Abstract: A method of manufacturing a blade of a cutting tool, the method including depositing a mixture including a hard material onto an edge of a movable steel strip to form a hard material coated steel strip; grinding the edge of the hard material coated steel strip; and subsequently to grinding, forming individual blades from the hard material coated steel strip.

Abstract: A self-adjusting spinner is provided that is capable of accommodating various pipe sizes without requiring the need for an operator to climb up the support mechanism and manually change the position of the drive assembly. The self-adjusting spinner includes a case having two pivotally connected members: a stationary case member and a moving case member. Upper and lower plates having gear racks are mounted on the stationary case member for moving a drive assembly horizontally across the case. The drive assembly includes a motor that drives gear sprocket through a drive shaft. The drive sprocket then drives a chain that rotates a drill pipe in an operative position relative to the case. The spinner also includes an adjusting assembly mounted on the case that moves the drive assembly along the gear rack upon the actuation of an adjustment sequence. When the adjustment sequence is initiated, the effective length of the chain is adjusted to accommodate drill pipes of varying diameters.

Abstract: Apparatus for engaging a mechanical component, such as a fastener. A handle portion (102, 174) is hingedly affixed to a ratchet mechanism (108, 180). A tool holder support structure (110, 140, 150, 160, 174) is aligned with and rigidly affixed to the ratchet mechanism opposite the handle portion. A tool holder (112, 142, 152, 162, 176) is supported by the tool holder support structure and comprises opposing first and second ends (114, 116) each configured to support at least one respective tool (118, 132, 178, 220, 222, 224, 226, 228, 230, 232). The tool holder preferably rotates with respect to the tool holder support structure about a pivot (129, 146, 210). Preferably, the handle portion and ratchet mechanism are removable to permit a separate driver (196) to impart torque to a selected extended tool. The handle portion is further preferably moveable from an open position to a folded, closed position.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a head and a handle interconnected to the head. The head includes a first compartment rotatably receiving a drive member. Two pawls are slideably received in a compartment of the head. A switch is slideably received in a third compartment of the head between first, second, and third operative positions to change the driving direction of the ratchet wrench. An actuator is slideably received in the second compartment and includes two guiding portions selectively engaged with one of the pawls when the switch is in one of the first and second operative positions. The pawls are disengaged from the guiding portions and engaged with the drive member when the switch is in the third operative positions, allowing the handle and the drive member to rotate in either of two directions driving a fastener, and not allowing free rotation of the handle relative to the drive member in either of the two directions without driving the fastener.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable sleeve abutment structure. A locating seat is arranged at one end of the sleeve abutment body. The locating seat is provided with an assembled locating portion for mating with the tool. The sleeve abutment body is provided with through-type hold tank, which could penetrate through the sleeve abutment body, and define two spaced end walls as well as two side walls. An end wall of the hold tank is provided with a locating column, which has a blocky portion. The blocky portion is diametrically mated with the square hole of the sleeve onto the hold tank. Two side walls of the hold tank are provided with spaced lateral locating flanges. It is possible to take out or place sleeves from both directions of the portable sleeve abutment in a more flexible and convenient manner.

Abstract: Several embodiments are described which allow either the U-bar or the straight bar of a bicycle U-lock to act as the lever arm of a wrench which may be used to remove the wheel nuts of a bicycle. The invention allows bicyclists to carry a wheel nut wrench without adding any extra weight to the bicycle, since a U-lock is normally carried anyway. Having a wheel wrench facilitates emergency repairs such as changing tires.

Abstract: The present invention provides a screwdriver bit set with identification functions. Each bit body in the set has an insertion end, an actuating end and a neck portion. An aluminum alloy identification ring includes a trepan boring for assembly onto the neck portion of the bit body. The aluminum alloy identification ring also has an outer ring surface protruding from the neck portion of the bit body. An anodized protective film is formed on the surface of the aluminum alloy identification ring. The protective film presents bright color and a corrosion-resistant property, helping to prevent discoloring and provide durable identification effects with improved applicability.

Abstract: A screw band locking device includes a linking sleeve, a torque releasing device, a quick connecting head, and a band transmitting device. The linking sleeve is combined with a powered hand tool. The torque releasing device has a combining rod with one end to be combined with a powered hand tool and the other end for an outer ring to fit around. A locking-depth adjusting ring is combined with the outer ring, and the combining rod has a combining groove for receiving a screw driver. A driving member is located at an outer side of the torque releasing device. The band transmitting device has a main body to be combined fixedly with the linking sleeve, with the torque releasing device installed in an inner rear portion of the main body. Further a coiled spring is provided between the band transmitting device and the torque releasing device.

