Abstract: A centrifugal separator for separating a liquid heavy phase and light phase from a liquid feed mixture includes a drive member and a rotating part. The rotating part includes a centrifuge rotor enclosing a separation space and a sludge space. The centrifugal separator includes an inlet for receiving the liquid feed mixture into the centrifuge rotor, a first outlet for the liquid heavy phase and a second outlet for the liquid light phase. The centrifugal separator includes a conduit system for recirculating separated liquid heavy phase discharged from a first outlet to the sludge space within the centrifuge rotor without mixing the recirculated separated liquid heavy phase with the liquid feed mixture. Sludge outlets, other than the first and second outlets, discharge sludge separated from said liquid feed mixture. A method for separating a liquid heavy phase and a liquid light phase from a liquid feed mixture is also disclosed.

Abstract: A centrifuge rotor includes tube retainers for holding two or more sample tubes at a 90 degree angle in a minimized configuration for effective separation of a blood sample using a mini centrifuge. The centrifuge rotor with sample tubes in place has an overall width that is less than two times the length of a sample tube.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cyclone separator and a cyclone separation method. The cyclone separator includes a shell and a core tube. An upper end of the shell is provided with a gas inlet. A lower end of the shell is provided with a shell outlet. An opening at a lower end of the core tube is provided inside the shell. The lower end of the core tube is provided with a baffle structure, and at least a portion of the baffle structure extends vertically. By providing the baffle structure, the present disclosure can cut off the flow path of the short-circuit flow and the radially centripetal moving gas flow such as the centripetal flow in the particle spiral band area, weaken the short-circuit flow, the inner vortex flow and the precessing vortex core, thus improving separation efficiency of fine particles with particle diameters of 1 ?m to 10 ?m.

Abstract: Disclosed is a noise suppressor for use inside a nozzle and adjacent a nozzle liner. The suppressor can include an inlet with a cross-sectional area larger than that of the nozzle liner outlet. The suppressor can also have an entrance length with a diverging cross-sectional area, and an exit length extending from the entrance length. By incorporating this geometry, the noise suppressor reduces noise and improves performance of the apparatus in which the suppressor is used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nozzle arrangement (1) for applying fluids (20), in particular thermoplastic materials, to a substrate (21), wherein the nozzle arrangement (1) comprises a base body (14), which can be connected, preferably exchangeably, to a mounting region of a distributor (30), and a front lateral surface.

Abstract: An exemplary foam-at-a-distance dispenser includes a container for holding a fluid, a housing, a dispensing outlet, a motor and a pump. The pump has two or more air pump diaphragms, a liquid pump diaphragm, a liquid inlet, an inner valve plate, two or more air inlet valves secured to the inner valve plate, a liquid inlet valve secured to the inner valve plate, an outer valve support located outside of the inner valve plate, a liquid outlet valve secured to the outer valve support, an air outlet and a liquid outlet. Also included are motor, a wobble plate, a mixing chamber and a foaming cartridge located between the mixing chamber and the dispensing outlet. A liquid dispensing conduit extends from the liquid outlet to the mixing chamber and an air dispensing conduit extending from the air outlet to the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A spray dispenser is provided, the spray dispenser comprising a container for holding a liquid to be dispensed and a dispensing assembly for extracting liquid from said container, the dispensing assembly comprising a pressure-relief valve for release of excessive pressure in the container and a filter arranged to permit egress of gas through the filter, inhibit egress of liquid from the container and to inhibit ingress of contaminants into the container through the pressure relief valve. A dispensing assembly for use is a spray dispenser is also provided.

