Abstract: The present invention provides a retractable door apparatus for trailer trucks including at least two tracks of extruded aluminum each having at least one guide surface with a wear resistant coating; and a door in slideable engagement to the guide surfaces of each track. The wear resistant coating may include a self fluxing alloy, oxide, carbide, Al bronze alloy, or cermet having a hardness greater than aluminum. The present invention also provides a method of forming the tracks for the sliding or rolling door apparatus including the steps of providing an aluminum extrusion having at least one guide surface with a geometry for accepting a roller bearing or rollers; and forming the wear resistant coating on the guide surfaces at a temperature that does not substantially reduce the mechanical properties of the aluminum extrusion.

Abstract: A brake system including a suspension component housing at least one actuation piston to reversibly extend a brake pad; and a wheel that is in rotational engagement to the suspension component, the wheel having a rim portion with an interior surface that is contacted by the brake pad of at least one actuation piston when in an extended position.

Abstract: A spacer member in a furnace including an aluminum tube containing a ceramic material. The ceramic material provides high compressive strength and the composite product resists high temperature creep.

Abstract: A spacer member for supporting a metallic alloy product during heat treatment comprising a ceramic core and a tubular housing is disclosed. The tubular housing, which encloses the ceramic core, comprises a bore, a wall portion, and two end portions. In order to resist deformation during usage, the tubular housing is made from high temperature steel, a high temperature steel alloy, or cold rolled steel. The wall portion has at least two substantially flat surfaces having corner edges that have a radius of at least ? inch and ends that are tapered at least ¼ inch. In addition, the flat surfaces also have a coating that reduces the sticking of a metallic alloy product. The end portions each have at least one aperture to allow the inside to adjust itself to ambient atmospheric pressure. A method of making a spacer member is also disclosed.

Abstract: A thermal spray material has been developed that includes a composite powder comprising chromium carbide or chromium boride and copper or copper alloy in the form of kernels of the chromium carbide or boride clad with the copper or copper alloy. Preferably the thermal spray material includes a self-fluxing alloy composition.