Abstract: A method for manufacturing a flexible circuit electrode array adapted to electrically communicate with organic tissue including the following steps: a) providing a flexible polymer base layer; b) curing the base layer; c) depositing a metal layer on base layer; d) patterning the metal layer and forming metal traces on the base layer; e) roughening the surface of the base layer; f) chemically reverting the cure of the surface of the base layer; g) depositing a flexible polymer top layer on the surface of the base layer and the metal traces; h) curing the top layer and the surface of the base layer forming one single flexible polymer layer; and i) creating openings through the single layer to the metal trace layer.

Abstract: Polymer materials make useful materials as electrode array bodies for neural stimulation. They are particularly useful for retinal stimulation to create artificial vision. Regardless of which polymer is used, the basic construction method is the same. A layer of polymer is laid down. A layer of metal is applied to the polymer and patterned to create electrodes and leads for those electrodes. A second layer of polymer is applied over the metal layer and patterned to leave openings for the electrodes, or openings are created later by means such as laser ablation. Hence the array and its supply cable are formed of a single body.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of selectively removing one or more graphene layers from a graphene material by: (1) applying a metal to a surface of the graphene material; and (2) applying a hydrogen containing solution to the surface of the graphene material that is associated with the metal. The hydrogen containing solution dissolves the metal along with one or more layers of graphene associated with the metal, thereby removing the layer(s) of graphene from the graphene material. In some embodiments, the hydrogen containing solution is an acidic solution, such as hydrochloric acid. In some embodiments, the metal is zinc. In some embodiments, the methods of the present invention are utilized to selectively remove one or more layers of graphene from one or more targeted sites on the surface of a graphene material.

Abstract: A spark erosion tool (101, 102) is defined which comprises an electrode (301, 302) arranged on a tool longitudinal axis (2) and an electrode holder (401 . . . 417) aligned along the tool longitudinal axis (2) and arranged on the latter and connected to the electrode (301, 302). The electrode holder (401 . . . 417) comprises means for moving the electrode (301, 302) relative to the electrode holder (401 . . . 417) and means (6, 11, 12, 13, 15) for applying pressure acting transversely to the tool longitudinal axis (2) in the area of an imaginary hose (7) extending in the tool longitudinal axis (2), which has a cross section corresponding essentially to the electrode (301, 302). Furthermore, a method is defined of how the spark erosion tool (101, 102) can be used. In addition, an electrode (302) is defined for a spark erosion tool with a cylinder surface or a spherical surface, in which at least one groove (35) connected to a bore (36) is arranged.

Abstract: A laser processing machine with an air curtain structure comprises a machine frame, and a working platform, a processing device, and an air curtain device are disposed on the machine frame. The working platform is used for placing a workpiece. The processing device comprises a rail platform on which a laser output device is disposed. The laser output device is movable on the rail platform and can output laser on the workpiece. The air curtain device comprises at least one air inlet conduit provided with at least one air outlet at a location facing the laser output device on the rail platform. After the air curtain device is connected with an air supply device, the supplied air flows into the air curtain device through the air inlet conduit and is blown toward the laser output device from the air outlet to form an air curtain.

Abstract: A method of providing a mould with a conformal cooling passage includes rough machining a mould cavity generally corresponding to a moulded part shape using CAD data. Conformal cooling slots are cut in the mould cavity using the CAD data. The conformal cooling slots are welded shut using the CAD data to provide conformal cooling passages. A class A surface is machined over the conformal cooling passage and corresponds to a finished mould part shape using the CAD data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved laser annealing device, which includes a laser beam, a housing, a laser beam output window formed in a top of the housing, a substrate located at a bottom of the housing for carrying a material to be annealed, and a movable mask arranged between the laser beam output window and the substrate. The mask is set in inclination with respect to a horizontal direction. The mask forms a slit extending through upper and lower surfaces thereof. The laser beam travels vertically down through the laser beam output window and then passes through the slit to irradiate the substrate. The improved laser annealing device of the present invention includes a mask set in inclination with respect to the horizontal direction to prevent scraps from affecting the laser head, reduce replacement of the laser head, and lower down the cost.

