Abstract: An apparatus for producing metallic powders from molten feedstock includes a heating source for melting a solid feedstock into a molten feed, and a crucible for containing the molten feed. A liquid feed tube is also provided to feed the molten feed as a molten stream. A plasma source delivers a plasma stream, with the plasma stream being adapted to be accelerated to a supersonic velocity and being adapted to then impact the molten stream for producing metallic powders. The feed tube extends from the crucible to a location where a supersonic plasma plume atomizes the molten stream. The plasma source includes at least two plasma torches provided with at least one supersonic nozzle aimed towards the molten stream. The multiple plasma torches are disposed symmetrically about the location where the supersonic plasma plumes atomize the molten stream, such as in a ring-shaped configuration.

Abstract: Molded accessories for ladders, more particularly, a standoff device and a suspended container. The molded standoff device for spacing a ladder from a work surface, comprises: a structural panel element having a panel attachment securable onto a first rung of the ladder, and at least two work surface contact areas spaced apart along a transverse axis to the ladder, opposite the attachment means; and at least one structural arm element separable from the panel element and having an attachment portion securable onto a second rung of the ladder such that the standoff device will be rigidly secured to the ladder. The suspended container is made of two elements, the container which is secured to a lower rung, and an arm member which secures the back wall of the container to an upper rung.

Abstract: The paint can holder is adapted for mounting on the rungs of a ladder and holding a paint can thereon while allowing the painter to attend to his work with both his hands free. The holder comprises a vertically mountable elongated member which has a curved part at the top, which is shaped to engage an upper rung of a ladder. The elongated member also has an attachment at its bottom end, which is constructed to snappingly engage a lower rung. The elongated member comprises a support which is provided between the curved part and the attachment. The holder comprises a brace which is arranged to hold the paint can and to be fixed along the elongated member. A paint brush handle holder may be provided along the curved part of the elongated member.