Abstract: This invention relates to an expansion valve, which has rectangular flow channels for assembling inlet and outlet pipes of an evaporator with an inlet pipe of a compressor and an outlet pipe of a condenser at an approximate right angle, and a guide part formed on the flow channel, thereby improving a mounting efficiency and reducing flow resistance and noise, and the expansion valve includes a body having at least one or more flow channels, each of which has inlets and outlets whose central lines are at a right angle to each other, and a guide part formed between the inlet and the outlet; a head part mounted on the body and reciprocating a rod in an axial direction by expansion and contraction actions according to a temperature change of the working fluid discharged from an outlet of an evaporator and flowing through the flow channel; and opening means for controlling a flow amount of the working fluid flowing through the flow channel according to the movement of the rod.

Abstract: Embodiments of a heat dissipating structure and method for a mobile device can cool components of a mobile terminal. The heat-dissipating structure can include a case, a device mounted in the case that generates heat in connection with its operation, and a cooling unit. The cooling unit can include a housing having a refrigerant therein, a first heat exchanging part for absorbing the heat through a thermal contact with the device and a second heat exchanging part for dissipating the heat.

Abstract: A device is provided for conditioning air by controllably delivering liquid products in a room, a mall, a hospital, a factory, a cinema, an office, a theatre or any similar building, facility. The device includes at least a motor driven electromechanical liquid sprayer and a motor connected to at least a device-operation programming circuit. This programming circuit includes several timers for driving the motor according to programmed data as to start time, end time, sequential activation frequency, length of each sequential activation, etc. The device may be used both for aromatizing and disinfecting and for any procedure requiring spraying liquid products in any room or facility.

Abstract: Refrigerator Water Supply Systems. A refrigerator is provided according to the present invention. The refrigerator can include a cabinet including at least one wall and a door pivotally mounted to the at least one wall to define a refrigeration compartment. The refrigerator can also include a first water supply line extending into the cabinet and adapted to interface with a removable water supply. Further, the refrigerator can include a mount attached to the cabinet and positioned to hold the removable water supply in the refrigeration compartment for interfacing the first water supply line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispenser for a refrigerator.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air generation unit (AGU) including a pressurized air source, such as an engine providing pressurized air. First and second air cycle machine (ACM) are fluidly connected to the pressurized air source for receiving the air. A heat exchanger interconnects the first and second ACMs. The heat exchanger mechanically supports the first and second ACMs by flexible isolators, which accommodates the thermo expansion of the heat exchanger through out the operation of the AGU. The heat exchanger includes a primary heat exchanger that cools the air from the air source. The ACMs each include a compressor receiving the air from the primary heat exchanger to provide compressed air. The compressed air is sent to a secondary heat exchanger to be cooled. The compressed air is passed through a condenser and a water collector to remove moisture from the air for being sent to a first turbine.

Abstract: A portable air conditioner utilizing low-power draw components, simple and efficient construction, and implementing simple ice water as the medium for heat exchange.

Abstract: A refrigerator including a body provided therein with a storage chamber, an uplifted part projected from a rear portion of a top of the body so that a cooling room is formed to have a space extending above the storage chamber, a machine room provided above a front portion of the top of the body and in front of the uplifted part, a cooling unit removably disposed in the cooling room, an evaporator and a cold air circulating fan provided in a cold air passage of the cooling unit, and circulating passages formed in upper and rear portions of the storage chamber, respectively, to be connected to the cold air passage of the cooling unit.

Abstract: A portable recreational container provides insulated storage for food and beverages. The container is divided into independent compartments, one of which houses a battery and a number of audio/video devices, such as radio, CD, DVD, TV and an amplifier. The electric/electronic devices are isolated from the food compartment by a separating wall and cover(s) mounted over the electric/electronic devices.

Abstract: A plate heat exchanger for indirect heat exchange of several fluid flows (30, 40, 50) with a heat transfer medium/cooling medium (10, 20) in a heat exchanger core (9) has a plurality of heat exchange passages within the core for the heat transfer medium/cooling medium (10, 20), a first fluid flow (30, 40, 50) and a second fluid flow (30, 40, 50). All heat exchange passages for the first fluid flow (40) are located In a first component area, and all heat exchange passages for the second fluid flow (30) are located in a second component area. The first and the second component areas do not intersect and each extend over the entire height of the heat exchanger core (9). The heat exchanger is particularly suitable for use in air-separation processes.

