Abstract: A prosthetic foot comprises an elongated, substantially two-dimensional, resilient toe member, an elongated, substantially two-dimensional heel member, and a substantially rigid carrier member. One end of each of the toe and heel members is independently connected to the carrier member. The toe and heel spring members can be selected independently so as to provide the wearer with personalized characteristics and responses at heel-strike, foot-flat, and toe-off.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in manufacturing a semiconductor device strips a polysilicon hard mask without damaging the layer left exposed by openings formed by using the polysilicon hard mask as an etching mask. The method includes forming a polysilicon hard mask in a pattern on a first layer to expose a portion of the first layer, dry etching the exposed portion of the first layer using the polysilicon hard mask as an etching mask to form an opening in the first layer, and thereafter removing the polysilicon hard mask by supplying an etching gas onto the polysilicon hard mask in a direction parallel to the major surface of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A process for treating a textile fabric to impart or enhance at least one property of the fabric comprising: introducing the fabric into an aqueous formaldehyde containing solution to provide a wet pickup of an effective amount of the solution by the fabric, applying to the fabric an effective amount of a catalyst for catalyzing a reaction between formaldehyde and the fabric; thereafter exposing the wet fabric to a temperature of at least about 300° F. to react the formaldehyde with the fabric to impart or enhance the property of the fabric before there is a substantial loss of formaldehyde from the exposed fabric.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for reacting a variety of protective entities to form covalent bonds with nylon, which entities can be applied directly in the dyebath with the dyes that are used to dye the nylon without blocking such dyes or interfering with their color yield. Such protective entities include stain-blockers, chlorine resist agents, fire retardants, UV absorbers, antimicrobial agents, fume fade protectors, soil-resist agents and anti-stats. According to this method, a protective entity is reacted with a moiety having the capability of forming a covalent bond with a nylon fiber to create a modified protective entity that is adapted to form a covalent bond with a nylon fiber. The modified protective entity is added to a dyebath containing one or more dyes selected from the group consisting of fiber reactive dyes, acid dyes, acid-premetalized dyes and disperse dyes. The dyebath is applied to nylon fiber at a pH within the range of about 0.5 to about 6.

Abstract: The use of indolines of formula (I): in which R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 independently of one another represent hydrogen or C1-4 alkyl groups, or R4 and R5 together with the oxygen atoms to which they are attached may represent an alkylenedioxy group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or their salts, as oxidation dye precursors gives natural brown hair colorings. The indolines of formula (I) are also suitable as couplers in oxidation hair dyes with a conventional primary intermediate, in which they result in a modification of the tints obtainable with the primary intermediate. They are used in conventional carriers, e.g., in gel or emulsion form, preferably mixed before use or on the hair with an oxidizing agent to develop the color.

Abstract: A method of infusing a dye into the surface of an article formed of a plastic material comprises contacting the surface with a solution including one or more solvents each aggressive to the plastic material, one or more dyes and one or more substances each capable of plasticizing the plastic material. If the plastic material is polycarbonate, then the aggressive solvent may be one or more chlorinated hydrocarbons. The dye may be a photochromic dye, a cosmetic tinting dye, dyes for absorbing infrared, laser and ultraviolet radiation, or combinations thereof. A wide range of plasticizers has been investigated. The article is contacted by the solution for ten seconds to one minute; and nearly all the infused solvent is then evaporated from the article by heating. The use of one or more plasticizers reduces or eliminates bubbling or hazing of the contacted surface during solvent evaporation.

Abstract: A solid electrolytic capacitor having (A) a capacitor element including an oxide layer 1 formed on a part of an outer surface of a valve metal anode body, a solid electrolyte layer 2 formed on the oxide layer layer, and a cathode conductor layer 3 formed on the solid electrolyte layer, and an anode lead out area on a remaining part of the anode body, (B) lead terminals connected to the cathode and the anode lead out area of the capacitor element, and (C) a packaging resin encapsulating the capacitor element with parts of the lead terminals exposed outside. The solid electrolytic capacitor has a first separation strip 6 and a second separation strip 7 formed on a part of the roughened surface layer and also has insulating material 8 on the respective surfaces of the first and the second separation strips.

