Abstract: A remote laser shock processing system for improving the properties of a solid workpiece by providing shock waves therein. The system includes a remote output end and a laser beam delivery arrangement for directing a beam of coherent energy to a specific location along a workpiece. In addition, a method of utilizing the remote laser shock processing system is included.

Abstract: An hydraulic piston-cylinder assembly configured within a press machine enables adjustments to be made to the shutheight parameter through changes in the positioning of the bed in accordance with hydraulic pressure variations in the piston-cylinder assembly. The cylinder device, which is arranged to be reversibly movable with respect to the piston device under the influence of the pressure variations, is coupled to the bed such that movements of the cylinder device induce a corresponding displacement of the bed, thereby changing the shutheight. The piston device is characterized by a property of tensile elasticity in at least one dimension thereof substantially coincident with the shutheight dimension. Accordingly, in one operating mode, there may be effectuated a reversible displacement of the cylinder device beyond its established range-of-motion by changing the hydraulic pressurization of the piston-cylinder assembly in a manner sufficient to induce an elastic tensile effect in the piston device.

Abstract: A card processor, which is operative to process a card having a data recording portion and an erasable/rewritable display portion comprising a reversible thermosensitive recording material, is integrally arranged with fuel dispensing equipment such as a pump apparatus. The card processor and pump controller are arranged for communication with a network terminal that connects these devices to a communications network linked to entities such as banks and other interested vendors. A user-activated server provides a touchscreen interface to the card processor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the functionality, quality, and usefulness of a beam of coherent energy used in laser shock processing by utilizing an apodizer within the oscillator or amplifier of a laser. The apodizer used may be a phase plate, a serrated aperture, a birefringent beam shaper, an absorbent graded aperture, a reflective graded aperture, or a combination thereof. A method and apparatus for reducing or preventing damage to an oscillator and an amplifier utilizes an apodizer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quality control of laser shock processing. The method includes measuring emissions and characteristics of a workpiece when subjected to a pulse of coherent energy from a laser. These empirically measured emissions and characteristics of the workpiece are correlated to theoretical shock pressure, residual stress profile, or fatigue life of the workpiece. The apparatus may include a radiometer or acoustic detection device for measuring these characteristics.

Abstract: A mechanical press having a press deflection controller. The press includes press members which have work surfaces, such as a slide and a bed. The press deflection controller includes a tie rod which is encased in a tube. The tie rod is connected to the press member and is maintained in tension while the tube is maintained in compression. Adjusting the tension in the tie rod during press operation works to adjust deflection in the press member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically controlling the clutch torque of a mechanical press is utilized to lessen the impact of a die wreck condition. Press machine operation is continually monitored including slippage of the engaged clutch relative to the flywheel. The clutch is initially engaged at full engagement pressure. Clutch engagement pressure is then reduced until clutch slippage occurs. At the point at which clutch slippage occurs, clutch engagement pressure is increased until clutch slippage is eliminated. Clutch slippage continues to be monitored and if clutch slippage occurs again, a press fault is indicated. Since the operating tonnage of the mechanical press is kept to a minimum, press damage due to a die wreck is minimized.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for repairing damage to an airfoil. The method provides for the removal of a section of the airfoil that substantially encompasses the damaged area, which consequently leaves a void and a cut-away surface in the airfoil. A replacement piece larger than the residual void is provided for use in replacing the section removed from the airfoil. A joining operation welds or otherwise joins the replacement piece to the airfoil at the cut-away surface to form a joined airfoil. The joined airfoil has a seam between the airfoil and the replacement piece. At least a portion of the seam is processed by laser shock peening to induce compressive residual stresses therein.

Abstract: A retarder with retarder housing for receiving a retarder unit comprising a stator and a rotor fitted on the retarder shaft. The retarder is intended for assembly in a transmission housing. The retarder housing features a cup-shaped recess matching in its design the outer contours of rotor and stator, (a preassembled retarder unit) thus being able to receive the retarder unit in an assembled state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for improving properties of a solid material by providing shockwaves therethrough. The method includes controlling the incident angle &THgr; of the laser beam applied to the workpiece so that the required residual stresses are created in the workpiece. Particular methods of control such as lenses, polarizers, and particular transparent overlay geometries are shown. The apparatus includes structure for controlling the position and incident angle of the laser beam then controlling the polarization and/or the shape of the incident impact area, based on such incident angle &THgr; or thickness of the workpiece.

