Abstract: To keep an electric discharge state in an electric-discharge machining device constant, an electric-discharge machining control device includes: a machining power supply that applies a pulsed voltage to a minute gap between an electrode and a workpiece that are arranged to oppose to each other with a predetermined gap therebetween to generate electric discharge; a state amount detector that detects an inter-electrode voltage in the minute gap between the electrode and the workpiece; an electrode-vibration-state detection unit that detects an amplitude of the inter-electrode voltage obtained by the state amount detector; an adjustment-factor setting unit that sets a factor by which an inter-electrode average voltage obtained by the state amount detector is to be multiplied, based on an amplitude of an inter-electrode voltage obtained by the electrode-vibration-state detection unit; and an evaluation-voltage setting unit that sets an evaluation voltage based on the factor outputted from the adjustment-factor se

Abstract: In a discharge pulse current introduced into a machining gap between a wire electrode and a workpiece, ineffective discharge pulses not contributing to machining are discriminated and the number of the ineffective discharge pulses is counted. Moreover, an electrical discharge position is detected. An unevenly distributed state of machining chips in the machining gap is discriminated based on the counted number of the ineffective discharge pulses and the detected electrical discharge position. In order to eliminate the unevenly distributed state of the machining chips based on the unevenly distributed state of the machining chips, a flow rate of a working fluid supplied from an upper working fluid feeder in an upper wire guide and a flow rate of a working fluid supplied from a lower working fluid feeder in a lower wire guide are adjusted.

Abstract: Joining surfaces (2a, 2b) of a pair of conductive joining members (1a, 1b) to be joined to each other are caused to face each other, and while one of the joining members (1a, 1b) is slid relative to the other of the joining members (1a, 1b), a current is passed from one of the joining members (1a, 1b) to the other of the joining members (1a, 1b) so as to cause resistance heating. Abrasion, plastic flow, and material diffusion therefore occur in high surface-pressure sections of the joining surfaces (2a, 2b), and the joining surfaces (2a, 2b) are joined together while current concentration locations are varied from moment to moment.

Abstract: A method is provided and may include generating by a computer a virtual vehicle model and providing the vehicle model with spot-welds. The method may further include providing data regarding the spot-welds and applying forces by the computer to the spot welds during a simulated impact event of the vehicle model. The computer may analyze each of the spot welds at predetermined time intervals during the simulated impact event and may identify failed spot welds based on the analyzing. The computer may further remove failed spot welds from the vehicle model and may continue to apply the forces to the spot-welds following removal of the failed spot welds.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing the conversion efficiency of thin film photovoltaics. The thin film structure includes a photovoltaic absorbent layer covered by a confinement layer. A laser beam passes through the confinement layer and hits the photovoltaic absorbent layer. The laser can be pulsed to create localized rapid heating and cooling of the photovoltaic absorbent layer. The confinement layer confines the laser induced plasma plume creating a localized high-pressure condition for the photovoltaic absorbent layer. The laser beam can be scanned across specific regions of the thin film structure. The laser beam can be pulsed as a series of short pulses. The photovoltaic absorbent layer can be made of various materials including copper indium diselenide, gallium arsenide, and cadmium telluride. The photovoltaic absorbent layer can be sandwiched between a substrate and the confinement layer, and a molybdenum layer can be between the substrate and the photovoltaic absorbent layer.

Abstract: A magnetically impelled arc butt (MIAB) welding device positioned on the rig floor heats facing ends of a pair of wellbore tubulars. After the facing ends are heated and/or melted, a force application device compressively engages the facing ends to form a welded joint.

Abstract: A laser apparatus for welding is disclosed. The laser apparatus includes: a laser optic head adapted and configured to modify a spot size of a laser beam oscillated by a laser oscillator and to project the laser beam into a joining portion of joining members, wherein the laser optic head is adapted and configured to modify the spot size to selectively perform brazing or welding. A method of selectively brazing or welding according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes: providing a laser apparatus of as described herein; and actuating the laser optic head to modify the spot size of the laser beam and project the laser beam into the joining portion of the joining members to selectively perform brazing or welding.

