Abstract: The disclosure provides pigment dispersions having an average particle size of from about 10 nm to about 500 nm prepared by employing a magnetic actuated milling process and system. In embodiments, the pigment dispersions have an average particle size of less than 100 nm.

Abstract: Magnetic filter systems may be constructed with various arrangements of permanent magnets, including but not limited to checkerboard and spiral arrangements. When coupled to a conventional filter, exemplary magnetic filter systems capture ferrous particulates against the outer wall of the conventional filter by magnetic attraction, thereby reducing the number of particulates in a fluid stream and improving the quality of the filtered fluid.

Abstract: A defined mineral phase is separated from a ground ore having several chemical phases and being present in a heterogeneous particle size distribution by classifying the ore according to a defined particle diameter into at least two fractions, a first fraction having particles essentially larger than the defined particle diameter and a second fraction having particles essentially smaller than the defined particle diameter, and the defined mineral particles of value being present in both fractions, floating the first fraction having the greater particle diameters and selecting the defined mineral particles of value in a flotation concentrate, selectively admixing the defined mineral particles of value in the fraction having the smaller particle diameters with magnetizable particles, applying a magnetic separation process to the second fraction having smaller particle diameters, and separating a concentrate with an enrichment of the defined mineral phase of value.

Abstract: A method of removing entrained salt containing water from an inlet crude oil stream includes the steps of applying an electrical energy to at least one electrode of a plurality of horizontally oriented, spaced-apart electrodes (12, 14, 16) housed within an elongated desalting vessel (10) and distributing an inlet crude oil stream between the electrodes. Each electrode in the plurality of electrodes is housed in an upper portion of the desalting vessel and may be in communication with a first, second and third transformer (42, 44, 46), respectively. The electrical energy may be at a single frequency and voltage or at a modulated voltage. Or, the electrical energy may be a modulated frequency at a single or modulated voltage. Fresh water may be mixed with the inlet crude oil stream either exteriorly or interiorly of the vessel.

Abstract: A de-ice apparatus is configured to remove ice buildup in containers or other locations by melting the ice using a de-ice component and to remove waste fluid using a vacuum component. The de-ice component causes discharge of pressurized fluid to melt ice. The de-ice component may include a base with guide features configured to engage an opening of the container. The de-ice component may direct a spray of the pressurized fluid into the container to melt the ice. The de-ice component may include a pressure regulator valve to selectively regulate a resulting force of the fluid sprayed into the container, which may enable a user to avoid damaging internal components located within the container. The vacuum component may cause the pressurized fluid to flow through a high pressure nozzle to create a vacuum effect at a suction inlet, which can extract waste fluid and/or other debris from the container.

Abstract: A system including a spray applicator assembly, including a spray applicator body, a spray applicator component coupled to the spray applicator body, and a spray applicator tool coupled to the spray applicator assembly, wherein the spray applicator tool is configured to adjust one or more parameters of the spray applicator assembly during an operational state, and the spray applicator tool is configured to couple to the spray applicator component and to facilitate removal of the spray applicator component during a non-operational state.

Abstract: A speed retarding device for a rotary nozzle includes a hollow cylindrical housing and a rotatable tubular shaft rotatably carried by the housing. The shaft has an enlarged drag sleeve portion carried in the housing and a shaft end extending through at least one end of the housing to receive a rotary nozzle thereon. A pair of support bearings support the drag sleeve portion of the shaft in the housing. An annular inner seal between each of the support bearings and the drag sleeve portion defines a cavity within the housing receiving a viscous fluid confined within the cavity. The support bearings are separated from the cavity confining the viscous fluid and an outer annular seal on the shaft adjacent each support bearing prevents environmental contamination such as water and debris from entry into the support bearings.

