Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure detector capable of easily responding to changes in the specification. The pressure detector that the sensor unit 11 for detecting pressure and the electronic parts 35 and 36 for reducing electrical disturbance are electrically joined to the exposed part 24 of the lead material of the opening 28 of the external case 28 and the thermoset resin 38 is injected and set in the opening, thus the members are fixed can be obtained. An external electronic part for compensating for the transient voltage resistance and electromagnetic failure resistance of a single one-chip semiconductor sensor can be mounted and the cost can be reduced by miniaturization, lightweight, and reduction in the assembly man-hour.

Abstract: A taut wire sensor includes an actuator that is movably coupled to a housing. The actuator includes a taut wire terminal. The actuator has two contacts that are maintained in a spaced apart orientation by the mating of parts, which are held in place by a spring element. The actuator deforms when force is applied to the taut wire terminal of the sensor. When the actuator deform, an electrical connection is made between the two contacts to produce an alarm indication by the sensor. The orientation of the actuator is maintained by the mating of parts which are also held by a spring element. One of the contacts in the actuator is a flexible contact pin that is adapted to bend when high force is applied to the taut wire terminal. The sensor housing also includes a movement limiter that overcomes a weakness in prior sensors which employ compensating flowable materials to adjust sensor position.

Abstract: A measurement system is described that includes a flow conditioner for performing the dual functions of conditioning the flow stream and acting as a check meter to the primary meter. Various flow stream characteristics are calculated from the measured differential pressure across the flow conditioner. These calculated values are compared to measurements made by the primary meter for the purpose of identifying performance or accuracy problems in the measurement equipment.

Abstract: A method of using a magnetic fluid clutch for torque measurement comprises steps of modulating electric current through a coil of the magnetic fluid clutch to maintain a steady-state quasi-solid phase of a magnetic fluid medium contained within the magnetic fluid clutch when the magnetic fluid clutch is clutched to transmit torque from a torque input end of the clutch to a torque output end of the clutch, thereby ensuring that the torque output end rotates in response to the rotation of the torque input end without relative rotational slippage therebetween; and measuring a deflection value associated with the magnetic fluid clutch. The clutch is thereby used as a combined torque measurement and clutch apparatus.

Abstract: A device for determining the steering angle of a steering wheel. The device includes a code carrier and a device for sensing a code which is provided on the code carrier, which code carrier and device are rotated with respect to one another when the steering angle changes, the device for sensing the code generating an output signal from which the steering angle can be determined. The code carrier is formed by means of one of two gear mechanism elements, which are arranged one behind the other on a common axle and have an operative connection to a drive element, which is driven by the steering wheel, and which are rotated with respect to one another when the steering angle changes.

Abstract: Disclosed is an input device, comprising: a numerical value input unit; a storage unit; and a control unit. According to the present invention said numerical value input unit consists of numeric keys, and said storage unit stores the data for each of the parts of a human body Furthermore, said control unit operates in such manner that each of the parts of the human body is assigned any one of the numeric keys and when a specific numeric key is depressed the data for the part designated thereby is retrieved from the storage unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is an anti-backlash screw and nut assembly adapted for converting rotational motion into linear motion. The assembly comprises a screw rotated by a motor; first and second nut blocks threadedly coupled with the screw to be linearly moved, the second nut block being formed on an upper surface thereof with an insertion pin; a pair of springs for connecting and applying compression or tensile force to the first and second nut blocks in a manner such that flanks of threads of the screw and the nut blocks can be brought into contact with each other while not causing backlash; and a plate member secured to an upper surface of the first nut block by fastening bolts and defined with a slot in which the insertion pin of the second nut block is inserted to be moved therealong.

Abstract: The electric actuator, for the control of the clutch and/or sequential gearbox in motor vehicles, comprises an electric motor (11) and a mechanism (9, 10, 31, 32) for transforming rotary motion into linear motion of the actuator element (2, 22, 33, 52, 67), and has a thrust crank or at least one cam (9, 29, 50) that performs a complete rotation returning to its starting position, whether it be the control for the clutch (1, 48), the gearbox (27, 47), or both. Also, the said cam is advantageously made in the form of a template (9, 29, 50), fashioned in a plate (8, 21, 28, 49, 68) sliding in a guide (14, 30, 69), in which a crank stud (10) is positioned rotating with the action of the said electric motor (11, 45). The said template (9) for operating the clutch being advantageously shaped in accordance with the specific requirements of the application (R, D, F, I) to optimise the loads.

