Abstract: Provided is a method for using host and storage controller port information to configure paths between a host and storage controller. Information is gathered on ports on at least one host, ports on at least one storage controller managing access to storage volumes, and at least one fabric over which the at least one host and storage controller ports connect. For at least one host port and storage controller port, information is gathered on a connection metric related to a number of paths in which the port is configured and a traffic metric indicating Input/Output (I/O) traffic at the port. A determination is made of available ports for one host and storage controller that are available to provide paths between one host and storage controller. The connection and traffic metrics for the available host ports are processed to select at least one host port. The connection and traffic metrics for the available storage controller ports are processed to select at least one storage controller port.

Abstract: Provided are a system and article of manufacture for using host and storage controller port information to configure paths between a host and storage controller. Information is gathered on ports on at least one host, ports on at least one storage controller managing access to storage volumes, and at least one fabric over which the at least one host and storage controller ports connect. For at least one host port and storage controller port, information is gathered on a connection metric related to a number of paths in which the port is configured and a traffic metric indicating Input/Output (I/O) traffic at the port. A determination is made of available ports for one host and storage controller that are available to provide paths between one host and storage controller. The connection and traffic metrics for the available host ports are processed to select at least one host port.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a plurality of spectrometers for analysis of non-flat surfaces. Initially, a non-flat sample is analyzed by a first spectrometer which has previously been calibrated for flat sample analysis. The standard values for use in flat sample analysis have therefore previously been generated. Values generated by the analysis of the non-flat sample undertaken by the first spectrometer are collected. A non-flat sample is then analyzed by a second spectrometer where the second spectrometer has also been calibrated for flat samples. Value generated by analysis of the non-flat sample undertaken by the second spectrometer are then collected. The values collected from the analysis of the non-flat sample by the first spectrometer are plotted against the values collected from the analysis of the non-flat samples by the second spectrometer. The plot identifies a differences between the first spectrometer values and the second spectrometer values.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for determining a transfer characteristic of welding electrodes, flux, or other welding consumable, or materials used in producing welding consumables, in which an analytical scale or other weight measurement instrument is situated within an environmental chamber to weigh welding consumable test items while the atmospheric conditions inside the chamber are controlled. A data acquisition system is located outside the chamber and is operatively coupled with the scale to obtain a number of measurements at different times while the atmospheric condition in the interior of said environmental chamber is controlled to a test condition.

Abstract: In accordance with the present application, a method and system is provided for measuring an amount of surface material on a wire. A section of the wire and a beam generating device configured to generate a high energy beam are placed in a positional relationship with each other. The relationship permits a high energy beam generated from the beam generating device to impinge upon a location on the section of the wire. A reflected beam from the high energy beam is reflected from the section of the wire and is detected by a detector positioned at a location to receive the reflected beam. The beam received by the detector is investigated to determine the characteristics of the surface material on the wire.

Abstract: Provided are procedures and arrangements for determining composition of cored welding wire electrodes. A portion of a length of a cored welding wire electrode is detached, to serve as a sample portion. The sample portion is provided to a digestion vessel, where it is digested into a sample solution. The sample solution is provided to an analytical device which analyzes the sample solution to determine the elements and concentrations of elements which comprise the sample solution.

Abstract: Methods are presented for reducing reactivity of ferroalloys used in the manufacture of stick welding electrodes with ferroalloy coatings, in which surface metal silicon of ferroalloy powder is stabilized by dissolving or prereacting the surface silicon or silicon dioxide to provide stabilized ferroalloy powder with decreased surface reactivity to caustic silicate solutions that can be mixed with silicate solution to form a slurry for coating precut welding rods.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for determining a transfer characteristic of welding electrodes, flux, or other welding consumable, or materials used in producing welding consumables, in which an analytical scale or other weight measurement instrument is situated within an environmental chamber to weigh welding consumable test items while the atmospheric conditions inside the chamber are controlled. A data acquisition system is located outside the chamber and is operatively coupled with the scale to obtain a number of measurements at different times while the atmospheric condition in the interior of said environmental chamber is controlled to a test condition.

Abstract: A continuous dynamic mixing assembly includes a mixing chamber having an inner wall which is generally symmetrical about a central axis. At least one first fluid inlet introduces first fluid material into the mixing chamber. At least one second fluid inlet introduces second fluid material into the mixing chamber. At least one outlet permits fluid to leave the mixing chamber. First baffles extend along the inner wall generally parallel to the axis for disrupting fluid flow generally circumferentially in the mixing chamber. Second baffles extend generally transverse to the axis for disrupting fluid flow generally axially in the mixing chamber. A rotatable agitator includes a cylindrical central portion extending in the mixing chamber along the axis and has at least one blade having a twisted orientation on the central portion. A relative construction and arrangement among the first baffles, the second baffles and the agitator enable residence time of fluid in the reactor to be selectively adjusted.