Abstract: A system and method for producing material characteristics are described. A magnetic treatment chamber (14) with a high magnetic field treats workpieces; and a conveyor or transporter (26) continuously moves the workpieces (22) through the high magnetic field in the magnetic chamber. A frictional or mechanical engagement system (40a, 40b) extracts the workpieces through and out of the high magnetic field.

Abstract: A method for detecting a position of a cylinder rod includes depositing a plurality of welds substantially along the length of a steel rod and depositing a corrosion resistant material onto the steel rod by laser cladding. The cylinder rod is then placed proximate to a sensor assembly. One of the cylinder rod and the sensor assembly are moved relative to the other. The sensor assembly detects a change in properties between the steel rod and the welds and generates a corresponding signal. A change in position of the cylinder rod or damage to the cylinder rod can be detected by analyzing the number and strength of the signals.

Abstract: A system and method for producing material characteristics are described. A magnetic treatment chamber with a high magnetic field treats workpieces; and a conveyor or transporter continuously moves the workpieces through the high magnetic field in the magnetic chamber. A frictional or mechanical engagement system extracts the workpieces through and out of the high magnetic field.

Abstract: A method for detecting a position of a cylinder rod includes depositing a plurality of welds substantially along the length of a steel rod and depositing a corrosion resistant material onto the steel rod by laser cladding. The cylinder rod is then placed proximate to a sensor assembly. One of the cylinder rod and the sensor assembly are moved relative to the other. The sensor assembly detects a change in properties between the steel rod and the welds and generates a corresponding signal. A change in position of the cylinder rod or damage to the cylinder rod can be detected by analyzing the number and strength of the signals.

Abstract: A method of controlling the wetting characteristics and increasing the adhesion between a metal and an oxide layer. By introducing a negatively-charged species to the surface of an oxide layer, layer-by-layer growth of metal deposited onto the oxide surface is promoted, increasing the adhesion strength of the metal-oxide interface. The negatively-charged species can either be deposited onto the oxide surface or a compound can be deposited that dissociates on, or reacts with, the surface to form the negatively-charged species. The deposited metal adatoms can thereby bond laterally to the negatively-charged species as well as vertically to the oxide surface as well as react with the negatively charged species, be oxidized, and incorporated on or into the surface of the oxide.

Abstract: A miniaturized solid-oxide fuel cell and process for making the same are provided. A fuel cell is provided that contains an electrolyte material, electrodes, and interconnects. Manifolds can be placed either within the electrodes or within the interconnects. Techniques common to the microelectronic industry are used to manufacture a miniaturized fuel cell. The miniaturized fuel cell is created by stacking individual fuel cells over one another to maintain a sufficient level of power density and durability.