Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a chamber capable of being evacuated, a substrate stage adapted to mount a substrate, a heating unit adapted to be set above the substrate mounting surface of the substrate stage, face the substrate mounted on at least the substrate mounting surface, and heat the substrate by radiant heat without being in contact with the substrate, a shutter adapted to be retractably inserted in the space between the heating unit and the substrate mounted on the substrate mounting surface, and a shutter driving unit adapted to extend/retract the shutter into/from the space. The substrate is mounted on the substrate stage to face the heating unit, the substrate is annealed by heating the substrate by radiant heat from the heating unit, and the shutter is extended into the space between the heating unit and the substrate stage.

Abstract: A brake lining comprises a lining support plate, an underlayer material and a friction lining. The brake lining is clamped between a pressure plate and a holding fixture, which forms a hole matrix and inside of which electrodes are accommodated. A power supply is connected to the electrodes. The adjacent electrodes have different polarities. A current flow is produced between adjacent electrodes as a result of the different polarities. The field lines extend in the shape of an arch. An arrangement of this type permits the friction lining to be scorched. For hardening, a potential gradient can also be applied between the electrodes and the support plate. The current then flows and the entire friction lining is permeated. This results in a homogenous heating of the friction lining. The invention enables an efficient hardening of the friction lining. It is also possible to conduct a hardening and scorching simultaneously. The invention also enables the friction lining to be pressed during the heat treatment.

Abstract: A method for providing a controlled heating profile in an article being heated in a resistance heating process is provided. The method includes contacting the article with a plurality of electrodes, selecting a first correlated group that includes at least two electrodes, and establishing a flow of electrical current between the electrodes of the first correlated group. The method also includes selecting a second correlated group that includes at least two electrodes, the second correlated group differing from the first correlated group. A flow of electrical current is also established between the electrodes of the second correlated group for the purpose of providing a controlled heating profile for an article undergoing resistance heating.

Abstract: A vapor deposition reactor and associated method are disclosed that increase the lifetime and productivity of a filament-based resistive-heated vapor deposition system. The reactor and method provide for heating the filament while permitting the filament to move as it expands under the effect of increasing temperature while limiting the expanding movement of the filament to an amount that prevents the expanding movement of the filament from creating undesired contact with any portions of the reactor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing conical tower sections is provided in which a plate member is continuously rolled such that a conical shape is imparted on the tower section. A plate is rolled such that a seam angle is continuously changed to effect a diameter change in the tower section to create conical shape.

Abstract: A pitot cover is provided with fail-safe removable operation from a pitot tube by virtue of a number of different removal structures. Foremost among these is an elastomeric band which holds two halves of the pitot cover to the pitot tube. The band is separated by an adhesive strip, part of which lies on the pitot tube and melts at less than 230° F. or less.

Abstract: A method for welding an edge of a first member to a side surface of a second member is provided. The first member and the second member are joined to one another at a joint. The method includes beveling an edge of the first member. The method also includes positioning the edge of the first member proximate the side surface of the second member. The method further includes supplying welding material via a welding wire along the edge of the first member to create a joint between the first and second members. Supplying welding material includes controlling a feed rate of the welding wire, such that a weld bead formed at the joint defines a concave cross-section.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using the same. An example method for manufacturing a medical device may include providing a metallic tubular member, cutting a plurality of slots in the tubular member, and chemically treating at least a portion of the tubular member to remove material from the tubular member and define a treated portion. The tubular member may include an outer diameter and an inner diameter. The slots may have a slot width. The treated portion may have one or more of a decreased outer diameter, an increased inner diameter, or an increased slot width in at least some of the slots.

Abstract: A nano-structure is provided. In some embodiments, the nano-structure includes a carbon nanotube with a carbon nanotube body. The carbon nanotube body has at least one cap at one end of the nanotube body. Also provided are methods of making the nano-structures described herein.

Abstract: Methods for compensating for a thermal profile in a substrate heating process are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of processing a substrate includes determining an initial thermal profile of a substrate that would result from subjecting the substrate to a process; determining a compensatory thermal profile based upon the initial thermal profile and a desired thermal profile; imposing the compensatory thermal profile on the substrate prior to performing the process on the substrate; and performing the process to create the desired thermal profile on the substrate. The initial substrate thermal profile can also be compensated for by adjusting a local mass heated per unit area, a local heat capacity per unit area, or an absorptivity or reflectivity of a component proximate the substrate prior to performing the process. Heat provided by an edge ring to the substrate may be controlled prior to or during the substrate heating process.

