Abstract: Presently disclosed embodiments are directed to a system and method for controlling/adjusting a position of mail product or other contents in an automated mail tray. Specifically, the disclosed embodiments utilize an automated mail tray with a ridged construction to allow automation equipment to adjust, load, and unload mail product in a structured manner. An adjustment feature, along with a moveable bottom surface of the mail tray, may be used to adjust a position of mail product in the automated mail tray into a vertical position. In some embodiments, the system may actuate the adjustment feature in response to sensor feedback that the mail product has fallen from the vertical position. Once the mail is in the vertical position, the moveable tray bottom may lift the mail product until it is elevated out of the tray for movement into other automation equipment without tray wall interference.

Abstract: Sorting systems and methods for large quantities of items in industrial processes are described. The systems, devices and methods are for receiving, sorting and removing items dynamically. A first group of items, such as letters or other mail pieces, are injected by a belt into a pocket to a form a first stack, and a divider is extended near the first stack. The divider allows for a second group of items to either be injected to form a second stack behind the divider, or to be diverted and injected into another pocket. The first stack can be removed while the second group is being injected.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a test sample well, provided in a diagnostic test card, using a cleaning head having a cleaning tube delivering, at its free end, a cleaning fluid, and a suction tube mounted inside the cleaning tube for aspirating the contaminated cleaning fluid from its free end located in proximity to the free end of the cleaning tube. The method provides for relative displacement between the test card and the cleaning head, so that the test card occupies a cleaning position wherein the cleaning tube delivers, at its free end, the cleaning fluid to the inside of the well to be cleaned and the suction tube aspirates the contaminated cleaning fluid.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes a slot plate of an antenna and the slot plate has slots arranged in a circumferential direction thereof with respect to an axis line. A microwave is introduced into a processing space from the antenna via a dielectric window, and a through hole is formed in the dielectric window along the axis line. A plasma processing method performed in the plasma processing apparatus includes performing a first cleaning process by radiating the microwave from the antenna and supplying a cleaning gas from a cleaning gas supply system; and performing a second cleaning process by radiating the microwave from the antenna and supplying the cleaning gas from the cleaning gas supply system. A first pressure of the processing space in the performing of the first cleaning process is set to be lower than a second pressure thereof in the performing of the second cleaning process.

Abstract: Use of supercritical CO2 for cleaning long, narrow pipes with a cross sectional area of less than 1000 square mm and a length of more than 500 meter. Cleaning is performed by adding a fluid to the lumen of the pipe (140); providing the fluid (2) in a supercritical state (6) inside the lumen; and subsequently, as a flushing step, while the fluid is in the supercritical state or in a liquid state, displacing the fluid (2) in the lumen of the pipe (140) and out of lumen of the pipe at a speed that causes a turbulent flow of the fluid, thereby flushing particles out of the lumen.

Abstract: Provided are a helically traveling carriage and a helically traveling cleaning machine capable of efficiently performing a maintenance process, such as cleaning, with respect to a helical structure formed by winding a helical wall around a column at a central section of a vertically extending cylindrical wall. This helically traveling carriage includes a lower moving-and-contacting part that rolls or slides on a helical wall's upper surface, a lateral bridge mechanism that bridges a column's outer circumferential surface and a cylindrical wall's inner circumferential surface, the lateral bridge mechanism having, on one end thereof, a first moving-and-contacting part that rolls or slides on the cylindrical wall's inner circumferential surface, and having, on the other end, a second moving-and-contacting part that rolls or slides on the column's outer circumferential surface, and a rotary engagement part that rotatably engages with the column by laterally receiving a portion of the column.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a self-regulating, landfill well control system for automatically controlling a flow of landfill gas (LFG) through a wellhead associated with a landfill well at a landfill. The system has a combination unit operably associated with the wellhead, with a valve actuator, a flow measurement element and a controller. The valve actuator controls a LFG flow control valve, to thus control an LFG flow through the wellhead. The flow measurement element produces differential pressures proportional to a LFG flow rate. The controller controls the valve actuator and, based on data obtained using the flow measurement element, adjusts a setting of the LFG flow control valve to obtain a specific control point setting, and automatically maintains the control point setting thereafter.

