Abstract: An improved plug valve assembly having polymerically encapsulated seats and a machined inner surface is provided. The valve assembly comprises a valve body having an internal chamber, a plug disposed within the internal chamber and seat members supporting and sealing the plug. The seat members comprise a support frame which is completely encapsulated in a polymeric material. The process for encapsulating the seats includes providing a mold having, among other features, pins which position the support frame to provide for even application of the polymeric material to the support frame.

Abstract: The method for measuring the thickness of a material which transmits a detectable amount of microwave radiation includes irradiating the material with coherent microwave radiation tuned over a frequency range. Reflected microwave radiation is detected, the reflected radiation having maxima and minima over the frequency range as a result of coherent interference of microwaves reflected from reflecting surfaces of the material. The thickness of the material is determined from the period of the maxima and minima along with knowledge of the index of refraction of the material.

Abstract: A certain group of electrically conductive refractory materials presently known for use in high temperature applications as throat constructions, melter sidewalls, forehearth, stacks, port sills, hot face lining for slagging coal gasifiers, slag runners, and linings for nuclear waste encapsulation furnaces may be used as electrodes permitting joule heating at temperatures in excess of 1200 C. in excess of about 4400 hours even in the presence of transition group element(s). More specifically, the invention is an electrode for melting earthen materials, wherein the electrode is made from an electrically conductive refractory material, specifically at least one metal oxide wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of chrome, ruthenium, rhodium, tin and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An adjustable ball valve assembly having a vertically tapered chamber and an adjustment mechanism is provided. The adjustable ball valve includes a vertically tapered chamber, a ball disposed within said chamber, a valve stem connected to said ball, seat members, which include a rigid, solid support frame encapsulated in a polymeric material, supporting and sealing the ball and having a vertical taper corresponding to the chamber taper, locking members to prevent horizontal or rotational movement of the seat members and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the seat members vertically within the chamber. The seat members are encapsulated by means of an injection molding process. The process includes providing an injection mold having, among other features, pins which position the support frame to provide for even application of the polymeric material to the support frame.