Abstract: A gas sensor for detection of oxidizing and reducing gases, including O2, CO2, CO, and H2, monitors the partial pressure of a gas to be detected by measuring the temperature rise of an oxide-thin-film-coated metallic line in response to an applied electrical current. For a fixed input power, the temperature rise of the metallic line is inversely proportional to the thermal conductivity of the oxide coating. The oxide coating contains multi-valent cation species that change their valence, and hence the oxygen stoichiometry of the coating, in response to changes in the partial pressure of the detected gas. Since the thermal conductivity of the coating is dependent on its oxygen stoichiometry, the temperature rise of the metallic line depends on the partial pressure of the detected gas. Nanocrystalline (<100 nm grain size) oxide coatings yield faster sensor response times than conventional larger-grained coatings due to faster oxygen diffusion along grain boundaries rather than through grain interiors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas sensor (10) having a metallic housing (12) and being secured via a hollow screw (50) in a measuring opening (56) having a measuring gas, the housing (12) including a collar (51) as the support for the hollow screw (50). A conically shaped surface (54a), with which the gas sensor (10) rests on a conically shaped opposite surface (54b) of measuring opening (56), is provided on the side of housing (12) facing the measuring opening (56). The conically shaped surface (54a) of the housing (12) has an angle a with respect to a longitudinal axis of housing (12) that is less than 60°.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas probe (10) for installation in a measurement gas chamber, having a metal housing (30) in which a planar sensor element (21) is disposed, electrically insulated, with at least one contact face (22) that is conductively connected to a metal conductor element (23). For the conductor element (23), an electrically insulating contact holder (24) is provided, which presses the conductor element (23) onto the contact face (22) by means of a spring element (25) that engages the contact holder (24). The conductor element (23) is disposed in an indentation (26) of the contact holder (24), which indentation is oriented toward the contact face (22) of the sensor element (21), and by way of a region protruding out of the indentation (26) of the contact holder (24), the conductor element is in contact with the contact face (22).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the viscosity of the circulating blood of a living being over plural shear rates caused by a decreasing pressure differential by monitoring the changing weight of the blood, or the changing level of a column of blood over time. The apparatus and method utilize a riser, a capillary tube, a collector and a mass detector, such as a precision balance or a load cell, for monitoring the changing weight of a sample of fluid that flows through these components under the influence of the decreasing pressure differential; alternatively, the apparatus and method use a column level detector to monitor the changing level of the column of blood over time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring viscosity or related properties of fluid samples in parallel is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of tubes and reservoirs in fluid communication with the tubes. The tubes provide flow paths for the fluid samples, which are initially contained within the reservoirs. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for filling the reservoirs with the fluid samples, and a device for determining volumetric flow rates of fluid samples flowing from the reservoirs through the plurality of tubes simultaneously. The disclosed apparatus is capable of measuring viscosity or related properties of at least five fluid samples simultaneously. Useful reservoirs and tubes include syringes.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring viscosity of a sample of material includes a mold assembly, a rotor assembly, and a torque measuring device. The mold assembly includes upper and lower mold members that cooperate to form a chamber to hold the sample of material therein. The upper mold member includes an outer mold portion formed with a mold opening to receive an inner mold portion therein such that the inner mold portion is surrounded by the outer mold portion and is movable relative to the outer mold portion. The rotor assembly includes a rotor shaft having a first end portion coupled to a rotor member in the chamber and a second end portion that extends through a shaft hole in the lower mold member, and a drive unit coupled to the second end portion of the rotor shaft. A torque measuring device measures the amount of torque induced by the sample of material on the inner mold portion.

Abstract: The method determines the fuel concentration in fluidic fuels for fuel cells, and in particular the alcohol concentration in an alcohol/water mixture for fuel cells operated with the mixture, such as direct methanol fuel cells. The alcohol/water mixture is passed through a heating section at a constant flow rate, a known quantity of heat is supplied to the mixture, the temperature difference between the entry and exit of the heating section is measured and the alcohol concentration is determined therefrom.