Abstract: An improved jewelry provides a body having an enlarged dimension at one end that prevents a ring from sliding off the body and a smaller dimension at a second end that readily receives the ring thereover. A chain is provided at the first end so that the body and chain with the ring forms a bracelet or necklace and the chain simultaneously secures the ring from inadvertent removal over the second end. The body can adopt a wide variety of conformations and configurations such as solid, hollow, tapered, discontinuous, and the chain can be secured through an opening that passes through the body or a separate eyelet or hook that forms an opening is provided at the first end to allow the ring to be advanced over the body before the chain is secured thereto. The body likewise can be formed of various materials such as precious metals, ceramic, plastic, porcelain, gem stone, shell, stone, or wood and/or the body may be unadorned or can be ornamented with etchings, gem stones, engraving, surface texture, color, etc.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a knitted net, and more specifically to an expandable knitted net. In one form, the net comprises a plurality of fill yarns with an elastomeric performance, which allows the net to expand in the cross-direction. In another form, the present invention is directed to a netting, and more specifically to a knitted netting comprising a plurality of chain yarns with dissimilar elongation performance oriented in a first direction, and a plurality of fill yarns oriented in a second direction, wherein the yarns oriented in the second direction secure the yarns oriented in the first direction in position within the netting.

Abstract: An electric lock with magnetic support of the coupling element, comprising a locking element engaging a selvage, a decoding assembly for a code bearing component, an actuation element, connected to an internal handle and associated with the locking element, and a second actuation element, connected to an external handle and coupled to the locking element by way of an electromechanical device. The actuation element comprises a stem connected to the external handle with a rotating plate and a contrast plate, at an end resting freely on a rotatable sleeve, coupled to the locking element and provided with notches; an electric motor and a slider, aligned with the notches actuatable to perform translational motion, and a magnet supporting a coupling element adapted to enter the notches to rigidly couple to each other the plate, the contrast plate and the sleeve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting the vibrations of a roll stand (1) equipped with a hydraulic jack (6) as a device for adjusting the rolling rolls (4, 5). The hydraulic jack comprises a sensor (64) for measuring the position of the mobile portion relative to the fixed portion, this sensor supplying a digital signal (POS). In the method of the invention, the vibrations are detected by direct observation of the position signal (POS) and a comparison thereof relative to a spatio-temporal window (F) whose dimensions are determined as a function of the frequency to be detected. In accordance with the invention, it is possible to define different observation windows (F) suitable for the detection of different vibratory phenomena.

Abstract: A method for straightening an eccentric shaft (100, 501) by engaging fillets (201, 601) adjacent an element (101, 509) of the shaft with angled rollers (303, 703), rotating the shaft and selectively applying a compressive rolling force (301, 709) during only a portion of the rotation into the fillets (201, 601) of the shaft through the rollers (303, 703), which results in straightening the crankshaft (100).

Abstract: A reconfigurable tool and/or die geometry and methods of use generally comprise forming at least a portion of a shape defining surface with a shape memory material. In response to an activation signal, the shape memory material changes geometry of the shape defining surface to provide a means for forming parts with different geometries from the same tool and/or die. In an alternative embodiment, an insert for a tool and/or die can be used, wherein the insert has at least a portion of its shape defining surface formed of a shape memory material. Also disclosed are processes for forming a first part with a defined geometry and a second part with a defined geometry different from the first part defined geometry using a reconfigurable tool and/or die as well as a reconfigurable insert with a standard tool and/or die.

