Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide a consistent electrode state for welding, an example welding-type system includes: a first wire drive to feed an electrode wire through a welding torch; a bidirectional assisting wire drive to advance the electrode wire from a wire supply to the first wire drive; a tension-compression detector to detect a first tension-compression state of the electrode wire; and one or more motor controllers to control the first wire drive and the assisting wire drive to put the electrode wire in a predetermined position relative to the welding torch by: controlling the first wire drive to hold the electrode wire; and controlling the assisting wire drive to advance or retract the electrode wire based on the first tension-compression state to put the electrode wire in a second tension-compression state.

Abstract: A radiative cooling device including: a heat insulating container having an opening portion, and being configured to house an object to be cooled at an interior thereof and thermally insulates the object from an exterior thereof; a far-infrared radiator that is arranged between the object and the opening portion in the heat insulating container, that thermally contacts the object, and that radiates far-infrared rays in a wavelength range of from 8 ?m to 13 ?m; a far-infrared transmitting window member that closes at least part of the opening portion of the heat insulating container and that transmits the far-infrared rays radiated from the far-infrared radiator; and an intermediate heat insulating member that is arranged between the far-infrared transmitting window member and the far-infrared radiator, that thermally insulates the far-infrared transmitting window member and the far-infrared radiator from each other, and that transmits the far-infrared rays radiated from the far-infrared radiator.

Abstract: A circuit breaker comprises a contact and a line terminal configured that are bound in an assembly using a silver nanoparticles (Np—Ag) material that is synthesized by reducing a precursor salt in presence of a reducing agent. The contact comprises a silver alloy material having a first surface. The line terminal comprises a non-ferrous material having a second surface such that a plurality of drops of the silver nanoparticles (Np—Ag) material synthesized using a green chemistry process are applied in an interface between the first surface of the contact and the second surface of the line terminal by performing a resistance projection welding to bind the two components.

Abstract: A dust collector capable of recollecting the particulate dust is disclosed. The dust collector comprises a collector body having a dust collection tube, a dust collection barrel, a filter barrel which comprises a filter net and an air conduit with one end connected to the inner portion of the filter barrel and another end formed into an air outlet adaptor, a dust clean device and an air suction unit which drives the air with particulate dust to pass the filter net and a cover used to either close or open the air outlet adaptor. When the particulate dust has been accumulated on the filter net more than a preset volume, the dust collector will start to operate its clean maintenance process. The cover will be uncovered from the air outlet adaptor and one end of the dust collection tube will be fixed onto the air outlet adaptor.

Abstract: A fixing element has a base area that is provided for the purpose of being welded to a component, and a functional head protruding from a base area that is formed by at least one spherical, or sphere-like element. The fixing element may be welded to a first component and function as a male fixing element that cooperates with a female fixing element of a second component such that the first and second components are detachably connectable via the fixing elements.

Abstract: A welding system having a welding power supply coupled to a fume extractor is provided. The fume extractor may be coupled to control circuitry configured to operate the welding power supply. The control circuitry may be configured to begin, terminate or modify the operation of the fume extractor prior to the establishment of a welding arc, after the termination of the welding arc, or both. The control circuitry may be further configured to modify the operation of the fume extractor based upon a type of welding process used.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product provide a process that includes storing data on first data storage devices, and a backup copy of the data on the first and/or on second ones of the data storage devices. A probability of a failure of each of at least some of the first and/or second data storage devices is determined, and at least one of the first and/or data storage devices that is determined to have a higher probability of failure than a threshold and/or a probability of failure of another of the data storage devices, is selected. A second backup copy of the data, stored on the selected data storage device(s), is also stored on third ones of the data storage devices. The first and/or second data storage devices determined to have the higher probability of failure are used for their designated purpose after the second backup copy is created.

Abstract: A system for rapidly assembling solar receiving tubes and solar energy systems comprises a welding station is described. The welding station provides for rapidly assembling solar receiver tubes by welding together two or more solar receiving tubes and comprises means for receiving and restraining solar receiver tubes and a welding station comprising an orbital or a rotational weld head.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isothermal processing method for making an isothermal processed copper clad aluminum composite comprising: providing an aluminum component and a copper component; cleaning the aluminum component and shape finishing the aluminum component; extruding the aluminum component into a core aluminum billet; cleaning the copper component; transforming the copper component into a copper cladding layer; cladding longitudinal and circumferential surfaces of the core aluminum billet with the copper cladding layer and molding the core aluminum billet and the copper cladding layer together to form a copper cladded aluminum billet; and transforming the copper cladded aluminum billet into an isothermal processed copper cladded aluminum composite through isothermal rolling and annealing. The present invention also provides an isothermal processed copper cladded aluminum composite and a system for manufacturing an isothermal processed copper cladded aluminum composite.

