Abstract: The present technology provides for a microfluidic substrate configured to carry out PCR on a number of polynucleotide-containing samples in parallel. The substrate can be a single-layer substrate in a microfluidic cartridge. Also provided are a method of making a microfluidic cartridge comprising such a substrate. Still further disclosed are a microfluidic valve suitable for use in isolating a PCR chamber in a microfluidic substrate, and a method of making such a valve.

Abstract: A fractionation system comprising means for forming a three dimensional optical lattice that is operable to separate particles that have different physical characteristics. Preferably, the wells of the optical lattice are interlinked. For example, the wells may be linked in such a manner as to provide deflection greater than or equal to 15 degrees.

Abstract: The invention presents a microfluidic device that provides investigation of distance dependent interactions between cells and various factors. A method that uses the device to determine distance dependent interactions between cells and various factors and agents that can change these interactions is also presented.

Abstract: A method of exchanging fluids with suspended particles includes providing a microfluidic device with a first inlet channel operatively coupled to a source of particles and a second inlet channel operatively coupled to an exchange fluid. A transfer channel is connected at a proximal end to the first inlet channel and the second inlet channel. First and second outlet channels are connected to a distal end of the transfer channel. The source of particles is flowed at a first flow rate into the first inlet channel while the exchange fluid is flowed at a second flow rate into the second inlet channel wherein the ratio of the second flow rate to the first flow rate is at least 1.5. Particles are collected in one of the first and second outlet channels while fluid substantially free of particles is collected in the other of the first and second outlet channels.

Abstract: During droplet operations in a droplet actuator, bubbles often form in the filler fluid in the droplet operations gap and interrupt droplet operations. The present invention provides methods and systems for performing droplet operations on a droplet in a droplet actuator comprising maintaining substantially consistent contact between the droplet and an electrical ground while conducting multiple droplet operations on the droplet in the droplet operations gap and/or reducing the accumulation of electrical charges in the droplet operations gap during multiple droplet operations. The methods and systems reduce or eliminate bubble formation in the filler fluid of the droplet operations gap, thereby permitting completion of multiple droplet operations without interruption by bubble formation in the filler fluid in the droplet operations gap.

Abstract: A reaction vessel assembly for use with thermal cyclers is described. The assembly includes a reaction vessel and a casing defining a cavity. In a first configuration, the casing receives the reaction vessel within the cavity, to act as a protective casing for the reaction vessel. In a second configuration, the casing engages with a mouth of the reaction vessel, to close the vessel. In this configuration, the casing may also act as a handle. In preferred embodiments, the reaction vessel is in the form of a capillary tube, and/or may include an integrated collimating lens. Certain embodiments also include an RFID tag.

Abstract: An improved dose assay station for preparing unit-dose samples of radionuclide from a multi-dose vial is disclosed. The improved assay station is provided an assay chamber and a radionuclide sample lifter provided within the assay chamber. The radionuclide sample lifter is configured for lowering a radionuclide sample container into the assay chamber and raising the radionuclide sample container out of the assay chamber. The radionuclide sample lifter includes a magnetically coupled pneumatic actuator; and a carriage attached to the magnetically coupled pneumatic actuator, the carriage being configured for holding the radionuclide sample container, wherein the magnetically coupled pneumatic actuator moves the carriage between a first position and a second position within the assay chamber, wherein the first position places the carriage near the top end of the assay chamber and the second position places the carriage near the bottom end of the assay chamber.

Abstract: A counter top food waste disposer in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure includes a food conveying section, a motor section and a grind and discharge section disposed between the food conveying section and the motor section. In an aspect, the food waste disposer also includes a discharge area in which a container is removably receivable. When the container is received in the discharge area, during operation of the food waste disposer food waste is dischargeable from a discharge outlet of a discharge section into the container. In an aspect, a hose is removably receivable in the discharge area when the container is not present and food waste is discharged through the hose when it is received in the discharge area. In an aspect, the food waste disposer includes a water reservoir from which water can be introduced into the food waste disposer.