Abstract: A bioprocess comprises regulating pH of trade effluent wastewater, adding and mixing a first bio-additive, adding and mixing a flocculant/coagulant, filtering through a filter device, adding, mixing of a second bio-additive with aeration, and adding and mixing of a third bio-additive with aeration. Treatment can be discontinued or continued by adding and mixing of hydrogen peroxide with aeration, and optionally exposing treated effluent to UV disinfectant. The treated effluent can be recycled or disposed. Compositions of bio-additives 1, 2 and 3 comprise a group of highly selective and effective microorganisms and enzymes that are immobilized on carrier support matrices from a group of alginate, chitosan, polyacrylamides, k-carrageenan and agarose.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bending tool (3) for inserting into a tool mount (2). The bending tool comprises a tool body (4), a locking element (8) which is connected to an activating element (7) accessible outside of the tool mount (2) and which has a locking tab (9) for securing the bending tool (3) in the tool mount (2) by engaging in a recess arranged therein, wherein a base position of the activating element (12) corresponds to a unlocking position of the locking element (16) and an actuating position of the activating element (13) corresponds to a locking position of the locking element (15). Furthermore, there is a tool position securing element (17) attached displaceably in the tool body (4), which tool position securing element, in a securing position (18) that protrudes with respect to the tool body (4), establishes a connection for fixing the position of the tool body (4) with respect to a displacement direction (5) in the tool mount (2).

Abstract: A punching apparatus includes a beating element that is arranged for interacting with at least one punching tool and is movable inside a container along and around a work axis, a first rotating actuator coupled to the beating element to move it linearly along the work axis between internal and external operating positions and drive the punching tool, and a second rotating actuator connected to the beating element and arranged for rotating it around the work axis, in particular for angularly orienting the punching tool. The second rotating actuator comprises a second electric motor having a stator fixed to the container and a rotor that is internal to the stator and connected to the beating element to rotate it. The rotor extends along the work axis to face, and be engaged with, the stator between the operating positions.

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

Abstract: An tool for the incremental forming of material sheeting is disclosed. The tool comprises a forming tip, a shank, and an interface adapter positioned between the forming tip and the shank. The forming tip has a diameter and the shank has a diameter. The diameter of the forming tip is greater than the diameter of the shank. The forming tip may be of a variety of configurations. The forming tip may be donut-shaped. The donut-shaped tip may have a recessed area formed therein. The recessed area may be frustoconically shaped. As an alternative to the forming tip being donut-shaped, the forming tip may be made up of at least two forming spheres. An adapter is provided to which the spheres may be attached either directly or by arms. The diameters of the spheres may be the same or may be different diameters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for shaping a material, in particular for bending plate material, comprising a mounting part configured to be in any case partially received in a receiving space of an apparatus, and a shaping part extending from the mounting part. The tool is provided with means for displacing the mounting part in longitudinal direction through the receiving space. The tool can thus be handled and positioned easily even when it is relatively heavy. The displacing means can comprise one or more displacing members protruding from the tool, for instance rollers or wheels. The invention also relates to a combination of an apparatus and such a tool, wherein the apparatus has a receiving space in which the mounting part of the tool is received. The receiving space here comprises a wall part on which the displacing means engage. Finally, the invention further relates to a method for positioning a tool as described above in an apparatus.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a large- or medium-sized wheel disk including using a punch or die in a first step of ironing a blank of a flat plate to a first-stage product. The first-stage product having a cylindrical rising portion with an axially non-constant thickness. The rising portion includes a thick portion located at a tip portion of the rising portion and a thickness-reduced portion which is a remaining portion of the rising portion excluding the thick portion. During the first step, only a portion of the blank corresponding to the thickness-reduced portion is ironed.

Abstract: One aspect is a hydraulic ironworker system having a hydraulic ironworker configured with hydraulic power to deliver controlled force to metal workpieces. An accessory tool is coupled to the hydraulic ironworker via a harness assembly and configured to receive the hydraulic power from the hydraulic ironworker. A remote pushbutton assembly is selectively coupled to the harness assembly and configured to control hydraulic power from the hydraulic ironworker to the accessory tool and further configured with an emergency stop button that, when actuated, disables all power to the hydraulic ironworker system. A safety plug assembly is configured to alternately couple to the harness assembly in place of the remote pushbutton assembly. Power to the hydraulic ironworker system is disabled until one of the remote pushbutton and safety plug assemblies are attached on the harness assembly.

Abstract: A piston, particularly a piston for use in a diesel engine, particularly a heavy duty diesel engine, is formed from a billet of metal, such that the finished piston has a mass that is at least 50%, and, more preferably, up to about 62%, of the mass of the billet. Other than finishing steps, the piston is formed with a closed gallery, without loss of mass through machining processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the layer-wise building of bodies comprising a refractory mold base material and resoles, to three-dimensional bodies manufactured according to said method, and to the use thereof in metal casting. According to the method, the refractory mold base material is contacted with at least one ester to obtain an ester-impregnated mold material mixture.

