Abstract: A nickel base single crystal compliant layer on a ceramic blade has the capability to sustain high stresses and high operating temperature. Layers of nickel and platinum bonded on a single crystal superalloy over a sputtered gold-chromium layer support the high stress levels at elevated temperature without extrusion of the soft platinum or nickel layer and without destruction of an NiO compliant surface. The compliant layers have survived stress and temperature conditions without failure to the ceramic blade and the system can be stressed/heated and unloaded/cooled repeatedly without damage to the ceramic blades. A single crystal nickel base superalloy (i.e., SC180) has high strength properties at elevated temperature. Thin layers of chromium followed by gold are e-beam evaporated on one side of a polished surface of the alloy. Pure nickel is electroplated over this e-beam gold-chromium layer. Platinum is either electroplated or plated electrolessly over the nickel layer.

Abstract: A gallium based switch or sensor devices, and a process for producing such devices, in which gallium or a gallium alloy, the surface oxide is separated either in-situ or ex-situ and placed in a switching capsule. Reagents which separate the oxide without dissolving either gallium alloy or the oxide are found and can be used in the in-situ or ex-situ configurations. In-situ fluids separate the oxide layer allowing switch functionality. A electrically non-conducting carrier liquid may contain the oxide separating agent and may be used within the switching capsule. The oxide separating fluid further prevents oxidation of the metal or alloy and thereby prevents wetting of the capsule surface by the metal or alloy to allow for good electrical performance of the switch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electroless plating of a platinum-rhodium alloy onto a substrate. More particularly, this invention pertains to an aqueous platinum and rhodium plating bath, a process for plating a uniform coating of a platinum-rhodium alloy onto various substrates using an electroless plating composition, and a platinum-rhodium plated article formed therefrom. This process is suitable for the deposition of a platinum-rhodium alloy on virtually any material of any geometrical shape, including fibers and powders.

Abstract: A gallium based switch or sensor devices, and a process for producing such devices, in which gallium or a gallium alloy, the surface oxide is separated either in-situ or ex-situ and placed in a switching capsule. Reagents which separate the oxide without dissolving either gallium alloy or the oxide are found and can be used in the in-situ or ex-situ configurations. In-situ fluids separate the oxide layer allowing switch functionality. A electrically non-conducting carrier liquid may contain the oxide separating agent and may be used within the switching capsule. The oxide separating fluid further prevents oxidation of the metal or alloy and thereby prevents wetting of the capsule surface by the metal or alloy to allow for good electrical performance of the switch.

Abstract: A carbon deposit inhibiting thermal barrier coating for an internal element or component in a gas turbine engine. Such coating includes a layer of thermal barrier material coated onto the surface of an engine component that will be exposed to the flow of burning engine gases. Such coating further includes a layer of carbon deposit inhibiting material coated on top of the layer of thermal barrier material.

Abstract: A carbon deposit inhibiting thermal barrier coating for an internal element or component in a gas turbine engine. Such coating includes a layer of thermal barrier material coated onto the surface of an engine component that will be exposed to the flow of burning engine gases. Such coating further includes a layer of carbon deposit inhibiting material coated on top of the layer of thermal barrier material.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant coated fuel cell plate and method of making the same are embodied in a metal plate provided with a multilayered conductive coating and then with an overcoating which fills in fine scale porosities in the coating. In one preferred embodiment, the overcoating is amorphous graphite applied through a deposition process. In another preferred embodiment, the overcoating is a thin layer of oxide created by a chemical anodization process.

Abstract: A coupling with a tribological system that can withstand temperatures up to 600° C. The coupling includes a shaft having an outer surface with a layer of chromium and a sleeve for receiving the shaft. The sleeve has an inner surface with a layer of silver or gold. The silver or gold layer contacts the chromium layer to form the tribological system.

Abstract: An electrical switch comprising of a non-conducting hollow housing and a number of spaced electrodes, each of which extends through the housing, and a contact member within the cavity which comprises of a core member having a layer of liquid gallium or gallium alloy adhered to and surrounding the core member. The contact member is moveable within the housing in response to movement of the housing, and able to electrically connect any two electrodes by positioning the gallium or gallium alloy layer in contact with the electrodes, and to electrically disconnect the electrodes by positioning the gallium or gallium alloy layer out of contact with the electrodes.

Abstract: A nickel base single crystal compliant layer on a ceramic blade has the capability to sustain high stresses and high operating temperature. Layers of nickel and platinum bonded on a single crystal superalloy over a sputtered gold-chromium layer support the high stress levels at elevated temperature without extrusion of the soft platinum or nickel layer and without destruction of an NiO compliant surface. The compliant layers have survived stress and temperature conditions without failure to the ceramic blade and the system can be stressed/heated and unloaded/cooled repeatedly without damage to the ceramic blades. A single crystal nickel base superalloy (i.e., SC180) has high strength properties at elevated temperature. Thin layers of chromium followed by gold are e-beam evaporated on one side of a polished surface of the alloy. Pure nickel is electroplated over this e-beam gold-chromium layer. Platinum is either electroplated or plated electrolessly over the nickel layer.

