Abstract: A method of improving the reflectivity of a surface of an internal combustion engine, the internal combustion engine having a cylindrical or non-cylindrical internal wall of an internal combustion chamber in which one or more pistons move and in which combustion occurs. The method comprises polishing a surface of the internal combustion chamber, the surface during use of the internal combustion engine exposed to combustion, said polishing effective to increase a reflectivity of the surface. The surface may include a first zone not traversed by the one or more pistons and polished in a first manner (pressure, time, electrical current density or voltage) to yield a first reflectivity and a second zone traversed by the one or more pistons polished in a different manner and yielding a second reflectivity.

Abstract: A method of improving the reflectivity of a surface of an internal combustion engine, the internal combustion engine having a cylindrical or non-cylindrical internal wall of an internal combustion chamber in which one or more pistons move and in which combustion occurs, the method comprising polishing a surface of the internal combustion chamber, said surface during use of the internal combustion engine exposed to combustion, said polishing effective to increase a reflectivity of the surface. The surface may include a first zone not traversed by the one or more pistons and polished in a first manner (pressure, time, electrical current density or voltage) to yield a first reflectivity and a second zone traversed by the one or more pistons polished in a different manner and yielding a second reflectivity.

Abstract: A process for the separation of inorganic material from unconditioned oil sands is described.

Abstract: A process for the separation of high purity organic fractions from oil sands is disclosed.

Abstract: A workpiece having a multiple-phase working surface, and a lapping process for producing the surface, the process including: (a) providing a system including: (i) a workpiece having a multiple-phase working surface having a first continuous solid phase, and a second solid phase, intimately dispersed within the continuous phase in the multiple-phase working surface, she continuous phase having a hastiness exceeding a hardness of the second phase by a Mohs Hardness of at least 0.

Abstract: A workpiece having a multiple-phase working surface, and a lapping process for producing the surface, the process including: (a) providing a system including: (i) a workpiece having a multiple-phase working surface having a first continuous solid phase, and a second solid phase, intimately dispersed within the continuous phase in the multiple-phase working surface, the continuous phase having a hardness exceeding a hardness of the second phase by a Mohs Hardness of at least 0.

Abstract: A CNC system for effecting a finishing treatment of a surface, including: a mechanical assembly having a mechanical arm, adapted to move within at least two controllable axes of motion; a shoe arrangement, adapted to connect to an end of the arm and having at least one flexible surface finishing pad; and a drive mechanism adapted to drive the arm; a controller; a communication arrangement adapted to deliver communication signals between the controller and the mechanical assembly; and a positioning system providing the controller with positioning information with respect to the mechanical assembly, the system configured whereby the arm is responsive to the controller, the mechanical assembly adapted to urge the working surface against a workpiece surface, whereby a pressure is delivered thereto, the mechanical assembly including a controllable spring arrangement disposed and adapted to contribute to an overall mechanical compliance, normal to the working surface, of the mechanical assembly, the spring arrangem

Abstract: A process for the separation of high purity organic fractions from oil sands is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing an aqueous-based dispersion of metal nanoparticles comprising: (a) providing an aqueous suspension of a metal salt; (b) pre-reducing the metal salt suspension by a water soluble polymer capable of metal reduction to form a metal nuclei; and (c) adding a chemical reducer to form metal nanoparticles in dispersion. The invention further relates to aqueous-based dispersions of metal nanoparticles, and to compositions such as ink comprising such dispersions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing an aqueous-based dispersion of metal nanoparticles comprising: (a) providing an aqueous suspension of a metal salt; (b) pre-reducing the metal salt suspension by a water soluble polymer capable of metal reduction to form a metal nuclei; and (c) adding a chemical reducer to form metal nanoparticles in dispersion. The invention further relates to aqueous-based dispersions of metal nanoparticles, and to compositions such as ink comprising such dispersions.

Abstract: A workpiece having a multiple-phase working surface, and a lapping process for producing the surface, the process including: (a) providing a system including: (i) a workpiece having a multiple-phase working surface having a first continuous solid phase, and a second solid phase, intimately dispersed within the continuous phase in the multiple-phase working surface, the continuous phase having a hardness exceeding a hardness of the second phase by a Mohs Hardness of at least 0.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing an aqueous-based dispersion of metal nanoparticles comprising: (a) providing an aqueous suspension of a metal salt; (b) pre-reducing the metal salt suspension by a water soluble polymer capable of metal reduction to form a metal nuclei; and (c) adding a chemical reducer to form metal nanoparticles in dispersion. The invention further relates to aqueous-based dispersions of metal nanoparticles, and to compositions such as ink comprising such dispersions.