Abstract: Magnetostrictive material such as Terfenol-D undergoes annealing treatment y heating for a limited period of time to an elevated temperature below the melting point, followed by cooling to a preferred magnetic state in which a compressive stress generated and applied during treatment is retained in the treated material as a built-in prestress.

Abstract: Polycrystalline or single crystal magnetostrictive alloys of the formula Tb.sub.1-x Dy.sub.x Zn.sub.w (0<x.ltoreq.0.7; 0.90.ltoreq.w.ltoreq.1.10) and Tb.sub.1-y Gd.sub.y Zn.sub.w (0<y.ltoreq.0.4; 0.90.ltoreq.w.ltoreq.1.10) and magnetostrictive transducer elements made of these alloys.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive element having a large magnetomechanical coupling factor long its axis, is selected to determine strain by measurement of changes in its electrical impedance along such axis. Such measurement is maximized by generation of current of a predetermined frequency conducted through the magnetostrictive element to correspondingly penetrate the magnetostrictive element to a substantial skin depth.

Abstract: The active elements of magnetostrictive and piezoelectric actuators undergo yclic elongation and contraction in out-of-phase relation to each other when energized by the same electric power supply to exert push/pull forces during four cycle phases of an operational sequence to impart continuous, unidirectional propulsion to a driven member.

Abstract: A structural laminate of rigid layers separated by very thin layers of vius fluid. The viscous fluid adheres to the confronting surfaces of adjacent rigid layers and is maintained in layered alignment within the laminate to ordinarily prevent flexural vibration and provide vibration overdampening to cope with flexural deforming forces.

Abstract: A method of measuring strain in material by(1) selecting a metallic glass ribbon of the compositionFe.sub.w B.sub.x Si.sub.y C.sub.zwherein0.70.ltoreq.w.ltoreq.0.83,0.10.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.20,0.03.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.10,0.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.03, andw+x+y+z=1.00wherein the metallic glass ribbon is essentially strain free and has easy xes of magnetization which are in the plane of the ribbon transverse (at 90.degree.) to the long axis of the ribbon;(2) bonding the metallic glass ribbon to material to be measured by means of a homogeneous viscous organic liquid having a viscosity greater than 10.sup.5 cp at 25.degree. C.;(3) allowing the viscous liquid to relax until the metallic glass ribbon is not stressed by the viscous liquid and is in a state of constant strain within it magnetostrictive dynamic range; and(4) measuring the susceptibility of the metallic glass ribbon which is directly proportional to strain within the material being measured.

Abstract: Magnetostrictive wire having a low surface-to-volume ratio established by a onstant non-planar cross-section, is helically deformed into contact with a shaft under a stress maintaining the wire in fixed relation to the shaft surface. Magnetic anisotropy is imparted to the wire by twist thereof about its cross-sectional axis while the wire is being helically deformed into contact with the shaft surface to form a torque sensor through which accurate torque detection is achieved.

Abstract: Magnetostrictive wire having a low surface-to-volume ratio established by a onstant non-planar cross-section, is helically deformed into contact with a shaft under a stress maintaining the wire in fixed relation to the shaft surface. Magnetic anisotropy is imparted to the wire by twist thereof about its cross-sectional axis while the wire is being helically deformed into contact with the shaft surface to form a torque sensor through which accurate torque detection is achieved.

Abstract: A strain gauge comprised of a magnetic multilayer assembly exhibiting spialve effect with individual ferromagnetic layers possessing magnetostrictive properties. A magnetic field source is used to bias the magnetic moments of the ferromagnetic layers in a given direction whereby stress applied causes previously antiferromagnetically coupled moments to be angularly realigned toward a ferromagnetic arrangement. Such realignment causes a corresponding resistance change of unexpectedly high magnitude thereby providing a highly sensitive strain gauge.

Abstract: Sol-gel processing techniques are used to produce alkali-free bioactive glass compositions based on SiO.sub.2, CaO and P.sub.2 O.sub.5. By varying the SiO.sub.2 content, a range of hydroxyapatite production rates can be obtained; conversely, varying the time of exposure to actual or simulated in vivo solutions permits use of a range of allowable proportions of SiO.sub.2. The sol-gel derived compositions can be chosen to achieve target values for thermal expansion coefficient, elastic modulus and volume electrical resistivity.

Abstract: Axially elongated drive modules are interconnected at their opposite ends angularly spaced supports in a polygonal arrangement on an inner ring to establish tensile stress therein, while intermediate module centers are spaced from an inner shaft by solenoid locks. Each module includes at least two magnetostrictive rod elements held in axial alignment at their adjacent ends by a coupling, through which the module is radially spaced from the common axis. Drive coils electrically energized to generate magnetic fields cause simultaneous elongation and contraction of the rod elements to apply unidirectional torque to a rotor formed by either the outer ring or the inner shaft.

