Abstract: A process for making symmetrical alkanediols and the bis-ethers thereof by electrochemically coupling the haloalkylethers that are the equivalent of one-half of the symmetrical bis-ether. A symmetrical alkanediol may be obtained from the symmetrical bis-ether. The method significantly increases the yield of alkanediols as for example 1,4-butanediol from electrochemical processes.

Abstract: Disclosed is an acrylic curable composition of improved flexibility that cures rapidly at room temperature in the presence of acrylic catalysts. The composition comprises between about 70% and 95% by weight dicyclopentenyl oxyethyl methacrylate and between about 5% and 30% of a linear polyalkylene glycol diacrylate or dimethacrylate cross-linking agent. Excellent flexibility and strength are achieved by use of the named cross-linking agents within the critical range set forth.

Abstract: Thin, pinhole-free, adherent, colored polymeric coatings and articles are produced by plasma polymerization followed by a heat treatment. The polymer precursor is mixed with a dye or pigment and shaped into a self-supporting thin article or applied to a substrate. The coating or article is then polymerized under plasma conditions created by an applied electrical field. Subsequent heat treatment further cures the polymer and makes the coating adherent to the substrate.

Abstract: Porphyridium cruentum is cultured in an enriched seawater medium using a high initial cell concentration until the productivity of polysaccharide production by the alga is maximized. The whole culture is then extracted by making the culture strongly alkaline, and heat treating it. The culture is cooled, acidified and the polysaccharide precipitated by addition of a water-miscible organic solvent such as ethanol. Very high yields of polysaccharide are obtained, in excess of 4.5 grams per liter of culture.

Abstract: The physical size of an inlet plenum (2) for a cluster of pulse combustors (1) may be reduced while maintaining a tuned condition for noise cancellation by constructing the plenum with an annular chamber (8) having internal baffles (20, 21) which make the acoustic path length through the annular plenum (2) substantially larger than its circumference.

Abstract: A system is provided which improves the ability of cogeneration facilities to meet varying electrical power and process steam demands. One or more thermal boosting systems each having a Rankine cycle evaporator coupled with a solution heat pump cycle is integrated with the turbines of the cogeneration facility to maintain full steam flow through the turbines and provide a portion of the process steam demands on the facility. Optionally, a bottoming turbine is added to the system to further improve its flexibility to meet varying demands.

Abstract: The cylindrical magnetron sputtering cathode (10) of the present invention essentially comprises a tubular target (20) having a face (20a) of material to be sputtered, and a magnet assembly (45) disposed behind the back face of said tubular target for generating magnetic fields having flux lines which form arch portions (50,51) over the sputtering face. This magnet assembly (45) more specifically consists of a plurality of equiangularly spaced axially extending radially magnetized magnets arranged in such a manner as to form over the sputtering face (20a) a plurality of equiangularly spaced axially extending straight arch portions (50) connected to each other by arcuate arch end-portions (51), whereby defining at least one closed-loop arch (52) over said sputtering face.

Abstract: Disclosed is a non-emissive, flame-retardant coating composition comprising a flame-retardant polymer; a solvent selected from water and/or a liquid, curable, non-flame promoting polyhalogenated solvent containing air-dryable functionality; and, optionally, a non-emissive, non-flame promoting surface-active agent selected from: a cationic, non-emissive, non-flame promoting, curable polyhalogenated compound containing an air-dryable group and a cationic surface-active group; an anionic, non-emissive, non-flame promoting, curable polyhalogenated compound containing an air-dryable group and an anionic surface-active group; and a nonionic, non-emissive, non-flame promoting polyhalogenated compound containing a nonionic surface-active group.

Abstract: An improved method and an apparatus for altering properties in a solid target by using the radiation emitted by a high power pulsed laser to generate a short duration, high amplitude pressure pulse is directed at the front side of solid target to alter material properties. The front side of the solid target is covered with an overlay material that is transparent to laser light, and the back side is placed in direct contact with a trapping material having substantially the same acoustical impedance as the metal substrate. When the solid target is processed by the pulsed laser, the microstructure and the stress state of the target are altered in a predictable manner.

Abstract: Calcination of limestone to form a finely divided lime product without substantial contamination by impurities (especially carbon and ash) is accomplished in a secondary fluidized bed with reaction heat provided by recirculating entrained particles from a primary multisolid fluidized bed combustor.

