Abstract: A system and process for generating, on-site, a sustained C6+C7 aromatic rich solvent stream for tar solvation within the olefin plant employing a two-fuel oil tower system receiving a hydrocarbon feed from a quench water separator drum, where the two-fuel oil tower system is configured to make a sufficient solvent stream containing C6+C7 aromatic rich hydrocarbons that is recycled and mixed with quench water going to the quench water separator drum to assist in removing tar molecules out of the quench water.

Abstract: A policyholder report may be obtained by an insurer from an insured through a series of questions presented by an automated, electronic system. The insured may access the system through a portal, such as a graphical user interface, which may ask the insured a dynamic series of account and/or risk-based questions at or near the expiration of an insurance policy term, and permit the insured to submit verification and supporting information through the portal. Based on the insured's responses to the questions and the information provided, the insurer may complete a review and/or audit, and determine an adjustment to the premium. Additionally, the system may permit the insured and the insurer to review the audit during all stages of completion, and may allow the insured to opt out of the electronic process at any time, or to dispute the results of the audit through the portal.

Abstract: A method of forming a metal product. A metal alloy workpiece substrate is provided have pre-process dimensions. The dimensional differences are determined between the pre-process dimensions of the workpiece substrate and desired post-process dimensions of a post-process metal product formed from the workpiece substrate. A build-up thickness is determined of coating material required to obtain the desired post-process dimensions of the post-process metal product. A high-density coating process is performed to coat the workpiece substrate with a coating material to build-up a thickness of coating material effective to obtain desired finished dimensions after performing a sintering heat treatment process and/or a hot isostatic pressing treatment. The sintering heat treatment is performed on the coated workpiece substrate to densify the coating material.

Abstract: A cobalt-based alloy composition having a relatively small lanthanum addition and relatively large carbon content provides remarkable oxidation resistance and wear resistance at high temperatures. The cobalt-based alloy composition has a suitable combination of ductility and wear resistance at high temperatures to be effective as a hard face material for limiting the effects of chattering of blades during the operation of a gas turbine engine. Further, the cobalt-based alloy has a suitable combination of ductility, oxidation resistance and wear resistance and thus represents an improved hard facing material for the blade components of gas turbine engine.

Abstract: A method of salvaging a cast article by correcting the dimensional characteristics of the cast article and forming a protective coating. The dimensional differences are determined between pre-repair cast article dimensions and desired post repair cast article dimensions to correct a casting defect in the article. The determination may be made by determining the location and approximate volume of a void in the surface of the article. The determination may also be made by determining an amount of buildup volume required to make at least a portion of the surface of the cast article built up to the desired post repair dimensions. The article is coated in at least an area of the casting defect with a high-density coating material capable of forming a diffusion boundary between the coating material and the article. The coating material may comprise an alloy with substantially no oxide forming constituents so as to avoid the formation of oxide inclusions in the coating material.

Abstract: A method of forming a diffusion coating on the surface of a workpiece, such as a turbine engine airfoil part. A coating is formed on at least selected portions of the workpiece substrate using an electroplating coating process. The coating material is capable of forming a diffusion bond with the workpiece substrate. The diffusion bond is a metallurgical bond between the workpiece and the coating that does not have an interface boundary. This diffusion bond creates a secure attachment between the coating and the substrate, much stronger than the mechanical bond that is originally formed between the coating and the substrate. A sintering heat treatment may be first performed to densify the coating material. After the sintering heat treatment, the hot isostatic pressing treatment is then performed to drive the coating material into the workpiece substrate.

Abstract: A method of correcting defects in a metal workpeice. A location of a defect in a workpiece is determined. The defect comprising a void or an inclusion in a workpiece substrate. The workpiece substrate is comprised of a metal alloy. Material of the workpiece substrate at the location of the defect is removed to form cleaned area in the workpiece substrate. The cleaned area in the workpiece substrate is coated with a high-density coating. A sintering heat treatment is performed on the coated workpiece substrate to remove entrapped gas from the coating material prior to a step of hot isostatic pressing treating. Then, hot isostatic pressing treating is performed on the coated workpiece to produce diffusion bonding bewteen the workpiece substrate and the high-density coating. The material can be removed by techniques such as sandblasting or grinding.

