Abstract: An electrochemical deposition system for depositing metal onto a workpiece, comprises a deposition chamber adapted to receive plating solution, a workpiece holder for holding a workpiece in a first plane, a shield holder for holding a shield in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane, an agitation plate having a profiled surface to agitate plating solution, wherein the workpiece holder, shield holder and agitation plate are all adapted for insertion into and removal from the deposition chamber, and further comprising an actuator operable to change a relative distance between the workpiece holder and shield holder, in a direction normal to the first and second planes, while they are located within the deposition chamber.

Abstract: An electrochemical deposition system for depositing metal onto a workpiece, comprises a deposition chamber adapted to receive plating solution, a workpiece holder for holding a workpiece in a first plane, a shield holder for holding a shield in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane, an agitation plate having a profiled surface to agitate plating solution, wherein the workpiece holder, shield holder and agitation plate are all adapted for insertion into and removal from the deposition chamber, and further comprising an actuator operable to change a relative distance between the workpiece holder and shield holder, in a direction normal to the first and second planes, while they are located within the deposition chamber.

Abstract: One variation of a method for blending food products includes: receiving a cup containing food products; locating a lip of the cup on a lower seat of a cup plate; rotating a blend plate about a pivot axis from a blend position to a closed position to locate an upper seat of the blend plate against the lip of the cup; driving the cup plate, about the pivot axis, toward the blend position; driving the blend plate against the cup plate to seal the upper seat against the lip of the cup; activating a blender blade of the blend plate to blend food products in the cup; driving the cup plate against the blend plate to seal the upper seat against the lip of the cup; driving the blend plate toward the closed position; rotating the blend plate toward the blend position; and delivering the cup.

Abstract: Recyclable organic solar cells are disclosed herein. Systems and methods are further disclosed for producing, improving performance, and for recycling the solar cells. In certain example embodiments, the recyclable organic solar cells disclosed herein include: a first electrode; a second electrode; a photoactive layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; an interlayer comprising a Lewis basic oligomer or polymer disposed between the photoactive layer and at least a portion of the first electrode or the second electrode; and a substrate disposed adjacent to the first electrode or the second electrode. The interlayer reduces the work function associated with the first or second electrode. In certain example embodiments, the substrate comprises cellulose nanocrystals that can be recycled. In certain example embodiments, one or more of the first electrode, the photoactive layer, and the second electrode may be applied by a film transfer lamination method.

Abstract: This application relates to systems and methods for controlling current density in an electrochemical bath using an anode assembly that comprises a plurality of anodes arranged across a surface of the anode assembly. In one embodiment, each of the anodes may be coupled to a power supply through an intervening electrical switch. A switch controller enables the selection of which anodes should be turned on or off during processing. In this way, current density across the anode assembly can be controlled in a uniform manner by turning on and off select anodes. Turning off a portion of the anodes may lower current density in that region. Likewise, turning on the portion of anodes will increase the current density in that region.

Abstract: Recyclable organic solar cells are disclosed herein. Systems and methods are further disclosed for producing, improving performance, and for recycling the solar cells. In certain example embodiments, the recyclable organic solar cells disclosed herein include: a first electrode; a second electrode; a photoactive layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; an interlayer comprising a Lewis basic oligomer or polymer disposed between the photoactive layer and at least a portion of the first electrode or the second electrode; and a substrate disposed adjacent to the first electrode or the second electrode. The interlayer reduces the work function associated with the first or second electrode. In certain example embodiments, the substrate comprises cellulose nanocrystals that can be recycled. In certain example embodiments, one or more of the first electrode, the photoactive layer, and the second electrode may be applied by a film transfer lamination method.

Abstract: A guide assembly for an ice skate sharpener cooperates with a template of a desired contour of a skate blade to control the relative disposition of a sharpening wheel and a skate blade. The guide assembly comprises a base and a carriage slidably mounted on the base so as to be moveable, relative to said base, along a predefined path. A support is provided for connection to a skateholder. The support is connected to the carriage to permit movement of a skateholder in a direction normal to the path. The support inhibits relative movement between the carriage and a skateholder in a direction parallel to said path. A follower connected between the skateholder and template, control movement of the skateholder in a direction normal to the path as the carriage is moved along said predefined path. The skateholder therefore follow the contour of the template.

Abstract: A guide assembly for an ice skate sharpener cooperates with a template of a desired contour of a skate blade to control the relative disposition of a sharpening wheel and a skate blade. The guide assembly comprises a base and a carriage slidably mounted on the base so as to be moveable, relative to said base, along a predefined path. A support is provided for connection to a skateholder. The support is connected to the carriage to permit movement of a skateholder in a direction normal to the path. The support inhibits relative movement between the carriage and a skateholder in a direction parallel to said path. A follower connected between the skateholder and template, control movement of the skateholder in a direction normal to the path as the carriage is moved along said predefined path. The skateholder therefore follow the contour of the template.

Abstract: A device is provided for measuring the centre of a grinding wheel for use in setting the height of a skate blade. The device has a base, a support extending from the base, a slider block slidable along the neck between the base and a head block secured to an upper end of the neck, a dial indicator supported by the head block for measuring the position of the slider block along the neck, a lower roller, and an upper roller. The lower roller and upper roller are rotatably attached to the slider block and radially aligned with each other such that a portion of each roller protrudes from the slider block, wherein a clockwise tangential force imparted on the upper roller causes the slider block to slide along the neck, and the dial indicator to record the movement of the slider block, which enables the height of an object to be set on the dial indicator with respect to a rest position of the slider block.

Abstract: A skate sharpening device is provided which allows a grinding device to rotate with respect to a working surface of the device in both a cross grind configuration and a finish grind configuration. The grinding device pivots about a pin and is guided by a threaded stud protruding through an arcuate slot and securable using a flared, hand operated nut. A slidable rack attached to the grinding device is moveable in fore and aft directions relative thereto. A dressing tool may be attached to the rack and its forward position is governed by an actuating system. The actuating system allows a user to selectively inhibit forward movement of the rack to position the dressing tool at a suitable position to allow a dressing bit to contact a grinding wheel attached to and powered by the grinding device to dress the grinding wheel.

Abstract: The invention is an amidoamine epoxy curing agent composition, which comprises the reaction product of at least one aliphatic monobasic carboxylic acid, triethylenetetraamine, and an amine selected from the group consisting of polyethylenepolyamines higher than triethylenetetraamine, cycloaliphatic amines, and mixtures thereof, its method of use, and cured epoxy compositions made from it.