Abstract: An apparatus which includes a closure member and delivery systems for closing vessels in the body of a patient is disclosed. In one embodiment, the closure member is a hemostatic closure member having a cylindrical shape and an expandable volume on contact with fluids. The hemostatic member includes a functional passageway through the length of the member so that it may be mounted over a delivery catheter or wire guide for delivery against a vessel puncture or into another vacuslar environment, such as to fill an aneurysm sac. In another embodiment the closure member is a fallopian tube closure member which is deployed into the fallopian tube over a guide wire to prevent conception. The fallopian tube member includes a loop-shaped frame having barbs, a first layer of material, a binding wire, a second layer of material, and an expandable volume on contact with fluids.

Abstract: A method and apparatus using IDS™ technology to calculate new agent doses in a multi-agent therapy. The overall proportion of each agent is determined by the amount of agent as it relates to the dosing range. The overall proportion as well as the intrinsic potency of the agent is used to determine the total proportional effect which each agent has on the surrogate marker. This parameter is then inserted into the four-parameter equation for calculating dose by adjusting the proportional change in marker that is attributed to the activity of the agent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the workload of titrating drug to effect while leaving clinician users in control of a related procedure is described. A drug delivery device is controlled to achieve a target drug concentration at a selected site in the patient or a predetermined infusion rate waveform. The time profile of the target drug concentration or a predetermined infusion rate waveform is controlled by a drug state model that uses clinical heuristics to implement safe, pre-defined changes in the target drug concentration or infusion rate and user-commanded changes in target drug concentration or infusion rate. The invention allows time to assess the response of the patient to changes in drug level by making small incremental and conservative changes in drug level over time.

Abstract: A process for cleaning an integrated circuit package surface, comprising the steps of introducing the integrated circuit inside a plasma chamber; and of exposing the integrated circuit to a physical plasma obtained starting from a gas consisting of pure argon or any other noble gas having, in the plasma state, the behavior of a halogen, for example helium. The argon pla sma is obtained using the following energization parameters: energization time, 12-13 seconds; energization power, 140-160 W; plasma chamber pressure, 190-210 millitorr; and energization frequency, between 1 kHz and 100 GHz.

Abstract: Activated gaseous species generated adjacent a carbon contaminated surface affords in-situ cleaning. A device for removing carbon contamination from a surface of the substrate includes (a) a housing defining a vacuum chamber in which the substrate is located; (b) a source of gaseous species; and (c) a source of electrons that are emitted to activate the gaseous species into activated gaseous species. The source of electrons preferably includes (i) a filament made of a material that generates thermionic electron emissions; (ii) a source of energy that is connected to the filament; and (iii) an electrode to which the emitted electrons are attracted. The device is particularly suited for photolithography systems with optic surfaces, e.g., mirrors, that are otherwise inaccessible unless the system is dismantled.

Abstract: A method for forming chrome photomasks and phase-shift masks without producing chrome opaque defects. The method involves rinsing the mask blank with dilute acid, preferably nitric or perchloric acid, during processing to form the photomask. When a dry etch is used to form the photomask, the mask blank is rinsed after wet development of the photoresist. When a wet etch is used to form the photomask, the mask blank is rinsed after the wet etch. This method decreases the number of defects per photomask as well as the mask-to-mask variation in the number of defects.

