Abstract: A ceramic fiber composition for use in contact with molten aluminum alloys is disclosed which is lightweight and porous. The composition contains ceramic fibers, binders and an additive containing 9Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.2B.sub.2 O.sub.3. The additive is preferably aluminum boron slag which is a by-product of the production of ferro-boron.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transmitter (10) and at least two ultrasonic receivers (12, 16) are mounted on a carrier (18) which traverses the surface (22) of a solid material (24). The sound beam (30) from the transmitter (10) passes beneath the surface (22) and enters a zone of interest disposed about a point (36) located a fixed distance (40) beneath the surface (22). Reflected sound beams (42, 46) emanating from flaws (54, 58, 60) located within the zone of interest are detected by the receivers (12, 16). The orientation and positioning of the transmitter (10) and the receivers (12, 16) for maximizing the detection and differentiation of the detected flaws (54, 58, 60) are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for making a chalcogenide cathode usable in secondary batteries comprises sputtering molecules of an intercalatable layered transition metal chalcogenide cathode active material, such as a titanium sulfide, onto and into a high porosity current collector substrate, such as nickel foam, by impinging a primary beam of argon ions onto a workpiece or target of the material and directing a secondary beam of sputtered molecules of the material at the substrate.

Abstract: A system (10) for determining the thickness of a magnetic flux conductive clad material over a magnetic flux conductive base material of different permeability applies on alternating voltage (96) to the primary winding (52) of an incomplete core-type transformer (54). The secondary winding (40) voltage to primary winding (52) voltage ratio is determined with the material being clad-thickness measured (56) completing the incomplete core (54). The voltage ratio is a nondestructive measurement of the thickness (64) of the clad material. The preferred embodiment applies a constant voltage alternating voltage power source (18) to the primary winding (52). This obviates the need to determine the ratio of voltages. The secondary winding (40) voltage is a direct nondestructive measurement of the thickness (64) of the clad material.

Abstract: An apparatus (14) embodying heat exchange means for treating solid, granular and aggregate materials, and in particular for treating spent, i.e., used, chemically bonded foundry sand. The subject apparatus (14) includes a rotatable first chamber means (16) in which the used foundry sand is preheated while traveling in a first direction therethrough from one end thereof to the other end thereof. From the first chamber means (16) the preheated used foundry sand is suitably conveyed to a thermal reclaimer means (12) for purposes of thermally removing organic matter therefrom. Thereafter, the used foundry sand is conveyed to a second chamber means (44) wherein the used foundry sand undergoes post reclamation whereby any organic matter that may yet remain in the foundry sand is thermally removed therefrom. From the second chamber means (44) the used foundry is made to pass into a third chamber means (52) which is located in surrounding heat exchange relation to the first chamber means (16).

Abstract: A method for installing a close-fitting cylindrical metal sleeve (26) within a tube (14) secured to a tube sheet (12) of a steam generator, comprising the following steps. First, the sleeve is inserted into the tube until an upper portion (28) of the sleeve is above the tube sheet while the lowr portion (30) of the sleeve is within the tube sheet. Next, the upper portion of the sleeve is radially deformed against the adjacent tube wall to form substantially coextensive permanent bulges (32,34) around the circumferences of the sleeve and the tube. The sleeve is then displaced axially, or longitudinally, relative to the tube, such that the bulge in the sleeve produces a wedge-like mechanical interference seal (40) against the tube wall (16'). Finally, the lower portion (30,38) of the sleeve is joined and sealed (42) against the adjacent tube wall (16') to permanently maintain the tight mechanical interference seal at the upper portion of the sleeve.

Abstract: A system for pulverizing coal to be burned in a furnace (20), where nearly all of the coarse ash particles are removed from the coal prior to its introduction to the furnace. The system includes a pulverizing mill (10) having a first classifier (12) in its outlet for separating some of the large, heavy particles and returning them to the pulverizer. A second classifier (16) is connected to the first classifier, and includes a curved duct (16) wherein the solid particles being carried in an airstream are thrown outwardly against an outer wall. A skimmer blade (78) extending through the outer wall skims off a percentage of the large, heavy particles, the percentage depending on how much coarse ash the coal stream contains. The rest of the coal particles are conveyed to a furnace and burned therein. The separated large, heavy particles are passed through an ionizer (30) and then through an electrostatic separator (34), where the inorganic particles are separated from the coal particles.

Abstract: Reactor pressure vessel inspection apparatus which permits the non-destructive testing of the vessel lower head, shell and top flange taper areas without equipment modification. The inspection apparatus includes an articulated joint assembly which permits a transducer support arm to be rotated about three intersecting axes, the three axes defining two pair of transverse axes.

Abstract: A process for forming a mat (14) of metal fibers (2) which can be used to hold ceramic material onto the surface of equipment to be protected from heat and corrosion, including the steps of mixing a plurality of metal fibers (2) with polybutene (8) and a finely-divided brazing material (10). This mixture is spread onto a support member (4) having an insulating coating (6) thereon to prevent the fibers from becoming brazed to the support member. The support member containing the fibers thereon is then subjected to a brazing temperature (12), brazing the fibers together to form a loose mat. The mat is then removed from the support member, and reduced (16) in thickness into a more dense mat of fibers. The dense mat (14) is then again subjected to a brazing temperature (18), to form a final product having unusual strength qualities.

