Abstract: A feeding and picking device having a rotating feeding device that is rotated about a vertical axis. The device is able to work in fields not planted in rows and is designed to grasp plant stalks and feed them into a picking device. The picking device comprises a snapping channel formed by snapping bars under which is located at least one snapping roll. The feeding device comprises a disc having fingers that overlap the snapping channel. The feeding device is therefore designed to transport the plant throughout the effective length of the picking device.

Abstract: A grass collector adapted to be attached to a rear of a riding-type mower for receiving cut grass from a mower unit through a duct, the grass collector including a front container section having a rearwardly facing opening and adapted to be attached to the riding-type mower, the front container section carrying a first bottom plate having a substantially horizontal position. A rear container section is supported pivotably about a pivot point located in a rear upper region of the front container section and pivotable between a first position wherein the rear container section substantially covers the opening of the front container section and a second position pivoted from the first position to allow cut grass to fall, the rear container section having a second bottom plate having a substantially horizontal position.

Abstract: An improved sewing thread and method of making it where at least one strand of spun yarn is composed of 100% staple fibers and has a high level of single twist that is equal to or greater than 4 more turns per inch than that of the ply twisted final product.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the temperature of a fuel gas. The system and method includes mixing an intermediate pressure feedwater stream from the heat recovery steam generator with a high pressure feedwater stream from the heat recovery steam generator, then using that mixture to heat the fuel gas mixture. The system and method may provide for improved control over the Modified Wobbe Index of the fuel gas, which may allow for greater variation in the composition of the fuel gas.

Abstract: A turbofan engine assembly includes a core gas turbine engine including a high-pressure compressor, a combustor, and a high-pressure turbine, a booster compressor coupled upstream from the core gas turbine engine, an intermediate-pressure turbine coupled to the booster compressor, the intermediate-pressure turbine disposed downstream from the core gas turbine engine, a counter-rotating fan assembly disposed upstream from the booster compressor, the counter-rotating fan assembly comprising a first fan configured to rotate in a first direction and a second fan configured to rotate in an opposite second direction, and an intermediate-pressure turbine disposed downstream from the core gas turbine engine, wherein the intermediate-pressure turbine drives the booster compressor and the second fan assembly. A method of assembling the above turbofan engine assembly is also described herein.

Abstract: A gas generator for providing continuous pressure rise combustion, including: a rotatable member including a forward end, an aft end, a circumferential wall and a longitudinal centerline axis extending therethrough; an outer circumferential wall, wherein the rotatable member is positioned therein so that the circumferential wall of the rotatable member is spaced radially inwardly from the outer circumferential wall; at least one helical channel formed by a plurality of helical sidewalls extending between the circumferential wall of the rotatable member and the outer circumferential wall, each helical channel being open at the forward end and the aft end of the rotatable member so as to provide flow communication therethrough; an air supply for providing air to each helical channel; and, a fuel supply for providing fuel to each helical channel.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine, in whose exhaust gas system an exhaust gas treatment device is positioned, a reagent, which is possibly mixed with compressed air, being introduced into the exhaust gas system upstream from the exhaust gas treatment device, and a device for performing the method. The reagent is brought to a predefined reagent setpoint pressure using a reagent pump and subsequently metered using a reagent dosing valve. The reagent pressure existing upstream from the reagent dosing valve is detected. In the framework of a diagnosis, a time curve of the reagent setpoint pressure is predefined. The reagent pressure detected during the diagnosis is compared to at least one predefined threshold value. If the threshold value is exceeded, an error signal is provided. The corresponding diagnosis of a compressed air path may be provided alternatively or additionally to the diagnosis of the reagent path.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification system having a NOx conversion catalyst device with a catalyst supported thereon for conversion of NOx in the exhaust gas. In order to accurately introduce a fuel in a necessary and sufficient amount for raising the temperature for allowing the NOx conversion catalyst device to be brought to a desulfurization target temperature, even during transient operation to maintain the state of the device at a temperature of the desulfurization target or above, an amount of fuel necessary for raising a first detection temperature as an indicator of the catalyst temperature to a desulfurization target temperature is set using a heat quantity computed from a first heat quantity necessary for raising the temperature of the NOx conversion catalyst device and a second heat quantity necessary for raising the temperature of the exhaust gas.

