Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal barrier coated article with spallation and delamination inhibiting metallic bond coat. The metallic bond coat contains a reactive element oxide, preferably yttria, which reacts with sulfur, typically migrating from the substrate to the thermal barrier coating, to prevent the sulfur from inducing spallation of the oxide scale at the interface of the thermal barrier coating and the metallic bond coat. This metallic bond coat is preferably multi-layered having a reactive element oxide containing layer sandwiched between two reactive element oxide-free layers.

Abstract: The sound attenuating device of the present invention is a bulk layer connected to a support member which forms a plurality of Helmholtz resonators. This invention is particularly useful in a vehicle where the bulk layer attenuates high frequency noise, i.e. above about 1000 Hz, while the resonators can be tuned across the device to absorb at different lower frequencies in different areas of the device.

Abstract: Coatings containing at least 85% by volume crystalline mullite with less than 15% by volume of amorphous material and mullite dissociation phases are plasma sprayed onto the surface of a silicon based ceramic substrate by closely controlling the plasma spray parameters including the mullite feed stock and its particle size, the nozzle outlet stand-off distance, movement of the substrate past the plasma flow, back side heating of the substrate and the powder feed rate through the plasma spray gun.

Abstract: Illumination of the back-side of a UV transparent medium significantly reduces the decomposition of organic pollutants to carbon dioxide while significantly increasing the amount of radiation available for catalysis of the organic pollutants by a photocatalytic semiconductor. The UV light illuminates the UV transparent medium such that the UV propagates through the medium, illuminating the back-side of a photocatalytic semiconductor coating on the front-side. The photocatalytic semiconductor dissociates water on its surface to form hydroxyl radicals which in turn oxidize organic pollutants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transient depth thermography; a nondestructive testing technique and system for locating flaws within an object. The system, which comprises a heater for heating the surface of the object; a recorder for recording pixel intensity for each pixel on the heated surface; a means for determining pixel contrast from the pixel intensity; and a means for determining the size and location of flaws within the object based upon the pixel contrast; monitors each pixels' contrast for successive thermal images and utilizes those pixel contrasts determining the location of a flaw within the object. The object surface and the respective underlying flaws can then be depicted on a color spectrum image print which correlates the flaw depth with a particular color.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sustaining high reaction rates at lower reaction temperatures than conventionally utilized with the particular catalyst. The improved reaction rates are obtained using various techniques and combinations thereof including simulated boiling, utilizing the reactant in the form of a thin film, employing microwaves, and the use of micromachines.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the growth of surface cracks in materials includes a means for applying a load to a specimen to simulate actual use of the specimen, means for illuminating the specimen, means for capturing images of the specimen, and means for processing the images to monitor crack growth in the specimen. Optionally, the means for processing can be used to control the other means.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a simplified method for coating a substrate with photocatalytic semiconductor by mixing photocatalytic semiconductor powder with water to form a mixture, reducing said pH of the mixture to below about 4, emulsifying the mixture, coating the substrate therewith, and illuminating the coated substrate with ultra-violet.

Abstract: The energy storage flywheel device (6) includes a plurality of annular shaped composite sections (8) and an annular shaped insert (10). The insert (10) has a specific radial strength substantially greater than the composite sections' specific radial strength. The composite sections (8) and the insert (10) are alternately stacked such that they have a common axis of rotation. They are bonded to each other such that shear stress is transferred between the composite sections (8) and insert (10). In some applications, the flywheel (6) may comprise at least one annular shaped metal matrix composite section (8).

Abstract: The energy storage flywheel device (6) includes a plurality of annular shaped composite sections (8) and an annular shaped insert (10). The insert (10) has a specific radial strength substantially greater than the composite sections' specific radial strength. The composite sections (8) and the insert (10) are alternately stacked such that they have a common axis of rotation. They are bonded to each other such that shear stress is transferred between the composite sections (8) and insert (10). In some applications, the flywheel (6) may comprise at least one annular shaped metal matrix composite section (8).

Abstract: Coating a substrate with a reinforced resin matrix comprised of liquid resin and reinforcing material can be accomplished with an apparatus where the liquid resin and the reinforcing material are mixed external to the apparatus prior to impacting the substrate. The liquid resin is directed through a cylinder 12 and then through an orifice 7 in nozzle 1, while the reinforcing material is carried in a gas stream through cavity 13, around cylinder 12, and past the nozzle 1. As the reinforcing material passes the nozzle 1, it is drawn into the liquid resin. Due to the distribution of the reinforcing material around the liquid resin flow, the reinforcing material is substantially homogeneously wetted by the liquid resin prior to impacting the substrate.

