Abstract: A flextensional transducer, including a generally disc-shaped piezoelectric member having a generally flat top surface and a generally flat parallel bottom surface, a top electrode formed on the top surface, a bottom electrode formed on the bottom surface, a top endcap operationally connected to the top surface, and a bottom endcap operationally connected to the bottom surface. The top and bottom endcaps are formed of shape memory material. The endcap exerts a radial stress upon the generally disc-shaped piezoelectric member.

Abstract: High performance electromechanical devices suitable for a wide range of applications are described. The electroactive devices are capable of operating in a manner that offers enhanced mechanical displacement responses and increased load-bearing capabilities. In one embodiment, the device is capable of providing a significantly increased level of free displacement. The electroactive devices include an electroactive composite which includes at least one electroactive material that may comprise an electrostrictive or a piezoelectric material and a tensioning device which is adapted for inducing a mechanical pre-load to the electroactive composite structure. The tensioning device exerts a mechanical pre-load upon the electroactive material which alters stress profile, increases mechanical energy and increases stored elastic energy of the electroactive devices.

Abstract: High performance electromechanical devices suitable for a wide range of applications are described. The electroactive devices are capable of operating in a manner that offers enhanced mechanical displacement responses and increased load-bearing capabilities. In one embodiment, the device is capable of providing a significantly increased level of free displacement. The electroactive devices include an electroactive composite which includes at least one electroactive material that may comprise an electrostrictive or a piezoelectric material and a tensioning device which is adapted for inducing a mechanical pre-load to the electroactive composite structure. The tensioning device exerts a mechanical pre-load upon the electroactive material which alters stress profile, increases mechanical energy and increases stored elastic energy of the electroactive devices.

Abstract: A monolithic infrared detector structure which allows integration of pyroelectric thin films atop low thermal conductivity aerogel thin films. The structure comprises, from bottom to top, a substrate, an aerogel insulating layer, a lower electrode, a pyroelectric layer, and an upper electrode layer capped by a blacking layer. The aerogel can offer thermal conductivity less than that of air, while providing a much stronger monolithic alternative to cantilevered or suspended air-gap structures for pyroelectric thin film pixel arrays. Pb(Zr.sub.0.4 Ti.sub.0.6)O.sub.3 thin films deposited on these structures displayed viable pyroelectric properties, while processed at 550.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of preparing films having the formula A.sup.IIB B.sup.VIA wherein A.sup.IIB is a group IIB metal and B.sup.VIA is a chalcogenide by the photolysis or low temperature thermolysis of an organo-metallic compound containing the targeted A.sup.IIB B.sup.VIA elements is provided. Organo-metallic compounds utilized in the method are of the general formulas R-X-M-X-R', R-M-X-M-R', R-M-X-R', R-M-CH.sub.2 -X-R', R-M-X-X-R' wherein R and R' are hydrogen, an alkyl, an aryl or an organic radical containing a heteroatom, M is a group IIB metal and X is a chalcogenide. Photolysis is carried out with an ultraviolet, visible or infrared light source. The films are useful in the manufacture of semiconductor elements and optical coatings.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cooling and collecting prills at the bottom of a prill tower including a fluidized prill bed and a rake rotatable therethrough.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cooling and collecting prills at the bottom of a prill tower including a fluidized prill bed and a rake rotatable therethrough.

Abstract: Finely divided metal sulfide powders of uniform size are produced at low temperatures by a method of adding solutions of organometallic compounds to an organic solvent saturated with H.sub.2 S. The solvent is kept saturated with H.sub.2 S by adding H.sub.2 S at a rate greater than that for the organometallic compound.