Abstract: A production line for processing a workpieces, comprising a plurality of loops located in series along a main conveyor, each loop branching from the main conveyor line via a respective branching conveyor located at a relatively upstream location of the main conveyor line and returning to a relatively downstream location of the main conveyor line via a respective return conveyor, and each loop comprising a respective processing module located between the respective branching conveyor and return conveyor, such that a workpiece may be diverted from the main conveyor line to a loop via its respective branching conveyor, be processed by its respective processing module and returned to the main conveyor line via its respective return conveyor, wherein, when the number of operational loops, an operational loop being a loop in which the respective conveyors and processing module are all fully operational, is X, where X is an integer greater than 1, the control means is configured such that during an operational phase

Abstract: The invention is an autonomous wall garden system containing removeable trays, a water delivery system, a tray water level sensor system, and optional grow lights and user interface. The present invention provides a vertical plant growing environment that can be configured to monitor and, in certain cases automatically provide, the appropriate light, temperature, humidity and water for the specific plants in the garden.

Abstract: The invention is an autonomous wall garden system containing removeable trays, a water delivery system, a tray water level sensor system, and optional grow lights and user interface. The present invention provides a vertical plant growing environment that can be configured to monitor and, in certain cases automatically provide, the appropriate light, temperature, humidity and water for the specific plants in the garden.

Abstract: A brace for securing a face mask on a wearer includes a sealing ring and at least one securing strap attached to the sealing ring by at least one joint region. The sealing ring has a perimeter that forms an interior opening, and the perimeter is shaped and sized to surround a portion of the face mask when the face mask is placed over the wearer's nose and mouth. The securing strap is constructed as one or more head strap, ear straps, neck ties, or another securing mechanism for securing the sealing ring on the wearer and maintaining a seal of the face mask about the wearer's nose and mouth. The brace can include one or more of deformable metal bands, cushions, and reinforced regions over the bridge of the nose, at the joints of the sealing ring with the securing straps, and along the securing straps.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for shaping an edge at a juncture of two adjoining surfaces of a part. A first surface and a second surface of the part are abraded by contacting a polishing surface of a polishing wheel to the first surface and to the second surface. The polishing surface spins in opposite rotational directions about an axis parallel to the edge when contacting the first and second surfaces respectively. The polishing surface moves at different translational speeds and the polishing wheel spins at different rotational speeds along straight segments and along curved segments of the edge. The shaped edge has a visually smooth and geometrically uniform appearance.

Abstract: Methods and systems for accurately determining dimensional accuracy of a complex three dimensional shape are disclosed. The invention in one respect includes determining at least a non-critical feature and at least a critical feature of the 3-D component, determining a first datum using at least the non-critical feature, aligning the first datum to at least a portion of a reference shape, determining a second datum corresponding to the critical feature subsequent to the aligning, and determining the dimensional accuracy of the 3-D component by comparing the second datum to another portion of the reference shape.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for polishing a curved edge of a molded part. A surface of the curved edge is abraded by contacting a polishing surface of a first polishing wheel to the curved edge repeatedly in a first direction concurrent with a rotational spinning direction of the first polishing wheel. The abraded surface of the curved edge is polished by contacting a polishing surface of a second polishing wheel to the curved edge in the first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The polishing surfaces of the first and second polishing wheels are shaped to conform to a portion of the surface of the curved edge of the molded part. The polishing wheel is maintained at a constant rotational speed by a controller when contacting the curved edge. The polished surface of the curved edge is visually smoothly uniform in reflective appearance.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for shaping an edge at a juncture of two adjoining surfaces of a part. A first surface and a second surface of the part are abraded by contacting a polishing surface of a polishing wheel to the first surface and to the second surface. The polishing surface spins in opposite rotational directions about an axis parallel to the edge when contacting the first and second surfaces respectively. The polishing surface moves at different translational speeds and the polishing wheel spins at different rotational speeds along straight segments and along curved segments of the edge. The shaped edge has a visually smooth and geometrically uniform appearance.

Abstract: Methods and systems for accurately determining dimensional accuracy of a complex three dimensional shape are disclosed. The invention in one respect includes determining at least a non-critical feature and at least a critical feature of the 3-D component, determining a first datum using at least the non-critical feature, aligning the first datum to at least a portion of a reference shape, determining a second datum corresponding to the critical feature subsequent to the aligning, and determining the dimensional accuracy of the 3-D component by comparing the second datum to another portion of the reference shape.