Abstract: Method for converting one form of energy into another form of energy by isobarically heating a gas, adiabatically expanding the gas while converting the heat energy of the gas into the kinetic energy of a moving body, converting the kinetic energy of the moving body into another form of energy, and approximately isothermally compressing the gas to a higher pressure. Improved efficiency is achieved by virtue of the fact that this system employs approximately isothermal compression, which is preferably achieved by injecting liquid into an adiabatically-expanded gas, thereby effecting a thermodynamic cycle which more closely approximates the efficiency of a Carnot cycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing particulate directly from a supply of molten material by the use of a rotating member having discrete serrations in the periphery thereof. The leading surfaces of the serrations contact the molten material and propel a portion into a cavity formed by the surfaces of the serration while under the effect of a surface of a dam means, in proximity to which the serrations pass. The dam means is immersed in the supply of molten material adjacent to the periphery of the rotating member.

Abstract: In this cylindrical, magnetically-enhanced, sputtering cathode, the magnetic field at the cathode target is generated by applying an electric current through a hollow electrical conductor disposed within a tubular target, so that the electric current flowing along this conductor induces circular magnetic lines concentrically around its axis. By biasing negatively the tubular target immersed in a low pressure gas, a glow discharge is generated. Electrons, emitted from the target surface are accelerated radially by the electric field, but deviated perpendicularly by the magnetic field. The resulting motion is confined in a spirally-shaped area centered on the conductor axis.

Abstract: The manufacturing of at least one photothermal converter element according to the invention consists essentially of implanting a multiplicity of substantially uniformly distributed parallely projecting transparent fibers onto a baseplate element provided with an absorbing coating of a normally solid material capable of being temporarily converted to a plastic state, thanks to the use of an array of guiding means arranged above the baseplate element. The implantation proper of the desired fiber structure is then performed by advancing a series of bundles of fibers through the array of guiding means, to the desired level above the baseplate element, and by clipping the advanced bundles to the desired length above the guiding means, so as to cause the falling with limited transverse spreading of the clipped fibers onto the coating of the baseplate element.

Abstract: The sputtering cathode (10) forming part of the apparatus of the invention essentially comprises a target (20) made of a material to be sputtered, arranged in front of an intermediate support (15) so as to define a first gas tight chamber (30) of narrow thickness therebetween, intended to be provided with an atmosphere of a gas (37) presenting a high thermal conductivity (under a pressure substantially higher than that prevailing inside the vacuum chamber of the apparatus). The intermediate support (15) in turn forms part of the wall of a second tight chamber adjoining said first tight chamber, which is intended to be circulated with a liquid coolant therewithin.

Abstract: A tennis racket comprises dynamic weights (6) distributed symmetrically relative to the longitudinal axis of the racket between the throat and the transverse axis of the head and suspended by arcuate straps (7) glued to the racket frame (2), the weights being displaceable in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the stringed area (3). The combination of weights and straps is adapted for having an intrinsic vibration frequency about 1.4 to 2 times the fundamental vibration frequency of the racket, such that when the weights are vibrated at their intrinsic frequency (by a ball striking the racket), the vibration of the racket is damped by energy transfer to the weights, and yet energy is also returned to the racket as a reaction in the direction of the ball's flight before the ball leaves the racket. The angular stability of the racket is improved over either fixed weights or dynamic weights having frequencies outside the critical range.

Abstract: Described herein is an acoustic degasification process for separating dissolved gases from hydropressured or geopressured liquids. The liquid and the dissolved gas flow through a hollow chamber that is vibrated utilizing acoustic energy so as to focus the acoustic energy near the center of the hollow chamber, and by the process of rectified diffusion bubbles form and grow within the liquid, wherein buoyancy forces cause the enlarging bubbles to migrate to the surface of the liquid.

Abstract: Crack and wear resistant concrete overlays for renovation or patching of deteriorated sections over a substratum can be made by incorporating 4-12 volume percent steel fibers in the concrete overlay and bonding at least a portion of the fibers directly to the substratum.

Abstract: Countercurrent flow absorber and desorber devices are provided for use in absorption cycle refrigeration systems and thermal boosting systems. The devices have increased residence time and surface area resulting in improved heat and mass transfer characteristics. The apparatuses may be incorporated into open cycle thermal boosting systems in which steam serves both as the refrigerant vapor which is supplied to the absorber section and as the supply of heat to drive the desorber section of the system.

Abstract: Air-driable alkyd resins are prepared by reacting substantially equimolar a dicarboxylic acid anhydride and a glycidyl ester of a primary fatty acid, at least part of the ester having a--CH.dbd.CH--linkage not .alpha..beta. to the carboxyl group residue of the fatty acid residue. The glycidyl ester may be used alone or in admixture with a glycidyl ether or ephichlorohydrin. Polymerization is effected at relatively low temperatures (100.degree. C. or less) using a catalyst, which is preferably a stannous or zinc carboxylate. The resins produced are substantially color-free and have a narrow range of molecular weights.