Abstract: A bending machine includes a bending head with three bender rollers, one of which is vertically displaceable with a double-acting cylinder having a cylinder body inside the bending machine frame and below the bending head. A work surface is above the bending head and provided with an opening coaxial with the double-acting cylinder. The work surface includes a support for a tool driven by the cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for straightening a U-shaped leaf spring wherein the spring includes a curved section having a concave side and a convex side and wherein the spring has a pair of elongated legs spaced-apart relationship with each other from the curved section of the spring and the curved section of the spring has a radius of curvature adjacent a side of the legs facing away from each other, the apparatus comprising a plurality of pivotal block members which simultaneously rotate counter to one another, each of the blocks having a channel disposed thereon adapted to receive one of the leaf spring legs therein and the channel having an outer wall facing toward the other block outer wall which extends away from the curved section of the leaf spring to a respective free end such that the combined lengths of the outer walls on both blocks are substantially the same length of the convex side of the curved section of the leaf spring; each block channel having a respective inner wall facing away from the inner wall of t

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a measuring instrument with a memory or measuring electrodes each having a memory, which does not require setting of a calibration or correction value at each replacement of the electrode, permits automatic recognition of information such as the model name or the manufacture No. of the electrode in the instrument body, and allows free selection of an appropriate electrode for each use. The measuring instrument 1 has an instrument body 20 and a measuring electrode 10 releasably connected to the instrument body 20. Storage means 15 for storing information regarding the measuring electrode 10 in the measuring electrode 10, or in a cable 12 or a connector 13 for connecting the measuring electrode 10 to the instrument body 20.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for measuring granule impact strength by vibrating a small container of granules at a well-controlled amplitude in order to inflict reproducible damage to the granules. Damage to the granules is measured as a function of time and amplitude. The measurements obtained yield a highly reproducible method and device for characterizing granule attrition and fragmentation.

Abstract: A sensor and a sensing method for use in a gas or gaseous mixture is provided. The sensor includes a gas sensitive material, MO3-x, in which M is predominantly or exclusively MO and MO3-x, is a substoichiometric molybdenum trioxide which exhibits a response in the form of an increase or a decrease in an electrical property of the material in the presence of a gas. The gas sensitive material is in communication with two or more electrodes and is arranged for being contacted with a gas or gaseous mixture. The electrodes are in direct communication with the gas sensitive material by being in contact therewith. The sensor incorporates a temperature sensor. The sensor includes a heating element.

Abstract: A cassette is used with a chemical immobilization and treatment system. The system with the cassette performs various complex chemistries with minimal human intervention, near-zero dead volume, and flow-through protocols pursuant to a predetermined instruction set encoded on a multiple-address chemical treatment cassette assembly. The cassette assembly comprises a plurality of analyte sample columns (“mini-columns”), having a high-pressure interface capability to permit direct insertion of the mini-column into a high-pressure solvent line for use as a support column for HPLC analysis. A sample loader loads analyte samples either singly or simultaneously into the multiple, addressable mini-columns without the need to load the sample funnel/column assembly into a separate reaction chamber.

Abstract: A novel scanning microscope is described that uses near-field evanescent electromagnetic waves to probe sample properties. The novel microscope is capable of high resolution imaging and quantitative measurements of the electrical properties of the sample. The inventive scanning evanescent wave electromagnetic microscope (SEMM) can map dielectric constant, tangent loss, conductivity, complex electrical impedance, and other electrical parameters of materials. The quantitative map corresponds to the imaged detail. The novel microscope can be used to measure electrical properties of both dielectric and electrically conducting materials.

Abstract: A detection system and method is provided for detecting the position of a snap ring in a bearing assembly of a transmission system. A spreader pin and a bearing are installed directly into spreader segments. Spreader segments receive the bearing. A conductive sensor is then introduced in a surface of the spreader segments, whereby an incorrectly positioned snap ring will make contact with the conductive sensor, causing a current to flow through the spreader segments and through the snap ring to the conductive sensor. The primary advantage provided by the present invention is to detect the position of a snap ring during the pressing operation of pressing bearings into transmission cases, thereby avoiding damage to the transmission case caused by incorrect positioning of the snap ring.

