Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing high phase purity ceramic materials through the utilization of organic gelling agents. The process comprises the following steps: (a) dissolving stoichiometric amounts of metal salts in a solvent to form a solution; (b) heating the solution to a temperature sufficient to dissolve the gelling agent; (c) dissolving from about 0.1 to about 50 weight percent of an organic gelling agent into the heated solution; (d) cooling the solution to form a gel; (e) drying the gel to form a xerogel precursor; and (f) subjecting the xerogel precursor to a calcination process to produce a high phase purity ceramic material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of producing metal oxides which are useful as high temperature superconductors. The method comprises the steps of:(a) mixing generally stoichiometric amounts of metal compounds with an alkali metal metal hydroxide, thereby forming a mixture;(b) heating the mixture to drive off water; and(c) filtering the mixture to remove the alkali metal ions.

Abstract: A device and method for converting ocean wave energy into electricity either on moored buoys or in small vessels. The device and method of the invention utilize a U-shaped tube in communication with a gas concentration cell. The U-shaped tube resides in a cradle or other support means, secured to the buoy or other base which imparts wave energy thereto. The U-shaped tube contains a combination of liquid and hydrogen gas. The rocking of the U-shaped tube creates varying gas pressure differentials, which deposits oppositely charged particles on parallel electrocatalytic electrodes located within the gas concentration thereby creating an electrical potential therebetween, according to the Nernst equation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for utilizing energy, in which the apparatus may be used for generating electricity or as a heat pump. When used as an electrical generator, two gas concentration cells are connected in a closed gas circuit. The first gas concentration cell is heated and generates electricity. The second gas concentration cell repressurizes the gas which travels between the cells. The electrical energy which is generated by the first cell drives the second cell as well as an electrical load. When used as a heat pump, two gas concentration cells are connected in a closed gas circuit. The first cell is supplied with electrical energy from a direct current source and releases heat. The second cell absorbs heat. The apparatus has no moving parts and thus approximates a heat engine.

Abstract: A system is described for the conversion of the energy in the wind over oceanic regions into hydrogen which can be used as a supplement to or replacement for fossil fuels. The system is based on the use of modified sailing vessels which serve as water electrolysis plants. In operation, the wind propels the vessel through the water in the manner common to all sailing vessels except that the vessel in this system does not carry a mast and does not need the ballasting characteristic of conventional sailcraft. The propulsion of the vessel causes an immersed screw propeller to power an electromagnetic generator, the electric current from which electrolytically decomposes water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is stored on board the vessel by allowing it to combine with suitable metal alloys such as the Fe-Ti alloys to form a hydride.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for direct conversion of ocean wave energy into electric power. The apparatus has no moving parts, and uses wave motion to vary the pressure of hydrogen gas in one of the cavities of a two-cavity chamber. The resulting imbalance of pressures in the cavities is relieved by conduction of hydrogen ions through a protonic conductor separating the cavities, and by conduction of electrons through an external circuit, enabling hydrogen gas to be formed on the low-pressure side of the chamber. The conduction of electrons constitutes a usable electric current. Virtually no hydrogen is consumed in this power generation process.