Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating piece goods to be stored in an automated storage facility are provided. At least two bearing surfaces for receiving piece goods are engaged with a conveying system for filling the bearing surfaces with piece goods, the conveying system having transfer surfaces dedicated to the bearing surfaces. The bearing surfaces may be filled with piece goods separately from one another. A control unit is coupled to the conveying system and a detection device is coupled to the control unit for detecting the position, orientation, and package data of the piece goods. A handling mechanism is also coupled to the control unit for gripping piece goods from the bearing surfaces and depositing the piece goods on a transfer device.

Abstract: A waterblasting system includes a fluid supply device, an air supply device, and a waterblasting tool. The air supply device contains a battery and an alternator in a single unit. The alternator is operated by compressed air from a separate air compressor and generates electric power, at least some of which is used to charge the battery.

Abstract: A waterblasting system includes a fluid supply device, an air supply device, and a waterblasting tool. The waterblasting system further includes a wireless controller providing an interface for an operator to wirelessly control both the fluid supply device and the air supply device. The wireless controller can actuate an engine of the fluid supply device and a valve unit of the air supply device to control a pressurized fluid from the fluid supply device and a compressed air from the fluid supply device, which are delivered to the waterblasting tool.

Abstract: A mobile high-pressure cleaning apparatus is provided with a vehicle trailer, on the chassis of which at least two running wheels are held so as to be rotatable, and with a high-pressure cleaning appliance having a motor and a pump, and also with at least one water storage tank for storing water for the high-pressure cleaning appliance. So that water can be provided to the apparatus from the at least one water storage tank or from a water supply mains, without risk of water from the water supply mains being returned thereto, the high-pressure cleaning apparatus has a decoupling tank with at least one inlet which can be connected to the water supply mains, and at least one outlet which is connected to the high-pressure cleaning appliance and to at least one water supply tank via a shut-off member which can be actuated by the user.

Abstract: A coating device and a washing method for its nozzle are provided. The coating device including a barrel, a nozzle connected with the barrel, and a waste sump provided below the nozzle, wherein the coating device further includes a washing bath and a washing component, the washing bath is provided at a side of the waste sump, and the washing component is provided in the washing bath, and is configured to inject washing liquid and cleaning gas to the nozzle to wash the nozzle when the nozzle is moved to the top of the washing bath.

Abstract: A floor scrubbing apparatus includes a reservoir for an aqueous salt solution disposed in the floor scrubbing apparatus. An immersion device comprising a submersible housing with at least two iridium-coated electrodes spaced apart from each other within the submersible housing is adapted to be immersed into the reservoir. The floor scrubbing apparatus also includes a control module electrically coupled to the electrodes, wherein the control module controls application of electricity to cause a first electrode to be positively charged and a second electrode to be negatively charged.

Abstract: Presented is a method and apparatus for aiding medical procedures. An apparatus includes a housing defining a first opening, a second opening, and a interior, and a first cleaning element maintained within the interior relative to the first opening, the first cleaning element comprising at least one cleaning agent operable to remove extraneous debris from an object. The apparatus further includes a second cleaning element maintained with the interior relative to the second opening, the second cleaning element comprising at least one cleaning material and at least one white reference material, the at least one cleaning material operable to remove debris from an object. The apparatus also includes a conduit defining a passage from a first end of the housing to a second end of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting fluid during flushing of a subsea fluid conduit such as a subsea umbilical. The apparatus comprises a vessel configured to receive fluid from the subsea fluid conduit, and a first connector for fluidly coupling the vessel to the subsea flowline. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a second connector for fluidly coupling the apparatus to a subsea production system and a flow control system. The flow control system is configured to operate in a first mode in which flushing fluid is directed from the subsea fluid conduit into the vessel, and is configured to operate in a second mode of operation in which the fluid is diverted from the subsea flowline to the subsea production system. In another aspect, the apparatus is configured to provide a detectable signal to surface when a pre-determined volume of flushing fluid has been received in the vessel.