Abstract: A dicing method includes the step of cutting a substrate with a blade along a scribe line free from metal before an inclination of the blade surface reaches a predetermined critical value. The blade surface becomes inclined when the blade cuts into a scribe line having metal thereon. The critical value is determined on the basis of the inclination of the blade surface which leads to a breakage of the blade.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for eliminating mask projection laser ablation engraving defects from a metal film deposited on a flexible carrier. According to the invention, the method comprises spraying onto said defects a liquid pressurized at between about 1500 PSI and about 3000 PSI.

Abstract: A precision machine includes a base having an outer wall, a cutting tool for machining a workpiece mounted on the base, a fixing member detachably located on the outer wall, a first connecting member having a first end and a second end and an imaging system. The first connecting member is capable of maintaining a shape after adjustment thereto by application of an external force, and the first end of the first connecting member is fixed to the fixing member. The imaging system is attached to the second end of the first connecting member such that a position of the imaging system relative to the tool can be adjusted by changing shape of the connecting member.

Abstract: Machine for cutting paper logs, comprising means for supporting one or more logs (3) disposed side by side, means for advancing the logs (3) on said support means, means for the transverse cutting of the logs (3) and means for blocking logs (3) during their cutting. The said cutting means comprise an annular band blade (4) having a bevel (400, 401) on both its edges, provided in correspondence to a cutting station (T) in which the logs (3) are cut and connected to corresponding guiding and actuating means, the said blade (4) featuring a portion (40) defining a corresponding cutting plane which is oriented orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal axes of logs (3), the said blade being provided with a sharpening device (100) continuously acting on both its bevels (400,401). The machine comprises means for the relative motion of logs (3) with respect to said blade (4) along the said cutting plane. The blade (4) acts on one log (3) at a time.

Abstract: Table saw blade guards with lateral guards, blade guard assemblies, and table saws including the same. The blade guards include at least one lateral guard that restricts access to a lateral side, or face, of the saw's blade, and may include a top guard. The lateral guard is selectively moved, such as responsive to engagement by a workpiece, between a non-cutting position and a plurality of cutting positions. In some embodiments, the lateral guard is a collapsing lateral guard that has a reduced perimetrical area and/or reduced vertical dimension relative to the saw's work surface when in a cutting position compared to the non-cutting position. In some embodiments, the lateral guard collapses toward the top guard when moved from its non-cutting position to a cutting position. In some embodiments, the lateral guard does not, or does not appreciably, project above the top guard even when in its maximum cutting position.

Abstract: A diamond wire saw and method provides a frame that includes a clamp that attaches to a target (e.g. piling, beam, tubular), an elongated toothed rack extending away from the mount and target, and a moving portion that carries the diamond wire and motor drives that advance the moving portion toward the target and along the toothed rack while driving the wire around roller guides.

Abstract: A die cooperates with a punch to pierce a blank, and includes a hollow die body and at least one limiting unit. The die body has a top surface adapted to support the blank, a bottom surface, and a through hole extending through the top and bottom surfaces. The through hole is adapted to permit a scrap from the blank to move therethrough. The limiting unit has a limit component which is disposed in the die body below the top surface. The limit component is resiliently movable between a non-limit position where the scrap is permitted to pass through the limit component when being pushed downward by the punch, and a limit position, where the scrap is limited from moving upward when the punch is pulled upward.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved drive mechanism of the sawing machine for woodworking, which allows to install the integrated drive motor and sawing device onto the moveable mount of the fixed motor, so that the screw rod arranged at one side of two lifting rods enables lifting control to achieve most reliable lifting and stroke of entire saw blade set.

Abstract: A tremolo mechanism for cyclically changing the pitch of the strings of a musical instrument to create a vibrato effect includes a plurality of separately adjustable bridge segments, one for each string, which are mounted onto a pivotable plate and adjustable longitudinally to vary tension and hence frequency of a string, vertically to adjust the height of a string above the instrument, and laterally to align the strings horizontally with the instrument body.

