Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for preparing a structure or object using an additive manufacturing process referred to as sequential cold spray laser sintering. The method includes depositing by cold spraying a plurality of sequential layers of material onto a substrate/build plate or particles of materials onto a compacted powder bed of material and employing an energy source to sinter or melt each of the plurality of sequential layers or powders to produce sequential sintered layers, wherein the number of additional layers is determined based on those needed to produce the final structure.

Abstract: A hollow spherical projectile is constructed from a plurality of curved structural segments and has a plurality of openings. The projectile can be fired by a conventional paintball marker with a high degree of ballistic accuracy. The projectile is reusable and is fabricated from a flexible and resilient material. The outer surface of the projectile exhibits low friction, achieved by the material itself or by having a low friction coating applied. The projectile possess and transmits less kinetic energy than a conventional paintball and therefore inflicts less pain and damage upon impact. Fabrication can be accomplished by 3D printing, or molding as a single seamless piece, or as a plurality of pieces which are then assembled.

Abstract: A maintenance and retrieval cart is provided for use with a push back storage rack having a plurality of nested trays riding on a pair of inclined rails. The maintenance and retrieval cart comprises a base with a safety rail secured thereto. The base is supported on an undercarriage which facilitates movement along the inclined rails. A drive mechanism is operatively connected to move the cart along the inclined rails.

Abstract: A migration resistant loose fill packaging material according to the present invention includes a plurality of single faced corrugated strips. Each corrugated strip includes a single liner member having an elongate and generally planar configuration, the base member having an upper surface and an opposed lower surface. Each corrugated strip also includes a corrugation portion having a plurality of connected fluted elements bonded to the upper surface of the single liner member.

Abstract: An insertion/extraction tool for inserting and extracting components in a housing includes a clamp member that attaches to a component in the housing. A lift member includes a bearing attached to the clamp member. A bridge includes a threaded member attached to the clamp member with a lead screw. The lead screw is threaded through the threaded member in the bridge and terminated at the bearing attached to the clamp member. The lead screw raises and lowers the lift member as it rotates, thereby translating the component relative to the housing.

Abstract: A maintenance and retrieval cart is provided for use with a push back storage rack having a plurality of nested trays riding on a pair of inclined rails. The maintenance and retrieval cart comprises a base with a safety rail secured thereto. The base is supported on an undercarriage which facilitates movement along the inclined rails. A drive mechanism is operatively connected to move the cart along the inclined rails.

Abstract: The adjustable trailer hitch assembly of the present invention is designed for attachment to the head of most commercially available trailers. The adjustable trailer hitch assembly includes a first weldment member pivotally attachable to a head of a trailer, and a second weldment member operably connected to the first weldment member for lateral movement between extended and locked positions. Collapsible extension arms operably connect the first and second weldment members providing movement between the extended and locked positions. The collapsible extension arms are positionable between a first collapsed position with the first and second weldment members adjacent one another defining the locked position, and a second extended position with the first and second weldment members separated from one another defining the extended position.

Abstract: The adjustable trailer hitch assembly of the present invention is designed for attachment to the head of most commercially available trailers. The adjustable trailer hitch assembly includes a first weldment member pivotally attachable to a head of a trailer, and a second weldment member operably connected to the first weldment member for lateral movement between extended and locked positions. Collapsible extension arms operably connect the first and second weldment members providing movement between the extended and locked positions. The collapsible extension arms are positionable between a first collapsed position with the first and second weldment members adjacent one another defining the locked position, and a second extended position with the first and second weldment members separated from one another defining the extended position.

Abstract: The dual mode jack foot of the present invention is designed for attachment to the base of most commercially available trailer jacks. The inventive jack foot includes a housing pivotally attached to an end of a trailer jack, and first and second types of trailer support mechanisms attached to the housing approximately 90-degrees apart. The housing is pivotable between a first position wherein the first type of trailer support mechanism is deployed for use, and a second position wherein the second type of trailer support mechanism is deployed for use.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for determining a profile of an ion beam are provided. The apparatus comprises a measuring device positioned along a path of the ion beam, a drive mechanism, and a first plate rotatably coupled to the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is operable to rotate the first plate about a first axis through a path of the ion beam, therein selectively blocking the ion beam from reaching the measuring device. The apparatus may comprise a second plate further rotatably coupled to the drive mechanism, wherein the drive mechanism is operable to rotate the second plate about the first axis through the path of the ion beam independently from the rotation of the first plate, therein further selectively blocking the ion beam from reaching the measuring device. The drive mechanism may further linearly translate first plate and/or second plate through the ion beam.

Abstract: A base has an opening therethrough and is made of a first material. A connector shell has a neck at least partially insertable within the opening of the base. The connector shell is made of a second material. A coefficient of thermal expansion of the first material is greater than a coefficient of thermal expansion of the second material. A conductor extends at least partially through the neck of the connector shell. Solder connects the neck to the base.

