Abstract

The present disclosure relates generally to a taggant system based on adsorbing at least two different metal elements in varying proportions into an inert encapsulating material, wherein the combination of metal elements and/or proportion of metal elements is an identifying marker of the taggant. The taggants can be uniquely identified by the metal elements it contains and/or the quantitation of their relative proportions. The taggants are stable, are quickly and easily identified, do not degrade or interact with the tagged material, can be designed to not degrade in extreme environments, and have a detection based on the emission of electromagnetic radiation that permits detection at trace levels.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 21/64 - FluorescencePhosphorescence

Abstract

The present disclosure relates generally to thin metal films having an ultra-flat surface and methods of their preparation. In particular, the ultra-flat thin metal films comprise FCC metals. Preferably, the thin metal films are attached to a substrate. Preferred substrates comprise chalcogenides and dichalcogenides. Beneficially, the thin metal films described herein can be prepared at ambient temperatures.

IPC Classes  ?

• C23C 14/18 - Metallic material, boron or silicon on other inorganic substrates
• C23C 14/30 - Vacuum evaporation by wave energy or particle radiation by electron bombardment
• C23C 14/34 - Sputtering
• C23C 14/58 - After-treatment
• C23C 14/00 - Coating by vacuum evaporation, by sputtering or by ion implantation of the coating forming material

Abstract

The present disclosure relates generally to thin metal films having an ultra-flat surface and methods of their preparation. In particular, the ultra-flat thin metal films comprise FCC metals. Preferably, the thin metal films are attached to a substrate. Preferred substrates comprise chalcogenides and dichalcogenides. Beneficially, the thin metal films described herein can be prepared at ambient temperatures.

IPC Classes  ?

• C23C 14/18 - Metallic material, boron or silicon on other inorganic substrates
• C23C 14/58 - After-treatment
• C23C 16/06 - Chemical coating by decomposition of gaseous compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, i.e. chemical vapour deposition [CVD] processes characterised by the deposition of metallic material
• C23C 16/56 - After-treatment
• B82Y 30/00 - Nanotechnology for materials or surface science, e.g. nanocomposites
• B82Y 40/00 - Manufacture or treatment of nanostructures

Abstract

A method of casting an article from a molten metal including: admitting molten metal to a mould formed from a foundry sand comprising a blend of silica sand and a zircon aggregate, the zircon aggregate exhibiting a sharp rise in linear thermal expansion coefficient in a temperature band above 1200° C. and up to 1600° C.; and cooling the mould and molten metal to solidify the molten metal and form a cast article, wherein one or more surfaces of the mould, or of a portion of the mould, in contact with the molten metal are uncoated.

IPC Classes  ?

• B22C 1/02 - Compositions of refractory mould or core materialsGrain structures thereofChemical or physical features in the formation or manufacture of moulds characterised by additives for special purposes, e.g. indicators, breakdown additives
• B22C 9/02 - Sand moulds or like moulds for shaped castings
• B22C 9/10 - CoresManufacture or installation of cores

Abstract

A method of casting an article from a molten metal including: admitting molten metal to a mould formed from a foundry sand comprising a blend of silica sand and a zircon aggregate, the zircon aggregate exhibiting a sharp rise in linear thermal expansion coefficient in a temperature band above 1200 °C and up to 1600 °C; and cooling the mould and molten metal to solidify the molten metal and form a cast article, wherein one or more surfaces of the mould, or of a portion of the mould, in contact with the molten metal are uncoated.

IPC Classes  ?

• B22C 1/10 - Compositions of refractory mould or core materialsGrain structures thereofChemical or physical features in the formation or manufacture of moulds characterised by additives for special purposes, e.g. indicators, breakdown additives for influencing the hardening tendency of the mould material
• B22C 9/02 - Sand moulds or like moulds for shaped castings
• B22D 23/02 - Top casting
• B22D 30/00 - Cooling castings, not restricted to casting processes covered by a single main group

Abstract

A bio-based binder system for use in preparing foundry molds. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes the use of a) a polyermizable hydroxyl-containing component comprising a saccharide, b) an isocyanate component, and c) a catalyst, and preferably amine catalyst, component adapted to catalyze the polymerization of a) and b), in the presence of a foundry aggregate such as sand. The system can be used in any suitable manner, including in either a cold box process or no bake process as described herein.

IPC Classes  ?