Abstract: A positioning device and method can position a subject of positioning at a higher speed than conventional ones. A positioning device and method for moving a subject of positioning to a desired position, moves the subject of positioning at a desired speed and acceleration, and adjusts the acceleration/deceleration duration of the subject of positioning and the timing of starting the deceleration so as to cancel the residual vibration, in accordance with the vibration period of the residual vibration that occurs immediately after positioning the subject of positioning.

Abstract: The XY stage mechanism comprises a Y slide shaft 2 penetrating through only one side surface of the wall surfaces of a vacuum chamber 1 for holding a stage base plate in a cantilevered manner, a Y air slide bearing 4 for guiding the Y slide shaft 2, an X air slide plate 5, a first air slide bearing 6 for supporting the X air slide plate 5, a coupling portion 8, and a second X air slide bearing 9 serving as the guide of the coupling portion 8, whereby, in a state where not only the Y slide shaft is floated up but also the X air slide plate and coupling portion are floated up, the XY stage is driven.

Abstract: A steering column (10) includes a steering column member (12) connectable with a steering wheel and rotatable to turn steerable vehicle wheels. A mounting bracket (66) connects the steering column (10) to a vehicle frame. A support (24), through which the steering column member (12) extends, is connected with the mounting bracket 66. The support (24) supports the steering column member (12) for rotation about a longitudinal axis (26) of the steering column member (12) and is movable relative to the mounting bracket. A locking mechanism (130) locks the support (24) in any one of a plurality of positions relative to the mounting bracket (66). The locking mechanism (130) has a locking lever (132) with first and second ends (171 and 136). A spring (194) applies a force to the first end (171) of the lever (132) to urge the second end (136) of the lever to clamp the support (24) to the mounting bracket (66).

Abstract: A steering column (10, 210) includes a steering column member (12, 212) and a support (24, 224) which supports the steering column member for rotation about a longitudinal axis (26, 226) of the steering column member. A mounting bracket (50, 266) connects the steering column (10, 210) to a vehicle frame. A pair of arms (66, 68 and 276, 278) interconnects the support (24, 224) and the mounting bracket (50, 266). Each of the arms (66, 68 and 276, 278) has an end (72, 78 and 296, 304) pivotally connected with the mounting bracket (50, 266) and an end (88, 98 and 310, 318) pivotally connected with the support (24, 224). A locking mechanism (108, 330) locks the arms (66, 68 and 276, 278) in any one of a plurality of pivot positions relative to the mounting bracket (50, 266) and locks the support (24, 224) in any one of a plurality of pivot positions relative to the arms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a telescopic device of a steering column for a vehicle, wherein plural locking blocks are installed so as to provide fixing force of an telescopic outer member and an telescopic inner member at several positions, and the locking blocks are connected by a connection rod so that they have equal fixing force relative to the pivot of an operating lever, thereby achieving stability and quietness of a product in addition to reliability of the product.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism for an adjustable steering column for a vehicle includes an actuating lever for actuating a clamping device which is coupled to an operating lever to which is mounted an operating handle. The two levers are interconnected intermediate their ends such that one lever can pivot and slide in a slot relatively to the other and the lever having a moveable fulcrum to allow for adjustment of the steering column. The fulcrum of the lever is fixed and the geometry is such that the clamping device always returns to the same, fully locked position, regardless of the rake and/or reach adjustment position of the steering column.

Abstract: A gear change control device for a bicycle having a handlebar with straight end portions, comprises a first control lever with a control portion arranged behind the end portion of the handlebar, with reference to the longitudinal direction of the bicycle, and extending at least partially at a position lying substantially at the same level of the handlebar, with respect to a vertical direction in the condition of use of the handlebar and a second control lever with a control portion arranged at the same level, below or upper the control portion of the first control lever.

Abstract: A connector apparatus and method for connection is disclosed for connecting a spiral-armored cable to an instrument or device used in detecting and measuring mechanical vibrations such as a vibration sensor. The connector apparatus includes a threaded connection port for receiving a spiral-armored cable. The connection is further secured by applying epoxy to the area of engagement to bond the connector apparatus and spiral-armored cable together. The resulting threaded connection provides enhanced strength and endurance to allow the connection to withstand long-term exposure to machine vibrations in contrast to prior art crimped connections.

Abstract: A shift handle with a push button mechanism for shifting an automatic transmission in motor vehicles which includes the shaft handle, a push rod for the automatic transmission, the push button and elements for transmitting movement from the push button to the push rod. The push button is provided with a toothed rack engaging in the teeth of a toothed wheel which is mounted in the shift handle so as to be rotatable by a cylindrical pin. A tension spring is arranged in the push button. The push rod has a region with teeth engaging in the toothed wheel which is mounted so as to be rotatable.

