Abstract: The present invention is a growth medium including a mat having at least a first layer and a second layer of synthetic material connected together, where the first layer differs from the second layer in at least one of the following characteristics: color, porosity, composition material, coating material, material construction, thickness, water retentiveness, or presence of water channels. The invention also relates to methods of cultivating plants using the described growth media.

Abstract: A bracket presenter for an ultrasonic welder includes a one-piece first bracket portion and a one-piece second bracket portion mounted relative to one another. First and second tapered features are respectively provided by the first and second bracket portions and are nested relative to one another. The first and second tapered features engage in an extended position and are spaced from one another in a compressed position to provide a clearance enabling the first and second bracket portions to float lateral relative to one another. A spring biases the first and second bracket portions apart.

Abstract: An ultrasonic welder includes, among other things, a sonotrode, a sleeve that is arranged at least partially around the sonotrode, and a biasing assembly that acts on the sleeve and is configured to urge the sleeve to an extended position relative to the sonotrode in response to a biasing force. The sleeve is configured to move from the extended position to a clamping position relative to the sonotrode in response to engagement with a workpiece which opposes the biasing force.

Abstract: A sonotrode includes multiple layers of a material melted to one another to form a structure. The structure provides a base that has an attachment feature that is configured to operatively secure to an ultrasonic converter. The structure includes a shaft that extends from the base to a terminal end that provides a working surface that is configured to selectively engage a workpiece. The structure has at least one shaft that includes a first shaft that extends from the base to a first terminal end that provides a first working surface that is configured to selectively engage a workpiece. The first shaft is integrally formed with the base from the multiple layers to provide an unbroken, monolithic construction.

Abstract: A system includes a first fixture to support one side of a part and a robot that has a second fixture to support an opposite side of the part with respect to the one side. One of the part sides has a target on a surface that indicates a location for the operation. The system has a sensor to measure the target in 3-dimensional space. A tool performs the operation at the location, and a controller moves the robot to pick up the part from the first fixture using the second fixture. The controller presents the target to the sensor for measuring the x,y,z coordinates and the yaw, pitch and roll of the target. The controller moves the second fixture with the part to the tool based upon the measurement.

Abstract: A system for coating ceramic fibers for use in manufacturing a ceramic matric composite (CMC) article includes a frame having a plurality of frame members arranged so as to create a void therebetween. At least one of frame members includes a hollow body and at least one perforated hole defined in the hollow body. Thus, the ceramic fibers are securable at respective ends of the frame and extend across the void. The frame also includes an inlet in fluid communication with the perforated hole(s) so as to allow a coating material to flow into and through the hollow body and out of the perforated hole(s) at a location of at least a portion of one of the ceramic fibers. As such, the coating material is configured to cause the portion of one of the ceramic fibers to separate from the frame such that the portion is uniformly coated with the coating material.

Abstract: An irradiation apparatus configured to be coupled to an irradiation chamber containing a material to be irradiated, comprising: a support structure; one or more radiation sources coupled to the support structure; and a heat exchange mechanism thermally coupled to the one or more radiation sources. The heat exchange mechanism comprises one or more of a thermoelectric cooling device, a vapor chamber, a heatsink, a heat dissipation structure, a fan, and a cooling coating. The one or more radiation sources comprise one or more UV radiation sources, one or more UV-C radiation. sources, one or more visible radiation sources, or a combination thereof. Optionally, the one or more radiation sources comprise a plurality of radiation sources arranged. in an array, Optionally, the one or more radiation sources deliver a combination of wavelengths to the material to be irradiated.

Abstract: A sonotrode includes multiple layers of a material melted to one another to form a structure. The structure provides a base that has an attachment feature that is configured to operatively secure to an ultrasonic converter. The structure includes a shaft that extends from the base to a terminal end that provides a working surface that is configured to selectively engage a workpiece. The structure has at least one shaft that includes a first shaft that extends from the base to a first terminal end that provides a first working surface that is configured to selectively engage a workpiece. The first shaft is integrally formed with the base from the multiple layers to provide an unbroken, monolithic construction.

Abstract: A bracket presenter for an ultrasonic welder includes a one-piece first bracket portion and a one-piece second bracket portion mounted relative to one another. First and second tapered features are respectively provided by the first and second bracket portions and are nested relative to one another. The first and second tapered features engage in an extended position and are spaced from one another in a compressed position to provide a clearance enabling the first and second bracket portions to float lateral relative to one another. A spring biases the first and second bracket portions apart.

