Abstract: Methods for designing and constructing geothermal ground loop subsystems, and also improved methods and apparatus for in situ measuring the capacity of a ground heat exchanger installation to transfer heat energy with its surrounding deep Earth environment, during cooling and heating modes of operation of the ground source heat pumps and other geothermal systems to which such ground heat exchangers are operably connected.

Abstract: A light guide plate has a light incident surface arranged facing a plurality of point light sources arrayed in a line, a light exit surface orthogonal to the light incident surface, and two side surfaces orthogonal to the light incident surface and the light exit surface. Light from the plurality of point light sources introduced from the light incident surface is diffused by a diffusion unit arranged on the light exit surface or a surface facing the light exit surface. The light diffused by the diffusion unit is exited from the light exit surface. A distance between a point light source positioned at an end of the plurality of point light sources and the light incident surface is different from a distance between a point light source not positioned at the end of the plurality of point light sources and the light incident surface.

Abstract: A method for installing a sensor arrangement into a vehicle having a vehicle chassis, wherein the vehicle chassis is in a defined position during the installation, and the sensor arrangement is attached directly or indirectly to the vehicle chassis, wherein the sensor arrangement includes one or more acceleration sensors with three linearly independent measuring directions, and the sensor arrangement has an electronic control unit which is configured in such a way that it includes a sensor calibration mode, wherein, after the attachment of the sensor arrangement, the at least one acceleration sensor senses the gravitational acceleration, after which the electronic control unit in the sensor calibration mode calculates and stores one or more relative positioning parameters from at least the detected direction of the gravitational acceleration (g), which positioning parameters include at least information about the relative positioning between the sensor arrangement and the vehicle chassis.

Abstract: A method of forming a golf club head having improved aerodynamic characteristics. The method comprises a largest tangent circle method utilizing a cartesian coordinate system. The method results in the highest point of the crown surface located within a crown apex zone, wherein this location aids in the improved aerodynamic properties of the golf club head.

Abstract: A waterproof camera sealing method includes steps of: the chamber body of the camera is provided with a charging valve installation hole, a camera lens, a circuit board, a data line and the chamber body of the camera are assembled as a waterproof camera semi-finished product; the charging valve is arranged inside the charging valve installation hole on the camera chamber body; the air is filled into the chamber body of the camera; the waterproof camera semi-finished product is poured into water; whether continuous bubbles burst out or not is observed so as to detect the sealing performance of the camera; the semi-finished product where bubbles continuously burst out is an unqualified product; the air inside the camera chamber body with qualified sealing performances is pumped out till the vacuum exists in the chamber body; the idler gas is filled into the chamber body of the camera; the charging valve installation hole is sealed by waterproof sealing glue; thus obtain the finished waterproof camera with seali

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for automatically joining components of photovoltaic elements are disclosed. The apparatus includes: a) at least two manufacturing lines and at least two assembly bridges for joining the substrates, films and glass panes, b) a stacking device for film feeding and a conveyor belt for feeding the glass panes, c) devices for centering and suctioning the films and the glass plates, d) devices for transporting and fixing the film transport frame and the glass transport frame e) devices for lowering the films and the glass plates from the respective transport frames, and f) devices for further transport.

Abstract: A test apparatus features an upper RF impermeable hood and lower RF impermeable hood, wherein each of the hoods have internal dividers. When in a closed position, the hoods and dividers create two or more RF impermeable chambers. The hoods are configured to enclose or sandwich a pallet supporting two or more printed circuit boards. One of the printed circuit boards is disposed in each chamber formed by the hoods and dividers.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring stresses induced by a force applied to a load-carrying member, including a layer of a magnetoelastic material formed on the load-carrying member is provided. The layer comprises a first phase with an average grain size below 100 nm and a first chemical composition, and a second phase of a distinctly different chemical composition, the first phase being divided by the second phase into regions having an average size in the range of 100-10,000 nm. A method for producing such a layer, including accelerating particles of a soft magnetic and magnetoelastic material having an average size in the range of 10-50 ?m towards the surface of the load-carrying member at a velocity of at least 300 m/s such that the average temperature of the accelerated particles is not higher than 500° C. above the melting temperature of the magnetoelastic material, but not lower than 500° C. below the melting temperature.

