Abstract: The counterelectrode (16) of an electrochromic indicator device is made of a paste of activated carbon and an organic binder baked on a metal plate (15). The shape of the metal plate can be dished after the layer is baked on without damage. Activated carbon in the counterelectrode, operating with the usual electrolyte and a transition metal oxide electrochromic electrode, makes possible a high-charge density from migration of ions with the application of very small voltages. The electrochromic effect can be extinguished simply by a short-circuit, especially if polyvinyl alcohol is provided as a supplementary binder by dipping the baked counterelectrode therein and baking again, and even more so if the activated carbon paste contains finely divided gold from decomposition of a gold compound during baking. The counterelectrode layer can be applied by screen printing.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an insulating joint between a pair of end abutting rail sections of a railroad track includes the suspension of a pair of opposed fishplates at the rail joint at spaced distances outwardly of the rail sides, and simultaneously heating the rail sections and the fishplates to a predetermined temperature for activating a heat-activatable adhesive provided in fabric cuffs which are disposed between the fish surfaces and the fishplates. The fishplates are shifted along guide rods of their support assemblies inwardly toward one another into place against opposed fish surfaces of the rail sections, and are thereafter bolted in place. A device for fabricating the joint includes a box-like hood on which heaters are mounted, or a shear assembly supporting the heaters and being clamped onto the rail head. The heaters may be adjusted to accommodate various rail profiles.

Abstract: To improve operation and output voltage, particularly at 400.degree. C. and less, an oxygen sensor, especially adapted to determine oxygen content of automotive exhaust gases, is constructed by utilizing two electrodes applied on a body of stabilized zirconium dioxide, for example a closed tube, by making an electrode exposed to the exhaust gases in form of a mixture of finely dispersed ceramic material and a platinum-rhodium alloy, the ceramic material being present at about 40% (by volume) and 60% (by volume) platinum-rhodium alloy of 50-94% platinum and 50-6% rhodium (by weight). The second electrode, exposed to a reference gas comprises an alloy of palladium and another noble metal in a ratio of about 19-90% (by weight) Pd and 81-10% (by weight) noble metal. This electrode may also contain up to 40% (by volume) finely dispersed ceramic material. The electrode exposed to the exhaust gases is covered with a porous coating.