Abstract: A plasma cutting system for measuring or monitoring the voltage between a plasma torch and the material being cut to determine a voltage or voltage signature and comparing that measurement against predetermined values to indicate that an initial pierce of the material is complete, and based on the measurement, moving the torch or the material to a different location for additional cutting.

Abstract: A plasma torch comprises a cascade between a cathode and an anode. The cascade is an inter-electrode insert. An interior of the cascade is shaped so that a diameter of the interior expands in series in a plurality of steps from a side of the cathode to a side of the anode. As a result of the cascade being provided, the output power of the plasma torch is obtained not by an increase in the electric current but by an increase in the arc electric voltage. Therefore, the lifespan of each of the electrodes, i.e., the cathode and the anode, becomes remarkably longer. In addition, since a quasi laminar flow of the plasma is generated in the interior of the cascade, a fluctuation in the output power of the plasma jet is reduced. Thus, it is possible to lower the driving and operating costs.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for monitoring and for controlling a laser cutting process on a workpiece, and a method of using the same. The device includes an image capturing apparatus for capturing an image of a region of the workpiece to be monitored, in which the region of the workpiece to be monitored includes a region of interaction of a laser beam with the workpiece, and an evaluation apparatus for detecting material boundaries of the workpiece using the captured image. The evaluation apparatus is configured to determine at least one characteristic value of the laser cutting process based on a geometric relationship between at least two of the detected material boundaries, the region of interaction, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A laser machine tool for the machining of workpieces by laser ablation comprising a moveable dual laser head (4). The laser machine tool has a dual laser head (4) intended for the emission of laser beams, whereby the laser head (4) incorporates in its housing two or more laser sources (8), each laser source emitting a different type of laser beams and whereby the two or more laser sources (8) incorporated in the laser head (4) cannot operate simultaneously for the machining of the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a workpiece can be exemplarily characterized as including a processing tool having a processing region within which a workpiece can be processed, and an illumination system configured to direct detection light into the processing region. In this embodiment, detection light directable by the illumination system has a wavelength to which the workpiece is at least partially opaque. The apparatus may further include an image sensor configured to detect a characteristic of the detection light transmitted through the processing region and a chuck configured to support a workpiece such that at least a portion of the workpiece is disposable within the processing region and is illuminatable by the detection light. Methods for processing a workpiece are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transport apparatus including an endless conveyor belt which is drivable by drive means, of which conveyor belt at least the outer side is embodied in a material which can withstand irradiation by the infrared laser radiation used to cut flat, thin materials such as textile, non-woven, sandpaper, cardboard, plastic film material present on the active upper part of the conveyor belt and carried along by this part. The invention further relates to a cutting device, comprising said transport apparatus. The transport apparatus is also used in a method for cutting flat, thin materials such as textile, non-woven, sandpaper, cardboard, plastic film material.

Abstract: There is provided high power laser systems, high power laser tools, and methods of using these tools and systems for cutting, sectioning and removing structures objects, and materials, and in particular, for doing so in difficult to access locations and environments, such as offshore, underwater, or in hazardous environments, such as nuclear and chemical facilities. Thus, there is also provided high power laser systems, high power laser tools, and methods of using these systems and tools for removing structures, objects, and materials located offshore, under bodies of water and under the seafloor.

Abstract: A laser machining apparatus includes a chuck table for holding a workpiece, and an irradiation unit which irradiates a laser beam upon the workpiece held on the chuck table. The laser beam irradiation unit includes a condenser which condenses the laser beam and irradiates the condensed laser beam upon the workpiece held on the chuck table. The condenser includes first and second condenser lenses arrayed in series in an advancing direction of the laser beam, a first moving unit having a first driving source for moving the first condenser lens in a first direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the first condenser lens, and a second moving unit having a second driving source for moving the second condenser lens in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for laser working of flat or basically flat pieces or elements, such as plastic sheets, glass or ceramic sheets, metal plates, wooden panels or fabric slivers of various kinds. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus provided with a simple structure suitable for supporting and moving a fiber laser head capable of reaching any point of a flat piece by means of a combined crosswise-rotating movement.

