Abstract: A torsion system (20) comprising a housing (24) adapted to be secured to a structural portion of a vehicle. A shaft (23) has a core portion (32) accommodated in the housing (24) and defines concavities (34) in the core portion (32). The shaft (23) has a connector end (30) connected to a crank arm. The connector end (30) protrudes out of the housing (24). Elastomeric members (25,25?) are received in the concavities (34) of the shaft (23). The elastomeric members (25,25?) each have a geometry so as to at least partially fill the concavities (34) and contact an inner surface of the housing (24), whereby a rotation of the crank arm results in a deformation of the elastomeric members (25,25?).

Abstract: An array in which an external control feature for normalization has been designed and tested for its ability to mimic the range of observed expression levels for a test set of oligos. The external control probes span a series of concentrations. They are spatially randomized across a grid of an array. The series of concentrations is duplicated in a given grid. The individual grid layout and number of control and external normalization features per grid have been designed to cope with sources of both systematic error and spatial variation.

Abstract: There is provided a sensor for measuring a quantity, such as the salinity, of the soil solution without requiring continuous calibration. The sensor is based on a porous material which automatically fills up and saturates when the soil is rewet and drains when the soil dries out from plant uptake or from air drying, then being filled up with a solution representative of the quantity to be measured in the soil during plant growth.

Abstract: A device (1) for distributing cleaning solvent (9) in the bore (3) of a barrel (5) of a large caliber weapon. The device (1) comprises an elongated outer casing (11), a distribution assembly (19), a container (25) and a triggering assembly (29). The distribution assembly (19) is mounted into a rear end of the casing (11), and has an inlet (21) for receiving cleaning solvent (9) and an outlet (23) for distributing cleaning solvent. The container (25) comprises a supply of cleaning solvent (9), having a valve (27) connected to the inlet (21) of the distribution assembly (19) for supplying solvent (9) from the container to said distribution assembly (19). The triggering assembly (29) is connected to the container's valve (27) and has a detecting component so as to trigger the valve (27), supplying the distribution assembly (19) with cleaning solvent (9) to be distributed onto the inner surface (7) of the bore (3).

Abstract: An x-ray image detector suitable for radiology has an active matrix substrate with scanning and read-out circuits. Over this active matrix substrate, which can be a two dimensional array of TFTs associated with a storage capacitance, there is deposited a photoreceptor made of a thin layer of amorphous selenium based multilayer structure. The photoreceptor is covered with a light-transparent electrode on top of which there is provided a scintillator. The indices of refraction of the scintillator and of the selenium based multilayer may be matched with the use of the biasing electrode.

Abstract: A track system for providing complementary shock absorbing capability to a primary shock absorbing assembly having a hydraulic path containing fluid. The track system includes a chamber, a damping assembly and an adjusting assembly. The chamber has opposite first and second ends, the first end of the chamber being provided with a port operatively connectable to the hydraulic path of the primary shock absorbing assembly, the port being configured for allowing fluid from the hydraulic path of the primary shock absorbing assembly to enter and exit the chamber of the track system through the port thereof. The damping assembly is configured for damping a flow of fluid entering the chamber via the port thereof. The adjusting assembly is configured for adjusting a damping mode of the damping assembly.

Abstract: A planar robot for cutting products, such as pieces of meat. The product is displaced along a conveyor or positioned onto a working table and is cut by a tool, preferably a water jet. The tool is held by a pair of arms. The arms have first extremities pivotally mounted on mobile bases. The arms also have second extremities pivotally connected to each other. An actuator displaces each of the mobile bases in order to control the position of the cutting tool in a plane above the conveyor or table.

Abstract: A locomotive is provided that includes: a receiver operable to receiving a locating signal, the locating signal indicating a current spatial location of a selected locomotive and a processor operable to (a) determine that the selected locomotive has entered, is entering, and/or is about to enter a spatial zone having at least one controlled parameter, the controlled parameter being at least one of a fuel combustion emissions level and a noise level and (b) configure the operation of the selected locomotive to comply with the controlled parameter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device removably attachable to a vertical rod-like structure to hang articles such as flower pots. The device has a main body on which the article to be hang can be attached and a U-shaped bracket. In use, the main body and the U-shaped bracket are assembled in such a manner as to surround the rod-like structure. The article to be hung once attached, generates a cantilever action that presses the main body against the rod-like structure and causes the device to lock on the structure. Advantageously, the rear part of the main body is carved in a stepwise manner in order to fit rod-like structures of different sizes and shapes. The device may also be advantageously used with interchangeable supports for use to hang articles of different sizes and shapes. The device and the support are easy to use and can be installed without tools.

Abstract: Disclosed is a loin puller for trimming off the backfat of a loin that has been scribed from a belly. This loin puller has a frame on which is mounted a conveying system for engaging the loin and moving it towards a cutting zone. In this zone, a cutting tool is mounted for engaging the loin when it is moved by the conveying system, and for cutting the backfat to be trimmed off from the loin, with the so-cut backfat remaining attached to the belly. The cutting tool has two blades that are preferably controlled independently from each other. One of these blades is arcuate and positioned onto the frame so as to engage at least one part of the loin from a side of the loin opposite to the belly, and to cut the backfat to be trimmed from the loin. The other blade is L-shaped and positioned onto the frame so as to engage another part of the loin and cut the backfat to be trimmed thereof directly from the scribing line just below the back ribs of the loin.

Abstract: A reclining chair system operable about different modes. The reclining chair includes a base, an intermediate member, left and right side frames, a support chassis, and a footrest. The intermediate member has opposite left and right sides, and is mounted onto the base so as to be rotatably moveable with respect to the base via a corresponding rotating assembly so as to operate the reclining chair in a rotating mode. The left and right side frames are operatively mounted respectively onto the left and right sides of the intermediate member via a corresponding rocking assembly so as to operate the reclining chair system in a rocking mode. The support chassis extends between the left and right side frames for operatively supporting a seat and a backrest of the reclining chair system.

Abstract: Disclosed in a capping board for use to support hanging legs of anodes and cathodes within adjacent electrolytic cells. This capping board has a main body having a bottom surface shaped to fit onto upper edges of the adjacent cells, and a top surface. A first set of spaced part insulating blocks project from the top surface. This first set of blocks extends in line all over the length of the capping board on one side of the main body. A second set of spaced part insulating blocks also projects from the top surface. This second set of blocks also extends in line all over the length of the capping board at a given lateral distance from the first set of blocks. Thus, the two sets of blocks form two rows that together define a central path on the top surface. Each of the blocks has a recess forming an upwardly and laterally opening compartment to receive and support one of the hanging legs of the anodes and cathodes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a loin puller for trimming off the backfat of a loin that has been scribed from a belly. This loin puller has a frame on which is mounted a conveying system for engaging the loin and moving it towards a cutting zone. In this zone, a cutting tool is mounted for engaging the loin when it is moved by the conveying system, and for cutting the backfat to be trimmed off from the loin, with the so-cut backfat remaining attached to the belly. The cutting tool has two blades that are preferably controlled independently from each other. One of these blades is arcuate and positioned onto the frame so as to engage at least one part of the loin from a side of the loin opposite to the belly, and to cut the backfat to be trimmed from the loin. The other blade is L-shaped and positioned onto the frame so as to engage another part of the loin and cut the backfat to be trimmed thereof directly from the scribing line just below the back ribs of the loin.