Abstract: An apparatus for a test liquid includes an inlet device defining a chamber configured to receive the liquid, a preparation device defining a preparation chamber and including a preparation reagent to be reacted with the liquid, an analysis device defining an exposure chamber associated with the preparation chamber and including an analysis unit to be exposed to the prepared test liquid for indicating information on the test liquid, a housing defining a longitudinal axis, and a guiding device configured to guide the inlet device, the preparation device or the analysis device so as to limit the motion of the inlet device, the preparation device or the analysis device to a sequence of alternating rotational and axial movements, each axial movement of the inlet device, the preparation device or the analysis device requiring activation through a preceding rotational movement of the inlet device, the preparation device or the analysis device.

Abstract: A specimen container for urine and other liquids is provided having a container lid, an elastomeric septum, a cup, and a non-porous seal. The elastomeric septum covers a septum hole in the lid, and the non-porous seal is affixed to the lid such that it creates a liquid-tight boundary between the septum and the chamber within the bottle. The septum includes a depressed portion and an area of minimum thickness shaped to allow an implement to pass through the area of minimum thickness. The depressed portion may also include a pre-cut which allows the implement to pass through the septum more easily.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for detecting molecules of interest within a collected sample are described herein. In certain embodiments, self-contained sample analysis systems are disclosed, which include a reusable reader component, a disposable cartridge component, and a disposable sample collection component. The reader component may communicate with a remote computing device for the digital transmission of test protocols and test results. In various disclosed embodiments, the systems, components, and methods are configured to identify the presence, absence, and/or quantity of particular nucleic acids, proteins, or other analytes of interest, for example, in order to test for the presence of one or more pathogens or contaminants in a sample.

Abstract: An element and a vial transport assembly made of a plurality of elements joined together to form a unitary row for storing and transporting vials and other such containers is disclosed. The elements are pivotally joined together to form the row, and a means for receiving and retaining a vial is removably seated on an inner face of the element. Complementary magnets arranged to secure adjacent elements in registration maintain the assembly in a closed position.

Abstract: A reducing machine having an air cooled cutting discs is disclosed. The air cooled discs have cutting surfaces on both sides. The cutting surfaces have edges which are sharpened for cutting input material when the cutting surface is facing the cutting surface of the opposed disc. When the cutting surface of the stationary disc is facing the housing, the cutting surface acts as a heat sink to air cool the stationary disc and the mill assembly in general. Air inlets in the housing lid permit air to flow over the cooling surface of the stationary plate. Air inlets in the carrying plate permit the carrying plate to channel air flow over the rotating cooling surface. A damper restricts air flow over the air cooling surfaces to control the temperature of the reducing machine, such as during start up.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for processing whole tobacco plants. The method includes cutting the whole tobacco plants into segments in a segmenter assembly, classifying the segments by leaf characteristics, separating leaf material from a waste material stream of undesirable stalk and shatter material for each class of leaf characteristics and reclaiming portions of leaf material trapped in the waste material and recycling the reclaimed portions of leaf material to the segmenter assembly. The apparatus includes a stalk segmenter assembly, a processor assembly, a plurality of cleaning conveyor modules and a cyclonic separator system to reclaim small bits of leaf from the waste stream and return them through a rotary airlock to the segmenter assembly for reprocessing.

Abstract: A mist generating apparatus is provided. The apparatus has a longitudinal axis and comprises first and second opposing surfaces which define a transport fluid nozzle between them. The apparatus also has a working fluid passage having a supply passage connectable to a supply of working fluid, and an outlet on one of the first and second surfaces. The working fluid outlet communicates with the transport fluid nozzle. The transport fluid nozzle has a nozzle inlet connectable to a supply of transport fluid, a nozzle outlet, and a throat portion intermediate the nozzle inlet and nozzle outlet. The nozzle throat has a cross sectional area which is less than that of either the nozzle inlet—or the nozzle outlet. The transport fluid nozzle projects radially from the longitudinal axis such that the nozzle defines a rotational angle of at least 5 degrees about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A tree sprinkler comprising curved articulating watering extensions pivotally connected to a central tubular housing, allowing the sprinkler to be placed around the trunk of a tree. The pivotal connections allow the extensions to open to any size. The extensions are preferably rigid and have nozzles or the like to spray the trunk of the tree or shrubs. The extensions may be removable and/or extendable to accommodate varying sizes of trees or shrubs.