Abstract: A foam pump independent of spring sealing includes a gland, a connecting part, a moving part, an outer cover, an inner core, a piston, a middle sheath, a piston seat, an outer case, a bead, a spring and a straw. The gland can rotate relative to the outer cover, and is connected with the moving part located in the gland; the connecting part is fixed in an inner cavity of the gland; one end of the inner core away from the moving part extends into an inner cavity of the piston, and is movably connected with a sealing assembly on the piston along with the piston seat. The foam pump independent of spring sealing can prevent the liquid from being squeezed, and can also increase the service life of the spring and improve product competitiveness and user experience.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a coating device having a plurality of components which are susceptible to malfunctions, a vibration sensor for detecting mechanical vibrations in the coating device and for converting them into a vibration signal which can be evaluated by control technology, and having an evaluation unit for evaluating the vibration signal from the vibration sensor and for diagnosing an operating malfunction in one of the components of the coating device which are susceptible to malfunctions as a function of the vibration signal. The disclosure provides that the evaluation unit diagnoses various operational malfunctions of various malfunction-prone components of the coating device by evaluating the vibration signal of the vibration sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for applying a surface treatment such as impregnation agent or water repellency agent to shoes, boots, bags, gloves or the like, where the apparatus includes a closed treatment chamber provided with an openable access to the treatment chamber from outside the treatment chamber, and where the bottom of the treatment chamber a turntable is provided, having a flat surface in an x-y plane, and an axis Z, and where one or more nozzles are arranged for spraying a mist towards the turntable where the nozzles is/are connected to a control unit, and where a plurality of markers are provided on the periphery of the turntable, and that inside the treatment chamber a scanner used, such that the nozzles are activated to issue a mist of treatment according to a preprogrammed sequence and/or count of markers registered by the scanner.

Abstract: A transfer pin includes a main body portion, and a releasing portion formed on a tip end side of the main body portion, and configured to, when a solder paste including a solder ball is dipped and transferred to a mounting portion of a component of a board, release the solder paste from a tip end portion of the main body portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a substrate includes a processing vessel disposed in a process chamber and including a processing space in which a substrate is accommodated; a liquid supply line configured to process the substrate by supplying processing liquid to the substrate in the processing space; an exhaust line connected to the processing vessel and configured to exhaust gas in the processing space; a spraying portion disposed on the exhaust line and configured to spray cleaning liquid to remove contaminants accumulated in the exhaust line; and a washing liquid discharge line branched from the exhaust line and including a suction portion therein to suction cleaning liquid waste including contaminants removed from the exhaust line by the cleaning liquid and to discharge the cleaning liquid waste to the outside.

Abstract: An application device for applying a flowable medium onto a substrate, having a discharge valve having a closure member which, in its open position, releases a metering opening of the discharge valve, such that the flowable medium can flow through the metering opening in the direction of the substrate, wherein the closure member is movable by an electromagnet of the discharge valve from a closing position, in which it closes the metering opening, to an open position, and having a main control unit, which is connected to the discharge valve, and which delivers electrical output voltage signals which moves and maintains the closure member to the open position. A modification unit is arranged between the main control unit and the discharge valve, which is configured such it receives output voltage signals from the main control unit, modifies these signals and relays the latter in a modified form to the electromagnet.

Abstract: Plungers (50) for use in sealant dispensing cartridges with collapsible sealant packaging (40) are disclosed. The plungers include anti-bypass retainers (60) to reduce or prevent unwanted passage of the flexible sealant packaging around the edges of the plungers during sealant dispensing operations.

Abstract: A dispenser for compound-containing containers includes a receiving chamber for a container; at least one push rod displaceable relative to the receiving chamber; a motor for moving the at least one push rod; a control unit for controlling the motor; a main switch; an operation selection switch for setting a selected amount of the compound to be dispensed in one application run; and a sensor configured to detect movement of the push rod. The control unit is configured to store a missing amount of the compound when one application run is interrupted. The dispenser dispenses the missing amount of the compound when the main switch is actuated for finishing the interrupted application. If an application run gets interrupted, for example due to empty battery, the missing amount of the compound is dispensed instead of the preselected amount. This function allows the application to proceed without additional chemical or compound wastage.

Abstract: A dispenser for compound-containing containers includes a receiving chamber for a container; at least one push rod displaceable relative to the receiving chamber; a motor for moving the at least one push rod; a control unit for controlling the motor; a main switch for activating the motor; and an operation selection switch for switching between different operation modes and having a discard position. The control twit is configured to dispense a predetermined discard amount of the compound when the operation selection switch is set to the discard position and the main switch is triggered. The dispenser provides an automated discard function, which helps the user to discard the correct amount of compound before starting normal applications. With the dispenser, a procedure of initializing a compound-containing container is improved, to increase the security of the application.

