Abstract: A system and method for gasflow management to ensure that the output pressure is within a safety range. Upon entering the input terminal, the input source may pass through a switch valve to reach a pressure-reducing valve so that the pressure is reduced to a reduced pressure level. Then, the reduced pressure level is checked by the release valve and is lowered if the reduced pressure level is higher than the cutoff pressure associated with the release valve. The reduced pressure level is also sensed by a pressure sensor so that the controller can shut off the operation if the pressure reading is not within a safety range.

Abstract: A selective holding tank draining system can comprise a sensor device configured to receive total dissolved solids (TDS) data of a stored fluid from a TDS sensor, and wherein the sensor device can be configured to receive volume data of the stored fluid from a volume sensor, and a central server configured to determine a selected TDS level for disposal of the stored fluid. In various embodiments, an average TDS level of a drained volume of the stored fluid if draining from two or more tanks can be calculated. Furthermore, the stored fluid volume to drain from each of the two or more tanks to achieve a drained mixture having less than the selected TDS level can be determined.

Abstract: Disclosed is one or more tanks wherein each tank includes one or more sensor devices that measure one or more of the volume of fluid in the tank, the rate of fluid input into the tank and characteristics of the fluid entering the tank. The data has several uses including scheduling the draining of the tank and determining where to empty the contents drained from the tank.

Abstract: A shock wave in a gas is modified by emitting energy to form an extended path in the gas; heating gas along the path to form a volume of heated gas expanding outwardly from the path; and directing a path. The volume of heated gas passes through the shock wave and modifies the shock wave. This eliminates or reduces a pressure difference between gas on opposite sides of the shock wave. Electromagnetic, microwaves and/or electric discharge can be used to heat the gas along the path. This application has uses in reducing the drag on a body passing through the gas, noise reduction, controlling amount of gas into a propulsion system, and steering a body through the gas. An apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for actuating fluid flow in a channel of a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device has a first and second ports communicating with the channel. The channel is filled with a fluid and oscillatory movement of the fluid in the channel is generated in response to movement of an actuator between a first retracted position and a second extended position.

Abstract: An adaptive valve assembly includes a pipe defining a passageway for conducting engine exhaust gases, a pivot shaft supported by the pipe, and a valve body coupled to the pivot shaft. The valve body is moveable between an open position where exhaust gas flow through the passageway is increased and a closed position where exhaust gas flow through the passageway is reduced. A resilient member biases the valve body toward the closed position. A retainer cooperates with the resilient member to define a valve stop for the valve body when in the closed position.

Abstract: An overheating detection unit is attached between an oxygen concentrator and a cannula, making it possible to reliably detect a high-temperature environment to cut the supply of oxygen when a user inhales oxygen using the cannula and is exposed to a fire or an abnormal high-temperature environment. An overheating detection unit includes a main body including a connecting member connected to an oxygen outlet and an oxygen outlet portion connected to a tube and also includes a housing covering the main body. The main body includes a temperature sensor in the oxygen outlet portion to detect the temperature of the oxygen outlet portion and a blocking structure portion that blocks a passage between the connecting member and the oxygen outlet portion to cut the supply of oxygen when the temperature sensor detects a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A faucet control structure includes an outlet head, a switch rod and a valve body. The outlet head is provided therein with a through-hole, a downward outlet end and an inlet chamber. The outlet end and the inlet chamber are separated by the through-hole. One end of the switch rod is enlarged to form a pulling head, and the other end is provided with a restricting groove. The valve body has a partitioning plate whose front surface is provided with two clamping claws. An inverted U-shaped flexible piece is integrally formed atop the valve body. Both sides of the flexible piece are provided with a bending section respectively. The bending sections provide a force for supporting the valve body when the valve body is compressed by an external force, and provide a restoring force to the valve body after the external force is removed.

Abstract: Described is a device (51) for monitoring the state of inflation of vehicle wheel tyres, the wheels comprising a rim (100) and a respective tyre (101) delimiting a hollow space (103) inside the wheel from the outside environment (104).

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a fluid or liquid barrier packing system which is adapted to minimize VOC emissions, while also providing live-loading and continuous load monitoring functions. The components of the packing system (including the liquid barrier) are adapted to be installed in a traditional stuffing box of a valve utilizing a top entry method, and without the necessity of having to inject the liquid through any side ports of the valve. The packing system reduces leakage levels as required by low emission leakage specifications by creating a reverse osmosis effect, limiting the diffusivity of a gas through the packing elements of the system. Thus, the packing system of the present invention provides a simplified method to load and monitor a barrier in the stuffing box of the valve to slightly higher pressure than processed fluid pressure.