Abstract: A system includes a welding torch, a welding power supply unit, a remote device, and control circuitry. The welding power supply unit is configured to supply power to the welding torch. The remote device is coupled between the welding torch and the welding power supply unit. Additionally, the remote device is configured to detect a polarity of a welding operation. The control circuitry is configured to determine if the detected polarity is appropriate based on one or more welding parameters. Further, the control circuitry is configured to adjust the polarity of the welding operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pairing welding devices in a welding system. In one method, the method includes sending a pairing request from a first welding device to a second welding device. The method also includes receiving, at the first welding device, a response to the pairing request from the second welding device. The second welding device is physically connected to the first welding device. The pairing request or the response includes a change in welding power, welding consumables, or any combination thereof The method includes pairing the first welding device and the second welding device after the first welding device receives the response to the pairing request from the second welding device.

Abstract: This invention discloses an electronic cigarette circuit, including an IC, an airflow sensor connected to the IC, a heating wire and a power supply VDD connected to the IC and the heat wire, the electronic cigarette circuit further including a switch device, the switch device being connected with the heating wire and the power supply VDD to form a circuit loop. The electronic cigarette circuit of the present invention adopts a switch device placed outside the IC, and the IC, the heating wire and the power supply form the circuit loop, so as to achieve high power output to the heating wire, and a large amount of smoke, with a simple circuit structure for ease mass production.

Abstract: Structure heating systems and methods of making and use. One embodiment has a unitary or integral roof edge heating element with a single heating cable mounted in a heating cable channel running laterally through the heating element and a roof edge heating panel extending from the portion of the heating element bearing the heating cable. Another embodiment includes a single heating cable mounted in a heating element surrounded by a heating element cover. Some embodiments can reduce the amount of heat transfer contact with supporting roof or adjacent structure, reducing heat transfer to the supporting roof or other adjacent structure.

Abstract: The seat heater of the present invention comprises: a warming heater provided in a seat section of a seat; a warming heater provided in a back section; an overheating-prevention unit; and a heating unit that heats the overheating-prevention unit, the overheating-prevention unit being configured by a non-return type temperature switch. This configuration allows activating the non-return type overheating-prevention unit prior to reaching an unsafe event, and turns the warming heaters OFF reliably, whereby a seat heater with an aim of implementing both high output and safety can be provided.

Abstract: An appliance and method for variably controlling a drive signal to a light emitting device of the appliance based on a temperature value indicative of a temperature within a chamber of the appliance is provided. The light emitting device can be included in a display or disposed within a chamber of the appliance to provide illumination. The light intensity level of the light emitting device can be controlled based on the temperature value indicative of a temperature within the chamber. The temperature value indicative of a temperature within the chamber can be a value detected within the chamber, a value detected on a surface of the chamber, or a value that anticipates the temperature within the chamber. The light intensity can be controlled with a driving signal to the light emitting device. For instance, the light intensity can be controlled using pulse width modulation of the driving signal.

Abstract: A soldering iron tip includes a mounting portion to be connected to an soldering iron, and a U-shaped tip. The tip includes a connecting plate connected to the mounting portion and two tip portions extending from opposite ends of the connecting plate. The tip is made of material, which is resilient, heat conductive, and having a high temperature resistance.

Abstract: A household appliance includes a warming drawer housing having an interior chamber, and a warming drawer module in the interior chamber. The module includes a support plate, a glass heating element forming a floor surface of the module for receiving items to be warmed, a gasket strip covering an upper perimeter surface of the glass heating element, a frame disposed over the gasket strip and the upper perimeter surface, and a first electrical connection disposed adjacent to an edge of the frame. The frame includes a drip guard projecting outward from the edge of the frame and overhanging the first electrical connection to guide a liquid from a surface of the frame or the glass heating element away from the first electrical connection such that the liquid does not come into contact with the first electrical connection.

Abstract: A household appliance includes a warming drawer housing having an interior chamber and a warming drawer module in the interior chamber. The warming drawer module includes a glass heating element forming a floor surface of the warming drawer module for receiving items to be warmed, a thermostat having a sensor measuring a temperature of the glass heating element, the thermostat being disposed under the glass heating element, and a thermally conductive layer disposed between an underside of the glass heating element and the sensor of the thermostat.

