Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and manufacturing methods useful in the manufacture of large transformer cores, particularly, in the manufacture of large transformer cores made of a ferromagnetic material, especially of annealed amorphous metal alloys. The invention further provides transformer cores produced utilizing the inventive apparatus and manufacturing methods, as well as finished transformers which include such transformer cores.

Abstract: A unitary amorphous metal magnetic component for an axial flux electric machine such as a motor or generator is formed from a spirally wound annular cylinder of ferromagnetic amorphous metal strips. The cylinder is adhesively bonded and provided with a plurality of slots formed in one of the annular faces of the cylinder and extending from the inner diameter to the outer diameter of the cylinder. The component is preferably employed in constructing a high efficiency, axial flux electric motor. When operated at an excitation frequency “f” to a peak induction level Bmax the unitary amorphous metal magnetic component has a core-loss less than “L” wherein L is given by the formula L=0.0074 f (Bmax)1.3+0.000282 f1.5 (Bmax)2.4, the core loss, excitation frequency and peak induction level being measured in watts per kilogram, hertz, and teslas, respectively.

Abstract: A compact scanning apparatus includes an optical system to deliver a beam of pulsed infrared laser light that illuminate an interrogation area of a surface. The illumination has sufficient intensity and duration to cause selective ablation of molecules of a contraband substance present on the surface without substantially damaging the surface. A collection system collects at least a portion of the ablated molecules and transfers them to a chemical analysis system having a detector. In response to the presence of a wide variety of contraband substance molecules, the detector outputs an electrical signal that activates an audible or visible alarm. Automated screening is provided in an accurate, reliable manner that virtually eliminates the vagaries of human performance. False alarms are reduced. Detection efficacy is increased. A traceable residue of the detected contraband is left on the article for subsequent forensic analysis.

Abstract: A high efficiency electric motor has a generally polyhedrally shaped bulk amorphous metal magnetic component in which a plurality of layers of amorphous metal strips are laminated together adhesively to form a generally three-dimensional part having the shape of a polyhedron. The bulk amorphous metal magnetic component may include an arcuate surface, and preferably includes two arcuate surfaces that are disposed opposite to each other. The magnetic component is operable at frequencies ranging from about 50 Hz to about 20,000 Hz. When the motor is operated at an excitation frequency “f” to a peak induction level Bmax, the component exhibits a core-loss less than about “L” wherein L is given by the formula L=0.005 f (Bmax)1.5+0.000012 f1.5 (Bmax)1.6, said core loss, said excitation frequency and said peak induction level being measured in watts per kilogram, hertz, and teslas, respectively.

Abstract: Streaming media, such as audio or video files, is sent via the Internet. The media are immediately played on a user's computer. Audio/video data is transmitted from the server more rapidly than it is played out by the user system. The audio/video data in the user buffer accumulates; and interruptions in playback as well as temporary modem delays are avoided.

Abstract: Transformer cores, especially those of wound or laminated annealed amorphous metals which include support assemblies are disclosed. Methods for their manufacture, and their use in assembled transformers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A copper-nickel-silicon quench substrate rapidly solidifies molten alloy into microcrystalline or amorphous strip. The substrate is composed of a thermally conducting alloy. It has a two-phase microstructure with copper rich regions surrounded by a network of nickel silicide phases. The microstructure is substantially homogeneous. Casting of strip is accomplished with minimal surface degradation as a function of casting time. The quantity of material cast during each run is improved without the toxicity encountered with copper-beryllium substrates.

Abstract: A method for providing interactive audience participation at live spectator events enhances enjoyment for a plurality of spectators. Participating spectators employ wireless interactive devices that present a promotional message and include user input and output interfaces. Spectators are queried, and enter answers via the user input interface. The answers are transmitted to a central processor, stored as spectator data, and processed into results. A visual display or the user output interface announces the results to the spectators.

Abstract: Methods for the manufacture of assemblies which included brazed components and in which nickel/chromium-based filler metals are used wherein the manufactured assemblies are characterized by low leaching rates of nickel in water and water-based fluids, are disclosed. More specifically, there are disclosed methods for the manufacture of a heat exchanger or other assembly which method includes a brazing step, as well as a post-brazing conditioning step for treating the heat exchanger or other assembly. The manufactured heat exchangers and other assemblies are particularly useful in the handling of materials intended for human consumption such as water, beverages or food as the manufactured heat exchangers or other assemblies are characterized by reduced leaching rates of nickel into fluids passed through the heat exchanger. Brazing compositions useful in such manufactured assemblies are also described.

Abstract: A high performance bulk magnetic component includes a plurality of layers of crystalline, ferromagnetic metal strips adhesively bonded together to form a polyhedrally shaped part. When the component is excited at an excitation frequency “f” to a peak induction level Bmax, it exhibits a core-loss less than “L” wherein L is given by the formula L=0.0135 f (Bmax)1.9+0.000108 f1.6 (Bmax)1.92, said core loss, said excitation frequency and said peak induction level being measured in watts per kilogram, hertz, and teslas, respectively. Performance characteristics of the high performance bulk magnetic component of the present invention are significantly better when compared to silicon-steel components operated over the same frequency range.

Abstract: A bulk amorphous metal magnetic component for an electric machine such as a motor or generator is described. The component may include a plurality of substantially similarly shaped laminations stamped from ferromagnetic amorphous metal strips, stacked and bonded together in registry, wherein the laminations include a plurality of tooth-shaped sections. In an alternate implementation, the component may be constructed by first stacking a plurality of layers of amorphous metal strips, laminating the layers and then cutting the object to form the component. The bulk amorphous metal magnetic component when operated at an excitation frequency “f” to a peak induction level Bmax has a core-loss less than “L” wherein L is given by the formula L=0.0074 f(Bmax)1.3+0.000282 f1.5(Bmax)2.4, said core loss, said excitation frequency and said peak induction level being measured in watts per kilogram, hertz, and teslas, respectively.