Abstract: A faucet cleaner is provided. The faucet cleaner includes a supply bottle having a base, a sidewall extending from the base, and a neck. The neck includes a top end having a rim forming an opening into the supply bottle. A delivery cup is secured to the neck of the supply bottle. The delivery cup includes a base and a sidewall extending from the base. The present invention further includes a channel having a bottom end and a top end. The bottom end is disposed in the supply bottle. The channel runs from inside the supply bottle through the opening formed by the rim of the neck, through the base of the pump mechanism and into delivery cup so that the top end is disposed in the delivery cup. A plurality of bristles are secured to the base of the delivery cup and disposed within the delivery cup.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for cleaning and sanitizing potable water devices/appliances by recirculating and pulsing a rejuvenation solution through the device/appliance using a portable apparatus comprising a mechanical pump fluidly connected to the device/appliance.

Abstract: A rotary tank cleaning spray nozzle assembly which includes a stationary housing, a rotary housing for rotation about a central axis of the stationary housing, and a nozzle carrying hub supported by the rotary housing for rotation about an axis transverse to the axis of the stationary housing. A support rod extends through the rotary housing and into the stationary housing with a lower end supporting the underside of the rotary housing and the upper end being secured by a retainer. The retainer is releasable to permit removal of the rotary housing and nozzle hub from an underside of the stationary housing. A fluid driven drive for the rotary housing and nozzle hub includes a pair of removably mounted bevel gear rings. In one embodiment, liquid lubricating, frustoconical, high load carrying bearings support rotatably.

Abstract: The present invention is a rack system for transporting and retaining powder coat hangers during a cleaning process to remove built-up coating materials from the powder coating process.

Abstract: A method for lining an existing waste disposal site having a waste level includes, for example: installing perimeter barrier walls about the site and interior barrier walls within the perimeter barrier walls to define cells; transferring waste, such as for example ash, from one of the cells to one or more other cells to form an empty cell with a layer of contaminated material at the bottom of the empty cell; removing the layer of contaminated material from the empty cell to form a clean cell with a noncontaminated bottom layer; installing a barrier liner layer in the clean cell to form a lined cell; and transferring waste from other cells into the lined cell.

Abstract: An auger useable for creating an opening in the ground for a soil sensor housing wherein the sensor housing has a predetermined volume and a tapered outer surface, includes an auger made in accordance with the methods described and defined in this specification. The auger having a shaft having an outer surface of circular cross-section having an larger outer diameter at one end than the other end and a strip material having a helical shape with an inner wall having a larger inner diameter at one end than the other end of the helical shape wherein the helically shaped material is fixed over the outer diameter of the shaft to form a tapered auger with helical flighting. The volume of the opening created by an auger in the ground will provide a matching volume for a sensor housing of a predetermined volume such that substantially the full length of the tapered outer surface of the sensor is adjacent the ground along the full length/depth of the created opening.

Abstract: A paintless dent removal tool having a handle with a side and two opposing ends. The tool having a substantially rigid stem with a proximal segment and a distal segment opposite the proximal segment, and configured with the proximal segment extending from the side of the handle between the two opposing ends. The stem comprises an elongated curve between the proximal segment and the distal segment of the stem, and a substantially rigid tip extends in an angular fashion from the distal segment of the stem.

Abstract: A forming device includes a gas supply part supplying a gas into a metal pipe material held and heated between a first die and a second die paired with each other. A driving mechanism moves at least one of the first die and the second die in a direction in which the dies are combined together. A first cavity part is formed between the first die and the second die to form the pipe part. A second cavity part communicates with the first cavity part to form the flange part. A flange forming member can be allowed to advance or retreat in the second cavity part, and forms the flange part. A controller controls the gas supply of the gas supply part, the driving of the driving mechanism, and the advance or retreat of the flange forming member.