Abstract: An extendable roller paint applicator device for extending the roller to inaccessible surfaces includes a hand grip. The hand grip has a painting surface and an extension surface. A stem is positioned upon the painting surface of the hand grip. The stem has a distal end and a proximal end relative to the hand grip. Furthermore, the distal end of the stem has a bend. A roller enwraps the bend of the stem and is coupled to the bend of the stem by a pivot. The pivot rotates the roller when pushed against a surface. A brush is positioned around the roller. Additionally, an extender is positioned upon the extension surface of the hand grip. The extender increases a length of the hand grip relative to the roller.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides embodiments of processes and methods for stabilizing self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). In the present disclosure, a cyclic vapor deposition process is used to selectively deposit a polymer thin film on a SAM structure formed on a target material. The polymer thin film selectively deposited on the SAM structure stabilizes the SAM structure by: (a) healing defects in the SAM structure and providing blanket coverage over the target material surface, (b) preventing migration of SAM-forming molecules to neighboring non-target surfaces, and (c) increasing the thickness and rigidity of the SAM structure. In one embodiment, sequentially pulsed initiated chemical vapor deposition (spiCVD) is used to selectively deposit the polymer thin film on the SAM structure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for preparing a multilayer coating system on a substrate including at least the steps of applying a first coating material composition to a substrate (step (1)), applying a second coating material composition to the first coating film formed in step (1) prior to curing the first coating film and forming a second coating film (step (2)) and jointly curing the first and second coating films (step (3)).

Abstract: An example apparatus operable to provide power to a transducer via a regulator output, the power regulator comprising: filter circuitry including a filter input and a filter output, the filter output coupled to the regulator output; amplifier circuitry including an amplifier input and an amplifier output, the amplifier output coupled to the filter input; sensing circuitry including a sensing input and a sensing output, the sensing input coupled to the filter output and the regulator output; and a controller including a controller input coupled to the sensing output and including a controller output coupled to the amplifier input, the controller configured to: supply an excitation signal to the amplifier circuitry to cause the amplifier circuitry to supply the power based on the excitation signal; estimate a magnitude of the power based on measurements of current and voltage at the filter output.

Abstract: An acoustic transponder (1) for an acoustic transmission system is described, comprising a transponder chip (2) and a piezoelectric element (4) for converting a carrier frequency into an electric voltage, the transponder (1) having a miniaturized design. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing a miniaturized transponder, the use of a miniaturized transponder, and an acoustic transmission system comprising the miniaturized transponder are described.

Abstract: There is provided an ultrasonic transducer having a sample-contacting portion and a back portion, the back portion being opposed to the sample contacting portion. The transducer includes a piezoelectric material configured to be in acoustic communication with a sample and a backing structure in acoustic communication with the piezoelectric material. The backing structure is configured to reflect acoustic energy towards the sample-contacting portion and away from the back portion of the ultrasonic transducer. The backing structure includes a low acoustic impedance layer and a high acoustic impedance layer. The transducer may also include a second dual layer de-matching backing. The second dual layer de-matching backing includes a second low acoustic impedance layer and a second high acoustic impedance layer.

Abstract: A pellet defect inspection system using a multi color tone control, which continuously transfers pellets to detect colors of the pellets, thereby determining whether the pellets are defective, and a method for controlling the same. The pellet defect inspection system includes: a pellet defect inspection device which includes a sorter to photograph a first surface (top) and a second surface (bottom) of each of the pellets while transferring the pellets to inspect the pellets so as to separate and remove pellets that are determined as defective and transfer and load non-defective pellets to designated positions; and a multi color tone pellet inspection controller configured to photograph the first surface and the second surface of each of the pellets transferred along a lane while controlling the pellet transfer and changing an RGBW irradiation section so as to analyze and determine an image.

Abstract: A multi-level induction station is disclosed. The multi-level induction station includes multiple sorting levels arranged in a vertical stacked configuration; a vertically traveling automated lift that carries articles vertically between the sorting levels along a frame positioned proximate to the multiple sorting levels; an information acquisition device positioned to read information from an article on the lift; multiple transport devices positioned on the sorting levels to receive the articles; and a control system that directs the multi-level induction station to determine a destination for an article and direct the lift to a platform where a transport device is at an article-receiving position at the sorting level to receive the article.

