Abstract: A method for preparing vapor-liquid-solid silicon carbide whisker reinforced metal matrix composites by a squeeze casting process employing a primary pressure and then a hydrostatic pressure to form the reinforced composites. The process to make the composites comprises: 1) providing VLS silicon carbide whiskers in a mold cavity; 2) introducing a molten metal into the mold cavity; 3) subjecting the molten metal and VLS silicon carbide whiskers in the cavity to a primary pressure of about 100 psi to about 2000 psi to infiltrate the whiskers with the molten metal; 4) subsequently subjecting the VLS silicon carbide whiskers infiltrated with the molten metal to a hydrostatic pressure of about 10,000 psi to about 25,000 psi to produce a fully dense mass; and 5) solidifying the metal matrix to form a composite.

Abstract: An impeller for a molten metal pump having a cup-shaped body comprised of a sidewall and a closed end portion that define a cavity. A plurality of shear vanes extend radially from the outer surface of the impeller, particularly from the end portion of the impeller. The impeller also has a plurality of openings extending laterally through its sidewall, wherein the openings have center lines disposed parallel to lines extending radially from the center of the cavity. The openings may be equidistantly spaced about the periphery of the sidewall. The impeller may also be comprised of a bearing member forming a portion of the sidewall.

Abstract: A high temperature, preferably polycrystalline, ceramic fiber having a selectable diameter of between 1 and 200 microns. The fiber is stable in an inert atmosphere at a temperature above about 1700.degree. C. and is often stable even in air at a temperature above 1500.degree. C. The fiber comprises a sintered ceramic powder having a maximum particle size less than the diameter of the fiber and an average particle size less than 0.2 times the diameter of the fiber. The ceramic powder is also stable in an inert atmosphere at a temperature above about 1700.degree. C. At least 90% of the ceramic is selected from borides, nitrides, carbides, and silicides. The fiber is characterized by a smooth surface and is preferably out of round.The invention further comprises a textilable sinterable filament, comprising a flexible polymer matrix containing high temperature sinterable ceramic powder particles. The ceramic powder particles are selected from ceramic borides, nitrides, carbides, and silicides.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a composition comprising: (A) at least one compound represented by the formulaRO--(R').sub.n R"X.sup.- Y.sup.+wherein: R is a hydrocarbyl group of from about 6 to about 24 carbon atoms; R' is ethoxy, propoxy or a mixture thereof; R" is a divalent hydrocarbyl group of 1 to about 20 carbon atoms; X is a sulfate, sulfonate or carboxylate group; Y is a cation; and n is a number in the range of 1 to about 20; (B) at least one polymeric thickener; and (C) at least one aldehyde. The invention also relates to the foregoing compositions provided in the form of aqueous concentrates or the form of dry or substantially dry compositions, and to a method of making such concentrates or dry or substantially dry compositions. The invention also relates to an enhanced oil recovery process using the foregoing composition to provide a low-tension, viscous waterflood.

Abstract: A quick disconnect coupler comprising a coupler body, a latching mechanism for holding the coupler body to another component, a telescoping sleeve moveable axially on the coupler body to engage and disengage the latching mechanism, and a sleeve operator assembly for moving the telescoping sleeve axially between engaged and disengaged positions. The sleeve operator assembly includes a yoke in the form of a ring collar having opposite ends and opposite side portions straddling the telescoping sleeve. Opposite side portions of the yoke are pivotally connected to respective sides of the telescoping sleeve at diametrically opposite connection points. A handle is provided at one end of the yoke, and a linkage connects the other end of the yoke to the coupler body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the quantity of bubbles in a gas/liquid mixture. An ultrasonic wave is launched into the mixture and the magnitudes of two reflected waves are measured and compared. The logarithm of the magnitudes of the reflected waves is a measure of the quantity of gas content. The method and apparatus are suitable for measuring gas bubble content repetitively in a mixture turbulently flowing through a conduit.

Abstract: An alcohol mixture suitable for combining with gasoline is produced by contacting synthesis gas at elevated temperature and pressure with an oxide complex catalyst containing copper, thorium, an alkali metal and at least one other specific element.

Abstract: An alcohol mixture suitable for combining with gasoline is produced by contacting synthesis gas at elevated temperature and pressure with an oxide complex catalyst containing copper, thorium, an alkali metal and at least one other specific element.

Abstract: A catalyst is disclosed which comprises a ruthenium-copper-containing complex of the formulaM.sub.a A.sub.b RuCu.sub.c N.sub.z O.sub.xwhereinM is selected from the group consisting of Ce, Cr, Fe, Mn, and mixtures thereof,A is an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or mixture thereof,a is from 0 to about 1,b is from about 0.002 to about 10,c is from about 0.2 to about 20,z is from 0 to about 1% by weight,x is the number of oxygens needed to fulfill the valence requirements of the other elements, said complex being supported by an activated carbon support having a surface area of at least about 300 square meters per gram. A process for converting mixtures of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, particularly synthesis gas, to alcohol with minimal levels of hydrocarbon by-products being formed is also disclosed.

Abstract: A catalyst is disclosed which has the formulaCu.sub.a ZrMn.sub.b Y.sub.c A.sub.d O.sub.xwhereinY is selected from the group consisting of Al, Zn, Ce, Cr, Co, Pd, Pt, Rh, Ag, Ru, Re, Os, Ta, Nb or a mixture of two or more thereof,A is an alkali or alkaline earth metal or a mixture of alkali and/or alkaline earth metals,a is from about 0.1 to about 3,b is from about 0.01 to about 3,c is from 0 to about 3,d is from about 0.02 to about 2.5, andx is the number of oxygens needed to fulfill the valance requirements of the other elements. A process for making alcohol mixtures is also disclosed which comprises contacting a gaseous reactant containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide (e.g., synthesis gas) with the foregoing catalyst.