Abstract: Methods for cleaning a microelectronic substrate in a cluster tool are described that include placing the substrate in a pressure chamber of a module in a cluster tool; pressurizing the pressure chamber; introducing liquid CO2 into the pressure chamber; cleaning the substrate in the pressure chamber; removing the liquid CO2 from the pressure chamber, depressurizing the pressure chamber, and removing the substrate from the pressure chamber. Apparatus for processing a microelectronic substrate are also disclosed that that include a transfer module, a first processing module that employs liquid carbon dioxide as a cleaning fluid coupled to the transfer module, a second processing module coupled to the transfer module, and a transfer mechanism coupled to the transfer module. The transfer mechanism is configured to move the substrate between the first processing module and the second processing module.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method for treating a material on a substrate. It comprises the steps of a) forming an ozone-solvent solution at a first temperature; and b) reacting the ozone-solvent solution with the material at a second temperature, wherein the first temperature is lower than the second temperature, the lower first temperature facilitating an increased concentration of dissolved ozone in the solvent, the higher second temperature facilitating an increased reaction rate between the ozone-solvent solution and the material. After step b) the material is then rinsed (step c) with a first rinse solution. Then, after step c) the ozone-solvent solution is reacted with the material at a third temperature (step d) which is higher than the first temperature. Exposure of the substrate to the ozone-solvent solution and the rinse solution may be carried out a number of times. The invention applies to a number of substrates including semiconductor wafers, flat panel displays and the like.

Abstract: In a method for cleaning for cleaning metallic ion contamination, and especially copper, from wafer containers, the containers are loaded into a loader of a cleaning apparatus. The containers are sprayed with a dilute chelating agent solution, while the rotor is spinning. The chelating agent solution removes metallic contamination from the containers. The containers are then sprayed with a rinsing liquid, such as deionized water and a surfactant while the rotor is spinning and heat is applied. The containers are then dried by applying heat, hot air movement and spinning the rotor.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning molds for making optical lenses includes seven stations arranged in a circular array with a rotatably mounted central hub in the middle of them. Seven radial arms extend from the central hub, one for each station, and a workpiece holder depends from the radially outermost end of each arm and holds the molds as they travel from station to station. A drive motor lifts and lowers the central hub and hence the molds, an index motor rotates the molds from station to station, and an oscillation motor oscillates the workpiece holders when the molds are immersed in a cleaning solution or rinse water. The rinse water is filtered and circulated continuously. After a final rinse, the rinse water is drained slowly so that the surface tension of the water removes all water spots and the cleaned molds are delivered to a discharge station. The entire process is microprocessor controlled.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for drying wafer substrates in a process tank having an object supporting member for supporting one or more wafer substrates, the object supporting member having apertures through which “vacuum force” can be applied to essentially remove trace amounts of liquid from object contact points formed by the support of the wafer substrate by the object supporting member. Also disclosed is a method of implementing the disclosed apparatus comprising transferring a wafer substrate from an object transporting member to the object supporting member, providing an aperture at or near each contact point, and applying a “vacuum force” through the apertures to remove any trace amounts of liquid. Also disclosed and claimed are wafer substrates resulting from application of the disclosed drying process and apparatus.

Abstract: A water hammer cleaning machine has a cleaning liquid supply piping line with a pump to press cleaning liquid therethrough and an air piping line with compressor to press air therethrough to a piping line to be cleaned. An automatic opening-closing valve on the air piping line opens or closes the air piping line to clean alien substances inside of the piping line with the cleaning liquid and with a shock wave of resulting oscillation.

Abstract: An automatic bending-angle changing structure for an umbrella comprises an upper and a lower sleeve, a pulley holding rod, a pulley set, a turning cylinder, a turner bracket, a hinge set and a reel, wherein: the pulley set is pin connected with the pulley holding rod which then is extended into the upper sleeve, the turning cylinder is fitted in the upper sleeve; the lower end of the pulley holding rod is slipped thereover with the turning cylinder and is pin connected with the upper end of the hinge set, the lower end of the hinge set is pin connected with the turning cylinder and the turner bracket, thereby a linkage is formed; the lower end of the turner bracket is slipped into the lower sleeve having thereon the reel; a fine rope is wound on the pulley set by means of the reel to move the turning cylinder and the turner bracket, thereby the umbrella can have variation in opening, collapsing and bending.