Abstract: According to a first aspect, a spray insert includes a sidewall and a first vane extending from the sidewall. The spray insert also includes an endwall including a discharge outlet. The spray insert further includes a first boss including a tip and a side to direct a fluid product toward a swirl chamber. The boss is disposed on the endwall and extends from the vane. The side has a point of inflection.

Abstract: A piston pump with an improved arrangement by which a piston-forming element is movable relative to a piston chamber-forming element between locked and unlocked positions. The piston chamber-forming body has a collar member having an inner guide tube coaxially about an axis with a lug member extending radially inwardly therefrom and the piston-forming element has a slide tube coaxially radially inwardly of the collar member with the slide tube carrying motion control features for interaction and engagement with the lug member whereby relative axial and rotational movement of the piston-forming element relative to the piston chamber-forming body provides for the adoption of positions in which the pump is operable to dispense fluid and positions in which the pump is inoperative.

Abstract: Disclosed is a paint roller device comprising an inner hub and an outer hub spaced by a cage of wires and adapted for supporting a paint roll sleeve. A cylindrical retainer extends axially outwardly from the outer hub and is adapted to retain a ball therein, the cylindrical retainer being spaced radially inwardly from the periphery of the outer hub to define a gap between an inside surface of the paint roll sleeve when on the roller. The end of the paint roll sleeve on the paint roller device and an end of the retainer define a plane perpendicular to an axis of the roller, and at least a portion of the ball extends a predetermined distance axially outwardly from the plane. The gap between the sleeve and the cylindrical extension prevents paint from interfering with the ball.

Abstract: There is provided an applicator that applies a coating liquid onto the upper surface of a web, and an application method which are capable of sufficiently enhancing the evenness of a coating surface. The applicator includes: a bar which rotates while coming into contact with the upper surface of the continuously travelling web via the coating liquid; and a barrier plate which is provided on an upstream side of the bar in a travelling direction of the web and allows the coating liquid to flow in a direction toward the web between the barrier plate and the bar, in which, when a distance between the barrier plate and an end edge portion of the bar, which is closest to the barrier plate, is referred to as A and a distance between the barrier plate and the web is referred to as B, A is 0.5 mm to 5 mm, B is 0.5 mm to 5 mm, and B?A is satisfied.

Abstract: A method of protecting an in-vivo sensor includes forming a sensing surface on a surface of the in-vivo sensor, the sensing surface including a functionalized monolayer that will bind to an analyte of interest; and coating the sensing surface of the sensor with a bioabsorbable polymeric coating including a bioabsorbable polymer; wherein the bioabsorbable polymeric coating is configured to protect the in-vivo sensor until needed for implantation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for manufacturing a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface comprising the steps of: (a) providing a substrate with a surface roughness Ra between 0.1 and 1.0 ?m and (b) exposing the substrate to a filamentary atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge plasma which is fed by a reaction gas and siloxane-forming material in order to form a superhydrophobic siloxane layer over at least a portion of the surface of the substrate. Step (b) is operated with an electrical excitation frequency of 15,000 Hz to 35,000 Hz and a power density between 0.5 to 10 W·cm?2. The siloxane layer produced in step (b) shows thereby a micro-structure and a nano-structure with droplet “sticking” properties (high water sliding angle).

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide an erasable medium having an overcoat layer on a photochromic layer to provide a non-adhesive surface for the erasable medium when exposed to high temperatures, wherein the overcoat layer can include a latex or a mixture of a latex and a wax.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for forming a CNT film. In the method, the CNT film is formed by applying a dispersion liquid including CNT and a silica colloid onto a base material and drying the dispersion liquid.

Abstract: This coated metal plate is a chromate-free coated metal plate for exterior applications, which comprises a metal plate and a coating film that is arranged on the metal plate. The coating film contains 0.01-15% by volume of porous particles as a gloss control agent. If R (?m) is the number average particle diameter of the gloss control agent, T (?m) is the film thickness of the coating film, and ? is the standard deviation of the number-based particle size distribution of the gloss control agent, the coated metal plate satisfies the following formulae. (R+2?)/T?0.7 R?2.0 9?T?19.

