Abstract: Gas metal arc welding (GMAW) is a widely used process for joining metals. Its main advantage over its competition gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) is its high productivity in depositing metals. However, to melt metal from the wire to deposit into the work-piece, additional heat is consumed and applied to the work-piece with an uncontrolled fixed proportion to the effective heat that melts the wire. Such additional heat is often in excess of the needed heat input for the work-piece. The side-effects include a waste of the energy, an increased distortion, and possible materials property degradation. This invention is to device a method to transfer this part of heat to melt the wire by adding two wires, which form a pair of arc spots, under a tungsten arc. It also devices a method to assure the arc between the two wires be maintained stable such that the transfer be successfully continuous.

Abstract: Provided is a wire-bonding apparatus 10 including a capillary 28 through which a wire 30 is inserted, a nonsticking determination circuit 36, and a controller 80. The nonsticking determination circuit 36 applies a predetermined alternating-current electrical signal between the wire held by the capillary and the bonding target, obtains a capacitance value between the wire held by the capillary and the bonding target, determines that the wire is disconnected from the bonding target when the capacitance value decreases after the first bonding operation, and determines that the disconnected wire drops down and is brought into contact with the bonding target when the capacitance value returns to an original value before reaching the second bonding point.

Abstract: A heat resistant alloy member that maintains the creep strength and improves the fatigue characteristics is provided. The heat resistant alloy member according to the present invention includes a recrystallized structure layer including finer grains on the surface of the member than those inside of the member. The recrystallized structure layer is formed by forming a stirred layer by giving processing strain to the surface of the member using a friction stir processing, and applying recrystallization heat treatment to the stirred layer for recrystallization.

Abstract: Friction Stir Welding (FSW) devices and methods for simultaneously welding both sides of an arcuate joint are described. The FSW method includes the step of operating a FSW tool and an anvil on the exterior surface of the joint and simultaneously operating another FSW tool and anvil on the interior surface of the joint. The anvils are positioned in a juxtaposing manner to the FSW tools, and move in tandem with the FSW tools, thus providing a supporting force to the FSW tools during their operation.

Abstract: A laser machining device which can suppress the aberration of a laser beam converged into an object to be machined is provided. The device includes a laser light source for emitting a laser beam and a reflective spatial light modulator for modulating the laser beam emitted from the laser light source (202), while first mirrors for reflecting the laser beam are disposed between the laser light source and reflective spatial light modulator in an optical path of the laser beam and configured such as to be able to adjust the direction of reflection of the laser beam. Therefore, by regulating the direction of reflection of the laser beam at each of the mirrors, the device can adjust the position and incident angle of the laser beam incident on the reflective spatial light modulator as desired. Hence, the laser beam can precisely be made incident on the reflective spatial light modulator.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a glazing having a frequency selective surface comprising the steps of: a) depositing a coating on a substrate, said coating being non-transmitting to radio frequency (RF) radiation; b) providing a laser beam and c) removing a portion of the coating by laser ablation to form one or more curves and/or lines having a spacing selected to provide transparency of the coating to RF radiation of a desired wavelength; characterized by d) directing the laser beam and/or moving the substrate such that the relative motion of the intersection of the laser beam and the coating, with respect to the substrate, comprises motion in a first dimension, wherein said motion is simultaneously superimposed with a reciprocating motion in a second dimension; e) translating said intersection in the second dimension; and f) repeating at least step d) out of steps d) to f).

