Abstract: Provided are a stress analysis method and stress analysis equipment that enable a detailed stress measurement, by using both a photoelasticity measurement method and a stress measurement (mechanoluminescence measurement) which utilizes a mechanoluminescent substance to measure a stress state of an object. Physical quantities that are measurable include individual principal stress component and a principal stress direction. The photoelasticity measurement method alone cannot measure individual principal stress component values.

Abstract: A rubber specimen-stretching jig including a jig body has a disk-shaped pedestal; a columnar rubber specimen-fitting support erected on the pedestal; and a columnar retaining ring-fitting support projected from an upper end surface of the rubber specimen-fitting support; and an annular retaining ring removably fixedly fitted around the retaining ring-fitting support. The jig body is inserted into the cylindrical rotor, with one or more stretched annular rubber specimens wound around the rubber specimen-fitting support of the jig body; and with an inner surface of the rotor fixedly pressed against an outer surface of the pedestal and that of the retaining ring and brought into contact with the annular rubber specimens, a solid NMR of each of the annular rubber specimens is measured while the stretched annular rubber specimens are being rotated at a high speed by interlocking the stretched annular rubber specimens to the rotor rotated at a high speed.

Abstract: A detectable indicator (10) formed on a body (18), the indicator (10) comprising a deformable element (12), a safeguard (14) at least partially surrounding the deformable element (12) and an area (16) in the safeguard allowing access to the deformable element (12).

Abstract: A passive, non-contact radio frequency (RF) strain sensor changes resonant frequency as it is deformed. The sensor's resonant frequency can be determined by monitoring the signals transmitted and/or reflected therefrom upon illumination of the sensor by a known RF signal source. The sensor can be implemented using thin film techniques on a flexible thin substrate that can be attached to the surface of a structural member of interest.

Abstract: A pulse running time filling level sensor includes a sampling device for sampling an IF signal at discrete instants and for converting the sampling values into digital sampling values, and a digital signal processing device for subsequent processing of the digital sampling values by calculating at least one new value characterizing the IF curve from respectively exactly two digital sampling values.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for determining the parameters of a fluctuating flow of a fluid in a pipe, wherein at least three electrodes that are placed at a distance from one another in the direction of flow are provided in the periphery of the flow, wherein alternating voltage signals are fed to a first upstream transmission electrode arrangement and to a second downstream transmission electrode arrangement and the receiving signals generated by the displacement current are detected in a receiving electrode arrangement located between the transmission electrodes and subjected to a time-discrete cross-correlation. The throughput times of the fluctuations detected by the electrodes are determined on the basis of the results.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasonic flow sensor equipped with at least one ultrasonic transducer (A, B) for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals (A0, B0) and one receiver unit (4) that is connected to the ultrasonic transducer (A, B) and detects a zero crossing (N) of the ultrasonic signal (A0, B0) as a reception time after the ultrasonic signal (A0, B0) has exceeded a predetermined threshold (SW). The measurement precision of the sensor can be significantly improved if the receiver unit (4) determines the time of a value characteristic of the ultrasonic signal (A0, B0) and determines the relative time shift (deltat) of the characteristic value (Ampmax, Ts) in relation to the zero crossing (N0, N1) that is detected as the reception time (t0).

Abstract: A transit time ultrasound sensor is employed for the measurement of liquid flow in a conduit, the sensor having an acoustic path formed of materials matched in ultrasound properties to the flow under test, and designed to conform to the shape of the conduit. The sensor can be configured as a clamp on device, wherein the conduit walls are constructed from such an ultrasonically-matched material. Alternately, in a perivascular configuration, the ultrasonically-matched material is operably intermediate the blood vessel and the sensor.

Abstract: A meter electronics (20) and method for detecting a residual material in a flow meter assembly (10) are provided according to the invention. The meter electronics (20) includes a processing system (22) adapted to direct the flow meter (5) to vibrate the flow meter assembly (10) and receive a vibrational response (31) from the flow meter assembly (10). The meter electronics (20) further includes a storage system (24) configured to store flow meter parameters and data. The meter electronics (20) is further characterized by the processing system (22) being configured to compare the vibrational response (31) to a predetermined residual material threshold (30) to detect the residual material.

