Abstract: Fully dense long ingots are produced by the bottom pouring method and apparatus of the present invention. A solidification sequence is achieved which is conducive to eliminating solidification shrinkage and piping. The set-up of the bottom poured ingot molds facilitates a solidification sequence starting from the top and then down the ingot mold and then up the down pour pipe.

Abstract: A replaceable spike for sport shoes, molded from a durable plastic-type material, comprising a main body, concavo-convex disc having a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion has a threaded post extending outwardly for removably attaching the spike to the sole of the shoe. The bottom portion, which is connected to the top portion, contains a plurality of nubs extending outwardly from the bottom portion for providing traction between the shoe and a supporting ground surface, while alleviating damage to the ground surface. Preferably, the nubs are at least three different sizes (small, medium, and large), based upon a fractal-like design, to provide surface roughness on multiple scales for increased traction.

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 solution for forming a non-chromate conversion coating on an aluminum substrate. The invention was developed to replace the potentially toxic chromic acid process. The method provides a conversion solution capable of substituting a select set of metallic ions for the aluminum ions of the gel formed on the substrate, wherein the metallic ions have ionic radii differing less than 35% of the aluminum ion radii and where the coordination numbers of the respective ions remain the same. The preferred substituting metal ion of the invention is manganese. Manganese was found to be a close match to both the ionic radii and coordination numbers of the aluminum ions to be replaced.

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: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for optimizing the transfer efficiency of a compressed air system used to apply liquid coatings (e.g., paint) while producing a high quality film coating. The invention uses a laser measuring system to determine the atomization of a spray produced by a compressed air spray system. The system also monitors and measures the liquid and air being supplied to the spray applicator to determine the settings required for optimization.

Abstract: This invention relates to solid, bare, consumable wire electrodes for gas metal arc (GMA) welding of high strength low alloy (HSLA) steels. The electrodes require little or no preheat, interpass and post soak temperature controls. The invention also relates to the method of welding and weld deposits produced therefrom.