Abstract: A powder rapid prototyping method includes steps of forming a thin layer 35a of a powder material, irradiating a heating energy beam to a specific region of the thin layer 35a of the powder material to thereby form a preliminary heating layer 35c whose temperature is elevated, and irradiating the heating energy beam to an inside region of the preliminary heating layer 35c whose temperature is elevated to melt and then solidify the thin layer 35a of the powder material to thereby form a solidified layer, wherein the respective steps are repeatedly implemented to fabricate a rapid prototyping model 51, 52.

Abstract: A system and method for metalworking using a vacuum to evacuate particulate matter, smoke, excess gas, and molten metal from a work area. The vacuum system has a vacuum head and a vacuum nozzle. A bracket establishes pivotal and slidable couplings between the welding head and the vacuum head. The vacuum nozzle has a support surface for being rested on a surface of a workpiece to support the vacuum head and the welding head. A flow of liquid can be applied to the work area defined by the vacuum nozzle and the welding head to provide cooling and to prevent deleterious overheating and particulate matter accumulation. A V-shaped canal, potentially with a depression in each face thereof, can communicate across a support surface of the vacuum nozzle.

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: There is provided a method of forming a nanoparticle including: preparing a wire formed of a material for forming a nano-sized particle; connecting the wire to first and second electrodes; pre-heating the wire using a pre-heating device; and applying energy to the wire using a power supply to form the nano-sized particle, wherein after the pre-heating is performed, a skin depth of the wire is larger than a radius of the wire.

Abstract: A method for producing a metal or metal alloy surface or metal oxide layer or metal alloy oxide layer on the surface of a workpiece having surface structures with dimensions in the sub-micrometer range, involves scanning the entire surface of the metal or of the metal alloy or of the metal or metal alloy oxide layer on the metal or the metal alloy on which the structures are to be produced and which are accessible to laser radiation one or more times by a pulsed laser beam in such a way that adjacent flecks of light of the laser beam adjoin one another without gaps or overlap one another and a specific region of a predetermined relation between method parameters is satisfied.

Abstract: A granular flux formulated to reduce copper cracking in a weld bead. The granular flux forms a slag during a welding process that inhibits or prevents migration of molten copper migration through the slag.

Abstract: A softening apparatus includes a cooling liquid reservoir for holding a cooling liquid, a first conducting sheave provided outside of the cooling liquid reservoir for applying a voltage to a wire while guiding the wire, and a second conducting sheave provided in the cooling liquid reservoir for letting a current flow through the wire while guiding the wire as the wire is fed via the first conducting sheave. The softening apparatus is also provided with a liquid level detector for detecting a liquid level of the cooling liquid in the cooling liquid reservoir. A heating path length of the wire between the first conducting sheave and the second conducting sheave is controlled based on a result of detection by the liquid level detector.

Abstract: A substrate is diced using a program-controlled pulsed laser beam apparatus having an associated memory for storing a laser cutting strategy file. The file contains selected combinations of pulse rate ?t, pulse energy density E and pulse spatial overlap to machine a single layer or different types of material in different layers of the substrate while restricting damage to the layers and maximising machining rate to produce die having predetermined die strength and yield. The file also contains data relating to the number of scans necessary using a selected combination to cut through a corresponding layer. The substrate is diced using the selected combinations. Gas handling equipment for inert or active gas may be provided for preventing or inducing chemical reactions at the substrate prior to, during or after dicing.

Abstract: A welded steel pipe with excellent welded heat-affected zone toughness includes a butt weld formed by prior welding either an inner surface or an outer surface with a single layer for each of the inner and outer surfaces, wherein in the metallographic structure of a welded heat-affected zone, the martensite-austenite constituent (MA) area fraction is 4% or less, the average prior-austenite grain size is 400 ?m or less, and the following items are taken into account: the average prior-austenite grain size of a welded heat-affected zone formed by prior welding, the average prior-austenite grain size of a welded heat-affected zone formed by subsequent welding, the bead width determined at a position 5 mm apart from the tip of a weld bead formed by subsequent welding, the fusion line tilt angle of a weld bead of prior welding, and the fusion line tilt angle of a weld bead of subsequent welding.

Abstract: A multi-pass gas metal arc weld (“GMAW”) approach is used for in-situ repair of railhead defects. A defect is removed via machining a perpendicular slot or grove in the railhead leaving the web and base unaltered. A sufficient number of GMAW passes are used to fill the slot using a weld material suitable for the particular type of parent steel, and excess weldment can be removed. Optionally, for pearlitic steel rails post-weld heat treatment can be used to cause austenization and/or quenching of the weld. The weld heat inputs and other parameters are controlled to avoid ductile and brittle fracture related morphologies.

