Abstract: This present invention relates generally to devices, systems, and methods for performing bioimaging at the microscopic scale and, more particularly, to devices and systems including a disposable testing device configured to perform bioimaging at the microscopic scale, and methods of performing the bioimaging using the disposable testing device. In some aspects, a testing device is provided for imaging blood cells in a blood sample. The testing device having a sample entry port for receiving the blood sample; a sample testing conduit fluidically connected to the sample entry port, the sample testing conduit including: (i) a planar member, (ii) a transparent planar member, and (iii) a plurality of spacer elements having an average spacer height and disposed between the planar member and the transparent planar member; and an imager chip forming at least a portion of the planar member.

Abstract: The technology described herein generally relates to microfluidic cartridges configured to amplify and detect polynucleotides extracted from multiple biological samples in parallel. The technology includes a microfluidic substrate, comprising: a plurality of sample lanes, wherein each of the plurality of sample lanes comprises a microfluidic network having, in fluid communication with one another: an inlet; a first valve and a second valve; a first channel leading from the inlet, via the first valve, to a reaction chamber; and a second channel leading from the reaction chamber, via the second valve, to a vent.

Abstract: This disclosure provides for apparatuses, systems and methods for in vitro sample detection. For example in one embodiment, this disclosure provides an automated Pe-toner microfluidic device (and related method) on a centrifugal platform for DNA sample lysis and DNA extraction. A second embodiment provides a system and method for qualitative detection, quantification, and real-time monitoring of nucleic acid amplification products using magnetic bead aggregation inhibition. A third embodiment provides a platform for simultaneous detection of mRNA markers from blood, cell-free semen, sperm, saliva, and vaginal fluid. The third embodiment comprises a system and method that provide for simple, rapid, and fluorescence-free detection of body fluids using mRNA marker amplification and optical detection for mRNA marker analysis with a smart phone with image analysis.

Abstract: In an example implementation, a method of microfluidic filtering includes activating a first fluid pump within a microfluidic channel to cause a forward flow of fluid through the microfluidic channel and through a filter of a filter loop. The filter loop intersects the microfluidic channel at a loop entry and at a loop exit. The method includes activating a second fluid pump to cause a reverse flow of fluid through the filter.

Abstract: A fluidic device includes a plurality of reaction wells, typically in a dense array, with at least one bead retention segment in fluid communication with and spatially separated from at least one signal detection segment. A respective bead retention segment can be configured to hold a single bead, which can have a reagent attached thereto.

Abstract: The technology described herein generally relates to systems for extracting polynucleotides from multiple samples, particularly from biological samples, and additionally to systems that subsequently amplify and detect the extracted polynucleotides. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on multiple samples of nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides.

Abstract: A transport structure for accommodating a plurality of vials for pharmaceutical, medical or cosmetic use under non-sterile conditions is formed by an accommodation member and by a bearing member releasably connected thereto. The accommodation member comprises a plurality of frustro-conical receptacles in a regular arrangement so that the vials can be accommodated upright and while preventing a direct contact between adjacent vials in the receptacles of the accommodation member. The transport structure comprises latching structures for releasable latching of the accommodation member with the bearing member.

Abstract: Improved free-swinging hammermill hammer configurations are disclosed and described for comminution of materials such as grain and refuse. The hammer configurations of the present disclosure are adaptable to most hammer mill or grinders having free-swinging systems. The configurations as disclosed and claimed are non-forged and incorporate a saddle or hammer mouth. The merging of a hammer and saddle improves strength to reduce or maintain the weight of the hammer while increasing the amount of force delivered to the material to be comminuted. The improved configurations incorporate comminution edges having increased hardness for longer operational run times. The improved configurations improve installing, removing, and cleaning hammer components within the hammermill. The improved configurations may incorporate hammermill rod hole of varying shapes and sizes and saddles of varying shapes and sizes or the use of non-planar hammer bodies that have a recessed or protruding surface.

