Abstract: A system and method for controlling flow of air into an air compressor of an air compressor system includes a proportional solenoid valve configured to control flow of supply air into the air compressor in proportional response to sensed air pressure generated by the air compressor system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning an oxide film using a direct current reverse polarity are provided. The apparatus for cleaning an oxide film formed on a workpiece may include a power supply configured to apply direct current power and to include a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal, the workpiece configured to be electrically connected to the negative electrode terminal to act as a negative electrode to which a current is applied, and a torch having a positive electrode, which is spaced apart from the oxide film by a predetermined distance and is electrically connected to the positive electrode terminal, the torch being installed to be movable relative to the workpiece. The oxide film formed on the workpiece may be removed by applying a reverse polarity direct current between the workpiece, serving as the negative electrode, and the positive electrode to generate an arc.

Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a first stapler half a second stapler half configured to releasably couple together. The second stapler half includes a first elongate member, a second elongate member, and a polymeric body that encapsulates at least a portion of each of the first elongate member and the second elongate member. One of the first stapler half or the second stapler half includes a distal portion configured to receive a staple cartridge, and the other of the first stapler half or the second stapler half includes a distal portion having a plurality of staple-forming pockets.

Abstract: Jaw members of end effector assemblies include sealing plates configured to direct the amount and flow of energy through the sealing plates. The sealing plates may have a height varying from a minimal height to a maximum height along a width or a length of the sealing plate and/or a sealing surface including at least two impedance zones having different impedance values.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for robotically assisted implantation of an implant in a patient. A system includes an implant-positioning unit configured to engage an elongate member of the implant, and a control console communicatively coupled to the external positioning unit. The control console can have a user interface that enables a user to input motion control instructions. The control console can generate a motion control signal, according to a specific motion control instruction, to control the external positioning unit to propel the implant into a target implant site. The system can be used to robotically control the delivery and positing of a cochlear implant during a hearing-preservation cochlear implant surgery.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to fall-protection safety connector having alignment indicators located on both a static end and a dynamic end of a deformable energy-absorbing device that when deformed visually presents the alignment indicators as misaligned. In an illustrative embodiment, the fall-protection safety connector may be configured to securely connect to a securement member. In some embodiments, a user may connect to the fall-protection safety connector by attaching a lanyard to an aperture coupled to the dynamic end of the deformable energy-absorbing device. Before using the fall-protection safety connector, the user may visually inspect the alignment of the alignment indicators to ascertain the readiness of the connector. Misaligned alignment indicators may advantageously indicate to the user that the remaining energy-absorbing deformation capability of the connector may be below a predetermined specification.

Abstract: An anvil for a cutting tool includes an anvil body. A curved passage extends from an inlet opening in the anvil body to an outlet opening in the anvil body. The anvil body can be made by an additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: Induction heating from an induction coil (108) is used to separate a metal medical sharp (144) from its holder (142) by applying a high-frequency oscillating magnetic field that excites eddy currents and resistance heating in the sharp. The heated metal sharp melts the adhesive or plastic securing the sharp to its holder. The use of induction heating is advantageous in that it does not require direct contact between the electrical circuit and the sharp or its holder. The heating can also act to sterilize the sharp and thereby render it less hazardous at the same time that it separates the sharp from its holder. The induction coil can have a stepped or conical shape to concentrate the RF energy at the interface between the metal sharp and its holder.

Abstract: A laser processing machine includes a guide member with which a laser head is engaged so as to be movable to one side in a conveying direction, a moving device configured to move the laser head along the guide member, a counterweight which is movably engaged to the other side of the guide member in the conveying direction and moves along the guide member in a direction opposite to a moving direction of the laser head in conjunction with the laser head moved by the moving device, and a control device which controls the moving device to move the counterweight to a position facing the grease feeding device and to perform grease feeding to an engaged portion between the counterweight and the guide member.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a suction device configured for a laser processing machine with a laser processing head which can be moved over a workpiece holder, with a fan and several flaps which are to be opened selectively to generate an air flow and which are in communication with the fan, and with a control configured to detect the position and operating state of the laser processing head and to control the flaps as a function of the detected position and the operating state of the laser processing head.

