Abstract: The invention relates to a method for welding coated sheet metal (3), which comprises at least one laser (13) and at least one shielded arc unit (5) and a rod feeding device (11) for a welding rod (12). The aim of the invention is to provide a method or a device of the aforementioned kind which allows fo˜ reducing or completely avoiding inclusions such as are e.g. caused by the evaporation of the coating of the metal sheet (3). For this purpose, a clamping device (6) is used for positioning the coated metal sheet (3) without substantial gaps between the individual sheets. A material having a zinc and/or carbon and/or aluminum content is used as the weld metal or welding rod (12).

Abstract: In a thin beam directional Crystallization System configured anneal a silicon layer on a glass substrate uses a special laser beam profile with an intensity peak at one edge. The system is configured to entirely melt a spatially controlled portion of a silicon layer causing lateral crystal growth. By advancing the substrate or laser a certain step size and subjecting the silicon layer to successive “shots” rom the laser, the entire silicon layer is crystallized. The lateral crystal growth creates a protrusion in the center of the melt area. This protrusion must be re-melted. Accordingly, the step size must be such that there is sufficient overlap between successive shots, i.e., melt zones, to ensure the protrusion is melted. This requires the step size to be less than half the beam width. A smaller step size reduces throughput and increases costs.

Abstract: Laser-based material processing systems and methods for using such systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, a laser-based material processing system includes a workpiece support, a positioning assembly over at least a portion of the workpiece support, and a laser. The system includes a laser beam director carried by the positioning assembly to direct a beam generated by the laser toward the workpiece support. The system also includes a dispensing unit carried by the positioning assembly to discharge a material toward the workpiece support. The system further includes a controller operably coupled to the positioning assembly, the laser beam director, and the dispensing unit. The controller can be configured to move the laser beam director and the dispensing unit relative to the workpiece support such that (a) the beam is directed toward a first portion of the workpiece support, and (b) the dispensing unit discharges material toward the first portion of the workpiece support.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a spinning-type pattern-fabrication system and a method thereof. This invention comprises at least one carry table used to carry objects, an object-fixing device used to fix the objects onto the carry table, and a control system controlling carry table or at least one laser device. The control system also controls the laser device to move linearly back and forth to enable the laser device to fabricate patterns on the objects with the laser beam emit via the laser device. Thereby, the present invention provides a spinning-type pattern-fabrication system and a method thereof, which fabricates patterns on multiple objects in a single operation and promotes the speed of pattern fabrication.

Abstract: A portable welder including a housing, a power supply contained within the housing, a welding cable having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the welding cable being electrically connected to the power supply, a welding electrode that extends from the distal end of the welding cable, and a control system that adjusts welding current delivered to the welding electrode from the power supply based on user input.

Abstract: A system for controlling a welding operation provides for open-loop control of voltage applied to a wire electrode during an initial arc initiation stage of operation. The voltage may be based upon an operator set voltage. Electrode wire feed speeds may be varied during the same period. The voltage may be changed, but still open-loop controlled after initial contact between the electrode and a workpiece. The control transitions from open-loop to closed loop following the arc initiation stage, which may be a fixed interval or varied based upon various factors. Closed-loop voltage control then ensues, in which voltage may be limited to values based upon the initial open-loop voltage. The voltage may be regulated by control of SCR firing angles, such as by reference to a zero-crossing of an input AC waveform.

Abstract: A spark gap device is described such as for use in welding systems. The device receives a high voltage, low current input signal and produces high frequency waveform output. The device includes one or more toroidal members surrounding a rod-like member with an annular gap therebetween. When the input signal is applied to the device, arcs are established in the gap between the toroidal members and the rod-like member, producing the high frequency output. Erosion and loci of arcs between the toroidal members and the rod-like member are distributed, resulting in extended life of the assembly. The gaps are also shielded from contaminants and moisture by an insolative body that maintains the toroidal members and the rod-like member in place with respect to one another.

Abstract: High carbon welding electrode is used in the welding of high strength steel using gas shielded arc welding techniques whereby a plurality of beads of molten weld material join together rail ends or fill a slot in a rail for repair purposes, the high carbon electrode avoiding adjacent soft and brittle areas across a weld fusion line which result from migration of carbon from the carbon rich high strength steel to the lower carbon weld deposit.

