Abstract: A torque converter assembly having a cover including a tubular body, and a pump including a shell. The shell of the pump is received in the tubular body of the cover, and the shell of the pump is joined to the cover with a circumferential weld. The tubular body of the cover can include a circumferentially extending groove, and the circumferential weld can be at least partially aligned in an axial direction with the groove.

Abstract: A portable device for attaching a connector to an optical fiber, the optical fiber having an end, the device comprising means for receiving the optical fiber at the end of the optical fiber; and a connector station for autonomously attaching the connector to the optical fiber.

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: To manufacture a high-quality welded pipe, there is provided a welded pipe manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a welded pipe by bending a metal plate and welding butting end portions of the metal plate. The welded pipe manufacturing apparatus includes a bending unit that bends the metal plate, a light emitter that emits directional light to an inner surface of the metal plate bent by the bending unit, an image capturing unit that captures light emitted by the light emitter and reflected by a surface of the metal plate, and an adjustment assistance unit that assists adjustment of the bending unit in accordance with a shape of the reflected light.

Abstract: A system and method for determining weld travel speed. In one example, a welding system includes one or more sensors configured to provide a first indication correspond to a welding arc at a first time and to provide a second indication correspond to the welding arc at a second time. The welding system also includes processing circuitry configured to receive the first indication, to receive the second indication, and to determine a weld travel speed based on a weld length of the workpiece and a difference between the first and second times.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plastic cap useful for steadfastly maintaining a sealed state created in a container having a mouth with an opening by sealing the opening with a sealing member. The cap has a cap main body and a cover portion integrated with the main body via at least one bridge portion. The main body has a base portion and a top wall. The bridge portion is formed of a synthetic plastic filled in at least one fusion-bonding hole having a diameter of from 0.3 to 3 mm and arranged extending through at least one, preferably one of the main body or cover portion such that the main body and cover portion are integrally fusion-bonded by the bridge portion and the cover portion can be separated from the main body by breaking the bridge portion with hands. A production method of the plastic cap is also disclosed.

Abstract: A laser lap-welded joint being formed from stacked steel sheets and including a plurality of welded portions each having a substantially C-shaped surface, each of the welded portions being formed of a first linear portion and second linear portions having a surface having a semicircular shape. The radius R of the semicircular shape and the sheet thickness t of one of the steel sheets having a larger sheet thickness satisfy 0<R?1.5 t. The pitch ? between the adjacent welded portions and a weld length l satisfy 0.4?l/?<0.7. The space X between an end of a contact portion where the steel sheets are in contact with each other and each of the welded portions satisfy 2 t?X?4 t. The sheet thickness t and the width W of each of the welded portions satisfy 0.3?W/t?1.0.

Abstract: Described is a method for analyzing a build layer (1; 11) in an additive manufacturing machine when forming a three-dimensional article layer by layer by successive fusion of selected areas of powder layers, which selected areas correspond to successive layers of the three-dimensional article. The method comprises the steps of radiating a portion (4; 14) of the build layer (1; 11) by an energy beam and detecting particles emitted, backscattered or reflected from the radiated portion of the build layer, and scanning the portion (4; 14) of the build layer by moving the energy beam along a main path (5; 15) and simultaneously moving the energy beam back-and-forth across the main path in a meandering pattern (6; 16).

Abstract: A detection apparatus, a detection method and a detection system are provided. The detection apparatus includes: a light source module used to provide illumination for color filters; an image obtaining module used to obtain image data of the color filters; a light adjusting module disposed at a light-emitting side of the light source module and used to adjust a light direction of the light source module to make the light direction coincide with an orientation of the pixel units on a first direction or a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a data processing module connected to the image obtaining module and used to perform a processing on the image data and judge whether there is an unqualified pixel unit in the pixel units as per a result of the processing. The light direction is adjustable to coincide with the orientation of pixel units.