Abstract: A stripping system employing an end-effector with a nozzle and at least one brush circumferentially disposed around that nozzle, and a vacuum device for creating a vacuum between the nozzle and the brush, can remove substances from a substrate with such complete effluent recovery so as to prevent flash rusting of the substrate. The nozzle has orifices, bores, and a plenum chamber such that the plenum chamber is sufficiently large to maintain the desired pressure and amount of liquid to the orifices, the bores have a sufficient length to orient the liquid flowing therethrough in a laminar flow upon reaching the orifices, and the orifices are sized and oriented on the nozzle face in order to produce an even energy profile when the liquid strikes the substrate. The brush has sufficient tuft density and bristle stiffness to allow make-up air into the vacuum while preventing the escape of effluent.

Abstract: A convergent end-effector which combines a liquid and dry flow external to a spray nozzle eliminates clogging problems common in the prior art spray coating systems. The end-effector utilizes a nozzle with an orifice and at least one atomizing hole, a conduit for directing a liquid resin through the nozzle and an outer housing disposed around said conduit to form a cavity. Reinforcing material enters the cavity on an gas stream supplied and controlled by an eductor located prior to the outer housing, in the direction of the nozzle, and at an angle of less than about 90.degree. with respect to the conduit. The end of the conduit near the nozzle is preferably angled toward the nozzle to further direct the reinforcing material into the liquid resin.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the growth of surface cracks in materials includes a means for applying a load to a specimen to simulate actual use of the specimen, means for illuminating the specimen, means for capturing images of the specimen, and means for processing the images to monitor crack growth in the specimen. Optionally, the means for processing can be used to control the other means.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the growth of surface cracks in materials includes a servo-hydraulic test machine which applies a load to a specimen according to a predetermined loading regime designed to induce crack growth in the specimen, a UV laser for illuminating the specimen with a light having a frequency greater than the frequency of incandescent light, a UV video camera and a two dimensional imaging computer. Optionally, the two dimensional imaging computer can be used to control the servo-hydraulic test machine.

Abstract: The supported amine-polyol sorbent of the present invention comprises about 1 wt % to about 25 wt % amine, about 1 wt % to about 25 wt % polyol, with the balance being support. This sorbent is capable of absorbing and desorbing carbon dioxide at relatively high rates at ambient temperatures, thereby improving carbon dioxide sorption capacity.

Abstract: Accumulated dimensional variations in fuel cells and electrolysis cell assemblies can reduce the efficiency of the assembly and provide leakage paths for fuel and oxidant. A metal compression pad comprised of a metal having an elastic strain of about 3% to about 40% at about 2,500 psig can compensate for component dimensional variations and improve inter-cell conductivity at pressures up to and exceeding about 10,000 psig.

Abstract: An electrolyte reservoir plate is formed in a papermaking process. Graphite powder, reinforcing fibers, cellulosic fibers, and a thermosetting resin are mixed with a liquid to form a slurry and showered onto a screen to form a planar sheet which is dried to form paper. The paper is cut into the desired size and is lay-up with main sheets 4 and edge strips 6. The lay-up is laminated with pressure and heat, carbonized, and graphitized to form an electrolyte reservoir plate.

Abstract: The production of high pressure oxygen comprises the use of an electrolysis cell having an anode, a cathode, an ion exchange membrane disposed therebetween, an anode chamber, a cathode chamber and a means for regulating pressure. The cathode chamber has a porous sheet which contacts the cathode and imparts structural integrity to the ion exchange membrane. Low or ambient pressure water enters the cathode chamber, wicks through the porous sheet, contacts the cathode, and osmotically transports across the ion exchange membrane from the cathode to the anode. At the anode, water electrolysis produces hydrogen ions and oxygen. The means for regulating pressure retains the oxygen within the anode chamber until the oxygen has attained the desire high pressure. Upon attaining the desired high pressure, the oxygen is removed from the anode chamber at a rate commensurate with the production of additional oxygen.

Abstract: The production of high purity oxygen and hydrogen gases can be accomplished utilizing an electrolysis assembly comprising an anode, a cathode, an ion exchange membrane disposed therebetween, an anode chamber, and a cathode chamber. This ion exchange membrane has been multiply impregnated with catalyst and therefore contains internal catalyst sites where hydrogen gas, which diffuses through the ion exchange membrane from the cathode chamber, and oxygen gas, which diffuses through the ion exchange membrane from the anode chamber, react to form water. Reacting the hydrogen and oxygen gases within the ion exchange membrane prevents these gases from contaminating the oxygen stream in the anode chamber and the hydrogen stream in the cathode chamber, respectively.