Abstract: A processing machine (10) for building an object (11) from powder (12) includes a build platform (26A); a powder supply assembly (18) that deposits the powder (12) onto the build platform (26A) to form a powder layer (13); and an energy system (22) that directs an energy beam (22D) at a portion of the powder (12) on the build platform (26A) to form a portion of the object (11). The powder supply assembly (18) can include (i) a powder container (640A) that retains the powder (12); (ii) a supply outlet (639) positioned over the build platform (26A); and (ii) a flow control assembly (642) that selectively controls the flow of the powder (12) from the supply outlet (639).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microfluidic unit (101) for isolating and culturing yeast cells. This microfluidic unit (101) comprises a medium inlet, a medium outlet, a passage interconnecting the inlet and outlet, and in the passage a single cell trapping chamber (109). Moreover, this microfluidic unit (101) comprises further in the passage a daughter cells trapping chamber (111), this chamber (111) is placed downstream of the single cell trapping chamber (109), and configured for retaining the daughter cells while allowing offspring of these daughter cells to escape with a flow of the medium in the passage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wireless device and method for reducing standby power. The method for reducing standby power of the wireless device includes the steps of: charging a charging battery with power supplied from an AC commercial power source in a normal mode of the wireless device, blocking the power of the AC commercial power source and converting an operation state of the wireless device so that the wireless device is in a standby mode when an operation-off signal used for turning off a predetermined device is transmitted from an outside. In this case, the wireless device receives the power with which the charging battery has been charged. In a standby mode, the wires device is periodically converted to be in a normal mode to transmit an operation state inquiry signal to the outside, so that it is possible to normally control the predetermined device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a power supply device and a lighting system having the same. The lighting system includes a power supply device including at least two converters that receive AC power and convert it into DC power and selectively outputting any one DC power thereof; and a plurality of LED lighting units each receiving the DC power from the power supply device and operating. The lighting system can stably supply power and facilitate maintenance thereof due to the use of the integrated power supply device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wireless device and method for reducing standby power. The method for reducing standby power of the wireless device includes the steps of: charging a charging battery with power supplied from an AC commercial power source in a normal mode of the wireless device, blocking the power of the AC commercial power source and converting an operation state of the wireless device so that the wireless device is in a standby mode when an operation-off signal used for turning off a predetermined device is transmitted from an outside. In this case, the wireless device receives the power with which the charging battery has been charged. In a standby mode, the wires device is periodically converted to be in a normal mode to transmit an operation state inquiry signal to the outside, so that it is possible to normally control the predetermined device.

Abstract: A portfolio of entertainment project such that the risk and return available to investors is attractive compared to other investments. Risk and return for a portfolio of entertainment projects is predicted based on historical performance of past “similar” projects. In one implementation, characteristics that are predictive of a project's revenue are determined by performing a cluster analysis of historical revenues from past projects. Projects in the portfolio are classified into various segments based on these predictive characteristics. Projects are selected to contruct a portfolio. The risk and return for the portfolio is calculated according to a risk-return model that is based on historical risk and revenues for past projects in the same segment and further based on historical covariance of revenue for past projects in different segments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for vacuum diecasting and a diecasting mould (1), especially for diecasting components made of metal or the alloys thereof. The aim of the invention is to provide a better casting quality while simplifying the procedure of the method. To this end, the evacuation of the die cavity (5) and the filling with molten bath are carried out independently from one another.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for inspecting the surface of a wafer, having at least a first and a second incident illumination device in order to emit respectively a first and a second incident illuminating light beam and to illuminate a region on the surface, and having at least one image sensing device in order to sense an image of the illuminated region, the first incident illumination device and the at least one image sensing device being arranged so that images of the illuminated region can be sensed in a bright-field configuration, and the second incident illumination device and the at least one image sensing device being arranged so that images of the illuminated region can be sensed in a dark-field configuration. A control device for controlling the first and the second incident illumination device and the at least one image sensing device is furthermore provided.

Abstract: A shot sleeve for a die casting machine includes an elongated hollow body for receiving and guiding a shot plunger. This body defines an elongated chamber of predetermined cross-section having a front opening leading to a sprue runner of a die. The cross-section enlarges over part of its length towards the front opening. The plunger's front surface can include a conical surface which tapers away from a perimetrical scraping edge of the plunger, the conical surface having an axial end surface of smaller cross-section than the perimetrical edge. The arrangement allows undesirable material such as scrape peripheral portions of a slug of semi-solid metal to be trapped in a biscuit which remains in the shot sleeve after formation of a part.

Abstract: Metallic bodies are heated up to a predetermined temperature between the solidus and the liquidus to produce a semisolid state by supplying the metallic bodies with different amounts of energy over time. The metallic bodies are initially heated with a higher amount of energy, whereafter the supply of energy is lowered. Varying amounts of energy may also be employed to control the desired temperature as a function of shaping pressure or cycle time of the shaping machine.