Abstract: The present application provides a gas showerhead including a gas distribution and diffusion plate and a water cooling plate, the gas distribution and diffusion plate includes several columns of first gas diffusion passages connecting to a first reactant gas source and several columns of second gas diffusion passages connecting to a second reactant gas source; the water cooling plate having cooling liquid passages is arranged below the gas distribution and diffusion plate, and the water cooling plate is provided with first gas outlet passages provided for the reactant gas in the first gas diffusion passages to flow out and second gas outlet passages provided for the reactant gas in the second gas diffusion passages to flow out, so as to isolatedly feed at least two reactant gases into a reaction chamber.

Abstract: A water control fixture includes a fixture body in fluid communication with a pressurized supply of hot water and a pressurized supply of cold water. The fixture body interconnects the supply of hot water and the supply of cold water. The fixture body has a spout outlet configured to dispense water from the fixture body. At least one operating valve is coupled to the fixture body for controlling a flow of water to the spout outlet. A bypass valve is disposed in the fixture body for controlling a recirculating flow of water through the fixture body. The bypass valve blocks and permits recirculating flow from the supply of hot water to the supply of cold water based on a temperature of the water.

Abstract: An apparatus for the contamination-free drainage of fresh water in an aircraft, the apparatus having a fresh water supply line (8) with a fresh water outlet (2) from which water issues during drainage, and disposed downstream thereof an inlet opening (4) of a line (9), the inlet opening being provided for receiving drainage water and the line (9) being connected to the waste water system of the aircraft, and the fresh water outlet (2) and the inlet opening (4) being disposed in a housing (1) which has an overflow (7).

Abstract: An oil pressure regulator includes a chamber that extends between an oil supply line and an oil bypass line. The chamber extends from a closed end of the chamber to an open end of the chamber. The regulator includes a plunger that is positioned within the chamber. The plunger is movable within the chamber between a first position preventing oil flow from the oil supply line to the oil bypass line, and a second position allowing oil flow from the oil supply line to the oil bypass line. Also, the regulator includes a compression spring that is positioned within the chamber between the plunger and the closed end. When the plunger is in the first position, the compression spring is in an uncompressed state, and when the plunger is in the second position, the compression spring is in a compressed state.

Abstract: A hydraulic unit for a braking system includes at least one motor-driven pump. A pump housing is configured to receive the at least one motor-driven pump. A plurality of connection ports are provided in the pump housing as bores intersecting an exterior surface of the pump housing and configured to be fluidly coupled with corresponding external brake lines. A plurality of internal fluid passages are provided inside the pump housing, including a plurality of connector passages, each in direct fluid communication with a corresponding one of the plurality of connection ports.

Abstract: Provided is a fluid flow diverting system including a housing configured with at least one fluid conduit and being selectively open or closed by a plane blade-type gate member configured with one or more openings and displaceable between at least one open position facilitating fluid flow through one or more of the at least one fluid conduit, and at least one closed position prohibiting fluid flow through one or more of the at least one fluid conduit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a micro valve for use in a biosensor, a micro fluidic device, use of such a device, and a micro fluidic element. Biosensors are used for detection of molecules and/or ions, such as protein, drug, DNA, RNA, hormone, glucose, insulin, enzyme, fungus, bacterium, etc., in a biological sample. The sensor can be used for diagnostic application, but for instance also drugs, either therapeutic or abuse, may be detected in for instance blood, urine and saliva.

Abstract: A temperature displaying device for faucets or showerheads includes a pipe, a control unit, a temperature sensing unit coupled to the pipe, a display unit, a sound alert unit, and a power supply module. The pipe is connected to a water outlet end of a faucet or showerhead or disposed inside a tube of the faucet. The temperature sensing unit senses temperature of water running through the pipe and feeds back a sensing signal to the control unit, allowing the control unit to drive the display unit to display water temperature and drive the sound alert unit to give a sound alert. Accordingly, the temperature displaying device for faucets or showerheads displays water temperature and gives an alert in response to high water temperature.

