Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal-oxide ceramic composition useful in induction heating applications for treating uranium and uranium alloys. The ceramic composition is electrically conductive at room temperature and is nonreactive with molten uranium. The composition is prepared from a particulate admixture of 20 to 50 vol. % niobium and zirconium oxide which may be stabilized with an addition of a further oxide such as magnesium oxide, calcium oxide, or yttria. The composition is prepared by blending the powders, pressing or casting the blend into the desired product configuration, and then sintering the casting or compact in an inert atmosphere. In the casting operation, calcium aluminate is preferably added to the admixture in place of a like quantity of zirconia for providing a cement to help maintain the integrity of the sintered product.

Abstract: A process is described for the production of dense metastable phases of carbon which have characteristics similar to diamond. Particulates of the metastable carbon are produced by reacting silicon carbide or a silicon carbide precursor, such as a silane or silicon metal, with a fluorocarbon, such as carbon tetrafluoride at a temperature greater than about 800.degree. C. A preferred range is from about 900.degree. C. to 1200.degree. C. The reaction may be carried out in a high voltage electrical diacharge, or other plasma, or in a furnace. The presence of a "promoter" metal, such as nickel and iron, increases the reaction rate and the quantity of the metastable carbon phases. Relatively large quantities of these diamond-like particulates are produced, and their properties are such as to make them useful for many of the same applications for which commercial diamonds are utilized. They are also useful in numerous high temperature applications.

Abstract: Novel concrete compositions comprise particles of aggregate material embedded in a cement matrix, said cement matrix produced by contacting an oxide selected from the group of Y.sub.2 O.sub.3, La.sub.2 O.sub.3, Nd.sub.2 O.sub.3, Sm.sub.2 O.sub.3, Eu.sub.2 O.sub.3 and Gd.sub.2 O.sub.3 with an aqueous solution of a salt selected from the group of NH.sub.4 NO.sub.3, NH.sub.4 Cl, YCl.sub.3 and Mg(NO.sub.3).sub.2 to form a fluid mixture; and allowing the fluid mixture to harden.

Abstract: Adhesive plaster compositions are provided by treating particles of Y.sub.2 O.sub.3, Eu.sub.2 O.sub.3, Gd.sub.2 O.sub.3 or Nd.sub.2 O.sub.3 with dilute acid solutions. The resulting compositions have been found to spontaneously harden into rigid reticulated masses resembling plaster of Paris. Upon heating, the hardened material is decomposed into the oxide, yet retains the reticulated rigid structure.

Abstract: An eye cooler is described to minimize discomfort of the eye region during sunbathing and, at the same time, to permit tanning of the area covered by the cooler. This is accomplished using a pair of flexible liquid-filled lenses, the walls of the lenses being formed from a very thin plastic film. The lenses are joined to each other by a nose bridge section, and means are included to hold the cooler in place on the wearer in contact with the skin. The liquid within the lenses, such as water, serves as a heat sink whereby heat is transferred through the thin plastic from the skin into the water to provide the cooling effect.In a special embodiment, the plastic and the liquid are chosen so as to provide a desired degree of transmission of the ultraviolet radiation wavelengths which produce tanning. The u.v. transmission of the total lens can be made equivalent to that of suntanning preparations, for example.

Abstract: A combined amusement and exercising device of the skipping or jumping type is described. A base unit is worn by the user at approximately the waist level. A large, rigid hoop is threadibly engaged with a portion of the base unit whereby the loop may be passed about the body of the user in a manner similar to skipping or jumping rope. Inertial momentum conveyed to the hoop during the skipping or jumping maintains motion of the hoop about the user's body. In some embodiments the hoop is separable from the base unit whereby the hoop may be employed for other exercising or amusement uses. The hoop is preferably circular; however, other shapes may be used.

Abstract: A method of limiting carbon contamination from graphite ware used in induction melting of uranium alloys is provided comprising coating the graphite surface with a suspension of Y.sub.2 O.sub.3 particles in water containing about 1.5 to 4% by weight sodium carboxymethylcellulose.

Abstract: Carbon contamination is removed from uranium and uranium alloys by heating in inert atmosphere to 700.degree.-1900.degree.C in effective contact with yttrium to cause carbon in the uranium to react with the yttrium. The yttrium is either in direct contact with the contaminated uranium or in indirect contact by means of an intermediate transport medium.

Abstract: This invention relates to ceramic compositions of tungsten and tantalum oxides including 0 to 33 1/3 mole percent of a metal oxide such as hafnia. These ceramics are characterized by melting points greater than about 1400.degree.C and selectively controlled coefficients of thermal expansion of essentially zero to a negative value in the temperature range of 20.degree. to 1000.degree.C.

Abstract: A shoe construction is described for improving the posture of the wearer, as well as reducing the wear on the rearward edge of the heel, without substantially changing the exterior appearance from conventional shoes. This is accomplished by hollowing out a portion of the top of the sole portion, particularly in the heel region, so that the sole of the wearer is inclined upwardly toward the toe portion of the sole at an angle of about 2.degree.-10.degree.. The shoe upper is substantially conventional; however, to comfortably accommodate the ankle of the wearer, due to the lowered heel, the rearward edge of the shoe upper is lowered an equivalent amount. The development is illustrated for shoes having a separate heel portion as well as for wedge-type shoes.

Abstract: Oxide compositions containing niobium pentoxide and an oxide selected from the group consisting of hafnia, titania, and zirconia have electrical conductivity characteristics which vary greatly depending on the oxygen content.