Abstract: A method and system to weld or join workpieces employing a high intensity energy source to create a weld puddle and at least one resistive filler wire which is heated to at or near its melting temperature and deposited into the weld puddle.

Abstract: A laser crystallization device includes a first light source providing a first light and a second light source providing a second light. The device further includes a first lens set receiving the first light to generate a first transmitted light, the first transmitted light having a first profile, the first profile having a first profile error portion and a first non-error portion. The device further includes a second lens set receiving the second light to generate a second transmitted light, the second transmitted light having a second profile, the second profile having a second profile error portion and a second non-error portion, the second profile error portion corresponding to the first non-error portion, the second non-error portion corresponding to the first profile error portion. The device further includes an optical system combining the first transmitted light with the second transmitted light.

Abstract: A laser processing apparatus removes a sapphire substrate from an optical device wafer configured by forming an optical device layer on the front side of the sapphire substrate through a buffer layer. A chuck table holds the optical device wafer. A pulsed laser beam is applied to the optical device wafer to break the buffer layer, and the light intensity of plasma light produced in the buffer layer by the application of the pulsed laser beam is detected and displayed. The light intensity of a predetermined wavelength region of the plasma light generated from a substance forming the buffer layer is detected.

Abstract: A magnetically impelled arc butt (MIAB) welding device heats facing ends of a pair of wellbore tubulars and a force application device compressively engages the facing ends to form a welded joint. The device may be positioned on the rig floor. The MIAB welding device may include a device configured to hold facing ends of the two wellbore tubulars at a specified distance away from one another, a high frequency arc ignition device configured to generate an arc between the facing ends and to revolve the arc around the circumference of the facing ends, and a magnetic field generator configured to superimpose a magnetic field at the facing ends. The MIAB welding device may be configured to melt at least a surface of the facing ends.

Abstract: There is provided a pressure control method for a spot welding apparatus. Upon spot-welding a workpiece while applying a preset pressure to the workpiece by a pressure actuator through a movable electrode and a fixed electrode holding a workpiece and applying a preset sub-pressure by a sub-pressure actuator through a sub-pressure unit, the workpiece is pressed with an initial pressure by the movable electrode and the fixed electrode, and an initial sub-pressure is applied through the sub-pressure unit. After that, the setting pressure is applied to the workpiece by the pressure actuator through the movable electrode and the fixed electrode, and the setting sub-pressure is applied by the sub-pressure actuator through the sub-pressure unit.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for monitoring and displaying real time information regarding the inductance of the welding circuit, such that a user can monitor the performance of a power supply to determine if the system inductance is adversely affecting the operation of the power supply.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided for improved run-in control during a start of a welding process. A power circuit generates welding output power. A control circuit in communication with the power circuit controls the output power. The control circuit receives a selection of a wire feed speed setting representing a wire feed speed. The control circuit receives a selection of a run-in setting representing a run-in percentage of the wire feed speed. The control circuit determines an effective run-in percentage that is equal to the run-in percentage plus an extra percentage.

Abstract: A welding wire electrode includes a metal sheath including a core and a core material contained within the core of the metal sheath. The core material includes particles of at least one metal alloying compound, wherein each of the particles has an outer surface, and wherein at least one layer of a metallic coating is deposited onto the outer surface of the particles to form a metallic coated particle.

Abstract: A method for heating an entire spring, including regions adjacent to electrodes attached thereto, in a single electrical heating process includes (i) causing at least a pair of electrodes to make contact with the spring, and then (ii) electrically heating the spring by applying a voltage across the pair of electrodes. Each of the electrodes includes a first part having a first electric resistance value and a second part having a second electric resistance value that is higher than the first electric resistance value.

Abstract: A composite pane having an electrically heatable coating is described. The composite pane comprises: at least two individual panes; an intermediate layer, which connects the individual panes to one another; at least one transparent, electrically conductive coating on at least one side of at least one of the at least two individual panes, the at least one side faces the intermediate layer; and at least two bus bars, which are connected to the at least one transparent, electrically conductive coating, wherein a first bus bar is electrically connected to a first feed line provided for connection to one pole of a voltage source and a second bus bar is electrically connected to a second feed line provided for connection to the second pole of the voltage source.