Abstract: Method for estimating the filling of a cylinder in an internal combustion engine provided with cam stroke variation system. A theoretical induction efficiency which the cylinder would have if it operated with an optimal induction/exhaust timing value is estimated; said theoretical induction efficiency is derated by a correction factor depending on the induction/exhaust timing value actually used to estimate the induction efficiency, which is a standardised measurement of the filling of the cylinder.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel sensor assembly (22) includes a pressure sensor (24) and a counterweight (26) mounted to a band (28). The band (28) is of a length to extend around the inner diameter of the wheel rim (12) such that the pressure sensor (24) is mounted 180 degrees opposite the counterweight (26) when installed around the inner diameter. The sensor (24) and the counterweight (26) thereby minimally effects the balance of the vehicle wheel assembly (10). The band (28) includes a male end (32) which fits into a female end (34) in a zip-tie like manner. An antenna (36) is mounted along the length of the band (28) for a length approximately equal to the rim (12) inner diameter such that heretofore transmission/reception problems are essentially eliminated.

Abstract: A process for evaluating the quality of a printing ink is provided, wherein a defined quantity of the printing ink is stirred; a force or torque to be applied during the stirring is measured, and a defined quantity of moistening agent is added to the ink at a defined point in time. A device for evaluating the quality of the printing ink is also provided with a container for the printing ink; a stirring device, with which an ink filled into the container can be stirred; a measuring device for measuring the force to be applied by the stirring device or the torque to be applied; a moistening agent supply and a control, which actuates the feed of moistening agent such that a predetermined quantity of moistening agent is introduced into the container at a defined point in time.

Abstract: A method for predicting the outdoor durability of a first coating relative to the outdoor durability of at least one other of a set of coatings, all of the coatings having been formed from aqueous coating compositions comprising a thermoplastic emulsion polymer, particularly a predominantly acrylic thermoplastic emulsion polymer, and, optionally, a pigment, comprising exposing the set of coatings to the same ambient outdoor conditions for the same period of time, subjecting the exposed coatings to a chemiluminescence test, and comparing the result of said chemiluminescence test performed on the first coating to the corresponding result for at least one other of the set of coatings.

Abstract: In a sensor chip for a fluid flow sensor, a thin film portion is formed above a hollow cavity portion while leaving thin film layers formed on the surface of a substrate. A conductor is provided on the inner wall face of a through hole formed to penetrate the substrate to thereby electrically connect a detecting portion constituted by a conductor film in the thin film layers and a substrate conductor portion formed on the rear face side of the through hole. The surface of a circuit board is formed with a control circuit and a base conductor portion electrically connected to the control circuit. The sensor chip and the circuit board are layered and the substrate conductor portion and the base conductor portion are electrically connected.

Abstract: A tuning-fork type vibration gyro enables to suppress pyroelectric noise caused by temperature change and to obtain sensor output having high signal-to-noise ratio. The tuning-fork type vibration gyro includes a tuning-fork type vibration body having two arms mutually disposed in parallel and a base for commonly supporting one end of the each arm, wherein a longitudinal direction of the two arms is defined as a z-axis and a perpendicular direction thereto is defined as an x-axis; driving electrodes respectively formed on the two arms for generating vibration of the two arms in a direction parallel to the x-axis; detecting electrodes respectively formed on the two arms for detecting electromotive force generated when the tuning-fork type vibration body is rotated around the z-axis; and dummy electrodes formed on the two arms in respective areas different from the driving electrodes and the detecting electrodes.

Abstract: The invention provides an acceleration sensor which can improve precision during self-diagnosis operation. The acceleration sensor comprises an amplifier circuit which amplifies a detection signal obtained by converting changes in capacitance between a movable electrode and a self-diagnosis electrode into an electric signal to output the amplified signal as a self-diagnosis signal. The amplifier factor of the amplifier circuit during self-diagnosis operation is controlled to be greater than the factor during non-self-diagnosis operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for determining a vibrational characteristic of a golf club shaft. The apparatus includes a table having a clamping structure for clamping the golf club shaft thereto. A multi-dimensional accelerometer is coupled to a tip end of the golf club shaft. The multi-dimensional accelerometer is also coupled to a computer. When the golf club shaft is vibrated, the multi-dimensional accelerometer converts the vibrational signal into an electrical signal which is transmitted to the computer. The computer conditions the electrical signal and outputs a signal indicative of the frequency of vibration of the golf club shaft. The stiffness of the golf club shaft is determined from the vibrational frequency of the golf club shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for measuring the structural integrity of a rod of constant cross-section without visual or other physical access to the full length of the rod. The present invention is useful for measuring the degree of rust and corrosion of such rods, as well as change in their chemical and structural composition and physical damage such as fractures or cracks. The invention is particularly useful when applied to rods or bolts such as those installed in telephone poles, bridges, concrete buildings, and other structures where there is no access to the middle or center portion of the rod. The present invention uses transmitted and/or reflected acoustic energy to determine the structural integrity of the rod under test.