Abstract: The invention provides a lubricity additive in the form of an ester of an acid and an alcohol, wherein the acid is an aromatic mono-, di- or polyhydric, mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acid or mixture thereof, which may be alkylated and/or alkoxylated and wherein the alkyl and/or alkoxy groups, if any, are independently selected from groups having from 1 to 30 carbon atoms, characterised in that (a) the alcohol is glycerol, and (b) the mole percent of acid groups in the lubricity additive is less than 10%, based on the total of acid and ester groups. The invention also provides a process for preparing the lubricity additive, and a middle distillate fuel oil having a sulphur concentration of 0.2% by weight or less, and a minor portion of the lubricity additive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel composition which comprises a diesel fuel, a C1-C4 alkyl ester of an &agr;-hydroxymonocarboxylic acid and, if appropriate, a C1-C4 alcohol. The diesel fuel is either obtained from petroleum or from a petroleum fraction, such as middle distillate, or is obtained by conversion of material of biological origin (so-called biodiesel). The fuel composition preferably contains from 3 to 6% by weight of C1-C4 alkyl ester, calculated on the basis of the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: An artificial firelog is provided comprising combustible cellulosic material, a combustible wax binder and an amount of sodium bicarbonate effective to reduce emissions of particulate matter (PM) and carbon monoxide (CO). The sodium bicarbonate comprises about 1% to about 10% by weight of the artificial firelog. Preferably, the sodium bicarbonate comprises about 2% to about 5% by weight of the artificial firelog. Besides substantially reducing PM and CO emissions during combustion of the artificial firelog, the undesirable odor associated with combustion of the wax binder is decreased and the firelog's total burn time is extended. Moreover, the sodium bicarbonate increases the “poke resistance” of the firelog making the log suitable for outdoor use and a natural appearing white ash develops during the course of combustion.

Abstract: A cavitating hydrogen generator is provided to mechanically separate hydrogen molecules from water to be used as a fuel source. Turbines fans rotating at a high RPM agitate water that is introduced into a vacuum and captures and separates the resulting hydrogen and oxygen molecules and stores the hydrogen molecules and purges the oxygen molecules. Any remaining water molecules existing as vapor or otherwise are transported through a recycling conduit where they are cooled prior to reintroduction to the cavitation chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of a wafer employing a device for determining, in-situ, during the CMP process, an endpoint where the process is to be terminated. This device includes a laser interferometer capable of generating a laser beam directed towards the wafer and detecting light reflected from the wafer, and a window disposed adjacent to a hole formed through a platen. The window provides a pathway for the laser beam during at least part of the time the wafer overlies the window.

Abstract: For aluminum disks and glass-made hard disks, those disks having a mean waviness of less than 3 Å are being desired in order to increase the density of memory capacity. The present invention provides polishing compositions that can give smoothly polished surfaces for the disks. The polishing compositions are polishing compositions for aluminum disks or substrates having silica on the surface thereof, which contain colloidal silica particle groups having different particle size distributions and have a SiO2 concentration of 0.5 to 50% by weight.

Abstract: A filter retaining apparatus and method for installing a thicker filter in an existing conventional return air duct in a conventional heating and air conditioning system. The filter is commercially available but is thicker than one conventionally used in such systems. A thicker filter provides more efficient air filtration and has a longer life, thus, requires less frequent cleaning or replacement. The retaining apparatus is capable of retaining the thicker filter and is adaptable to the existing return air duct opening without modification of the existing opening or the grill cover. The apparatus has the same length and width dimensions as the existing thin filter and is mounted on the same landing surface. The greater depth of the apparatus extends into the air duct. Thus, from the room interior it is not possible to detect the use of the apparatus. The greater depth of the apparatus retains the thicker commercially available filter.

Abstract: The production and selection of precursor mixtures used to produce fine powders and methods for making fine powders using the selected precursor. The precursor mixture comprises at least one metal containing precursor, the metal containing precursor has an average molecular weight of less than 2000 grams per unit mol of the metal, the metal containing precursor has a normal boiling point greater than 350K, and the viscosity of the precursor mixture is between 0.1 to 250 cP. The precursor mixture is processed under conditions that produce a fine powder from the precursor mixture. Fine powders produced are of size less than 100 microns, preferably less than 10 micron, more preferably less than 1 micron, and most preferably less than 100 nanometers.

Abstract: Material is decontaminated of a pollutant by using perennial woody plants with the ability to accumulate the pollutant in the leaves in high concentrations. The decontamination is based on a combination of phytoextraction, pollutant transport with the falling of the leaves to the material surface, leaching of the pollutant out of the leaves decomposing on the material surface, and (physico-)chemical fixing of the pollutant in a reactive layer which is bounded by geotextiles and which physically and/or chemically binds the pollutant.