Abstract: A sports towel includes an integrated, semi-rigid squeegee tab along one edge of the towel. The squeegee tab is tapered along its outer edge, allowing for effective wiping of planar surfaces such as the visor on a sporting helmet. The towel is securely attached to the squeegee tab through a double stitch that extends through a folded-over edge of the towel and a towel-receiving slot on the top of the squeegee tab. An indicia-receiving slot on the top side of the squeegee tab provides an opportunity for product branding or logo placement. Additionally, the towel includes hook-and-loop material to allow for easy attachment to a player's uniform. The invention offers a convenient and efficient solution for athletes to keep their helmet visors clean and dry during gameplay.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for detecting and controlling the dosing and residual concentration of hard surface cleaners and rinse aids in an automotive parts washer. In particular, the methods and systems are particularly suitable for washing systems employed prior to exterior plastic part painting. The methods and systems comprise a UV meter, a controller, and a metering pump; wherein the controller is in electrical communication with the UV meter and the metering pump.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for removing deposits off a surface of a chamber component. The method includes receiving a chamber component, and fixing the chamber component in a fixture. A slurry is then applied to a surface of the chamber component, where the slurry has a pH of about 5 to about 9. The surface is then polished using a polish pad and the slurry. The surface roughness of the surface after polishing is within about 10% of the surface roughness before polishing, and wherein deposits on the surface of the chamber component are removed by polishing. An alternative method for removing deposits is also presented, wherein the chamber component is heated to a temperature of about 500° C. to about 1500° C.

Abstract: In one example, an apparatus comprises: a transducer, a driver circuit coupled to the transducer, a memory, and a controller. The memory is configured to store a power profile, the power profile including a mapping between power metrics and oscillation frequencies of the transducer, the power metrics being indicative of a power delivered to the transducer. The controller is coupled to the memory and the driver circuit, the controller configured to: obtain the power profile from the memory; determine a frequency of a driver signal based on the power profile; and provide the driver signal having the frequency to the driver circuit.

Abstract: A charged particle beam system is disclosed, comprising: a charged particle beam generator for generating a beam of charged particles; a charged particle optical column arranged in a vacuum chamber, wherein the charged particle optical column is arranged for projecting the beam of charged particles onto a target, and wherein the charged particle optical column comprises a charged particle optical element for influencing the beam of charged particles; a source for providing a cleaning agent; a conduit connected to the source and arranged for introducing the cleaning agent towards the charged particle optical element; wherein the charged particle optical element comprises: a charged particle transmitting aperture for transmitting and/or influencing the beam of charged particles, and at least one vent hole for providing a flow path between a first side and a second side of the charged particle optical element, wherein the vent hole has a cross section which is larger than a cross section of the cha

Abstract: A method of performing peritoneal dialysis (PD), the method comprising: delivering a PD fluid to the peritoneal cavity of a patient through a PD catheter; dwelling the PD fluid within the peritoneal cavity; and while dwelling the PD fluid, removing a biofilm from the PD catheter wall using a biofilm removing solution. The biofilm removing solution comprises: sodium citrate dihydrate; citric acid anhydrous; sodium lauryl sulfate; and water. In another aspect, a method for decontaminating a peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter and removing a biofilm from the PD catheter and a transfer set, the method comprising: providing a biofilm removing solution; transferring the biofilm removing solution into a syringe; connecting the syringe to a transfer set of the PD catheter; and filling the transfer set and the PD catheter with the biofilm removing solution.

Abstract: A method of performing peritoneal dialysis (PD), the method comprising: delivering a PD fluid to the peritoneal cavity of a patient through a PD catheter; dwelling the PD fluid within the peritoneal cavity; and while dwelling the PD fluid, removing a biofilm from the PD catheter wall using a biofilm removing solution. The biofilm removing solution comprises: sodium citrate dihydrate; citric acid anhydrous; sodium lauryl sulfate; and water. In another aspect, a method for decontaminating a peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter and removing a biofilm from the PD catheter and a transfer set, the method comprising: providing a biofilm removing solution; transferring the biofilm removing solution into a syringe; connecting the syringe to a transfer set of the PD catheter; and filling the transfer set and the PD catheter with the biofilm removing solution.

Abstract: A smoking article includes identification information encoded on the smoking article. The smoking article can be used with an electrically heated smoking system having a detector for detecting the smoking article and distinguishing the smoking article from other articles based on the identification information. A cleaning article includes identification information encoded on the cleaning article. The cleaning article cleans an electrically heated smoking system having a detector for detecting the cleaning article and distinguishing the cleaning article from other articles based on the identification information.

