Abstract: A method for producing a highly loaded, aqueous suspension having a pourable viscosity and containing from 20 to 50 volume percent colloidal ceramic or metal particles. A biologically produced polymer dispersant having a high density of carboxyl functional groups and an average molecular weight of at least 1,000 is solubilized in water in a quantity of less than 1.0 percent dry weight basis of particles. The ceramic or metal particles are then introduced to the solution, and agitated to form a substantially nonagglomerated suspension. The polymer dispersant may be produced by a bacterium grown in situ with the particles. A biologically produced polymer gelling agent that is miscible with the polymer dispersant may be admixed into the suspension, which is then maintained in a nongelled state while being supplied to a mold. The suspension is then exposed to a gel-triggering condition to form a gelled, sinterable article.

Abstract: Composites of ceramic and metal exhibiting high fracture strength and toughness are formed from layers of the ceramic that have unequal concentrations and unequal porosity. The composites are made by a process that involves arranging layers of the ceramic in a predetermined pattern to provide a body that can be fully infiltrated by the metal.

Abstract: A mearsuring instrument is disclosed having a reversibly selective binding protein immobilized upon the insulated-gate region of a field-effect transistor located on a sensor. With the sensor immersed in solution, the protein binds a select component of the solution to the gate producing an effect on a current flowing through the IGFET. A plurality of such binding protein-IGFET arrangements can be provided on the same sensor, including the same binding proteins having different binding coefficients K.sub.D or an array of proteins with different ligand specificity and/or affinity. Analysis of the IGFET's response to binding by a microprocessor allows, for example, the concentration of the component in solution to be determined. With a plurality of different binding proteins employed, the concentration of different components can be determined. Similarly, with binding proteins employed having different binding coefficients K.sub.

Abstract: A tractable ceramic precursor and method for producing the same, capable of being formed into useful shapes at low temperatures and thereafter capable of transformation into high-temperature superconducting ceramics is provided. The method consists of preparing one or more organometallic compounds selected from organometallic clusters and organometallic polymers and combining them in the proper stoichiometric ratio to form a tractable ceramic precursor having rheological/viscoelastic properties suitable for forming useful shapes and having metal elements in suitable proportions to form high-temperature superconducting ceramics.

Abstract: Ceramic precursor mixtures containing a metal cation, a carbohydrate, and an anion capable of participating in an anionic oxidation-reduction reaction with the carbohydrate for continuous or batchwise drying and pyrolyzing to provide ceramic powders.

Abstract: An optical neural net, content addressable memory that does not include electronics or slow optics in the feedback path. The memory comprises an optical vector-matrix multiplier that includes a spatial light modulator and input and output optics, and optical feedback means for returning the outputs of the multiplier to the inputs. Presentation of partial data at selected inputs causes the neural net to iterate at light speed to determine the corresponding output data. An arrangement is described for providing bipolar operations and for letting any group of elements act as the net stimulus.

Abstract: A probe for determining the thickness of an interface gap between two surfaces is disclosed. The probe includes an inflatable bladder, which can be inserted into a gap and inflated, such that the sides of the bladder contact the planes. A distance-measuring device is mounted within the cavity of the bladder and is suitable for measuring the distance between the sides of the bladder. Passive electrical circuitry for use as the distance-measuring device is also disclosed. Passive electrical circuitry has an electrical property that varies as the distance between the passive electrical elements varies. In the case of a probe utilizing capacitive circuitry, three relationally positioned measuring electrodes and a common electrode are mounted within the bladder cavity such that the measuring and common electrical are in facing relationship and move away from each other as the bladder is inflated. When the bladder is inflated with a dielectric fluid, the electrodes are pressed flat against the surfaces.

Abstract: A liquid junction electrode 10 formed from a silicon body 14 and having a glass membrane 22 attached thereto. A reference electrode is constructed by forming the glass membrane 22 from porous glass having a preferable pore size in the range of 40 angstroms to 75 angstroms. The porous glass membrane 22 has a coating 24 of glass containing mobile ions that is electrostatically bonded to the silicon body 14. Alternatively, a glass plug 92 is formed from a paste of ground glass and organic binder that is heated to cause formation of pores and bonding of the glass plug 92 to a silicon body 94. An ion-sensitive electrode is constructed by forming the membrane 52 from an ion-sensitive glass or by filling the pores of the porous glass membrane 22 with an ion-sensitive material.