Abstract: A steerable catheter including a helical coil of wire having a longitudinal axis, a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending longitudinally from the distal end to the proximal end, a ribbon having a distal end, and extending longitudinally, adjacent to the longitudinal axis, within the lumen, from the distal end of the helical coil to the proximal end of the helical coil, and a tip formed by a laser-welded fusion of the distal end of the helical coil and the distal end of the ribbon, the tip being arranged to close the distal end of the helical coil, and operatively arranged to move in a first direction away from the longitudinal axis when the ribbon is forced in a first longitudinal direction, and move in a second direction away from the longitudinal axis when the ribbon is forced in a second longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An improved grate 601 is made from a plurality of elongate grate pieces 602, each grate piece 602 having a body 603 with a first end 604 and a second end 605. Each grate piece 602 has the first end 604 angled with respect to the body 603 and the second end 605 angled with respect to the body 603. When the first end 604 of a grate piece 602a is welded to the first end of an adjacent grate piece 602b, and the second end 605 of the grate piece 602a is welded to the second end of the adjacent grate piece 602b so as to form the grate 601, a gap is formed between the respective bodies of the grate pieces 602 to permit the drainage of liquid between the grate pieces. By varying the angles at which the grate pieces 602 are welded together sections of grate with both horizontal and vertical curvature can be formed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for welding a conductor to a conductive film, which is preferably intended for connection to a circuit board support in order to produce a printed circuit board, the depth or diameter of the conductor being preferably larger than the thickness of the conductive film. According to said method, the conductive film is in contact with a thermal isolation plate, at least during the welding process, the thermal conductivity of said plate being lower than that of the conductive film.

Abstract: A rotatable welding frame assembly for aligning and welding a number of workpiece components into a single workpiece may include a first frame for supporting one of the workpiece components. The assembly may further include a second frame for supporting another workpiece component. The assembly may further include a pivot interconnecting the first and second frames whereby the second frame can pivot between an open position in which one of the workpiece components can be loaded onto the first frame and another workpiece component can be loaded onto the second frame, and a closed position in which the components are aligned in a predetermined configuration to be welded. The assembly may further include an attachment mechanism associated with the second frame to secure the workpiece component as the second frame pivots from the open to the closed positions.

Abstract: An frit-sealed device comprising a resistive heating element having an electrically-closed-loop structure and process for frit-sealing a device by using such heating element. The element can be advantageously made of a metal such as Invar® and/or Kovar®. The invention enables hermetic frit sealing with low residual stress in the seal. The invention is particularly advantageous for hermetic sealing of OLED display devices.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes a torch power unit. The torch power unit includes a monitor and/or control configured to determine a temperature of a component of the torch power unit based on the one or more inputs without a direct temperature measurement of the component. A method of operation is provided that includes receiving one or more inputs associated with a device, and estimating a temperature of the device based on the one or inputs without directly measuring temperature of the device. A tangible machine-readable medium is provided that includes code for determining a thermal capacity of the device, code for determining a thermal resistance of the device, and code for determining a temperature of the device based on thermal capacity and the thermal resistance method.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus are disclosed for heating and stamping a processed part. A sheet of high-tensile steel is provided as a work part. The sheet is plated with a high-temperature-resistant material to improve formability. The temperature-resistant material can include oxidized aluminum or a high-temperature-resistant alloy of aluminum and/or zinc and/or steel. An electrical current is applied to the work part to provide heating to the work part through resistance heating. The plated sheet can be stamped while heating to form a stamped work part. The work part is quenched through cooling to increase metallurgical strength.

Abstract: During friction welding a disc (10) is mounted on a support member (16). A cavity (18) is defined between the support member (16) and an internal surface (9) of the disc (10). The cavity (18) is filled with a low melting point alloy. The low melting point alloy solidifies and expands to form a compressed layer that provides a load path from the disc (10) to the support member (16). The compressed layer has a thickness of the order of 3 mm and allows for tolerances in the disc (10) whilst offering the required level of support during the subsequent welding operation.