Abstract: A balance or flow limiting valve features a valve body/member having a flow rate indicator/scale containing setting having printed flow rates calibrated in units of measure in volume per time increment between a minimum flow rate position (MIN) and a maximum flow rate position (MAX); and a knob/handle having a position indicator and being moveable to any continuous position on the flow rate indicator/scale between MIN and MAX in response to a user applied force, where the relationship between the flow rate indicator/scale and the position indicator is based on calibrated flow characteristics of the balance or flow limiting valve. The user can set an exact desired flow rate in one operation by moving the knob/handle to a desired position between MIN and MAX without consulting a printed flow curve or balance calculator to determine the desired exact flow rate.

Abstract: A manifold for use with a tank in acid service includes a cylindrical main body having a central longitudinal axis, a tank connection and a plurality of parallel outlet connections in fluid communication with the cylindrical main body. The outlet connections are spaced apart at equal intervals along the main body and extend perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the main body. The cylindrical main body, the tank connection and outlet connections are each fabricated from a high density polyethylene having a density of from 0.956 to 0.964 gm/cm3. In one aspect, the manifold is fabricated from a high density polyethylene having a melt index of <0.15 gm/10 min., a flexural modulus of 110,000 to 160,000 psi and a tensile strength of >3600 psi. The high density polyethylene has a slow crack growth rate of >1000 hours, environmental stress cracking rate of >5000 hours.

Abstract: A self-cleaning suction device has a user's suction end that self-sanitizes externally and internally before and after use, as well as self-sanitizes internally during use. A cover opens to reveal the user's suction end within a containment unit. As the cover opens, the suction end travels from a lower chamber, proceeds through a middle chamber of a sanitizing agent, and is presented for use. After suction is complete, the suction end retracts through an upper chamber with, a scraping feature that removes debris from the outer surface of the mouthpiece, and proceeds down through the middle chamber of a sanitizing agent and a scraping feature that removes debris and the sanitizing agent from the outer surface of the user's suction end. Upon the sealing closure of the cover, the upper and middle chambers are flushed with a sanitizing agent, which is suctioned away along with any collected debris.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic manifold apparatus and system, connectable to a dual stage motor, for use in the topdrive of drilling operations. The hydraulic manifold is switchable between a low speed, high torque configuration and a high speed, low torque configuration. Valves within the manifold control the flow of working fluid through the manifold and into and out of the motor. Switching means are further provided to control the opening and closing of the valves. In the low speed, high torque configuration, working fluid enters each stage of the dual motor simultaneously, in parallel. In the high speed, low torque configuration, working fluid enters a first stage of the motor, returns to the hydraulic manifold, then enters a second stage of the motor, before returning again to the hydraulic manifold. Thus during high speed, low torque operation, working fluid enters each stage of the dual motor in series.

Abstract: A connector for devices intended to collect and dispense liquid solutions for pharmaceutical and/or nutritional use is described. The connector comprises a closing plug pierceable by pressing a needleless introduction/collection tang. The closing plug comprises a check valve with closing lips openable by introducing said tang and elastically reclosable after extracting the introduced tang and further comprising a pierceable and elastically sealingly reclosable membrane placed to hermetically close the inlet end of said check valve. Said closing lips are located at one end of an elastically deformable plastic material body, which is longitudinally crossed by a thin rectangular section slot, the slot being closed on the other end by said pierceable and elastically reclosable membrane.

Abstract: A heater assembly can be used with a gas appliance. The gas appliance can be a dual fuel appliance for use with one of a first fuel type or a second fuel type different than the first. The heater assembly can include a fuel regulator valve including a main pressure regulator to regulate the fuel pressure, at least one auxiliary pressure regulator, a first fuel source connection for connecting the first fuel type to the heater assembly, and a second fuel source connection for connecting the second fuel type to the heater assembly. The one or more auxiliary pressure regulators introduce a backline pressure to the main pressure regulator, thereby adjusting the fuel pressure to fall within a predetermined range.

Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption system comprising two or more vessels, each having a feed end, a product end, and adsorbent material adapted to adsorb one or more components from a multi-component feed gas mixture; piping adapted to (1) introduce the feed gas mixture into the feed ends, withdraw a product gas from the product ends, and withdraw a waste gas from the feed ends of the vessels, and (2) place the product ends of any pair of vessels in flow communication; a feed pipe adapted to supply the feed gas mixture to the system; a product pipe adapted to withdraw the product gas from the system; and a waste gas pipe adapted to withdraw the waste gas from the system. An indexed rotatable multi-port valve is adapted to place the product end of each vessel in sequential flow communication with the product end of each of the other vessels.