Abstract: Apparatus for deploying equipment in a fluid container or fluid conduit comprises a fluid housing having an outlet aperture, the fluid housing being adapted to be secured to the container or conduit such that the outlet aperture is in fluid communication with an aperture in the container or conduit. The apparatus further includes a piston in the fluid housing dividing the fluid housing into first and second fluid chambers, the second fluid chamber being in fluid communication with the interior of the container or conduit via the outlet aperture when the fluid housing is secured in fluid communication with the container or conduit. The piston is movable within the fluid housing toward the outlet aperture in response to increases of fluid pressure in the first fluid chamber. The apparatus further includes a guide means for guiding deployment of the equipment into the container or conduit.

Abstract: A system is provided for ultrasonic inspection of cylindrical carbon articles, such as electrodes of the type utilized in electric arc steel making furnaces. An inspection station is provided for receiving the electrode in a fixed longitudinal location and for rotating the electrode about the longitudinal axis of the electrode. Master and slave robots are provided, and each carries a pair of transducers arranged to engage the electrode at circumferentially spaced positions about the electrode. Each pair of transducers is carried on a yoke. The inspection station rotates the electrode while the master and slave robots o each carry their associated pair of transducers along approximately one half the length of the electrode.

Abstract: Described is a method for a coarse differentiation between a liquid and a bulk material of a filling material present in a receptacle using a filling level measuring device that scans a reflected echo signal. The coarse differentiation is made in dependence on the width of the individual echoes of an envelope curve in an echo signal. Alternatively, the coarse differentiation may also be made in dependence on the number of equidistant echoes in an echo signal, or in dependence on the detection of a stirring apparatus. All these alternatives may also be combined with each other. Also described are devices and filling level measuring devices configured for the realization of the methods.

Abstract: In a pressure sensor made by bonding a sensor chip and a metal stem together with a resin adhesive, fluctuation of the sensor output caused by temperature changes are maximally reduced. The resin adhesive for bonding together the sensor element and the metal stem has a creep characteristic defined as CR=A×&sgr;B between its creep rate CR and stress &sgr; upon it with A and B being constants. The resin adhesive is selected to satisfy that the constant B is not greater than 3.5.

Abstract: A system for the determination of pile parameters includes at least one structure for measuring pile data. The structure for measuring pile data is disposed within a measurement range from a pile. A wireless transmitter is communicably connected to the structure for measuring pile data, the wireless transmitter for transmitting the pile data to at least one remotely located receiver. Pile data is preferably encoded in the transmitted data signal. The remotely located receiver is communicably connected to a device for determining at least one pile parameter from the pile measurement data. A method for driving piles includes the steps of wirelessly transmitting pile data to at least one remote receiver, determining at least one pile driving process parameter from the pile data, and driving the pile using the determined pile driving parameter.

Abstract: A highly accurate method of tensioning threaded fasteners into assembled units is presented. A mechanical process for locating the initial point that a threaded male fastening unit enters into the female fastening unit provides a definite reference point from which angular movement of the fastener can be digitally measured with the greatest accuracy. Accurate measurement of angular rotation of a threaded unit into a receiving unit provides a direct relationship to allow an accurate measurement of the tension applied to the fastener inside the recess. Multiple fasteners can be randomly indexed to start at the zero point and be driven into the receiving unit with equal tension in each fastener in timed increments of rotation during the entire process of driving the fasteners into the fastened unit. A digital printout of the process certifies the reference numbers of all components assembled and timed movement activity of each of the assembled components.

Abstract: There is provided a light emitting device comprising a plurality of triboluminescent particles dispersed throughout a low density, frangible body and activated by rapidly crushing the body in order to transfer mechanical energy to some portion of the particles. The light emitted by these mechanically excited particles is collected and directed into a light conduit and transmitted to a detector/indicator means.

Abstract: A tension measurement apparatus for a pogo pin comprising a height adjusting device for adjusting a height to be measured vertically, on which a means for measuring a tension of the pogo pin is mounted to be vertically movable according to the operation of the height adjusting means. The measurement apparatus preferably includes a vertical moving supporter mounted on the height adjusting device, a fixing member disposed to be coupled with or separated from the vertical moving supporter, a moving rail rotatably connected to the fixing member, a coupler mounted on the moving rail to be movable within the range of a given distance, connected to the tension measurement device. The tension measurement apparatus of the present invention can measure the tension of pogo pins under uniform conditions, while the pogo pins remain in a pogo module, thereby preventing inspection errors due to the pogo pins.