Abstract: The invention encompasses polishing systems for polishing semiconductive material substrates, and encompasses methods of cleaning polishing slurry from semiconductive substrate surfaces. In one aspect, the invention includes a method of cleaning a polishing slurry from a substrate surface comprising: a) providing a substrate surface having a polishing slurry in contact therewith; b) providing a liquid; c) injecting a gas into the liquid to increase a total dissolved gas concentration in the liquid; and d) after the injecting, providing the liquid against the substrate surface to displace the polishing slurry from the substrate surface.

Abstract: A cyclic process for controlling environmental emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from vapor recovery in storage and dispensing operations of liquids maintains a vacuum in the storage tank ullage. In one of a two-part cyclic process ullage vapor is discharged through a vapor recovery system in which VOC are stripped from vented gas with a selectively gas permeable membrane. In the other part, the membrane is inoperative while gas pressure rises in the ullage. Ambient air is charged to the membrane separation unit during the latter part of the cycle.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for using membranes to reduce the relative humidity of a compressed air stream. Air dryers employing membranes consist of a permeable membrane capable of blocking the passage of nitrogen and oxygen molecules, but allowing water vapor molecules to pass through. A membrane filter may be adapted to receive process flow of contaminated air. A sweep chamber may be positioned adjacent to filtration media to pass a portion of dried air back into contact with a portion of the membrane. A flow metering device may be positioned downstream from the membrane filter to adjust a portion of the air process flow as sweep air. The amount of process flow air diverted as sweep air may be proportional to the pressure and flow of the process flow. In some applications, an optional minimum pressure valve may be employed downstream of the sweep chamber to maintain a minimum threshold pressure of process air flow.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sample injection in gas chromatography increases the injecting volume of a sample, and can analyze any of high-boiling-point compounds, low-compounds boiling-point compounds, and compounds decomposed by heat. A sample is injected into a vaporizing chamber 6 having curved or crooked outer wall 6G and sample path S and formed of continuous inner walls 6H; the sample is temporarily held in the vaporizing chamber 6; then an objective compound is vaporized, and introduced into a separation column 17.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for the removal of nitrous oxide from a feed gas stream using an adsorbent having a nitrogen diffusion parameter of 0.12 sec−1 or higher and a nitrous oxide capacity of 79 mmol/g/atm or higher at 30° C.

Abstract: A high-capacity regenerable sorbent for removal of mercury from flue gas and processes and systems for making and using the sorbent. A phyllosilicate substrate, for example vermiculite or montmorillinite acts as an inexpensive support to a thin layer for a polyvalent metal sulfide, ensuring that more of the metal sulfide is engaged in the sorption process. The sorbent is prepared by ion exchange between the silicate substrate material and a solution containing one or more of a group of polyvalent metals including tin (both Sn(II) and Sn(IV)), iron (both Fe(II) and Fe(III)), titanium, manganese, zirconium and molybdenum, dissolved as salts, to produce an exchanged substrate. Controlled addition of sulfide ions to the exchanged silicate substrate produces the sorbent. The sorbent is used to absorb elemental mercury or oxidized mercury species such as mercuric chloride from flue gas containing acid gases (e.g., SO2, NO and NO2, and HCl) and other gases over a wide range of temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved systems and methods for scrubbing gas with a venturi scrubber. A dual spray venturi scrubber, in which a scrubbing liquid is injected upstream and counter to the flow through the venturi, provides for improved scrubbing performance, including efficient and economical scrubbing of fine particles. Specifically, the present invention reduces the scrubbing liquid pumping requirements, improves the scrubber performance, and provides better control of the pressure drop across the venturi scrubber. The control of pressure drop across the venturi can be obtained with no internal mechanisms or upstream spray.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved vacuum cleaning apparatus utilizing a self-sustained vortex flow in a centrifugal separator. More specifically, vortex flow is maintained via pressure differentials allowing the ejection of dust and other particles without bags, filters, or liquid baths. Furthermore, the impeller inside of the separator serves the dual purpose of moving air through the system as well as creating a cylindrical vortex fluid flow providing an efficient and simple configuration. Also disclosed herein is a complete toroidal vortex vacuum cleaner in which a toroidal vortex nozzle is used in conjunction with the centrifugal separator. The vacuum cleaner exhibits recirculating airflow that not only prevents unseparated dust from escaping into the atmosphere, but also conserves the kinetic energy of the flowing air. The present invention excels in producing clean air of a better quality more efficiently, more quietly, and more simply than the prior art.