Abstract: An umbrella supporting mount can be easily and quickly secured to a flat surface of a table or roof of a vehicle in a stable and firm manner without shaking at all. The supporting mount has an integrally punched metal lid of proper height and is equipped with a plurality of vent holes and a pair of symmetric mounting holes on the vertical periphery thereof so as to permit a cranked driving control shaft having a handle at one end to be located in a hollow interior of the lid. A driven unit integrally made of hard plastics consists of a circular base board and a vertically extended block having a driving hole disposed at the center thereof. The circular base board of the driven unit is partially wrapped around by a sucking attachment which is made of flexible rubber and has a peripheral skirt defined at the bottom edge thereof.

Abstract: A method and system for presenting merchandise on a paved surface which employs permanently installed anchors each having a vertical sleeve. Poles of common height are inserted within the sleeves of the anchors in a manner defining a three dimensional merchandising region. The tops of the poles are interconnected by tensioned cable assemblies from which informational signage is suspended and retained by lower disposed retainer tensioned cables. Merchandising bays are established between mutually adjacent poles and entrance and exit regions are established in conjunction with a shopper aisle. A canopy is supported by poles and anchors over a cash/wrap station at the exit region.

Abstract: An array of elongated concave parabolic trough-shaped reflectors is disclosed. The orientation of the array is biaxially kept essentially perpendicular to rays of the sun by an optical control such that sunlight is reflected and concentrated along a focal line of each elongated reflector by which (a) water in a tube disposed at the focal line is heated by reflected line focused sunlight impinged thereon and/or (b) line focused reflected sunlight is optically transformed into point focused reflected sunlight using Fresnel lenses from which electricity is generated using solar cells upon which the point focused reflected sunlight is impinged.

Abstract: A protective sheet for a solar battery module comprises a weather-resistant sheet (1) of, for example, a fluorocarbon resin, and a deposited inorganic oxide thin film (2) formed on one of the surfaces of the weather-resistant sheet (1). A surface-treated layer (3) is formed in the weather-resistant sheet (1) to enhance adhesion between the weather-resistant sheet (1) and the deposited inorganic oxide thin film (2).

Abstract: In a photovoltaic cell having a photovoltaically active semiconductor material constituted by a plurality of metals or metal oxides, the photovoltaically active material is selected from a

Abstract: Liquid transfer apparatus (10) for transferring liquid from one container to another container including an elongate liquid storage chamber (12) having a liquid inlet (13), and a fluid outlet (16), a pump chamber (17) with a fluid inlet (18) and fluid outlet (19), a fluid flow passage connecting the fluid outlet of the storage chamber to the fluid inlet of the pump chamber, suction pump means (24) for sucking air from the storage chamber via the pump chamber fluid inlet, and valve means (26) for selectively opening and closing the liquid inlet (13) whereby liquid may, be allowed to flow into the storage chamber (12) upon suction being applied to the storage chamber (12) by the pump means (24) and opening of the liquid inlet (13). Also disclosed is a carry case for the liquid transfer apparatus and three different adaptors. Each adaptor can be connected to an aperture of a container for use with a liquid transfer apparatus.

Abstract: A flow regulator particularly for sub-sea chemical injection at low continuous rates includes a piston moveable in response to differential pressure and controlling via a lever connection an inlet valve. The differential pressure is balanced by a dual rate spring assembly which is positionally adjustable by means of a screw-threaded adjusting rod.

Abstract: A fluid pressure-reducing unit or pressure-reducing valve allowing the pressure or flow rate of a fluid to be controlled or adjusted, including a main body within which at least one internal fluid passage is made between at least one fluid inlet orifice and at least one fluid outlet orifice, a part for controlling the fluid pressure and/or flow rate being arranged in or on at least part of the internal fluid passage, and at least one operator-operable rotary hand wheel part cooperating with the fluid pressure and/or flow rate control part, in response to the rotary hand wheel part being rotated, so as to control or adjust the pressure and/or the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the internal fluid passage and leaving via the fluid outlet orifice, wherein the rotary hand wheel parts can move in terms of rotation into a number of distinct angular positions, each angular position corresponding to a given fliud pressure or flow rate value, and the rotary hand wheel part having an angular travel less than 340

Abstract: A relief valve with two outlet ports increases the flow capacity of the valve when open. In an alternative embodiment, a relief valve with two outlet ports also has at least two springs stacked vertically. Alternative seal assemblies can be used with the aforementioned dual outlet port valves.