Abstract: Nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converters for purifying the exhaust gas of lean-burn engines are periodically regenerated by switching the engine from lean-burn mode to rich-burn mode. After regeneration has taken place, the engine is switched back to lean-burn mode. At this time, rich exhaust gas is still flowing in the exhaust line from the engine to the catalytic converter, which rich exhaust gas is ejected via the catalytic converter into the environment by the following, lean exhaust gas. This leads to brief emissions peaks of the rich exhaust gas constituents and impairs the level of exhaust gas cleaning which can be obtained. In order to solve said problem, it is proposed to create oxidizing conditions by injecting air upstream of the storage catalytic converter, so that the rich exhaust gas constituents still flowing in the exhaust line upstream of the storage catalytic converter can be converted at the storage catalytic converter to form non-harmful products.

Abstract: A hydraulic system has a valve assembly with two workports coupled to chambers of first and second cylinders which are connected mechanically in parallel to a machine component. A separation control valve is connected between first chambers of both cylinders, and a shunt control valve is connected between the workports. A recovery control valve couples an accumulator to the first chamber of the second cylinder. Opening and closing the valves in different combinations routes fluid from one or both cylinders into the accumulator where the fluid is stored under pressure, and thereafter enables stored fluid to be used to power one or both cylinders. The shunt control valve is used to route fluid exhausting from one chamber of each cylinder to the other chambers of those cylinders. Thus the hydraulic system recovers and reuses energy in various manners.

Abstract: An actuator control system is disclosed. The actuator control system may have a pump and at least one actuator. The actuator control system may further have an actuator valve configured to control the at least one actuator. The actuator control system may also have a pump pressure sensor configured to determine a pump pressure value and a load pressure sensor configure to determine a load pressure value. The actuator control system may additionally have a controller configured to receive the pump pressure value and the load pressure value. The controller may further be configured to compare the pump pressure value and the load pressure value, and selectively implement a primary control strategy and a secondary control strategy based on the comparison.

Abstract: A steam engine has a pipe shaped fluid container, a heating and cooling devices respectively provided at a heating and cooling portions of the fluid container, and an output device connected to the fluid container, so that the output device is operated by the fluid pressure change in the fluid container, to generate an electric power. In such a steam engine, an inner radius “r1” of the cooling portion is made to almost equal to a depth “?1” of the thermal penetration, which is calculated by the following formula (1); ? 1 = 2 ? a 1 ? ( 1 ) wherein, “a1” is a heat diffusivity of the working fluid at its low pressure, and “?” is an angular frequency of the movement of the working fluid.

Abstract: A method and a device for regulating the boost pressure of an internal combustion engine having a compressor, which set a setpoint boost pressure in a rapid manner and without overshooting. An actuator is provided by which the boost pressure of the compressor is set. An actuating variable for the actuator is determined as a function of a rotational speed of the compressor.

Abstract: Solar-powered shielding mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism includes a shield, a pair of tracks, an energy collecting device for collecting solar energy, storage for storing liquid being heated in the energy collecting device, and a motor powered by electricity generated by a power generator converting heat from the liquid being heated by the energy collecting device. The motor is operated to retract or extend the shield along the pair of tracks.

Abstract: A method for operating a gas turbine engine including a compressor and a combustor is provided. The method comprises channeling between about 0% to about 8% of the total airflow discharged from a compressor towards a pilot swirler coupled within the burner, wherein the burner includes a main swirler and an annular centerbody extending between the pilot and main swirlers, injecting a portion of the total fuel flow supplied to the burner through a plurality of apertures defined in a hollow pilot centerbody coupled within the pilot swirler, channeling the remaining airflow discharged from the compressor towards the main swirler, and injecting the remaining fuel flow supplied to the burner through at least one main swirler vane coupled within the main swirler, such that the portion of fuel is pre-mixed with a portion of the total airflow.

Abstract: A combustor liner assembly includes a liner and a first group of cooling holes formed in the liner and having an increasing density in a downstream direction. The first group of cooling holes include a generally circumferential first row of cooling holes, a generally circumferential second row of cooling holes immediately downstream from, consecutive to, and separated from the first row at a first distance, a generally circumferential third row of cooling holes immediately downstream from, consecutive to, and separated from the second row at a second distance, and a generally circumferential fourth row of cooling holes immediately downstream from, consecutive to, and separated from the third row at a third distance. The first distance is greater than the second distance and the third distance, and the second distance is greater than the third distance.

