Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a profiled wire of hydrogen-embrittlement-resistant, low-alloy carbon steel for flexible pipelines for the offshore oil and gas operations sector is provided. The process includes providing a low-alloy carbon steel wire rod having a composition including, expressed in percentages by weight of the total mass 0.75<C %<0.95; 0.30<Mn %<0.85; Cr?0.4%; V?0.16%; and Si?1.40%, the rest being iron and the inevitable impurities from smelting of the metal in the liquid state. The process further includes hot-rolling the wire rod in an austenitic region above 900° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-strength steel sheet including: C: 0.03 to 0.25 mass %, Si: 0.1 to 2.0 mass %, Mn: 0.5 to 3.0 mass %, P: not more than 0.05 mass %, T.O: not more than 0.0050 mass %, S: 0.0001 to 0.01 mass %, N: 0.0005 to 0.01 mass %, acid-soluble Al: more than 0.01 mass %, Ca: 0.0005 to 0.0050 mass %, and a total of at least one element of Ce, La, Nd, and Pr: 0.001 to 0.01 mass %, with a balance including iron and inevitable impurities, in which the steel sheet contains a chemical component on a basis of mass that satisfies 0.7<100×([Ce]+[La]+[Nd]+[Pr])/[acid-soluble Al]?70 and 0.

Abstract: This heat-resistant austenitic stainless steel has a specific composition containing Ce and Zr and has an Hv1/Hv0 ratio of 1.20 or higher, where Hv1 is the average hardness of the area ranging from the surface to a thickness-direction depth of 50 ?m and Hv0 is the average hardness of the thickness-direction central part.

Abstract: An austenitic stainless steel having low nickel and molybdenum and exhibiting comparable corrosion resistance and formability properties to higher nickel and molybdenum alloys comprises, in weight %, up to 0.20 C, 2.0-9.0 Mn, up to 2.0 Si, 16.0-23.0 Cr, 1.0-5.0 Ni, up to 3.0 Mo, up to 3.0 Cu, 0.1-0.35 N, up to 4.0 W, up to 0.01 B, up to 1.0 Co, iron and impurities, the steel having a ferrite number of less than 10 and a MD30 value of less than 20° C.

Abstract: The invention includes a copper-nickel-zinc alloy with the following composition in weight %: Cu 47.0 to 49.0%, Ni 8.0 to 10.0%, Mn 0.2 to 0.6%, Si 0.05 to 0.4%, Pb 1.0 to 1.5%, Fe and/or Co up to 0.8%, the rest being Zn and unavoidable impurities, wherein the total of the Fe content and double the Co content is at least 0.1 weight % and wherein mixing silicides containing nickel, iron and manganese and/or containing nickel, cobalt and manganese are stored as spherical or ellipsoidal particles in a structure consisting of an ?- and ?-phase. The invention further relates to a method for producing semi-finished products from a copper-nickel-zinc alloy.

Abstract: A high-strength galvanized steel sheet having excellent formability and crashworthiness, including a component composition containing 0.03% to 0.13% C, 1.0% to 2.0% Si, 2.4% to 3.5% Mn, 0.001% to 0.05% P, 0.0001% to 0.01% S, 0.001% to 0.1% Al, 0.0005% to 0.01% N, and 0.0003% to 0.01% B on a mass basis, the remainder being Fe and unavoidable impurities, and a microstructure containing a tempered martensitic phase and a bainitic phase such that the sum of an area fraction of the tempered martensitic phase and an area fraction of the bainitic phase is 30% or more (the area fraction of the martensitic phase is 30% or more in the absence of the bainitic phase), wherein a distance of closest approach of the tempered martensitic phase is 10 ?m or less and the contents of C, Mn, and B satisfy (1): (% Mn)+1000×(% B)?35×(% C)??(1).