Abstract: A &ggr;-ray tool and acoustic logging instrument combination includes in an elongated housing a transmitter for sound and at least one and preferably two, sound sensors located at predetermined distances above the transmitter. The sound sensors are separated from the sound transmitter by a steel tube that has a layer of lead bonded onto its exterior surface and has electronic components of the instrument placed into its interior. The portion of the housing that surrounds the lead bonded steel tube consists of fiberglass, polytetrafluoroethylene (TEFLON®) or other material which does not conduct sound whereby the lead-bonded tube and the immediate housing around it act as a sound isolator bar. The transmitter and the sound sensors are surrounded by portions of the housing that comprises slotted steel to allow free flow of acoustic energy through these portions of the housing.

Abstract: A system for determining the number of items within a stack of items, each item having a characteristic configuration, is provided. The system includes an image device attached to a moveable carriage, the imaging device being actuated to move to image the stack of items and a processing unit, coupled to the image device, for identifying the characteristic configuration of each of the stack of items from the scanned images.

Abstract: A device for measuring the forces exerted by each leg, particularly during ambulatory activity, including at least one assembly provided with a powered treadmill in a frame consistency of a rigid structure engaging the various portions of the treadmill for drawing the treadmill. The rigid structure is supported by force measuring sensors secured to a common ground-engaging plane for measuring vertical and tangential forces.

Abstract: An optical sensor (40) that provides a monotonic level-dependent output signal that varies smoothly and at an easily detectable rate over the entire length of the sensor includes first and second spaced waveguides (45, 50) extending along an axis, with each extending between its respective first and second ends. The first waveguide does not have surfaces contacting the liquid along the first waveguide's length. The second waveguide has at least a longitudinally extending portion of an outer surface in optical contact with the liquid. One or more web portions (50a, 50b, 50c) extend along and between both waveguides so that some of the light traveling along the first waveguide is coupled through the web portion(s) into the second waveguide. Light is injected into an end of the first waveguide (52), allowed to travel along the first waveguide, with a portion leaking into the second waveguide. Light is detected (55), with the amount representing the level of liquid.

Abstract: A sports swing-impact-speed indicator (1) has a solid state accelerometer (20) which measures impact speed of swing of a sports swing-impact implement during an event-time window of an event-window timer (21) following a select swing-acceleration time. The accelerometer can be a miniature solid state unit with a ratio-metric voltage signal that is directly proportional to centripetal energy imparted by travel of the implement, such as a baseball bat (2), during the event-time window. A digital readout (10) has preferably Liquid Crystal Display that can be seen in bright-light-to-dusk visibility conditions. Singular readout and selectively automated control provide simplicity of use. The unit can be attached to a desired implement such as a baseball bat with a slip-on pliable sleeve (3) or other quick-fit device. Minuteness of electronic components permits use of a small stored-energy (18) and/or solar-powered battery (19) for power.

Abstract: An angular rate sensor which measures submicroradian angular displacements. An MHD sensor is provided having a cylindrical column of conductive fluid, centered about a measurement axis. The magnetic field for the device is generated from permanent magnets and a shunt structure which produces radial magnetic field components through the cylindrical conductive fluid channel. The first electrode contacts an upper end of the cylindrical conductive fluid channel, and a second electrode contacts a lower end of the cylindrical conductive fluid channel. Current produced as a result of an electrostatic potential generated in response to the rotation of the device, flows through a center electrode connecting the first and second electrodes. A transformer winding surrounding the center electrode produces an amplified rate signal from the current flowing between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: Described are various improved methods of forming electronic devices, electro-mechanical devices, force-sensing devices, and accelerometers. Also described are various improved electronic devices, electro-mechanical devices, force-sensing devices, and accelerometers. The device comprises a plurality of vibrating beams joined with a support portion and configured for movement relative to the support portion. A layer of electrically conductive material is disposed over at least some of the surface of the moveable portion and support portion, the layer comprising an inert or a noble material having a Young's modulus which is greater than that of elemental gold. Alternatively, the layer may comprise an inert material having a coefficient of expansion which is less than that of elemental gold.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting and measuring cracks in plate-like structures using acoustic emission technique are disclosed. A false aperture transducer is designed to provide a criterion for filtering out extraneous noise in the acoustic emission signal based on modal analysis by computing the ratio of the high-frequency peak amplitude to low-frequency peak amplitude of the signal. A calibration curve correlating crack depth to the amplitude ratio can be obtained by simulating crack growth in a fracture specimen coupled to a test structure or field structure, and measuring acoustic emission signal in the structure by the false aperture transducer. The calibration curve correlates simulated crack depth percentage with computed peak amplitude ratio of the measured signal.