Abstract: A refrigerant charging system for charging a refrigeration system with refrigerant includes a refrigerant source, a storage vessel, input and output lines, and a device for detecting mass of refrigerant within the storage vessel. The input line fluidly connects the refrigerant source to the storage vessel, and the output line extends from the storage vessel and is adapted to connect to the refrigeration system. The system also includes an input control valve disposed between the storage vessel and the refrigerant source, and an output control valve disposed between the storage vessel and the refrigeration system. A heater is connected to the refrigerant source for raising the temperature of refrigerant within the refrigerant source. A method of charging a refrigeration system is also disclosed. The system and method are useful to charging the refrigerant system of an automotive vehicle, among others.

Abstract: Dehumidifying and re-humidifying cooling apparatus and method are provided for an electronics rack. The apparatus includes a dehumidifying air-to-liquid heat exchanger disposed at an air inlet side of the rack and a re-humidifying air-to-liquid heat exchanger disposed at an air outlet side of the rack. The heat exchangers are in fluid communication with a coolant loop for passing chilled coolant through the heat exchangers, and the dehumidifying heat exchanger dehumidifies ingressing air to the electronics rack to reduce a dew point of air flowing through the rack. A condensate collector disposed at the air inlet side collects liquid condensate from the dehumidifying of ingressing air, and a condensate delivery mechanism delivers the condensate to the re-humidifying heat exchanger to humidify air egressing from the electronics rack.

Abstract: A water-from-air extraction system (40) includes a first open air passage (43) including a first portion (51) and a second portion (64) with the first portion (51) being fluidly linked to the second portion (64). A desiccant wheel (60) is arranged between the first and second portions (51,64). The water from air extraction system (40) further includes a second open air passage (44) including a first end portion (82) that leads to a second end portion (123) through an intermediate portion (108). The first and second end portions (82, 123) are fluidly connected to the first portion (51) of the first open air passage (43) and the intermediate section (108) is fluidly linked to the desiccant wheel (60). A condensing heat exchanger (114) is fluidly connected to the intermediate section (108) of the second open air passage (44) downstream from the desiccant wheel (60). The condensing heat exchanger (114) extracts water from an air flow passing through the second open air passage (44).

Abstract: A system and method includes a compressor operable in a refrigeration circuit and including a motor, a current sensor providing a high-side signal indicative of an operating condition of a high-pressure side of the refrigeration circuit, a discharge line temperature sensor providing a low-side signal indicative of an operating condition of a low-pressure side of the refrigeration circuit, and processing circuitry processing the high-side signal and the low-side signal to indirectly determine a non-measured operating parameter of the refrigeration circuit.

Abstract: A predictive maintenance method and apparatus for HVACR systems including a sensor capable of detecting the presence of a gaseous phase in the refrigerant fluid at a location wherein solely liquid phase should be present if the system is functioning properly.

Abstract: A method for controlling a temperature in a refrigeration system using a quality decay value expressing an expected decay rate in quality of the products being refrigerated, and which depends on the temperature of air present in the refrigeration system. The quality decay value is obtained using a mathematical model reflecting one or more physical and/or biological processes in the products. Prevents or reduces the quality degradation of the products in terms of shelf life, appearance or tastiness. Furthermore, a method for controlling the temperature in such a way that effects of scheduled events, such as temperature increase during defrosts, can be compensated prior to the event.

Abstract: A method of operating a refrigerated merchandiser. The refrigerated merchandiser includes a case that defines a product display area, and at least one door that provides access to the product display area. The method includes sensing a parameter of an ambient environment adjacent the case, delivering a signal indicative of the sensed parameter to a controller, and determining a duty cycle using the controller based on the signal indicative of the sensed parameter. The method also includes detecting a change in the sensed parameter using the controller, interrupting the duty cycle by initiating a clearing interval using the controller in response to the controller receiving the signal indicative of the change in the sensed parameter, and clearing condensation from the door during the clearing interval.

Abstract: A stability control algorithm is provided for a centrifugal compressor. The stability control algorithm is used to control a variable geometry diffuser and a hot gas bypass valve (when provided) in response to the detection of compressor instabilities. The stability control algorithm can adjust the position of a diffuser ring in the variable geometry diffuser in response to the detection of a surge condition or a stall condition. The diffuser ring in the variable geometry diffuser can be adjusted to determine an optimal position of the diffuser ring. The stability control algorithm can also be used to open a hot gas bypass valve in response to the detection of continued surge conditions.

