Abstract: A system for monitoring a tank having an anode electrically coupled to the tank via an anode wire can include a controller, a user interface in electronic communication with the controller, and an anode sensor wire electrically coupled to the anode wire and coupled in communication with the controller. The controller can measure a current flowing through the anode wire, predict when the anode will no longer provide sufficient galvanic protection to the tank, and provide an indication of when the anode will no longer provide sufficient galvanic protection to the tank, such as via the user interface.

Abstract: A method of preparing a resin infused random fiber mat including the step of forming a liquid dispersion mat of polymeric resin and fiber on a porous substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-layer articles for use as a rail tie footings comprising, as the tie, an elongate rigid body having a substantially planar surface, and on the substantially planar surface comprising a a microcellular foam elastomeric pad, for example, of a substantially organic solvent free polyurethane, wherein the substantially planar surface has a peripheral landing on which there is no elastomeric pad and the elastomeric pad has a bulk density (ASTM D3676) of from 600 to 2000 Kg/m3 (0.6 to 2.0 g/cm3).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for an automated spray system (100) to produce an elastomeric pad on a railroad tie. The automated spray system (100) includes a two-component spray system (102) for spraying a two-component reaction mixture to produce the elastomeric pad on the railroad tie. The automated spray system further includes a gantry system (140) having girder (146) that supports the spray applicator.

Abstract: A molding compound is made by heat-softening, fusing and compressing strips of unidirectionally aligned filaments embedded in a thermosetting resin. The thermosetting resin is non-tacky at room temperature, which allows for easy handling, elimination of cold storage and the use of robotic manufacturing methods. Composites made by molding the molding compound have excellent, highly isotropic tensile properties.

Abstract: An epoxy resin composition useful for making a molded composite article including: (a) at least one epoxy resin compound, (b) at least one curing agent, (c) at least one curing accelerator, (d) at least one internal mold release agent; and (e) at least one reaction inhibitor; and a molded composite article made from the above epoxy resin composition.

Abstract: A method of preparing a resin infused random fiber mat including the step of forming a liquid dispersion mat of polymeric resin and fiber on a porous substrate.

Abstract: Techniques for forming an enclosure comprised of aluminum zirconium alloy layer are disclosed. In some embodiments, aluminum ions and zirconium ions can be dissolved in a non-aqueous ionic liquid in an electrolytic plating bath. A reverse pulsed electric current can facilitate in co-depositing the aluminum ions and the zirconium ions onto a metal substrate. The resulting aluminum zirconium alloy layer can include nanocrystalline grain structures, which can impart the alloy layer with increased hardness and increased resistance to scratching, denting, and abrasion. In some embodiments, the aluminum zirconium alloy layer can be anodized to form an aluminum oxide layer. Subsequent to the anodization operation, the oxidized layer is able to retain its substantially neutral color.

Abstract: Techniques for forming an enclosure comprised of an aluminum alloy are disclosed. In some embodiments, aluminum ions and metal element ions can be dissolved in a non-aqueous ionic liquid in an electrolytic plating bath. A reverse pulsed electric current can facilitate in co-depositing the aluminum ions and the metal element ions onto a metal substrate. The resulting aluminum alloy layer can include nanocrystalline structures, which can impart the alloy layer with increased hardness and increased resistance to scratching, corrosion, and abrasion. In some embodiments, the metal element ion is chromium and the aluminum alloy layer includes a chromium oxide passivation layer formed via a passivation process. Subsequent to the passivation process, the formation of the chromium oxide layer does not impart a change in color to the aluminum alloy layer. In some embodiments, hafnium ions are co-deposited with aluminum ions to form an aluminum hafnium alloy.

Abstract: A molding compound is made by heat-softening, fusing and compressing strips of unidirectionally aligned filaments embedded in a thermosetting resin. The thermosetting resin is non-tacky at room temperature, which allows for easy handling, elimination of cold storage and the use of robotic manufacturing methods. Composites made by molding the molding compound have excellent, highly isotropic tensile properties.

