Abstract: A system for dispensing fluid in response to a sensed property such as an ambient sound comprises a sensor (2) for detecting one or more properties, a processing stage for determining if the one or more sensed properties is/are within a predetermined range and/or above and/or below a predetermined level and dispenser (6) for dispensing a fluid into an area surrounding the system if the one or more sensed properties is/are determined by the processing stage to be within a predetermined range and/or above and/or below a predetermined level and/or value.

Abstract: A unit for spreading an adhesive onto a moving film, includes at least one pair of abutments (11) upon which is mounted a first pick-up roller (12) for collecting a quantity of adhesive from a collection zone (13), a second roller (14) that rotates in contact with the first roller (12), intended to receive the quantity of adhesive, and a third roller (15) that rotates in contact with the second roller (14), wherein the abutments include at least one fixed portion (19) and one moving portion (20, 21) that can be firmly connected to the fixed portion, the moving portion being configured: to house a tank (17) in which the adhesive collection zone is found, or to house an additional fourth roller (18) positioned at a given distance from the first roller, the collection zone being located in the upper space between the first and the fourth roller (12, 18).

Abstract: An apparatus for activating a chemistry disposed upon a target structure includes a handle; a structure contacting element rotatably attached to the handle and adapted to roll without slipping upon a target structure; and a radiant energy source having an emissive outlet at least partially within the structure contacting element wherein said contacting element is at least partly transparent or translucent to said radiant energy.

Abstract: A method of controlling a process for the manufacture of a multicomponent sheet material having a desired pre-determined parameter comprising applying an acoustic or an electromagnetic signal to interact with the sheet material whereby the interaction modifies the applied signal, detecting the modified signal, comparing the modified signal or data derived from it with data relating to the pre-determined parameter and modifying at least one step of the process whereby the data relating to the modified signal is modified towards the data relating to the pre-determined parameter.

Abstract: A curtain coating device for paper and board machines has a nozzle beam (10) with a nozzle lip (12) with an edge strip (11) for feeding the coating color curtain and edge guides (20) located along each edge of the nozzle lips (12) controlling the width of the coating color curtain. The edge guide (20) has upper and lower ends. Flow surfaces (22) extend in a substantially vertical direction parallel and next to each other. The edge guide has a lubrication feed (24), additional lubrication feeds (26) and a suction opening (27). The flow surfaces (22) are inclined toward each other forming a flow guide recess (25) which extends in a vertical direction such that the form of the flow surfaces (22) with the flow guide recess (25) is concave. A protrusion (21) extends within the recess in the direction of the flow guide recess (25).

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes one or more substrate processing units 11 to 18 each processing a substrate 3 with a processing fluid; processing fluid supply units 19 and 20 supplying the heated processing fluid to the substrate processing units 11 to 18; and a controller 21 controlling the processing fluid supply units 19 and 20. The processing fluid supply units 19 and 20 include a storage tank 35 storing the processing fluid; a heating heat exchanger 51 heating the processing fluid; and a supply path 52 supplying the processing fluid to the substrate processing units 11 to 18. The supply path 52 includes a bypass path 71 bypassing the heating heat exchanger 51 at an upstream of the substrate processing units 11 to 18. The processing fluid heated by the heating heat exchanger 51 and the processing fluid supplied from the bypass path 71 are mixed to be supplied.

Abstract: A coating applicator that applies a coating or liquid to a variety of different substrates having different contoured surfaces is disclosed. A coating applicator of the present disclosure is able to reach, contact, and cover the entirety of a contoured substrate. In this manner, the coating applicator is able to transfer a coating to the entirety of the contoured substrate.

Abstract: Superhydrophobic coatings and compositions and methods for preparing superhydrophobic coatings and compositions are described herein whereby the coatings and compositions are prepared under mild conditions, yet the methods are amenable to chemical functionalization of the coatings and components therein. The methods are useful for tuning and optimizing the physical properties of the coatings. In an embodiment, the coatings comprise nanostructured fluorinated silica colloids.

