Abstract: Methods for reducing carbon contamination when melting highly reactive alloys involving providing a graphite crucible having an interior, applying at least a first protective layer to the interior of the graphite crucible, placing a highly reactive alloy into the crucible having the first protective layer, and melting the highly reactive alloy to obtain a melted alloy having reduced carbon contamination.

Abstract: nethod for manufacturing a test bar from a turbo-machinery component, test bar made in accordance with the method, and turbo-machinery component associated with the method. A component section is obtained from the turbo-machinery component, wherein the component section includes a component portion, and wherein the component portion has a substantially rectangular cross section and has a width. First and second semi-circular cylinders are obtained having a diameter substantially equal to the width of the component portion. The component section is disposed between, and in contact with, the first and second semi-circular cylinders defining a component-section-cylinder assembly having first and second assembly ends. First and second end extensions are obtained. The first end extension is inertia welded to the first assembly end and the second end extension is inertia welded to the second assembly end defining a test-bar stock. The test-bar stock is machined creating the test bar.

Abstract: Apparatus for electroplating a workpiece includes an unassembled electroplating anode assembly having weldable first and second structural anode members. The first structural anode member includes a positioning slot. The second structural anode member includes a positioning tab disposable in the positioning slot. A method for making an electroplating anode assembly includes obtaining an electroplating-anode-assembly first structural anode member having a positioning slot and obtaining an electroplating-anode-assembly second structural anode member having a positioning tab. The method also includes locating the positioning tab in the positioning slot and welding together the first and second structural anode members.

Abstract: A turbine engine stator assembly in juxtaposition across a radial gap with a rotary blading assembly includes a radially movable shroud and a gap control member made of at least one shape memory alloy (SMA). The SMA is selected and preconditioned to deform pre-selected amounts to change the radial length of the gap during engine operation responsive to temperature about the SMA. A fluid flow means delivers fluid to the SMA at pre-selected temperatures during engine operation.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed that includes an at least partially stabilized zirconia matrix with a pentavalent oxide first dopant and an oxide second dopant. A coated article is disclosed for use in a high temperature a gas turbine. The coated article can include an yttria-stabilized zirconia, a pentavalent oxide first dopant, and an oxide second dopant. The ratio of the pentavalent oxide second dopant to the oxide third dopant can be less than or equal to about 1. The composition can reduce sintering of the thermal barrier coating.

Abstract: Process for the conversion of sodium bromide to anhydrous hydrobromic acid and sodium bisulfate, said process with the following sequential steps: reaction of sodium bromide and sulfuric acid in a solution of water to produce hydrobromic acid and sodium bisulfate wherein the conversion of sodium bromide is greater than about 99%; adsorption of iron bromide onto a solid adsorbent; separation of hydrobromic acid and water from the sodium bisulfate; separation and drying of hydrobromic acid; and solidification of the sodium bisulfate into a flaked or granular form.

Abstract: A non-fat creamer composition that contains from about 10% to about 90%, of a microparticulated protein component and from about 10% to about 90%, of a insoluble microcrystalline cellulose component. In the hydrated state the microparticulated protein component particles have a mean diameter particle size distribution ranging from about 0.1 microns to about 10.0 microns, and preferably less than about 5 percent of the total number of particles exceed about 10.0 microns in diameter. Further, the creamer composition contains less than about 2% of fat and oil. These non-fat creamer compositions can be powdered and liquid, dairy and non-dairy, and can be prepared in both concentrated and ready-to-use forms. The powdered creamer compositions are well suited for use in instant and/or dry food and beverage compositions that require the addition of water or other suitable fluids prior to use.

Abstract: A method for the reduction of acrylamide in food products, food products having reduced levels of acrylamide, and an article of commerce. In one aspect, the method comprises reducing the level of reducing sugar in a food material before final heating (e.g., cooking). In another aspect, the method comprises adding to a food material an enzyme capable of reducing the level of reducing sugar. In yet another aspect, an article of commerce communicates to the consumer that a food product has reduced or low levels of acrylamide or reducing sugar.

Abstract: Processes for the synthesis of high purity fatty acid lower alkyl esters comprise the steps of: (a) converting a fatty acid source to a product mixture comprising lower alkyl esters and by-products; (b) water-washing the product mixture at elevated temperature and elevated pressure to remove by-products; and (c) fractionally distilling the water-washed product mixture to obtain high purity fatty acid lower alkyl esters. At least a portion of the fatty acids have from about 20 to about 24 carbon atoms. The high purity lower alkyl esters have an acid value no greater than about 1.0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to non-segregating flavored coffee compositions. In particular, the present invention relates to novel flavored coffee compositions that minimize or inhibit the segregation and separation of constituent components, and the corresponding processes for making such compositions. The flavored coffee compositions herein are characterized as having a roast and ground, an instant coffee component, or mixtures thereof. The roast and ground coffee component will have a moisture level in the range of from about 1% to about 15%, a particle density in the range of from about 0.1 g/cc to about 0.45 g/cc, and a mean particle size distribution in the range of from about 400 microns to about 1300 microns. The instant coffee components used herein will have a particle density in the range of from about 0.1 g/cc to about 0.8 g/cc, a mean particle size distribution in the range of from about 250 microns to about 2360 microns, and a moisture level in the range of from about 1% to about 4.5%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to powdered and liquid, dairy and non-dairy creamer compositions. These creamer compositions can be prepared in both concentrated and ready-to-use forms. The powdered creamer compositions are well suited for use in instant and/or dry food and beverage compositions that require the addition of water or other suitable fluids prior to use. The present powdered and liquid creamer compositions are equally well suited for the preparation of ready-to-use formulations that can be added directly to food and beverage products. The creamer compositions of the present invention comprise a microparticulated ingredient component and a secondary ingredient component. The microparticulated ingredient component comprises a fat/oil component and a microparticulated protein component, and optionally a carbohydrate component. The secondary ingredient component of the creamer compositions of the present invention comprises an emulsifier and a bulking agent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a compound having the structure (I): and acceptable salts, polypeptides, and pro-forms thereof, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of: (a) substituted glycerols; wherein n is an integer from 1 to 2; (b) vitamins; wherein n is 1; (c) sterols; wherein n is 1; (d) stanols; wherein n is 1; and (e) C6-C32 alkyl; and (f) C6-C32 alkenyl; wherein n is 1. The present invention is further directed to compositions and kits comprising these compounds as well as methods of using the compounds. The compounds, compositions, kits, and methods herein are useful for providing general health benefits to the consumer, particularly cardiovascular benefits, anti-menopausal benefits and/or treating sexual dysfunction (particularly, erectile dysfunction). Most particularly, the compounds, compositions, kits, and methods herein are useful for providing cardiovascular benefits, including lowering cholesterol in the consumer, treating, preventing, and/or inhibiting heart disease (e.g.