Abstract: Surface defects in composite and adhesively bonded structures that penetrate to a metal substrate are detected by applying a solution of 8-hydroxyquinoline to a surface of such a structure and viewing the surface under ultraviolet light. The presence of a flaw or crack leading from the surface to the metal substrate is indicated by a fluorescent glow.

Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of an object in a region to be monitored of the kind comprising light emitting means, electronic light receiving means, and an optical system having means for focussing the light emitted by the light emitting means and means for focussing any light reflected by an object in the monitored region and passing to the light receiving means. The respective focussing means, which are preferably incorporated in a common block moulded from a light permeable material such as glass or plastics material, are so arranged relative to one another that the path of the light rays from the light emitting means and the path of any light rays passed to the light receiving means meet at an angle to one another in the region to be monitored.

Abstract: A rack for storing spent nuclear fuel elements in which a plurality of aligned rows of upright enclosures of generally square cross-sectional areas contain vertically disposed spent fuel elements. Each fuel element is supported at the lower end thereof by a respective support that rests on the floor of the spent fuel pool for a nuclear power plant. An open rack frame is employed as an upright support for the enclosures containing the spent fuel elements. Legs at the lower corners of the frame rest on the floor of the pool to support the frame. In one exemplary embodiment, the support for the fuel element is in the form of a base on which a fuel element rests and the base is supported by legs. In another exemplary embodiment, each fuel element is supported on the pool floor by a self-adjusting support in the form of a base on which a fuel element rests and the base rests on a ball or swivel joint for self-alignment.

Abstract: A concave mirror and a rotating plane mirror image an object to be detected on a reticle and screen, which reticle modulates the image. A field lens and a light piping cone projects the modulated and filtered image on an infrared detector cell. Except for the two mirrors, all of the aforesaid system is cooled by a cryostat.

Abstract: Water washable substantially biodegradable dye penetrant composition for use in non-destructive dye penetrant inspection of parts for locating cracks and flaws therein, consisting essentially of an organic dye, preferably a fluorescent dye, a carrier or solvent for said dye in the form of certain ethoxylated linear alcohols, particularly the biodegradable nonionic surfactants comprised of ethoxylates of a mixture of secondary alcohols having linear alkyl chains of from 11 to 15 carbon atoms, and an average of from 3 to 12 moles of ethylene oxide, and glycol monobutyl ether for thinning the dye penetrant solution substantially without affecting the sensitivity of the penetrant or its biodegradability, and facilitating application of the liquid dye penetrant composition by spraying to the surface of an object or part to be inspected.

Abstract: A threaded invar tuning screw extending through the threaded aperture of an invar bushing in the broad wall of a waveguide filter presents a capacitance inside the waveguide. This capacitance is varied by changing the depth of the screw in the waveguide in order to tune the filter. A brass locknut on the screw has a truncated, conically shaped bottom that mates with a similarly shaped countersunk hole on the bushing, the conical bottom, countersunk hole, and screw being coaxial. The mating surfaces on the nut and the countersunk hole reduce lateral movement of the screw during tuning and fixing of the position of the latter by tightening the locknut against the bushing.

Abstract: Neutron generator in well logging instrument is pulsed 100 times having a time between pulses of 1400 microseconds. This is followed by an off period of four cycles wherein 2800 microseconds is allowed for capture radiation to decay to an insignificant level and the remaining 2800 microseconds is used to measure background radiation. This results in the neutron source being disabled four pulses after every hundred pulses of operation, or approximately a 4% loss of neutron output. A first detector gate is open from 400 to 680 microseconds and a second detector gate is open from 700 to 980 microseconds. During the 100 cycles, each of the gates is thus open for 280 microseconds times 100 for a total of 28,000 microseconds. By scaling the gate count rate by a factor of 10, the background is subtracted directly.

Abstract: A current probe for coaxial conductors including a coaxial coupling having transformer surrounding the central conductor and a coaxial passive load assembly within the coupling connected between the central and outer conductors. The transformer and passive-load components are interchangeable with others of different characteristics.

Abstract: An N/P type silicon solar cell is doped with copper and encased in an aluminum sheath to form a probe. A heavy metal foil means is inserted in the probe to accomplish a solid state ionization chamber of silicon PN-junction type.

Abstract: The sensitivity of a gage using a nuclear source for measuring the water content of bulk materials, such as plastic concrete, is increased by use of a lithium or fluorine neutron nuclear source.

