Abstract: An N-substituted amino acids can be prepared by the steps of: bringing together under reaction condition glyoxal and a source of sulfur dioxide in an aqueous medium to produce a sulfonated intermediate; and introducing into said medium a nitrogen compound selected from the group consisting of ammonia, a primary amine, and a secondary amine, into said medium containing said intermediate to produce said N-substituted amino acid.

Abstract: A process for preparing iminodiacetonitrile which comprises bringing together under reaction conditions formaldehyde, hydrogen cyanide and a source of ammonia under substantially stoichiometric conditions at a temperature between about 30.degree. and about 65.degree. C. at a pH between about 1.5 and about 5.5, preferably between about 3.5 and about 5.3, to produce the desired iminodiacetonitrile.

Abstract: An electrodynamic spray painting system having a spray gun (13) for spraying paint toward a workpiece (15) and an electrode (16) for causing a charge to be imposed on the paint. A high voltage waveform generator (21) supplies an oscillating voltage to said electrode (16) such that coronas of varying strengths are periodically, controllably generated.This oscillating voltage enhances the spectrum of charges on the paint particles improving evenness of coverage of paint on the workpiece (15). Additionally, wastage of paint is decreased. This invention is also applicable to other coating materials, such as powders.

Abstract: An electrostatic painting system has a charged conductor (22) extending along the path of travel of article carriers (11) through a coating zone (15, 16). A plenum (33) with a perforate wall (25) extends along the length of the charged conductor and is connected with a blower (30). A unidirectional flow of air is directed across the charged conductor.

Abstract: A bearing having a generally flat planer surface of pearlite, and an array of microasperities of martensite on the planer surface, each microasperity including a gently sloping front surface in relation to the direction of movement of the bearing and a sharply sloping rear surface in relation to such direction of movement. A pulsed laser beam or other heat source is focussed on the bearing to produce the array with microasperities of controlled size and shape.

Abstract: An electrostatic coating system in which the workpiece to be coated is charged to a high DC potential. A conveyor moves the workpiece through the coating zone past a charged conductor. A suspended workpiece support includes a swivel joint to accommodate tilt and sway of the workpiece. A charge collector on the support has a spherically contoured surface which swings from the swivel joint so that the spacing of the collector from the conductor is substantially constant, stabilizing the voltage induced on the workpiece and minimizing the danger of sparking.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing microasperities for enhancing lubrication is provided. A pulsed laser beam or other heat source having high resolution with respect to time and space is focused onto a surface such as a thrust bearing surface to produce an array of microasperities of controlled size, shape and density. The staggered ramp shaped asperities produce an enhanced lubrication effect.