Abstract: In an aspect, a composite material system comprises: a structure having an architected three-dimensional geometry; wherein said three-dimensional geometry is monolithic and deterministic; and a matrix phase; wherein said matrix phase at least partially infiltrates said structure. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional geometry is a nano- or micro-architected three-dimensional geometry.

Abstract: A clamped project bracket assembly for securing a clamped project is provided. The assembly includes a clamp assembly having a structural member, a first clamp portion and a second clamp portion. The first and second clamp portions apply a force along a first direction to the clamped project. The assembly further includes a clamping caul assembly having a first side bracket and a second side bracket detachably coupled to the clamp assembly, and a top bracket coupled to the first and second side brackets. The top bracket includes a recess formed therethrough. The clamping caul assembly further includes at least one threaded member terminating in a clamp end. The threaded member is configured to extend through the recess and the clamp end is configured to apply a force along a second direction to the clamped project that is perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A box spring assembly system includes a platform having first and second box spring receiving areas. The platform including a conveyor belt for moving a base unit and a wire grid from the first box spring receiving area to the second box spring receiving area The system including a carriage having a plurality of firing mechanisms. The box spring assembly system includes an electronic control unit configured to perform various functions, including but not limited to, determine a size of the base unit positioned within the first box spring receiving area, position the plurality of firing mechanisms based on the detected size of the base unit, instruct the firing mechanisms to secure the wire grid to the base unit, and instruct the conveyor belt to move the base unit and the wire grid from the first box spring receiving area to the second box spring receiving area.

Abstract: A method for repairing damage at a damage site on the surface of a nickel- or cobalt-based alloy. The method includes: machining at the damage site; and applying a high entropy alloy (HEA) repair material to the damage site via high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) spray, high velocity air-fuel (HVAF) spray, or cold spray.

Abstract: Work-saving improvements for food-process lines include mounting alternate machines of a food-process line on pivot hardware to speed up washing and maintenance operations. The improvements may include mounting the machines on rolling riding gear in order to speed up the activities of building and re-building food-process lines of a different series of machines. The improvements may include isolating the food-process line in its own tunnel and hence its own climate-controlled atmosphere to reduce conflicts with running two food-process lines side by side where one food process line is a source of air borne allergens.

Abstract: A technique for reducing erosion on the interior of a production component of a well system involves coating the interior of the production component with a series of ribs and grooves. The coating can be a non-metallic material in which the ribs and grooves are formed. The coating can also be applied as a series of ribs that are attached to the interior surface of the production component. The series of ribs can be made of alternating materials that have a different hardness causing the ribs to wear at different rates.

Abstract: A transfer conveyor for food process lines has an endless conveyor belt characterized by an upper, food-product carrying run and a lower, return run. The upper, food-product carrying run defines a transit plane. The upper, food-product carrying run also extends between an intake end and a discharge end. The upper, food-product carrying run furthermore has a first pleat below the transit plane proximate the intake end and a second spaced-away pleat below the transit plane proximate the discharge end. These spaced-away pleats partitioning the upper, food-product carrying run into an intake-end span and a discharge-end span cooperatively flanking a mid-span. Wherein the transfer conveyor additionally includes one scale servicing the intake-end span of the upper, food-product carrying run and another scale servicing the discharge-end span.

Abstract: A spoke reinforcing method includes straightening and cutting a drawn spoke; stamping one end of the spoke using a first stamping unit to form an initial head and an initial neck; clamping the initial head, the initial neck, and a main body of the spoke in a clamping die to forge a reinforced part; stamping the spoke while retained in the clamping die using a second stamping unit to form a final head, a final neck, and a final reinforced part; and hobbing an opposite end to form a threaded portion. In embodiments, the reinforced part has a polygonal cross-section, including a hexagonal or rectangular cross-section.

Abstract: A connector for use in an ultra-high vacuum system is disclosed herein. The connector has a metal conduit section with a first hardness, a metal fitting with a second hardness greater than the first hardness, and a metallic reaction-inhibiting barrier positioned between the conduit section and the fitting to sealingly attach the fitting to the conduit section. In some embodiments, application of a mechanical stressor such as stretching or treatment with a mechanical oxide disruptor removes oxide from and prevents oxide re-formation on the faying surface of the conduit section. In alternate embodiments, oxide is removed from the faying surface of the conduit section and oxide re-formation is subsequently prevented by applying an oxide inhibitor. The reaction-inhibiting barrier substantially inhibits metallic and chemical interaction between the conduit section and the fitting under ultra-high vacuum, temperature cycling, mechanical stress, and reactive chemical conditions, as are present during manufacturing.

Abstract: A fastener structure includes a rotating fastener body and a main body, the main body and the rotating fastener body are linked with each other by an anti-rotation portion. Through the structural design of the anti-rotation portion, the fastening stability can be greatly improved. Further, each component may also vary the structural configuration. A method of using the fastener structure is also introduced.

Abstract: A method of assembling a refuse vehicle includes coupling body sub-assemblies to one another on a chassis after the sub-assemblies are painted. The body sub-assemblies are assembled from refuse vehicle body components. Each body sub-assembly is painted independent of other body sub-assemblies. After the body sub-assemblies are painted, the painted body sub-assemblies are assembled to one another on the chassis to provide a painted body of the refuse vehicle.