Abstract: A mask substrate that includes a first area and a second area surrounding the first area is provided. Then, a laser beam is irradiated on the mask substrate to at least partly remove a material of the second area. After that, a physical force is applied to the mask substrate to separate the first area from the mask substrate thereby forming an opening through the mask substrate.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for detecting an incomplete cutting action when cutting a workpiece with a high-energy beam are disclosed. In one aspect, a method includes taking an image of a region of the workpiece to be monitored, the region including an interaction region of the high-energy beam with the workpiece, evaluating the image taken in order to detect pooled slag at an end of the interaction region opposite a cutting front, and detecting whether a related cutting action is incomplete based on an occurrence of detection of pooled slag.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for using optical interferometry in the context of material modification processes such as surgical laser or welding applications. An imaging optical source that produces imaging light. A feedback controller controls at least one processing parameter of the material modification process based on an interferometry output generated using the imaging light. A method of processing interferograms is provided based on homodyne filtering. A method of generating a record of a material modification process using an interferometry output is provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laser scribing coatings on glass sheet substrates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective device (1) for the laser machining of holes (3) in at least one component (2) by means of a laser beam (5), wherein the protective device (1) is positionable in the beam direction downstream of the beam-exit-side end (8) of a hole (3) to be machined in the component wall (10), in order to protect an adjoining rear space having a component wall (11), opposite the hole (3), of the component (2) from the incident laser beam. The protective device (1) according to the invention is formed from a composite made of a matrix composed of polyether ether ketone plastics material and fibers embedded therein, wherein the fibers are embedded such that, with respect to their particular fiber extending direction, they extend in a criss-cross manner in the plastics material and are distributed at approximately the same density in the volume of the plastics material of the protective device (1).

Abstract: The present application relates to a cutting head (1) for a device for cutting hair. The cutting head has an optical system (3) which directs a laser beam (7) across a cutting zone (8) in the cutting head. The laser beam has a fast and a slow axis. The optical system has a focus lens (6) configured to form a first focal point (11) of the laser beam in the cutting zone. In one embodiment, the optical system (3) also has a focusing element (15) which refocuses the laser beam to form a second focal point (16) of the laser beam in the cutting zone. In another embodiment, the focus lens forms a focal length of the laser beam in the cutting zone along its fast axis which is greater than a focal length of the laser beam in the cutting zone along its slow axis.

Abstract: A system and method is provided where a coated work piece is welded at high speeds with minimal porosity and spatter. The coating on the work piece is removed or ablated by a high energy heat source prior to being welded in a welding operation, such that high welding speeds are attained. The high energy heat source is positioned upstream of the welding operation to vaporize any surface coatings on a work piece.

Abstract: A system and method for an integrated structural welding system includes a user interface and controller configured to coordinate both welding and gouging operations.

Abstract: A method for securing sandwich structures together, especially vehicle structures. In one embodiment, two sandwich structures are perpendicularly secured together, where a first one of the sandwich structures includes a micro-truss core having one unit cell geometry and second one of the sandwich structures includes a micro-truss core having different unit cell geometry. The micro-truss core of the second sandwich structure includes a micro-truss extension fabricated at the same time as the micro-truss core and having the same unit cell geometry as the micro-truss core for the first sandwich structure. The extension is inserted in an open area between face sheets in the first sandwich structure so that it abuts against the micro-truss core in the first sandwich structure.

Abstract: A propeller blade, which can belong to a fan without covering by an external casing, includes two portions fitted into one another and of different materials, generally composite, to resist various stresses, heating coming from a rotor or impacts of solid bodies. An internal portion includes a blade core, a blade shank and possibly a foam lining, and a preform of an outside portion is assembled to it by surrounding it closely before being completely formed by receiving its resin, which is placed into polymerization. A method for producing the propeller blade guarantees good assembly of the portions without defects of form, damage or deformation of a fiber weave.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cryogenic regenerator includes the steps of supplying helium gas to a metallic helium gas sealing tube having a front end portion and a rear end portion that are open to replace air within the tube; sealing the rear end portion of the helium gas sealing tube; cooling the helium gas sealing tube and filling additional helium gas into the cooled helium gas sealing tube from a helium gas supplying unit; sealing the front end portion of the helium gas sealing tube after the helium gas sealing tube is filled with the additional helium gas; and winding the helium gas sealing tube into a coil structure around a core material to fabricate a helium gas sealing tube wound structure.

Abstract: A device for supplying small parts has a large-diameter disc that is driven and rotates on a horizontal axis thereof, a hopper disposed close to the large-diameter disc at at least a lower half side of one of side surfaces of the large-diameter disc, wherein the hopper is configured to accommodate therein the small parts in bulk, a first magnet embedded in the one side surface of the large-diameter disc so as to be exposed at the one side surface of the large-diameter disc, wherein the first magnet attracts, at an outer circumferential side edge portion of the one side surface of the large-diameter disc, one of the small parts accommodated in an accommodation space of the hopper, and a small-diameter disc disposed close to the large-diameter disc at an upper side of the large-diameter disc.

