Abstract: A method of non-destructively testing a work piece is disclosed, wherein the work piece is placed within an active field of a positioning system; a frame of reference of the work piece is established based on the geometry of the work piece in the coordinates of the positioning system; the geometry of the work piece is detected by determining the position of specific transponders, which are fixed to the work piece, by the positioning system or the geometry of the work piece is detected by scanning at least parts of the contour of the work piece with a transponder of the positioning system; testing data is acquired for the work piece with a non-destructive testing probe, which comprises a transponder of the positioning system, while the position of the testing probe is recorded by the positioning system; the position of the testing probe is transformed into an intrinsic position defined with respect to the frame of reference of the work piece; and the intrinsic position of the testing probe is assigned to the t

Abstract: An air-pressure sensor for side-impact sensing, and a pressure-entry channel, which conveys the air pressure to a pressure-sensor element. The pressure-entry channel has multiple angles.

Abstract: Sensors, methods and systems detect physical effects (e.g., corrosion, erosion, scaling and/or oxidation) of a fluid in contact with a diaphragm associated with a sensor assembly. The diaphragm preferably exhibits a first mechanical response when initially placed into contact with a fluid and a second mechanical response different from the first mechanical response after exposure to the fluid for a predetermined period of time. A change in the diaphragm mechanical responses between at least the first and second mechanical responses is therefore indicative of physical effects on the diaphragm over time caused by the fluid in contact therewith. A mechanical response sensor is operatively associated with the diaphragm so as to measure the change in the diaphragm mechanical responses and thereby determine the physical effects over time of the fluid in contact with the diaphragm.

Abstract: An annular assembly, or ring cell, is provided for testing the load bearing capacity of piles. The ring cell walls of the annular assembly can be made of stamped material. The ring cell walls can be an outer ring wall and an inner ring wall. Alternately, the ring cell walls can have a “U”-type shape cross-section including an outer ring wall, an inner ring wall, and a top wall. Fluid can be provided to the annular assembly through fluid supply lines into an expansion zone. The expansion zone can be a space having a bladder for filling with fluid. In another embodiment, the expansion zone can be a space between a filler material capable of withstanding high pressure separated with a membrane. The pressure of the fluid in the expansion zone can be monitored during testing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of measuring residual stress and, more particularly, to a residual stress measuring method using a continuous indentation tester. Due to pile-up and sink-in of a material or a blunted tip, a conventional residual stress measuring method cannot compensate for error of a real contact (indentation) depth or directly remove stress through a thermal or mechanical technique in the conventional method of measuring residual stress of a weldment, so that it is very difficult to estimate a stress-free reference curve or to quantitatively measure residual stress. However, the present invention can precisely estimate a stress-free curve of a weldment using an indentation strength ratio (OIT ratio) of a stress-free base metal to the weldment, and compensates for error, occurring in the measurement of a material having a weldment or an anisotropic stress structure, based on the indentation strength ratio, thereby more precisely measuring residual stress.

Abstract: A micro-impact testing apparatus for measuring the impact characteristics of a microelectronics specimen exposed to an impact thereon. The apparatus comprises of a specimen holder for receiving a specimen to be tested, and an impact device. The impact device comprises of an impact head, a support member, at least one connecting element and a first flexural spring. The support member is connected to the connecting element in that the first flexural spring is firmly attached with its one end to the support member and with its other end to the connecting element. A second flexural spring, being at least substantially identical to said first flexural spring, is firmly attached with its one end to the connecting element and with its other end to the impact head so that the ends of the first and second flexural springs define, in an unloaded state of the flexural springs, a rectangle.

Abstract: A stirring container in which liquid is contained is used in an analyzer for measuring a property of the liquid. The stirring container includes a recessed portion in which the liquid is held so that a meniscus is formed; and a sound wave generating unit disposed outside of a wall portion forming the recessed portion, and generates surface sound waves for stirring the liquid. The wall portion is configured so that a rising of the meniscus is lower than a rising of the meniscus formed by the liquid held in an assumed container whose cross section in a direction orthogonal to a depth direction of the recessed portion is the same as that of a circumscribed rectangle. The circumscribed rectangle is circumscribed about a portion, made of a same material as a part of the wall portion where the meniscus is formed, where the meniscus is formed in the relevant direction.