Abstract: A capacitive sensing system for being connected to a heating element comprises a capacitive detector connectable to the heating element and a common mode choke for essentially preventing alternating current from flowing from the heating element to the heating current supply. The capacitive detector is configured for driving an alternating current into the heating element and for producing an output indicative of capacitance based upon the alternating current. The choke has a first and a second winding for connecting the heating element with the heating current supply. The choke comprises a third winding connected in parallel of the first and/or second winding. The capacitive detector is configured for measuring a portion of the alternating current flowing across the third winding and for taking into account the measured portion of alternating current when producing the output.

Abstract: A conductor of a power transmission line has its effective resistance to flow of direct current or low-frequency current (such as, for example, 50 Hz or 60 Hz) varied in a wide range to pass current and/or to generate heat for melting ice. Increasing the initial resistance of a conductor is accomplished by modulating the current at a high frequency (HF), such as about 1 kHz to about 100 kHz. The current through the conductor then becomes a mixture of a DC (or low-frequency current) and a high-frequency current. Because the latter flows in a thin skin-layer region of the conductor of depth dependent on frequency, the conductor's resistance to the HF current is higher than its resistance value for low frequency or DC current. By varying the frequency of current modulation in accordance with the present invention, the conductor's resistance is adjusted to a desired value for ice removal.

Abstract: Portable apparatus for identifying and mitigating defects in electronic devices disposed on substrates or windows are disclosed herein. Such defects can be visually perceived by the end user. The substrates or windows may include flat panel displays, photovoltaic windows, electrochromic devices, and the like, particularly electrochromic windows.

Abstract: An oven includes a cooking chamber configured to receive a food product, a user interface configured to display information associated with processes employed for cooking, first and second energy sources, and a cooking controller. The first energy source provides primary heating and the second energy source provides secondary heating for the food product. The cooking controller executes instructions directing application of energy to the food product via the first or second energy sources. The cooking controller may include processing circuitry configured to receive an indication of cooking parameters defining at least a food product category of the food product and select a cooking signature corresponding to the food product category. The cooking signature may include information descriptive of inherent properties of the food product category and input response properties defining one or more sets of instructions associated with a cooking sequence for the food product based on the cooking parameters.

Abstract: A heat generator comprises a rotatable magnetic field and a heat exchanger (26) including a fluid path (45) for water set into an electrically conducting disc. An entry to and exit from the fluid path is provided for the water. Heat generated by rotating the magnetic field is transferred to water passing though the fluid path in the electrically conducting disc.

Abstract: An oven includes a cooking chamber configured to receive a food product, a user interface configured to display information associated with processes employed for cooking, first and second energy sources, and a cooking controller. The first energy source provides primary heating and the second energy source provides secondary heating for the food product. The cooking controller executes instructions associated with a cooking program directing application of energy to the food product via the first or second energy sources. The cooking controller includes processing circuitry configured to monitor energy added to the food product via the first energy source in accordance with the cooking program, receive an indication of a change to a cooking parameter associated with a second energy source, and determine a modification to the cooking program by employing a modification algorithm based on the cooking parameter change.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an assembly, or appliance, especially designed for better interaction between user and a microwave oven. By a single touch on the microwave oven keyboard, said assembly allows the user to program the cooking parameters of said appliance, using at least an accessory pot having a quantity scale for each type of food to be prepared.

Abstract: A removable storage device intended to be housed in a cavity of a form of packaging for transporting and/or storing radioactive materials, including several substructures movable relative to one another, positioned around a longitudinal axis, and defining multiple adjacent recesses for radioactive materials, together with means for deployment of the substructures including actuation means acting by shape collaboration on the substructures through a bearing surface having, in a section according to any plane passing through longitudinal axis, the shape of a segment inclined relative to this axis, such that displacement of actuation means in a first direction parallel to longitudinal axis causes a displacement of the substructures radially towards the exterior relative to longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A folding assembly box includes vertical corner hinge frames disposed in corners of the box, and vertical middle hinge frames disposed between the vertical corner hinge frames facing each other at both sides thereof. The vertical corner hinge frames are unfolded at an angle to form the respective corners of the box, and are hinged in the opposite direction to the direction where the vertical corner hinge frames are unfolded. The vertical middle hinge frames are unfolded together with the vertical corner hinge frames at both sides thereof, and hinged in the opposite direction to the opposite direction where the vertical corner hinge frames are unfolded. Top and bottom horizontal frames are disposed to connect upper and lower ends of the vertical corner hinge frames facing each other. Panels are inserted between the first top and bottom horizontal frames facing each other.

