Abstract: A predetermined volume of a gaseous mixture of combustion products component is collected in a gas mixer up to a preselected pressure. A portion of the mixture is discharged successively through the tubular column and a sample chamber for a predetermined time period with the mixture being initially at the preselected pressure in the volume. Detection of delayed output of gas constituents from the column provides an analysis of constituents. The apparatus further comprises a furnace, a magazine for holding the plurality of test samples, a transfer device connected to the furnace for sequentially transferring a successive sample from the magazine to the furnace, and a furnace seal integral with the transfer device for temporal sealing of the furnace from ambient atmosphere after the sample is transferred to the furnace until subsequent transferral.

Abstract: Described is a gas mixer preferentially employed for mixing at least two gas flows. The gas mixer comprises a first filter adapted to have a first gas flow directed therethrough from a first surface to a second surface thereof. A second gas flow is directed along the second surface of the filter so as to entrain the first gas exiting therefrom. The resulting gas mixture is subsequently caused to pass through a second filter and, if need be, through one or more additional filters.

Abstract: An arc plasma generating system includes components for adjusting spacing between the cathode and the anode. A piston affixed to the cathode is slidingly positioned in a cylinder partitioning therein a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is receptive of discharged cooling fluid at reduced pressure. A first valve selectively infuses pressurized control fluid into the second chamber such as to move the piston against the reduced pressure and thereby move the cathode axially in a first direction. A second valve selectively discharges the control fluid from the second chamber such that the reduced pressure in the first chamber moves the piston opposite the first direction. Telescoping tubing affixed between the piston and the end wall of the cylinder is located within the cylinder and conveys cooling fluid to the cathode. A flexible electrical cable connected between the cathode and a source of arc current is located within the cylinder member such as to be cooled by fluid therein.

Abstract: A plasma generating system comprises a plasma gun including a hollow cylindrical anode member, a hollow cylindrical intermediate member electrically isolated from and juxtaposed coaxially with the anode member to form a plasma-forming gas passage through the intermediate member and the anode member, and an axially movable cathode member. The intermediate member comprises tubular segments separated by resilient insulating spacing rings held in compression. Arc radiation is blocked from the spacer rings by meanders in the inter-segment slots and further by ceramic barrier rings. An electric motor or pneumatic piston responsive to a measurement of arc voltage continually adjusts the axial position of the cathode tip relative to the anode nozzle so as to maintain a predetermined arc voltage.

Abstract: An induction plasma system comprises a torch and an induction coil. A sample substance is injected into the plasma at an axial position that is adjustable while the plasma is being energized. The plasma-forming gas flows through the induction coil prior to passing through the plasma torch. A piezoelectric crystal is used for initiating the plasma. An oscillator network generates radio frequency power at a first frequency, and an output LC network that includes the induction coil is tuned to a second frequency higher than the first frequency. Means for maintaining constant power to the plasma includes an AC circuit for duty cycling AC power input to a DC power supply in response to a feedback signal relative to the rectified voltage. Thus a change in the rectified voltage effects an inverse change in the duty cycling such as to nullify the change in the rectified voltage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an energy analysis and detection system for surface chemical analysis which includes an input lens system for receiving charged particles, said lens system having a first lens stage for definition of analysis area and angular acceptance and a second lens stage for energy adjustment with an aperture assembly interposed between the first lens stage and second lens stage, a spherical capacitor energy analyzer for receiving the output from the input lens system and performing spectroscopic energy resolution, and a detector assembly for receiving the output from the spherical capacitor energy analyzer and detecting the charged particles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus for monitoring epitaxial crystalline growth mounted in a vacuum chamber, said apparatus including a support for mounting a single crystal substrate surface, a device for applying epitaxial material to the substrate surface, a device for impinging an electron beam upon the substrate surface to emit secondary electrons therefrom, and a system for detecting the secondary electrons emitted and for outputting a corresponding signal.

Abstract: In a system and a method for measuring the rate at which powdered material flows from a container wherein a first analog signal representing the weight of the container is produced, the analog signal is differentiated to obtain a second signal corresponding to the flow rate and the second signal is passed through an adaptive filter. The adaptive filter includes a first low pass filter having a first time constant for producing a third signal and a second low-pass filter to produce a fourth signal.

Abstract: A thermal spray material has been developed that includes a composite powder comprising chromium carbide or chromium boride and copper or copper alloy in the form of kernels of the chromium carbide or boride clad with the copper or copper alloy. Preferably the thermal spray material includes a self-fluxing alloy composition.

Abstract: A novel alloy is disclosed which is characterized by high resistance to wear and corrosion. The alloy consists essentially of 2 to 25% chromium, 5 to 30% molybdenum, 3 to 15% tungsten, 2 to 8% copper, 2 to 8% boron, and 0.2 to 2% carbon; the balance being incidental impurities and at least 30% of a metal selected from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt and combinations thereof, with the total of molybdenum and tungsten being at least 16%. The alloy is preferably in the form of a powder for thermal spraying, and coating produced thereby generally have an amorphous structure.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for a plasma gun is disclosed, containing an annular coolant passage for extended nozzle life, providing for convenient and low cost replacement of the nozzle member and for improved gun operation. To form the assembly a jacket is disposed about the nozzle member in a predetermined coaxial position. An inner surface of the jacket cooperates with the cylindrical exteriority of the nozzle to define an annular coolant passage. The jacket and the nozzle are in relative slidable relationship such that the nozzle member is removable and replaceable forwardly with respect to the jacket, forwardly being in respect to the direction of the plasma flame. A flange at the forward end of the nozzle member retains the nozzle member from sliding rearward from the predetermined position with respect to the jacket. The jacket has coolant ports for the coolant connecting with the annular passage. A seal such as an O-ring is interposed between the rear portion of the nozzle and the jacket.