Abstract: A method for measuring the height of the cutting table of an earth-processing implement or an agricultural implement, such as, for example, a combine harvester, relative to a surface of a ground having crops by means of an acoustic transducer arrangement. The method includes forming the sound signal emitted by the transducer arrangement by a pseudonoise signal covering a predetermined frequency band. Comparing the sound signal with the reflected signal. Mutually delaying the sound signal and the reflected signal until the comparison has reached its optimum. Whereafter, the delay represents a measurement of the distance to the surface of the ground.

Abstract: To detect changes of a load on a vehicle in two directions simultaneously by itself. A width-direction load sensor (3) and a thickness-direction load sensor (4) are mounted on a sensor portion (2b) of a sensing device (1) interconnecting fixing portions (2c) and (2c) defined respectively by opposite end portions of a plate-like member (2) spaced from each other in a longitudinal direction (X) of the plate-like member (2) having an insulating film coated on a surface thereof, the two load sensors being spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction (X) of the plate-like member (2).

Abstract: An electromagnetic flow-rate measurement system for measuring flow-rate values of a fluid is disclosed. Detection units measure the flow-rate values of the fluid. A meter board, which connects to the detection units via a common bus-line, collects the flow-rate values. The detection units include a first communications circuit which is connected between two ends of an exciting coil and server both to transmit flow-rate signals or cumulative flow-rate signals to a meter board in synchronization with an alternating waveform voltage of a common bus-line, and to receive signals from the meter board in synchronization with the alternating waveform voltage. The meter board encompasses a second communications circuit which is connected to the common bus-line and serves both to transmit signals to the plurality of detection units in synchronization with the alternating-current waveform voltage, and to receive signals from the detection units in synchronization with the alternating waveform voltage.

Abstract: A cell for converting a differential pressure into an electric signal, which comprises two chambers and a sensor. The two chambers are filled with an incompressible fluid and each are closed by a respective membrane suitable for deforming under the action of an external pressure. The chambers are separated from each other by a rigid wall. The sensor associated with the wall and responsive to the pressure difference exerted across the wall, delivers an electric signal in response thereto. At least one passage is formed between the two chambers and possesses appropriate dimensions firstly for at least attenuating a parasitic pressure difference existing across the wall at a frequency that is low or zero, and secondly for allowing the sensor to detect the pressure difference exerted across the wall at higher frequencies.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, detecting level and blockages in an ore pass or other near-vertical shaft is described. The level and blockage detector includes a flexible metal strip in which a plurality of strain gages have been located, spaced apart from one another, preferably at known distances. A plurality of anchors secure the metal strip to the interior surface of the shaft such that the metal strip is displaced a fixed distance from the interior surface. The anchors are located intermediate the strain gages. When the ore pass fills up with bulk material, the bulk material causes the metal strip to deflect toward the interior surface of the shaft. This causes the resistance of the strain gage in the region of the deflection to change. To detect the location of the blockage, a microcontroller cycles through each strain gage, placing it as the fourth arm of a bridge circuit.

Abstract: The apparatus for effecting temperature compensation in a load cell type load detector is for a load detecting apparatus having a load cell constituting the load detector formed with a strain gauge attached to a deflectable body, a mount base for positioning the load detector, and a load generating section to receive a flow of objects to be measured. The apparatus includes a pair of thermal source blocks provided so as to be directly in contact with the deflectable body and be disposed respectively at two symmetric positions with respect to the center of the load detector, a pair of temperature sensors provided respectively to the thermal source blocks, a controller for controlling thermal elements based on temperatures detected by the temperature sensors such that a temperature of the load cell type load detector may be maintained at a predetermined constant temperature.

