Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning solution for removing surface oxides from copper base alloys without significantly etching the copper-base alloy material. The cleaning solution comprises from about 1 v/o to about 50 v/o hydrofluoric acid and from about 5 v/o to about 50 v/o of at least one of sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid. In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning solution consists essentially of from about 5 v/o to about 15 v/o hydrofluoric acid and from about 25 v/o to about 50 v/o sulfuric acid and the balance essentially water.

Abstract: A two-pole ruggedized optical fiber cable suitable for use in communication applications is described. The cable has a core assembly comprising a sealed inner copper alloy tube in which at least one optical fiber is encapsulated. Surrounding the core assembly is a layer of dielectric material, an outer metallic tube and, if needed, a protective jacket. The outer tube's primary function is to serve as the cable's primary strength member. The outer tube is preferably formed from a high strength, non-ferrous alloy having a relatively low modulus of elasticity. The outer tube is preferably a drawn tube having a substantially straight axial seam. If added hermeticity is required, the outer tube seam may be sealed. A process and apparatus for fabricating the cable is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved die configuration. The die comprises a body member having an interior passageway defined by a bell portion and a land portion. To improve die efficiency, the bell and land portions are provided with a helical groove for removing solid particles which may dislodge from the workpiece during its passage through the die and may interrupt smooth die operation. A technique for using the die to form a tube is also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for casting an ingot with refined grain structure from a metallic melt supplied to a casting mold. The mold is intermittently cooled to form a zone of fine dendrites on the inner peripheral surface of the mold. Then, the fine dendrites are reheated to detach secondary dendritic arms therefrom. Finally, the detached secondary dendrite arms are mixed into the melt to serve as nuclei for grain refinement as the melt solidifies into a cast ingot having a refined grain structure.

Abstract: A process for the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of an alkali metal halide in an electrolytic cell having an anode compartment containing at least one anode, a cathode compartment containing at least one cathode, and a cation exchange membrane separating the anode compartment from the cathode compartment comprises feeding the aqueous solution of an alkali metal halide to the anode compartment; feeding an oxygen-containing gas to the cathode compartment; and electrolyzing the alkali metal halide solution to produce a halogen gas and alkali metal ions in the anode compartment. The alkali metal ions and water are passed through the cation exchange membrane into the cathode compartment to contact a hydrophilic porous cathode. The alkali metal ions, the water and the oxygen-containing gas produce a concentrated alkali metal hydroxide solution which flows through a hydrophilic porous cathode.

Abstract: An improved process for treating aqueous effluents and purge streams to selectively remove polluting elements such as iron, copper, lead and mercury therefrom is described. The procedure comprises contacting the effluent with a poly(dithiocarbamate) chelating agent whereby the polluting elements are absorbed. The resin is extracted with an acidic aqueous solution having a pH of from about 4 to about 6; and removing the resin. When this is done, the residual content of these polluting elements in the effluent is reduced to a level below EPA required levels so that the effluent can safely be discharged into the surrounding ecosystem. The poly(dithiocarbamate) resin containing the polluting elements can be disposed of, for example, by being deposited in an unsecured landfill.

Abstract: An individually armored fiber optic core assembly having a diameter less than about 0.050" is provided as well as a process for making same. A fiber optic core comprising a fiber optic element and a surrounding protective layer is encased within a drawn metal sheath having a generally longitudinally extending seam. The ratio of the outside diameter of the fiber optic core to the inside diameter of the metal sheath is at least about 0.6:1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to copper-nickel alloys having improved ductility at elevated temperatures. The alloys consist essentially of about 5% to about 45%, preferably about 5% to 35% nickel, about 0.4% to about 1.1%, preferably about 0.6% to about 1% manganese, about 0.003% to about 0.04%, preferably about 0.008% to about 0.03% phosphorous and the balance essentially copper. The alloys described herein have particular utility in brazed articles or assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hermetically sealed package adapted to form an enclosure for a semiconductor device. The package comprises a substrate with a refractory oxide layer on one surface and a metallized band on the refractory oxide layer. A metal cover is disposed on the substrate and sealed to the metallized band. A lead frame disposed between the substrate and cover comprises a plurality of lead elements which extend into the enclosure to be electrically connected to the semiconductor device. The lead frame has a refractory oxide layer on its surface to electrically insulate the lead frame from both the substrate and the cover. The lead frame also has a metallized band on its refractory oxide layer. A solder component bonds the cover onto the substrate with the lead frame extending therebetween so that the electronic device is sealed within the closure.