Abstract: A swivel jig tool for forming a burring hole in a door inner panel includes: a jig base; a jig slide moving forward or rearward along an upper surface of the jig base; and a jig driver disposed behind the jig slide and moving downward by its own weight and applying a force to the jig slide to move the jig slide forward. The jig base comprises: an L-shaped fixed jig base movably supporting the jig slide that is in contact with an upper surface of the L-shaped fixed jig base; a connector protruding upward from the L-shaped fixed jig base at a position opposite to a vertical part of the L-shaped fixed jig base, the connector fixing a hinge shaft thereon; and a rotating jig base mounted to the connector by the hinge shaft to rotate around the hinge shaft that is disposed in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A continuous punch apparatus comprises a first punch station and a second punch station. The first punch station includes a first punching assembly and a second punching assembly that are laterally spaced apart from each other. The first punching assembly and the second punching assembly are configured to be moved laterally. The second punch station includes a third punching assembly. The third punching assembly is configured as having a punch head with a cross-section parallel to a sheet material and increasing in a direction away from the sheet material, so that a substantial punching section of the punch head of the third punching assembly in punching through the sheet material can be selectively used.

Abstract: A punching apparatus includes punching tools and actuators positioned above and aligned with the respective punching tools to actuate the punching tools along an operating direction so as to interact with a piece to be worked. The punching tools and the actuators are arranged side by side along at least one row. The punching apparatus includes at least one barrier optical sensor, suitable to generate a light beam that is put side by side to the row of punching tools and actuators, and reference elements, each of which is associated to a respective punching tool and/or actuator to intercept the light beam. The barrier optical sensor is arranged to detect changes in the light beam produced by one of the reference elements moving along the operating direction so as to measure a position and/or a stroke and/or a speed of a punching tool associated to the reference element.

Abstract: Provided is a crimp structure in which an inner member and an outer member that is arranged outside the inner member are joined to each other. The inner member includes: an insertion portion having a columnar surface-like outer circumferential surface; and a recessed portion provided in the outer circumferential surface. The outer member includes: a cylindrical portion that forms an opening into which the insertion portion is inserted; a reduced-diameter portion that is formed in the cylindrical portion, and has a plastically deformed shape such that a diameter of the cylindrical portion is reduced annularly inward in a radial direction; and a protruding portion that has a plastically deformed shape such that a part, in a circumferential direction, of the reduced-diameter portion has entered the recessed portion. Relative rotation of the inner member and the outer member can be suppressed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water cooled mold for casting aluminum alloy wheels and a manufacturing method thereof. The water cooled mold is provided with first-type water cooling channels with high heat exchange efficiency and second-type water cooling channels with low heat exchange efficiency. The first-type water cooling channels are concave grooves through which cooling water flows, and a cooling surface of the mold is in contact with open surfaces of the concave grooves. The second-type water cooling channels are grooves with stainless steel pipes, and the stainless steel pipes are in contact with the cooling surface of the mold. The second-type water cooling channels are installed on mold portions corresponding to wheel window positions of a cavity, and the first-type water cooling channels are installed on mold portions corresponding to spokes, flanges and rims of the cavity.

Abstract: Processes are provided that include providing a copper-manganese alloy containing copper and manganese and having an amount of manganese that is at least 32 weight percent and not more than 40 weight percent of a combined total amount of the copper and manganese in the copper-manganese alloy, and casting the copper-manganese alloy by multidirectional solidification to produce a product in the form of a casting. The copper-manganese alloy has a composition sufficiently near the congruent melting point of the Cu—Mn alloy system to sufficiently avoid dendritic growth during the multidirectional solidification of the copper-manganese alloy to avoid the formation of microporosity attributable to dendritic growth. The product has a cast microstructure having a cellular and/or planar solidification structure free of dendritic growth and having multidirectional columnar grains.

Abstract: A hammer includes a jacket, which includes an inner chamber, an inlet circuit for entry of compressed air, and an outlet circuit for exit of compressed air. The hammer further includes a motion mechanism, for generating a vibratory motion under the action of compressed air; and a punch or beater, connected to the motion mechanism, for coming into contact with the casting to be de-cored, forming a first end of the hammer. The inlet circuit includes an inlet connector for connecting the hammer to a compressed-air circuit; the inlet connector being located at a second end of the hammer, opposite to the end where the punch or beater is located. The outlet circuit has an outlet connector for connecting the hammer to an air recovery circuit. The outlet connector is located at the second end of the hammer, in proximity to the inlet connector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ceramic refractory casting nozzle for metallurgical applications. The term “nozzle” includes all types of substantially tube-shaped refractory parts which allow a metal melt flowing through a corresponding casting channel. This includes, i. a. a so-called submerged entry nozzle (SEN) and a so-called ladle shroud.

