Abstract: A tapping screw fastening jig includes a guide component and a positioning component. The guide component includes a first base member provided with a guide hole portion through which a tapping screw is insertable at a position corresponding to each of pilot holes in a use state of the tapping screw fastening jig. The positioning component includes a second base member, and at least two positioning pins provided on the second base member, where the at least two positioning pins are provided at positions corresponding to at least two of the pilot holes. Each of the at least two positioning pins includes a first outer diameter portion that is insertable into the pilot hole, and a second outer diameter portion that is connected to the first outer diameter portion on a base end side of the first outer diameter portion and is insertable through the guide hole portion.

Abstract: Example electrochemical machining systems and methods for machining a surface of a sample. In particular, the system includes a nozzle configured to dispense a jet of an electrolyte solution towards the surface of the sample. A position or orientation of the nozzle can be controlled to direct the jet of the electrolyte solution from the nozzle towards an area of the surface of the sample (e.g., an area for electrochemical etching or other surface treatment). The electrochemical machining is performed by application of a charge to the nozzle and apply a charge to the sample (e.g., grounding or other charge return path), such that the nozzle and the sample define first and second electrodes of an electrolytic cell, electrically connected by the jet of electrolyte solution.

Abstract: Example electrode connection systems and devices for samples during an electrochemical machining program are disclosed. In particular, an electrode connection system can support, hold, encase, and/or otherwise maintain contact with a sample in an electrochemical machining system. For example, the sample may be housed in a fixture, with an electrode in electrical contact with the sample and a common return path (e.g., to ground) for current from an electrolyte solution to flow through the sample. The fixture and sample can include an electrically conductive material.

Abstract: Example welding system comprise: a welding torch comprising a non-consumable electrode configured to establish an arc between the non-consumable electrode and a workpiece; a wire feeder coupled to the welding torch and configured to direct a welding wire toward the workpiece at a location of the arc; and control circuitry configured to control at least one of a current to the arc, a wire feed speed of the welding wire, or preheat energy applied to the welding wire, to deliver the welding wire to the workpiece such that the welding wire applies a physical force to the workpiece prior to melting to push the welding torch along the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a faucet including a base and a spout includes providing a first faucet portion defining a first edge extending a distance between the base and the spout, providing a second faucet portion defining a second edge extending the distance, welding, by a laser welding apparatus, the first edge of the first faucet portion to the second edge of the second faucet portion to form a welded joint extending along the distance, and grinding the welded joint to form a faucet body.

Abstract: Numerous embodiments of a laser-processing apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment, the laser-processing apparatus includes a laser source operative to generate a beam of laser energy, an acousto-optic deflector (AOD) arranged within a beam path, a controller coupled to the AOD, and a beam analysis system operative to measure characteristics of the beam, generate measurement data representative of the measured beam characteristics, and transmit the measurement data to a controller operative to control the operation of the AOD based on that measurement data. In another embodiment, the laser-processing apparatus includes a system for characterization of cross-axis wobble of a galvanometer mirror, comprising a reference laser source configured to emit a reference laser beam, a reflective surface formed on the galvanometer mirror and configured to reflect the reference laser beam to a sensor configured to output a signal representative of the position of the reference beam to a controller.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods to bake-out hydrogen from a metal component using a laser as the heat source. The metal component can be a component of an oil and gas system, such as a pipeline or vessel.

Abstract: A laser processing device includes: a laser light source unit that irradiates, with laser light, a surface of a steel sheet conveyed in a predetermined conveyance direction; a first nozzle that injects gas toward an irradiation site of the laser light, parallel to an optical axis direction of the laser light; and a dust collection mechanism unit that is provided only at one of an upstream side or a downstream side of the irradiation site, in the conveyance direction, and that collects, from a dust collection port, laser sputter generated from the irradiation site.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for performing material processing operations with a handheld laser system on a surface of a workpiece. The handheld laser system comprises a laser source configured to generate laser radiation, a handheld device that guides the laser radiation, and an optical fiber coupling the handheld device to the laser source, and the nozzle assembly comprises a nozzle configured to deliver the laser radiation to the surface, and a coupling mechanism that includes a retaining portion formed on an output end of the handheld device, and an engagement portion configured to be releasably attachable to the nozzle and engage with the retaining portion.