Abstract: A high velocity ammunition sabot of brittle material which has sufficient strength to withstand the forces of being launched from a rifled gun barrel but which fragments almost immediately upon exit from the barrel due to centrifugal forces. A polyetherimide material is preferred, although materials of equivalent properties could be used.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for fabricating an optical fiber cable assembly without significantly increasing the light attenuation in the optical fiber or fibers is described. An optical fiber assembly formed in accordance with the present invention comprises at least one optical fiber encapsulated within a metal or metal alloy tube. The tube is preferably formed using a draw forming technique of pulling a metal or metal alloy tape through at least one forming die. To compensate for the compressional strain induced in the fiber or fibers by tube springback upon relaxation of the pull force and to minimize increased light attenuation in the fiber or fiber, a back tension is imparted to each optical fiber during cable assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the back tension is imparted to each fiber by an accumulator about which the optical fiber is wound.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for removing heavy metal contaminants from impure alkali metal nitrates containing them. The process comprises mixing the impure nitrates with sufficient water to form a concentrated aqueous solution of the impure nitrates, adjusting the pH of the resulting solution to preferably within the range of between about 2 and about 4, adjusting the nitrite ion concentration to between about 0.07 molar and about 1.0 molar, to effect reduction of the heavy metal contaminants, adjusting the pH of the reduced solution to effect precipitation of heavy metal impurities, and separating the solid impurities from the resulting purified aqueous solution of alkali metal nitrates. The resulting purified solution of alkali metal nitrates may be heated to evaporate water therefrom to produce purified molten alkali metal nitrate suitable for use as a heat transfer medium. If desired, the purified molten form may be granulated and cooled to form discrete solid particles of alkali metal nitrates.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for producing thin ribbon of semiconductor material. A device is provided for feeding the material onto a moving chill block. A first electromagnetic field is generated to heat the material in the solid condition into a molten drop and then to shape the molten drop into a thin ribbon shape prior to the contact of the material with the chill block.

Abstract: In a rotary drum spray grainer there is provided a solid product material exit at the same end as the inlet hot air so that air classification of the solid product material according to size is achieved while the solid product material passes counter-current to the inlet hot air as the solid product material exits the drum.

Abstract: A chip carrier and a process of assembling a chip carrier are disclosed. The carrier used for mounting a chip comprises a copper or copper base alloy component having a thin refractory oxide layer on a surface thereof. The surface and the oxide layer have an indentation formed therein for receiving the chip. A metallic circuit pattern for electrical connection to the chip is bonded to the oxide layer and insulated from the copper or copper base alloy by the refractory oxide layer. A seal is provided for enclosing the chip to the indentation. Another embodiment of the invention includes a circuit board structure comprising a circuit board device having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. A chip carrier is provided having a second coefficient thermal expansion of substantially the same value as the first coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for casting metals wherein the molten metal is contained and formed into a desired shape by the application of an electromagnetic field produced by a multi-turn inductor. The pitch or spacing of individual turns of the inductor is controlled to provide accurately varied electromagnetic pressure. The process includes the step of varying the distance between turns and/or the height of the individual turns to control the electromagnetic forces and balance the metallostatic pressure within the molten metal being cast.

Abstract: A bottom block for use in electromagnetic casting of metals wherein the block is constructed of a material having a closely matched electrical resistivity to that of the metal to be cast. The block may be provided with a deeply hollowed out central section so that during startup the end of the down spout supplying molten metal may be positioned a substantial distance below the plane of the top surface of the bottom block.

Abstract: A composite is provided which is adaptable to be a substrate for an electronic application. The composite comprises first material particles having a coefficient of thermal expansion in the range of about -20.times.10.sup.-7 to about 50.times.10.sup.-7 in/in/.degree.C. Second material particles having a coefficient of thermal expansion in the range of about 100.times.10.sup.-7 to about 200.times.10.sup.-7 in/in/.degree.C. are mixed with the first material particles. A bonding agent adheres the first and second material particles into a coherent composite having a coefficient of thermal expansion in the range of about 1.times.10.sup.-7 to about 50.times.10.sup.-7 in/in/.degree.C.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved water-based hydraulic fluid composition which comprises an aqueous composition having a viscosity of at least 5 centistokes at 40.degree. C. which contains up to about 95 percent by weight of water, at least 0.1 percent by weight of a carboxylic acid lubricity agent, and an effective amount of at least one selected anti-wear additive; wherein the improvement comprises:said anti-wear agent comprising the combination of:(a) an aromatic compound containing one to three electron-releasing substituent components, wherein said electron-releasing substituents are selected from the group consisting of amino, alkyl-substituted amino having 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, amido groups of the formula --NHC(.dbd.

Abstract: A methanation process utilizing an improved catalyst for the conversion of CO, CO.sub.2 and mixtures thereof to CH.sub.4 is disclosed. The catalyst comprises a monolithic mesh type structure of a nickel alloy having an integral Beta phase Raney coating on its outer surfaces. When used, substantially higher reactant flow rates and lower operating temperatures are possible as compared to conventional fluidized bed granular catalysts.