Abstract: A system and method of forming a hermetic seal between a lens or window and a lid, which minimizes bending moments, and therefore, bifringance on the window or lens is disclosed. This is accomplished by use of a transition member, specific geometries, and selection of the coefficient of thermal expansion of the materials to insure that the solder joint is in compression on cool down and solder strains are maintained within acceptable limits. The transition member may be soldered or welded to lid or integral through machining.

Abstract: A reciprocating drive system, method, and apparatus for scanning a workpiece are provided, wherein a motor comprising a rotor and stator operable to individually rotate about a first axis is operable to reciprocally translate the workpiece with respect to a stationary reference. A shaft rotatably driven by the rotor extends along the first axis, and a scan arm is operably coupled to the shaft, wherein the scan arm is operable to support the Workpiece thereon. Cyclical counter rotations of the shaft by the motor are operable to rotate the scan arm, therein scanning the workpiece through the ion beam along a first scan path, wherein the stator acts as a reaction mass to the rotation of the rotor. A controller is further operable to control an electromagnetic force between the rotor and the stator, therein generally determining a rotational position of the rotor and the stator.

Abstract: A reciprocating drive system and apparatus for scanning a workpiece through an ion beam are provided, wherein a motor comprising a rotor and stator operable to individually rotate about a first axis is operable to reciprocally translate the workpiece with respect to the ion beam. A shaft rotatably driven by the rotor extends along the first axis, and a scan arm is operably coupled to the shaft, wherein the scan arm is operable to support the workpiece thereon. Cyclical counter rotations of the shaft by the motor are operable to rotate the scan arm, therein scanning the workpiece through the ion beam along a first scan path, wherein the stator acts as a reaction mass to the rotation of the rotor. A controller is further operable to control an electromagnetic force between the rotor and the stator, therein generally determining a rotational position of the rotor and the stator.

Abstract: A method for reciprocally transporting a workpiece on a scan arm through an ion beam is provided, wherein the scan arm is operably coupled to a motor comprising a rotor and stator that are individually rotatable about a first axis. An electromagnetic force applied between the rotor and stator rotates the rotor about the first axis and translates the workpiece through the ion beam along a first scan path. A position of the workpiece is sensed and the electromagnetic force between the rotor and stator is controlled in order to reverse the direction of motion of the workpiece along the first scan path, and wherein the control is based, at least in part, on the sensed position of the workpiece. The stator further rotates about the first axis in reaction to the rotation of the rotor, particularly in the reversal of direction of motion of the workpiece, thus acting as a reaction mass to the rotation of one or more of the rotor, scan arm, and workpiece.

Abstract: A coupling and method for forming a hermetic seal between a component and a housing is provided in which a mechanical joint is formed between an exposed interior surface of the component and an exterior surface of a protrusion on the housing. The coefficients of thermal expansion of the connector and the housing are chosen such that the solder joint is in compression during cool down of the solder.

Abstract: A coupling and method for forming a hermetic seal between a component and a housing is provided in which a mechanical joint is formed between an exposed interior surface of the component and an exterior surface of a protrusion on the housing. The coefficients of thermal expansion of the connector and the housing are chosen such that the solder joint is in compression during cool down of the solder.

Abstract: A system and method of forming a hermetic seal between a lens or window and a lid, which minimizes bending moments, and therefore, bifringance on the window or lens is disclosed. This is accomplished by use of a transition member, specific geometries, and selection of the coefficient of thermal expansion of the materials to insure that the solder joint is in compression on cool down and solder strains are maintained within acceptable limits. The transition member may be soldered or welded to lid or integral through machining.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed connector and method for providing the same is provided. Generally, the connector contains a header having a series of pins secured therein, wherein the header has an upper portion that extends in a direction perpendicular to a central axis of a pin within the series of pins. The header also has a lower lip portion that extends in a direction perpendicular to the upper lip portion. The connector also contains an outer body having a series of clearance layers therein that are defined by an inner wall of the outer body, wherein each clearance layer within the series of clearance layers has an associated diameter, and wherein the header is connected to a first portion of the inner wall via a solder joint that extends from the lower lip portion of the header to the first portion of the inner wall. The first portion of the inner wall also has at least two different diameters.

Abstract: A system for forming particulate material in a bulk form comprises a compression tower having a top and sides depending therefrom. A compression chamber having side walls and an open bottom is reciprocatively mounted to said tower for deposit of loose particulate material therein. The system further includes a first conveyor assembly displaced from said tower. In its extended position, the chamber contacts the first conveyor assembly and the bottom of the chamber is closed thereby. A vacuum blower draws loose particulate material into the chamber through an inlet and compresses it against the first conveyor assembly. A ram assembly within the chamber further compresses the loose material into a bulk form atop the conveyor belt. When the chamber and ram assembly are returned to their retracted positions, the material bulk is transferred downstream by the first conveyor assembly to a space between vertically spaced second and third conveyor assemblies.