Abstract: A method for regeneration of internal conduit surfaces by thermal projection of metals, includes inserting a device including a vehicle having a rolling assembly to permit rolling of the vehicle and carrying a thermal projection system, through a manhole in a conduit installation, including the steps of inserting the device in a conduit with the rolling assembly in a retracted position, and expanding the rolling assembly inside the conduit until the device is centered in the conduit; inserting electrical, pneumatic and/or hydraulic conduits and conduits for supplying metal to be thermally projected, through the manhole, such that the conduits are connected with the vehicle; positioning a regeneration device including the thermal projection system connected with the vehicle by a remote-control pulling system in a particular position to be regenerated; thermally projecting metal from the regeneration device; advancing the vehicle and connected regeneration device to a new regeneration position.

Abstract: Low temperature gas carburization of stainless steel using acetylene as the carburizing specie is carried out under soft vacuum conditions in the presence of hydrogen or other companion gas. Carburization is made to go faster by including HCl or other carbon-free, halogen-containing activating compound in the carburizing gas being fed to the carburization reactor.

Abstract: An advanced coating for parts used in plasma processing chamber. The advanced coating is formed over an anodized surface that has not been sealed. After the coating is formed, the coated area is masked, and the remaining anodized surface is sealed. The porous and rough structure of the anodized but un-sealed aluminum enhances adhesion of the coating. However, to prevent particle generation, the exposed anodized surface is sealed after formation of the coating. The coating can be of yttria, formed by plasma enhanced atomic deposition techniques which results in a dense and smooth coating.

Abstract: In a sputter device (1), power of a DC power source (20) is sequentially distributed and supplied in a time division pulse state to a plurality of sputter evaporation sources (4). A power source (10) provided to each of the sputter evaporation sources (4) supplies continuous power to each of the sputter evaporation sources (4). The sputter device (1) having the configuration requires no DC pulse power source to be provided to each of the sputter evaporation sources (4), which reduces the device cost.

Abstract: A vapor deposition apparatus including a first region including a first injection unit configured to inject a first raw material, and a second region including a second injection unit configured to inject a second raw material, wherein the second injection unit includes a plasma generation unit, wherein the plasma generation unit includes a plasma generator, a corresponding surface surrounding the plasma generator, and a plasma generation space between the plasma generator and the corresponding surface, and wherein the plasma generator has a groove in a lengthwise direction of the plasma generator.

Abstract: A vapor deposition system and its wafer and thin-film temperature control method are disclosed. A susceptor carries a plurality of wafer holders with each bearing a wafer. The susceptor makes revolution around a center axle and each wafer holder rotates around its own axis. A carrier gas approaches a first surface of the wafer and is heated to form a thin film to be deposited on the first surface. An isothermal plate is placed at a second surface of the wafer and the second surface is opposite to the first surface. One or more remote temperature-measuring elements measure a temperature of a rear surface of the isothermal plate and the rear surface is opposite to the wafer, and a wafer-side temperature is calculated by the measured rear surface temperature of the isothermal plate.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering liquid precursor in a substrate processing system include supplying liquid precursor using a first valve in fluid communication with a liquid precursor source; supplying purge gas using a second valve in fluid communication with a purge gas source; arranging a third valve having a first input port in fluid communication with an output port of the first valve and a second input port in fluid communication with an output port of the second valve; arranging an input port of a first divert injector valve in fluid communication with an output port of the third valve; and operating the first valve, the second valve, the third valve and the first divert injector valve in first, second, third and fourth modes.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of depositing films of material on semiconductor substrates employing the use of a secondary purge. The methods may include flowing a film precursor into a processing chamber and adsorbing the film precursor onto a substrate in the processing chamber such that the precursor forms an adsorption-limited layer on the substrate. The methods may further include removing at least some unadsorbed film precursor from the volume surrounding the adsorbed precursor by purging the processing chamber with a primary purge gas, and thereafter reacting adsorbed film precursor while a secondary purge gas is flowed into the processing chamber, resulting in the formation of a film layer on the substrate. The secondary purge gas may include a chemical species having an ionization energy and/or a disassociation energy equal to or greater than that of O2. Also disclosed are apparatuses which implement the foregoing processes.