Abstract: A set of iron-type golf clubs includes long, mid- and short irons with channel back configurations and a mass control insert. The mass of the insert is systematically varied through the set such that the mass distribution properties of the set may be systematically varied while retaining a continuous look and feel through the set. The mass of the insert is varied by altering the volume or the density of the insert through the set. Additional design parameters for the set may also be systematically varied through the set, such as groove type and depth, loft angle, cavity volume, hitting face roughness, and sole width. In one embodiment, the mass control insert comprises a dense insert and a lightweight cover. The density of the dense insert can be easily varied to change the mass distribution properties of the club head. One application of the mass control insert is to provide customization of the club head at the point of sale or distribution.

Abstract: A fastening system head for attachment to a movable frame, in particular to a robot, has a carrier to which a fastening tool is attached which is rotatable about an axis of rotation. The fastening tool has a holding device for an element fastenable to a component, and has a fastening drive device to move the holding device along a fastening direction for fastening. The axis of rotation is oriented crosswise to the fastening direction. A feed mechanism is included to feed elements to the fastening tool. At least one additional feed mechanism is provided on the fastening system head, for feeding elements to the fastening tool.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for positioning at least one component, in particular a seat, in or on an aircraft or spacecraft comprising the following steps: controlling at least one light source of the aircraft or spacecraft to display at least one desired position of at least one component; and positioning the at least one component in the at least one desired position displayed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination calibration/verification gauge for calibrating measuring instruments with a measurement precision. More particularly, the present invention relates to a multi-function, multi-dimension length standard and works as a working standard to compare various measuring instruments on the shop floor.

Abstract: A system for monitoring clinched joints performed by an apparatus that moves a punch relative to a die. The system determines acceptability of a clinched joint by correlating the amount of punch advancement toward the die in the formation of the joint and the diameter of a button formed by the joint.

Abstract: A force measuring apparatus and method for testing a spring for a surgical cartridge. The apparatus and method permit an operator to measure the force applied by the spring when it is in the state it will be in when mounted in a cartridge. Therefore, a spring that exerts an insufficient force is rejected, and a spring that exerts a sufficient force is accepted and then mounted in a cartridge. A rejected spring is ejected from a pocket in the apparatus, and an accepted spring is mounted in the cartridge.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a circular-shaped metal structure includes the steps of (a) rotating a pipe around an axis thereof, the pipe being composed of a plastic-workable metal, (b) moving a jig towards the pipe in a direction perpendicular to the axis until the jig makes contact with an outer surface of the pipe, and compressing the jig onto the pipe, (c) moving the jig in a direction in parallel with the axis with the jig being compressed onto the pipe while the pipe is kept rotated, (d) measuring a thickness of a wall of the pipe during the step (c), and (e) adjusting a pressure with which the jig is compressed onto the pipe, in accordance with the thickness measured in the step (d).

Abstract: The method is used for automated tightening of a screwed joint (16), which is fitted to a component (10) in advance and contains a screw (12) and a nut (14), using a programmable industrial robot system (18). In this case, the invention provides that the industrial robot system (18) has a first robot (20) with a screw driving head (22) and a second robot (24) with a mating holding head (26). In order to tighten the screwed joint (16) on the component (10), the screw driving head (22) is positioned in a defined screw driving position, and the mating holding head (26) is positioned in a defined mating holding position in order to produce an interlocking connection, which is suitable for tightening of the screwed joint (16), between the mating holding head (26) and the nut (14), as well as between the screw driving head (22) and the screw (12). The screwed joint (16) on the component (10) is tightened with a predeterminable fixing torque. The interlocking connections are then disconnected.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated device which can peel a protective film from a board assembly and mount the board assembly on a backlight unit. The integrated peeling and mounting device includes: an index rotary unit having a shaft for rotating heads facing in different directions; an alignment calibration unit for calibrating an aligned state of the board assembly and the backlight unit; and a mounting unit for mounting a board assembly adsorbed to a first head of the index rotary unit on the backlight unit.