Abstract: A vacuum thermal annealing device is provided having temperature control for use with various materials, such as semiconductor substrates. A vacuum is used to remove air and outgas residual materials. Heated gas is injected planar to a substrate as pressure is quickly raised. Concurrent with the heated gas flow, a chamber wall heater is turned on and maintains a temperature for a proper annealing time. Upon completion of the annealing process, the chamber wall heater shuts down and air is forced around the chamber wall heater. Additionally, cool gas replaces the heated gas to cool the substrate.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a housing including a cooking chamber, a heating unit detachably mounted in the housing, and a power connection portion for connecting the heating unit to an external power source. The heating unit can heat food when the heating unit is located in the housing, and the heating unit can independently heat food when the heating unit is removed from the housing.

Abstract: Oven for non-metal melting, in particular silicon melting, with a housing enclosing an interior, at least one mould arranged in the interior for receiving a non-metal melt, at least one electrical heating device enclosing, at least partially, the at least one mould for influencing the temperature of the non-metal melt, and a power supply device connected in an electrically conductive manner to the at least one heating device for providing the heating device with a time-variable current I(t), wherein the current I(t) has a frequency of 0.1 Hz to 1000 Hz and the current I(t) is of a magnitude sufficient for setting a predetermined temperature of the non-metal melt, the currents in the plurality, where necessary, of heaters having a defined phase position in respect of one another.

Abstract: A ceramic heater is provided that includes a thermocouple having a hot or measuring junction in a form of a bead directly bonded to a ceramic substrate by an active brazing material. Alternatively, a metallized layer is provided on the ceramic substrate and the bead of the thermocouple is directly bonded to the metallized layer by an ordinary brazing material. Due to the direct bonding of the bead to a ceramic substrate, the temperature of the bead reflects the temperature of the ceramic heater almost instantaneously so that the thermocouple can more accurately measure the temperature of the ceramic heater.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to control schemes for controlling the temperature of a heater plate of a thermal unit, e.g., of a track lithography tool. In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, a cold wafer compensation offset value is added to an initial target heater plate temperature setpoint, and this setpoint plus offset is used to control the temperature of the heater plate prior to placement of a semiconductor wafer, e.g., via Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control. Further, in accordance with certain embodiments, upon cold wafer placement, the temperature control is turned off until the temperature of the heater plate reaches the initial target heater plate temperature setpoint. The temperature control (e.g., PID control) is then reinstated, and the heater plate and wafer are controlled to steady state.

Abstract: An induction heating system for the manufacturing of optical memory microstructure, wherein the thermal cycle allows the process web to be rapidly heated to the relaxation and re-flow temperature, followed by cooling to the optimum separation temperature in under 10 seconds total process time. The rapid response heating system of the present invention may be achieved through the use of one or rotating asymmetrical induction heating coils which are embedded in the platen(s) of the embossing device.

Abstract: A modular microwave processing system includes a microwave source, a transmission line, and a detachable processing cavity or chamber. The chamber is adapted to maintain a controlled atmosphere surrounding a workpiece, and further contains an interface to engage the microwave transmission line so that power for heating the workpiece is introduced through the interface. The system is particularly suited for remote operation and for processing hazardous or accountable materials. It may also be adapted for operation in a hot cell or other controlled area while locating the microwave power source outside of the controlled area for ease of maintenance.

Abstract: A microwave heating package comprises a dimensionally stable first component for supporting a food item and a flexible second component dimensioned to receive the dimensionally stable first component. Each of the first component and the second component may include a microwave energy interactive element for altering the effect of microwave energy on a food item within the package.

Abstract: A microwave energy interactive heating sheet includes at least two susceptor layers and a plurality of expandable insulating cells. At least some of the expandable insulating cells inflate when exposed to microwave energy.

Abstract: A temporary bulkhead for placement in a shipping container. The bulkhead may be formed from one or more panels constructed from a sheet-like member and a plurality of load-bearing members positioned on one side of the sheet-like member. The invention is also directed to a method of loading containers with flowable material which makes use of such a bulkhead.