Abstract: A counter counts the repetitive pulse signals, a sawtooth generation circuit generates a sawtooth signal based on the count output of the counter, the amplitude and the offset of the sawtooth signal is adjusted by a resistance, and a comparing circuit compares the sawtooth signal with the analog voltage from an angle sensor to output a pulse signal having a duty ratio corresponding to the detected angle.

Abstract: A speed change gear transmission providing at least six speed ratios from eight gears, and nine speeds from nine gears. The transmission has an input shaft, an intermediate shaft, and an output shaft. At least three gears are associated with the input and intermediate shafts, and two gears with the output shaft. In the preferred embodiments, the number of gears associated with each shaft is equal, is at least three, and optionally may be four or more. The number of available speed ratios in embodiments having equal numbers of gears on each shaft is equal to the square of the number of gears on any one shaft. Gears of the intermediate shaft are solidly fixed to rotate in tandem. Gears of the input and output shafts are freely rotatable on bearings on their respective shafts, and are splined to engage dog clutches.

Abstract: A shift tower housing for a vehicle transmission that can receive either a push button selector or a lever selector at a comfortable and ergonomic location. The surfaces of both the push button and the lever selectors are at about 15% to the horizontal, which renders surface indicia on the selectors in a comfortable vision range for the operator. The inclined upper surfaces of the selectors also places lever and push buttons at comfortable ergonomic position for the operator. Replacing a single mounting part can make a conversion from a push button selector unit to a push button selector unit. The shift tower also includes mounting mechanism upon which a stand-alone electronic control unit is mounted, that is compatible with either the push button selector or the lever selector control. The vibrations of the shift tower are minimized as a result of mounting it directly to vehicle floor support member.

Abstract: A dual speed film drive apparatus to achieve high speed and low speed film drive employs a limited speed range stepper motor with pinion input drive gear, and an output driven gear connected to a film advance mechanism. High and low speed drive is achieved by use of a pivoted intermediate gear drive module having high speed and low speed gear set positions to interconnect the stepper motor input drive gear to the output driven gear. Shifting of the gear module between gear set positions is accomplished by a DC motor operated cam drive mechanism which pivots the gear module selectively between the high speed and low speed gear set positions. An open loop control gear mesh procedure is also described for meshing the high speed and low speed intermediate gear drives with the input drive gear and output driven gear.

Abstract: An integrated cam and shift fork assembly is disposed on a rotating shift rail. The shift fork assembly includes a cylindrical body having a helical cam at one end. Adjacent the cam end of the body is a cam follower secured to the rotating shift rail. The opposite end of the body either includes a second cam and suitably disposed cam follower or a flat surface engaged by a return spring. The rotating shift rail is driven by an electric motor through a suitable speed reducing and torque increasing drive such as a worm gear set. One or both of the aforementioned cam configurations may be utilized in a transfer case on a single shift rail to, for example, select a high or low speed range, couple the primary and secondary drive lines together or both.

Abstract: The position of the pad end (18 and 118) of the first pedal lever (14 and 118) may be adjusted by pivoting an adjustment link (22 and 122) relative to a support bracket (12 and 112) as a drag link (26 and 126) pivots relative to an actuator link (28 and 128). Simultaneously with this adjustment of the operational axis of the first pedal lever (14 and 114), a control link (40 and 140) adjusts the position of the operational axis (40 and 140) of a second pedal lever (32 and 132) as a guide (38 and 138), in form of a link supported by the bracket (12 and 112) guides movement of the operational axis (40 and 140) of the second pedal lever (32 and 132) during the adjustment thereof. Otherwise, the normal operation of the respective pedal levers (14 and 114, 32 and 132) is independent of one another about their respective operational axes (29 and 129, 40 and 140).

Abstract: A tie for securing a handgrip to a handle bar has a series of short rods formed along the outer surface which project radially outwardly when fastened about a handgrip to provide a handlebar handgrip assembly with an improved frictional surface for the hand of an operator and improved frictional contact between handlebar and handgrip. The ties may be made in multiple colors and textures for different styling effects.

