Abstract: This is a method of using a computer to facilitate decision making where a database can be searched with feed forward information provided to the user. A number of criteria are provided to a user of the system. Each time the user makes a particular selection from a choice of options in a given criteria, the system shows the user how many hits remain for each choice of options in each remaining criteria, based on the particular selection. Each time a particular selection is made within a criteria, the remaining choices are narrowed throughout all remaining criteria. Preferably, the criteria can be selected and/or prioritized by the user.

Abstract: A method of using a computer to facilitate decision making is provided. The method comprises the steps of (1) providing access to a user of a database comprised of records for a desired subject matter; (2) presenting, on a computer screen, a first choice to the user, the first choice comprising at least one option and the corresponding number of matches in the database for each option; (3) providing means for accepting the user's selection from the first choice; (4) presenting, on the computer screen, a next choice comprising at least one limited option and the corresponding number of matches in the database for each limited option, the limited option limited by the user's prior selection; (5) providing means for accepting the user's selection from the next choice; and (6) repeating steps (4) and (5) until the user either selects to view a record or chooses to stop searching.

Abstract: Graphite carbon surfaces are protected from elevated temperature oxidation and mechanical wear by electric arc thermal spray coating exposed surfaces with a titanium nitride or multi-element (e.g., aluminum-silicon-titanium) coating.

Abstract: Graphite carbon surfaces are protected from elevated temperature oxidation and mechanical wear by electric arc thermal spray coating exposed surfaces with a titanium nitride or multi-element (e.g., aluminum-silicon-titanium) coating.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the electric arc spraying of powder-filled cored wires to apply hard, wear-resistant coatings to various substrates. Inert gas, preferably nitrogen, is supplied to the arc spray gun such that the mass ratio of the wire feed rate to the gas feed rate is preferably between about 0.07 and about 0.11. Operation in this range yields an optimum combination of coating hardness properties and arc spray gun operating characteristics.

Abstract: Graphite and/or carbon surfaces are coated with a titanium nitride coating by exposing the substrate to electric arc thermal spray process wherein titanium wire as the source of titanium and nitrogen is used as the propelling (atomizing) gas.

Abstract: Surfaces subject to wear and corrosion can have their service life increased by being coated with a composite coating applied by the electric arc thermal spray process using at least one titanium feed wire, optionally pre-nitrided, a second wire of a different metal, metal alloy ceramic or intermetalic compound and nitrogen in the arc spray gun.

Abstract: Wear resistant surfaces can have their service life increased by being coated with a titanium nitride based coating applied by the electric arc thermal spray process using at least one pre-nitrided titanium feed wire and nitrogen in the arc spray gun.

Abstract: An improved electric arc spray process for the deposition of reactive metals is disclosed which utilizes compressed inert gases for atomization. The improved process utilizes argon, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, sulfur hexafluoride, or mixtures thereof supplied to the arc spray gun such that the mass ratio of the wire feed rate to the gas feed rate is greater than 0.10. The process can be used to coat various substrates with metals or alloys comprising magnesium, zinc, lithium, and other reactive metals. The process is useful for the application of cathodic corrosion protective coatings on various substrates.

Abstract: Water added to the furnace heated by an infrared or near-infrared radiation source used to fire thick-film electrical components provides finished components exhibiting desirable physical and electrical properties and surface cleanliness.

Abstract: Nitrous oxide additions to the furnace atmosphere during firing of thick film electrical components minimizes soot deposition from vaporization of vehicle contained in the film paste.