Abstract: This invention relates to low thermal expansion bondcoats for thermal barrier coatings. The bondcoats comprise: (i) an inner layer comprising an inner layer alloy of MCrAlM?, and (ii) an outer layer comprising an outer layer alloy of MCrAlM?, wherein M is an element selected from nickel, cobalt, iron and mixtures thereof, and M? is an element selected from yttrium, zirconium, hafnium, ytterbium and mixtures thereof. The inner layer alloy is thermally sprayed from a powder having a mean particle size of 50 percentile point in distribution of from about 5 microns to about 50 microns. The outer layer alloy is thermally sprayed from a powder having a mean particle size of 50 percentile point in distribution of from about 30 microns to about 100 microns. The bondcoat has a thermal expansion of about 6.5 millimeters per meter or less between a temperature of from about 25° C. to about 525° C.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring and improving search result relevance based on user satisfaction are disclosed. An event log is preferably scanned to determine the start and the end of a session. User behaviors within the session are preferably identified. User satisfaction is preferably estimated based on the user behaviors. User satisfaction is preferably a measure of the user's perception of the extent to which a result correlates to his intent based on his behaviors. User satisfaction is preferably estimated to be one of three satisfaction levels: satisfied, partially-satisfied, and dissatisfied. Symptoms, which are indications of a need for improvement within a search system, are preferably observed based on the user behaviors and the user satisfaction. Diagnostics, which are conditions that prevent a search system from performing optimally, are preferably derived based on the symptoms.

Abstract: A blade is disclosed for use in a mixing impeller assembly. The blade includes a top skin element and a bottom skin element without an internal framework in between the elements. A unitary pre-shaped tip element is attached at an end of the blade to the top and bottom skin elements. The tip is welded to the top skin and the bottom skin, and has a bevel at the weld location. The top skin has an edge that abuts the tip and the lower skin has an edge that abuts the tip, and respective bevels are provided on these edges.

Abstract: Context-based user feedback is gathered regarding searches performed on a search mechanism. The search mechanism is monitored for user behavior data regarding an interaction of a user with the search mechanism. The response data provided by the search mechanism is also monitored. Context data (describing the search) and user feedback data (the user's feedback on the search—either explicit or implicit) are determined. This can be used, for example, to evaluate a search mechanism or to check a relevance model.

Abstract: This invention provides a unique gas shield or shroud surrounding the effluent of a thermal spray device that effectively can extend the working distance or standoff between the thermal spray device and the surface being coated. This invention provides a method of spraying materials, including ceramic materials and reactive materials, at a long standoff and a method of controlling the temperature of the effluent being deposited using heated gas shield.

Abstract: A operating handle device for a pressurized cheese dispensing container for actuating the dispensing system of a cheese dispensing container. The operating handle device for a pressurized cheese dispensing container includes a tubular member. The tubular member has a pair of open ends. A peripheral wall extends between the open ends. Each of the open ends has perimeter edge. The tubular member has a break therein. The break generally extends between the open ends. The tubular member has a size adapted to removably receive the container. A protruding member is integrally attached to and extends away from the peripheral wall of the tubular member. The protruding member is positioned generally adjacent to a first of the open ends of the tubular member and generally opposite of the break. The protruding member has a slot therein. An actuating means for actuating the dispensing tube of the container comprises a rod. The rod is positioned in the slot in the protruding member and hingedly coupled thereto.

Abstract: A compressor or turbine blade having its tip coated with a zirconium-based oxide having a plurality of macrocracks extending at least 100 microns through the coating and the process used to produce such a coating.

Abstract: A coating composition comprising an alloy having the formula RCrAlR'R" wherein R is nickel, cobalt or the like; R' is yttrium or hafnium and R" is tantalum, rhenium and/or platinum, preferably mixed with an oxide dispersion such as alumina, to provide an improved class of coatings suitable for operating in high temperature oxidizing environments.

Abstract: In order to extend the life of mixing impellers which circulate materials, and particularly which suspend solids, in the form of particles which erode the blades of the impellers and place a practical limit on impeller speed and/or angle of attack due to increased erosion at high flow velocity (erosion being a function of the cube of the velocity), the blades are constructed from blades into an airfoil configuration which does not limit the thickness of the plates and thereby allows the use of thick plates having extended life. An erosion resistant layer is located at least over the leading edge region of the blade and the shape of the blade reduces velocity of flow over the leading edge; the camber of the blade being maximized midway between the leading and trailing edge. The suction surface of the blade in the region subject to erosion is continuous thereby avoiding discontinuities which form vortices which enhance erosion.

Abstract: A thermal barrier coating for substrates comprising zirconia partially stabilized by yttria and having a density greater than 88% of the theoretical density with a plurality of vertical macrocracks homogeneously dispersed throughout the coating to improve its thermal fatigue resistance. The invention also discloses a process for producing the thermal barrier coating.

Abstract: In processes in which protective metal coating materials are applied to iron-based substrates in the form of liquid films which are then solidified by cooling, the metal coating can be contacted with a roll such as a tower roll, conveyor roll or guide roll, while the coating material is capable of transfer, by the use of a roll having an exterior ceramic barrier or surface having a thickness of at least about 20 microns whereby the surface of the coated substrate is not unduly adversely affected.

Abstract: A coating composition applied to a substrate by thermal spray process, characterized by improved wear, thermal shock resistance and chemical resistance at elevated temperatures, the coating composition containing greater than about 60 volume percent refractory oxide with the balance comprising a cobalt and/or nickel and/or iron base metal matrix containing chromium, aluminum and tantalum.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a furnace having an elongate, cylindrical, combustion chamber surrounded by a water jacket. Air is blown into the combustion chamber through a loop-shaped distributor having a front bight and a rear bight and parallel horizontal side members. Axially-oriented jet ports are disposed in said bights which direct jets of air toward each other into the center portion of the combustion chamber and chord-oriented jet ports in the side members which direct jets of air downwardly toward the bottom center of the combustion chamber. Fire-tubes are located in the top portion of the water jacket through which the combustion products flow in heat exchange with the water introduced into the water jacket and second fire-tubes in heat exchange with the outlet water lead the combustion gases to a stack. A special band of scraper-deflectors is provided on at least some of the fire-tubes.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a furnace having an elongate, cylindrical, combustion chamber surrounded by a water jacket. Air is blown into the combustion chamber through a loop-shaped distributor having a front bight and a rear bight and parallel horizontal side members. Axially-oriented jet ports are disposed in said bights which direct jets of air toward each other into the center portion of the combustion chamber and chord-oriented jet ports in the side members which direct jets of air downwardly toward the bottom center of the combustion chamber. Fire-tubes are located in the top portion of the water jacket through which the combustion products flow in heat exchange with the water introduced into the water jacket and second fire-tubes in heat exchange with the outlet water lead the combustion gases to a stack. A special band of scraper-deflectors is provided on at least some of the fire-tubes.

Abstract: Improvements in trailer hitch apparatus of the type used in heavy hauling, particularly for the transport of mobile home structures. The apparatus includes hydraulically elongatable tongue structure with height adjustable connector ball assembly as supported from the main rear truck frame structure; the apparatus is utilized in combination with a leaf-coil rear wheel spring structure that provides primary truck suspension. The trailer hitch is operable to support its towed structure in any of the open or closed elongated positions in order to better enable certain vehicle maneuvers, achieve optimum handling in emergency situations, and provide a more rugged, yet smoother riding connection to the towing vehicle.