Abstract: A lightweight armor system may comprise a substrate having a graded metal matrix composite layer formed thereon by thermal spray deposition. The graded metal matrix composite layer comprises an increasing volume fraction of ceramic particles imbedded in a decreasing volume fraction of a metal matrix as a function of a thickness of the graded metal matrix composite layer. A ceramic impact layer is affixed to the graded metal matrix composite layer.

Abstract: Novel forms of molybdenum metal, and apparatus and methods for production thereof. Novel forms of molybdenum metal are preferably characterized by a surface area of substantially 2.5 m2/g. Novel forms of molybdenum metal are also preferably characterized by a relatively uniform size. Preferred embodiments of the invention may comprise heating a precursor material to a first temperature in the presence of a reducing gas, and increasing the first temperature at least once to reduce the precursor material and form the molybdenum metal product.

Abstract: An exhaust filtration system for filtering exhaust gases produced by an internal combustion engine may comprise a fan having an intake side and a discharge side and an air inlet operatively associated with the intake side of the fan. A filter having an inlet surface and an outlet surface is positioned adjacent the fan so that the inlet surface of the filter is positioned adjacent the discharge side of the fan. An influx tube connected to the internal combustion engine is positioned so that its outlet end is located adjacent the intake side of the fan, so that the fan draws in air from the air inlet and exhaust gases from the outlet end of the influx tube and discharges a mixture of air and exhaust gases from the discharge side and into the inlet surface of the filter.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing non-condensible gas from a working fluid utilized in a thermodynamic system comprises a membrane having an upstream side operatively connected to the thermodynamic system so that the upstream side of the membrane receives a portion of the working fluid. The first membrane separates the non-condensible gas from the working fluid. A pump operatively associated with the membrane causes the portion of the working fluid to contact the membrane and to be returned to the thermodynamic system.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing an indication of a material property of a sheet-like material according to the present invention may comprise an excitation source for vibrating the sheet-like material to produce at least one traveling wave therein. A light source configured to produce an object wavefront and a reference wavefront directs the object wavefront toward the sheet-like material to produce a modulated object wavefront. A modulator operatively associated with the reference wavefront modulates the reference wavefront in synchronization with the traveling wave on the sheet-like material to produce a modulated reference wavefront. A sensing medium positioned to receive the modulated object wavefront and the modulated reference wavefront produces an image of the traveling wave in the sheet-like material, the image of the anti-symmetric traveling wave being related to a displacement amplitude of the anti-symmetric traveling wave over a two-dimensional area of the vibrating sheet-like material.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing nano-particles comprises a furnace defining a vapor region therein. A precipitation conduit having an inlet end and an outlet end is positioned with respect to the furnace so that the inlet end is open to the vapor region. A quench fluid port positioned within the precipitation conduit provides a quench fluid stream to the precipitation conduit to precipitate nano-particles within the precipitation conduit. A product collection apparatus connected to the outlet end of the precipitation conduit collects the nano-particles produced within the precipitation conduit.

Abstract: A method for separating a lighter liquid from a heavier liquid according to one embodiment of the present invention may comprise the following steps. First, the lighter liquid and the heavier liquid may be introduced into a settling tank and thereafter allowed to form a first upper liquid fraction and a first lower liquid fraction. The first upper liquid fraction may comprise the lighter liquid with residual amounts of the heavier liquid contained therein. The first upper liquid fraction is then decanted into a trough. The first upper liquid fraction decanted into the trough is then allowed to form a second upper liquid fraction and a second lower liquid fraction. The second lower liquid fraction may comprise the heavier liquid with residual amounts of the lighter liquid contained therein. The second lower liquid fraction is thereafter drained from the trough and allowed to form a third upper liquid fraction and a third lower liquid fraction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for measuring trace amounts of constituents in samples by using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy and laser induced fluorescence under ambient conditions. The laser induced fluorescence is performed at a selected wavelength corresponding to an absorption state of a selected trace constituent. The intensity value of the emission decay signal which is generated by the trace constituent is compared to calibrated emission intensity decay values to determine the amount of trace constituent present.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing an acoustic image of an object according to the present invention may comprise an excitation source for vibrating the object to produce at least one acoustic wave therein. The acoustic wave results in the formation of at least one surface displacement on the surface of the object. A light source produces an optical object wavefront and an optical reference wavefront and directs the optical object wavefront toward the surface of the object to produce a modulated optical object wavefront. A modulator operatively associated with the optical reference wavefront modulates the optical reference wavefront in synchronization with the acoustic wave to produce a modulated optical reference wavefront. A sensing medium positioned to receive the modulated optical object wavefront and the modulated optical reference wavefront combines the modulated optical object and reference wavefronts to produce an image related to the surface displacement on the surface of the object.

Abstract: A pump comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet. An impeller assembly mounted for rotation within the housing includes a first impeller piece having a first mating surface thereon and a second impeller piece having a second mating surface therein. The second mating surface of the second impeller piece includes at least one groove therein so that at least one flow channel is defined between the groove and the first mating surface of the first impeller piece. A drive system operatively associated with the impeller assembly rotates the impeller assembly within the housing.