Abstract: It is applied in those processes in which it is required to modify the configuration of a first piece (1) for which, when joined to a second piece (2), for carrying out different tests, as is the case of measurements of aerodynamic properties of objects in a wind tunnel, it is required to modify the first piece, which implies modifying the coupling part of the second piece (2) on the first piece (1). The invention avoids manufacturing the complete second piece (2) with each new design of the first piece (1), for which the latter is designed and manufactured with a fixed configuration, valid for any possible configuration (1a, 1b) of the first piece (1) and which lacks the coupling part (3) with the first piece (1) in such a way that a third piece (3) is designed and manufactured corresponding to the coupling part between the configuration (1a, 1b) of the first piece (1) and the second piece (2) for carrying out the joint between both, with each design of the first piece.

Abstract: The light-emitting device of the present invention includes LED chips provided on a ceramic substrate and a sealing material in which the LED chips are embedded. The sealing material contains a fluorescent substance and divided into a first fluorescent-substance-containing resin layer and a second fluorescent-substance-containing resin layer by a first resin ring and a second resin ring.

Abstract: In a method for processing a blank (1), in which the blank (1) can be densely sintered with shrinkage following machining and machining of the blank (1) is carried out in a machining device (7) allowing for an individual scale-up factor (F) relevant to the blank (1) for compensating for the shrinkage occurring during dense sintering, a linear measurement of the blank (1) is performed in one or more of the dimensions length, width, and height for determining the scale-up factor (F), wherein the measured linear measure (1) bears a known relationship to the scale-up factor (F), the type of blank (1) being known. Linear measurement of the blank (1) can be carried out in the machining device (7).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed that enable writing data on, and reading data of, multi-state elements having greater than two states. The elements may be made of magnetoplastic and/or magnetoelastic materials, including, for example, magnetic shape-memory alloy or other materials that couple magnetic and crystallographic states. The writing process is preferably conducted through the application of a magnetic field and/or a mechanical action. The reading process is preferably conducted through atomic-force microscopy, magnetic-force microscopy, spin-polarized electrons, magneto-optical Kerr effect, optical interferometry or other methods, or other methods/effects. The multifunctionality (crystallographic, magnetic, and shape states each representing a functionality) of the multi-state elements allows for simultaneous operations including read&write, sense&indicate, and sense&control.

Abstract: An electric drive module for a motor vehicle includes an electric motor assembly having a cartridge housing containing a stator, a rotor, and a rotor shaft. The rotor shaft is supported by the cartridge housing. The electric motor assembly is positioned within an axle housing. A reduction unit includes an input member being driven by the rotor shaft and includes an output member driven at a reduced speed relative to the input member. A differential assembly includes an input driven by the output member, a first differential output driving a first output shaft, and a second differential output driving a second output shaft.

Abstract: Exemplary system and process for assembling a camera module are provided. The system includes a worktable, a light intensity sensor, a lens module holding device and a controlling unit. The worktable provide placement of the image sensor module thereon, thus a center of the image sensor having a coordinate value thereof. The lens module holding device can hold and move the lens module above the worktable, and it has a light source to emit parallel light that converged at a focus point, wherein the light intensity sensor can detect the focus point location and generating a signal associated with a coordinate value of the focus point. The controlling unit can receive the signal and instruct the lens module holding device to move the lens module toward the image sensor module so that the optical axis of the lens module is aligned with the center of the image sensor.

Abstract: Method for making magnets particularly for the use in MRI scanners, which magnets are three-dimensional and have a tubular wall made of magnetized material, with a closed or open annular shaped cross-section, the tubular wall being composed of individual elements made of magnetized material, the magnetization of each element made of magnetized material having a predetermined direction in the transverse section plane and said directions being determined such to generate a uniform static magnetic field in the cavity of the tubular wall.

Abstract: The measuring tube of the in-line measuring device is lined internally with a liner. The liner is made of a polyurethane produced using a catalyst that contains metal-organic compounds. The metals that are brought into the liner and remain there are chemically, especially atomically, bonded to carbon chains formed in the liner. The in-line measuring device is thus especially suited for measuring drinking water.

