Abstract: An additive manufacturing device includes a container for containing feedstock; a radiation source configured to emit radiation in an optical path incident on a bottom wall of the container; and a heater positioned in the optical path of the radiation above the bottom wall. The heater is configured to change a temperature of the feedstock proximate to a reaction interface where the radiation polymerizes at least a portion of the feedstock. The heater is also constructed to meet a transparency threshold and a flexibility threshold, which may allow the heater to be used in the optical path of the radiation and to withstand compressive and tensile forces during build cycles.

Abstract: The shapeable hot scoop is required to remove material by cutting and scooping. It is necessary to change the shape of the scooping tool automatically. This invention proposes several mechanisms for changing shape of the scooping tool automatically. Method of detection & correction of cutting wire lag is also proposed in this invention.

Abstract: Composite fabrication system and associated methods. In one embodiment, a composite fabrication system comprises a molding tool that includes a forming surface at least partially disposed within a constrained space, and a foamable material that expands inside of the constrained space to form an expanded material that presses a layup of one or more composite layers against the molding tool. The composite fabrication system further comprises a curing device configured to cure the layup to form a composite part, and a cutting wire embedded in the constrained space that is heated and configured to cut the expanded material into pieces that are removable from the constrained space.

Abstract: A method for slicing a workpiece with a wire saw which includes a wire row formed by winding a fixed abrasive grain wire having abrasive grains secured to a surface thereof around multiple grooved rollers, the method including feeding a workpiece to the wire row for slicing while allowing the fixed abrasive grain wire to reciprocatively travel in an axial direction thereof, thereby slicing the workpiece at multiple positions aligned in an axial direction of the workpiece simultaneously. The method includes: supplying a coolant for workpiece slicing onto the wire row when the workpiece is sliced with the fixed abrasive grain wire; and supplying a coolant for workpiece drawing, which differs from and has a higher viscosity than the coolant for workpiece slicing, onto the wire row when the workpiece is drawn out from the wire row after the slicing of the workpiece.

Abstract: A cutting tool for use with a heated tool assembly is described herein. The cutting tool includes a support body and a plurality of cutting blades extending outwardly from an outer surface of the support body. The plurality of cutting blades includes a primary cutting blade and a pair of secondary cutting blades extending obliquely from the primary cutting blade. At least one heating element chamber is defined within the support body and is configured to receive a heating cartridge therein to facilitate transferring thermal energy from the heating cartridge to the cutting tool for use in heating the plurality of cutting blades.

Abstract: The lubrication device delivers a lubricant to the perforating device which provides intermittently spaced cuts to a moving web, also referred to as perforations. The lubrication device includes a retaining member, a plenum, and a comb having a plurality of comb channels. The plenum and the plurality of comb channels are in fluid communication with one another and deliver a lubricant to the perforating device. Lubrication of the perforating device in this manner may improve knife life, perforation quality and web handling.

Abstract: A method of making laminate foam material is provided. The laminate foam material includes a layer of non-foam material sandwiched between two layers of foam material. The non-foam material is bonded to the foam material, such as with a bonding agent and/or by heating respective surfaces of the foam material until the surface softens or melts. When a heating process is utilized, the non-foam material is pressed against the softened or melted foam material. As the foam material begins to cool, the non-foam material becomes bonded to the foam material. The non-foam material is narrower than the foam material and is positioned relative to the foam material such that the edges of the non-foam material are concealed by the foam material. Foam products, such as foam mats, can be formed from the laminate foam material by cutting across the width of the foam material.

Abstract: A multifunctional surgical instrument for extension of laparotomic, laparoscopic, robotic and thoracotomic incisions allows at the same time the spreading apart of the cutaneous/subcutaneous corners, pinching and lifting of the deep parietal layer, its dissection with the electrosurgical knife and protection of the surrounding and underlying tissues, particularly the intestinal ansae in the peritoneal cavity, during the dissection itself.

Abstract: Composite fabrication system and associated methods. In one embodiment, a composite fabrication system comprises a molding tool that includes a forming surface at least partially disposed within a constrained space, and a foamable material that expands inside of the constrained space to form an expanded material that presses a layup of one or more composite layers against the molding tool. The composite fabrication system further comprises a curing device configured to cure the layup to form a composite part, and a cutting wire embedded in the constrained space that is heated and configured to cut the expanded material into pieces that are removable from the constrained space.

