March 9, 1998 -- Some of this week's stories
New real-time monitor ensures better welds
Argonne has developed and patented the first on-line,
low-cost, easy-to use welding monitor designed for makers of
automotive parts, medical devices and military components -- manufacturers
who need to ensure the integrity of laser-beam welds that join steel parts.
A passive sensor and optics measure infrared emissions
from the weld during processing. The monitor can tell a worker on
the factory floor about the weld's penetration depth and surface
quality. Bad welds are flagged and the monitor can automatically signal
the system to change weld parameters or laser power levels.
The laser welding monitor can be used with steel, aluminum
and magnesium. Its cost -- about $15,000 -- is considerably less
than the $50,000 price tag of an existing monitoring system, which
cannot measure penetration as parts are being welded. Because the
monitor senses the integrity of the weld remotely, destructive weld
evaluation can be used less frequently.
Every weld is critical in safety-related applications such as
automotive airbag housings. The lack of competent weld monitoring has
contributed to defect rates of several percent. With more than 10
million air bags produced each year, the Argonne-developed monitor
could save millions of dollars in this business alone.
The laser welding research that led to the development of the
weld monitor was conducted under cooperative research and
development agreements (CRADAs) with Delphi Energy & Engine Systems and
the Low Emissions Partnership, comprising Chrysler, Ford and
General Motors. Research at Argonne was conducted by Keng Leong (TD).
CRADA partner Spawr Industries, Inc. integrated the
monitor into the laser beam delivery system, and provides a
commercial version.
Preliminary tests show that the device can also be used to
monitor laser beam heat-treating for heavy machinery gears and
components, laser beam cladding for repairing turbine components and arc
welding for machinery and autos.
The Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer
(FLC) recently selected the new technology for an award. FLC Awards
recognize federal laboratory employees who have done an outstanding
job transferring technology developed in a laboratory to outside
partners, primarily in the private sector.
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Women to be
recognized at
ANL-W lunch
The recipients of the Idaho National Engineering and
Environmental Laboratory Woman of the Year Award and the Federal Woman's
Program Recognition Award will be announced at a luncheon to be held
on Wednesday, March 18, at 11:30 a.m. in the Central Facilities
Cafeteria Conference Room.
Argonne-West has submitted five nominees for the two awards.
A potato with beef Stroganoff topping, dessert and a drink costs
$5.50. A potato with a selection of toppings, dessert and a drink costs $4.
Tickets must be purchased from Dolores Lagerquist
(OTD-ERA), Shirlene Fryer (RPS), or Susan Mousseau (RPS) no later than
Monday, March 16.
For more information, call Mousseau at ext. 3-7156.
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PFS, Joliet Junior College help women excel
Argonne's Plant Facilities and Services Division is helping
expand career choices for women by providing volunteer help
and organizing tours for the Technical Opportunities Program
(TOP) at Joliet Junior College.
TOP is aimed at increasing the number of women
employed in traditionally male occupations. The 15-week course
introduces women to occupations like building and industrial
maintenance, computer-aided design and architectural drafting,
automotive service technology, automated systems, electronics
technology and chemical process operations.
TOP requires a total of 140 hours of classroom and
hands-on training. In addition to vocational training, sessions
include a review of applied mathematics, basic computer training,
fitness and weight training, stress management, workplace
survival skills and support services.
Plant Facilities and Services recently hosted a discussion
and tour by TOP participants, giving them an opportunity to talk
with female PFS employees in non-traditional jobs. The women
discussed work issues such as pay and benefits, acquiring new skills,
balancing work and family and opportunities for employment.
Sessions were conducted by Debbie Dedo, Patty Gajewski, Lydia
Hendrix and Cindy Putty (all PFS), who then escorted the TOP students on
tours of PFS work areas to see examples of work done by women -- and
men -- in technical jobs.
Over the past two years, the TOP program has enabled 75 women
to test their interest and proficiency for technical employment.
Funded by the Illinois Board of Education, there is no charge to participants.
Scholarships are granted to those who complete the
program. Inquiries about the program may be directed to Sandy Cyrkiel
at Joliet Junior College at (815) 727-6544, ext. 1482, or to TOP
graduate Karen Kroczek (PFS) at ext. 2-8764.
Other area businesses that have provided site tours and
talks to TOP include Commonwealth Edison, Amoco, and
Caterpillar.
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Applications taken for executive MBA program
Applications are now being accepted for the 1998 University
of Chicago Executive MBA Program.
