Abstract: Whisker-reinforced zirconia-mullite ceramic articles exhibiting excellent high-temperature modulus of rupture strength and good toughness are provided from batches comprising the free oxides ZrO.sub.2, SiO.sub.2 and Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 in combination with SiC whiskers for reinforcement. Due to the fine oxide particle sizes attainable and the fact that the mullite is formed in situ in the consolidation process, dense, whisker-reinforced mullite composite articles exhibiting excellent high-temperature strength and toughness may conveniently be obtained.

Abstract: A low loss fiber optic coupler is fabricated by forming a coupler preform having a plurality of spaced glass cores extending longitudinally through a matrix of glass having a refractive index lower than that of the cores. The coupler preform is formed by inserting a plurality of coated optical fiber preform rods into an aperture extending axially through an elongated boule of relatively etchable matrix glass. The cladding portion of the rods, which is relatively etch-resistant, is coated with a layer of etchable glass. The coupler preform is heated and stretched to form a glass rod which is then severed into a plurality of units. Heat is applied to the central region of each unit, and the central region is elongated and tapered inwardly. When an end of the unit is immersed in acid, the matrix glass dissolves, thereby leaving the unit cores and surrounding etch-resistant cladding glass protruding from the newly formed endface of the unit.

Abstract: There is disclosed a delaminated phyllosilicate particle of less than 1000 .ANG. thickness and having a coating of a transition metal on its surface, the metal being selected from the transition elements and groups 3a, 4a, 5a and 6a of the Periodic Table. Also disclosed is a method of producing such particle by an ion exchange treatment coupled with a reactive vapor phase/thermal treatment. A ceramic-metal composite composed of such metal coated particles compressed in a solid body is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of dewatering porous 96% silica glass by impregnating the glass pores with an aqueous solution of a water-soluble, nitrogen-containing, organic compound that is thermally decomposable to produce reactive gaseous nitrogen species, and then thermally decomposing the impregnating compound to yield nitrogen which combines with the glass to oust hydroxyl group. A preferred material is guanidine hydrochloride, and a non-oxidizing atmosphere is maintained during heating to avoid nitrogen oxidation. The nitrided porous glass may subsequently be thermally consolidated to a non-porous body.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with the production of a hard, tough, thermally conductive ceramic cutting tool insert consisting essentially of a zirconia alloy in a hard refractory ceramic insert. The ceramic cutting tool insert exhibits performance conducive to use in turning operations and/or milling operations.

Abstract: An optical transmission system wherein light is transmitted from a transmitter to a receiver by at least one transmission optical fiber. The system includes a dispersion transformer which receives light from one of the components, compensates for or transforms the delay distortion of the various wavelengths transmitted through the system, and provides the next component in the system with a compensated or transformed light beam. The dispersion transformer comprises means for receiving light from one of the components and dispersing/separating the light into a plurality of spatially separated beams which are directed onto the endface of a multimode optical fiber. The position of each beam on the endface of the mutimode fiber is a function of the velocity with which the light that forms the beam propagates through the transmission optical fiber.

Abstract: A composite ceramic extrusion die consisting of a silicon carbide wisker-reinforced cordierite ceramic wherein the predominant matrix phase is cordierite or, preferably, barium-stuffed cordierite having a crystal compositon xBaO.4MgO.(4+x)Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.(10-2x)SiO.sub.2 wherein x ranges from zero up to about 0.5, such extrusion die exhibiting excellent durability under the conditions of non-ferrous metal alloy extrusion at temperatures of 700.degree.-900.degree. C., is described.

Abstract: A method of preparing an optical device for alignment with a light beam emitter or receiver. The optical device is formed of a first glass that is resistant to dissolving in a given solvent. Extending through the device is an optical waveguide at least the cladding of which is soluble in the given solvent. At least one end of the device is immersed in the solvent to dissolve the end portion of the fiber and form a well. An optical fiber is inserted into the well where it is aligned with the fiber extending through the device.

Abstract: An integrated optical component including a monolithic glass body having a surface in which at least one cavity is molded. An optical circuit path, which is formed in the surface by ion exchange, is aligned with the cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mode field modifier for use with an optical fiber having a core and a cladding of outside diameter d. The modifier comprises a modifier core having a refractive index n.sub.1. Surrounding the modifier core is first cladding layer having a refractive index n.sub.2 that is less n.sub.1. On the surface of the first cladding layer is a second cladding layer having a refractive index n.sub.3 which is less than n.sub.2. The modifier is tapered intermediate its ends whereby it has a large diameter end and a small diameter end. The diameters of at least the core and first cladding layer at the large diameter end are greater than the corresponding diameters at the small end. The diameter D.sub.1 of the first cladding layer at the large diameter end is greater than d. An axially disposed hole in the large diameter end receives a fiber which is held in such alignment with the mode field modifier that it is in light coupling relationship with the modifier core.