Abstract: A railroad tank car cleaning system that does not require a human to enter the tank car is disclosed herein. The system may include a cannon assembly secured to a tank of a railroad tank car at an opening of a manway hatch of the tank. The cannon assembly may include an adapter configured to seal the opening of the manway hatch and a hydraulic cannon configured to extend within an interior of the tank. The system may further comprise a controller configured to automatically control movement and operation of the hydraulic cannon during cleaning according to one or more cleaning profiles specifying a pre-programmed duration and/or pattern of movement. The cleaning profiles used for a given tank may be selected by a user or automatically determined based on knowledge of the tank.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving water usage in food processing are provided. One example food processing system generally includes a wash tank for containing at least a portion of first wash water and a water sprayer configured to spray a quantity of second wash water on a food product being removed from the wash tank, wherein at least a portion of the quantity of the second wash water sprayed by the water sprayer enters the wash tank and becomes the first wash water. One example method for managing wash water in such a food processing system generally includes determining a usable quantity (and/or quality) of the first wash water in the wash tank and automatically controlling a flow rate of the second wash water for supplying to the water sprayer based on the determined usable quantity (and/or quality) of the first wash water.

Abstract: A fail-safe gas collection system for collecting waste gas from a waste pile having an impermeable membrane covering substantially all or part of the waste pile. The fail-safe gas collection system includes an anti-lift topping for biasing the membrane to remain in place in the presence of winds. A network of conduits is positioned beneath and extends beneath the membrane. A plurality of collection nodes are positioned at spaced-apart positions on the network of conduits. A negative pressure pump is provided for drawing gas through the collection nodes of the network of conduits. An adjustable control valve is positioned between the network of conduits and the negative pressure pump. At least one pressure relief valve is provided to prevent the membrane from ballooning in the event that the negative pressure pump stops operating for a time.

Abstract: A gas collection grid for use at landfills having a gas-producing waste pile, including a lower geocomposite positioned over the gas-producing waste pile, a protective layer of soil is positioned over the lower geocomposite. An upper geocomposite is positioned over the protective layer of soil such that the protective layer of soil is positioned between the lower and upper geocomposites. An impermeable geomembrane is positioned over the upper geocomposite. A cruciform gas collector conduit grid is positioned within or atop the protective layer of soil and has a plurality of collection orifices formed adjacent the vertical openings formed in the protective layer of soil. The impermeable geomembrane is non-perforated adjacent the collection orifices and the cruciform gas collector conduit grid is adapted for delivering collected gas laterally from beneath the geomembrane rather than vertically through the geomembrane.

Abstract: A shallow gas well for use at landfills having a gas-producing waste pile includes a lower geocomposite positioned over the gas-producing waste pile and a protective layer of soil positioned over the lower geocomposite. An upper geocomposite is positioned over the protective layer of soil such that the protective layer of soil is positioned between the lower and upper geocomposites. An impermeable geomembrane is positioned over the upper geocomposite and a shallow gas well collector is positioned within the protective layer of soil.

Abstract: Disclosed are a composition including a Pseudomonas sp. strain having excellent plastic degradation activity and the use thereof. The Pseudomonas sp. Strain may include Pseudomonas sp. JNU 01 (Accession No: KCTC 14861BP).

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling extraction of landfill gas from a landfill via a gas extraction system are provided herein. According to some aspects of the technology, there is provided site-level control methods for globally controlling one or more wells based on one or more characteristics of aggregate landfill gas collected from a plurality of wells at a gas output. According to some aspects of the technology, there is provided well-level control methods for locally controlling a first well based on or more characteristics of landfill gas collected from the first well. According to further aspects of the technology, there is provided hybrid control methods for making adjustments to a respective well based on both site-level and well-level control methods.

Abstract: An energy-saving in-situ steam thermal desorption process for remediating pesticide contaminated sites comprises S1, determining a contaminated layer; S2, primary steam injection; S3, secondary steam injection and regulator injection; wherein the regulator comprises the following components in parts by weight: 0.2-0.8 parts by weight of hyper-thermophilic microbial agent, 0.5-0.9 parts by weight of carbamyl phosphate, 2-3 parts by weight of cyclic 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, 3-4 parts by weight of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, 15-17 parts by weight of wort, and 5-6 parts by weight of sodium octadecyl sulfate; S4, tertiary steam injection; S5, conservation.