Abstract: An electrical discharge machining method includes selectively immersing only a portion of a workpiece in an electrical discharge machining liquid such that a machining object portion included in the portion of the workpiece is opposed to an electrode immersed in the electrical discharge machining liquid and applying an electrical discharge machining to the machining object portion by applying a voltage between the electrode and the workpiece in a state where the portion of the workpiece is selectively immersed in the electrical discharge machining liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical flow cell (1) for a measuring device, having an input light guide with a light exit surface, an output light guide with a light entrance surface, said input light guide and output light guide being integrated with a holder (30) to form optical flow cell (1), and wherein the holder (30) extends along a first axis (A) and has a through hole (31) for receiving a flow of a sample fluid, said through hole (31) being transversal to said first axis (A), and the input light guide and output light guide further are arranged in said holder (30) so that the light exit surface and the light entrance surface extend into said through hole (31) and are arranged to be in optical alignment with each other and at a first distance from each other. The invention also relates to a measuring device having at least one optical flow cell (1).

Abstract: A cutting mechanism includes electrodes that are utilized to cut or score a non-conductive outer material of a filament or sheet. The electrodes contact a conductive reinforcing material of the filament or sheet to complete an electric circuit. Electric current flows through and heats the conductive material to oxidize or otherwise separate/cut the conductive material and any remaining non-conductive material.

Abstract: This disclosure provides liquid crystal phase shifter, phase shifting method, and method of fabricating the liquid crystal phase shifter. The phase shifter comprises: a first substrate and a second substrate arranged in cell-aligned manner; a first electrode layer arranged on a side of the first substrate facing the second substrate; a second electrode layer arranged on a side of the second substrate facing the first substrate, and comprising electrically isolated electrode plates; and isolation zones arranged between the first electrode layer and the second substrate, wherein the isolation zones, the first electrode layer, and the second electrode layer form independent sealing areas, wherein each of the electrode plates corresponds to respective one of the sealing areas, and liquid crystal layers are sealed in the sealing areas, wherein dielectric constants of the liquid crystal layers in each sealing area are not exactly the same.

Abstract: An integral cutting tool configured for revolving about a central axis is provided. The cutting tool is formed with at least one cutting portion having a rake surface, a relief surface, and a cutting edge formed at the intersection between the rake surface and the relief surface. The cutting tool is further provided with a cooling fluid provision arrangement having at least one passage, and a cooling aperture formed at the relief surface. The cooling aperture is directed towards the cutting edge at an acute angle.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to fall-protection safety connector having alignment indicators located on both a static end and a dynamic end of a deformable energy-absorbing device that when deformed visually presents the alignment indicators as misaligned. In an illustrative embodiment, the fall-protection safety connector may be configured to securely connect to a securement member. In some embodiments, a user may connect to the fall-protection safety connector by attaching a lanyard to an aperture coupled to the dynamic end of the deformable energy-absorbing device. Before using the fall-protection safety connector, the user may visually inspect the alignment of the alignment indicators to ascertain the readiness of the connector. Misaligned alignment indicators may advantageously indicate to the user that the remaining energy-absorbing deformation capability of the connector may be below a predetermined specification.

Abstract: Power supply, in particular for a sterilization device, comprising a housing, wherein the housing comprises at least a first sector and a second sector, wherein the first sector comprises a first pair of opposing side walls, and wherein the second sector comprises a second pair of opposing side walls, wherein the side walls are orientated basically parallel to a vertical axis of the housing, wherein the first pair of side walls is arranged in a first angle and the second pair of side walls is arranged in a second angle, wherein the first angle and the second angle are different from each other.

Abstract: An impeller assembly including a motor that rotationally drives an impeller is balanced. The impeller assembly is balanced without physically indexing the impeller to determine the rotational position of the impeller while impeller is rotated. For example, the system does not employ an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor), a mechanical indexing sensor, and/or other sensors that physically index the impeller.