Abstract: A method and a toolset for manufacturing a metal liner for a composite vessel includes a mandrel configured in several mandrel elements forming support elements of primary parts constituting the metal liner.

Abstract: A method for welding a weld-on element onto a component is proposed, comprising at least the step that, before the welding process, at least one of the parts being connected is wetted with a wetting agent over the full area and uniformly in layer thickness in a welding region.

Abstract: An atmospheric shield for isolating a component from an external atmosphere is provided. The atmospheric shield includes an envelope and a base carrying a continuous channel. The base and the envelope are arranged to define an enclosure within which the component to be isolated is located, and such that a portion of the envelope extends within the continuous channel. A seal is provided within the continuous channel to seal between the envelope and the base.

Abstract: A personal welding enclosure has a rigid support frame and a tent-like enclosure defining an inner work chamber. The enclosure, which is supported by the rigid frame, is beneficially formed from impermeable, flame-proof and/or flame-resistant fabric having desired strength, durability and thermal insulation characteristics. A pneumatic automatic shut off control system monitors variables in and around the enclosure, alerts personnel to the existence of potentially unsafe conditions within the enclosure and automatically terminates welding and/or other hot-work when an unsafe condition is detected.

Abstract: Production method for a monobloc rifle receiver of aluminium or aluminium alloy, characterised in that this method consists of the realisation of individual parts of the receiver, which, in an assembled state can form a receiver; followed by any mechanical adjustments; followed by the assembly of these parts (8) by welding.

Abstract: A hardfacing submerged arc welding device includes an alloy-powder supplying unit for supplying alloy powders onto a workpiece, a flux-powder supplying unit for supplying flux powders onto the workpiece, and a welding-wire supplying unit for supplying a welding wire onto the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for protecting a work piece for use in abrasive environments with hardbanding is provided. The layer is deposited onto at least a portion of the work piece to be protected. The deposited layer exhibits a hardness of at least 50 Rc, a wear rate of less than 0.5 grams of mass loss as measured according to ASTM G65-04, Procedure A, a wear rate on a contacting secondary body comprising carbon steel of less than 0.005 grams as measured according to modified ASTM G77 wear test. The deposited alloy forms an iron matrix comprising embedded hard particles in an amount of less than 15 vol. %. The embedded hard particles have an average particle size of ranging from 100 nm to 5 ?m. In one embodiment, the deposition is via welding.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to welding, and more specifically, to submerged arc welding (SAW). In an embodiment, a welding system includes a gas supply system configured to provide a gas flow. The system also includes a wire supply system configured to provide welding wire, and a flux supply system configured to provide flux near a welding arc during submerged arc welding (SAW). The system further includes a welding torch assembly configured to receive the gas flow and the welding wire and to deliver the gas flow and the welding wire near the welding arc during SAW.

Abstract: Shaped metal deposition apparatus comprises a mounting head for mounting a shaped metal deposition device, an inert gas shield for providing an inert atmosphere around shaped metal deposited in use by the shaped metal deposition device, and a rotatable coupling between the mounting head and the inert gas shield to permit relative rotation therebetween.

Abstract: Using electrical discharge surface treatment of moving an electrode material to a work piece by repeatedly generating pulsed electrical discharge between an electrode for electrical discharge surface treatment (1) containing Si as a main component and a work piece (2) surface in order to form a surface layer excellent in an anti-corrosion property and an anti-erosion property which is useful in applications to anti-corrosion and anti-erosion parts, a surface layer formed with an amorphous structure, in which an Si component is contained in a range of 3 to 11 wt % and which has a thickness of 5 to 10 ?m, is formed on the work piece (2) surface.

Abstract: A method and system to weld or join workpieces employing a high intensity energy source to create a weld puddle and at least one resistive filler wire which is heated to at or near its melting temperature and deposited into the weld puddle.

Abstract: A purge plug for welding applications is provided that can be interchangeably used to seal tubing, pipes, or the like of various diameter or cross-sectional area. The purge plug has a central body with a male connector and a diffuser disposed on the end portions. The purge plug also includes one or more flexible seals annularly disposed around the central body. In some implementations, the diameter of the flexible seals is slightly larger than the diameter of the tubing or pipe. When the purge plug is inserted into the tubing or pipe, the resiliency of the seal allow the seal to expand mechanically and flex against the inner walls of the tubing, thus sealingly engage with the inner walls.