Abstract: The invention provides a refrigeration system with a compressing unit, and a method of controlling a refrigeration system. To facilitate a better control, the capacity of the compressing unit is controlled based on a predicted future cooling demand rather than an actually determined cooling demand. The invention further provides a system wherein a cost value for changing the cooling capacity of the system is taken into consideration.

Abstract: A climatisation system for wind turbines which comprise: a first heat exchanger (10) in the nacelle (1) for exchanging heat with an element of the nacelle for which the temperature needs to be controlled; a second heat exchanger (20) outside the nacelle (1) for exchanging heat with a first exchange unit (21); a first section (12) of a climatisation circuit for: connecting the first heat exchanger (10) with the second heat exchanger (20); circulating a liquid coolant between the first heat exchanger (10) and the second heat exchanger (20); impulsion units (100) for circulating the liquid coolant on the first section (12) of the climatisation circuit; a shut off valve (200); and expansion tank (400); an expansion valve (300) between the first heat exchanger (10) and the second heat exchanger (20).

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system are provided for a modular in-frame pumped refrigerant distribution system. Specifically, a micro-channel heat exchanger is positioned in an equipment cabinet close to equipment that generates heat. More specifically, the micro-channel heat exchanger may be positioned on a) a shelf above the equipment, b) the back side of the equipment, or c) a shelf below the equipment. The micro-channel heat exchanger is operable to receive a refrigerant supplied by an external heat exchanger along a primary flow path, transfer heat from air above and/or near the equipment to a coil of the micro-channel heat exchanger, circulate the refrigerant to extract the heat, and return the refrigerant with an extracted portion of generated heat to the external heat exchanger along a secondary flow path. The external heat exchanger may remove extracted heat from a building via a building chilled water system or an outdoor condenser unit.

Abstract: A liquid submersion cooling system that is suitable for cooling a number of electronic devices in parallel using a plurality of cases connected to a rack system. The system cools heat-generating components in server computers and other devices that use electronic, heat-generating components and are connected in parallel systems. The system includes a housing having an interior space, a dielectric cooling liquid in the interior space, a heat-generating electronic component disposed within the space and submerged in the dielectric cooling liquid. The rack system contains a manifold system to engage and allow liquid transfer for multiple cases and IO connectors to engage electrically with multiple cases/electronic devices. The rack system can be connected to a pump system for pumping the liquid into and out of the rack, to and from external heat exchangers, heat pumps, or other thermal dissipation/recovery devices.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system for conditioning air by removing heat and moisture from the air and transferring it to the environment, comprising: a dehumidifier (14) that produces dehumidified air and utilizes a liquid desiccant for drying; at least one non-desiccant fluid at a temperature lower than the temperature of the liquid desiccant; and at least one heat exchanger (20) in which the liquid desiccant is cooled by the at least one fluid.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus is provided which includes a plurality of heat exchangers (11, 12, 13) for effecting heat exchange between a heating medium (such as refrigerant, cold and hot water et cetera) and air and which is adapted to separately perform sensible heat processing and latent heat processing of room air (RA). In the air conditioning apparatus, at least one heat exchanger (13) is made up of an adsorption heat exchanger (13) that supports on its surface an adsorbent, thereby preventing the increase in apparatus size and making it possible to perform operations at high COP.

Abstract: A rapid cooling system for a rapid thermal processing chamber includes a rapid thermal processing chamber having a wafer support for supporting a wafer. A tank having a supply of cooling liquid is provided in fluid communication with the chamber. A pump is provided in fluid communication with the rapid thermal processing chamber and the tank for pumping the cooling liquid from the tank to the chamber and cooling the wafer during the cooling phase of rapid thermal processing.

Abstract: The invention comprises a Thermal Energy Module comprising a tank adapted to hold water or other heat transfer medium (such as water), a water loop for introducing the heat transfer medium and removing the heat transfer medium, and a refrigeration loop comprising a heat exchanger further comprised of an inlet manifold, a heat transfer structure (such as a micro channel or pipe-in-plate panel) and an outlet manifold wherein the heat exchanger is adapted to transfer thermal energy between the heat transfer structure and the heat transfer medium. The Thermal energy Module may be utilized as a component of a heating and cooling system. Such a Thermal Energy Module may be used to store thermal energy during the day and return it during the evening. Additionally, such a Thermal Energy Module may be implemented as an array of such modules and such array of modules may be adapted to fit within the walls of a building or structure.