Abstract: A disintegrating machine, in particular a rotor cutter or rotor tearing device, contains at least a first blade shaft, a second blade shaft, a frame, and a driving device for driving the blade shafts. The blade shafts are rotatably accommodated by bearings in bearing receptacles of the frame. The bearing receptacles are configured to improve the maintenance friendliness, in particular by a maintenance-friendly bearing receptacle and/or quick-exchange coupling and/or quickly removable scrapers and/or multifunctional bearing plates and/or by reinforcing ribs, and with regard to a lighter construction while achieving the same or better stability properties.

Abstract: A method of processing a heterogeneous material includes entraining heterogeneous particles into a fluid stream. Each of the heterogeneous particles comprises a liquid portion and a solid portion. The fluid stream is passed through at least one adjustable nozzle, and is impacted to dissociate the liquid from the solid. A method of separating oil from solid particles includes mixing oil-coated solid particles with water to form a slurry, passing a first portion of the slurry through a first nozzle, and passing a second portion of the slurry through a second nozzle such that the second portion of the slurry intersects the first portion of the slurry to separate the oil from the particles.

Abstract: Electret webs include a thermoplastic resin and a charge-enhancing additive. The charge-enhancing additive is an arylamino-substituted benzoic acid or an arylamino-substituted benzoic acid salt. The electret webs may be a non-woven fibrous web or a film. The electret webs are suitable for use as filter media.

Abstract: Electret webs include a thermoplastic resin and a charge-enhancing additive. The charge-enhancing additive is a divalent metal-containing substituted-mercaptobenzimidazolate salt. The electret webs may be a non-woven fibrous web or a film. The electret webs are suitable for use as filter media.

Abstract: A shower head with rotary bottom cover assembly includes a water passage member with a third inlet and an outlet chamber communicating with each other, a rotator mounted inside the outlet chamber and having a first rotator inlet, a first outlet and a diverting channel, a rotator cover, a bottom cover assembly. The first rotator inlet is mounted inside the third inlet of the water passage member and communicates with a center portion of the diverting channel. The diverting channel has two second outlets formed on two ends thereof and oppositely located. The rotator cover hermetically covers and seals the outlet chamber and has a hole for an outlet hose to be mounted through. A top of the outlet hose is connected with the center portion of the diverting channel. A bottom of the outlet hose engages the bottom cover assembly. The water head is structurally simple and has massaging effect.

Abstract: An outlet device that may be used in a shower head includes a base portion that is disposed with at least one inlet and a plurality of diversion holes. The base portion is disposed with a impeller. The impeller rotates when it is impacted by water flowing. A guard sheet is movably disposed in the base portion. The impeller is connected to the guard sheet in driving way so that the impeller rotates to drive the guard sheet to move. The guard sheet moves with respect to the base portion to control the diversion holes to outflow water in cycles intermittently. Each diversion hole is rotatably connected with an outlet nozzle. The impeller rotates to drive the outlet nozzles to rotate to outflow rotating water. The impeller and the outlet nozzles cooperate to achieve a rotating water with strong massage effect.

Abstract: A housing selectively encloses a nozzle. The housing has a body that partially defines an interior space in which the nozzle is configured to be disposed. The housing also includes a cover assembly that selectively blocks a first aperture of the body and further defines the interior space. Additionally, the housing has a piston that is disposed in the interior space and secured to the nozzle. The piston defines a gas inlet, a liquid inlet, and an outlet fluidly connected to both the gas inlet and the liquid inlet. The housing further includes a biasing member attached to the piston. The biasing member is configured to exert a biasing force that biases the nozzle to a retracted position. The biasing member is further configured such that when pressurized gas flows through the body, the biasing force is overcome such that the nozzle is disposed in an extended position.