Abstract: A steering wheel has an annular steering grip, spokes extending radially inward from the steering grip, and a pad located at the center of the grip. A back cover is arranged below the spokes and the pad. The spoke located closest to the driver's position is held by a pair of hooks projecting from the back cover. Each hook has a connecting rib. The connecting ribs separate the hooks during relative movement between the spokes and the back cover. A guide rib is arranged on the rim of the back cover in correspondence with each spoke to facilitate the attachment of the back cover. Each guide rib extends in the longitudinal direction of the associated spoke. The guide rib permits relative movement between the back cover and the spokes.

Abstract: A multi-piece crankshaft having a main shaft with two ends adapted to rotate about its axis. A crankpin also has two ends and an axis parallel to but radially spaced from the axis of the main shaft. At least one counterweight extends between one end of the shaft and one end of the crankpin and this counterweight is formed by casting a liquid metal around the ends of the main shaft and crankpin in a molding chamber.

Abstract: An improved power operated tool holder and actuator unit (10) is provided which permits use of conventional, manually operable pivoted dual-leg tools (e.g., pliers, nippers or crimpers) and eliminates the need for specialized tools of this character. The unit (10) includes a tool holder (20) operably coupled with an actuator (18) which can be controlled by a foot switch (14). The holder (20) has upper and lower tool leg clamps (78, 82) which respectively hold the ends (178, 180) of a dual-leg tool (172). The lower leg clamp (82) is coupled via an operator (80) to a pneumatic piston and cylinder assembly (30) controlled by switch (14). In use, a charge of pressurized air delivered to the assembly (30) effects movement of a piston rod (40) which in turn moves leg clamp (82) so as to close the work performing ends (182, 184) of the tool (172).

Abstract: A working machine for machining a workpiece includes a base having a first track and a second track mounted therein and arranged in parallel with each other, at least one clamping device slidably mounted in the first track for clamping the workpiece, and at least one cutter device slidably mounted in the second track to mate with the at least one clamping device for machining the workpiece. In such a manner, the at least one cutter device is movable relative to the at least one clamping, device to machine the two ends of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for precisely cutting a workpiece using a saw guide to guide a hand held power saw, the saw guide having a first upper sliding surface and an opposing flat lower surface connected by a first side surface, the first upper sliding surface being bounded on one side by an integral guide ridge, and bounded on the opposing side by a first side surface, provides for first customizing the saw guide to a power saw having a base plate with a side edge. The saw guide is customized by positioning the power saw with the base plate resting upon the first upper sliding surface and the side edge contacting the integral guide ridge, and sliding the power saw along the saw guide, thereby cutting off the first side surface and creating a side cutting surface having a lower cut indicating edge. Once customized, the saw guide can be used with the power saw to cut the workpiece, with the lower cut indicating edge indicating to the user precisely where the power saw will cut the workpiece.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting single or multiple semiconductor packages from a multilayer substrate wherein the semiconductor packages are partially encapsulated by an elastomer sealant layer disposed on a polymer film layer of the substrate. The apparatus includes upper and lower die assemblies mounted for movement relative to each other on a support base. The upper die assembly includes an actuator and a die block supporting plural sets of cutter blades arranged in patterns to cut rectangular shaped semiconductor packages out of the substrate in a single cutting operation at a single station. The lower die assembly includes plural punch members movable relative to a die block, which includes a support surface for supporting the substrate in a predetermined position as determined by spaced apart locator pins on the lower die assembly registerable with corresponding locator holes in a carrier frame for the substrate.

Abstract: A variable length rotary cutting system for cutting sheet material in various desired cut lengths, including a knife roll and an anvil roll between which the sheet material is passed for cutting. A drive system drives the knife roll at varying speeds during a cycle of rotation and includes a drive gear and an offset gear mounted in an off-center mounting so as to be rotated at varying speeds by the drive gear. The rotation of the offset gear is transmitted to the knife roll so as to cause the knife roll to rotate at varying speeds about a cycle of rotation to enable the knife roll to cut varying lengths of the sheet material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting and removing chaff from an internal drum imaging system. The chaff collection apparatus includes a chaff tray coupled to the internal drum below the side punches. The chaff tray includes a cover comprising a plurality of evenly spaced frangible fingers. A specific set of the fingers is removed from the cover according to the locations of the side punches on the internal drum. In this manner, only the portions of the cover below the side punches are open to the interior of the chaff tray. The chaff produced by each punch passes into the chaff tray through a respective opening in the cover, and is captured within the chaff tray. The areas of the cover of the chaff tray that are not located below the side punches remain covered by the remaining frangible fingers, thereby preventing chaff from escaping the chaff tray.

