Abstract: A computer-implemented method for asynchronous duplexing between two computing devices includes obtaining a task for execution by a first computing device and executing the task. A first computing task completion identifier is assigned upon execution of the task. The task with the assigned first computing task completion identifier is transferred to a second computing device and executed. A second computing task completion identifier is assigned upon execution of the task. The first computing task completion identifier and the second computing task identifier are logged into a task management log for facilitating the recovery of the first computing device by comparing the first computing task completion identifier and the second computing task identifier for identifying tasks executed by the first computing device and requiring execution by the second computing device.

Abstract: A method comprises receiving a list of steps with a step associated with a first work unit and a step associated with a second work unit, the first work unit is operative to process the list of steps by determining whether a first step in the list of steps is associated with the first work unit, determining whether a step sequentially listed prior to the first step has been completed responsive to determining that the first step in the list of steps is associated with the first work unit, processing the first step and designating the first step complete responsive to determining that the step sequentially listed immediately prior to the first step has been completed, determining whether a second step in the list of steps is associated with the first work unit.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for asynchronous duplexing between two computing devices includes obtaining a task for execution by a first computing device and executing the task. A first computing task completion identifier is assigned upon execution of the task. The task with the assigned first computing task completion identifier is transferred to a second computing device and executed. A second computing task completion identifier is assigned upon execution of the task. The first computing task completion identifier and the second computing task identifier are logged into a task management log for facilitating the recovery of the first computing device by comparing the first computing task completion identifier and the second computing task identifier for identifying tasks executed by the first computing device and requiring execution by the second computing device.

Abstract: The present application provides configurations, components, assemblies and methods for sealing cells of sodium-based thermal batteries, such as NaMx cells. In some embodiments the cells may include an integrated bridge member hermetically sealed to an electrically conductive case and a ceramic collar of the cell to hermetically seal an anodic chamber of the cell. In some embodiments the cells may include the ceramic collar hermetically sealed to an electrolyte separator tube of the cell to hermetically seal the anodic chamber of the cell. In some embodiments the anodic chamber may be defined, at least in part, by the case, integrated bridge member, ceramic collar and electrolyte separator tube. In some embodiments the cells may include a current collector hermetically sealed to the ceramic collar, and a cap member hermetically sealed to the current collector tube to hermetically seal a cathodic chamber of the cell.

Abstract: A method comprises receiving a list of steps with a step associated with a first work unit and a step associated with a second work unit, the first work unit is operative to process the list of steps by determining whether a first step in the list of steps is associated with the first work unit, determining whether a step sequentially listed prior to the first step has been completed responsive to determining that the first step in the list of steps is associated with the first work unit, processing the first step and designating the first step complete responsive to determining that the step sequentially listed immediately prior to the first step has been completed, determining whether a second step in the list of steps is associated with the first work unit.

Abstract: The present application provides configurations, components, assemblies and methods for sealing cells of sodium-based thermal batteries, such as NaMx cells. In some embodiments the cells may include an integrated bridge member hermetically sealed to an electrically conductive case and a ceramic collar of the cell to hermetically seal an anodic chamber of the cell. In some embodiments the cells may include the ceramic collar hermetically sealed to an electrolyte separator tube of the cell to hermetically seal the anodic chamber of the cell. In some embodiments the anodic chamber may be defined, at least in part, by the case, integrated bridge member, ceramic collar and electrolyte separator tube. In some embodiments the cells may include a current collector hermetically sealed to the ceramic collar, and a cap member hermetically sealed to the current collector tube to hermetically seal a cathodic chamber of the cell.

Abstract: The present application provides configurations, components, assemblies and methods for sealing cells of sodium-based thermal batteries, such as NaMx cells, without a bridge member. In some embodimentsl the cells may include an electrically conductive case directly hermetically sealed to an electrically insulating ceramic collar of the cell to hermetically seal an anodic chamber of the cell. In some embodiments the ceramic collar and an electrolyte separator tube may be a cosintered one-piece member. In some embodiments the case and the ceramic collar and separator tube may form a hermetically sealed anodic chamber therebetween. In some embodiments the separator tube may define, at least in part, a cathodic chamber therein. In some embodiments the cells may include a current collector hermetically sealed to the ceramic collar, and a cap member hermetically sealed to the current collector to hermetically seal the cathodic chamber of the cell.

Abstract: An electrochemical device is disclosed that includes a plurality of cells that each include a face, wherein a terminal is disposed on the faces of each respective cell. A bus bar has a bus bar height and electrically couples the terminals from cell-to-cell within the electrochemical device. A plurality of sheets are disposed between the plurality of cells, the plurality of sheets are substantially the same height as the combined, height of each cell and bus bar.

Abstract: An electromagnetic peening apparatus includes a first electromagnetic coil having a first face configured to conform to a first surface of a workpiece, and a second electromagnetic coil having a second face configured to conform to a second surface of the workpiece. A carriage positions the first and second coils in abutting contact with the workpiece at respective first and second faces and surfaces. A power supply powers the coils to produce electromagnetic force therein to plastically deform the workpiece at the first and second surfaces to effect a compressive layer therein.