Abstract: A check valve for a fuel pump of a vehicle includes a valve housing adapted to be disposed in an outlet member of the fuel pump. The valve housing has a valve seat formed thereon. The check valve also includes a valve member adapted to be disposed in the outlet member and cooperating with said valve seat. The check valve further includes a nonlinear spring adapted to be disposed in the outlet member and cooperating with the valve member to move the valve member to a closed position to engage the valve seat to prevent fuel from flowing through the outlet member and an open position spaced from the valve seat to allow fuel to flow through the outlet member.

Abstract: A faucet has according to the invention a support body centered on an upright axis and adapted to be fixed to a horizontal support surface. The body is formed with a radially outwardly open outer groove having upper and lower axially spaced and confronting flanks and a radially outwardly directed floor. A sleeve fitted over and surrounding the body has a radially inwardly directed inner surface level with the outer groove and an axially downwardly directed shoulder generally level with the upper flank. A hard split bearing ring set in the outer groove has an outer face bearing on the inner sleeve surface, an upper face on which the shoulder rests, a lower face bearing on the lower flank, and an inner face radially confronting the floor. A biasing element braced radially between the bearing ring and the body presses the outer surface of the bearing ring against the inner surface of the sleeve.

Abstract: The invention concerns a valve for controlling flow volumes in the heating and cooling system of a motor vehicle comprising a valve housing (12, 112, 212) and a valve chamber (14, 114, 214) from which at least one intake passage (16, 116, 216) and at least one outlet passage (18, 118, 218) branch off, and comprising at least one valve flap (28, 128, 228) that is arranged in the valve chamber (14, 114, 214) and is rotatable around the axis of a shaft (34, 134, 234), which said valve flap has a valve linkage (30, 130, 230) and a valve sealing head (32, 132, 232) that interacts with at least one valve seat (22, 122, 222) of the valve chamber (14, 114, 214).

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for the mixing of two microfluidic channels wherein several wells are oriented diagonally across the width of a mixing channel. The device effectively mixes the confluent streams with electrokinetic flow, and to a lesser degree, with pressure driven flow. The device and method may be further adapted to split a pair of confluent streams into two or more streams of equal or non-equal concentrations of reactants. Further, under electrokinetic flow, the surfaces of said wells may be specially coated so that the differing electroosmotic mobility between the surfaces of the wells and the surfaces of the channel may increase the mixing efficiency. The device and method are applicable to the steady state mixing as well as the dynamic application of mixing a plug of reagent with a confluent stream.

Abstract: A method of controlling the fluid pressure of an inflatable stopping bag used to block the fluid flow through a fluid conduit comprises pressurising the bag using a pressure regulator which operates to regulate the pressure of the bag as a function of the instantaneous pressure in the pipe upstream of the stopping bag.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bending and holding aid, especially for pipes, cables and lines consisting of a bendable hollow body that is closed, at least in sections, open at both front ends having a substantially tube-shaped enveloping surface, which consists of individual articulated members connected by means of connecting elements with flexible angles, where the freely accessible front ends of an articulated member form a sharp angle whose opening is oriented in the direction of the connecting elements. The bending aid is configured such that the connecting element is a defined one-dimensional joint and that on the side of the bending aid opposite the connecting elements catching elements are disposed that connect the adjacent articulated members so as to interlock, without additional holding device, when the bending aid is bent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic corrugation corrugated pipe with corrugation peaks and corrugation valleys for household apparatus or motor vehicles, which pipe has at least one connecting portion and, in accordance with the invention, a container monolithically or integrally molded with the corrugated pipe and having a shape different from the shape of the plastic corrugation corrugated pipe.

