Abstract: THIS invention relates to a process for recovering value metals from ore (50) configured such as to substantively reduce or eliminate the need for a tailings storage facility. This object is achieved through an integrated processing system designed to enhance the ratio of sand residue from coarse flotation (62) to the amount of tailings arising from fine flotation (72), and then blending a proportion of coarse and fine flotation gangue materials into a free draining stack (82).

Abstract: This invention is for a centrifugal separator comprised of a group formed by: a central feed chamber (10) fed by a feed pipe (20); a separation chamber (30) including a number of frustoconical disks (3); a first recovery chamber (11) in communication with a first liquid phase recovery pipe (21) and a gaseous phase recovery pipe (23); and a second recovery chamber (12) communicating with a second liquid phase recovery pipe (22), where the group is encompassed by a rotating envelope (1), where the central feed chamber (10) is in liquid fluid communication with the separation chamber (30), and in gaseous fluid communication with the first recovery chamber (11), where the separation chamber (30) is in fluid communication with the first and second recovery chambers where the centrifugal separator is encompassed by pressurizable stationary casing (4a, 4b).

Abstract: A separation device, comprising: a third-stage cyclone housing, a separating unit, and a granule recycle and regeneration unit, wherein, the separating unit is disposed inside the third-stage cyclone housing and comprises: a cyclone separator and a moving bed coupled to each other; the granule recycle and regeneration unit comprises: a riser, a spouted bed regenerator, and a regeneration pipe connecting the spouted bed regenerator with the moving bed; the spouted bed regenerator has upper and lower ends opposing to each other, wherein, the upper end of the spouted bed regenerator is provided with a sleeve which opens downwardly, the sleeve divides an interior of the spouted bed regenerator into a fountain area and an annular gap area, and a regenerating gas outlet which is in communication with the annular gap area is provided on a side wall of the spouted bed regenerator.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus includes a dispenser body, a valve stem with a valve tip, and a nozzle having a nozzle body defining a fluid chamber terminating in a discharge outlet, an annular valve seat, and a resilient annular portion. A method for dispensing droplets of fluid with the fluid dispensing apparatus includes moving the valve stem relative to the dispenser body and the nozzle body, collecting fluid in the fluid chamber flowing from the dispenser body when the valve stem is moved in an upstream direction with the valve tip out of engagement with the annular valve seat and the resilient annular portion, and dispensing fluid in the fluid chamber out of the discharge outlet when the valve stem is moved in a downstream direction.

Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler is described. The irrigation sprinkler includes a first ring including a first edge defining a first plurality of semicircular recesses and a second ring including a second edge defining a second plurality of semicircular recesses. The first ring and the second ring are secured together to define a plurality of circular recesses. The first ring includes a fin proximate each circular recess. The irrigation sprinkler also includes an adjustment mechanism disposed within each of the circular recesses. Each adjustment mechanism includes an outer rotating member including an annular structure comprising at least one of an annular recess and an annular protrusion, and an internal chamber including inwardly disposed threads. Each adjustment mechanism also includes an inner cylindrical member including an outer surface. The outer surface defines outwardly disposed threads and a channel. The channel extends radially along only a portion of the inner cylindrical member.

Abstract: Provided is a receptacle for mixing different materials, including: an outer receptacle for accommodating cosmetic contents; an inner receptacle of a columnar member for accommodating cosmetic contents, the upper part of which is opened and the lower part thereof is closed, which has an upper flange placed over some of the inner circumference of the upper opening portion of the outer receptacle and an elliptical first pump set is inserted into the inside the upper surface thereof; an elliptical second pump set mounted in parallel with the elliptical first pump set on one side of the inner receptacle; a shoulder member, the upper part of which is opened, and on the inner circumference thereof, and an intermediate part is fixed by pressing the upper flange of the inner receptacle and at the same time.