Abstract: A mixing and adjusting method for foundry sand includes calculating a total supplied water amount until a compactability (CB) value of mixed sand becomes larger than a lower limit value of a target CB value range, determining the total supplied water amount as a predetermined amount of water associated with an electric resistance of the foundry sand, and determining a ratio of a variation in the CB value corresponding to an additionally supplied water amount from the additionally supplied water amount during an additional water pouring and the CB value of the mixed sand.

Abstract: A multi-cylinder head casting device includes a casting mold and a port core. The casting mold includes dies that define a cavity corresponding to an outer shape of a cylinder head. The port core includes body parts for forming the ports, and a base part connecting the body parts. A lower die has intake and exhaust hole formation surfaces on the combustion chamber side of the port, and a port core support surface corresponding to the mounting surface of the cylinder head. Side dies have a port core pressing surface that faces the port core support surface. The port core is supported inside the cavity by distal ends of the body parts contacting the air intake and exhaust hole formation surfaces. A lower surface of the base part contacts the port core support surface, and an upper surface of the base part contacts the port core pressing surface.

Abstract: Teaching storage means stores teaching data created on the basis of signals from a first pulse generator, a first shaft detector, a second pulse generator, and a second shaft detector, in a storage unit as a sequence control program of molding operation of a self-hardening mold when teaching operation of throwing kneaded self-hardening foundry sand from a discharge port into a molding flask is performed by manually moving a conveyor arm and a kneading arm. Molding playback means reads out the sequence control program from the storage unit to control and drive a first pivot motor and a second pivot motor on the basis of the sequence control program to pivot the conveyor arm and the kneading arm, and then throws the self-hardening foundry sand from the discharge port of the kneading arm into the molding flask to reproduce the molding operation.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a forged steel roll comprises: casting, by the ESR method, a steel ingot which contains, by mass %, C: 0.3% or more, Si: 0.2% or more, Cr: 2.0-13.0% and Mo: 0.2% or more, and further contains Bi at 10-100 ppm by mass; and forging the steel ingot to manufacture the roll. According to this method, since freckle defects can be sealed near the center of the steel ingot, the roll can be stably used over a long period of time.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a round billet of Ni-containing high alloy including steps of continuously casting a molten steel by using a casting mold, thereby obtaining a rectangular billet, and shaping the rectangular billet into round billet by forging/rolling, wherein the casting mold has a shape such that a w/h ratio between long side length (w) and short side length (h) of a cross section of the rectangular billet perpendicular to the casting direction of rectangular billet is 1.0 to 2.0, the chemical composition of molten steel is, by mass %: C: 0.005 to 0.250%, Si: 0.05 to 2.00%, Mn: 0.05 to 3.00%, P: 0.04% or less, S: 0.004% or less, Cu: 0.01 to 3.00%, Cr: 10 to 35%, Ni: 10 to 80%, Mo: 1.5 to 10.0%, Al: 0.001 to 0.300%, N: 0.001 to 0.300%, W: 0.00 to 6.00%, Ti: 0.00 to 2.00%, and the balance: Fe and impurities.

Abstract: A method of making an apparatus for continuously casting a lead alloy strip includes providing a drum having an aluminum outer circumferential casting surface. The outer circumferential casting surface of the drum is abraded with an angular abrading medium to wear away material from the aluminum outer circumferential casting surface of the drum and to create a coarse, irregular, and non-smooth abraded casting surface configured to reduce the rate of heat transfer and slow cooling of the lead alloy strip cast on the abraded casting surface.

Abstract: In the present invention, a fine silver particle has a particle diameter of 65-80 nm and has, on the surface of the particle, a thin film comprising a hydrocarbon compound. The fine silver particle has an exothermic peal temperature of 140-155° C. in differential thermal analysis. If d denotes the particle diameter after firing at a temperature of 100° C. for one hour and D denotes the particle diameter before firing, it is preferable for the fine silver particle to have a particle growth rate, as represented by (d?D)/D (%), of 50% or higher.

Abstract: A globule for an additive manufacturing process includes a plurality of additive manufacturing stock particles respectively having a submicron size. A binder fixes the plurality of submicron size additive manufacturing stock particles to one another such that the particles form a globule having a size of less than fifty microns.