Abstract: A high-precision vortex flow meter includes a blunt body having a predetermined dimension and being arranged inside a fluid channel to serve as a vortex shedder. The vortex flow meter also includes a temperature detecting device for detecting the vortex shedder temperature and a temperature control element for adjusting the vortex shedder temperature. A frequency measuring device is arranged in the downstream section of the blunt body for detecting the vortex shedding frequency. From the measured temperatures of the upstream fluid flow and that of the blunt body, an effective temperature and a temperature ratio are calculated. The kinematic viscosity of the fluid is looked up from database. By using the relationship between the Strouhal number and Reynolds number, the fluid flow rate is calculated. By employing different blunt body temperature, the measurement range of the flow meter can be broadly extended.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flowmeter with a measuring tube through which flows a medium and which, viewed in its cross section, has a split circumference forming two halves and with two ultrasonic converter pairs, each with an associated ultrasound reflector. The converters of each converter pair are mounted on a common circumferential half in a mutually offset position as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the tube, while the reflector for each converter pair is positioned on the other, opposite circumferential half in the longitudinal direction of the measuring tube between the two converters, so that an ultrasound signal emitted by one converter of a converter pair travels along a V-shaped signal path via the reflector of the associated converter pair to the other converter of that converter pair.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for operating a measurement device of the vibration type in which at least one exciter arrangement excites the system to vibration and from the vibration parameters, a measurement quantity of a measurement medium in a tube system is determined. A time-dependent force f(t)=F sin(?t)+g(t) with at least one sinusoidal component with an adjustable frequency ? can be used which acts on at least one vibration-capable part of the measurement device of the vibration type. A response signal of the vibration-capable part, (e.g., its time dependent velocity v(t)=V sin(?t+?)+h(t)) can be measured, and a phase shift ? between the response signal and the force f of a signal component which oscillates with a frequency ? is determined. The phase shift ? can be used as the input for a frequency controller so that the excitation frequency is automatically adjusted as a function of ?.

Abstract: A start tube section (27) of a first bent tube (31) has a first parallel subsection (27a) substantially parallel to a start tube section (28) of a second bent tube (32) or to a continuous section (35) between a return tube section (29) of the first bent tube (31) and the start tube section (28) of the second bent tube (32), a first bent subsection (27b) continuous with the first parallel subsection (27a), and a first start tube section body subsection (27c) extending gradually away from the start tube section (28) of the second bent tube (32) due to presence of the first bent subsection (27b).

Abstract: A method for compensation for influences, which interfere with the measurement accuracy, in measurement devices of the vibration type, comprising a measurement tube through which a fluid medium can flow and which is caused to oscillate mechanically, acting as an oscillation body, by an excitation unit, whose oscillation behavior, which changes as a function of the flowrate and/or the viscosity and/or the density of the fluid medium, is detected by at least one oscillation sensor in order to determine the flowrate, wherein the material strain in the measurement tube is detected by means of at least one sensor, from which an indicator value for the influence causing the material strain is calculated in order to correct the measurement signal, by signal processing, from the indicator value obtained in this way.

Abstract: An operating device for testing torque wrenches is formed with a carrier for fixing a torque wrench to be tested. A transducer is coupled to the head portion of the torque wrench. A grip holder is provided for fixing the grip of the torque wrench. A deflecting mechanism is adapted for the generation of a torque on the head portion of the torque wrench to be tested.

Abstract: A sheet material information detection device has an external force applicator that applies an external force to a sheet material, a drive unit that drives the external force applicator, and an external force detector that detects through the sheet material the external force applied by the external force applicator. The drive unit produces motion vectors in at least two directions including a direction perpendicular to a surface of the sheet material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for controllably producing silk particles including the steps of designing a particle size, setting parameters to create the particle size except one unknown parameter, calculating the unknown parameter using algorithm, dissolving a silk peptide in a solvent, adding a cleavage agent, and hydrolyzing the peptide to produce the particle in the desired size.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a destination point with a gas having a selectable known humidity. A gas having an initial relative humidity is alternately directed in accordance with a duty cycle along a wet path effective for humidifying the gas to provide a wet gas, and a dry path effective for either maintaining the initial relative humidity of the gas or dehumidifying the gas to provide a dry gas. The wet and dry gas is blended to produce a blended gas having a selected relative humidity based upon the selected duty cycle.

Abstract: A second tank for accommodating a sample is disposed within a first tank. A heater for heating gas is provided inside the second tank. A heater controller controls the heater such that temperature of gas becomes a set temperature. A guide portion which guides condensed dew such that the condensed dew can flow downward and reach the outer surface of the second tank is provided on the inner surface of the first tank.

