Abstract: A thermal barrier coating that includes a YAG-based ceramic is prepared by a solution precursor plasma spray method that includes injecting a precursor solution into a thermal jet, evaporating solvent from the precursor solution droplets, and pyrolyzing the resulting solid to form a YAG-based ceramic that is melted and deposited on a substrate. The thermal barrier coating can include through-coating-thickness cracks that improve the strain tolerance of the coating.

Abstract: A barbell support safely assists with adding and removing weight plates between exercises. The barbell support provides leverage and stability for manipulating weight plates on the barbell. An embodiment of the barbell support has at least one cradle, a leverage handle, and at least one pivot foot. The cradle or cradles are capable of supporting and balancing a barbell. The cradles may be tilted forward using the leverage handle to lower the cradle below the height of the barbell comprising weight plates.

Abstract: A thermal barrier coating that includes a YAG-based ceramic is prepared by a solution precursor plasma spray method that includes injecting a precursor solution into a thermal jet, evaporating solvent from the precursor solution droplets, and pyrolyzing the resulting solid to form a YAG-based ceramic that is melted and deposited on a substrate. The thermal barrier coating can include through-coating-thickness cracks that improve the strain tolerance of the coating.

Abstract: A microwave plasma apparatus for processing a material includes a plasma chamber, a microwave radiation source, and a waveguide guiding microwave radiation from the microwave radiation source to the plasma chamber. A process gas flows through the plasma chamber and the microwave radiation couples to the process gas to produce a plasma jet. A process material is introduced to the plasma chamber, becomes entrained in the plasma jet, and is thereby transformed to a stream of product material droplets or particles. The product material droplets or particles are substantially more uniform in size, velocity, temperature, and melt state than are droplets or particles produced by prior devices.

Abstract: A microwave plasma apparatus for processing a material includes a plasma chamber, a microwave radiation source, and a waveguide guiding microwave radiation from the microwave radiation source to the plasma chamber. A process gas flows through the plasma chamber and the microwave radiation couples to the process gas to produce a plasma jet. A process material is introduced to the plasma chamber, becomes entrained in the plasma jet, and is thereby transformed to a stream of product material droplets or particles. The product material droplets or particles are substantially more uniform in size, velocity, temperature, and melt state than are droplets or particles produced by prior devices.

Abstract: There is disclosed a piezoelectric droplet maker that is driven at high frequency and energized with high power and high frequency Operational Amplifier (OP-AMP) electronics. The droplet maker implements a method of producing jets of uniform droplets of solution precursors (or any other homogeneous liquids). The formation of droplets results from stream break up due to the disturbance of liquid jets by the piezo actuator as they leave an orifice. This disturbance can be electronically tuned to produce uniform droplets with high repeatability. In another aspect, the droplet maker can be used to inject axially uniform diameter solution precursor droplets into process gas flow of a microwave plasma apparatus.

Abstract: A controller for controlling a valve is disclosed including a manifold assembly, a valve position indicator and a trigger assembly. An operating media distribution system is disposed in the manifold assembly and an electronic control unit is disposed in the controller. The electronic control unit operates at least one electromagnetic valve to control operating media flow via the operating media distribution system to activate an actuator which opens or closes the valve. The trigger assembly includes a cylinder adapted to receive an actuator shaft and provide a self setting mechanism corresponding to the stroke length of the actuator shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of hydrated alkaline silicate compositions for making intumescent layers for fireproof glazing, said compositions being such that, when applied between glass sheets, they form a solid gel without drying, wherein the compositions are obtained from a stable and fluid solution subjected to partial dehydration at a limited temperature and under a reduced pressure for a duration shorter than that required for the mass curing of the final composition.

Abstract: A barbell support safely assists with adding and removing weight plates between exercises. The barbell support provides leverage and stability for manipulating weight plates on the barbell. An embodiment of the barbell support has at least one cradle, a leverage handle, and at least one pivot foot. The cradle or cradles are capable of supporting and balancing a barbell. The cradles may be tilted forward using the leverage handle to lower the cradle below the height of the barbell comprising weight plates. The cradle is placed under the barbell and the leverage handle may then be pulled back to lift the barbell onto the pivot foot supported by the cradles. The weight plates are thus lifted off the floor and may be more easily removed from the barbell.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided for facilitating management of a computing system comprising a server. A method may include interfacing with the server. The method may further include providing a graphical user interface facilitating user management of the computing system. The graphical user interface may provide access to a library of selectable scripts configured for execution on the server. Each selectable script may be configured to perform a management function when executed. The management function may comprise a management function for managing one or more of the computing system, the server, an operating system implemented on the server, a database to which access is provided by the computing system, or an application provided by the computing system. Corresponding apparatuses and computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: A controller for controlling a valve is disclosed including a manifold assembly, a valve position indicator and a trigger assembly. An operating media distribution system is disposed in the manifold assembly and an electronic control unit is disposed in the controller. The electronic control unit operates at least one electromagnetic valve to control operating media flow via the operating media distribution system to activate an actuator which opens or closes the valve. The trigger assembly includes a cylinder adapted to receive an actuator shaft and provide a self setting mechanism corresponding to the stroke length of the actuator shaft.