Abstract: A surface-tensioned sapphire plate and a corresponding manufacturing process. The plate may include a planar sapphire substrate and at least one layer disposed on the surface of the substrate for tensing the substrate. The layer may include at least 50 wt.-% of aluminum oxide (Al2O3). The manufacturing process for producing of a sapphire plate may include providing a planar sapphire substrate, and coating at least one surface of the substrate with a layer tensing the substrate. The layer may include at least 50 wt.-% of aluminum oxide (Al2O3).

Abstract: Described are apparatus and methods for processing a semiconductor wafer in which the gap between the wafer surface and the gas distribution assembly remains uniform and of known thickness. The wafer is positioned within a susceptor assembly and the assembly is lifted toward the gas distribution assembly using actuators. The wafer can be lifted toward the gas distribution assembly by creating a fluid bearing below and/or above the wafer.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for providing an Au-containing layer onto a surface of a work piece, which method comprises: providing 510 a deposition fluid comprising Au(CO)Cl; depositing 520 the fluid on at least part of the surface of the work piece; and directing 530 a charged particle beam toward the surface of the work piece onto which at least part of the fluid is deposited to decompose Au(CO)Cl thereby forming the Au-containing layer on the surface of the work piece. By using Au(CO)Cl as a precursor for charged particle induced deposition, a gold Au layer may be deposited with a very high purity compared to methods known in the art.

Abstract: A method for forming an article, comprises providing a stannous alkoxide-containing pattern on a substrate. This stannous alkoxide-containing pattern is obtained from a non-aqueous stannous alkoxide composition that comprises component (a) comprising a water-insoluble stannous alkoxide complex comprising stannous ions, in an amount of at least 1 weight %, and a photocurable component (b), non-photocurable water-insoluble polymer component (c) having a molecular weight of at least 10,000, or both the photocurable component (b) and the non-photocurable water-insoluble polymer component (c). When photocurable component (b) is present, the water-insoluble stannous alkoxide composition further comprises photosensitizer component (d) that is different from all of components (a) through (c).

Abstract: A method of plating a metal on a hydrophobic polymer, especially in the shape of small particles, involves: (a) contacting a surface of hydrophobic polymer substrate with a polycation such as poly(allylamine hydrochloride) to create a treated surface; (b) contacting the treated surface with a catalyst; and then (c) immersing the surface in a electroless metal plating bath to create a coating of metal on the surface. Metals include copper, silver, gold, nickel and cobalt. Catalysts are selected from compounds containing palladium, platinum, tin, copper, or nickel salts. Damaging surface treatments such as etching by plasma or acid are avoided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for direct metallization of non-conductive substrates as well as a conductor solution used in such a method. According to the invention, it is proposed to contact a non-conductive substrate surface after activation by a noble metal colloid-containing activator solution with a conductor solution, which comprises a metal that is reducible by a metal of the activator solution, a complexing agent and a reducing agent.

Abstract: An anti-corrosion and water-repellent substance configured for application to surfaces of materials to prevent corrosion and otherwise protect those materials. The substance consists of 1-bromopropane, nitromethane, ethyloxirane, and highly refined paraffin wax. In a preferred embodiment of a method of treating materials, the anti-corrosion and water-repellent substance is sprayed on a surface. In other embodiments, the substance may be applied with a brush or roller. In yet another embodiment, the substance may be applied by immersing the items being treated for optimal coverage of their exposed surfaces. The substance adheres to various materials and protects them by repelling water, acids, salt brines, and other substances and elements, including corrosives.

Abstract: An electrochemical reactor for removing mining constituents from a fluid is disclosed. The electrochemical reactor includes a housing defining a flow path and a pump configured to continuously move fluid through the flow path at a flow rate. The electrochemical reactor also includes a power supply coupled to the housing, an anode and a cathode coupled to the power supply, and a controller configured to selectively engage the power supply power supply. The power supply applies an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode when engaged.