Abstract: The amplifying gain is controlled by means of a data reduction equipment on the basis of the control signal input into the amplifier for amplifying the received signal propagated through the fluid and received in the ultrasonic transducer in the receiving side. The data reduction equipment includes an analog-digital converter, a processor, and a memory, wherein converted into digital data are waveform data including a peak value of each of the received signals, and the obtained digital data are stored in the memory.

Abstract: A device is described for measuring at least one parameter, in particular of a volumetric flow, of a medium flowing in a line, in particular of the intake air volumetric flow of an internal combustion engine, having at least one measuring element around which the medium flows.

Abstract: An outer cylinder having patterns of open windows of first to fourth channels is formed of a magnetic-shielding or antimagnetic substance. An inner cylinder is inserted in the outer cylinder, is formed of a magnetic substance and has patterns of nonmagnetic windows of the first to fourth channels. First to fourth coils excitable by A.C. are provided for the first to fourth channels. For each of the channels, the pattern of the open window in the outer cylinder and the pattern of the nonmagnetic window in the inner cylinder are arranged to overlap with each other.

Abstract: An method of, and an apparatus for, collecting a sample of a substance of interest, utilizes an apparatus having a device for collecting a vapor sample and a device for retaining a substrate. A substrate, having a working portion and a mounting portion, is mounted by the mounting portion of the substrate, whereby the working portion of the substrate is exposed for use. The apparatus so that the working portion of the substrate traverses surfaces of interest, to collect a particulate sample. A device for sampling vapor is operated to obtain a vapor sample. The vapor and particulate samples collected are analyzed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for taking samples in a material of granular or powdery composition, comprising a rod (12) at one end of which is mounted a hand grip (10) for rotating the wheel and at the other end of which is a driving head (13). Said device is characterized in that the head (13) is mounted symmetrically on the rod (12) and comprises lower and lateral parts having a profiled shape, the rod (12) having a specific form for scraping the material over its entire length and the head (13) having a cross-section smaller, equal or larger than the cross-section of the rod (12), in specific proportions based on the type and/or moisture content of the material to be sampled.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inspection system for process equipment for treating substrates, such as, for instance, semiconductor wafers or flat panel displays. The system is provided with a wireless sensor with which the interior of the process device can be inspected. The sensor is provided with a transmitter to transfer a signal, during inspection of the interior of the process device, to a receiver disposed outside the process device. The wireless sensor is arranged on a support having substantially the same dimensions as the substrates to be treated.

Abstract: A vehicle propulsion platform includes a plurality of anti-gravity clusters arranged in a circular pattern and suitably fixed to a base platform. Each anti-gravity cluster includes a plurality of magnetic gyroscopic elements that are fixed at a selected angle upon a cluster disk of the respective anti-gravity cluster. The anti-gravity cluster is structured so that the cluster disk is controllably rotatable about a rotational axis, wherein gyroscopic procession is employed to induce lifting and maneuvering of the propulsion platform.

Abstract: A transmission system for a straddle vehicle offers an automatic mode based on preprogrammed values for consistent shifting each time certain engine conditions are encountered. A variety of preset shifting parameters may be provided to allow different shifting modes. By this, an operator can select the degree of aggressiveness of the transmission. The automatic transmission may be modulated so that a preset shifting delay is provided to allow the operator to experience the sensation of shifting.

Abstract: An automated manual transmission has an input shaft having a plurality of driving gears, and an output shaft having a plurality of driven gears engaging with the driving gears, and further has two bypass clutches for coupling the input shaft and the output shaft with each other and releasing them from coupling. Electromagnetic valves are provided in hydraulic oil paths for guiding hydraulic pressure from a hydraulic pressure supply portion to the bypass clutches respectively. A bypass oil path for bypassing the hydraulic oil paths is provided with a bypass oil path on-off valve for opening the bypass oil path when the electromagnetic valves cannot be operated due to a failure of an electric system. A bypass oil path change-over valve is provided for changing over to supply hydraulic pressure from the bypass oil path on-off valve to one of the bypass clutches.

Abstract: An automatic transmission having gear trains provided between an input shaft and an output shaft, the gear trains including drive gears mounted on the input shaft and driven gears mounted on the output shaft, includes a start clutch provided between a crankshaft of an engine and the input shaft for transmitting or shutting off an engine power from a crankshaft of the engine to the input shaft, a changeover mechanism for selecting a desired gear train through which power is transmitted from a plurality of gear trains, two bypass clutches, one is provided between third gear transmission gear trains and another is provided between sixth gear transmission gear trains for transmitting a different torque from the input shaft to the output shaft respectively, on gearshiftings and a bypass clutch control means for selecting at least one desired bypass clutch through which power is transmitted.