Abstract: Inspection tool for inspecting micro surfaces such as solder joints of electronic components, weld joints, braze joints, machined surfaces, castings, biological samples, crystals, molded components, fibers, wear analysis, finishes, coatings, and the like, under ambient light conditions. The inspection tool has a low lux video camera mounted on the end of a tool holder. Use of a prism is optional. The inspection tool eliminates the need for external front and/or back lighting when inspecting micro surfaces in low-light conditions. The prism enables simultaneous viewing of objects and surfaces in the direct line of view of the camera lens and at an angle.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for generating a reproducible and quantitative evaluation of the sprayability characteristics of a liquid composition. The apparatus enables continuous controlled circulation of a liquid composition through one or more filter screens with measurement of the pressure drop profile across each filter screen resulting in performance patterns characteristic of sprayability parameters, which can include speed, completeness of dispersion, and stability of dispersion.

Abstract: A submersible water monitoring probe assembly including: a cam-twist type interconnect mechanism; flexible PCBA (printed circuit board assembly) having flexible ribbon cable sandwiched between layers of an elongated circuit board, the ribbon cable extending outwardly from each end of the board and along an elongated probe-body; internal gas-permeable and generally liquid impermeable barrier assembly disposed within the cam-twist inter-connect mechanism between the elongated PCBA housed within the probe-body and an electrical connector of the cam-twist interconnect mechanism; and if used, a vented cable assembly, or other means of transmitting sensor data collected by sensing circuitry within a submersed probe-end. Also, an extender assembly (or use with the submersible probe. At each end portion of the extender assembly is either a male cam-twist type interconnect piece or a female cam-twist type interconnect piece. The length-extender assembly may be electrically adapted to house one or more battery cells.

Abstract: A stored energy trigger assembly is provided including a mounting substrate and a pawl plate rotationally mounted thereto having a pawl mount end, a pawl trigger end, and a pawl lock protrusion positioned between. The pawl plate rotatable between a pawl lock position and a pawl disengage position to which it is biased. A cam plate is rotationally engaged to the mounting substrate and includes a cam plate upper surface, a cam plate lower surface, a cam lock slot, and a push wire engagement protrusion positioned on a cam plate periphery. It is rotatable between a cam lock position and a cam release position to which it is biased. A pawl trigger element engages the pawl trigger end and is configured to move the pawl plate to the pawl disengage position. A push wire assembly is moved a wire activation distance when the cam plate is moved to the cam release position.

Abstract: A firefighting pump transmission for use with an emergency vehicle pump comprising a PTO gear affixed to a drive shaft of the transmission and an impeller clutch driving gear affixed to the drive shaft adjacent the PTO gear. The clutch driving gear may couple with a multi-disk clutch to turn an impeller shaft. The transmission allows for changing the gearing of the PTO without affecting the ratio or speeds of the impeller driving mechanism, and vice versa. The dual gears on the drive shaft accommodate compatibility with a Commercially Available PTO device to be mounted to the housing of the transmission to power a variety of devices.

Abstract: A firefighting pump transmission for use with an emergency vehicle pump comprising a housing receiving a drive shaft, the drive shaft having a PTO gear affixed thereto within the housing, an impeller shaft for turning an impeller of a pump, and means for selectively powering the impeller shaft from the drive shaft, the means for powering may include a multi-disk clutch. The transmission allows for powering the PTO gear while the impeller shaft is idle. A Commercially Available PTO device may be mounted to the housing to power a variety of devices.

Abstract: Systems for facilitating conversion between reciprocating linear motion and rotational motion include a continuous undulating track circumscribing a circular profile and generally defining a cylindrical volume having a central axis; a reciprocator that is configured to linearly reciprocate along the central axis; a converter coupled to the reciprocator to reciprocate with it, configured to rotate about the central axis, and engaged with the undulating track; and a rotator engaged with the converter and configured to rotate about the central axis with the converter but not to linearly reciprocate along the central axis.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for scanning substrates through an ion beam in the process chamber of an ion implanter. The apparatus comprises a substrate carriage and reaction mass carriage movably mounted to a fixed base. The substrate carriage is adapted to support a substrate holder. Movement of the substrate carriage results in movement of the substrate holder, and substrate mounted therein, through the ion beam. The reaction mass carriage moves in the opposite direction to the substrate carriage to counter any reaction forces exerted on the fixed base as a result of acceleration of the substrate carriage.