Abstract: A laser processing machine includes a workpiece support, a movement unit that is movable relative to the workpiece support, the movement unit being configured to move a laser processing head over the workpiece support, and a switch cabinet in which one or more control components of the laser processing machine are provided. An arrangement of the switch cabinet provides a free movement space disposed underneath at least a portion of the switch cabinet, wherein at least a portion of the movement unit is disposed within the free movement space.

Abstract: A thermal cutter for cutting with heat a board mounted upon a table having an internal space includes a plurality of walls and a sound absorbent material. The walls are disposed in the internal space of the table to partition a plurality of exhaust chambers with each of the exhaust chambers having an aperture that opens towards a side on which the board is mounted. The sound absorbent material is provided to at least a portion of at least one of the walls, the sound absorbent material being removably coupled to the table.

Abstract: A multi-operational welding-type system including a user interface supported by a support structure and including a first user interface device moveable between a welding position, a gouging position, and an off position, and a second user interface device configured to alter operation parameters of the multi-operational welding-type system. A controller is supported by the support structure and monitors the position of the first user interface device and utilizes the operational parameters supplied via the second user interface device. The multi-operational welding-type system may perform only one of a gouging-type process and a welding-type process at a given time depending on the position of the first user interface device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rendering electro-optical systems (thermal camera, camera, binoculars, sighting device, etc.) unusable (optical darkening). The inventive optical screening system, which prevents reuse of the electro-optical devices by destructing optical components thereof, essentially comprises at least one optical group consisting of the optical components of the electro-optical system, at least one destructive unit which destructs the optical group, at least one triggering unit which activates the destructive unit, at least one management center which issues a command to the triggering unit to start optical screening.

Abstract: There is described a method for stabilizing a post-trimming resistance of a thermally isolated electrical component made from a thermally mutable material, the method comprising: generating at least one heating pulse, the at least one heating pulse having an initial amplitude corresponding to a trimming temperature, a slope corresponding to a given cooling rate and a duration corresponding to a given cooling time; and applying the at least one heating pulse to one of the thermally isolated electrical component and a heating device in heat transfer communication with the thermally isolated electrical component, after a trimming process, in order to cause the electrical component to cool in accordance with the given cooling rate, the given cooling rate being slower than a passive cooling rate determined by the thermal isolation of the electrical component.

Abstract: A nanocomposite fluid includes a fluid medium; and a nanoparticle composition comprising nanoparticles which are electrically insulating and thermally conductive. A method of making the nanocomposite fluid includes forming boron nitride nanoparticles; dispersing the boron nitride nanoparticles in a solvent; combining the boron nitride nanoparticles and a fluid medium; and removing the solvent.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a nanoparticle production system and methods of using the system. The nanoparticle production system includes a plasma gun including a male electrode, a female electrodes and a working gas supply configured to deliver a working gas in a vortexing helical flow direction across a plasma generation region. The system also includes a continuous feed systems, a quench chamber, a cooling conduit that includes a laminar flow disruptor, a system overpressure module, and a conditioning fluid purification and recirculation system.

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 apparatus for removing a needle from a needle holder, including a grasping unit for selectively grasping the needle; a receiving unit for receiving the needle holder, displaceably disposed relative to the grasping unit; a biasing member biasing the receiving unit in a first direction; and separating means for separating the entire needle from the needle holder. Preferably, the needle is heated to melt, soften, or otherwise weaken a material and/or adhesive connecting the needle with the needle holder. Preferably the heating is electrical heating, including completing an electrical circuit through the needle and passing current through the needle, and/or passing current through a heating element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilizing and destroying a syringe needle includes a rotating needle carriage that receives a needle in a loading position. The needle carriage includes a port sized to accept a pen-type hypodermic syringe and an insert to downsize the port for accepting a conventional hypodermic syringe. The needle carriage is rotated downwardly to a cut-off position. At the cut-off position, two opposing contact blades pinch the needle, which electrically connects the positive and negative terminals of a battery. Current flows through the contact blades to shear the needle. The sheared portion of the needle then falls into a waste compartment in the bottom of the apparatus. When the syringe is removed from the needle carriage, the needle carriage rotates upwardly and returns to the loading position.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a turbine nozzle having a non-linear cooling conduit is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes: providing a turbine nozzle. The turbine nozzle includes: an airfoil, a cavity, having an inner surface, located within the airfoil, at least one endwall adjacent the airfoil, and a fillet region connecting the airfoil and the endwall. The fillet region also includes an outer surface. The method also includes: forming a non-linear cooling conduit within the fillet region and adjacent the outer surface of the fillet region of the turbine nozzle. The forming of the non-linear cooling conduit includes curved drilling through a portion of the outer surface of the fillet region of the turbine nozzle.