Abstract: A portable misting fan is provided with a housing; a fluid reservoir including an externally threaded neck; an internally threaded connecting ring secured to the neck; a battery powered fan motor in the housing; fan blades; a first switch on the housing for turning on or off the fan motor; a battery powered pump motor in the housing; a pump driven by the pump motor; a fluid outlet port on the pump; a hose having one end secured to the fluid outlet port; an atomizing head on the housing and secured to the other end of the hose; a fluid inlet tube; a second switch on the housing for turning on or off the pump motor; and a fluid tube having one end secured to the fluid inlet tube and an other end terminates in the fluid reservoir. Fin mist can be generated by the misting fan.

Abstract: Present invention enables to mass-produce rich-taste tamari soy sauce with reasonable costs. First step: Moisturizing soybeans. Second step: Steaming the moisturized soybeans. Third step: Shaping the steamed soybeans into nuggets. Fourth step: Mixing a soy flour and seed koji. Fifth step: Putting the mixture on the nuggets. Sixth step: Incubating the nuggets. Seventh step: Putting the incubated nuggets in salt water. Eighth step: Fermenting the nuggets in the salt water. Ninth step: Pressing moromi (solid component of the fermented product). Tenth step: Settling the liquid obtained by pressing the moromoi. Eleventh step: Optionally filtrating raw tamari soy sauce with a reverse osmosis membrane. Twelfth step: Adjusting concentrations of some constituents of the raw tamari soy sauce. Thirteenth step: Pasteurizing the raw tamari soy sauce. Fourteenth step: Settling the pasteurized tamari soy sauce. Fifteenth step: Filtering the supernatant. Sixteenth step: Bottling the tamari soy sauce.

Abstract: An electrostatic atomizer (100) includes a spray electrode (1), a reference electrode (2), a control circuit (24) for controlling a value of a current at the reference electrode (2), and a high-voltage generator (22) for applying a voltage between the spray electrode (1) and the reference electrode (2). The control circuit (24) controls the value of the current at the reference electrode (2) so that the value of this current can be higher than a spray current corresponding to a prescribed spray amount of a substance.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a combustion burner which is capable of heating or melting a raw material powder efficiently by dispersing the raw material powder, and which is capable of improving a collection rate of the heated or melted raw material powder, the invention providing a combustion burner that forms flame including a dispersal member which is provided in the raw material powder outlet which spouts the raw material powder into the flame, includes first and second inclined surfaces, and which disperses the raw material powder by colliding with the raw material powder that is supplied to the raw material powder outlet.

Abstract: The spray gun enhancement backpack provides a lightweight and comfortable carrier which supports a spray gun conveniently at waist level, comprising an adjustable waist belt and harness configuration, further comprising a line for air and a line for paint originating from a pressure pot or optional backpack; further wherein the line for paint and line for air line are connected by connectors to flexible and retractable lines and extend down the user's back and to the user's waist then along the user's arm and attach to a spray gun.

Abstract: A spray gun includes a body in which a motor unit is received. A cylinder is located in the barrel of the spray gun. A cap is connected to the barrel and a container is connected to the cap. A pressure-charging path and a paint path are connected to the cylinder. A hose is located in the container and connected with the paint path. The air pressure from the motor unit enters into the container via the pressure-charging path to pump the paint in the container to the nozzle. A circular pressure-charging member is mounted to the hose and connected to the cylinder. The pressure-charging member is located in the container. An aperture is defined through the pressure-charging member and communicates with the container. The paint in the container is separated from the pressure-charging path by the pressure-charging member and cannot flow back through the aperture.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser pump having a piston secured to an actuator rod that slides in a pump body that includes a pump chamber defined between an inlet valve and an outlet valve. The outlet valve has an outlet valve member, wherein, during actuation, the outlet valve member slides in leaktight manner in the pump body, the pump body including a passage formed by at least a pump body portion of greater inside diameter, so that, at the end of actuation of the pump, the outlet valve member co-operates in non-leaktight manner with the passage so as to open the outlet valve, so as to enable the fluid contained in the pump chamber to be expelled.