Abstract: A method for producing a component of a turbomachine is disclosed. The method includes a) layer-by-layer deposition of a powder component material onto a component platform in a region of a buildup and joining zone, where the deposition takes place in accordance with layer information of the component to be produced; b) local layer-by-layer fusion or sintering of the powder component material by energy supplied in the region of the buildup and joining zone, where the buildup and joining zone is heated to a temperature just below a melting point of the powder component material; c) layer-by-layer lowering of the component platform by a predefined layer thickness; and d) repetition of steps a) to c) until the component is finished. A device for producing a component of a turbomachine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for detecting defects in three-dimensional articles. Providing a model of said article. Providing a first powder layer on a substrate, directing an energy beam over said substrate causing said first powder layer to fuse in selected locations forming a first cross section of said three-dimensional article, providing a second powder layer on said substrate, directing the energy beam over said substrate causing said second powder layer to fuse in selected locations to form a second cross section of said three-dimensional article. A first and second image of a first and second fusion zone of said first powder layer respectively is captured. Comparing said first and second images with corresponding layers in said model. Detecting a defect in the three-dimensional article if a deviation in said first image with respect to said model is at least partially overlapping a deviation in said second image with respect to said model.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an article from powder material including a first table, a second table rotatably mounted on the first table about a first axis and a third table rotatably mounted on the second table about a second axis. A hollow canister is supported by the third table. A vibrator is arranged to vibrate the canister. A first device is arranged to rotate the second table about the first axis and a second device is arranged to rotate the third table about the second axis. A hopper is arranged to supply powder material into the canister and a valve controls the flow of powder material from the hopper into the canister. A processor is arranged to control the valve, the vibrator, the first device and the second device to control the filling and packing density of the canister.

Abstract: Methods of making sintered articles from powder metal carbide compositions by additive manufacturing techniques are described herein. Sintered carbide articles fabricated by such additive manufacturing techniques, in some embodiments, exhibit densities equaling articles formed according to conventional techniques employed in powder metallurgy. For example, a method of manufacturing an article comprises providing sintered cemented carbide powder comprising a hard particle phase including tungsten carbide and a metallic binder phase and forming the sintered cemented carbide powder into a green article by one or more additive manufacturing techniques. The green article is sintered to provide a sintered article having density greater than 90% theoretical full density, wherein the green article has a density less than 50% theoretical full density prior to sintering.

Abstract: A method for producing silver nanoparticles according to the present invention includes the steps of: mixing an amine mixture and a silver compound to yield a complex compound; and heating and decomposing the complex compound to form silver nanoparticles. The amine mixture contains: a primary amine (A) having 8 or more carbon atoms and a melting point of 20° C. or lower; a diamine (B) having a primary amino group, a tertiary amino group, 4 or more carbon atoms, and a melting point of 20° C. or lower; and a cis-unsaturated primary amine (C) having 12 or more carbon atoms and a melting point of 30° C. or lower.

Abstract: A bar feeding device, for example for a lathe, and a process for using a bar feeding device This bar feeding device comprises: a base extending lengthwise, a channel cover extending lengthwise and rotatably connected to the base, a guiding member comprising a guiding channel extending lengthwise, a pusher flag, a mover, such as an endless chain, fastened to a first end of the pusher flag and able to move the pusher flag lengthwise, a push bar able to move within the guiding channel and fastened to a second end of the pusher flag. The channel cover comprises at least one displaceable member and an displacer for actively displacing the displaceable member relative to the channel cover.

Abstract: A pocket hole jig including a base having a clamp end and a toggle end, a guide carried by the base intermediate the clamp end and the toggle end and a clamp assembly carried by the base intermediate the clamp end and the guide, and reciprocally movable between an engaged position when moved toward the guide and a disengaged position when moved away from the guide. The clamp assembly includes a carriage slidably carried by the base, a clamp arm extending above and carried by carriage, a foot coupled to the clamp arm for engaging a workpiece, and a platform extending from the carriage overlying the base for receiving a workpiece and preventing the workpiece from contacting the base.

Abstract: Milling inserts having surfaces designed for supporting the insert relative to a milling cutter body, and a milling tool are provided. The milling insert has a first end surface, a second end surface, and a side surface extending between the first end surface and the second end surface At least one cutting edge is defined by an intersection of at least one of the first end surface and the second end surface with the side surface. The at least one cutting edge includes a radiused component having a first end and a second end and first and second components at the first and the second ends of the radiused component, respectively. The first and second components are less curved than the radiused component. The side surface has at least one substantially V-shaped valley formed by first and second support surfaces.