Abstract: A system and method for automating an assembly process of threading a tube-nut onto a threaded connector. The system includes a robot having a force sensor and a tube-nut runner tool coupled to the robot and having a tool head with a rotatable socket therein. The method includes engaging the socket to the tube-nut under force control using the force signal from the force sensor. The tool controller causes the socket to rotate the tube-nut where the tool controller controls the torque and/or angle displacement of the tool head to tighten the tube-nut on the threaded connector. The method also includes disengaging the tool head from the tube-nut after the tube-nut is properly tightened onto the threaded connector under force control to ensure that the end member is properly disengaged from the tube-nut.

Abstract: A fastening and loosening device includes transport devices capable of moving along the array direction of a plurality of stud bolts, control panels that independently control the transport devices, a plurality of bolt tensioners, control panels that independently control the bolt tensioners, and a transport operating device having a control panel that controls the control panels and the control panels, and a fault diagnosis device is provided by connecting the control panels to the transport operation device through power cables, whereby the reliability of the device can be improved.

Abstract: A chattering vibration preventing jig is made of metal, and is L-shaped as viewed from the side. A horizontal plate portion has a pair of cuts extending in the short-side direction from an end of the horizontal plate portion. A vertical plate portion has a plurality of screw holes arranged in a line in the long-side direction. Screws slightly longer than lengths of the screw holes are screwed into the corresponding screw holes to abut onto a workpiece. Adhesive is applied to abutment surfaces of the screws that abut onto the workpiece.

Abstract: A cutter holding device is provided for a cutting machine and includes: a mounting base and a holding member mounted in the mounting base. The mounting base includes a mounting section, iron cores mounted in the mounting section, and a winding wound around an outer circumference of the mounting section. The mounting section includes a mounting trough formed therein. The holding member is mounted in the mounting trough, wherein the iron cores and the winding collectively form first electromagnets, which upon application of electricity thereto, attract and fix the holding member in the mounting trough of the mounting base. The cutter holding device uses magnetic forces applied between the mounting base and the holding member for attraction and fixing so as to easily control fixing and removal of the holding member.

Abstract: The present invention provides various aspects of support for a processing tool in a fabrication facility capable of routine placement and replacement of processing tools and component assemblies of the tools. Support aspects include a support structure for component assemblies and a quick disconnect flange which facilitates connecting and disconnect of electrical, liquid and gas utilities to a tool component placed in the processing tool.

Abstract: A locator pin according to one disclosed non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure includes an elongated body that extends from a base along an axis, the elongated body deflectable off the axis relative to the base.

Abstract: A machine tool includes a table, a saddle, and first and second telescopic covers respectively disposed on two side surfaces of the table or the saddle. The two side surfaces are opposite each other along the direction of travel of the table or the saddle. Upper surfaces of the first and second telescopic covers are inclined in opposite directions perpendicular to the direction of travel of the table or the saddle.

Abstract: A machine tool has a cover comprising a front cover and right and left side covers and includes a first slope part between the front cover and a table on which a workpiece is placed. The first slope part has slopes gradually declining from the center of the front cover toward left and right side covers. Further, the machine tool has also a second slope part that is connected to the left and right lower ends of the first slope part and has slopes declining rearward relative to the machine tool from the side of the front cover. If chips produced by machining are deposited on the surface of the first slope part, they are discharged onto the second slope part and into a contaminated fluid tank by a cutting fluid supplied from a nozzle.

Abstract: A method of grinding wafers includes determining thickness variations in a wafer; determining incremental adjustments to spindle alignment based on best fit predictions of wafer shaper; and implemented the incremental adjustments to spindle alignment of a grind module.

