Abstract: In various embodiments, a training application trains a machine learning model to modify portions of shapes when designing 3D objects. The training application converts first structural analysis data having a first resolution to first coarse structural analysis data having a second resolution that is lower than the first resolution. Subsequently, the training application generates one or more training sets based on a first shape, the first coarse structural analysis data, and a second shape that is derived from the first shape. Each training set is associated with a different portion of the first shape. The training application then performs one or more machine learning operations on the machine learning model using the training set(s) to generate a trained machine learning model. The trained machine learning model modifies at least a portion of a shape having the first resolution based on coarse structural analysis data having the second resolution.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a training application trains a machine learning model to modify portions of shapes when designing 3D objects. The training application converts first structural analysis data having a first resolution to first coarse structural analysis data having a second resolution that is lower than the first resolution. Subsequently, the training application generates one or more training sets based on a first shape, the first coarse structural analysis data, and a second shape that is derived from the first shape. Each training set is associated with a different portion of the first shape. The training application then performs one or more machine learning operations on the machine learning model using the training set(s) to generate a trained machine learning model. The trained machine learning model modifies at least a portion of a shape having the first resolution based on coarse structural analysis data having the second resolution.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a topology optimization application solves a topology optimization problem associated with designing a three-dimensional (“3D”) object. The topology optimization application coverts a first shape having a first resolution and representing the 3D object to a coarse shape having a second resolution that is lower than the first resolution. Subsequently, the topology optimization application computes coarse structural analysis data based on the coarse shape. The topology optimization application then uses a trained machine learning model to generate a second shape having the first resolution and representing the 3D object based on the first shape and the coarse structural analysis data. The trained machine learning model modifies a portion of a shape having the first resolution based on structural analysis data having the second resolution.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a topology optimization application solves a topology optimization problem associated with designing a three-dimensional (“3D”) object. The topology optimization application coverts a first shape having a first resolution and representing the 3D object to a coarse shape having a second resolution that is lower than the first resolution. Subsequently, the topology optimization application computes coarse structural analysis data based on the coarse shape. The topology optimization application then uses a trained machine learning model to generate a second shape having the first resolution and representing the 3D object based on the first shape and the coarse structural analysis data. The trained machine learning model modifies a portion of a shape having the first resolution based on structural analysis data having the second resolution.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a training application trains a machine learning model to modify portions of shapes when designing 3D objects. The training application converts first structural analysis data having a first resolution to first coarse structural analysis data having a second resolution that is lower than the first resolution. Subsequently, the training application generates one or more training sets based on a first shape, the first coarse structural analysis data, and a second shape that is derived from the first shape. Each training set is associated with a different portion of the first shape. The training application then performs one or more machine learning operations on the machine learning model using the training set(s) to generate a trained machine learning model. The trained machine learning model modifies at least a portion of a shape having the first resolution based on coarse structural analysis data having the second resolution.

Abstract: Scales for use with cooking appliances such as pressure cookers, and associated systems and methods, are disclosed herein. In several implementations, a scale includes load cells configured to detect a weight of a cooking appliance placed on the scale and any food therein. The scale can further include temperature sensors positioned proximate to corresponding ones of the load cells and configured to detect the temperature proximate to each of the load cells. A processor within or external to the scale is communicatively coupled to the load cells and the temperature sensors, and is configured to determine the weight of the cooking appliance and food based at least in part on the detected weights and the detected temperatures.

Abstract: A process for providing a corrosion resistant coating on uncoated ferrous components, involving mechanical plating, using as a coating medium a zinc metal-containing powder, such as zinc or zinc alloy powder, or a powder mixture of zinc or zinc alloy and at least one other metal, so as to build up a firmly adherent coating of the coating medium over exposed surfaces of the components, heating the components with the firmly adherent coating to produce solid-solid diffusion to form an Fe/Zn intermetallic over the surfaces, at least in a base layer of the coating built up by the plating, and cooling the components.

Abstract: A process for providing a corrosion resistant coating on uncoated ferrous components, involving mechanical plating, using as a coating medium a zinc metal-containing powder, such as zinc or zinc alloy powder, or a powder mixture of zinc or zinc alloy and at least one other metal, so as to build up a firmly adherent coating of the coating medium over exposed surfaces of the components, heating the components with the firmly adherent coating to produce solid-solid diffusion to form an Fe/Zn intermetallic over the surfaces, at least in a base layer of the coating built up by the plating, and cooling the components

Abstract: A metal flow system, for use in casting aluminium alloy using a pressure casting machine, is provided by a component of a die or mould assembly, for the machine, which defines a die cavity. The component defines at least part of an alloy flow path for the flow of aluminium alloy from a pressurized source of substantially molten aluminium alloy of the machine to the die cavity. The flow path includes at least one runner and a controlled expansion port, referred to also as a CEP, which has an inlet through which the CEP is able to receive aluminium alloy from the runner and an outlet through which aluminium alloy is able to flow from the CEP for filling the die cavity.

