Abstract: A laser containment device, adapted to be mounted to a laser head, has an outer shell and an inner wall defining a peripheral chamber there in-between. An inner seal and an outer seal, respectively mounted to the outer shell and to the inner wall, are adapted to contact a workpiece. The peripheral chamber, encircling an opening in the laser containment device for letting a laser beam reach a workpiece, may be connected to a differential pressure generator operative to generate a differential pressure therein. A pressure sensor is located within the peripheral chamber to read the differential pressure. In use, the laser head, mounted to a computer-controlled manipulator, emits its laser beam. The pressure sensor sends its pressure readings to a controller which compares their values with a predetermined pressure threshold. If the pressure readings cross this threshold, the controller stops the emission of the laser beam.

Abstract: A laser containment device, adapted to be mounted to a laser head, has an outer shell and an inner wall defining a peripheral chamber there in-between. An inner seal and an outer seal, respectively mounted to the outer shell and to the inner wall, are adapted to contact a workpiece. The peripheral chamber, encircling an opening in the laser containment device for letting a laser beam reach a workpiece, may be connected to a differential pressure generator operative to generate a differential pressure therein. A pressure sensor is located within the peripheral chamber to read the differential pressure. In use, the laser head, mounted to a computer-controlled manipulator, emits its laser beam. The pressure sensor sends its pressure readings to a controller which compares their values with a predetermined pressure threshold. If the pressure readings cross this threshold, the controller stops the emission of the laser beam.

Abstract: There is provided a method of adjusting a height of a car floor plane of a railroad car relative to a platform of a train station. The method includes, using a height adjusting system mounted to an exterior side of the railroad car adjacent the car floor plane, emitting a first ultrasonic beam towards the platform of the train station and monitoring a reflection of the first ultrasonic beam; and generating a first signal based on said monitoring the reflection of the first ultrasonic beam. The method includes, using a processor, operating an actuator of a suspension system of the railroad car to adjust the height of the car floor plane to a height of the platform of the train station based on the generated first signal.

Abstract: A system for producing maple syrup or birch syrup from maple or birch water, comprising an evaporating pan under controlled pressure, a condenser immersed in maple or birch water in the evaporating pan, and a compressor, pressurizing vapor generated by evaporation of maple or birch water in the evaporating pan, the condenser directing the pressurized vapor provided by the compressor to the maple or birch water within the evaporating pan, thereby further evaporating the maple or birch water and further generating vapor.

Abstract: A system for producing maple syrup or birch syrup from maple or birch water, comprising an evaporating pan under controlled pressure, a condenser immersed in maple or birch water in the evaporating pan, and a compressor, pressurizing vapor generated by evaporation of maple or birch water in the evaporating pan, the condenser directing the pressurized vapor provided by the compressor to the maple or birch water within the evaporating pan, thereby further evaporating the maple or birch water and further generating vapor.

Abstract: A method and a system comprising pressurizing the vapor generated by evaporation, and circulating the pressurized vapor through the maple water above boiling temperature, so as to evaporate water from the maple water. As a result, once the steady state is reached, the main source of energy for water maple evaporation is the pressurized vapor, produced by a compressor. The compressor may be powered by an electrical or an internal combustion engine for example. The initial heating stage, needed to first get vapor from the maple water, is performed by an auxiliary heating unit, such as direct acting electrical heating elements, or a indirect heat source such as wood, oil, etc. for example.

Abstract: A method and a system for regulating fluid levels in an evaporator comprising fluid communicating pans, the system comprising a tube in fluid communication with at least a first pan of the evaporator and exterior to the first pan, a level sensor immersed in the fluid in the tube; an air pump unit; and a pressure monitoring unit; the air pump unit providing a constant air airflow to the tube; the level sensor detecting variations of the fluid level in the tube, and the pressure monitoring unit controlling input of fluid into the first pan in response to the variations detected by the level sensor.

Abstract: A method and a system comprising pressurizing the vapor generated by evaporation, and circulating the pressurized vapor through the maple water above boiling temperature, so as to evaporate water from the maple water. As a result, once the steady state is reached, the main source of energy for water maple evaporation is the pressurized vapor, produced by a compressor. The compressor may be powered by an electrical or an internal combustion engine for example. The initial heating stage, needed to first get vapor from the maple water, is performed by an auxiliary heating unit, such as direct acting electrical heating elements, or a indirect heat source such as wood, oil, etc. for example.

Abstract: A method and a system for regulating fluid levels in an evaporator comprising fluid communicating pans, the system comprising a tube in fluid communication with at least a first pan of the evaporator and exterior to the first pan, a level sensor immersed in the fluid in the tube; an air pump unit; and a pressure monitoring unit; the air pump unit providing a constant air airflow to the tube; the level sensor detecting variations of the fluid level in the tube, and the pressure monitoring unit controlling input of fluid into the first pan in response to the variations detected by the level sensor.