Abstract: A latching system for removably securing a first structure to a second structure. The system includes at least one magnetically permeable latch bar pivotally coupled to the first structure, and a biasing spring that pivots the latch bar to a latched position within a recess in the second structure, thereby securing the first structure to the second structure. Additionally, the system includes an unlatching tool that includes an embedded magnetized bar that generates a magnetic field around the unlatching tool. The unlatching tool can be used to pivot the latch bar to an unlatched position by placing the unlatching tool in close proximity to the latch bar such that the magnetic field exerts a rotational force on the latch bar, thereby pivoting the latch bar to the unlatched position.

Abstract: A surface treatment 10 for application to an aircraft wing surface 12 is provided, including at least one reflective metallic film 22 bonded at least one hollow cell structure 24 to provide a thermal barrier that inhibits non-environmental frost formation.

Abstract: A surface treatment 10 for application to an aircraft wing surface 12 is provided, including at least one reflective metallic film 22 bonded at least one hollow cell structure 24 to provide a thermal barrier that inhibits non-environmental frost formation.

Abstract: A latching system for removably securing a first structure to a second structure. The system includes at least one magnetically permeable latch bar pivotally coupled to the first structure, and a biasing spring that pivots the latch bar to a latched position within a recess in the second structure, thereby securing the first structure to the second structure. Additionally, the system includes an unlatching tool that includes an embedded magnetized bar that generates a magnetic field around the unlatching tool. The unlatching tool can be used to pivot the latch bar to an unlatched position by placing the unlatching tool in close proximity to the latch bar such that the magnetic field exerts a rotational force on the latch bar, thereby pivoting the latch bar to the unlatched position.

Abstract: Rare earth metal switched magnetic devices that comprise one or more magnets, a rare earth metal element positioned in the magnetic field produced by the magnet(s) and a system for controlling the temperature of the rare earth metal element are disclosed. The rare earth metal element is formed of a rare earth metal or rare earth metal alloy having magnetic properties that change from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic when heated above the Curie temperature of the chosen rare earth metal or rare earth metal alloy. Preferably the Curie temperature of the chosen rare earth metal or rare earth metal alloy is at or below the ambient temperature in which the rare earth metal switched magnetic device is to be used—approximately room temperature (70° F.) in the case of devices intended for use in a factory. Tailored Curie temperatures can be obtained by alloying rare earth metals together and/or with conventional switchable “soft” magnetic metals—iron, nickel, and cobalt.

Abstract: A fibrous ceramic mat is molded from a slurry of ceramic fibers and/or ceramic micropartides and/or a metal. The mat is impregnated with a sol prior to drying. A catalyst for the sol is introduced into the mat to cause the sol to gel. The sol-gel binder forms bonds so that the mat is dimensionally stabilized. The mat is dried to produce the desired ceramic insulation that has preferably a consistent microstructure and a fully gelled sol-gel binder through its entire thickness. If we use a metal, it corrodes (i.e., oxidizes) or otherwise reacts to form a refractory binder that augments the sol and reduces the need to infuse sol incrementally to achieve strength. Using metal powder significantly reduces the cost of manufacture.

Abstract: Processes are provided for forming composites comprising a LaMnO3 perovskite coatings (or a related perovskite) on a mat of ceramic particles (e.g., fibers, microballoons, or mixtures thereof) or LaMnO3-family sol-gel binders infused into the mat to form the connecting, rigidifying bridges.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detection of rare earth metal oxide inclusions in non-magnetic metal. The method utilizes a D.C. magnetic search field coupled with a magnetic field sensor for detecting the response of a rare earth metal oxide casting fragment inclusion through the bending and amplification of the ambient magnetic field at the defect location.

Abstract: A flywheel system suitable for storing energy when demand for energy from a power plant is low, and from which energy can be retrieved when energy demand increases. The flywheel includes (a) a circular composite or metallic glass ring with a radial width limited to less than about 30 percent of the ring's outer radius, and (b) at least one spoke extending along a diameter of the ring, and attached to the ring at either end. The spoke has sufficient radial extendability due to either bending and elastic radial elongation, or only elastic elongation so that, when the flywheel rotates at operating speed, the spoke extends radially to match the radial growth of the ring, without subjecting the flywheel to significant tension at points of attachment of the spoke to the ring. In one embodiment, both flywheel ring and spoke are made of oriented high strength fibers embedded in a thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A fibrous ceramic mat is molded from a slurry of ceramic fibers and/or ceramic microparticles and/or a metal. The mat is impregnated with a sol prior to drying. A catalyst for the sol is introduced into the mat to cause the sol to gel. The sol-gel binder forms bonds so that the mat is dimensionally stabilized. The mat is dried to produce the desired ceramic insulation that has preferably a consistent microstructure and a fully gelled sol-gel binder through its entire thickness. If we use a metal, it corrodes (i.e., oxidizes) or otherwise reacts to form a refractory binder that augments the sol and reduces the need to infuse sol incrementally to achieve strength. Using metal powder significantly reduces the cost of manufacture.