Abstract: Hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, and fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices. The hydrogen purification membranes include a metal membrane, which is at least substantially comprised of palladium or a palladium alloy. In some embodiments, the membrane contains trace amounts of carbon, silicon, and/or oxygen. In some embodiments, the membranes form part of a hydrogen purification device that includes an enclosure containing a separation assembly, which is adapted to receive a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and to produce a stream that contains pure or at least substantially pure hydrogen gas therefrom. In some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processor, and in some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processing or fuel cell system.

Abstract: A hydrogen purification device, components thereof, and fuel processors and fuel cell system containing the same. The hydrogen purification devices include an enclosure that contains a separation assembly adapted to receive a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and to produce a stream that contains pure or at least substantially pure hydrogen gas therefrom. The separation assembly includes at least one hydrogen-permeable and/or hydrogen-selective membrane, and in some embodiments includes at least one membrane envelope that includes a pair of generally opposed membrane regions that define a harvesting conduit therebetween and which are separated by a support. The enclosure includes components that are formed from materials having similar or the same coefficients of thermal expansion as the membrane or membranes. In some embodiments, these components include at least a portion of the support, and in some embodiments, these components include at least a portion of the enclosure.

Abstract: A recording medium is provided that exhibits both outstanding ink absorbency and outstanding light resistance of images, and an image forming method and a recorded matter using such recording medium are also provided. The recording medium in the present invention comprises a supporting body and an ink receiving layer deployed on that supporting body, and tho ink receiving layer contains a compound expressed by the general formula (I) below, and having a solubility in water of 0.01 to 5%. (where X is H, or an alkyl, aryl or other group; R1 to R4 is H or alkyl group; and Y is OH, or a carboxyl, alkyl, amino, alkenyl, alkoxy, aryl or other group. Y may also be a polymer. This compound may also be a polymer having X and Y as a main chain.

Abstract: The invention relates to a single-component or multiple-component polyelectrolyte cement containing at least two reaction partners: (a) at least one metal-cation-releasing compound and (b) one or more polyelectrolytes capable of being converted into a solid state, wherein at least one of the polyelectrolytes is at least partially water soluble, and wherein at least a part of the reaction partner (a) and/or (b) is coated with an organic surface-coating agent. In one preferred embodiment, at least one part of the formulation constituents of the cement is present in granulated form, wherein at least a part of the reaction partner (b) serves as an essential granulation agent. The polyelectrolyte cement is particularly stable in storage and can be easily mixed.

Abstract: A sand casting foundry composition reduces thermal defects that cause veining in metal parts cast from sand casting foundry shapes formed from the foundry composition. A plurality of foundry sand grains are mixed substantially uniformly with a plurality of shale particles, and a curable binder coats the sand grains and the shale particles to establish core and mold foundry shapes used to cast the metal part. Anti-veining capability occurs because the shale particles include mineral components which have an inherent characteristic of crystal structural collapse upon exposure to metallurgical temperatures, and the crystal structural collapse yields space which is consumed by thermal expansion of the sand grains in the foundry composition. This compensatory effect avoids the creation of mechanical forces and stresses within the foundry shape that cause cracks and fissures in the foundry shape that lead to veining.

Abstract: Water-based protective coating compositions contain as binder the product obtained by the reaction of an aminosilane, in acid solution, with a sub-stoechiometric amount of an epoxysilane, and further contain finely divided zinc and dispersed pigments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pearlescent pigments based on substrates coated with one or more layers of nitrides or oxynitrides to a method for the production of such pigments and their use in plastics, paints, coatings, powder coatings, inks, printing inks, glasses, ceramic products, agriculture foils, for lasermarking of papers and plastics, security applications and in cosmetic formulations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to colored interference pigments based on multicoated, platelet-shaped substrates, which are distinguished in that they comprise (A) a colored coating having a refractive index of n>1.8, (B) a colorless coating having a refractive index of n>1.8, (C) a colorless coating having a refractive index of n≦1.8, (D) a colorless coating having a refractive index of n>1.8, and optionally (E) an outer protective layer, and to their use in paints, surface coatings, printing inks, plastics, ceramic materials, glasses, for laser marking, in cosmetic formulations and for the production of pigment preparations and dry preparations.