Abstract: A foamer dispenser including a mesh filter that is disposed in a mixture flow path of a jet ring to allow a mixture to pass is provided. A connecting flow path area between a liquid flow path and the mixture flow path and a connecting flow path area between an ambient air flow path and the mixture flow path have the relation 2.8?S1/S2?3.8, and/or, a smallest flow path area of the mixture flow path is located on an immediately upstream side of the mesh filter, and the smallest flow path area and a flow path area of the mesh filter have the relation 4?S4/S3?10.3.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system and a method of controlling a fluid dispensing system are disclosed. The fluid dispensing system includes a source of a fluid, a dispensing nozzle, and a spray system. The spray system supplies fluid from the source of fluid to the dispensing nozzle using system parameters for the spray system. The spray system and dispensing nozzle are configured to dispense the fluid as a stream or spray as an actual fluid pattern according to one or more first system parameters that are intended to produce a first fluid pattern. A camera is configured to capture one or more images of the actual fluid pattern dispensed from the dispensing nozzle. A controller is operatively connected to the spray system and the camera.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an apparatus for holding a workpiece under tension while one or more operations are performed on the workpiece, the apparatus comprising: a frame; a first spindle rotatably coupled to the frame; a first coupler configured to couple the first spindle to a first end of the workpiece; a second spindle rotatably coupled to the frame; and a second coupler configured to couple the second spindle to a second end of the workpiece; wherein a distance between the first and second couplers is adjustable to hold the workpiece under tension between the couplers while the one or more operations are performed, and wherein the workpiece can be rotated with the couplers relative to the frame about a common axis of rotation extending between the couplers. Some embodiments relate to a system comprising a controller for controlling rotation of the workpiece. Embodiments also relate to processes comprising holding a workpiece under tension while performing one or more operations on the workpiece.

Abstract: Implementations of sprinkler head covers may include: an artificial turf portion including a backing, a stiffener coupled to the backing at a first side of the stiffener, and a bag removably coupled to a second side of the stiffener. The second side may be opposite the first side of the stiffener.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aerosol generator (1), comprising a housing (20, 22), having a first holding member (24, 24?, 24?) and a second holding member (38), and a vibratable element (4) for generating an aerosol. The vibratable element (4) is at least partially accommodated in the housing (20, 22). The vibratable element (4) is contacted by and held between the first and second holding members (24, 24?, 24?; 38). The first holding member (24, 24?, 24?) is less flexible than the second holding member (38). Further, the invention relates to an aerosol delivery device comprising the aerosol generator (1).

Abstract: A fluid application device for mechanical fasteners such as rivets, screws, bolts, and similar fasteners, and a robot end effector including such a device as well as a robot being equipped therewith. The fluid application device includes a fluid application element having a curved application surface, wherein the curved application surface includes a channel configured to receive a fluid. A brush is arranged at the curved application surface such that the fluid is able to wet the brush elements. The device further includes a gripping device configured to push a mechanical fastener against the wetted brush elements.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for applying liquid coatings are provided. A first roll (14), a second roll (16), and a nip (146) formed between the first and second rolls are provided. A coating liquid (22) is supplied to the nip. The coating liquid is smoothed, via the nip, into a substantially uniform layer (22a) of liquid coating which is transferred to a substrate (12). The second roll (16) includes a thin metal shell (40) and a resilient layer (30), the thin metal shell encases the resilient layer therebeneath, and the thin metal shell is capable of deflecting in unison with the resilient layer such that the thin metal shell is elastically deformable at the nip when in contact with the first roll (14).

Abstract: The disclosure concerns an applicator for applying a coating agent (e.g. thick matter) to a component (e.g. motor vehicle body part) with a nozzle with a nozzle opening with a certain nozzle geometry, in particular for applying a thick matter bead to a component surface. The disclosure provides that the nozzle geometry of the nozzle opening can be adjusted without replacing the nozzle, in particular by a relative movement of two nozzle parts. Furthermore, the disclosure comprises an exchange part for such an applicator and an operating method therefor.

Abstract: A system includes a spray tool including a trigger and a sensor. The system includes a fluid regulation system including a container configured to store a coating material and a pump configured to control a flow of the coating material. The system includes a pump control system including a controller configured to change an operating parameter of the pump distributing the coating material in response to an input from the sensor. The pump control system is coupled to the fluid regulation system.

Abstract: A method for controlling a recirculation pump assembly is disclosed. The method includes receiving a process-dependent characteristic and determining a recirculation flow rate of adhesive that flows to the recirculation pump assembly based on the process-dependent characteristic. The method further includes determining a recirculation pump speed of the recirculation pump assembly for pumping the adhesive to a supply channel using the recirculation flow rate, and adjusting an operating speed of the recirculation pump assembly to match the recirculation pump speed. A system and storage device for performing the above method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for dispensing fluid from a fluid dispensing apparatus. The apparatus may include a housing, wherein the housing may include a motor, and wherein the motor may be configured to be operatively connected to a power supply, wherein the motor may be further configured to be operatively connected to one or more drive rods, wherein the one or more drive rods may be configured to engage a fixed lead screw with a triangular nut, and wherein the drive rod may be further configured to engage at least two pistons of a fluid cartridge. The housing may include a controller configured to be operatively connected to the power supply, the controller may be configured to generate a pressure within the fluid cartridge by adjusting, via the motor, the drive rod and piston in a first direction relative to the fluid cartridge to dispense fluid in the fluid cartridge.

