Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a low compression turbocharged diesel engine in which the turbocharger can be operated independently of the engine to power auxiliary equipment. As shown in FIG. 1, fuel and air are burned in a catalytic combustor 17 to drive the turbine wheel of turbine section 11a which is initially caused to rotate by starter motor 9. By opening flapper valve 26, compressed air from blower section 11b is directed to catalytic combustor 17 when it is heated and expanded, serving to drive the turbine wheel and also to heat the catalytic element 32 shown in FIG. 2. To start engine 10, valve 26 is closed, combustion is terminated in catalytic combustor 17, and valve 20 is then opened to utilize air from blower 11b for air driven motor 21. When engine 10 starts, the constituents in its exhaust gas react in the catalytic element 32 and the heat generated provides additional energy for the turbine section 11a.

Abstract: A flexible, porous battery separator comprising a coating applied to a porous, flexible substrate. The coating comprises:(a) a thermoplastic rubber-based resin which is insoluble and unreactive in the alkaline electrolyte,(b) a polar organic plasticizer which is reactive with the alkaline electrolyte to produce a reaction product which contains a hydroxyl group and/or a carboxylic acid group, and(c) a mixture of polar particulate filler materials which are unreactive with the electrolyte, the mixture comprising at least one first filler material having a surface area of greater than 25 meters.sup.2 /gram, at least one second filler material having a surface area of 10 to 25 meters.sup.2 /gram, wherein the volume of the mixture of filler materials is less than 45% of the total volume of the fillers and the binder, the filler surface area per gram of binder is about 20 to 60 meters.sup.2 /gram, and the amount of plasticizer is sufficient to coat each filler particle.A method of forming the battery separator.

Abstract: A film-forming polyvinyl alcohol polymer is mixed with a polyaldehyde-polysaccharide cross-linking agent having at least two monosaccharide units and a plurality of aldehyde groups per molecule, preferably an average of at least one aldehyde group per monosaccharide units. The cross-linking agent, such as a polydialdehyde starch, is used in an amount of about 2.5 to 20% of the theoretical amount required to cross-link all of the available hydroxyl groups of the polyvinyl alcohol polymer. Reaction between the polymer and cross-linking agent is effected in aqueous acidic solution to produce the cross-linked polymer. The polymer product has low electrical resistivity and other properties rendering it suitable for making separators for alkaline batteries. In that event, the mixture of polymer and cross-linking agent is formed into a sheet or film or the like and the film is cut to size and otherwise fabricated into a configuration suitable for a particular end use.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electricity producing cell of the reduction-oxidation (REDOX) type divided into two compartments by a membrane, each compartment containing a solid inert electrode. A ferrous/ferric couple in a chloride solution serves as a cathode fluid which is circulated through one of the compartments to produce a positive electric potential disposed therein. A chromic/chromous couple in a chloride solution serves as an anode fluid which is circulated through the second compartment to produce a negative potential on an electrode disposed therein. The electrode is an electrically conductive, inert material plated with copper, silver or gold. A thin layer of lead plates onto the copper, silver or gold layer when the cell is being charged, the lead ions being available from lead chloride which has been added to the anode fluid.

Abstract: A composition for making polyimide resin-reinforced fibers or fabric. The composition is of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,745,149 and includes a polyfunctional ester, a polyfunctional amine, and an end-capping agent. The composition is impregnated into fibers or fabric and heated to form prepreg material. The tack retention characteristics of this prepreg material are improved by incorporating into the composition a liquid olefinic material compatible with the other ingredients of the composition. The prepreg material is heated at a higher temperature to effect formation of the polyimide resin and the monomeric additive is incorporated in the polyimide polymer structure.

