provide thermosetting resins retaining the improved properties of APO-BMI resins, but having increased toughness in the cured resins.

Abstract: The amount of carbon monoxide or oxygen in a gas is measured by determining the change in dielectric properties of a polymer film disposed between two electrodes. A preferred polymer film comprises an organometallic gas carrier interdispersed within an interpenetrating polymer network matrix.

Abstract: A magnetic metallic glass alloy exhibits, in combination, high saturation induction and high Curie temperature. The alloy has a composition described by the formula Fe.sub.a Co.sub.b Ni.sub.c B.sub.d Si.sub.e C.sub.f, where "a"- "f" are in atom percent, "a" ranges from about 75 to about 81, "b" ranges from 0 to about 6, "c" ranges from about 2 to about 6, "d" ranges from about 11 to about 16, "e" ranges from 0 to about 4, and "f" ranges from 0 to about 4, with the provisos that (i) the sum of "b" and "c" may not be greater than about 8, (ii) "d" may not be greater than about 14 when "b" is zero, (iii) "e" may be zero only when "b" is greater than zero, and (iv) "f" is zero when "e" is zero. This alloy is suitable for use in large magnetic cores used in various applications requiring high magnetization rates, and in the cores of line frequency power distribution transformers, airborne transformers, current transsformers, ground fault interrupters, switch-mode power supplies, and the like.