Abstract: A household appliance includes a warming drawer housing having an interior chamber, and a warming drawer module being movable between a first position in which the warming drawer module is in the interior chamber of the warming drawer housing and a second position in which a part of the warming drawer module is outside the warming drawer housing. The warming drawer module includes a heating element forming a floor surface of the warming drawer module and a support plate that supports the heating element in the warming drawer module. The support plate includes a plurality of supports supporting an underside of the heating element.

Abstract: A portable keep-warming device with time control function is proposed. A carbon film on a keep-warming sheet of the keep-warming device is mixed with silver so as to have greater resistance. Therefore, a small current will have a sufficient heat generated. Besides, the packaging of the keep-warming sheet with the carbon fiber layer and the metal gluing layer provides a greater heat dissipating area. The different time control modes provides the function of fast heating of the keep-warming sheet and long using time of the battery so as to increase the usages of the present invention. Furthermore, the appearance of the keep-warming sheet can be formed as desired to as to suit different usages of the keep-warming sheet.

Abstract: An infrared (IR) heating panel for a sauna, including a thermally and electrically insulating substrate, a power buss, at least one IR heating element electrically coupled to the power buss and supported by the substrate, at least one return element electrically coupled to the power buss and the at least one IR heating element, and a shielding layer substantially covering the at least one IR heating element. The at least one IR heating element is configured to emit IR radiation when an electrical current is passed there through, and the shielding layer is arranged such that the at least one IR heating element is disposed between the shielding layer and the substrate. The shielding layer is electrically coupled to ground and configured to harness and shunt electrical field charge emitted by the at least one IR heating element.

Abstract: An electrical heating element is provided, including a main body, the main body including a ceramic material and an electrically conductive path on a surface of the main body. The electrically conductive path includes a reduced form of the ceramic material, and has first and second contact portions for connection to a voltage source, and at least one electrically conductive pathway between the first and second contact portions. To form the electrically conductive path, the heating element main body is placed in a reducing environment at sufficient temperature to form the conductive path on the surface of the main body.

Abstract: An induction cooktop appliance system and method for controlling the induction cooktop appliance based on a cookware position is provided. A variable power signal can be applied to an induction coil from an inverter. The power signal can be driven at a test frequency and an operating frequency. An electrical signal can be detected across a shunt resistor based on the test frequency and a cookware position can be determined based on the electrical signal. The operating frequency supplied to the induction coil can be modified based on determined cookware position.

Abstract: A low-oxygen atmosphere apparatus including a chamber which houses an object to be processed, microwave generators, and waveguides through which a microwave generated in the microwave generators is transmitted, and further including, in the chamber and/or the waveguides, oxygen-reducing materials to lower the oxygen concentration of the atmosphere in the chamber, which generates heat by the microwave in order to accelerate a reducing reaction of oxygen, thereby lowering the oxygen concentration of the atmosphere in the chamber.

Abstract: A microwave oven having a cabinet, a door, a programming interface, a magnetron tube that capable of being dynamically controlled, a controller configured to control the magnetron tube, and a microwave generating system is described. A method of dynamically controlling the magnetron tube in the microwave oven by utilizing a magnetron power supply is also described. By monitoring a current to the magnetron power supply, determining the current to the magnetron power supply at which the magnetron tube conducts, calculating a time base, and adjusting the time base as the power level required is increased, the control produces consistent power when the magnetron tube is cycled at less than a 100% power level and to compensate for a slow start of the magnetron tube during a short cook cycle.

Abstract: A microwave oven that may conveniently input automatic or manual cooking using only one dial and a method for controlling input of the microwave oven are provided. An automatic or manual cooking mode can be selected using one dial and a detailed cooking function of the selected cooking mode can be set, so that the number of devices for input can be reduced and manipulation performance of both a user who is not accustomed to the microwave oven and a user who is accustomed to the microwave oven can be improved.

