Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method. The method includes applying a fluid to a perforated upper layer. The perforated upper layer forms an exposed surface of a multi-layer structure. The method also includes allowing the fluid to pass through the perforated upper layer and contact a contaminant within a core layer of the multi-layer structure. The core layer is disposed beneath the perforated upper layer, opposite the expose surface, and is coupled to the perforated upper layer. The method also includes applying ultrasonic energy to the exposed surface of the multi-layer structure using an ultrasonic generator to loosen the contaminant into the fluid. The method also includes removing the fluid with the loosened contaminant from the multi-layer structure.

Abstract: A machine for forming a joined blank assembly from first (10) and second (210) blanks of sheet material includes a deck (1250) coupled to a frame (1002), and a first transfer assembly (1202) associated with the frame. The first transfer assembly is configured to position the first blank on the deck. The machine also includes a second transfer assembly (1302) associated with the frame. The second transfer assembly is configured to position the second blank in at least a partially overlying relationship to the first blank on the deck. The machine further includes at least one compression member (1340) configured to compress the second blank and the first blank together against the deck to form the joined blank assembly.

Abstract: A handheld edger includes an electric powerhead coupled to a mounting location, a member, and a cutting assembly. The electric powerhead includes a motor having an output shaft rotating at a first speed about an output shaft axis and a battery configured to power the motor. The member extends from the mounting location and includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion configured to be removable and replaceable to exchange one or more attachments. The cutting assembly coupled to the member includes a drive shaft, a blade coupled to and driven by the drive shaft, and a worm drive coupled to the output shaft of the motor and the drive shaft, the worm drive configured to cause the drive shaft to rotate the blade at a second speed. A gear ratio of the worm drive is larger than 40:1.

Abstract: Systems and methods for forming radius fillers for composite structures are disclosed herein. The systems include a sheet-locating structure that has a support surface and a support surface edge. The systems further include a separation device, a conveyance structure, and a layup surface. The methods include locating a sheet of composite material on a first support surface and translating the sheet of composite material such that a first portion of the sheet is supported by the first support surface and a second portion of the sheet extends past the support surface edge. The methods also include separating the second portion of the sheet from the first portion of the sheet to form a strip of composite material. The methods further include conveying the strip of composite material onto a layup surface and repeating the methods to form the radius filler from a plurality of strips of composite material.

Abstract: A machine a mandrel assembly includes a mandrel having an external shape complimentary to an internal shape of at least a portion of a container, a first lift mechanism operatively coupled to a first servomechanism to wrap a first portion of a blank about the mandrel, a second lift mechanism operatively coupled to a second servomechanism to wrap a second portion of the blank about the mandrel, and a folding arm coupled to the first lift mechanism and operatively coupled to a third servomechanism. A control system is in communication with the first servomechanism, the second servomechanism, and the third servomechanism and is configured to transmit a signal to each of the servomechanisms to independently control movement of the first lift mechanism, the second lift mechanism, and the folding arm to wrap at least the first and second portions of the blank about the mandrel to form the container.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method. The method includes applying a fluid to a perforated upper layer. The perforated upper layer forms an exposed surface of a multi-layer structure. The method also includes allowing the fluid to pass through the perforated upper layer and contact a contaminant within a core layer of the multi-layer structure. The core layer is disposed beneath the perforated upper layer, opposite the expose surface, and is coupled to the perforated upper layer. The method also includes applying ultrasonic energy to the exposed surface of the multi-layer structure using an ultrasonic generator to loosen the contaminant into the fluid. The method also includes removing the fluid with the loosened contaminant from the multi-layer structure.

Abstract: A machine for forming and sealing a top of a container is provided. The machine includes a conveyor configured to transport the container through the machine, a forming section including at least one bullet arm configured to fold a trailing centering tab of the container, and a compression section downstream from the forming section and including a compression device configured to fold a leading centering tab of the container.

Abstract: A machine (1000) for forming a blank assembly having a blank and a retaining web coupled to the blank includes a deck (1250) coupled to a frame (1002), and a blank transfer assembly (1200) coupled to the frame. The blank transfer assembly is configured to position the blank on the deck. The machine also includes a web transfer assembly (1700) coupled to the frame. The web transfer assembly includes a pick-up assembly (1730) moveable between a first end and a second end of the web transfer assembly. The pick-up assembly is configured to pick up the web proximate the first end and deposit the web proximate the second end in an at least partially overlying relationship with the blank positioned on the deck. A first compression member (1750) is configured to compress a coupling region of the web against the blank on the deck to form the blank assembly.

Abstract: A method for detecting parasitic power circulation within a work vehicle may include controlling an operation of the work vehicle such that a transmission of the work vehicle has a first output speed and determining a first power value associated with power transmitted through a drive shaft of the work vehicle at the first output speed. The method may also include adjusting the operation of the work vehicle such that the transmission has a second output speed that differs from the first output speed and determining a second power value associated with power transmitted through the drive shaft at the second output speed. In addition, the method may include comparing the first and second power values to a predetermined relationship to determine whether the work vehicle is currently experiencing parasitic power circulation, wherein the predetermined relationship is associated with operation of the work vehicle without parasitic power circulation.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a control method for controlling the operation of a lift assembly of a work vehicle, wherein the lift assembly includes an implement and at least one loader arm coupled to the implement. As such, the method may generally include transmitting at least one first command signal in order to simultaneously move the loader arm and the implement towards a return position. The first command signal(s) are associated with moving the loader arms at a movement velocity. The method also includes monitoring a height of the implement relative to a driving surface of the work vehicle during simultaneous movement of the loader arm and the implement. As such, the method may also include reducing the movement velocity of the loader arm when the height is below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a work vehicle such as a loader having a bucket attached to the lift arms of a lift assembly and including a system and method for controlling the operation of the lift assembly so as to enable the loader to move over varying terrain without spilling the contents of the bucket. The system includes a chassis sensor, a bucket sensor, a gravity sensor, and a control system for varying the position of the bucket. The system adjusts the bucket's orientation via the control system to maintain a 90 degree difference between the bucket vector and the gravity vector.

