Abstract: Condensation curable poly(fluoroorgano)siloxane-poly(silarylene)siloxane block copolymer compositions having a glass transition temperature not exceeding about −54° C. and excellent solvent resistance have been found useful as sealants. Polyalkoxysilylorgano compounds, such as 1,4-bis[trimethoxysilyl(ethyl)]benzene have been found to be effective as cross-linkers.

Abstract: A nanoparticle comprising an inorganic core and a polymerizable outer coating. The inorganic core comprises a substantially crystalline inorganic material such as a superparamagnetic material. In one embodiment, the inorganic core comprises a single crystal mixed spinel ferrite comprising iron in a first oxidation state and at least one metal in a second oxidation state, wherein the second oxidation state is different from the first oxidation state.

Abstract: A system and method for predicting timing of future service events of a product. A database contains a plurality of service information and performance information for the product. A statistical analyzer analyzes the plurality of processed service information to determine a plurality of compartment failure information. A performance deterioration rate analyzer analyzes the performance deterioration rate of the product from the plurality of service information and performance information. A simulator, simulates a distribution of future service events of the product according to the plurality of compartment failure information and the performance deterioration rate analysis.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection method includes exciting a first set of transducers in an array to introduce ultrasonic energy into a component, generating a number of echo signals using a second set of transducers in the array as receive elements, and processing the echo signals. The first and second sets of transducers are exclusive of one another, and the first and second sets of transducers are interleaved.

Abstract: A method of objectively evaluating a surface mark provides an objective test methodology for the optical quantification of surface marks. The method may include the steps of reproducibly producing a surface mark on an object and optically evaluating the surface mark. The surface mark may be reproducibly produced by loading a stylus, contacting a surface on the object with the loaded stylus and moving the object and the surface thereon relative to the loaded stylus so as to thereby produce a mark on the surface. Any surface mark is optically evaluated by optically producing images of the surface mark, electronically capturing the optically produced images and measuring selected parameters of the captured optically produced images.

Abstract: The present invention provides a model and a method and apparatus for utilizing the model to simulate an imaging scenario. The model is mathematically defined by analytical basis objects and/or polygonal basis objects. Preferably, the model is a model of the human heart and thorax. Polygonal basis objects are only used to define structures in the model that experience torsion, such as certain structures in the heart that experience torsion during the cardiac cycle. The manner in which the basis objects comprising the model are transformed by scaling, translation and rotation is defined for each basis object. In the case where a basis object experiences torsion, the rotation of the basis object will change as a function of the length along the axis of the basis object about which rotation is occurring.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing stress corrosion cracking in a hot water system, such as a nuclear reactor, by reducing the electrochemical corrosion potential of components exposed to high temperature water within the structure. The method includes the steps of: providing a reducing species to the high temperature water; and providing a plurality of noble metal nanoparticles having a mean particle size of up to about 100 nm to the high temperature water during operation of the hot water system. The catalytic nanoparticles, which may contain at least one noble metal, form a colloidal suspension in the high temperature water and provide a catalytic surface on which a reducing species reacts with least one oxidizing species present in the high temperature water. The concentration of the oxidizing species is reduced by reaction with the reducing species on the catalytic surface, thereby reducing the electrochemical corrosion potential of the component.

Abstract: A method for preparing a solution for treating an article, a treatment solution made thereby, and a method for treating an article with the solution are presented with, for example, the treatment method comprising providing a quantity of treatment solution, the treatment solution comprising an acid having the formula HxAF6, wherein A is selected from the group consisting of Si, Ge, Ti, Zr, Al, and Ga, and x is in the range from about 1 to about 6; determining a concentration of free acid contaminant in the treatment solution; and removing the concentration of free acid contaminant.

Abstract: A method for evaluating core stack pressure includes: positioning a magnetic yoke near the core, the magnetic yoke being wound by an excitation winding; supplying current to the excitation winding to inject magnetic flux into the core; measuring a signal resulting from the injected magnetic flux; and using the measured signal to evaluate the core stack pressure. A system for implementing the method includes the magnetic yoke; a current supply for supplying the current; a sensor for measuring the signal; and a computer for using the measured signal to evaluate core stack pressure.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a component includes exciting a number of transducers forming an array to produce an ultrasonic transmission beam (beam) focused into the component. The array and the component are separated by a standoff. A number of echo signals are generated using the transducers, and the echo signals are processed in a number of channels. The processing includes both dynamical focus and providing a dynamic aperture on receive, both of which compensate for refraction of the beam at the component/standoff interface. A single-turn inspection method includes: (a) positioning the array facing the component, (b) exciting the transducers, (c) generating a number of echo signals, (d) changing the relative angular orientation of the array and the component around an axis and repeating steps (b) and (c), and (e) processing the echo signals to form at least one processed echo signal.

