Abstract: A hard wear-resistant film is formed on a substrate in an atmosphere of an inert gas by using a target of a composition of Al.sub.a Ti.sub.b (wherein "a" and "b" stand for atomic percentages respectively in the ranges of 62 at %.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.85 at % and 15 at %.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.38 at %, providing a+b=100 at %) or Al.sub.c Ta.sub.d (wherein "c" and "d" stand for atomic percentages respectively in the ranges of 60 at %.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.80 at % and 20 at %.ltoreq.d.ltoreq.40 at %, providing c+d=100 at %) and by a sputtering process or ion plating process while varying continuously or stepwise the feed rate of a nitrogen-containing reaction gas into a chamber. The film consequently formed has a composition and structure thereof continuously or stepwise varied from a substantially amorphous metal of a part being in contact with the substrate to an (Al, Ti)N or (Al, Ta)N crystalline ceramic phase with the nitrogen content continuously or stepwise increased in the direction of the surface of the film.

Abstract: A digital VCO is disclosed which comprises a ring oscillator formed of a plurality of inverters connected in series, each inverter being capable of controlling its delay amount, a frequency controlling circuit for controlling the oscillation frequency of the ring oscillator to coincide with a reference frequency, a selector switch for selecting specified output taps from output taps, each thereof being provided for each of the plurality of inverters, to take out the outputs therefrom, and switching control means for controlling the output taps from which the outputs are taken out to be cyclically switched through the selector switch.

Abstract: Improved electrolyte compositions for a phosphoric acid type fuel cell are disclosed, which inhibit the growth of phosphoric acid crystals and which lower the freezing points of the electrolytes so as to prevent the electrolyte from freezing when operation of the fuel cell is stopped at low temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming metal surface thin film having high corrosion resistance and high adhesion by carrying out sequentially the following steps a) through c): a) an etching step carried out by applying a negative D.C. voltage to a metal substrate inside an apparatus having an inert gas atmosphere; b) an oxide film formation step for forming an oxide film by generating an oxygen plasma inside an apparatus having an oxygen gas atmosphere and applying a positive voltage to the surface of the metal substrate; and c) a durable film formation step for forming a durable film by vapor phase deposition of a corrosion-resistant material onto the surface of the metal substrate inside the apparatus having inert gas atmosphere. In the formation method of the present invention, since the oxide film is formed between metal substrate and the durable film, the metal surface thin film exhibits a very high corrosion resistance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a corrosion-resistant and heat-resistant aluminum-based alloy thin film consisting of a composite having a composition represented by the general formula, Al.sub.a Ni.sub.b X.sub.c N.sub.d, wherein: X is a metal element selected from Y and Zr and a, b, c and d are as follows, in atomic percentages: 70.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.93, 0.5.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.7.5, 0.5.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.12 and 1.ltoreq.d.ltoreq.18, the composite being at least 50% (by volume) composed of an amorphous phase. The thin films are produced by depositing a material having the composition represented by the above-defined general formula onto a substrate by a thin film formation technique, such as sputtering, vacuum deposition or ion plating. In the production process, only nitrogen may be supplied as gas. The novel aluminum-based alloy thin film has superior corrosion-resistance and heat-resistance together with high levels of hardness and wear resistance.

Abstract: A composite cylinder block has a cylinder inner with at least one opening extending in a generally radial direction through the liner from its inner surface to its outer surface. The surrounding block is formed from a different material than the liner and material from the surrounding block extends into the line.

Abstract: A coupling element row for a slide fastener, comprising fine metal particles individually deposited on the etched surface of a continuous coupling element row made of a synthetic resin, and a surface treating method for preparing the coupling element row for a slide fastener comprising the steps of etching the surface of a continuous coupling element row made of a synthetic resin, and depositing fine metal particles individually on the etched surface of the continuous coupling element row by sputtering while feeding the coupling element row so as not to distort the pitch thereof.

Abstract: A method of punching cylindrical tubes with openings from the inside to the outside. In accordance with the method, the punching apparatus includes a mandrel that slidably supports the dies and a backup die that includes a slug ejecting punch which serves the dual function of ejecting the slugs from the backup die and also retracting the punches.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making engine cylinders comprising the steps of punching cylindrical tubes with openings from the inside to the outside and then surrounding the thus formed tubes with a different body of material. In accordance with the method, the punching apparatus includes a mandrel that slidably supports the dies and a backup die that includes a slug ejecting punch which serves the dual function of ejecting the slugs from the backup die and also retracting the punches. In one embodiment of the invention, the port openings are formed smaller than the final configuration and the surrounding material is cast in place and extends into the liner opening for interlocking the surrounding material to the liner.

Abstract: A two cycle internal combustion engine may be fabricated by employing an improved method for forming a composite cylinder block. The cylinder block includes liners which are cut from sections of cylindrical pipe and which are positioned in a cylinder block either by an insertion or casting step, the cylinder block is composed of a different material. Prior to the insertion, the port openings are formed by punching.

Abstract: The corrosion resistance of an anodically oxidized surface film on aluminum articles is improved by sealing micropores and the like in such surface film with an aqueous sealing solution or dispersion containing siliceous material, such as silicic acid or a silicate, therein and thereafter overcoating the so-sealed surface with a select coating composition. The aqueous sealing solution is brought into contact with the aluminum article, such as by dipping the article into the solution and drying the so-coated article. Optionally, an electrical voltage may be applied through the sealing liquid and through the aluminum article during the sealing process. Further, in certain embodiments an electrical voltage may be applied through the sealing liquid before the liquid contacts the aluminum article. If desired, the surface of the aluminum article may be colored prior to sealing.