Abstract: A heating unit for use in heating a propane tank is disclosed. The heating unit includes a first pliable cover layer and a second pliable cover layer. A pliable electrical heating element is disposed between the first and the second cover layers. The pliable electrical heating element includes a heat generating element for converting electrical energy to heat energy and a heat spreading element that is attached to the heat generating element. The heat spreading element comprises carbon that is thermally coupled to the heat generating element for distributing the heat energy. A thermal insulation layer is attached to a second side of the pliable electrical heating element and is positioned adjacent the first cover layer. Additionally, a receiving power connector is electrically connected to the heat generating element and is configured to couple to an electrical power source. The heating unit is sized to substantially cover the sides and one or both ends of a propane tank.

Abstract: A method of welding a wear layer onto a parent material, wherein a welding current is applied to a first wire electrode and to at least one second wire electrode. The first wire electrode and at least one second wire electrode are continuously fed to the parent material for producing a common weld pool. Metal powder and welding powder are fed to the weld pool. The wire electrodes are flux-cored wire electrodes, having a core and a covered electrode. The flux-cored wire electrodes have a higher alloy than a weld deposit analysis of the wear layer to be welded on the parent material. The covered electrode of the flux-cored wire electrodes includes an alloy, which has magnetization properties suitable for adhesion of the metal powder.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing localized heat treatment of gas turbine components are provided. In this regard, an exemplary method includes: identifying an area of a gas turbine component to which localized heat treatment is to be performed; positioning a resistance heating element, sized and shaped to transfer heat to the area, adjacent the area; electrically coupling a current-limiting power controller to the resistance heating element; and locally heating the area using the resistance heating element, with power being provided to the resistance heating element via the current-limiting power controller.

Abstract: A method to join a first and second item that are made from different materials is disclosed. The method includes using a dual alloy member disposed between the first item and the second item, the dual alloy member comprising a first material, a second material different from the first material, and a wrought region between the first material and the second material. The method further includes melting together a localized area of material of the first item and the first material, thereby creating a first weld joint substantially absent intermixing of the first material with the second material, and melting together a localized area of material of the second item and the second material, thereby creating a second weld joint substantially absent intermixing of the second material with the first material, and thereby joining the first item to the second item.

Abstract: Methods for welding a particle-matrix composite body to another body and repairing particle-matrix composite bodies are disclosed. Additionally, earth-boring tools having a joint that includes an overlapping root portion and a weld groove having a face portion with a first bevel portion and a second bevel portion are disclosed. In some embodiments, a particle-matrix bit body of an earth-boring tool may be repaired by removing a damaged portion, heating the particle-matrix composite bit body, and forming a built-up metallic structure thereon. In other embodiments, a particle-matrix composite body may be welded to a metallic body by forming a joint, heating the particle-matrix composite body, melting a metallic filler material forming a weld bead and cooling the welded particle-matrix composite body, metallic filler material and metallic body at a controlled rate.

Abstract: [Problems] To provide an alloy-coated boiler part that at all regions to be protected, is furnished with a weld deposition coating of alloy material excelling in erosion/corrosion resistance and that even when joined by welding, is free from thermal shock cracking. [Means for Solving Problems] Super alloy coating (15) is applied over rapid temperature rise region width (C), where thermal shock cracking may occur at a welding operation, at end portions subjected to weld joint including the vicinity thereof. On the other hand, self-fluxing alloy coating (16) is applied on any remaining regions other than the rapid temperature rise region width (C). While over a half proportion of each of the alloy coatings (15, 16) occupied by an Ni-enriched Ni—Cr component, the super alloy coating (15) has the contents of B and Si suppressed to equal or less than 0.1% and equal or less than 0.5%, respectively, and in the self-fluxing alloy coating (16), the content of each of B and Si is in the range of 1 to 5%.

Abstract: A contact tip is provided for wire welding applications. The contact tip includes one or more conductive brushes fitted to a conductive contact tip body. Fibers of the brush extend into a passageway traversed by welding wire in operation. Electrical current is transmitted to the brush assembly and through the brush fibers to the welding wire. The fibers may transmit the current directly and also may enhance contact of the welding wire with one or more walls of the contact tip. Improved electrical contact and weld quality are obtained.