Abstract: A collapsible container has at least three panels, including a center panel and first and second side panels. Each panel has a tension loop frame fastened to a web of flexible material. The center panel has two sides each fastened to a first side of a different side panel. Each side panel has a second side fastened by a zipper to form the panels into a triangular tube. Third and fourth side panels having a first side are optionally fastened to a different side of the center panel with a second side of the third and fourth panels fastened by a zipper to form the four side panels into a quadrilateral tube. Each side panels has a bottom side with a container bottom permanently fastened to a plurality of the bottom sides and fastened by one of the zippers to another of the bottom sides.

Abstract: A ventilated barrel cover system for effectively covering a barrel while allowing for ventilation of the contents of the barrel. The ventilated barrel cover system generally includes a base positionable upon an upper rim of a barrel, an upper opening extending through the base, and a cover removably attached to the base for selectively closing the upper opening. The base includes at least one vent for allowing ventilation of the interior of the barrel.

Abstract: Paint in a container is inhibited against skinning by providing a layer of a barrier material comprising an non-VOC inhibiting composition and optionally water on the upper surface the bulk paint in the container.

Abstract: A closure for a keg comprises a housing and a valve element movable within the housing between closed and open positions. A lock mechanism is capable of holding the valve element in the open position, to vent gas from the keg and to thwart unauthorised re-filling after dispensing. The lock mechanism comprises: a first part movable with the valve element that comprises a lock element engageable with the housing; and a second part that is movable with the first part when the valve element moves from the closed position to the open position during filling, and thereafter is separable from the first part as the valve element returns from the open position to the closed position after filling. Separation of those parts enables the lock formation to engage with the housing to hold the valve element when the valve element returns to the open position upon dispensing.

Abstract: A seal cap assembly for use with a biological specimen container, the cap assembly including an integral ampoule that holds a pre-filled agent. A piercer is movably disposed in the cap assembly to pierce into the ampoule. When the cap assembly is attached to a biological specimen container, the ampoule is pierced, the pre-filled agent in the ampoule is mixed with the specimen, and the seal cap assembly seals the biological specimen container. The seal cap assembly, together with a biological specimen container, permits stabilization, storage, and transport of biological fluid samples.

Abstract: There is provided a container capable of preventing detachment of a cap body from a case main body before outward advancement of a drawer member when the cap body is turned in the direction for unscrewing it from the case main body. By turning all or part of the case main body or cap body except the drawer member, about the screwing axis of the external and internal threads, the drawer member is advanced outward by the cam mechanism disposed within the container. The resistance applying means is provided to impart resistance to rotation between the case main body and the cap body for prevention of rotation of the cap body in the direction for unscrewing it from the case main body before advancement of the drawer member.

Abstract: A fitting structure for two members includes a body and a lid member. The body includes an open space portion therein, a closed portion closing the open space portion, a fitting portion provided at the open space portion, and a front face. The lid member includes an elastic claw portion. A window portion is provided on the closed portion. A tip portion of the elastic claw portion is viewed through the window portion in a direction opposite to the fitting direction of the lid member to the body under a condition that the lid member is attached to the body. A fitting confirmation portion is provided at a peripheral edge portion of the window portion and indicates position of the tip portion of the elastic claw portion fitted to the fitting portion at a regular fitting position.

Abstract: A multi-piece container includes a bottom section, a top section removably secured to the bottom section, and a cap alternatively securable to the top and bottom sections. The top and bottom sections define a continuous inner volume of the container so that the access to the bottom section is provided through the top section. Upon consumption of a portion of product contained within the container, the top section may be removed and the cap used to close the bottom section containing the remaining product.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for supporting a fuel supply on a vehicle, which is specifically adapted for the operable support and positioning of an auxiliary fuel supply. The vehicle with which the mounting assembly is utilized may vary significantly, but is primarily structured for use on mine haul vehicles, bulldozers, and other heavy duty commercial vehicles, wherein the operation thereof is significantly benefited or enhanced through the provision of an auxiliary, or alternate fuel supply such as, but not limited to, liquid natural gas (LNG), selectively powering the engine of the vehicle as determined by an improved electronic control system. The mounting assembly comprises a containment structure in the form of at least one fuel tank and a housing is structured to enclose the fuel tank.

