Abstract: An improved electrically controlled thermotropic liquid-crystal heat valve to control the flow of heat between two bodies of different temperatures by interposing therebetween a fluid layer of liquid-crystal material having a nematic temperature range that includes the temperature of both bodies. This type of heat valve has particular application to any free-swimming divers' diving garments, to provide some thermal protection against the cold ambient water. The heat valve uses stable liquid-crystal materials encapsulated in a sealed environment, with the valves' electrodes being shielded and not in direct electrical contact with the liquid-crystal material. This arrangement essentially completely eliminates the electrochemical effects which can otherwise degrade the liquid-crystal materials, so that the liquid crystal may function for a very long time.

Abstract: An airfoil sail system for a boat having a mast is disclosed. The airfoil sail system includes a front airfoil which is pivotal about an axis defined by the mast. The front airfoil has leading and trailing edges, and is generally symmetrical about a vertical plane extending between its leading and trailing edges. A rear airfoil is also provided which has leading and trailing edges. The rear airfoil is generally symmetrical about a vertical plane extending between its leading and trailing edges. A base member having a traveller is provided for operatively coupling the front and rear airfoils so that rotation of the front airfoil about its axis effects a counter-rotation of the rear airfoil to permit adjustment of the camber of the airfoil sail system.

Abstract: Apparatus for depositing a coating (such as a burnable absorber) on nuclear fuel pellets. Pallets 16 hold a single layer of fuel pellets 22 between lower and upper screened parts 18 and 20. A rotating drum 14 holds the pallets 16 on its circumference. A chamber 12 encloses the drum 14. A sputtering machine 24 has stationary, sputter-frangible, upper and lower targets (such as zirconium diboride) 26 and 28. The stationary upper targets 26 are placed inside the drum's circumference above its longitudinal axis and are pointed facing generally upward and radially outward. The stationary lower targets 28 are placed outside the drum's circumference below its longitudinal axis and are pointed facing generally upward and radially inward. The target material is sputtered onto the fuel pellets 22 as the pallets 16 on the drum 14 rotate past.

Abstract: A hydrolysis column, used to hydrolyze uranium hexafluoride gas with water in an ammonium diuranate conversion process, which includes a pipe having a water inlet, a connector inserted in the pipe intermediate its length, and a gas nozzle connected to the connector to feed uranium hexafluoride gas into the water. Since the uranium hexafluoride gas will freeze at 147.degree. F, the gas nozzle is heated by steam which flows through internal passageways, thus imparting sufficient heat to the nozzle which then acts as a heat sink to maintain the gas in a fluid state. The gas-water mixture is then discharged through the pipe outlet to the next step in the process.

Abstract: Oxidation and fixing of sulfur and sulfur compounds in weak black liquor is accomplished by methods which insure minimal odorous sulfur emissions and which facilitate the collection of sulfate soaps. By critical adjustment of certain parameters substantially complete oxidation of sulfur and sulfur compounds is achieved, with maximum utilization of oxygen, while enhancing the collection of sulfate soaps and minimizing the production of foam. Various methods are disclosed for the oxygenation of weak black liquor, including the utilization of reaction columns, conical reactors, and venturis.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for producing ammonium diuranate (ADU) from uranium hexafluoride (UF.sub.6) wherein gaseous UF.sub.6 is first hydrolyzed, then partially neutralized with aqueous ammonium hydroxide to a pH of from 5 to 6, the resultant solution is conveyed to a precipitation vessel wherein it is admixed with additional aqueous ammonium hydroxide to a pH of from 9.8 to 10.