Abstract: A laser welding apparatus capable of eliminating or reducing a possibility that a part of air flows upward and hence fumes adhere to its protective optical member is provided. A laser welding apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a protective optical member disposed between a laser scanner and a workpiece, an upper-side gas supply unit, and a lower-side gas supply unit disposed below the upper-side gas supply unit. The protective optical member includes a plate-like part and a cylindrical part extending downward from an outer edge of the plate-like part. The upper-side gas supply unit is disposed below the plate-like part of the protective optical member. The upper-side gas supply unit includes a plurality of first ejection ports configured to eject gas to a center of the plate-like part, and a plurality of second ejection ports configured to eject gas downward with respect to the plate-like part.

Abstract: Additive manufacturing systems and methods are described, including a method of operating an additive manufacturing system, including: determining, by processing streaming image data, at least two characteristics of an active processing area while depositing a layer of a part being additively manufactured; and performing closed loop control of at least two processing parameters of the additive manufacturing system in order to modify the at least two characteristics of the active processing area while depositing the layer of the part being additively manufactured.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating microscale structures and/or nanoscale structures, surface profiles, and surface chemistries on medical devices. Embodiments disclosed herein utilize exposure of pulsed laser radiation on to a surface of a material by a pulsed laser. The pulsed laser according to embodiments disclosed herein is configured to emit at least one laser pulse toward the surface and thereby modify the profile of the surface in order to selectively promote or inhibit bioactivity and medical functionality of the material. By selectively promoting or inhibiting bioactivity of the material, enhanced biointegration at a cellular level may be achieved. For example, modifying the surface profile and/or surface chemistry of a first substrate material can improve adhesive and/or chemical bonding of the first material to a bioactive second coating material.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an electronic component includes: controlling a laser cutting tool at a first pulse rate to form a first cut portion in a feature of the electronic component, the feature having opposite first and second sides spaced apart from one another along a first direction, and third and fourth sides spaced apart from one another along a second direction, the first cut portion extending from the third side toward the fourth side; controlling the laser cutting tool at a higher second pulse rate and to form a second cut portion extending from the first cut portion toward the fourth side; and controlling the laser cutting tool at a third pulse rate to form a final cut portion extending from the second cut portion toward the fourth side, the third pulse rate less than the second pulse rate.

Abstract: A processing method of a brittle material is provided, which includes: cutting a contour line of a preset standard hole and a plurality of breaking guide line groups located within the contour line on a workpiece by a first laser, one end of a breaking guide line of the breaking guide line groups being connected with the contour line and the other end of the breaking guide line extending within the contour line; heating and pre-breaking the contour line and the breaking guide line on the workpiece by a second laser; processing a blanking hole within the contour line on the workpiece by a non-thermal processing, the extended end of the breaking guide line extending into the blanking hole; and breaking along the contour line and the breaking guide line on the workpiece to form a standard hole in the workpiece.

Abstract: Provided is a laser processing apparatus including: a support unit that supports an object; a light source that outputs laser light; a spatial light modulator that modulates the laser light output from the light source in correspondence with a modulation pattern and outputs the modulated laser light; a converging lens that converges the laser light output from the spatial light modulator toward the object, and forms a converging spot of the laser light in the object; a movement unit that relatively moves the converging spot with respect to the object; and a control unit that controls at least the light source, the spatial light modulator, and the movement unit. The modulation pattern is controlled so that a beam shape of the converging spot becomes an inclined shape on at least the first surface side in relation to the center of the converging spot.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus are disclosed relating to smart regulators and smart manifolds for welding-type systems. A smart regulator may be coupled to a fluid tank and provide information regarding the current pressure(s) and/or flow rate to a remote device and/or operator. The remote device may also determine and/or output additional information, such as, for example, remaining fluid and/or remaining time before the fluid runs out or becomes dangerously low. A smart manifold may be configured to work with several different fluid supplies. In this way, an operator may easily mix fluid types, switch between different fluid types, and/or switch between different fluid tanks.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a welding process can include adaptively welding a first workpiece to a second workpiece to form a welded joint, monitoring the welded joint during the adaptive welding using one or more sensors, receiving one or more welding parameters from the one or more sensors, using the one or more welding parameters with a welding envelope, and determining a weld quality of the welded joint using the welding envelope. The welding envelope can define a boundary for an acceptable weld quality based on the one or more welding parameters.

