Abstract: A method and apparatus for affecting the properties of a material include vibrating the material during its formation (i.e., “surface sifting”). The method involves the steps of providing a material formation device and applying a plurality of vibrations to the material during formation, which vibrations comprise oscillations having dissimilar, non-harmonic frequencies and at least two different directions. The apparatus includes a plurality of vibration sources that impart vibrations to the material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for affecting the properties of a material include vibrating the material during its formation (i.e., “surface sifting”). The method involves the steps of providing a material formation device and applying a plurality of vibrations to the material during formation, which vibrations comprise oscillations having dissimilar, non-harmonic frequencies and at least two different directions. The apparatus includes a plurality of vibration sources that impart vibrations to the material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling electrospark deposition (ESD) comprises using electrical variable waveforms from the ESD process as a feedback parameter. The method comprises measuring a plurality of peak amplitudes from a series of electrical energy pulses delivered to an electrode tip. The maximum peak value from among the plurality of peak amplitudes correlates to the contact force between the electrode tip and a workpiece. The method further comprises comparing the maximum peak value to a set point to determine an offset and optimizing the contact force according to the value of the offset. The apparatus comprises an electrode tip connected to an electrical energy wave generator and an electrical signal sensor, which connects to a high-speed data acquisition card. An actuator provides relative motion between the electrode tip and a workpiece by receiving a feedback drive signal from a processor that is operably connected to the actuator and the high-speed data acquisition card.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling electrospark deposition (ESD) comprises using electrical variable waveforms from the ESD process as a feedback parameter. The method comprises measuring a plurality of peak amplitudes from a series of electrical energy pulses delivered to an electrode tip. The maximum peak value from among the plurality of peak amplitudes correlates to the contact force between the electrode tip and a workpiece. The method further comprises comparing the maximum peak value to a set point to determine an offset and optimizing the contact force according to the value of the offset. The apparatus comprises an electrode tip connected to an electrical energy wave generator and an electrical signal sensor, which connects to a high-speed data acquisition card. An actuator provides relative motion between the electrode tip and a workpiece by receiving a feedback drive signal from a processor that is operably connected to the actuator and the high-speed data acquisition card.

Abstract: The invention is a secure container for the transport and storage of materials that can alert the user as to the location and condition of materials, as well as container status. This provides cargo and access information that is critical in high-value or controlled shipments. The container uses a wound fiber-optic layer embedded in a covering. A transmitted light signal is sent through the fiber-optic layer to a receiver. Any change in the light signal causes an alarm or indication. The container also gives real time read outs, remotely or locally, as to the conditions of the contents and the container itself.