Abstract: A multi-layer structure comprising a functional resin layer obtained by covering a core layer of a base body resin or a second functional resin with a shell layer of a first functional resin, and a base body resin layer containing the functional resin layer therein. The layers of the functional resins are formed at positions where they are allowed to exhibit their functions to a sufficient degree, a plurality of functions can be imparted, and a molten resin mass having the above multi-layer structure can be formed by the compression-forming.

Abstract: A brewing and drinking receptacle comprises an outer cup, an inner cup nested within the outer cup and turnable relatively thereto, and an ingredient chamber formed between mutually opposed bottom walls of the nested cups. A brewing aperture which may be a perforated section, is formed in the bottom wall of the inner cup and communicates with the ingredient chamber. A shut-off boss projecting upwardly from the bottom wall of the outer cup within the ingredient chamber is arranged to control liquid flow through the brewing aperture. The outer and inner cups are turnable relatively to one another selectively to admit or shut off flow of water, which is added to the inner cup to produce the beverage, between the inner cup and the ingredient chamber, via the brewing aperture. This enables the water to be mixed or infused with the ingredient in a controlled fashion and for the flow of beverage between the ingredient chamber and the inner cup to be shut off when the beverage achieves the desired strength.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container for holding and storing liquids as well as viscous substances, particularly drinking water, waste water or fuel. The container has a thin-walled casing (12). The inner side (16) of the coniainer (10) is flat and smooth, and the outerside (18) of the container (10) is provided with integrated reinforcements (20) projecting from the outer side (18). The invention also relates to a method for producing a container (10) of the aforementioned type and to the use thereof.

Abstract: A lid for reclosably covering a container is disclosed. In an illustrative implementation, the lid comprises a gripping portion having an annular channel able to removably receive a rim of the container, and a central section bordered by the gripping portion. The lid also has a reclosable flap comprising an arcuate portion of the gripping portion and a bendable portion of the central section. The reclosable flap is bordered on a first side by a first frangible line of separation, and on a second side by a second frangible line of separation, the first and second lines of separation extending inwardly from an edge of the gripping portion. The lid also includes a locking tab forming part of the reclosable flap, extending from the arcuate portion of the gripping portion, and which is able to engage a bottom side of the rim when the reclosable flap is in a closed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cap (1) for mounting on a recipient (2), said cap comprising a base (3), a cover (6) provided with closing means (7), means for connecting the cover to the base in an articulated manner in the form of a hinge (10), means for locking (8) the cover to the base (3), and means for unlocking (9) the same. According to the invention, the cover (6) is arranged in such a way as to resist all relative displacement between the cover and the base and to store the mechanical energy by plastic deformation of the cover and/or the base, and locking means (9) are arranged in the form of a lever enabling the stored mechanical energy to be released, projecting the cover (6) towards the open position thereof.

Abstract: The dispenser has a body (1), with a mouthpiece cover (2). Opening of the cover urges a junction member (3) towards a source (4) of a medicament to be released as a dose by pressing a spout (5) of the source inwards of the source. The source is supported by a cap (11) clipped to the end of a source-enclosing barrel (12) with intern al splines (10). The barrel is welded (15) to the main to part (16) of the body at a position determined by the extension of the source towards the distal end (17) of the barrel when the cover is open, the welding position being determined by a plug (18) simulating the cap and its bush.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a level of product in a tank to detect one of a delivery and a drain operation is provided. The system comprises a monitor and a data center. The monitor is operably coupled to the tank and adapted to detect the level of product in the tank at a first rate and at a second rate. The data center is in communication with the monitor and adapted to receive a user inputtable threshold level of change. The monitor detects the level of product in the tank at the first rate until the threshold level of change is detected. Thereafter, the monitor detects the level of product in the tank at the second rate. The data center generates an alarm signal to indicate that one of the delivery and the drain has occurred.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system for use, for example in a gas turbine engine system, includes a fuel metering unit including a main fuel inlet. The fuel metering unit includes fuel pressure and temperature sensors. A cavitating venturi is in fluid communication with the main fuel inlet and includes venturi characteristics such as throat diameter. A fuel nozzle is in fluid communication with the venturi for delivering fuel to the gas turbine engine. A controller is connected to the pressure temperature sensors and is operable to calculate a flow rate of fuel through the nozzle based upon the signals from the pressure and temperature sensors and the fuel and venturi characteristics. A variable cavitating venturi may be arranged within the throat to vary the area and adjust the flow rate through the venturi. The cavitating venturi can also be used at the fuel nozzle to further simplify the fuel delivery system.

