Abstract: An anodising apparatus for selectively anodizing at least a portion of a surface of a component can include a conformable wicking element configured to absorb a fluid, the conformable wicking element being conformable to at least the portion of the surface of the component, wherein, upon bringing the component into contact with the conformable wicking element, the fluid completes an electric circuit between the component and a conductive element, the anodising apparatus being configured to grow an anodised layer on the portion of the surface of the component that is in contact with the conformable wicking element when an electric current is supplied to the electric circuit between the conductive element and the component.

Abstract: An anodising apparatus for selectively anodizing at least a portion of a surface of a component can include a conformable wicking element configured to absorb a fluid, the conformable wicking element being conformable to at least the portion of the surface of the component, wherein, upon bringing the component into contact with the conformable wicking element, the fluid completes an electric circuit between the component and a conductive element, the anodising apparatus being configured to grow an anodised layer on the portion of the surface of the component that is in contact with the conformable wicking element when an electric current is supplied to the electric circuit between the conductive element and the component.

Abstract: An anodising apparatus for selectively anodizing at least a portion of a surface of a component can include a conformable wicking element configured to absorb a fluid, the conformable wicking element being conformable to at least the portion of the surface of the component, wherein, upon bringing the component into contact with the conformable wicking element, the fluid completes an electric circuit between the component and a conductive element, the anodising apparatus being configured to grow an anodised layer on the portion of the surface of the component that is in contact with the conformable wicking element when an electric current is supplied to the electric circuit between the conductive element and the component.

Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a method of forming a dispersion-strengthened aluminum alloy metal includes the steps of providing a dispersion-strengthened aluminum alloy composition in a powdered form, directing a low energy density laser beam at a portion of the powdered alloy composition, and withdrawing the laser beam from the portion of the powdered alloy composition. Subsequent to withdrawal of the laser beam, the portion of the powdered alloy composition cools at a rate greater than or equal to about 106° C. per second, thereby forming the dispersion-strengthened aluminum alloy metal.

Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a method of forming a dispersion-strengthened aluminum alloy metal includes the steps of providing a dispersion-strengthened aluminum alloy composition in a powdered form, directing a low energy density laser beam at a portion of the powdered alloy composition, and withdrawing the laser beam from the portion of the powdered alloy composition. Subsequent to withdrawal of the laser beam, the portion of the powdered alloy composition cools at a rate greater than or equal to about 106° C. per second, thereby forming the dispersion-strengthened aluminum alloy metal.

Abstract: Ballistic materials for enhanced energy absorption and fan casings for turbine engines including the same are provided. A hybrid ballistic material comprises a first ballistic fabric and at least one individual member woven through at least a portion of the first ballistic fabric. The fan casing comprises at least one layer of a first crushable material circumscribing a fan containment case. A ballistic material comprising a net-like ballistic material or the hybrid ballistic material circumscribes the at least one layer of the first crushable material. At least one layer of a second crushable material may circumscribe the ballistic material with the ballistic material disposed between the at least one layer of the first and second crushable materials. A containment covering is an outermost layer of the fan casing.

Abstract: A method includes applying a coating precursor material over a substrate, the coating precursor material comprising a powder having an average particle diameter in a range of about 10 nanometers to about 10 microns comprising a fluoride eutectic, a metal capable of oxidizing at about 535° C. to about 800° C., one or more materials selected from the group consisting of a metal oxide, a glass, a carbide, and a nitride, and optionally, a precious metal selected from silver, palladium, platinum, gold, rhodium, and alloys thereof, subjecting the coating to a sintering heat treatment, occurring at a first temperature in an inert or reducing atmosphere to sinter the metal of the precursor material, and exposing the coating to an oxidizing heat treatment performed in an oxidizing atmosphere at a second temperature that is less than the first temperature to oxidize a portion of the metal in the coating precursor material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) terminal, having a wireless interface that exchanges packetized communications with servicing Access Points (APs). A processing unit communicatively coupled to the wireless interface selects an appropriate programmable COder/DECoder (CODEC) with which to convert incoming packetized communications to incoming user communications, and outgoing user communications to outgoing packetized communications. A user interface coupled to the programmable CODEC receives the incoming user communications and produces the outgoing user communications. The processing unit monitors the serviced packetized communications to determine a communication quality level delivered by the wireless interface. Then the processing unit chooses the selected coding scheme based upon the communication quality level.

Abstract: A method includes applying a coating precursor material over a substrate, the coating precursor material comprising a powder having an average particle diameter in a range of about 10 nanometers to about 10 microns comprising a fluoride eutectic, a metal capable of oxidizing at about 535° C. to about 800° C., one or more materials selected from the group consisting of a metal oxide, a glass, a carbide, and a nitride, and optionally, a precious metal selected from silver, palladium, platinum, gold, rhodium, and alloys thereof, subjecting the coating to a sintering heat treatment, occurring at a first temperature in an inert or reducing atmosphere to sinter the metal of the precursor material, and exposing the coating to an oxidizing heat treatment performed in an oxidizing atmosphere at a second temperature that is less than the first temperature to oxidize a portion of the metal in the coating precursor material.