Abstract: A method of creating decorative artwork including providing a wall-mountable substrate having a paint-receiving upper surface and a wall-mounting surface opposite the paint-receiving upper surface, applying a first coat of resin to the paint-receiving upper surface, applying a metallic substance to the paint-receiving upper surface, and applying a sealer including a quantity of volatile organic compounds to the paint-receiving upper surface at a velocity sufficient to disperse at least one of the first coat of resin and the metallic substance in a plurality of directions with respect to the paint-receiving upper surface to create at least one decorative marking.

Abstract: An embossed heat transfer label includes a carrier, embossing layer, release coating, design layer, and adhesive layer, in which the embossing layer is formed to include an embossing pattern, and the design layer is configured to take up the embossing pattern from the embossing layer. The embossed heat transfer label is configured such that the design layer and the adhesive layer transfer to a target object upon application of heat and pressure, while the embossing layer and the release coating is removed and disposed with the carrier. The exposed design layer provides an embossed surface on the target object. The label can include a flat profile layer on which the design layer is printed.

Abstract: A device for surface treatment of an object on a workstation surface has a support frame movable in relation to the object and a number of irradiation elements and a control unit for controlling the irradiation. The support frame is movable in at least one direction along the object, surrounds the object on at least two sides, and includes two substantially parallel side sections and an upper section connected with at least one of the side sections. The object is disposed between the side sections and under the upper section. Each side section includes at least one movable, adjustable panel. On the upper section, a movable panel having irradiation elements is arranged. Some of the panels have infrared and ultraviolet sources. Sensor elements sense the position of the object, and are connected with the control unit, which can control position and/or angular setting of the panels and/or irradiation elements.

Abstract: Provided herein are formaldehyde-free flame retardant compositions, comprising a flame retardant acid and a fixing agent; and methods of their use for manufacturing durable formaldehyde-free flame retardant cellulosic materials. Also provided herein are durable formaldehyde-free flame retardant cellulosic materials and articles comprising the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preparing or repairing a chemically-resistant coating such as a porcelain enamel on a metal substrate. One such method involves forming a ground coat on the substrate, cooling the substrate to substantially near ambient temperature, optionally by applying a heat source to cool the substrate slowly, followed by flame-spray depositing a coating material onto the softened ground coat. Then, the substrate is allowed to cool slowly so the chemically-resistant coating can form with less stress. Optionally, an induction coil is used to heat the substrate, both to form the ground coat and to slow the cooling of the substrate.

Abstract: Methods are provided for forming a reflective coating by applying a precursor material onto the substrate; soft curing the precursor material at a first curing energy level; and thereafter, hard curing the precursor material at a second curing energy level having a higher amount of energy than the first curing energy level to form the reflective coating. Other methods are provided for forming a reflective coating a surface of a plastic substrate by heating the surface of the plastic substrate to a deposition temperature, applying a polymeric resin onto the heated surface, and crosslinking the polymeric resin to form the reflective coating. The polymeric resin can include a cross-linkable powder, a cross-linker, and a pigment, with the deposition temperature being about 10° C. or greater than the melting point of the cross-linkable binder. Lighting apparatus formed from such methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a driver device (40) for driving a load (52) having a plurality of separate capacitive load elements (52), in particular an ultrasound transducer having a plurality of transducer elements (52), comprising: input terminals (44, 46) for connecting the driver device (40) to power supply (48); a plurality of output terminals (50) each for connecting the driver device (40) to one of load elements (52), a first controllable switch (54) connected to a first of the input terminals (44), and a plurality of driving elements (42) each having a second controllable switch (60) and a resistor (58) connected in series to each other, wherein each of the driving elements (42) is connected in series with the first controllable switch (54) and to a second of the input terminals (46), and wherein each of the output terminals (50) is connected to one of the driving elements (42) for powering the load elements (52).

Abstract: A gold panning assembly for vibrationally separating gold from dirt includes a pan that may receive a mixture of the dirt and the gold. A vibration unit is coupled to the pan. The vibration unit vibrates the pan such that the vibration unit urges the gold to separate from the dirt thereby facilitating the gold to be removed from the dirt.

Abstract: A postal sorting machine includes a sorting conveyor having sorting outlets, a first feed branch adapted for automatically injecting heterogeneous postal articles of the small parcel type into the sorting conveyor, and a second feed branch adapted for injecting homogeneous flat mailpieces of the letter type, or the magazine type, or of some analogous type into the sorting conveyor. The first feed branch has an inlet adapted for receiving the heterogeneous postal articles loose, and it is provided with at least one robotized handling arm of the “pick and place” type.