Abstract: An optical fiber splice wherein a hollow cylindrical glass member is provided defining a longitudinal cylindrical aperture therein. Means adjacent the aperture defining a longitudinal groove parallel to the longitudinal aperture and in communicating relationship therewith is formed therein. A pair of tapered apertures are formed at each end of the glass member extending inwardly from the end surfaces and merging with the longitudinal cylindrical aperture and the longitudinal groove.

Abstract: Mono-sized barium titanate powders which have high density and substantially pure stoichiometry are provided. The powders can be produced by reacting barium hydroxide with titanium dioxide in a protic solvent at a temperature of at least 100.degree. C. for a period of at least 48 hours, or by reacting barium hydroxide with a titanium alkoxide in a protic solvent at a temperature of about the boiling point of the alkyl alcohol corresponding to the alkoxide for a period of at least about 240 hours.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid flow sonic energy reactor particularly adapted for blood hemolysis. An ultrasonic generator is provided with a tapered resonator, the small diameter end of which forms one planar surface of the reactor cavity. The reactor includes an anvil, one end of which has a central surface region that is closely spaced from the small diameter end of the tapered resonator. An O-ring is in contact with the periphery of the small diameter end of the resonator as well as the adjacent surface of the anvil to form therebetween a sealed chamber. First and second bores extend through the anvil to the central surface region thereof to introduce fluid into the chamber and remove fluid therefrom.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for thermal pressing a glass-impregnated preform to create a composite body with a glass or glass-ceramic matrix. The method involves contacting the preform during pressing with members prepared from a material exhibiting significant impedance to heat flow in order to delay cooling of the preform during consolidation. The preferred preform consists of a stack of glass-impregnated plies having ceramic fibers and/or whiskers entrained therein.

Abstract: A novel closure and container assembly is disclosed which provides for the definite and positive positioning of the closure on the container in a predetermined semi-open positionment. The container is provided with a rim portion which extends within a plane perpendicular to the axis of the cylindrical neck portion of the container and has a tapered surface lying within a cone concentric with such axis, whereas the closure is also provided with a tapered surface lying within a surface of a cone concentric with such axis so that upon the threading of the closure onto the container the surfaces engage each other within the surface of a cone lying concentric to the axis of the cylindrical neck portion and create a binding action which positions the closure in its predetermined semi-open positionment on the container. A further twisting of the closure allows the closure to sealably engage the container.

Abstract: An optical surface on a glass preform for an optical lens is simultaneously ground and polished. A glass blank is rotated by a work spindle mounted in an air bearing. A resin bonded diamond cutting ring is rotated by a tool spindle mounted in an air bearing. The axis of the tool spindle is set at an angle with respect to the axis of the work spindle with the edge of the cutting ring being centered on the axis of rotation of the blank. One of the spindles is moved linearly with respect to the other to move the cutting ring into engagement with the blank for grinding a precisely shaped, polished optical surface thereon. The spindles are mounted on a table and a driving motor for the linear drive is remote from the table to isolate the spindles from the vibration of the motor.

Abstract: A body having a large number of protrusions is aligned with a honeycomb surface having a greater number of openings, selected openings being engaged by the protrusions when the body is aligned, by positioning the body against the honeycomb surface and vibrating it until the protrusions engage. The method is of particular use in aligning flexible masks to end faces of honeycomb structures in the fabrication of solid particulate filter bodies. Particular mask and honeycomb structure geometries are suggested for automation of the process.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with the production of hard, porous, sintered bodies consisting essentially of Al and Fe with, optionally, Sn and/or Cu and/or Cr. The mechanism of the invention relies upon the presence of a small amount of Mg and/or Ca to act as a getter for oxygen. In the preferred embodiment, particles of the metals can be extruded into honeycomb structures which can then be fired in the presence of Mg and/or Ca to yield sound high cell density structures of controlled porosity.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production of lightly tinted, photochromic glasses having base compositions consisting essentially, in weight percent, of______________________________________ SiO.sub.2 46-60 SrO 0-6 B.sub.2 O.sub.3 16-28 BaO 0-6 Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 4-11 P.sub.2 O.sub.5 0-5 ZrO.sub.2 2-6 TiO.sub.2 0-3 Li.sub.2 O 1.5-5 Ag 0.08-0.18 Na.sub.2 O 0-6 Cl 0.06-0.26 K.sub.2 O 2.5-9 Br 0.08-0.18 MgO 0-3.5 CuO 0.0001-0.0020 CaO 0-6 ______________________________________Glass color can be adjusted by introducing in excess of the above base composition, at least one of the following colorants in the indicated proportions of ______________________________________ Pd 0.00003-0.00015 Er.sub.2 O.sub.3 0.2-1.3 SnO.sub.2 0.05-0.3 Nd.sub.2 O.sub.3 0-0.7 Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 0.05-0.15 Co.sub.3 O.sub.4 0-0.0080 NiO 0.005-0.