Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for creating phobic and philic surfaces (for example, superphobic and superphilic surfaces) are disclosed. Embodiments include methods for determining a heat treatment technique that increases the likelihood that a uniformly etched surface with minimal pitting will be formed when the surface of a material is subject to etching. Additional embodiments include evaluating the PRE number of the material, performing an anodic polarization sweep of the material, evaluating the polarization curve (current vs. potential) for the material, performing different etching protocols depending on the range of values the PRE number of the material belongs, and/or pulsing the current applied to the material during the etching process. Additional embodiments include apparatuses and methods for predictably etching a surface (such as a surface of a metal alloy) of a material, which can include etching interior portions of a hollow work piece.

Abstract: A system and device for obtaining a topographical profile of a road bed, and then delivering an asphalt mat that varies in thickness according to that profile. The system enables variance in the mat thickness across the width of the mat as well as in the normal longitudinal direction. The process is begun by obtaining a three-dimensional profile of the surface to be paved. A scanning means is moved over the road surface to obtain a profile of the entire length and width of the surface to be paved to obtain a detailed topographical profile. In a second phase of the operation, the scanning means is utilized in combination with an asphalt delivery mechanism. The scanning means tracks the exact position of the asphalt delivery mechanism, correlates that to the scanned profile, and thereby controls the operation of the asphalt delivery mechanism.

Abstract: A system and device is disclosed for obtaining a topographical profile of a road bed, and then delivering an asphalt mat that varies in thickness according to that profile. The system enables variance in the mat thickness across the width of the mat as well as in the normal longitudinal direction. The process is begun by obtaining a three-dimensional profile of the surface to be paved. A scanning means is moved over the road surface to obtain a profile of the entire length and width of the surface to be paved to obtain a detailed topographical profile. In a second phase of the operation, the scanning means is utilized in combination with an asphalt delivery mechanism. The scanning means tracks the exact position of the asphalt delivery mechanism, correlates that to the scanned profile, and thereby controls the operation of the asphalt delivery mechanism.

Abstract: A system and device is disclosed for obtaining a topographical profile of a road bed, and then delivering an asphalt mat that varies in thickness according to that profile. The system enables variance in the mat thickness across the width of the mat as well as in the normal longitudinal direction. The process is begun by obtaining a three-dimensional profile of the surface to be paved. A topographical scanner is moved over the road surface to obtain a profile of the entire length and width of the surface to be paved to obtain a detailed topographical profile. In a second phase of the operation, the topographical scanner is utilized in combination with an asphalt delivery mechanism. The topographical scanner tracks the exact position of the asphalt delivery mechanism, correlates that to the scanned profile, and thereby controls the operation of the asphalt delivery mechanism.