Abstract: Disclosed are interfacially modified particulate and polymer composite material for use in injection molding processes, such as metal injection molding and additive process such as 3D printing. The composite material is uniquely adapted for powder metallurgy processes. Improved products are provided under process conditions through surface modified powders that are produced by extrusion, injection molding, additive processes such as 3D printing, Press and Sinter, or rapid prototyping.

Abstract: Silver nanowires coated with, instead of a polymer protective agent such as PVP, an organic protective agent having a smaller molecular weight are provided. The silver nanowires have an average diameter of 100 nm or less and an average length of 5 ?m or more, and a thiol having a molecular weight of 75 to 300 is adhered on surfaces of the metal silver. The silver nanowires have a thiol containing one thiol group in the structure adhered thereon. A thiol having only one thiol group (—S—H) in a molecule is a suitable target. Examples thereof include 1-dodecanethiol, 1-decanethiol, 1-octanethiol, 3-mercapto-1,2-propanediol, monoethanolamine thioglycolate, ammonium thioglycolate, and thiomalic acid.

Abstract: A device produces pellets from pressed material, including a feeding apparatus for receiving pressed material, which is arranged in the region of a feeder screw, a pre-pressing chamber which can be fed by the feeder screw, a closable main pressing chamber having a main ram movable for compacting the content of the main pressing chamber, and an ejecting apparatus having a closing slide, and a cutting device for cutting the pressed material during or after entering the pre-pressing chamber, the device being designed to cut the pressed material supplied to the pre-pressing chamber via the feeder screw so as to provide cut pressed material in the pre-pressing chamber and/or main pressing chamber for the purpose of compaction.

Abstract: Methods are presented for making sintered articles from water-atomized nickel-based superalloy powders. Three-dimensional binder jet printing is used to make a printed article from the powder. The printed article is liquid phase sintered without slumping at a temperature at which at least fifteen volume percent of the powder is liquid during sintering.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus including a build chamber in which an object is built and a flow device. The flow device comprises a body having a Coand{hacek over (a)} surface and a passageway connectable to a pressurised gas source. The passageway has an opening located adjacent to the Coand{hacek over (a)} surface to, in use, direct a jet of gas over the Coand{hacek over (a)} surface. A space adjacent the Coand{hacek over (a)} surface is in fluid communication with the build chamber such that gas drawn into and/or propelled from the space causes gas flow through the build chamber.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a three-dimensional structure includes forming unit layers using at least one of a first flowable composition including first powder and a second flowable composition including second powder and solidifying at least one of the first flowable composition including the first powder and the second flowable composition including the second powder in the unit layers. In the forming the unit layers, both of the first flowable composition and the second flowable composition are caused to be present in plane directions crossing a thickness direction of the unit layers.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system including a two-dimensional energy patterning system for imaging a powder bed is disclosed. Improved chamber designs, multiple chambers, powder handling and re-use systems, and powder characterization methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of additive manufacture is disclosed. The method may include restricting, by an enclosure, an exchange of gaseous matter between an interior of the enclosure and an exterior of the enclosure. The method may further include running multiple machines within the enclosure. Each of the machines may execute its own process of additive manufacture. While the machines are running, a gas management system may maintain gaseous oxygen within the enclosure at or below a limiting oxygen concentration for the interior.

Abstract: A method of additive manufacture is disclosed. The method may include creating, by a 3D printer contained within an enclosure, a part having a weight greater than or equal to 2,000 kilograms. A gas management system may maintain gaseous oxygen within the enclosure atmospheric level. In some embodiments, a wheeled vehicle may transport the part from inside the enclosure, through an airlock, as the airlock operates to buffer between a gaseous environment within the enclosure and a gaseous environment outside the enclosure, and to a location exterior to both the enclosure and the airlock.

Abstract: Additive manufacturing can involve dispensing a powdered material to form a layer of a powder bed on a support surface of a build platform.