Abstract: A pump system for pumping a fluid includes a motor housing, a motor, a rod, a positive displacement pump, a position sensor, and a controller. The motor is located within the motor housing. The rod is connected to and driven by the motor and the positive displacement pump for moving a fluid is driven by the rod. The position sensor produces a rod position signal that is a function of a position of the rod, and the controller produces a drive signal for driving the motor as a function of the rod position signal.

Abstract: Methods for simultaneously dispensing a first fluid pattern at a first dispense region with a first applicator and a second fluid pattern at a second dispense region with a second applicator. The first and second applicators are moved toward their respective dispense regions with a positioner. While dispensing, the second applicator is moved relative to the first applicator in a direction or directions parallel to a first axis, a second axis, and/or a third axis, the axes being mutually orthogonal. The first dispense region may be provided with a unique first tilt and/or a unique first contour relative to the reference plane and along the third axis. Systems for dispensing fluid include a primary positioner supporting a first applicator, and a secondary positioner coupled to the primary positioner and supporting a second applicator and configured to move the second applicator relative to the first applicator.

Abstract: A coating solution is injected from nozzles in the horizontal direction to coat, with the coating solution, lens surfaces of a spectacle lens substrate so arranged as to orient an optical axis in the horizontal direction. The spectacle lens substrate is rotated at a first rotational speed about the optical axis serving as the rotation center, and the coating solution is spread on the lens surfaces by the centrifugal force. The spectacle lens substrate is rotated at a second rotational speed higher than the first rotational speed to blow away an excess of the coating solution from the spectacle lens substrate by the centrifugal force. Highly uniform films can be formed on the lens surfaces of the spectacle lens.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for dispensing one or more jets (5) of high-pressure fluid at cryogenic temperature, comprising a nozzle-bearing tool (4) comprising one or more fluid distribution nozzles (6), and a movement system (2) for moving said nozzle bearing tool (4). According to the invention, the device further comprises at least one flexible protection casing (7) arranged around all or part of the movement system (2) that moves said nozzle bearing tool (4).

Abstract: A paint-on-board system that require fewer trips to the paint tray and result in a cleaner, easier, and faster painting project. The paint-on-board system includes a paint reservoir; and a mating attachment for connecting to the paint reservoir, wherein the paint reservoir includes a container body that includes an opening and a chamber that is configured to receive and hold a liquid, wherein the mating attachment includes at least one of a removable trim roller attachment, an edging tool, a speed roller, and a corner tool, and wherein the mating attachment includes at least one edge guard that extends beyond a width of the mating attachment. The paint reservoir may include a thermoplastic material or a transparent ethylene vinyl acetate.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly includes an upstream block, an upstream shim, an intermediate shim, a downstream shim and a downstream block arranged in this order in a machine direction MD from the upstream side to the downstream side. A lower end of the nozzle is formed with grooves as guide grooves to support elastics. A first pipe, a dispersion slit for a web and convergence slits for a web define first flow channels wherein the slits are respectively formed with outlets for a web. A second pipe, a dispersion slit for elastics and convergence slits for elastics define a second flow channels wherein the slits are respectively formed with outlets for elastics. The outlets for elastics are formed in the respective guide grooves and each of the outlets for a web lies between each pair of the adjacent outlets for elastics as viewed in the cross direction CD.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chemical liquid discharge mechanism. The mechanism includes: a storage portion including a chemical liquid storage space; a diluent supply port opened to supply a diluent for reducing a viscosity of the chemical liquid to the storage space; a vertex flow forming portion that forms vortex flows in the diluent and the chemical liquid by supplying a fluid to the storage space to stir the diluent and the chemical liquid; and a liquid discharge port opened to an upper side of the diluent supply port in the storage space such that, by the supply of the diluent, the diluent and the chemical liquid flow into the liquid discharge port to be discharged from the storage space. Thus, the viscosity of the waste liquid discharged from the liquid discharge port may be reduced, and thus, it is not necessary to largely set the inclination of the liquid discharge path.

