Abstract: A method for repairing damage to a fuel pump assembly of a locomotive is provided that includes identifying a void within a fluid cavity of a fuel pump assembly. After identifying the void within the fluid cavity of the fuel pump assembly, the void is cleaned with a cleaning product, and a filler material is inserted within the void. Then the filler material is laser welded to repair the void. After being laser welded, the fluid cavity of the fuel pump assembly is honed.

Abstract: A lumber retrieval method renders a lumber handling system readily adaptable to compensate for irregular floors, an irregular overhead track, and variable station locations. In some examples, the method involves determining a plurality of floor-to-track error values that vary based on the floor and the track deviating from being parallel to each other, recording the plurality of floor-to-track error values on a controller, and calculating a plurality of error-compensated reading via the controller based on the plurality of lumber scanned reading and the plurality of floor-to-track error values.

Abstract: An automated lumber handling method laser-scans the top profile of multiple stacks of lumber, each of which contain boards of a unique size. Based on the scanned profiles, the method determines the order in which individual boards from a chosen stack should be transferred to a numerically controlled saw. The saw cuts the boards to size and in proper sequence to facilitate orderly assembly of a roof truss or prefabricated wall. In some examples, the method lifts individual boards by driving two retractable screws, or some other piercing tool, down into the upward facing surface of the board. A track mounted cantilever, holding the screws and a laser unit, translates over the lumber stacks to retrieve and deliver individual boards and, while doing so, the laser repeatedly scans the stacked lumber profiles on-the-fly to continuously update the profiles. The open cantilever design facilitates replenishing the stacks of lumber.

Abstract: A station for cutting a barb suture is provided. The barb cutting station includes a suture transport assembly for supporting a first suture, a first knife assembly for forming barbs on the first suture, and a first clamp and position assembly for approximating the at least first suture towards the at least first knife assembly. The barb cutting station may further include at least a first suture cutting mechanism configured for severing the at least first suture when a defect is detected. The station may also include at least a first visual inspection assembly configured for detecting defective barbs.

Abstract: An initiator with fuse device for an automatic self-contained fire suppressor and method are provided herein. Stovetop fires are a well-known residential and commercial hazard. An initiator with fuse device provides a reliable activation of an automatic stovetop fire suppressor. A device and method which provides a secure and robust attachment of an initiator to a fire suppressor, while reducing required component parts, manufacturing time, and labor, is provided herein. An initiator cup with integral cylindrical extension affords a thermoform attachment of the cup to the fire suppressor container while providing a secure mechanical attachment of the fuse to the initiator cup.

Abstract: A securing tool and methods for its use are described herein. In various embodiments, the securing tool may include a handle and one or more prying members positioned at a first end of the securing tool opposite the handle. The prying member(s) may be shaped to engage a release of a self-tensioned hose clamp to cause the handle to be manipulable to spring the self-tensioned hose clamp. The securing tool may include first and second sensors configured to provide first and second signals, respectively, that are indicative of sensed occurrence of first and second events after the handle is manipulated to spring the self-tensioned hose clamp. In various embodiments, if the first and second signals satisfy a criterion, the hose clamp may be deemed to have been properly installed onto a hose or other conduit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for setting a screw, in particular a flow drilling screw. In accordance with the method, the screw is driven at a first revolution speed and at a first axial feed force during a time-limited first phase to drive the screw through at least one component. In the event that the screw does not penetrate the component during the first phase, the screw is automatically driven at a second revolution speed that is higher than a first rotation speed and/or at a second axial feed force that is greater than a first axial feed force during a second phase subsequent to the first phase.

Abstract: A turbomachine airfoil element has an airfoil. The airfoil has an inboard end, an outboard end, a leading edge, a trailing edge, a pressure side, and a suction side. A span between the inboard and an outboard end is 1.4-1.6 inch. A chord length at 50% span is 0.9-1.4 inch. The element is remanufactured by providing first, second, third, fourth, and fifth mode resonance frequencies respectively of 2591.5±10% Hz, 4675.2±10% Hz, 7892.9±10% Hz, 10098.2±10% Hz, and 14808.2±10% Hz.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing and machining dental, maxillofacial and trauma prostheses and for optimizing an amount of time used in machining a prosthesis that has been previously manufactured with additive manufacturing technology is provided. The method includes manufacturing, by using excess material and additive manufacturing technology on a printing plate, a prosthetic block including at least a prosthesis. The method further includes joining pieces and positioning elements with specific dimensions and distances between the same; positioning the prosthetic block on a machining tray using the positioning elements; fixing the prosthetic block to the machining tray using the positioning elements; and fixing the machining tray to a machining machine, such that the prosthesis is fixed in a specific and known position in the machining machine by the specific dimensions and distances of the prosthetic block. The method further includes performing a machining operation to critical areas of the prosthesis.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to methods of using couplers to provide a seal between a source assembly and a vacuum chamber. In certain examples, the source assembly can be inserted into a vacuum chamber. In some examples, the source assembly can be sealed to the vacuum chamber by rotation of a moveable component in a first direction to provide an axial force to seal the source assembly to the vacuum chamber. Rotation of the moveable component in a second direction can release the provided axial force to permit removal of the source assembly from the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for positioning a vehicle frame in a plurality of rotational positions about an axis of rotation and performing at least two assembly tasks are provided. An assembly and a system that includes forward and rear toolings that engage and retain forward and rear portions of the vehicle frame, and that cooperatively rotate the vehicle frame about an axis of rotation are provided.

