Abstract: Shape-setting methods for fabricating devices made of single crystal shape memory alloys. In particular the methods described may be used to fabricate dental arches of single-crystal shape memory alloys. The methods include drawing a single crystal of a shape memory alloy from a melt of the alloy. This is followed by heating, forming, and quenching the crystal sufficiently rapid to limit the formation of alloy precipitates to an amount which retains hyperelastic composition and properties of the crystal.

Abstract: An article includes a substrate assembly for use in a detector system. The substrate assembly includes a substrate; a sample reception structure secured to the substrate; a test window extending through the substrate; and a fluid channel defined by a surface of the substrate and extending from the sample reception structure to the test window.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed for monitoring and controlling localized corrosion in an industrial water system, comprising: measuring quantitative localized corrosion rate and at least one controllable water chemistry variable; identifying mathematical correlations between the quantitative localized corrosion rate and the at least one controllable water chemistry variable; establishing mathematical correlations between the controllable water chemistry variable and at least one chemical treatment feed; defining an index derived from current and future values of the localized corrosion rate and an index derived from current and future values of the at least one chemical treatment feed; utilizing a processor to minimize the index of the localized corrosion rate and the index of the at least one chemical treatment feed and determine current and future values of the at least one chemical treatment feed; and implementing only a current value of the at least one chemical treatment feed within the water system.

Abstract: A temperature-activated valve for a conventional fire sprinkler utilizing a hyperelastic single-crystal shape memory alloy is described. The shape-memory element expands as it is heated, forcing a bolt to break, thereby opening the sprinkler valve. The devices described are less susceptible to accidental breakage than conventional actuators, and have fewer moving parts. Transition temperature of the shape memory alloy can be tuned to a narrow range.

Abstract: An article includes a substrate assembly for use in a detector system. The substrate assembly includes a substrate; a sample reception structure secured to the substrate; a test window extending through the substrate; and a fluid channel defined by a surface of the substrate and extending from the sample reception structure to the test window.

Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to a self-supporting porous ceramic composite body and to methods for producing such articles to net or near net shape, which bodies exhibit superior thermal and mechanical properties. The invention also relates to the manufacture of ceramic-metal or ceramic-ceramic macrocomposite bodies which have the porous ceramic articles incorporated therein or thereon.

Abstract: A surgical suturing instrument including a first jaw carrying a capsule which contains a suture having needles attached to its ends, a second jaw for receiving the needles and cooperating with the first jaw to clamp tissue to be sutured, a plunger in the first jaw for transferring the needles from the capsule to the second jaw through the clamped tissue, an actuator arm for successively moving the first jaw to closed position and operating the plunger, a common pivotal mounting for the jaws and the arm, and a latch member pivotally mounted on the first jaw for selectively interconnecting the first jaw with the arm and with the second jaw in succession as the arm is moved in a jaw-closing direction, so that such movement of the arm first closes the jaws and thereafter operates the plunger while the jaws are interlocked. The capsule has a notched bobbin for holding a U-shaped suture with the bight of the suture received in the notch.

Abstract: A graphite-moderated, water-cooled nuclear reactor including graphite blocks disposed in transverse alternate layers, one set of alternate layers consisting of alternate full size blocks and smaller blocks through which cooling tubes containing fuel extend, said smaller blocks consisting alternately of tube bearing blocks and support block, the support blocks being smaller than the tube bearing blocks, the aperture of each support block being tapered so as to provide the tube extending therethrough with a narrow region of support while being elsewhere spaced therefrom.