Abstract: Dynamic real-time quality management of packetized communications in a network environment. Packetized communications are monitored by and exchanged between wireless Access Points (APs) and wireless terminals or by quality monitoring modules located within network segments or at network vertices. The processing unit analyzes the packetized communications to identify communication signatures associated with the packetized communications. The processor then uses these signatures to identify network impediments to the exchange of the packetized communications. These impediments may take the form of coding problems in which case an appropriate coding scheme is employed by the programmable COder/DECoder (CODEC) to convert incoming packetized communications to incoming user communications, and outgoing user communications to outgoing packetized communications. These impediments may also take the form of communication problems along and between the various network segments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dynamic real-time quality management of packetized communications in a network environment. Packetized communications are monitored by and exchanged between wireless Access Points (APs) and wireless terminals or by quality monitoring modules located within network segments or at network vertices. The processing unit analyzes the packetized communications to identify communication signatures associated with the packetized communications. The processor then uses these signatures to identify network impediments to the exchange of the packetized communications. These impediments may take the form of coding problems in which case an appropriate coding scheme is employed by the programmable COder/DECoder (CODEC) to convert incoming packetized communications to incoming user communications, and outgoing user communications to outgoing packetized communications. These impediments may also take the form of communication problems along and between the various network segments.

Abstract: Tools and methods are provided for use in a process for sintering a metal injection molded body where the body comprises a material and having a first end, a second end, and a flowpath extending therebetween, the flowpath having a diameter. The tool assembly comprises an insert and an endcap. The insert is configured to be disposed in the body flowpath and has an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end, a second end, a channel, a slot having a width, an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The endcap is configured to be inserted at least partially into the channel at the insert first end when the slot width is increased, and at least a portion of the endcap has an outer diameter that is substantially equal to or larger than the insert inner diameter.

Abstract: A component for a turbine engine component includes a ceramic substrate having a surface, an environmental barrier layer bonded to the substrate surface, and an impact-resistance layer bonded to the environmental barrier layer, the impact-resistance layer having a melting point higher than about 2700° F., and further having a between about 10 and about 30% porosity. The impact-resistance layer, environmental barrier layer, and interfaces at which the environmental layer is bound to the substrate surface and the impact-resistance layer are more readily shearable than the substrate. A method for protecting a turbine engine component from environmental and particle impact-related damage includes the steps of coating a substrate surface with the environmental barrier layer, and coating the environmental barrier layer with the impact-resistance layer.

Abstract: A nickel-based superalloy includes, in terms of weight, in terms of weight, about 0.08% to about 0.12% carbon, about 6.0% to about 6.4% aluminum, about 5.8% to about 6.3% tantalum, about 6.5% to about 7.0% chromium, about 9.3% to about 9.8% cobalt, about 1.3% to about 1.7% molybdenum, about 2.4% to about 2.8% rhenium, about 3.8% to about 4.3% tungsten, about 0.9% to about 1.3% hafnium, about 0.01% to about 0.03% zirconium, up to about 0.10% silicon, and nickel. A method for repairing a surface of a turbine component includes the step of applying the nickel-based superalloy to a damaged area of the component surface, and post-deposition processes.

Abstract: A nickel-based superalloy includes, in terms of weight, about 0.06% to about 0.10% carbon, about 6.0% to about 6.4% aluminum, about 5.8% to about 6.3% tantalum, about 6.5% to about 7.0% chromium, about 8.8% to about 9.3% cobalt, about 0.6% to about 1.0% molybdenum, about 2.4% to about 2.8% rhenium, about 4.8% to about 5.3% tungsten, about 0.3% to about 0.80% hafnium, about 0.01% to about 0.03% zirconium, about 0.10% to about 0.18% silicon, and nickel. A method for repairing a surface of a turbine component includes the step of applying the nickel-based superalloy to a damaged area of the component surface. Post-deposition processes are also performed as necessary.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dynamic real-time quality management of packetized communications in a network environment. Packetized communications are monitored by and exchanged between wireless Access Points (APs) and wireless terminals or by quality monitoring modules located within network segments or at network vertices. The processing unit analyzes the packetized communications to identify communication signatures associated with the packetized communications. The processor then uses these signatures to identify network impediments to the exchange of the packetized communications. These impediments may take the form of coding problems in which case an appropriate coding scheme is employed by the programmable COder/DECoder (CODEC) to convert incoming packetized communications to incoming user communications, and outgoing user communications to outgoing packetized communications. These impediments may also take the form of communication problems along and between the various network segments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) terminal, having a wireless interface that exchanges packetized communications with servicing Access Points (APs). A processing unit communicatively coupled to the wireless interface selects an appropriate programmable COder/DECoder (CODEC) with which to convert incoming packetized communications to incoming user communications, and outgoing user communications to outgoing packetized communications. A user interface coupled to the programmable CODEC receives the incoming user communications and produces the outgoing user communications. The processing unit monitors the serviced packetized communications to determine a communication quality level delivered by the wireless interface. Then the processing unit chooses the selected coding scheme based upon the communication quality level.

Abstract: A system and method with which to establish parallel communications between the wireless terminal and the PSTN via a WLAN and an alternative network such as cellular or satellite networks. Once the parallel communications are established, handoff criteria govern seamlessly switching communications between the WLAN and the alternative network in order to avoid any lost or dropped communications. Communications may be serviced between a Private Branch Exchange (PBX) and a wireless terminal. The PBX communicatively couples to a wireless local area network (WLAN). Calls received at the PBX for the wireless terminal are routed to the wireless terminal if the wireless terminal is serviced by the WLAN, otherwise an attempt is made to deliver the call via an alternative network. Should both deliveries fail, the call is delivered to an alternative destination such as voice mail or an operator.

Abstract: A mixing device (e.g., a stirrer) to ensure thorough mixing of metals and metal alloys comprising a generally rectangular solid and a series of off-side, but area-equivalent ports on each side of the axial center, wherein the size and number of ports on one side is different from the size and number of ports on the other side, the upper and lower limits of the ports being defined by oppositely opposed anguarly directed fin portions wherein the fins on one side of the axial center are directed in one direction and the fins on the other side of the axial center are directed in the opposite direction. The invention also embodies a method of mixing molten metals and alloys with the device.