Abstract: A Coriolis flow meter includes first and second pickoff sensors, cabling coupled to the first and second pickoff sensors, and a signal injection device coupled to the cabling. The signal injection device is configured to generate one or more reference signals, with the one or more reference signals being substantially identical in phase, and communicate the one or more reference signals into the cabling and the first and second pickoff sensors. The Coriolis flow meter further includes a signal conditioning circuit coupled to the cabling. The signal conditioning circuit is configured to receive first and second response signals from the cabling and the first and second pickoff sensors in response to the one or more reference signals and determine a signal difference between first and second response signals.

Abstract: A vibrating tube meter measures the density, mass flow rate or viscosity of a fluid material including a vibration section. An exciter induces vibrations in the tube vibration section at a resonance frequency. A motion sensor detects motion of the tube from the induced vibrations. A helical coil spring has opposing ends coupled to the tube with the tube positioned within the interior of the coil spring. An external housing is rigidly coupled to the tube inlet end and outlet end and has a mass selected to provide a suitable nodal mass for the tube vibration section and spring element. Temperature sensors are coupled to the tube, the spring element and the external housing. A pressure sensor is coupled to the tube. A processor includes a drive amplifier and a novel adaptive filter and processes signals form the sensors.

Abstract: The measurement transducer includes: A measuring tube vibrating at least at times during operation and serving for the conveying of a medium, wherein the measuring tube communicates with a pipeline via an inlet tube piece at an inlet end and an outlet tube piece at an outlet end; a counteroscillator, which is affixed to the measuring tube on the inlet end to form a first coupling zone and affixed to the measuring tube on the outlet end to form a second coupling zone; and a first cantilever for producing bending moments in the inlet tube piece and coupled with the inlet tube piece and the measuring tube essentially rigidly in the area of the first coupling zone and having a center of mass lying in the region of the inlet tube piece, as well as a second cantilever for producing bending moments in the outlet tube piece and coupled essentially rigidly with the outlet tube piece and the measuring tube in the region of the second coupling zone and having a center of mass lying in the region of the outlet tube piece

Abstract: The measuring device comprises, for measuring multi phase mixture, a vibratory-type transducer and a measuring device electronics electrically coupled with the vibratory-type transducer. The transducer includes at least one measuring tube inserted into the course of the pipeline. An exciter arrangement acts on the measuring tube for causing the at least one measuring tube to vibrate. A sensor arrangement senses vibrations of the at least one measuring tube and delivers at least one oscillation measurement signal representing oscillations of the measuring tube. Further, the measuring device electronics delivers an excitation current driving the exciter arrangement. The measuring device is adapted to compensating measurement errors, induced due to the presence of multi phase mixture, based on a movin resonator model (MRM).

Abstract: A bearing rotor thrust sensor assembly is provided for being secured to a bearing housing having a plurality of fingers extending between a pair of opposite portions of the housing. The assembly includes a first anchor member including a first cleat and configured to couple to a first housing portion of the pair of opposite housing portions, a second anchor member including a second cleat and configured to couple to a second of the pair of opposite housing portions, and a head sensor bracket positioned at least partially between the first and second anchor members. The head sensor bracket includes a load cell including a bridge circuit for producing a signal representative of forces on said cell.

Abstract: An insertable strain gauge spanner which comprises a spanner body having a rod body and a driving head insertable into the rod body; the rod body having a handle and an inserting opening at one end thereof; the inserting opening can be received the driving head; the rod body being installed with a strain gauge; a lower end of the rod body being formed as an inserting opening; the inserting opening being in contact with the strain gauge; thereby the twisting force from the driving head can be transferred to a sensing end of the strain gauge; the twisting force being displayed in a window of the strain gauge; and the driving head having an inserting end with a shape corresponding to that of the inserting opening; and the orientation of the driving head with respect to the rod body is adjustable.

Abstract: A piezoelectric element includes a piezoelectric composition pressure sensitive substance, a first electrode, a second electrode and a covering layer. The piezoelectric composition pressure sensitive substance includes a piezoelectric ceramic powder and a flexible organic polymer. The first and second electrodes are connected to the piezoelectric composition pressure sensitive substance and electrically insulated from each other. The covering layer is provided outside of the piezoelectric ceramic powder and suppresses absorption of the water by the piezoelectric ceramic powder.