Abstract: A system for sorting products using an imaging device and an image processor.

Abstract: An optical type granule sorting machine has a determination unit that includes a three-dimensional color distribution data creation section that creates data on wavelength components of R light, G light, and B light from granules in a three-dimensional color space, a Mahalanobis distance interface creation section that partitions the data into a conforming granule cluster area and a nonconforming granule cluster area, a Euclidean distance interface creation section that determines a position of center of gravity of the conforming granule cluster area and a position of center of gravity of the nonconforming granule cluster area to set an interface that allows the positions of center of gravity to lie at a longest distance from each other, a two-dimensional data conversion section that converts into two-dimensional color distribution data by using a line of intersection between the interfaces, and a threshold setting section.

Abstract: A method for sorting, in a continuous flow, contaminated materials, which includes: conveying materials from a point (A) to a point (B) by means of a conveyor; measuring the radioactive activity by means of a first sensor between the points (A) and (B) on the top surface (FSUP) of the first conveyor; and sorting the materials by means of a sorting device. The method may include measuring the radioactive activity of the contaminated material by means of a second sensor, either on the top surface (FSUP) of the conveyor and upstream from the point (A), or below the bottom surface (FINF) of said conveyor; calculating a differential measurement between a measurement from the second sensor and from the first sensor; and restricting the sorting to the comparison between a threshold value and the measurement from the first sensor or the differential measurement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning coils and fins of outdoor condenser units and the like in locations without electrical service wherein the apparatus comprises containers for water and cleaning chemical, a plumbing system for preparing and delivering a cleaning mixture, an electrical system for power, and wherein the method provides for cleaning coils by directing cleaning mixture through the coils in counter-flow to cooling air drawn through the coils by a condenser unit fan.

Abstract: A multiple jewelry cleaner having a heat insulation gasket; a front end of an upper surface of the heat insulation gasket is removably configured with a cup; a top part of the cup is removably mounted with a filter net; a front mounting panel is installed on the upper surface of the heat insulation gasket at one side of the cup; an end of the front mounting panel distant from the cup is fixedly installed with a front shell; a nozzle is fixedly installed on and passes through the front mounting panel and the front shell, with a nozzle head positioned external to the front mounting panel and the front shell; two sides of the front shell are fixedly installed with a right cover and a left cover respectively; bottom ends of both the right cover and the left cover rest on the upper surface of the heat insulation gasket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a stack of secure instruments such as banknotes is disclosed. Each secure instrument or banknote includes a substrate, visual data and a security feature. The apparatus includes a chamber configured to contain a supercritical fluid at a temperature and a pressure and for a duration sufficient to disinfect or decontaminate the banknotes and not compromise the security feature and the visual data of the banknotes, a structure for holding the stack of banknotes in the chamber so that the supercritical fluid circulates through and around the banknotes to remove one or more substances into the supercritical fluid, and a strapping machine configured to secure a securing mechanism to the stack of banknotes.

Abstract: The plasma reactor comprises a reaction chamber (23) connectable to a source of ionizable gases (25) and to a heating device (80), said reactor (10) being subjected to the phases of heating (A), cleaning (L) and/or surface treatment (S), cooling (R), unloading (D) and loading (C) of metallic pieces (1). The installation comprises: at least two reactors (10), each being selectively and alternately connected to: the same source of ionizable gases (25); the same vacuum source (60); the same electrical energy source (50); and to the same heating device (80), the latter being displaceable between operative positions, in each of which surrounding laterally and superiorly a respective reactor (10), while the latter is in its heating phase (A) and cleaning phase (L) and/or in the surface treatment phase (S) of the metallic pieces (1).