Abstract: An integrated lip seal provides a containment system for isolating debris generated in welding an enclosure and preventing contamination of interiors of devices. The closure system is especially useful in preventing aggregate from welding contaminating the interiors of torque converters during the final stages of assembly.

Abstract: A device and method for the removal of a metal-sheath layer from a metal-sheathed structure using capacitive discharge in conjunction with step-up and step-down transformers to create a low voltage, high current pulse to remove a selected portion of the metal-sheath layer from the metal-sheathed structure.

Abstract: An electrically heatable honeycomb body has cavities through which a fluid can flow and contains at least one power distribution structure. The power distribution structure can be connected to a power source via a power feed line. At least one of the power feed line and the power distribution structure contains at least one closed-loop control element made of a material with a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) which can be placed at least in thermal contact with a fluid flowing through the honeycomb body. The electrically heatable honeycomb body permits, through the formation of a self-regulating closed-loop control element made for example from the PTC material, the implementation of a simple measure for performing closed-loop control on the heating power of the electrically heatable honeycomb body since the rest of the open-loop control or closed-loop control electronics can be significantly simplified or can even be dispensed with.

Abstract: A rapid thermal process method contains providing a substrate, performing a pre-heating process to at least a first portion of the substrate by means of a first laser beam, and performing a rapid heating process to the pre-heated first portion of the substrate by means of a second laser beam.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack which has at least one fuel cell and has at least one electrical connection per terminal, wherein the fuel cell stack is connected via the connections to an alternating voltage generating device for electrical heating of the fuel cell stack, a rectangular alternating voltage which is rounded-off at the edges being generated by the alternating voltage generating device.

Abstract: A temperature control method for a heat process on a resist film on a substrate includes first and second steps. The first step includes measuring a stepped response waveform of measured temperatures of a substrate at measurement points while changing stepwise each target temperature, then using this result to compose a pulsed response waveform with respect to a change of a pulsed target temperature, then using this result to compose a triangular response waveform with respect to a change of a triangular target temperature, and then using this result to acquire a matrix as relation information showing a relation between the target temperatures and temperatures of the substrate at measurement points.

Abstract: A weld assembly includes a fixture having a plurality of mounting mechanisms and a plurality of modular welding skids operable in concert with one another to perform coordinated welding functions. Each welding skid includes a base configured for coupling to a vehicle for transport, a robotic weld arm supported on the base and a power supply supported on the base for supplying power to the robotic arm. A dedicated controller supported on the base for controlling operation of the robotic weld arm. Each welding skid also includes at least one drop for receiving a utility external to the welding skid and a mounting flange configured for coupling the base to at least one of the mounting mechanisms of the fixture.

Abstract: A heater control for a cotton candy machine automatically controls a heater within the spinner head of the machine to readily accommodate for fluctuations in input line frequency and input line voltage. The control is configured to measure the input line frequency and apply a predetermined voltage to the heater that varies as a function of the measured input line frequency. The control is further configured to measure the input line voltage and apply a generally constant predetermined voltage to the heater for a particular measured input line frequency.

Abstract: A plasma spray apparatus in the form of a gun is utilized to apply an antifoulant coating to marine vessels. The apparatus includes a plasma generator, an electrophoresis element, a heating element, a shield gas element, a liquid cooling system, a forced air system, and a vacuum system. The plasma generator ionizes gas to create a plasma stream, which is utilized in part to supply energy to the heating element that heats a powder material. The heated powder material is exposed to the electrophoresis element to create a covalently bonded coating material. The coating material is injected into the plasma stream and is applied to a target surface. The shield gas element injects a gas flow to surround and protect the plasma and coating material stream as the stream is in flight to the target surface. The liquid cooling system cools portions of the plasma generator and heating element. The forced air system cools a portion of the target surface as the coating material is being applied.