Abstract: An assembly for cutting a polystyrene block includes a lever element, adapted to be coupled to a hot cutting element, and a control device connected thereto. The lever is arranged so that a potential inclination of the hot cutting element can be followed during the feed motion of the cut, the lever further cooperating with a sensor set to detect a potential inclination deviation of the lever during the cut, in relation to an initial reference inclination, the control device being set to vary feed motion speed depending on the detected variation of inclination.

Abstract: Portioning system 10 includes a scanner 200 for scanning work products 13 being carried on the conveyor 12. A cutter system 17 includes an array or manifold cutter 18 and single cutter 19 for cutting the work products into desired sized end pieces. The cutter assemblies 18 and 19 are carried on respective carriages 16 and 26 to move the cutters as required along predetermined cutting paths as controlled by control system 220.

Abstract: A method and system of producing extruded ice cream products includes providing a plurality of extruded ice cream products in an ordered arrangement on a plurality of trays and arranging the plurality of trays for movement along a conveyor line. The plurality of trays and the plurality of extruded ice cream products are arranged thereon for downstream processing. The method and system further includes sensing at least one of a vertical product height or a horizontal product position of the plurality of extruded ice cream products arranged on the plurality of trays using at least one sensor, and analyzing the sensed at least one of the vertical product height or the horizontal product position of the plurality of extruded ice cream products using a processor to determine suitability for downstream processing.

Abstract: A structural element for use as a core layer in a sandwich composite element, wherein the structural element (2) is formed from a plurality of mutually welded body segments (4, 5) made from an extrusion foamed thermoplastic, and wherein the structural element (2) has a first face side (1) for bonding to a cover layer, wherein a surface of the first face side (1) that can be loaded with a resin (8) has open pores (6), wherein the surface of the first face side (1) is created by hot-element cutting, in such a manner that the surface is thermally sealed to some extent, wherein a gloss value of the surface of the first face side (1), measured at 60° in accordance with DIN 67530-1982 is between 2 and 10 gloss units.

Abstract: At the time of transfer of a strip-shaped rubber member (15) onto a belt conveyor (12) by a transfer unit, support members (61), each of which is provided on one width-direction side of a corresponding belt (51) and is projectable from a conveying surface of the belt (51), are lifted by a lifting/lowering unit (71) to project from the conveying surface of the belts (51), so that the strip-shaped rubber member (15) is raised from the conveying surface of the belts (51). Therefore, the strip-shaped rubber member (15) is not in sliding contact with the conveying surface of the belts (51) at the time of transfer. As a result, a situation whereby the belts (51) are dragged by the strip-shaped rubber member (15) so that one width-direction edge portion thereof is turned up can be prevented.

Abstract: A cutting line partially through a multilayer plate structure (1) comprising at least one rigid layer (6, 7) attached to a non-rigid layer (5) is formed by punching in one operation a cutting edge (15) through at least the rigid layer (6) the leaving at least one layer (7) of the multilayer plate structure (1) uncut. During the cutting operation, the rigid layer is gripped by lateral position retaining means (16) to prevent lateral movement of the rigid layer.

Abstract: A burn wire release mechanism for a spacecraft or other system having two masses initially held together by a pretensioned loop, with a spring configured to push the masses apart. The burn wire release system includes at least one burn wire held in contact with the pretensioned loop material. When an electrical current flows through the burn wire, the wire heats up and severs the pretensioned loop, and the masses are pushed apart by the spring.