Abstract: A musical instrument support strap is integrated with a tuning sensor having of a body configured at one end for attachment to the musical instrument. The body carries the pitch of a musical note struck on the musical instrument and is detected by a pickup. A printed circuit board converts the detected pitch for display on a liquid crystal display module, preferably having a needle indicator and a color indicator. The sensor may be provided independently for attachment to an existing strap. The method of using the strap for tuning a musical instrument includes attaching the musical instrument support strap to a musical instrument; striking a note on the musical instrument; reading the measurement of the frequency of vibration on the liquid crystal display module; and, adjusting the musical instrument to change the frequency of vibration.

Abstract: The vocal track of any song provided by a user may be isolated and data based on the vocal track, such as pitch, rhythm, and/or duration, may be generated. The data may be used in a game in which the user may sing into a microphone and may try to match their singing as closely as possible to that of the vocal track. Feedback may be provided to the user at as to how the user's singing compares with respect to the vocal track based on the on the pitch, rhythm, and/or duration.

Abstract: Various technologies for generating a synthesized singing voice waveform. In one implementation, the computer program may receive a request from a user to create a synthesized singing voice using the lyrics of a song and a digital file containing its melody as inputs. The computer program may then dissect the lyrics' text and its melody file into its corresponding sub-phonemic units and musical score respectively. The musical score may be further dissected into a sequence of musical notes and duration times for each musical note. The computer program may then determine a fundamental frequency (F0), or pitch, of each musical note.

Abstract: Reactive force control apparatus for a pedal comprises: a movement detection section that detects movement of the pedal; a solenoid that produces a reactive force in response to operation of the pedal; a reference reactive force impartment table defining intensities of the reactive force corresponding to amounts of the operation of the pedal; a setting value input section operable to input a setting value for changing the reactive force responsive to the operation of the pedal; and a control section that controls the reactive force to the pedal by changing content of the table, on the basis of the input setting value, to thereby create a changed reactive force impartment table, so that the reactive force to the pedal is controlled on the basis of the changed table and detected movement of the pedal.

Abstract: A musical device is disclosed that performs a variety of user defined or user controlled activities. These activities include but are not limited to producing musical notes, determining, influencing or changing the sound, quality, voice, volume or other characteristics of a note, activating and coordinating the replay of stored loops, recording, editing and playing user created pieces previously produced and controlling peripheral devices such as lighting. The musical device uses a combination of strings and frets to locate notes on a fingerboard that a user may activate. As a result, the invention includes a system to generate a sound corresponding to a note selected and activated according to preselected parameters such as the voice (e.g., trumpet, violin). A user's intent to play a particular note can be confirmed by a system of sensors corresponding to each note position.

Abstract: A room temperature trap for the purification and concentration of gaseous methane. The trap utilizes the adsorption and desorption properties of microporous spherical carbon molecular sieves to purify and concentrate radiolabelled methane for application in an automated synthesis module without the need for cryogenic cooling.

Abstract: A gas separation vessel has a vessel shell and a partition therein. A first bed support is mounted between the partition and the shell, and a second bed support is mounted within the partition to define a second bed space. First and second ports on the vessel shell beneath the bed supports permit gas flow between the bed spaces and the exterior of the vessel shell. A separation medium is placed in the bed spaces. A feed gas is introduced into the vessel to flow through the first bed and then through the second bed to separate at least one component of the feed gas from the other intermixed gases. Output gas is then collected from the vessel. The vessel may have a L:D ratio of not more than 4:1.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for regenerating a sorption dryer or cleaner by periodically heating the sorbing surface utilizing a number of heating elements distributed along the sorbing surface which are alternately switched on and off.

Abstract: Systems and methods for separating contaminants in a contaminated airstream are described. In one embodiment, a contaminated airstream is received and a vortex is created that separates the contaminated airstream into a clean airstream used in the system and contaminants (e.g., debris and particles).

Abstract: A wet electrostatic precipitator is disclosed to include a condensation-growth chamber, a precipitation chamber connecting with the condensation-growth chamber, three dual-sleeve members mounted in the precipitation chamber, three discharge electrodes connecting with the dual-sleeve members, two insulating members covering on the inner surface of the precipitation chamber, and two ground electrodes mounted on the outside of the precipitation chamber. Thus, a uniform water film is formed on the surface of the insulating members to wash away the particles from waste gas. The condensation-growth chamber is provided for the particles to grow therein and thereby enhances the collection efficiency. The insulating member acts as a shield between the discharge electrodes and the ground electrodes and thereby avoids a short circuit or sparks.

