Abstract: An optical illumination system comprising a waveguide that accepts light generated by a light source and transmits the light via total internal reflection. Attached on one face of the waveguide is an array of microprisms, with each microprism having an light input surface, a light output surface and at least one sidewall which is tilted at an angle from the direction normal to the surface of the waveguide and further comprising at least two planar faces such that light escapes from the waveguide, reflects off the tilted sidewalls and emerges from the microprism as a spatially directed light source. An array of microlenses may be positioned to accept the output of the microprisms so that the light exiting from the microlenses is a substantially collimated light source. The optical illumination system is advantageous for any application that requires a non diffuse or substantially collimated light source that is both energy efficient and contained in a low profile assembly.

Abstract: A spark ignition system for an internal combustion engine has a capacitive discharge (CD) system connected to a coil-per-plug (CCP) magnetic core-coil assembly. The spark ignition system is connected to a spark plug and is adapted to initiate an ignition wherein a spark is produced across the gap of the spark plug. The spark ignition system includes a magnetic core-coil assembly having an amorphous metal magnetic core, a primary coil and a secondary coil for a high voltage output to be fed to a spark plug. The CD system is charged and rapidly discharged through the primary coil of the magnetic core-coil assembly using a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) as the switch. Operation of the SCR is controlled by circuitry that controls the firing of the spark ignition system. The magnetic core-coil assembly acts as a pulse transformer, so that voltage across its secondary coil is related to the turns ratio of secondary to primary.

Abstract: An amorphous metal strip having a sheet thickness ranging from about 50 to 75 .mu.m and a sheet width of at least 20 mm is produced by a casting process utilizing a single nozzle orifice and a high thermal conductivity, large diameter wheel as a casting substrate. The strip has a fracture strain of 0.01 or more, a lamination factor of 0.8 or more, and a core loss of less than 0.2 W/kg at 60 Hz and 1.4 T.

Abstract: A glassy metal alloy consists essentially of the formula Fe.sub.a Co.sub.b Ni.sub.c M.sub.d B.sub.e Si.sub.f C.sub.g, where "M" is at least one member selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, chromium and manganese, "a-g" are in atom percent, "a" ranges from about 30 to about 45, "b" ranges from about 8 to about 18, "c" ranges from about 20 to about 45, "d" ranges from about 0 to about 3, "e" ranges from about 12 to about 20, "f" ranges from about 0 to about 5 and "g" ranges from about 0 to about 2. The alloy can be cast by rapid solidification into ribbon, cross-field annealed to enhance magnetic properties, and formed into a marker that is especially suited for use in magneto-mechanically actuated article surveillance systems. Advantageously, the marker is characterized by substantially linear magnetization response in the frequency regime wherein harmonic marker systems operate magnetically.

Abstract: A method for rapidly manufacturing metal tooling utilizing injection molding techniques is described. Preferably, steel tooling is manufactured for use in an injection molding machine to produce near-net shape complex parts in high volume. The method is relatively inexpensive compared to conventional techniques for manufacturing complex metal tooling suitable for the rapid fabrication of complex shaped parts by conventional metal, ceramic and plastic processing.

Abstract: Method of fabricating a wavelength filter on a substrate in which a phase mask having corrugations is placed over a polymeric substrate composed of at least two comonomers having different indexes of refraction and passing light through the phase mask to form light into two beams corresponding to different diffraction orders to form refractive gratings capable of reflecting light of a selective wavelength. Optical signal devices employing gratings fabricated in this manner are also disclosed.

Abstract: Optical diffusing structures can be fabricated from photopolymerizable material by directing light through a transparent or translucent substrate and then through the photopolymerizable material for a period of time sufficient to photopolymerize only a portion of the material. The resultant structure can be utilized as a diffuser, a viewing screen, and in other applications, and can be combined with other light-directing structures such as arrays of tapered optical waveguides.

Abstract: A molding compound consisting of the nickel superalloy Hastelloy X is used to form net-shape or near net-shape articles. The compound, containing atomized Hastelloy X powder having an average particle size less than about 20 .mu.m, is mixed with a liquid carrier, a gel forming binder and processing additives and molded at relatively low pressures in a conventional injection molding machine. A critical air debinding step prior to sintering results in high densification of the article, which has mechanical properties comparable to cast or wrought processed material.

Abstract: A debinding and sintering method is employed to produce consolidated net shape articles from metal powders including 17-4PH stainless steel alloy by metal injection molding using an agar based aqueous binder. The debinding and sintering step can be combined into one cycle to economically produce components for the consumer and aerospace industries.

Abstract: The invention provides a waveguide connector assembly for the precision interconnection of mating arrays of parallel optical waveguides which are preferably photolithographically formed on substrates. The connector assembly has a base with several parallel channel walls cut along a surface of the base. A waveguide assembly is positioned on the base. The waveguide assembly comprises a substrate and several transparent, polymeric waveguides on and raised from a surface of the substrate. The waveguides have a polygonal cross section with flat edges. The waveguide assembly is positioned on the base such that each of the waveguides is set in one of the channels and contacts the walls of the channel at two or more points. A cover plate holds the waveguide assembly on the base.