Abstract: A microtome comprising a head 32 which holds a sample, an alignment mechanism 50 which aligns the head 32, a body portion 42 which is provided on a back face side of the alignment mechanism 50, a cylindrical coupling portion 41 which couples the body portion 42 with the head 32, a temperature controller 34 in the head 32, and refrigerant piping 40 and electrical wiring 46 for the temperature controller 34, and the alignment mechanism 50 includes a spherical member 68 coupled with the back face side of the head and having a spherical outer periphery and includes retainer portions 70 and 71 retaining the outer periphery of the spherical member 68 slidably along a spherical surface, the spherical member 68 has a through hole 74 which communicates with the hollow portion 43 of the coupling portion 41, the refrigerant piping 40 and the electrical wiring 46 are connected with the temperature controller 34 in the head 32 through the through hole 74 of the spherical member 68 and the hollow portion 43 of the coupling

Abstract: Disclosed is a movable cutting tool apparatus and/or methods for cutting workpieces; either generally including a cutting tool apparatus having a cutting tool unit support apparatus including at least a substantially stationary support structure and one or more rear-mount glide rails; a cutting tool unit which is supported by the support apparatus; a cutting implement held by the cutting tool unit, whereby the cutting tool unit operates and controls the cutting implement; and, at least one fluid coolant and/or lubricant tube connected to the cutting tool unit and adapted to flow a fluid to the cutting implement in operation; wherein the cutting tool unit and the cutting implement are directly movable with the glide rails to provide reciprocal and translational movability for the cutting tool unit and the cutting implement.

Abstract: A foam panel cutting machine for cutting foam panels used in insulated building panels. The foam panel cutting machine has a feeder system feeds the foam panel through the cutting blades. The cutting machine additionally includes a frame, a plurality of upper rollers and a plurality of lower rollers rotationally mounted to the frame. The foam panel cutting machine can be constructed so that it may be portable. One embodiment includes the upper rollers on an adjustable head that can adjust the gap distance between the upper and lower rollers so that foam panels of various thicknesses may be cut. The cutting blade may be a hot-knife wherein the blade is heated by passing an electrical current through it. The cutting blade may have a “L” or “J” shape to cut kerfs into the foam panel that receive metal studs to form an insulated building panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting device and method for cutting prefabricated transverse seal seams of a tube composed of plastic film and filled with food, particularly soft cheese, wherein each transverse seal seam of the continuously supplied film tube to be processed separates one portion of the food from the next portion. The device comprises a rotating knife holder provided with at least one knife blade 22, and wherein the knife blade 22 acts on a counter bearing 4 when cutting a transverse seal seam, wherein said knife holder has a heating element for heating the knife blade 22 in a targeted fashion.

Abstract: A device for slicing material includes a structural support and a nanotube blade. The nanotube blade includes a nanotube filament having atoms arranged in a lattice structure and has a first end and a second end. Both the first end and the second end are coupled to the structural support and separated by a length of the nanotube blade.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacement of damages display shield (typically glass) covering a display screen on a device, typically a mobile phone. Mobile phones have an electronic display protected by a glass shield. Between the glass and the display is often a plastic polarizing or other intermediary sheet. Removal of a damage glass can be accomplished by cutting thru the polarizer with a moving wire or blade. This separates the glass from the sensitive display and allows replacement of the glass without damaging the more expensive display.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling the cutting device of paper logs cutting machines including a channel (60) surrounding the cutting device, in which channel a cooling fluid is injected, the cooling fluid being confined inside the channel.

Abstract: An article includes a working portion including cemented carbide, and a heat sink portion in thermal communication with the working portion. The heat sink portion includes a heat sink material having a thermal conductivity greater than a thermal conductivity of the cemented carbide. Also disclosed are methods of making an article including a working portion comprising cemented carbide, and a heat sink portion in thermal communication with the working portion and including a heat sink material having a thermal conductivity that is greater than a thermal conductivity of the cemented carbide. The heat sink portion conducts heat from the working portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a polymeric tubular member is provided. The method includes moving the polymeric tubular member along a central longitudinal axis into a position to be cut and providing a cutting blade operably connected to an actuator. The method further includes actuating the actuator to move the cutting blade conjointly along a straight linear axis. Then, bringing a cutting region of the cutting blade into cutting engagement with the polymeric tubular member, with the cutting region engaging the polymeric tubular member extending over a length of the cutting blade that is greater than a diameter of the polymeric tubular member.

Abstract: A method of cutting a polymeric tubular member and apparatus therefor is provided. The method includes moving the polymeric tubular member along a central longitudinal axis into a position to be cut. Further, providing at least one actuator with a cutting blade operably connected to the at least one actuator, with the cutting blade extending lengthwise along a cutting blade axis. Then, actuating the at least one actuator and moving the cutting blade into cutting engagement with the polymeric tubular member along a driven axis that extends in oblique relation to the cutting blade axis.