Abstract: Provided herein is a stop-off material for a brazing process. The stop-off material includes a solvent, a thickener, and magnesium oxide. About 5 weight percent to about 60 weight percent of the stop-off material comprises the magnesium oxide. The stop-off material is configured to be removed from a surface after heating and via air pressure.

Abstract: Provided is a nickel brazing filler metal which is capable of brazing and joining various stainless steel members at relatively low temperature, and has excellent corrosion resistance, and is used for brazing of a heat exchanger and the like. The nickel brazing filler metal is characterized by having a melting temperature of 1000° C. or less, exhibiting excellent Wettability, having corrosion resistance against acid, and containing 8.0 to 19.0 mass % of Cr, 7.0 to 10.5 mass % of P, 0.1 to 1.5 mass % of B, and 2.0 to 8.0 mass % of Cu, wherein a content of Mo is 10.0 mass % or less, a content of Si is 2.5 mass % or less, and the remainders are is Ni and unavoidable impurities. In addition, the nickel brazing filler metal may contain one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Co, Fe and Mn, where the content of Co is 5.0 mass % or less, the content of Fe is 3.0 mass % or less, the content of Mn is 3.0 mass % or less, and the total content of these elements is 8.0 mass % or less.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system including a support structure configured to provide support for various orbital welding components. The system also includes an orbital weld head body attached to the support structure. The orbital weld head body is made of a thermally conductive material and includes at least one cooling bar that spans at least a portion of the length of the orbital weld head body. The cooling bar includes various internal cooling channels to route coolant through the cooling bar of the orbital weld head body. The orbital weld head body also includes at least one pressurized fluid input line that attaches to the internal cooling channels of the cooling bar and conducts a fluid coolant to the internal cooling channels of the cooling bar. Other apparatuses and orbital welding machines are also described.

Abstract: A system for welding vehicle component assemblies includes a measurement sensor configured to scan first and second vehicle components, a welding apparatus configured to weld the first vehicle component and the second vehicle component together, and at least one processor configured to execute computer-executable instructions to access scan data of the first and second vehicle components, generate a CAD model of an as-scanned assembly of the first and second vehicle components, obtain input parameters associated with one or more features of the first and second vehicle components, generate predicted optimal welding parameters, using the machine learning model, based on CAD model and the input parameters, and control the welding apparatus to perform at least one welding operation on the first and second vehicle components according to the predicted optimal welding parameters.

Abstract: An automated system for assembling a framed article including a plurality of canvases and a plurality of assembled frames to be combined with the plurality of canvases to form the framed articles. Each assembled frame is formed of a rear panel and a frame member that are detachably attached to one another with one canvas being stretched across a front face of the frame member. The automated system includes an assembly station including a movable presser head that is configured to detach and lift the rear panel from the frame member and a plurality of movable side guide fingers that are configured to fold side edges of the canvas over sides of the frame member to permit the presser head to press the rear panel down over the folded side edges of the canvas into engagement with the frame member with the canvas being captured between the frame member and the rear panel.

Abstract: A spring carrier for receiving, retaining, and discharging of a coil spring in a manufacturing process includes an elongate hollow body defining an inner cavity to receive the coil spring and an opening at a first proximal end of the hollow body for the insertion of the coil spring into the inner cavity and extraction of the coil spring from the inner cavity. The hollow body includes a second distal end opposite to the first proximal end. The hollow body includes a magnetic member to magnetically attract and retain the coil spring when the coil spring is located within the inner cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substrate carrier for receiving and transporting several substrates.

