Abstract: A build powder characterization system for an additive manufacturing (AM) machine includes a build powder collection system, a build powder analyzer, and a controller. The build powder collection system configured to collect build powder during an AM machine build campaign. The build powder analyzer configured to receive from the build powder collection system the collected build powder, to analyze selected build powder properties, and to communicate to a controller data reflecting properties of the collected build powder. The controller is configured to process data, received from the build powder analyzer, reflecting properties of the collected build powder.

Abstract: A powder bed fusion (PBF) additive manufacturing (AM) machine includes a build plate configured to function as a platform to support one or more parts built using the PBF AM machine. The build plate further includes a thermal history indicator positioned on the build plate, attached to the build plate, or physically integrated with the build plate such that the thermal history indicator experiences the same temperature as the build plate. The thermal history indicator is configured to display a durable visual indication of achievement of a temperature associated with a post-processing step performed after the one or more parts are built on the build platform.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for detecting a wearing status of a wearable device, the wearing status indicating whether a user is wearing the wearable device and sending wearing status data to a companion communication device to control a behavior of the companion communication device.

Abstract: An apparatus for finishing a component includes at least one articulating arm, at least one plasma gun disposed at an end of a first articulating arm of the at least one articulating arm, at least one shot peen nozzle maintained in a fixed positioned relative to the plasma gun, and a controller controllably coupled to the articulating arm such that output signals from the controller control motions of the articulating arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for finishing a component includes at least one articulating arm, at least one plasma gun disposed at an end of a first articulating arm of the at least one articulating arm, at least one shot peen nozzle maintained in a fixed positioned relative to the plasma gun, and a controller controllably coupled to the articulating arm such that output signals from the controller control motions of the articulating arm.

Abstract: A method of monitoring an additive manufacturing build process includes first and second phases. The first phase includes depositing a powder layer onto a powder bed. A topographical profile of the powder bed is captured with a profilometer. An image of the powder bed is captured with a camera. The image and topographical profile are combined to create a data set that is transferred to a machine learning algorithm. A set of training data is generated and includes a set of deviations from a nominal model. The second phase includes depositing a powder layer onto the powder bed. An image of the powder bed is captured and compared to the set of training data. Deviations from the nominal model of the first powder bed are determined. Any deviations that are greater than a numerical threshold are labelled and identified as a defect which includes its type and severity.

Abstract: An apparatus for finishing a component includes at least one articulating arm, at least one plasma gun disposed at an end of a first articulating arm of the at least one articulating arm, at least one shot peen nozzle maintained in a fixed positioned relative to the plasma gun, and a controller controllably coupled to the articulating arm such that output signals from the controller control motions of the articulating arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for finishing a component includes at least one articulating arm having a shot peening apparatus and at least one laser source. A plurality of laser redirectors are configured to redirect a laser originating from the laser source. Each laser redirector in the plurality of laser redirectors is mounted to a first rail and a second rail. A controller is controllably coupled to the articulating arm and each of the rails such that output signals from the controller control a position of the articulating arm, and a position of each laser redirector in the plurality of laser redirectors.

Abstract: An apparatus for finishing a component includes at least one articulating arm, at least one plasma gun disposed at an end of a first articulating arm of the at least one articulating arm, at least one shot peen nozzle maintained in a fixed positioned relative to the plasma gun, and a controller controllably coupled to the articulating arm such that output signals from the controller control motions of the articulating arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for finishing a component includes at least one articulating arm having a shot peening apparatus and at least one laser source. A plurality of laser redirectors are configured to redirect a laser originating from the laser source. Each laser redirector in the plurality of laser redirectors is mounted to a first rail and a second rail. A controller is controllably coupled to the articulating arm and each of the rails such that output signals from the controller control a position of the articulating arm, and a position of each laser redirector in the plurality of laser redirectors.

Abstract: A learning kit having a literary component that includes at least one story, wherein the story has described therein a problem; an experimental component wherein the problem posed in the story is quantitatively and/or qualitatively analyzed using experimental hardware and procedures provided in the kit; and a means for verifying successful completion of the experiments wherein successful completion of the experiments is required in order to progress the story. In one embodiment, the means for verifying successful completion of the experiments is a written letter or document that that is opened after the experiments are completed to verify the results. The letter or other printed document includes printed matter to progress the story. In another embodiment the means for verifying successful completion of the experiments is digitally recorded media recorded on digital media such as a compact disk, DVD or a remotely accessible computer.

Abstract: A quick release device for tensioning a vehicle curtain and providing easy access to the load in a curtain-sided vehicle. A main tensioning device, usually installed at a front corner of a curtain-sided vehicle is normally used for applying horizontal tension to the curtain. Vertical tensioning straps along the length of the curtain normally provide vertical tension to the curtain as well as load security. At the rear of the curtain-sided vehicle there is a quick-release device so that the rear of the curtain may be held securely in a locked position and then released without first releasing the main tensioning device at the front of the vehicle and all the vertical tensioning straps.

Abstract: A mobile panel that provides easy access to cargo loads in the center of a curtain-sided vehicle. A main tensioning device, usually installed at a front corner of a curtain-sided vehicle is used for applying horizontal tension to the curtain. Vertical tensioning straps along the length of the curtain provide vertical tension to the curtain as well as load security. At the rear of the curtain-sided vehicle a curtain pole, attached to the curtain, is inserted in a channel and anchored securely so that tension may be applied by the main tensioning device at the front of the curtain-sided vehicle. A mobile panel is located in the center of the curtain. The mobile panel hangs from rollers which engage a rail along the upper outside edge of the curtain-sided vehicle. The mobile panel has two quick release devices for receiving and securing curtain poles that are attached to the curtain.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for the manufacture of metal extrusions is disclosed in which the metal is extruded through a die having, preferably, a single extrusion aperture. The leading end of the extruded section is gripped and pulled away from the die by a puller 11, and the section is at the same time rapidly and uniformly cooled in a tunnel 8 as extrusion proceeds. When the puller reaches a predetermined distance from the die, the puller and extrusion are stopped simultaneously. The extruded section is then gripped in a device 12 including a pair of gripping jaws adjacent the die and shearing means by which the section is cut through at a location between this pair of jaws and the die. The puller is then operated to move it to stretch the extruded section while the section remains gripped by the gripping jaws of device 12 and in alignment with the die.

Abstract: In the thermal ageing of extruded sections of age-hardenable aluminum alloys the sections are progressed through a system having an initial low temperature zone and a subsequent high temperature zone. In order to secure uniform ageing the sections are progressed in a direction transverse to their length and conveniently are arranged in a single layer and spaced apart to ensure acceptably uniform rate of heating to ageing temperature.