Abstract: A pressing member 44 is pressed from the outside against a peripheral wall of a can shell 4 whose interior is maintained at a predetermined pressure by gas, to form a recess-deformed portion 56 having a predetermined shape on the peripheral wall of the can shell 4. Thereby, three-dimensional patterns can be formed by recess-deforming desired portions of the can shell 4 while preventing the strength of the can shell 4 from being deteriorated and preventing the inner surface of the can shell 4 from being scratched or the coating from being damaged, by which outer shape processing with high design performance can be easily applied to the can shell 4 at a low cost.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for rolling outer fillets of arcuately offset, split pin bearings on crankshafts with a pair of work rollers, each pair engaging and rolling a respective outer pin fillet. A backup roller is positioned opposite the pair of work rollers. The work rollers may be positioned above and below a centerline of the split pin, preferably about 90° apart. The work rollers can perform identical rolling operations at identical pressure and the work rollers and backup rollers are positioned to keep the adjacent tool heads in parallel planes during these rolling operations. Rolling arms carry the tool heads and stops are provided to keep rear portions of the tool arms in parallel planes against sideways forces. The work rollers and the backup roller may be mounted on the same tool arm and are movable relative to each to clamp or release a pin bearing.

Abstract: In the cold rolling process by pilger rolling that holds a mandrel between each of paired roll-dies, by optimizing the side relief rate SR and the mandrel factors like the taper ?1 in the primary deformation zone of the mandrel and the taper ?2 in the final size reduction zone thereof, and the feed rate F of the workpiece material, and at the same time by properly adjusting the relationship between the side relief rate SR and the feed rate F, the dimension-related shape characteristics (near-perfect round shape) of the tube inside surface after the final finishing rolling process by pilger rolling can be ascertained to thereby ensure excellent surface property without requiring a new apparatus, and further without causing the decrease of the product yield and/or the increase of the manufacturing costs. Thus, this can be widely applied for producing steam generator tubes which exhibits high S/N ratio in the inner coil eddy current testing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for changing sets of top rolls, lateral rolls, and a bottom roll, and mounted in chocks of a welding stand of a continuously operating longitudinal tube welding machine. The inventive method enables the rolls to be changed faster, using less appliances. Said method comprises the following steps: the top rolls are lifted; a dismantling/transport means is placed beneath the top rolls; the top rolls are lowered onto the dismantling/transport means and deposited on the same; and, once the top rolls have been removed, the dismantling/transport means is laterally withdrawn.

Abstract: A wire drawing machine includes a frame; at least one die operatively supported by the frame; at least one drawing block rotatably supported by the frame for use in drawing wire through the die; and, a motor for use in providing power. A belt system connects the motor to the drawing block so that the drawing block can be rotated. To adjust the speed and torque of the drawing block, the belt is removed and one sprocket is replaced with a second sprocket.

Abstract: A wire bending device includes a bending head bearing two bending tools between which the wire to be bent is passed. Either tool is alternately capable of being fixed or being a pivot for rotation of the bending head therearound. The device also includes a mechanical device for feeding the wire axially in one direction or another; a mechanical device for rotatably driving the bending tools, in two different directions, about an axis of either bending tool; and a mechanical device for shifting the bending tools in a plane perpendicular to the axis about which the bending tools can rotate. There can be calculating controller for managing simultaneously the operation of the mechanical devices, so that the movements generated by the wire and bending tools are superposed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing bent snowmobile studs for use in an assembly are disclosed. The assembly comprises a bent stud having a head and proximal and distal shank portions and a fastener which is adapted to connect with respect to the distal shank portion of the stud. The head and shank of the stud are engaged by members which are mechanically pivoted with respect to one another such that the shank is bent. The assembly prevents rotational movement between the stud and the track.

Abstract: A system for automatically cold working holes in metal components is disclosed. An automated mandrel moves in relation to a workpiece in order to perform cold expansion of holes in the workpiece. The mandrel is aligned with the axis of each hole and the surface of the workpiece adjacent to the hole. The system may be used to cold work holes in aircraft components, such as wings and fuselage skins.

Abstract: A crimping tool for connecting a cable fitting to the end of a cable is made up of an elongated body having a lever arm pivoted at one end of the body to actuate a plunger having a chuck at one end toward and away from axially slidable die portions on the body, and the die portions can be expanded to permit insertion of the connector sleeve and cable into engagement with the end of the chuck and contracted to apply a uniform crimping force to the fitting in response to an axial force applied to the chuck to increase the crimping force causing the die portions to be further contracted into crimping engagement following which the die portions can be expanded to release the fitting and cable from the tool.