Abstract: A comminuting machine for comminuting material includes a machine frame, a comminuting rotor rotatably mounted on the machine frame, and a material feed area. The material feed area has a wall section over which the material to be comminuted can be supplied to the comminuting rotor and which is designed to be stationary during a comminuting operation of the comminuting machine and can be pivoted about a rotational axis during a maintenance operation of the comminuting machine. Because the rotational axis is designed to be releasably lockable, a second releasably lockable rotational axis is provided together with the first rotational axis, and the wall section of the material feed area can selectively be pivoted about the first or second rotational axis during the maintenance operation of the comminuting machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for waste recycling that is suitable for residence building level in both volume and rate of supply of waste with a waste disposal and treatment container having the following parts: waste eliminator comprising a thermally and acoustically insulating casing with odour insulating raw waste receiving space; all-purpose shredder and crusher; crushed and/or shredded waste conveyor; liquid waste purifier; gasification plasma reactor; gas conveyor and purifier; slag collector; re-hydration means for re-hydrating solid waste in the gasification plasma reactor; and safety means. Each one of these parts is organized in fluid communication with its neighbor parts.

Abstract: An infeed system of a chipper or grinder includes a feed roller, a motor for rotating the roller, a hydraulic cylinder for adjusting an amount of crush force applied by the roller, a sensor, and a controller in data communication with the sensor and the cylinder. In operation, the controller determines whether the material is being effectively moved to the processing portion and whether the amount of crush force is at a maximum or lowest setting. The controller causes the cylinder to: (a) decrease the amount of crush force when the material is being effectively moved to the processing portion and the amount of crush force applied is not at the lowest setting; and (b) increase the amount of crush force when the material is not being effectively moved to the processing portion and the amount of crush force is not at the maximum setting.

Abstract: A two-vector centrifuge rotates on a central axis, while each centrifuge drum also rotates on the drum's own axis. The inside of each drum has flighting or threads to direct and force material to the bottom of the drum as the two-vector centrifuge rotates. Perforations in the top part of the drum allow liquids to be expelled from the drum, while dried, solid material is ejected though a gap in the bottom of the drum. A pair of troughs keep the ejected liquid fraction separate from the ejected solid fraction, and each fraction is removed from the centrifuge while the centrifuge is operating, allowing the centrifuge to run for extended periods without needing to be cleaned or have accumulated material removed.

Abstract: A head of a blow gun includes an inlet and an outlet openings formed by a main channel. The main channel defines a first section with a first open end adjacent to the inlet opening and a second open end and a second section with a first open end adjacent to the second open end of the first section and a second open end adjacent to the outlet opening. The second section has a cross section including two opposite short sides and two opposite long sides. The outlet opening is delimited by the short sides and long sides and has a long width between the short sides and a short width between the long sides respectively. At least one side channel has a first open end allowing the outside air to flow therein and a second open end fluidly connected to the second section.

Abstract: A combination shower includes: a head shower and a hand-held shower; the head shower has a connecting component that forms a removable fit with the hand-held shower. it also includes a water sealing component and a trigger component which are linked to each other, and the water sealing component is set in the head shower waterway; when the hand-held shower is separated from the head shower, the sealing component is in the first position in the head shower waterway, so that the flow volume of the head shower waterway is smaller or closed; when the hand-held shower is connected with the connecting component, the trigger component is driven by external force to drive the sealing component to move to the second position in the head shower waterway, so that the flow volume of the head shower waterway is enlarged or opened.

Abstract: A rigid mount orbitor sprinkler assembly incorporates a deflector plate configuration that is configured for both spinning/rotating motion as well as orbital or wobbling motion around the center of a spool assembly. The sprinkler includes a spider ingress opening cooperable with a spider barrier that in combination permit inevitable spider ingress while preventing spider access or contact with certain moving parts of the sprinkler.

Abstract: A rigid mount orbiter sprinkler assembly incorporates a deflector plate configuration that is configured for both spinning/rotating motion as well as orbital or wobbling motion around the center of a spool assembly. The sprinkler incorporates structure to reduce drool that may fall in a concentrated area below the sprinkler and to prevent debris from sandy water or the like from accelerating sprinkler component wear. With reduced vibration, the assembly may be rigidly mounted on a center pivot or other supporting structure while achieving the advantages associated with wobbling and rotating sprinkler assemblies.

Abstract: A hopper type agricultural and livestock spreader and fertilizer dispensing apparatus. The dispenser may be configured to be mounted to a ground transport vehicle, such as a tractor and three point hitch. An auxiliary outlet is configured in the hopper at an elevated position from a bottom end thereof. A flow regulator is operatively attached to regulate the outlet area of the auxiliary outlet to achieve a desired flow rate. The auxiliary outlet is dimensioned to permit the flow of large feed stocks. A dispenser flow tube may be operatively connected to the outlet to direct the flow of feed product in a desired spot. The flow tube may extend laterally from the side edges of the hopper to permit delivery of food product along the length of a livestock feed trough. A kit for modifying a hopper type fertilizer/feed dispenser.