Abstract: Polymeric coatings and methods of forming polymeric coatings are described. In a method of forming a polymeric coating a first layer is deposited on a substrate. The first layer includes at least one highly soluble diamine component. A second layer is formed on the substrate to contact the first layer. The second layer includes paraformaldehyde and an aromatic diamine including two primary amine groups. Once formed, the first and second layers are heated. Heating causes the components of the first and second layers to cure. For example, the paraformaldehyde from the second layer diffuses into the first layer and reacts via hemiaminal-type chemistry with the high soluble diamine component. The coatings may be substantially homogenous or comprise a compositional gradient in thickness or along the substrate plane depending on deposition methods and other processing parameters.

Abstract: A method and system for sorting workpieces, such as chicken nuggets. The sorting system includes a conveyor system that advances in a forward direction and one or more blow off bars positioned over the conveyor system. The blow off bars extend along the forward advancing direction. The blow off bars include one or more valved nozzles connected to a pressurized source of a fluid, and the nozzles are positioned to discharge the fluid across the conveyor system.

Abstract: A method includes immersing an article comprising a yttrium based oxide in an acidic cleaning solution comprising water and 1-10 mol % HF acid. A portion of the yttrium based oxide is dissolved by the HF acid. A yttrium based oxy-fluoride is formed based on a reaction between the HF acid and the dissolved portion of the yttrium based. The yttrium based oxy-fluoride is precipitated onto the article over the yttrium based oxide to form a yttrium based oxy-fluoride coating. The acidic cleaning solution may include a yttrium based salt, which may additionally react with the HF acid to form more of the yttrium based oxy-fluoride.

Abstract: A ductless fume hood suitable for the removal of various chemical materials including toxic and non-toxic gases, vapors, particles, dust and unpleasant odors from a fluid stream. The ductless fume hood uses electronic devices and software to enable real time monitoring of gas levels in parts per million.

Abstract: A system for intercepting, treating and venting vapors from contaminated soil in the vadose zone and from contaminated groundwater includes a large borehole and at least one small borehole each having an open top end, a porous liner against the outer wall and porous fill material inside the liner. The fill material can include materials to retard and degrade contaminants in the vapors. The large and small boreholes can have impermeable sections in the liner, and impermeable ground cover around the top ends. The large borehole can also include a slotted aeration tube in the borehole and vegetation planted in the open end of the borehole. A method for intercepting, treating and venting of vapors from contaminated soil in the vadose zone and contaminated groundwater includes the system and pulling vapors out the top end of the large borehole with variations in atmospheric barometric pressure.

Abstract: A slit plant comprises a rest bar (14), for regulating the transversal position of an inlet guide to the molder unit (12), a rolling unit for reducing the billet to a rolled section having two sections, a cutting box (13) for separating the two sections into two separate strands, one or more rolling units for rolling the two strands (1, 2), pairs of speed and/or section measurers (20, 21) downstream of the cutting box (13), a shear (15). The method for controlling the plant provides measuring the rolling speeds V1 and V2 of each of the two strands (1, 2) and/or of the respective sections A1 and A2 of the two strands (1, 2) downstream of the cutting box (13) by means of pairs of measurers; detecting the lengths of the two strands (1, 2) and calculating the difference in length thereof, based on which the plant, in a successive feedback step, is activated to decrease the difference in length between the two strands (1, 2).

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a defective part and the type of defect formed during stamping operations. The system and method will not only detect the defect but also the nature of the defect and the time at which the defect occurred during stamping operations. Such information is useful not only in quality control but also in isolating a problem which may exist in stamping operations and thus eliminating time for isolating such problems and correcting them. The system and method uses a profile of a properly stamped part to detect a defect, and the root cause of the defect.

Abstract: A sheet metal dent repair hook exchange handle including a hand grip; and a handle element coupling, wherein the handle element coupling includes a receiver for a coupling element that is connectable or connected with a shaft of a sheet metal dent repair hook, and a locking arrangement for a disengageable support of the coupling element against an unintentional axial movement out of the handle element coupling, and an arresting arrangement for a disengage able support of the coupling element in an inner teething arranged in the handle element coupling. The locking arrangement includes locking devices that engage a recess in a portion of the cylindrical coupling element which portion is insertable into the handle element coupling.