Abstract: A jaw arm for a compression tool has a jaw recess at one end and a jaw insert is supported in the recess for pivotal displacement relative thereto about an insert axis. A compression tool comprises a pair of parallel spaced apart side plates, and a pair of the jaw arms pivotally mounted between the plates. The pivotal inserts are self-aligning with respect to a pipe and coupling to be crimped together and provide for use of the compression tool in areas with limited accessibility.

Abstract: A tool for aligning a door hinge with the edge of the door to which it is mounted comprising a bar having a wrench on each end of the bar. The faces of each jaw of the respective wench are contoured to fit around a single knuckle of the hinge. The bar has a slit arranged to permit the jaws to open or close around the surface of a knuckle of the door hinge. A screw through the bar is arranged to permit tightening the jaws onto the knuckle when it is required to apply force to the hinge or loosen the tool when it is required to slip the tool off the hinge.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing mechanical endurance of a surface of an optical disc are disclosed. The apparatus includes a rotating plate, on which an optical disc to be scratched is loaded, for rotating the loaded optical disc, and a plurality of abrasion wheels of a predetermined type, disposed at a perpendicular to the rotating plate, for contacting the optical disc and generating the scratch, the scratch being generated when the optical disc rotates a predetermined number of turns, e.g., maximum of 5 turns for the abrasion wheels to apply a predetermined load on the optical disc.

Abstract: Method and device for sensing stress waves. One embodiment is a method that includes providing a bendable support with one or more mounts each located at an end of the support; attaching a semiconductor element containing a plurality of piezoresistors, each having impedance, to the support; connecting the support to the component by the mounts of the support; and sensing the impedance of the plurality of piezoresistors.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for calibrating an estimate of the status of a mechanism or process, for example, particulate production from a diesel engine. A first estimator makes a first particulate production rate estimate as a function of, for example, differential pressure over a particulate filter over time, a second estimator makes a second particulate production rate estimate by interpolating between high and low production rates, and a calibrator calibrates the second estimator according to the difference between the first and second estimates. The calibration may be carried out by calculating new high and/or low production rates, and may depend on the reliability of the first estimate.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for detecting concealed security threats by sampling molecules of substances for assessment wherein these molecules may be contained in the air in or near concealed security threats. Inspection of cargo containers by sampling the air contained therein and then analyzing the sampled air from the container for security threats including chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-explosive threats without requiring the modification of the existing container, the movement of the container to a particular inspection site, and without opening the container. Nuclear security threats may also be scanned for with close proximity nuclear radiation detection sensors closely coupled to areas at or near the concealed security threats. In addition, detection of other types of contraband, including illegal substances, embargoed materials and human and/or animal stowaways may also be assessed.

Abstract: A method for providing an oil change indication to an operator of an internal combustion engine having an exhaust-after-treatment system requiring regeneration, The method includes detecting regeneration events performed on the exhaust-after-treatment system; detecting oil temperature events each time unit an oil temperature is over a threshold value, and providing the oil change indication to the operator as a function of the detected regeneration events and the detected oil temperature events.

Abstract: A microfabricated, a nanoliter capillary viscometer includes a first channel that is defined by a first channel-defining surface in a first substrate and a second channel defining surface in a second substrate. The progress of liquid through this first channel is monitored and used to determine viscosity. Viscosities in the range of 1 cP to 1000 cP are easily measured. Self-calibrating versions of the viscometer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for measuring the friction characteristics between two components in rolling or sliding contact with one another is disclosed herein. The testing apparatus includes a traction surface, a first support structure adapted to support the traction surface while allowing for rotation of the traction surface, and a drive mechanism to rotate the traction surface. The testing apparatus further includes a movable second support structure proximate to the first support structure and adapted to move a test material into contact with the traction surface. An attachment piece is mechanically fixed to the movable second support structure. The attachment piece is constructed to receive and hold the test material relative to the traction surface. The testing apparatus also includes a force measuring device adapted to measure the frictional forces produced between the test material and the traction surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting degradation of a sensor in a vacuum brake booster coupled to a manifold of an internal combustion engine include measuring an engine or vehicle operating parameter to detect operating or control conditions and detecting degradation of the sensor based on the engine or vehicle operating parameter. In one embodiment the operating parameter is a measured or estimated manifold pressure. A pressure drop across a check valve disposed between the brake booster and the intake manifold may also be considered.

