Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of making coated perlite flakes comprises: (i) providing perlite flakes; (ii) applying a layer of tin oxide on the perlite flakes to obtain tin oxide coated perlite flakes; (iii) applying a layer titanium dioxide on the tin oxide coated perlite flakes obtained in step (ii) to obtain titanium dioxide and tin oxide coated perlite flakes; and (iv) applying a layer of iron oxide to the titanium dioxide and tin oxide coated perlite flakes to obtain the coated perlite flakes. The present disclosure also relates to coated perlite flakes comprising: perlite flakes with layer of tin oxide, then a layer of titanium dioxide, and then a layer of iron oxide.

Abstract: A combination pigment having a mica and/or metal oxide-coated mica substrate, an absorption colorant coating, and a waxy film bonding the absorption colorant coating to the substrate.

Abstract: A customizable bat is described. The customizable bat may have a handle and a knob detachably affixed to an end of the handle by way of a knob-shaft inserted into a channel of the end of the handle. A pin may extend centrally from a top of the knob through the knob-shaft toward the handle. The pin may be shaped to engage with the knob of the customizable bat. The bat may also include a customizable marker that indicates information associated with the bat. The customizable marker may be removably integrated with the top of the knob and the pin of the bat. The customizable marker may be configured to securely fit around the pin of the bat.

Abstract: A single space electronic parking meter mechanism for inserting into an outer parking meter housing is provided. The mechanism includes an inner housing, a payment receiving structure supported by the inner housing and an electronic display screen supported by the inner housing. The mechanism also includes a wireless communication subsystem supported by the inner housing configured to wirelessly communicate with a parking management system and an electronic meter control system controlling the electronic display and the wireless communications subsystem. The mechanism includes a memory device receiving port externally accessible through the inner housing and a read-write removable memory device physically accessible from outside of the inner housing and configured to be coupled to the memory device receiving port. The removable memory device including operation mode information that is read by the electronic meter control system to select an operation mode of the meter mechanism.

Abstract: A tubular bat having a barrel of thin walls is stiffened by rings to adjust and tune performance. The walls of a bat is thinned to reduce weight and to enhance a batters control. However, regulatory bodies dictate performance standards that may require stiffer walls. Additionally different regulatory bodies dictate different standards. Therefore in order to meet regulatory standards in various jurisdictions, the walls of the bat barrel may be stiffened using rings to adjust and tune performance while minimizing the weight of the bat. The design, size and material from which the ring is made may vary. The placement of the ring may be used to tune specific performance profile of a bat.

Abstract: A customizable bat is described. The customizable bat may have a handle and a knob detachably affixed to an end of the handle by way of a knob-shaft inserted into a channel of the end of the handle. A pin may extend centrally from a top of the knob through the knob-shaft toward the handle. The pin may be shaped to engage with the knob of the customizable bat. The bat may also include a customizable marker that indicates information associated with the bat. The customizable marker may be removably integrated with the top of the knob and the pin of the bat. The customizable marker may be configured to securely fit around the pin of the bat.

Abstract: A combination pigment having a mica and/or metal oxide-coated mica substrate, an absorption colorant coating, and a waxy film bonding the absorption colorant coating to the substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides a laser marking additive comprising mixed oxides of tin and a transition metal. Methods of making and using the additive are also provided.

Abstract: A pearlescent pigment which is a ferrite-coated iron oxide-coated platy substrate in which the ferrite is substantially free of crystallites is obtained by adding metal ions to a slurry of hydrous iron compound and platy particles and then co-calcining in the metal and iron.