Abstract: Merging of portions of ordered event streams is disclosed. The disclosed merging of events can limit loss of order of events from streams in exchange for reduced computational load by grouping events according to a pseudo-epoch, wherein events are stored according to a scheme, even though the grouping can result reading events in a different order that that in which the events were written. However, by grouping the events, there can be fewer transitions between storage schemes when reading events than if they were read in the same order in which they were written, thereby reducing computational load. Moreover, restraints on the loss of order can be imposed by selecting a maximum progress window and generally restricting groups from comprising events two different storage schemes. Where events can be moved to archival storage, reducing storage scheme transitions can be of further benefit and speed access times of archived events.

Abstract: The invention concerns alloyed zinc powders for alkaline batteries and a method to manufacture such powders. The powders are characterized by the presence of particles pierced with at least one hole. This appears to benefit the high drain discharge capacity while preserving the process ability of the powder, and the shelf life and the gassing behavior of the batteries. The invented powders can be manufactured using centrifugal atomization in a cooled, oxygen-depleted atmosphere.

Abstract: Provided is a group of rare-earth regenerator material particles having an average particle size of 0.01 to 3 mm, wherein the proportion of particles having a ratio of a long diameter to a short diameter of 2 or less is 90% or more by number, and the proportion of particles having a depressed portion having a length of 1/10 to ½ of a circumferential length on a particle surface is 30% or more by number. By forming the depressed portion on the surface of the regenerator material particles, it is possible to increase permeability of an operating medium gas and a contact surface area with the operating medium gas.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a metal nanoparticle is provided. The method includes steps of: a) providing a metal salt solution, b) providing a reducing agent, c) providing a protecting agent, d) providing an alkaline solution, e) mixing the salt solution, the reducing agent, the protecting agent and the alkaline solution to form a slurry within a high-gravity field, and f) separating the metal nanoparticle from the slurry.

Abstract: One object of the present invention is to provide a rare earth magnet alloy ingot, which has improved magnetic properties. In order to achieve the object, the present invention provides a rare earth magnet alloy ingot, wherein the rare earth magnet alloy ingot comprises an R-T-B type magnet alloy (R represents at least one element selected from among rare earth elements, including Y; and T represents a substance predominantly comprising Fe, with a portion of Fe atoms being optionally substituted by Co, Ni, Cu, Al, Ga, Cr, and Mn) containing at least one element selected from among Nd, Pr, and Dy in a total amount of 11.8 to 16.5% by atom and B in an amount of 5.6 to 9.1% by atom; and wherein as determined in an as-cast state of the alloy ingot, R-rich phase that measures 100 ?m or more is substantially absent on a cross section.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing silver nano-particle material comprises a furnace and a crucible positioned within the furnace, the crucible containing a quantity of precursor material, the furnace heating the quantity of precursor material contained in the crucible to vaporize the precursor material. A process gas supply operatively associated with the furnace provides a process gas to an interior region of the furnace. A conduit is operatively associated with the furnace so that an inlet end of the conduit is open to the interior region of the furnace. A particle separator system is operatively associated with an outlet end of the conduit.

Abstract: This invention relates to centrifugal atomized zinc alloy powders for alkaline batteries consisting of (a) 0.005-2% by weight of indium, and 0.005-0.2% by weight of either one of Al and Bi, or (b) 0.005-2% by weight of indium, and 0.005-0.2% by weight of Bi, and 0.001-0.5% of either one or both of Al and Ca, or (c) 0.005-2% by weight of either one or both of Bi and Al, and 0-0.5% by weight of Pb, the remainder being zinc. The powder is obtained by centrifugal atomisation in a protective atmosphere, where the oxygen content is less than 4% by volume. The resistance to corrosion in the electrolyte of the battery, especially after partial discharge, is markedly better than when the same alloys are prepared by the traditional production process. The capacity of batteries containing these powders is very good.

Abstract: An alloy is used for production of magnetic refrigeration material particles. The alloy contains La in a range of 4 to 15 atomic %, Fe in a range of 60 to 93 atomic %, Si in a range of 3.5 to 23.5 atomic % and at lease one element M selected from B and Ti in a range of 0.5 to 1.5 atomic %. The alloy includes a main phase containing Fe as a main component element and Si, and a subphase containing La as a main component element and Si. The main phase has a bcc crystal structure and an average grain diameter of 20 ?m or less.