Abstract: The provision or use, for the pressure casting of magnesium alloy in a molten or thixotropic state with a pressure casting machine having a mould or die which defines a die cavity, of a metal flow system which includes a die or mould tool means which defines at least one runner from which molten magnesium alloy is able to be injected into the die cavity. The metal flow system is of a form providing for control of metal flow velocities within the flow system, whereby substantially all of the metal flowing throughout the die cavity is in a viscous or semi-solid state. Filling of the die cavity is able to proceed progressively by semi-solid fronts of metal moving away from a gate or other site of injection.

Abstract: A metal flow system, for high pressure die casting of alloys using a machine having a pressurized source of molten alloy and a mould defining at least one die cavity, defines a metal flow path by which alloy received from the pressurized source is able to flow into the die cavity. A first part of the length of the flow path includes a runner and a controlled expansion port (CEP) which increases in cross-sectional area, in the direction of alloy flow, from an inlet end of the CEP at an outlet end of the runner to an outlet end of the CEP. A CEP exit module (CEM) forms a second part of the length of the flow path from the outlet end of the CEP. The increase in cross-sectional area of the CEP is such that molten alloy, received at the CEP inlet end at a sufficient flow velocity, undergoes a reduction in flow velocity in its flow through the CEP whereby the alloy is caused to change from a molten state to a semi-solid state.

Abstract: A sprue system, for use in a pressure casting machine, such as a machine for hot chamber die casting, or for producing castings from a thixotropic alloy, or a cold chamber die casting machine, is provided, which includes a plurality of sprue dies which form a sprue housing, or bush, through which a sprue region extends longitudinally between inlet and outlet ends of the housing or bush. The sprue dies are relatively movable laterally with respect to the longitudinal extent of the sprue region, between an advanced position in which the sprue dies form the housing or bush and a retracted relative position.

Abstract: The provision or use, for the pressure casting of magnesium alloy in a molten or thixotropic state with a pressure casting machine having a mould or die which defines a die cavity, of a metal flow system which includes a die or mould tool means which defines at least one runner from which molten magnesium alloy is able to be injected into the die cavity. The metal flow system is of a form providing for control of metal flow velocities within the flow system, whereby substantially all of the metal flowing throughout the die cavity is in a viscous or semi-solid state. Filling of the die cavity is able to proceed progressively by semi-solid fronts of metal moving away from a gate or other site of injection.

Abstract: A metal flow system, for use in casting aluminium alloy using a pressure casting machine, is provided by a component of a die or mould assembly, for the machine, which defines a die cavity. The component defines at least part of an alloy flow path for the flow of aluminium alloy from a pressurized source of substantially molten aluminium alloy of the machine to the die cavity. The flow includes at least one runner and a controlled expansion port, referred to also as a CEP, which has an inlet through which the CEP is able to receive aluminium alloy from the runner and an outlet through which aluminium alloy is able to flow from the CEP for filling the die cavity.

Abstract: A wrap spring clutch having a spring constructed of a shape memory alloy. This wrap spring clutch operates in the same manner as any other basic wrap spring clutch except that the spring expands and releases when the spring is heated to a predetermined temperature. The heat may be applied to the spring through external sources or by an electrical current being applied to the spring.

Abstract: A seat backrest frame (10) having an integrally formed rigid peripheral frame structure which, relative to an in-use orientation, has a plurality of frame portions, namely a pair of side portions (20) and transverse portions (22 and 24). Each of the frame portions (20, 22 and 24) has an elongate channel form defined by respective side flanges (20a, 22a, 24a, 20b, 22b, 24b), and an interconnecting web (20c, 22c, 24c). Each web (20c, 22c, 24c) being disposed forwardly of the frame structure with the channel of each frame portion opening rearwardly. Each side portion (20) defines a forwardly projecting wing (36) over at least the lower half of its length, such that the depth of each side portion channel in at least the region of the wing (36) is substantially greater than the depth of the channels of the transverse portions (22 and 24).

Abstract: A seat mounting mechanism for mounting a seat for adjustable fore and aft movement, the mechanism having an elongate fixed rail which is adapted to be securable to a substructure, pan or floor, a movable rail which is engageable with the fixed rail and adapted to be securable to a seat, and at least one locking member mounted on a first one of the fixed rail and the movable rails. The locking member is pivotable between an engagement position in which it locks the movable rail relative to the fixed rail and a retracted position in which it frees the movable rail for adjustment along the fixed rail. The locking member is mounted on the first rail for pivotable movement, between the engagement and retracted positions, about a pivot axis extending substantially parallel to the rails. The locking member has an engagement mechanism by which it is selectively engageable with an engagement mechanism of, and disposed along, a second one of the rails when the locking member is in its engagement position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of non-contacting, non-destructive, on-line dimensional analysis and flaw detection of tubular products are disclosed. The apparatus includes penetrating radiation sources and detectors arranged about the product to be examined and a high-speed data processing system which employs novel computed tomography techniques to provide high precision dimensional estimates and flaw detection. The apparatus is capable of continuously determining the outside diameter, inside diameter, wall thickness, ovality, eccentricity, and weight-per-foot over a wide range of temperatures for essentially tubular products produced on a unit or continuous basis. The apparatus can also detect process-induced flaws in the products.