Abstract: The polishing apparatus has a polishing unit capable of forming a right-angled cross section by polishing a peripheral portion of the substrate. The polishing unit includes a polishing head having a pressing member configured to press a polishing tape against the peripheral portion of the substrate from above, a tape supply and recovery mechanism configured to supply the polishing tape to the polishing head and to recover the polishing tape from the polishing head, a first moving mechanism configured to move the polishing head in a radial direction of the substrate, and a second moving mechanism configured to move the tape supply and recovery mechanism in the radial direction of the substrate. The guide rollers are arranged such that the polishing tape extends parallel to a tangential direction of the substrate and a polishing surface of the polishing tape is parallel to a surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The polishing apparatus has a polishing unit capable of forming a right-angled cross section by polishing a peripheral portion of the substrate. The polishing unit includes a polishing head having a pressing member configured to press a polishing tape against the peripheral portion of the substrate from above, a tape supply and recovery mechanism configured to supply the polishing tape to the polishing head and to recover the polishing tape from the polishing head, a first moving mechanism configured to move the polishing head in a radial direction of the substrate, and a second moving mechanism configured to move the tape supply and recovery mechanism in the radial direction of the substrate. The guide rollers are arranged such that the polishing tape extends parallel to a tangential direction of the substrate and a polishing surface of the polishing tape is parallel to a surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing pad is provided containing: a polishing layer having a polishing surface; wherein the polishing layer comprises a continuous non-fugitive polymeric phase and a discontinuous non-fugitive polymeric phase; wherein the continuous non-fugitive polymeric phase has a plurality of periodic recesses; wherein the plurality of periodic recesses are occupied with the discontinuous non-fugitive polymeric phase; wherein the continuous non-fugitive polymeric phase has an open cell porosity of ?6 vol %; wherein the discontinuous non-fugitive polymeric phase contains an open cell porosity of ?10 vol %; and, wherein the polishing surface is adapted for polishing a substrate.

Abstract: A pad conditioning tool includes a sapphire chip having a side surface defining a polishing surface and a plurality of sapphire grains formed on the polishing surface in an integral manner. Each of the sapphire grains had a three-dimensional geometric structure. The sapphire grains are arranged on the polishing surface in a specific form so as to possess a specific pattern.

Abstract: The problem of the present invention involves providing a gear that has high tooth-root bending strength and for which there is no chipping of the tips of the teeth. Accordingly, the surface of the gear is carburized and the gear is strengthened by imparting residual stress, with the residual stress in the region with a surface depth of 5 ?m to 20 ?m being ?1000 MPa or less, and the residual stress in the region with a surface depth of 50 ?m to 150 ?m being ?1000 MPa or greater.

Abstract: A method for producing a laminated polishing pad, which is free from warpage and does not cause peeling between a polishing layer and a cushion layer during polishing, includes the steps of: laminating a hot-melt adhesive sheet to a surface of a cushion layer with a base material in which a thermoplastic resin base material is provided peelably on one surface of the cushion layer, on which the thermoplastic resin base material is not provided; heating the laminated hot-melt adhesive sheet to be melted or softened; laminating a polishing layer on the melted or softened hot-melt adhesive to prepare a laminate; cutting the laminate to the size of the polishing layer to prepare a laminated polishing sheet; and peeling the thermoplastic resin base material from the laminated polishing sheet.

Abstract: A coated abrasive article comprising a backing, an adhesive layer disposed in a discontinuous distribution on at least a portion of the backing, wherein the discontinuous distribution comprises a plurality of adhesive contact regions having at least one of a lateral spacing or a longitudinal spacing between each of the adhesive contact regions; and at least one abrasive particle disposed on each adhesive contact region, the abrasive particle having a tip, and there being at least one of a lateral spacing or a longitudinal spacing between each of the abrasive particles, and wherein at least 65% of the at least one of a lateral spacing and a longitudinal spacing between the tips of the abrasive particles is within 2.5 standard deviations of the mean.

Abstract: A hydraulic hydrostatic pressure rotation module has a table piece with a mount face; an oil cavity piece installed on the mount face, having at least one first oil cavity, at least one second oil cavity, at least one third oil cavity, at least one first oil way communicated with the first oil cavity, at least one second oil way communicated with the second oil cavity and the first oil way, at least one third oil way communicated with the third oil cavity and the second oil way, and at least one fourth oil way communicated with the second oil way; a supporting oil seat installed on a face of the oil cavity piece away from the mount face, having at least one oil entry way communicated with the fourth oil way; a spindle through the supporting oil seat and the oil cavity piece and coupled to the table piece.

