Abstract: High-critical-temperature superconducting materials produce a magnetic field which acts as an electric field insulation, and as a substitute for dielectrics, so as to store high electrical voltage and high electrical energy, thereby eliminating the need of insulating dielectrics capacitors so as to make the energy source light and compact, and very suitable for storage of electrical energy, as a one-stage electron accelerator and/or for pulsed power applications.

Abstract: An array of superconducting elements in which each element can be quenched into the nonsuperconductive or normal state independently at will. The array can be used to form spatially and temporally variable images or for forming spatially and temporally variable magnetic fields. The array is controlled in the form of a network of electrically interconnected superconducting elements in which a given element is quenched if and only if two independent parameters are applied to the element simultaneously.

Abstract: High T.sub.c superconductor quantum interferometric devices are disclosed. Such devices are especially suited for detecting small changes and spatial variation in magnetic field. Such detection finds important application in NDE evaluation of metals, in the evaulation of magnetic susceptibilities and in magnetic resonance spectrometers.

Abstract: Rotating gears and clutches which exhibit no contact, and which incorporate high-T.sub.c superconducting ceramic compositions. The devices can have two discs of selected proportion, coupled to each other by a controllable magnetic field, so as to transmit the desired torque in a given application. These devices are most useful in ultra-high speed rotational apparatus, where conventional devices cannot be used because of limitations in strengths of materials used for such applications.

Abstract: Switchable superconducting mirrors and reflectors are switched from the reflective to the absorbing, and/or transparent, modes to modulate signals.

Abstract: Colloids that are formed by the suspension of superconducting particles in liquids and gases are moved under the influence of external magnetic fields. The devices described have the unique advantage of being capable of moving and manipulating such colloids without resorting to mechanically moving and actuated parts. The apparatuses described have the additional advantage that they allow the control of the flow rate of such pumped colloids by electrical, magnetic or electronic means.

Abstract: A system, based on superconducting wires and elements, is used to rapidly generate magnetic field intensities at designated points. The apparatus consists of primary and secondary magnet windings, especially arranged so as to produce rapidly increasing magnetic fields. The primary magnet, located at a distance from the operating area, is charged prior to operation, thus producing a low magnetic field at the said area. Energy transfer to the secondary winding is initiated by induction from the primary winding, thus causing transfer to current to produce a high magnetic field in the said area. This system has many applications, including uses as reconnection-guns and electromagnetic launchers.

Abstract: Novel methods of electronically modulating magnetic fields are described. The basic principle of the instant invention is based on the well known Meissner Effect. A superconducting element is placed within a magnetic field whose strength is much less than the critical field of the superconductor. The field flux is excluded out of the superconducting medium. When the superconductor is now forced into its mixed or normal phase by external means, the magnetic field around it is modified and thus modulation of that field near the superconductor surface is possible. Three distinct methods of modulating magnetic fields on the surfaces of superconductors are detailed and some applications disclosed.

Abstract: Powder or lengths of ceramic or metallic superconductor ceramic compositions are loaded into lengths of metal tubing. Mechanical reduction of filled tubing is facilitated by use of elevated temperatures and intermittent heat treatments as required. Rolling to a flattened cross section aids bending to the final device configurations and subsequent hot-isostatic-pressing. Hot-isostatic-pressing steps (1) close defects, including voids, cracks and joints and improve microstructure, and (2) join tested wire lengths to produce a superconductor length in the final configuration. Encapsulation of the superconductor is completed and assured with metal sleeves and solder or glass.

Abstract: High-T.sub.c superconductor quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) for noise-free, accurate measurements of defects and flaws in metal shapes and forms by measuring changes in the secondary magnetic field intensity around any point which is excited by a primary excitation current or by measuring changes in the impedance of the exciting coils. These measured changes are correlated to defects and flaws present in the metal.

Abstract: Devices and technique using specially configured switchable superconducting elements to achieve temporal and spatial modulation of magnetic fields created in the hollow of solenoids are provided.

Abstract: A novel high sensitivity superconductive bolometer is presented in which the detector is kept in its superconducting state during the functional phase. Operation is based on detecting an induced fluxoid motion following a temperature rise caused by impinging infrared radiation. The superconductive-flux-motion-induced bolometer consists of a superconductive film and a pick-up film which are electrically insulated from each other. As the temperature of the current carrying film rises, fluxoid motion is triggered, sweeping through both films so that a voltage is detected in the pick-up film. The superconductive-flux-motion-induced bolometer has higher sensitivity for detection of infra-red radiation than any bolometer known heretofore.

Abstract: A reactor capable of continuously producing activated species of oxygen molecules, specifically those known as "Delta Singlet Oxygen". Uses of "Delta Singlet Oxygen" include the maintenance of high oxidation potential during the deposition of layers of high temperature superconductors. Delta singlet oxygen is particularly effective in obtaining ultra-smooth surfaces when used as the etching gas in plasma milling of a diamond-like carbon film. The film can be used as an ideal insulating barrier for construction of high-temperature superconducting Josephson junctions.

Abstract: A device and apparatus, consisting of a standard barrel, a superconductive magnet winding wrapped around the barrel, a large mass piston and a projectile. This device is a direct-current powered hybrid coil gun which operates to accelerate projectiles to high velocity without the requirement of gigawatt power pulses. The device also lowers the cost of power required per shot and makes possible extended life of the individual parts of the apparatus.