Abstract: The present inventions relate to the formation of a thin polymer film on a substrate. Apparatus is described for transforming a solid polymer resist into an aerosol of small particles, electrostatically charging and depositing the particles onto a substrate, and flowing the particles into a continuous layer. Apparatus is further described for transforming solid resist into an aerosol of small particles by heating the resist to form a low viscosity liquid such as is compatible with nebulization and applying the techniques of jet or impact nebulization and aerosol particle sizing to form the aerosol. A method is further described of using ionized gas to confer charge onto the aerosol particles and using a progression of charging devices establish an electric field directing the flow of charged particles to the substrate. The progression of charging devices and associated apparatus results in high collection efficiency for the aerosol particles.

Abstract: A modular spray gun manifold having a plurality of spray gun modules arranged in a lateral array each separated by an adjacent support assembly. Each spray gun module has a central liquid passage communicating with a spray nozzle and a transversely oriented liquid inlet port communicating through an outer side of the spray gun module for connection with an independently controllable liquid supply. The spray gun modules further include a recirculation port communicating between the central passageway and a recirculation conduit in an adjacent support assembly. A control valve of each module is operable when in open spraying position for blocking communication of liquid from the central passageway to the circulation port and when in a valve closing position blocking the liquid flow to the spray nozzle while redirecting liquid from the liquid inlet to the recirculation port for recirculation through the manifold array.

Abstract: The invention relates to a powder supply device for a powder coating system having at least one powder container (24), which has a powder chamber (22), and having at least one powder dispensing device, which is connected or can be connected to a powder dispensing channel (13) opening into the powder chamber (22) via a powder dispensing opening (36), in order to extract coating powder from the powder chamber (22) during powder coating operation of the powder coating system. In order to achieve as homogeneous and effective a powder conveyance as possible using the powder supply device according to the invention, the at least one powder dispensing device is designed as a powder dense flux pump (4), in particular as a single-chamber powder dense flux pump (200).

Abstract: A thermal spray assembly (10) for transforming precursor material (60) into a layer of deposited material joined to a substrate body. A plasma torch (20) produces a plasma jet from a plasma nozzle (28). A feeder mechanism (30) guides the precursor material (60) into the plasma jet in use and provides a feeder orifice (70) when in an open condition. The feeder mechanism comprises a guide chamber (34) and a moveable guide mechanism (32), and the guide chamber is capable of guiding the precursor material to the feeder orifice, through which the precursor material can move from the guide chamber and enter the plasma jet at a variable mean distance from the plasma nozzle (28) in response to movement of the guide mechanism (32).

Abstract: Container assemblies (100) that transition between a sealing state and a retained venting state are described. The container assemblies each include a body portion (110) having an open end (113), and a lid portion (120) adapted to cover the open end of the body portion to create an enclosed volume, e.g. reservoir, and additionally comprise a venting feature (140). When the fluid pressure within the enclosed volume is less than a threshold pressure, the lid portion is in a sealing state such that the lid portion and the body portion cooperate to maintain a substantially fluid-tight seal against fluid leaving the enclosed volume. When the fluid pressure is greater than or equal to the threshold pressure, the lid portion is in a retained venting state such that the excess fluid pressure from the enclosed volume vents through the venting feature while retaining the lid portion on the body portion.

Abstract: A high pressure capable fluid sprayer includes a piston pump, a main pump housing, and a spray tip. The piston pump has a piston disposed to pump a fluid. The spray tip has an outlet aperture configured to atomize and spray the fluid. The main pump housing is formed of compliant plastic and rated for at least 1600 psi, defines a main pump chamber surrounding the piston, and is disposed to receive fluid from a fluid source.

Abstract: A wall-drawing hovering device (WDHD) is provided. The WDHD comprises an unmanned helicopter configured and operable for flying and hovering while being disconnected from ground. The WDHD further comprises a mobilizing system comprising at least one motorized wheel. The mobilizing system is physically associated and carried with the unmanned helicopter and configured to drive the WDHD along a vertical surface when the WDHD hovers above ground. The WDHD further comprises a drawing system comprising a paint releasing member connected with a paint reservoir. The drawing system is carried with the unmanned helicopter and configured to controllably release paint from the paint reservoir through the paint releasing member. The WDHD is thereby configured to hover above ground next to a vertical surface such as a wall, so that the mobilizing system frictionally attaches to the vertical surface thereby enabling driving the WDHD along the vertical surface.