Abstract: A method for producing a component structure of two components includes subjecting the components to beam energy for melting in a contact region. A variation of beam current is set to melt the components in the contact region over a defined component depth less than the perpendicular distance between sides of the contact region. A defined beam current pulse is periodically imparted to the variation of the beam current, to melt the components at least approximately over the entire perpendicular distance between the sides of the contact region and to produce in the region of the second side weld regions of a weld root of the weld connecting the components projecting from the contact region and form a pattern which representative of a weld quality. Between the weld regions there is no melting of the components in the region between the defined component depth and the second side.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a nozzle body for a fuel injection valve, the nozzle body including a cavity and an injection channel for dispensing fuel from the cavity. The injection channel includes a first section and a second section downstream of the first section, the first and second sections having a common interface. The first section extends from a fuel inlet opening to a second opening disposed at the common interface. The cross-sectional area of the first section monotonically decreases from the fuel inlet opening to the common interface. The cross-sectional area of the second section monotonically increases from the common interface to the fuel outlet opening.

Abstract: A spark-ignition direct fuel injection valve includes, at least, a seat member provided with a fuel injection hole and a valve seat and a valve body which controls fuel injection from the injection hole by contacting and separating from the valve seat. In the spark-ignition direct fuel injection valve: the injection hole has an injection hole inlet which is open inwardly of the seat member and an injection hole outlet which is open outwardly of the seat member; an opening edge of the injection hole inlet has a first round-chamfered portion formed on an upstream side with respect to a fuel flow toward the injection hole inlet; and an extending length (L) of the injection hole does not exceed three times a hole diameter (D) of the injection hole.

Abstract: A system and method of cooling and purging a laser processing system comprising at least one galvo system for directing at least one laser beam to a work piece and a protection window mounting plate comprising at least one protection window secured in a corresponding cavity of the mounting plate where the plate is configured with at least one air flow passageway in the mounting plate for each protection window such that an airflow used to cool each galvo systems is directed through the mounting plate vis the passageway and further directed past the window cavity to purge the cavity, where the purging air flow is then vented or exhausted from the laser system.

Abstract: A pulsation damper includes an upper diaphragm, a lower diaphragm configured to form a sealed space having a predetermined pressure with the upper diaphragm, in which an inert gas is filled; and a deformation suppressing member formed of an elastic material, and comprising an inner cylindrical portion, and an extension portion extending from a center portion on an outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion such that the extension portion extends outward from a center axis of the inner cylindrical portion, wherein the deformation suppressing member is arranged inside the sealed space such that an outer periphery of the extension portion abuts against inner walls of the upper diaphragm and the lower diaphragm.

Abstract: A roll forming apparatus including a plurality of stations each including and an upper roll and a lower roller, wherein a first number of stations are configured to form a pipe blank into a standing seam, and a second number of stations are configured to angle the seam. At least one station includes elongated top and bottom rollers for clinching the pipe blank during the roll forming process. Each elongated top roller is mounted on a pivotable shaft configured to pivot the elongated top rollers away the pipe blank to allow passage of at least one seam formed in the pipe blank.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a fuel injector. In one example, a system may include forming an annular venturi passage between an outlet surface of the fuel injector and a nozzle. The nozzle may further comprise one or more air entraining features that may work in concert with the annular venturi passage to promote air-fuel mixing.

Abstract: A vacuum sample chamber for a particle and optical device includes on one surface thereof, an aperture through which a particle beam to be focused along an optical axis of particles such as electrons, ions and neutral particles is incident; and on the opposite surface thereof, a detachable sample holder through which light penetrates, thereby enabling a sample to be observed and analyzed by means of the particle beam and light. A sample chamber is capable of reducing observation time by maintaining a vacuum therein even when a sample is put into or taken out from a sample chamber of an electron microscope or focused ion beam observation equipment, and capable of obtaining an optical image on the outside thereof without inserting a light source or an optical barrel into the sample chamber. A light-electron fusion microscope comprising the sample chamber.