Abstract: Methods for compensating for a thermal profile in a substrate heating process are provided herein. In one embodiment, a method of processing a substrate includes determining an initial thermal profile of a substrate resulting from a process; imposing a compensatory thermal profile on the substrate based on the initial thermal profile; and performing the process to create a desired thermal profile on the substrate. In other embodiments of the invention, the initial substrate thermal profile is compensated for by adjusting a local mass heated per unit area, a local heat capacity per unit area, or an absorptivity or reflectivity of a component proximate the substrate prior to performing the process. In another embodiment, the heat provided by an edge ring to the substrate may be controlled either prior to or during the substrate heating process.

Abstract: In a rotary electric machine, at least one of first and second ends of each conductor segment is at least partially joined to at least one of the first and second ends of a corresponding another one of the conductor segments to provide the stator winding including a plurality of joint portions of the plurality of conductor segments. An insulating film covers each of the conductor segments except for at least the joint portions of the stator winding. At least part of the insulating film of each of the conductor segments located close to a corresponding one of the joint portions contains an evaporatable component. An amount in ppm of the evaporatable component contained in the at least part of the insulating film is adjusted to be equal to or lower than 20000 ppm.

Abstract: An adjustment assembly for a seat assembly includes an adjustment mechanism and a first structural component positioned proximate the adjustment mechanism to create at least one electrical path between the adjustment mechanism and the first structural component. The electrical path receives current from one side of one of the adjustment mechanism and the first structural component and transmits the current to the other of the adjustment mechanism and the first structural member to fuse the adjustment mechanism to the first structural component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a hollow profile which has at least one flange by internal high pressure forming. During the internal high pressure forming, the dimensions and the position of the flange are not changed relative to the finished hollow profile then formed.

Abstract: A hand-held power tool has a drive motor driving a tool and a generator. One or more heating devices having one or more heating elements are provided. The generator supplies the one or more heating devices with energy. A control device controls a power supplied to the one or more heating elements as a function of at least one operating parameter of the drive motor.

Abstract: A motor vehicle car body framing apparatus for use at a welding station, the apparatus including a gate having a frame structure and a plurality of tooling members carried by the frame structure for use in positioning components of the vehicle body at the welding station for welding. The tooling members are mounted on the frame structure by a plurality of mounting brackets. Each mounting bracket includes a base member mounted on the frame structure and a riser mounted on the base and mounting a respective tooling member. The riser is fixedly mounted on the base by a single central fastener bolt which may include a reduced diameter portion sized to breakaway in response to predetermined impact against the riser. The interface between the riser and the base comprises a plurality of contact points arranged in concentric relation with respect to the fastener bolt.

Abstract: A technique for manufacturing a product involves receiving material, providing plastic deformation to the material to at least partially form the product, and applying electric current to the material while providing the plastic deformation to the material. The electric current is configured to reduce flow stresses within the material during plastic deformation. In some arrangements, the electric current is a series of high-density, short electric pulses which increases plasticity due to increasing the dislocation mobility of the deformed material. In some arrangements, the electric current provides an electric current density through the material of at least 1000 Amperes per square millimeter with each electric pulse lasting no longer than 0.01 seconds.

Abstract: A spark gap device is described such as for use in welding systems. The device receives a high voltage, low current input signal and produces high frequency waveform output. The device includes one or more toroidal members surrounding a rod-like member with an annular gap therebetween. When the input signal is applied to the device, arcs are established in the gap between the toroidal members and the rod-like member, producing the high frequency output. Erosion and loci of arcs between the toroidal members and the rod-like member are distributed, resulting in extended life of the assembly. The gaps are also shielded from contaminants and moisture by an insolative body that maintains the toroidal members and the rod-like member in place with respect to one another.

Abstract: A method for providing a controlled heating profile in an article being heated in a resistance heating process is provided. The method includes contacting the article with a plurality of electrodes, selecting a first correlated group that includes at least two electrodes, and establishing a flow of electrical current between the electrodes of the first correlated group. The method also includes selecting a second correlated group that includes at least two electrodes, the second correlated group differing from the first correlated group. A flow of electrical current is also established between the electrodes of the second correlated group for the purpose of providing a controlled heating profile for an article undergoing resistance heating. The electrical current between the electrodes of the second correlated group can be established after the flow of electrical current is established between the electrodes of the first correlated group.