Abstract: A melt cutter includes a case, an electricity-connecting portion, a heating device, a working portion, a controlling portion, and a heat-dissipating device. The case has a heat-dissipating zone. The electricity-connecting portion is disposed in the case for connecting with an electricity source. The working portion is disposed in the case and has a gap with changeable size for clamping an object. The controlling portion alternatively triggers the heating device to heat and to transmit heat to the working portion, and it also reduces the size of the gap for melting and cutting the object. The heat-dissipating device is disposed at the heat-dissipating zone and is electrically connected with the electricity-connecting portion. Thereby, the heat-dissipating device helps air communication between interior and exterior of the case.

Abstract: A gouging carbon rod using an aluminum or aluminum alloy material as its conducting material includes a carbon rod unit, which has an elongated hollow main body internally defining a central space portion and having a first and a second open end; an aluminum/aluminum alloy unit, which is formed by high-pressure injection molding a molten aluminum or aluminum alloy material in the central space portion of the main body via the second open end, such that the aluminum/aluminum alloy unit so formed includes a shielded section located in the central space portion and an exposed section projected from the main body via the second open end. In this manner, the energy, time and labor costs for binding the aluminum material to the carbon rod are lowered, compared to the conventional carbon rod produced by metal thermal spraying technique, and the problem of uneven thickness of metal coating is solved.

Abstract: A used needle is inserted in a housing of a needle apparatus disabling device. As the needle is pushed downwards sealing a collar opening and bears against a stationary cutter blade. The needle is pushed further into the device where it contacts upper and lower electrodes. An electric current passes through the needle, which causes it to become heated resistively to destruction. A voltage drop between the electrodes is detected by a processor activating a motor driven movable cutter blade which then severs a remaining stub or remnant of the needle portion and simultaneously urges the severed stub downwardly onto the electrodes to ensure its complete destruction. During this process any sparks or airborne contaminants, or combustion gases are prevented from escaping through the opening by the sealing action of the apparatus.

Abstract: In the method for cutting a material layer (20) along a given cutting line (21), a cutting beam is moved so as to impinge on the material layer (20) laterally offset by a distance (W) from the cutting line (21). The distance (W) is determined as a function of the variations of the cutting speed at which the cutting beam is moved, and/or as a function of the deviations of the effective cutting beam cross-section from a circular shape.

Abstract: A nanocomposite fluid includes a fluid medium; and a nanoparticle composition comprising nanoparticles which are electrically insulating and thermally conductive. A method of making the nanocomposite fluid includes forming boron nitride nanoparticles; dispersing the boron nitride nanoparticles in a solvent; combining the boron nitride nanoparticles and a fluid medium; and removing the solvent.

Abstract: A laser machining apparatus is provided with: a workpiece support unit; a machining head; and a machining head moving unit. The workpiece support unit includes: an end support part that supports a width end of a workpiece; and an inside support part that supports an inside portion of the workpiece in a width direction. The end support part is movable in a longitudinal direction independently from the inside support part in response to a movement of the machining head.

Abstract: A variable capacitor device is disclosed in which the capacitive tuning ratio and quality factor are increased to very high levels, and in which the capacitance value of the device is tuned and held to a desired value with a high level of accuracy and precision using a laser micromachining tuning process on suitably designed and fabricated capacitor devices. The tuning of the variable capacitor devices can be performed open-loop or closed-loop, depending on the precision of the eventual capacitor value needed or desired. Furthermore, the tuning to a pre-determined value can be performed before the variable capacitor device is connected to a circuit, or alternatively, the tuning to a desired value can be performed after the variable capacitor device has been connected into a circuit.