Abstract: A laser welding method of the present disclosure has a first step and a second step. In the first step, a first workpiece and a second workpiece are overlaid in a first machining region. In the second step, the first workpiece and the second workpiece are irradiated with laser beam in the first machining region while the laser beam is moved in a spiral path. Moreover, in the second step, the first workpiece and the second workpiece are melted by irradiation of the laser beam to form a liquid phase portion. Furthermore, in the second step, the laser beam is moved so that the liquid phase portion is not irradiated with the laser beam again.

Abstract: Vacuum chambers having inflatable slit valve opening seals are described herein. In one example, a vacuum chamber includes a chamber body, a first inflatable seal, and a first slit valve door. The chamber body has a top, a bottom, and sidewalls. A first slit valve opening is formed in the sidewalls. The first inflatable seal is sealingly coupled to the sidewall and circumscribes the first slit valve opening. The first inflatable seal has a base coupled to the sidewall and a hollow tubular portion that can move laterally relative to the base. The first slit valve door is moveable between a close state that contacts the first inflatable seal to provide a vacuum seal between the first slit valve door and chamber body, and an open state that positions the first slit valve door clear of the first slit valve opening.

Abstract: Even a region where powder is melted is scanned by an electron beam at the highest speed. A three-dimensional shaping apparatus includes an electron gun that generates an electron beam, at least one first deflector that deflects the electron beam one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally, at least one lens that is provided between the electron gun and the first deflector and focuses the electron beam, and a second deflector that is provided between the electron gun and the first deflector and deflects the electron beam one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally.

Abstract: The present application discloses a system and method for an automated or semi-automated welding operation with minimal input from an operator on a workpiece using a programmable logic controller (PLC) communicatively coupled to a non-transitive memory device and a welding machine. The present application uses the PLC to obtain information from a technical drawing stored in the memory device and default values of welding parameters for the welding operation. The PLC calculates a first rotational speed and performs the welding operation on the first portion of the workpiece based on the first instruction received from the PLC. If the welding parameters need to be adjusted during the welding operation, new welding parameters are obtained from the technical drawing and the PLC re-calculates a second rotational speed for the workpiece and performs the welding operation based on the second instruction received from the PLC.

Abstract: A process for producing a turbine rotor (1), which has, as joining partners, a turbine wheel (2) made of TiAl and a shaft (3) produced from steel, with the following process steps: providing the turbine wheel (2); providing a solder; providing the shaft (3); and connecting the turbine wheel (2) and the shaft (3) by electron beam soldering by means of an electron beam (5).

Abstract: A method of laser welding a first component to a second component includes moving at least one of a laser beam and the components via a controller along a weld path at least a portion of which is a spiral having a first order of continuity thereby welding the first component to the second component. In one embodiment, the spiral is an Archimedean spiral.

Abstract: Safety confinement equipment for laser radiation includes a safety confinement enclosure having two laterally opposite openings through which at least one metal strip can pass, the enclosure including first and second jaw devices for clamping the strip disposed on a path of travel of the strip between the two openings, the jaws being transversely disposed at least over the width of the strip. A cutting or welding equipment head emits a beam of laser radiation to be confined, in which the beam can be moved transversely between a pair of jaws disposed opposite each other on one side of a surface of the strip. In the position in which the jaws clamp the strip, the engagement of the jaws on the surfaces of the strip induces the formation of a physical screen against the laser radiation, which prevents the radiation from passing through the two openings of the chamber.

Abstract: A spark-ignition direct fuel injection valve includes, at least, a seat member provided with a fuel injection hole and a valve seat and a valve body which controls fuel injection from the injection hole by contacting and separating from the valve seat. In the spark-ignition direct fuel injection valve: the injection hole has an injection hole inlet which is open inwardly of the seat member and an injection hole outlet which is open outwardly of the seat member; an opening edge of the injection hole inlet has a first round-chamfered portion formed on an upstream side with respect to a fuel flow toward the injection hole inlet; and an extending length (L) of the injection hole does not exceed three times a hole diameter (D) of the injection hole.