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 welding shield includes a frusto-conical metal shield member, open at top and bottom, and including a wall opening for welding gun access. A lens is removably mounted in the top of the shield member, and a horizontal metal screen is removably mounted within the shield member between wall opening and lens. A circumferential base around the bottom is of a flexible and nonflammable material for effective closure around a weld work area. The work area is viewable, magnified, by the lens. The welding shield is lightweight for easy movement and placement by one available hand of the user.

Abstract: Provided is a submerged arc welding method for a steel plate. In welding the steel plate from an internal surface or an external surface by a submerged arc welding, welding condition is set such that, a cross-sectional area of internal weld metal S1 and a cross-sectional area of external weld metal S2 satisfy the formula (1), the formula (2), and the formula (3), that is, 0.40?(S1+S2)/t2?0.80 . . . (1), S1/t2?0.35 . . . (2), and S2/t2?0.45 . . . (3), wherein t is a plate thickness of the steel plate (mm), S1 is a cross-sectional area of the internal weld metal (mm2) excluding the cross-sectional area of a portion of the internal weld metal overlapping with the external weld metal after external welding, and S2 is a cross-sectional area of the external weld metal (mm2).

Abstract: The repair of cracks according to the state of the art comprises the fact that defects located on the inside must be worked outward in order to be able to be welded closed. The method according to the invention proposes not to work out cracks located on the inside, but to melt the crack located on the inside utilizing a flux agent.

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: A roll (1) for supporting and conveying hot material, including a roll element that has a roll jacket (2) made of a basic material and a wear coat which is applied to the basic material by means of a surface welding process (4) using a welding additive which surrounds the surface of the roll jacket. In order to increase the service life of the wear coat, improve the resistance to wear, and reduce the cost for producing the welded-on surface. The basic material of the roll jacket (2) is steel and contains up to 0.45 percent of C. The welded-on surface (4) is designed as a single-layer weld, and the wear coat contains 12.5 to 14.0 percent of Cr at least in an external zone that surrounds the surface of the roll jacket. Also disclosed are a method for producing the roll (1), a method for repairing a used roll (1), a welding additive and a welding rod for producing the welded-on surface.

Abstract: A device for purging gas comprises a conduit assembly defining an interior volume. The conduit assembly comprises a first conduit portion having an open first end and an open second end and a second conduit portion having an open first end and a closed second end. The open second end of the first conduit portion is disposed proximate to the open first end of the second conduit portion to define a weld region. The device further comprises a supply element supplying a gas to the interior volume at a substantially constant rate and a vent element venting the gas from the interior volume at a rate that maintains the gas in the interior volume within a pressure range suitable to hold a weld bead in the weld region in equilibrium during formation of a weld to join the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion.

Abstract: A method of marking underwater with a plasma arc torch is provided. The method includes surrounding a plasma arc produced by the plasma arc torch with a flow of gas. The flow of gas may be directed around and/or along the body of the plasma arc torch with an air curtain attachment. Directing the flow of gas in this manner generates a protective air curtain which substantially surrounds the plasma arc. A current between 8 and 35 amperes may be used to mark the workpiece. Thereafter, the workpiece may be cut using the same plasma arc torch with a current between 30 and 750 amperes. The same nozzle and rate of flow of gas may be used for both the marking and cutting operations. Additionally, the workpiece may be kept underwater throughout the marking and cutting operations.

Abstract: Welding repairs are performed in an underwater environment adjacent the bottom head of the nuclear reactor vessel. To provide a dry welding environment, segments of a lower caisson are passed through the core plate holes and assembled along the interior surface of the bottom head. The assembled segments are held down by brackets and sealed to one another and to the bottom head by a water curable polymer. An upper caisson is passed through the core plate hole to sealingly engage the lower caisson. The caissons are pumped dry and welding equipment is passed through the caissons to effect weld repairs about the stub tube or along the bottom head cladding.