Abstract: A fill valve (200) adapted for use with a pressurized fluid container includes a fill port (112) configured to be in fluidic communication with the pressurized fluid container and a fill valve member (201) configured for selectively blocking the fill port (112) and configured to be non-openable after the fill valve member (201) has been moved to a blocking position that substantially closes the fill port (112). The fill valve member (201) includes a valve member body (210) and a break-away head (220) joined to the valve member body (210) by a breakable neck (228). The breakable neck (228) is configured to break when the fill valve member (201) is moved to a substantially fully closed position in the fill port (112).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fluid coupling system and method. The system may include a supply bladder, a discharge bladder, and a ball valve, the supply bladder having a supply inflation portion partially enclosed within a supply housing, the supply housing having a supply inflation passage that provides fluid communication between a central fluid passage and the supply inflation portion, the discharge bladder having a discharge inflation portion partially enclosed within a discharge housing, and the ball valve secured in the supply housing or the discharge housing, wherein the discharge inflation portion may be isolated from the central fluid passage in a first position, and be placed in fluid communication with the central fluid passage by twisting the supply housing while the discharge housing remains stationary, and wherein the ball valve may block the central fluid passage while in a first position and may open a fluid passage through the supply housing and the discharge housing while in a second position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a die cast component, in particular a water outlet fitting, comprising a base body produced from metal or a metal alloy by the die casting method and having a cavity in which a number of openings are provided by means of which the cavity is accessible from the outside, the cavity being at least partially filled with a casting core that is in two-dimensional contact with the inside of the base body and in which at least one channel is provided for the conveyance of fluid, the casting core being made of a material the melting point of which is lower than the melting point of the material from which the base body is produced, and that the outside of the casting core rests with at least substantially all of its surface against the inside of the base body. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing this type of die casting component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a die cast component, in particular a water outlet fitting, comprising a base body produced from metal or a metal alloy by the die casting method and having a cavity in which a number of openings are provided by means of which the cavity is accessible from the outside, the cavity being at least partially filled with a casting core that is in two-dimensional contact with the inside of the base body and in which at least one channel is provided for the conveyance of fluid, wherein in a predominant part of the contact surface, in particular in the entire or almost the entire contact surface region between the casting core and the base body, the wall thickness of the casting core is as great as or greater than the wall thickness of the base body. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing this type of die casting component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a die cast component, in particular a water outlet fitting, comprising a base body produced from metal or a metal alloy by the die casting method and having a cavity in which a number of openings are provided by means of which the cavity is accessible from the outside, the cavity being at least partially filled with a casting core that is in two-dimensional contact with the inside of the base body and in which at least one channel is provided for the conveyance of fluid, wherein the casting core is provided with reinforcing ribs and/or bars, wherein in particular bars which pass through the channel are provided in the channel. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing this type of die casting component.

Abstract: A water hammer arrester for installation into a water pipeline, the water hammer arrester including an inlet for receiving water from the water pipeline, an outlet for returning the water to the water pipeline, a body connecting the inlet and the outlet, and a piston assembly positioned in the body to allow water to flow from the inlet to the outlet between the piston assembly and the body, wherein the piston assembly is adapted to absorb pressure variations in the water pipeline to thereby at least partially reduce water hammer in the water pipeline in use.

Abstract: A heatable line pipe useful for diesel fuel systems and fuel cell systems is provided. The heatable line pipe comprises in order from an inside of the pipe: a) an electrically insulating inner layer; b) a first electrically conductive layer; c) at least two current leads wound spirally around the first electrically conductive layer; d) a second electrically conductive layer over the at least two current leads forming a surface; and e) an outer cladding of an electrically insulating plastic material. The thickness of the second electrically conductive layer is 0.1 to 1.5 mm, and the at least two current leads form wave peaks in the surface of the second electrically conductive layer. The line pipe has the advantage that a fall in heating performance over the lifetime is effectively prevented.