Abstract: A carbon nanomaterial composite sheet and a method for making a carbon nanomaterial composite sheet may include a layer of a carbon nanomaterial structure being bonded to a carrier layer, the carrier layer being fabricated from a porous metalized nonwoven material.

Abstract: A phosphor device of an illumination system emitting a first waveband light includes a substrate and a phosphor layer formed on the substrate. The phosphor layer includes a first phosphor agent and a second phosphor agent. The first waveband light is converted into a first color light by the first phosphor agent. The second phosphor agent is distributed over the first phosphor agent and mixed with the first phosphor agent, and the first waveband light is converted into a second color light by the second phosphor agent. The first color light and the second color light are integrated into the second waveband light. The difference between the first wavelength peak of the first color light and the second wavelength peak of the second color light is 50 to 100 nanometers. Therefore, the advantages of increasing the purity, the luminance and the luminous intensity of specific color light are achieved.

Abstract: An inside surface of a hose for use with liquid-cooled cooling plate assemblies and other applications that contain copper (Cu) components is pre-treated with a hydrophobic coating to reduce depletion of a copper corrosion inhibitor (e.g., benzotriazole (BTA)) dissolved in a liquid coolant (e.g., deionized water) that flows through the hose. Exemplary hydrophobic coatings include, but are not limited to, polydialkylsiloxanes such as polydimethylsiloxanes. In one embodiment, a multilayer hose is immersed in a solution containing hydrophobizing siloxane monomers dissolved in a solvent. The coated multilayer hose is then dried to evaporate the solvent. As the solvent evaporates, the siloxane monomers bind together to form the hydrophobic coating. In some embodiments, one or more hoses each provided with a hydrophobic coating interconnect liquid-coolant cooling system components (e.g.

Abstract: A wearable vibration presentation apparatus includes a weight saving and simplified electric-mechanical vibration converter that has a mechanism that is quite different. The vibration presentation apparatus includes a transmitting member and a control unit, wherein a side portion of the transmitting member abuts a portion of a vibration presentation object or is wound to the vibration presentation object. Vibration is transmitted to the vibration presentation object via the transmitting member by applying predetermined tension to the transmitting member and varying the predetermined tension based on a driving signal on a basis of a vibration presentation signal.

Abstract: A mobile sieving apparatus and method for harvesting cannabis pollen and trichomes separates the flowers of a cannabis plant. A large sieve panel, a medium sieve panel, a small sieve panel, and a silk screen panel are arranged in a spaced-apart stacked arrangement inside a harvesting vehicle. The sieved panels have different sized openings to enable passage of corresponding portions of the cannabis plant. The sieve panels are arranged by graduated separation, in which the distance between panels correlates to the size of the cannabis plant components passing through the opening. A harvesting panel has a solid, flat surface, and positions below the sieve panels to catch the pollens and trichomes falling through. The panels are stacked in a harvesting vehicle, sliding onto docking rails that slidably receive the edges of panels. The harvesting vehicle is lightweight to enable manual agitation of the vehicle, and enhance mobility of the panels.

Abstract: A bucket mounted sifter assembly includes a ring that is positionable around a top end of a bucket. A pair of handles is each coupled to the ring for gripping. A first screen is positioned within the ring, and rocks and particulates can be positioned on the first screen. The first screen has openings therein of approximately 0.5 inches in size to facilitate the particulates to fall therethrough while inhibiting the rocks from passing therethrough for sifting the rocks. A second screen is positionable on the first screen and the second screen has openings therein of approximately 0.25 inches in size. Thus, the second screen reduces the size of material that can pass through the second and first screens. A fastener is extendable through the first and second screens when the second screen is positioned on the first screen for releasably coupling the second screen to the first screen.

Abstract: An apparatus having a screen frame with a first screening surface and multiple openings is disclosed. The openings can be bounded by at least one mating surface. One or more screen filter unit having a second screening surface can be disposed in one of the openings of the screen frame. The one or more screen filter unit can have one or more sealing surface that can be coupled to the at least one mating surface of the screen frame.