Abstract: Equipment and method for a system implementing a multistep washing process, with a chemical container (110A-110D) for each chemical (111A-111D) and means for conveying one chemical at a time from the container through a feed channel (120) to a washing object (100) and from the washing object through a return channel (130) back to the container. First and second sensors (122, 132) monitor a first parameter set in the feed channel (120) and a second parameter set in the return channel (130), respectively. Both parameter sets include parameter(s) indicating the purity of the chemical. A control center (150) includes calculation means (153) arranged to determine the mutual uniformity of the first and second monitored parameter sets. Action time of the chemical is determined on the basis of the mutual uniformity of the first and the second monitored parameter sets.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed herein are devices for the treatment of medical waste using high temperature and pressure steam. The devices combine both the sterilization chamber and the steam generating component. The devices may be self-contained and may be movable by one person of average strength and ability. The devices which are self-contained require no special installation, connections, plumbing or permanent or semi-permanent electrical connections. Disclosed and claimed herein are methods using the disclosed and claimed devices.

Abstract: A sub-aqueous capping material comprising a plurality of compacted particles of a reactive solid material having a dispersion aid homogeneously blended therein, the compacted particles having a specific gravity greater than 1.0, a particle size in the range of about 1/16 inch to about 1 inch, and having a time for disintegration, once in contact with water, of 5 hours or less.

Abstract: A process for treating polluted soils, in particular soils with a leachable fraction greater than 0.4%, wherein the leachable fraction contains predominantly anions, in particular sulfate ions, and/or heavy metals, includes mixing the soil with a sulfoaluminate-clinker-based hydraulic binder, in soil/binder weight proportions of between 1 and 40 parts of binder per 100 parts of soil, the sulfoaluminate clinker containing more than 50% by weight of ye'elimite C4A3S phase, less than 15% by weight of belite C2S phase, and from 1% to 5% by weight of free lime CaO. The process is used for stabilizing soils in situ or before dumping, soils polluted in particular with sulfate anions and/or heavy metal cations.

Abstract: A composite rolling mill roll according to the present invention includes: a steel roll shaft; and an outer layer provided around the roll shaft, in which the outer layer includes a sintered body including a base metal which is an iron alloy, a fibrous inclusion which consists of a ceramic and has an average diameter of 1 to 30 ?m and an average aspect ratio of 10 to 500, and a particulate inclusion which consists of a ceramic and has an average diameter of powder 1 to 100 ?m, an amount of the fibrous inclusion is 5 to 40 volume % relative to the volume of the sintered body, and an amount of the particulate inclusion is 5 to 30 volume % relative to the volume of the sintered body.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are described for drawing materials. In certain embodiments, the material is metal tubing that is hollow along its length. The drawing system may include a first drawing machine that is fixed or stationary and a second drawing machine that moves relative to the first drawing machine. In certain embodiments, the position of the second drawing machine is determined with respect to a desired position, wherein the second drawing machine is downstream from the first drawing machine, and wherein the material is successively drawn by the first and second drawing machines. The drawing speed of the first drawing machine may be adjusted from a first speed to a second speed based on the determined position of the second drawing machine. A programmable logic controller may be provided to control, at least in part, operations of the drawing system.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for roll straightening crankshafts (8, 8?) using crankshaft deep rolling tools (1 to 7), in particular work rollers (18,19) which, while the crankshaft (8, 8?) is rotated about its axis of rotation (21), are pressed into the recesses (14 to 17) or radii that delimit the bearing pins (Hi, Pi) on either side with a roll straightening force (27, 30) that constantly fluctuates around the circumference of a bearing pin (H1 to H5, P1 to P4). Roll straightening is carried out by determining the individual vector (34) of the runout by size and direction (35) at each main bearing (Hi) of the crankshaft (8, 8?).

Abstract: An apparatus for forming the profile of deformable materials including tubular sections. The apparatus (1) includes at least two sets (4, 5) of die elements (6), each set (4,5) including a plurality of die elements (6) respectively arranged to travel along corresponding endless path. The paths each include a forming portion (9,10) in which die elements (6) of each set (4. 5) are opposed to define a forming space (11) therebetween. The forming portion (9, 10) of each path is configured so that one or more dimensions of the forming space (11) reduce along the length of the forming portion (9,10) to simultaneously apply lateral forces to material progressing through the forming portion.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems of orienting parts for incremental sheet forming and, in some examples, forming the parts in these orientations. A forming orientation may be identified by simulating forming operations of the same part in multiple different orientations and identifying the thinnest portions of the part for each of the orientations. The orientation with the maximum thickness of these identified portions is selected as a forming orientation. The forming simulation may be based on the Sine law by comparing the actual and projected areas of different surface elements of the shape to be formed. As such, a part formed in the forming orientation will have the greatest minimum thickness among all other possible orientations.

