Abstract:
A high tarnish resistant silver alloy composition formulated for jewelry and flatware manufacture is provided. In certain implementations, the alloy contains about 92%-97% by weight silver, about 0.25%-3.5% by weight palladium, about 0%-3.5% by weight platinum, about 0%-2.5% by weight gold, about 0.1%-1.0% by weight copper, about 0.5%-3.5% by weight zinc, about 0.1%-1.5% by weight tin, about 0.25%-1.5% by weight indium, about 0.03%-1.1% by weight silicon, about 0%-0.5% by weight germanium, about 0.15%-0.5% by weight gallium, about 0.25%-0.5% by weight cobalt and about 0%-0.5% by weight ruthenium. These unique combinations of elements result in the alloys with the tarnish resistance superior to typical 10K gold alloy.
Abstract:
A boron-free, low-gold, and low-palladium metal alloy composition formulated to provide an alloy with an attractive yellow color, improved tarnish resistance, and enhanced castability. In certain implementations, the alloy contains gold, silver, copper, palladium and indium. The alloy preferably contains less than 25% by weight gold and the weight percent ratio of silver to copper is between 0.65 and 2.65 and the weight percent ratio of palladium to indium is between 1 and 5.
Abstract:
A system and method for handling a request for a good or service provided by a business, member, or professional. A determination of who may be able to fulfill the received request is made by comparing the request to information stored in a database regarding the goods or services associated with persons or businesses known to the service provider. One or more of those that may be able to fill the request are contacted.
Abstract:
A solar thermal powered aircraft powered by heat energy from the sun. A heat engine, such as a Stirling engine, is carried by the aircraft body for producing power for a propulsion mechanism, such as a propeller. The heat engine has a thermal battery in thermal contact with it so that heat is supplied from the thermal battery. A solar concentrator, such as reflective parabolic trough, is movably connected to an optically transparent section of the aircraft body for receiving and concentrating solar energy from within the aircraft. Concentrated solar energy is collected by a heat collection and transport conduit, and heat transported to the thermal battery. A solar tracker includes a heliostat for determining optimal alignment with the sun, and a drive motor actuating the solar concentrator into optimal alignment with the sun based on a determination by the heliostat.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a condiment dispensing system for dispensing condiment and the like which includes a gas operated pump for moving condiment(s) from a condiment source to a delivery nozzle through a condiment conduit which includes a draw-back valve to prevent condiment buildup on the delivery nozzle. A gas-operated pump is controlled at the delivery nozzle to effect delivery of the condiment.
Abstract:
A silver-palladium alloy formulated to provide an alloy with a whiter color and superior casting and fabrication properties as compared to nickel-based white gold and also to impart to an article of jewelry or the like favorable properties afforded by white gold. The alloy generally includes silver and palladium, with silver being the predominant component. In some embodiments, the alloy contains about 75%-85% silver and about 5%-15% palladium by weight.