Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making a cemented carbide or a cermet body comprising the steps of first forming a powder blend comprising powders forming hard constituents and metal binder. The powder blend is then subjected to a mixing operation using a non-contact mixer wherein acoustic waves achieving resonance conditions to form a mixed powder blend and then subjecting said mixed powder blend to a pressing and sintering operation. The method makes it possible to maintain the grain size, the grain size distribution and the morphology of the WC grains.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a sintered composite body comprising cubic boron nitride particles dispersed in a cemented carbide matrix by sintering a mixture comprising cubic boron nitride particles and a cemented carbide powder at a sintering temperature below 1350° C. without applying a pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a punch for manufacturing of metal beverage cans of a cemented carbide comprising a hard phase comprising WC and a binder phase the cemented carbide composition comprises, in wt-%, from 50 to less than 70WC, from 15 to 30TiC, and from 12 to 20Co+Ni.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary cutter knife of a cemented carbide comprising a hard phase comprising WC and a binder phase wherein the cemented carbide comprises, in wt-%, from about 7 to about 12 Co+Ni, with a weight ratio Co/Ni of from about 0 to about 4, from about 0.5 to about 3 Cr and from about 0.1 to about 0.3 Mo.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cemented carbide for oil and gas applications comprising a hard phase comprising WC and a binder phase wherein the cemented carbide composition comprises WC and, in wt-%, 3-11 Ni, 0.5-7 Cr, 0.3-1.5 Mo, 0-1 Nb, and 0-0.2 Co, and a method of making thereof.

Abstract: Mail processing systems and methods. A method includes scanning a plurality of mail pieces in a first processing step to produce mail piece images. The method includes producing a template based on a plurality of the mail piece images and associating a plurality of mail pieces with the template, the associated plurality of mail pieces forming a mail set. The method includes identifying quality-control problems associated with the mail set, separating the mail set from other mail during a second processing step, and separately processing the mail set from the other mail.

Abstract: A system and method to determine the operating status of an electrical system includes a system controller and an actuator controller. The system controller determines if the actuator controller is operating properly and initiates a safe mode of operation if the actuator is not operating properly. In turn, the actuator controller determines if the system controller is operating properly and initiates a safe mode of operation if the system controller is not operating properly.

Abstract: A method for detecting a gas phase constituent such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, hydrogen, or hydrocarbons in a gas comprising oxygen such as air, includes providing a sensing material or film having a metal embedded in a catalytically active matrix such as gold embedded in a yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) matrix. The method may include annealing the sensing material at about 900° C., exposing the sensing material and gas to a temperature above 400° C., projecting light onto the sensing material, and detecting a change in the absorption spectrum of the sensing material due to the exposure of the sensing material to the gas in air at the temperature which causes a chemical reaction in the sensing material compared to the absorption spectrum of the sensing material in the absence of the gas. Systems employing such a method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary cutter knife of a cemented carbide comprising a hard phase comprising WC and a binder phase wherein the cemented carbide comprises, in wt-%, from about 7 to about 12 Co+Ni, with a weight ratio Co/Ni of from about 0 to about 4, from about 0.5 to about 3 Cr and from about 0.1 to about 0.3 Mo.

Abstract: A system and method for minimizing door related injuries are disclosed. Briefly, a mechanism requiring little or no external power is used to vary the force needed to open a door. If an obstruction (i.e. a person, pet, etc) is within the sweep of the opening door, the force needed by the user to push open the door will be increased, to give the user tactile feedback that an accident may be imminent. The feedback mechanism can be implemented in a variety of ways, including embodiments that require no external power or battery. A sensor is used to detect the presence of an obstruction within the sweep of the door. In a further embodiment, a mechanism is used to slow or stop a door from closing if an obstruction (such as a finger) is in the return path of the door.

Abstract: A method for detecting a gas phase constituent such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, hydrogen, or hydrocarbons in a gas comprising oxygen such as air, includes providing a sensing material or film having a metal embedded in a catalytically active matrix such as gold embedded in a yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) matrix. The method may include annealing the sensing material at about 900° C., exposing the sensing material and gas to a temperature above 400° C., projecting light onto the sensing material, and detecting a change in the absorption spectrum of the sensing material due to the exposure of the sensing material to the gas in air at the temperature which causes a chemical reaction in the sensing material compared to the absorption spectrum of the sensing material in the absence of the gas. Systems employing such a method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A speaker mounting assembly adjustably supports a speaker from a mounting surface. The speaker mounting assembly comprises a speaker enclosure, a support arm, and a mounting bracket mounted to a mounting surface. The speaker enclosure defines a window opening, and the window opening is constructed to receive entry of an insert portion of the support arm. A latch supported by the enclosure and extending from the window opening can be used to engage with the insert portion to automatically retain the support arm when the insert portion is inserted into the window opening. A post extends within the enclosure window and the insert portion engages the post so as to enable pivoting of the speaker enclosure about the support arm. A set screw extends through a channel of the support arm toward the mounting bracket and based on position of the screw, permits pivoting of the support arm about the mounting bracket.

