Lilliwyte Societe Anonyme

Industrial Trade Exchange, Inc.

Peter R Smith

Walter G Bugden

Derrick J Baker

The invention provides a method of joining together a ceramic component and a metal component. According to the invention a surface of the ceramic component is metallized with a metallizing metal to form a metallized layer thereon. The metal component is then thermocompression bonded to the metallized layer, optionally after the metallized layer is plated with a continuous metal layer. For electrochemical cell applications, the ceramic component is typically alpha-alumina, the metal of the metallized layer is typically selected from tantalum, titanium, vanadium, tungsten and molybdenum, and the metal component typically comprises, in metallic or alloy form, at least one of iron, nickel, cobalt, chromium, manganese or copper.

Joining of ceramic components to metal components

The invention provides a method of manufacturing an electrochemical cell housing wherein a beta-alumina tube has an open end attached to a casing via an alpha-alumina ring. In the method the alpha-alumina ring is thermocompression bonded to a metal ring by hot isostatic pressing, the alpha-alumina ring is then glass welded to the open end of the tube, and the metal ring is metal welded to the casing. The invention also provides a cell housing wherein a beta-alumina tube is located in spaced relationship within a metal casing. The tube is glass welded to an alpha-alumina ring which is thermocompression bonded on a curved radially facing surface thereof to a metal ring, the metal ring being metal welded to the casing.

Manufacture of electrochemical cells

A fuel control system for an internal combustion engine fuelled by a gaseous fuel and a liquid fuel, comprises liquid fuel flow rate control means, and gaseous fuel flow rate control means. The liquid fuel and gaseous fuel flow rate control means are adapted to control the relative proportions of each fuel supplied to the engine, and permit the relative proportion of liquid fuel to be varied in the range having an upper limit of substantially 100%. The gaseous fuel flow rate control means includes gaseous fuel flow rate determination means which is responsive to engine variables, such as engine speed and throttle position to determine from said variables a desired gaseous fuel flow rate. The gaseous fuel flow rate determination means is adapted to generate a signal indicative of said desired gaseous fuel flow rate. This signal can be used to actuate a valve controlling the gaseous fuel flow rate.

Growing community of inventors

Nottingham, United Kingdom

Peter R Smith