Abstract: A system for attaching an electrical box to a mounting assembly. The system includes a metallic mounting assembly and a metallic electrical box. A permanent fastener is utilized for attaching the electrical box to the mounting assembly. A magnet is positioned on or near the electrical box and mounting assembly providing a magnetic attraction with the mounting assembly and the electrical box, thereby temporarily attaching the electrical box to the mounting assembly. In one embodiment, the magnet is a magnetic disc positioned in an indentation on a top surface of the electrical box. The fastener may be one or more screws attached to a mounting bracket affixed to the mounting assembly which is inserted through the top surface of the electrical box and into the interior of the electrical box.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a foldable food tray that includes first and second panels, each having upper and lower surfaces and inner, outer, and side edges. Each panel can also include one or more hinge members and one or more locking members. The hinge member(s) can be operatively coupled to one another to permit the first and second panels to move between a closed position and an open position. The locking member(s) can be configured to releasably lock the first and second panels in the open position, thereby preventing the first and second panels from inadvertently moving from the open position.

Abstract: A crate includes a base and at least two pairs of mutually opposing side walls, a first one of the side walls extending upward from the base in a vertical direction at least partly by a retrieval height only which is smaller than the height of one or more of the remaining side walls so as to define a lateral opening dimensioned to enable accessing and retrieving products contained within the crate through the lateral opening. The crate further includes an insert for being arranged on the base, the insert being configured in dependence on the products to be received by the crate. The crate further includes a blocking element and a latching mechanism so as to latch the blocking element in a first, closed position.

Abstract: A box includes a floor and at least two pairs of opposing sidewalls extending upwards from the floor in the vertical direction. The sidewalls are arranged foldably with respect to the floor and may be locked with each other in their upfolded position. At least one of the sidewalls includes an unlocking mechanism which is movable between a rest position and an unlocking position in which the locking of the sidewalls is undone. The unlocking mechanism includes at least one pretensioning element which pretensions the unlocking mechanism into its rest position and includes a first end connected to the unlocking mechanism or the sidewall and a second, free end.

Abstract: A washing container assembly for washing an article includes an outer container, a perforated inner container, and a perforated and dish-shaped lid. The outer container has a first top opening and a first compartment in spatial communication with the first top opening. The perforated inner container is coupled removably to the outer container, and defines a second opening and a second compartment that is in spatial communication with the second top opening and that is for receiving the article therein. The lid includes a peripheral wall connected removably to the first and second top portions of the outer and inner containers, and a depressed wall extending from the peripheral wall into the second compartment and for maintaining the article in the second compartment.

Abstract: A portable fuel container configured to prevent liquid fuel contained therein from being entirely emptied from the container. The amount of liquid fuel retained in the container can be sufficient to maintain a fuel-to-air ratio in the container at a fuel-rich level that prevents combustion within the container if the container were to be placed near an ignition source or if an ignition source were to somehow enter the container. The container can also include other safety features such as, for example, a flash suppressor located at the fill opening, an extra wide fill opening, and/or an easily controllable dispensing spout.

Abstract: A pressure discharge valve for storage tanks on land or trucks including a valve body having a through hole therein adapted to mate and communicate with a through hole in a wall of the storage tank, a first vent means comprised of a eutectic composition which automatically provides a partial release of storage tank liquid at a first predetermined temperature lower than critical combustion and/or explosive temperatures of liquid in the storage tank, to provide a visual signal and warning to firefighters of these hazardous conditions, and a second vent means comprised of a eutectic composition to automatically vent liquid in the storage tank through the hole in the valve body when the liquids therein reach a predetermined critical temperature. In addition, the pressure discharge valve preferably comprises a eutectic solder material disposed between the valve body and the second vent means, which changes phase (i.e.

Abstract: The plug includes: a resilient member that is provided on the valve body and serves to bias the valve body in a closing direction; a valve body cover attached to the valve body in order to prevent the resilient member from coming of a rotation member rotatably provided on the valve body cover; at least two engagement claw portions that are provided on the rotation member and serve to allow the valve body cover to be engaged with an upper portion of the valve body; and claw guiding grooves and the recessed grooves serving as steps that are provided on an upper portion of the valve body, the number of the claw guiding grooves being equal to the number of or the integral multiple of the engagement claw portions, the recessed grooves allowing the rotation member to rotate.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of packaging for a consumable product, the packaging being provided with a wall (15) provided with an orifice (13).