Abstract: A cookware is revealed. The cookware includes a pot having a receiving space with an opening facing upward. An upper edge of the pot extends outward and downward to form a pendent edge. Thus a heat storage space is formed between the pendent edge and a pot wall. While heating the pot, heat is accumulated and stored in the heat storage space so that cooking temperature is increased and cooking time is reduced. Therefore energy-saving is achieved.

Abstract: A surge bin having a top and a bottom comprising: a plurality of walls defining an inner chamber; and an opening at or near the top of the surge bin and a discharge outlet at or near the bottom of the surge bin, the discharge outlet positioned to discharge particulate material onto a conveyor; whereby at least one of the plurality of walls having a sloped portion sloping outwards towards the discharge outlet.

Abstract: A composite container for storing perishable products may include a composite body and a composite bottom. The composite bottom may include a bottom fiber layer, a bottom oxygen barrier layer, and a bottom sealant layer, such that the composite bottom has an upper surface and a lower surface. A hermetic seal may be formed between a sealing portion of the composite bottom and an interior surface of the composite body. When an internal pressure is applied to the interior surface of the composite body and the upper surface of the platen portion of the composite bottom, an external pressure is applied to the exterior surface of the composite body and the lower surface of the composite bottom, and the internal pressure is about 20 kPa greater than the external pressure, the platen portion of the composite bottom may not extend beyond the bottom edge of the composite body.

Abstract: A container and method for making a container for removing liquid from a cleaning head includes a base wall and a lateral wall peripherally extending from a first side of the base wall. The base wall further includes on the first side, a protruding portion adapted to rotationally support inside the container, at a predetermined height with respect to the base wall, a centrifuge drum for removing liquid from a cleaning head and, on a second side opposite to the first side, at the protruding portion on the first side, a hollow portion shaped so as to be combined with the protruding portion.

Abstract: The beverage can sealer and holder functions as a unit. The beverage can sealer is the screw cap for the holder of the beverage can and has a circular ridge which, when screwed onto the beverage can holder, compresses a peripheral circular zone on the top surface of a beverage can to seal it airtight. A resealable drink spout is incorporated into the beverage can sealer. The drink spout is opened when it is pulled up and closed when pressed down. This art allows people to enjoy canned beverage while engaging in activities and maintains the pressure within the opened can when the unfinished beverage is stored.

Abstract: Invention describes apparatus automating pharmacy operations. Apparatus includes portable vending cartridges, cartridge transport components, automatic vending modules, controllers. Cartridge contains conveyor transporting containers with medications secured inside carriers. Cartridges slide-into receptacles inside vending module. Controllers monitor in real-time presence of cartridges, inventory of carries and containers with medications, and execute controls, including: indexing conveyors; loading and/or unloading medications in/from carriers; maintaining medications within specifications—environment, handling, safety with reports confirming compliance. Controllers execute in real-time optimization algorithm to achieve required performance: rates of medications loading/unloading, power consumption.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dispenser for folded sheets having an overfill prevention device, which effectively prevents the dispenser from being overfilled with folded sheet material. The result of the present invention is that a maintainer of the dispenser will have a difficult time overfilling the dispenser.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system includes a casing having an interior storage area and a staging area, a plurality of containers positioned in the interior storage area, and a gantry assembly positioned within the casing. The gantry assembly is operable to move each of the plurality of containers between the interior storage area and the staging area. The staging area simultaneously receives and supports more than one container to allow access to the more than one container.