Abstract: A method for verifying a position of an energy beam spot, said method comprising the steps of: providing a calibrated energy beam having a first focus in a at least two positions at a work table, detecting said at least two positions of said energy beam spot on said work table created with said energy beam having said first focus, providing said calibrated energy beam having a second focus in said at least two positions at a work table, detecting said at least two positions of said energy beam spot on said work table created with said energy beam having said second focus, comparing said at least two positions created with said first and second focus, wherein said position of the energy beam is verified if said positions created with said first focus are deviating less than a predetermined distance from said positions created with said second focus.

Abstract: A dynamic current limiter circuit is disclosed. The dynamic current limiter includes an input node an output node. The dynamic current limiter also includes a current control valve coupled between the input and output nodes, the current control valve being configured to limit current flow between the input and output nodes based on a control input. The dynamic current limiter also includes a current change detector coupled between the input and output nodes, the current change detector being configured to detect a change in current through the input and output nodes and generate a control signal configured to drive the control input. The current control valve is configured to limit current flow between the input and output nodes in response to the current control signal.

Abstract: A spark-ignition direct fuel injection valve includes, at least, a seat member provided with a fuel injection hole and a valve seat and a valve body which controls fuel injection from the injection hole by contacting and separating from the valve seat. In the spark-ignition direct fuel injection valve: the injection hole has an injection hole inlet which is open inwardly of the seat member and an injection hole outlet which is open outwardly of the seat member; an opening edge of the injection hole inlet has a first round-chamfered portion formed on an upstream side with respect to a fuel flow toward the injection hole inlet; and an extending length (L) of the injection hole does not exceed three times a hole diameter (D) of the injection hole.

Abstract: A method for verifying a position of an energy beam spot, said method comprising the steps of: providing a calibrated energy beam having a first focus in a at least two positions at a work table, detecting said at least two positions of said energy beam spot on said work table created with said energy beam having said first focus, providing said calibrated energy beam having a second focus in said at least two positions at a work table, detecting said at least two positions of said energy beam spot on said work table created with said energy beam having said second focus, comparing said at least two positions created with said first and second focus, wherein said position of the energy beam is verified if said positions created with said first focus are deviating less than a predetermined distance from said positions created with said second focus.

Abstract: A method for verifying a size of an energy beam spot, said method comprising the steps of providing a first beam spot having a predetermined size and power at a first position on a work piece, varying a focus and/or astigmatism lens setting for said first beam spot until max intensity for the beam spot is detected, comparing the detected settings of said focus lens and/or astigmatism lens for said maximum intensity of the beam spot with stored settings of said focus lens and/or astigmatism lens for the beam spot with said predetermined size and power, repeating step a-c for different predetermined beam powers, repeating step a-d for different positions on said work piece, wherein said beam spot size is verified if each detected settings of said focus lens and/or astigmatism lens are deviating less than a predetermined value from corresponding stored settings of said focus lens and/or astigmatism lens.

Abstract: A Laval shape is formed between the nozzle seat surface and needle tip portion. An injection hole also has the Laval shape. When the needle lift amount is small, a fuel flow velocity reaches an acoustic velocity in valve-opening portion. The fuel flow velocity further accelerated to a supersonic velocity at the Laval shape. When the needle lift amount is large, the fuel flows into the injection hole without a velocity decrease. Thus, the fuel flow velocity reaches the supersonic velocity at the Laval shape.

Abstract: A method for repairing a display substrate, comprising steps of: forming a black matrix pattern on a substrate, wherein there is a first pattern missing region in the black matrix pattern; forming a color filter layer pattern on the substrate on which the black matrix pattern is formed; removing all patterns from the substrate within the first pattern missing region by laser processing the first pattern missing region of the substrate based on a position of the first pattern missing region; and filling a first repair material into the first pattern missing region of the substrate processed by laser so as to repair the first pattern missing region. The present invention also discloses a display substrate and a display apparatus.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for an outer joint member of a constant velocity universal joint includes forming a cup member and a shaft member, forming a joining hole in a thickness of a bottom portion to prepare the cup member as a finished component, and forming a joining outer surface on an end portion of the shaft member to be joined onto the bottom portion of the cup member to prepare the shaft member as a finished component. The method also includes fitting the joining hole of the cup member and the joining outer surface of the shaft member as the finished components to each other, and welding a fitting portion between the joining hole and the joining outer surface through irradiation of a beam from an inner side of the cup member, a diameter of the fitting portion being an equal dimension for each joint size.