Abstract: An actuator that at least inhibits the deleterious effects of corrosive fluids, such as salt-laden air, does not rely on relatively expensive materials. At least a portion of the actuator housing is sealed from the surrounding salt-laden air, and is in fluid communication with an air reservoir that includes a supply of relatively salt-free, or substantially salt-free, air. The actuator is configured to exchange air between the air reservoir and the actuator housing, thereby at least substantially inhibiting the ingress of salt-laden air into much of the actuator.

Abstract: This invention concerns a device to transform rotary motion into rectilinear motion, which comprises a trapezoidal threaded (13) rotating screw (11) and a translating nut screw (12). Driving teeth (15) are assembled on board the nut screw (12), radially orientated towards the screw and each one with a truncated cone portion (17) which engages with a side of the threading of the screw. Each driving tooth (15) is supported in the nut screw by rotating on its axis and subjected to axial preload in order to remain constantly coupled to the threading of the screw.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shifting device (1) for a group transmission with a first switching device (9) for switching the gear steps of a group, a second switching device (10) for switching the groups of the group transmission, and a locking device (22), which features a locking member (23), which can be moved from a releasing position into a locking position, in which the first switching device (9) is locked in a neutral position. Inventively, the locking member (23) can be moved independently of a switching movement of the second switching device (10) from the releasing position into the locked position. The invention also involves a method for controlling a switching device (1) for a group transmission.

Abstract: A torque transfer device, in particular in the power train of a motor vehicle, having at least one wet-running clutch device, in particular a multi-plate clutch device, which is actuatable by means of an actuating lever device, in particular an actuating lever spring device, through a pressure member. The pressure member has a blocking cross section which is opened toward a pressure chamber.

Abstract: A shift range switching device is provided to a shift-by-wire system for an automatic transmission device. The shift range switching device includes a range switching unit for switching a shift range of the automatic transmission device between a P range and the other range. The shift range switching device further includes an actuator including an electric motor and a reduction device. The reduction device transmits driving force of the electric motor to the range switching unit for actuating the range switching unit as instructed. The reduction device has a variable reduction ratio. The reduction device transmits the driving force in switching of the shift range from the P range to the other range at a reduction ratio, which is greater than a reduction ratio in switching of the shift range from the other range to the P range.

Abstract: A transmission structure for a transmission (1, 48) having at least one starting element (2, 49), at least one transmission input shaft (4, 5, 50), one countershaft (22), at least one output shaft (41), fixed and idler gear wheels fastened or rotatably supported on the shaft, shifting sets (20, 21, 37, 39) coordinated with the idler gears, the same as roller bearings for support of the shafts, roller bearings (18, 24) being situated in a central bearing plane (D) which divides the fixed and idler gears coordinated with them in two gear groups. For further development of such a transmission, it is proposed that directly close to the roller bearings (18, 24) of the central bearing plane (D), upon at least one transmission input shaft (4, 5, 50) and the countershaft (22), the gear wheels (13, 33) of the first gear (G1) or the gear wheels (13, 30, 32) of the reverse gear (RG) are disposed.

Abstract: Traction planets and traction rings can be operationally coupled to a planetary gearset to provide a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT can be used in a bicycle. In one embodiment, the CVT is mounted on the frame of the bicycle at a location forward of the rear wheel hub of the bicycle. In one embodiment, the CVT is mounted on and supported by members of the bicycle frame such that the CVT is coaxial with the crankshaft of the bicycle. The crankshaft is configured to drive elements of the planetary gearset, which are configured to operationally drive the traction rings and the traction planets. Inventive component and subassemblies for such a CVT are disclosed. A shifting mechanism includes a plurality of pivot arms arranged to pivot about the centers of the traction planets as a shift pin hub moves axially.

Abstract: Traction planets and traction rings can be operationally coupled to a planetary gearset to provide a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT can be used in a bicycle. In one embodiment, the CVT is mounted on the frame of the bicycle at a location forward of the rear wheel hub of the bicycle. In one embodiment, the CVT is mounted on and supported by members of the bicycle frame such that the CVT is coaxial with the crankshaft of the bicycle. The crankshaft is configured to drive elements of the planetary gearset, which are configured to operationally drive the traction rings and the traction planets. Inventive component and subassemblies for such a CVT are disclosed. A shifting mechanism includes a plurality of pivot arms arranged to pivot about the centers of the traction planets as a shift pin hub moves axially.