Abstract: A device for filtering nanoparticulate matter below 300 nm in size from ambient air within a defined enclosed space comprises at least one filter medium containing at least one filter material, and a fan or blower, which blows or draws the air through the filter medium does so with sufficiently low air velocity in the filter medium that the air has a long residence time in the filter medium, during which time adhesive encounters between nanoparticulate matter and the solid phase of the filter material are highly probable. This air velocity is also being sufficiently low to ensure that, once adhesion has taken place, kinetic de-adhesion by the air flow is highly improbable. Such a device allows to keep the nanoparticle count inside the enclosed space kept below 5000/cc, equivalent to ‘natural woodland’, even though external levels may exceeded 200,000/cc: the removal of nanoparticles by cleaning making this <2.5% the external count.

Abstract: An air cleaner that is capable of efficiently and effectively purifying and humidifying air. An air flow passage from air filters (4, 5) to a blower (8) is branched to first and second air flow passages (31, 32), and then these air flow passages join. A humidifying filter (14) is disposed in the first air flow passage (31), and a movable plate (35) for opening and closing the humidifying filter is disposed in the second air flow passage (32). The air cleaner comprises a control part (40) for controlling the opening and closing operation of the movable plate (35) and the rotating operation of the blower (8). A recess containing the air filters (4, 5) is formed in the front of the body (2) of the air cleaner. An air flow passage extending from under the recess to the back of the recess and bent upward is horizontally partitioned into upper and lower parts by a partition wall (27) to form the first air flow passage (31) and the second flow passage (32) in this order from the bottom.

Abstract: A device for supplying milk from a storage tank to a dispensing element, having a supply line with an inlet end which is detachably connected to the storage tank, to improve the cleaning of such a device. A cleaning device is provided for the supply line, the cleaning device containing a hot water and/or water vapor outlet having a connection device for the detachable connection of the inlet end of the supply line.

Abstract: A press cleaning device and method are described for removing coffee grinds from a French or coffee press. The device includes a stem having a handle and a circular disk-shaped declining plane ramp disposed at different ends. The circumference of the ramp is substantially the same as the inner circumference of the press. The ramp includes a radial cut running diametrically from the center of the ramp toward the outer circumference. The cut is fabricated to provide a lower or leading edge paralleling the horizontal floor of the press and trailing the leading edge an upward slanted ramp that follows like a circular inclined plane to an upper or ending edge. When rotated, the lower edge, which parallels the floor of the coffee press while slicing and shoveling, transfers the grinds from the bottom of the press up the ramp whereupon the grinds are stacked and can be removed.

Abstract: A system for preparing a predetermined amount of beverage suitable for consumption, provided with an exchangeable holder (102), and an apparatus provided with a fluid dispensing device which is detachably connected to the holder for dispensing a first fluid under pressure to a first mixing chamber (110) of the exchangeable holder. The exchangeable holder is provided with a storage space (108) which is filled with a second fluid and a fluid communication (114) between the storage space and the first mixing chamber for dispensing the second fluid to the first mixing chamber. The holder further comprises a fluid communication seal (138) for bringing the fluid communication into operation through removal of the sealing action of the fluid communication. The fluid communication is a channel having a first curvature (171) in longitudinal direction of the channel.

Abstract: A rotatable slicing disc 1 for use in a food processor has a flat disc body 2 having a radially extending gap 3 formed therein and extending generally from a central hub 4 to a circumferential edge 5. A cutting blade 6 having a cutting edge 7 is attached to a blade support arm 8 with a support hub 9. The support hub 9 is telescopically received inside of a hub collar 10 and an adjusting sleeve 13 is mounted to the hub 9 via internal threads so that they may be longitudinally adjusted relative to each other in order to selectively adjust slicing width.

Abstract: A side loading trash compactor, comprising a frame defining a cavity, a receptacle for containing trash, a platen movable to compress trash collected in the receptacle, a first set of linkages having a first end attached to the frame by a first simple hinge joint, the first simple hinge joint having an axis of rotation, and a second end attached to the platen by a second simple hinge joint, a second set of linkages having a first end attached to the frame by a third simple hinge joint, and a second end attached to the platen by a fourth simple hinge joint, and a drive mechanism configured to move the plate up and down, wherein the first and second set of linkages operate in intersecting planes.