Abstract: In a tumbling hammer type rapper (10), a feedback signal is provided via limit switch (30) and cam (28) mounted on rapper shaft (14) to control the rotation of rapper shaft (14) through one revolution. Rapper shaft (14) rotation is monitored to ensure that rapper shaft (14) completes one revolution, returning to the initial position, within a normal predetermined time period. If rapper shaft (14) fails to rotate from the initial position or fails to complete one revolution within the normal predetermined time period, an alarm is energized.

Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator (10) having a casing (12) defining a precipitation chamber (6) wherein a plurality of discharge electrode frames (32) are disposed alternately between a plurality of collecting electrode plates (20). Each discharge electrode frame is comprised of a plurality of individual discharge electrode wires (36) tautly strung across a support frame. Individual discharge electrode wires are maintained in a taut condition during operation by tensioning coil springs (50) which interconnect neighboring discharge electrode wires to take-up any lengthening of the discharge electrode wires in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A capacitive pressure transducer is disclosed in which a sensing diaphragm bearing an electrode is mounted to flex in response to applied fluid pressure relative to a reference member having an opposed electrode. A thin film or layer of dielectric material such as glass covers the reference member electrode and has formed therein a concavity matching the flexed curvature of the sensing diaphragm at its limit position. The dielectric layer has a high compressive strength and substantially enhances linearity by providing a substantially higher capacitance than the equivalent fluid-filled space. The transducer is retained within a transducer assembly under compressive preload, the assembly further including thermal strain relief means. Also disclosed are methods of making the transducer, which methods include thick film screen deposition techniques for forming concavities having preselected contours in the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A tangentially-fired, pulverized coal burning furnace (10) having overfire air (OFA) introduced into the upper portion of the furnace. The fuel and air are introduced (36, 38) into the furnace at the burner level tangentially of an imaginary circle, so that the resultant fireball moves upwardly within the furnace with a rotational spin. The OFA is introduced (40, 42) tangentially of an imaginary circle, in the reverse rotational direction to that of the fireball, so that the exhaust gases flowing from the furnace to the rear gas pass (16) flows in a straight line, with little or no spin. The OFA is made up of a mixture of low pressure air and high pressure air of sufficient volume and pressure to nullify the spin of the fireball.

Abstract: A buckstay arrangement for a furnace of a steam generator wherein the furnace tube walls (12) are supported by a plurality of independent buckstays (10). Each buckstay (10) comprises an elongated beam (40,70) disposed horizontally adjacent to the tube wall and interconnected therewith and having a cross-section defining therein a box-like section (30,30') whereby the polar moment of inertia of the buckstay (10) is greatly enhanced.

Abstract: In the cycle for production of pulp by the Kraft process, the active alkali concentration range in black liquor is monitored and adjusted. In recognition of the effect of the proportion of the active alkali to the other contents of the black liquor on a dry solids basis, active alkali is adjusted to control various performances of the evaporators and combustion within the recovery furnace.

Abstract: A cylindrical, rotating knife is positioned to cut a moving body of flat sheet into predetermined lengths. An electric motor rotates the cylindrical knife. The knife motor is controlled by a system responsive to the travel of the sheet passing under the knife and the rotation of the knife, itself. The two measurements are fed to a control circuit to produce an output analog electrical signal to the knife motor which varies the rotational speed of the knife during the cutting cycle to avoid wastage of the sheet as it is cut.

Abstract: A control system (10) employable for purposes of effecting the operation of a plurality of actuable devices, which are located at a subsea site, from a position that is remote therefrom. More specifically, the subject control system (10) is particularly suited for employment for purposes of hydraulically effecting the operation of the valves of a subsea christmas tree (30). To this end, the subject control system (10), on the one hand, is connected in fluid flow relation with a surface control center (16) from whence hydraulic fluid is supplied under pressure, and, on the other hand, is connected to a subsea sequence valving means (12) which receives the hydraulic fluid under pressure from the surface control center (16) and in turn transmits hydraulic power to the operators (46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56) of the christmas tree valves to cause the latter to move in accordance with a predetermined operating program (32).

Abstract: A cathode active material, which is especially useful as the cathode in a lithium high energy density nonaqueous cell operating on the principle of intercalation, has the general formula Li.sub.x M.sub.y M'.sub.z O.sub.2-n F.sub.n where M is selected from the group consisting of metallic ions having a valence of +1 other than lithium and metallic radicals having a valence of +1; M' is selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co and Ni; x is 0.01 to 0.99 and y is 0.99 to 0.01, respectively; z is 0.8 to 1.2; and n is zero to 0.1.

Abstract: A compression hub (10) for use in a fusion reactor system comprising a multiplicity of compression plates (24, 24') that are polygonal in configuration, and which are arranged in vertically stacked, substantially abutting relation to each other. The compression plates (24, 24') are suitably interconnected, such as by welding, around the periphery thereof so as to provide a compression hub (10) that is in the form of a unitary structure. Each of the compression plates (24, 24') is provided with fluid flow means (30, 32, 30', 32'). The fluid flow means (30, 32, 30', 32') of the compression plates (24, 24') cooperate with one another to establish a fluid flow path for coolant through the compression hub (10). Each of the compression plates (24, 24') is further provided with eddy current prevent means operable to impede the circulation through the plates (24, 24') of eddy currents induced by changes in the magnetic flux field.

Abstract: A steam generating unit using gas recirculation (28) for steam temperature control, where the recirculated gases are introduced (38) into the furnace (12) through the bottom opening (34) through which the ash is discharged. Dampers (40) are positioned in the gas recirculation duct (28) for controlling flow therethrough.