Abstract: A liquid take-up mechanism may be used in connection with a spray bottle having a first and second vertical tube section, an internal member capture, a horizontal tube section, an angled tube section, and a rotation connection member. The internal member capture may be adjacent the first and second vertical tube sections. The horizontal tube section may be secured to the second vertical tube section. The angled tube section may be secured to the horizontal tube section. The rotation connection member may have a housing and an internal member, which may be carried by the internal member capture. The first and second vertical tube sections may be adapted to be carried by the housing. The internal member may be adapted to interface between the first and second vertical tube sections. The second vertical tube section may be able to freely rotate with respect to the first vertical tube section.

Abstract: A gluing system for applying glue on products is disclosed. The gluing system includes a glue applicator configured to deposit melted glue on products, a glue container configured to contain excess melted glue discharged from the applicator and fresh melted glue, a glue delivering unit configured to deliver glue from the container to the applicator and a glue discharging unit configured to convey excess glue not used by the applicator to the container. The container is divided by a partition into a first chamber, containing the fresh melted glue, and into a second chamber containing the excess melted glue and separated from the first chamber. The partition includes a filter allowing flow of the fresh melted glue and the excess melted glue from both the first and second chambers to the delivering unit.

Abstract: A method is used to identify and compensate for errors created by changes in the relative positions of a deposition unit and a vision system of a dispenser. The method includes calibrating the vision system, dispensing a pattern of features over a working area, moving the vision system over a deposition location to locate a deposition, obtaining an image of the deposition, tagging data associated with the image, calculating a relative distance between the deposition unit and the vision system, storing correction data with spatial location in a file for later use, and using the stored data to make small corrections prior to dispensing additional material.

Abstract: In a method for forming nanopores, two opposing surfaces of a membrane are exposed to an electrically conducting liquid environment. A nanopore nucleation voltage pulse, having a first nucleation pulse amplitude and duration, is applied between the two membrane surfaces, through the liquid environment. After applying the nanopore nucleation voltage pulse, the electrical conductance of the membrane is measured and compared to a first prespecified electrical conductance. Then at least one additional nanopore nucleation voltage pulse is applied between the two membrane surfaces, through the liquid environment, if the measured electrical conductance is no greater than the first prespecified electrical conductance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water-based coating and/or coating system used to form sag resistant wet layers or coatings on a wide range of substrates. The coating system is effective for protecting metal-containing substrates, such as intermodal cargo containers, against corrosion. As an overview, the present invention provides water-based compositions as primer coats on substrates, and methods for applying the same to substrates. The method includes steps of applying a water-based paint to the interior surfaces of a substrate and drying the substrate by continuously forcing heated air onto the substrate as it moves through a drying chamber. Desirably, the primer incorporates a high level of one or more CAS agents for excellent sag resistance while drying in a broad range of relative humidity environments. Alternatively, modifications can be made to control temperature and humidity during spray application and drying as a way to increase sag resistance of the coating.

Abstract: A clear coating method comprising: applying a clear paint on a topcoat base coating film (21) under a first coating condition, and thereby forming a first wet clear coating film in a first stage (14A); successively applying a clear paint on the first wet clear coating film under a second coating condition different from the first coating condition without baking the first wet clear coating film, and thereby forming a second wet clear coating film in a second stage (14B); and baking the first wet clear coating film and the second wet clear coating film and thereby forming a clear coating film, wherein a painted non-volatility value of the clear paint in the second stage is larger than a painted non-volatility value of the clear paint in the first stage, an average atomized paint particle size of the clear paint in the second stage is smaller than an average atomized paint particle size of the clear paint in the first stage, and a thickness of the second wet clear coating film is thinner than a thickness of the