Abstract: Nuclear metal or alloy particle preparation method and device; said device comprising: means to prepare a fluid mass of the metal or alloy by melting; means to put the fluid mass of the metal or metal alloy in the form of a molten metal or alloy stream; means to impart a centrifugal rotation movement to a quenching fluid and carry out the atomisation of the molten metal or metal alloy stream particles and the quick quenching of the particles; means to melt the nuclear metal or metal alloy in an inert gas atmosphere, and means to surround the molten metal or metal alloy stream by a neutral gas envelope until quenching.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a novel process for atomizing a liquid material or a mixture of liquid materials. More specifically, this disclosure advances the art by utilizing the inertial forces created in an elevated acceleration environment to further miniaturize and enhance the characteristics of particles resulting from atomization. The key to this disclosure is to subject a melt material to an elevated acceleration and pass a fluid over the surface of the melt. The purpose of the elevated acceleration is to elevate the relative importance of gravitational forces in the melt thus miniaturizing any gravity influenced disturbance. This elevated acceleration environment leads to miniaturization of gravitationally dependent phenomena thus leading to smaller particle creation. The purpose of the atomizing fluid is to impart kinetic energy onto the melt thereby causing disturbances and to act as a heat transfer media to cool the particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a thixotropic metallic melt by simultaneously controlledly cooling and stirring the melt to form solid particles of a first phase suspended in a residual liquid second phase. Vigorous stirring of the metallic melt results in the formation of degenerate dendritic particles having substantially spheroidal shapes. The metallic melt is stirred to rapidly and efficiently circulate the forming semi-solid slurry. Circulation of the forming semi-solid slurry results in a substantially uniform temperature throughout. Through precision stirring and cooling, a semi-solid slurry is formed having a first solid phase of about 70-80 wt. % suspended in a second liquid phase.

Abstract: A product in which at least a portion of the product has a nanocrystalline microstructure, and a method of forming the product. The method generally entails machining a body in a manner that produces chips consisting entirely of nano-crystals as a result of the machining operation imposing a sufficiently large strain deformation. The body can be formed of a variety of materials, including metal, metal alloy and ceramic materials. Furthermore, the body may have a microstructure that is essentially free of nano-crystals, and may even have a single-crystal microstructure. The chips produced by the machining operation may be in the form of particulates, ribbons, wires, filaments and/or platelets. The chips are then used to form the product. According to one aspect of the invention, the chips are consolidated to form the product, such that the product is a monolithic material that may contain nano-crystals.

Abstract: Solid particles are formed from a liquid by rotating a slinger about a vertical axis within a chamber to sling liquid droplets from vertically spaced annular rows of cusps disposed on an outer periphery of the slinger. An air flow is established within the chamber, the air flow rotating in a direction opposite the direction of rotation of the slinger. The air flow opposes travel of threads formed between successively slung droplets to cause the threads to separate from the droplets and turn into dust particles which become entrained in the air flow. The dust particles can thus be collected separately from particles formed by the droplets.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a thixotropic metallic melt by simultaneously controlledly cooling and stirring the melt to form solid particles of a first phase suspended in a residual liquid second phase. Vigorous stirring of the metallic melt results in the formation of degenerate dendritic particles having substantially spheroidal shapes. The metallic melt is stirred to rapidly and efficiently circulate the forming semi-solid slurry. Circulation of the forming semi-solid slurry results in a substantially uniform temperature throughout. Through precision stirring and cooling, a semi-solid slurry is formed having a first solid phase of about 70-80 wt. % suspended in a second liquid phase.

Abstract: Fine powders are made from molten metals and alloys on a continuous basis. A rapidly spinning shallow cup has an atomizing fluid such as water, oil or any other hydrocarbon supplied to the cup to form a thin sheet or layer which is distributed on the inner surface of the cup. Within the cup a stream or spray of molten metal is propelled into this thin sheet of atomizing fluid. The metal interacts with the atomizing fluid film and is fragmented or broken down into many small droplets which are quenched by the atomizing fluid and solidified into fine powder. These powders in the form of a slurry with the atomizing fluid can be continuously removed as the slurry discharges up over the lip of the cup by centrifugal force and the powders can be recovered. In a preferred embodiment a preatomizer is positioned between the incoming stream of molten metal and the spinning cup.

Abstract: The present invention is a process and apparatus for producing nano-scale particles using the interaction between a laser beam and a liquid precursor solution. There are two embodiments. The first embodiment includes the use of a solid substrate during the laser-liquid interaction. In this embodiment the laser beam is directed at the solid substrate which is immersed in the liquid precursor solution and rotating. The second embodiment includes the use of a plasma during the laser-liquid interaction. In the second embodiment, a mixture of a liquid precursor and a carrier gas is injected into a laser beam. Injection of the mixture can be performed either perpendicular or parallel to the laser beam. The apparatus for injecting the liquid precursor and carrier gas into the laser beam includes a plasma nozzle designed to allow the laser beam to enter the plasma nozzle so that the laser beam may irradiate what is flowing through the plasma nozzle to create a plasma flow.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for an alumina-dispersed reinforced copper alloy according to the invention is an improved method which is capable of manufacturing efficiently alumina-dispersed reinforced copper having both good electro-conductivity used for wire-manufacturing-material and good mechanical property, the manufacturing method comprises the steps of obtaining powders constituted by particles having aluminum-contained copper alloy-oxide, allowing to mill aluminum-contained copper alloy powder within the air atmosphere by milling device with mechanical-alloying-operation due to shock compression, converting aluminum into aluminum-oxide by heat-treatment of the powders within inert atmosphere, implementing reduction-treatment of the converted member within the reducing atmosphere, and executing hot extrusion the reduction-treated-material.