Abstract: A device for flavoring and or heating a consumable substance is disclosed including a body extending between an upper body end and a lower body end. An input aperture is proximal to the upper body end for receiving the consumable substance. A housing defines a housing chamber below the input aperture for temporarily holding the consumable substance. A closure is pivotably coupled to the housing for dispensing the consumable substance from the housing. A flavor dispenser dispenses the edible substance below the closure and engages the consumable substance. An output aperture is proximal to the lower end for dispensing the consumable substance into the container.

Abstract: A system and method for affixing barbs on a suture are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a suture supply mechanism for selectively retaining a length of suture and a barb supply mechanism for operably engaging a barb supply assembly including at least one barb. At least one of the suture supply mechanism and the barb supply mechanism are configured to approximate towards the other of the barb supply mechanism and suture supply mechanism to engage the at least one barb of the barb supply assembly with the suture of the suture supply assembly. Also provided are a barb for use in forming a barbed suture and a suture including at least one barb.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve used in medical procedures. More specifically the invention relates to an introducer sheath valve used in minimally invasive and conventional surgical procedures. The valve may accommodate a wide range of surgical implement diameters, shapes, and multiple implements without imposing the high frictional forces of known valves.

Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention implement flexible members that include integrated tools made from metallic glass-based materials. In one embodiment, a structure includes: a flexible member characterized by an elongated geometry and an integrated tool disposed at one end of the elongated geometry; where the flexible member includes a metallic glass-based material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tubular component including rough machining the exterior surface of a solid billet 1 to reduce the size thereof and form two flanges. An axial blind bore 6 is then machined in the billet 1, after which a probing operation is carried out on the interior surface of the bore 6 in order to check the concentricity. A straightening operation is then performed on the billet in order to reverse any curvature along the longitudinal axis. A further machining operation is then performed on the outside to reduce the wall thickness of the bore before measuring the wall thickness of the bore 6 around the circumference of the billet 1 at least at two different axial positions. The billet 1 is then checked again and a final machining operation is then performed in order to form any ports and upstands which are required.

Abstract: A method for altering an orthodontic archwire of a unitary piece of shape memory alloy having a composition and generally uniformly formed properties along its length to different stiffness profiles along the length of the archwire. In one embodiment, the method includes determining a stress profile for teeth at a location. The method may include calculating a force the archwire is to produce on the teeth to satisfy the determined stress profile and determining an altered stiffness of a section of the archwire based on the calculated force. The method may include changing the composition of the section based on the determined altered stiffness. The method may include determining a load for teeth and calculating a force the archwire is to produce on the teeth to satisfy the determined load.

Abstract: A method of aligning a first component and a second component with elastic averaging includes offsetting a first part and a second part of the first component and creating a shut-off slot between the first part and the second part of the first component by offsetting the first part and the second part. The shut-off slot has a slot vector that is not parallel to a main die vector.

Abstract: Described herein is a system of golf clubs having shafts with ascending weights (shaft weights that increase as shaft lengths decrease). The system of golf clubs can be manufactured by implementing a method called “stepping”, which allows the system of golf clubs with ascending weights to be manufactured with reduced quantity of inventory.

Abstract: An air-guide member (100) for guiding an air flow (AF) is provided for in a food preparation chamber of a cooking device that uses air flow (AF) to prepare food ingredients. The air-guide member (100) includes a plurality of air-deflecting arms (101) arranged symmetrically and extending in a horizontal plane (P) between an inner part (IP) and an outer part (OP) of the air-guide member (100). The air guide member configuration allows for directing the air flow upwards and more evenly between the outer part and the inner part of the air-guide. The food ingredients can thus receive a flow of hot air having a more uniform air pressure distribution, which results in a more even cooking of the food ingredients.