Abstract: A method and apparatus for the lost pattern casting of metals is disclosed. In the method, a pattern is formed from a material and a mold is formed around at least a portion of the pattern. The mold includes a particulate material and a binder. The pattern is removed from the mold and molten metal is delivered into the mold. The mold is contacted with the solvent and the molten metal is cooled such that it at least partially solidifies to form a casting. The step of cooling includes contacting a shell of solidifying metal around the molten metal with the solvent. An apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid jetting nozzle includes a nozzle head and at least one jetting orifice in the nozzle head, the jetting orifice(s) being capable of ejecting a mixture that includes substantially spherically shaped solid particles and fluid to loosen obstructive material from a metallic surface.

Abstract: A system capable of removing scale deposits from an interior metallic surface of a conduit includes a mixture including a plurality of substantially spherically shaped solid particles and fluid, a mixture delivery tubing insertable into the conduit, and a nozzle attached to the mixture delivery tubing. The nozzle includes a plurality of nozzle jets and is capable of ejecting the mixture to loosen scale deposits from the interior metallic surface of the conduit.

Abstract: A method using genetic markers to determine whether a quantitative trait is a heritable oligogenic trait in a woody perennial plant. The method is useful in trees where a three-generation pedigree is not available. Exemplary quantitative traits include wood volume. Methods of selecting, propagating and breeding plants are also provided. Methods of identifying genetic markers associated, in a family of trees, with a genetic locus conferring disease resistance to a pathogen are presented.

Abstract: A level sensor for sensing the level of viscous, electrically conducting materials in a tank includes a variable capacitor, the capacitance of which varies in response to changing material level height in the tank. The variable capacitance is connected through a charging resistor to a comparator to form an astable multivibrator which develops an output signal having a period dependent partly upon the capacitance of the variable capacitor. The charging resistor has a resistance which is small with respect to the resistance of the material so that build up or coating of material on the variable capacitor has little or no effect on the measurements. The frequency of the output signal from the multivibrator is divided to derive a signal of relatively low frequency which may be coupled to a remote location by a two wire conductor.