Abstract: A grooving sled for use with a pre-formed groove blade and hot knife, for making grooves in expanded polystyrene foam boards or walls. The grooving sled includes a built-in straight edge guide, one of two cutting position margins, and a stabilizer plate that fits inside a freshly-cut groove to keep the grooving sled straight while operating along the cutting layout line established on the board or wall. The stabilizer plate aligns with the groove blade by use of an angular adjuster, and if necessary, an insert bar. The stabilizer plate can also be adjusted vertically.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus of reducing current requirements by increasing resistance of the blade structure by reducing the cross sectional area of at least one section of the blade so that the electrical current requirements for heating of the blade to cutting temperature are reduced wherein the power supply and substantially entire unit may be mounted within a hand held unit. Methods of shaping blades to perform various heat distributions for specialty blades for custom cutting are disclosed. Further, an improved blade mounting structure is provided which includes structure for maintaining the legs of the blade parallel to the direction of cut and provides for easy insertion of new blades by maintaining a slotted blade cradle stable and in alignment with the blades and a clamp member away from the blade when the clamp mounting structure is loosened.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus of reducing current requirements by increasing resistance of the blade structure by reducing the cross sectional area of at least one section of the blade so that the electrical current requirements for heating of the blade to cutting temperature are reduced wherein the power supply and substantially entire unit may be mounted within a hand held unit. Methods of shaping blades to perform various heat distributions for specialty blades for custom cutting are disclosed. Further, an improved blade mounting structure is provided which includes structure for maintaining the legs of the blade parallel to the direction of cut and provides for easy insertion of new blades by maintaining a slotted blade cradle stable and in alignment with the blades and a clamp member away from the blade when the clamp mounting structure is loosened.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus of reducing current requirements by increasing resistance of the blade structure by reducing the cross sectional area of at least one section of the blade so that the electrical current requirements for heating of the blade to cutting temperature are reduced wherein the power supply and substantially entire unit may be mounted within a hand held unit. Methods of shaping blades to perform various heat distributions for specialty blades for custom cutting are disclosed. Further, an improved blade mounting structure is provided which includes structure for maintaining the legs of the blade parallel to the direction of cut and provides for easy insertion of new blades by maintaining a slotted blade cradle stable and in alignment with the blades and a clamp member away from the blade when the clamp mounting structure is loosened.

Abstract: The invention relates to a guide device (1000) for a blade (322) having a slide (320) for receiving the blade (322) and a slide guide (330) and a glide element 300 between the slide guide (330) and the slide (320). A cooling device (205) is arranged for cooling the glide element (300). According to the invention, the cooling device (205) is designed as at least a closed cooling channel (210) or as an open cooling channel (209) having at least one inlet (215, 216) and one outlet (215, 216) for a cooling medium.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for cutting a foodstuff into portions, and a method of portioning foodstuffs. A cutting apparatus (1) for foodstuffs (14) comprises a support surface (20) for supporting a foodstuff (14), a retaining member (38) movable relative to the support (20) surface between a first position at a first distance from said surface and a second position at a second distance from said surface, and cutting means (46) secured to the retaining member (38) such that, in use, when the retaining member (38) is moved from the first position to the second position, the cutting means (469 cuts the foodstuff (14) placed on the support surface (20), wherein the cutting means (46) and support surface (20) are movable relative to each other, at least a component of the movement being in a plane parallel to the support surface (20), such that, in use, two or more cuts can be made in the foodstuff (14) at different positions.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for controlling the temperature of two cylinders forming a nip. The temperature of at least one point on each cylinder is sensed by sensors, forming a point of measuring, wherein the highest sensed temperature is used as set point and wherein the cylinders are heated in areas where the sensed temperature is below the set point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus enables linered label applicators to use labels on thin liners. Linered labels comprise a composite of an elongate sheet of thin or light-weight temporary liner having a precut label adhered to a low adhesion surface. The cut-out labels on the liner are fed into the linered label applicator. The use of support mechanisms other then vacuum application on rollers enables the use of thinner liner sheets on labels. A die head for cutting or perforating labels comprising adhesive on label stock comprising a die head having at least 80% of its outer surface comprising flat areas between cutting edges, multiple cutting edges on the outer surface, and an internal volume in the die head, the internal volume for carrying coolant liquid into and out of the volume so as to cool the outer surface of the die head when the coolant temperature is at least 10° C. cooler than the outer surface of the die head.