Abstract: A rapid inflation device having a supply of pressurised pressurized fluid, a nozzle holder assembly, that can be manually moved an located by an operator between a rest position and a working position and is provided with one or more blowing-in nozzle, a flexible conduit designed to put the supply source of pressurized fluid in communication with the nozzle holder assembly, a manual control provided at the nozzle holder assembly and designed to activate and deactivate the pressurized fluid feeding on the operator's control, sensors at the nozzle holder assembly designed to detect if the nozzle holder assembly is in working position, and slave valve means adapted to control the pressurized fluid feeing from the supply source to the blowing-in nozzle, on the control of the safety sensor means and manual control means.

Abstract: For measuring the flow and the thermal conductivity of a fluid, a sensor is used, which has a first temperature detector for measuring a first temperature and a second temperature detector for measuring a second temperature. A heating is arranged between the temperature detectors. Two measured quantities are determined by means of the temperature detectors, a first of which is e.g. a difference between the temperatures and a second one of which is one of the temperatures. By comparing the two measured quantities, the flow and the thermal conductivity of the fluid can be determined.

Abstract: A method of detecting a consumption status of liquid contained in a liquid container, comprising steps of: preparing a detection device having a piezoelectric element and attaching the detection device on a desired position of the liquid container so that at least a part of the detection device contacting the liquid; measuring a residual vibration of the detection device; and detecting the consumption status of the liquid contained in the liquid container on the basis of a result of the measurement of the residual vibration.

Abstract: A liquid level measuring system includes a housing mounted to a container and a flexible coupling connected between the housing and a tubular frame suspended in a container holding a liquid. The flexible coupling maintains the tubular frame in a vertical orientation in the container. The tubular frame has a pair of 270° rifling grooves therein. A float is mounted in the tubular frame. The float has a pair of projections that extend from opposite sides portion thereof into the rifling grooves so that the float is force to rotate as it moves vertically in the tubular frame to seek the liquid level. A magnetic coupler assembly transfers movement of the float to an indicator. The magnetic coupler assembly includes a pair of facing dielectric discs. Each dielectric disc has three magnets mounted thereon with opposite poles facing one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for aligning a rotation rate sensor with a vibration gyroscope, the first input and the first output of which is part of a primary control circuit. Said control circuit excites the vibration gyroscope to vibrate at its natural frequency by supplying it with an excitation signal. The second input and the second output of the vibration gyroscope is part of a secondary control circuit. An output signal can be gathered from the second output and said signal is demodulated after amplification and analog to digital conversion to give an in-phase component and a quadrature component. After filtering, these components are modulated and composed to give a driver signal that is supplied to the second input and a rotation rate signal is derived from the in-phase component.

Abstract: An exemplary vibrating mass gyroscope uses a mass disposed for movement along an x-axis and y-axis. First and second electrodes are disposed adjacent surfaces of the mass along an x-axis and y-axis. Circuitry, coupled to the first and second electrodes, provides during a first mode a dither driving voltage on one of the first and second electrodes causing vibrating displacement of the mass along the one of the x-axis and y-axis. The measurement voltage is sensed on the other of the first and second electrodes where the measurement voltage represents a first angular rate value. During a second mode, the circuitry provides a dither driving voltage on the other of the first and second electrodes causing vibrating displacement of the mass along the other of the x-axis and y-axis and measurement voltage is sensed on the one of the first and second electrodes where the measurement voltage represents a second angular rate value.

Abstract: A conductive element for a movable electrical circuit (a conductive element most suitable for an electric circuit that is placed on a movable element in which the shape of the circuit itself changes during circuit operation) which is Al-based and has an average cross sectional area for the crystal grain of 1 micron2 or less. Preferably, this conductive element contains N+O at 550 to 20000 ppm in atomic concentration and also one or more selected from the group consisting of Si at 0.5–5.0% in atomic concentration, Ta at 0.5–5.0%, and Cu at 0.5–5.0%. More preferably, it contains Nd at 0.5–5.0%. This conductive element for a movable circuit is especially suitable for the wiring pattern in a vibrating gyroscope.