Abstract: Atomic hydrogen, for use as a fuel or as an explosive, is stored in the presence of a strong magnetic field in exfoliated layered compounds such as molybdenum disulfide or an elemental layer material such as graphite. The compound is maintained at liquid helium temperatures and the atomic hydrogen is collected on the surfaces of the layered compound which are exposed during delamination (exfoliation). The strong magnetic field and the low temperature combine to prevent the atoms of hydrogen from recombining to form molecules.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a free-piston regenerative hydraulic engine including a displacer piston which is driven pneumatically by a high-pressure or low-pressure gas. Actuation of the displacer piston circulates the working fluid through a heater, a regenerator and a cooler. The present invention includes an inertial mass such as a piston or a hydraulic fluid column to effectively store and supply energy during portions of the cycle. Power is transmitted from the working fluid to a hydraulic fluid across a diaphragm or lightweight piston to achieve a hydraulic power output. The displacer piston of the present invention may be driven pneumatically, hydraulically or electromagnetically. In addition, the displacer piston and the inertial mass of the present invention may be positioned on the same side of the diaphragm member or may be separated by the diaphragm member.

Abstract: A heat exchanger of increased effectiveness is disclosed. A porous metal matrix is disposed in a metal chamber or between walls through which a heat-transfer fluid is directed. The porous metal matrix has internal bonds and is bonded to the chamber in order to remove all thermal contact resistance within the composite structure. Utilization of the invention in a rocket chamber is disclosed as a specific use. Also disclosed is a method of constructing the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Atomic hydrogen, for use as a fuel or as an explosive, is stored in the presence of a strong magnetic field in exfoliated layered compounds such as molybdenum disulfide or an elemental layer material such as graphite. The compound is maintained at liquid temperatures and the atomic hydrogen is collected on the surfaces of the layered compound which are exposed during delamination (exfoliation). The strong magnetic field and the low temperature combine to prevent the atoms of hydrogen from recombining to form molecules.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electricity producing cell of the reduction-oxidation (REDOX) type divided into two compartments by a membrane, each compartment containing a solid inert electrode. A ferrous/ferric couple in a chloride solution serves as a cathode fluid which is circulated through one of the compartments to produce a positive electric potential disposed therein. A chromic/chromous couple in a chloride solution serves as an anode fluid which is circulated through the second compartment to produce a negative potential on an electrode disposed therein. The electrode is an electrically conductive, inert material plated with copper, silver or gold. A thin layer of lead plates onto the copper, silver or gold layer when the cell is being charged, the lead ions being available from lead chloride which has been added to the anode fluid.

Abstract: Phenol or a phenol related compound is detected in an electrochemical cell comprising a cathodic compartment containing a cathode in an electrolyte solution containing ferrocyanide ion and an anodic compartment containing an anode formed by coating a gel containing a phenol or phenol related compound oxidizing enzyme onto the conductive substrate of said anode immersed into an electrolyte solution containing ferrocyanide ion into which pure oxygen is passed; means for maintaining a conductive relationship between anodic and cathodic compartments; and means connected to said anode and cathode for measuring the potential of the oxidation of said phenol or related compound.

Abstract: A closed loop apparatus for spraying coolant against the back of a radiation target. The coolant is circulated through a closed loop with a bubble of inert gas being maintained around the spray. Mesh material is disposed between the bubble and the surface of the liquid coolant which is below the bubble at a predetermined level. In a second embodiment no inert gas is used, the bubble consisting of vapor produced when the coolant is sprayed against the target.

Abstract: To capture fine particulate matter in a gas such as air, a dielectric fluid is directed to the center of whichever face of a rotating disc is exposed to the air flow. The disc is comprised of two or more segments which bear opposite electrostatic potentials. As the dielectric fluid is centrifuged towards the periphery of the rotating disc, the fluid becomes charged to the same potential as the segment over which it is passing. Particulate matter is attracted to the charged segment and is captured by the fluid. The fluid then carries the captured particulate matter to a collection device such as a toroidal container disposed around the periphery of the disc. A grounded electrically-conductive ring may be disposed at the outer periphery of the disc to neutralize the captured particles and the fluid before they enter the container.

