Abstract: A glass/quartz composite structure comprises quartz grit, quartz powder and glass grit wherein the glass grit is in an amount greater than any other single material by weight of the composite structure (e.g. a combined weight of the quartz grit, quartz powder, glass grit, resin, and coupling agent). Natural stone components, which may include the quartz grit and quartz powder, may be in an amount greater than 30% by weight of the composite structure. The structure may be formed into a 1.2-1.5 cm thick slab for countertops using standard cabinet perimeter support. The slab may be made by mixing the quartz grit, quartz powder, glass grit, and binding resin, pouring the mixture in a mold, and compacting the mixture in the mold. Specific natural mineral components, decorative chips, and/or wet mixture pieces may be added to the composite structure to provide aesthetics of specific natural stones.

Abstract: A therapeutic support device includes a bladder having one or more independently inflatable compartments, each including a plurality of inflatable cells. When inflated, each inflatable cell forms a contact node that may support a user or another object disposed thereon. The inflatable compartments can be alternately inflated and deflated such that contact pressure can be applied to and relieved from corresponding portions of the user's body in an alternating manner.

Abstract: A process for the making of metallic product with biocidal properties is disclosed, and first comprises anodizing a product having at least one metallic surface (e.g. aluminum, steel) using a controlled current density to form pores on the surfaces with controlled spatial density and depth. The process also comprises contacting the anodized metallic surfaces with a first biocidal solution before sealing the pores. Preferably, the metallic surfaces can be contacted again with the first biocidal solution after the sealing step. A method for reactivating biocidal properties of the metallic products is also disclosed, and comprises contacting again the biocidal product with a second biocidal solution. Preferably, the second solution is less concentrated than the first solution for safety sake. The invention provides a simpler, quicker, cheaper and improved process for treating or reactivating the metallic surfaces in order to obtain a metallic product having superior and enduring biocidal properties.

Abstract: Provided is a mixing apparatus. The mixing apparatus comprises a housing defining a primary chamber, an inlet for receiving material into the mixing apparatus, as well as an outlet for discharging material from the mixing apparatus. The housing provides within the primary chamber a plurality of rotating shafts, each rotating shaft having a plurality of flailing fixtures associated therewith.

Abstract: A therapeutic support device includes a bladder having one or more independently inflatable compartments, each including a plurality of inflatable cells. When inflated, each inflatable cell forms a contact node that may support a user or another object disposed thereon. The inflatable compartments can be alternately inflated and deflated such that contact pressure can be applied to and relieved from corresponding portions of the user's body in an alternating manner.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to methods for automatically generating cutting instructions to translate a color image into a field stencil having a plurality of guideline apertures. The plurality of guideline apertures may denote the color zone boundaries in the color image, for example by being placed along the line drawing representing the color zone boundaries. Such field stencils may then allow for the reproduction of multi-color logos using a single stencil.

Abstract: Provided is a mixing apparatus. The mixing apparatus comprises a housing defining a primary chamber, an inlet for receiving material into the mixing apparatus, as well as an outlet for discharging material from the mixing apparatus. The housing provides within the primary chamber a plurality of rotating shafts, each rotating shaft having a plurality of flailing fixtures associated therewith.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for producing a covalently attached antioxidant coating using a multi-step coating process consisting of (1) exposing the substrate surface to plasma polymerization to produce a surface containing functional groups; (2) contacting the surface containing functional groups with crosslinking agents to produce a reactive surface; (3) contacting the reactive surface with a solution of one or more antioxidant compounds or a solution of one or more antioxidant-containing polymers. Alternatively, the third step is replaced by (3) contacting the reactive surface with a solution of one or more polymers to produce a polymer coated surface and (4) covalently attaching one or more antioxidant compounds to the polymer coated surface.

Abstract: A thermal spray system and method includes a hot gas generator with nozzle accelerating heated gas towards a substrate in the form of a gas column projecting onto the substrate surface as a spot. One or more feedstock injectors proximate the nozzle exit, directed towards the gas column, are connected to a feedstock source. The hot gas stream transfers heat and momentum to the feedstock, causing the feedstock particles to impact onto a substrate to form a coating. The system further comprises one or more liquid injectors proximate the nozzle exit, directed towards the axis, and connected to a source of liquid. The system controls the flow and velocity with which the liquid is injected, permitting control of the depth of penetration of the liquid into the gas column. The method selectively prevents suboptimal feedstock particulates from adhering to the substrate and provides for the in-situ removal of suboptimal deposits.

Abstract: A pavement diamond grinder used for grinding and/or grooving pavement surfaces as the grinder carriage with a rotating arbor supporting radio blades. A cooling and dust control system delivers water to the arbor. The system includes a spray bar with nozzles that atomizes the water prior to engagement with the blades. The system utilizes a wiper debris removal device to clean the blades. In addition, a device that is utilized to effect turbulence adjacent to the blades and improve contact of the atomized water with the blades.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a base, a table rotatable on the base, and a plurality of arms extending above the table's top surface and extending laterally for supporting differently sized cylindrical objects above the top surface. An adjustment mechanism simultaneously adjusts the arms rotationally, such that the ends of the arms can be automatically adjusted to support any one of the differently sized objects without further change. A controller is programmed to automatically control the adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism includes a center gear connected to planetary gears on each of the arms, and a center shaft that extends upwardly through a tubular drive shaft, the center shaft being movable between a lowered position where the arms are locked to the table and a raised position where the center gear is fixed to the base such that the arms adjust position when the table is rotated by its drive mechanism.

Abstract: An integrated apparatus and method comprises a plasma gun with a water supply, treatment fluid supply, and controls, the combination of which is adapted for directing a plume onto a surface of a three-dimensional part to treat the surface; and for controlling injection of water into the plume with the plume directed onto an adjacent surface to clean debris and undesired material from the adjacent surface; and for subsequently directing the plume (without water) onto the adjacent surface to treat the adjacent surface. The apparatus and method are particularly useful in suspension plasma spray systems, but are not believed to be limited to that.