Abstract: A collapsible container dispenser dispenses a collapsible container. In a collapsed state, the collapsible container has a thickness that is much smaller than its length and width. In some embodiments, the collapsible container is an insulated cooler designed for containing ice. The collapsible containers are preferably stacked at an angle in the dispenser prior to being dispensed. In some embodiments, the only moving mechanical part in the dispenser is a push bar, which pushes a collapsible container toward an opening in the dispenser to dispense the collapsible container. In some embodiments, at least one wing maintains the collapsible container to be dispensed on the floor of the holding area as the push bar extends to push the collapsible container through the dispensing opening. In some embodiments, the dispenser also dispenses ice that may be contained in the collapsible container.

Abstract: System and method for dispensing product to a washing machine. A chemical dispensing system includes a system controller, machine interface, and pump controller that communicate through serial data buses. The system controller provides a user interface, retrieves washing machine status information from the machine interface, and issues product dispensing commands to the pump controller. The pump controller monitors pump status and dispenses product in response to commands from the system controller. The pump controller: (1) determines pump activation periods based on calibration data stored in a pump controller memory; (2) tracks pump usage and adjusts the activation period to compensate for pump wear as the pump ages; (3) disables the pump if conditions exists that preclude operating the pump; (4) monitors product levels, and (5) reports pump status to the system controller. Integral channels are included in the pump housing to provide stress relief to a squeeze tube.

Abstract: A dispenser for granular materials and a method of seasoning using the dispenser is provided. The dispenser has multiple deflectors. The deflectors can deflect granular materials in tangential and radial directions. The dispenser has a dispensing mechanism actuated by a user-manipulable lever connected to a yoke in which a pin is received for rotating a member of the dispenser. The dispenser achieves consistent quantities with each dispense with three different features. One feature is having a rim partially raised around the first member aperture. Another feature is pushing elements that cooperate with the partially raised rim. A third feature is radially staggered dispensing apertures.

Abstract: A pressurized liner (10) is disclosed for use with a bulk container. The pressurized liner has a central band (12), two inner caps (13), and two outer caps (14). Each inner cap has an end wall (20) and four peripheral side walls (21). Each outer cap has an end wall (22) and four peripheral side walls (23). The central band and inner caps define a central compartment (33) which has an inlet port (34) and an outlet port (36). Each adjoining pair of inner caps and outer caps define inflatable side compartments (39) coupled to opposite sides of the central compartment. Each inflatable side compartment has a pressurized air port (40) to allow inflation and deflation of the side compartment. The inner caps have a lateral depth (d1) generally equal to or greater than a lateral depth (d2) of the outer caps.

Abstract: An ice storage container is provided that is capable of separating ice cubes that have been frozen together and maintaining the separated state for dispensing through a dispensing apparatus provided in a refrigerator or a water purifier. The ice storage container may include a case main body forming an ice storage space therein and having an ice discharge port formed at a lower portion thereof, an ice ejector rotatably installed in the case main body and having a motor rotation shaft, a blade mounting shaft, and a plurality of blades protruding radially from the blade mounting shaft, and an ice separating device coupled to the ice ejector to separate ice cubes that have been frozen together in the ice storage bin due to an extended storage period, and/or to maintain the separated state of the ice cubes in the ice storage container.

Abstract: A wall-mounted metering dispenser for liquids, comprising a wall mounting element, on which a reservoir is detachably mounted, which can be actuated by applying compressive force to the reservoir wall. The reservoir and removal device form an exchangeable refilling unit, detachably connectable to the wall mounting element at two fastening points, the first fastening point is a connecting element detachably mounted on the wall mounting element and the second fastening point engages at the end face area of the reservoir facing away from the connecting element such that the refilling unit is secured against forces acting in the longitudinal and transverse directions. The second fastening point has a fastening hook. In the mounted position of the refilling unit, the fastening hook is inserted into a depression on the end face area of the reservoir facing away from the connecting element so the refilling unit is secured against swiveling.

Abstract: A medicament dispensing device has a case with an upper portion, a lower portion, and a central portion. The device also has a plunger made up of a head and a stem. The head of the plunger is configured to contact a cartridge containing medicament that is receivable within the central portion of the case. The device also has a dosing assembly coupled to the stem and disposed partially within the case. The dosing assembly is selectively inhibited by a control system that limits the displacement of the dosing assembly and plunger within the case. The device also has a customizable dispensing assembly coupled to the upper portion and configured to receive medicament from the cartridge upon application of force from the plunger.