Abstract: A bulk amorphous metal inductive device comprises a magnetic core having plurality of low-loss bulk ferromagnetic amorphous metal magnetic components assembled in juxtaposed relationship to form at least one magnetic circuit and secured in position, e.g. by banding or potting. The device has one or more electrical windings and may be used as a transformer or inductor in an electronic circuit. Each component comprises a plurality of similarly shaped layers of amorphous metal strips bonded together to form a polyhedrally shaped part. The low core losses of the device, e.g. a loss of at most about 12 W/kg when excited at a frequency of 5 kHz to a peak induction level of 0.3 T, make it especially useful for application in power conditioning circuits operating in switched mode at frequencies of 1 kHz or more. Air gaps are optionally interposed between the mating faces of the constituent components of the device to enhance its energy storage capacity for inductor applications.

Abstract: A bedside butler unit dispenses hypoallergenic, antibacterial wet wipes and accommodates their disposal, following use. In one embodiment, the unit provides a safe, quick and discrete means for freshening up and readily disposing of clean-up materials. The unit is adapted to be placed on a vanity table or other easy to reach location near the bedside. It contains a sealed inner unit having a plurality of compartments. One of the compartments contains the hypoallergenic, antibacterial wet wipes, and another of the compartments serves as a disposal unit into which the wipes are conveniently placed after use. Additional compartments may be provided for dispensing dry wipes, and storing personal effects. In another embodiment, the unit is especially suited for use in hospitals, nursing homes and other patient care facilities to minimize the care provider's contact with soiled wipes, and thereby prevent the spread of infectious disease.

Abstract: A harmonic responsive electronic article surveillance marker is associated with a central, non-recorded region and/or a peripheral non-recorded region of an optically recorded or recordable media. The marker comprising at least one elongated strip, optionally having an arcuate configuration, and composed of soft magnetic material adapted to generate a harmonic signal voltage in the presence of an applied magnetic field which provides the marker with signal identity. Advantageously, the marker is inexpensive to construct. It is readily attached to or embedded in the non-recorded region and/or the peripheral non-recorded region, and generates a high amplitude, harmonic signal voltage having significantly increased detection sensitivity. With these attributes, the marker is especially suited for electronic surveillance of recorded media such as compact disks, digital video disks, laser disks and the like.

Abstract: A high efficiency electric motor has a generally polyhedrally shaped bulk amorphous metal magnetic component in which a plurality of layers of amorphous metal strips are laminated together to form a generally three-dimensional part having the shape of a polyhedron. The bulk amorphous metal magnetic component may include an arcuate surface, and preferably includes two arcuate surfaces that are disposed opposite to each other. The magnetic component is operable at frequencies ranging from about 50 Hz to about 20,000 Hz. When the motor is operated at an excitation frequency “f” to a peak induction level Bmax the component exhibits a core-loss less than “L” wherein L is given by the formula L=0.0074 f (Bmax)1.3+0.000282 f1.5 (Bmax)2.4, said core loss, said excitation frequency and said peak induction level being measured in watts per kilogram, hertz, and teslas, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved transformer cores formed from wound, annealed amorphous metal alloys, particularly multi-limbed transformer cores. Processes for the manufacture of the improved transformer cores, and transformers comprising the improved transformer cores are also described.

Abstract: X-ray radiation is transmitted through and scattered from an object under inspection to detect weapons, narcotics, explosives or other contraband. Relatively fast scintillators are employed for faster X-ray detection efficiency and significantly improved image resolution. Detector design is improved by the use of optically adiabatic scintillators. Switching between photon-counting and photon integration modes reduces noise and significantly increases overall image quality.

Abstract: A plurality of parts are brazed using an iron/chromium brazing filler metal. The parts are preferably composed of stainless steel and the brazed assembly forms a heat exchanger characterized by good corrosion resistance and low rates of leaching of Ni into fluids passing therethrough. The heat exchanger is especially suited for use in processing items intended to be ingested by humans or animals. Leaching rates and corrosion resistance are further enhanced by a post-brazing conditioning step wherein the assembly is heated in an oxygen-containing atmosphere to a temperature ranging from about 150° to 600° C.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for casting metal strip includes a moving chill body that has a quench surface. A nozzle mechanism deposits a stream of molten metal on a quenching region of the quench surface to form the strip. The nozzle mechanism has an exit portion with a nozzle orifice. A depletion mechanism includes a plurality of independently controllable gas nozzles to supply a reducing gas to multiple zones of a depletion region located adjacent to and upstream from the quenching region. The gas flow profile can be controlled in each zone independently of controlling the gas flow in other zones. The reducing gas reacts exothermically to lower the density to provide a low density reducing atmosphere within the depletion and substantially prevent formation of gas pockets in the strip.

Abstract: A method provides interactive audience participation at live spectator events. The method includes providing each spectator with an interactive device that presents a promotional message and includes a user interface, broadcasting audio programming to the spectator through the interactive device, querying the spectators, wherein answers to the querying may be entered by spectators via the user interface of the interactive device, transmitting the answers to a central processor, storing the answers as spectator data, processing the spectator data into results, storing the results of the processing of the spectator data and broadcasting the results of the processing of the spectator data.