Abstract: A toothed wheel is described for a play-free spur gear set, comprising a hub (1), with a toothed ring (2) supported by the hub (1), which ring is split into two partial rings along a dividing plane normal to an axis, namely into a ring piece (3) fixed to the hub and a ring crown (4) mounted to rotate coaxially relative to the above, and an annular spring (5) enclosing the hub (1) with the circumferentially-opposed ends (6) resting on support webs (7, 8) embodied integrally with both partial rings, overlapping each other in the axial direction and arranged behind each other in the circumferential direction of the toothed ring.

Abstract: A gear including a gear shaft, and a gear wheel made of a resin material, the gear wheel being fixed to the gear shaft by molding. The gear having a plurality of concave portions and convex portions that repeat in a circumferential direction. The plurality of concave and convex portions are arranged such that they extend in the axial direction of the gear shaft, and arranged such that the convex portions of one concave and convex group are adjacent to the concave portions of the other concave and convex group. Due to the relative displacement of the concave portions and the convex portions, stepped portions are formed at a boundary between the concave and convex groups in the circumferential direction of the gear shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for displacing and positioning an object in space. Said device comprises a base element (1), three motor/transmission units (3) stationarily mounted on the base element (1), three arms (4, 5) which, at a first end, are firmly connected to the driving axle (2) of a motor/transmission unit (3) via a connecting flange (15) each with a single degree of freedom and which, at a second end, are articulated to a common support element (8) on which at least one gripper (8) for gripping the object is provided. A control and/or regulation unit (17) is provided on the base (1) and handles planning of movement of the support element (8) and regulation of the motor/transmission units (3).

Abstract: A steering device for a superposition steering system is provided using at least one actuator. The device is based on the object of producing a superposition steering system which requires no additional installation space in the steering column. The actuator for the superposition steering system is therefore arranged in the steering wheel.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle having a steering column for providing tilting movement and telescoping movement is disclosed. A first locking device is coupled to the steering column and movable between a first locked position and a first unlocked position for preventing the telescoping movement and for allowing the telescoping movement, respectively. The first locking device further defines a predetermined mid-position between the first locked position and the first unlocked position. A second locking device is coupled to the steering column and moveable between a second locked position and a second unlocked position for preventing the tilting movement and for allowing the tilting movement, respectively. A cable extends between the first locking device and the second locking device. A mechanism is coupled to the cable for delaying release of the second locking device from the steering column until the first locking device moves to the predetermined mid-position.

Abstract: A detent spring assembly that accurately locates a detent plate in a gear shift mechanism of an automotive vehicle has a detent spring which includes an elongated flexible strip. A roller on the strip is engageable with any one of a series of notches in the detent plate to properly position the detent plate. A fastener secures the detent spring to a support. A part on the strip engages the support at a point spaced from the fastener to cooperate with the fastener in accurately and precisely locating the strip.

Abstract: End portions of lower-side telescopic friction plates 61, 61 which lie to face a front side of a vehicle body are connected integrally by a connecting portion 612, and a lower end 617 of the connecting portion 612 is fixed to an outer circumference of an upper-side lower column 10A by means of welding. When an upper column 11 is fastened on to a vehicle body mounting bracket 3 for tilt and telescopic positioning of the upper column 11, the lower-side telescopic friction plates 61 and upper-side telescopic friction plates 62 are fastened together. The upper column 11 and the lower column 10 are connected together via the lower-side telescopic friction plates 6 and the upper-side telescopic friction plates 62, whereby the rigidity and vibration properties of a steering apparatus as a whole are enhanced.

Abstract: A brake actuator for the actuation of a mechanical brake of a motor vehicle having at least one output device. The output device is made for the tightening of a pulling means engaging at the brake, with the pulling means cooperating with the output device at an effective pivot point for each rotary position of the output device. The output device has a design such that, on a rotation of the output device at a constant angular speed, the pulling means experiences a variable tightening speed.

Abstract: A thumb-twist throttle control device for vehicles includes a control device housing, a twist-type throttle control device mounted thereon which includes a rotatable handle and a thumb-type throttle control device mounted thereon generally adjacent the twist-type throttle control device, the thumb-type throttle control device including an outwardly-extending lever pivotably mounted on the control device housing. A throttle control device control mechanism is operatively interposed between the twist-type and the thumb-type throttle control device and the throttle of the vehicle and is operative to select one of the twist-type and the thumb-type throttle control device and to operatively connect the selected one of the twist-type and the thumb-type throttle control device to the throttle of the vehicle for operation thereof, with each control device being independently operable to control the throttle yet are not simultaneously operable, i.e. only one may control the throttle at any one time.

