Abstract: An inspection system for in situ evaluation of an additive manufacturing (AM) build part is provided. The inspection system comprises a build plane induction coil sensor configured and positionable so that during construction of the build part, the sensor's magnetization and sensor coils surround at least the last-produced layer of the AM build part in the build plane. The inspection system further comprises an energization circuit and a central processing system. The central processing system comprises a communication processor configured for sending command signals to the energization circuit and receiving impedance data from the build plane induction coil sensor, and energization controller configured for determining energization commands for transmission to the energization circuit, and an induction data analyzer configured for processing build part impedance data using complex impedance plane analysis and for identifying anomalies in the AM build part.

Abstract: In a method of applying a weld to a target surface, a guide rail arrangement is attached to the target, the guide rail arrangement including at least one guide rail. A weld head carriage having a carriage housing, a rail follower assembly, and a sonotrode is movably mounted to the guide rail arrangement so that the follower assembly engages each guide rail for movement there-along. The weld head carriage is positioned adjacent the target surface, feedstock material is deposited onto the target surface, and the sonotrode is extended to engage the deposited feedstock material and apply a welding force to the feedstock material and the target. Relative movement between the carriage and the guide rail arrangement is initiated and ultrasonic vibrations are conducted into the feedstock material and the target, thereby welding the feedstock material to the target surface.

Abstract: A welding apparatus has a guide rail arrangement with at least one guide rail attachable to a welding target. A carriage has a carriage housing and a rail follower assembly that is movably mountable to the guide rail arrangement for relative movement along the at least one guide rail. A feedstock source is disposed within the carriage housing and configured to deposit a feedstock material on a target surface of the welding target. An ultrasonic weld head is partially disposed within the carriage housing and has a sonotrode that extends toward the target surface so as to engage the deposited feedstock material and apply a normal welding force to the deposited feedstock material and the target surface. The sonotrode is operable to conduct ultrasonic vibrations into the deposited feedstock material and the target surface to weld the feedstock material to the target surface.

Abstract: In a method of applying a weld to a target surface, a guide rail arrangement is attached to the target, the guide rail arrangement including at least one guide rail. A weld head carriage having a carriage housing, a rail follower assembly, and a sonotrode is movably mounted to the guide rail arrangement so that the follower assembly engages each guide rail for movement there-along. The weld head carriage is positioned adjacent the target surface, feedstock material is deposited onto the target surface, and the sonotrode is extended to engage the deposited feedstock material and apply a welding force to the feedstock material and the target. Relative movement between the carriage and the guide rail arrangement is initiated and ultrasonic vibrations are conducted into the feedstock material and the target, thereby welding the feedstock material to the target surface.

Abstract: An inspection system for in situ evaluation of an additive manufacturing (AM) build part is provided. The inspection system comprises a build plane induction coil sensor configured and positionable so that during construction of the build part, the sensor's magnetization and sensor coils surround at least the last-produced layer of the AM build part in the build plane. The inspection system further comprises an energization circuit and a central processing system. The central processing system comprises a communication processor configured for sending command signals to the energization circuit and receiving impedance data from the build plane induction coil sensor, and energization controller configured for determining energization commands for transmission to the energization circuit, and an induction data analyzer configured for processing build part impedance data using complex impedance plane analysis and for identifying anomalies in the AM build part.

Abstract: In a method of applying a weld to a target surface, a guide rail arrangement is attached to the target, the guide rail arrangement including at least one guide rail. A weld head carriage having a carriage housing, a rail follower assembly, and a sonotrode is movably mounted to the guide rail arrangement so that the follower assembly engages each guide rail for movement there-along. The weld head carriage is positioned adjacent the target surface, feedstock material is deposited onto the target surface, and the sonotrode is extended to engage the deposited feedstock material and apply a welding force to the feedstock material and the target. Relative movement between the carriage and the guide rail arrangement is initiated and ultrasonic vibrations are conducted into the feedstock material and the target, thereby welding the feedstock material to the target surface.