Abstract: An air controller comprises a shield adapted to be disposed around pipes, the shield may include at least one layer having an elongated surface, the surface having at least one geometrical pattern mounted on the surface and substantially covering a portion of the surface. The pattern may include an effective number of plurality of laterally extending repeating elements, wherein the elements are directly applied to the pipes creating plurality of contact surfaces effective to control flow of air from the pipes.

Abstract: A self-cleaning suction device has a user's suction end that self-sanitizes externally and internally before and after use, as well as self-sanitizes internally during use. A cover opens to reveal the user's suction end within a containment unit. As the cover opens, the suction end travels from a lower chamber, proceeds through a middle chamber of a sanitizing agent, and is presented for use. After suction is complete, the suction end retracts through an upper chamber with, a scraping feature that removes debris from the outer surface of the mouthpiece, and proceeds down through the middle chamber of a sanitizing agent and a scraping feature that removes debris and the sanitizing agent from the outer surface of the user's suction end. Upon the sealing closure of the cover, the upper and middle chambers are flushed with a sanitizing agent, which is suctioned away along with any collected debris.

Abstract: A flexible pipe body and method of producing a flexible pipe body are disclosed. The flexible pipe body includes an inner fluid retaining layer; an armour layer provided radially outwards of the inner fluid retaining layer; and a buoyancy layer including a plurality of discrete elongate buoyancy elements provided radially outwards of the fluid retaining layer wound at a helical pitch angle equal to or more than 0 degrees and less than about 85 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the flexible pipe body.

Abstract: A conveying pipe part (2) of a pneumatic material conveying system, more particularly of a conveying system for wastes, which conveying pipe part comprises a wall, which is formed from at least two layers, at least the first one of which is a plastic material layer (12) and extends to the outer surface of the pipe part (2). The plastic material layer (12) is of plastic material or of plastic composite material, and that the wall of the pipe part (2) comprises a second layer, a reinforcement part (8), which reinforcement part is preferably a tubular part, and arranged in the wall of the pipe part (2) at a distance inwards from the outer surface.

Abstract: A tubular thermal sleeve assembly for providing protection to an elongate member and method of enhancing the robustness of a thermal sleeve with the assembly is provided. The thermal sleeve assembly includes a tubular wall of insulative material having an outer surface and an inner surface bounding a cavity extending along a longitudinal central axis for receipt of the elongate member. The assembly further includes a flexible outer layer of metallic material extending along the longitudinal central axis between opposite ends with the metallic material having a plurality of openings formed between the opposite ends.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides conduits with modified interior surfaces that increase the surface area of the interior surface of the conduit to provide the conduit with improved thermal energy exchange with the wall of the conduit. The modified interior surfaces can also be configured to reduce friction flow on the fluid passing therethrough.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protector (1, 7) for an oil extraction pipe. The invention comprises: a hollow, substantially frustoconical connecting segment (2) having a proximal end (21), a distal end (22) and a thread (42) complementary to that of the pipe; and a bumper segment (3) having a connecting end (31) in the extension of the connecting segment (2) and a free end (32), said bumper segment including an internal ring (33) extending in the extension of the connecting segment (2) and an external ring (34) extending coaxially from the connecting segment, defining an internal space between the internal (33) and external (34) rings and increasing the outer diameter of the protector (1, 7). The protector (1, 7) is characterised in that all of the walls thereof having a substantially equal thickness, such that the shape is suitable for production by means of injection, and in that it is produced by means of injection.

Abstract: A method of forming a wire includes providing a first wire section comprising a first material and providing a second wire section comprising a second material different from the first material. A joining section is formed having a first end and a second end such that the first end of the joining section comprising a material that is compatible with the first material and such that the second end of the joining section comprising a material that is compatible with the second material. The first wire section is welded to the first end of the joining section and the second wire section is welded to the second end of the joining section. Forming the joining section includes forming the joining section via a process selected from a group comprising electrodeposition, three-dimensional printing, direct typing process, LIGA, lithography and stacking processes.

Abstract: An apparatus for the processing of wire and/or tubular components includes a base member and at least two wire/tube processing modules. The modules can be releasably engaged with each other and the base member in which engagement mechanically and electrically couples the modules and the base member. The base member includes an operator interface enabling operation to any linked module.