• B22C 1/26 - Compositions of refractory mould or core materialsGrain structures thereofChemical or physical features in the formation or manufacture of moulds characterised by the use of binding agentsMixtures of binding agents of organic agents of carbohydratesCompositions of refractory mould or core materialsGrain structures thereofChemical or physical features in the formation or manufacture of moulds characterised by the use of binding agentsMixtures of binding agents of organic agents of distillation residues therefrom
• B22C 1/22 - Compositions of refractory mould or core materialsGrain structures thereofChemical or physical features in the formation or manufacture of moulds characterised by the use of binding agentsMixtures of binding agents of organic agents of resins or rosins
• C08G 18/64 - Macromolecular compounds not provided for by groups
• C09J 175/04 - Polyurethanes

Abstract

A foundry sand comprises a blend that includes a silica sand and a zircon aggregate. The zircon aggregate exhibiting a sharp rise in linear thermal expansion coefficient in a temperature band above 1200° C. A method of casting an article in molten metal at a temperature above 1200° C. includes forming a single or multi-part mold for the article from the above-described foundry sand, admitting molten metal to the mold at a temperature such that at least one or more regions of the foundry sand in contact with the admitted metal are heated to a temperature within the temperature band, and cooling the mold and metal to obtain a cast article.

IPC Classes  ?

• B22C 1/02 - Compositions of refractory mould or core materialsGrain structures thereofChemical or physical features in the formation or manufacture of moulds characterised by additives for special purposes, e.g. indicators, breakdown additives
• B22C 9/02 - Sand moulds or like moulds for shaped castings

Abstract

In one aspect of the invention, an ion trap mass analyzer includes a variable- or multi-potential type ion guide (MPIG) assembly which has been pre-configured to produce a parabolic-type potential field. Each MPIG electrode has a resistive coating of designed characteristics. In one example the coating varies in thickness along the length of an underlying uniform substrate. The MPIG assembly can be a single MPIG electrode or an array of a plurality of MPIG electrodes. An array can facilitate delocalization for improved performance. This chemical modification of a uniform underlying substrate promotes cheaper and flexible instruments. The modified MPIG electrodes also allow miniaturization (e.g. micro and perhaps even nano-scale), which allows miniaturization of the instrument in which the single or plural modified MPIG electrode(s) are placed. This promotes portability and field use instead of limitation to laboratory settings.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01J 49/42 - Stability-of-path spectrometers, e.g. monopole, quadrupole, multipole, farvitrons
• H01J 49/28 - Static spectrometers
• H01J 49/00 - Particle spectrometers or separator tubes
• H01J 49/06 - Electron- or ion-optical arrangements
• H01J 49/10 - Ion sourcesIon guns
• H01J 9/14 - Manufacture of electrodes or electrode systems of non-emitting electrodes

Abstract

In one aspect of the invention, an ion trap mass analyzer includes a variable- or multi-potential type ion guide (MPIG) assembly which has been pre-configured to produce a parabolic-type potential field. Each MPIG electrode has a resistive coating of designed characteristics. In one example the coating varies in thickness long the length of an underlying uniform substrate. The MPIG assembly can be a single MPIG electrode or an array of a plurality of MPIG electrodes. An array can facilitate delocalization for improved performance. This chemical modification of a uniform underlying substrate promotes cheaper and flexible instruments. The modified MPIG electrodes also allow miniaturization (e.g. micro and perhaps even nano-scale), which allows miniaturization of the instrument in which the single or plural modified MPIG electrode(s) are placed. This promotes portability and field use instead of limitation to laboratory settings.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01J 49/00 - Particle spectrometers or separator tubes
• H01J 49/30 - Static spectrometers using magnetic analysers
• H01J 49/42 - Stability-of-path spectrometers, e.g. monopole, quadrupole, multipole, farvitrons
• H01J 49/28 - Static spectrometers

Abstract

A process and corresponding apparatus and system for use in preparing soaps from fatty acid containing oil compositions, and in turn, for preparing greases by the use of such soaps in combination with one or more base oils.

IPC Classes  ?