Abstract: A ventilation overcast comprises a frame member that defines a structure having a substantially inverted U-shape with first and second opposed side wall portions and a roof portion. A curtain member having a plurality of longitudinal corrugations therein is positioned adjacent the frame member so that a bottom portion of the curtain member contacts the floor of the mine. The longitudinal corrugations allow the curtain member to be crushed when subjected to floor heave.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating a lighter liquid and a heavier liquid may comprise a settling tank sized to receive a mixture of the lighter liquid and the heavier liquid. The settling tank permits the formation of a first upper liquid fraction and a first lower liquid fraction. A weir positioned adjacent the settling tank allows the first upper liquid fraction to flow over the weir. A trough positioned adjacent the weir receives the first upper liquid fraction and effects a secondary separation of the lighter and heavier liquids by allowing the first upper liquid fraction to form a second upper liquid fraction and a second lower liquid fraction. A first drain having an elevated inlet end is positioned in the trough so that the first drain removes the second upper liquid fraction from said trough. A second drain positioned in the trough has an inlet end that is positioned below the inlet end of the first drain so that the second drain removes the second lower liquid fraction from said trough.

Abstract: An isomer of ammonium octamolybdate (“AOM”) and method for producing the same. A new AOM isomer (“X-AOM”) is described which is characterized by a distinctive Raman spectral profile compared with other AOM isomers including &agr; and &bgr;-AOM. To produce the novel isomer, ammonium dimolybdate (“ADM”) is combined with molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) and water to yield a mixture. When mixing these materials, optimum results are achieved if at least one of the foregoing molybdenum-containing reagents is added in a gradual, non-instantaneous manner so that the selected reagent is not added to the mixture in a single large mass. This gradual delivery procedure, along with a carefully controlled prolonged heating stage (e.g. in excess of 3 hours) contributes to a maximum yield of high purity X-AOM.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining a quality of a weld produced by a welding device according to the present invention includes a sensor operatively associated with the welding device. The sensor is responsive to at least one welding process parameter during a welding process and produces a welding process parameter signal that relates to the at least one welding process parameter. A computer connected to the sensor is responsive to the welding process parameter signal produced by the sensor. A user interface operatively associated with the computer allows a user to select a desired welding process. The computer processes the welding process parameter signal produced by the sensor in accordance with one of a constant voltage algorithm, a short duration weld algorithm or a pulsed current analysis module depending on the desired welding process selected by the user. The computer produces output data indicative of the quality of the weld.

Abstract: A busing cart having a wheeled frame for carrying a reservoir and a trash receptacle. A strainer is positioned over an opening in the reservoir, and optionally, a chute is positioned over an opening in the trash receptacle. The strainer and chute have adjacent walls which form an acute angle with respect to horizontal so as to 1) provide the chute with a larger opening for receiving dishes to be cleared, and 2) provide the strainer with a larger straining surface. The busing cart also has a variety of platforms for supporting dishwasher racks (for flatware, glasses, etc.) and stacked plates.

Abstract: A dust suppression system for suppressing dust associated with a movement of dust producing material along an open conduit may include a hood assembly positioned adjacent the open conduit so that the hood assembly defines an interior chamber that is exposed to the dust producing material contained within the open conduit. A baffle member mounted to the hood assembly divides the interior chamber into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. A venturi assembly having an inlet end and an outlet end is mounted to the baffle member so that the inlet end of the venturi assembly is exposed to the inlet chamber and so that the outlet end of the venturi assembly is exposed to the outlet chamber. A pressurized fluid provided to the venturi assembly causes the venturi assembly to pull dust laden air contained within the inlet chamber to the outlet chamber, the fluid combining with a portion of the dust suspended in the dust laden air to suppress a release of dust into a surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: A ventilation overcast may comprise a plurality of support columns, each of which has an upper end and a lower end. A plurality of cross beams are connected between the upper ends of each of the plurality of support columns so that the support columns and cross beams define a generally rectangular structure having two opposed side wall portions and a roof portion. A curtain member having a plurality of longitudinal corrugations therein is positioned between the lower ends of adjacent support columns located on the same side wall portion of the ventilation overcast so that a bottom portion of the curtain member contacts the floor of the mine. The longitudinal corrugations allow the curtain member to be crushed when subjected to floor heave.

Abstract: A composition and method for applying to a coal product for dust suppression, water repellency, and spontaneous combustion potential reduction. The composition includes molasses and a hydrocarbon-based solution, such as an oil-containing solution. The oil-containing solution is substantially free of water and may comprise about 20% asphalt. Both the molasses and the oil-containing solution may comprise at least about 40% of the total composition by weight. The method of applying the composition includes reducing a moisture content of a plurality of pieces of coal, cooling the plurality of pieces of coal after said reducing step and treating the plurality of pieces of coal after the reducing step, with a composition comprising an oil and molasses.