Abstract: A one-piece handlebar for bicycles composed of one or more composite materials. The handlebar may be configured as a curved drop style handlebar, bent, or swept forward style, or other configuration, for road or off-road use. The handlebar may be provided with different finishes and include a brake lever attachment area provided with a very rough textured finish. The handlebar may have two sets of indentations or cable troughs for the shifter and brake cables to be run recessed along the handlebar and not interfere with the riders hands. The handlebar may be hollow, with the wall thickness varied with more composite material in higher stress areas of the handlebar.

Abstract: An outer gripping portion of a bicycle handlebar includes a mounting section and a bracket section. The mounting section has a first cross-sectional shape. The bracket section has a second cross-sectional shape and is releasably coupled to the mounting section to form a first gripping section. The first and second cross-sectional shapes of the mounting section and the bracket section have flush longitudinal edges that mate together to form a first annular gripping surface of the first gripping section. Preferably, the bicycle handlebar includes a pair of outer gripping portions coupled to opposite ends of a transverse portion.

Abstract: A vehicular foot-operated parking brake control apparatus includes a mounting bracket and a pedal arm that is rotatably mounted on the bracket. The bracket is provided with a plurality of ratchet teeth and a pawl is rotatably mounted on the pedal arm for rotation between a first rotational position in which the pawl is engaged with the ratchet teeth and a second rotational position in which the pawl is disengaged from the ratchet teeth. The pawl is slidably mounted on the pedal arm to slide between a first slide position and a second slide position. The apparatus is designed to allow the parking brake to be engaged and disengaged by depressing the pedal arm.

Abstract: An adjustable pedal assembly for a vehicle includes a support bracket adapted for mounting on a vehicle, and the support bracket includes a top wall, a bottom wall opposite the top wall, a rear wall extending between the top wall and bottom wall, and a pair of opposed side walls extending between the top wall and bottom wall. The pedal assembly includes a carrier bracket slidingly supported by the support bracket, and the carrier bracket includes a generally inclined front wall, a floor extending from a lower edge of the front wall, and a pair of opposed side walls extending between the front wall and the floor. The carrier assembly also includes a pedal pivotally attached to the carrier bracket along a pivot axis that extends longitudinally therealong the carrier bracket.

Abstract: A foot pedal lift assist that is operably associated with the lift mechanism of a lawn care apparatus. The lift assist includes a foot pedal that is pivotally connected to a holder. The foot pedal may be locked into an operative position where the longitudinal axis of the foot pedal is perpendicular to the axis of the holder. The foot pedal includes a positioning hole that is aligned with a first hole on a mounting surface of the holder when the foot pedal is in the operative position. The foot pedal may be locked into an inoperative position where the longitudinal axis of the foot pedal is parallel to the axis of the holder. The positioning hold of the foot pedal is aligned with a second hold on the mounting surface when the foot pedal is in the inoperative position. The foot pedal lift assist may be used alone, or in conjunction with a standard hand lever to reposition a mower deck or other implement.

Abstract: A foldable pedal structure for a bicycle comprises a linking rod having a recess at one end, a pedal, an axle, a pin, a spring and a washer. The linking rod comprises a recess at one end. The pedal has its inner end connected to the linking rod, while the outer end has a hole for the pin to insert through the hole, the spring, and be secured with the washer from the other end. The pin has an enlarged end which is larger in diameter than the hole so that it may stick inside of the hole, which is linked with the linking rod, when pulling the pin away from the hole of the recess; the pedal is able to be folded, accordingly.

Abstract: A method for mounting an axially split sleeve provided with an axial slot on a shaft so that a tapering surface on the sleeve cooperates with a tapering bore of a machine member. A flange is axially connected to the sleeve and supports a number of spaced apart tightening devices that are to be urged against the machine member for mutually displacing the machine member and the sleeve to increase the grip between the shaft, the sleeve and the machine member. The method involves positioning the sleeve around the shaft with the annular flange positioned with its tightening devices against the machine member, tightening a first one of the tightening devices which is located at a position diametrically opposite the slot in the sleeve, and thereafter tightening further ones of the tightening devices one by one.

Abstract: A brush body 4 of a metal-graphite brush 2 is composed of a Pb-less commutator side portion 6 which contains graphite, copper and a metal sulfide solid lubricant, and a lead side portion 8 which contains graphite, copper, the metal sulfide solid lubricant and Pb.

