Abstract: A high temperature cushion for a low ductility member or article, such as of a ceramic material, comprises a flexible, fibrous core of a resilient, refractory material, and a metal foil of a high temperature material covering the core. The foil has ductility sufficient to be formed about the core, the core and foil being further characterized by the ability to withstand a temperature of at least about 1,000.degree. F. (about 540.degree. C.) Forms of such a cushion include an annular bushing and various shaped holders and interface members. Such a cushion can be included as a part of a high temperature operating article which comprises metal portions functioning as backing or holding members, a low ductility article or member such as of a ceramic material, a high temperature cushion interfacing between the metal portions and the member, and a securing member mechanically joining the metal portion with the low ductility member.

Abstract: To permit direct melting-in of a rod or wire-shaped conductor through a gs wall of quartz glass (thermal coefficient of expansion: 5-6.10.sup.-7 /.degree.C.) in which the wire, for example, is tungsten (thermal coefficient of expansion: 45.10.sup.-7 /.degree.C.), two or more glasses having intermediate thermal coefficients of expansion are melted on, sequentially, on the conductor, and a final glass is applied thereto which, preferably, is the same as the quartz glass of the lamp envelope, and of very short axial length. The axial lengths of the respective glass coatings, sequentially applied, decrease with the first glass having a sufficient length to prevent any overlap of the second glass directly over the conductor, the quartz glass being preferably applied in form of a short cylinder, e.g. 4 mm long, for a 2 mm diameter tungsten conductor rod, so that, when melted together, the further glass layer, or layers, over the first one and the quartz cylinder form a circumferential bead of low heat capacity.

Abstract: An improvement in a high thermal stress connection between a rotationally symmetrical component made of ceramic material and a component made of metallic material is provided in which a connecting part which is elastic and radially and axially resilient connects the ceramic part and the metallic part by means of high temperature soldering. The stresses normally produced by differential expansion of the ceramic part and the metallic part are substantially absorbed by elastic deformation of the connecting part.

Abstract: An elongated metal bolt embedded in a brick and means at the ends of the bolt for holding the same tightly to the ends of the bricks, and collars inserted between the ends of the bricks and the nuts to balance the difference in expansion of the bolt and the brick under conditions of heat.

Abstract: A generator having a stator and a rotor mounted for rotation relative to the stator, a generally cylindrical support structure for the stator either in the form of a housing or a support ring within the housing, said stator and support structure being formed of materials having substantially different thermal expansion rates and the stator having an outer surface engaging an inner surface of the support structure with an interference fit throughout the operating temperature range of the generator, and a plurality of longitudinal grooves formed in one of the surfaces to permit bending of said support structure in the area of said grooves when the generator is operating in the lower part of said temperature range.

Abstract: An impeller type pump has a pump body defining a pump chamber therein, and an impeller disposed in the pump chamber having a center shaft. A hollow cylindrical connector is mounted in the center shaft having internal screw threads engageable with external screw threads on the end of a drive shaft for rotating the impeller. The connector is provided with thermal expansion-absorbing slits arranged in equally spaced relation along the circumference of the connector which extend lengthwise of the connector with an unslit portion left on that end of the connector which is close to the other end of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A controlled thermal expansivity structure whose length along a given axis of the structure and thermal expansivity in the direction of the axis, i.e. total change in length in response to a given temperature change, are independently adjustable in a manner which permits adjustment of the structure in length while maintaining its thermal expansivity constant and adjustment of the thermal expansivity of the structure while maintaining its length constant. The range of thermal expansivity adjustment may include zero expansivity to permit adjustment of the structure to dimensionally stable mode. The described structure is a load-bearing strut with end fittings which are adjustable to vary the length and thermal expansivity of the strut.

Abstract: A cable gripping device which is readily adjustable and fail-safe. The device includes cylindrical inner and outer housings in telescoped relationship which contain an inner gripper member and an outer compression spring connected to the housings. When the housings are biased apart by the compression spring, the gripper member is forced into tight contact with a rope or cable passing axially through the housings, locking the assembly in position on the cable. If the housings are moved toward each other, the compression spring is compressed and the gripper member is loosened, allowing the assembly to be moved along the cable. If the operator releases the housings, such as by slipping and falling, the compression spring automatically moves the housings apart, causing the gripper to again grip the cable. This device is especially suitable for use by workers in high locations, since they can move about along a safety cable without unhooking their safety lanyards from the cable.

Abstract: Hermetic glass seals of high electrical resistivity are provided. Glass compositions suitable for use in such seals and based on lead-silica glasses are described. Glass compositions having particular efficacy in a nuclear reactor environment also are described.

Abstract: Glass powder is wetted with an aqueous solution or emulsion of an organic binder and mixed with carbon black in the form of soot or lampblack. The resulting material is packed between the parts of the central electrode of a sparkplug and fired at a temperature sufficient to fuse the glass to produce a gas-tight seal with electrically conducting properties. Up to 5% of metal powders may be included in the material if it is desired to prevent the resistance from rising during service. Oxides or carbides and certain other metal powders may be added to bring the thermal expansion coefficient to a desired average value.