Abstract: A vehicle component balancing robot apparatus, for on vehicle balancing of one or more of a tire, a wheel, bearings, brake components, and vehicle components that impart vibrations to the vehicle. The apparatus includes a frame arranged so as to connect with the vehicle. A robot of the apparatus moves relative to the frame, and is configured so that the move, relative to the frame, resolves a predetermined location of a tire-wheel assembly relative to a reference frame of the robot. The robot has at least one end effector arranged to interface the tire-wheel assembly and the robot moves the at least one end effector to other predetermined locations on a wheel rim of the tire-wheel assembly, determined based on resolution of the predetermined location of the tire-wheel assembly relative to the reference frame.

Abstract: There is provided an IPTV distribution system and method for distributing programming made available to viewers in a first jurisdiction to subscribers in a second jurisdiction to enable a viewing experience otherwise available only in the first jurisdiction. The programming may include signals broadcast over the air (OTA) in the first jurisdiction for redistribution to remotely located subscribers. The subscribers are resident in a jurisdiction remote from the programming and are unable to receive the programming through other means. In particular the subscribers are located in a foreign jurisdiction where current distribution networks (e.g. cable or satellite) do not offer programming obtained from foreign sources. The proposed IPTV distribution system may be used to target subscribers living abroad from their native countries and who desire local programming from such countries. By way of example, the IPTV distribution system may provide the major US networks to US citizens living in Europe.

Abstract: An apparatus for fusibly bonding a powder coating material to a metal article includes a holding device for releasably supporting the article, a depositing device for controllably placing the powder coating material in a band onto a surface of the article, and a laser beam for controllably liquifying a portion of the band of powder and juxtaposed surface while minimizing heat transmission into the article and allowing rapid hardening of the portion of the band after removal of the laser beam to provide a surface layer having properties based substantially solely on the coating material and a relatively thin, strong region of interstitial bond between the surface layer and the article having properties based upon both the coating material and the article. An exemplary engine valve with a relatively fine metallurgical surface structure for increased hardness is disclosed.

Abstract: An engine valve has a valve body, a valve head, an annular metallic valve seat layer fusibly bonded to the valve head that has a relatively fine crystalline structure, and a thinner region of interstitial bond between the valve head and the valve seat layer than heretofore known.

Abstract: A method for fusibly bonding a coating material to a metal article includes depositing such coating material in solid form on a surface of the article, substantially simultaneously thermally liquifying the coating material and the surface of the article by focusing a relatively high power continuous wave laser beam thereon, and removing the laser beam therefrom to allow cooling and hardening thereof so as to provide a solidified surface layer with a strong and relatively thin interstitial bond between the layer and the article. An exemplary engine valve with a relatively fine structure of the coating material for increased hardness is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of and means for making metallic bonds to powdered metal parts by brazing techniques is disclosed in which the braze material is heated to brazing temperature by a laser beam. Techniques for insuring a reliable bond without excessive absorption of braze material by the powdered metal parts are described.