Abstract: An inspection system for in situ evaluation of an additive manufacturing (AM) build part is provided. The inspection system comprises a build plane induction coil sensor configured and positionable so that during construction of the build part, the sensor's magnetization and sensor coils surround at least the last-produced layer of the AM build part in the build plane. The inspection system further comprises an energization circuit and a central processing system. The central processing system comprises a communication processor configured for sending command signals to the energization circuit and receiving impedance data from the build plane induction coil sensor, and energization controller configured for determining energization commands for transmission to the energization circuit, and an induction data analyzer configured for processing build part impedance data using complex impedance plane analysis and for identifying anomalies in the AM build part.

Abstract: A welding apparatus has a guide rail arrangement with at least one guide rail attachable to a welding target. A carriage has a carriage housing and a rail follower assembly that is movably mountable to the guide rail arrangement for relative movement along the at least one guide rail. A feedstock source is disposed within the carriage housing and configured to deposit a feedstock material on a target surface of the welding target. An ultrasonic weld head is partially disposed within the carriage housing and has a sonotrode that extends toward the target surface so as to engage the deposited feedstock material and apply a normal welding force to the deposited feedstock material and the target surface. The sonotrode is operable to conduct ultrasonic vibrations into the deposited feedstock material and the target surface to weld the feedstock material to the target surface.

Abstract: A kit of parts is provided comprising a light and/or loudspeaker fitting for a smart home system. The light and/or loudspeaker fitting comprises a lighting component and/or a loudspeaker; a sensor data input interface; and a processor. The kit of parts further comprises a sensor module comprising a sensor data output interface; and one or more sensors. The light and/or loudspeaker fitting and the sensor module comprise complementary fastening means configured to detachably couple the sensor module to the light and/or loudspeaker fitting so that the sensor data output interface of the sensor module is in communication with the sensor data input interface of the light and/or loudspeaker fitting when the sensor module is coupled to the light and/or loudspeaker fitting, so as to form a sensor interface between the sensor module and the light and/or loudspeaker fitting.

Abstract: A welding apparatus has a guide rail arrangement with at least one guide rail attachable to a welding target. A carriage has a carriage housing and a rail follower assembly that is movably mountable to the guide rail arrangement for relative movement along the at least one guide rail. A feedstock source is disposed within the carriage housing and configured to deposit a feedstock material on a target surface of the welding target. An ultrasonic weld head is partially disposed within the carriage housing and has a sonotrode that extends toward the target surface so as to engage the deposited feedstock material and apply a normal welding force to the deposited feedstock material and the target surface. The sonotrode is operable to conduct ultrasonic vibrations into the deposited feedstock material and the target surface to weld the feedstock material to the target surface.

Abstract: An inspection system for in situ evaluation of an additive manufacturing (AM) build part is provided. The inspection system comprises a build plane induction coil sensor configured and positionable so that during construction of the build part, the sensor's magnetization and sensor coils surround at least the last-produced layer of the AM build part in the build plane. The inspection system further comprises an energization circuit and a central processing system. The central processing system comprises a communication processor configured for sending command signals to the energization circuit and receiving impedance data from the build plane induction coil sensor, and energization controller configured for determining energization commands for transmission to the energization circuit, and an induction data analyzer configured for processing build part impedance data using complex impedance plane analysis and for identifying anomalies in the AM build part.

Abstract: An inspection system for in situ evaluation of an additive manufacturing (AM) build part is provided. The inspection system comprises a build plane induction coil sensor configured and positionable so that during construction of the build part, the sensor's magnetization and sensor coils surround at least the last-produced layer of the AM build part in the build plane. The inspection system further comprises an energization circuit and a central processing system. The central processing system comprises a communication processor configured for sending command signals to the energization circuit and receiving impedance data from the build plane induction coil sensor, and energization controller configured for determining energization commands for transmission to the energization circuit, and an induction data analyzer configured for processing build part impedance data using complex impedance plane analysis and for identifying anomalies in the AM build part.

Abstract: In a method of applying a weld to a target surface, a guide rail arrangement is attached to the target, the guide rail arrangement including at least one guide rail. A weld head carriage having a carriage housing, a rail follower assembly, and a sonotrode is movably mounted to the guide rail arrangement so that the follower assembly engages each guide rail for movement there-along. The weld head carriage is positioned adjacent the target surface, feedstock material is deposited onto the target surface, and the sonotrode is extended to engage the deposited feedstock material and apply a welding force to the feedstock material and the target. Relative movement between the carriage and the guide rail arrangement is initiated and ultrasonic vibrations are conducted into the feedstock material and the target, thereby welding the feedstock material to the target surface.

