Abstract: A machine readable binary code which is dynamically variable in size, format and density of information is provided. The binary code is formed as a matrix having a perimeter and data contained therein. The perimeter is provided with density indicia for indicating the density of data contained within the matrix. The perimeter is also provided with size indicia for indicating the size of the matrix. By utilizing the density indicia and size indicia, a scanning device is able to calculate the size and information density of the binary code.

Abstract: A method for producing a high yield of free-flowing alpha-phase single crystal silicon carbide platelets. Through the use of various parameter and composition values, the size range of the platelets can be controlled. For example, small size platelets can be prepared by first heating a mixture of finely divided silicon dioxide and carbon to a temperature of about 1600.degree..+-.100.degree. C. for a duration of about 5-10 hours to produce a silicon carbide product, referred to as a "prefire" product. This prefire product is mixed with a platelet-enhancing material in the form of powdered carbon or aluminum metal (and mixtures thereof) and then further heated to about 1900.degree.-2400.degree. C. for 2-10 hours to make the platelets. Also, small platelets can be made by substituting silicon carbide whiskers for the intermediate prefire material and adding a platelet enhancing material.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of single crystal titanium nitride whiskers having uniform diameters and lengths suitable for use in the reinforcing of many matrix materials. The process is carried out by rapidly heating a mixture of titanium dioxide, fibrous carbon and a catalyst selected from individual combinations of cobalt, nickel, magnesium and calcium, for example. This mixture of solids is maintained in a closed container and is rapidly heated to a temperature of about 1300.+-.100 degrees C. for about 1 hour. During this heating a halogen, preferably a chlorine-containing gas, in conjunction with nitrogen is passed into the container whereby the titanium dioxide is converted to titanium nitride in the form of single crystal whiskers. These whiskers have a uniform diameter of about 0.5 to about 1 micron and average lengths of about 30-60 microns. The exterior surface is particularly amenable to bonding to the matrix material to which these whiskers are added for strength.

Abstract: A method for producing a high temperature, high strength bond between a ceramic shape and a metal substrate, such as joining a ceramic cap to a piston for an internal combustion engine. The composite joint is effected through the use of a ceramic preform fabricated using fibers, whiskers, platelets or sponge-like particles having the same composition as the ceramic body. The preform is joined to the ceramic shape by using a ceramic slip having a ceramic corresponding in composition with the ceramic body, with this juncture being heated to achieve a secure bond. The preform is joined to the metal substrate by first infiltrating the preform with molten material corresponding to the substrate, and then pressure bonding the infiltrated preform to the substrate after the molten material has solidified. The substrate can be metal or metal alloys. An example is given for the bonding of silicon carbide to a 300 series aluminum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure sensitive electro-conductive material which can be utilized as a pressure sensitive electro-conductive switch or as a variable resistor. The switch comprises two electrodes with a deformable pressure sensitive electro-conductive material sandwiched between the electrodes. The electro-conductive material comprises a deformable elastomeric material impregnated with a plurality of electro-conductive micro-agglomerates of unbound finely divided electro-conductive carbon particles enclosed by a matrix of the elastomeric material and finely divided electro-conductive carbon particles bound together by the elastomeric material.

Abstract: A method for achieving a high yield of beta silicon carbide whiskers. According to this method, very small (e.g., 0.002 microns) fluffy silicon dioxide particles having a very large surface area (e.g., 200 m.sup.2 /g) are mixed with a fluffy carbonized material. These materials have a void volume of about 40 percent or greater. The silicon dioixde is present in an amount by weight approximately twice that of the carbon constituent. This mixture is heated, preferably in the presence of a catalyst (e.g., anhydrous boric oxide and powdered aluminum metal) at a temperature of about 1650.degree..+-.300.degree. C. for a time of one-half to four hours. During this heating the gaseous reaction products are maintained at a steady state as with a low flow of argon gas through the furnace. The resultant SiC whiskers have a diameter in the range of about 0.5 to 10 micrometers, and a length of about 10 to about 1000 micrometers.

Abstract: A variable force push button is used as an input device for a control system. Specifically, a bi-directional storage device produces a command that is applied to an element to be controlled. A signal is generated having a characteristic representative of the force applied to the push button. A representation of the characteristic is integrated by the storage device. In addition to changing the characteristic by varying the force applied to the push button, the user can change the direction of the integration, thereby increasing and decreasing the value of the command. The push button comprises a pressure sensitive element sandwiched between electrically conductive contacts one of which is actuated by the user. The pressure sensitive element is constructed of conductive particles in an elastomeric matrix. Preferably, electrically conductive micro-agglomerates of unbound finely divided electro-conductive carbon particles having a maximum dimension of between about 0.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive electro-conductive material which can be utilized as a pressure sensitive electro-conductive switch or as a variable resistor. The switch comprises two electrodes with a deformable pressure sensitive electro-conductive material sandwiched between the electrodes. The electro-conductive material comprises a deformable elastomeric material impregnated with a plurality of electro-conductive micro-agglomerates of unbound finely divided electro-conductive carbon particles enclosed by a matrix of the elastomeric material and finely divided electro-conductive carbon particles bound together by the elastomeric material.

Abstract: Apparatus for homogeneously intermixing flows of fuel and air to an internal combustion engine comprises a mixing chamber having a venturi portion across which is disposed an arcuate nozzle-matrix of converging nozzle cells which focus subflows toward pre-selected downstream crossflow mixing zones. A mainstream flow of air is introduced into the chamber upstream of the nozzle-matrix and one or more mainstream flows of fuel are introduced into the chamber upstream of the nozzle-matrix and/or into the crossflow mixing zones. The nozzle-matrix is adapted to accept at least portions of the main upstream flows to generate several optimum velocity subflows therefrom to enhance fuel and dispersion, atomization, and vaporization into the air.