Abstract: A device (10) for pasteurizing and/or sterilizing particulate material. The device (10) includes: an outer housing (40); a material inlet (43); a material outlet (44); a material guide channel (41) for guiding the material through the device (10) to the material outlet (44); at least one electron source (20) for generating an electron beam; and a treatment zone (19), located in the material guide channel (41), for pasteurizing and/or sterilizing while the material is free falling. The device (10) has at least one inner shielding section (51, 52) disposed within the outer housing (40) and enclosing the material guide channel (41) for shielding off radiation produced during treatment. A method for pasteurizing and/or sterilizing particulate material using such a device (10) is also disclosed which includes: a) generating an electron beam, and b) pasteurizing and/or sterilizing the material, while the material is free falling in the treatment zone (19).

Abstract: A weld nut assembly, including: an annular flange structure; and an annular body structure coupled to the annular flange structure; wherein the annular flange structure and the annular body structure collectively define an inner bore, wherein at least a portion of the inner bore defined proximate the annular flange structure defines threads adapted to receive a screw disposed within the inner bore. The weld nut assembly further includes an annular washer or bottom structure coupled to the annular flange structure. Optionally, the weld nut assembly further includes an annular ring projection and a plurality of circumferential weld protrusions coupled to the annular flange structure. The annular flange structure is adapted to be welded to a surface of a body panel or other structure of a vehicle with the inner bore aligned with a hole formed through the body panel or other structure, the hole adapted to receive the screw therethrough.

Abstract: A handheld quality inspection tool for projection welded components and method for utilizing the same is disclosed. The handheld quality inspection tool includes an elongated hollow tube, a spring support, a spring member, a plunger, and a handle. The elongated hollow tube defines a slot. The spring support is connected to an end portion of the elongated tube. The spring member is disposed within the elongated hollow tube and connected to the spring support. The plunger is disposed in the elongated hollow tube and connected to the spring member opposite the spring support. The handle is connected to the plunger and protrudes from the elongated hollow tube through the slot and is translatable along the slot to move the plunger and compress the spring member. Upon release of the handle, the compressed spring member propels the plunger to apply an impact force to a projection welded component.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward a control system for controlling a heater system. The control system includes a plurality of zone control circuits, at least two auxiliary controllers, and a primary controller. The zone control circuits are operable to provide power to a plurality of heater zones of the heater system and to sense performance characteristics of the zones. The auxiliary controllers are coupled to the plurality of zone control circuits to control power to the plurality of zones and to monitor operation of the heater zones based on the performance characteristics. The primary controller is coupled to the auxiliary controllers and is configured to provide an operation set-point for each of the heater zones based on the performance characteristics. The auxiliary controllers operate the zone control circuits to supply power to the heater system based on the operation set-point.

Abstract: A handheld quality inspection tool for projection welded components and method for utilizing the same is disclosed. The handheld quality inspection tool includes an elongated hollow tube, a spring support, a spring member, a plunger, and a handle. The elongated hollow tube defines a slot. The spring support is connected to an end portion of the elongated tube. The spring member is disposed within the elongated hollow tube and connected to the spring support. The plunger is disposed in the elongated hollow tube and connected to the spring member opposite the spring support. The handle is connected to the plunger and protrudes from the elongated hollow tube through the slot and is translatable along the slot to move the plunger and compress the spring member. Upon release of the handle, the compressed spring member propels the plunger to apply an impact force to a projection welded component.

Abstract: A weld nut assembly, including: an annular flange structure; and an annular body structure coupled to the annular flange structure; wherein the annular flange structure and the annular body structure collectively define an inner bore, wherein at least a portion of the inner bore defined proximate the annular flange structure defines threads adapted to receive a screw disposed within the inner bore. The weld nut assembly further includes an annular washer or bottom structure coupled to the annular flange structure. Optionally, the weld nut assembly further includes an annular ring projection and a plurality of circumferential weld protrusions coupled to the annular flange structure. The annular flange structure is adapted to be welded to a surface of a body panel or other structure of a vehicle with the inner bore aligned with a hole formed through the body panel or other structure, the hole adapted to receive the screw therethrough.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward a control system for controlling a heater system. The control system includes a plurality of zone control circuits, at least two auxiliary controllers, and a primary controller. The zone control circuits are operable to provide power to a plurality of heater zones of the heater system and to sense performance characteristics of the zones. The auxiliary controllers are coupled to the plurality of zone control circuits to control power to the plurality of zones and to monitor operation of the heater zones based on the performance characteristics. The primary controller is coupled to the auxiliary controllers and is configured to provide an operation set-point for each of the heater zones based on the performance characteristics. The auxiliary controllers operate the zone control circuits to supply power to the heater system based on the operation set-point.