Abstract: A gas laser oscillation device of the present invention including a blower unit having a rotating part that rotates, which includes an impeller, a rotating shaft, a motor rotor and a portion of bearings that are brought into contact with the rotating shaft, and a non-rotating part that does not rotate, which includes a motor stator, a casing and a portion of the bearings that are brought into contact with the casing. Two bearings are disposed between the rotating part and the non-rotating part. A grease supply mechanism that supplies grease to each of the two bearings is provided. A control unit drives the blower unit at a rotation rate lower than a rotation rate when a laser is output, after grease is supplied from the grease supply mechanism to the two bearings.

Abstract: A method of splitting a ring, such as a cage, for a bearing, such as a roller or ball bearing, includes splitting a ring in such a way that there are provided projections and recesses in the facing surfaces thereby produced. In this manner, the two halves of the split ring may be reassembled in opposite orientation so that the projections on the facing surfaces of the two halves of the ring engage one another to space the two halves of the ring apart and to restore the ring to a circular ring shape despite some of the material of the ring having been removed in the splitting process.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically recalibrating an output current range of a user output current control encoder of an auto-reconnect welding/cutting device. When an input power type connected to an auto-reconnect device is changed, the calibrated range of the user output current control encoder (e.g., output control knob) is automatically transformed in response to the auto-reconnect device sensing at least one characteristic of the input power type. As a result, when a user adjusts the encoder to its maximum full-scale setting, too much current will not be drawn by the auto-reconnect device which would cause a circuit protection component (e.g., a circuit breaker or a fuse) associated with the input power type to trip. Instead, the current that is drawn when the encoder is set to the maximum full-scale setting is no more than about a rated current of the circuit protection component.

Abstract: Methods and systems selectively irradiate structures on or within a semiconductor substrate using a plurality of laser beams. The structures are arranged in a row extending in a generally lengthwise direction. The method generates a first laser beam that propagates along a first laser beam axis that intersects the semiconductor substrate and a second laser beam that propagates along a second laser beam axis that intersects the semiconductor substrate. The method simultaneously directs the first and second laser beams onto distinct first and second structures in the row. The method moves the first and second laser beam axes relative to the semiconductor substrate substantially in unison in a direction substantially parallel to the lengthwise direction of the row, so as to selectively irradiate structures in the row with one or more of the first and second laser beams simultaneously.

Abstract: This method for deicing a direct current power supply line for railway vehicles is provided for a line extending between at least a first and a second reversible substations able to supply an electrical current circulating on the electrical power supply line, the first substation being controlled in a current supply mode, to supply an electrical current to the electrical power supply line and the second substation being controlled in a current recovery mode, to recover the electrical current from the electrical power supply line and send it back on an electrical power supply network. The method comprises establishing a voltage difference between the output terminals of the first and second substations such that a current circulates on the electrical power supply line between the two substations and that the heat produced by the circulation of the current causes the deicing of the power supply line between the two substations.

Abstract: The methods and devices enable a reliable and rapid automatic threading process on spark-erosive wire-cutting machines with closed round guides without complicated entry of parameters. A heat-output control device with an optimized output characteristic curve is supplied from a DC voltage source of the erosion generator. Through an at least partial feedback loop of heating current and source voltage, the characteristic curve is modified in such a way that different wire types or different annealing lengths for the wire provide optimal results for stretching, straightening and separating the wire electrode without controlled intervention. With adaptive control it is possible to thread future wire types automatically without reprogramming.

