Abstract: A 2-stage force measuring system particularly useful for a high capacity press. A first stage load cell provides a high force range for measurements over 1,000 lbs. A second stage load cell is for measurements below 1,000 lbs. The assembly improves sensitivity and reduces noise by a factor of 16 (16,000 pounds/1,000 pounds) when pressing less than 1,000 pounds. If a press cycle exceeds 1,000 pounds, the force monitor will automatically and seamlessly transition from the low range load cell to the high range load cell. If the force required is less than 1,000 pounds, only the low range load cell will detect the load, providing a dramatic improvement in force resolution and accuracy.

Abstract: A 2-stage force measuring system particularly useful for a high capacity press. A first stage load cell provides a high force range for measurements over 1,000 lbs. A second stage load cell is for measurements below 1,000 lbs. The assembly improves sensitivity and reduces noise by a factor of 16 (16,000 pounds/1,000 pounds) when pressing less than 1,000 pounds. If a press cycle exceeds 1,000 pounds, the force monitor will automatically and seamlessly transition from the low range load cell to the high range load cell. If the force required is less than 1,000 pounds, only the low range load cell will detect the load, providing a dramatic improvement in force resolution and accuracy.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to thermally form a smooth profile tip on a polymer tube such as a catheter. The process employs a metal mold that contains the desired form. The polymer tube is inserted partially into a cool mold which is heated sufficiently to soften the plastic. The tube is then forced further into the mold until the form is completed. The tube is gripped with a clamp and inserted into the mold using a motorized linear stage. In addition to time and temperature control, the apparatus and method adds load cell based force feedback and a motorized linear stage with speed control and encoder based position feedback. The control software provides a multi-step process flow where each step includes user programmable force, distance, speed, temperature, and time. Users can define each parameter in each step to produce a desired result.

Abstract: Systems and methods to generate beneficial residual stresses in a material, clean, strip coatings from, or roughen surfaces by generating cavitation shock waves without damaging the surface of the material. Shock waves emanate through the target material from collapsing cavitation voids in and around a liquid jet to generate residual stresses without impinging the jet against the material, or by impinging the material at shallow angles, and without significantly damaging or deforming the surface of the target material.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating beneficial residual stresses in a target material by generating cavitation shock waves through the use of a cavitation intensification conditioner. Shock waves emanate through the target material from collapsing cavitation voids in a liquid jet to generate residual stresses without significantly deforming the surface of the target material. A high pressure liquid is accelerated through a submerged peening nozzle to generate a high-speed liquid cavitating jet that is further intensified and controlled by use of the cavitation intensification conditioner.

Abstract: Systems and methods to generate beneficial residual stresses in a material, clean, strip coatings from, or roughen surfaces by generating cavitation shock waves without damaging the surface of the material. Shock waves emanate through the target material from collapsing cavitation voids in and around a liquid jet to generate residual stresses without impinging the jet against the material, or by impinging the material at shallow angles, and without significantly damaging or deforming the surface of the target material.

Abstract: An illumination device of an inspection system of circuit board pin extending from a printed circuit board provided with a shroud to prevent reflected light from distorting or otherwise deleteriously affecting the image received by a video camera. In the device, the shroud surrounds the pin and around a passage for directing the camera. The light source is annular and surrounds the shroud with the shroud extending axially from the light source and in the direction of light emitted from the source.

Abstract: Two halves of a tool hinge about an axis. The hinging action causes one end of the tool to expand while the other end contracts. The expanding end is placed in a recess of the interlocking block befor expansion. After expansion, the expanding end of the tool grips the block. Similarly, the contracting end is placed around a post on the block. After contraction, the contracting end of the tool grips the post on the block.

Abstract: A cleaner for removing floating debris from the surface of pools has a floating body with a central chamber within which is positioned a screen. An impeller at the front of the cleaner propels water rearward into the chamber, and propels the cleaner. The water passes through the screen and exits from the chamber. In one example the screen is mounted in a removable support structure, which can be removed through the rear of the body for emptying. The impeller is driven by a motor powered by a solar cell array and batteries.

Abstract: A ceramic substrate is held in position, while being processed, by vacuum. The substrate is positioned on an intermediate plate and held down by a vacuum. The intermediate plate is supported on an air bearing while being moved into correct location on a support member, after which the intermediate plate is held in position by a vacuum. The locating of the intermediate plate can be caused to move into position during movement of the support member to a processing position. Typical processing to the screen printing of circuits and other features.

Abstract: A ceramic substrate is held in position, while being processed, by vacuum. The substrate is positioned on an intermediate plate and held down by a vacuum. The intermediate plate is supported on an air bearing while being moved into correct location on a support member, after which the intermediate plate is held in position by a vacuum. The locating of the intermediate plate can be caused to move into position during movement of the support member to a processing position. Typical processing is the screen printing of circuits and other features.