Abstract: The main objective of this invention is to improve the efficiency and service life of a rubber tree rain guard seal. The performance of existing rubber tree rain guard seals depends on a fixed mechanical and or chemical attachment of the seal to the tree. These methods of attachment prevent the seal from expanding with the circumferential growth of the tree resulting in premature seal failure and damage to the tree within a year of operation. In this invention the seal is comprised of five components that are not fixed to the tree, allowing the seal to expand along with tree growth. An adjustable outer seal connector regulates the pressure required to establish consistent sealing contact against the tree, thus providing extended service life of the seal assembly. The seal assembly comes apart for easy maintenance.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of wire wrap welding system generally includes a headstock; a bed; a bed mounted tailstock linearly moveable in relation to the headstock; a linear induction drive system adapted to move the tailstock; a linear encoder system having a series of position encoders disposed on the bed; a servomotor adapted to rotate a headstock mounted spindle; a welding system positioned on the headstock, a servomotor positioned on the tailstock and adapted to rotate a tailstock mounted spindle; and a control system. An exemplary embodiment of a method for controlling slot openings between wire segments in a wire wrap welding process generally includes controlling movement of a bed mounted tailstock in relation to the rate of rotation of a headstock mounted spindle, utilizing a linear induction drive system, a linear encoder system, and a control system.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of wire wrap welding system generally includes a headstock; a bed; a bed mounted tailstock linearly moveable in relation to the headstock; a linear induction drive system adapted to move the tailstock; a linear encoder system having a series of position encoders disposed on the bed; a servomotor adapted to rotate a headstock mounted spindle; a welding system positioned on the headstock, a servomotor positioned on the tailstock and adapted to rotate a tailstock mounted spindle; and a control system. An exemplary embodiment of a method for controlling slot openings between wire segments in a wire wrap welding process generally includes controlling movement of a bed mounted tailstock in relation to the rate of rotation of a headstock mounted spindle, utilizing a linear induction drive system, a linear encoder system, and a control system.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing wire wrapped screens utilizing a wire and support ribs is provided. The apparatus employs welding pressure control, utilizing a welding device mounted on a support assembly, wherein the support assembly is moveable in relation to a mounting structure and the wire and support rib weld pieces. Welding pressure is determined by a force measurement device, and a control and feedback system adjusts pressure. Mechanical actuator cylinders mounted on the support assembly and the mounting structure provide load balance. A method for making wire wrapped screens is also provided.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of wire wrap welding system generally includes a headstock; a bed; a bed mounted tailstock linearly moveable in relation to the headstock; a linear induction drive system adapted to move the tailstock; a linear encoder system having a series of position encoders disposed on the bed; a servomotor adapted to rotate a headstock mounted spindle; a welding system positioned on the headstock, a servomotor positioned on the tailstock and adapted to rotate a tailstock mounted spindle; and a control system. An exemplary embodiment of a method for controlling slot openings between wire segments in a wire wrap welding process generally includes controlling movement of a bed mounted tailstock in relation to the rate of rotation of a headstock mounted spindle, utilizing a linear induction drive system, a linear encoder system, and a control system.

Abstract: Embodiments of a wire wrapping system generally include a welding wheel electrode mounted on a support assembly, wherein the support assembly is moveable laterally and vertically to a welding position, and moveable laterally and vertically to a sharpening location where a sharpening mechanism can engage the welding wheel electrode contact surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing wire wrapped screens utilizing a wire and support ribs is provided. The apparatus employs welding pressure control, utilizing a welding device mounted on a support assembly, wherein the support assembly is moveable in relation to a mounting structure and the wire and support rib weld pieces. Welding pressure is determined by a force measurement device, and a control and feedback system adjusts pressure. Mechanical actuator cylinders mounted on the support assembly and the mounting structure provide load balance. A method for making wire wrapped screens is also provided.

Abstract: In an image replication circuit, the improvement of replicating a given element at a certain location with the most similar of surrounding sets of image elements.

Abstract: In some embodiments, methods for securing a cylindrical screen jacket to a base pipe include heating the screen jacket to expand it so that its inner diameter becomes greater than the outer diameter of the base pipe, positioning the base pipe at least partially within the screen jacket and allowing the screen jacket to cool and contract, engaging the base pipe.

Abstract: In an image replication circuit, the improvement of replicating a given element at a certain location with the most similar of surrounding sets of image elements.

Abstract: In an image replication circuit, the improvement of replicating a given element at a certain location with the most similar of surrounding sets of image elements.

Abstract: In an image replication circuit, the improvement of replicating a given element at a certain location with the most similar of surrounding sets of image elements.

Abstract: In an image replication circuit, the improvement of replicating a given element at a certain location with the most similar of surrounding sets of image elements.

Abstract: In an image replication circuit, the improvement of replicating a given element at a certain location with the most similar of surrounding sets of image elements.

Abstract: A hole filling machine comprising a driven vehicle having a frame with a substantially horizontal rotatable blade assembly adjustably suspended therefrom. The assembly includes a circular housing with a central opening having a driven, rotatable, hollow vertical shaft disposed axially thereof. A plurality of arcuate blades extend outwardly from the shaft toward the periphery of the housing. A safety switch is operatively connected to both the drive for the vehicle and the shaft.