Abstract: The instant invention is directed toward a process for enhancing the permselective properties, selectively sealing defects and pinholes, controllably altering the pore size and stabilizing the permselective properties of articles having apperatures therein comprising the steps of: simultaneously contacting an article having a first and second surface, said first and second surfaces being capable of passing ozone and silicon compounds therethrough and said first and second surfaces being oriented such that said silicon compounds and ozone can react across said first and second surfaces, with ozone on said first surface and a silicon compound on said second surface and wherein said contacting is conducted for a time and at a temperature and pressure sufficient to allow said ozone and said silicon compound to form a silicon oxide.

Abstract: A method and a sensor to measure the sulfur activity in sulfur-containing environments are disclosed. The active component is a non-stoichiometric metal sulfide foil or film. In the case of a thin sulfide film, a ceramic substrate is employed for improved mechanical rigidity. The electrical conductivity of the sulfide is related to the sulfur activity of the process stream to which it is exposed.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the presence of a corrosive constituent in a petroleum product. [The invention detects the reflected] Reflected radiation is detected from a metal standard in the petroleum product which indicates the presence of the corrosivity constituent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for producing silicon and/or aluminum containing iron alloy product as well as the material produced from same in either sheet or bulk structure form for electromagnetic circuit application. The process entails modifying an iron feedstock containing less than about 2.5 wt % silicon, aluminum or a combination thereof. The process further consists of diffusion of silicon or silicon and aluminum or aluminum into an iron feedstock by a pack diffusion or a chemical vapor deposition method in which the iron feedstock is heated to a temperature at which diffusion occurs in the presence of a pack containing silicon and/or aluminum sources, a reducing agent, a catalyst, and a filler, or in the presence of a flowing gas stream containing a volatile silicon compound. The resulting iron alloy product, which has a silicon content in the range of 0.

Abstract: Novel ceramic filamentary micro-tubular materials are described. An entirely fluid-phase method has been devised for producing such interwoven ceramic filamentary tubular materials. The process depends for its success the ability to generate a three-dimensional random weave of ceramic tubes, with diameters in the range of about 0.01 to 2.0 microns, by forming carbon filaments by catalytic decomposition of a hydrocarbon feed, coating the filaments with a ceramic coating and then oxidizing the coated filaments to remove the carbon core leaving behind hollow ceramic micro-tubular filaments. The ceramic micro-tubular materials may be free-standing porous structures and may have a variety of uses as thermal insulators, catalyst supports, superconductor supports, filters or as reinforcements for composites.

Abstract: Novel ceramic filamentary micro-tubular materials are described. An entirely, fluid-phase method has been devised for producing such interwoven ceramic filamentary tubular materials. The process depends for its success the ability to generate a three-dimensional random weave of ceramic tubes, with diameters in the range of about 0.01 to 2.0 microns, by forming carbon filaments by catalytic decomposition of a hydrocarbon feed, coating the filaments with a ceramic coating and then oxidizing the coated filaments to remove the carbon core leaving behind hollow ceramic micro-tubular filaments. The ceramic micro-tubular materials may be free-standing porous structures and may have a variety of uses as thermal insulators, catalyst supports, superconductor supports, filters or as reinforcements for composites.

Abstract: A novel isotropically reinforced microcomposite is described. An entirely fluid-phase method has been devised for producing the net-shape filamentary structures. The process depends for its success on the ability to generate in situ, within a shaped mold, a three-dimensional random weave of carbon filaments by catalytic decomposition of a hydrocarbon feed. Almost any desired filament filler matrix combination can be produced by utilizing chemical vapor deposition to modify the surface and bulk properties of the filamentary structure. Infiltration of filler matrix materials can be achieved by adaptation of existing materials technologies.

Abstract: A novel isotropically reinforced microcomposite is described. An entirely fluid-phase method has been devised for producing the net-shape filamentary structures. The process depends for its success on the ability to generate in situ, within a shaped mold, a three-dimensional random weave of carbon filaments by catalytic decomposition of a hydrocarbon feed. Almost any desired filament filler matrix combination can be produced by utilizing chemical vapor deposition to modify the surface and bulk properties of the filamentary structure. Infiltration of filler matrix materials can be achieved by adaptation of existing materials technologies.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for producing an optically enhanced thin film photovoltaic device.The method includes the steps of producing an active layer of semiconductor material wherein the surface of at least one side of the active layer is textured such that the surface includes randomly spaced, densely packed microstructures of predetermined dimensions of the order of the wavelength of visible light in the semiconductor material and attaching a reflecting surface directly to one side of the semiconductor material and making an ohmic contact to the material.

Abstract: The present invention is an optically enhanced solar cell having a detached reflector. The optically enhanced solar cell includes a semiconductor material bounded on each side by transparent electrical contacts and an optional antireflection coating with the surface of at least one of these layers being textured. Light is reflected in the cell by a reflector which is detached (i.e., spaced) from the enhanced cell using a layer of dielectric material.