Abstract: The present invention is a process and apparatus for producing nano-scale particles using the interaction between a laser beam and a liquid precursor solution. There are two embodiments. The first embodiment includes the use of a solid substrate during the laser-liquid interaction. In this embodiment the laser beam is directed at the solid substrate which is immersed in the liquid precursor solution and rotating. The second embodiment includes the use of a plasma during the laser-liquid interaction. In the second embodiment, a mixture of a liquid precursor and a carrier gas is injected into a laser beam. Injection of the mixture can be performed either perpendicular or parallel to the laser beam. The apparatus for injecting the liquid precursor and carrier gas into the laser beam includes a plasma nozzle designed to allow the laser beam to enter the plasma nozzle so that the laser beam may irradiate what is flowing through the plasma nozzle to create a plasma flow.

Abstract: A centrifugal plasma arc furnace is used to vitrify contaminated soils and other waste materials. An assessment of the characteristics of the waste is performed prior to introducing the waste into the furnace. Based on the assessment, a predetermined amount of iron is added to each batch of waste. The waste is melted in an oxidizing atmosphere into a slag. The added iron is oxidized into Fe.sub.3 O.sub.4. Time of exposure to oxygen is controlled so that the iron does not oxidize into Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3. Slag in the furnace remains relatively non-viscous and consequently it pours out of the furnace readily. Cooled and solidified slag produced by the furnace is very resistant to groundwater leaching. The slag can be safely buried in the earth without fear of contaminating groundwater.

Abstract: A disordered multicomponent MgNi based electrochemical hydrogen storage material having a microstructure including a substantial volume fraction characterized by intermediate range order and exhibiting extraordinarily high storage capacity and methods of fabricating same.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing metal powders which is less likely permit variations in cooling rate, ensures rapid solidification at a great cooling rate and readily gives fine particles, and a production apparatus for the method. The method comprises injecting a cooling liquid into a cooling tubular body (1) along an inner peripheral surface thereof to form a cooling liquid layer (9) moving toward a cooling liquid discharge end of the tubular body (1) while swirling along the inner peripheral surface of the tubular body (1); supplying a molten metal (25) to a space (23) inside the cooling liquid layer (9); applying a gas jet (26) as directed toward the cooling liquid layer (9) to the molten metal (25) to divide the molten metal and supply the divided molten metal to the cooling liquid layer (9); and discharging the cooling liquid containing a metal powder solidified in the liquid layer (9) from the cooling liquid discharge end of the tubular body (1) to outside.

Abstract: A granulator comprises a rotary atomiser (1) on to which the molten material to be granulated is poured in a stream. The rotation of the atomiser (1) causes the molten material to be ejected therefrom in the form of globules. No fluid jets are used to break up the molten material. The globules pass through an enclosure (6) and partially freeze to form granules which are collected in an annular trough (10). A gas is injected into the trough (10) to induce a circumferential movement of the granules within the trough towards at least one exit from the trough (10).

Abstract: A cooling liquid is injected into and supplied to a cooling tubular body along its inner periphery to form a cooling liquid layer flowing down the inner peripheral surface of the body while revolving. A molten metal is then injected into the cooling liquid layer from the inner peripheral side thereof to divide, rapidly cool and solidify the stream of molten metal with the cooling liquid layer and obtain a metal powder. Since the metal powder is continuously obtained upon flowing down the tubular body along with the cooling liquid, the liquid can be continuously removed from the powder by suitable means, and the power can be subsequently dried continuously.

Abstract: Zinc powder, which contains a coloring element, e.g., Ti, Mn, or V, is heated to a temperature of from 350.degree. to 700.degree. C. so as to oxidize the surface of the powder and hence to develop such colors as brown, navy blue, blue, greenish-brown, green, and coffee brown. The colored zinc powder is sprayed onto a steel, aluminum, or ceramic article to produce a colored article. The colored zinc powder is also used as a pigment.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for atomizing a liquid to form a fine powder. The method includes the steps of mixing the liquid with a first fluid medium jet and projecting this first fluid medium jet into a barrier means which comprises a solid body or a second fluid medium jet projected by a nozzle in a direction substantially opposite to the first fluid medium jet. The first fluid medium jet containing fine particles diverges away from the barrier means, thus increasing contact surface between the first fluid medium jet and the liquid and increasing the intermixing therebetween.

Abstract: This invention describes a process for producing copper alloys by rapid sdification in order to improve their strength and thermal stability after being exposed to elevated temperatures. The method used to rapidly solidify the molten alloy is either by use of a high pressure non-oxidizing gas spray to atomize the molten alloy into a powder or to pour the molten alloy onto a rotating wheel to form a ribbon which is then attrited into powder. The powder is canned, compacted to full density and cold worked to the desired shape.