Abstract: A haptic actuator having a vibrating body which comprises a first magnetic body disposed on one end of the coil member in the vertical direction; a second magnetic body disposed on an opposite end of the coil member in the vertical direction; a first magnet and a second magnet mounted on both ends of the first magnetic body in the horizontal direction respectively; a third magnet and a forth magnet mounted on both ends of the second magnetic body in the horizontal direction respectively; a third magnetic body mounted on one ends of the first magnet and the third magnet in the horizontal direction; a forth magnetic body mounted on the opposite ends of the second magnet and the forth magnet in the horizontal direction; and a first weight and the second weight mounted on the third magnetic body and the forth magnetic body respectively.

Abstract: There are provided a vibrator and an electronic device including the same. The vibrator includes: a housing having an internal space; an elastic member having both ends fixed to the housing so as to be disposed in the internal space in a state in which elastic deformation is possible; and a piezoelectric element mounted on one surface of the elastic member, wherein the piezoelectric element is fixed to the elastic member by soldering.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a one- or two-dimensional array of micromechanical ultrasonic transducer (PMUT) elements positioned below, beside, with, on, or above a backplane of a visual display. The backplane may be a thin-film transistor (TFT) backplane. The array of PMUT elements may be a piezoelectric micromechanical ultrasonic transducer (PMUT) array or a capacitive micromechanical ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) array. The PMUT array may be configurable to operate in modes corresponding to multiple frequency ranges. When operating in the low-frequency mode, the apparatus may be capable of gesture detection. A high-frequency mode may include a fingerprint sensor mode or a stylus detection mode.

Abstract: An Escort-Based Sorting (EBS) mail sorting and distribution center system configured and controlled for optimum mail flow and dispatch, minimal sorting center space usage, and elimination of peripheral storage and retrieval equipment. A plurality of input stations each include a mechanism for loading mailpieces and obtaining mailpiece data. A plurality of sorting banks each having a plurality of sorting modules, each sorting module adapted for the face-to-face conveyance of mailpieces for sorting by transferring select mailpieces from a first to a second conveyance path. The sorting modules define at least one row and a plurality tiers operatively coupled by a plurality of elevators. The elevators move mailpieces to and from tiers of the respective sorting bank. A system controller, operatively coupled to the input stations, sorting banks, and elevators, creates an association between the mailpiece information and the escort device, and sorts and dispatches mailpieces according to a dispatch schedule.

Abstract: An article induction system for preparing a stream of articles, such as mail parcels, for processing employs a series of conveyors operating under control of a controller for feeding articles to an operator at a cull belt at an optimal paced rate. The article induction system includes a destacking section, a separation and alignment section, a buffer section and a culling section manned by an operator. A controller controls the speed of each component based on measurements provided by sensors so as to feed articles to the operator at a desired paced rate.

Abstract: Particulate cleaning assemblies and methods for cleaning are disclosed. In one example, a device for removing particles from a backside surface of a substrate is described. The device includes a chamber body with a substrate chucking device, a particulate cleaning article positioned over the substrate supporting surface, an optical sensing device positioned under the particulate cleaning article and a substrate positioning device separates the particulate cleaning article and a substrate. In another example, a method for removing particles from a substrate is disclosed. The method includes positioning a substrate with a processing surface and a supporting surface in a process chamber. At least a portion of the substrate can be chucked to a substrate chucking device, the substrate chucking device having a substrate supporting surface with a particulate cleaning article positioned thereon. The substrate is then separated from the particulate cleaning article leaving particles behind.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus and an ultrasonic cleaning method for an edge face of a substrate help prevent re-contamination caused by splashing or the like of ultrasonic wave propagating water sprayed onto an edge face of an object to be cleaned. An ultrasonic wave transmitting tube provided to continue from the spot shower and configured to transmit and spray the ultrasonic wave propagating water to the substrate is provided, the ultrasonic wave transmitting tube is installed so as not to be positioned on the substrate, the substrate is retained so that the surface of the substrate assumes a horizontal state, and ultrasonic wave propagating water is sprayed to the edge face, which constitutes an outer periphery of the substrate arranged in a space from the ultrasonic wave transmitting tube in a direction of tangent line of the edge face while rotating the substrate by a rotatable rotation retaining portion.