Abstract: A parcel sorting system and related process. The parcel sorting system includes a parcel sorter, a plurality of shuttles, and a control system. The control system is configured to control the parcel sorting system to assign a first sorting destination to a first output of a plurality of outputs. A first container is positioned to receive parcels sorted to the first output. The control system is configured to control the parcel sorting system to sort parcels corresponding to the first sorting destination to the first output and deposit the parcels into the first container; when the first container has reached a target capacity, remove the full first container using a first shuttle; and position a third container to receive parcels sorted to the first output using a second shuttle.

Abstract: Equipment for handling parcels between loading points at which said parcels are loaded and drop-off points at which the parcels are dropped off in a logistics center, the equipment having sorting receptacles placed at the loading points and into which the parcels are poured loosely in bulk, further having trolleys, each of which is configured to carry a removable receptacle, and shuttle robots configured to dock with the trolleys and to move them automatically, and a monitoring and control unit for automatically and remotely controlling the movement of the shuttle robots as a function of a sorting plan so as to place trolleys with empty receptacles at the loading points and so as to place each of the trolleys with a receptacle loaded with parcels at a drop-off point where the receptacle loaded with parcels is replaced with an empty receptacle.

Abstract: A liquid knife cleaning apparatus and a liquid knife are provided. The liquid knife cleaning apparatus includes: a frame configured to be arranged on the liquid knife and be capable of reciprocating in an extending direction of the knife edge; a cleaning blade configured to extend into the knife edge of the liquid knife and be capable of reciprocating inside the knife edge under the driving of the frame to clean the knife edge, the cleaning blade being arranged on the frame; and a movable mechanism configured to control the frame to reciprocate on the liquid knife in the extending direction of the knife edge, the frame being connected to the movable mechanism.

Abstract: A cleaning brush comprising a carrier and a cleaning unit is provided. The cleaning unit comprises a plurality of cleaning beans set on a surface of the carrier in a spiral arrangement. A spiral coiling around the carrier from an end of the carrier to the other end is formed. A spiral curve path is formed to coil the carrier circumferentially by extendedly arranging the cleaning beans. Hence, the present invention uses the cleaning beans of the cleaning unit to be set on surface of the carrier. On rotating in a fixed direction, the spiral cleaning unit generates a flow field which not only comprises a vertical flow for an object to be cleaned but also a horizontal flow forming a parallel stream. Thus, dirt can be removed more easily than by using a traditional matrix cleaning device.

Abstract: Automatic emitter point cleaners are disclosed. An automatic emitter point cleaning system includes: a fan configured to direct a stream of air through an air path; a point emitter configured to produce at least one of positive ions or negative ions within or proximate to the air path; a brush; a first gear coupled to the brush and configured to move the brush into contact with the point emitter; a second gear to engage the first gear; and a motor to actuate the second gear such that the second gear actuates the first gear to move the brush past the point emitter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning a component inside an air handling apparatus includes a pump is connected to a controlling device and a metering device that is connected to one or more reservoirs. The metering device is also connected to one or more fogging devices. Each fogging device is positioned inside a housing, or plenum, so as to cause a fogged cleaning solution to be disbursed throughout the plenum and fully cover the component. To perform the cleaning of the component, the controlling device disables the machine and activates the pump which causes cleaning solution to be drawn from the one or more reservoirs into the metering device, which then transfers the cleaning solution into the fogging apparatus. The controlling device then allows the machine to resume operation.

Abstract: A pneumatic washing and drying machine including a washing chamber and a liquid reservoir in fluid communication with the washing chamber, the washing chamber internally including spray nozzles directed towards at least a part to be washed arranged within the washing chamber and configured to spray a fluid so as to wash the at least one part and then air so as to dry the at least one part, the pneumatic washing and drying machine further includes a pneumatic unit powered by a compressed air supply to provide a liquid from the liquid reservoir to the spray nozzles via the air from the compressed air supply, and then provide air from the compressed air supply to the spray nozzles.

Abstract: A valve for a clean in place system is described. The valve includes an inlet portion, an outlet portion including a first outlet and a second outlet, and a flow diverter positioned between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. The flow diverter includes a planar portion sized to extend across the first and second outlets, and a cylindrical portion defining an opening. The valve also includes a first seal between the inlet portion and the outlet portion, and an actuator for moving the flow diverter between a first position to form a first flow path in which the inlet is fluidly connected to the first outlet, and a second position to form a second flow path in which the inlet is fluidly connected to the second outlet. The valve includes multiple seals fluidly connected to the flow path to enable the valve to be cleaned in place.