Abstract: An accelerator pedal system that controls a reaction force of an accelerator pedal in a case that a vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined speed includes: a vehicle speed sensor; an accelerator pedal connected to a rod having a predetermined shape; a switch that generates a signal corresponding to at least one predetermined speed limit and a selected mode among a plurality of predetermined modes; an engine management system that receives signals from the vehicle speed sensor and the switch; an accelerator pedal position sensor that detects an operating position of the accelerator pedal and generates a corresponding signal; a pedal control unit that receives a vehicle speed signal and a switch signal from the engine management system, and outputs a control signal when a vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit; and a reaction device that is disposed to an upper portion of the accelerator pedal, and that, in response to the control signal of the pedal control unit, generates a reaction force depending on the select

Abstract: Integrated hand and controls protection system for vehicles utilizing handlebars for steering, consisting of; hand/controls guards (guards), integral/stowable mirror assembly, damper mount, display guard and integral electrical accessory mounting provisions.

Abstract: Three elements of a fluid flow control device—switch, button, label—are designed to minimize the possibility of two labeled buttons being swapped on their switches. If the parts are assembled incorrectly or mislabeled, or if the buttons are thereafter swapped on the switches, it will be very obvious; then, if one attempts to fix such a problem, it can only be fixed by placing the buttons on the correct switches, and it can not be fixed by leaving the buttons on the wrong switches.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gearbox drive unit (10), especially for displacing a movable part in a motor vehicle, and to a method for producing one such gearbox drive unit. The inventive gearbox drive unit includes a rotary body (14) which is rotatably mounted in a housing (12) and bears axially—via at least one end face (42) thereof—against an adjusting element (50) which is fixed to the housing (12). The adjusting element (50) can be slid axially into the housing (12) for installation, and can be locked axially by rotating it relative to the housing (12). The adjusting element (50) includes a radial bearing surface (56, 54) in which the rotary body (14) is radially supported.

Abstract: A single rotational axis motion generation and positioning apparatus comprising a work load support connected to a housing by a pivot joint. Rotation of an axial cam supported by the housing, creates a displacement which is transmitted to the work load support by at least one axial cam follower. The axial cam follower displacement is transformed into a rotational torque on the work load support about the pivot joint, which results in rotation of the work load support about the rotational axis of the pivot joint.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming wires, such as wires used as feedstock in welding, brazing, and coating deposition processes. The process and apparatus generally entail feeding through a passage a quantity of powder particles of a size and composition that render the particles susceptible to microwave radiation. As the particles travel through the passage, the particles within the passage are subjected to microwave radiation so that the particles couple with the microwave radiation and are sufficiently heated to melt at least a radially outermost quantity of particles within the passage. The particles are then cooled so that the radially outermost quantity of particles solidifies to yield a wire having a consolidated outermost region surrounding an interior region of the wire.

Abstract: Novel carbon-plus-nitrogen corrosion-resistant ferrous and austenitic alloys, apparatus incorporating an inventive alloy, and methods of making and using the apparatus are described. The corrosion-resistant ferrous and austenitic alloys comprise no greater than about 4 wt. % nickel, are characterized by a strength greater than about 700 MPa (100 ksi), and, when being essentially free of molybdenum (<0.3 wt. %), have minimum Pitting Resistance Equivalence (PRE) numbers of 20 and minimum Measure of Alloying for Corrosion Resistance numbers (MARC) of 30 because of the use of both carbon and nitrogen. The ferrous and austenitic alloys are particularly formulated for use in oilfield operations, especially sour oil and gas wells and reservoirs. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A method of rapidly cooling molten mixtures of alkali metal alloys in which the metal components of said alloys have a wide divergence of melting points that result in separation of the alaki metals during cool down. A calcium-sodium alloy is produced in an electrolysis cell. A method of high pressure atomization of the calcium-sodium alloy and its subsequent rapid cooling produces a calcium nodular particulate that is encased in a sodium flocculant. The material manufactured is used as a nodular electrolytic flocculant reactant in the electrolyte of an alkaline battery.