Abstract: An optical illumination system comprising a waveguide that accepts light and transmits the light via total internal reflection. Attached on one face of the waveguide is an array of lenticular microprisms, with each microprism having an light input surface optically coupled to the waveguide and a light output surface. The light input surface is defined by a number of tapered grooves which prevent light from escaping from the waveguide and further redirect light within the microprism. Light that escapes from the waveguide, reflects off the tilted sidewalls of the tapered grooves and emerges from the microprism as a spatially directed light source. An array of lenticular microlenses may be positioned to accept the output of the microprisms so that the light exiting from the microlenses is a substantially collimated light source.

Abstract: A ceramic body having a surface region containing tetragonal zirconia is sintered to at least 95% theoretical density at a temperature below about 1550 .degree. C. The surface region is then heat treated to reverse local stresses therein. Low temperature degradation in tetragonal zirconia, and materials containing tetragonal zirconia, is significantly inhibited. The heat treated ceramic is especially suited for use in structural components such as valves, engine housings, pistons (chambers) and the like which, during operation, are frequently exposed to temperatures ranging from room temperature to 500.degree. C. for prolonged periods of time.

Abstract: A magnetic core-coil assembly generates an ignition event in a spark ignition internal combustion system having at least one combustion chamber. The assembly comprises a magnetic core of amorphous metal having a primary coil for low voltage excitation and a secondary coil for a high voltage output to be fed to a spark plug. A high voltage is generated in the secondary coil within a short period of time following excitation thereof. The assembly senses spark ignition conditions in the combustion chamber to control the ignition event. The assembly is constructed from sub-assembly parts that can be manufactured with existing machines at reasonable cost. The assembly is then potted in a housing consisting of a high temperature polymer.

Abstract: A mechanically resonant marker comprises a strip of magnetic glassy metal alloy that has been annealed in a furnace for a predetermined time at a plurality of temperatures. A first of the temperatures is high enough to relieve quenched-in and post fabrication stresses. The second of the temperatures is near the Curie temperature of the strip. Annealing is carried out in the presence of an external magnetic field applied perpendicular to the strip's length and in the plane of the strip. The second of the temperatures is applied sequentially of the first temperature and is operative to induce magnetic anisotropy along the direction of the magnetic field. Annealing is continuous and the annealing time is determined by the velocity of the strip passing through the annealing furnace.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel cinnamamides, a process for their manufacture and their use as UV absorbers. The cinnamamides of the invention may be used as UV absorbers in a variety of engineered resins such as polyamides (especially nylon 6 and 6,6), polycarbonates, polyacetals, polysulfones, polyimides, polyaryletherketones, and polyesters, (especially PET and PBT), as well as, other polymers such as polyvinylchloride and polyolefins (polyethylenes and polypropylenes).

Abstract: This invention is method for preparing a titania bound ion exchange composition comprising admixing crystalline sodium titanate and a hydrolyzable titanium compound and, thereafter drying the titania bound crystalline sodium titanate and subjecting the dried titania bound ion exchange composition to optional compaction and calcination steps to improve the physical strength of the titania bound composition.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic amorphous metallic alloy strip is annealed to minimize exciting power rather than core loss. The strip has an exciting power less than 0.5 VA/kg when measured at 60 Hz and an operating induction of 1.40 to 1.45 Tesla, the measurement being carried out at ambient temperature. Cores composed of the strip can be run at higher operating induction than those annealed to minimize core loss. The physical size of the transformer's magnetic components, including the core, is significantly reduced.

Abstract: A rapidly solidified amorphous metallic alloy is composed of iron, boron, silicon and carbon. The alloy exhibits in combination high saturation induction, high Curie temperature, high crystallization temperature, low core loss and low exciting power at line frequencies and is particularly suited for use in cores of transformers for an electrical power distribution network.

Abstract: The invention provides a low stress optical waveguide assembly wherein one or more waveguide cores have a conformal cladding in register the waveguide core. The core and cladding are preferably lithographically formed on a substrate. A connector assembly provides for the precision interconnection of mating arrays of parallel optical waveguides. The connector assembly has a base with several parallel channel walls cut along a surface of the base. A waveguide assembly is positioned on the base. The waveguide assembly comprises a substrate and one or more transparent, polymeric waveguides on and raised from a surface of the substrate. A conformal cladding is in register with the waveguide core. Such conformal cladding contributes to a reduction in waveguide stress. The waveguide assembly is positioned on the base such that each of the waveguides is set in one of the channels and contacts the walls of the channel. A cover plate holds the waveguide assembly on the base.

Abstract: A magnetic core-coil assembly generates an ignition event in a spark ignition internal combustion system having at least one combustion chamber. The assembly comprises a magnetic core of amorphous metal having a primary coil for low voltage excitation and a secondary coil for a high voltage output to be fed to a spark plug. A high voltage is generated in the secondary coil within a short period of time following excitation thereof. The assembly senses spark ignition conditions in the combustion chamber to control the ignition event. The assembly is constructed from sub-assembly parts that can be manufactured with existing machines at reasonable cost.