Abstract: A controller for controlling a valve is disclosed including a manifold assembly, a valve position indicator and a trigger assembly. An operating media distribution system is disposed in the manifold assembly and an electronic control unit is disposed in the controller. The electronic control unit operates at least one electromagnetic valve to control operating media flow via the operating media distribution system to activate an actuator which opens or closes the valve. The trigger assembly includes a cylinder adapted to receive an actuator shaft and provide a self setting mechanism corresponding to the stroke length of the actuator shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a valve including an enclosure that defines first and second chambers, an indicator proximate the first and second chambers, an operating media distribution system that is disposed in the first chamber, and an electronic control unit disposed in the second chamber. The operating media distribution system includes a manifold block that has an exterior surface, and a plurality of operating media distribution cartridges exchangeably disposed with respect to the manifold block. The manifold block defines a plurality of holes, an operating media supply passage and an operating media exhaust passage. Each of the plurality of operating media distribution cartridges is disposed in a respective one of the plurality of holes and includes a cylinder and a spool assembly that is disposed in and displaced relative to the cylinder. The electronic control unit operates at least one electromagnetic valve to control operating media flow via the operating media distribution system.

Abstract: A thermal spray process comprises injecting precursor solution droplets into the hot zone of the thermal spray flame. Also described are materials resulting from the process.

Abstract: A thermal spray process comprises injecting precursor solution droplets into the hot zone of the thermal spray flame. Also described are materials resulting from the process.

Abstract: A microwave plasma apparatus for processing a material includes a plasma chamber, a microwave radiation source, and a waveguide guiding microwave radiation from the microwave radiation source to the plasma chamber. A process gas flows through the plasma chamber and the microwave radiation couples to the process gas to produce a plasma jet. A process material is introduced to the plasma chamber, becomes entrained in the plasma jet, and is thereby transformed to a stream of product material droplets or particles. The product material droplets or particles are substantially more uniform in size, velocity, temperature, and melt state than are droplets or particles produced by prior devices.

Abstract: A controller for controlling a valve is disclosed including a manifold assembly, a valve position indicator and a trigger assembly. An operating media distribution system is disposed in the manifold assembly and an electronic control unit is disposed in the controller. The electronic control unit operates at least one electromagnetic valve to control operating media flow via the operating media distribution system to activate an actuator which opens or closes the valve. The trigger assembly includes a cylinder adapted to receive an actuator shaft and provide a self setting mechanism corresponding to the stroke length of the actuator shaft.

Abstract: A contiguous duplex microstructured material comprises a nanostructured material having two structural states, for example, a duplex microstructured coating. One state comprises substantially nanostructured features, while the second state substantially comprises microstructured features. A duplex nanostructured coating can be made by thermal spraying a reconstituted nanostructured material onto a substrate under conditions effective to form a coating comprising more than one structural state.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a valve including an enclosure that defines first and second chambers, an indicator proximate the first and second chambers, an operating media distribution system that is disposed in the first chamber, and an electronic control unit disposed in the second chamber. The operating media distribution system includes a manifold block that has an exterior surface, and a plurality of operating media distribution cartridges exchangeably disposed with respect to the manifold block. The manifold block defines a plurality of holes, an operating media supply passage and an operating media exhaust passage. Each of the plurality of operating media distribution cartridges is disposed in a respective one of the plurality of holes and includes a cylinder and a spool assembly that is disposed in and displaced relative to the cylinder. The electronic control unit operates at least one electromagnetic valve to control operating media flow via the operating media distribution system.

Abstract: A contiguous duplex microstructured material comprises a nanostructured material having two structural states, for example, a duplex microstructured coating. One state comprises substantially nanostructured features, while the second state substantially comprises microstructured features. A duplex nanostructured coating can be made by thermal spraying a reconstituted nanostructured material onto a substrate under conditions effective to form a coating comprising more than one structural state.