Abstract: Techniques and compositions for applying films to a variety of substrates, from water-borne coating compositions, are provided. The techniques involve providing desiccant and applying the desiccant with water-borne film-forming composition, in application to a substrate. The desiccant composition provides for take up of free water in of the film-forming composition, without total reliance on ambient conditions, to advantage. Compositions, methods, techniques and resulting constructions are described. The techniques can be applied in wet thick film applications, but are not limited to such applications.

Abstract: An pet spray training system is provided. The system includes a sound, vibration or motion sensor that is configured to generate electrical signals in response to an occurrence. The system may include a filter, which is tuned to recognize a dog barking event, and generate an electrical signal in response to recognizing an input signal indicative of a dog's bark. The system further includes a removably pressurized gas reservoir that holds a deterrent fluid under pressure. The system additionally comprises a motor module configured to rotate a shaft in response to the electrical signal from the filter. The canister has a spray nozzle for releasing fluid that affects the dog's senses. In response to rotating the shaft, the spray nozzle is depressed.

Abstract: A piston pump with a piston chamber-forming body and a piston-forming element relatively coaxially reciprocally movable to dispense liquid and air from a discharge outlet, which the discharge outlet is fixed relative to the piston chamber-forming body.

Abstract: A dispensing pump includes a spring assembly and a locking arrangement to prevent the dispensing head from being deployed and/or actuated during shipment, stocking and pre-purchase handling. The dispensing pump includes a pump base, and a dispensing head having a piston stem. The spring assembly includes a slotted tubular spring element and first and second loading cones received at opposing ends of the slotted tubular spring element. Various locking arrangements may include interacting rotatable lugs provided between the dispensing head and the pump base, snap beads to retain the piston and dispensing head in a secured shipping position, and recyclable locking rings disposed between the dispensing head and pump base which prevent an active dispensing head from being actuated.

Abstract: A sprayer device with a trigger operated pump is operative for pumping and spraying liquid from an attached liquid container. The sprayer device includes an integrally molded valve body provided with a base portion that is configured to be mounted to the neck of the liquid container and a delivery nozzle from which the liquid is sprayed. A pumping chamber in the valve body is in fluid communication with an inside of the fluid container and is further in fluid communication with the delivery nozzle. The valve body is further provided with a head portion that has a filling passage extending between the head portion and the base portion such that a liquid received in the head portion flows through the valve body, around the pumping chamber and exits the base portion into the mounted liquid container.

Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler can be provided with a flow guard feature configured to send an indicator stream into the air when a nozzle is missing, while still conserving most of the water that would have been wasted without the flow guard feature. The flow guard feature can include a valve assembly having a first port and a second off-axis port. The second port can be smaller than the first port. The second port can be non-parallel to the first port. The first port can be open when the nozzle is present and be sealed when the nozzle is missing. The second, off-axis port can be open even when the nozzle is missing to provide the indicator stream.

Abstract: Example embodiments include a system for removing string from shredded tobacco, including an arrangement configured to dispense shredded tobacco from a first location to a second location along a path of communication, a string filter operative at a location along the path of communication comprising a first roller comprising pins, whereby string may be contacted by at least some of the pins and retained at the string filter as the shredded tobacco passes through the filter.

Abstract: A rubber fixing apparatus and a coater are provided. The rubber fixing apparatus includes: a storing device, in which a cavity configured to receive at least one rubber and an outlet communicated with the cavity are provided; and a fixing structure provided on the storing device and outside the cavity. The rubber is moved from the cavity through the outlet in a first direction and is fixed to the fixing structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for metering a medium comprising a base element provided for fastening to a robot, a metering valve movably supported at the base element, and at least one piezo actuator by which the metering valve is movable relative to the base element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a piezoelectric two-phase flow ultrasonic atomization nozzle, comprising a piezoelectric vibrator (6), an amplitude transformer (8), a second end cap (12) and a first end cap (14). The piezoelectric vibrator (6) and the amplitude transformer (8) are connected via a connecting bolt (4). An air inlet connector (2) is installed at a tail portion of the connecting bolt (4). The second end cap (12) is fixed to the front end of the amplitude transformer (8). A Laval type valve core (9) is fixed in a stepped hole of the amplitude transformer (8) and a groove of the second end cap (12). A liquid inlet hole (10) is arranged in a wall face of the stepped hole of the amplitude transformer (8). A plurality of flow guide holes (11) is formed at the positions, close to an outlet, of the Laval type valve core (9) in the radial direction. The second end cap (12) is connected to the first end cap (14) in a threaded manner.

