Abstract: An electrode wire for use in an electrical discharge machining apparatus includes a core having a surface and one of a metal, an alloy of a metal, and a combination of a metal and alloy of a metal. An adherent coating of graphite is metallurgically bonded to the surface of the core.

Abstract: Systems and methods for authorizing a vehicle to proceed beyond an access point are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a system can include an identification reader configured to obtain various identification information from one or more identification mechanisms, a biometric reader configured to obtain biometric information from one or more persons, and a computer configured to receive the identification information and the biometric information. The computer determines whether the vehicle is authorized to proceed beyond the access point using the identification information and biometric information, and transmits a signal to a control mechanism to allow the vehicle to proceed beyond the access point.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing purified biogas are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a method includes collecting biogas from a landfill, transporting the biogas to a first well, injecting the biogas into the first well, and pressurizing the first well to store the biogas.

Abstract: The invention provides wells comprising biogas; methods for storing biogas in wells; methods for producing energy from biogas; methods for stimulating natural gas production from natural gas wells using biogas; and methods for removing carbon dioxide and other impurities from biogas.

Abstract: A pin used in investment casting, or the lost wax process, to support the ceramic core of a mold includes a core formed of a metal which provides suitable strength to maintain the position of the ceramic core during pouring of molten metal into the mold but which is susceptible to oxidation during firing of the mold. The pin core is encased with an outer coating formed of a metal which resists oxidation during firing of the mold and resists chemical interaction during processing of the cast part. An intermediate coating is preferably disposed between the core and outer coating and is likewise formed of a metal which resists oxidation during firing of the mold and resists chemical interaction during processing of the cast part. The invention also includes an investment casting mold using a plurality of these pins and methods of making the pin and the mold.