Abstract: The present invention is a bracelet having an inner layer and an outer later. The inner layer of the bracelet is copper and the outer layer is another metal, preferably a precious metal such as sterling silver or gold, platinum or titanium. However, any suitable material may be used for the outer layer. Since copper can be absorbed through the skin, a wearer receives the medicinal benefits of copper while wearing a bracelet that is a fine piece of jewelry. In a preferred embodiment, the copper inner layer is a comfort fit layer.

Abstract: A reforming process of a quartz glass crucible in which the quartz glass crucible is reformed by an arc discharge generated by electrodes positioned around a rotational axis and configured to heat an inside surface of the crucible while the crucible is rotated. The process includes arranging electrodes in an electrode structure such that neighboring electrodes are positioned at regular intervals in a ring-like configuration; forming a stable ring-like arc between the neighboring electrodes, without generating a continuous arc between electrodes facing each other across a central portion of the ring-like configuration; heating the inside surface of the crucible; and removing a foreign substance located on the inside surface of the crucible or a bubble located under the inside surface of the crucible.

Abstract: An I.S. machine has a blow station where a parison is blown into a bottle. The parison is blown with a blow head at the “on” position on the blow mold and following the blowing of the parison, the blow head is lifted away from the blow mold. The spacing between the blow head and the mold is defined by a Pressure Profile which is responsive to the sensed pressure within the mold.

Abstract: Optical fiber preforms can comprise a glass preform structure with an inner cavity. A powder can be placed within the inner cavity having an average primary particle size of less than about one micron. The powder can be in the form of an unagglomerated particles or a powder coating with a degree of agglomeration or hard fusing ranging from none to significant amounts as long as the primary particles are visible in a micrograph. Powders can be placed within a preform structure by forming a slurry with a dispersion of submicron/nanoscale particles within a cavity within the preform. In other embodiments, a powder coating is formed within a preform structure by depositing the powder coating directly from a reaction product stream. The formation of the powder coating can be formed within the reaction chamber or outside of the reaction chamber by flowing the product particle stream through a conduit leading to the preform structure. In additional embodiments, a powder coating is placed on an insert, e.g.

Abstract: The invention relates to glass powder, especially a biologically active glass powder, which includes a plurality of glass particles and which is characterized by the following features: the glass particles are made up by >90% of non-spherical particles; the geometry of the individual non-spherical particle is characterized by a ratio of length to diameter of 1.1 to 105.

Abstract: A fabric collection structure for a fabric cutting apparatus splits fabric and has a driving means. The fabric collection structure includes a fabric rolling rod and a fabric pressing means. The fabric pressing means has a fabric spread rod and a fabric pressing rod. During fabric collection, the driving means drives the fabric rolling rod, fabric spread rod and fabric pressing rod to rotate. The fabric split by the fabric cutting apparatus is flatly unfolded by the fabric spread rod and driven by the fabric pressing rod to be rolled on the fabric rolling rod, and is pressed by the fabric pressing rod. The fabric pressing rod is lifted by increasing thickness of the fabric rolled on the fabric rolling rod. The fabric rolling rod rolls the fabric at a fixed location. The fabric pressing means presses the fabric to control the density and a uniform fabric density is achieved.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a shaping camisole and the article produced therefrom having an outer decorative portion and an inner knit tube made with elastomeric yarn to provide midsection support.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of fabricating textile, comprising the steps of preparing a first plurality of cotton yarns, preparing a second plurality of non-cotton yarns, said first plurality of cotton yarns and said second plurality of non-cotton yarn forming warp threads of a fabric blank, warp knitting said fabric blank, characterized in that a proportion of cotton yarns is at least 65% by weight; and is characterized by forming a border of said fabric blank by intermeshing at least part of said first plurality of cotton yarns.

Abstract: A steam generator according to one embodiment of the invention includes a steam generation chamber for converting the water to steam, and a heating element thermally coupled with the steam generation chamber and having a first portion below an operational water level of the steam generation chamber and a second portion above the operational water level, with the first portion having a greater thermal output than the second portion.

