Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing chlorine dioxide comprising chemically reducing chloric acid with water in the presence of any oxygen-evolving catalyst and in the absence of another acid or an added reducing agent, thereby producing chlorine dioxide and oxygen.

Abstract: A method and a kit for separating double-stranded nucleic acid molecules from a mixture containing both single-stranded and double-stranded nucleic acid molecules. The method is particularly suitable for separating hybridized from unhybridized probe nucleic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a flexible polyurethane foam by reacting, at a reaction temperature within a temperature range of between about 70.degree. F. and about 150.degree. F., a reaction mixture comprised of a polyol, an organic isocyanate, water, an encapsulated blowing agent, and a reaction catalyst, wherein the encapsulated blowing agent comprises a shell and a core, said shell comprising a polymer having a melting point above the initial reaction temperature, and said core comprising a gaseous blowing agent or blowing agent precursor for blowing said reaction mixture at said reaction temperature. In another aspect, the present invention relates to a process for cooling a hot polyurethane foam utilizing encapsulated water contained in the foam forming reaction mixture.

Abstract: There is provided a metallic component for an electronic package. The component is coated with an electrically non-conductive layer and has a plurality of conductive circuit traces are formed on a surface. The circuit traces are soldered directly to the input/output pads of an integrated circuit device and to a second plurality of circuit traces. The component may include a heat sink to enhance dissipation of heat from an encapsulated integrated circuit device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a poly(oxyalkylated) alcohol composition represented by the formula:R.sub.1 O[CH.sub.2 CH(CH.sub.3)O].sub.x (CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.y [CH.sub.2 CH(OH)R.sub.2 ]wherein R.sub.1 is a linear, aliphatic hydrocarbon radical having from about 4 to about 18 carbon atoms including mixtures thereof; and R.sub.2 is a linear, aliphatic hydrocarbon radical having from about 2 to about 26 carbon atoms including mixtures thereof; x is an integer having a value from 1 to about 3; y is an integer having a value from 5 to about 30. Also disclosed is an automatic dishwasher composition comprising the above-described epoxy-capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohol and at least one component selected from the group consisting of detergent builder, bleach, anti-wear agent, and mixtures thereof. Also disclosed is a cleaning composition for cleaning hard surfaces comprising an aqueous or organic solvent and the above-described epoxy-capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohol as a surfactant.

Abstract: There is provided a composite material particularly suited for electrical and electronic applications having a metallic core with a desired surface finish. An acicular superficial coating layer having an apparent thickness of less than 275 angstroms is adjacent to at least a portion of the metallic core. The superficial coating layer is removable from the metallic core without appreciable change to the metallic core surface finish.

Abstract: A catalytic gas generator for an electrothermal thruster comprises a catalyst chamber, a capillary propellant tube communicating to the chamber and a tubular thermal standoff connecting the tube to the chamber wherein the tube is connected at a location spaced from the tube inlet into the catalyst chamber.

Abstract: A nontoxic primer mix for use in a percussive primer, especially of the Boxer type which principally comprises diazodinitrophenol, iron oxide and boron. The composition may also contain a nitrate ester as a fuel, and tetrazene as a secondary explosive.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of a vapor of an alkyl ester of phosphoric acid, particularly tributylphosphate, in ambient air. A sample of ambient air is heated to convert any alkyl ester of phosphoric acid to an alkene. The heated sample of air is then passed to a sample loop. Carrier air periodically carries a fixed volume of sample from the sample loop through a chromatographic column to a photoionization detector which detects the presence and amount of the alkene in the sample.

Abstract: There is provided a decoppering agent that is added to a propellant charge to remove copper from the rifling of the internal bore of a gun barrel. The decoppering agent consists essentially of a lead-free pulverized additive dispersed in a combustible binder. One suitable decoppering agent is pulverized bismuth metal, dispersed in a nitrocellulose binder. The bismuth metal either vaporizes or liquifies when the propellant charge is ignited and either embrittles or dissolves the copper deposits facilitating removal.

Abstract: There are disclosed processing methods to improve the properties of copper base alloys containing chromium and zirconium. One method of processing results in a copper alloy having high strength and high electrical conductivity. A second method of processing results in a copper alloy with even higher strength and a minimal reduction in electrical conductivity. While a third method of processing results in a copper alloy having improved bend formability.