Abstract: This invention relates to an extrusion method preparing polycarbonates from a solution of an oligomeric polycarbonate. A mixture of bis(methyl salicyl)carbonate (BMSC), BPA and a transesterification catalyst are first equilibrated at moderate temperatures to provide a solution of polycarbonate oligomer in methyl salicylate. The solution is then fed to a devolatilizing extruder, where the polymerization reaction is completed and the methyl salicylate solvent is removed. The solution comprising the oligomeric polycarbonate can also be pre-heated under pressure to a temperature above the boiling point of methyl salicylate and subsequently fed to a devolatilizing extruder equipped for rapid flashing off the solvent. The method provides polycarbonate with greater efficiency than the corresponding process in which unreacted monomers are fed to the extruder. Additionally, the method of the invention does not require the isolation of a precursor polycarbonate comprising ester-substituted phenoxy terminal groups.

Abstract: A ceramic discharge chamber for a lamp, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, comprises a first member which includes a leg portion and a transition portion, wherein the leg portion and the transition portion are integrally formed as one piece from a ceramic material, and a second member which includes a body portion, wherein the body portion is bonded to the transition portion of the first member. The ceramic discharge chamber can be formed by injection molding a ceramic material to form the first member, the first member forming a first portion of the ceramic discharge chamber; and bonding the first member to a second member which forms a second portion of the ceramic discharge chamber. The members which form the ceramic discharge chamber can greatly facilitate assembly of the discharge chamber, because the discharge chamber can be constructed with only one or two bonds between the members.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the method for producing a stamper, comprises: forming a nickel plated substrate having desired surface features on one side; disposing a managed heat transfer layer on a second side of said substrate; forming a thickness of said managed heat transfer layer having a variation of less than about 5%; and altering said exposed surface of said managed heat transfer layer. Also disclosed are a method and apparatus for producing data storage media.

Abstract: A casting includes a heat transfer surface having a plurality of cavities. The plurality of cavities include a density of at least about 25 cavities per square centimeter to about 1,100 cavities per square centimeter resulting in increased surface area and therefore enhanced heat transfer capability. Also disclosed is a mold for forming a pattern for molding the casting. The mold includes a surface defining a portion of a chamber to which are attached a plurality of particles having an average particle size in a range of about 300 microns to about 2,000 microns.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) detector array and a MRI system are provided. The detector array comprises a plurality of conductive array elements being substantially parallel to a conductive ground plane, a plurality of capacitors, wherein at least one capacitor is shunted from each array element to the ground plane to adjust a corresponding electrical length of each conductive array element, and, wherein a combination of each respective array element, at least one corresponding capacitor and the ground plane forms a resonator that resonates at a selected frequency. The detector array further a decoupling interface, and a plurality of matching boxes for matching each decoupled conductive strip to a selected impedance. A MRI system is provided including a detector array as described herein to produce MR images of the object to be imaged.

Abstract: A flexible liquid crystal display comprising two plates that are substantially parallel to each other. Each of the plates includes a polymeric substrate having a roughness of up to about 5 nm, a barrier coating disposed on a surface of the polymeric substrate, and a transparent conductive layer disposed on a surface of the barrier coating opposite the polymeric substrate. A liquid crystal material is interposed between the two plates, such that the liquid crystal material contacts the transparent conductive layer on each of the two plates. The invention also includes a barrier coated polymer sheet for use in a liquid crystal display having a polycarbonate substrate with a roughness up to about 5 nm and a barrier coating, such as silicon nitride or silicon oxide, having a density of at least 1.8 g/cc disposed on a surface of the polycarbonate substrate. A method of making the barrier coated polymer sheet is also described.

Abstract: An actuated seal assembly for controlling flow in a fluid path in turbomachinery comprising a seal and a seal carrier coupled to the seal is provided. A displacement apparatus is coupled to the seal carrier for positioning the seal so as to control the flow in the fluid path. In addition, a drive system is provided for powering the displacement apparatus.

Abstract: A rotor assembly is provided in which the rotor assembly includes a first core portion, wherein the first core portion has at least one first core protrusion, and a second core portion, wherein the second core portion has at least one second core protrusion. The first core portion and the second core portion are configured to be matingly coupled to each other so as to form an assembled rotor assembly. In addition, the rotor assembly includes a number of magnetizable members wherein respective ones of the magnetizable members are coupled to each of the first core protrusions and coupled to each of the second core protrusions. The magnetizable members are adapted to be coupled to a magnetizing fixture prior to mating the first and second core portions so as to magnetize the magnetizable members.

Abstract: A ring or inverted-cup shaped cutting element is used as a tool electrode for electromachining to rough machine the airfoils on blisks to near net shape. The cutting element is rotated and positioned with respect to the blisk by a CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) drive arrangement.

Abstract: A method of removing substantially all of the volatile component in a green, volatile-containing ceramic article is disclosed. The method comprises freezing the ceramic article; and then subjecting the frozen article to a vacuum for a sufficient time to freeze-dry the article. Frequently, the article is heated while being freeze-dried. Use of this method efficiently reduces the propensity for any warpage of the article. The article is often formed from a ceramic slurry in a gel-casting process. A method for fabricating a ceramic core used in investment casting is also described.