Abstract: A system is configured to treat a conductive component. The system includes a power source, an interface configured to electrically contact with a surface of the conductive component, and a controller coupled to the power source and the interface. The controller is configured to pass electric current (e.g., electric pulses) from the power source through the interface and the component to melt tips of a set of cracks along the surface of the component. As the current passes around the set of cracks, the current generates localized heating in high-resistance dislocations at the crack tips to repair the cracks. Accordingly, such current heals the cracks and inhibits the cracks from spreading. Furthermore, the effect of the current remains localized thus enabling the current to strengthen the material around the cracks while easily avoiding damaging or weakening other portions of the component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for shaping small three-dimensional articles such as nanotube exhibiting a layered structure through material removal such that the article is controllably shaped to exhibit a desired contour. Typically, material removal does not require use of a chemical etchant and is carried out while the article and a shaping electrode are positioned in contact material removal relationship with under a potential difference. The invention also relates to nanotubes and small three-dimensional articles exhibiting a layered structure having a controllably shaped contour.

Abstract: In order to provide a method of joining a cylinder head 2 and a valve seat 3 by press and heat generated on passing an electrical current through both members 2, 3, to achieve satisfactory joining with minimized heat generated inside when the current is supplied, while eliminating the need for an infiltration step and reduce the production cost, inhibiting an increase in thermal conductivity of the valve seat 3 and improving the wear resistance thereof. The valve seat 3 is made of a sintered material made from a powdery material with a high electrical conductivity element such as Cu dispersed therein. The current and the pressure are applied with a first joining surface 3a of the valve seat 3 and a joining surface 2a of the cylinder head body 2 being put into surface contact with each other in advance.

Abstract: A flywheel assembly adapted to act also as a high inertia journal bearing in a canned pump or the like is composed of an annular core of heavy metal material which is hermetically sealed in a stainless steel casing formed by a number of enclosure pieces welded together along circumferential weld edges. The weld edges are specially configured by mating weld canopies provided on the respective pieces which minimize the potential for damage to the annular core during welding, and which act to minimize stress concentrations due to the welds and thermal expansion of the casing. An outer cylindrical shell of the casing is heat shrunk onto the outer core and grooves are provided in the outer surface of the annular core to axially secure the outer enclosure member to the core, and to ensure that thermal expansion of the cylindrical shell occurs substantially equally in each axial direction of the shell. The flywheel assembly includes radial and axial bearing surfaces provided on the outer casing.

Abstract: The copper wires employed for electrical resistance seam welding of tinned sheet metal with the help of wire electrodes until now had to be taken back to the smelter as old metal after a few applications. The additional operating costs associated with this were until now unavoidable for long seam resistance welding of tinned sheet metal since multiple uses or applications of the copper wire for resistance seam welding have proven to be impossible in spite of years of research. The problem of these additional operating costs can be solved such that new copper wires with a reduced diameter can be directly drawn from the copper wire employed as wire electrodes for resistance seam welding after their use in welding. These wires then, for example, can be used as signal conductors or as windings. The properties of these wires are totally in accord with copper wires that are directly drawn from new copper.

Abstract: Energy efficient reheating furnaces and soaking pits having essentially zero thermal inertia are disclosed.The furnace comprises an evacuate chamber having a workpiece support, an envelope having a highly infrared reflective interior surface bounding the chamber, and a workpiece heating means comprising electric leads and contacts for heating the workpiece by electrical resistance and/or a cryogenically cooled induction coil located outside of the envelope for heating the workpiece by eddy current dissipation. A workpiece on the support is thermally isolated since convective heat losses are eliminated, conductive heat losses minimized, and radiative heat losses limited to about 10 percent or less of the workpiece's black body radiative flux. Since radiation emitted by the workpiece does not reach the induction coil, the design allows the application of cryogenic-superconductivity technology which eliminates eddy current losses in the coil.

Abstract: A process for the heat treatment of coils of aluminum and aluminum alloys in which lubricants applied to the surfaces of the metal strip, the usual oxide layer and a spacing between turns formed during coiling permit the application of a voltage across the coil between the ends of the strip of 0.01 to 0.25 volts per turn and a current intensity of 1,000 to 10,000 amperes, preferably 5,000 amperes, to heat the coil to 750.degree. C. The coil is thereupon cooled.