Abstract: A controllable force cushion device that can be programmed to provide a variable and/or pulsating force that can be used in any application where force control is desirable. The frequency of the pulsation can be adjusted to suit different applications and/or circumstances (e.g., forming of sheet metals in die applications, etc.). The cushion can comprise one or more manifolds containing hydraulic cylinders that can be compressed during operation pushing fluid through a proportional relief valve that can be controlled by a motion control device, thereby creating a desired force. Material (e.g., sheet metal, etc.) flow can be controlled by using a gap control method. In use, the variable pulsating, gap control, auto-learning press cushion device of the present invention can optionally be mounted to the underside of a press bolster and can be used in conjunction with a stamping press.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide methods of using synthetic DNA spike-ins (SDSIs) to detect, prevent, and quantify contamination in amplicon sequencing. These embodiments may, but are not limited to, reveal sample swaps, intra-batch contamination, and, on a larger scale, intra-laboratory contamination. Embodiments disclosed herein also provide synthetic DNA spike-ins for use in amplicon-based sequencing methods.

Abstract: A controllable force cushion device that can be programmed to provide a variable and/or pulsating force that can be used in any application where force control is desirable. The frequency of the pulsation can be adjusted to suit different applications and/or circumstances (e.g., forming of sheet metals in die applications, etc.). The cushion can comprise one or more manifolds containing hydraulic cylinders that can be compressed during operation pushing fluid through a proportional relief valve that can be controlled by a motion control device, thereby creating a desired force. Material (e.g., sheet metal, etc.) flow can be controlled by using a gap control method. In use, the variable pulsating, gap control, auto-learning press cushion device of the present invention can optionally be mounted to the underside of a press bolster and can be used in conjunction with a stamping press.

Abstract: A controllable force cushion device that can be programmed to provide a variable and/or pulsating force that can be used in any application where force control is desirable. The frequency of the pulsation can be adjusted to suit different applications and/or circumstances (e.g., forming of sheet metals in die applications, etc.). The cushion can comprise one or more manifolds containing hydraulic cylinders that can be compressed during operation pushing fluid through a proportional relief valve that can be controlled by a motion control device, thereby creating a desired force. Material (e.g., sheet metal, etc.) flow can be controlled by using a gap control method. In use, the variable pulsating, gap control, auto-learning press cushion device of the present invention can optionally be mounted to the underside of a press bolster and can be used in conjunction with a stamping press.

Abstract: A controllable force cushion device that can be programmed to provide a variable and/or pulsating force that can be used in any application where force control is desirable. The frequency of the pulsation can be adjusted to suit different applications and/or circumstances (e.g., forming of sheet metals in die applications, etc.). The cushion can comprise one or more manifolds containing hydraulic cylinders that can be compressed during operation pushing fluid through a proportional relief valve that can be controlled by a motion control device, thereby creating a desired force. Material (e.g., sheet metal, etc.) flow can be controlled by using a gap control method. In use, the variable pulsating, gap control, auto-learning press cushion device of the present invention can optionally be mounted to the underside of a press bolster and can be used in conjunction with a stamping press.

Abstract: A fluid cylinder mechanism (1) equipped with a cylinder (10) having a base end (12) and an open end (11), and a piston (20) having a flange portion (21) disposed inside the cylinder and a rod portion (25) that passes through the open end of the cylinder, in which a space inside the cylinder is partitioned by the flange portion of the piston into a first pressured chamber (14) on a side of the base end and a second pressurized chamber (15) on a side of the open end, is characterized by including: a first flow path (22) that permits flow of a fluid from the first pressurized chamber to the second pressurized chamber; a second flow path (32) that permits flow of the fluid from the second pressurized chamber to the first pressurized chamber; and an opening and closing means (35) for opening and closing the second flow path.

Abstract: A fluid cylinder mechanism (1) equipped with a cylinder (10) having a base end (12) and an open end (11), and a piston (20) having a flange portion (21) disposed inside the cylinder and a rod portion (25) that passes through the open end of the cylinder, in which a space inside the cylinder is partitioned by the flange portion of the piston into a first pressured chamber (14) on a side of the base end and a second pressurized chamber (15) on a side of the open end, is characterized by including: a first flow path (22) that permits flow of a fluid from the first pressurized chamber to the second pressurized chamber; a second flow path (32) that permits flow of the fluid from the second pressurized chamber to the first pressurized chamber; and an opening and closing means (35) for opening and closing the second flow path.

Abstract: A die separator cylinder for use in separating first and second portions of a metal forming die set comprises a housing including a bore. A piston is adapted to reciprocate in the bore between an extended position and a depressed position. The die separator cylinder further includes gas flow paths leading to and from the bore that define asymmetrical gas flow rates relative to each other so that said when the bore is charged with an inert gas, the inert gas biases the piston to the extended position with a force that varies depending upon a time interval elapsed since the piston moved from the depressed position to the extended position.

Abstract: A high-pressure, inert gas cushion assembly for the ram or bolster of a metal stamping press includes a manifold having fluid-flow passages defined therein, along with a plurality of cylinder mounting locations each in communication with at least one of the fluid-flow passages. A plurality of cushion cylinders are located respectively in the cylinder mounting locations. Each cylinder includes a body having an inner wall that defines a bore of diameter D. A piston is located in the bore and includes opposite inner and outer faces, wherein the outer face is oriented outwardly relative to the bore and manifold. A fluid seal is supported on the piston and is slidably engaged with the wall defining the bore. One or more bearings are supported on the piston and slidably engaged with the inner wall that defines the bore. The bearing(s) support the piston slidably in the bore for reciprocal sliding movement between extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A high-pressure, inert gas cushion assembly for the ram or bolster of a metal stamping press includes a manifold having fluid-flow passages defined therein, along with a plurality of cylinder mounting locations each in communication with at least one of the fluid-flow passages. A plurality of cushion cylinders are located respectively in the cylinder mounting locations. Each cylinder includes a body having an inner wall that defines a bore of diameter D. A piston is located in the bore and includes opposite inner and outer faces, wherein the outer face is oriented outwardly relative to the bore and manifold. A fluid seal is supported on the piston and is slidably engaged with the wall defining the bore. One or more bearings are supported on the piston and slidably engaged with the inner wall that defines the bore. The bearing(s) support the piston slidably in the bore for reciprocal sliding movement between extended and retracted positions.