Abstract: Ready-to-use water dispersible pigment compositions containing waer-insoluble, hydrophilic pigments are provided. The compositions comprise a stable dispersion of the pigment such as a porphyrin pigment, carmine, curcumin and a carotenoid in the form of bodies of an average size which is at the most 10 &mgr;m is provided. The pigment bodies are dispersed without the use of a surface active substance in an aqueous phase comprising a hydrocolloid. The natural pigment compositions which are useful for coloring of food products and pharmaceuticals do not migrate in the products and they are acid stable. The compositions are useful in coating compositions for tablets and dragees.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining crystallization conditions for a material, the method comprising: taking a plurality of different crystallization samples in an enclosed microvolume, the plurality of crystallization samples comprising a material to be crystallized and crystallization conditions which vary among the plurality of crystallization samples; allowing crystals of the material to form in plurality of crystallization samples; and identifying which of the plurality of crystallization samples form crystals.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a high-density magnetic data-storage medium, the method comprising the steps of: (a) forming a plurality of nanodots of non-magnetic material in a regular array on a surface of a substrate, said array being notionally dividable into a plurality of clusters that each comprise a plurality of nanodots, wherein each nanodot of a said cluster overlaps with neighbouring nanodots of that cluster to form a well between them; (b) depositing magnetic material onto said substrate to at least partly fill the wells of each cluster; and (c) removing material to reveal a regular array of wells filled with magnetic material, each of said wells being separated from neighbouring wells by non-magnetic material.

Abstract: Ammonia for use in the manufacture of a GaN-type compound semiconductor, filled in a charging container 18 such that at least a part of the ammonia is liquid and the liquid phase ammonia has a water concentration determined by a Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) of 0.5 vol ppm or less, is introduced in the gaseous state into a reaction chamber 11 housing therein a substrate 1, and a layer comprising a GaN-type compound started from this ammonia is formed on the substrate 1.

Abstract: A crucible for growing III-nitride (e.g., aluminum nitride) single crystals is provided. The crucible includes an elongated wall structure defining an interior crystal growth cavity. The crucible includes a plurality of tungsten grains and a wall thickness of at least about 1.5 times the average tungsten grain size. In particular embodiments, the crucible includes first and second layers of tungsten grains the first layer including grains forming an inside surface thereof and the second layer being superposed with the first layer. The crucible may be machined from a bar, plate, or billet of powder metallurgy tungsten.

Abstract: Using a scan coating method, a liquid film is formed on a substrate having a temperature distribution for correcting a temperature distribution of a liquid film caused by the heat of evaporation due to the volatilization of a solvent contained in the liquid film, and then the solvent is removed from the liquid film to form a coating film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved doctor blade and bedplate apparatus wherein there is a recess in the bedplate from some position upstream of the doctor blade to some position downstream of the doctor blade. This recess or gap in the area of the bedplate under the doctor blade allows one to form an even or uniform coating on the back of a web of material. This is particularly helpful in forming uniform coatings on the back of a greige good which has face fibers of varying lengths. The present invention also relates to an improved process for preparing a relatively uniform coating on the back of a web of material.

Abstract: A device and method for applying adhesive to materials, such as elastic strands or flat substrates, used in the production of nonwoven products. Generally, a nozzle is provided and includes a liquid discharge orifice configured to discharge a bead of liquid adhesive. First and second pattern air discharge orifices are associated with the first liquid discharge orifice to vacillate or oscillate the adhesive bead. First and second cleaning and stabilizing air discharge orifices are also associated with the first liquid discharge orifice. These latter air discharge orifices keep airborne contaminants away from the associated liquid discharge orifice and also stabilize the oscillation of the adhesive bead in a single plane. Another embodiment includes walls to separate adjacent sets of air discharge orifices.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of a masking apparatus is adapted to mask the overspray of a coating applied by a spraying device. In another aspect of the present invention, a coated article or part includes a member with an inner surface and at least one opening. The inner surface is sprayed with the coating. In yet another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus includes a deformable masking cup which is operably located adjacent to the opening in the article.

Abstract: A chemical vapor deposition system (10) includes a housing (12) having an entry (30) and an exit (32) through which glass sheet substrates (G) to be coated are introduced and exited from a deposition chamber (14) defined by lower and upper housing portions (16, 18) having a seal assembly (22) at their horizontal junction which is higher than both the entry and the exit.