Abstract: An air handling system ductwork component comprising a tubular, foam interior layer integrally formed with a thin, non-metal outer layer. The combination interior and outer layers are characterized as providing requisite strength for use of the ductwork component within an air handling system without inclusion of a metal-based layer. In one preferred embodiment, the interior layer is a closed cell foam, and the outer layer is plastic, with the ductwork component being formed as part of a rotational molding process. The ductwork component can assume a wide variety of forms, such as a duct, pipe, elbow, boot, tee, plenum, reducer, register, wall stack, take-off, etc.

Abstract: A fill probe with an in-line mixer accelerates and facilitates automation of a fill and mix procedure required in formulating certain chemical products. In some formulas, the concentrated chemical components that combine to form the resulting formula (e.g., teat dip) have a wide range of viscosities. The in-line positioning of the mixing attachment with the fill probe on the outside of the fill probe creates a dual action mixing operation that mixes the components as they are deliver to a mixing container and continues to mix them after they are combined with other chemicals within the mixing container. By using a combination fill probe and in-line mixer of the claimed design, a user can automate the fill and mix process, decrease the required mix time, and reduce foaming and spillage of chemicals.

Abstract: A mobile fill station for filling propane cylinders by weight and volume. There can be up to three cabinets in the system wherein any one of the cabinets can have a beam scale with a hydraulic automatic stop device to stop filling automatically as the total weight of the cylinder reaches a pre-set scale limit. Any one of the cabinets can also include a flow meter to stop filling when an operator monitors an amount on the meter and manually stops propane flow. The cabinets could also include an electronic scale with a digital indicator where filling stops automatically as the total weight of the cylinder reaches a pre-set computer limit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a refillable package which is coupled with a sensing or recognition means used to provide or determine information about the past history of the package such as the number of times the package has been refilled. A filling station is also disclosed which has a reading means to cooperate with sensing means on a package and with a filling means in the station.

Abstract: A combination workpiece positioning, hold-down and anti-kickback device for a work table having a fence against which a workpiece is guided, includes a non-rotatable positioning member having an arcuate cam surface at one edge for engaging a side surface of a workpiece on the work table; an adjustment device for moving the positioning member in lengthwise and transverse directions relative to the workpiece and for locking the same thereat; a pivot pivotally mounting the positioning member to the adjustment device; a spring for biasing the positioning member in a pivot direction into engagement with the side surface of the workpiece; a non-rotatable hold-down member having a second arcuate cam surface at one edge for engaging an upper surface of the workpiece; an adjustment device for moving the hold-down member in lengthwise, transverse and vertical directions relative to the workpiece, and for locking the same thereat; a pivot pivotally mounting the hold-down member to the second adjustment device; and a sec

Abstract: An improved portable work bench includes a beam, legs for supporting the beam, and at least one bracket having first and second surfaces for contacting respective first and second sides of the beam, wherein the second surface is movable between a first position contacting the second side of the beam, and a second position not contacting the second side of the beam. A spring biases the second surface towards the first position.

Abstract: A soldering flux according to the present invention is a soldering flux containing an epoxy resin and an organic carboxylic acid, wherein the epoxy resin and the organic carboxylic acid are compounded at a ratio of 1.0 equivalent of epoxy group in the epoxy resin to 0.8-2.0 equivalent of carboxyl group in the organic carboxylic acid, and a total amount of the epoxy resin and the organic carboxylic acid is 70% or more by weight based on the total weight of the soldering flux. A lead-free solder composition according to the present invention is a solder composition containing the soldering flux and a lead-free solder. The soldering flux or the lead-free solder composition according to the present invention has special advantages of maintaining an activation by the flux, good wettability of the solder, and no inhibition of a sealing resin from curing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing an inner race for a constant velocity joint for automobiles or the like, which has improved rolling fatigue life and flexural strength properties without sacrificing cold forgeability and machinability, using SCM 420 (JIS) or a steel corresponding to SCM 420. This production process comprises the steps of: providing a steel comprising by weight carbon (C): 0.10 to 0.25%, silicon (Si): 0.03 to 0.15%, manganese (Mn): 0.20 to 0.60%, sulfur (S): 0.003 to 0.030%, chromium (Cr): 1.00 to 1.50%, titanium (Ti): 0.05 to 0.20%, boron (B): 0.0005 to 0.0050%, and nitrogen (N): not more than 0.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing coated metal surfaces at a coating speed of at least 25 m per minute during the application of a pre-treating agent to a cleaned and/or pickled metal surface. The inventive method is characterized by applying at least one pre-treating agent to at least one surface of a metal body after cleaning and/or pickling the metal surface to be treated. At least one lacquer layer is applied to a part of the pre-treated surface, the coating produced only by the pre-treating agent and not by the lacquer being used as the treatment layer instead of a priming or pre-treatment layer. The invention further relates to a method for producing coated metal surfaces at a coating speed of at least 25 m per minute during the application of a pre-treating agent to a cleaned and/or pickled metal surface. The inventive method is characterized by applying at least one pre-treating agent to at least one surface of a metal body after cleaning and/or pickling the metal surface to be treated.

