Abstract: A dosimetry system and method characterized by use a plurality of radiation sensitive elements to monitor exposure to a radiation field composed of one or more types of radiation at one or more different energies; reading the radiation sensitive elements in a reader after irradiation by the radiation field to obtain element outputs; and supplying the element outputs to a trained neural network computer apparatus wherein the element outputs are analyzed to provide an output indicative of the radiation field.

Abstract: A silicon nitride ceramic comprising:a) inclusions no greater than 25 microns in length,b) agglomerates no greater than 20 microns in diameter, andc) a surface finish of less than about 8 microinches, said ceramic having a four-point flexural strength of at least about 900 MPa.

Abstract: A process is described for the production of alumina/zirconia materials which uses cheap scrap alumina/zirconia/silica material as feedstock along with a reducing agent to lower the final silica content to an acceptable level.

Abstract: The reliability of a braze joint formed between a diamond film and a tungsten carbide body is increased by use of a vanadium containing braze. The braze joint exhibits an average shear strength greater than about 40,000 pounds per square inch, (276 MPa) and the braze exhibits a contact angle with the diamond film of less than about 15.degree..

Abstract: A ceramic igniter comprising: a) a lead wire, b) a ceramic substrate, and c) a braze pad having a thickness of less than about 150 microns, wherein the lead wire and ceramic substrate are placed in electrical connection by the braze pad.

Abstract: There is provided a sidewall lining for use in an electrolytic reduction cell for the production of aluminum by reduction of alumina in a molten fluroide electrolyte, the lining consisting essentially of a ceramic material having a density of at least 95% of theoretical density and at least closed porosity, the ceramic material selected from the group consisting of silicon carbide, silicon nitride and boron carbide.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing a substance includes a rotating mandrel assembly with a mandrel having a deposition surface exposed to the vapor so that the substance is deposited on the deposition surface and having a base having a plurality of radiator fins extending therefrom. A plurality of receptor fins interleave with the radiator fins and provide heat exchange to the receptor fins to cool the mandrel during deposition of the substance on the deposition surface of the mandrel.

Abstract: A method for forming a heat-sinked electronic component includes the following steps: depositing, at a first deposition rate, a first layer of synthetic diamond having a relatively high thermal conductivity; depositing, on the first layer, at a second deposition rate that is higher than the first deposition rate, a second layer of synthetic diamond having a relatively low thermal conductivity; and mounting an electronic component on the first layer of synthetic diamond. Alternatively, the layers may be deposited in the opposite order.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sintered silicon nitride ceramic comprising samaria and ytterbia for enhanced toughness.

Abstract: A ceramic comprising:a) between 20 w/o and 90 w/o unnecked composite grains comprising:i) between 5 w/o and 100 w/o silicon nitride, andii)between 0 w/o and 95 w/o free silicon,said composite grains having lengths of at least 50 microns and widths of at least 10 microns, andb) between 10 w/o and 80 w/o matrix grains having lengths of less than 20 microns.

Abstract: A glass embedded, sintered ceramic comprising a total sintering aid concentration of between about 1 and about 5 w/o, said ceramic having a reaction layer of less than about 750 microns, where the reaction layer is defined as the depth at which the sintering aid concentration is 80% of that of the bulk of the ceramic, and the ceramic is selected from the group consisting of silicon nitride, silicon carbide, boron carbide, titanium diboride, and aluminum nitride.

Abstract: This invention relates to a refractory lining for use in a coreless induction furnace having a refractory crucible, wherein the refractory lining lines the inner surface of the refractory crucible and has a porosity of between 0.2% and 1%.

Abstract: A method for depositing a substance includes the following steps: producing a vapor containing constituents of the substance; providing a rotating mandrel assembly that includes a mandrel, having a deposition surface exposed to the vapor so that the substance is deposited on the deposition surface, and a base having a plurality of radiator fins extending therefrom; interleaving a plurality of receptor fins with the radiator fins; and providing heat exchange to the receptor fins to cool the mandrel during deposition of the substance on the deposition surface of the mandrel.

Abstract: Filamentary abrasive particles formed from a sol-gel alumina modified by rare earth metal oxides have excellent abrasive qualities.