Abstract: A substrate treating apparatus includes a first treating block and a second treating block disposed adjacent to the first treating block. Each of the first treating block and the second treating block include a plurality of stories arranged vertically. Each of the plurality of stories includes treating units for treating substrates and a main transport mechanism for transporting the substrates to and from the treating units. The substrates are transportable between the stories of the first treating block and the stories of the second treating block at same heights as corresponding stories of the first treating block. The substrates are transportable between the stories of the first treating block and the stories of the second treating block at different heights from corresponding stories of the first treating block.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a sealant or other material. The device has a housing containing a chamber with a dispensing orifice at a first end and an actuation opening at a second end opposite the first end. The chamber contains a mixing paddle which can be rotated and translated back and forth inside the chamber; a piston; and a membrane with an open end in fluid communication with the actuation opening. The membrane is arranged such that it can be inflated by injecting fluid into its open end via the actuation opening, inflation of the membrane causing it to press against the piston and push the piston towards the mixing paddle and the dispensing orifice which in turn forces the material past the mixing paddle and out of the dispensing orifice.

Abstract: A liquid applicator for applying a liquid to a surface with an improved liquid delivery process. The liquid applicator includes a container having a container body that includes an opening and a chamber that is configured to receive and hold the liquid; and, a housing assembly removably attached to the container, the housing assembly including a liquid application element and a nozzle that delivers the liquid from the chamber to the application element, wherein the nozzle is configured to deliver the liquid from the chamber to the application element when the housing assembly is positioned in a first position with respect to the container, and wherein the container body comprises an interface, a main body portion, and a base.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for forming a multi-layer film including the steps of: (1) forming an under layer film onto a substrate by coating an under layer film material containing a resin represented by the following general formula (1) in which a compound having a bisnaphthol group has been made a novolac resin, and curing the same by heat treatment at a temperature in a range of 300° C. or higher and 700° C. or lower for 10 seconds to 600 seconds, (2) forming a silicon film onto the under layer film, (3) forming a hydrocarbon film onto the silicon film by coating a hydrocarbon film material, and (4) forming a silicon-oxidized film onto the hydrocarbon film by coating a silicon-oxidized film material. There can be provided a process for forming a multi-layer film which can reduce reflectance, and useful for a patterning process with high dimensional accuracy of dry etching.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a method for spraying a chemical solution that makes it possible to uniformly apply a chemical solution onto a moving body and that exhibits excellent spraying efficiency. [Solution] The present invention is directed to a method for spraying a chemical solution in which, in a dry part D of a paper-making machine, a chemical solution is continuously sprayed onto a moving body that guides wet paper X, while a nozzle device S is reciprocating in directions orthogonal to a moving direction of the moving body with the moving body in motion, wherein: the moving body is a cylindrical dryer roller D1 or an endless canvas K1; and a travel distance H that the nozzle device S moves during a single rotation of the moving body and a width W of a sprayed area that is formed on the moving body by the nozzle device S satisfy the relationship represented by the following expression: 0.5?H/W?20.

Abstract: Components with improved erosion resistance are disclosed. A surface of the component or a substrate of the component is modified by coating the substrate with an elastomer layer. The elastomer layer is then modified by embedding hard particles onto an outer side of the elastomer layer. The hard particles exhibit higher fractured toughness providing enhanced erosion protection. The elastic properties of the elastomer experience little reduction because the surface embedded particles are located only at the outer side or outer surface of the elastomer layer. Therefore, the bond between the inner side of the elastomer layer and the substrate or component surface is not interfered with and the potential for electro-chemical corrosion and poor adhesion are not increased by the presence of the hard particles as the hard particles are located away from the inner face between the elastomer layer and the substrate.

Abstract: There are provided a stamper unit and a method of manufacturing an electrophoretic display by using the stamper unit. The stamper unit includes a stamper on which imprint protrusions are formed and a molding cup that is separably coupled to the stamper and covers the imprint protrusions.