Abstract: A composition comprising at least one source of metal ions and at least one additive obtainable by reacting a polyhydric alcohol comprising at least 5 hydroxyl functional groups with at least a first alkylene oxide and a second alkylene oxide from a mixture of the first alkylene oxide and the second alkylene oxide or a third alkylene oxide, a second alkylene oxide, and a first alkylene oxide in aforesaid sequence, the third alkylene oxide having a longer alkyl chain than the second alkylene oxide and the second alkylene oxide having a longer alkyl chain than the first alkylene oxide.

Abstract: Prior to electrodeposition of copper onto a nickel-containing or a cobalt-containing seed layer, a semiconductor wafer is pretreated by contacting the seed layer with a pre-wetting liquid comprising cupric ions at a concentration of at least about 10 g/L, more preferably of at least about 30 g/L, and an electroplating suppressor, such as a compound from the class of polyalkylene glycols. This pre-treatment is particularly useful for wafers having one or more large recessed features, such as through silicon vias (TSVs). The pre-wetting liquid is preferably degassed prior to contact with the wafer substrate. The pretreatment is preferably performed under subatmospheric pressure to prevent bubble formation within the recessed features. After the wafer is pretreated, copper is electrodeposited from an electroplating solution (such as an acidic electroplating solution) to fill the recessed features on the wafer.

Abstract: A porous structure (1) provided with a pattern that is composed of a conductive polymer, which comprises a porous body (2) and a pattern (3) that is composed of a conductive polymer and arranged on the porous body (2). The porous body (2) is preferably a gel, and a dopant may be added to the pattern (3) that is composed of a conductive polymer. If an agarose gel is used as the gel (2) and a PEDOT electrode (3A) is used as the pattern (3) that is composed of a conductive polymer in the porous structure (1) which is provided with the pattern (3) that is composed of a conductive polymer, the porous structure (1) can be used as an electrode for cell stimulation. The porous structure (1) provided with the pattern (3) that is composed of a conductive polymer can be produced by an electropolymerization method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cationic electrodeposition coating composition comprising: a specific amino group-containing modified epoxy resin (A); a blocked polyisocyanate curing agent (B); a water-soluble zirconium compound (C); and sulfamic acid, wherein the water-soluble zirconium compound (C) is present in an amount of 10 to 10,000 ppm, calculated as the mass of the elemental zirconium, relative to the mass of the cationic electrodeposition coating composition.

Abstract: An anodizing apparatus configured to perform an anodization on a metallic material to be processed provided with a projecting portion on a surface thereof, includes: an electrolysis tank configured to store electrolytic solution for anodization; a first electrode portion formed of a metal and electrically connected to the material in an immersed state immersed in the electrolytic solution in the electrolysis tank; a second electrode portion formed of a metal and opposing the material in the immersed state; an electrode apparatus configured to apply a predetermined voltage between the first and second electrode portions; a retaining device configured to retain and rotate the material in the immersed state; and a first injection device configured to inject the electrolytic solution toward a predetermined area deviated from the material in a storage space in the electrolysis tank so that the material is deviated from a line in the direction of injection.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods and apparatus for promoting bubble-free circulation of processing fluids in a recirculation system. Certain disclosed techniques involve passive, mechanical valve designs that promote variable resistance to flow in a drain. Other techniques involve automated flow control schemes that utilize feedback from flow meters, level sensors, etc. to achieve a balanced and bubble-free flow. The disclosed embodiments greatly reduce the incorporation of gas into a processing fluid, in particular as the processing fluid returns from a processing cell to a reservoir.