Abstract: There is provided an improved laser shock hardening method and apparatus which can eliminate spattering of a liquid and waving of the liquid surface upon laser irradiation, and can stably irradiate a workpiece with a laser beam. Thus, the present invention provides in a laser shock hardening method for carrying out surface processing of a workpiece in contact with a liquid by irradiating through the liquid the surface of the workpiece with a pulsed laser beam intermittently emitted from a laser irradiation device, the improvement comprising: providing a solid transparent to the wavelength of the laser, serving as an entrance window to the surface of the liquid; allowing the liquid to be present in the light path of the laser beam between the solid and the surface of the workpiece; and allowing the laser beam to enter through the solid and irradiating through the liquid the surface of the workpiece with the laser beam, thereby shock-hardening the surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: Systems for coupling end portions of two elongated heater portions and methods of using such systems to treat a subsurface formation are described herein. A system may include a holding system configured to hold end portions of the two elongated heater portions so that the end portions are abutted together or located near each other; a shield for enclosing the end portions, and one or more inert gas inlets configured to provide at least one inert gas to flush the system with inert gas during welding of the end portions. The shield may be configured to inhibit oxidation during welding that joins the end portions together. The shield may include a hinged door that, when closed, is configured to at least partially isolate the interior of the shield from the atmosphere. The hinged door, when open, is configured to allow access to the interior of the shield.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for contacting a solder ball formation (29), in which a plurality of contact mouthpieces (22) arranged in a formation is used to pick up a solder ball formation with a composition reflecting the relative arrangement of the contact mouthpieces from a solder ball reservoir (26) comprising a multitude of randomly distributed solder balls (27), the solder ball formation is placed on contact points by means of the contact mouthpieces (22) for subsequent contacting, and subsequently the solder balls are impinged with laser energy by means of the contact mouthpieces (22) for thermal connection with the contact points.

Abstract: Methods are provided for repairing cracks in a damaged section of a gas turbine engine component with an in-situ brazing process. In an embodiment, by way of example only, the method includes applying a braze paste to the damaged section of the component, the braze paste comprising a braze material and an organic binder. The method also includes subjecting the damaged section of the component to a first temperature that is below a brazing temperature of the braze material to thereby substantially decompose and evaporate the organic binder, and heating the braze material using laser energy to a second temperature that is substantially equal to or above the brazing temperature to form the brazed joint on the component.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for welding an article, the method including the steps of placing the article in an enclosure with walls that enclose the article on all sides, the enclosure having a heating device associated therewith, the heating device configured and sized to uniformly heat the article over at least a substantial entirety of the article, establishing a nonreactive atmosphere in the enclosure, operating the heating device to uniformly heat the article in the enclosure to a welding temperature over at least the substantial entirety of the article, and welding the article in the enclosure while maintaining the welding temperature over at least the substantial entirety of the article.

Abstract: A shielded metal arc welding machine having a characteristic with a constant current output characteristic and a drooping output characteristic properly combined is provided. A shielded metal arc welding machine having a constant current output characteristic, characterized by having a desired drooping output characteristic, which has an optional drooping degree with a point at which a characteristic line of said constant current output characteristic intersects a welding load characteristic line L as a base point, and replaces said constant current output characteristic.

Abstract: A welding tool for TIG arc welding, plasma welding or laser welding, including a welding head carrying a refractory electrode and surrounded by a skirt. The skirt is releasably fastened on the welding head and has a front portion which extends forwards and is shaped to surround a weld head with clearance over a predetermined length. The skirt is made by molding or thermoforming a composite material made of at least two layers of ceramic fibers which are bonded together by an elastomer that withstands high temperatures.

Abstract: A Ni—Cr—Fe alloy in the form of a weld deposit, a welding electrode and flux and a method of welding utilizing the Ni—Cr—Fe alloy. The alloy comprises in % by weight: 27-31 Cr, 6-11 Fe, 0.01-0.04 C, 1.5-4 Mn, 1-3 Nb, up to 3 Ta, 1-3 (Nb+Ta), 0.01-0.50 Ti, 0.0003-0.02 Zr, 0.0005-0.004 B, <0.50 Si, 0.50 max Al, <0.50 Cu, <1.0 W, <1.0 Mo, <0.12 Co, <0.015 S, <0.015 P, 0.01 max Mg, balance Ni plus incidental additions and impurities. The welding method includes welding using a short arc wherein the distance from the electrode tip to the weld deposit is maintained at less than 0.125 inch.

Abstract: Methods and systems for assembling spacecraft in space are provided. A modular spacecraft comprises a plurality of spacecraft modules, wherein each spacecraft module includes one or more of bonding posts and receiving plates mounted to an exterior surface each spacecraft module, wherein the one or more bonding posts and receiving plates are adapted to form one or more of, an electro-weld bond and an adhesive bond, with the one or more receiving plates.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention includes a direct-write laser lithography system. The system includes a reel-to-reel feed system that presents the clear film-side of a single-sided metal-clad tape to a laser for direct patterning of the metal. The laser beam is swept laterally across the tape by a moving mirror, and is intense enough to ablate the metal but not so strong as to destroy the tape substrate. In another instance, two specialized lasers are used, one tuned to ablate large field areas, and the other tuned to scribe fine features and lines. The ablated metal blows off in a downward direction and is collected for recycling.