Abstract: Anti-fouling coating compositions and methods of making and using those compositions are provided. In an embodiment, a coating composition comprises ceramic nanoparticles, wherein the coating composition is capable of inhibiting contaminants from adhering to a solid surface.

Abstract: A clean out assembly for a centrifugal pump, particularly, for example, a self-priming-type of centrifugal pump, is structured to provide easy adjustment of the clean out assembly and axial movement of a wear plate in proximity to the impeller of the pump without the need for tools to effect such movement of the wear plate and clean out assembly.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided a wear plate for use in combination with a centrifugal pump and impeller. The wear plate has a wear surface defined by a substantially flat surface, a truncated conic section, and/or a curvilinear solid of revolution formed by revolving an area bounded by a curve around a center axis of the wear plate, wherein a notch or recess is provided. The notch or recess extends in a first direction perpendicular to a predetermined direction of rotation of an impeller and a second direction crossing against a direction of rotation of the impeller.

Abstract: The method for applying dry toppings to baked goods includes the steps of pre-treating a surface of the baked goods, after baking, with an adhesive substance such as a pregelatinized wheat starch suspended in a solution and thereafter applying the dry toppings to the treated surface. Such an application has been shown to decrease wastage of such items as sesame seed topping from as much as 50% to as little as 5%.

Abstract: The method for applying dry toppings to baked goods includes the steps of pre-treating a surface of the baked goods, after baking, with an adhesive substance such as a pregelatinized wheat starch suspended in a solution and thereafter applying the dry toppings to the treated surface. Such an application has been shown to decrease wastage of such items as sesame seed topping from as much as 50% to as little as 5%.

Abstract: The method for applying dry toppings to baked goods includes the steps of pre-treating a surface of the baked goods, after baking, with an adhesive substance such as a pregelatinized wheat starch suspended in a solution and thereafter applying the dry toppings to the treated surface. Such an application has been shown to decrease wastage of such items as sesame seed topping from as much as 50% to as little as 5%.