Abstract: A monolithic suppressor for suppressing sounds generated by the discharge of a firearm, wherein the discharge generates propellant gases. The monolithic suppressor includes a bore having a first end and a second end, the first end having an inlet aperture and the second end having an outlet aperture. In addition, a plurality of baffles are disposed within the bore, wherein the plurality of baffles further define a plurality of chambers. The chambers of the suppressor include at least an arcuate baffle and a slanted baffle. The plurality of chambers are configured to cause the propellant gases to spin in a plurality of vortices within one or more of the chambers thereby slowing the propagation of the gases within the suppressor.

Abstract: A monolithic suppressor for suppressing sounds generated by the discharge of a firearm, wherein the discharge generates propellant gases. The monolithic suppressor includes a bore having a first end and a second end, the first end having an inlet aperture and the second end having an outlet aperture. In addition, a plurality of baffles are disposed within the bore, wherein the plurality of baffles further define a plurality of chambers. The chambers of the suppressor include at least an arcuate baffle and a slanted baffle. The plurality of chambers are configured to cause the propellant gases to spin in a plurality of vortices within one or more of the chambers thereby slowing the propagation of the gases within the suppressor.

Abstract: An infiltration method of forming an article including providing a working mold including a solid binder member extending through an interior of the working mold, wherein the solid binder member is made of a binder material, and providing a layer of powder matrix material within a molding void of the working mold. The method further includes heating the working mold to form a molten binder pathway from the solid binder member to infiltrate the layer of powder matrix material.

Abstract: An infiltration method of forming an article including providing a working mold including a solid binder member extending through an interior of the working mold, wherein the solid binder member is made of a binder material, and providing a layer of powder matrix material within a molding void of the working mold. The method further includes heating the working mold to form a molten binder pathway from the solid binder member to infiltrate the layer of powder matrix material.

Abstract: A system for casting comprising a mold for forming molten metal; a support for supporting the mold and transferring heat to and from the mold; and a furnace operable to substantially surround the mold through a preheat cycle, a heat cycle, and a cooling cycle. The furnace preferably moves vertically down to surround the mold for the preheat, heat, and cooling cycles and moves up and away from the mold after the cooling cycle is complete. In an alternative embodiment, the furnace may be replaced with a cooling can just before initiation of the cooling cycle. The support is preferably stationary and provides directional cooling for the mold during the cooling cycle.

Abstract: A reactive foil is used to join rock bit components such as leg sections, hardfacing, and cutter elements to the rolling cone earth-boring bit body. A small pulse of localized energy ignites the foil in a fraction of second to deliver the necessary amount of heat energy to reflow solder or braze and form a strong, true metallic joint. The reaction in the foil may be activated using optical, electrical, or thermal sources.