Abstract: An assembly for measuring force at a friction coupling, more particularly in the driveline of a motor vehicle. The assembly includes an outer plate carrier (6) at which outer plates (7) are held so as to be rotationally secured and in a way so as to be axially displaceable, wherein at least one of the outer plates (7) comprises an outer cam (12); an inner plate carrier (8) at which inner plates (9) are held in a rotationally fast way and in a way so as to be axially displaceable; wherein the outer plates (7) and the inner plates (9) are arranged so as to alternate in the axial direction, while jointly forming a plate package (10); a force measuring device arranged in such a way that, upon actuation of the friction coupling (3), it is loaded by the cam (12) in an operating direction extending at a distance from, and transversely to, the longitudinal axis (A).

Abstract: Torque ripple of a motor due to a rotation detection device is reduced. A periodicity gain multiplier 51 multiplies the rotation angle ? of a detection target by a ripple periodic number m per rotation of the detection target. An adder 53 adds a phase adjusting value “?” from a phase adjustor 49 to the value “m?”. The value “sin(m?+?)”, which is calculated by a sine calculator 55, is multiplied by a predetermined gain G by an amplitude adjustor 57 and by the angular velocity ? of the detection target by a multiplier 59. A subtractor 61 subtracts the output of the multiplier 59 from the value “?” and outputs “?(1?Gsin(m?+?))”. The output of the subtractor 61 and the output “m?+?” of the adder 53 are input to the phase adjustor 49 and amplitude adjustor 57. The phase adjustor 49 calculates the phase adjusting value “?” based on the summation of the derivative values of the outputs from the subtractor 61sampled for each “?/2” of the output from the adder 53.

Abstract: An electrical machine apparatus having magnetic gearing embedded therein includes a moveable rotor having a first magnetic field associated therewith, a stator configured with a plurality of stationary stator windings therein, and a magnetic flux modulator interposed between the moveable rotor and the stator windings. The magnetic flux modulator is configured to transmit torque between the first magnetic field associated with said moveable rotor and a second magnetic field excited by the plurality of stationary stator windings.

Abstract: The number n of N-poles and S-poles circumferentially aligned on the cylindrical magnet that integrally rotates with the first shaft is determined so as to be a greatest integer that satisfies the following formula that includes a maximum value Tmax (Nm) of the torque to be detected and a torsion spring constant k (Nm/deg) of the torsion bar connecting the first shaft and the second shaft: 2·n·Tmax /k<360. The cylindrical magnet includes teeth-shaped portions in which portions corresponding to the N-poles and the S-poles are of a protruding shape, so that adhesion of magnetic dust concentrates at the protruding portions. Thus, a torque detecting apparatus is provided that reduces the effect of the adhesion of the magnetic dust, so as to attain higher detection sensitivity and thereby improve the detection accuracy, without incurring an increase in cost.

Abstract: An inventive torque detection device includes: a magnetic circuit forming member having a tubular magnet provided at an outer circumferential portion of a first rotating body, and a magnetic ring that is located circumferentially of the tubular magnet and rotated together with a second rotating body connected to the first rotating body; a magnetic flux collecting ring part for collecting a magnetic flux generated by the magnetic circuit forming member; and a detection part for detecting, based on a density of the magnetic flux collected by the magnetic flux collecting ring part, a torque applied to the first or second rotating body, wherein the tubular magnet is formed by curing and magnetizing a synthetic resin, into which a magnetic powder is mixed, around the outer circumferential portion of the first rotating body.

Abstract: An inventive torque detection device includes: a magnetic circuit forming member having a tubular magnet provided at a first rotating body, and a magnetic ring that is located circumferentially of the tubular magnet and rotated together with a second rotating body connected to the first rotating body; a magnetic flux collecting ring part for collecting a generated magnetic flux; a detection part for detecting, based on a density of the collected magnetic flux, a torque applied to the first or second rotating body; and a molded body that is molded at an outer circumferential portion of the first rotating body, and is joined to longitudinal both sides of the tubular magnet so as to fix the tubular magnet to the first rotating body. A molding pressure, generated when the tubular magnet is molded, is applied in the longitudinal direction of the tubular magnet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-wetting apparatus for the collection or collection and concentration of particulate matter, such as pathogen particles and aerosol particles, from air. The present invention also provides methods of producing and using the self-wetting apparatus.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus of submergence aggregate according to the present invention comprising a stock bin for storing fine aggregate, a fine aggregate feed hopper placed under the stock bin, a vibrating feeder placed under a discharge opening of the fine aggregate feed hopper, a screen device placed in the vicinity of an exit of the vibrating feeder, a measurement tank placed under the screen device, an electrode-type displacement sensor as means for measuring a water level placed above the measurement tank, and load cells as mass measuring means for measuring a mass of the measurement tank.