Abstract: A vapor recovery system employs a sensor apparatus for determining the actual content of hydrocarbon in the effluent vapor stream. The vapor flow of the hydrocarbon effluents is regulated by controlling an adjustable valve configured at the intake or outtake side of the vapor pump in accordance with the measured hydrocarbon content. The vapor flow rate is effectively varied without requiring any change in the pump operating speed. Sensor apparatus for performing the hydrocarbon measurements include a fiber-optic sensor, an oxygen sensor, and a crystal oscillation sensor. A solenoid assembly is provided to suitably activate the valve in response to the sensor measurement data.

Abstract: A lubricant feeding system for shaft and hub profile assemblies that can move longitudinally along an axis. A first exterior assembly member (e.g., shaft or hub) encloses at least partly a second interior member (e.g., hub or shaft) along the circumference. At least one distributing channel, extending circumferentially over at least part of the inner circumference, is provided in the region of the profile base. This distributing channel is coupled with at least one lubricant feeding channel extending towards the external circumference of the assembly exterior member The invention includes a distributing member extending circumferentially over the length of the distributing channel, splits the distributing channel into a first partial area located radially outward and a second partial area located radially inward. The distributing member and the distributing channel are designed to form, when they co-operate, a plurality of valve areas between the first and the second partial of the distributing channel.

Abstract: A lifting device enabling loads to be lifted over long distances, characterized in that it comprises a housing fitted with two rotary pinions driving an articulated lifting column and comprising two parallel articulated sides joined by means of connecting shafts, each side comprising two contiguous rows of essentially rectangular plates place end to end to end in a same row and longitudinally offset one row from another the plates of one row being applied against the plates of the contiguous row and having a front active face and a rear active face which move to bear respectively against the rear and front active faces of the adjacent plates when the section of lifting column comprising the plates is vertically extended.

Abstract: A welding method for materials to be welded which are subjected to fluoride passivation treatment, and a fluoride passivation retreatment method, wherein, when fluoride passivation retreatment is conducted after welding, there is no generation of particles or dust. The method provides superior resistance to fluorine system gases. During fluoride passivation treatment, hydrogen is added to the gas (the back shield gas) flowing through the materials to be welded. In one embodiment of the welding method, the thickness of the fluoride passivated film in a predetermined range from the butt end surfaces of the materials to be welded is set to 10 nm or less, followed by subsequent welding. Furthermore, the fluoride passivation retreatment method, includes the steps of heating at least the welded parts following welding and flowing a gas containing fluorine gas in the interior portion of the parts.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a hand held device attachable to a mechanical press to measure press conditions. The device includes signal processing circuitry for processing a corresponding signal developed from an accelerometer. The signal processing circuitry has acceleration processing circuitry for calculating a press acceleration signal, a velocity processing circuitry for calculating a press velocity signal, and displacement processing circuitry for calculating a press displacement signal. Display circuitry is used for displaying at least one of said calculated signals. A multi-contact switch connect the acceleration, velocity, and displacement processing circuitry together permitting an operator to select one of the calculated signals for input to the display circuitry. A method of utilization of the device is also described.

Abstract: A current monitoring system for an electric motor, whereby the current is halted to the motor if the electrical load exceeds calculated electrical load limits. The system includes a current measuring device, sensors for detecting operational functions, a system for setting an electrical current limit setpoint, and a switch for halting application of electrical current to the motor. A method of halting an electrical motor if the electrical load exceeds a calculated electrical current limit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of altering the properties of a solid material by varying the temperature of the solid material either before or after or both before and after laser shock processing the solid material. In addition, the method may be repeated for successive laser shock processing of the solid material.

Abstract: A semiconductor arithmetic circuit including 2 MOS (Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type transistors, the source electrodes of which are connected to one another and having gate electrodes connected to a signal line having a predetermined potential via switching elements, and having at least two input electrodes capacitively coupled with the gate electrodes, wherein a first voltage and second voltage are applied to, respectively, a first and second input electrode of a first MOS transistor. An input signal voltage is applied to both a first and second input electrode of a second MOS transistor, and then a second switching element is caused to conduct, and the gate electrodes are set to the signal line potential, then the second switching element is isolated and the gate electrodes are placed in an electrically floating state.

Abstract: A fluid control valve, which can control a fluid having a pressure in the order of 10 kg/cm2, has a response time in the order of several milliseconds can be made small in size, and a fluid supply/exhaust system that provides less gas counter flow in the event of a plurality of valves being used. A fluid control valve of the invention controls a fluid moving in a valve body by closing and opening a portion between a valve seat and a valve holder by use of a drive unit. The drive unit has a rod-shaped shaft for application of pressure through the valve seat and the valve holder, and a member “a” fixed around the rod-shaped shaft. The member “a” is made from a magnetic material, and has a space between it and the shaft. A coil provided in parallel to the shaft, moves the shaft via the member “a” up and down by electromagnetic induction, and makes use of a spring force to close and open a portion between the valve seat and the valve holder.