Abstract: The apparatus (1) for clamping workpieces on machine tools comprises: 1 a basic frame (2) attachable to a machine tool (M) for machining a workpiece (P); a first clamping assembly (3) and a second clamping assembly (4) movable between a release position and a clamping position of the workpiece (P); a fluid actuator (5, 6), provided with a fixed portion (5) and with a movable portion (6) connected to a drive assembly (7) associated with the clamping assemblies (3, 4); wherein the drive assembly (7) comprises a rocker element (9) associated in a rotatable manner with the movable portion (6), which comprises at least one curved thrust surface (10) arranged in thrust contact against the rocker element (9), wherein the rocker element (9) is rotatable on the curved thrust surface (10).

Abstract: A tool measurement assembly for a mill-turn machine including a laser tool setter having a laser transmitter that measures an outer surface of a rotary cutting tool held by the mill-turn machine; and a physical stylus tool probe configured to contact a stationary cutting tool held by the mill-turn machine; the tool measurement assembly is configured to mount to the mill-turn machine allowing the tool measurement assembly to move into a measurement position within a workspace.

Abstract: A tool identification chip for an unambiguous marking of tools and/or tool holders is proposed, with a plate-like base body which has an adhesive side and a lettering side situated opposite the adhesive side.

Abstract: A brush assembly for a floor machine. The brush includes a base having a annular moat, and a plurality of cleaning element set within the annular moat and secured to the base. The moat may include a plurality of pocket sets for receiving and securing legs of associated cleaning elements.

Abstract: This relates to a method including: detecting, using an optical sensor, an intrinsic optical feature of a lens member to be positioned on a manufacturing apparatus configured to apply an optical lens manufacturing operation to the lens member; and determining, using a processing unit, the position or orientation of the lens member in a framework of the manufacturing apparatus based on the intrinsic optical feature. The method can be used to position and block a lens member, i.e. a lens blank or a finished lens, on any type of manufacturing apparatus used for the manufacture of an optical lens. The intrinsic optical features have not been intentionally etched or engraved onto the lens member for the specific purpose of determining the position or orientation of the lens member.

Abstract: An adjustable mount for a handheld sander. The adjustable mount includes a base that is adapted to engage with a work table. The adjustable mount also includes a pivot table that pivotably engages with the base. The adjustable mount also includes a clamping assembly that operably engages with the pivot table for securing the handheld sander with the adjustable mount. The pivot table, the clamping assembly, and the handheld sander are collectively rotatable relative to the base for providing the handheld sander at at least one ergonomic position.

Abstract: Shortcomings associated with insufficient control of a conventional CMP-process are obviated by providing an CMP-apparatus configured to complement a constant force (to which a workpiece that is being polished is conventionally exposed) with a time-alternating force and/or means for measuring an electrical characteristic of the CMP-process. The time-alternating force is applied with the use of a system component that is electrically isolated from the workpiece and that is disposed in the carrier-chick in which the workpiece is affixed for CMP-process, while the electrical characteristic is measured with the use of a judiciously-configured reservoir in which the used fluid is collected. The use of such CMP-apparatus.

Abstract: Provided is a substrate polishing apparatus. The substrate polishing apparatus includes a carrier configured to grip a substrate, a polishing pad configured to polish a surface to be polished of the substrate gripped by the carrier while rotating, and a temperature control assembly configured to control a temperature of the polishing pad, and the temperature control assembly includes Deionized water (DIW) spraying module configured to spray DIW toward the polishing pad and a guide vane configured to guide at least a portion of the DIW sprayed from the DIW spraying module to an outside of the polishing pad.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrostatic suction cup device for wafer chemical mechanical polishing, which mainly includes a wafer carrier having a suction surface from an upper end thereof; an electrostatic suction cup arranged at the corresponding suction surface in the wafer carrier; and a control module connected to the electrostatic suction cup so that the electrostatic suction cup can be controlled by the control module to generate static electricity to adsorb the wafer to the suction surface for chemical-mechanical polishing operations. Hence, wafers can be steadily absorbed without being affected by wafer thickness to improve yield and process improvement, can remove the time and cost of gluing and film application process corresponding to strengthening the wafer strength before the wafer process, can avoid the procedure, cost and risk of debonding and film removal after the process, and can increase the practical efficacy characteristics in its overall implementation.