Abstract: A powder composition for warm compaction comprising an iron-based powder and a lubricant powder consisting essentially of an amide described by the following formula D-Cm-B-A-B-Cm-D wherein D is —H, COR, CNHR, wherein R is a straight or branched aliphatic or aromatic group including 2-21 C atoms; C is the group —NH (CH)n CO—; B is amino or carbonyl; A is alkylene having 4-16 C atoms optionally including up to 4 O atoms m is an integer 1-10 and n is an integer 5-11.

Abstract: This invention aims at providing a method of obtaining fine alloy powders, which are extremely small in particle size, high in purity, and uniform in composition, providing fine alloy powders obtained by this method, and providing molding materials, slurries, and electromagnetic shielding materials, which use these fine alloy powders. This invention provides a fine alloy powder production method, which is characterized in that after performing the process of mixing at least a trivalent titanium compound and a complexing agent, which binds with the trivalent titanium ion, in an aqueous solution containing two or more types of metal ion, the two or more types of metal are made to deposit simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus for leveling and strengthening a rim of a saw blade is disclosed which includes a rotatable support for holding a saw blade, a first arm with a contact bearing for contacting a first face of a saw blade mounted in the support, and a second arm with a contact bearing for contacting the opposite face of the saw blade. The device also includes means for positioning the first and second contact bearings with respect to the saw blade support. In one embodiment the device the means for positioning includes a lateral adjustment mechanism attached to the first and second arms which varies the lateral spacing with respect to one another of the ends of the arms. A method for leveling and strengthening a rim of a saw blade is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cutting blade (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) is at least partially coated with an abrasive material (30, 32, 150, 250, 350, 450) applied by spraying metal particles onto one or both face surfaces of a cutting blade. The blade (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) is durable, with the abrasive layer (30, 32, 150, 250, 350, 450) typically not requiring replacement at anytime during the file of the table.

Abstract: A packing tool or set of tools having a handle and one packing end that is formed to perform various tasks involved with packing fiber into conduits without damaging insulation on wires in the conduits. The tools are made of a non-conductive material that has a smooth surface on the packing end or ends with no sharp edges. In one embodiment the tools are made of injection molded plastic and are lightweight. One tool has a hook for picking up a single wire on one end, and a larger hook on the other end for picking up multiple wires. A further tool has a first end for packing and a second end with a mirror that is angled to facilitate inspection of the packing.

Abstract: A dead blow hammer has a skeleton including a cylindrical head tube and a cylindrical neck tube fixed to the head tube and projecting laterally therefrom and receiving therein a disk-like plastic spacer and the working end of an elongated plastic handle core, which is adhesively secured in the neck tube. The head tube contains shot and the ends thereof are closed by end caps having cylindrical, longitudinally-slotted flanges press-fitted in the ends of the head tube. The entire skeleton is encapsulated in an overmolded plastic sheath which includes an inner covering and a flexible and resilient grip further overmolded on the inner covering adjacent to the distal end of the handle member.

Abstract: An electronic torque wrench has inner and outer telescoping housing portions and a battery tray assembly telescopically receivable in the inner housing portion and a bezel assembly receivable in an aperture in the outer housing portion and interconnected with the housing portions and the battery support assembly by a single fastener. The bezel assembly carries torque measuring circuitry including a microcontroller, and a four-key pad including arrow keys for incrementing and decrementing a preset torque level at any time, an on/zero key and a units key for toggling among plural different units of torque measurement. The preset torque level is displayed until torque is applied or a key is pressed and can be changed and displayed at anytime.

Abstract: A device for obtaining miter saw settings for cutting material to mitered together wherein the settings may be obtained without measuring the angle of the surface material. The device comprises a frame having a setting scale and first and second pivotally attached arms, wherein the setting scale corresponds to the settings on a miter saw.

Abstract: Device and process for the automatic elimination of the defective start and end portions from packages of yarn fed to the units of an automatic winder using the same members thereof for reattaching the ends eliminating said portion from them, by suction with the suction nozzles for capturing and moving the ends, for a predetermined length and then joining its ends according to the normal reattachment of the yarn.

Abstract: A knife and cutting board combination, in which the knife blade is attached to a swing assembly, where the swing assembly has vertical supports and swing arms. Attaching the blade to the swing assembly allows the entire knife to be elevated above the cutting board and further allows the knife blade to move both vertically and longitudinally with respect to the cutting board. The vertical supports may be attached to the cutting board or the vertical supports may be part of a rotating base. A spring sleeve assembly is disclosed which allows any common kitchen knife to be attached to the swing assembly.

