Abstract: A workpiece support system for a vacuum coating machine includes a base table having a rotating spindle rod that extends in a vertical direction away from the base table and is capable of powered rotation. A stop post is connected to the table and extends in a vertical direction at a distance from the spindle rod. A workpiece support module is connected to the spindle rod and the stop post, and includes a rotating table with peripheral openings arranged symmetrically around its periphery, a plurality of cogs positioned in the openings, a stationary table connected to the stop post and axially supporting the rotating table, and a driver finger connected to the stationary table. At least one bearing is located around the spindle rod and rotatably isolates the rotating table from the stationary table.

Abstract: A workpiece support system for a vacuum coating machine includes a base table having a rotating spindle rod that extends in a vertical direction away from the base table and is capable of powered rotation. A stop post is connected to the table and extends in a vertical direction at a distance from the spindle rod. A workpiece support module is connected to the spindle rod and the stop post, and includes a rotating table with peripheral openings arranged symmetrically around its periphery, a plurality of cogs positioned in the openings, a stationary table connected to the stop post and axially supporting the rotating table, and a driver finger connected to the stationary table. At least one bearing is located around the spindle rod and rotatably isolates the rotating table from the stationary table.

Abstract: A lean NOx aftertreatment system is disclosed. The lean NOx aftertreatment system includes a fuel source having oxygenated hydrocarbons homogeneously dispersed therein, a reductant extraction subsystem adapted for extracting the oxygenated hydrocarbons from the fuel, and a high performance lean NOx catalyst. The disclosed lean NOx catalyst is a metal or metal oxide doped alumina based catalyst (or other oxide material), wherein the metal or metal oxide dopant may be selected from the group consisting of indium, gallium, tin, silver, germanium, gold, nickel, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, chromium, cerium, vanadium, oxides thereof, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An improvement in a thermally insulating component for an engine part, made by sintering from ceramic materials, comprises, the thermally insulating component having a composition, consisting of a mixture of zirconium oxide in the range of about 5% to about 25% by volume and mullite in the range of about 75% to about 95% by volume. Further, the mixture of zirconium oxide and mullite is obtained by chemically mixing the zirconium oxide and mullite in their molecular states, rather than mechanically mixing them. Another feature of this invention includes, forming said thermally insulating component by slip casting and pressureless sintering the mixture of zirconium oxide and mullite at a temperature no greater than 1700.degree. C. This improvement in a thermally insulating component for an engine part, made from a mullite-zirconia ceramic composite, embodying the present invention, is particularly useful in making flame decks for cylinder heads, and insulating coverings for pistons and exhaust ports.

Abstract: A process and composition are disclosed for slip casting a ceramic powder in a porous mold. In this invention, a ceramic powder is blended with a polymeric cellulose ether. A slurry of ceramic powder-cellulose ether is formed. A porous mold is coated with a hydrophilic colloid of ammonium alginate to form a treated mold. The slurry is then poured in the treated mold and a slip is formed. This invention is particularly useful for forming crack-free slips made from difficult to cast ceramic powders.

Abstract: An improvement in a thermally insulating component for an engine part, made by sintering from ceramic materials, comprises, the thermally insulating component having a composition, consisting of a mixture of zirconium oxide in the range of about 5% to about 25% by volume and mullite in the range of about 75% to about 95% by volume. Further, the mixture of zirconium oxide and mullite is obtained by chemically mixing the zirconium oxide and mullite in their molecular states, rather than mechanically mixing them. Another feature of this invention includes, forming said thermally insulating component by slip casting and pressureless sintering the mixture of zirconium oxide and mullite at a temperature no greater than 1700.degree. C. This improvement in a thermally insulating component for an engine part, made from a mullite-zirconia ceramic composite, embodying the present invention, is particularly useful in making flame decks for cylinder heads, and insulating coverings for pistons and exhaust ports.

Abstract: A process for forming elements for use in high temperature environments includes the following steps. The process mixes metal and/or metal compounds with orthophosphoric acid and adds a filler to form a moldable material. The moldable material is dried at a temperature less than about 100 degrees to form a stable unitary mass and thereafter the temperature is increased to its "false melt" temperature. Pressure is then subjected on the element while maintaining the element at its false melt temperature for densifying the element to a preselected porosity and deforming the element to preselected final dimensions.

Abstract: A method for making piezoelectric solid state motor stack disks. The method includes the steps of preparing a piezoelectric ceramic powder; preparing a substantially cylindrical piezoelectric ceramic slug from the powder; and cutting the slug with an ID saw into disks of a predetermined thickness. The method further includes pressing the powder in a press at a pressure of between about 1500 psi and 6000 psi and firing the slug at a temperature of between about 1250.degree. C. and 1350.degree. C. for a period of between about 15 min. and 4 hours. The method also comprises the steps of cleaning the ceramic disks after slicing; and applying a conductive layer to a portion of facets of the disks prior to the assembly step.

Abstract: A piezoelectric solid state motor includes first and second solderless connectors for connecting first and second chain electrodes, respectively, to a power supply connector. The first and second chain electrodes are interleaved with a plurality of piezoelectric disks, such that the motor expands in an axial direction when a driving potential is applied to the solderless connectors. Each solderless connector comprises a first planar member formed of an electrically conductive material, for placement in electrical communication with one of the first and second chain electrodes, and a second planar member formed integrally with the first planar member for placement in electrical communication with the power supply connector.