Abstract: A locking device for locking a displaceable motor vehicle part which is lockable by the means of the locking device within a displacement range in a respective rest position reached by displacement is provided. The locking device comprising a braking device with at least two braking elements which interacts in a braking manner in a respective rest position of the motor vehicle part in order to lock the motor vehicle part, and which can be brought into a position without braking engagement by inducing a release force into the braking device. An actuator is assigned to the locking device, which is optionally combinable with the braking device and with which a displacement movement of the motor vehicle part is brakable for locking the motor vehicle part.

Abstract: A locking device for locking a displaceable motor vehicle part which is lockable by the means of the locking device within a displacement range in a respective rest position reached by displacement is provided. The locking device comprising a braking device with at least two braking elements which interacts in a braking manner in a respective rest position of the motor vehicle part in order to lock the motor vehicle part. An actuator is assigned to the locking device, which is optionally combinable with the braking device and with which a displacement movement of the motor vehicle part is brakable for locking the motor vehicle part. The actuator is operatively connected independently on the braking device with a component which can be moved by displacement of a motor vehicle part so that a displacement movement of the displaceable motor vehicle part is brakable by the action of an actuator on the component.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring clinched joints senses lateral displacement of die segments during formation of a joint, which depends on joint button diameter. The system determines whether a joint is acceptable by correlating acceptable button diameter with acceptable amount of punch advancement. A predetermined number of unacceptable joints indicates excessive punch and/or die wear.

Abstract: A method for identifying tools using the steps of providing a tool, wherein the tool is chosen from the group including a wrench, a socket, a nut, and a bolt; applying an indicator being a color-coded indicia onto the tool, wherein the indicia is visible to a user, wherein the indicia aids in identifying the tool, wherein the colors are chosen from the group including blue, red, orange, yellow, green, brown, violet and light gray; wherein the indicia is a band, the band being substantially flat, the band being raised an effective distance above the surface of the tool, wherein the band can be felt by a user, wherein the band aids in identifying the tool; and, wherein the band has a single portion, wherein the single portion can be felt by a user to identify English size tools. The method uses a band having two interconnected portions, wherein the two interconnected portions can be felt by a user to aid in identifying metric size tools.

Abstract: A method for mounting a machine element to a work piece in one embodiment includes performing a mounting process for mounting a machine element to a work piece; and sucking air from a vicinity of the machine element while moving the machine element during at least part of the mounting process. A method for mounting a machine element to a work piece in another embodiment includes feeding a machine element to an actuation section of handling and actuation apparatus using a feeding section; sucking air in the vicinity of the machine element during the feeding of the machine element; initiating an actuation section for mounting the machine element to a work piece using a moveable actuation member; and sucking air in the vicinity of the actuation member at least during operation of the actuation member.

Abstract: In a case where the load is not smaller than the predetermined value, the positioning is not completed even when it is determined that the movable body is moved to the position supposed to be the target position, then the movable body is moved to a retry starting position different from the position supposed to be the target position, subsequently a retry operation is performed for moving the movable body from the retry starting position to the position supposed to be the target position, and consequently the positioning is completed when the load becomes smaller than the predetermined value after the retry operation is performed for a predetermined number of times.

Abstract: A method for producing a tubular component, in which, after machining successively respective threaded elements at both ends of the tubular component, a second orientation gauge is screwed onto the second threaded element to check whether a mark on the gauge comes into alignment with an orientation mark that has been drawn on the component, after the first element has been machined and a first orientation gauge has been screwed onto the first element in axial alignment with a mark provided on this gauge. If not, the machining of the second element is repeated with parameters varied accordingly. Such a method may find particular application to the drilling and operation of hydrocarbon wells.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for assembling lighting fixtures where reflective inserts are installed into a reflector frame to create a reflective surface for the fixture. According to one aspect of the method, some type of worker-perceivable indication prompts a worker as to which reflective insert should be installed at which mounting location on the reflector frame. The worker does not have to guess or translate written instructions. The method can be used sequentially to provide such assistance for each of a plurality of reflective inserts for a plurality of mounting locations. The method is particularly helpful if the reflective inserts are not identical for each mounting location. According to one aspect of an apparatus according to the invention, a reflector frame is removably mounted to a machine that holds the reflector frame in an indexed position.