Abstract: A transfer and coating apparatus transfers a component from a conveyor to a coating station for application of a coating. The transfer apparatus includes a mast that can move about orthogonal axes in a horizontal plane and a mast having a carriage that can move vertically. The carriage includes a hook that swings about a horizontal axis relative to the mast for movement of the component in the horizontal direction. A sway bar extends between the hook and component to inhibit movement about a horizontal axis. The component is delivered to an upper compartment of a coating apparatus where it can be lowered in to a lower compartment containing coating material. Excess coating material is removed by an array of nozzles in the upper compartment as the component is raised from the coating material.

Abstract: A thin film production method according to one embodiment includes: a coating film forming step of forming a coating film by discharging a coating liquid on a support from first to M-th line heads (M is 2 or larger and N or smaller) while allowing the support to pass through N line heads once; and a drying step of obtaining a thin film by drying the coating film. A thin film forming nozzle hole 28 of the m-th line head (m is 2 or larger and M or smaller) is arranged to be positioned between adjacent thin film forming nozzle holes in an (m?1)-th thin film forming nozzle hole array Qm-1. Every time the first line head discharges the coating liquid, the m-th line head applies the coating liquid onto the support at a predetermined delay time with respect to a discharge time of the first line head. The first to M-th line heads discharge the coating liquid from the film forming nozzle hole selected in accordance with a shape of a thin film formation region onto the support.

Abstract: A power storage device and an applicator is obtained that achieve an increase in capacity and an improvement in productivity, and that enable the thickness of a mixture layer to be inhibited from varying. A positive electrode mixture slurry is discharged into discharge regions of a belt-like positive electrode current collector that extend in a length direction of the positive electrode current collector from discharge nozzles corresponding to the respective discharge regions to form a positive electrode mixture layer on the positive electrode current collector. The discharge regions are arranged such that a part of each of the discharge regions overlaps a part of another of the discharge regions adjacent thereto when viewed in the length direction to form overlapping portions. The positive electrode mixture slurry is intermittently discharged to form an exposed portion on at least one of the discharge regions.

Abstract: The coating device that has a rotatable spindle which has fastening mechanisms for fastening a rotation axle to the spindle. Protrusions are radially protruding from the spindle for spreading the coating substance on the inner surface of a pipe. The protrusions (12b) are flexible and plate-like strips that twist around the axis of their longest side so that the cross-sectional area of the protrusion, in the direction of the rotation axle of the spindle, is at its smallest at the outermost end. The protrusions have limiters that limit the coating substance to be spread to the desired layer thickness.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotating a needle comprising an inner sleeve securable to a syringe barrel, the inner sleeve having an inner sleeve passage extending therethrough, an outer sleeve rotatably supported by the inner sleeve, the outer sleeve having an outer sleeve passage extending therethrough in fluidic communication with the inner sleeve passage, the outer sleeve having a needle receptacle adapted to receive and operably couple a needle thereon, and a rotational energy-storing device, operably connected to the inner and outer sleeve so as to provide a rotational torque therebetween. A method for rotating a needle comprising rotating the outer sleeve relative to the inner sleeve so as to store rotational energy within the rotational energy-storing device extending between the inner and outer sleeves and releasing the outer sleeve such that the needle rotates relative to the syringe barrel.

Abstract: The multilayer coating film 12 includes a lower coating film 14 and an upper coating film 15. The lightness L* value of the coating film 14 is 30 or less. The coating film 15 contains aluminum flakes 22. The aluminum flakes 22 each have a surface roughness Ra of 30 nm or less and having a thickness of 70 to 150 nm. With respect to the aluminum flakes contained in the coating film 14, 70% by mass or more thereof has a major axis length of 7 to 15 ?m and an aspect ratio of 3 or less. When all the aluminum flakes 22 contained in the coating film 15 are projected on a surface of the coating film 15, a projected area occupancy, which is an area occupancy of the projections of the aluminum flakes 22 on the surface of the coating film 15, is 40 to 90%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for calibrating a treatment probe comprising at least one cylindrical transducer for generating high-intensity focused ultrasound in a target focus point, the probe being designed to be electrically connected to a power supply source for supplying an electrical signal for the power supply of the transducer, characterised in that the method comprises a step (20) of adjusting a frequency of the electrical signal for the power supply of the transducer in such a way that the variation between the maximum vibration intensity and the minimum vibration intensity of the transducer along the width thereof is minimal.