Abstract: The invention relates to a lid (100) of a container, especially a beverage can, comprising a substantially flat lid surface (101) and a preferably folded edge area (102), as well as at least one pouring opening (103) provided on the lid surface (101), which can be closed in a gas- and/or liquid-tight manner by means of at least one closure element (120), with the closure element (120) being movable from a closed position into an open position by means of an actuating element (110), the actuating element (110) comprises a fixing element (111) and a sliding element (113), and the fixing element (111) is connected to at least one connecting element (115) via at least one predetermined breaking point before opening for the first time and the fixing element (111) has a handle (114) which, upon movement of the fixing element (111) from the closed position into the open position, acts on the at least one predetermined breaking point via at least one edge (114a).

Abstract: The current invention provides a container, a lid, a combination of the two, and a method of using the same. The container has a base and a sidewall extending upward from the base forming a continuous sidewall around the base. The upper portion of the sidewall has a rim and a skirt around the perimeter. The skirt has a removable tear tab to allow access to a lid for removing the lid from the container. The lid also has vents for air to exit the container, thereby preventing rising of the lid in low pressure areas. The vents further prevent entry of air into the container when the sealed container is taken to areas of higher pressure. A method of filling the container leaving an air gap between the product and the lid and utilizing the aforementioned vents is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tamper evident packaging that provides a packaging piece with a lid, a base section, and tamper evidencing means. The tamper evidencing means is provided on the base of the packaging piece by way of an internal and external rib structure with a perforated channel formed therebetween. The lid is configured with an engagement portion having a lid flange that is positioned within the perforated channel when the packaging is closed, thereby prohibiting access to the lid flange and preventing the opening of and tampering with the packaging piece. The perforated channel allows for the removal of the external rib structure from the interior rib structure, thereby granting access to the lid flange and allowing for the packaging to be opened, as well as providing the evidence that the packaging may have been tampered with.

Abstract: A compensation tank for hydraulic motor vehicle brake systems, including a tank housing having at least one pressure medium chamber which can be filled with pressure medium via a filler neck, and a cap which can be fastened to the filler neck by a threaded connection having a cap thread and a tank thread. The cap and the tank housing each have a respective stop, which stops permit a predetermined positioning of the cap in relation to the tank housing.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical container including a bottle having a bottom wall and side walls. A ridge proximate to the bottom wall projects from an interior surface of at least one of the side walls, to facilitate nested stacking of a plurality of bottles. One or more of the side walls includes a cover locking receptacle proximate to the top end of the side wall. The pharmaceutical container also includes a cover including a sliding lid contained in a cover housing. The cover housing has a top wall, which includes an opening, and cover side walls. A child-resistant closure mechanism is also provided to limit the movement between the sliding lid and the bottle.

Abstract: An improved container lid comprising an integral lid retaining channel which is configured to accept and be press fit onto the circumferential rim of a container, such as, for instance, a coffee cup is disclosed in preferred and various alternate embodiments. The improved container lid of the invention may comprise any material suitable for container lids such as paper, waxed paper, plastic, or other materials known in the art. The improved container lid of the invention is adapted to be retained upon, for example, a lip of a beverage container while the beverage container is in use. Thus, the improved container lid of the invention prevents accidental loss of the container lid and may be used in an open or closed position.

Abstract: Peel-Reclose packaging material formed using an adhesive label in combination with laser scoring technology. The adhesive label is applied over laser scored material before or after the laser score forms a pattern smaller than the adhesive label. The adhesive label and laser scored packaging material can then be opened and resealed. In one embodiment the adhesive label in combination with the packaging material has tamper resistant features.

Abstract: The invention provides a seal that forms part of a container for storing and dispensing consumer products. The container can be used in place of conventional blister packs for the packaging of pills, tablets or capsules or multi-cavity containers for organising and storing mixed medication for subsequent dispensation according to a predefined dosage regimen. The container includes a tray having a generally planar top surface into which has been formed one or more discrete cavities for receiving the consumer products. The seal includes a cover film (1) having a pattern of electrically conductive tracks (14) that defines a circuit per cavity. Pre-formed lines of separation (4) define a removable portion (2) per cavity to retain the consumer products in that cavity until it is removed along its line of separation.