Abstract: A substrate treatment apparatus includes: a pretreatment unit that performs a hydrophilic process on a pre-polishing back surface of a substrate; and a polishing unit that polishes a front surface of the substrate having the back surface subjected to the hydrophilic process performed by the pretreatment unit.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed that can allow an elastic membrane to be inflated into a desired shape when a workpiece is released from a polishing head, or when the workpiece is held on the polishing head, thereby avoiding excessive stress on the workpiece. The method includes supplying a gas into a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber at a first flow rate and a second flow rate regulated by a first flow-rate control valve and a second flow-rate control valve to inflate an elastic membrane of a polishing head when a polished workpiece is released from the polishing head, or when a workpiece to be polished is held on the polishing head. The first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber are formed by the elastic membrane.

Abstract: A workpiece spindle comprises a spindle, a spindle motor and an actuator. The spindle is dynamically connected to the spindle motor and has a first channel and a second channel connected to the first channel. The first channel is assembled with a lathe center, the actuator is provided with an actuating rod disposed outside the spindle corresponding to the second channel. The workpiece spindle limits rotation of the spindle by displacing the actuating rod of the actuator by a first actuation distance relative to the second channel, and the workpiece spindle drives the lathe center to displace in the first channel by displacing the actuating rod of the actuator by a second actuation distance relative to the second channel. Thereby, machining statuses of the lathe center are integrated for convenient operation, and the lathe center is driven and displaced in the channel to facilitate replacement.

Abstract: This relates to a method for manufacturing a lens element including: a refraction area having first curvature; a plurality of optical elements located on at least part of the refraction area, wherein the method includes a step of using an abrasive-filled fluid jet to manufacture the lens element.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel hand-held independent sanding tool designed especially for cylindrical objects. The sanding tool has sandpaper on at least one side for removing material from a workpiece. The sanding plate is attached to a handle that is preferably ergonomically designed for ease of use. The proposed assembly requires less input, provides better output and is economical, and provides ease of use to the user.

Abstract: An automated clamp for clamping a rib web to a rib post or rib foot of an aircraft wing box is disclosed including a clamp frame having a first arm and a second arm extending from the base of the clamp frame. The second arm is moveable towards and away from the first arm; a robot end effector connector coupled to the clamp frame; clamp jaws including a first jaw fixed at a distal end of the first arm, and a second jaw fixed at a distal end of the second arm, the clamp jaws configured to clamp an aircraft assembly. One of the jaws includes a tool module docking aperture into which a tool module is insertable for accessing the aircraft assembly; and a swarf channel extending into the tool module docking aperture, the swarf channel fluidically connected to a vacuum source and configured to extract waste material adjacent the aircraft assembly.

Abstract: A locking clutch having an inner race that is rotatable with respect to an outer race. One of the races is cylindrically shaped and rotates adjacent to a race having facets. Rollers are located adjacent to the facets. A cage having fingers may be restrained with respect to the facets to set the starting position of the rollers. The cage may be selectively restrained to determine the direction in which the rollers are wedged to determine a direction that drives the rollers into contact with both races to lock the races with respect to each other. Rotation of the inner race with respect to the outer race in a direction opposite direction is a free rotating direction. The locking clutch is designed to simultaneously engage all of its rollers to evenly distribute the forces amongst them.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench for turning a fastener. The wrench comprises a handle, a left head at the left end of the handle, and a right head at the right end of the handle. The left head comprises a left socket part. The right head comprises a right socket part. The left socket part is rotatable within the left head in a first direction (e.g. clockwise or counter-clockwise), but rotationally locked in a second direction. The right socket part is rotatable within the right head in the second direction, but rotationally locked in the first direction.

Abstract: A limited clearance hydraulic tool provides torque to an associated threaded fastener assembly. The limited clearance hydraulic tool includes a piston and a rachet wheel. The limited clearance hydraulic tool also includes a drive plate and a piston rod extending between the drive plate and the piston. The limited clearance hydraulic tool further includes a connection pin that defines a first point of contact between the piston rod and the drive plate and continuously connects the piston rod and the drive plate together to always drive and retract the drive plate. Additionally, the limited clearance hydraulic tool includes a push plate that defines a second point of contact between the piston rod and the drive plate. The push plate is separate and unique from the first point of contact. The push plate selectively connects the piston rod and the drive plate together for driving the drive plate.

