Abstract: In one embodiment, a Metal Injection Molded (MIM) body may have one or more surfaces comprising a zirconium alloy. A method of forming an oxide layer on the zirconium alloy surface(s) of the MIM body may include hot isostatic pressing the MIM body, heat treating the MIM body, machining the MIM body to desired shape dimensions, polishing the surface of the MIM body, and oxidizing the polished surface of the MIM body. In some embodiments, the polishing step may include a first vibratory finishing step; and a second vibratory finishing step.

Abstract: A bun toasting assembly for permanently toasting a depression into a bun includes a toaster that may have a plurality of buns positioned therein. The toaster is structured to form a depression in the buns. A heating coil is positioned within the toaster to toast the buns thereby facilitating the depression to be permanently toasted into the buns.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a Metal Injection Molded (MIM) body may have one or more surfaces comprising a zirconium alloy. A method of forming an oxide layer on the zirconium alloy surface(s) of the MIM body may include hot isostatic pressing the MIM body, heat treating the MIM body, machining the MIM body to desired shape dimensions, polishing the surface of the MIM body, and oxidizing the polished surface of the MIM body. In some embodiments, the polishing step may include a first vibratory finishing step; and a second vibratory finishing step.

Abstract: A shower rod assembly includes an arcuate rod having a first end and an opposing second end. A first mounting bracket is engageable with the first end and a second mounting bracket is coupleable with the second end. An end connector has a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is engageable with the second mounting bracket and the first portion is insertable into the second end of the arcuate rod. An extent of insertion of the first portion of the end connector into the arcuate rod is adjustable, for adjusting a length of the shower rod assembly.

Abstract: Methods of preparing a surface of a cast zirconium alloy substrate for oxidation, the method including hot isostatic pressing a cast substrate of near shape dimensions, heating the cast substrate, machining the cast substrate to desired shape dimensions, and treating the surface of the cast substrate to accept an oxide layer. in some examples, treating the surface of the cast substrate may include polishing the surface, peening the polished surface, and finishing the peened surface. Additional or alternative examples may include heat treating a cast substrate of near shape dimensions to define a homogenized grain structure within the cast substrate, machining the heat treated cast substrate to desired shape dimensions, and surface treating the machined cast substrate to modify its structure to define a recrystallized modified grain structure defining a reduced grain boundary size.

Abstract: A cover for the base of a shelving system includes a first end and an opposing second end, a generally flat base wall formed at the second end, a first sidewall and an opposing second sidewall, a third sidewall and an opposing fourth sidewall, an internal cavity formed by the base wall and the four sidewalls, and a support wall positioned in the internal cavity. The first and second sidewalls extend generally parallel to each other and upwardly from the base wall at a predetermined acute angle with respect to the base wall. The third and fourth sidewalls extend generally parallel to each other and generally perpendicularly upwardly from the base wall. The support wall includes at least one angled support which extends upwardly from the base wall toward the first end at the same predetermined acute angle as the first and second sidewalls.

Abstract: Methods of forming porous coatings on substrates. Methods of forming porous coatings include preparing a binder, applying the binder to a substrate to form a binder layer, applying a coating material to the binder layer to form a coating material layer, and sintering the coated substrate. In some examples, preparing a binder includes mixing together metal particles including titanium hydride or cobalt disilicide, a polymer including polybutene or poly-isobutylene, a brazing agent, and methyl cellulose. In some examples, the coating material includes titanium or cobalt. Applying the binder may include spray coating the binder onto the substrate.

Abstract: Methods of forming porous coatings on substrates. Methods of forming porous coatings include preparing a binder, applying the binder to a substrate to form a binder layer, applying a coating material to the binder layer to form a coating material layer, and sintering the coated substrate. In some examples, preparing a binder includes mixing together metal particles including titanium hydride or cobalt disilicide, a polymer including polybutene or poly-isobutylene, a brazing agent, and methyl cellulose. In some examples, the coating material includes titanium or cobalt. Applying the binder may include spray coating the binder onto the substrate.

Abstract: Metal injection molding methods and feedstocks. Metal injection molding methods include forming a feedstock, molding the feedstock into a molded article, substantially removing a lubricant, a thermoplastic, and an aromatic binder from the molded article, and sintering the molded article into a metal article. In some examples, metal injection molding methods include oxygen reduction methods. In some examples, metal injection molding methods include densification methods. Metal injection molding feedstocks include a lubricant, a thermoplastic, and aromatic binder, and a metal powder.

Abstract: Metal injection molding methods and feedstocks. Metal injection molding methods include forming a feedstock, molding the feedstock into a molded article, substantially removing a lubricant, a thermoplastic, and an aromatic binder from the molded article, and sintering the molded article into a metal article. In some examples, metal injection molding methods include oxygen reduction methods. In some examples, metal injection molding methods include densification methods. Metal injection molding feedstocks include a lubricant, a thermoplastic, and aromatic binder, and a metal powder.