Abstract: A method of using an exhaust flow simulation system to test the effects of exhaust system conditions on various materials. A typical exhaust flow simulator is a burner-based system, in which exhaust from burner combustion is exhausted through an exhaust line. A “test coupon” of the material may be placed at an appropriate location in the flow line, and tested to determine how it is affected by the exhaust resulting from various fuels and additives.

Abstract: A system for inspecting a disc-shaped substrate 32 is disclosed. The system 100 is surrounded by a housing. A table 2 that is movable in at least an X-direction and a Y-direction and is borne by a mounting plate 22 is provided within the housing 50. The mounting plate 22 is vibration isolated in comparison to the housing 50. Equally, an exhaust unit 40 is provided beneath the mounting plate 22 and arranged at a distance from it. The exhaust unit 40 possesses an opening 36 for air entry. The opening 36 for air entry is provided in the exhaust unit between an end of the mounting plate 22 and a wall of the housing 50.

Abstract: Trace collection system including at least one tray supporting at least one inspected item, a particle release mechanism applied on said inspected item, and a particle collection system, whereby said particle collection system collects a portion of the released particles and the portion of the released particles is analyzed for traces of at least one predefined chemical.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting and disconnecting two objects comprises: a housing formed as a hollow type, and having one closed end to which a first object is connected and another opened end; a coupling portion mounted in the housing so as to be movable in an axial direction of the housing, and to which a second object is connected; a clamping portion coupled to the housing for clamping the coupling portion; a cylinder disposed in the housing for pressurizing the clamping portion so that a clamped state of the coupling portion by the clamping portion can be maintained; and a gas generator integrally coupled to an outer surface of the housing so as to be in communication with inside of the housing for generating gas of a high pressure thereby releasing a clamped state of the coupling portion and separating the coupling portion from the housing. Two objects are easily connected or disconnected to/from each other by the simple construction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for transmitting force by means of spring interaction and/or magnetic interaction. According to the invention, a plurality of supports are provided for receiving or positioning one or several springs, shock absorbers, or similar, each support being disposed on bearing means. Each support is connected to one or several freewheeling means, e.g. freewheel bearings, such that each support is rotatably or movably guided in a single direction about an axis of rotation or along a straight or curved axis of translation. Furthermore, each support is fitted with one or several individual springs, shock absorbers, or similar in a predefined arrangement.

Abstract: To enable compactness by lowering the connecting force of dog clutch so as to decrease the energy consumption and reduce the size of a system. A method of changing gears of automobile which moves the dog clutch in the axial direction at the time of gear change, while applying weak periodic torque vibration between the gear of the dog clutch and change gear of the gear shifter, and disconnects the two gears and, after the gear of the dog clutch and change gear of the gear shifter have been disconnected, also moves the dog clutch in the axial direction, while applying weak periodic rotating speed vibration between the gear of the dog clutch and another change gear of the gear shifter, and connects the two gears.

Abstract: A control apparatus of a vehicular automatic transmission includes a control device designed to control gear changes of the transmission on the basis of operation or control signals from a first manual gearshifting part and a second manual gearshifting part. When it determines a multiple operation of the first and second manual gearshifting parts, the control device executes the operation signal from the first manual gearshifting part.

Abstract: A control method for a transmission for a motorcycle having a plurality of shift gear trains such that the combination of gears meshing with each other is changed by driving an actuator to change a shift position. When a vehicle body inclination angle ? as a sideward inclination angle of a vehicle body of the motorcycle during running of the motorcycle becomes greater than or equal to a predetermined angle, a change in shift position in the transmission is inhibited. The method controls the transmission for the motorcycle in order to reduce an operational load on a rider during turning of the motorcycle.

Abstract: A sprocket and rack system wherein the sprocket and rack are designed to not only provide horizontal movement to the rack, but also support a vertical load on the rack. Such a sprocket and rack system has many useful applications.