Abstract: An article includes a working portion including cemented carbide, and a heat sink portion in thermal communication with the working portion. The heat sink portion includes a heat sink material having a thermal conductivity greater than a thermal conductivity of the cemented carbide. Also disclosed are methods of making an article including a working portion comprising cemented carbide, and a heat sink portion in thermal communication with the working portion and including a heat sink material having a thermal conductivity that is greater than a thermal conductivity of the cemented carbide. The heat sink portion conducts heat from the working portion.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus configured to hold an elongate element, such as a ribbon, in a desired orientation as the elongate element is cut into two sections. A cutting element of such a cutting apparatus may be confined to a single orientation relative to that of the elongate element, reducing or eliminating the likelihood of misalignment between the cutting element and the elongate element immediately before the elongate element is cut. In some embodiments, the cutting apparatus, or even its cutting element, may be configured to seal the newly cut ends of the elongate element. Methods for cutting and or sealing elongate elements, such as ribbons, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A coolant temperature control apparatus for a wet saw is provided, in which a coolant temperature controller is mounted on the wet saw to heighten the temperature of the coolant to a set temperature, and thus a tile cutting work can be efficiently performed even in cold weather below zero with the work continuity heightened. The coolant temperature control apparatus for a wet saw includes a support member on which a material to be cut is arranged, an electric cutting device cutting the material arranged on the support member, a coolant supply device cooling heat generated during operation of the electric cutting device, and a coolant temperature controller heightening the temperature of coolant stored in the coolant supply device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrically operated disc cutting machine for cutting discs from strand-shaped cutting goods, having a cutting unit, which comprises a circular blade mounted in a rotatable manner in a drive housing, an electric motor surrounded by the drive housing, and a base plate on which the drive housing is installed in a cantilevered manner via at least one support column extending in the vertical direction. The invention is characterized in that the support column in the horizontal direction remains open, in which at least one accessory unit for the further processing of cut cutting goods is arranged, wherein a connection of the accessory unit is accommodated in the drive housing.

Abstract: A tire tread skiving machine having an elongated frame with two spaced ends. An elongated cutting platen extends transversely across the frame between the two ends. An infeed conveyor conveys extrusions to the cutting platen while an outfeed conveyor conveys extrusions away from the platen. A rail assembly is mounted to the frame above the cutting platen and a carriage is movably mounted to the rail assembly. A rotatably driven skiving blade is mounted to the carriage and cuts the extrusion at the cutting platen as the carriage moves along the rail assembly. The rail assembly is pivotally mounted to the frame so that the dynamically variable angle of the cut made by the skiving blade may be varied.

Abstract: The invention provides a punch tool in which heat production by running of the tool is reduced.

Abstract: A guide for a saw band or blade of a sawing machine is provided. The guide includes a bracket and high-strength sliders, which are mounted to a bracket for a lateral guide of the saw band or saw blade and which serve for gliding contact to a side face of the saw band or blade. The sliders are high-strength guide plates, provided with an edge upstream in reference to the direction of motion of the saw blade or saw band, which is at least partially arranged in a straight manner or with a constant curve, with the edge or its tangents extending tilted at an angle from approximately 0° to 90°, preferably from 20° to 70°, in reference to the direction of motion of the saw blade or the saw band. Furthermore, several guide plates are mounted to the bracket at a distance from each other, forming clear spaces.

Abstract: A blade lubrication system for a sawmill having a blade, chain or band saw, and a control mechanism for activating said blade, chain or band. The blade lubrication system automatically activates cooling and cleaning of the blade, or band when the control mechanism is activated, and automatically deactivates the cooling and cleaning of the blade, chain or band when the control mechanism is deactivated.