Abstract: A storage rack for spent nuclear fuel elements comprising a multiplicity of elongated hollow containers of uniform cross-section, preferably square, some of said containers having laterally extending continuous flanges extending between adjacent containers and defining continuous elongated chambers therebetween for the reception of neutron absorbing panels.

Abstract: A high density infrared detector array is stacked with and bonded to a coementing silicon microcircuit chip by interconnecting solder bumps. The silicon chip is provided with a plurality of window areas, each of said areas positioned in registration with a corresponding underlying detector element for permitting the transmission of infrared radiation to the array.

Abstract: A high resolution fluorescent screen including an amorphous coating of fluorescent dye on a substrate transparent to visible light is used to enable an observer to examine photomasks of the type used in manufacturing integrated circuits by using ultraviolet light. The screen converts ultraviolet light passing through the photomask into visible light. The screen is comprised of a transparent substrate having a high resolution amorphous coating of fluorescent dye in a binder on one side. Alternatively, a transparent substrate including a fluorescent material, such as uranium glass, may be used. On the other side of the substrate an ultraviolet blocking filter is applied to prevent ultraviolet light from injuring the eye of an observer using the screen.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining the position of the interface between a liquid and its vapor or between two liquids by exposing the liquid(s) to fast neutrons and monitoring the resultant emergent slow neutrons from the vessel containing the liquid(s).

Abstract: A thin-film superconductor device is disclosed which includes a superconductor film having one or more channels or regions of reduced width. The channel areas define predetermined volumes of superconductive material which is switched from its superconducting state to its normal state by impinging low energy particles. Return to the superconducting state is automatic after a fixed interval depending upon the volume of superconductive material in each channel region. The switching or state changing of the semiconductive region is independent of the energy of the triggering particles and results in output pulses of fixed height and width for a given channel volume. Applications of the disclosed superconductor device in digital memories and particle counting apparatuses are described.

Abstract: This measuring arrangement minimizes the influence of disuniformities in the first dynode, struck by the beam's ions, of the electron multiplier used in the arrangement. The beam F whose current is to be measured is expanded, for example using a divergent lens, between the analyzer slot and said dynode. In a variant embodiment, the beam is imparted a rapid oscillatory motion which causes it to scan the dynode.

Abstract: A sample cell useful in fluorescent X-ray analytical devices is provided herein, which cell is composed of an inner frame; an inner frame cover and a radiation-permeable sheet which houses the sample to be analyzed and an outer frame which covers the sample. The inner frame cover which is formed by bending a soft plastic film and the radiation-permeable sheet are such that they may be discarded after each analysis whereas the inner frame and the outer frame are used for reinforcement and sealing up of the sample and are never contaminated with the sample to be analyzed. Since the inner frame cover and the X-ray permeable sheet are the only members of the sample cell which contact the sample to be analyzed, these portions have been made from inexpensive disposable materials so that they can be discarded after each X-ray analysis, thereby eliminating the need to wash the sample cell after each analysis.

Abstract: A lined phosphorescent backing sheet for use in underlying relation with writing paper or drawing sheets permitting a writer to write in orderly form in the dark without need for external light.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for insulating a plasma using turbulent thermal insulation for the purpose of approaching thermonuclear temperatures. It includes a hollow cylinder of a metallic hydride of predetermined size which is encapsulated by an outer metallic cylinder which seals the hollow cylinder, including the ends thereof. A mixture of deuterium and tritium gas is placed within the hollow cylinder at a pressure of about 11/2 atmospheres and auxiliary and main power supplies are sequentially applied to the cylinders to respectively form a plasma and inject an electron beam into the plasma. The thermal conductivity is reduced by the resulting electron turbulence.

Abstract: Liquid oxygen-compatible water washable substantially biodegradable dye penetrant composition having excellent sensitivity and high stability, for use in non-destructive dye penetrant inspection particularly of parts or mechanical components which are later placed in contact with liquid oxygen, and which are compatible with a wide variety of metals including steel alloys, such composition consisting essentially of an organic dye, preferably a fluorescent dye, a carrier or solvent for said dye, in the form of certain oxyalkylated alcohols, preferably ethoxylated linear alcohols,particularly the biodegradable nonionic surfactants comprised of ethoxylates of a mixture of secondary alcohols having linear alkyl chains of from 11 to 15 carbon atoms, and an average of from 3 to 12 moles of ethylene oxide, and a nonhalogenated solvent which is volatile at room temperature, e.g. a ketone such as methyl ethyl ketone or acetone, or a suitable alcohol such as ethyl alcohol.