Abstract: A method of additive manufacture suitable for large and high resolution structures is disclosed. The method may include sequentially advancing each portion of a continuous part in the longitudinal direction from a first zone to a second zone. In the first zone, selected granules of a granular material may be amalgamated. In the second zone, unamalgamated granules of the granular material may be removed. The method may further include advancing a first portion of the continuous part from the second zone to a third zone while (1) a last portion of the continuous part is formed within the first zone and (2) the first portion is maintained in the same position in the lateral and transverse directions that the first portion occupied within the first zone and the second zone.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for using optical interferometry in the context of material modification processes such as surgical laser, sintering, and 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 part including a material of the part having a first material property. A second material property of the first material or a different material, one of the first material property or the second material property being arranged to form a mark. A method for producing a part.

Abstract: There is provided a method for the manufacture of a metal part from powder comprising the steps: a) providing a spherical metal powder, b) mixing the powder with a hydrocolloid in water to obtain an agglomerated metal powder, c) compacting the agglomerated metal powder to obtain a part of compacted agglomerated metal powder, wherein the structure of the part is open, d) debinding the part to remove the hydrocolloid, e) compacting the part using high velocity compaction (HVC) preferably to a density of more than 95% of the full theoretical density, f) further compacting the part using hot isostatic pressing (HIP) preferably to more than 99% of the full theoretical density to obtain a finished metal part, wherein at least one oxide is added to the metal powder before step c), which oxide has a melting point higher than the melting point of the metal powder.

Abstract: An aluminum-based composite material includes a plurality of coarse crystalline grains (3) of pure aluminum, and a plurality of fine crystalline grains (4) each having an aluminum matrix (1), and a dispersion material (2) dispersed inside the aluminum matrix and formed by reacting a portion or all of an additive with aluminum in the aluminum matrix. The fine crystalline grains exist among the coarse crystalline grains, and the fine crystalline grains have crystalline grain diameters smaller than crystalline grain diameters of the coarse crystalline grains.

Abstract: Isolating metal nanowires from a reaction mixture also containing ancillary inorganic particles distinct from the nanowires, includes: providing a mixture of metal nanowires with large particles having at least two dimensions 250 nm or more, and small particles of which the largest dimension is less than 200 nm, in the form of a dispersion in a solvent medium having a viscosity at 25° C. 10 mPa·s or more; leaving the mixture to settle out under conditions conducive to the formation of a supernatent phase including the small particles and of a precipitate comprising the metal nanowires and the large particles; isolating the precipitate, and dispersing the isolated precipitate in a solvent medium having a viscosity at 25° C. less than 10 mPa·s; leaving the suspension to settle out under conditions conducive to the precipitation of said large particles; and recovering the nanowires in the form of a dispersion in the supernatent phase.

Abstract: A cutting insert of one aspect includes a top surface including a first corner portion and a second corner portion; and a top cutting edge. The top cutting edge includes a first corner cutting edge, a first major cutting edge, a second corner cutting edge, and a second major cutting edge. The top surface includes a first breaker protrusion and a second breaker protrusion. A gap between the first breaker protrusion and the first corner cutting edge is larger than a gap between the second breaker protrusion and the second corner cutting edge in a top view, a gap between the first breaker protrusion and the first major cutting edge becomes larger as a distance from the first corner cutting edge increases, and a gap between the second breaker protrusion and the second major cutting edge becomes smaller as a distance from the second corner cutting edge increases.

Abstract: The cutting device includes a rotating portion for rotating the cutting tool in a rotation axis line of the cutting tool and a traveling means for making the cutting tool travel relative to a workpiece. The rotating means and the traveling means rotates the outer peripheral surface of the cutting tool and makes the cutting tool travel, having the outer peripheral surface function as the rake surface, so as to perform cutting machining.

Abstract: A composite part includes: a cutting edge part made of cubic boron nitride sintered material or WC-based cemented carbide; a cutting tool body made of cemented carbide; and a bonding part between the cutting edge part and the cutting tool body. A primarily TiC layer containing 50 area % or more of TiC is formed in an interface between the cemented carbide and the bonding part, and has a thickness of 0.5-3 ?m. Ti—Ni enriched layer containing each of Ti and Ni at 30 atomic % or more is formed adjacent to the primarily TiC layer and has a thickness of 0.3-3 ?m. An intermittent net structure containing each of Ti, Ni and C at 10 atomic % or more is formed adjacent to the primarily TiC layer. A straight line overlapping with a major axis of each of crystal grains intersects 3 or more other crystal grains.