Abstract: A device (1) for cutting labels in a labelling machine, including a cutting roller (2) having at least one blade (3) co-operating with a fixed counter-blade (4) able to be operatively associated to the roller for cutting the labels, a mechanical shaft (5) whereon is keyed said cutting roller (2), a frame (6) to support said mechanical shaft (5) and a heat exchanger circuit containing an operating fluid. Precisely, a first portion (9a) of said circuit is constructed on said support frame (6) and a second portion (9b) of said exchanger circuit is constructed on said mechanical shaft (5), said exchanger circuit thermally interacting with said frame (6) and with said cutting roller (2). The device further includes an impeller for generating a flow of said operating fluid within the heat exchanger circuit, said impeller for generating a flow of said operating fluid being connected to the mechanical shaft (5) and being operatively inserted in said heat exchanger circuit.

Abstract: A cutting machine having a liquid lubrication delivery system. The machine includes a work-piece platform having an upper surface for supporting a work-piece thereupon. The work-piece platform can further include a main channel defining a recess in the upper surface. At least one liquid lubrication inlet for discharging liquid into the main channel can also be present on the work-piece platform. The at least one liquid lubrication inlet can be a plurality of liquid lubrication inlets.

Abstract: A cutting device includes a fixing plate, a revolving cylinder, an annular cutting blade, and an ejection bar. The fixing plate defines a first through hole. The revolving cylinder is threadedly engaged in the first through hole and defines a second through hole. The cutting blade defines a third through hole and is attached to the revolving cylinder. The revolving cylinder is rotatable relative to the fixing plate to move the cutting blade between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the cutting blade cuts a surface of the workpiece to create a round blind crack in the surface thereof, a portion of the workpiece being surrounded by the blind crack. In the retracted position, the cutting blade is moved away from the workpiece. The ejection bar is configured for pushing the surrounded portion out of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling an operation of a hot wire cutter for forming a three dimensional profile component out of a raw material block. The hot wire cutter includes a wire extending between a first attachment point and a second attachment point, wherein by movement of the hot wire cutter, the wire cuts material from the raw material block. The method includes determining a first offset and a second offset, wherein each offset defines a distance between one of the attachment points and a respective reference point at a perimeter of a cross-section of the component to be formed. Thus, the method includes controlling a movement of the first attachment point and the second attachment point depending on the determined first offset and the determined second offset.

Abstract: An article includes a working portion including cemented carbide, and a heat sink portion in thermal communication with the working portion. The heat sink portion includes a heat sink material having a thermal conductivity greater than a thermal conductivity of the cemented carbide. Also disclosed are methods of making an article including a working portion comprising cemented carbide, and a heat sink portion in thermal communication with the working portion and including a heat sink material having a thermal conductivity that is greater than a thermal conductivity of the cemented carbide. The heat sink portion conducts heat from the working portion.

Abstract: A paper cutting system includes a cutting assembly, a transport moving a web through the cutting assembly, a vacuum plenum utilizing a vacuum source to control the web moving through the cutting assembly, an air source providing purge air to the cutting assembly for removal of debris, and a heat exchanger normalizing a temperature of the purge air with respect to a temperature of ambient air prior to the purge air reaching the cutting assembly. The heat exchanger may be operated using the vacuum source.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus of reducing current requirements by increasing resistance of the blade structure by reducing the cross sectional area of at least one section of the blade so that the electrical current requirements for heating of the blade to cutting temperature are reduced wherein the power supply and substantially entire unit may be mounted within a hand held unit. Methods of shaping blades to perform various heat distributions for specialty blades for custom cutting are disclosed. Further, an improved blade mounting structure is provided which includes structure for maintaining the legs of the blade parallel to the direction of cut and provides for easy insertion of new blades by maintaining a slotted blade cradle stable and in alignment with the blades and a clamp member away from the blade when the clamp mounting structure is loosened.

Abstract: A machine and method for making bags is described and includes a web traveling from an input section to a rotary drum, to an output section. The rotary drum includes at least one seal bar, having a single sealing zone, and a weakening zone disposed within the single sealing zone. The single sealing zone may be a heated perforator, and may include a heating wire. The heating wire may be an NiCr wire stitched into the heater, and be disposed on a cap or on the seal bar. The weakening zone may create a line of weakness that is uniform or varies in intensity. The sealing zone may include temperature zones, cartridge heaters, cooling air, or heated air, or a source of ultrasonic, microwave or radiative energy.