Abstract: Techniques for forming an enclosure comprised of an aluminum alloy are disclosed. In some embodiments, aluminum ions and metal element ions can be dissolved in a non-aqueous ionic liquid in an electrolytic plating bath. A reverse pulsed electric current can facilitate in co-depositing the aluminum ions and the metal element ions onto a metal substrate. The resulting aluminum alloy layer can include nanocrystalline structures, which can impart the alloy layer with increased hardness and increased resistance to scratching, corrosion, and abrasion. In some embodiments, the metal element ion is chromium and the aluminum alloy layer includes a chromium oxide passivation layer formed via a passivation process. Subsequent to the passivation process, the formation of the chromium oxide layer does not impart a change in color to the aluminum alloy layer. In some embodiments, hafnium ions are co-deposited with aluminum ions to form an aluminum hafnium alloy.

Abstract: Techniques for forming an enclosure comprised of aluminum zirconium alloy layer are disclosed. In some embodiments, aluminum ions and zirconium ions can be dissolved in a non-aqueous ionic liquid in an electrolytic plating bath. A reverse pulsed electric current can facilitate in co-depositing the aluminum ions and the zirconium ions onto a metal substrate. The resulting aluminum zirconium alloy layer can include nanocrystalline grain structures, which can impart the alloy layer with increased hardness and increased resistance to scratching, denting, and abrasion. In some embodiments, the aluminum zirconium alloy layer can be anodized to form an aluminum oxide layer. Subsequent to the anodization operation, the oxidized layer is able to retain its substantially neutral color.

Abstract: Photovoltaic Devices with Sealant Layer and Laminate Assembly for Improved Wet Insulation Resistance A photovoltaic device comprising: a polymeric frame; one or more photovoltaic cells that include one or more electric circus assemblies; one or more connector assemblies comprising: (I) one or more terminals (24), (ii) a connector body disposed about the one or more terminals, and (iii) a sealant layer (28) that is disposed about the connector body (26); wherein the one or more connector assemblies are in electrical communication with the one or more electric circuit assemblies and the one or more electronic circuit assemblies are at least partially encased in the polymeric frame; and wherein the sealant layer has sufficient heat resistance that the sealant layer will not reflow during lamination and/or injection molding.

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon an improved photovoltaic device (“PV device”) more particularly to an improved photovoltaic device with a multilayered photovoltaic cell assembly and a body portion joined at an interface region and including an intermediate layer, at least one interconnecting structural member, relieving feature, unique component geometry or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon an improved photovoltaic device (“PV device”), more particularly to an improved photovoltaic device with a multilayered photovoltaic cell assembly and a body portion joined at an interface region and including an intermediate layer, at least one interconnecting structural member, relieving feature, unique component geometry, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Magnets including a coating and related methods are described herein. The coating may include an aluminum manganese alloy layer. The aluminum manganese alloy layer may be formed in an electroplating process.

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon a connector and electronic circuit assembly (130) at least partially encased in a polymeric frame (200). The assembly including at least: a connector housing (230); at least one electrical connector (330); at least one electronic circuit component (430); and at least one barrier element (530).

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon an improved photovoltaic device (“PV device”), more particularly to an improved photovoltaic device with a multilayered photovoltaic cell assembly and a body portion joined at an interface region and including an intermediate layer, at least one interconnecting structural member, relieving feature, unique component geometry, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon an improved photovoltaic device (“PV device”), more particularly to an improved photovoltaic device (10) with a multilayered photovoltaic cell assembly (100) and a body portion (200) joined at an interface region (410) and including an intermediate layer (500), at least one interconnecting structural member (1500), relieving feature (2500), unique component geometry, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Semiconductors are electrochemically etched in solutions containing sources of bifluoride and nickel ions. The electrochemical etching may form pores in the surface of the semiconductor in the nanometer range. The etched semiconductor is then nickel plated.