Abstract: This invention relates to light absorbing inhomogeneous films and their use in luminescent display devices such as cathode ray tubes and electroluminescent panels to achieve high contrast ratio and minimal halation effect, and more particularly to an inhomogeneous film having a composition varying continuously from metal oxide to metal, and the method of making same. The metal is selected from the group consisting of tantalum and vanadium.

Abstract: In a reactive metal-water electrochemical cell, an anode-cathode configuration providing for direct anode-cathode contact by use of a mesh-screen cathode essentially contacting the anode over its full surface. Optionally, the screen is supported on a plurality of ribs formed on or attached to a cathode backplate, the ribs forming electrolyte channels between the cathode screen and the cathode backplate.The configuration can be utilized for both unipolar and bipolar electrodes. Provision is made for maintaining contact between the cathode screen and the anode as the anode is consumed, thereby maintaining efficiency of the battery. Voltage and power output of the cell is controlled by varying electrolyte concentration or temperature, or both.

Abstract: In a reactive metal-water electrochemical battery, means for minimizing the destructive erosion of the reactive metal anode material on those anode surfaces not being actively employed in the operation of the battery. More particularly, in one embodiment, the non-working anode surfaces are maintained in intimate relationship with the battery casing to prevent the eroding electrolyte from contacting the non-working surfaces. In another embodiment, the electrolyte is confined to the working surface of the anode by means of flexible seals which protect the non-working surfaces.

Abstract: In a reactive metal-water electrochemical cell, a configuration utilizing waste heat and evolved hydrogen gas for pumping electrolyte through the cell. More particularly, the cell is in a vertical, hollow tubular configuration with the reactive anode being bonded to the interior surface of the tube casing and a coiled metal screen cathode being positioned within the tubular cell and containing the anode over essentially its full working surface. As the anode is consumed in operation, by reaction with an aqueous electrolyte filling the interior cavity of the tubular configuration, the coil configuration of the cathode forces it to expand and maintain contact with the anode. During operation, evolved waste heat and gas cause a flow of electrolyte through the interior of the cell.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the mechanical properties of cast beryllium and beryllium alloy bodies by reducing beryllium grain size. More particularly, grain size is reduced by forming a metal beryllide phase that is soluble in molten beryllium but of limited solubility in the solid metal. Initially, molten beryllium is cast into a mold and solidified resulting in precipitation of the metal beryllide in the form of finely divided particles at the beryllium grain boundaries. The cast body is then mechanically worked below its recrystallization temperature to form an unstable, deformed microstructure which is converted to a fine grain microstructure during a subsequent anneal above the recrystallization temperature of the beryllium or beryllium alloy body. The anneal can be a separate operation or a continuation of the plastic deformation operation.

Abstract: In a reactive metal-water electrochemical cell, an alkaline electrolyte containing soluble inorganic ions which are reduced preferentially to water at the cathode. More particularly, the additives substantially reduce or eliminate reduction of water and evolution of hydrogen at the cathode resulting in significant improvement in current efficiency, gravimetric energy density and cell potential at a given current. Additionally, suppression of hydrogen evolution makes possible a sealed system with venting of gases from the cell no longer necessary. The inorganic ions of the invention are nitrite, hypochlorite, chlorate, bromate, dinitrogen trioxide and sulfite ions which are formed when soluble salts of nitrite, sulfite, hypochlorate, bromate, chlorate, soluble gases such as dinitrogen trioxide and sulfur dioxide and other soluble inorganic compounds are dissolved in the alkaline electrolyte.

Abstract: In a reactive metal-water electrochemical cell, an alkaline electrolyte, containing soluble peroxide ions which improve the uniformity of reaction at the anode, reduces the anode's sensitivity to changes in the hydroxyl ion concentration of the electrolyte, reduces the anode's sensitivity to electrolyte flow rate and reduces the anode's sensitivity to temperature. The improved characteristics of the cell result from the ability of the peroxide ions to stabilize the anode and also to be reduced at a more electronegative potential than is required for the reduction of water. The soluble peroxide ion, HO.sub.2.sup.-, is formed when hydrogen peroxide, sodium peroxide and other soluble inorganic peroxide compounds are dissolved in the alkaline solution.

Abstract: A method for making high ductility beryllium bodies by controlling beryllium oxide particle growth during hot pressing of beryllium powder to a maximum median size of 150 nm. More particularly, particle size is controlled by utilizing starting beryllium powder containing a maximum total concentration of aluminum, silicon and magnesium of 200 ppm and consolidating the powder at a maximum temperature of 1400.degree. F. Ductility is also enhanced by utilizing starting beryllium powder containing a maximum beryllium oxide volume fraction of 1.6 percent and annealing the consolidated powder at temperatures of from 2000.degree. to 2250.degree. F. The anneal can be a separate operation or a continuation of the hot pressing operation.

Abstract: In a reactive metal-water electrochemical cell, an alkaline electrolyte containing organic additives which reduce the parasitic direct corrosion reaction between the reactive metal and the water of the electrolyte. More particularly, the additives substantially reduce the activity of the water by forming inter-molecular hydrogen bonding between the organic additive and water. Illustratively, such organic additives include alcohols, nitrogen containing compounds such as amides, amines and hydrazine, and ketones, ethers and esters. Optionally, molarity of the electrolyte is controlled independent of water additions by chemically removing the reactive metal ions formed during discharge of the cell. This is accomplished by the controlled additions of precipitating agents to the electrolyte to form insoluble salts.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the mechanical properties of beryllium and beryllium alloy bodies by deforming and recrystalizing cast and hot pressed beryllium bodies to a finer grain microstructure than initially present in the bodies without introducing a pronounced crystallographic texture into the bodies. More particularly, the beryllium body undergoes a textureless forging process by which the body is plastically deformed at elevated temperatures with the resulting metal flow being restricted to only one axis of the body. The deformed body is then restored to essentially its original shape and annealed at its recrystalization temperature with a resulting refinement in grain size to a size smaller than that present in the initial body.