Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure provides an iron-based hardfacing layer which includes hard or wear resistant phases resulting at least in part from dissolution of silicon and/or boron carbide particles into a liquid iron-based metal during the fabrication process. In an embodiment, the hardfacing layer is formed by a fusion welding process in which carbide particles are added to the molten weld pool. In an example, the filler metal supplied to the welding process is a mild steel. In an embodiment, the hardness as measured at the surface of the hardfacing ranges from 40 to 65 HRC. In an example, the iron-based hardfacing layer also includes tungsten carbide particles.

Abstract: Embodiments of hardfacing layers in which wear resistant particles are substantially uniformly distributed in a matrix material are provided. The composition and microstructure of the matrix material and the amount, size and distribution of the wear resistant particles can be such that the hardfacing is wear resistant but still retains some toughness. The matrix material may include two components, a first component including iron, chromium and nickel and a second component including chromium and a substantial amount of carbon. The combination of the two components provides hardness and toughness to the matrix material. In embodiments of the disclosure, the wear resistant particles include tungsten. A hardfaced article, in one embodiment, may be formed by fusion welding an austenitic stainless steel filler metal to the surface of a base metal, thereby generating a weld pool; and adding a plurality of particles including tungsten carbide to the weld pool.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described herein a prosthesis for implantation within a lumen or body cavity and delivery devices for delivering the prosthesis to a location for implantation. A delivery system can include a plurality of components which are moveable relative to each other. The delivery system can include a nose cone which can cover at least a first end of the prosthesis, an outer elongate member which can cover at least a second end of the prosthesis, and a tether which can at least partially restrain the prosthesis from deployment.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure provides an iron-based hardfacing layer which includes hard or wear resistant phases resulting at least in part from dissolution of silicon and/or boron carbide particles into a liquid iron-based metal during the fabrication process. In an embodiment, the hardfacing layer is formed by a fusion welding process in which carbide particles are added to the molten weld pool. In an example, the filler metal supplied to the welding process is a mild steel. In an embodiment, the hardness as measured at the surface of the hardfacing ranges from 40 to 65 HRC. In an example, the iron-based hardfacing layer also includes tungsten carbide particles.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a bale processor includes a hopper for receiving baled material, a discharge opening for outputting chopped material, and primary and secondary rotors. The primary rotor has an axis of rotation and a rotatable flail to chop the material from the bale received in the hopper. The secondary rotor is rotatable to chop the material after being chopped by the primary rotor, and the secondary rotor is offset from the primary rotor such that the primary rotor is between the secondary rotor and the discharge opening. The flail includes a pivot tube for rotating about the axis, first and second hammers secured to the pivot tube, and a paddle. The paddle is positioned between and secured to the first and second hammers to generate airflow when the first and second hammers are rotated at an operating speed, thereby increasing a throw distance of the chopped material.

Abstract: Embodiments of hardfacing layers in which wear resistant particles are substantially uniformly distributed in a matrix material are provided. The composition and microstructure of the matrix material and the amount, size and distribution of the wear resistant particles can be such that the hardfacing is wear resistant but still retains some toughness. The matrix material may include two components, a first component including iron, chromium and nickel and a second component including chromium and a substantial amount of carbon. The combination of the two components provides hardness and toughness to the matrix material. In embodiments of the disclosure, the wear resistant particles include tungsten. A hardfaced article, in one embodiment, may be formed by fusion welding an austenitic stainless steel filler metal to the surface of a base metal, thereby generating a weld pool; and adding a plurality of particles including tungsten carbide to the weld pool.

Abstract: Arc welding systems, apparatus and methods are for hardfacing are provided, including particle feeding apparatus. In one aspect the workpiece is moved in an oscillatory fashion while keeping the welding torch and the particulate delivery system stationary during at least a portion of welding pass. The welding torch and particulate delivery system may also be moved in a non-oscillatory fashion. Process speeds of about 18-30 in/min can be obtained with carbide incorporation of greater than 30% and uniform distribution.

Abstract: Arc welding systems, apparatus and methods are for hardfacing are provided, including particle feeding apparatus. In one aspect the workpiece is moved in an oscillatory fashion while keeping the welding torch and the particulate delivery system stationary during at least a portion of welding pass. The welding torch and particulate delivery system may also be moved in a non-oscillatory fashion. Process speeds of about 18-30 in/min can be obtained with carbide incorporation of greater than 30% and uniform distribution.

Abstract: Arc welding systems, apparatus and methods are for hardfacing are provided, including particle feeding apparatus. In one aspect the workpiece is moved in an oscillatory fashion while keeping the welding torch and the particulate delivery system stationary during at least a portion of welding pass. The welding torch and particulate delivery system may also be moved in a non-oscillatory fashion. Process speeds of about 18-30 in/min can be obtained with carbide incorporation of greater than 30% and uniform distribution.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described herein a prosthesis for implantation within a lumen or body cavity and delivery devices for delivering the prosthesis to a location for implantation. A delivery system can include a plurality of components which are moveable relative to each other. The delivery system can include a nose cone which can cover at least a first end of the prosthesis, an outer elongate member which can cover at least a second end of the prosthesis, and a tether which can at least partially restrain the prosthesis from deployment.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a bale processor includes a hopper for receiving baled material, a discharge opening for outputting chopped material, and primary and secondary rotors. The primary rotor has an axis of rotation and a rotatable flail to chop the material from the bale received in the hopper. The secondary rotor is rotatable to chop the material after being chopped by the primary rotor, and the secondary rotor is offset from the primary rotor such that the primary rotor is between the secondary rotor and the discharge opening. The flail includes a pivot tube for rotating about the axis, first and second hammers secured to the pivot tube, and a paddle. The paddle is positioned between and secured to the first and second hammers to generate airflow when the first and second hammers are rotated at an operating speed, thereby increasing a throw distance of the chopped material.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging flexible-pouch packaged goods into cartons, trays, or the like is disclosed. An infeed section receives the packages from a source, orients the packages, and presents them to a picking device. The picking device has at least one picker head which contains a plurality of grabbers. The grabbers clutch the pouches, translate them to the tray or box loading station, then deposit the pouches in a composite motion which enables the pouches to be laid down in a space efficient and visually pleasing shingled manner. The process is controlled by a control unit programmable for a variety of product packaging configurations. The apparatus and process are especially suited for use with stand-up type or gussetted pouches.