Abstract: An assembling machine with a feeder is provided. The feeder feeds receiving components into an assembler, where a moveable coupling mechanism couples attaching components to the receiving components. Transporting mechanisms coupled to a plurality of drive trains deliver the receiving components across the feeder table and to the assembler. The transporting mechanisms alternate between a plurality of speeds so as to deliver the receiving components to the assembler such that the moveable coupling mechanism may operate at a continuous, periodic rate.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include methods and devices for manufacturing and testing microfluidic chips having at least one capillary for through-flow of a fluid.

Abstract: A method of and a device for mounting and functional verification of roll fittings (4) in rolling mill stands (1), wherein at least a partial number of the roll fittings (4) forms a respective module (5), with savings of mounting and verification time, and wherein the modules (5) are arranged, for pre-assembly with functional verification, on a mounting plate outside of the roll stand (1), is adjusted and/or verified, and at least one adjusted and/or verified module (5) is operatively arranged between two rolling mill stands (1), primarily, in the stand gap (9) and is arranged on a base frame (8) at constructively fixable support points (10).

Abstract: A mounting condition determining method including: obtaining mounting information including information related to component mounting operations scheduled to be performed by a mounter (S1); judging, using the mounting information obtained in the obtaining: which production mode between a synchronous mode and an asynchronous mode is suitable for the scheduled component mounting operations; or which production mode between an alternating mode and an independent mode is suitable for the scheduled component mounting operations (S2, S3); and selecting the production mode indicated by a result of the judgment in the judging, as the production mode to be executed by the mounter (S5, S6).

Abstract: An exemplary method for assembling a lens unit and a light-receiving unit into a camera module is provided. The lens unit includes a mountable surface. The light-receiving unit includes a light-receiving surface and a mounting surface. The method includes a mountable surface detecting step, a mountable surface repositioning step, a mounting surface detecting step, a mounting surface repositioning step, and a mounting step. The mountable surface detecting and repositioning steps detect and reposition the lens unit to make the mountable surface perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens unit. The mounting surface detecting repositioning steps detect and reposition the light-receiving unit to make the mounting surface parallel to the light-receiving surface. The mounting step mounts the light-receiving unit to the lens unit in the manner that the mounting surface parallel to the light-receiving surface is biased against the mountable surface perpendicular to the optical axis.

Abstract: A suspension coil spring, when assembled to a suspension device, in which a spring reaction axis is positioned coincident with or sufficiently close to a load input axis, and the design and manufacture of coil springs are facilitated. Namely, A suspension coil spring (19) in a free state is formed so that a coil axis (AC) is bent in V-shape at bend point (PB) and the distance from the end turn center (CU) of the upper seating surface (38) to an imaginary coil axis (AI) is an upper inclination amount (VU), and the distance from the end turn center (CL) to the imaginary coil axis (AI) is a lower inclination amount (VL). When the suspension coil spring (10) is interposed between spring seats (22, 24) in the suspension device and compress along a strut axis, the spring reaction axis of the suspension coil spring (10) is inclined and offset with respect to the imaginary coil axis (AI) according to the inclination amounts (VU, VL).

Abstract: Method and apparatus is provided for monitoring the installation of a blind rivet to attach together top and bottom members. The blind rivet installation tool includes a housing having an anvil seated on the rivet head. A collet is reciprocable within the tool housing and carries jaws for gripping the mandrel of the blind rivet. Retraction of the jaws by the collet displaces the jaws and the mandrel axially and causes the mandrel head to axially collapse and radially expand the hollow shank of the blind rivet into engagement with the bottom member so that the rivet attaches the top member and the bottom member. A cut off tool is actuated by an actuator to cut off the mandrel flush with the rivet head. Transducers and a process controller monitor the installation process and actuate the cut off blade upon determining that the blind rivet is properly installed.

Abstract: Turbine blades and methods of forming modified turbine blades and turbine rotors for use in an engine are provided. In an embodiment, by way of example only, a turbine blade includes a platform and an airfoil. The platform includes a surface configured to define a portion of a flowpath, and the surface includes an initial contour configured to plastically deform into an intended final contour after an initial exposure of the blade to an operation of the engine. The airfoil extends from the platform.