Abstract: A controller for a lifting platform and a lifting platform are provided. The lifting platform includes a lateral beam and actuators, two actuators being provided and respectively disposed at two ends of the lateral beam. The controller includes a control box and a circuit board provided in the control box. The circuit board is connected with the actuators via wires, and a backside of the control box is connected to the lateral beam. Openings facilitating connection between the wire and the circuit board are arranged on the control box, and at least one of the openings is provided at a frontside of the control box.

Abstract: A cutting assembly includes a receiver, a mounting shaft, a tooth and a biasing spring. The components are configured such that the tooth may be removed and replaced by manual operation without the use of any tools. The mounting shaft carries a key that is received in a J-slot formed in the tooth. In an installed position the biasing spring holds the key in a blind passage of the J-slot to hold the tooth in place on the receiver. Manual manipulation of the mounting shaft allows the tooth to be released and removed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for installing a cable tie about a bundle. The cable tie has a ratcheting head and a strap with a ratcheting pattern configured to engage the ratcheting head to encircle and secure a bundle. A finger engagement structure includes a ratcheting element configured to ratchetingly engage the cable tie, and a contact member configured to facilitate tightening of the cable tie and securement of the bundle to a substrate. The ratcheting element may comprise a second ratcheting head configured to engage the ratcheting pattern of the cable tie, and the contact member may comprise a selected one of a ring, a plate or a third ratcheting head. Alternatively, the ratcheting element may comprise a second strap having a second ratcheting pattern configured to engage a second ratcheting head of the cable tie, and the contact member may comprise a plate from which the second strap extends.

Abstract: Plug removal and installation tools and methods of operating such to remove suction port plugs and discharge port plugs from a fluid end on a pump (e.g., hydraulic fracturing positive displacement pump) and to insert new plugs are disclosed. The plug removal tool includes a reaction bar assembly, a drive assembly, and a threaded rod assembly. The plug removal tool may be operated by rotating the drive assembly using a high torque, powered impact tool to reduce the time, labor, and fatigue associated with manually removing plugs from a pump using a traditional manually operated plug removal tool. The drive assembly is rotatable independently of the threaded rod assembly and reaction bar assembly. Rotation of the drive assembly results in linear movement of the threaded rod assembly to extend and retract the threaded rod assembly relative to the drive assembly and reaction bar assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for refining a ball joint stud. The method includes receiving and releasably securing the ball joint stud in a holder between a first die and a second die. The method further includes translating one or more of the first die and the second die towards the remaining die to apply a compression pressure to the ball joint stud. The compression pressure causes a plastic radial compression of the ball joint stud to a stroke length. The stroke length may be to induce a residual stress in the ball joint stud or increase a surface hardness of the ball joint stud. The first die and second die each include a contact surface configured to interface with the ball joint stud. The method may further include rotating one or more of the first die and the second die during the application of the compression pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a substrate includes a table, a lifting and lowering mechanism configured to mount a substrate on the table, and at least one pressing member configured to press the substrate to the table from the peripheral side of the substrate, in which the pressing member is movable upward and downward. The apparatus further includes at least one detector configured to detect a warp of the substrate mounted on the table from a peripheral side of the substrate, and a controller configured to control a movement of the pressing member in accordance to the detected warp.

Abstract: A mounting base that couples a mechanical component to a mechanical asset includes an outer housing, a permanent magnet, a compression insert, and a retention lock. The outer housing has wall(s) coupled to an endcap to define an inner volume. The endcap includes an outer surface to attach the mounting base to the mechanical asset. The permanent magnet is within the inner volume and generates a magnetic force to hold the mounting base against the mechanical asset. The compression insert is fitted within the outer housing such that the permanent magnet is constrained within the inner volume and includes a threaded inner opening that accepts insertion of the mechanical component. Full insertion of the mechanical component encapsulates the permanent magnet within the mounting base. The retention lock is within the inner volume between and contacting both the compression insert and the permanent magnet and prevents movement of the permanent magnet.

Abstract: A fastener cap system can include a rigid cap and a sealing member which forms a liquid barrier so moisture is impaired from entering a space under the rigid cap and/or around a fastener installed through it. The sealing member can include a central seal disposed on an upper surface of the cap, the seal extending beyond a head of a fastener, which extends through the cap and sealing member, so that moisture is impaired from entering the cap under the head. The sealing member can be above and below respective lowermost and uppermost cap surfaces so the cap system can be fed cleanly and efficiently through a cap feeder during installation via a tool. The sealing member, which can have a higher coefficient of friction than the rigid cap, thereby does not drag along a cap feeder and cause feeding issues. Related methods are provided.

Abstract: Provided is an automotive glass setting apparatus and a method for setting a vehicle glass. The method includes loading a glass having a plurality of edges onto a setting base, scanning, by a scanning unit, the plurality of edges of the loaded glass, and calculating a center of the glass based on data scanned by the scanning unit. The method further includes adjusting, by a plurality of alignment units and a plurality of moving mechanisms, a position of the glass to align the calculated center of the glass with a center of the setting base.