Abstract: A reversible cutting insert for milling has first and second cutting edges formed at the transitions from the top and bottom surfaces to a lateral face. The cutting insert has a 4-fold rotational symmetry. A reference plane extends perpendicular to the axis of symmetry. The cutting edges have four cutting edge portions. One cutting edge portion is a main edge and a wiper edge that are connected by a rounded cutting corner. The first and second cutting edges are at the greatest distance from the reference plane in the region of the cutting corners. Main and wiper clearance faces directly adjoin an assigned main edge and wiper edge, respectively, in the circumferential lateral face. Exterior angles between the main clearance faces and the reference plane are greater than exterior angles between the wiper clearance faces and the reference plane.

Abstract: A cutting tool includes a tool holder, having a holder pocket with a pocket opening, and a cutting member releasably retained therein. The tool holder includes an adjustment cavity that includes circumferentially merging threaded and guiding bore portions. The tool holder further includes an adjustment arrangement that includes an adjustment member including a wedge adjustment portion and a guiding portion integrally formed therewith. The adjusting arrangement further includes an adjustment screw. The wedge adjustment portion is located in the pocket adjustment region and the guiding portion is located in the guiding bore portion and partially protrudes into the threaded bore portion. The adjustment screw is threadingly rotatable between a first rotated position and a second rotated position, and in the second rotated position the adjustment member, and thus the cutting member, is located closer to the pocket opening than in the first rotated position.

Abstract: A hand-held cutting tool to remove a metal fitting ring from the outside surface of plastic tubing. The fitting removal tool comprises a first handle, a second handle, a bridge member, and a cutting blade. The first handle is pivotally connected to a first end of the bridge member by a pivot. The second handle is securely connected to a second end of the bridge member in fixed relation to the bridge member. The bridge member comprises a seat for snugly receiving the outer diameter of the metal fitting ring. The first handle comprises a hand gripping area and a cutting blade positioned between the hand gripping area and the pivot. The cutting blade is configured to make an off center cut in the metal fitting ring such that the underlying plastic tubing is not damaged in the cutting process.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a reciprocating saw includes a housing, a spindle shaft configured to reciprocate within the housing, the spindle shaft including a plurality of first grooves extending along an axis of the spindle shaft, a locking bushing including an internal bore, the locking bushing supported by the housing such that the plurality of first grooves is at least partially located within the internal bore, the locking bushing including a plurality of axially extending grooves within the internal bore, each of the plurality of axially extending grooves aligned with a respective one of the plurality of first grooves, and a plurality of first ball bearings, each of the plurality of first ball bearings positioned at least partially within a respective one of the plurality of axially extending grooves and the aligned respective one of the plurality of first grooves.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a flat file which is suitable for lifting off films from intermediate layers.

Abstract: Even if a machining gap between a wire electrode and workpiece is in a short-circuit state at a start of machining by a wire electric discharge machine, a high-frequency voltage in a pulse shape is applied and a small current is supplied to an extent that the wire electrode is not fused only in an initial fixed time at the start of machining. Then, the short circuit is released, though instantaneously, and a discharge occurs in that instant and the short circuit state is eliminated by discharge repulsion thereof and therefore, machining can be started.

Abstract: A wire electrical discharge apparatus includes a wire bobbin on which a wire electrode is wound, a straightening treatment unit to perform straightening treatment on the wire electrode fed from the wire bobbin, a machining power supply to apply a voltage between the wire electrode and a workpiece via a feed terminal set above the workpiece and contacting the wire electrode, and a control unit to control the straightening treatment unit and the machining power supply so as to apply a voltage between the workpiece and the wire electrode that has been subjected to the straightening treatment, to perform electrical discharge machining to form an initial hole in the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for cleaning an electronic circuit board is disclosed. The electronic circuit board is provided with a substrate layer and a copper layer. A solder mask is applied to the electronic circuit board and a channel is formed in the solder mask. The channel includes an inlet and an outlet. A component is affixed to the electronic circuit board over the channel and cleaning fluid is passed through the channel to remove residual solder flux from between the component and the electronic circuit board.

Abstract: Provided is a soldering system that can raise the work efficiency related to the supply of a soldering target and soldering work, while decreasing the oxygen concentration by maintaining high airtightness in a space surrounding the soldering target. A soldering system includes a soldering device and a robot related to the soldering device, in which the soldering device is equipped with a container having an openable lid and accommodating a soldering target, and the robot performs conveying of the soldering target to the soldering device and opening/closing of the lid. In an embodiment of the soldering device, the container is a double structure in which an inner container is accommodated in an outer container, and a first nitrogen supply pipe and second nitrogen supply pipe, which are inert gas supply parts of separate systems, are respectively connected to the inner container and outer container.