Abstract: A laser beam is transmitted through a drill bit comprising diamond or other suitable light-transmitting material having sufficient hardness. The laser beam exits a tip of the drill bit, thereby heating and softening the material being drilled at and/or near the interface of the drill with the material being drilled. The process may be utilized to drill hard and brittle materials such as ceramics and semiconductors, composites and ceramic matrix composites. The process may cause high pressure phase transformation, resulting in a more ductile and plastic material near the drill point/tip. The process provides more rapid drilling, improved surface quality in drilled holes, and less tool wear.

Abstract: A hole saw includes a cylindrical body disposed along an axis of rotation with a side wall extending axially from a cap end to a cutting end. The cutting end includes a plurality of cutting teeth. The hole saw also includes a cap coupled to the cap end of the cylindrical body. The side wall defines an elongated aperture configured to receive a tool for removing work piece plugs from within the cylindrical body. The elongated aperture has a first slot portion adjacent the cutting edge. The first slot portion is oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The elongated aperture also has a second slot portion connected to the first slot portion and extending from the first slot portion toward the cap end. The second slot portion is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A holesaw assembly includes a holesaw and a pilot bit. The holesaw includes a hollow cup defining a center axis. The cup has a round base perpendicular to the center axis and a peripheral wall coupled to and extending axially forward of the base to a peripheral edge at a free end of the wall. The pilot bit is received in the holesaw along the center axis. The pilot bit has a shaft received in the base, a cutting head coupled to a front end of the shaft, and an at least partially threaded tip coupled to a front end of the cutting head. The holesaw is free of any radial cutting elements disposed inside the cup between the drill bit and the peripheral wall of the cup.

Abstract: A method of milling an engine bore is disclosed. The method may include inserting a milling tool having a plurality of cutting edges along a longitudinal axis into an engine bore, rotating the milling tool about the longitudinal axis and moving the milling tool around a perimeter of the engine bore to remove material from the engine bore, and rough honing the bore. The milling may generate a tapered bore (e.g., frustoconical). The rough honing process may increase a minimum diameter of the tapered bore by at least 60 ?m. A total time of the milling and honing process may be less than 60 seconds. In one embodiment, the honing step may include using a grit size of at least 200 ?m and/or using a honing force of at least 200 kgf. The method may reduce the cycle time and tooling requirements of forming engine bores.

Abstract: A rotary cutting tool having an axis of rotation, a shank area, and a cutting area. The rotary tool has chip flutes reaching as far as a core profile in the cutting area. In order to reduce vibrations of the rotary cutting tool and therefore to permit precise machining and high surface quality with long service lives, the center line of the core profile has a course that deviates from the axis of rotation of the rotary cutting tool and/or the core profile contains mutually alternating sections with increasing cross-sectional area and sections with decreasing cross-sectional area over the length of the cutting area.

Abstract: Milling tools configured to increase surface roughness are disclosed. The tool may include an elongated body having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of cutting inserts coupled to the body and spaced along the longitudinal axis, each cutting insert having a cutting edge. In one embodiment, the cutting edges may have an orientation that is oblique to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body. Each cutting edge may have a first end having a greater cutting radius than a second end. The cutting edges may be offset from the longitudinal axis of the elongated body by an offset angle. In another embodiment, the cutting edges may have a textured or rough surface profile. For example, the cutting edges may have a mean roughness (Rz) of at least 7.5 ?m. The milling tools may increase the surface roughness of a milled engine bore to facilitate a subsequent rough honing process.

Abstract: A double-sided cutting insert that has a positive clearance face and includes a top portion, a bottom portion substantially identical to the top portion, and a middle portion. The inscribed diameter at the middle portion is larger than the inscribed diameter at each of the top portion and the bottom portion. The double-sided cutting insert having positive clearance face provides a simplified grinding method in order to achieve the dimensional precision required as well as reduced tooling cost allowing both positive and negative double-sided cutting inserts seat in the same insert-receiving pocket on the same tool holder.