Abstract: A gas analyzer capable of measuring select properties of gas includes a source for emitting a beam of radiation and a detector for receiving the radiation, with the beam aligned to impinge the detector. A housing for enclosing the beam has two apertures permitting the gas to enter the housing through one of the apertures to intercept the beam, and to exit from the housing through the other aperture. Nozzles capable of generating fluid curtains are positioned to intercept the beam and are positioned to define a zone in the housing within which zone the gas is confined.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a composite body which comprises bonding a moderately deformable metallic element to at least a portion of at least one major surface and to an associated portion of the edge surface of a solid ion-conductive electrolyte material element which contains mobile ions of a metal different from the metallic element. A method is disclosed for bonding a composite body to a deformable metallic casing which comprises pressing the sharp edge at the open end of the casing against the composite body while employing an inert atmosphere, elevated temperature and pressure.

Abstract: In a sodium-sulfur battery, surfaces of electrically conducting aluminum in contact with sulfur-polysulfide mixtures or potentially subject to contact with such mixtures are protected from the formation of a nonconductive aluminum sulfide coating by a thin coat of electrically-conducting phenolic or poly(arylacetylene) resin which is inert to the sulfur-polysulfide mixture and adheres strongly to the aluminum surface under the conditions of use of the aluminum substrate.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a composite body which comprises bonding a moderately deformable metallic element to at least a portion of at least one major surface and to an associated portion of the edge surface of a solid ion-conductive electrolyte material element which contains mobile ions of a metal different from the metallic element. A method is disclosed for bonding a composite body to a deformable metallic casing which comprises pressing the sharp edge at the open end of the casing against the composite body while employing an inert atmosphere, elevated temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A new seal for a sodium-sulfur battery is disclosed herein. The sodium-sulfur battery uses two cylindrical containers for containing sulfur and sodium in molten states and a beta-alumina electrolyte tube located primarily within the sulfur container. The battery disclosed herein includes a novel header, preferably a metal header, between the containers and through which the beta-alumina tube extends. In order to prevent either the sulfur or sodium from passing between the header and tube, the header includes an inner circumferential surface which forms a continuous mechanical seal around and against the tube to prevent the sulfur or sodium from passing therebetween. The header is attached to, but must electrically isolate, the two containers.

Abstract: Electrically conducting components of sodium/sulfur batteries subject to the corrosive attack of the cell reactants are protected by aluminiding to provide a conductive, protective coating of a metal aluminide. The protective coating finds particular application in the metal conducting container forming the sulfur compartment, where the metal aluminide reacts with the sulfur and sodium polysulfide to form a protective, doped, aluminum sulfide coating, which is conductive due to the presence of the metal from the container.

Abstract: Electrically conducting components of sodium/sulfur batteries subject to the corrosive attack of the cell reactants are protected by aluminiding to provide a conductive, protective coating of a metal aluminide. The protective coating finds particular application in the metal conducting container forming the sulfur compartment, where the metal aluminide reacts with the sulfur and sodium polysulfide to form a protective, doped, aluminum sulfide coating, which is conductive due to the presence of the metal from the container.

Abstract: A gaseous fuel cell is disclosed which has a solid hydronium beta-alumina electrolyte positioned between and in direct electrical contact with a pair of gas permeable, electronically conductive electrodes.

Abstract: A composite article consists of a solid sodium ion-conductive material, and a liquid mercury-indium alloy layer adhering intimately to one major surface of the material. Suitable mercury-indium alloys include mercury-indium, mercury-indium-thallium, mercury-sodium-indium, and mercury-sodium-indium-thallium.