Abstract: Corrosion resistant, hydrophilic coatings on the surface of aluminum and aluminum alloys may be formed using aqueous compositions containing fluorometallates such as H2TiF6 or H2ZrF6 and vanadium compounds such as decavanadates. To minimize the odor evolved from the conversion coatings it is preferred for a specified oxide, hydroxide, carbonate, or alkoxide to also be present in or added to the aqueous composition.

Abstract: The magnetic material for magnetic refrigeration of the present invention is characterized by exhibiting, in a certain temperature region, preferably, only in part of a temperature region from 200 K to 350 K, an inflection point at which a second order differential coefficient of a magnetization curve changes from positive to negative with respect to a magnetic field, within the range of this magnetic field formed using a permanent magnet unit. This magnetic material of the present invention can generate a low temperature by using a relatively low magnetic field, by transferring the entropy between the electron spin system and the lattice system near the temperature at which an inflection point appears on the magnetization curve. Examples of the magnetic material meeting this condition are La(Fe,Si)13, (Hf,Ta)Fe2, (Ti,Sc)Fe2, and (Nb,Mo)Fe2, each containing 50 to 60 atomic % of transition metals such as Fe.

Abstract: A Fe—Ni—Co alloy having improved proof stress and Youngs modulus while retaining low thermal expansivity for press-formed fully flat mask, comprising 30-35% Ni, 2-8% Co, 0.01-0.5% Mn, a total of 0.01-0.8% of one or two or more elements selected from the group consisting of 0.01-0.8% each of Nb, Ta, and Hf, and the balance Fe and unavoidable impurities. The impurities are preferably limited to the ranges of C: ≦0.01%, Si: ≦0.04%, P: ≦0.01%, S: ≦0.01%, and N: ≦0.005%. The alloy is characterized by a Youngs modulus of no less than 120,000 N/mm2 after annealing at 900° C. for 30 minutes and by a 0.2% proof stress of no less than 300 N/mm2 after annealing at 900° C. for 30 minutes. The invention also provides a press-formed fully flat mask characterized by the use of the Fe—Ni—Co alloy set forth above, and a color picture tube using the fully flat mask of the Fe—Ni—Co alloy.

Abstract: A nodular graphite cast iron is provided, having a pearlite matrix, with high strength and high toughness. The nodular graphite cast iron consists essentially of, by weight %,: from 3.0 to 4.6% of carbon; from 1.6 to 2.5% of silicon; from 0.2 to 0.6% of manganese; from 0.02 to 0.05% of magnesium; from 0.0004 to 0.090% of zirconium; at least one of tin and copper such that &agr; ranges from 0.01 to 0.06% where &agr; indicates a tin conversion amount defined by a summation of a weight % of the tin and 0.1×a weight % of the copper; and the balance of iron and inevitable foreign matters.