Abstract: A cutting tool having a hard coating layer including: a Ti compound layer, as a lower layer, formed by vapor deposition, having an average thickness of 0.5 to 20 &mgr;m and made of at least one layer chosen from among a carbide of Ti layer, a nitride of Ti layer, a carbonitride of Ti layer, a carboxide of Ti layer and a carbonitroxide of Ti layer; an aluminum oxide layer, as an intermediate layer, which has an average thickness of 1 to 25 &mgr;m and a heat transformed &agr;-type crystal structure derived from a vapor deposited &kgr;- or &thgr;-type aluminum oxide layer, and having a structure having cracks therein formed during heat transformation uniformly dispersed; and an aluminum oxide layer, as an upper layer, formed by vapor deposition having an average thickness of 0.3 to 10 &mgr;m and an &agr;-type crystal structure.

Abstract: A tree trimming apparatus is provided for preparing a tree, such as a Christmas tree, for attachment to a tree stand. The tree trimming apparatus includes a raised platform supported by a plurality of legs. The platform also includes an opening for receiving the trunk of a tree. Below the platform is positioned a jaws assembly for affixing the tree in place. Meanwhile, the tree trimming apparatus includes a saw assembly for severing the base of the tree, and a drill assembly for drilling a recess into the bottom of the tree for receipt of the spike of a tree stand.

Abstract: A musical system for stringed instruments based on tuning in fifths in conjunction with component control reduces dissonance and discord while increasing harmony and consonance. In a stringed instrument, the main music-making portion of the string serves to drive the other non-music-making portions or supporting portions of the string. This is particularly true at the end of the string past the stop point toward the fixed end and upward past the nut towards the turnable post controlled by a key. By appropriately selecting and providing adjustment for the stop point, as well as the length of the strings past the bridge, less dissonance arises from the individual string as it is played. A string retainer or the like, as well as a compound head, may serve to provide adjustable or selectable means by which tension on a plurality of strings may be adjusted to provide uniform tension between individual strings. Tuning in fifths provides inter-string harmony.

Abstract: An drum pedal which allows one to adjust the position and/or angel of the pedal in order to have better control and comfort when using the drum pedal. The adjustable drum pedal has a base plate. A foot pedal is movably coupled to the base plate wherein the foot pedal is able to move vertically along a width of the base plate and is able to rotate about a pivot point. A frame is also coupled to the base plate. A drum beater mechanism is removably coupled to the frame. This will allow one to adjust a position of the drum beater mechanism on the frame. A drive assembly is coupled to the drum beater mechanism and the foot pedal. The drive assembly is used for moving the drum beater mechanism when pressure is applied to the foot pedal and for returning the drum beater mechanism to a starting position when the pressure is removed from the foot pedal.

Abstract: A high hat stand that facilitates adjustment of the height of a distal end of a pedal. The high hat stand includes a fixed body fixed to a gate frame and a movable body fastened to the fixed body. The height of the distal end of the foot pedal is adjusted in accordance with the fastened amount of the fixed body and the movable body. A pair of clamping plates, which are formed integrally with the fixed body, are fastened to each other by a bolt to prohibit rotation of the movable body and determine the height of the distal end of the foot pedal.

Abstract: Basic envelope is produced for at least one tone on the basis of performance information. In response to a free selection by a user, a segment template including a characteristic variation curve is supplied, and the characteristic variation curve of the segment template is placed on a performance time axis. Then, the placed characteristic variation curve and the basic envelope are combined together to produce a synthesized envelope, and a tone is generated using the produced synthesized envelope. A plurality of segment templates of different lengths are prepared beforehand, which include phrase segment templates corresponding to lengths of phrases, note segment templates corresponding to substantial total lengths of tones, and tone-portion segment templates corresponding to lengths of portions of tones. Two or more segment templates of different lengths selected by the user are combined, as necessary, so as to permit fine envelope control.