Abstract: A process for producing a dry coating layer over a substrate is provided. The process can comprise irradiating a radiation curable wet coating layer applied over the substrate with a high power mobile radiation device at a predetermined linear velocity along the surface of the substrate and at a predetermined curing distance. The mobile radiation device can produce radiation having peak radiation wavelength in a range of from 250 nm to 450 nm and can have a peak irradiation power in a range of from 0.5 W/cm2 to 10 W/cm2. The wet coating layer can be cured within a few seconds to a few minutes. The cured dry coating layer is free from curing defects. The process and the system disclosed herein can be used for vehicle coating refinish and repairs, especially for collision and cosmetic repairs of automobiles.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasonic transducer that is provided with: a bottom electrode; an electric connection part which is connected to the bottom electrode from the bottom of the bottom electrode; a first insulating film which is formed so as to cover the bottom electrode; a cavity which is formed on the first insulating film so as to overlap the bottom electrode when seen from above; a second insulating film which is formed so as to cover the cavity; and a top electrode which is formed on the second insulating film so as to overlap the cavity when seen from above. The electric connection part to the bottom electrode is positioned so as to not overlap the cavity when seen from above.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer includes a piezoelectric layer for generating an ultrasonic by using a power received from outside, a ground electrode attached to a first surface of the piezoelectric layer, a signal electrode attached to a second surface of the piezoelectric layer, and circuit boards connected to the ground electrode and the signal electrode. A part of the ground electrode and a part of the signal electrode are directly connected to the circuit boards, each of the ground electrode and the signal electrode includes flexible material, and the circuit boards include rigid material. The circuit boards may be provided on both sides of the ground electrode and the signal electrode. This structure provides a direct connection of the ground electrode or the signal electrode and the circuit boards to improve issues of cost increase for manufacturing socket connector ultrasonic transducers socket volume increase, socket designing challenges and socket failures.

Abstract: A method for molding capable of molding a piezoelectric polymer into polymer piezoelectric materials having various shapes is provided. A vibration generator using a polymer piezoelectric material and a speaker capable of generating a high sound pressure and achieving flat sound pressure-frequency characteristics are provided. A material formed from a piezoelectric polymer is molded at a temperature not less than the glass transition temperature and less than the crystallization temperature of the piezoelectric polymer and is then heat-treated at a temperature not less than the crystallization temperature of the piezoelectric polymer. A vibration generator comprising a piezoelectric portion formed from a piezoelectric polymer; a first electrode disposed on a first main surface of the piezoelectric portion; and a second electrode disposed on a second main surface of the piezoelectric portion, which has a piezoelectric modulus of 0.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electroacoustic conversion film comprising: a polymeric composite piezoelectric body in which piezoelectric body particles are dispersed in a viscoelastic matrix formed of a polymer material exhibiting viscoelasticity at normal temperature; and two or more electrode pairs, wherein one electrode and the other electrode of each of the electrode pairs are arranged on two opposite main surfaces of the polymeric composite piezoelectric body, respectively, to interpose the polymeric composite piezoelectric body therebetween, and thereby each of the electrode pairs forms an active region.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a sorting apparatus has a first generation section, a second generation section, a discrimination section, and a sorting section. The first generation section generates sorting result in which paper sheets have been sorted in a plurality of stackers in a prescribed order, by a two-pass sorting processing of result data indicating the numbers of past processing for respective sorting information. The second generation section generates setting information of a sorting processing of a first pass using the sorting result generated by the first generation section. The discrimination section discriminates the sorting information of the paper sheets to be processed. The sorting section sorts the paper sheets whose sorting information has been discriminated by the discrimination section, in accordance with the setting information of the sorting processing of the first pass.

Abstract: In order to keep the base surface of a cleaning system for industrially manufactured components as small as possible, it is provided that the process chambers (4, 5, 23) and the robot chamber (3) of the cleaning system are disposed on a base plate (7), wherein the base surface (8) of the base plate (7) is greater than the common base surface (9) of the process chambers (4, 5, 23) and the robot chamber (3), and at least two spatially separate hollow spaces (10, 11, 20) to accommodate the process fluids being provided in the base plate (7), wherein the hollow spaces (10, 11, 20) in each case extend at least partially below the process chamber (4, 5, 23) and extend at least partially outside the common base surface (9) of the process chambers (4, 5, 23) and the robot chamber (3), and at least one hydraulic component of a hydraulic circuit is disposed on the base plate (7) above at least one hollow space (10, 11, 20).