Abstract: A device including an outer hose segment, an inner hose segment, a first air chamber for accommodating a first air flow, a second air chamber for accommodating a second air flow, a drive tool coupler into engagement with a first end portion of the outer hose segment and inner hose segment, a cleaning end section that is configured to allow tools to be attached and detached to and from said device, and a hose coupler into engagement with a second end portion of the outer and inner hose segments, wherein the hose coupler is configured to control the first and second flow of air into the first and second air chambers independently.

Abstract: An apparatus for hydrodemolishing the inside surfaces of an inclined pipe, particularly suited to contiguous pipe sections with access ports between the sections. The fluid supply hose is fed to the hydrodemolition rig inside the pipe from the same side as the winch that controls the movement of the rig. The rig is moved upstream in a scarifying pass, then downstream in a cleaning pass for each section and re-staged at each access port.

Abstract: A connector cleaning system includes (a) one or more cleaning elements adapted to engage a connector and remove contaminants from a contact portion of the connector and (b) an image processing device adapted to capture an image of the contact portion after removal of contaminants.

Abstract: A method for immobilizing arsenic includes adding calcium arsenate to a glass-forming material containing iron, silica, and alkaline components so that an iron/silica weight ratio is in a range of 0.5 to 0.9 and an amount of alkaline components is in a range of 14 wt % to 26 wt %, and thereby incorporating the arsenic into a glass solidified body. For example, the method for immobilizing arsenic may include: adding an alkaline solution and an oxidizing agent to a copper-arsenic-containing substance, and thereby carrying out an oxidizing leaching; separating a leach residue by solid-liquid separation; adding calcium hydroxide to a recovered alkaline arsenate solution to generate calcium arsenate; and adding the glass-forming material to the recovered calcium arsenate so that the iron/silica weight ratio and the amount of alkaline components are in the above-mentioned ranges, and thereby incorporating the arsenic into the glass solidified body.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating contaminated vapors in an area below a slab of a building such that the slab is located above a first layer of gravel and a second layer of soil. The method includes providing an ozone unit, a riser pipe, and tubing. An area below the slab where contaminated vapors need treated is first detected and then a hole is formed in the slab to define an injection location. The method also includes positioning the riser pipe in the hole at the injection location and coupling the tubing between the ozone unit and the riser pipe. The method further includes dispensing ozone from the ozone unit to flow through the tubing and the riser pipe to treat contaminated vapors in the area below the slab.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for rolling metal sheets of variable thickness. The method makes it possible to impress, during rolling, any distribution of areas of increased thickness within a figure corresponding to the plane development of a motor-vehicle component prior to the pressing operation. Impression of the desired distribution of areas of increased thickness envisages simultaneous impression, during rolling, of a further distribution of areas of increased thickness, or compensation areas.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a titanium aluminide blade of a turbine engine, including production of a titanium aluminide ingot, extrusion of the ingot through an opening in a die having one main arm and at least one side arm, such as to obtain a extruded ingot having the shape of a bar with a cross-section having one main arm and at least one side arm substantially perpendicular to the main arm, transverse cutting of the extruded ingot such as to obtain sections of extruded ingot, forging of each section of extruded ingot such as to obtain a turbine engine blade.

Abstract: A roller hemming processing device that has first to fifth processing surfaces and that rolls the respective processing surfaces while pressing the respective processing surfaces against a hemming flange in such a posture that an axis of a roller is parallel to an outer panel is used. A pre-processed portion obtained by bending the hemming flange to form a right angle with an inner flange is molded by using the third, fifth and fourth processing surfaces in a stepwise manner such that the angle of inclination with respect to the axis decreases. The pre-processed portion is inclined toward an inner panel side by using the second processing surface. An inclined wall portion that is inclined to contact the inner panel, and a hem portion that is in close contact with the inner panel are molded by simultaneously using the first and second processing surfaces.

Abstract: A manufacturing method includes a preparing step, an intermediate pressing step, a heating step, and a hot stamping step. In the preparing step, a blank is prepared. In the intermediate pressing step, press working is applied to the blank to produce an intermediate formed product. In the heating step, the intermediate formed product is heated. In the hot stamping step, press working is applied to the intermediate formed product to produce a panel-like formed product. In the hot stamping step, a machine including a first die, a second die, a punch, and a blank holder is used. While the intermediate formed product is pinched between the first die and the punch, the second die and the blank holder are moved relative to the first die and the punch, and thereby, the panel-like formed product is produced.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic forming device includes a tank having a tank inner wall and inside of which are positioned a mold, a first electrode, and a second electrode. A free first reflector is placed in the tank and surrounds the mold, the first electrode, and the second electrode.