Abstract: The present alignment tool, method, and system improve the alignment of a driver to a motor. The alignment tool includes a securing ring, a track, and a rotatable ring. The rotatable ring of the alignment tool eliminates the onerous and dangerous rotation of the driver, or motor, previously required for aligning the motor to the pump.

Abstract: An implantable medical device comprises a fluid reservoir configured to store a therapeutic agent; a port configured to deliver the therapeutic agent to a patient; a medical pump subassembly configured to actively transfer the therapeutic fluid from the fluid reservoir to the port; and a housing that contains the fluid reservoir, the port and the medical pump subassembly. The medical pump subassembly is configured to facilitate mechanical and electrical testing of the medical pump subassembly as a standalone component.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter relates to methods for reconditioning a barrel previously used for containing a substance, comprising the steps of determining cutting parameters specific to the barrel material to provide controlled cutting of the barrel material; removing a desired depth of the barrel material using an automated high pressure water cutting device; testing for a remnant of the substance using a sensor device; optionally spraying with a dissolving agent; and repeating the steps of removing and testing upon detecting the presence of the substance in or on the barrel. Additionally, the inventive methods comprise applying a liquid to the wood of the reconditioned barrel to control evaporation of the barrel contents.

Abstract: A window glass can be accurately and preferably mounted by correcting a displacement of a curved surface shape of the window glass in the crosswise direction even when there is a displacement of the curved surface shape of the window glass in the crosswise direction. A slit laser beam is irradiated with from slit laser beam irradiators 12c and 12d across the right and left ends of the window glass 6, the circumference of a window glass mounting opening 8, and a windshield pillar section 11; rotation adjustment of the window glass 6 is performed, based on a processed image obtained by image processing of images, which have been photographed with a CCD cameras 10c and 10d, of the slit laser beams, in such a way that clearances in the pressing direction at the right and left ends of the window glass 6 are the same as each other; and the window glass 6 is pressed onto a window glass mounting surface on the circumference of the window glass mounting opening 8 for mounting onto the surface.

Abstract: A rivet setting tool having a motor driven hydraulic pump is disclosed. The rivet setting tool incorporates a fastener setting verification system configured to monitor changes pump drive motor current to determine if a particular fastener set is acceptable.

Abstract: A cast iron brake caliper with improved fatigue life, and a process and process equipment for pre-stressing a cast iron brake caliper to provide improved fatigue life, is provided. In the process, a load is applied to a cast iron caliper, where the load is high enough to locally yield and plastically deform the cast iron material, but not high enough to cause material failure, such as cracking. Upon load removal, residual compressive stresses in the cast iron caliper lower the mid-point of the stress range the plastically-deformed region of the caliper sees during in-service use, and thereby lowers the peak stress seen in this region, increasing fatigue life. The process permits a cast iron brake caliper to be designed to use less material and thus fit within constrained wheel rim envelopes, without the need to resort to high cost materials or other alternative design strategies.

Abstract: A method of assembling a composite structure is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the method includes receiving and positioning at least two composite structure subassemblies on a structure assembly table by operation of at least one first device and at least one second device and compacting the at least two composite structure subassemblies into a composite structure by operation of a third device.

Abstract: A wire harness includes a main line and branch lines. A protector has longitudinal ends with main line inlet and outlet ports and branch line ports between the ends. Branch line connectors are connected to the branch lines drawn out of the branch line ports. A main line connector is connected to the main line drawn out of the main line outlet port. The branch line connectors and the main line connector are connected to test connectors for a continuity test. Lengths of the branch lines and/or the main line are greater than required in the motor vehicle so that the main line and branch line connectors are connected to the test connectors. A wire additional length containing space is provided in the protector and communicates with the branch line ports and/or with the line outlet port for the lines having the additional lengths.

Abstract: An inflation syringe having an improved display and modularized component assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for providing both numeric and non-numeric indications of an inflation pressurization associated with an inflation syringe. A modularized component assembly for an inflation syringe allowing independent components to be tested independent of the other components of the inflation syringe.