Abstract: A system for forming a weld nugget in a metal work piece includes a power supply, actuator, electrodes, and controller. The actuator delivers a variable electrode force to the work piece in response to a force command. The controller executes a method by transmitting a welding current command to the power supply to cause the power supply to output a welding current to the electrodes. The controller transmits the force command to the actuator to apply the variable electrode force, via the electrodes, to the work piece at a first force level. The variable electrode force increases from a second force level immediately upon conclusion of a first duration to minimize weld expulsion. The second force level commences at a point in time in the dynamic resistance profile at which a dynamic resistance value of the work piece decreases at a threshold rate during formation of the weld nugget.

Abstract: Paper shredder thickness calibration using a Hall effect torque detector coupled to a paper shredder motor, producing a signal corresponding to the paper shredder motor rotation, a controller receives the signal and determines a paper shredder motor torque from the signal corresponding to the rotation of the paper shredder motor, with the torque corresponding to shreddant thickness. Signal is compared to predetermined maximum signal beyond which overload is signaled. Also, a method of operating a paper shredder having a rotating motor to comminute shreddant, including providing a Hall effect rotor and sensor; creating a torque signal based on a full load motor torque, and comparing the current torque signal to the full load torque signal.

Abstract: Paper shredder thickness calibration using a Hall effect torque detector coupled to a paper shredder motor, producing a signal corresponding to the paper shredder motor rotation, a controller receives the signal and determines a paper shredder motor torque from the signal corresponding to the rotation of the paper shredder motor, with the torque corresponding to shreddant thickness. Signal is compared to predetermined maximum signal beyond which overload is signaled. Also, a method of operating a paper shredder having a rotating motor to comminute shreddant, including providing a Hall effect rotor and sensor; creating a torque signal based on a full load motor torque, and comparing the current torque signal to the full load torque signal.

Abstract: A system for forming a weld nugget in a metal work piece includes a power supply, actuator, electrodes, and controller. The actuator delivers a variable electrode force to the work piece in response to a force command. The controller executes a method by transmitting a welding current command to the power supply to cause the power supply to output a welding current to the electrodes. The controller transmits the force command to the actuator to apply the variable electrode force, via the electrodes, to the work piece at a first force level. The variable electrode force increases from a second force level immediately upon conclusion of a first duration to minimize weld expulsion. The second force level commences at a point in time in the dynamic resistance profile at which a dynamic resistance value of the work piece decreases at a threshold rate during formation of the weld nugget.

Abstract: A method and apparatus inspect a quality of an adhesive material used for joining a pair of work surfaces during a weld-bonding process. A pair of work pieces are at least partially bonded by a layer of the adhesive material, and the dynamic displacement of one or both electrodes is measured through a duration of the resistance welding process to determine relative moisture content of the adhesive. A control action is executed when the dynamic displacement exceeds a stored threshold value. The apparatus includes a welding device having a pair of electrodes for providing a clamping force and an electrical current necessary for forming the welded joint, a sensor for measuring a dynamic displacement of at least one of the pair of electrodes and/or another portion of the welding device during formation of the welded joint. A controller has an algorithm for determining a relative moisture using the dynamic displacement.

Abstract: A method to diagnose weld integrity in a welding process includes monitoring a weld indentation characteristic, comparing the monitored weld indentation characteristic to a threshold weld indentation characteristic, and identifying a discrepant weld when the weld indentation characteristic comparison shows the monitored weld indentation characteristic violates the threshold weld indentation characteristic.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for a power-saving shredder, including motorized shredder blades; a shredder controller coupled to the motor controller; a timer coupled to the motor controller, and a mechanically-actuated switch (GREEN SWITCH) couples to the shredder controller. The GREEN SWITCH causes the shredder controller, the motor controller, the motorized shredder blades, and the timer to be activated. The Normally Off switch, when deactuated, causes motorized shredder blades to deactivate.

Abstract: Paper shredder thickness calibration using a Hall effect torque detector coupled to a paper shredder motor, producing a signal corresponding to the paper shredder motor rotation, a controller receives the signal and determines a paper shredder motor torque from the signal corresponding to the rotation of the paper shredder motor, with the torque corresponding to shreddant thickness. Signal is compared to predetermined maximum signal beyond which overload is signaled. Also, a method of operating a paper shredder having a rotating motor to comminute shreddant, including providing a Hall effect rotor and sensor; creating a torque signal based on a full load motor torque, and comparing the current torque signal to the full load torque signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for a power-saving shredder, including motorized shredder blades; a shredder controller coupled to the motor controller; a timer coupled to the motor controller, and a mechanically-actuated switch (GREEN SWITCH) couples to the shredder controller. The GREEN SWITCH causes the shredder controller, the motor controller, the motorized shredder blades, and the timer to be activated. The Normally Off switch, when deactuated, causes motorized shredder blades to deactivate.

Abstract: A paper shredder having a ventilation fan; a ventilation duct tightly coupled to the ventilation fan; and air openings on the ventilation duct to blow air so that the natural fall of paper waste is disturbed. The air openings are on the ventilation duct blow air generally sideways or generally angularly to the natural fall of paper waste. The ventilation fan intake is proximate to and provides supplemental cooling air flow to, a shredder motor. A lower lid is generally above the waste bin, wherein the air openings are disposed to blow air. The shredder motor is on the lower lid. A ventilation fan intake is proximate to a shredder motor and tightly coupled to the ventilation fan, the ventilation fan intake provides supplemental cooling air flow to the shredder motor, and the air openings are on the ventilation duct blow air angularly to the natural paper waste fall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus inspect a quality of an adhesive material used for joining a pair of work surfaces during a weld-bonding process. A pair of work pieces are at least partially bonded by a layer of the adhesive material, and the dynamic displacement of one or both electrodes is measured through a duration of the resistance welding process to determine relative moisture content of the adhesive. A control action is executed when the dynamic displacement exceeds a stored threshold value. The apparatus includes a welding device having a pair of electrodes for providing a clamping force and an electrical current necessary for forming the welded joint, a sensor for measuring a dynamic displacement of at least one of the pair of electrodes and/or another portion of the welding device during formation of the welded joint. A controller has an algorithm for determining a relative moisture using the dynamic displacement.

Abstract: A method to diagnose weld integrity in a welding process includes monitoring a weld indentation characteristic, comparing the monitored weld indentation characteristic to a threshold weld indentation characteristic, and identifying a discrepant weld when the weld indentation characteristic comparison shows the monitored weld indentation characteristic violates the threshold weld indentation characteristic.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining that the electrodes of an electric resistance welder are in need of replacement and dressing includes monitoring the rate at which the depth of the weld indentation caused by the electrode changes during the progressive wearing of the electrodes during the making of successive welds. The electrodes are then dressed when it is determined that the rate of change of the depth of the weld indentation formed by the electrodes has substantially leveled off to a stable depth of indentation.