Abstract: A washing machine including a treating tub that houses clothes and that has an outer tub and an inner tub rotatably provided in the outer tub; a motor for rotating the inner tub; a circulating air duct for extracting and returning air in the treating tub during drying; a blowing means for circulating the air in the circulating air duct; a heating device for heating the air circulated in the circulating air duct; an ozone generation device connected to the circulating air duct for generating ozone by discharge; a command key for instructing execution of air wash; an air wash execution control device for operating the blowing device, the ozone generation device and the heating device in a predetermined mode in response to command key instruction; and a selection key for selecting whether to rotate the inner tub or to stop the inner tub during execution of the air wash.

Abstract: A washing machine includes: a drum (630) in which laundry is put; an ion elution unit that elutes metal ions and adds them to water; a sensing unit (701) for sensing imbalance at the time of rotation of the laundry tub; and an imbalance correcting unit (702). When the sensing unit senses imbalance in the drum at the time of spin-drying rotation of the drum performed after metal ion added water supplied from the ion elution unit to the drum is supplied, the imbalance correcting unit corrects the imbalance by performing a processing different from a processing performed when imbalance is sensed in a case where the metal ion added water is not supplied. The different processing is not supply of tap water but balance correction rinsing in which the metal ion added water is supplied to the drum and agitation is performed.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine system including a method of detecting a load unbalance. The washing machine system includes a cabinet having a drum rotatably mounted therein. A motor is coupled to the drum for rotating the drum within the cabinet. A memory device is accessible by a processor, such as a digital signal processor (DSP). The memory contains program code for implementing a method that includes determining the motor torque ripple, determining the motor speed, and determining the load unbalance mass based on the motor torque and speed.

Abstract: A bicycle lock includes a first part and a second part located close to bicycle wheels by two bolts and two respective protection members are connected to the first part and the second part respectively. The protection members cover the heads of the bolts so that the unauthorized person cannot access the bolts to detach the bicycle lock from the bicycle. A lock rod is connected to the first part which is pivotable about the bolt corresponding thereto so as to be inserted into the second part to lock the wheel.

Abstract: A pin tumbler lock having a housing with a series of holes running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical bore in the housing. The holes are bored through the housing, and a first end of each hole opens to one of each of the chambers in the housing, between the first and second ends of the corresponding chamber, and a second end of each hole opens to the outside of said housing. A tool having a body comprising a tumbler-lock-housing receiving cavity, for receiving the housing therein, wherein the body comprises a first and second series of channels for creating the holes in a conventional pin tumbler lock housing.

Abstract: A key-operated lock that can be programmed for use with one of a plurality of user keys without disassembling the lock or replacing the tumblers, that employs a programming key and an integral change tool to effect the lock programming. The lock can be configured to permit or to prevent use of the user key to program or reconfigure the lock. The lock is typically manually latched or bolted into a locked configuration. The integral change tooling simplifies the lock programming operation, and avoids the need for carrying a separate change tool.

Abstract: A die-cushion controlling device includes a position-command-signal outputting section for outputting a position command signal of a die-cushion pad; a position detecting section for detecting a position of the die-cushion pad; a position comparing section for outputting a position deviation signal corresponding to a deviation between a target position value based on the position command signal and a position detection value based on a position detection signal; a position controlling section for outputting a position-speed command signal based on the position deviation signal; a speed controlling section for outputting a motor-current command signal based on the position-speed command signal; a servo amplifier for generating a current corresponding to the motor-current command signal; and an escape-position-command-signal outputting section for outputting a position command signal for commanding the die-cushion pad to escape from a bottom dead center position based on a press signal outputted when a slide ha

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring clinched joints senses lateral displacement of die segments during formation of a joint, which depends on joint button diameter. The system determines whether a joint is acceptable by correlating acceptable button diameter with acceptable amount of punch advancement. A predetermined number of unacceptable joints indicates excessive punch and/or die wear.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a workpiece having a desired configuration as well as an associated preform assembly are provided. The forming method and apparatus as well as the preform assembly include a hydrostatic pressing medium, such as a layer of glass, disposed within the die cavity proximate to at least one side of the workpiece. The hydrostatic pressing medium is configured to have a relatively low viscosity at the temperatures at which the workpiece is processed, thereby facilitating the relatively even application of pressure to the workpiece. As such, a workpiece having a complex configuration may be formed utilizing a single acting die.