Abstract:
A method of making an article includes forming a molten material by melting at least a portion of a mass of a metal and an alloy. The method further includes forming the article by solidifying at least a portion of the molten material within a mold, and contacting the article with plasma during formation of the article. A method for making an article also is disclosed wherein a molten material is formed by melting at least a portion of a mass of one of a metal and an alloy, the molten material is collected within a mold, and at least a portion of the molten material is magnetohydrodynamically stirred within the mold.
Abstract:
This invention provides a system for customizing musical instrument signal processing enabling users to produce different tonal characteristics in created musical pieces. In order to create such tonal characteristics, a new mathematical model of tonal characteristics may be digitally created based on two or more initial mathematical models of tonal characteristics. After simulating a first and second initial mathematical models of tonal characteristics, the new mathematical model is created by interpolating one or more coefficients of the first and second initial mathematical models. The new mathematical model may also adjust a control parameter where the control parameter may exist between two values. When the control parameter is the first value, the new mathematical model is the first initial mathematical model. When the control parameter is the second value, the new mathematical model may be the second initial mathematical model. When the control parameter is located at a point between the first and second values, the new mathematical model may represent a convergence between the first and second models.
Abstract:
Processes for forming a coating on electroconductive flat blanks having two major surfaces and sheared edges are provided. Also provided is a process for forming a multi-composite coating on a pre-sheared, electroconductive, flat blank having two major surfaces and sheared edges. Methods for forming and coating metal blanks are also provided. The present invention further provides a pre-sheared, flat electroconductive blank having two major surfaces and coated with a multi-layer composite coating composition on one major surface. The present invention also provides a method for coating a continuous metal strip, optionally, thereafter forming a coated blank therefrom, and, optionally, applying a second coating to the blank.
Abstract:
An antistatic polymer film having a coated surface that resists the formation of static. The antistatic coating on the film layer includes a polythiophene, a surfactant and water. The ratio of the surfactant to the polythiophene can be at least about 1:1 by weight of said coating. In addition, the coating can contain less than about 1 percent by weight of polymeric binder and can also contain less than about 1 percent by weight of organic solvent.
Abstract:
A method for refining and casting metals and metal alloys includes melting and refining a metallic material and then casting the refined molten material by a nucleated casting technique. The refined molten material is provided to the atomizing nozzle of the nucleated casting apparatus through a transfer apparatus adapted to maintain the purity of the molten refined material. An apparatus including a melting and refining apparatus, a transfer apparatus, and a nucleated casting apparatus, in serial fluid communication, also is disclosed.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a coated polymer film having an essentially streak-free coated surface that resists the formation of fog. The film includes a self-supporting polymer film layer, and an anti-fog coating on the film layer. The anti-fog coating, which can also be applied to alternate substrates, consisting essentially of a copolyester binder and an anionic surfactant, wherein the surfactant contains less than about 0.5 weight percent of a fluorosurfactant. A slip agent can also be included in the anti-fog coating.
Abstract:
A nonlinear model-based predictive temperature control system is described for use in thermal process reactors. A multivariable temperature response is predicted using a nonlinear parameterized model of a thermal process reactor. The nonlinear parameterized model is implemented using a neural network. Predictions are made in an auto-regressive moving average fashion with a receding prediction horizon. Model predictions are incorporated into a control law for estimating the optimum future control strategy. The high-speed, predictive nature of the controller renders it advantageous in multivariable rapid thermal processing reactors where fast response and high temperature uniformity are needed.
Abstract:
A contract system automates negotiation and generation of contract documents by managing the work flow in a contract approval process. Multiple users, coupled by a computer network, access a contract database containing multiple contracts with multiple contract components therein. The system manages communications and security between a client system and the contract database. A client applet facilitates user input at the client system and assists in a standardization of legal phrasing and contract negotiation. The client applet enforces business rules to qualify a contract for expedited approval. Generalized templates are employed to enable rapid prototyping and creation of new contracts. A method governs the automated contract negotiation and generation process within a business organization with assistance from a graphical user interface.
Abstract:
A process for manufacturing large diameter, spray formed billets, rings, or tubular forms by spraying atomized molten metal onto a rotating surface. The rotating surface has a collector surface that is maintained at a predetermined temperature or reheated to the predetermined temperature by an external heat source. The external heat source impinges upon the collector surface to form a reheated or preheated zone. The external heat may be provided by a laser, high temperature flame, plasma arc, electric induction or radiation source. The molten metal is sprayed onto the collector surface in the reheated or preheated zone. Apparatus for carrying out the process is also disclosed.
Abstract:
The invention is a process for applying a phosphate coating to a metal substrate in which the metal substrate is contacted with an aqueous activating bath before the phosphate coating is applied. The improved process is obtained by applying ultrasonic vibration energy to the aqueous activating bath. The ultrasonic energy can be applied to the aqueous activating bath when the aqueous activating bath is in contact with the metal substrate or when the metal substrate is not in contact with the aqueous activating bath.