Abstract: A cutting system including a plasma arc torch having an electrode, nozzle, and a gas conduit through which gas is transferred to a torch tip. The torch includes at least one of a sensor and a set circuit, where the set circuit stores a parameter related to the torch. The system also includes a power supply outputting a cutting waveform to the electrode via an electrical connector to initiate a working arc. The working arc creates a plasma arc using the gas. The system further includes a controller that controls an output of the power supply and a feeding of the gas through the gas conduit based upon input from a user input device positioned on at least one of the torch and the power supply. The controller monitors at least one usage parameter. The system additionally includes a memory device that is coupled to the controller. The memory device stores data related to the at least one usage parameter.

Abstract: The present invention provides an arc welding control system and method capable of simultaneously, sophisticatedly performing a weaving width control operation and a torch height control operation. Influence ratios (?w and ?z) of influences of a torch height deviation (?Ph) and a groove wall distance deviation (?Pd) with respect to a manipulated variable (?w) of a weaving width and a manipulated variable (?z) of a torch height are set in accordance with a groove angle (?) of a workpiece (5). A calculation unit (21) calculates the manipulated variables (?z and ?w) of actuators (13 and 14) regarding the torch height and the weaving width such that the influence ratios (?w and ?z) become large as the groove angle (?) becomes large.

Abstract: An engine-driven welder generator is controlled based upon power draw for welding and other applications. Once a welding arc is initiated, the power draw is monitored. The engine speed, and therefore the power output of the generator, may be increased or maintained based upon the power draw. The power draw may include both welding power draw and auxiliary power draw. The engine speed is increased in increments. The initial engine speed and subsequent increments may depend upon particular welding processes or regimes.

Abstract: An engine driven welder includes a generator configured to provide an electrical output, an engine coupled to the generator, an air compression system coupled to the engine, a first welding system coupled to the generator, and a second welding system. The engine is configured to drive the generator, and the air compression system is configured to provide a pneumatic output. The first welding system is configured to provide a first weld output, and the second welding system is configured to provide a second weld output. The second weld output is independent of the first weld output in an independent mode, and the second weld output is combined with the first weld output as a combined weld output in a parallel mode.

Abstract: Welding system and method permit exchange of data with Smart Grid monitors and/or controllers. The welding systems include a welding power supply configured to convert power between the power grid and the welding power supply. A grid interface cooperates with control circuitry to transmit data to and/or from the grid monitors and/or controllers on the grid side. The control circuitry may control operation of the welding power supply based upon data from the grid. The system may include power generation devices (e.g., engine-drive generators) and energy storage devices (e.g., batteries). The control circuitry may control operation of such devices, the exchange of power between them, and the draw of power from the grid or the application of power to the grid based upon the data exchanged with the grid monitors and/or controllers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a remotely controlled welding machine. A remote control uses the welding circuit to transfer information to a welding power source. The information to be communicated to the power source includes welding power source output command information (amperage/voltage control), welding circuit on/off information (power source output contactor control), and power source mode control (constant voltage/constant current). A transmitter transmits the desired welding operational parameters to a receiver disposed in the power source. The transmitter is constructed to use only a small amount of power which, preferably, is supplied by one or two low voltage replaceable and/or rechargeable batteries. Additionally, an open circuit voltage is not created between the power source and an electrode holder when an arc is not present.

Abstract: A drive assembly is provided for driving welding wire through a welding wire feeder. The drive assembly comprises an insulating base and a conductive base secured to one another. Both bases have features that allow for mounting in the wire feeder and for mounting various drive components. The conductive base is energized during operation, and the isolative base insulates the conductive base from components of the wire feeder enclosure. Features of the assembly improve operation and facilitate assembly.

Abstract: A friction stir welding tool comprising a composite of a tungsten-rhenium alloy and hafnium carbide particles, wherein a crystallite size of the tungsten-rhenium alloy is no more than 100 nm, wherein the hafnium carbide particles are dispersed within the tungsten-rhenium alloy, a method of fabricating the friction stir welding tool, and a method of friction stir welding a metal joint using the tool. Various embodiments of the friction stir welding tool, the method of fabricating the tool, and the method of friction stir welding using the tool are provided.