Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of a molybdenum-rhenium alloy in the construction of sealing tubes for high pressure discharge lamps.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed lamp having at least one end-to-end seal. The end-to-end seal may be a material diffusion bond, a seal-material bond, or any other suitable bond. For example, the hermetically sealed lamp may have one or more endcaps butt-sealed to an arc envelope, such as a ceramic tube or bulb. The hermetically sealed lamp also may have one or more tubular structures, such as dosing tubes, which are butt-sealed to the endcap and/or arc envelope. Localized heating, such as the heat provided by an intense laser, also may be used to enhance any of the foregoing bonds.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed lamp having at least one seal-material-free bond. The seal material-free bond may be a material diffusion bond, a mechanically deformed bond such as a cold weld or crimp, a focused heat bond such as a laser bond, or any other such bond. For example, the hermetically sealed lamp may have one or more endcaps diffusion bonded to an arc envelope, such as a ceramic tube or bulb. The hermetically sealed lamp also may have one or more tubular structures, such as dosing tubes, which are mechanically closed via cold welding or crimping. Localized heating, such as the heat provided by an intense laser, also may be used to enhance any of the foregoing bonds.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for forming compacts having reduced elephant's feet effect is disclosed. The apparatus includes a press for dry bag isostatic pressing, the press body having a cavity with at least one open end formed therein, an elastic mould, operatively positioned inside the cavity for compacting metal powder, means, operatively connected to the mould for expanding the mould and compacting the metal powder, and at least one press member having a base section substantially normal to the cavity and an insert section extending from base section into the cavity, the insert section being formed in the shape of any one of a plurality of geometric shapes.

Abstract: Methods for forming compacts having reduced elephant's feet effect are disclosed. The apparatus utilized includes a press for dry bag isostatic pressing, the press body having a cavity with at least one open end formed therein, an elastic mould, operatively positioned inside the cavity for compacting metal powder, means, operatively connected to the mould for expanding the mould and compacting the metal powder, and at least one press member having a base section substantially normal to the cavity and an insert section extending from base section into the cavity, the insert section being formed in the shape of any one of a plurality of geometric shapes.

Abstract: A powder filling apparatus comprised of a frame means having a cylindrical channel extending therethrough. A cylindrical funnel means is rotatably mounted in the channel, the funnel means having a bore extending therethrough. The bore has an axial section for receiving a flow of powder and an angled section at a preselected angle from the axis for directing the powder flow from the funnel means. A drive means is operatively connected for rotating the funnel means.

Abstract: A method for forming a porous body of a metal from the group consisting of molybdenum, molybdenum alloy, tungsten, tungsten alloy, or mixtures thereof comprises foaming a mixture of a sinterable powder of the metal and a foaming agent in a volume ratio of about 0.6 to 3.5:1 respectively, to form a foam having the metal powder dispersed therein. The foam is heated in a reducing atmosphere that promotes interparticle diffusion and bonding, to decompose the foam and sinter the metal powder to form the porous body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling generally cylindrical molds with powder particles is disclosed. A stream of powder particles is fed into a mold, and the powder particles are compacted in spirally formed layers so that the particles are compacted continuously in localized adjacent areas. The powder filling apparatus is comprised of a blade means configured to direct powder particles to spread evenly in the mold and urge the powder particles to compact while the blade means is rotated about an axis. A shaft is attached to the blade means for rotation of the blade means about the axis. A chuck means is slideably mounted on the shaft means through an axial channel, the chuck means being configured for applying force to the shaft while permitting movement of the shaft axially through the channel. A drive means is operatively connected to the chuck means for applying force to rotate the chuck about the axis.

Abstract: A method of forming tungsten ingots having improved uniformity of density and improved uniformity in distribution of dopant within the ingot is disclosed. Doped tungsten powder is disposed in a cylindrical mold having sealing means at both ends. The powder completely fills a void space within the mold between the sealing means so that there is substantially no settling of the powder. A pressure of about 560 kg/cm.sup.2 is applied uniformly to the outer surface of the mold to form a cylindrical compact. The compact is removed from the mold and resistance sintered to a density of at least about 85 percent of theoretical density to form the ingot.