An abrasion resistant coating is created by adding a ductile phase to a brittle matrix phase during spray coating where an Al-Cu-Fe quasicrystalline phase (brittle matrix) and an FeAl intermetallic (ductile phase) are combined. This composite coating produces a coating mostly of quasicrystal phase and an inter-splat layer of the FeAl phase to help reduce porosity and cracking within the coating. Coatings are prepared by plasma spraying unblended and blended quasicrystal and intermetallic powders. The blended powders contain 1, 5, 10 and 20 volume percent of the intermetallic powders. The unblended powders are either 100 volume percent quasicrystalline or 100 volume percent intermetallic; these unblended powders were studied for comparison to the others. Sufficient ductile phase should be added to the brittle matrix to transform abrasive wear mode from brittle fracture to plastic deformation, while at the same time the hardness of the composite should not be reduced below that of the original brittle phase material.

A syringe-like disposable cutaneous biopsy instrument equipped with a tubular blade at its lower end, and designed so that a vacuum is created during use, said vacuum serving to retain undeformed a plug of tissue cut from a patient's skin.

A method and apparatus are described for determining the absorption spectra, and other properties, of aerosol particles. A heating beam source provides a beam of electromagnetic energy which is scanned through the region of the spectrum which is of interest. Particles exposed to the heating beam which have absorption bands within the band width of the heating beam absorb energy from the beam. The particles are also illuminated by light of a wave length such that the light is scattered by the particles. The absorption spectra of the particles can thus be determined from an analysis of the scattered light since the absorption of energy by the particles will affect the way the light is scattered. Preferably the heating beam is modulated to simplify the analysis of the scattered light. In one embodiment the heating beam is intensity modulated so that the scattered light will also be intensity modulated when the particles absorb energy. In another embodiment the heating beam passes through an interferometer and the scattered light reflects the Fourier Transform of the absorption spectra.

Patent for "an improved attachment for wind mills, whereby the mill may be thrown out of gear automatically when the supply tank becomes filled" (lines 9-13). It includes an illustration and description of the components.

Patent for demountable rims for motor vehicles which are constructed of two sections that latch together, resulting in easier application and/or removal of a tire from the rim.

Patent for a liquid fuel measuring tank that accurately measures fuel and can automatically stop accumulating fuel when a certain amount has been reached, including illustrations.

Patent for motor-plows with a spring-actuated motor driving device. The motor-plow can be rewound for use by the hand of the operators without leaving the driver's seat. The motor-plows have a plurality of moldboards and provide an inexpensive motor eliminating the use of draft-animals.

Patent for an invention to protect oil tanks against destruction from lightning by carrying escaped gas away from the oil tank's exterior, illustration included.

Patent for an attachment to be affixed to a hand plane to guard the hand from splinters while in use.

Patent for turn signal device for automobiles that "can be easily and quickly attached to the frame of the usual wind shield" (lines 21-22) and allows driver to operate it without letting go of the steering wheel.

Patent for an improved thimble that incorporates a thread-cutter tool.

Patent for "torpedoes of the type used in "shooting" wells, the object being to provide a torpedo which will be especially useful in the removal of casings from wells" (lines 9-13), such as easier removal from dry wells. Also, modifications to the hammer are noted to ensure explosion.

Patent for improvements in vending machines for the purpose of vending liquids such as gasoline and oils.

Patent for a mechanism to operate jail doors. The mechanism is "operated with a single movement of the hand to open and close a plurality of doors simultaneously" (14-19). Illustrations included.

Patent for an evaporative cooler. Illustrations included.

Patent for illuminated vest or coat buttons. This device consists of a portable electric lights including an electric lamp, conductor, battery, and a concealable button for toggling on and off. Illustrations included.

Patent for a rapid transit car that runs on cables in the air.

Patent for revolving case and cash register. This device is designed as an account system and provides customers with and account book for keeping records. Illustrations included.

Patent for an invention "to improve the construction of shoe blacking and polishing machines" (lines 10-12) Illustrations included.

Patent for an animal trap. Illustrations included.

Patent for a corn popper used for popping corn and general cooking. Illustrations included.

Patent for a corn popper. Illustrations included.

Patent for a grain fender to be used as an attachment to a grain table. Illustrations included.

Patent for a harrow designed to cultivate only one row of crops at a time. Illustrations included.