• C10M 117/00 - Lubricating compositions characterised by the thickener being a non-macromolecular carboxylic acid or salt thereof
• C10M 117/02 - Lubricating compositions characterised by the thickener being a non-macromolecular carboxylic acid or salt thereof having only one carboxyl group bound to an acyclic carbon atom, cycloaliphatic carbon atom or hydrogen
• C10M 177/00 - Special methods of preparation of lubricating compositionsChemical modification by after-treatment of components or of the whole of a lubricating composition, not covered by other classes
• C10M 117/04 - Lubricating compositions characterised by the thickener being a non-macromolecular carboxylic acid or salt thereof having only one carboxyl group bound to an acyclic carbon atom, cycloaliphatic carbon atom or hydrogen containing hydroxy groups

Abstract

A system for use in forming polymer compositions, including as a replacement for phenolic based resin systems, for instance, in preparing foundry molds. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes the use of a) a polyermizable hydroxyl-containing component comprising a humic substance (as can be provided by lignite), b) an isocyanate component, and c) a catalyst, and preferably amine catalyst, component adapted to catalyze the polymerization of a) and b). The system is optionally used as binder system in the presence of a filler, such as, in combination with a foundry aggregate such as sand. A polymer system of this invention can be substantially free of formaldehyde or phenol, and preferably contains little or no aromatic solvents.

IPC Classes  ?

• B22C 1/00 - Compositions of refractory mould or core materialsGrain structures thereofChemical or physical features in the formation or manufacture of moulds
• B22C 9/00 - Moulds or coresMoulding processes

Abstract

A method of providing and using a material storage system that includes a material stored within an intercalated dichalcogenide material. Also provided are novel materials for use in preparing such a system, including combinations and systems thereof, as well as a material stored and recovered for use by employment of such a method.

IPC Classes  ?

• C01B 3/00 - HydrogenGaseous mixtures containing hydrogenSeparation of hydrogen from mixtures containing itPurification of hydrogen

Abstract

A process and corresponding apparatus and system for use in preparing soaps from fatty acid containing oil compositions, and in turn, for preparing greases by the use of such soaps in combination with one or more base oils.

IPC Classes  ?

• C10M 111/00 - Lubricating compositions characterised by the base-material being a mixture of two or more compounds covered by more than one of the main groups , each of these compounds being essential

Abstract

An apparatus and method for non-contact measurement, with nanometer precision, of surface properties such as the local slope and/or vibration amplitude of a solid material, or the surface tension of a small liquid sample. The apparatus provides a laser light source and optic transmission line adapted to be positioned above and near the sample surface, together with a mechanism adapted to move and/or vibrate or oscillate either the surface or probe, or both, with respect to each other. In turn, an interference pattern by the interaction of reflected light from the surface and light reflected by the terminus, that can be correlated to either: i) the amplitude of vibrations imparted to the surface, or ii) the local slope of the surface as determined in the course of controlled oscillation of the terminus.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01B 9/02 - Interferometers

Abstract

An ergonomic adapter (10) for an aerosol spray can (12). The ergonomic adapter (10) has an elastomeric collar (18) that fits around a body of an aerosol spray paint can (12) such that a front portion of the collar (18) is facing in front of the can just below the interface between the body and the domed top of the spray can. The front of the adapter includes a compartment (22) that houses a polychromatic light source (16) for lighting the surface and/or a light beam arrangement (14) for targeting and positioning the spray can (12) with respect to the surface (34).

IPC Classes  ?

• B05B 12/00 - Arrangements for controlling deliveryArrangements for controlling the spray area
• G01B 11/02 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring length, width, or thickness
• B65D 83/16 - Actuating means
• B05B 12/12 - Arrangements for controlling deliveryArrangements for controlling the spray area responsive to condition of liquid or other fluent material discharged, of ambient medium or of target responsive to conditions of ambient medium or target, e.g. humidity, temperature

Abstract

Method for studying the relationship between the sensitivity of a profile -profile method and the size of the sequence profile, which is defined as the average number of different residue types observed at the profile's positions. Improvements in the sensitivity of a profile-profile method can be made by incorporating a profile dependent scoring scheme, such as position specific background frequencies. The techniques of the present invention are implemented in an alignment algorithm, which when tested against other well established methods for fold recognition, shows increased sensitivity and specificity in detecting remote relationships between protein sequences.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 19/22 - for sequence comparison involving nucleotides or amino acids, e.g. homology search, motif or Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism [SNP] discovery or sequence alignment

Abstract

A bio-based binder system for use in preparing foundry molds. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes the use of a) a polyermizable hydroxyl -containing component comprising a saccharide, b) an isocyanate component, and c) a catalyst, and preferably amine catalyst, component adapted to catalyze the polymerization of a) and b), in the presence of a foundry aggregate such as sand. The system can be used in any suitable manner, including in either a cold box process or no bake process as described herein.