Abstract: Photoelectrochemical cell structures and methods of fabrication are disclosed which provide for easily manufactured efficient energy conversion devices. The structures incorporate one or more chambers for the electrolyte, and utilize semiconductor photoelectrodes. In the plural chamber structure, the semiconductor may be opaque, and need not necessarily be a thin film. Specific dopants for the semiconductor provide for decreased dark current and increased open circuit voltage. Post deposition treatment is disclosed for the semiconductor to provide an increased shorting current. Increased sputtering wattage is provided to increase the short circuit current available from the cell. An electrolyte composition is described having improved performance at high light intensity.

Abstract: Driving circuitry is disclosed for electrochromic displays, the driving circuits providing specific characteristics necessary for such displays. Particularly, apparatus is provided to minimize variations in the optical density and in the contrast between the various segments of a device. Further, simultaneous coloring and bleaching signals are provided to the display, thereby avoiding an undesired visual effect of unsynchronized formation for a character on a display device. The circuitry moreover includes components to prevent repeated energization of a segment in a display device. Additionally, circuitry is provided for generating bleach and color signals for the display. Additionally, a power supply for electrochromic displays, requiring bipolar outputs, is disclosed utilizing a single, unipolar, unregulated source therein.

Abstract: Photoelectrochemical cell structures and methods of fabricaton are disclosed which provide for easily manufactured efficient energy conversion devices. The structures incorporate one or more chambers for the electrolyte, and utilize semiconductor photoelectrodes. In the plural chamber structure, the semiconductor may be opaque, and need not necessarily be a thin film. Specific dopants for the semiconductor provide for decreased dark current and increased open circuit voltage. Post deposition treatment is disclosed for the semiconductor to provide an increased shorting current. Increased sputtering wattage is provided to increase the short circuit current available from the cell. An electrolyte composition is described having improved performance at high light intensity.In a multi-chamber embodiment, the electrode placement causes the photoactive site to be at an end of the chamber removed from the irradiation window, thereby permitting the use of non-transparent photoelectrodes.

Abstract: A device capable of converting radiant energy to electrical energy and storing said electrical energy for future use is described. The device comprises a pair of electrodes, at least one of which is transparent, a compensator layer in contact with one of said electrodes, and a layer of a charge storage material in contact with the other of said electrodes and said compensator layer.

Abstract: An electrochromic device having an electrochromic layer and an electrolyte sandwiched between electrodes. A charge compensator ion permeable layer is interposed between the electrochromic layer and the electrolyte. The latter-mentioned interposing layer serves as a protective overcoat for the electrochromic layer and minimizes the structural decay of the cell which might otherwise occur. SUFIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to electrochromic devices and, more particularly, to such a device having a protective overcoat layer interposed between an electrochromic layer and an electrolyte.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ARTThe prior art has recognized the usefulness of electrochromic devices wherein the electromagnetic absorption characteristics may be reversibly altered by a controlled electric field. The device is particularly useful as a display device or in light valve-type applications.U.S. Pat. No.

Abstract: A sealed device includes an electrode having a semiconductor thin film coating. A liquid electrolyte contacts the thin film to form a photoactive interface which converts light energy to electrical energy. A counterelectrode is positioned in spaced relation to the electrode and also contacts the electrolyte. Leads are connected to the electrode and counterelectrode so that a load may be driven by the device when the device is exposed to light.

Abstract: A photogalvanic cell includes a glass substrate with a transparent electrode which receives irradiating light energy. A second electrode is positioned in spaced relationship from the first electrode and has a thin film of charge storing tungsten oxide deposited thereon. Spaced from both the transparent electrode and the tungsten oxide thin film is a counterelectrode. An electrolyte having TiO.sub.2 powder mixed therein forms a photoactive site at the surface of the transparent electrode. By physically separating the tungsten oxide thin film from the transparent electrode, more light irradiates the TiO.sub.2 thereby increasing the photoconversion of the cell.

Abstract: A photogalvanic cell includes a conducting SnO.sub.2 electrode upon which is deposited a semi-transparent film of Ti. A metal oxide thin film, such as TiO.sub.2 is in turn deposited upon the semi-transparent Ti thin film. An aqueous (acid or base) electrolyte contacts the metal oxide thin film to form a photoactive site for converting light to electrical energy. The semi-transparent film reduces the internal resistance of the cell by assisting charge transfer between the metal oxide film and the electrode. Also, use of a semi-transparent film permits bi-directional irradiation of the cell to increase photoconversion efficiency.

Abstract: A photogalvanic cell includes an electrode and counterelectrode supported on a substrate with a semi-solid electrolyte layer intervening therebetween. Titanium oxide is suspended in the electrolyte. A voltage appears between the electrode and counterelectrode in response to light. Charge storage is exhibited by the cell after light is removed.

Abstract: A number of aligned and spaced photogalvanic cells/compartments have interior passages formed therebetween to permit the free passage of electrolyte. Each compartment includes spaced electrodes and a TiO.sub.2 -electrolyte photoactive site. A layer of charge storing material, such as tungsten oxide may be incorporated in each compartment. As a result, each compartment is capable of converting light energy to electrical energy and also storing charge within the cell after light irradiation ceases. By connecting the various electrodes of the compartments in parallel, greater current flow may be appreciated.