Abstract: Two Nb.sub.3 Sn superconducting tapes are overlapped by an amount equal to about two times the width of the superconducting tapes. A filler material of material substantially similar to the tapes is placed between the two tapes in the overlapped region. A NdYAG laser (4) sends a 20-40 watt beam focused by a lens that heats the tapes to create a bridge of superconductivity material formed over the region where the tapes are joined.

Abstract: A method for improving eddy current flaw detection by simultaneously exciting a select plurality of eddy current probe elements with a multiplicity of select frequencies in a simultaneous parallel or serial manner to form a corresponding multiplicity of direct and/or differential images which can be processed together for improved eddy current image resolution. Select eddy current probe elements when driven at select multiple frequencies further provide a capability for simultaneous flaw detection and characterization by dual resolution scanning. Dual flaw resolution is accomplished by first locating a flaw using low resolution frequencies; and thereupon, switching to higher resolution frequencies to characterize the flaw.

Abstract: In order to reduce emissions of NO.sub.x, CO and unburned hydrocarbons, the flame temperature must be kept between 2500.degree.-2800.degree. F. Premixing combustor tubes are used to premix the fuel and air before the mixture is burned in the combustion chamber. The tubes are flashback resistant due to the flow of the fuel and air mixture through them. If it is desired to reduce the load operation of the combustor to substantially below 100% of its maximum load operation, as is the case during off-peak hours, the fuel and air flow rate can be regulated to reduce the load operation while still keeping the low emissions and the low flame temperature.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for measuring surface treatment coverage, and more particularly, to such methods for measuring shot peening coverage. Such methods generally employ an automated computer analysis of the peened surface coverage by analyzing surface line traces to determine when a particular surface has been surface hardened enough.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for measuring the particle number rate and the particle velocity distribution of a sprayed stream such as, a shot peening system. In particular, a double spinning disk apparatus modified with a stationary aperture and a scanning aperture is used to scan the spayed stream and observe the stream's local properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for measuring the resistance of superconductors. Structures of this type, generally, allow the resistance of the superconductor to be accurately measured in a non-destructive manner by using a bifilar coil which includes an integrated loop/switch formed from the bifilar coil.

Abstract: This invention relates to refrigerated superconducting eddy current free MR magnets having integrated gradient coils. In particular, the amount of resultant eddy currents produced by the magnet are substantially reduced while reducing the size and weight, and, therefore, the cost of the superconducting magnet required to produce an acceptable MR image.

Abstract: This invention relates to thermal busbar assemblies in a cryostat dual penetration for refrigerated superconductive magnets. Such structures of this type, generally, allow heat to be conducted from the refrigerated superconductive magnet to the refrigeration cold head while isolating the magnet from the vibration created by the cold head.

Abstract: This invention relates to cold head mounting assemblies in a cryostat dual penetration for refrigerated superconductive magnets. Such structures of this type, generally, allow heat to be conducted from the refrigerated superconductive magnet to the refrigeration cold head while isolating the magnet from the vibration created by the cold head.

Abstract: A quality assurance of surface treatments, typically with shot peening, by analysis of substrate surface line traces is disclosed. In particular, line traces are created over the surface treated substrate. These line traces are filtered with a low pass filter to create relative maximums. The coordinates of the relative maximums are determined and the spatial distance between these coordinates are measured and recorded. The actual plastic upset depth of the surface treatment substrate is determined. The surface treatment is then adjusted, if necessary, based upon the values of these spatial distances and actual plastic upset depths.

Abstract: A hologram is used to project an image of a pattern similar to a placido upon the cornea of a subject. By viewing the reflection of the pattern in the subject's cornea, one may measure the curvature of the cornea. The use of the hologram in the keratometer system allows the pattern to be imaged at infinity, thereby minimizing any error which might otherwise result from incorrect assumptions about the cornea position.

Abstract: This invention relates to additives to mixed-metal oxides that act simultaneously as sorbents and catalysts in cleanup systems for hot coal gases. Such additives of this type, generally, act as a sorbent to remove sulfur from the coal gases while substantially simultaneously, catalytically decomposing appreciable amounts of ammonia from the coal gases.

Abstract: The invention discloses an inspection system for detecting near surface flaws or defects in conductors using nondestructive eddy current testing suitable for industrial application. The system provides a method and apparatus for acquiring real time, synchronized, discrete eddy current measurement signals from a plurality of sufficiently disposed, spatially correlated eddy current probes then processing and formatting said measurement signals automatically over parallel data channels to accommodate digital processing techniques in order to produce on eddy current image. Utilizing digital image processing provides a capability for improving flaw detection limits while simultaneously enhancing image resolution.

Abstract: The invention relates to refrigerated superconducting MR magnets having integrated gradient coils. In particular, the amount of eddy currents produced by the magnet are substantially reduced while reducing the size and weight, and, therefore, the cost of the superconducting magnet required to produce an MR image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shot peening and more specifically, shot peening where the shot is sensed capacitance-based densitometer in order to determine the average velocity of the shot as it exits the nozzle of a shot peening gun.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring flaws in an object, such as a tube, having both an erratic motion, e.g. a back and forth oscillation, and a net axial motion has an idler wheel engaging the tube, and a digital rotary shaft encoder attached to the wheel. A POP circuit is coupled to the encoder. A pair of coils disposed around the object make up the active elements in an eddy current bridge. An ADC is coupled to both the bridge and POP circuit and corrects the signal from the bridge for motion complications. A method for doing same comprises sensing only the net motion of the object, detecting flaws in the object, providing an erratic motion complicated flaw signal, and correcting the flaw signal for the erratic motion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for directly measuring the amount of surface cold work due to a surface treatment operation. Such methods of this type, generally, allow the surface cold work created by a shot peening operation to be directly measured without having to destruct the substrate.

Abstract: This invention relates to barrier coatings and the method for making the same. In particular, low stress, thick thermal barrier coatings are relieved by providing a compliant ceramic layer between the substrate and a hard erosion resistant top coat layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for impregnating the superconductors on a superconductor winding with epoxy such that a vacuum/pressure containment vessel, in which the winding is placed, allows epoxy to be introduced into the vessel whereby the epoxy eventually impregnates the superconductors through the application of various evacuating, pressuring and epoxy transporting steps.

Abstract: In order to control the cooldown temperature of a weld produced by a friction welding process, an electrical signal having a low voltage and a high current is passed through the weld thereby providing desired metallurgical properties. The weld acts as a resistor due to its high temperature as compared to the surrounding material such that the current causes the weld to heat up when the current passes through the weld and also causes the electrical signal to change as it passes through the weld. The change in current can be measured and the temperature of the weld can be controlled which allows the cooldown of the weld to be properly maintained for the desired metallurgical properties.