Abstract: An extrusion die includes: a cylindrical mandrel, the mandrel having a circumferential groove formed therein; a cylindrical die plate, the mandrel and the die plate being coupled together; and a shrink ring disposed in the circumferential groove of the mandrel.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for pre-shaping sheet metal (1) in strip- or panel-form having a flat cross-sectional profile into a circular arc-shaped cross-sectional profile, in a pre-shaping section (3) of a plant for producing open-seam pipes. The circular arc-shaped cross-sectional profile is provided to the sheet metal (1) in the pre-shaping section (3) by means of roll profiling in a plurality of successive bending steps in a transport direction. The cross-sectional profile is created by step-by-step bending of individual circular arc portions (8) from an outer edge of the sheet metal (1) toward a center line (7) such that the individual circular arc portions (8) directly adjoin one another or at least partially overlap. The disclosure further relates to a device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A hydraulic conduit bender may be provided. The hydraulic conduit bender may comprise a mast and a main bending cylinder. The mast may be disposed in a working position. The main bending cylinder may be disposed in the mast. The main bending cylinder may be operative to accept, on a throw extending from the main bending cylinder when the mast is in the working position, different sizes of a plurality of bending shoes without having to adjust a position of the main bending cylinder within the mast.

Abstract: A method of lubricating a sheet of material includes moving the sheet along a first direction and operating a print nozzle to deposit a lubricant on the sheet while the sheet is moving along the first direction. The print nozzle ejects the lubricant in a second direction that is transverse to the first direction and toward a first side of the sheet. The method includes charging the lubricant so that the lubricant ejected from the print nozzle is in the form of charged droplets and applying an external electrical field between the print nozzle and the sheet to attract the charged droplets to the sheet.

Abstract: Unit for drawing metal products including at least one motorized roller configured to support and move at least one oblong metal product along an axis of feed, and at least two contrast rollers configured to rotate idly about respective axes of rotation and disposed opposite said at least one motorized roller. The disclosure also concerns a method to draw oblong metal products.

Abstract: A manual tool for expanding and manipulating steel cables of the “clamp” type including two symmetrical flat steel pieces assembled with a bolt, each of which has a semicircular head with three equidistant perforations from which emerge three tubular extensions or cylinders perpendicular to the surface of the semicircular head, heads which in closed clamp position form a complete circle with six equidistant tubular projections and a central hole, both extending in their handles to open and close and to be able to expand and manipulate steel cables composed of a steel core and six strands of coiled metal wires that wrap said steel core, which cable will be provided with a chain sling with hook and a steel socket that has bronze wedges inserted for its adjustment.

Abstract: Apparatus (20) and a method for securing a clinch nut (24) to an AHSS sheet (26) as an assembly (22). In one embodiment, a parallel kinematic machine (PKM) (88) sequentially performs the operation, while another embodiment includes a nut ram assembly (112) that attaches clinch nuts (24) to the AHSS sheet (26), and a further embodiment includes a C frame (114) that supports the apparatus and is moved by a robot (130) to sequentially attach clinch nuts (24) to the AHSS sheet (26) at different locations. The attachment of the clinch nuts is performed in a light-safe manner.

Abstract: A method for evaporative casting includes the steps of: using three-dimensional (3D) printing to print only a hollow shell in 3D of a full-sized target part according to an algorithm, forming a hardened coating of ceramic mold over an entire exterior surface of the 3D printed hollow shell, forming a pre-cast assembly by connecting the hardened ceramic mold to an end of a conduit, burying completely the pre-cast assembly under compacted sand or ceramic beads while an inlet to the conduit is kept free and open at an upright position to receive a selected cast material in a molten state, the selected cast material in molten state evaporating the 3D hollow shell to completely fill up an entire volume enclosed by an inner surface of the hardened ceramic mold, and cooling to solidify the selected cast material inside the pre-cast assembly to yield the at least one full-sized target part.

Abstract: A cooling pad for a belt casting system includes a first nozzle arrangement and a second nozzle arrangement. In some embodiments, the first nozzle arrangement includes an elongated nozzle assembly that includes a base defining a receiving area, a first insert positionable within the receiving area, and a second insert positionable within the receiving area. The first insert and the base together define a first elongated dispensing slot. The second insert is adjustable relative to the first insert, and the second insert and the base together define a second elongated dispensing slot. In various embodiments, the second nozzle arrangement includes a plurality of multi-position nozzles, each movable between a base position and an offset position such that the heat transfer rate may be locally controlled across the cooling cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of methods, devices, and assemblies for processing feedstock materials using microwave plasma processing. Specifically, the feedstock materials disclosed herein pertains to unique powder feedstocks such as Tantalum, Yttrium Stabilized Zirconia, Aluminum, water atomized alloys, Rhenium, Tungsten, and Molybdenum. Microwave plasma processing can be used to spheroidize and remove contaminants. Advantageously, microwave plasma processed feedstock can be used in various applications such as additive manufacturing or powdered metallurgy (PM) applications that require high powder flowability.