Abstract: An improved base structure of a circular saw includes a base, a rotatable base plate mounted on the base, a mounting seat, and a rotary seat. The base plate has an upper face provided with a recess at a rear end. The mounting seat is screwably secured on both sides of the recess, and has a pivot portion with a screw hole at a bottom end. The pivot portion is located in the recess. The rotary seat can rotate relative to the mounting seat and is provided with a curved slide groove for receiving an adjusting screw. The rotary seat has a pivot portion at a bottom end that corresponds to the pivot portion of the mounting seat.

Abstract: A paper machine for one of making and processing a fiber material web. A plurality of rolls carry the fiber material web. The plurality of rolls include a load roll and another roll defining a nip therebetween. The fiber material web travels through the nip and defines a gore with the load roll on an approach side of the nip. A movable cutoff knife includes a cutting edge positioned in the gore at a slight distance from the nip and adjacent to the fiber material web. At least one impulse exchanger is positioned in association with the cutoff knife. The impulse exchanger is configured to transfer impulse energy to the cutoff knife whereby the cutting edge cuts the fiber material web.

Abstract: A tool for cutting a predetermined molding pattern into a work piece as it is longitudinally advanced. A molding head is adapted to be mounted to the output shaft of a motor. The head is generally-circular and includes at least one arcuate cutout in its peripheral edge for receiving a generally-circular cutter unit. The arcuate cutout is greater than semicircular so that the center of the unit lies within the peripheral edge and is therby protected from radial travel. A bayonet-type fixture and an alognment screw are provided for engaging the cutter unit to the molding head whereby multiple devices protect the operator from violent disengagement of the cutter unit from the head during high speed cutting.

Abstract: Methods for continuously shaping a compressible or cellular polymer material such as polyurethane foam, by cutting portions of the material from a surface of one or more slabs of material (180) include (a) compressing one or more slabs of cellular material between a pair of compression rollers (146, 146a) and two moving patterned platforms (132, 132a) interposed between the compression rollers, and (b) transversely cutting the slab or slabs with a blade or blades (76) just as the cellular material emerges from between the compression rollers. At least one of the moving patterned platforms, preferably an endless belt, defines a recess or pattern of recesses. When a single slab or multiple slabs of material are fed and compressed between the compression rollers, a portion of the material from one side of the slab or slabs fills the recess or recesses in one of the moving patterned belts. The blade then transversely cuts the cellular material.

Abstract: A fluid control circuit providing a float capability for a double-acting actuator having first and second actuating chambers is provided. The fluid circuit includes signal controlled load check valves disposed between the actuating chambers and a directional control valve. The directional control valve is movable from a centered, neutral position towards first and second operative positions and a float position. The directional control valve and the load check valves are cooperatively operable in one operable position to allow fluid flow from the first actuating chamber to the exhaust port, and fluid flow from the pump port to the second actuating chamber. In the float position of the directional control valve, both of the signal controlled load check valves are opened to allow open fluid flow between the first and second actuating chambers thus allowing the tool attached to the actuator to float.

Abstract: A band controlled valve apparatus for controlling fluid flow from a source to a sink, including a base (12) having an upper surface and an aperture (16) extending from the upper surface through the base (12) allowing the flow of fluid from the source through the base (12) to the sink when the aperture (16) is not covered, an elongate flexible band (8) with a first portion (8a) in contact with the upper surface of the base (12) and a second portion (8b) extending forwardly of the first portion (8a) then upwardly and rearwardly above at least a part of the first portion (8a), the second portion (8b) being actuated to selectively move the second portion (8b) of the band (8) forwardly or rearwardly to cover or uncover, respectively, the aperture (16) with the first portion (8a) of the band (8) to thereby prevent or allow, respectively, fluid flow through the aperture (16).