Abstract: The magnetostrictive rod of a linear motor is made of twinned single crys Terfenol-D having its crystalline axis aligned with the rod axis to produce non-uniform transverse magnetostriction during axial magnetostrictive elongation of the rod in response to a triggering magnetic field. Slide bearing forces applied through spring biased support plates are limited to flat surfaces formed on the rod perpendicular to a transverse axis along which the rod is magnetostrictively contracted.

Abstract: Magnetic energy is converted into mechanical energy by applying a changing agnetic field to a rare earth alloy of the formula Tb.sub.x Dy.sub.1-x at a temperature in the range of about 0.degree. K. to 170.degree. K., wherein x and the operating temperature are selected to minimize the basal plane anisotropy.

Abstract: Method and composition for repair of periodontal osseous defects based on particulate bioactive and biocompatible glass.

Abstract: A metallic glass ribbon of the formulaFe.sub.w B.sub.x Si.sub.y C.sub.zwherein0.78.ltoreq.w.ltoreq.0.83,0.13.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.17,0.03.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.07,0.005.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.03,andw+x+y+z=1,is annealed to remove mechanical strains and exposed to a magnetic field in the plane of the ribbon and transverse to the long axis of the ribbon. The resulting metalic glass ribbons have very large magnetic coupling coefficients (k.sub.33 >0.9). The treated ribbons are useful in magnetostrictive transducers and in passive listening devices such as hydrophones or pressure sensors.

Abstract: A rod of magnetostrictive material has its ends placed between steel bars which provide compression on the rod by tensioning wires connected between the bars. Preferably, the wires are equally spaced along the bars from the rod so that when the wires are equally tensioned the rod is under no bending stress. The tension of the wires (and from this value, the compression of the rod) is conveniently determined by the freqency of vibration of the wires using known physical relationships between these quantities.

Abstract: A method of converting magnetic energy to mechanical energy comprising subjecting a material of the formula R.sub.x T.sub.1-x wherein R is a rare earth or mixtures thereof, T is Fe, Ni, Co, Mn, or mixtures thereof, and 0<x<1, to a change in magnetic field and of converting mechanical energy to magnetic energy comprising subjecting a material of the formula R.sub.x T.sub.1-x to a change in pressure.

Abstract: Grain-oriented polycrystalline or single crystal magnetostrictive materials n the general formula Tb.sub.x Dy.sub.1-x Fe.sub.2-w, Tb.sub.x Ho.sub.1-x Fe.sub.2-w, Sm.sub.x Dy.sub.1-x Fe.sub.x-w, Sm.sub.x Ho.sub.1-x Fe.sub.2-w, Tb.sub.x Ho.sub.y Dy.sub.z Fe.sub.2-w, or Sm.sub.x Ho.sub.y Dy.sub.z Fe.sub.2-w, wherein O.ltoreq.w.ltoreq.0.20, and x+y+z=1. X, y, and z are selected to maximize the magnetostrictive effect and the magnetomechanical coupling coefficient K.sub.33. These material may be used in magnetostrictive transducers, delay lines, variable frequency resonators, and filters.

Abstract: Improved magnetostrictive materials are combined in a novel arrangement to provide a transducer of the electromechanical type particularly suited for the precise control of fluid flow. An embodiment according to this invention comprises a valve assembly having a discharge ported, cylindrical housing of a material exhibiting positive magnetostriction, a plunger of a material exhibiting negative magnetostriction disposed within the housing, the plunger provided with a tapered nose initially in close fitment within the discharge port to restrain the flow of fluids, and means to create a magnetic field around the assembly. As the materials are exposed to the magnetic field the housing expands relative to the contracting plunger, causing the plunger to separate from close, seated fitment within the discharge port, thereby allowing flow through the port. One of the materials may be selected from a non-magnetostrictive material.

Abstract: A heat transfer system, e.g., refrigeration system or heater, particularly aluable at cryogenic temperatures which comprises a serial arrangement, in abutting contact and connected to the material or device to be cooled or heated, of a thermal reservoir made of a material having a specific heat capacity, a thermal valve made of a thermally-conductive material whose thermal conductivity increases as its temperature increases, e.g., magnesium, a working material whose temperature is periodically varied, e.g., by magnetic or electric fields, and another valve of a thermal-conductive material whose thermal conductivity decreases as its temperature increases, e.g., NaCl. The magnetic refrigeration or heater units may be ganged to increase the cooling or heating ability.