Abstract: A compact planetary differential gear set includes first (130A) and second (130B) sun gears, a first set (200A) and a second set (200B) of planet gears (220), and a carrier (160) with a ring gear (190). Enmeshing gear pairs (210) are formed from one planet gear from each set. The first and second planet gear sets enmesh the first and second sun gears, respectively. The ring gear does not extend into an annular region containing the planet gears thereby allowing four or more gear pairs to compactly fit into the annular region. The carrier is a weldment and substantially encloses the sun gears and the planet gears permanently. The differential requires no fasteners or post-weld machining and may have a higher capacity, lower cost, smaller size, lower part number count, and/or lower amounts of material compared with conventional differentials. The differential is suited for motor vehicle applications.

Abstract: A method for connecting different types of metallic joining partners using a radiation source, the two joining partners, having a different melting temperature, at least indirectly making contact lying against each other in the region of a joining zone, and the radiation source introducing its radiation energy into the one joining partner in a region next to the joining zone. It is provided that, because of the radiation source in the joining zone only the joining partner having a lower melting temperature is melted.

Abstract: An analysis (e.g., LIBS) system includes a laser source generating a laser beam for creating a plasma at a location on a sample, and a spectrometer responsive to photons emitted by the sample at said location and having an output. A controller is responsive to a trigger signal and is configured to activate the laser source generating a series of laser pulses in a cleaning cycle, process the spectrometer output, and automatically terminate the cleaning cycle based on the spectrometer output.

Abstract: A method for connecting individual lithium ion cells into a battery suited for powering an electric or hybrid vehicle is disclosed. The cell current collectors are electron beam welded to one another and to a connector tab in an substantially oxygen-free atmosphere. The cell current collectors and the connector tab are temporarily secured with a clamp, one portion of which has an opening. The electron beam size may be controlled, by magnetic coils and by the extent of electron scattering by the gas atmosphere, to minimally fill the clamp opening to minimize any irradiation of the clamp. The beam or the workpieces may be displaced, if required, fuse the entire opening area. A similar procedure may be followed to weld a plurality of connector tabs to a busbar.

Abstract: A radiation generator includes: a radiation tube configured to generate radiation by emitting electrons from a cathode through a grid to a target; a grid-voltage generating unit configured to apply an extraction voltage to the grid in response to an external request for radiation output; a cut-off voltage generating unit configured to generate a cut-off voltage applied to the grid so as to lower the potential of the grid relative to the potential of the cathode when there is no external request for the radiation output; and a detection unit configured to detect a decrease in the cut-off voltage, wherein the target is not irradiated by the electrons when the decrease in the cut-off voltage is detected.

Abstract: Niobium or its alloy based Superconducting Radio Frequency (SCRF) Cavities involving atleast one laser beam welded components in the SCRF cavity welded from inside surface of the wall of cavity directed to achieving more than half the thickness to full depth penetration with minimum HAZ, minimizing distortion and shrinkage. The method ensures improved weld quality and surface finish substantially free of any weld defects. Also disclosed is the welding nozzle system and welding rigs adapted to facilitate such laser welding of the Niobium or its alloy based Superconducting Radio Frequency (SCRF) Cavities. The invention is thus directed to enhancing productivity, ensuring consistent quality and reliability, enhanced weld penetration with minimum HAZ, smooth finish of weld joints at possible reduced costs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a particle-optical apparatus with a predetermined final vacuum pressure. To that end a vacuum chamber of said apparatus is via a first restriction connected to a volume where vapor or gas is present at a known pressure and via a second restriction to a vacuum pump. By making the ratio of the two conductances, associated with said restrictions, a calibrated ratio, the final pressure of the vacuum chamber is a predetermined final pressure. This eliminates the need for e.g. vacuum gauges and control systems, resulting in a more compact design of such apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for using optical interferometry in the context of material modification processes such as surgical laser or welding applications. An imaging optical source that produces imaging light. A feedback controller controls at least one processing parameter of the material modification process based on an interferometry output generated using the imaging light. A method of processing interferograms is provided based on homodyne filtering. A method of generating a record of a material modification process using an interferometry output is provided.

