Abstract: According to various embodiments, an array of elements forms an artificially-structured material. The artificially-structured material can also include an array of tuning mechanisms included as part of the array of elements that are configured to change material properties of the artificially-structured material on a per-element basis. The tuning mechanisms can change the material properties of the artificially-structured material by changing operational properties of the elements in the array of elements on a per-element basis based on one or a combination of stimuli detected by sensors included in the array of tuning mechanisms, programmable circuit modules included as part of the array of tuning mechanisms, data stored at individual data stores included as part of the array of tuning mechanisms, and communications transmitted through interconnects included as part of the array of elements.

Abstract: A plasma cutting system for measuring or monitoring the voltage between a plasma torch and the material being cut to determine a voltage or voltage signature and comparing that measurement against predetermined values to indicate that an initial pierce of the material is complete, and based on the measurement, moving the torch or the material to a different location for additional cutting.

Abstract: A plasma cutting system for measuring or monitoring the voltage between a plasma torch and the material being cut to determine a voltage or voltage signature and comparing that measurement against predetermined values to indicate that an initial pierce of the material is complete, and based on the measurement, moving the torch or the material to a different location for additional cutting.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable lateral heat press machine that allows an operator to quickly and economically transfer graphic characters or images using an ink transfer paper process or a sublimation process, or vinyl onto the surface of a garment or an object. The device includes a vertical aligned sliding arm assembly perpendicularly aligned to a horizontally aligned chassis assembly. Attached to the chassis assembly is at least one workstation assembly and a console. The workstation assembly includes a pedestal with an exchangeable, horizontally aligned lower platen that may be selectively rotated and locked in portrait or landscape orientation and a height and pressure adjustment feature. The sliding arm assembly extends upward and forward and includes a heated, upper platen attached to a manually operated plunger. The console contains the controls for operating the heating element inside the upper platen and a timer.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for making a reduced density roast and ground coffee product comprising the steps of: (a) cracking roasted coffee beans to a size such that about 40% to about 80% are retained in a 6-mesh screen (3.36 mm, 0.132 in.); then (b) normalizing the cracked beans; and then (c) grinding the cracked and normalized beans. The roast and ground coffee product produced by the combination of the three steps has a density between about 0.24 g/cc and about 0.41 g/cc.The reduced density roast and ground coffee product has an acceptable non-chaffy appearance. Problems associated with the use of air removal and screening are avoided.