Abstract: A mechanical spreader along a spreading axis, characterized in that it comprises a support (1) and two spreading plates (2), each spreading plate (2) comprising at least one bevel (3), and in that it also comprises a central rod (4) able to slide in said support (1) between the two spreading plates (2), said central rod (4) comprising a plurality of bevels (5) having a profile complementary to the bevels (3) of said spreading plates (2), the bevels (5) of said central rod (4) being in contact with the bevels (3) of said spreading plates (2), said spreader also comprising return means able to exert a return force on the spreading plates (2), means for pushing the central rod (4) and means for immobilizing the spreading plates (2) in planes perpendicular to said spreading axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming and sealing an adjustable duct member for use in an air handling system. At least one work station accommodates a tapered work piece. A repositionable die is positioned relative to the work piece, and a cutting and forming assembly cooperates with the repositionable die to cut the work piece and form a coupling bead to reconnect the members together. A sealing assembly cooperates with the first repositioning die to seal the coupling bead in the first and second members. The work station includes an insertion channel having predetermined dimensions to accommodate at least a portion of the work piece. A clamping assembly is associated with the insertion channel to securely hold the tapered work piece at the predetermined position during the cutting and forming and sealing operations.

Abstract: A continuous motion position controlled in-line linear seamer allows a manufacturer or brewery such as a microbrewery to have high speed can seaming (attachment of lids to full cans of beverage) with a single compact, inexpensive, independent and repositionable seaming machine. The seaming is carried out in-line with production, and is done using a linear can path with no need for a large carousel. The motion is continuous because a variable pitch worm drive is constantly operating, driving cans at different speeds for different portions of the can path, including one portion of the path at which the can may remain motionless while being seamed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a riveted connection between a ball joint pin, having a pin longitudinal axis (BLA), and a component in the form of a metal sheet with an abutting portion surrounding a preliminary hole, in which the ball joint pin has at least one ball head portion an adjoining shank portion, a planar plate portion, having an upper side and an underside, and a rivet flange portion, in which the ball joint pin is connected to the component by deforming the rivet flange portion. Advantageously, in a first step, the ball joint pin is inserted into the preliminary hole by means of an inserting tool in such a way that the plate portion is supported at least in certain portions by its underside on the abutting portion of the component in the form of a metal sheet, preferably with surface-area contact.

Abstract: An automated pin anvil press for connecting a workpiece pair at a plurality of pin locations with a plurality of pins includes a platform, an anvil paired with a puncher, and a position control camera capable of taking position alignment images. The platform includes a base, an x-y stage including a floor with a central opening and a y-axis datum and a x-axis datum aligned along a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, respectively, and a primary constraint mechanism on the x-y stage wherein activation of the primary constraint mechanism constrains at least one of the workpiece pair on the x-y stage. The platform also includes x-axis and y-axis carriages connecting the x-y stage to the base, wherein activation of an x-axis actuator connected to the x-axis carriage moves the x-y stage parallel to the first axis.

Abstract: Self-piercing rivets deployed in an elongated tape are moved into alignment with a rivet driving spindle using a processor-controlled servomotors. The tape is conveyed between a supply reel and an exhaust reel, the supply reel having a supply motor and the exhaust reel having an exhaust motor. The tape is moved under processor control in an advancing direction until the rivet has traveled past being in alignment with the spindle, by controlling the supply and exhaust motors using a first tension regimen. Thereafter the tape is moved under processor control in a retracting direction until the rivet is in alignment with the spindle by controlling the tape supply and exhaust motors using a second tension regimen.

Abstract: An investment casting pattern including: a consumable body formed of: a first body portion; and a second body portion; and a fastener arranged to form an interface between the first body portion and the second body portion, and to locate the first body portion relative to the second body portion, wherein the fastener is formed of a different material than the first body portion and the second body portion.

Abstract: A method of treating a surface of a mold. The method includes forming dimples on a surface of a mold by ejecting substantially spherical ejection-particles so as to bombard the surface of the mold. The dimples are formed so as to satisfy a condition defined by the following formula: 1+3.3e?H/230?W?3+13.4e?H/1060 wherein W is an equivalent diameter (?m) of the dimples and H is a base metal hardness (Hv) of the mold.