Abstract: An environmentally controlled heating system for heating metal alloy billets wherein a trolley system carries the billets through the chambers of the induction heating system in crucibles that are pushed or pulled by actuators. The billets enter the system through a load-chamber and travel through a main chamber to a heating area where the loaded crucibles pass through a series of induction heating coils. The heated billets leave the heating area through a dump-chamber where they are delivered to a forming system. The empty crucibles reenter the main chamber and travel back to the loading area to receive another billet. The heating system is controlled through a computing device for monitoring and controlling the system, preferably a programmable logic controller. A vacuum system evacuates air from the chambers, and an inert gas system back-fills the chambers with an inert gas. A gettering system continually cleans the inert gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently applying liquid coatings to a workpiece. The apparatus is a compressed air spray system tailored to achieve a desired transfer efficiency (TE) by controlling atomization. Liquid and pressurized air are supplied to a spray applicator. The atomized spray is applied to the workpiece. Atomization and TE, as well as associated fluid flow parameters, are measured at various gas pressures while maintaining a constant liquid flow rate. A graphical representation of the relationship between atomization and TE is produced. An optimized atomization corresponding to a desired TE is determined from the graphical representation of atomization and TE. The fluid flow parameters corresponding to the optimized atomization are set and regulated to produce the optimized atomization, thereby optimizing transfer efficiency.

Abstract: An ultrasonic method to measure silver sheath thickness in silver sheathed, ceramic powder core High Temperature Superconductor (HTS) wires and an associated sensor system which is designed and developed for continuous, on-line, real-time measurement during wire drawing.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical preparation for topical treatment of skin disorders, particularly psoriasis, comprising the ingredients of a latex extracted from the leaves of the Wrightia tinctoria R Br. plant, urea, and polyethylene glycol. The pharmaceutical preparation is also a hydrophilic ointment that is capable of delivering the active drugs without being greasy or irritating to the skin.