Abstract: A method for printing on an article having a non-planar surface in an embodiment includes obtaining coordinates or a geometry for a non-planar surface of an article; determining a tangent orientation for a print head in three dimensions; and using the tangent orientation and positioning the print head relative to the non-planar surface of the article. Embodiments of apparatus for printing on articles having non-planar surfaces are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for roller adjustment in a printing press includes providing a first roller, a second roller and a third roller. The second roller bears both against the first roller and against the third roller and is oriented in an axially nonparallel manner relative to the third roller. The first roller is displaced into a position in which the first roller is oriented in an axially nonparallel manner relative to the third roller. A dampening unit for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: A clamping device for a printing cylinder with two holders arranged on a joint axis, the holders each having a recess for receiving one end of the printing cylinder and being arranged with their recesses oriented towards each other and positioned adjustably to each other, with at least one of the recesses having a contact surface on which the allocated end of the printing cylinder is held during clamping. At least one of the holders comprises a carrier and a contact element fastened on the carrier on which the contact surface is formed. The contact element comprises a material which has a higher current conductivity and/or thermal conductivity than steel. In particular, copper or a copper alloy is suitable as a material for the contact element.

Abstract: It is an object to manufacture a printing plate for an anastatic printing method that performs printing by transferring ink applied to convexities of a printing image to a printing medium. Holes on a surface of a porous sheet having plural three-dimensionally communicated holes are blocked by a coating layer. A printing image composed of concavities and convexities are formed on the sheet by driving a TPH while interposing and carrying the sheet between a TPH3 and a platen roller. Since the concavities are easily formed by fusing and contracting the sheet having open-cell foams by heating, plate-making is simple. Since surfaces of the convexities are covered by the coating layer, ink does not permeate inside even when the ink is applied for printing and it is possible to accurately adjust an amount of ink, thereby achieving a high-quality print matter.

Abstract: An ARM-FIRE device for a pyrotechnic system includes a first pyrotechnic, a second pyrotechnic, a passage extending between the first and second pyrotechnics, and an actuator/blocking device positioned between the first and second pyrotechnics. The first pyrotechnic is configured to be ignited by a heat source, and the second pyrotechnic is configured to be ignited by the first pyrotechnic in the FIRE arrangement. The actuator/blocking device includes a body configured to move between a first position in the SAFE arrangement and a second position in the FIRE arrangement, an aperture extending through the body, and an actuator. The aperture is offset from the passage in the first position of the body and is aligned with the passage in the second position of the body. The actuator is configured to move the body between the first and second positions. The first pyrotechnic, the second pyrotechnic, and the actuator/blocking device occupy a volume of approximately 3.0 cubic inches or less.

Abstract: A networked electronic ordnance system and method for controlling a variety of pyrotechnic devices at different energy levels include a bus controller controlling at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a first energy level and a smart connector adapting at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a second energy level to control by the bus controller. The smart connector may also include a plurality of capacitors for firing the pyrotechnic device(s). In an embodiment, at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a first energy level and at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a second level include a logic device have a unique identifier. The smart connector may also include an energy reserve capacitor and an emitter follower circuit electrically connected to a logic device. Additionally, the smart connector may be connected to an initiator for firing at least one pyrotechnic device at the second energy level.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are significant improvements in security and safety of blasting apparatuses intended for use in mining operations. These include the development of an apparatus and method for blasting that involves activation or deactivation of the blasting apparatus in accordance with pre-determined parameters. For example, these parameters may include one or more of: a location of the blast site, a time for the blasting event, a number of previous blasts, a number of previous blasts within a given time period, and identification of detonator identification codes. The activation or deactivation may involve cross-communication between components of the blasting apparatus and/or associated detonators. Such cross-communication may involve electronic or wireless communication means, including for example the use of cell phone technology, or the internet.