Abstract: A forward/reverse transmission, shiftable under servo-control, includes a movable clutch bell and a free-wheeling, one-way centrifugal lock-out clutch that permits a gear change from forward to reverse or reverse to forward only while the engine is operating at or below idle speed. The centrifugal lock-out clutch includes a spring-loaded pawl which is yieldably biased by a compression spring and held in a non-interfering, shiftable position when the engine is being operated at or below idle speed. As the engine rpm increases above idle, the centripetal acceleration force overcomes the bias force of the compression spring and the pawl is extended radially outwardly for engagement with a torque transfer pin. In the radially extended position, the pawl is disposed for interference contact against the clutch bell housing, thus preventing clutch engagement/disengagement.

Abstract: A displacement unit for at least one element to be displaced is provided comprising a drive unit, a transfer element that is caused to move by the drive unit and that comprises a thread or a tooth set, and an engagement element, which engages into the thread or tooth set of the transfer element and is thus driven by the motion of the transfer element, and by whose motion the displaced element is moved. The engagement element is configured elastically, in such a way that it deforms elastically upon contact by the displaced element against a stop or obstacle.

Abstract: The invention provides a ball screw which is little subject to deterioration of operating characteristics and occurrence of wear, torque change, noise, vibration, etc. during operation due to stagnation or competition of balls. A ball screw comprising a screw shaft having a helical thread groove formed on the outer surface thereof and a nut having a thread groove formed on the inner surface thereof corresponding to the thread groove on the screw shaft which engages with the screw shaft with the interposition of a number of balls rollably provided in a helical ball rolling path formed between the two thread grooves, wherein the variation of the total of the gap between said balls during the rolling of the balls is smaller than {fraction (1/20)} of the diameter of the ball.

Abstract: An speed reducer assembly is provided along with a method and apparatus for adjusting the speed reducer assembly to achieve zero backlash. The speed reducer assembly includes a split worm with a fixed worm segment and a floating worm segment which mesh with the teeth of the gear. The position of the worm relative to the gear can be precisely and accurately adjusted without disassembly of the speed reducer or removal of the speed reducer assembly from the housing. Elimination of a constant spring force on the floating worm segment of the split worm also provides for the elimination of drag which results in a speed reducer assembly with increased efficiency. The elimination of drag also reduces the wear on the elements of the speed reducer assembly.

Abstract: A bevel gear 1 has a radius of curvature R of a fillet curve provided between a tooth flank A and a bottom land B gradually increasing from a small-diameter end D1 to a large-diameter end D2.

Abstract: A manual input device which comprises a mechanism, a major function select switch, a confirm switch, a display unit, and a controller. The mechanism is composed of: a laterally movable motor for applying an external force which is mounted on a frame; a knob fitted to a drive shaft of the motor; an encoder for detecting rotation of the knob; a stick controller for detecting lateral movement of the motor; a first guide plate and a second guide plate for limiting a range of movement of the knob; and a first solenoid and a second solenoid for driving the guide plates individually. The guide groove pattern is different between the first and second guide plates. The range in which the knob can be moved when the first guide plate only is engaged with the drive shaft of the motor is different from that when both the first and second guide plates are engaged with the drive shaft of the motor.

Abstract: A device is provided for shifting a mechanical shifter between a first shifting state and at least one second shifting state, especially for engaging and disengaging a parking brake for an automatic transmission. An adjusting member (4) is coupled with the shifter for shifting between the shifting states. A control member (5) is provided that can be coupled with the adjusting member (4). A coupling device (5, 6, 7, 12) can be actuated by an electric signal. By this coupling device (5, 6, 7, 12) the adjusting member (4) and the control member (5) can be coupled with one another. The coupling device (5, 6, 7, 12) is designed such that the adjusting member (4) and the control member (5) are uncoupled from one another in case of loss of the electric signal. A drive (8, 9, 10, 11) is coupled with the control member (5) for driving the control member (5).