Abstract: A process for closing an opening in a surface of a component, and components formed thereby. The process entails forming a channel in the component surface so that the channel at least partially surrounds an opening at the component surface. An alloy is then deposited in the channel to form a crack-free deposit in the channel. A step is then machined that intersects the opening and is at least partially formed in the deposit. The step defines a recess that is at least partially surrounded by a peripheral portion of the deposit and has a surface recessed into the component surface. A cap is placed in the recess and welded to the peripheral portion of the deposit to define a weld joint that completely closes the opening. The surface of the weld joint is then machined to form a machined surface that is substantially flush with the component surface.

Abstract: The welding torch performs oscillation of the torch head while moving the torch head along the circular weld path, under control of signals generated by a controller. The operator of the welding torch preferably has control over the amplitude of the oscillation, how fast it moves back and forth, and how long it remains at each turning point of the oscillation (dwell time).

Abstract: A material joining end effector generally includes a first arm, an optics assembly, a clamp, and a second arm. The first arm elongated along a longitudinal axis. The optics assembly is configured to focus an energy beam. The clamp is movably coupled to the first arm, the clamp being configured to move along a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The second arm is rotationally coupled to the first arm, the second arm being configured to rotate relative to the first arm. The clamp is configured to removably couple the optics assembly to the first arm to allow the optics assembly to be decoupled from the first arm.

Abstract: A welding head is provided. The welding head includes a bracket and a plurality of blocks coupled to the bracket. Each of the plurality of blocks has a contact tip. The contact tips are adapted to receive an electrode. Further, at least one of the plurality of blocks is capable of variable positioning relative to the bracket.

Abstract: Methods are provided for joining two panels by welding together a seam formed at a flange of each panel using a welding tractor adapted to travel along the seam to be welded. A welding tractor adapted for use in the methods is also provided, as is a welded panel product fabricated using the methods provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming at least one three-dimensional article by fusing parts of a powder bed layer-wise. The apparatus comprising a powder distributor and an energy beam for fusing the powder layer. Said powder distributor comprises a first part being an elongated rod provided movable at a predetermined distance above the powder bed and with its central axis in parallel with a top surface of said work table and second part being a metal foil having at least a first and a second opposite edge portions. Said metal foil is provided between said elongated rod and said work table, said first and second opposite edge portions are attached to said elongated rod so that a distance between said first and second edge portions is smaller than the distance between said first and second edge portions of said metal foil when said metal foil is in a flat position.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for using optical interferometry in the context of material modification processes such as surgical laser or welding applications. An imaging optical source that produces imaging light. A feedback controller controls at least one processing parameter of the material modification process based on an interferometry output generated using the imaging light. A method of processing interferograms is provided based on homodyne filtering. A method of generating a record of a material modification process using an interferometry output is provided.

Abstract: A method for soldering or welding components in a series production wherein: a fixing seam which connects the components (1, 2) is produced by melting a connecting material (3), which is supplied as an additional material or is formed by a base material of the components (1, 2), along a joint formed by the components (1, 2); and a volume-forming layer of connecting material is deposited onto the fixing seam by melting, or the fixing seam produced by means of the connecting material supplied as an additional material is re-melted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for manufacturing a solar cell module using a laser. In the present invention, a tabbing process for bonding a solar cell and metal electrodes is performed by a local irradiation with a laser, so that the heating area can be localized only to a required zone (bonding area) for the tabbing process, thereby minimizing a direct heating zone which occurs in the process. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the damage such as cracks and breakage due to thermal expansion/contraction of a solar cell which is conventionally configured to have a multi-layered structure made of different materials, to improve the bonding strength and the bonding uniformity, and to reduce the processing time, thereby improving the production efficiency.