Abstract: A system having a sleeve, a rod, a microtube, a transitional member, and an acceptance member. The rod is sized and shaped to have an outer diameter that is smaller than a width of an existing hair and configured to accept the sleeve. The transitional member is sized and shaped to enable the sleeve to be slid from the rod and stretched onto the microtube. The microtube is sized and shaped to accept the existing hair and the sleeve. The acceptance member is sized and shaped to enable the existing hair to be positioned into the microtube. When the sleeve is slid off the microtube and onto the existing hair, the sleeve constricts towards its original diameter, thus gripping the existing hair.

Abstract: Mass flow sensors, mass flow meters, and methods of making the same are disclosed. A flow sensor may include one sensor tube, a pair of sensor wires wound around the sensor tube, and a covering layer disposed in the surroundings of the sensor tube and the sensor wires. The covering layer includes a first covering layer disposed in contact with the surface of the sensor tube, a second covering layer disposed in contact with the surface of the sensor wires, a third covering layer disposed in a space surrounded by the first covering layer and the second covering layer, and a fourth covering layer disposed so as to cover the whole of the sensor wires wound around the sensor tube. In variations, the covering layer includes one or two organic materials chosen from polyamide-imide and polyimide, and the film thickness of the first covering layer is 10 micrometers or more.

Abstract: A technique for optimizing metal extrusion process parameters includes receiving values representing properties of an extrusion press machine, and calculating an estimated surface exit temperature of a metal work product resulting from an extrusion of a metal billet using the extrusion press machine based on the machine property values, an initial temperature of the metal billet prior to the extrusion, an extrusion force applied to the metal billet during the extrusion, and an extrusion speed of the metal work product. The estimated surface exit temperature of the metal work product is compared with a target hot shortness exit temperature of the metal work product. The initial temperature of the metal billet, the extrusion speed, and the extrusion force are changed based on the comparison until the estimated surface exit temperature equals the target hot shortness exit temperature.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for bending an elongate member used in association with a medical procedure. In one form, a device for bending an elongate member includes a support platform and a plurality of engaging members positioned on the support platform. Each of the plurality of engaging members includes at least one engaging portion configured for positioning in contact with the elongate member. Each of the plurality of engaging members is movable in at least three directions relative to the support platform to form one or more bends in the elongate member. In one aspect, the elongate member is formed of a heat deformable material and the device includes a heating member configured to apply heat to one or more portions of the elongate member to facilitate bending. However, other embodiments, forms and applications are also envisioned.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling or regulating the temperature of a metal strip in a cooling path of a hot rolling system. A desired temperature gradient is compared to an actual temperature gradient in order to determine adjusting signals for the cooling path. At least one target function is formed for actuators of the cooling strip, taking into account auxiliary conditions, and said target function is solved as a quadratic optimization problem for the purpose of model predictive regulation. The invention also relates to an overlapping regulation for the finishing train and the cooling path of the hot rolling system.

Abstract: A method for providing improved thickness control of a workpiece formed by impact forming. An impact forming device includes an upper die and a lower die that is configured and disposed for receiving the heated workpiece. The upper die is operatively connected to a ram for directing the upper die into a controlled impact with the lower die while the workpiece is positioned between the upper die and the lower die. This controlled impact forms the workpiece. A precise relationship is determined between a finished thickness of the workpiece and a time duration that the workpiece is in contact with the lower die prior to impact with the upper die to achieve the particular workpiece thickness. Once the workpiece is placed on the lower die, the ram is actuated to effect the controlled impact of the upper and the lower die in response to the precise relationship.