Abstract: Disclosed is an interface device to couple a musical instrument to a computing device to allow a user to play a musical instrument in conjunction with a multimedia presentation. The interface device comprises a processor, a D/A converter, and a digital audio interface. The computing device creates a processed digital audio signal of the musical instrument based upon an original digitized audio signal of the musical instrument from the interface device. The D/A converter then converts a mixed digital signal of both the processed digital audio signal of the musical instrument and a digital audio file received from the computing device into a mixed analog audio signal. The processor controls the digital audio interface such that the mixed digital signal is transmitted through the D/A converter, and ultimately through an analog sound device, to the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computing device to allow for the selection and display of a multimedia presentation of an audio file to a user. An interface device couples the musical instrument to the computing device by performing A/D conversion of the musical instrument's analog audio signal to create a digitized audio signal. The computing device includes a communication device and a processor. The communication device transmits a user's request for the selection of a musical piece to a server. In turn, the communication device receives a session file associated with the musical piece from the server. The processor processes the session file such that the computing device presents a multimedia presentation of the audio file to the user. Moreover, the processor processes the digitized audio signal of the musical instrument so that the user can play the musical instrument in conjunction with the multimedia presentation of the audio file.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a musical output is disclosed. The method and apparatus permit the creation, storage and retrieval of a first data structure representing a musical piece. The first data structure includes digital music information that represent musical notes of the musical piece. A second data structure can be created, stored and retrieved as well. The second data structure can include information different than the first data structure and the second data structure can be used to modify the first data structure and to produce a modified musical output.

Abstract: An electric violin has a combination of two sorts of vibration detectors for transverse vibration components and vertical vibration components, a low-pass filter connected to the vibration detector for the transverse vibration components and a high-pass filter connected to the vibration detector for the vertical vibration components, piezoelectric transducers connected in parallel to a signal processing system, or vibration detectors connected to filter circuits different in frequency characteristics for producing right-channel and left-channel signals so that the electric violin generate electric tones close to acoustic violin tones.

Abstract: The cylinder-piston unit comprises a headpiece, within the body (25) of which there are provided: a pressurized fluid inlet (23) to be connected to the feed; a fluid outlet (24); at least one conduit (21) communicating with the first operating chamber; between the inlet (23) and the conduit (21), a first passage (A) having in a lateral face of the body (25) two spaced-apart ports (31a, 32a), one communicating with the inlet (23) and the other with the conduit (21); and finally, between the outlet (24) and the conduit (21), a second passage (B) having in a lateral face of the body (25) two spaced-apart ports (31b, 32b), one communicating with the outlet (24) and the other with the conduit (21).

Abstract: The invention relates to an axial piston engine (1) comprising a housing (2) wherein a cylinder drum (17) is arranged. Several axially extending piston bores (21) are embodied in the cylinder drum and arranged in such a way that they are distributed around the longitudinal center axis (7a) of the cylinder drum (17). Pistons (23) are moveably guided in said bores and are supported by sliding shoes (29) on a pivoting mounted on a transversely extending pivoting axis (27). A stop (44b) or a stop (44a, 44b) on both sides of the pivoting axis (27) is/are provided in order to limit the pivoting movements of the pivoting plate (26). In order to stabilise the axial piston engine and provide it with a simple design, the stop (44b) or both stops (44a, 44b) are arranged on a sleeve-like supporting element (45) which is supported by the inner covering surface (3c) of the inside of the housing (4).

Abstract: A piston and cylinder unit includes a housing, a piston and a piston rod. The piston rod has an outer surface being designed to be symmetrical with respect to a first axis. The piston rod includes a protrusion and an outer thread being located on the protrusion. The protrusion and the outer thread are designed to be symmetrical to a second axis. The second axis is spaced apart from the first axis to define a first eccentricity of the piston rod. The piston is located in the housing. The piston has an outer surface being designed to be symmetrical with respect to a first axis. The piston includes at least one seal, at least one guiding element, an opening and an inner thread being located in the opening. The opening and the inner thread are designed to be symmetrical to a second axis. The second axis is spaced apart from the first axis to define a second eccentricity of the piston.

Abstract: Regenerable gas purifier materials are provided capable of reducing the level of contaminants such as oxygen and water in an inert, nonreactive or reactive gas stream to parts-per-billion levels or sub-parts-per-billion levels. The purifier materials of this invention comprise a thin layer of one or more reduced forms of a metal oxide coated on the surface of a nonreactive substrate. The thin layer may further contain the completely reduced form of the metal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating an exhaust gas containing volatile organic compounds. The method includes the steps of: introducing an exhaust gas into a wet scrubber, so that the organic pollutants in the exhaust gas are absorbed by a scrubbing water; pumping the scrubbing water containing the organic pollutants into at least one oxidation tank, thereby causing oxidation reaction between the organic pollutants and an oxidizing agents containing ozone; and introducing the scrubbing water after the oxidation reaction into the wet scrubber. The oxidizing agent further comprises hydrogen peroxide.