Abstract: A drive waveform setting unit sets a drive waveform of a drive signal, and a drive current is applied to a drive coil provided in a response force generation mechanism in accordance with the drive waveform. The drive waveform has a first drive section in which a signal intensity increases linearly and a second drive section including a peak. An increase rate of the signal intensity in the second drive section is lower than that in the first drive section. As a result, it is easy to follow the frequency characteristics of a driver circuit, and it is possible to increase a voltage to be applied to a drive coil.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sieve device 10 for use in a device 1 for generative manufacture of components 2 by means of successive solidification of individual layers 3 of powdered solidifiable construction material 4 by exposure to radiation, in particular laser radiation 5, through sector by sector melting or fusing and binding of the construction material 4, comprising a coating device 6 for application of the layers 3 on a carrier 7, a dosing device 8 for preparing the powdered construction material 4 for the coating device 6, an overflow container 9 for receipt of construction material 4 not needed in the coating process that can be fed to the sieve device 10 for sieving the powder material into the overflow container 9 during the construction process, wherein a sieve 12 of the sieve device 10 is configured at least in sections to be inclined in a way that the construction material 4 after appearance on the sieve to be sieved is first brought across the surface of the sieve with an initial velocity and the

Abstract: Described herein are splitters for holding and distributing input material to one or more decks of a gyratory sifter, where the splitter distributes approximately an equal amount of input material to each deck. An exemplary splitter may include a bottom surface, a sidewall, and one or more openings through the sidewall. Each opening may include a plurality of slits, allowing input material to pass therethrough. Where multiple openings are provided through the sidewall, the openings may be evenly spaced and have an equivalent area. The bottom surface may be substantially circular, and the sidewall may extend perpendicularly from the edges of the bottom surface. An exemplary splitter may be able to receive and distribute the input material when a gyratory force acts on the gyratory sifter on which the splitter is installed.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating horticultural products, such as blueberries and the like, includes in series at least one station for loading the horticultural products, at least one preliminary checking station, at least one alignment station for their subsequent advancement aligned on at least one row, at least one viewing station for acquiring information related to at least one parameter of interest of each horticultural product, such as the color, size, shape, sugar content, defectiveness, and the like, at least one distribution station for sorting the products into uniform subgroups as a function of the information acquired by the viewing station, and at least one recirculation apparatus for returning, at least to the viewing station, any horticultural products that have not been sorted by the distribution station.

Abstract: Various arrangements are presented for cleaning and sorting smartcards. An identifier present on the exterior of the smartcard may be scanned. A smartcard may be dispensed from an intake magazine that housing a plurality of smartcards. The smartcard may be moved along a cleaning assembly. The contacts of the smartcard may be cleaned. The contacts of the smartcard may be dried. After cleaning and drying the contacts of the smartcard, the smartcard may be sorted into either a cleaned output magazine or a cleaned rejection tray based on whether the scanning of the identifier was successfully performed.

Abstract: A machining swarf removing apparatus (7) includes a left and a right machining swarf removing units (25)(26). When removing machining swarf adhered to a recovery box (6), the left machining swarf removing unit (25) is placed in removal starting position. A brush (32) enters an insertion-ready state in which transverse direction thereof is oriented in a second direction D2. The brush (32) is moved to an insertion position for insertion into the recovery box (6), then the brush (32) is rotated to enter a machining swarf removal-ready state in which a longitudinal direction thereof is oriented in the second direction D2. The left machining swarf removing unit (25) is moved to remove the machining swarf adhered to the recovery box (6) by the brush (32), while a left rod vibrating device (43) is driven to vibrate a rod (33), vibrating the brush (32) attached to the rod (33).

Abstract: The present application discloses a device for diffusion of texture cleaning liquid, including a tank, a first turbulent plate and a second turbulent plate. The tank is provided with a liquid inlet; the first turbulent plate is fixed to and connected with the tank and is provided with a plurality of first orifices in interval; the second turbulent plate is fixed to and connected with the tank and is provided with a plurality of second orifices, and projection of each of the first orifices and projection of each of the second orifices on a plane where the liquid inlet is located are distributed in an alternate manner. The liquid inlet, the first turbulent plate, and the second turbulent plate are arranged sequentially in a liquid spraying direction.