IPC Classes  ?

• B22C 1/22 - Compositions of refractory mould or core materialsGrain structures thereofChemical or physical features in the formation or manufacture of moulds characterised by the use of binding agentsMixtures of binding agents of organic agents of resins or rosins
• C08L 97/00 - Compositions of lignin-containing materials

Abstract

A system for use in forming polymer compositions, including as a replacement for phenolic based resin systems, for instance, in preparing foundry molds. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes the use of a) a polyermizable hydroxyl- containing component comprising a humic substance (as can be provided by lignite), b) an isocyanate component, and c) a catalyst, and preferably amine catalyst, component adapted to catalyze the polymerization of a) and b). The system is optionally used as binder system in the presence of a filler, such as, in combination with a foundry aggregate such as sand. A polymer system of this invention can be substantially free of formaldehyde or phenol, and preferably contains little or no aromatic solvents.

IPC Classes  ?

• B22C 1/22 - Compositions of refractory mould or core materialsGrain structures thereofChemical or physical features in the formation or manufacture of moulds characterised by the use of binding agentsMixtures of binding agents of organic agents of resins or rosins

Abstract

A virtual coatings application system has several features to enhance the realism of simulated spray painting. The system generally includes a display screen on which is defined a virtual surface (such as a truck door) that is intended to be virtually painted or coated by the user. The user operates an instrumented spray gun controller that outputs one or more signals representing data as to the status of the controls on the spray gun controller. The system also has a motion tracking system that tracks the position and orientation of the spray gun controller with respect to the virtual surface defined on the display screen. Simulation software generates virtual spray pattern data in response to at least the data from the spray gun controller and the position and orientation data received from the tracking system. Virtual spray pattern images are displayed in real time on the display screen in accordance with the accumulation of virtual spray pattern data at each location on the virtual surface.

IPC Classes  ?

• G09B 9/00 - Simulators for teaching or training purposes
• G09B 11/10 - Teaching painting
• B05B 15/00 - Details of spraying plant or spraying apparatus not otherwise provided forAccessories

Abstract

A blasting system for the removal of coatings or paint from an underlying surface uses an optical device to position the blasting nozzle an appropriate stand¬ off distance from the surface. The blasting media can use a variety of blasting media including abrasives, water, and various specialty blasting media. The preferred optical system is mounted to or integral with the blasting nozzle, and uses a diode laser, a beam splitter and a reflecting mirror to generate a reference beam and a gauge beam. Alternatively, two diode lasers can be used to generate the reference beam and gauge beam respectively. The reference beam propagates in a fixed forward direction, but the direction of the gauge beam is adjustable. The user adjusts the orientation of the gauge beam so that the image of the beam on the surface aligns with the image of the reference beam on the surface when the blasting nozzle is positioned at the appropriate stand-off distance from the surface. Alternatively, the center of the blasting pattern o the surface can be used as a rough estimate for the reference beam, thereby avoiding the need to generate and align two non-parallel beams.

IPC Classes  ?

• B24C 1/00 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods
• B05B 15/06 - Mountings, supporting or holding means, or rests for spray heads or other outlets when in use or out of use (B05B 15/10 takes precedence)
• G01B 11/02 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring length, width, or thickness

Abstract

A virtual coatings application system has several features to enhance the realism of simulated spray painting. The system generally includes a display screen on which is defined a virtual surface (such as a truck door) that is intended to be virtually painted or coated by the user. The user operates an instrumented spray gun controller that outputs one or more signals representing data as to the status of the controls on the spray gun controller. The system also has a motion tracking system that tracks the position and orientation of the spray gun controller with respect to the virtual surface defined on the display screen. Simulation software generates virtual spray pattern data in response to at least the data from the spray gun controller and the position and orientation data received from the tracking system. Virtual spray pattern images are displayed in real time on the display screen in accordance with the accumulation of virtual spray pattern data at each location on the virtual surface.

IPC Classes  ?

• G09G 5/02 - Control arrangements or circuits for visual indicators common to cathode-ray tube indicators and other visual indicators characterised by the way in which colour is displayed