Abstract: The presently claimed invention provides an electrochemical analytical apparatus and a method for evaluating performance of electroplating formulations of electrolyte solutions used for via filling. The electrochemical analytical apparatus comprises an electric power generating device, an electrical output signal measurement device, an electrochemical measurement device, and a motion generator. The electrochemical measurement device of the present invention comprises a supporting structure, a cavity, a cavity electrode, and a surface electrode. The electrical output signals of the cavity electrode and the surface electrode are measured during electroplating for calculating a filling performance value. The presently claimed invention provides an accurate, fast and cost effective method for evaluating performance of electroplating formulations, following with choosing the electroplating formulation of the highest FP value for actual microvia filling process.

Abstract: Provided are low friction coatings with improved abrasion, wear resistance and methods of making such coatings. In one form, the coating includes: i) an under layer selected from the group consisting of CrN, TiN, TiAlN, TiAlVN, TiAlVCN, TiSiN, TiSiCN, TiAlSiN and combinations thereof, wherein the under layer ranges in thickness from 0.1 to 100 ?m, ii) an adhesion promoting layer selected from the group consisting of Cr, Ti, Si, W, CrC, TiC, SiC, WC, and combinations thereof, wherein the adhesion promoting layer ranges in thickness from 0.1 to 50 ?m and is contiguous with a surface of the under layer, and iii) a functional layer selected from the group consisting of a fullerene based composite, a diamond based material, diamond-like-carbon and combinations thereof, wherein the functional layer ranges from 0.1 to 50 ?m and is contiguous with a surface of the adhesion promoting layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for SIC single crystal has an induction heating control unit such that frequency f (Hz) of alternating current to the induction heating unit satisfies Formula (1); D1 (mm) is permeation depth of electromagnetic waves into a crucible side wall by the heating unit, D2 (mm) is permeation depth of electromagnetic waves into a SIC solution, T (mm) is thickness of the crucible side wall of the crucible, and R (mm) is crucible inner radius: (D1?T)×D2/R>1.5??(1) where, D1 is defined by Formula (2) and D2 by Formula (3): D1=503292×(1/(f×?c×?c))1/2??(2) D2=503292×(1/(f×?s×?s))1/2??(3); ?c is electric conductivity (S/m) of the sidewall, ?s is electric conductivity (S/m) of the SiC solution; ?c is relative permeability of the sidewall, and ?s is relative permeability of the SIC solution.

Abstract: A method of making an aluminum nitride (AlN) buffer layer over a silicon wafer for a light emitting diode (LED) includes preflowing a first amount of ammonia that is sufficient to deposit nitrogen atoms on the surface of a silicon wafer without forming SiNx, before flowing trimethylaluminum and then a subsequent amount of ammonia through the chamber.

Abstract: Preparation of semiconductor nanocrystals and their dispersions in solvents and other media is described. The nanocrystals described herein have small (1-10 nm) particle size with minimal aggregation and can be synthesized with high yield. The capping agents on the as-synthesized nanocrystals as well as nanocrystals which have undergone cap exchange reactions result in the formation of stable suspensions in polar and nonpolar solvents which may then result in the formation of high quality nanocomposite films.

Abstract: The apparatus (1) is used for producing melt-blown fibres (MF). It comprises a die head (104) with several spinning orifices, means (100, 101,102, 103) for extruding at least one melted polymeric material through the spinning orifices of the die head (104) in the form of meltblown filaments (f), and means (104a,104b) for blowing a hot primary gas flow (F1) towards the outlet of the die head (104) in order to draw and attenuate the polymeric filaments (f) at the outlet of the die head, and a drawing unit (105) that is positioned below the die head (104), and that is adapted to create an additional gas flow (F3) that is oriented downstream to further draw and attenuate the meltblown filaments (f).