Abstract: A substrate processing method using a cleaning liquid containing a foaming agent that foams due to application of foaming energy, and including a foaming energy supplying step of applying the foaming energy to the cleaning liquid in contact with the substrate to clean the substrate.

Abstract: A wash fluid and debris containment system includes a wash pad, a collecting trough, and a conveyor. The wash pad includes a support base and a top surface that rests on the support base. The top surface is configured to direct flow of wash fluid and debris to an edge of the top surface. The collecting trough extends along the edge to receive the wash fluid and debris from the top surface. The conveyor is positioned in at least a portion of the collecting trough and operable to remove the debris from an opposite end of the collecting trough from where the wash fluid is removed.

Abstract: An injection device having an inlet for receiving a fluid, an outlet for injecting the fluid and a chamber therebetween. A control rod is provided in the chamber and includes a duct extending through said control rod. A central rod extends in the duct and is movable between a retracted position and an active position. The central rod and the duct being arranged to prevent fluidic communication between the duct and the chamber when the central rod moves between its retracted and active positions. The central rod and the control rod are further movable relative to each other into a cleaning position, in which the duct is placed in fluidic communication with the chamber.

Abstract: A method and a device for cleaning an area (48) located inside a restriction (46) by means of a mechanical cleaning tool (1). The restriction (46) having a smaller cross-sectional dimension than the area (48) to be cleaned. The method includes the steps of moving the cleaning tool (1) into or through the restriction (46); moving a mechanical cleaning body (18) radially out into abutment against the area (48) to be cleaned; rotating the cleaning body (18) relative to the area (48) to be cleaned; moving the mechanical cleaning body (18) radially in from the area (48) which has been cleaned; and moving the cleaning tool (1) out from the restriction (46).

Abstract: Provided is a method for removing deposited solid residue from equipment used in the processing of (meth)acrylic acid or esters, including the steps of dissolving the solid residue in a cleaning solution comprising an organic carboxylic acid to produce a solid residue slurry; and removing the solid residue slurry from the equipment.

Abstract: A centrifugally cast, hot-rolling composite roll comprising an outer layer formed by a centrifugal casting method, and an inner layer made of ductile cast iron and integrally fused to the outer layer; the outer layer having a chemical composition comprising by mass 1.6-3% of C, 0.3-2.5% of Si, 0.3-2.5% of Mn, 0.1-5% of Ni, 2.8-7% of Cr, 1.8-6% of Mo, 3.3-6.5% of V, and 0.02-0.12% of B (or 0.01-0.12% of B, and 0.05-02% of S), the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, and meeting the relation expressed by Cr/(Mo+0.5W)??2/3[C?0.2(V+1.19Nb)]+11/6, wherein W=0, and Nb=0, when W and Nb are not contained, and containing by area 1-15% of MC carbide, 0.5-20% of carboboride, and 1-25% of Cr-based carbide.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to determine a plunge depth position of material conditioning machines are disclosed. An example method for setting a plunge depth of a leveler includes incrementally adjusting, via an actuator, a first work roll relative to a second work roll between a plurality of incremental plunge depth positions; measuring a pressure value in the actuator at the respective incremental plunge depth positions; associating the measured pressure values with the corresponding incremental plunge depth positions; detecting a smallest one of the measured pressure values; and identifying a first one of the incremental plunge depth positions corresponding to the smallest one of the measured pressure values.