Abstract: A fine blanking device characterized by a trough structure is provided. Preferably, the fine blanking device comprises a punch, a mother die module having a first die cavity allowing the punch to enter therein, and a blank-holder module having a second die cavity allowing the punch to enter therein; wherein one or more trough structures are formed on/individually formed on the mother die module or/and the blank-holder module, wherein the trough structure is formed, surrounding the first die cavity, on the mother die module at a sheet stock contacting side thereof; or/and the trough structure is formed, surrounding the second die cavity, on the blank-holder module at a sheet stock contacting side thereof.

Abstract: A stamping press includes a first body (200) and a second body (100,300), at least one of them having axial movement, the first body have a third body (255) with controlled rotary movement capability, and the second body have a fifth body (115,350) that also has rotary movement, the third body (255) and the fifth body (115,350) rotary movements as well as the axial movements from the first body (200) and the second body (100,300) are independent with respect to each other.

Abstract: A method for forming a wave form for a stent includes moving a first forming portion of a first forming member across an axis along which a formable material is provided in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the axis to engage and deform the formable material while engaging the formable material with a first forming portion of the second forming member. The method includes moving the first forming portion of the first forming member and the first forming portion of the second forming member across the axis in a second direction that is substantially opposite the first direction to draw and form the formable material over the first forming portion of the second forming member, disengaging the first forming member from the formable material, and rotating the first forming member to position a second forming portion of the first forming member to face the formable material.

Abstract: A method for producing a punch-riveted connection between a first component and a second component having a flat cross-section, and a composite component that includes the first component and the second component.

Abstract: A conveying device for molten metal in an injection die casting unit, has a storage container for the molten metal and a conveying duct delivering the molten metal to a mold cavity. The conveying duct includes a cylinder bore with a piston disposed in an axially adjustable manner. A collection chamber, from which the molten metal is introduced through an onward line into the mold cavity upon axial displacement of the piston, is provided for the molten metal. An annular space, which is connected via at least one filling bore to the collection chamber, is formed between the outer wall of the piston and the inner wall of the cylinder bore. The filling bore, on an end which opens into the collection chamber, is closable by means of a valve body which is connected to an adjustable valve rod which is displaceably disposed in an axial bore of the piston.

Abstract: Provided is a low-pressure casting apparatus for stable casting without using feedback control even if a furnace body has a crack, and a low-pressure casting method using the same. A low-pressure casting apparatus fills a cavity with molten metal M through a guiding unit by introducing gas into a holding furnace for heating the molten metal M to apply pressure to a surface of the molten metal M. The holding furnace includes a casing, a furnace body accommodated in the casing, and a refractory layer disposed between the casing and the furnace body, the refractory layer having a pore structure. The low-pressure casting apparatus further includes a first gas supply unit for supplying to the furnace body the gas to apply pressure to the molten metal M and a second gas supply unit for supplying gas to the refractory layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bioresorbable implant, wherein a magnesium alloy is formed into an implant. A melt is pressed into a die and gases in the die induce turbulence in the inflowing melt, thereby enclosing gas, so that the porous implant is formed with a porosity, which increases from outside inwardly. The surface of the implant is substantially free from open pores.

Abstract: Method and system for producing a part using die casting or injection molding with a top die and undercut dies that are independently moveable from the top die. In one particular form, the method and system can include a top die and one or more undercut dies that can have a protrusion. The undercut dies can be lowered into a base of the system and moved away from each other, and the top die can be lowered into a receiving portion between the undercut dies. A molten liquid can be introduced into a space between the undercut dies and additional aspects of the system, and after cooling to form a part, the top die can be moved vertically to allow space for the undercut dies to be moved toward each other. The undercut dies can be moved vertically and the part can be removed.

Abstract: A method of processing a casting is described. The method comprises removing a mold from a cast metal part without cold working surfaces of the cast metal part and thermally treating the cast metal part. The method can further comprise finishing the surfaces of the cast metal part after thermally treating such that any cold working of the surfaces of the cast metal part occurs after thermally treating such that no recast layer is formed in the cast metal part.