Abstract: A method for repairing composite components includes positioning one or more repair fiber plies relative to a repair interface of a composite component such that a butt joint is formed at the repair interface between the one or more repair fiber plies and the composite component. Furthermore, the method includes forming a cavity within the composite component such that the cavity extends through the repair interface. Additionally, the method includes installing a support member within the cavity. In this respect, the support member extends across the butt joint such that a first portion of the support member is positioned within the composite component and a second portion of the support member is positioned within the one or more repair fiber plies.

Abstract: An irradiation apparatus configured to be coupled to an irradiation chamber containing a material to be irradiated, comprising: a support structure; one or more radiation sources coupled to the support structure; and a heat exchange mechanism thermally coupled to the one or more radiation sources. The heat exchange mechanism comprises one or more of a thermoelectric cooling device, a vapor chamber, a heatsink, a heat dissipation structure, a fan, and a cooling coating. The one or more radiation sources comprise one or more UV radiation sources, one or more UV-C radiation sources, one or more visible radiation sources, or a combination thereof. Optionally, the one or more radiation sources comprise a plurality of radiation sources arranged in an array. Optionally, the one or more radiation sources deliver a combination of wavelengths to the material to be irradiated.

Abstract: A sonotrode includes multiple layers of a material melted to one another to form a structure. The structure provides a base that has an attachment feature that is configured to operatively secure to an ultrasonic converter. The structure includes a shaft that extends from the base to a terminal end that provides a working surface that is configured to selectively engage a workpiece.

Abstract: Systems and methods for thermally processing composite components are provided. In one exemplary aspect, a system includes a thermal system, a mover device, and a control system. The system also includes a plurality of vessels in which one or more components may be placed. The vessels are similarly shaped and configured. A vessel containing the one or more components therein may be mounted into a chamber defined by the thermal system during thermal processing. The thermal system and vessels include features that allow components to be thermally processed, e.g., compacted, burnt-out, and densified via a melt-infiltration process, a polymer impregnation and pyrolyzing process, or a chemical vapor infiltration process. utilizing the same thermal system and common vessel design. The control system may control the thermal system and mover device to automate thermal processing of the composite components.

Abstract: Systems and methods for thermally processing composite components are provided. In one exemplary aspect, a system includes a thermal system, a mover device, and a control system. The system also includes a plurality of vessels in which one or more components may be placed. The vessels are similarly shaped and configured. A vessel containing the one or more components therein may be mounted into a chamber defined by the thermal system during thermal processing. The thermal system and vessels include features that allow components to be thermally processed, e.g., compacted, burnt-out, and densified via a melt-infiltration process, a polymer impregnation and pyrolyzing process, or a chemical vapor infiltration process. utilizing the same thermal system and common vessel design. The control system may control the thermal system and mover device to automate thermal processing of the composite components.

Abstract: An ultrasonic welder includes, among other things, a sonotrode, a sleeve that is arranged at least partially around the sonotrode, and a biasing assembly that acts on the sleeve and is configured to urge the sleeve to an extended position relative to the sonotrode in response to a biasing force. The sleeve is configured to move from the extended position to a clamping position relative to the sonotrode in response to engagement with a workpiece which opposes the biasing force.

Abstract: A rose assembly for a lockset configured to conceal and protect at least portions of a chassis that are positioned in a through-hole of an entryway device. The rose assembly can include at least a rose base and a rose plate. The rose plate can be assembled to the rose base at one of a plurality of orientations so that the rose assembly has an asymmetrical configuration. The rose assembly can include an indexing system to control the orientations at which the rose plate can be selectively secured to the rose base. The indexing system can include first and second male members and a plurality of female members, the first male member being sized to be matingly received in some, but not all, of the plurality of female members. The rose plate can be secured to the rose base by plate fasteners, magnets and/or double-sided tape.

Abstract: A method of adjusting multiple tools on a common mount includes the interrogating first and second actual target positions on at least one workpiece. A variance is determined between the first and second actual target position and first and second theoretical target positions. At least one of the first and second tools is moved relative to the other of the first and second tools from the first and second theoretical target positions to a desired spacing respectively aligned with the first and second actual target positions.

Abstract: A sonotrode includes multiple layers of a material melted to one another to form a structure. The structure provides a base that has an attachment feature that is configured to operatively secure to an ultrasonic converter. The structure includes a shaft that extends from the base to a terminal end that provides a working surface that is configured to selectively engage a workpiece.

Abstract: A method of adjusting multiple tools on a common mount includes the interrogating first and second actual target positions on at least one workpiece. A variance is determined between the first and second actual target position and first and second theoretical target positions. At least one of the first and second tools is moved relative to the other of the first and second tools from the first and second theoretical target positions to a desired spacing respectively aligned with the first and second actual target positions.