Abstract: Foil used in the manufacture of superconductor material is cleaned using a mechanical abrasive pad that produces longitudinal hills and valleys or elliptical swirls on the surface of both sides of the foil to yield high quality and uniform superconductors.

Abstract: In a rolling loop motion picture apparatus, such as a projector or camera, the movie film is pressed against a film supporting surface disposed within a light path. In order to be cleaned, the film supporting surface is moved out of the light path to an inoperative position opposite a sheet of material formed of an inert polyurethane material to which particulate contaminants adhere. The sheet is moved into contact with the film supporting surface, whereby the particulate contaminants adhere to the sheet. Then the sheet is retracted from the film supporting surface, along with the particulate contaminants. The film is guided between fixed and movable guide surfaces. The movable guide surface is spring-biased downwardly against the top edge of the film and is constrained against horizontal movement.

Abstract: Foils used to manufacture superconductor materials can effectively be cleaned by heat treatment prior to anodization and further processing steps. The heat treatment can be in conjunction with other cleaning processes or separate.

Abstract: The solid-liquid diffusion process used to form triniobium tin superconductor is improved by oxidizing the tin coated niobium substrate with an oxide layer on the surface of the tin coat after tin dipping. The oxide layer can be added to the tin coat by passing the tin coated niobium substrate through an oxidizing chamber before the reaction anneal step, by adding oxygen to the reaction anneal furnace with argon or helium, by adding oxygen to the cooling tower immediately after the tin dipping process, or by controlling the exit temperature of the tin coated substrate from the tin dip in room atmosphere conditions.

Abstract: A method for making triniobium tin foil is disclosed where the niobium-based foil with an oxide layer is passed continuously at a set speed into an enclosed chamber. The enclosed chamber has an inert atmosphere which is substantially oxygen free. Upon entering the chamber, the foil passes through a decomposition anneal furnace, a low temperature tin dip, and then a high temperature reaction anneal furnace before exiting the chamber as triniobium tin foil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for atomizing liquid metal are disclosed. A vessel supplies liquid metal through a pouring channel to an atomizing nozzle. A flow sensor provides at least one gas flow into the liquid metal, and determines a pressure difference from the gas flow. A processor determines the liquid metal flow rate through the nozzle from the pressure difference. A control adjusts the liquid metal flow rate in response to the determined liquid metal flow rate, and the liquid metal is atomized.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of this invention is related to measuring a flow rate of a liquid having a density .rho. from a vessel having an inner cavity and a pouring channel. A flow sensor introduces a first gas flow into the liquid in the cavity at a first position, the inner cavity having a cross-sectional area A.sub.1 at the first position, and a second gas flow into the liquid in the pouring channel at a second position, the pouring channel having a cross-sectional area A.sub.2 at the second position, there being a vertical distance z between the first and second positions. A transducer provides an output signal proportional to a pressure differential p.sub.1 -p.sub.2 between the first and second gas flows. A processor receives the output signal and determines the liquid flow rate m through the pouring channel according to the proportional relation ##EQU1## where g is gravity.

Abstract: An apparatus for solder joining metal tapes to form laminated metal tapes comprises an alignment box having a base and a sidewall means extending therefrom to define a tapered inner channel extending through the box. The tapered channel having an entrance end and narrowing to an exit end. At least one tapered wall extending from the base and within the inner channel to define subchannels that are spaced at the entrance end and converge into the inner channel before the exit end. The sidewall means and tapered wall extending from the base to respective wall tops, and a cover extending over the channel and subchannels is mounted on the wall tops. The base, sidewalls, inner wall, and cover being configured to form the channel and subchannels to have a first preselected distance between the base and cover that is greater than the width of the tapes.

Abstract: A film guide mechanism for use in rolling loop film transport mechanisms minimizes film wear and permits higher film speeds on the order of 30 frames per second. The film is sandwiched in its path of travel between a driven inlet drive sprocket and a shock double capstan, the inlet drive sprocket having a plurality of teeth that mate with perforations along each edge of the film and that also mate with grooves in the shock double capstan that is in turn frictionally driven by the driven inlet drive sprocket. The driven inlet drive sprocket and the shock double capstan are slightly concave in shape to prevent contact between these components and the central emulsion area of the film.

Abstract: A method of reducing contamination caused by high intensity heating of metals is taught. Splatter, vapor droplets and particulate matter is collected to avoid return to the melt. An electric field is established in the heating zone to attract the vapor droplets and particles to charged plates.

Abstract: A method of reducing "fall back" contamination caused by high intensity heating of metals is taught. Splatter, vapor droplets and particulate matter resulting from the high intensity heating is repelled to avoid return to the melt. An electric field is established above the heating zone to repel the vapor droplets and particles from at least one charged electrode disposed above the surface where high intensity heat is applied to a metal surface.