Abstract: A soap dispensing assembly includes a soap container and a universal dispenser. The soap container is capable of having a liquid pump or a foaming pump attached to it. The universal dispenser is adapted to house and dispense soap from the soap container regardless of whether the container has a liquid pump or a foaming pump. Using this assembly, a manufacturer may sell the universal dispenser and offer to sell the consumer liquid and foamable soap for use with the same dispenser.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressurized can comprising a body, a valve arranged in a dome, a base (16), an inner shell (1) with detachable, push-off type cover (8) arranged on the base (16) and a movable shaft (7) arranged in a fixing element (2) and extending through the base (16) into the inner shell (1) and serving as release element for the inner shell with said inner shell (1) being connected to the base (16) via the fixing element (2), moreover comprising a piston element (3) movable in longitudinal direction of the inner shell (1) and being arranged inside the inner shell (1), said element yielding a sealing effect at the inner shell's (1) inner wall and interacting with the shaft (7) in such a manner that when the shaft (7) is moved into the inner shell (1) the piston element (3) causes a liquid present inside the inner shell (1) to be pressurized so that the cover (8) is forced off.

Abstract: A liquid beverage dispenser includes a stabilizing base with a concave upwardly facing, internally threaded socket that can be screwed onto the externally threaded neck of a plastic beverage container to create a fluid tight coupling. The base supports the beverage container in an inverted orientation so that the mouth of the beverage container empties downwardly into the socket of the dispenser. The dispenser socket is provided with a vent tube that projects upwardly from an air relief port in the socket floor. A beverage drain port is also located in the floor of the socket, but is separated from the air relief port. A spigot is located at the outer periphery of the dispenser base so that liquid flows from the mouth of the bottle, through the drain port, and out of the spigot when the spigot is open. A rubber, one-way air relief check valve is mounted at the upper extremity of the vent tube and within the bottle.

Abstract: A beverage container assembly for dispensing a liquid is disclosed. The beverage container assembly comprises a container for containing the liquid and having a mouth, a top removably coupled to the container and extending across the mouth. The top comprises a pour spout, a strainer, and a plurality of air relief passages. The air relief passages are configured to allow air to flow into the container as the fluid is being poured out of the container through the strainer.

Abstract: A food extruder has a base, a housing, a drive assembly, a food reservoir and a piston assembly. The piston assembly has a piston rod, a piston dish, a fastener and a spring. The piston rod slidably extends into the food reservoir and has a rod, and a rack. The rod has an upper and lower end and at least one flat surface formed at one or respectively at two ends of the rod. The rack is formed on the rod between the ends of the rod adjacent to the at least one flat surface. The piston dish is attached to the lower end of the piston rod and has a through hole. The fastener is extends through the through hole in the piston dish and connects to the lower end of the rod. The spring is mounted around the piston rod near the upper end of the rod.

Abstract: System (1) of delivering a liquid to pasty product, designed to be installed on a flexible tube (2) on which the user acts by manual pressure to cause the product to come out, characterized in that it comprises: a base element (3) that is attached to the open end (4) of the tube (2) and comprises a window associated with a strip that can be moved in opening, a cap (7) designed to cover the base element comprising opposite the strip an internal recess capable of allowing the deflection in opening of said strip.

Abstract: A dispensing flip cap device for dispensing the contents of a container. The dispensing flip cap device includes a sifting and pouring insert having a closed position, a sifting position (a first open position), and a pouring position (a second open position); a dispensing sleeve adapted to receive the sifting and pouring insert; and a locking system for maintaining the sifting and pouring insert in the closed, sifting, and pouring positions. In the sifting and pouring positions, the contents can be dispensed from the inside to the outside of the container, but, in the closed position, the contents cannot be dispensed to the outside of the container. Further, the dispensing rate of the contents of the container is greater when the sifting and pouring insert is in the pouring position than when the sifting and pouring insert is in the sifting position.