Abstract: A traveling wave tube (TWT) has a slow wave structure (SWS) which is severed into two or more sections. A signal path, defined below, connects the end of an SWS section to the beginning of the following SWS section. The signal path comprises an impedance matching coupler (IMC), followed by an isolator, a variable phase shifter, and a second IMC. The aggregate band pass characteristic of the components in the signal path is chosen to reject, or strongly attenuate, all frequencies outside the desired operating frequency range of the TWT and yet pass, with minimal attenuation in the forward direction, all frequencies within the desired operating frequency range. The isolator is chosen to reject, or strongly attenuate, waves, of all frequencies, which propagate in the backward direction. The aggregate phase shift characteristic of the components in the signal path is chosen to apply signal power to the beginning of the following SWS section with the phase angle yielding maximum efficiency.

Abstract: A gas turbine is provided wherein the thermal stresses in the turbine rotor are reduced. The rotor includes a central disc with a peripheral rim, and a plurality of blades extending radially outwardly from the rim, and to reduce thermal stresses, a duct arrangement is provided which selectively directs hot gases from the turbine combustor to the rim during the turbine start-up. The hot gases from the combustor serve to heat the rim, and thus decease the start-up period necessary to bring the temperature profile of the rotor into the operating temperature range. After the start-up period, the duct arrangement is then used to direct cool gases from the turbine compressor to the rim of the rotor in order to maintain a lower rotor equilibrium temperature.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for measuring indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) of an internal combustion piston or rotary engine or of an external combustion engine such as a stirling engine. An optical shaft encoder measures crankshaft angle of the engine. Changes in volume with respect to changes in crankangle of one or more cylinders (dV/d.theta.) is determined either empirically or algebraically from engine geometry and stored in a memory. As the crank angle changes, dV/d.theta. is read from the memory and multiplied by chamber or cylinder pressure. The product (P dV/d.theta.) is then added to the total previously accumulated in the cycle. Each time .theta. changes by an amount equal to delta .theta., the process is repeated. At the end of each engine cycle, the total is equal to the IMEP value for that cycle.

Abstract: A heat exchanger of increased effectiveness is disclosed. A porous metal matrix is disposed in a metal chamber or between walls through which a heat-transfer fluid is directed. The porous metal matrix has internal bonds and is bonded to the chamber in order to remove all thermal contact resistance within the composite structure. Utilization of the invention in a rocket chamber is disclosed as a specific use. Also disclosed is a method of constructing the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Apparatus for regulating pressure of treatment fluid being supplied to a human or animal eye during ophthalmic procedures such as cataract surgery is disclosed.Flow sensing and pressure regulating diaphragms are provided in a body to modulate a flow control valve. The pressure regulating diaphragm is connected to the flow control valve to urge the valve to an open position due to pressure being applied to the diaphragm by bias means such as a spring. The flow sensing diaphragm is mechanically connected to the flow control valve and urges it to an opened position because of the differential pressure on the diaphragm generated by a flow of incoming treatment fluid through an orifice in the diaphragm. A bypass connection with a variable restriction is connected in parallel relationship to the orifice to provide for adjusting the sensitivity of the flow sensing diaphragm.

Abstract: There is disclosed a flexible separator for use between the electrodes of Ni-Cd and Ni-Zn batteries using alkaline electrolytes. The separator is made by coating a porous substrate such as sheets or mats of asbestos or other materials with a battery separator composition. The coating material includes a rubber-based resin copolymer, a plasticizer and inorganic and organic fillers which comprise 55% by volume or less of the coating as finally dried. One or more of the filler materials, whether organic or inorganic, is preferably active with the alkaline electrolyte to produce pores in the separator coating. The plasticizer is an organic additive such as a material which is hydrolyzed by the alkaline electrolyte to improve conductivity of the separator coating.

Abstract: Atomic hydrogen, for use as a fuel or as an explosive, is stored in the presence of a strong magnetic field in exfoliated layered compounds such as molybdenum disulfide or an elemental layer material such as graphite. The compound is maintained at liquid helium temperatures and the atomic hydrogen is collected on the surfaces of the layered compound which are exposed during delamination (exfoliation). The strong magnetic field and the low temperature combine to prevent the atoms of hydrogen from recombining to form molecules.