Abstract: Sized short alumina-based inorganic oxide fiber comprises, based on the total weight of the sized short alumina-based inorganic oxide fiber: from 0.1 to 15 percent by weight of a size resin comprising a polyamide; and from 85 to 99.9 percent by weight of short alumina-based inorganic oxide fiber. Methods of making the sized short alumina-based inorganic oxide fiber and compositions comprising the sized short alumina-based inorganic oxide fiber in a polymeric matrix are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein are high performance reinforcing nanostructure additives, high throughput processes for using such additives, and composites comprising such additives. Such nanostructure additives include nanofibers, including nanofiber fragments, of various matrix materials, including metal(s) (e.g., elemental metal(s), metal alloy(s), etc.), metal oxide(s), ceramic(s), metal carbide(s), carbon (e.g., carbon nanocomposites comprising carbon matrix with metal component embedded therein), and/or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a metal cord with two concentric layers of wires is provided. The cord includes an internal layer of M wires, M having a value from 1 to 4, and an external layer of N wires. The cord is rubberized from within in situ. That is, during manufacture of the cord, the cord is rubberized from inside. According to the method, the internal layer is sheathed with rubber or a rubber compound by passing the internal layer through an extrusion head, and the N wires of the external layer are assembled around the sheathed internal layer to form a two-layer cord rubberized from the inside. The rubber is an unsaturated thermoplastic elastomer that is extruded in a molten state, and preferably is a thermoplastic styrene (TPS) type of thermoplastic elastomer, such as an SBS or an SIS block copolymer, for example.

Abstract: A metal cord has an M+N construction with two concentric layers. An internal first layer or core includes M wire(s) of diameter d1, M having a value from 1 to 4. An external second layer includes N wires of diameter d2 and is positioned around the core, the N wires being wound in a helix. Between the wires of the two layers are gaps, some or all of which include a filling rubber based on an unsaturated thermoplastic elastomer. The filling rubber may be, for example, based on an SBS or an SIS block copolymer. When used in a molten state, the thermoplastic elastomer presents no problem due to unwanted stickiness if the filling rubber overspills outside the cord after manufacture. The unsaturated and therefore (co)vulcanizable nature of the thermoplastic elastomer makes it compatible with diene rubber matrices used as calendering rubber in metal fabrics intended for reinforcing tires.

Abstract: Disclosed are a hybrid tire cord, which can be easily manufactured and has more uniform physical properties, and improved strength and fatigue resistance, and a method for manufacturing the same. The hybrid tire cord includes a nylon primarily twisted yarn and an aramid primarily twisted yarn, wherein the nylon primarily twisted yarn and the aramid primarily twisted yarn are secondarily twisted together, and after untwisting of the secondary twisting of the hybrid tire cord having a predetermined length, a length of the aramid primarily twisted yarn is 1.005 to 1.025 times a length of the nylon primarily twisted yarn.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyester fiber that can be applied to a fabric for airbag, particularly, to a polyester fiber having an elongation of 0.4% or less at the stress of 1.0 g/d, an enlongation of 4.0% or less at the stress of 4.0 g/d, and an enlongation of 7.0% or less at the stress of 7.0 g/d, and an initial modulus of 105 to 130 g/d; a method of preparing the same; and a fabric for airbag prepared therefrom. Since the polyester fiber of the present invention decreases stiffness remarkably and secures superior mechanical properties by having a high strength, high elongation, and high shrinkage, it is possible to provide superior packing property, dimensional stability, and air-tight effect, and to protect passengers safely by minimizing the impact applied to the passengers, when it is used for the fabric for airbag.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to reinforcement materials for use in reinforcing flexible tank walls, and particularly to hybrid textiles and weaving patterns that have been found particularly useful with such hybrid textiles.

Abstract: A coffee yarn and a fabric using the same are provided herein and the fabric includes a plurality of coffee yarns and a plurality of weaving yarns. The coffee yarns are arranged in parallel and each one of the coffee yarns includes a yarn body and multiple coffee particles. The yarn body has a wavy strip shape and includes a plurality of bending sections and a plurality of non-bending sections. The coffee particles are embedded within the yarn body. A density of the coffee particles in the bending sections is greater than a density of the coffee particles in the non-bending sections. The weaving yarns are arranged in parallel and the weaving yarns are alternately weaved with the coffee yarns.