Abstract: A method, system, apparatus, and/or device for cleaning a check valve of a pressurized pipe system. The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a first check valve attached between pipes of a pressurized pipe system. The first check valve may include a housing, a disc attached to an interior cavity of the housing, a port formed in the housing, and a second check valve attached to the port. The disc may be configured to move between an open position to allow a first fluid to flow from a first pipe to a second pipe and a closed position to stop the first fluid from flowing from the second pipe to the first pipe. The second check valve may be configured to allow the second fluid to flow into the first check valve and stop the first fluid from flowing out of the second check valve.

Abstract: Various embodiments include cleaning flat objects with pulsed jets, based on a principle of enhancing formation of droplets of a liquid cleaning-medium by increasing the boundary surface-area between spray jets emitted from nozzles of the cleaning unit and the surrounding atmosphere. In various embodiments, droplet-formation enhancement means are located inside and at or near outlets of nozzles and comprise, for example, a jet splitter, threaded grooves on an inner surface of the nozzle body, or a thin tube to supply gas into the flow of the liquid cleaning-medium to form gas bubbles in the medium. Other factors considered include a mass ratio between the droplets and the contaminant particles, a velocity of the droplets, organization and sequence of jets that impinges on various surfaces of the flat object, and flows that rinse separated particles and other contaminants. Other methods and apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a cleaning device and a clean method, the cleaning device includes a sweeping module and a washing module, the sweeping module includes a brush component and a steam generating component, the steam generating component and the brush component are arranged in sequence in the cleaning direction of the cleaning device; the washing module is configured to wash the parts to be cleaned, the washing module and the sweeping module are arranged in sequence in the cleaning direction of the cleaning device.

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

Abstract: An industrial installation and process are provided for cleaning workpieces, in particular engine components or transmission components. The installation has a housing enclosing a workspace and an industrial robot mounted inside the housing, in particular on a platform. An air recirculation device having a vapour condenser and ductwork with one or more intakes for admitting vapour-charged air from the workspace and one or more exits for returning dehumidified air to the workspace. The vapour condenser preferably includes a heat recovery unit. The vapour condenser is arranged at a level below the top of the housing, preferably below the platform and/or each of the one or more intakes is arranged at a level below the upper half of the workspace, preferably on or below the platform.

Abstract: An access device is provided for access to a fluid tank, especially a fluid tank of a ship. The access device includes a drill, a thread-forming unit, a hollow body with an external thread and a connection plate. The hollow body is provided with a valve.

Abstract: A method for producing a motor vehicle component with at least two regions of different strengths and a protective layer, consisting of the following process steps: —providing precoated blanks made of a steel alloy, which can be hardened, —homogeneously heating to a heating temperature, which is at least greater than or equal to the AC1 temperature, preferably greater than or equal to the AC3 temperature, —holding the heating temperature, so that the precoating alloys with the blank, —homogeneously intercooling the alloyed blank to an intercooling temperature between 450 deg. C. and 700 deg. C.

Abstract: A rotary stamper includes an upper die plate assembly, a lower die plate assembly, and a support frame having a drive assembly that moves the upper die plate horizontally and vertically along a generally circular pathway while moving the lower die plate along a linear horizontal pathway. The upper die plate is vertically slidably connected to the lower die plate by way of one or more vertical rods that extend from the lower die plate assembly up through the upper die plate. In operation, the lower die plate matches the horizontal movements of the upper die plate as the latter is moved along its circular pathway. Concurrently, the upper die plate moves towards and away from the lower die plate. This maintains a substantially constant alignment between the die plates for carrying out a periodic machining operation on a moving web of material passing there between.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a molded member, which can maintain high accuracy circularity of an inner diameter of a tubular body even if a thickness of a base metal sheet varies and which can prevent occurrence of adhesion, seizure of the like of the base metal sheet to a die used for finishing ironing. The base metal sheet is subjected to multi-stage drawing to manufacture the molded member including a tubular body and a flange formed at an end portion of the body. The multi-stage drawing includes: preliminary drawing for forming a preliminary body having a body element from the base metal sheet; at least one compression drawing performed after the preliminary drawing and forming the body by drawing the body element while applying a compressive force to the body element; and at least one finishing ironing performed after the at least one compression drawing to ensure dimensional accuracy.