Abstract: A composite copper alloy having a modified surface is provided. An element or combination of elements both soluble in copper and reactive with nitrogen are cast with copper or a copper alloy forming a solid state solution. The alloy is reacted with a nitride former to modify the surface. A continuous surface film is formed by heating in a nitrogen containing gas. A dispersion of nitride precipitate in a copper matrix is formed by implanting nitrogen ions.

Abstract: There has been provided an electrical component having resistance to oxidation and wear. The component has a copper or copper alloy substrate coated with a relatively thick layer of silver. A thin layer of gold may be deposited on the external surface of the silver coating layer to improve oxidation resistance, lubricity and to serve as a diffusion barrier.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a rugged, flexible, superconducting wire comprising: mixing a superconducting material, such as YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x, with a metallic powder to form a metal/superconductor mixture; and loading a metal shell or tube with the metal/superconductor mixture to form a superconducting wire. The superconducting wire may also be cold drawn and annealed to form a very dense wire. The metallic powder is either copper, copper alloy, aluminum or other face centered cubic element. Additionally, a superconducting wire may be formed by encapsulating a superconducting filament within a metal shell.

Abstract: A composite copper alloy having a modified surface is provided. An element or combination of elements both soluble in copper and reactive with nitrogen are cast with copper or a copper alloy forming a solid state solution. The alloy is reacted with a nitride former to modify the surface. A continuous surface film is formed by heating in a nitrogen containing gas. A dispersion of nitride precipitate in a copper matrix is formed by implanting nitrogen ions.

Abstract: A molten metal spray-depositing apparatus employs an ejection nozzle for receiving a molten metal stream and having a configuration for confining and imparting mechanically an angular momentum thereto which produces stream break-up into a metal particle spray when the stream becomes unconfined upon exiting the nozzle. There are stationary and rotating versions of the ejection nozzle. The stationary ejection nozzle has a flow channel with internal angular elements, such as spiral grooves, which engage the moving molten metal stream to impart angular momentum thereto as it passes through the channel. The rotating ejection nozzle may have internal elements within the flow channel, such as notches or serrations, which engage the moving molten stream and cause it to rotate with the nozzle as it passes through the channel. The two nozzles can also be combined to impart the angular momentum and accomplish melt stream break-up.

Abstract: A molten metal spray-depositing apparatus employs a magnetic field-generating nozzle for atomizing a molten metal stream into a spray of metal particles. The magnetic driving field generated by the magnetic atomizing nozzle generates eddy currents which produce an induced field in the metal stream opposing the driving field and creating a torque which causes the stream to break up upon exiting the driving field. The nozzle has one of two configurations for generating one of two generic magnetic field geometries. In one configuration the nozzle utilizes a pair of spaced magnetic poles, such as provided by Helmholtz coils, for generating a transverse magnetic field geometry across the stream. In the other configuration the nozzle employs a solenoid coil for generating a solenoidal magnetic field geometry parallel to the stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing magnetic particles for use in recording media. The method comprises providing an alloy capable of forming a magnetic precipitate, aging the alloy to form a magnetic precipitate comprising a plurality of magnetic particles dispersed throughout a surrounding matrix; and dissolving the matrix to leave the magnetic particles. Magnetic particles produced by the present method are characterized by a size in the range of about 100 .ANG. to about 2000 .ANG., a single magnetic domain, an aspect ratio up to about 10:1, a relatively smooth surface, and a substantially uniform composition throughout.

Abstract: The present invention relates to techniques for producing magnetic particles for use in recording media. The process of the present invention generally comprises providing an alloy capable of forming a magnetic precipitate, aging the alloy to form a magnetic precipitate comprising a plurality of magnetic particles dispersed throughout a surrounding matrix; and dissolving the matrix to leave the magnetic particles. The dissolution of the matrix is done electrochemically using a pyrophosphate solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing magnetic particles for use in recording media. The method comprises providing an alloy capable of forming a magnetic precipitate, aging the alloy to form a magnetic precipitate comprising a plurality of magnetic particles dispersed throughout a surrounding matrix; and dissolving the matrix to leave the magnetic particles. Magnetic particles produced by the present method are characterized by a size in the range of about 100 .ANG. to about 2000 .ANG., a single magnetic domain, an aspect ratio up to about 10:1, a relatively smooth surface, and a substantially uniform composition throughout.