Abstract: Methods for forming hydrogen sensing materials include forming a palladium alloy thin film having less than about 83 atomic percent of palladium, and annealing the palladium alloy thin film to relieve residual stress and increase atomic intermixing of the nanorystaline lattice, while maintaining a grain size close to the grain size of the nonannealed palladium alloy thin film. For example, the sensing material may include a palladium-gold alloy thin film having about 60 atomic percent of palladium and about 40 atomic percent of gold. The palladium-gold alloy thin film is then annealed at a temperature of about 200 degrees Celsius for 1 hour. Methods for detecting hydrogen containing gas in which the hydrogen sensing material is maintained in a single phase when exposed to the hydrogen containing gas, and optical hydrogen sensors are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for validating a position of an airborne platform, by comparing rate of change of a measure of barometric altitude with rate of change of a measure of geometric altitude. When the difference in rates of change exceeds at least one predetermined threshold an indication is provided that a threshold has been exceeded. The methods may be employed onboard an aircraft and/or at an air traffic control site, provided the aircraft transmits the necessary parameters. The comparison not only provides validation of vertical positioning information (altitude) but also horizontal positioning information. Corresponding apparatus, systems, programs for computers, and communications signals are also provided.

Abstract: An acoustic system for applying vibratory energy including a horn connected to an ultrasonic energy source. The horn defines an overall length and wavelength, and at least a leading section thereof is comprised of a ceramic material. The leading section has a length of at least ? the horn wavelength. In one preferred embodiment, an entirety of the horn is a ceramic material, and is mounted to a separate component, such as a waveguide, via an interference fit. Regardless, by utilizing a ceramic material for at least a significant portion of the horn, the ultrasonic system of the present invention facilitates long-term operation in extreme environments such as high temperature and/or corrosive fluid mediums. The present invention is useful for fabrication of metal matrix composite wires.

Abstract: An acoustic system for applying vibratory energy including a horn connected to an ultrasonic energy source. The horn defines an overall length and wavelength, and at least a leading section thereof is comprised of a ceramic material. The leading section has a length of at least ? the horn wavelength. In one preferred embodiment, an entirety of the horn is a ceramic material, and is mounted to a separate component, such as a waveguide, via an interference fit. Regardless, by utilizing a ceramic material for at least a significant portion of the horn, the ultrasonic system of the present invention facilitates long-term operation in extreme environments such as high temperature and/or corrosive fluid mediums. The present invention is useful for fabrication of metal matrix composite wires.

Abstract: An acoustic system for applying vibratory energy including a horn connected to an ultrasonic energy source. The horn defines an overall length and wavelength, and at least a leading section thereof is comprised of a ceramic material. The leading section has a length of at least ? the horn wavelength. In one preferred embodiment, an entirety of the horn is a ceramic material, and is mounted to a separate component, such as a waveguide, via an interference fit. Regardless, by utilizing a ceramic material for at least a significant portion of the horn, the ultrasonic system of the present invention facilitates long-term operation in extreme environments such as high temperature and/or corrosive fluid mediums. The present invention is useful for fabrication of metal matrix composite wires.

Abstract: A method of sorting mail according to the invention includes the steps of receiving a plurality of first mail pieces of unknown origin in a first apparatus for bulk processing of the mail pieces, processing the mail pieces in the first apparatus by one of testing the mail pieces to determine if a potentially dangerous microorganism is present, sterilizing the mail pieces to destroy microorganisms on mail pieces, or both, and then if no contamination is detected or if sterilization is carried out, combining first the mail pieces at a later stage of postal processing with second mail pieces from senders identified as having a lesser risk of contamination than the first mail pieces of unknown origin. The invention further provides mail contaminant detection and sterilization systems suitable for use in such a method.

Abstract: A headrest assembly for a seat includes a body portion having at least one padded surface positioned in substantial alignment with a seated occupant's head; and an active material in operative communication with the at least one padded surface of the body portion, the active material being operative to change at least one attribute in response to an activation signal, wherein a space between the occupant's head and the at least one padded surface decreases with the change in the at least one attribute of the active material.

Abstract: A system and method for the use of ultra high frequency RFID tags in conjunction with metal substrates, as well as substrates used to contain liquid. Briefly, an RFID isolator comprised of a material with complex magnetic permeability, used either by itself, or in combination with dielectric isolator material, is interposed between the RFID tag and the substrate. Alternatively, a material possessing at least two distinct dielectric constants is interposed between the RFID tag and the substrate, such that there is a high dielectric constant at the interface with the substrate, and a low dielectric constant at the interface with the RFID tag. This material can be a single material having a dielectric constant gradient, or alternatively, two or more separate layers, each with a uniform but different dielectric constant, sandwiched together.