Abstract: A ball screw apparatus has: a screw shaft including a screw groove; a nut movably fitted with the screw shaft and including a screw groove; a large number of balls rollably disposed in a loaded raceway; and a side cap mounted on the outer peripheral portion of the nut and including a ball circulation passage for scooping up the balls rolling along the loaded raceway in a direction coincident with the lead angle of the two screw grooves and returning the balls to the loaded raceway, wherein, the two screw grooves are respectively formed as multiple thread screws and the side cap is disposed on each of the multiple threads.

Abstract: The recirculating element having a turning track corresponding to helical track of a ball screw and corresponding to returning hole of nut. And the turning track comprises a tangential direction changing position and a screw thread departing position being adjacent to an entrance of the turning track. And the entrance of the turning track has an upper wall surface and a lower wall face, which form a first inclined angle and a second inclined angle with the horizontal direction respectively. The first angle of the upper wall surface is smaller or equal to a minimum lead angle of the ball screw and the second inclined angle of the lower wall surface is smaller or equal to a maximum lead angle of the ball screw. So it is suitable for ball screws with different leads.

Abstract: A rotation drive, particularly for displacing a moveable part in a motor vehicle, comprising a rotor which is mounted in a housing and which whose front-surface side rests upon a support element which is fixed to the housing in a positive fit. The support element is provided with radial linking elements which can be self-furrowingly rotated into the housing.

Abstract: A resin gear comprises a rim in an outer peripheral part of a plate, teeth provided on an outer periphery of the rim, a boss provided in a central part of the plate, and a circular rib between the boss and the rim. The resin gear is manufacturable by injection molding that a molten material is injected into a cavity through a plurality of gates arranged at almost equally spaced intervals circumferentially on a forming portion for the circular rib in a direction perpendicular to a side of the plate. The resin gear includes a plurality of inner thin-wall portions on the plate between the circular rib and the boss and a plurality of outer thin-wall portions on the plate between the circular rib and the rim, each of the inner thin-wall portions and the outer thin-wall portions being symmetrically shaped with respect to the radial line passing through each gate corresponding point.

Abstract: The invention relates to an engine auxiliary drive for a motor vehicle with a toothed-gear drive, comprising a first (1) and a second gear wheel (2) with teeth flanks (11, 12), engaged with each other, whereby the teeth flanks (11, 12) on the gear wheels (1, 2) in the force transmission region (13) are embodied without involute and progress directly or almost directly from a concave region into a convex region and the first gear wheel (1) is made from plastic.

Abstract: A double-acting deformable fluid actuator with three chambers consists of three axisymmetrical coaxial membranes (10, 11 and 12), constrained by two end pieces (13 and 14) so as to identify three chambers, namely, an inner chamber (15), an intermediate chamber (16), and an outer chamber (17); each chamber is supplied with fluid under pressure through respective connectors (18, 19 and 20) set on one of the end pieces.

Abstract: A novel transforming limb is disclosed for transforming from a first position to a second position for facilitating legged or wheeled operation. Transformation between the first and second positions is preferably facilitated using powered actuators.

Abstract: A bicycle cable connection arrangement is provided that comprises a wire takeup member, and a cable end attachment member. The wire takeup member includes a cable attachment retaining structure. The cable end attachment member includes a cable receiving structure and a mating mounting structure that is configured and arranged to be retained to the cable attachment retaining structure of the wire takeup member in a first orientation and to be releasable from the cable attachment retaining structure of the wire takeup member in a second orientation.

Abstract: A gear change control device for a bicycle having a handlebar with straight end portions, comprises a first control lever with a control portion arranged behind the end portion of the handlebar, with reference to the longitudinal direction of the bicycle, and extending at least partially at a position lying substantially at the same level of the handlebar, with respect to a vertical direction in the condition of use of the handlebar and a second control lever with a control portion arranged at the same level, below or upper the control portion of the first control lever.