Abstract: A portable temperature sensing probe having a plurality of thermocouples is inserted into a tank mounted on a truck or other receptacle at the time of loading a hot liquid, e.g., molten sulfur. The probe and at least a portion of the associated wiring or leads are attached to the loading pipe and/or discharge nozzle, and the probe is inserted into the interior of the tank before the molten sulfur is discharged. The signals from the plurality of thermocouples are amplified and the corresponding temperature information is transmitted to a display and control device. Due to the significant differential between the temperature of the rising molten sulfur and the vapors in the tank overhead space, the signals generated indicate which of the thermocouple are in contact with molten sulfur or the vapor zone. The generated signals adjust the shut-off valve that controls the flow of molten sulfur into the tank.

Abstract: A hanger system includes a first part and a second part, which is connected to the first part in different directions. The first part has a first body and a round first hanger and a first housing connected to the first body. The first housing has a first polygonal tapered recess. The second part has a second body with a round second hook, a polygonal tapered end piece, which can be inserted into the first polygonal tapered recess in a desired direction so as to meet different needs in practical use.

Abstract: A holster with a light rail affixed thereto. The light rail may include a plurality of ridges spaced from one another along a rail axis, the ridges being separated by grooves that are transverse to the rail axis.

Abstract: A reading rack for use with vehicles is proposed, comprising: a sheath member adapted to cover the steering wheel of a vehicle; a bottom member adapted to fasten to a surface of the sheath member; and a pressing member coupled with the sheath member and located at an upper surface of the sheath member, thereby allowing pages of an article/book to be placed above the bottom member and underneath the pressing member. The reading rack of the invention further comprises a holding member consisting of a clipping portion and a coupling portion, wherein the clipping portion is adapted to clip an article or book and couple with the surface of the bottom member by the coupling portion, thereby securely fastening a reading article or a piece of paper onto the steering wheel of a vehicle to provide for convenient reading while stopped or quick reference while driving.

Abstract: A quick connect assembly for mounting a bicycle rack to a vehicle bumper includes a mounting bracket securely connectable to the bumper and a pivoting arm integrally connected to the bicycle rack and mountable to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket has a horizontal base member and a vertical wall extending from the rear edge of the base member. Along each lateral edge of the base member is a vertical side wall having through apertures for receiving portions of the pivoting arm. A latch plate is centrally located on the mounting bracket between the two side walls. The latch plate has notches formed therein for receiving a latch pin of the pivoting arm to hold the bicycle rack in the vertically upward position or the horizontal working position. An arcuate cam formation separates the notches. The pivoting arm has spaced side plates each having a side extending peg for disposition in the apertures of the side walls.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying a load on a wearer's body includes a shoulder harness assembly and a waist belt assembly, which are attached to a frame for supporting a load. Each assembly has a flexible panel and a pad consisting of three layers: an outer and inner layer made of closed cell foam and a middle layer made of polyethylene. A plurality of elongate grooves is disposed within the outside surfaces of each pad. Each pad is formed into a preferred curved shape, causing the grooves to widen, and the each panel is coupled with its respective pad, causing each pad to substantially maintain its shape. In one embodiment, each panel is coupled to its respective pad by attaching hook and loop material to the inside surface of each panel and to the outside surface of each pad, disposed between the grooves. In another embodiment, the middle layer is omitted.

Abstract: A nail driver includes a securing slide rod, a knocking rod, a sleeve and an absorber. The securing slide rod has one end able to push on an inner trigger for actuating the nail driver by a trigger and the other end formed a receiving portion. The knocking rod has one end formed a bolt and the other end able to protrude outside the nail driver to press against a workpiece. The sleeve is connected between the securing slide rod and the knocking rod by screwing the bolt therein and being rotatably and movably received in the receiving portion. The absorber is mounted on an exterior surface of the sleeve to absorb impact passing from the knocking rod to the securing slide rod. As such, the securing slide rod and the knocking rod can be protected when the nail driver is accidentally dropped.

