Abstract: A coating process using a welding electrode comprises the steps of: electro-spark depositing a composite on to a substrate, wherein the composite consists essentially of alumina particles in a matrix, wherein the matrix is a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The substrate herein is an aluminum alloy. The coatings involve only aluminum and aluminum compounds, thereby intermetallic compound formation and galvanic corrosion of the coating-substrate materials system is avoided.

Abstract: A protective coating for aluminum alloys, electrode for producing same and a coating process using the welding electrode. The protective coating and electrode comprise a composite consisting essentially of alumina particles in a matrix, wherein the matrix is a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The alumina particles consist of aluminum oxide in powder form. The coating process using the welding electrode above comprises the steps of: electro-spark depositing a composite on to a substrate, wherein the composite consists essentially of alumina particles in a matrix, wherein the matrix is a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The substrate herein is an aluminum alloy. The coatings involve only aluminum and aluminum compounds, thereby intermetallic compound formation and galvanic corrosion of the coating-substrate materials system is avoided.

Abstract: A protective coating for aluminum alloys, electrode for producing same and a coating process using the welding electrode. The protective coating and electrode comprise a composite consisting essentially of alumina particles in a matrix, wherein the matrix is a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The alumina particles consist of aluminum oxide in powder form. The coating process using the welding electrode above comprises the steps of: electro-spark depositing a composite on to a substrate, wherein the composite consists essentially of alumina particles in a matrix, wherein the matrix is a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The substrate herein is an aluminum alloy. The coatings involve only aluminum and aluminum compounds, thereby intermetallic compound formation and galvanic corrosion of the coating-substrate materials system is avoided.

Abstract: A wear band for a well drill pipe which is made up of a coil spring sized to fit at the joint of the well drill pipe or casing. The inner surface of the coil spring includes a textured coating such as a carbide. The outer surface includes a plurality of hydrodynamic dimples defined therein, and preferably both the outer surface and the inner surface are adapted to resist corrosion. The abrasive coating preferably consists essentially of 95% tungsten carbide and a binder of 5% cobalt and coats an amount of the inner surface in the range of 50% to 100%. The hydrodynamic dimples are generally tear drop in shape to act as miniature fluid pumps. As a result, the wear band can be mechanically attached to the drill pipe while eliminating the need for metallurgically-welded hardbands and therefore unaffecting the drill pipe properties and dimensions.

Abstract: A wear band for a well drill pipe which is made up of a coil spring sized to fit at the joint of the well drill pipe or casing. The inner surface of the coil spring includes a textured coating such as a carbide. The outer surface includes a plurality of hydrodynamic dimples defined therein, and preferably both the outer surface and the inner surface are adapted to resist corrosion. The abrasive coating preferably consists essentially of 95% tungsten carbide and a binder of 5% cobalt and coats an amount of the inner surface in the range of 50% to 100%. The hydrodynamic dimples are generally tear drop in shape to act as miniature fluid pumps. As a result, the wear band can be mechanically attached to the drill pipe while eliminating the need for metallurgically-welded hardbands and therefore unaffecting the drill pipe properties and dimensions.

Abstract: A furnace roller for supporting a heated workpiece in a furnace, including a roller body with a roller body outer surface that is rotatable along a roller body longitudinal axis. A tire is attached to the roller body outer surface and is rotatable with the roller body and supports a heated workpiece. The tire is shaped such that a contact interface between a workpiece and the tire continuously shifts in a longitudinal direction, and the tire is helical-shaped. The furnace roller includes at least two helical-shaped tires attached to the roller body in either side of a roller body bisecting centerline. A method for conveying a heated workpiece in the furnace is also disclosed.

Abstract: A spherical plain bearing is provided having improved wear resistance under heavy axial and radial loads of a rotating shaft. The bearing includes a pillow block having a concave inner surface, a split cylindrical protective sleeve for mating with and detachably clamping around the shaft, the outer surface of the sleeve having a peripheral recess. The bearing includes a split cylindrical liner having an inner wear resistant surface for sliding contact within the recess of the protective sleeve, and multiple thrust plate rings, and a split cylindrical cartridge for holding the liner in the recess of the protective sleeve. The bearing includes a plurality of high wear-resistant elements for providing high wear resistance and low friction resistance when placed into the wear surfaces of the bearing.