Abstract: A cobalt-based alloy composition having a relatively small lanthanum addition and relatively large carbon content provides remarkable oxidation resistance and wear resistance at high temperatures. The cobalt-based alloy composition has a suitable combination of ductility and wear resistance at high temperatures to be effective as a hard face material for limiting the effects of chattering of blades during the operation of a gas turbine engine. Further, the cobalt-based alloy has a suitable combination of ductility, oxidation resistance and wear resistance and thus represents an improved hard facing material for the blade components of gas turbine engine.

Abstract: A method for repairing gas turbine engine airfoil parts. The dimensional differences between pre-repaired dimensions of a turbine engine airfoil part and desired post-repair dimensions of the turbine engine airfoil part are determined. A build-up thickness of coating material required to obtain the desired post-repair dimensions of the turbine engine airfoil part is determined. A high-density coating process, such as HVOF, is used to coat the turbine engine airfoil part with a coating material to the determined build-up thickness of coating material effective to obtain the desired post-repair dimensions after performing a sintering heat treatment and a hot isostatic pressing treatment, and, if performed, a re-application of a protective coating. The coating material comprises a metal alloy capable of forming a diffusion bond with the substrate of the turbine engine airfoil part.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for producing hair transplantation donor strips for use in hair transplantation procedures. According to one exemplary method, a surgical instrument is provided having at least two planar blades, with each blade having a sharpened edge, and with the blades being substantially parallel to each other. The blades are translated along and through an area of the scalp having hair to form at least two parallel incisions in the scalp. The orientation of the blades relative to the hair is adjusted such that the blades are generally aligned at all times with the direction of hair growth for the hair between the blades when the surgeon is making the incisions. A graft of skin having hair is then removed from between the incisions formed by the blades. At least a portion of the graft of skin having at least one hair is then placed into another area of the scalp.

Abstract: The invention provides an exemplary dermal punch and methods for its use. The dermal punch comprises a handle and a tubular shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is operably attached to the handle and the distal end is sharpened and has a generally hourglass shape.

Abstract: A method of forming an engine airfoil part. The attributes of a final workpiece product are selected. An appropriate substrate composition is determined depending on the selected attributes. A workpiece substrate is formed to near-finished dimensions. An appropriate coating material composition is determined depending on the selected attributes. The workpiece substrate is prepared for a high-density coating process. The high-density coating process, such as HVOF thermal spray, is performed to coat the workpiece substrate with the coating material. The coating material is built-up to a thickness effective to obtain desired finished dimensions after performing a hot isostatic pressing treatment. The appropriate hot isostatic pressing treatment parameters are determined. The hot isostatic pressing treatment is performed on the coated workpiece substrate to obtain a metal product having the desired finished dimensions and diffusion bonding between the coating material and the workpiece substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides improved forceps and methods. In one exemplary embodiment, a forceps is provided comprising a pair of arms, with each arm having a proximal end and a distal end. The arms are connected near the proximal end, and each arm includes a grasping portion near the distal end. A stop is provided between the arms proximal to the grasping portions to maintain the grasping portions spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a method for transplanting hair. According to the method, an instrument is provided having a concentric cylindrical shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and an axis extending therebetween A blade is on the distal end of the shaft normal to the axis of the shaft, and an escape port is provided in the wall of the shaft near the distal end. The instrument is inserted into the skin to a preselected depth where the skin is below the escape port to form a cylindrical incision. The instrument is then removed from the skin. The step of inserting the instrument into the skin is repeated, with any accumulated skin in the shaft being forced through the escape port. In this way, the shaft does not become clogged with tissue after repeated use. A graft of skin having at least one hair is then placed into at least one of the cylindrical incisions.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a surgical handle assembly including an elongate cylindrical sheath having a proximal end, a distal end, and a central lumen therebetween. A chuck member is slidable within the sheath lumen, with the chuck member having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is threaded, and a set of at least two prongs are disposed at the distal end. A threaded end element is provided for mating with the proximal threaded end of the chuck member such that rotation of the end element relative to the chuck member proximally translates the chuck member within the lumen to translate the prongs toward each other as the prongs engage the distal end of the cylindrical shaft.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for the surgical transplantation of hair. According to the method, an instrument having a shaft and a blade that is attached to the shaft normal to the axis of the shaft is inserted into the skin to a preselected depth as determined by a stop disposed along the shaft to form an incision. The instrument is removed from the skin and a graft of skin having at least one hair is placed in the incision.