Abstract: A band controlled valve apparatus for controlling fluid flow from a source to a sink, including a base (12) having an upper surface and an aperture (16) extending from the upper surface through the base (12) allowing the flow of fluid from the source through the base (12) to the sink when the aperture (16) is not covered, an elongate flexible band (8) with a first portion (8a) in contact with the upper surface of the base (12) and a second portion (8b) extending forwardly of the first portion (8a) then upwardly and rearwardly above at least a part of the first portion (8a), the second portion (8b) being actuated to selectively move the second portion (8b) of the band (8) forwardly or rearwardly to cover or uncover, respectively, the aperture (16) with the first portion (8a) of the band (8) to thereby prevent or allow, respectively, fluid flow through the aperture (16).

Abstract: A brewing device for preparing coffee or tea comprises a cylinder housing defining a cylindrical brewing chamber. The cylinder housing has two pivot pins arranged centrally between the top and bottom ends of the cylinder housing, and projecting from opposite sides of the cylinder housing orthogonally to the axis. The opposite sides have vertically extending, flat surfaces defining homologous cam tracks. A sprinkler body is movable into and out of a position for closing the top end of the cylinder housing, and a sieve body is movable into and out of a position for closing the bottom end of the cylinder housing. Cam disks are rotatably mounted on the pivot pins for controlling the sprinkler body movement, the cam disks defining further cam tracks.

Abstract: A multifunctional electric pressure cooker includes a pot cover, a turning handle, a pot body composed of an inner pot and an outer pot, a housing enveloping the whole pot and devices for controlling temperature, pressure and cooking duration. At the outer side of the pot cover is provided a hollow turning handle. Inside the handle are a lever mechanism and a button cam mechanism for forced pressure release and steam exhaust. When cooking, it is only necessary to turn an indicating cam on a cooking duration and temperature selecting panel. Fuzzy control to cooking will then be achieved.

Abstract: A apparatus for converting a gas grill into a charcoal burning grill for conveniently using charcoal or other flammable material in a gas grill. The apparatus for converting a gas grill into a charcoal burning grill includes an adapter container for holding flammable material. The adapter container is removably positionable in the interior of the housing. The screen is removable from the housing. The adapter container is positionable on the heating system within the housing of a gas grill. The flammable material is placed in the container and ignited. The screen is replaced such that the screen covers the adapter container.

Abstract: Enclosed rotisserie with added convenience, including a countertop resting box-like enclosure housing a safety rear mounted heating element and a power rotated dual rod spit assembly. The gear driven spit assembly may be easily inserted and removed straight into and out of the enclosure without need for angling or coupling the assembly to a power drive socket. The open front of the enclosure is from time to time covered by an inclined glass panel door which may be opened in various ways to facilitate food insertion into and removal from the enclosure, and which may be easily removed for cleaning or other purposes. A variety of foods may be cooked using the spit and accessories that attach to the spit. Such accessories include wire baskets and a rotating stir fryer. Foods may be cooked on top of the embodiment as well using an included warming tray and an inserted steaming tray with cover.

Abstract: A stencil printing machine has a printing drum having a cylindrical circumferential wall adapted to receive a perforated stencil sheet wrapped on an outer circumferential surface thereof and driven to rotate around a central axis thereof the circumferential wall having an opening portion with many through holes formed therein, a non-opening portion formed around the opening portion, and at least one recessed portion formed in at least one part of the opening portion adjacent to the non-opening portion in an axial direction of the circumferential wall; an ink supplying roller situated in the printing drum for supplying ink to an inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical circumferential wall of the printing drum; and a press roller situated adjacent to the printing drum and being urged against the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical circumferential wall of the printing drum.

Abstract: A solid-ink printing original plate which comprises a substrate and an image comprising an ink dot formed on the substrate, and which is prepared by a process comprising the steps of: melting a solid ink that is a solid at a room temperature; and jetting the melt of the solid ink onto a substrate to form an ink dot, wherein the ink dots that have solidified on the substrate have an ink dot height of at least 5 &mgr;m, and a ratio (aspect ratio) of the ink dot height to the minor axis size of the ink dot of from 0.05 to 0.5. Also disclosed is a process for producing the solid-ink printing original plate.