Abstract: A solution treatment is firstly performed for a non-heat-treated Ni based alloy having a composition equivalent to that of Inconel 718 (registered trademark). Subsequently, a primary aging treatment is applied by holding the Ni based alloy at 610 to 660° C. for 5 to 10 hours. After that, a secondary aging treatment is performed by holding the Ni based alloy at 710 to 760° C. for 5 to 10 hours. There are 700 or more precipitates per &mgr;m2, in which each precipitate has a longer diameter of not less than 0.5 nm, in a metal microstructure of the Ni based alloy. Some of the precipitates are large precipitates having average diameters of 25 nm to 1 &mgr;m. There are 10 or more large precipitates per &mgr;m2. A forging die is produced with the Ni based alloy.

Abstract: A low temperature hydrogen storage alloy which is not pyrophoric upon exposure to ambient atmosphere, particularly even after hydrogen charge/discharge cycling.

Abstract: A method of corrosion protecting a tube having an end portion extending into a tube receiving hole of a mud drum of a boiler and the tube produced by that method. The end portion of the tube is provided with a corrosion resistant cladding layer which may contain chromium. Laser cladding is used to produce the corrosion resistant cladding layer, which advantageously tapers along a length of the end portion of the tube. The tube may be swaged before or after the cladding is applied and suitable heat treatments may be performed on the bare or clad tube to develop suitable properties in the tube, the cladding, or a tube-cladding interface.

Abstract: A method of adding boron to a tungsten, or tantalum, containing titanium aluminide alloy to form a boride dispersion in the tungsten, or tantalum, containing titanium aluminide. A molten tungsten, or tantalum, containing titanium aluminide alloy is formed and tungsten, or tantalum, boride is added to the molten tungsten, or tantalum, containing titanium aluminide alloy to form a molten mixture. The molten mixture is cooled and solidified to form a tungsten, or tantalum, containing titanium aluminide alloy having a uniform dispersion of tungsten, or tantalum, boride particles substantially without the formation of clusters of tungsten, or tantalum, boride. The titanium aluminide alloy comprises between 0.5 at % and 2.0 at % boron.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of producing a hard metallic material by forming a mixture containing at least 55% iron and at least one of B, C, Si and P. The mixture is formed into an alloy and cooled to form a metallic material having a hardness greater than about 9.2 GPa. The invention includes a method of forming a wire by combining a metal strip and a powder. The strip and powder are rolled to form a wire containing at least 55% iron and from 2-7 additional elements including at least one of C, Si and B. The invention also includes a method of forming a hardened surface on a substrate by processing a solid mass to form a powder, applying the powder to a surface to form a layer containing metallic glass, and converting the glass to a crystalline material having a nanocrystalline grain size.

Abstract: A steel tube having a composition which contains: 0.05 to 0.30% of C; 1.8 to 4.0% of Mn; Si; and Al is subjected to a diameter-reducing rolling process in which the total diameter-reduction rate is no less than 20% and the temperature at which the diameter-reducing rolling process is finished is no higher than 800 ° C., whereby a structure constituted of martensite and/or bainite or further of ferrite is obtained as a transformation product from the deformed &ggr;. As a result, a steel tube having tensile strength of 1000 MPa or more and excellent three-point-bending property can be obtained. The composition of the steel tube of the present invention may further include at least one type of element selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ni, Cr and Mo, or at least one type of element selected from the group consisting of Nb, V, Ti and B, or at least of one type selected from the group consisting of REM and Ca.

Abstract: A two step heat treatment for Ni—Cr—Mo alloys containing from 12% to 23.5% chromium provides higher yield strength, high tensile strength and other mechanical properties comparable to those observed in similar alloys age-hardened according to current practices. This treatment is done over a total time of not more than 50 hours. However, the treatment works for only those alloys having alloying elements present in amounts according to an equation here disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for artificially aging 7000 Series A1 aerospace alloys to impart improved strength and/or corrosion resistance performance thereto. The method purposefully adds a second aging step or stage to a one-step tempering, or a third step/stage to a low-high, two-step aging operation. The added step/stage extends at about 225-275° F. for about 3-24 hours. More preferably, the added stage extends at about 250° F. for about 6 hours or more.