Abstract: Nickel-chromium stainless steel is of austenitic composition specially controlled to enable achieving resistance to elevated-temperature oxidation and corrosion at desirably economical levels of alloy content as low as 10% chromium and 10% nickel. Oxidation and corrosion resistant characteristics of the steel particularly include resistance to air-water atmospheres and gasoline exhaust atmospheres that are cyclically heated and cooled with heating to temperatures as high as 1800.degree. F. and cooling to room temperature. Steel has special utility for automotive exhaust train components and is generally useful for cyclically heated structural articles.

Abstract: A method of compression testing resilient articles comprising the steps of cutting a sample to desired predetermined dimensions, placing the sample in a preflexing machine to provide preflexing at test specifications, and testing the preflexed sample in a sophisticated compression testing machine. The preflexing machine uses a fluid operated cylinder to move a pressure foot member into and out of the sample to compress same the desired number of times, at the desired rate of deflection and desired number of compressions at a fixed total proportion of compression. The machine is automated through a stepping switch driven in steps by a pulse operated drive mechanism which receives pulses from limit switches associated with the movement of the pressure foot. The stepping switch controls the cylinder through solenoids operating a switching valve means to alternately supply fluid pressure on each side of the piston in the cylinder.

Abstract: An imaging device which responds to incident thermal or acoustic signals, consists of a layer of electrically poled plastics material, such as polyvinyladene fluoride, on a semiconductor substrate. The plastics material enables an electric charge to be generated within the semiconductor, and the device is read by transferring the charges in `packets` to an output point.

Abstract: An electrical cable is described wherein an inner conductor having one or more layers of radiation resistant organic insulation extends through a metal sleeve which is larger than the insulation to leave a space capable of accommodating thermal expansion of the insulation layer or layers and which may be filled with a non-reacting gas. Also described are a method for connecting such a cable, and a radiation sensor and cable assembly incorporating such a cable.