Abstract: A combustion tool for use with a fuel cell having a fuel metering valve is provided. The fuel metering valve of the fuel cell emits a prescribed volume of fuel from a fuel metering chamber through a valve stem. The tool includes a fuel cell chamber configured for receiving the fuel cell. A solenoid actuator is in operational relationship to the fuel cell chamber. The solenoid actuator is configured for pushing the fuel cell against a biasing force associated with the fuel cell. When the biasing force is overcome, the fuel cell emits fuel.

Abstract: A miniature hand-held stapler is provided. This stapler includes a body for holding staples and providing a stapling mechanism, a lid attached to the body by hinge means, a base attached to the body and to the lid, wherein the base further includes a first portion and a second portion detachably or fixedly attached to the first portion, and wherein the second portion further includes a flexible or resilient band attached thereto or formed integrally therewith, and wherein the flexible or resilient band may be deployed over a portion of the lid to secure the lid and the body to the base when the stapler is being stored or transported.

Abstract: In a machine, in particular for woodworking, that is equipped with a strip nailer, which can be moved relative to a work piece and/or a work piece support and which has a nail strip magazine, the machine is associated with an auxiliary magazine for storing a number of nail strips and it is possible to move the strip nailer, together with its nail strip magazine, into the region of the auxiliary magazine. This permits the nail strip magazine to be filled more quickly.

Abstract: A spring-loaded desktop stapler as described above.

Abstract: A magazine 5 is structured by a magazine body 11, and a slider 12 slidable relative to the magazine body 11. A nail accommodating portion 16 for accommodating connected nails therein is formed between the magazine body 11 and the slider 12. A guide piece 17 for guiding distal end portions of shanks of the nails into an injection port is provided at the magazine body 11. A head guide member 21 for guiding heads of the nails is disposed so as to slide in a longitudinal direction of the magazine body 11. The head guide member 21 is slid relative to the magazine body 11 in accordance with a sliding movement of the slider 12 relative to the magazine body 11.

Abstract: A restriction mechanism for a pneumatic nailer includes a secondary valve unit including a second axle with a seal ring mounted thereto and the second axle is movable along a hollow axial passage of the second frame. A second frame includes an annular portion, the hollow axial passage and guide holes. A seal ring is mounted to the annular portion and the second chamber communicates with the hollow axial passage via the guide holes. The seal ring on the second axle removably seals the hollow axial passage to control communication between the second frame and the second axle. The second valve unit has to be pulled before pulling the trigger to shoot the nail. The sequence cannot be reverse so as to form a safety operation mechanism.

Abstract: A hand-held drive-in tool (10) for fastening elements (60) includes a driving unit (30) for a drive-in ram (13) which is displaceably mounted in a guide (12), and has at least one driving element for the drive-in ram (13) formed by an elastomeric band (31) and tensioned by a tensioning device (70).

Abstract: A device for dispensing staples is provided. The device includes a body for holding at least one staple, a lid attached to the body by hinge means, wherein a top surface of the lid further includes a substantially planar surface, a base attached to the body by hinge means, and an actuating lever attached to the base by hinge means, wherein a portion of the actuating lever contacts the substantially planar surface on the lid when the actuating lever is depressed.

Abstract: A stapling device for a surgical endoscopic device provided with at least one flexible portion, comprising a staple-firing portion and an anvil portion, wherein one of the staple firing portions and one of the anvil portions are located longitudinally displaced from one another along the longitudinal axis of the endoscopic device, with at least a part of said flexible portion between them. The parts of the stapling device are in correct working relationship when one or more alignment and/or locking pins or screws that are stored in one of the staple firing portions or one of the anvil portions are extended and engage and lock or screw into receptacles that have been provided on the other of the staple firing portion or of the anvil portion.

Abstract: A stapling device for a surgical endoscopic device provided with at least one flexible portion, comprising a staple-firing portion and an anvil portion, wherein one of the staple firing portions and one of the anvil portions are located longitudinally displaced from one another along the longitudinal axis of the endoscopic device, with at least a part of said flexible portion between them. The parts of the stapling device are in correct working relationship when one or more alignment and/or locking pins or screws that are stored in one of the staple firing portions or one of the anvil portions are extended and engage and lock or screw into receptacles that have been provided on the other of the staple firing portion or of the anvil portion.