Abstract: A single-substrate-processing apparatus includes an airtight process chamber, in which a worktable is supported by a pedestal. A conduction structure is arranged to conduct static electricity generated on the worktable and a wafer thereon to a grounded portion outside the process chamber. The conduction structure has a conductive film formed on insulating surfaces of the worktable and the pedestal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a small, quiet sonic cleaner which can be used to clean jewelry and other small objects. The cleaner includes a tank which is rigidly connected to a vibration generator such as an eccentrically loaded motor, and which is flexibly coupled to a base upon which the cleaner sits. The coupling of the tank to the base is preferably through progressive motion attenuators such as springs, which provide superior vibration isolation for the tank.

Abstract: Provided herein is a lid assembly for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process chamber, comprising a moveable lid, two linear guide rollers connected to the lid, one or more linear lifting actuators, and a rotation actuator connected to the axis of the lid. This lid assembly may be used for opening/closing process chamber as well as wet-cleaning process chamber in chemical vapor deposition.

Abstract: A processing solution for forming a hexavalent chromium free, corrosion resistant trivalent chromate conversion film on zinc or zinc alloy plating layers comprises a silicon compound; trivalent chromium and oxalic acid in a molar ratio ranging from 0.5 to 1.5, wherein the trivalent chromium is present in the form of a water-soluble complex with oxalic acid; and cobalt ions, which form a hardly soluble metal salt with oxalic acid and are stably present in the processing solution without causing any precipitation, wherein the solution reacts with zinc when bringing it into contact with the zinc or zinc alloy plating to form a hexavalent chromium free, corrosion resistant, trivalent chromate conversion film containing zinc, chromium, cobalt, oxalic acid and silicon on the plating. This solution can provide a corrosion resistant trivalent chromate conversion film excellent in the corrosion resistance after heating.

Abstract: During a solution heat treatment grain recrystallization may occur of a textured article, especially at the surface rim. The present invention provides a method for restoring the microstructure of a textured article, such as a gas turbine engine blade, which comprises coating the surface of the article with a high temperature stable surface coating or by a controlled development of an oxide scale and subsequently performing a solution heat treatment, thereby maintaining said thermally stable surface coating.

Abstract: There are provided a rolling bearing comprising an outer race, an inner race, and a plurality of rolling elements each interposed between the outer race and the inner race, at least one of the outer race, the inner race and the rolling elements being made of a steel consisting essentially, by mass, of 0.40 to 0.60% C, not more than 0.5% Si, not more than 0.5% Mn, not less than 8.0% but less than 10.0% Cr, and the balance Fe and incidental impurities, said steel having a hardness not less than 740 HV, carbides contained in said steel having a long size not more than 1.2 &mgr;m, and an amount of said carbides being not more than 3.5% in area %, and a method of producing the rolling bearing.

Abstract: The present invention provides an Fe—Cr—Al-based alloy for catalyst carriers and a foil thereof having a thickness of 40 &mgr;m or less, the alloy and the foil improved in the oxidation resistance at high temperatures and having excellent deformation resistance. Specifically, the present invention provides an Fe—Cr—Al-based alloy foil and a manufacturing method thereof, comprising 16.0 to 25.0 mass % of Cr, 1 to 8 mass % of Al, La, Zr, and the balance being Fe and incidental impurities. The contents by mass % of La and Zr meet the following ranges when the foil thickness thereof is t &mgr;m: 1.4/t≦La≦6.0/t  (1) 0.6/t≦Zr≦4.0/t  (2) The Fe—Cr—Al-based alloy foil may further comprises Hf and the balance being Fe and incidental impurities, wherein the contents by mass % of La, Zr, and Hf meet the following ranges: 1.4/t≦La≦6.0/t  (1) 0.4/t≦Zr≦2.0/t  (3) 0.5/t≦Hf≦2.0/t  (4).

Abstract: Titaniums having excellent impact resistance are manufactured by methods that attain good cold workability by controlling the concentrations of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon and iron contained in ordinary pure titaniums in the desired range, applying combinations of preliminary working and annealing before or during the forming process, and controlling the Vickers hardness in the cross-sectional area to the desired range according to the concentrations, without adding aluminum, molybdenum, vanadium or other alloying elements.