Abstract: A net is particularly suitable for a basket for pisciculture, which may be placed in sea or fresh water. The net is made of a wire material, producible from individual spiral or similarly bent longitudinal elements, wherein adjacent threads are woven together. The net is simple and economical to produce, for example, by threading each longitudinal element into engagement with another longitudinal element while it has a shape of a spiral or screw to thereby provide it with a cylindrical form, and compressing each longitudinal element, when having the cylindrical form and after being threaded into engagement with the another longitudinal element, to provide the longitudinal element with substantially straight wire sections. The threading and compression steps are repeated to form a net after compression of several longitudinal elements threaded to one another.

Abstract: A microfluidic platform and method are provided. The microfluidic platform includes a base having an outer surface and a plurality of wells formed in the outer surface thereof for receiving fluid therein. The plurality of wells are in fluid communication with each other. A lid includes a plurality of channels having corresponding inputs and outputs. The lid is moveable between a first position wherein the lid is disengaged from the base and a second position wherein the inputs of each channel communicate with corresponding wells in the base. The fluid in each well is drawn into corresponding channels through the inputs thereof by capillary action.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel station and a method of refueling a vehicle using the fuel station. The fuel station comprises at least two adjacent base structures with each base structure being provided with a fuel dispensing device, to define a refueling position. The fuel station also includes at least one queuing position in front of one of the base structures. Guide means link each queuing position to the refueling positions.

Abstract: A bi-directional inflating device, comprising: a handle rod comprising an inner tube and an outer tube, an adapter tube communicating with the inner tube, two inflating fittings each having a passage communicating with the adapter tube, a bushing fixed with the outer tube and slidable in parallel to the passages, and two detent assemblies located between two step portions in the bushing and the adapter tube respectively. The inflating fittings each have two grooves formed with a through hole respectively. The detent assemblies each comprise two detents and an elastic piece. The detents each have a body disposed in a corresponding one of the grooves and two end portions extending outwards from the outer surface of the corresponding inflating fitting respectively. The body has an abutting portion that extends through the through hole of the corresponding inflating fitting and is located inside the corresponding passage.

Abstract: A filling valve is provided for filling containers such as beverage cans. The valve includes a tipless nozzle having ports oriented for directing flow. The nozzle includes a valve seat having a planar sealing surface. A spring actuated vent seal is provided for closing the vent tube. The valve stem may have protrusions for centering the stem in the valve body. The filling valve may have a bell forming a cavity between the bell and the valve body, and an aperture for directing cleaning fluid from within the bell to the cavity. The valve body may have a duct for directing cleaning fluid from the cavity to an outlet.

Abstract: This device is used to transfer viscous liquids such as ketchup, shampoo, oil, etc., from one bottle to another bottle. It functions like a funnel but its structure and material composition (plastic/rubber) allows it to hold both containers so that they would stay in place. Usually, the top bottle has very little liquid and the bottom bottle is almost full. The weight of the fuller bottom bottle would insure that the system would not topple over. This saves the unused liquid instead of throwing it out. Combining several similar devices allows for the transfer of viscous liquid from a smaller bottle to a bigger bottle and vice-versa.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a method and an apparatus for cutting a tree. In the method a delimbing & crosscut device cutting branches and able to cut the trunk of a tree is controlled upwards along the trunk of a tree intended to be removed and when it ascends to cut the branches of the tree that are in its way. The delimbing & crosscut device is controlled to ascend and descend along the trunk of the tree step-by-step by alternately increasing and shortening the length of the delimbing & crosscut device.

Abstract: A process for forming an outer diffusion surface layer on a metal substrate or member includes in a first activation stage of an inert particulate refractory material and a metal based material including metals and metal halides. An inert gas and hydrogen halide gas is introduced into the inert particulate refractory material and the metal based material to activate an outer surface of the metal based material. The metal substrate is pretreated to form a diffusion zone extending inwardly from the outer surface of the metal substrate having nitrogen forming an inner diffusion zone and an outer compound or white layer of an iron nitride, an iron carbide or an iron carbonitride compound without an oxide layer. A subsequent diffusion stage treats the metal substrate in an inert gas, in the absence of hydrogen halide gas to form the diffusion surface layer on the metal substrate.

Abstract: Compositions for forming Au-based bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys are provided. The Au-based bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys of the current invention are based on ternary Au—Cu—Si alloys, and the extension of this ternary system to higher order alloys by the addition of one or more alloying elements. Additional substitute elements are also provided, which allow for the tailoring of the physical properties of the Au-base bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys of the current invention.