Abstract: A tamping device (10) for plugging an open end of a blasting hole used in a mine blasting application comprising an expandable sleeve (20) having a bore. The sleeve is configurable between circumferentially expanded and circumferentially retracted positions. An actuation member (40) having a head section (41) is at least partially locatable inside the expandable sleeve. The head section and the expandable sleeve are adapted in order for relative longitudinal movement between the head section and the expandable sleeve, to cause the sleeve to be manipulated from the retracted position to the expanded position.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ammunition cartridge case that includes a sleeve, a base fixedly attached to the sleeve and a fiber reinforced polymer composite annulus that is at least partially within the base. In certain embodiments, the sleeve and the base are formed partly or entirely from a metal, for example steel or stainless steel. The base has a central aperture that affords for the annulus ring to fit within. The annulus is dimensioned such that it fits securely within the central aperture of the base and has a center aperture wherein a primer can be located. The annulus ring contains a volume of composite fibers ranging from 10 to 90 volume percent. The annulus isolates the primer from the cartridge case and thereby prevents galvanic corrosion between the primer and case. In addition, a metallic foil can be present between the annulus and the cartridge case in order to assure proper securement of the annulus therewithin.

Abstract: An electrical energy capture system, as may be carried on a hybrid energy, electro-motive, self-powered traction vehicle, is provided. The system may be used for storing electrical power generated on the vehicle and for discharging the stored electrical power for use on the vehicle. The system includes circuitry connected to a plurality of electrical energy storage devices connected in parallel circuit to one another. The circuitry may be configured to establish a respective circuit path for charging and discharging electrical energy from each energy storage device with respect to a DC bus. The circuitry is further configured to block a flow of electrical current from any one of the storage devices to any of the other storage devices, thereby avoiding flow of currents that could otherwise circulate among the electrical energy storage devices due to electrical imbalances that may occur in one or more of the electrical energy storage devices.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the uses of HiOmega flax (linseed) oil, a naturally occurring flax (linseed) with higher than normal alpha linolenic acid content in the production of stronger, more scratch and solvent resistant industrial products such as alkyd resins, epoxidized oils, epoxies, inks, coatings such as paints, enamels, varnishes and films and anti-spalling concrete preservatives.

Abstract: A white, substantially non-iron containing dental material formed from Portland cement. The material may be a dental cement, dental restorative or the like.

Abstract: An aqueous liquid solution containing soluble salts of coloring metals—particularly manganese and ferric nitrate along with a sugar source and fulvic and/or humic acid can be readily applied to rock, soil or artificial construction surfaces impart a natural color tone to such surfaces. In this manner the visibility manmade disturbances is quickly and easily reduced and disturbed areas readily blend into the natural background. The liquid solution can be readily sprayed on rock or other surfaces. When the ambient temperature is warm natural color will develop in 4-8 days.

Abstract: Compositions including various combinations of a starch, a plasticizer for the starch, a crystalline or crystallizable material, and an amphiphilic material for use as binders for coatings for paper and other surfaces are presented. Examples of such compositions include combinations of a starch and a crystalline or crystallizable material; a starch, a crystalline or crystallizable material, and a plasticizer; a starch, a plasticizer, a crystalline or crystallizable material, and an amphiphilic material; a starch, a crystalline or crystallizable material, and an amphiphilic material; a starch and an amphiphilic material. Also described are printable surfaces including a base material with the compositions for use as binder coatings described herein included within or coated on the base material. Further described are methods of making paper that include providing a base material and applying a composition for use as a binder coating as described herein onto the base material.

Abstract: A composition for reducing undesirable odors emitted by hydrocarbonaceous materials is provided. The composition contains at least one aldehyde-containing compound and, optionally, one or more ketone-containing compound and/or a carrier. The composition is free of ester-containing compounds. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the composition contains one or more aldehyde-containing compounds and a liquid carrier. The aldehyde-containing compound(s) has a molecular weight greater than 100 daltons and may be chosen from vanillin or cinnamaldehyde. The ketone-containing compound(s) has a molecular weight greater than 100 daltons, and in exemplary embodiments, from about 120 to about 1,000 daltons. Undesirable odors from hot asphalt are reduced by the composition without adversely affecting the physical and performance properties of the asphalt or decreasing the flash point of the asphalt.

Abstract: Treated carbon-containing fly ash with reduced surfactant-adsorbing capacity is prepared by processing involving contacting the fly ash with ionized gas prepared from a humid gas feed, such as humid air. Treated fly ash with reduced ammonia content is prepared by processing involving contacting the fly ash with ionized gas prepared from a humid gas feed, such as humid air, or exposing the fly ash to microwave radiation or ultraviolet radiation.