Abstract: An impact powered torque wrench has a force-applying rod. The force-applying rod is connected to a transmission rod. A transmission shaft is disposed in the transmission rod. Two ends of the transmission shaft are connected to a head unit and a drive unit, respectively. A trip unit and an adjustment unit are provided between the force-applying rod and the transmission rod. An impact unit is provided between the transmission shaft and the drive unit. The drive unit drives the transmission shaft by means of intermittent impact, which increases the output torque and has a higher level of operational safety.

Abstract: A strip for holding fasteners includes a backer extending along a strip axis and having a first side and a second side, wherein the second side is opposite the first side. The strip includes fastener holders disposed along a length of the first side of the backer, where each of the fastener holders includes a first loop having a first hole and a second loop having a second hole configured to hold a fastener. The backer is configured to be fed through a magazine of a power tool such that fasteners held by the fastener holders may be driven into a workpiece by the power tool.

Abstract: A method for computer-implemented supervising a tightening process of a bolt includes: a man-operated tightening tool including an actuator for turning the bolt, configured to be switchable between tightening sequence, and a loosening sequence. A sensor unit for determining a one parameter of the bolted connection during and/or after completion of a tightening sequence; wherein the tightening system further includes a processing unit for processing the at least one parameter received from the sensor unit, wherein the processing unit is configured to determine a status of the bolted connection based on the at least one parameter, wherein the status includes a first status indicating a correct bolted connection and a second status indicating a faulty bolted connection; and a user interface for outputting connection information about the bolted connection.

Abstract: A tool for removing a tankless water heater inlet filter includes a base portion having a bottom end and an opposing top end. The base portion having a base sidewall around its periphery extending from its bottom end to the top end of the base, and a head portion having a bottom end adjacent to the top end of the base portion. The head portion being aligned with and concentric with the base portion and the head portion having a head sidewall around its periphery extending from its bottom end to a free end of the head portion. In addition, the tool includes at least one reciprocal engagement device extending from the head portion and configured to engage with an engagement device of the tankless water heater inlet filter.

Abstract: A spring energized fastening tool with compact, rigid, low friction working elements is disclosed. A torsion power spring includes forward extending arms with the arms pressing each other proximate a front distal end of the spring. A cantilevered lever links to a handle and engages the spring adjacent to the striker. A bottom loading staple track unlatches and opens through a simple pulling-out action. Structures are provided to enable fitment with a formed sheet metal handle and housing. The fastening tool is particularly simple to assemble, powerful, and of low operating effort.

Abstract: A stapler includes a body; a handle coupled to the body, the handle movable between a rest position and an actuated position; a magazine configured to support a plurality of fasteners; a driver that successively drives each of the plurality of fasteners into a workpiece in response to the handle moving to the activated position; and an advancer that moves the plurality of fasteners towards the driver, wherein the advancer comprises an advancer body and a lock feature disposed at a leading end of the advancer body, and wherein the driver comprises a complementary lock feature that interfaces with the lock feature of the advancer when the plurality of fasteners is exhausted to lockout the stapler.

Abstract: A removal tool is provided. The removal tool includes a tool body extending in a longitudinal direction having an engagement portion at one end and defining an opening at the other end. The engagement portion includes two prongs and defines a notch portion formed between the prongs at a distal end portion. The notch portion extends in the longitudinal direction and rounded at a proximal end portion, each prong has a cut out portion at the distal end portion horizontally tapered toward the notch portion. The distal end portion has a tapered portion vertically tapered away from the distal end portion.

Abstract: A power tool includes a housing, a motor positioned within the housing, a drive assembly at least partially positioned within the housing and coupled to the motor, and a drive pin assembly supported by the housing. The drive pin assembly includes a drive pin body extending from the housing, a drive pin configured to be inserted into a drop-in anchor and coupled to the drive assembly for movement relative to the drive pin body between a retracted position and an extended position, and a threaded die supported by the drive pin body and configured to be inserted into the drop-in anchor with the drive pin. The threaded die is configured to be movable radially outward by the drive pin as the drive pin moves from the retracted position toward the extended position.