Abstract: A coupling with a tribological system that can withstand temperatures up to 600° C. The coupling includes a shaft having an outer surface with a layer of chromium and a sleeve for receiving the shaft. The sleeve has an inner surface with a layer of silver or gold. The silver or gold layer contacts the chromium layer to form the tribological system.

Abstract: An electrical switch comprised of a housing defining a cavity, at least two spaced electrodes extending through the housing into the cavity, and wherein at least one of said at least two electrodes is composed of gallium wetted tantalum or tantalum alloy, and a moveable amount of liquid gallium or liquid gallium alloy within the cavity to electrically connect and disconnect any two of said at least two electrodes as a result of movement of the housing.

Abstract: A method of forming a porous ceramic matrix for use in an infrared heating unit comprises the steps of mixing ceramic fibers, organic binders and particulate material capable of infrared emissivity with an ionic wetting agent to form a moldable ceramic mixture, and molding the mixture to a desired shape. A ceramic matrix with infrared emissivity particles substantially uniformly distributed through the matrix is formed which results in a high intensity, high thermal efficiency matrix for use in an infrared heater. In a further aspect, the matrix can be formed using at least two different compositions of ceramic fibers each composition having a different melting temperature. During operation of the matrix in a heater unit over normal operating temperatures, melting and re-crystallization of the ceramic fibers with the lower melting temperature occurs resulting in the creation of crystalline bond regions between the two fiber compositions.

Abstract: An infrared heating unit which finds particular application in paper making equipment for coating drying and moisture profile control. In one embodiment, the heating unit comprises a housing and a heat resistant, porous ceramic matrix received in the housing having an inner surface, side walls and an external surface. The inner surface of the ceramic matrix and the housing cooperate to define a chamber. There is at least one resilient anchoring strip extending between the ceramic matrix and the housing about the perimeter of the ceramic matrix to retain the ceramic matrix in place within the housing and seal the edges of the ceramic matrix. An inlet to the housing is provided to admit a gas/air combustion mixture to the chamber. The gas/air mixture passes through the ceramic matrix to burn adjacent the external surface of the ceramic matrix to heat the external surface to incandescence.

Abstract: A lubricant coating disposed between a substrate and a counter surface comprises a reaction layer immediately adjacent the substrate. A bonding layer is immediately adjacent the reaction layer, with the bonding layer comprising a first composition. A low friction, lubricious layer is immediately adjacent the bonding layer, with the lubricious layer comprising a second composition that is different from the first composition.

Abstract: A carbon deposit inhibiting thermal barrier coating for an internal element or component in a gas turbine engine. Such coating includes a layer of thermal barrier material coated onto the surface of an engine component that will be exposed to the flow of burning engine gases. Such coating further includes a layer of carbon deposit inhibiting material coated on top of the layer of thermal barrier material.

Abstract: A coupling with a tribological system that can withstand temperatures up to 600° C. The coupling includes a shaft having an outer surface with a layer of chromium and a sleeve for receiving the shaft. The sleeve has an inner surface with a layer of silver or gold. The silver or gold layer contacts the chromium layer to form the tribological system.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrical switch comprised of a housing defining a cavity, at least two spaced electrodes, each electrode extending through the housing into the cavity, and wherein at least one of said at least two electrodes is composed of tantalum or tantalum alloy, and a moveable amount of liquid gallium or liquid gallium alloy within the cavity to electrically connect and disconnect any two of said at least two electrodes as a result of movement of the housing.

Abstract: A superelastic alloy exhibiting shape memory or pseudoelastic it properties contains about 46.17 weight percent Au and about 53.83 weight percent In. Such alloys containing the superelastic Au—In2 intermetallic compound which exhibits elasticity can be formed into a gasket or seal that can be deformed at low stress levels while additionally having corrosion resistant properties.

Abstract: A nickel base single crystal compliant layer on a ceramic blade has the capability to sustain high stresses and high operating temperature. Layers of nickel and platinum bonded on a single crystal superalloy over a sputtered gold-chromium layer support the high stress levels at elevated temperature without extrusion of the soft platinum or nickel layer and without destruction of an NiO compliant surface. The compliant layers have survived stress and temperature conditions without failure to the ceramic blade and the system can be stressed/heated and unloaded/cooled repeatedly without damage to the ceramic blades. A single crystal nickel base superalloy (i.e., SC180) has high strength properties at elevated temperature. Thin layers of chromium followed by gold are e-beam evaporated on one side of a polished surface of the alloy. Pure nickel is electroplated over this e-beam gold-chromium layer. Platinum is either electroplated or plated electrolessly over the nickel layer.