Abstract: An adjustable ratchet wrench includes a head with a handle. The head has a space defined therein. A first pawl is located in the head and has a first engaging portion which protrudes through a recess in the inside of the space. A hollow slide is movably located in the space and has a passage defined axially therethrough. An index member extends from the top side of the slide. A second pawl is located in the first end of the slide and has a second engaging portion facing the space. A threaded rod extends through the passage of the slide and outer threads. The slide has an insertion member inserted therein and the insertion member has an engaging part which is engaged with the outer threads. By rotating the threaded rod, the slide with the second pawl move into the space to clamp objects of different sizes.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a wrench body and a ratchet assembly disposed in the wrench body. The ratchet assembly includes a ratchet wheel, a Y-shaped bar, two pawls, a pawl spring and a switch member. The Y-shaped bar has a pair of prongs splayed laterally apart. Each of the pawls is engageable with the ratchet wheel and defines a bore in a lower corner thereof for reception of the respective prong of the Y-shaped bar. The pawl spring is disposed between the pawls. The switch member is partly positioned on an exterior of the wrench body, and operable to drive the Y-shaped bar to direct either one of the pawls to engage with the ratchet wheel.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a wrench member, a driving shaft, a rotary member, two first paws, a grip, and a second paw. The wrench member has a ratchet hole, an axial hole, and first inner teeth on a sidewall of the ratchet hole. The driving shaft is received in the axial hole of the wrench member. The rotary member is received in the ratchet hole of the wrench member, and has annular teeth to engage a gear of the driving shaft. The first paws are provided on the barrel, and each has first outer teeth to engage the first inner teeth of the wrench member. The grip is pivotally connected to the wrench member, and has second inner teeth. The second paw is provided on the driving shaft, and has second outer teeth to engage the second inner teeth of the tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing a fastener from a component, the fastener comprising an end portion exposed from the component, the end portion having a threaded section, the method comprising the following steps; providing a cap with a threaded opening, screwing the threaded opening of the cap onto the threaded section of the exposed end portion of the fastener, and securing a percussive tool to the cap, such that repeated impacts from the percussive tool are directed onto the exposed end portion of the fastener. The present invention also provides a cap for use in removing a fastener from a component, the cap comprising a threaded opening for screwing onto a threaded section of an exposed end portion of the fastener, and an attachment portion for securing a percussive tool to the cap.

Abstract: A power tool includes a motor, an impact mechanism, an output unit, a circuit board, a housing, and a power cord. The circuit board includes a power-source circuit board configured to convert alternate current into direct current and a control circuit board. The housing includes a body section, a board accommodating section, and a handle section. The board accommodating section accommodates the circuit board. The handle section has one end portion connected to the body section and another end portion connected to the board accommodating section. The power cord extends from the board accommodating section. The power cord is positioned opposed to the handle section with respect to the board accommodating section. The control circuit board is located at a position close to the handle section in the board accommodating section. The power-source circuit board is located between the control circuit board and the power cord.

Abstract: A Multiple tool comprising a frame (2;102;202;302) supporting at least an holder (3;103;203;303) provided with a plurality of seats (4;104;204;304) for a respective plurality of implements (5;105;205;305), the holder (3;103;203;303) being selectively rotatable from an inactive position of minimum encumbrance to at least an opened position for the selection of an implement (5;105;205;305), and the frame (2;102;202;302) comprising an hexagonal recess (6;106;206;306) suitable for manually operate each of said implements (5;105;205;305).

Abstract: A power tool includes a housing and a hook assembly. The hook assembly includes a hook support and a hook member. The hook support is rotatably attached to the housing for rotation about a first axis. The hook member has a shank portion and a hook portion. The shank portion defines a second axis that is transverse to the first axis and is configured to rotate with respect to the hook support about the second axis. The hook portion extends in a radial direction from the shank portion. The rotation of the hook support about the first axis alters an orientation of the shank portion of the hook member with respect to the housing, and the rotation of the shank portion with respect hook support alters the radial direction of the hook portion.

