Abstract: A manifold bar for supplying enamel to a die bar is disclosed. A manifold bar has internal passages which provide a flow path from an enamel supply to the feed holes of a die bar. A method for directing a flow of enamel from an enamel supply to a die bar is also disclosed.

Abstract: A silicon carbide fiber reinforced glass-ceramic matrix composite article is disclosed. The matrix is a lithium alumino silicate glass-ceramic composition which may include from 1 to 5 weight percent B.sub.2 O.sub.3. The fiber reinforced glass-ceramic matrix composite article exhibits both high flexural strength at elevated temperatures and oxidative stability at elevated temperatures in an oxidizing environment.

Abstract: A fuel cell electrode having a non-uniform catalyst loading is disclosed. The electrode has a layer of a hydrophobic polymer and a platinum or platinum alloy catalyst supported on the surface of a porous substrate. The thickness of the layer increases along one axis of the surface so that the electrode has a catalyst loading that increases along the one axis of the surface. A process for making such an electrode having steps of contacting the upper surface of a porous substrate with a mixture of a hydrophobic polymer and a carbon supported catalyst, and establishing a reduced pressure distribution along the lower surface of the porous substrate to cause the catalyst mixture to be deposited as a non-uniform layer on the upper surface of the substrate. A fuel cell utilizing such an electrode is also disclosed.

Abstract: A stripping process for the removal of plasma spray applied chromium carbide-nickel chromium coatings from nickel base alloy substrates is disclosed. The coating is decomposed electrolytically by immersing the coated substrate in an alkaline metal hydroxide solution to form the anode of an electrolytic cell and imposing a potential difference across the cells sufficient to decompose the coating without affecting the substrate.

Abstract: A trowelable ablative coating composition is disclosed. The composition comprises an epoxy resin, an amide curing agent, glass microspheres and ground cork. A method for protecting a substrate is also disclosed. The method comprises applying the trowelable ablative coating discussed above to a substrate and curing the coating composition.

Abstract: A protective covering for electrical cables having a thermally intumescent coating supported on an open network of metal fibres is disclosed. A method of using the covering to prevent the spread of shipboard fires comprising applying the covering to shipboard electrical cables is also disclosed.

Abstract: A microcrack resistant graphite fiber reinforced high temperature resin matrix composite laminate is disclosed. The laminate comprises layers having the fiber reinforcement in parallel alignment within each layer. The layers are arranged such that the fibers are oriented at 0.degree. and 90.degree. (.+-.10.degree.) in alternating layers. The specific number of plies per layer is selected so as to produce microcrack resistance. A method for making a microcrack resistant graphite fiber reinforced high temperature resin matrix composite laminate is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for making a fuel cell electrode is disclosed. A layer of hydrophobic polymer and an electro-catalyst is deposited on the surface of a porous electrode substrate and press-sintered by heating the catalyst layer to a temperature between the melting point and decomposition temperature of the polymer and simultaneously compressing the layer at a pressure between 20 pounds per square inch and 100 pounds per square inch. The heating and compressing are continued for a time period of between 10 minutes and 20 minutes. A fuel cell electrode made by the above method and a method for generating electricity using such an electrode are also disclosed. A press-sintered fuel cell electrode provides improved peak performance as well as improved tolerance to electrolyte solidification.

Abstract: A microstructurally toughened ceramic-particle-reinforced metal-matrix composite article is disclosed. The article includes discrete regions of ceramic-particulate-reinforced metal matrix which enclosed within and separated from each other by a network of unreinforced metal. The article exhibits high tensile strength, high elastic modulus and high impact resistance. A process for making the article is also disclosed. The process includes positioning structural elements within a metallic container to define a plurality of discrete void spaces within the container, introducing a quantity of metallic particles or of a particulate mixture of metallic particles and ceramic particles into the void spaces, and consolidating the container, structural elements and particles to form the microstructurally toughened composite article.

Abstract: A method of holographic analysis of an article is disclosed. The method involves generating holograms of an article to be analyzed and a reference article over a range of excitation energy levels and comparing the features of the holograms so generated to characterize the material and structural properties of the article.

Abstract: A rotor for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The rotor comprises a glass or glass ceramic matrix reinforced with silicon carbide yarn fiber reinforcement and with silicon carbide yarn reinforcement. The local volume fraction of silicon carbide monofilament increases with increasing radial distance from the inner diameter of the rotor. The rotor exhibits high hoop strength, high oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures and nonuniform elastic modulus which increases with increasing radial distance from the inner diameter of the rotor.

Abstract: A fuel cell electrode having a non-uniform catalyst loading is disclosed. The electrode has a layer of a hydrophobic polymer and a platinum or platinum alloy catalyst supported on the surface of a porous substrate. The thickness of the layer increases along one axis of the surface so that the electrode has a catalyst loading that increases along the one axis of the surface. A process for making such an electrode having steps of contacting the upper surface of a porous substrate with a mixture of a hydrophobic polymer and a carbon supported catalyst, and establishing a reduced pressure distribution along the lower surface of the porous substrate to cause the catalyst mixture to be deposited as a non-uniform layer on the upper surface of the substrate. A fuel cell utilizing such an electrode is also disclosed.

Abstract: An efficient process for the production of nitrogen from air using a fuel cell to provide both electrical power and an oxygen depleted gas stream to a liquefaction apparatus is disclosed. An apparatus for the production of nitrogen incorporating a fuel cell is also disclosed.

Abstract: A laser processing machine nozzle is disclosed. The nozzle tip is detachably secured to the laser head of a laser processing machine. The nozzle tip is urged to remain in a fixed position relative to the laser head, but may be displaced by forces such as would be generated by a collision of the nozzle with an obstruction. An improved laser processing machine utilizing such a nozzle is also disclosed.