Abstract: A self-contained, hermetic module for the transport of hazardous fluids such as space craft fuels. The module includes a base and a removable cover hermetically sealed to the base. The combination of the base and the cover define an enclosure. Located within this enclosure are a pressurized gas cylinder, a fuel tank and an evacuated vessel. An inert gas contained within the pressurized vessel expels a fuel contained in the fuel tank to fill the space craft. The evacuated vessel purges all lines and conduits to prevent hazardous fluids from escaping to the environment.

Abstract: There is disclosed a leadframe for electrically interconnecting a semiconductor device to external circuitry. The leadframe has an electrically conductive substrate that is coated with an oxidation resistant external layer. An intervening layer is disposed between a portion of the substrate and the external layer. The intervening layer is absent from the outer lead ends of the leadframe. Subsequent removal of the external layer from the outer lead ends enables a solder to directly contact the leadframe substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for inhibiting the formation of discoloration in an aqueous composition selected from the group consisting of water-based paint, adhesive, caulk and sealant compositions, and combinations thereof, wherein said discoloration is caused by the presence of ferric ion or cupric ion together with pyrithione in said composition. The process comprises contacting the composition with a discoloration-inhibiting amount of a zinc compound selected from the group consisting of zinc salts of organic acids, zinc salts of inorganic acids, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide, and combinations thereof. Also disclosed is an aqueous antimicrobial composition protected against discoloration attributable to the presence of ferric ion or cupric ion therein.

Abstract: There is provided a system for the manufacture of a diamond film. A plasma generator generates a hydrogen atom containing plasma stream into which a hydrocarbon containing gas is fed. The plasma dissociates the hydrocarbon to carbon radicals and carbon which are deposited on a substrate where the carbon crystallizes to a diamond film. The efficiency of the system is increased by heating the hydrogen source gas prior to generation of the plasma. Other means to increase the effectiveness of the system include using a plurality of plasma streams and shaping the plasma stream, A low internal strain, high quality optical film is generated by depositing the carbon on a substrate supported by a heat sink having nonuniform thermal conductivity such that the thermal gradient across the surface of the heat sink is less than about 8.degree. C./centimeter.

Abstract: An electronic package having improved electrical properties in which a plastic Quad Flat Pack is provided with upper and lower metallic plates encased in the plastic body and overlapping at least a portion of the length of the encased portion of the leads whereby the self and mutual inductance of the package is reduced. A ceramic Quad Flat Pack is provided with metal plates attached to the mating surfaces of the ceramic cover component and the ceramic base component so that at least a portion of the enclosed portion of the leads which are electrically connected to the electronic component inside the components is overlapped on the top and bottom by the metallic plates.

Abstract: Liquid chemical supply ampules, commonly called "bubblers", which are used in semiconductor and fiber optic component production lines are automatically refilled without the need to interrupt operation of the production lines. The bubbler ampules utilize a supply of the liquid chemicals from which the ampules produce a gas stream which is saturated with the chemicals. An individual ampule will be connected by means of a selectively operable series of transfer valves to two separate chemical bulk supply tanks. The bulk supply tanks can include one fixed and one replaceable tank; or two replaceable tanks.

Abstract: A process for increasing the rate of catalytic hydrogenation of aromatic amines by reacting aromatic amines with hydrogen in the presence of a noble metal catalyst, a water miscible organic solvent, lithium hydroxide catalyst promoter, and water in an effective amount to increase the rate of the hydrogenation reaction without an appreciable increase in total amounts of by-products.

Abstract: There is provided a leadframe having a plurality of coplanar electrically conductive leads. At least one metallic guard is bonded to the leads with a dielectric layer disposed between the metallic guard and the leads. The metallic guard has good adhesion to a polymer molding resin such that when the leadframe structure is encased in a molding resin, delamination is minimized. By restricting delamination, the ingress of water and water soluble contaminants to an integrated circuit device is inhibited.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the casting of metals in which a molten stream of metal is atomized into a spray of highly liquid droplets. The droplets are deposited on a moving substrate such as an endless belt provided with side dams. The droplets flow in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the substrate and are contained by the side dams. The droplets may have an average size of 300 microns and the spray may have a liquid to solid ratio of at least 50%. This arrangement overcomes the problems of splashing and turbulence caused by the relative flow between the melt and the belt in regular belt casting and overcomes porosity problems associated with spray casting.