Abstract: A stir pin includes a base end portion configured to be held rotatably about a first axis, a stirring portion provided to project from a shoulder member to be rotatable about the first axis together with the base end portion, and an intermediate portion including a second portion connected to the stirring portion to be rotatable about the first axis together with the stirring portion and having a second diameter passing through the first axis, and a first portion provided between and connected to the base end portion and the second portion to be rotatable about the first axis together with the base end portion and the second portion. The first portion has an end surface to which the second portion is connected and which has a maximum diameter larger than the second diameter. The end surface has a ring-shaped receiving surface configured to receive a material waste.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus includes a powder feeder to feed powder, a head to discharge the powder, a first flow passage connecting the powder feeder and the head, a flow passage switching valve provided disposed in the first flow passage, a reservoir tank configured to receive the powder fed from the powder feeder, a second flow passage connecting the flow passage switching valve to the reservoir tank, a first sensor, and a second sensor. The flow passage switching valve is configured to take a first position and a second position alternatively. The powder feeder is connected to the head via the first flow passage in the first position to supply the powder to the head. The powder feeder is connected to the reservoir tank via the second flow passage in the second position to supply the powder to the reservoir tank.

Abstract: A machine tool includes a first machining head which is configured to support a wire such that a tip end of the wire is exposed from the first machining head and via which a molten material produced from the tip end is provided to the workpiece supported by a table, a second machining head configured to support a tool to cut the workpiece, a power supply configured to supply a current to the wire, a conduction block disposed on the table to detect a position of the tip end, a drive device configured to relatively move the first machining head with respect to the table to bring the tip end of the wire into contact with the conduction block, and a first electric circuit configured to be changed from an open state to a closed state by bringing the tip end into contact with the conduction block.

Abstract: A stir pin includes a base end portion configured to be held rotatably about a first axis, a stirring portion provided to project from a shoulder member to be rotatable about the first axis together with the base end portion, and an intermediate portion including a second portion connected to the stirring portion to be rotatable about the first axis together with the stirring portion and having a second diameter passing through the first axis, and a first portion provided between and connected to the base end portion and the second portion to be rotatable about the first axis together with the base end portion and the second portion. The first portion has an end surface to which the second portion is connected and which has a maximum diameter larger than the second diameter. The end surface has a ring-shaped receiving surface configured to receive a material waste.

Abstract: A friction stir welding tool includes a housing and a stir pin. The housing includes a first surface, a housing hole formed in the housing and having a housing hole opening on the first surface, and a discharge hole through which the housing hole is in communication with an outside of the housing. The stir pin includes a pin holder and a pin body. The pin holder has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is configured to be connected to a rotation spindle. The pin body is provided in the housing hole, is detachably attached to the second end portion, and is rotatable together with the pin holder around the rotation axis. The pin body includes a stir portion that protrudes from the first surface via the housing hole opening.

Abstract: A friction stir welding tool includes a housing and a stir pin. The housing includes a first surface, a housing hole formed in the housing and having a housing hole opening on the first surface, and a discharge hole through which the housing hole is in communication with an outside of the housing. The stir pin includes a pin holder and a pin body. The pin holder has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is configured to be connected to a rotation spindle. The pin body is provided in the housing hole, is detachably attached to the second end portion, and is rotatable together with the pin holder around the rotation axis. The pin body includes a stir portion that protrudes from the first surface via the housing hole opening.

Abstract: Provided is a method for increasing yield of soybean by foliar application of a gibberellin biosynthesis inhibiting type compound to soybean plants at the time of formation of pollen, at the time of formation of embryo sac or at the time of flowering.

Abstract: Artificial cultivation of mushrooms is described, comprising growing the mushrooms in a culture medium comprising a fungal bed and a covering soil having laid therebetween a water-absorbing sheet composed of a porous sheet and a water-absorbing polymeric substance. The present invention yields various advantages; for example, even if the frequency of water-spray is considerably reduced, the water content of the covering soil can be maintained at 70 to 80%. Thus, it permits production of high quality mushrooms in high yields.