Abstract: An end-to-end tubular joint includes first locking pieces cut from the first tube and second locking pieces cut from the second tube, where the cuts have radial cut faces on the axially aligned cuts. The first and second locking pieces are interlocked with lateral extensions of the respective locking pieces bearing against one another and the radial cut surfaces distributed circumferentially around the joint so as to constrain relative movement between the parts. The first locking pieces are welded to the first tube and the second locking pieces are welded to the second tube to form a tube joint. An alternative forms cutouts in the first tube and fits locking pieces into the cutouts that are welded to a second member, such as a second tube or cylinder that fits into the first tube so as to form the tube joint.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device (10) for machining slab-shaped or cylindrical workpieces (70) which are provided with cutting teeth (S), with a machine base (12), a machining device (14) which can be displaced relative to the machine base (12), and a workpiece positioning device (16) which can be displaced relative to the machine base (12), the machining device (14) including a machining bridge (18) which can be displaced relative to the machine base (12) linearly along a first spatial axis (Y1) and a machining arm (20) which can be displaced relative to the machining bridge (18) linearly along a second spatial axis (X1), a machining unit (26) with a machining tool (28) being carried on the machining arm (20) so that it can swivel around a swivelling axis (E1), the swivelling axis (E1) substantially running orthogonally to a plane which is spanned by the first and second spatial axes (Y1, X1), the workpiece positioning device (16) also having a bearing slide (32) which can be displaced relative to the machine

Abstract: A multi model registration (MMR) process performed using a computer, for registering a plurality of workpiece vision models representing features on a workpiece that define a marking location thereon, to corresponding part vision models stored on the computer representing features that define a desired part marking location. The MMR process includes capturing a new image of the workpiece that includes one of the plurality of features on the workpiece that define its marking location; generating a workpiece vision model of that one workpiece feature included in the new workpiece image captured; registering the new workpiece vision model generated to the stored part vision model representing the corresponding one of the features defining the part marking location; and repeating these process steps for the remaining workpiece features defining the marking location thereon, for which there is respective corresponding stored part vision model representing a feature defining the part marking location.

Abstract: Wire bonders and methods of wire-bonding are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes attaching a wire to a terminal of a microelectronic component and generating an arc between a first electrode and a second electrode to sever the wire at a point at least proximate to the first and second electrodes. In another embodiment, a wire bonder includes a bond head having a capillary, a first electrode and a second electrode each disposed relative to the bond head, and a controller operably coupled to the first and second electrodes. The controller has a computer-readable medium containing instructions to perform the above-mentioned method.

Abstract: A high yield in a manufacture of an HDD having a high recording density and using a patterned medium by a trench-like or a dot-like pattern is realized. In this HDD manufacturing method, a magnetic field size (writing and reading) of a head in a head manufacturing process is measured in a head unit inspection process. According to the result of the measurement, the head is classified into a plurality of groups in a head classifying process. In a patterned medium manufacturing process, a plurality of types of the patterned media which are designed so as to correspond to the classified head groups are manufactured. In an HDD assembly process, the HDD is manufactured by combining the plurality of head groups and the plurality of patterned media following a predetermined rule.

Abstract: A method of string an SMA, method of manufacturing the SMA actuator, SMA actuator and apparatus for manufacturing the SMA actuator, wherein a drive member made up of an SMA is extended between a moving member and wire supporting member via a drive member supporting member, and current is applied to the unnecessary portion of the drive member located between the wire supporting member and drive member supporting member, whereby the unnecessary portion of the drive member is cut off by melting, with the result that the size of the protrusion left behind after cutting of the SMA is reduced, and there is no need of giving consideration to the durability of a cutter otherwise used for cutting purposes.

Abstract: A method and means is disclosed for converting a conventional oxy-fuel cutting torch to an exothermic or air lance cutting torch. The conventional oxy-fuel cutting torch is converted by removing the torch tip therefrom and by substituting a two-piece adapter which enables one end of a burning bar to be inserted therein and securely positioned therein. Two different embodiments of the adapter are disclosed.

Abstract: An easy and controllable method and system to attach a carbon nanotube to a scanning probe tip such as a scanning probe microscopy (SPM) tip using a focus ion beam (FIB) technique. The method and system includes selecting a carbon fiber by a Focus Ion Beam micromanipulator, picking up the carbon fiber with the nanotube tip, forming a slot on an SPM tip, and inserting the carbon fiber with the nanotube tip into the slot.