Abstract: A roller hemming tool having a main hollow body including a first end for fastening to a robot and a second end having a secondary body which, in turn, includes at least one roller. The tool also includes the following elements which are axially distributed therein: a load cell on the first end; a die in contact with the load cell; a first cylinder in contact with the die; a second cylinder to which the secondary body is fastened; an elastic means in contact with the first cylinder and the second cylinder; and a cap limiting the axial movement of the second cylinder. When in use, the roller continuously exerts pressure in an axial direction, said pressure being successively transmitted to the secondary body, the second cylinder, the elastic means, the first cylinder, the die and up to the load cell.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a crimping punch making it possible to obtain a crimping that is resistant to pulling out. To this end, the punch (20) for a crimping tool comprises a fixing part (21) for fixing to the tool and a punching part (22) consisting of a spike (23) connected to the fixing part by two crimping faces (24) that each exhibit a rectilinear primary profile (241), each crimping face also comprising a secondary profile (242), provided with four notches (243) having a radius of between 1 mm and 2.5 mm, preferably between 1.2 mm and 2 mm, advantageously 1.5 mm.

Abstract: An enhanced multipurpose twist tie is formed with two helically disposed wires encased in a sheath having a polygon shaped cross section, a longitudinal ridges, and detachable end caps. The wires are defined by a longitudinal length and a pair of wire termini. The wires intertwine in a helical configuration along the length of the sheath. The helical configuration compresses the wires together and also allows for a greater concentration of wire to be fit into the sheath. The sheath is defined by an outer face having a plurality of longitudinal ridges that extend along the length of the sheath to provide a grip for facilitated twisting and tying of the twist tie. An inner face has a polygon shaped cross section that restricts longitudinal and rotational slippage by the wires. The end caps detachably attach at sheath termini to form a smooth surface over wire termini.

Abstract: A method for working a functional part, which extends in a longitudinal direction and has a lateral surface that surrounds a longitudinal central axis of the functional part running in the longitudinal direction and has an end face bounding the functional part at a free end in the axial direction, may involve pressing a punch that can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the functional part against the end face of the functional part, while the functional part is initially located in a cavity of a tool, at least over a partial portion of its longitudinal extent that adjoins its free end, which cavity is bounded in the radial direction with respect to the longitudinal central axis by a wall surface surrounding the lateral surface and lying at least partially against the lateral surface, and pulling off the tool from the functional part over the free end of the functional part over a pulling-off travel, while the punch remains pressed against the end face of the functional part, at least over a partial tra

Abstract: A method for cold-forging a thin-walled portion by which a thin-walled portion having a set thickness is formed directly from a metal base plate having a sufficiently large thickness and an explosion-proof valve are provided. Blade side surfaces of upper and lower dies for shearing the metal base plate are set in an overlapping manner with a predetermined clearance ? therebetween. Sheared surfaces are formed with the blade side surfaces of the upper and lower dies in the metal base plate along a processing direction while leaving the set thickness t2 therebetween and the metal base plate is compressed by the overlapped portions until work-hardened to form the thin-walled portion with the horizontal width ? and the set thickness t2 between the sheared surfaces.

Abstract: A steel product having, by weight, less than 0.25% carbon, between 0.20 and 2.0% manganese, between 0.05 and 0.50% silicon, aluminum 0.008% or less by weight, and at least one element selected from the group consisting of titanium between about 0.01% and about 0.20%, niobium between about 0.01% and about 0.20%, molybdenum between about 0.05% and about 0.50%, and vanadium between about 0.01% and about 0.20%, and having a microstructure comprised of a majority bainite, and fine oxide particles of silicon and iron distributed through the steel microstructure of average precipitate size less than 50 nanometers. The yield strength of the steel product may be at least 55 ksi (380 MPa) or the tensile strength of at least 500 MPa, or both. The steel product may have total elongation of at least 6% or 10%, and thickness less than 3.0 mm.

Abstract: A primary object of this invention is to provide a method for operating a continuous casting machine with which a mold can oscillate with a predetermined oscillation waveform since the start of operation of an oscillator. This invention is a method for operating a continuous casting machine, the method comprising: withdrawing a slab from a mold while vertically oscillating the mold with an oscillation waveform represented by the following formula (1) by selecting a value of ? according to a value of b so that the following formula (1) satisfies r(0)=0: r(t)=(S/2){sin(?t+?)+b cos 2(?t+?)+b}??(1) where r(t): displacement of the mold (mm), S: vibration stroke of the mold S (mm), ?: angular velocity (=2?f) (rad/s), f: oscillation frequency of the mold (Hz), t: time(s), ?: initial phase (°), and b: non-sine coefficient (0<b?0.25).

Abstract: A metal composite comprises: a matrix comprising periodic metal springs; and a filler material comprising one or more of the following: a carbon composite; a polymer; a metal; graphite; cotton; asbestos; or glass fiber; wherein the filler material is bounded to the matrix via one or more of the following: a mechanical interlocking; a chemical bond; a solid solution; or an active layer disposed between the periodic metal springs and the filler material.