Abstract: A flat rolling stock of metal passes through roll stands of a finishing train, and a cooling section, in succession. Initial values which characterize the energy content of rolling stock points are determined, at the latest, when said rolling stock points enters into the finishing train. The rolling stock is tracked as it passes through the finishing train and cooling section. The initial values, trackings, and energy content influences are used to determine expected values for the energy content of the rolling stock. The energy content expected for a predetermined location, which lies between the first roll stand and the first cooling device of the cooling section is ascertained and used to determine a target energy content progression, from the predetermined location until the rolling stock passes out of the cooling section. The cooling devices are controlled based on the target energy content progression.

Abstract: Operating method for a reversing rolling mill having at least one reversing rolling stand (2) for rolling a rolled metal stock (5), wherein the stock (5) passes the at least one reversing rolling stand (2) in a sequence of alternating direction passes (7) and after each pass, the stock is wound up by a reversing reel (3, 4), wherein only rolling oil, without water as a carrier medium, is applied to the stock (5) by rolling-oil applicator (6), between the at least one reversing rolling stand (2) and the winding-up reel (31, 41).

Abstract: A container for use in a metal extrusion press comprises a mantle having an elongate body comprising an axial bore, an elongate liner accommodated within the axial bore, the liner comprising a longitudinally extending passage through which a billet is advanced, and a fluid channel in thermal communication with the mantle through which a fluid for cooling the container flows.

Abstract: An austenitic stainless steel foil 2 with a thickness equal to or less than 300 ?m is disposed to face a punch 12, and the stainless steel foil 2 is subjected to drawing in a state in which an annular region 2a of the stainless steel foil 2 that is in contact with a shoulder portion 12d of the punch 12 is set to a temperature up to 30° C. and an external region 2b outside the annular region 2a is set to a temperature of from 40° C. to 100° C.

Abstract: An uncoiling, blanking and forming method includes the steps of: 1) uncoiling a steel coil, wherein a steel strip uncoiled from the steel coil is cleaned and straightened and is fed by a pinch roller to a blanking region; 2) laser blanking, wherein the steel coil enters the blanking region, is cut by a laser cutting head by way of laser blanking to form sheets with a required shape, with waste materials falling down and being conveyed to the outside; 3) outputting the sheets, wherein the sheets pass over a magnetic telescopic belt conveyor, and then carried by means of a manipulator or a robot to a stamping process; 4) stamping forming, wherein the sheets are stamped to form workpieces; and 5) checking, wherein the workpieces are checked and put in storage.

Abstract: Punch holders and corresponding punch configurations configured to increase the ease and speed by which maintenance and/or modification of punches used with the holders can be performed. In some cases, the punch holder can be configured with one or more upper and lower collars operatively situated on differing areas of the holder, with each collar adapted to perform a different action with regard to a punch held by the holder. In some cases, when the upper collar is rotated, a corresponding height adjustment of a punch held by the holder results. In some cases, when the lower collar is rotated, a punch held by the holder is released.

Abstract: A rotatable buffer turret apparatus on which plural pairs of punches and dies to be set on a turret of a turret punch press are set, includes an upper buffer turret on which punch attachment holes in which the punches can be set are arranged circularly, and a lower buffer turret on which die attachment holes that is associated with the punch attachment holes and in which the dies can be set are arranged circularly. The upper and lower buffer turrets are rotatably attached to a single rotary shaft. A diameter of the lower buffer turret is made larger than a diameter of the upper buffer turret. The die attachment holes are formed in a circular die attachment area having a diameter larger than the diameter of the upper buffer turret. According to the apparatus, a tool exchange manually operated by an operator can be done easily and efficiently.

Abstract: An illustrative example tube handling machine includes a lifter configured to receive a plurality of tubes when at least a portion of the lifter is at a first position. The lifter is configured to lift the plurality of tubes to a second, higher vertical position. A plurality of cells are respectively configured for at least temporarily holding the plurality of tubes. A first one of the cells is situated to receive the plurality of tubes from the lifter at the second vertical position. The cells are situated relative to each other such that the plurality of tubes can be sequentially transferred among the cells from the first one of the cells to a last one of the cells that releases the plurality of tubes to a delivery location.