Abstract: A method for cleaning a precision component which includes the steps of immersing the component in a heated solvating agent disposed in a pre-clean module tank to thereby remove an adherent contaminant; treating the component with a rinsing solvent to remove any remaining contaminants and residual solvating agent in a separate rinse degreaser whereby contaminants removed from the component collect in the rinse degreaser; and removing contaminated solvent from the rinse degreaser to a micro-still to separate the contaminants from the rinse solvent and direct the purified rinse solvent to the rinse degreaser. An apparatus is also provided for cleaning contaminants from a precision component including a pre-clean module tank containing a heated solvating agent, a degreaser containing a rinsing solvent, and a micro-still which separates the contaminants from the rinsing solvent and directs the purified rinsing solvent to the rinse degreaser.

Abstract: A filling machine and a method for intermediate cleaning of a filling machine, where the filling machine comprises a hopper for filling in a pasty substance, a conveying mechanism for conveying the pasty substance in the direction toward an outlet opening. The filling machine comprises at least one spraying device above or within the hopper for distributing the cleaning medium onto the hopper inner wall.

Abstract: Material lining the inside surface of a section of pipe is removed by a hydrodemolition nozzle assembly mounted on a working end of an elongated boom. The opposed end of the boom is supported outside the pipe on a movable support for inserting and retracting the boom from the inside of the pipe. The nozzles remove the liner while the working end of the boom is supported by a wheel resting on the liner that has not yet been removed and that rolls along the inside liner as the pipe is made to revolve around the boom. The nozzles are oriented to eject the liner and water downstream and away from the boom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning device for cups or pitchers used in connection with frothing or foaming liquids (e.g., milk or cream) when making a beverage such as a latte or cappuccino. In a preferred embodiment, the device preferably comprises a riser, a handle coupled to a first end of the riser, a foot coupled to a second end of the riser, and a cleaning element attached to the foot. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the cleaning element may be comprised of a plurality of bristles. The size and angle of the bristles allow the cleaning element to reach the inside corners, edges and surfaces of the frothing vessel to thoroughly and easily clean the residue created by the frothing process that gathers in such areas.

Abstract: A monitoring arrangement monitors the operation of a cleaning-in-place system which is operable to remove contaminations, deposits and other impurities from the internal walls of a container. The CIP system comprises a pipe for extending into the container through a wall portion of the container, and a nozzle head for ejecting liquid into the container in a predetermined pattern. The monitoring arrangement comprises a sensor unit with a sensing surface responsive to liquid impact for enabling the sensor unit to emit a sensor signal indicative of the liquid impact. The sensing surface is elongated and configured to extend along a perimeter of the pipe when the sensor unit is mounted at the wall portion of the container. This enables improved performance of a processing unit that obtains and processes the sensor signal for monitoring the operation of the CIP system.

Abstract: A system for breaking down medical waste for safe disposal includes a novel disposal solution for dissolving and dispersing the medical waste, as well as a hardening agent that solidifies the disposal solution to prevent it from contaminating the environment after disposal. The novel disposal solution includes a dispersion agent that dissolves the medical waste in addition to a neutralizer, which binds to the dissolved medical waste to render it inert. The disposal solution can optionally include defoaming, preservation and/or anti-freeze agents. The system may also include a vessel with a vented cap for storing the disposal solution prior to and during use. The vessel may also be used to discard the disposal solution and broken-down medical waste after the disposal solution solidifies.