Abstract: A welding apparatus has a guide rail arrangement with at least one guide rail attachable to a welding target. A carriage has a carriage housing and a rail follower assembly that is movably mountable to the guide rail arrangement for relative movement along the at least one guide rail. A feedstock source is disposed within the carriage housing and configured to deposit a feedstock material on a target surface of the welding target. An ultrasonic weld head is partially disposed within the carriage housing and has a sonotrode that extends toward the target surface so as to engage the deposited feedstock material and apply a normal welding force to the deposited feedstock material and the target surface. The sonotrode is operable to conduct ultrasonic vibrations into the deposited feedstock material and the target surface to weld the feedstock material to the target surface.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing (AM) apparatus includes a build chamber, a build platform disposed within the build chamber for supporting an AM build part therein, and a build material deposition device. The apparatus further includes an energization arrangement having at least one energization source. The energization arrangement is capable of, in a fusion energy operation, selectively applying energy to a layer of build material to fuse the build material to form a next-to-be-produced layer of the AM build part and, in a material processing operation, selectively applying energy to and processing the surface of a last-produced layer of the AM build part, the layer of build material, and/or a surface of the next-to-be-produced layer.

Abstract: An inspection system for in situ evaluation of an additive manufacturing (AM) build part is provided. The inspection system comprises a build plane induction coil sensor configured and positionable so that during construction of the build part, the sensor's magnetization and sensor coils surround at least the last-produced layer of the AM build part in the build plane. The inspection system further comprises an energization circuit and a central processing system. The central processing system comprises a communication processor configured for sending command signals to the energization circuit and receiving impedance data from the build plane induction coil sensor, and energization controller configured for determining energization commands for transmission to the energization circuit, and an induction data analyzer configured for processing build part impedance data using complex impedance plane analysis and for identifying anomalies in the AM build part.

Abstract: A fuel injector for a gas turbine engine includes a support member and a nozzle tip disposed on the support member with a deformable, removable metallic or non-metallic seal member disposed between facing sealing surfaces of the support member and a shroud member of the nozzle tip. The deformable seal member includes one or more fuel passages through which fuel in one or more fuel circuits flows with the seal member sealingly separating the first and second fuel circuits and preventing external fuel leakage from the nozzle tip. The nozzle tip can include an inner fuel swirler that includes one or more swirler slots wherein each slot is so angled in an axial direction toward the discharge orifice of the nozzle tip assembly that operation of the nozzle tip assembly is unaffected by changes in fuel viscosity.

Abstract: A process and a manufacturing system for producing an adhesive coated fabric. The manufacturing system has a weaving loom, a dip unit, and a curing unit; the three units being in-line and the fabric passing successively from one unit to the next unit. The curing unit has a plurality of electric heating means. The controls of the weaving loom and the curing unit are linked so that the heating means in the cure unit are turned off when the weaving loom is shut down.

Abstract: A lighting system adapted to mount on a motorcycle or bicycle helmet. The lighting system includes one or more accelerometers coupled to the helmet and a processor adapted to process the signals from the accelerometers. The accelerometers may be mounted to the helmet, or to the motorcycle or bicycle. The lighting system further includes a light mounted on the helmet that is responsive to the processed signal such that the light illuminates as result of a deceleration force. The system may also include filtering software to remove helmet motion artifact and other noise from the signal. Remote wheel speed indicators may also be used in conjunction with or in place of the accelerometers. Mounting tabs may also be included to releasably attach the lighting unit to the helmet.

Abstract: A fuel injector for a gas turbine engine includes a support member having a fuel discharge nozzle proximal an end thereof, a first tubular heat shield disposed about a length of the support member to form a thermal insulating space therebetween, and a second tubular heat shield disposed about the first heat shield to form an annular air flow passage between the first heat shield and the second heat shield. The second heat shield has one or more upstream inlet openings for entry of pressurized air for flow through the air flow passage to a downstream discharge opening disposed about the fuel discharge nozzle to permit fuel to be discharged therefrom to a combustor of the gas turbine engine while pressurized air is discharged from the discharge opening. The Mach number of the air flowing through the air flow passage is controlled by the spacing between the first and second heat shields to improve cooling of the heat shields, fuel atomization and combustor fuel/air mixing.