Abstract: A power tool includes a tool housing defining a cavity and a pocket formed in a wall of the tool housing. A motor is positioned within the cavity, and a trigger mechanism is moveably coupled to the tool housing. A speed selector switch is positioned within the pocket, the speed selector switch including a push-button operable to receive a speed selection and a plurality of speed indicators. The speed selector switch is operable to output a speed signal based on the speed selection, and the speed indicators indicate the speed selection. The power tool further includes a controller operable to receive the speed signal from the speed selector switch, the speed signal indicative of a selected speed, receive an activation signal from the trigger switch, and operate the motor at the selected speed upon receiving the activation signal.

Abstract: The solar energy and solar farms are used to generate energy and reduce dependence on oil (or for environmental purposes). The maintenance, operation, optimization, and repairs in big farms become very difficult, expensive, and inefficient, using human technicians. Thus, here, we teach using the robots with various functions and components, in various settings, for various purposes, to improve operations in big (or hard-to-access) farms, to automate, save money, reduce human mistakes, increase efficiency, or scale the solutions to very large scales or areas.

Abstract: Robot apparatus, substrate transport systems, and methods are described. The robot apparatus and systems are adapted to efficiently put or pick substrates at a destination by rotating a boom linkage to a position adjacent to the destination and then actuating robot assemblies to put or pick the substrates at the destination. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: The hybrid tape includes an outer member that is formed with a material having desirable tensile qualities, such that the outer member is tailored to exhibit superior fatigue performance in tension induced from bending. The hybrid tape further includes an inner member that is formed with a material having desirable compression qualities, such that the inner member is tailored to exhibit superior fatigue performance in compression induced from bending. The hybrid tape is configured such that the bend neutral axis is located between the inner material and the outer material, thereby insuring the outer material only experiences tension in bending while the inner material only experiences compression in bending.

Abstract: A robot that includes two or more skeletal or rigid links interconnected by a joint. The joint is pneumatically actuated and includes a pneumatic joint actuator that allows the robot's skeletal links to be moved in an expressive manner. The pneumatic actuator includes a pair of opposing air bladders encased within a housing or body of the joint. Each air bladder is positioned on an opposite side of an actuating lever arm, which is rigidly attached to one of the skeletal links and is pivotally mounted on the joint body or housing. Movement of the actuating lever arm causes the attached skeletal link to pivot. To obtain this selective movement, one of the two air bladders is filled with a gas, such as air, while the other is left un-inflated or less inflated, and this forces the lever arm and attached skeletal link to pivot about their mounting point.

Abstract: A control device includes a main actuator configured to drive a plant through a torque transfer device disposed on a driving side, a load side sub-actuator configured to drive the plant that is disposed on a plant side, and a processor configured to: generate a torque reference input value driving the main actuator and the load side sub-actuator, and cancel out resonance by multiplying the generated torque reference input value by: a first gain including an inertia coefficient, a viscosity coefficient, and a reduction ratio of the torque transfer device on the driving side and on the plant side, and a second gain including: the inertia coefficient, the viscosity coefficient, and the reduction ratio of the torque transfer device on the driving side and on the plant side, and thereby adjusting a ratio of the torque reference input value of the main actuator and the load side sub-actuator.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a human and robot distributed operating system (HaRD-OS). The HaRD-OS efficiently and dynamically connects different human operators and algorithms to multiple remotely deployed robots based on the task(s) that the robots are to complete. Some embodiments facilitate an action/perception loop between the operators, algorithms and robots by routing tasks between human operators or algorithms based on various routing polices including operator familiarity, aptitude, access rights, end user preference, time zones, costs, efficiency, latency, privacy concerns, etc. In the event of a fault, some embodiments route to the best operator or algorithm that is able to handle the particular fault with the required privileges. Some embodiments secure task guarantees to be completed at particular times, priorities or costs.

Abstract: Methods for automatic and efficient location generation for cooperative motion. A method includes receiving a cooperative operation comprising a master operation and the slave operation, simulating the slave operation to obtain a slave duration between consecutive slave locations and a trajectory time to perform the slave operation, populating a plurality of potential locations along the master trajectory, generating a plurality of candidate operations in a population, for each of the plurality of candidate operations in the population, simulating a candidate operation with the slave operation to calculate an efficiency factor to perform the candidate operation and removing the candidate operation from the population when the efficiency factor is not better compared to other candidate operations in the population and returning the candidate operation remaining in the population.