Abstract: To cool a metal strip (1), liquid coolant (5) is supplied to the strip by a supply device (9) from a feed line (10). A valve (13) in the feed line (10) sets the valve (13) to a respective opening position (s) for adjusting the coolant flow (F) to the metal strip (1) per unit of time. An upstream condition detection device (14) upstream of the valve device (13) in the feed line (10) detects an upstream condition (ZV) of the coolant (5). A control unit (6) determines a set point (s*) for an opening position (s) of the valve device (13) corresponding to the set point (F*) for the coolant flow (F) based on a set point (F*) for the coolant flow (F*), the upstream condition (ZV) of the coolant (5) and a valve characteristic (C) of the valve device (13).

Abstract: Disclosed in a method for manufacturing a drive shaft which comprises forming a first shaft unit by shrinking one side of a metallic pipe which has a uniform first strength; decreasing the thickness of an intermediate portion of the metallic pipe by drawing the intermediate portion of the metallic pipe which is integral with the first shaft unit forming at an inner side surface of the other side of the metallic pipe a strength decrease unit which has a second strength smaller than the first strength, by heat-treating by a predetermined distance the inner side surface of the other side being opposite to one side of the metallic pipe; and forming a second shaft unit without transforming any portion of the intermediate portion by shrinking the metallic pipe which has the strength decrease unit, wherein the second shaft unit is formed by applying compression force to a portion where the strength decrease unit in the metallic pipe is formed, in a predetermine direction being vertical with respect to the axial dire

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a torsional profile from a blank. The torsional profile has torsionally rigid tubular end sections, a torsionally flexible U-shaped middle longitudinal section and, between the middle longitudinal section and the end sections, transition sections which change from the U-shaped cross section to the tubular cross section.

Abstract: Provided is a press apparatus which ensures high production efficiency and has less chances of breakdown. Specifically, the press apparatus has a base placed on a floor, and a platform arranged over the base to face the base and move up and down. A lower die, on which a steel plate is to be placed, is fixed to the base. An upper die is fixed to the platform to press the plate against the lower die and turn it into an initially formed product through a downward movement of the platform, and to pressure-hold the initially formed product with the lower die. A machining die is supported on the platform to move up and down to machine the initially formed product and form a final product by moving down while pressure-holding the initially formed product.

Abstract: One or more electro-hydraulic forming tools are operated by a press and provide formed parts to a trimming operation. A locking mechanism holds the die against the chamber during the electro-hydraulic forming (EHF) discharge. The lock may be a pin or clamp. One method of manufacturing an article includes providing three EHF tools that feed a single trimming press on a line. An alternative embodiment discloses a single EHF tool that supplies parts on a production line to an electro-hydraulic (EH) trimming tool. An electro-hydraulic pulse generator may be used to provide a stored charge to the EHF tool and the EH trimming tool.

Abstract: A hydraulic tube expander includes expanding jaws engageable with an interior surface of a tube to expand the tube; a source of hydraulic fluid, a valve located between the source and the expanding jaws and a single-action release actuator operatively coupled to the valve. The valve is moveable between open and closed positions. In the closed position, hydraulic fluid can pass from the source to the expanding jaws and in the open position the hydraulic fluid can pass from the expanding jaws to the source. The actuator is movable between first and second positions. In the first position the valve is in the closed position. Movement of the actuator in a direction from the first position toward the second position moves the valve into the open position.

Abstract: A method comprises: providing a spiral metallic workpiece having a cast structure associated with such spiral; and at least partially flattening the workpiece.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a composite tubular structure. The system includes an outer tube configured to remain rigid up to at least a first threshold pressure. The system includes an inner tube internal to the outer tube and substantially coaxial with the outer tube. The inner tube has a first outer surface and a first inner surface. The inner tube is configured to remain rigid up to a second threshold pressure that is less than the threshold first pressure. The system includes a composite tubular layup laid on the first outer surface of the inner tube. The system includes an assembly of a plurality of separate segments disposed inside the inner tube, each segment adjacent to two other segments, to form a segmented inner cylinder having a second outer surface of a cylindrical shape and an inner channel of a first conical shape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fastening two parts together. An initial interference fit may be created between a fastener and at least a portion of a hole extending through the two parts while maintaining a force equilibrium. A final interference fit may be created between the fastener and the hole, while maintaining a new force equilibrium.