Abstract: A multi-node time division multiplexing (TDM) system is disclosed. The improved method and apparatus utilizes an asynchronous synchronization packet (ASP) to synchronize the timing in all the nodes of the system. In some embodiments, the ASP also maps the time slots in a data frame to particular nodes. The ASP is sent at the start of each data frame to all the nodes in the system and each node synchronizes itself to the time of receipt of the ASP, thus establishing frame-based timing for all the nodes. Additionally, the ASP can contain a table that maps the data frame time slots to the nodes in the system.

Abstract: Graphite carbon surfaces are protected from elevated temperature oxidation and mechanical wear by electric arc thermal spray coating exposed surfaces with a titanium nitride or multi-element (e.g., aluminum-silicon-titanium) coating.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for dispersing cryogenic inert gases over the surface of a bath of molten metal by separating vaporized cryogenic gas from the liquid phase of the gas and introducing the liquid phase and the gaseous phase onto the surface of the molten metal in a swirling pattern. Additional inert gas can be introduced into the middle of the liquid phase.

Abstract: Graphite carbon surfaces are protected from elevated temperature oxidation and mechanical wear by electric arc thermal spray coating exposed surfaces with a titanium nitride or multi-element (e.g., aluminum-silicon-titanium) coating.

Abstract: A metal powder is produced by atomizing molten metal in an electric arc spray gun and rapidly quenching the resulting droplets in a liquid cryogen to form fine, highly spherical, oxide-free particles. The rapid quenching yields particles with a very fine, uniform microstructure which melt rapidly and uniformly when later heated. The powder is especially well-suited for making solder paste for device fabrication in the electronics industry.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the electric arc spraying of powder-filled cored wires to apply hard, wear-resistant coatings to various substrates. Inert gas, preferably nitrogen, is supplied to the arc spray gun such that the mass ratio of the wire feed rate to the gas feed rate is preferably between about 0.07 and about 0.11. Operation in this range yields an optimum combination of coating hardness properties and arc spray gun operating characteristics.

Abstract: Graphite and/or carbon surfaces are coated with a titanium nitride coating by exposing the substrate to electric arc thermal spray process wherein titanium wire as the source of titanium and nitrogen is used as the propelling (atomizing) gas.

Abstract: Surfaces subject to wear and corrosion can have their service life increased by being coated with a composite coating applied by the electric arc thermal spray process using at least one titanium feed wire, optionally pre-nitrided, a second wire of a different metal, metal alloy ceramic or intermetalic compound and nitrogen in the arc spray gun.

Abstract: Wear resistant surfaces can have their service life increased by being coated with a titanium nitride based coating applied by the electric arc thermal spray process using at least one pre-nitrided titanium feed wire and nitrogen in the arc spray gun.

Abstract: An improved electric arc spray process for the deposition of reactive metals is disclosed which utilizes compressed inert gases for atomization. The improved process utilizes argon, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, sulfur hexafluoride, or mixtures thereof supplied to the arc spray gun such that the mass ratio of the wire feed rate to the gas feed rate is greater than 0.10. The process can be used to coat various substrates with metals or alloys comprising magnesium, zinc, lithium, and other reactive metals. The process is useful for the application of cathodic corrosion protective coatings on various substrates.