Abstract: An angle adjusting assembly of a stand tube comprises a stand tube having a front end; a penetrating unit passing through the front end; a rear end of the stand tube being formed with a combining portion; an ejection device including a screw rod; a top of the screw rod having an ejection block; a quick-detaching unit having a driving unit and a positioning control unit; the positioning control unit being interacted with the ejection block of the ejection device; and a front forked unit having a pivoted shaft which can be pivotally installed to the combining portion of the stand tube. When the ejection block is driven by the driving unit to move upwards and downwards, the elastic unit below the ejection block will compress the limiting element. Thus the angle between the front forked unit and the stand tube is adjustable.

Abstract: A steering-wheel arrangement is disclosed which comprises a steering-wheel having a first gear element. A second gear element is provided which is mounted on a steering column. The first and second gear elements inter-engage one another and the arrangement is further provided with an anti-backlash gear which is mounted on one of the gear elements. The anti-backlash gear has teeth configures to as to align substantially with the teeth of the gear element upon which it is mounted, and the anti-backlash gear is biased relative to the gear element upon which it is mounted towards a position in which the teeth of the anti-backlash gear become displaced from the corresponding teeth of the gear element. This gear arrangement has been found to provide improved “feel” for a person driving a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A bicycle crank includes a hollow body made by composite material and two metal connection members are connected on two ends of the hollow body. A mold includes an elongate cavity and two metal connection members are put in the cavity. Composite material arranged as a loop is put in the elongate cavity and the two metal connection members are enclosed within the loop of the composite material. Two inflatable bladders are put in the elongate cavity and each bladder has a closed end and an open end. The two bladders are arranged along two long sides of the elongate cavity. The two inflatable bladders are inflated by introducing high temperature air from the open ends and push the loop of the composite material to contact against the inside of the elongate cavity and the composite material is solidified and combined with the metal connection members.

Abstract: A bicycle crank arm has an elongated body and a first end portion with a first seat for coupling with a bicycle bottom bracket assembly, a second end portion with a second seat for coupling with a pedal, an intermediate portion extending between the first and second end portions and having an inner portion without structural strength, and a first reinforcement structure and a second reinforcement structure facing the inner portion and the first reinforcement structure and having at least one bundle of structural fibers having at least in part a first orientation. The intermediate portion has a section in which the inner portion occupies a space defined by a first area having a first surface extension and by a second area having a second surface extension and in which the second reinforcement structure occupies a space having a surface extension equal to the difference between the first and second areas.

Abstract: Discloses is a case which houses an amateur assembly generating a torque in a car start motor, characterized in that: the case is formed so that it is divided into an inner tube and an outer tube, and the inner tube and the outer tube are firmly coupled to each other by forced fitting and fixed holes of the outer tube are inserted into through holes of the inner tube, thereby keeping a firm coupling state. The case enables it easy to manufacture and can reduce manufacturing time as well as cost since the case for the start motor is manufactured in a separate type.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of gel-casting WC—Co cemented carbide powder, where the resulting gelled body can be of complex shape and has a high green density, a good homogeneity and sufficiently good mechanical properties for the gelled body to be demolded and dried without significant shape-distortions and cracking. The method relates to the forming of a gelled body through the gelling of an aqueous slurry of WC—Co cemented carbide powder with good dispersion characteristics, where the gelling is achieved by the temperature induced polymerization reaction between a monomer and a cross-linker, catalyzed by a free-radical initiator. By further subjecting the body to drying, heating and sintering, a dense cemented carbide body is obtained.

Abstract: Provided are methods of preparing high density compacted components that increase that lubricity of metallurgical powder compositions while reducing the overall organic content of the compacted component. Method of preparing high density compacted components having a high density include the steps of providing a metallurgical powder composition having particles at least partially coated with a metal phosphate layer, and compacting the metallurgical powder composition in the die at a pressure of at least about 5 tsi. The metallurgical powder composition comprises a base-metal powder, optional alloying powders, and a particulate internal lubricant. The metal phosphate at least partially coats the base-metal powder, the optional alloying powder, or both. The metal phosphate coating increases the lubricity of metallurgical powders without the need for large quantities of organic material, e.g., lubricants and binders.

Abstract: METHOD TO INCREASE THE ADHERENCE OF COATING MATERIALS ON FERROUS MATERIALS, comprising the step of: before the reduction of iron ores and/or on the agglomerates thereof, contacting same with a dispersion containing at least a particulate material, thus forming a composite coating of at least a material that cannot be substantially hardened in the aqueous mean and at least a material that can be hardened in the aqueous mean.