Abstract: An angular velocity sensor is provided that includes a frame, an oscillator and torsion bars that connect the oscillator to the frame. The frame, the oscillator and the torsion bar are formed integral with each other by etching a material substrate in the thickness direction of the substrate. The oscillator, configured in the form of an H, includes a support, two first arms and two second arms. These arms extend from the support in an arm-extending direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the substrate. The oscillator includes a mounting surface that is provided with a piezoelectric driver for generating in-plane oscillation of the oscillator, and with a piezoelectric detector for detecting out-of-plane oscillation of the oscillator.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer having an effective center frequency of about 42 MHz; a bandwidth of greater than 85% at 6 dB; a spherical focus of at least 0.5 inches in water; an F4 lens; a resolution sufficient to be able to detect and separate a 0.005 inch flat-bottomed hole at 0.005 inches below surface; and a beam size of approximately 0.006–0.008 inches measured off a 1½ mm ball in water at the transducer's focal point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wireless transmission of data through a communications channel between at least two local data sensors (for example automotive diagnostic data sensors or NVH sensors), which may include a primary data-processing function, and data-processing function (for example a PC) to receive data therefrom. The system provides for asymmetrical division of the communications channel on a frequency or time-division or packet-switching basis so that the corresponding asymmetrical data transmission requirement of the local data sensors are matched to the capacity of their respective sub-channels whereby a single channel is capable of transmitting all the required data. A particularly practical application is to noise vibration harshness analysis of wireless-transmitted data from three-dimensionally spaced NVH sensors enabling spacial pinpointing of vibration sources in automotive warranty analysis studies.

Abstract: A semiconductor filter is provided to operate in conjunction with a differential pressure transducer. The filter receives a high and very low frequency static pressure attendant with a high frequency low dynamic pressure at one end, the filter operates to filter said high frequency dynamic pressure to provide only the static pressure at the other filter end. A differential transducer receives both dynamic and static pressure at one input port and receives said filtered static pressure at the other port where said transducer provides an output solely indicative of dynamic pressure. The filter in one embodiment has a series of etched channels directed from an input end to an output end. The channels are etched pores of extremely small diameter and operate to attenuate or filter the dynamic pressure.

Abstract: It is related to the shape of a back surface formed to allow a pre-loading diaphragm to become deformed at a threshold pressure value. A differential pressure measuring apparatus has the pre-loading diaphragm which becomes deformed to prevent sensors from being broken when pressure higher than a threshold pressure value is applied, wherein only convex parts of the pre-loading diaphragm are in close contact with convex parts of the back surface of a body respectively.

Abstract: A micro-mechanical pressure transducer is disclosed in which a capacitive transducer structure is integrated with an inductor coil to form a LC tank circuit, resonance frequency of which may be detected remotely by imposing an electromagnetic field on the transducer. The capacitive transducer structure comprises a conductive movable diaphragm, a fixed counter electrode, and a predetermined air gap between said diaphragm and electrode. The diaphragm deflects in response to an applied pressure differential, leading to a change of capacitance in the structure and hence a shift of resonance frequency of the LC tank circuit. The resonance frequency of the LC circuit can be remotely detected by measuring and determining the corresponding peak in electromagnetic impedance of the transducer.

Abstract: A standard industrial pressure gauge is adapted for a sanitary conduit that has been provided with a tubular stub for mounting the gauge. A cylinder has a disk flange that mates with an upper flange of the tubular stub. A cap closes off the top of the cylinder, and a female threaded nipple is affixed on the cap over an aperture through the cap. A piston has one or a pair of O-ring seals seated on the circumferential surface of the piston, with the piston having at least a limited range of motion within the cylinder. The gauge is fitted into the threads of the nipple, and the space above the piston and through the aperture and the nipple is filled with an incompressible fluid. In one embodiment, there is a leak detector hole in the cylinder wall aligned with the space between the two O-rings.

Abstract: Observability of damage precursor, damage and usage states, or event occurrence may be enhanced by modifying component materials to include self-monitoring materials or by processing test material to alter the surface properties. The properties of the self monitoring materials, such as magnetic permeability or electrical conductivity, are monitored with electromagnetic sensors and provide greater property variations with component condition than the original component material. Processing includes shot peening or laser welding.