Abstract: A pour tube for casting molten metal is adapted to reduce turbulence and mold disturbances, thereby producing a more stable, uniform outflow. The pour tube has a central longitudinal axis and includes a bore in communication with a port distributor having a greater radius with respect to the longitudinal axis than does the bore. Exit ports provide fluid communication between the port distributor and the exterior of the device. Each of a pair of larger exit ports has a larger cross-sectional area than does either of a pair of smaller exit ports.

Abstract: The invention provides an industrial method for producing dispersion-strengthened iron-based materials at low cost and in large-scale. The industrial acid pickling waste solution is treated by spray roasting process after yttrium chloride is added. During the spray roasting process, the solution is atomized into fine droplets, the droplets are contacted with gas and dried into powders, which are heated in air to form metal oxides. The mixed powders of the metal oxides are reduced in hydrogen stream to obtain yttria dispersion-strengthened iron powders. High performance dispersion-strengthened iron materials are obtained by densifying the yttria dispersion-strengthened iron powders. The method has simple process and low cost, and is suitable for large-scale production due to the direct use of acid pickling waste solution from steel factory.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming at least one three-dimensional article by fusing parts of a powder bed layer-wise. The apparatus comprising a powder distributor and an energy beam for fusing the powder layer. Said powder distributor comprises a first part being an elongated rod provided movable at a predetermined distance above the powder bed and with its central axis in parallel with a top surface of said work table and second part being a metal foil having at least a first and a second opposite edge portions. Said metal foil is provided between said elongated rod and said work table, said first and second opposite edge portions are attached to said elongated rod so that a distance between said first and second edge portions is smaller than the distance between said first and second edge portions of said metal foil when said metal foil is in a flat position.

Abstract: A method for forming a three-dimensional article comprising applying a first powder layer on a work table; directing a first energy causing said first powder layer to fuse in first selected locations to form a first cross section where said first energy beam is fusing a first region with parallel scan lines in a first direction and a second region with parallel scan lines in a second direction; fusing at least one of the scan lines in said first region in said first direction immediately before fusing at least one of said scan lines in said second region in said second direction; applying a second powder layer and directing the energy beam causing said second powder layer to fuse in second selected locations where the energy beam is fusing said first region with parallel scan lines in a third direction and said second region in a fourth direction.

Abstract: A method for forming a three-dimensional article through successive fusion of parts of a powder bed, applying a first powder layer on a work table, directing a first energy beam from a first energy beam source over said work table causing said first powder layer to fuse in first selected locations according to a corresponding model to form a first cross section of said at least one three-dimensional article, where said first energy beam is fusing a first article with parallel scan lines in a first direction, fusing a second scan line in said first direction in said first layer in said first article within a predetermined time interval after fusing a first scan line in said first article, wherein at least one intermediate scan line is fused within said time interval at another predetermined position and where said first and second scan lines are adjacent to each other.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a powder having a high surface area is provided. According to the method of manufacturing a powder having a high surface area, a metal electrolyte in which metal ions of different kinds of first metals are dissociated is prepared. Subsequently, a metal alloy powder formed of the first metals is formed by soaking a second metal having a higher reducing power than the first metals in the metal electrolyte to induce a first spontaneous substitution reaction. Therefore, it is possible to form a powder having an improved specific surface area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for the at least partial removal of the outside circumferential surface of a pipe consisting of plastic, comprising a hollow cylindrical housing (12), with a wall that surrounds a cylindrical interior space that accommodates the body in an axially moveable manner, at least one opening in the wall as well as a cutting element (74) that is associated with the opening (62) and with its cutting section projects into the interior space. To be able to remove the outside circumferential surface of the pipe in an unproblematic manner and to the desired degree, it is suggested that the cutting element (74) in a front view exhibit a disc or ring geometry and be connected to the housing (12) by a fastening element that extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cutting element, whereby the cutting element can be connected to the housing in the desired position by rotating it about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A polygon machining method whereby first polygon machining using a polygon cutter is carried out on a workpiece, followed by machining using tools other than the polygon cutter, then second polygon machining using the polygon cutter again.