Abstract: Disclosed are a transmission lever unit for vehicle comprising: a single transmission lever for operating the transmission unit; a first lever member swingable around a first pivot and having a second pivot; and a second lever member integrally attached to a base end portion of the transmission lever and swingable around the second pivot orthogonal to the first pivot, the transmission lever unit being adapted to select a desired combination of gear trains of first and second systems of the transmission through independent connecting means of the first and second systems by an operation of the lever, wherein the first connecting means is adapted to operate by swing operation of the transmission lever around the first pivot, and the second connecting means is adapted to operate by swing operation of the transmission lever around the second pivot, and a mounting structure of a coil spring held by two members disposed such that at least part of the members are substantially parallel to each other, for elastically

Abstract: A first arm 2 comprises a movable pulley 18 assembled and fixed in a hand 1, a fixed pulley 16 assembled and fixed in a second arm 3, and a timing belt 22 stretched between the movable pulley 18 and fixed pulley 16. A frame 19 has a plane shape corresponding to a virtual plane region enclosed by the timing belt 22. In the frame 19, a first fixed shaft 21 for rotatably holding the movable pulley 18 and a second fixed shaft 17 extending from the second arm 3 for assembling and fixing the fixed pulley 16 are assembled and fixed. An outer cover 60 is light in weight, and covers the frame 19.

Abstract: A shift operating device for a bicycle is provided to change gears of the bicycle. The shift operating device is coupled to the front or rear derailleur via a shift cable. The shift operating device is also coupled to a gear indicator device via an indicator cable. The shift operating device has an attachment portion, a hand operating portion, and a take up member. The attachment portion is adapted to be coupled to a portion of a handlebar of the bicycle. The hand operating portion is coupled to the attachment portion to move between a plurality of shifting positions. The take up member is operatively coupled to the hand operating portion to move in response to movement of the hand operating portion. The take up member has a peripheral winding surface, a first cable attachment point and a second cable attachment point.

Abstract: An adjustable pedal assembly includes a support structure adapted to connect to a vehicle, with the support structure defining first and second slots arranged in a spaced-apart manner. A pedal assembly is disposed adjacent the support structure, where the pedal assembly includes a pedal. First and second pins extend from the pedal assembly through the first and second slots whereby the pedal assembly is supported for sliding movement on the support structure along the slots. A linear actuator is interconnected with the pedal assembly for sliding the pedal assembly to a desired position along the support structure. The invention may be adapted for use in connection with brake pedals, clutch pedals, and accelerator pedals. In the case of accelerator pedals, the invention can be adapted for use with conventional pedals as well as electronic throttle control pedals.

Abstract: An object clamp includes first and second clamp portions having recesses therein defining a generally circular cylindrical opening for receiving an object to be clamped. The first and second opposing clamp portions have at least one pair of opposing ends when in a preclamped state and at least one fastener for urging the ends towards each other when in a clamped state. At least one relief area is formed in the recesses and is deflected into engagement with the object when the object clamp is in the clamped state. The object to be clamped may be a bicycle steering tube, a bicycle handle bar, or a bicycle seat tube, for example.

Abstract: A kit includes a foldable handlebar and pedal-cranks which may be mounted in any type of bicycle available in the market, allowing for a significant reduction in the necessary storage space.

Abstract: A method for forming a remateable cracked aluminum base alloy connecting rod using a semi-solid aluminum alloy processing to produce a connecting rod having a globular microstructure contained in a lower melting eutectic with improved properties.

Abstract: There is now provided a cemented carbide grade for rock excavation purposes with 88-96 weight % WC, preferably 91-95% weight % WC, with a binder phase consisting of only cobalt or cobalt and nickel, with a maximum of 25% of the binder being Ni, possibly with small additions of rare earth metals, such as Ce and Y, up to a maximum of 2% of the total cemented carbide. The WC grains are rounded because of the process of coating the WC with cobalt, and not recrystallized or showing grain growth or very sharp cornered grains like conventionally milled WC, thus giving the bodies surprisingly high thermal conductivity. The average grain size should be from 8-30 &mgr;m, preferably from 12-20 &mgr;m. The maximum grain size does not exceed 2 times the average value and no more than 2% of the grains found in the structure are less than half of the average grain size.

Abstract: A method of producing a non-metal element or a metal or an alloy thereof from a halide or mixtures thereof. The halide or mixtures thereof are contacted with a stream of liquid alkali metal or alkaline earth metal or mixtures thereof in sufficient quantity to convert the halide to the non-metal or the metal or alloy and to maintain the temperature of the reactants at a temperature lower than the lesser of the boiling point of the alkali or alkaline earth metal at atmospheric pressure or the sintering temperature of the produced non-metal or metal or alloy. A continuous method is disclosed, particularly applicable to titanium.