Abstract: An abradable composite material comprising a matrix of sintered metallic particles and non-metallic solid lubricants disposed within the interstitial spaces of the matrix is described. The abradable composite material is capable of being used with, e.g., titanium-alloy blades of a gas turbine at least in part because the abradable composite material does not cause excessive wear or damage to the blades of the gas turbine. Methods of forming the abradable composite material are also described.

Abstract: Adaptable precharge devices, systems, and methods implemented within electrical systems can manage voltage differential between different portions of the system to provide appropriate contactor closure conditions. Communication of power between source and load can be implemented while reducing impact to components which can improve lifecycle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of treating a bacterial infection in a subject through the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a glycopeptide antibiotic to a subject having a bacterial infection. The effective amount of the glycopeptide antibiotic that is administered to the subject provides a fraction of the glycopeptide antibiotic administered to the subject bound to serum proteins within the subject and within a selected range.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of treating a bacterial infection in a subject through the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a glycopeptide antibiotic to a subject having a bacterial infection. The effective amount of the glycopeptide antibiotic that is administered to the subject provides a fraction of the glycopeptide antibiotic administered to the subject bound to serum proteins within the subject and within a selected range.

Abstract: A jet pump assembly for removing fluid from a well bore extending into a formation is disclosed. The jet pump assembly includes a jet pump interposed between a tubing string and a packer. The jet pump includes a body having an outer surface, a lower tubular end, an upper tubular end connected to a lower end of the tubing string, and a central axial bore intersecting the upper tubular end at a discharge end and extending partially through the pump body toward the lower tubular end. The pump body further has a plurality of radial inlet ports intersecting the central axial bore and a plurality of production ports extending from the lower tubular end to the upper tubular end in a non-intersecting relation to the injection ports. The central axial bore is shaped to provide a non-restricted flow path from the point the injection ports intersect the central axial bore to the discharge end of the central axial bore.

Abstract: Method for screening for a modulator of a biomolecule by comparing growth of a first microbe having an altered biomolecule with a second microbe having a normal biomolecule. The first and second microbes are grown in contact with a potential modulator in a growth medium.

Abstract: To improve the accuracy of making a casting pattern from a casting model or mold (2, 2') in a molding material (M) retained in a foundry form, a single pressure pulse (P) is applied to the molding material which, however, has two phases of pressure gradient, namely a first or initial phase (1) of low pressure gradient extending up to about 1 to 3 bar during between about 10-100 m/sec, for example about 50 m/sec, to initiate fluidization of the molding material. The then fluidized and still fluidized molding material is compacted by raising the pressure from the initial low pressure pulse abruptly at a second and much higher pressure gradient to the customary compaction pressure of between 3 to 6 bar. The two-phase pressure pulse can be applied, selectively, only in a region above the model or throughout the entire mold.

Abstract: To permit close matching of compaction pressure being applied to foundry mold making material, such as foundry sand, to the shape of a mold pattern (2) in a pattern box (3, 4), individual fluid pressure is applied to a plurality of press plungers (7) located on a pressure plate which is moved towards the sand in the mold box at a high rate of speed, the press plungers being biassed by fluid pressure to have a maximum difference (.DELTA.H) in stroke of penetration depth of at least 30% of the height (H) of the mold box; individual valves (14) can apply compressed air to individual cylinders under control, for example, of a microprocessor; the valves can be located in a matrix arrangement (FIG. 3). The method and apparatus can be used in combination with explosion or pressure impulse compaction and fluidizing of the foundry sand.

Abstract: In a process for mixing wet molding materials, particularly wet molding sands used for foundry purposes, the dry components of the molding materials are premixed in a container and, following the premixing of the moist components of the molding materials, are added and then homogenized with the dry components by further mixing. To reduce the mixing time, improve the mixing result and prevent contamination of mixer parts above free surface level of the dry components, the moist components are added under an overpressure to the premixed dry components below the surface level of the premixed dry components.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing solids with one another and with liquids, particularly for producing moulding sand mixtures, comprises a circular, fixed trough and at least two groups of mixing tools engaging with different spacings from the trough axis and trough bottom, which revolve about the trough axis and set with opposite angles with respect to the tangent of the circular path thereof. In order to obtain both a horizontal and vertical movement of the material being mixed in the case of maximum throughput, the mixing tools are formed in paddle-like manner from part cylindrical circumferential segments with roughly horizontal axis of curvature, the mixing paddles of the outer group point inwards with their concave side, while those of the inner group point outwards. There are also separate, revolving wall strippers for the inner and outer trough walls.