Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a forging die with improved wear resistance, hot-work tool steel is obtained in which Al is added as a de-oxidizing agent during manufacture of the hot-work tool steel in a sufficient quantity such that it is only partially consumed during the de-oxidizing process, leaving Al in a range of greater than 0.015 weight percent after the de-oxidizing process. The forging die is shaped from the hot-work tool steel. By a subsequent nitriding process, a hardened surface is created on the forging die by heating in a nitriding atmosphere by interaction with the Al to improve a hardened surface on the hot-work forging die resulting in an improvement in wear resistance.

Abstract: A removable thermal protection seat cover for a personal watercraft has a pair of front mounting straps extending a distance forwardly from a front edge that fasten around the steering column, a pair of rear mounting straps extending a distance rearwardly from a rear edge that fasten around either of the tow hook or a grab handle at the rear of the watercraft, and corner pockets that contain weighting material to increase the weight of the cover at the corners thereof. The seat cover covers the seat from front to back and extends downward along at least a portion of the lateral sides of the raised pedestal beneath the seat to protect the buttocks and legs of the rider from burns due to heating of the seat and pedestal by exposure to hot sun and from heat generated by the enclosed engine compartment.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a forging die with improved wear resistance, hot-work tool steel is obtained in which Al is added as a de-oxidizing agent during manufacture of the hot-work tool steel in a sufficient quantity such that it is only partially consumed during the de-oxidizing process, leaving Al in a range of greater than 0.015 weight percent after the de-oxidizing process. The forging die is shaped from the hot-work tool steel. By a subsequent nitriding process, a hardened surface is created on the forging die by heating in a nitriding atmosphere by interaction with the Al to improve a hardened surface on the hot-work forging die resulting in an improvement in wear resistance.

Abstract: A paint tray and/or paint tray insert and method of manufacturing same.

Abstract: The present invention comprises rice hull ash which is pelletized subsequent to its admixture with a bentonite clay binder. A preferred product according to the present invention is pelletized rice hull ash which contains both bentonite clay and organic cornstarch binders. The bentonite clay contains approximately 58-68% SiO.sub.2, 18-21% Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, 2.5-2.8% Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 /FeO, 2.5-3.2% MgO, 0.1-1.0% Cao, 1.5-2.7% Na.sub.2 O, 0.2-0.45% K.sub.2 O, and 4.5-9.0% free H.sub.2 O. Insulator pellets according to the present invention, when placed atop molten steel in ladles or tundishes, insulate well and do not smoke or generate unwanted dust.

Abstract: A steel plate product, and the method for producing same, wherein the plate, in thicknesses up to 4.0 inches, is characterized in the as-rolled condition by high strength, a uniform fine grain size, and good toughness at low temperatures. The processing techniques include among other features a modified controlled rolling practice.

Abstract: An impact-type wire rope cutter is disclosed in which a slotted fragment guard is movably mounted to the body of the wire rope cutter. The slotted fragment guard slidably receives the cutting chisel therethrough, and it is formed so that it can be moved between an open position for receipt of a length of wire rope and a closed position immediately over the cutting area to prevent the direct expulsion or escape of fragments which can be produced by the cutting chisel during cutting. The fragment guard can be retrofit to existing cutters and easily replaced.