Abstract: Rare earth metal switched magnetic devices that comprise one or more magnets, a rare earth metal element positioned in the magnetic field produced by the magnet(s) and a system for controlling the temperature of the rare earth metal element are disclosed. The rare earth metal element is formed of a rare earth metal or rare earth metal alloy having magnetic properties that change from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic when heated above the Curie temperature of the chosen rare earth metal or rare earth metal alloy. Preferably the Curie temperature of the chosen rare earth metal or rare earth metal alloy is at or below the ambient temperature in which the rare earth metal switched magnetic device is to be used—approximately room temperature (70° F.) in the case of devices intended for use in a factory. Tailored Curie temperatures can be obtained by alloying rare earth metals together and/or with conventional switchable “soft” magnetic metals—iron, nickel, and cobalt.

Abstract: Rare earth metal switched magnetic devices that comprise one or more magnets, a rare earth metal element positioned in the magnetic field produced by the magnet(s) and a system for controlling the temperature of the rare earth metal element are disclosed. The rare earth metal element is formed of a rare earth metal or rare earth metal alloy having magnetic properties that change from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic when heated above the Curie temperature of the chosen rare earth metal or rare earth metal alloy. Preferably the Curie temperature of the chosen rare earth metal or rare earth metal alloy is at or below the ambient temperature in which the rare earth metal switched magnetic device is to be used—approximately room temperature (70° F.) in the case of devices intended for use in a factory. Tailored Curie temperatures can be obtained by alloying rare earth metals together and/or with conventional switchable “soft” magnetic metals—iron, nickel, and cobalt.

Abstract: We make large (in excess of 2 cm in diameter), single crystal YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x [123 YBCO] crystals, where x.ltoreq.0.6, in a seventeen step process or some variant thereof from finely ground and well mixed 123 YBCO and 211 YBCO powders with a small amount of Pt by controlling the rate of cooling from within a compact of the powders using a temperature gradient in the radial and axial planes (independently) of about 1-1.degree. C./inch diameter of compact to nucleate the crystal growth. We promote crystal growth as well using a samarium oxide seed crystal, preferably SmBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.(7-y), where y.ltoreq.1.6. After nucleation we cool the compact slowly at a rate from about 0.1-1.degree. C./hr to promote the single crystal development.

Abstract: Magnetic flux trapping clamps are provided that trap or pin the magnetic flux of ring shaped superconductive magnets in a high permeability metallic core located in the bore of the ring. Preferably, the superconductive magnets comprise a single crystal cut into a ring shape. Multiples of the flux-pinned magnets, having high magnetic strength, can be arranged in a variety of arrays for a range of applications. The devices offer several advantages over permanent or electromagnets. The devices easily activated by charging with a cryogenic fluid, to induce the superconductive effect, and deactivated by draining the fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for temperature activated protection of electronic components from interfering electromagnetic radiation comprising the step of shielding of a component with a thin film of superconducting material characterized by a critical temperature of at least 93.degree.K, and exposing the film to a temperature below the critical temperature. To allow transmissions to and from the component, the shield is converted to a window by heating the film to a temperature above the critical temperature.

Abstract: A ceramic composite is provided comprising ceramic fibers, glass microballoons and/or diatoms, bound together with a ceramic reinforcing cloth with a sol-gel ceramic binder. The composite is particularly useful as a high strength, high temperature insulation material.

Abstract: A ceramic composite comprising ceramic fibers and glass microparticles bound together as a porous matrix with a ceramic binder provides baffles for cryogenic fluids in a storage container.

Abstract: A slurry is molded from ceramic fibers and/or microparticles to form a soft felt mat which is impregnated with a sol prior to drying the mat. A catalyst for the sol is caused to diffuse into the mat by exposing the mat to the catalyst and subjecting the mat to a soak time during which the catalyst diffuses into the mat and causes the sol to gel. The sol-gel binder forms bonds so that the mat is dimensionally stabilized. The mat is dried to produce ceramic insulation.Ceramic insulation having a consistent microstructure and a fully gelled sol-gel binder through its entire thickness is also provided.

Abstract: A fibrous ceramic mat is molded from a slurry of ceramic fibers and/or ceramic microparticles and/or a metal. The mat is impregnated with a sol prior to drying. A catalyst for the sol is introduced into the mat to cause the sol to gel. The sol-gel binder forms bonds so that the mat is dimensionally stabilized. The mat is dried to produce the desired ceramic insulation that has preferably a consistent microstructure and a fully gelled sol-gel binder through its entire thickness. When a metal is used, it corrodes (i.e., oxidizes) or otherwise reacts to form a refractory binder that augments the sol and reduces the need to infuse sol incrementally to achieve strength. Using metal powder significantly reduces the cost of manufacture.

Abstract: A slurry is molded from ceramic fibers and/or microparticles to form a soft felt mat which is impregnated with a sol prior to drying the mat. A catalyst for the sol is caused to diffuse into the mat by exposing the mat to the catalyst and subjecting the mat to a soak time during which the catalyst diffuses into the mat and causes the sol to gel. The sol-gel binder forms bonds so that the mat is dimensionally stabilized. The mat is dried to produce ceramic insulation.