Abstract: A hard magnetic article made by casting a magnetically soft amorphous metal ribbon and shaping it to the form and size of the desired permanent magnet article, and then heat treating the resulting soft magnetic body and thereby converting the metal of the ribbon to the hard magnetic state.

Abstract: Compacted, granular, fused magnesia used as thermally-conducting electrical insulation in tubular, electrical resistance elements is substantially improved in thermal conductivity through the addition of 0.1 to 10.0 percent of a glass comprising CaO, B.sub.2 O.sub.3 and optionally Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.

Abstract: A humidity sensor which responds to changes in atmospheric water content by changes in sensor impedance, has a non-porous, water impervious, ionic-conductive beta-alumina substrate, a pair of spaced apart, thin electrodes mounted on at least one major surface of the substrate, and an electrical lead in contact with each of the electrodes.

Abstract: A polycrystalline silicon nitride body having a density of at least 99.5% of the theoretical density of silicon nitride, a thickness ranging from about 0.15 mm up to but less than 0.4 mm, a minimum in-line transmission of about 5% of radiant energy at wavelengths ranging from about 0.9 micron to about 2.5 microns, and a minimum in-line transmission of about 10% at wavelengths ranging from about 2.5 microns to about 4.5 microns.

Abstract: An improved method is described for the solvent casting of ultrathin non-porous membranes having surface areas of greater than one square foot. Film thicknesses of less than 200 Angstroms are routinely obtained, because the solidified film remains substantially free of tensile stress during the formation and removal thereof from the liquid casting substrate. The casting solution used comprises polymer dissolved in a solvent system and is characterized by being able to spontaneously spread over the surface of the liquid casting substrate. The casting solution is deposited in a narrow, longitudinally-extending defined region at the surface of the casting substrate; the surface area and perimeter of the defined region are enlarged over the surface of the casting substrate in a manner whereby only casting solution is moved relative to the casting substrate and, once desolvated, the polymer film formed remains stationary relative to the casting substrate and substantially free of tensile stress.

Abstract: A polycrystalline silicon nitride body having a density of at least 99.5% of the theoretical density of silicon nitride, a thickness ranging from about 0.15 mm up to but less than 0.4 mm, a minimum in-line transmission of about 1% of radiant energy at wavelengths ranging from about 1.6 microns to about 5.0 microns.

Abstract: A body composed of a zirconium alloy is afforded enhanced corrosion resistance to a high pressure and high temperature steam environment by an integral surface region of .beta.-quenched zirconium formed in situ by laser beam scanning and afforded good mechanical and structural properties by the underlying bulk region whose metallurgical structure is selected to optimize these mechanical properties.

Abstract: A composite beta, mainly beta"-alumina article is described which comprises a first layer of beta-alumina, a second layer of mainly beta"-alumina adhering securely to the first layer, and the first layer consisting of 1 to 15 percent thickness of the total thickness of the article. A method is also described for producing such composite articles.

Abstract: An electrolyte structure is produced composed of an electrolyte and a matrix of strontium titanate.

Abstract: An aqueous alkaline solution comprised of 5 weight % to 10 weight % KOH, 5 weight % to 15 weight % KF and 10 weight % to 20 weight % K.sub.3 PO.sub.4 is used as an electrolyte in a secondary electrochemical cell wherein the active material of one of the electrodes is a zinc-active material.

Abstract: Zirconium-base alloy channels, fuel cladding tubes and other components are made resistant to accelerated pustular corrosion in a boiling water reactor environment by coating them with a small amount of a suitable electronically conducting material.

Abstract: A non-aqueous gel of at least two metal oxides which is a precursor for glassy amorphous or crystalline mixed oxides is produced by reacting an alkoxide of one metal and a halide of another metal producing a low molecular weight polymeric reaction product, heating the reaction product to produce a polymeric product of substantially higher molecular weight, and heating the higher molecular weight polymeric product in air to remove its carbonaceous content.

Abstract: The sensitivity of XRD-XRF apparatus for elements having atomic no. below 16 can be substantially increased by use of an environmentally controllable three-cylinder x-ray path chamber in combination with such apparatus. Use of the chamber has surprisingly been found to sufficiently increase the sensitivity so that element-identifying or characteristic lines of elements having atomic numbers at least as low as 10 can be measured by the improved XRD-XRF apparatus of this invention.

Abstract: A bearing gas sleeve coaxial with the melt ejection crucible is provided in an apparatus for making glassy alloy ribbons to provide a confluent bearing gas flow which minimizes dynamic fluctuations in the molten alloy puddle from which metallic ribbon is formed during chill block melt-spinning. The bearing gas flow causes an improved quench rate and melt puddle stabilization which results in reduced upper ribbon surface texture and improved edge definition.

Abstract: A pair of boiler electrodes defines a volume therebetween to be filled with electrolyte to be heated by electrical current passage between the electrodes through the electrolyte. A microporous insulating barrier permeable to the electrolyte is disposed between the electrodes to limit current flow in the electrical current path between the electrodes to a level within the maximum allowable range of the electrode material, the barrier being spaced from the surface of the electrodes at least sufficiently to prevent concentration of current on the electrode surfaces. The barrier includes channels in the vertical direction to accommodate steam removal from the electrolyte.

Abstract: Unique microorganisms have been developed by the application of genetic engineering techniques. These microorganisms contain at least two stable (compatible) energy-generating plasmids, these plasmids specifying separate degradative pathways. The techniques for preparing such multi-plasmid strains from bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas are described. Living cultures of two strains of Pseudomonas (P. aeruginosa [NRRL B-5472] and P. putida [NRRL B-5473]) have been deposited with the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Northern Marketing and Nutrient Research Division, Peoria, Ill. The P. aeruginosa NRRL B-5472 was derived from Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain 1c by the genetic transfer thereto, and containment therein, of camphor, octane, salicylate and naphthalene degradative pathways in the form of plasmids. The P.

Abstract: A shaped confined structure composed of a mass of diamond and/or cubic boron nitride crystals coated with elemental non-diamond carbon in contact with a carbonaceous substrate is infiltrated by fluid silicon producing a like-shaped composite of a polycrystalline body phase integrally bonded to a substrate supporting phase.

Abstract: An alumina investment casting mold has a microstructure characterized by the porous nature of the interconnecting alumina grains which is indicative of alumina-silica molds fired in a reducing atmosphere to remove the silica.

Abstract: A method of firing alumina-based ceramic core compacts includes firing the compact in a controlled atmosphere in a closed retort whereby at least a portion of the gas of the controlled atmosphere is caused to flow down, around and through the porous compact by aspiration.

Abstract: A mass of cubic boron nitride (CBN) crystals, aluminum or aluminum alloy and a silicon carbide ceramic substrate are disposed in a container which is placed within a pressure-transmitting powder medium. Pressure ranging from about 20,000 psi to about 200,000 psi is applied to the powder medium resulting in substantially isostatic pressure being applied to the container and its contents. To the resulting shaped substantially-isostatic system of powder-enveloped container, heat and pressure are applied simultaneously whereby the aluminum or aluminum alloy is liquefied and infiltrated through the interstices between the CBN crystals and diffused into the contacting face of the silicon carbide substrate sufficiently to produce, upon cooling, an adherently bonded integral composite.