Abstract: Methods for forming radius fillers for composite structures are disclosed herein. The methods include locating a sheet of composite material on a first support surface and translating the sheet of composite material such that a first portion of the sheet is supported by the first support surface and a second portion of the sheet extends past the support surface edge. The methods also include supporting the second portion of the sheet with a second support surface and separating the second portion of the sheet from the first portion of the sheet to form a strip of composite material. The methods further include conveying the strip of composite material onto a layup surface.

Abstract: A method and system for improving energy efficiency of a refrigeration system include system components such as a condenser, one or more expansion valves, an evaporator, one or more compressors, and a system controller electrically coupled to the one or more of the system components, according to one embodiment. The system controller is configured to selectively actuate, directly or indirectly, the one or more expansion valves, the condenser, and/or the one or more compressors, at least partially based on temperatures and/or pressures of the system fluid at various points of the system, to control a temperature of a refrigerated area.

Abstract: A machine for filling a secondary container with a plurality of primary containers is provided. The machine includes a frame, a secondary container filling section coupled to the frame and configured to position the primary containers within the secondary container, and a first rail member coupled to the frame. The first rail member includes a chain, a support rail that extends in a longitudinal direction between a supply source of secondary containers and the secondary container filling section, and at least one longitudinally extending interface surface coupled to the support rail and configured to receive the chain, such that the chain is movable in the longitudinal direction. The first rail member also includes an articulated chain cover secured to, and movable with, the chain, the articulated chain cover defining a support surface on which the secondary containers are conveyable between the supply source and the secondary container filling section.

Abstract: A machine for forming a container from a blank of sheet material includes a forming station and a compression station. The forming station is configured to form a reinforcing corner assembly from first and second reinforcing panels extending from an end panel of the blank. The compression station is configured to rotate side panels and end panels of the blank to be substantially perpendicular to a bottom panel of the blank. The compression station includes a plurality of plows at least partially defining a plunger opening, and a plunger vertically movable through the plunger opening. The plurality of plows are configured to rotate the side panels and the end panels towards the interior surface of the bottom panel.

Abstract: A method of forming a container from a blank of sheet material using a machine is provided. The blank includes a bottom panel, two side panels, two end panels, and a reinforcing panel assembly extending from a first side panel. The machine includes a hopper station, a corner post forming station, and a plunger station. The method includes rotating the reinforcing panel assembly upwardly toward the first side panel as the blank is transported from the hopper station to the corner post forming station, forming a corner wall and a reinforcing end tab by folding reinforcing panels about fold lines as the blank is transported through the corner post forming station, rotating the side panels and the end panels to be substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel by directing the blank through the plunger station, and coupling the reinforcing end tab to an end panel to form the container.

Abstract: A machine for forming a container from a blank of sheet material is provided. The blank includes a reinforcing panel assembly for forming a reinforcing corner assembly. The machine includes a hopper station for storing the blank in a substantially flat configuration and a forming station for forming the blank into the container. The forming station includes an initial forming station that rotates a first portion of the reinforcing panel assembly with respect to a second portion of the reinforcing panel assembly, and a secondary forming station having male and female forming members with shapes corresponding to an interior shape and an exterior shape of the reinforcing corner assembly, respectively. The male and the female forming members are configured to form the reinforcing corner assembly by compressing together the first and second portions of the reinforcing panel assembly.

Abstract: A sandwich structure forming method including the steps of (1) providing a sandwich structure comprising a core positioned between a first liner sheet and a second liner sheet; (2) positioning the sandwich structure into a cavity of a die assembly; and (3) pressurizing the core to expand the sandwich structure into engagement with the die assembly.

Abstract: A patch antenna array includes a plurality of patch antenna elements spaced apart from each other and arranged as an array. Each patch antenna element has a substrate, a radiating patch associated with the substrate and a ground plane associated with the substrate. The patch antenna elements are discrete and separate from each other. At least one element frame holds the discrete antenna elements in the array. Each element frame captures and positions at least two patch antenna elements relative to each other.

Abstract: Systems and methods for forming radius fillers for composite structures are disclosed herein. The systems include a sheet-locating structure that has a support surface and a support surface edge. The systems further include a separation device, a conveyance structure, and a layup surface. The methods include locating a sheet of composite material on a first support surface and translating the sheet of composite material such that a first portion of the sheet is supported by the first support surface and a second portion of the sheet extends past the support surface edge. The methods also include separating the second portion of the sheet from the first portion of the sheet to form a strip of composite material. The methods further include conveying the strip of composite material onto a layup surface and repeating the methods to form the radius filler from a plurality of strips of composite material.