Abstract: A low expansion ceramic composition is represented by the formula Ca.sub.0.5 Ti.sub.2 P.sub.3 O.sub.12 in which up to 100 percent of the Ca is replaced by one or more of the other alkaline earth metals and alkali metals, the alkali metals being selected from the group consisting of Na, Li, K and combinations thereof and substituted in the ratio of two units of alkali metal for each unit of Ca replaced. Up to 100 percent of the Ti is replaced by one or more members selected from the group consisting of Zr, Sn, Nb, Ta and Cr. For each unit of Cr replacement an approximately equal unit of alkali metal is added. For each unit of Nb and/or Ta replacement an approximately equal unit of Na and/or K replaces a unit of Ca. Up to 100 percent of the P may be replaced by Si and/or S. The total of the amounts of Ca, other alkaline earth metals, Li, K, Ti, Sn, Nb, Ta and Cr is greater then zero. Preferably up to 100 percent of the Ca is replaced by Na, and up to 100 percent of the Ti is replaced by Zr or NaCr.

Abstract: A plasma gun has a hollow generally cylindrical anode nozzle member and coaxially disposed therein a cylindrical cathode member, the members co-acting to form an interior passage for plasma forming gas. At one end, within the body of the gun, the passage comprises an annular gas inlet chamber or plenum proximate to the cathode. Progressing in the direction of flow, the passage is defined as an annular space between the cathode and anode members and then continues through the anode nozzle member to the exterior of the gun body. Plasma-forming gas is introduced inwardly through respective inlets, tangentially and radially into the gas inlet chamber. Means are provided for selectively regulating the respective amounts of gas introduced radially and tangentially to thereby determine the degree of vortical flow of gas through the gun.

Abstract: An arc spray gun has a generally frusto-conical head member of electrically insulating material, with the small end facing forwardly in the direction of spray. Wire is fed through a pair of electrically conductive tubular wire guides containing pressure contact means that extend through the head member and converge to contact the wire ends for arc formation and melting of the metal. A gas jet nozzle provides compressed gas for atomization and spraying of the molten metal. A first gas cap is disposed coaxially on the head with rear and forward gas seals so as to define an annular gas chamber. A secondary gas is supplied to the annular chamber, and the first gas cap has a pair of diametrically opposite orifices therein for directing the secondary gas from the chamber to modify the molten metal spray in a fan shape. The orifice may have elongated cross sections to produce a rough coating surface if desired.

Abstract: A plasma generating device, and in particular a duoplasmatron ion gun, is disclosed that is air cooled, high vacuum compatible and hence very clean with a stable ion current output. The device is mounted to a standard type flange held at ground potential without the necessity of subsequent high voltage isolation. Cooling is achieved with cooling fins and a fan inside a housing in which the duoplasmatron is mounted. A mounting structure includes a vacuum tight ceramic ring brazed between the mounting flange and the gun body. The ceramic ring is located with respect to high permeability magnetic components and a magnetic coil to facilitate a magnetic field for focusing the plasma, allowing the coil to be referenced to ground potential while the gun is maintained at high voltage. A ceramic chamber containing ceramic pellets is located in the plasma-forming gas inlet duct to prevent high voltage electrical discharge in the gas duct.

Abstract: A gas distribution ring for a plasma gun comprises a ring member with two sets of gas inlet orifices extending from the outer surface inwardly through the ring member. The outer surface has an undulated groove for an O-ring formed therein, and the orifices are positioned with respect to the undulated O-ring such that one set of orifices are isolated on one side of the O-ring and the other set of orifices are isolated on the other side of the O-ring. In a preferred embodiment the orifices of one set are radial with respect to the axis of the ring, and the orifices on the other side of the undulated O-ring have a tangential component to provide vortical gas flow in the arc region of the gun. The gas distribution ring positioned in the plasma spray gun permits a simple choice between radial and vortical flow in the arc region of the gun, without alteration of the gun.

Abstract: A flame spray material for producing a thermally shock and erosion resistant ceramic coating is comprised of a homogeneous ceramic composition formed of zirconium oxide, yttrium oxide and titanium oxide. The composition is preferably in the form of composite particles each of which contains a plurality of subparticles of each of the oxide constituents bonded with an organic binder.

Abstract: A flame spray material for producing a low thermal conductivity ceramic coating is comprised of a homogeneous ceramic composition formed of zirconium oxide, cerium oxide and yttrium oxide. The composition is preferably in the form of composite particles each of which contains a plurality of subparticles of each of the oxide constituents bonded with an organic binder.

Abstract: A thermal spray powder comprising particles with a central core of a material selected from the group consisting of zirconium oxide, magnesium oxide, hafnium oxide, cerium oxide, yttrium oxide and combinations thereof. The core then has discrete aluminum particles and silicon dioxide homogeneously disposed in a binder deposited thereon to form the thermal spray powder which may be thermal sprayed to produce an abradable and erosion resistant coating.

Abstract: A thermal spray composite is disclosed, comprised of a base constituent formed from at least one of the metals nickel, iron, cobalt and chromium, plus additional constituents comprising aluminum and yttrium oxide. Optionally, the base constituent additionally contains aluminum, and the additional constituents may further include molybdenum and/or cobalt. In a preferred form, the composite is a powder having an alloy core of the base constituent, the core having fine particles of the additional elements secured thereto with a binder. The process of thermal spraying the composite is also disclosed, and the resulting coatings have a high degree of high temperature corrosion resistance and tenacity compared to prior art thermal sprayed coatings.