Abstract: A sinker equipped with lubrication oil channeling and separating structure is an element of a knitting machine which includes at least a dial, a sinker disc, an oil ejection nozzle to sprinkle lubrication oil and a yarn feeder. The dial includes a plurality of needle troughs to hold respectively a knitting needle. The sinker disc includes a plurality of sinker troughs to hold the sinker. The sinker includes a base located in the sinker troughs, a driving nub located above the base, a knitting portion located at a front end of the base, an oil sprinkling zone interposed between the base and the knitting portion, and a lubrication oil channeling and separating structure interposed between the knitting portion and the oil sprinkling zone. The lubrication oil channeling and separating structure includes a separating slot, a flow channeling portion and an oil blocking portion that are around the separating slot.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to nonwoven webs, and multi-component fibers comprising polydiorganosiloxane polyamide as well as method of making microfibers and multi-component fibers comprising a polydiorganosiloxane polyamide copolymer.

Abstract: A polyimide fiber assembly of the present invention includes polyimide fibers having curved shapes with an average fiber diameter falling within a range of greater than 1 ?m to not greater than 100 ?m, the polyimide fiber assembly having a bulk density falling within a range of not less than 1 kg/m3 to not greater than 30 kg/m3. This makes it possible to realize a polyimide fiber assembly that is both excellent in thermal insulation performance and sound absorbency and light in weight.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a sewing portion, a switching frame, a movement mechanism, a processor, and a memory. The sewing portion is configured to perform sewing on a sewing workpiece. The switching frame is configured to hold the sewing workpiece. The movement mechanism is configured to move the switching frame mounted thereon. The memory is configured to store computer-readable instructions, wherein the computer-readable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the sewing machine to perform processes that include acquiring first pattern data used to sew a first pattern, acquiring second pattern data used to sew a second pattern, causing the movement mechanism to move the switching frame and the sewing portion to sew the first pattern, causing the movement mechanism to move the switching frame to an escape position, and causing the movement mechanism to move the switching frame and the sewing portion to sew the second pattern.

Abstract: An end guide for a cord attachment device includes a cloth. The cloth is configured to fold over, unto, and overlap itself. The cloth has three portions. The first and second portions are longer than a third portion. The cloth is folded axially about a central longitudinal axis. The central longitudinal axis spans from the proximal end to the distal end of the cloth. The folding causes the first and second portions to overlap. A plurality of flutes are configured in the cloth by a plurality of stitch lines running parallel to each other and extending through first and second sides (the front and back) of the cloth and extending through the overlap of the first and second portions. At least one of the plurality of stitch lines are located between each of the flutes. The flutes span to both the proximal and distal ends of the cloth.

Abstract: A method for performing the automated closure of an axial end of a tubular manufacture and for unloading it inside out, comprising a step of positioning the manufacture right way out at a sewing or linking station, arranged so that its axis is substantially vertical and so that it hangs, by means of a first axial end to be closed by sewing or linking, from an annular handling device; then a step of turning the manufacture inside out is performed; a step of closing the first axial end of the manufacture by sewing or linking is then performed; then a step of disengaging the manufacture from the handling device is performed and then a step of moving the manufacture away is performed.

Abstract: A hook and bobbin locator apparatus and method consisting of a mounting plate and more than one hook and bobbin combination. Each of the more than one hook and bobbin combinations is connected with a stepper motor and each of the more than one hook and bobbin combinations are removably connected with the mounting plate. A stepper motor is also connected with the mounting plate and a controller is connected with the mounting plate stepper motor and the hook and bobbin combination stepper motors such that movement of the mounting plate and the hook and bobbin combinations are controlled by the controller.

Abstract: A washing machine including a drying function for drying laundry items received therein is provided. The washing machine may include an air circulating device that circulates air through a tub of the washing machine and heats air for re-supply to the tub, and an air discharge device that discharges a portion of moist air from the tub to an outside of the tub.