Abstract: A method of making a reinforced metal alloy component, the method including introducing a reinforcing phase precursor into a bulk alloy that is selected from the group consisting of high-entropy alloys, aluminum-based alloys, magnesium-based alloys and combinations thereof. The precursor is converted to a reinforcing phase by exposing the bulk alloy and precursor to an elevated temperature during one or more of a subsequent heat treating step, squeeze casting shaping or semi-solid metal shaping.

Abstract: A moldable composition for use in hand or machine forming an article. In one embodiment, the composition including at least 78 wt. % of one fine metal-based powder; a water dispersible binder; and between about 2 wt. % and about 20 wt. % water, wherein the extrusion rate of the composition through about a 1½ mm nozzle is between about 0.05 gm/min and about 5 gm/min at a pressure of 120 PSI. The composition may further include up to about 2 wt. % of molding additives to improve the stability of the composition during molding and to improve the physical properties of the composition after drying.

Abstract: A silver powder includes a large number of particles. The particles include polyhedral particles 2. The ratio P1 of the number of the polyhedral particles 2 to the total number of the particles is equal to or greater than 80%. Each polyhedral particle 2 has a body containing silver as a main component, and a coating layer covering a surface of the body and containing organic matter as a main component. Each polyhedral particle 2 has an aspect ratio of equal to or less than 3.0. The content P2 of the organic matter in the silver powder is preferably equal to or less than 0.5% by weight. The silver powder preferably has a median diameter D50 of equal to or less than 0.5 ?m. The silver powder preferably has a tap density TD of equal to or greater than 5.0 g/cm3.

Abstract: This invention teaches a quality assurance system for additive manufacturing. This invention teaches a multi-sensor, real-time quality system including sensors, affiliated hardware, and data processing algorithms that are Lagrangian-Eulerian with respect to the reference frames of its associated input measurements. The quality system for Additive Manufacturing is capable of measuring true in-process state variables associated with an additive manufacturing process, i.e. those in-process variables that define a feasible process space within which the process is deemed nominal. The in-process state variables can also be correlated to the part structure or microstructure and can then be useful in identifying particular locations within the part likely to include defects.

Abstract: Provided is a lamination molding apparatus which can prevent the recoater head from being damaged when the recoater head clashes with an obstacle. Provided is a lamination molding apparatus including: a recoater head to form a material powder layer by moving in a chamber while supplying a material powder on a molding region and planarizing the material powder; wherein the recoater head is configured so as to be capable of being moved by a recoater head driving mechanism; the recoater head driving mechanism includes: a servo motor to move the recoater head; an encoder to detect a movement amount of the recoater head; and a controlling apparatus to control the servo motor in accordance with a value detected by the encoder; and the controlling apparatus is configured to place the servo motor in a non-control state when clashing of the recoater head with an obstacle is detected.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing high aspect ratio silver nanowires is provided, wherein a total glycol concentration is <0.001 wt % at all times.

Abstract: A tool assembly for heavy duty machining includes an insert, tool and clamp for securing the insert to a rigid insert seat of the tool. The insert is a solid cutting insert including a single cutting edge located at a corner region thereof. At a diagonally opposed corner region the insert is not subjected to clamping forces.

Abstract: A setting system (20) for a tool (10) is described, and in particular for a rotary metal working tool, wherein the setting system (20) aligns at least one insert (14) of the tool (10). The setting system (20) comprises an adjusting unit (22), which cooperates with the insert (14), and actuating device (24), which includes at least one electric actuator (26) exerting an adjusting force on the adjusting unit (22). Furthermore, a tool (10) is described.

Abstract: A cutting head for a cutting tool includes a cutting portion and a shank portion. The cutting portion has a plurality of integrally formed cutting edges and the shank portion has a first end adjacent the cutting portion and a second end. The first portion of the shank portion is closer to the first end of the shank portion than the second and third portions of the shank portion and the third portion of the shank portion is disposed closer to the second end of the shank portion than the first and second portions. The first portion of the shank portion has an exterior surface including at least one axially extending recess extending from an end of the first portion closest to the second portion toward the first end of the shank portion. The cutting head is formed of a pressed and sintered cemented carbide material.