Each year Argonne management selects two employees to
participate in this high-caliber program offered through
the university's Graduate School of Business. For an application,
call Human Resources at ext. 2-3410. Deadline for returning
completed applications is Tuesday, March 24.
The program is designed for experienced middle- and
upper-level managers, who are expected to retain full job
responsibilities while attending this part-time course of advanced studies
in management.
Classes are conducted on Fridays and Saturdays,
averaging four days per month, beginning in August 1998.
The program includes two weeks of intensive study
in Barcelona, Spain and another two weeks in Chicago.
Participants complete their formal course work in less than
a year and a half.
For more information, call John Hyzer (HR) at ext. 2-3503.
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Lab's retirement vendors to visit Argonne-East
Two of Argonne's retirement plan vendors will visit the
Illinois site to meet individually with employees to answer questions
about retirement plans and retirement plan assets.
Half-hour appointments can be made by phone.
* Fidelity _ Thursday, March 12 and Friday, March 13. Call
(800) 642-7131.
* Prudential _ Wednesday, March 18, Thursday, March
19, and Friday, March 20. Call Cheryl at (847) 619-3519.
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PSI seminar will focus on career success
The Argonne Chapter of Professional Secretaries International
will host "Managing Your Career for Success," a one-day seminar for
office professionals, on Thursday, March 19.
The seminar will be repeated on Friday, March 20.
The seminar will be held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on both days
in Argonne-East's Advanced Photon Source Conference Center in
Building 402.
Lillian Bjorseth, founder and president of Duoforce
Enterprises, Inc., and author of two books, will speak on "Eleven
Commandments for Success."
Jim Cisek, former educator and president of AudioEducation
and Life Skills Training Associates, will speak on "Upgrading Your
Brain-Frame: 21st Century Thinking Skills."
Cost of the seminar is $85 and includes a continental
breakfast and luncheon.
Registration deadline has been extended to Tuesday, March
10. ANL-88 forms (Request For Disbursement Or
Reimbursement) must be submitted to accounting by 5 p.m. on that date.
For more information, call Diane Hawk (EMO) at ext. 2-3582.
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Talk to focus on giving kids family values
Cassandra Ma, staff therapist and clinic coordinator at The
Family Institute, will present "Helping Your Child Develop Good
Social Judgment" on Tuesday, March 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
in Argonne-East's Building 200 Auditorium.
Ma will present ways to identify and convey a family's values
to children as they are increasingly exposed to a broader range of
people outside of the family.
All Argonne and DOE employees and adult family members are
welcome.
Seminars in the Argonne Family Series are sponsored by
Argonne's Employee Assistance and Preventive Health and Wellness programs.
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FOR SALE - Nobel Prize.
Good cond., no rust.
$100,000/best offer
A Nobel Prize medal and award certificate are up for sale.
The asking price: $100,000 minimum.
Chicago resident Jeffrey Schramek says the gold
medal and blue-and-gold, hand-painted certificate are those presented
to Sir James Chadwick of Liverpool University, who won the
1935 Nobel Prize in physics for discovering the neutron. Schramek
says he bought them from Chadwick's daughters at an auction in
England.
For more information, call Schramek at (773) 539-5751.
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Clarence L. Beck (OPS) retired Jan. 16 with 29 years of service.
Bennie L. Blair (PFS-US) retired Jan. 30 with 40 years of service.
Ira Bornstein (OTD) retired Jan. 15 with 30 years of service.
Anita Carr (DIS) retired Jan. 16 with 18 years of service.
John Curtin (PFS-BM) retired Jan. 30.
Stephen J. Decman (OCF-PIM) retired Dec. 12 with 29 years
of service.
Ronald E. DiFelici (ED) retired Jan. 9 with 29 years of service.
Ronald Gustafson (ESH) retired Jan. 5 with 44 years of service.
Jackie Knepper (PFS) retired Jan. 23 with 37 years of service.
Roger Masson (ECT) retired Jan. 30 with 35 years of service.
Donald Mingesz (ITD) retired Dec. 31 with 37 years of service.
Donald M. Nelson (ESH) retired Jan. 5 with 33 years of service.
Richard Olson (EA) retired Jan. 9.
Thaddeus Sliwinski (PFS-CU) retired Jan. 5 with 29 years
of service.
Josip Vresk (PFS-FPE) retired Jan. 5 with 22 years of service.
Charles L. Wiley (MSD) retired Jan. 9 with 23 years of service.
Arthur Zilberstein (OPS) retired Jan. 6 with 26 years of service.
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