Abstract: A sphere particularly suitable for ball point pens having a core capable of withstanding temperature in excess of 800.degree. C. and a chemically vapor deposited coating on the core, the combined diameter of core and coating ranging from approximately 0.5 to approximately 1 mm in diameter. For example, the core may consist of a metal such as tungsten, nickel, copper or molybdenum; or alternatively the core may consist of a ceramic such as aluminum oxide or graphite. The vapor deposited coating may consist of a metal carbide such as tungsten carbide, titanium carbide, tantalum carbide or niobium carbide. Alternatively the coating may consist of a metal boride such as titanium diboride.

Abstract: A heat radiating coating of rhenium for a refractory core which may be used for a rotating X-ray anode, power tube or the like. The coating is characterized by a multiplicity of needle-like radiation-reflecting elements disposed adjacent to each other. The needles have such steep angles that incoming radiation is substantially absorbed thereby by repeated reflection. Since the coating has a high radiation absorption coefficient it has a corresponding high emissivity on the order of 0.9 at elevated temperatures. A process is disclosed for depositing such a heat radiating coating of rhenium by chemical vapor deposition.

Abstract: A sphere particularly suitable for ball point pens having a core capable of withstanding temperature in excess of 800.degree. C. and a chemically vapor deposited coating on the core, the combined diameter of core and coating ranging from approximately 0.5 to approximately 1 mm in diameter. For example, the core may consist of a metal such as tungsten, nickel, copper or molybdenum; or alternatively the core may consist of a ceramic such as aluminum oxide or graphite. The vapor deposited coating may consist of a metal carbide such as tungsten carbide, titanium carbide, tantalum carbide or niobium carbide. Alternatively the coating may consist of a metal boride such as titanium diboride.