Abstract: In a hand-held machine tool, having a tool holder for holding at least one first tool, which has a tang having a first coupling contour that is able to be connected to the tool holder and having a striking mechanism for the striking drive of the first tool connected to the tool holder in the axial direction of the tool holder in a striking operation associated with the hand-held machine tool, a chuck adapter is provided to hold at least one second tool, which has a tang provided with a second coupling contour, which is able to be connected to the chuck adapter in a torsionally fixed manner.

Abstract: A locking mechanism includes a biasing ring having a first area having a first radial thickness and a first radially inward facing surface and a second area having a second radial thickness and a second radially inward facing surface. The locking mechanism includes an inner ring having an activation tab extending therefrom and defining a radially outward facing surface. The biasing ring is positioned around the inner ring thereby defining a cavity between the biasing ring and the inner ring. The locking mechanism includes a detent member positioned in the cavity and selectively engageable with at least one of the first radially inward facing surface, the second inwardly facing surface and the radially outward facing surface.

Abstract: A tool for machining a workpiece. The tool comprises a first tool component which comprises a first internal coolant bore and, on a first face side end, a first connection interface, wherein the first connection interface comprises a first end face for attaching a joining material as well as an elevation which protrudes from the first end face, wherein a first coolant outlet of the first internal coolant bore is arranged on the elevation. In addition, the tool comprises a second tool component which comprises a second internal coolant bore and, on a second face side end, a second connection interface, wherein the second connection interface comprises a second end face for attaching the joining material as well as a recess provided in the second end face, wherein a second coolant outlet of the second internal coolant bore is arranged in the recess.

Abstract: A double-sided milling insert for high feed milling of metal workpieces includes upper and lower faces facing in opposite directions and convex clearance surfaces extending between the upper and lower faces. Each one of the faces includes a recessed support surface. The support surfaces are substantially parallel to each other and have a cavity therein for receiving a fastening device. Intersections of the convex clearance surfaces with the upper and lower faces form convex cutting edges when seen in a plan view. A rake face is provided adjacent the convex cutting edges. Each convex cutting edge is concave when seen in a side view and includes a substantially straight cutting edge portion on each side of a curved cutting edge portion when seen in plan view. A milling tool with a plurality of such inserts and a method of high feed milling using this tool are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bevel gear manufacturing face cutter head (2) for face hobbing and face milling. The cutter head has blade positioning slots (20) having a four-sided shaped cross-section and positive blade seating surfaces (22, 24). The cutter head also has the capability to clamp cutting blades (8) tight to the positive blade seating surfaces and to adjust the cutting blades radially after they are pre-clamped and axially located.

Abstract: A drilling tool, in particular a reamer, for drilling out a workpiece core bore to a nominal diameter by means of a main blade formed on a drill body is disclosed. The main blade has a radially external cutting edge which extends along a drill-body longitudinal axis as far as a blade corner arranged at the drill tip, wherein during the drilling-out operation, the drilling tool is drivable into the workpiece core bore with a rotary movement and a feed movement. The drilling tool has at least one groove blade which is arranged so as to precede the blade corner of the main blade in the direction of rotation of the tool. During the drilling-out operation, the groove blade produces a groove in the inner wall of the core bore drilling, the blade corner of the main blade being guided in the groove with an at least reduced cutting load.

Abstract: A solder wire bobbinless coil includes a solder wire coil formed by winding a solder wire into a hollow columnar, the solder wire coil having a first coil opening at one end of the hollow columnar, and a second coil opening at the other end of the hollow columnar; and a covering film covering an outer surface of the solder wire coil. The covering film has a first film opening smaller than the first coil opening on a portion covering the first coil opening and a second film opening equal to or smaller than the second coil opening on a portion covering the second coil opening, and the first film opening includes, at a peripheral area thereof, a first protruding portion extending so as to protrude to an inner side of the first coil opening.

Abstract: A spot welding system 10 includes a spot welding gun having an opposite electrode 44, a movable electrode 48, and a drive part 52, a position detection part 54 that detects a position of the movable electrode 48, and a pressure change calculation part that calculates an amount of change between first pressurizing force at a first attitude and second pressurizing force at a second attitude based on a first position of the movable electrode 48 when the drive part 52 has been driven by a first pressurizing force command at the first attitude, a second position of the movable electrode 48 when the drive part 52 has been driven by the first pressurizing force command at the second attitude, and the first pressurizing force command. The first pressurizing force command and the first pressurizing force coincide with each other.