Abstract: An apparatus generally having a circuit board and a first strain gauge is disclosed. The circuit board may have a plurality of insulating layers. The first strain gauge may be disposed between two of the insulating layers.

Abstract: Relatively accurate gravimetric analysis of airborne particulate matter in a sample is achieved by making gravimetric measurements of the sample on a microbalance in a closed chamber, continuously electronically monitoring air pressure, humidity and temperature in the chamber, continuously controlling humidity and temperature in the chamber, and combining the gravimetric measurement with measurements of air pressure, humidity and temperature in the chamber to make a buoyancy corrected determination of the mass of the particulate matter.

Abstract: A power takeoff assembly having a brake assembly operable to prevent undesirable rotation of a power takeoff shaft when the power takeoff shaft is in a disengaged state. A clutch assembly is placed in an engaged state when pressurized fluid from a pressure source causes a first clutch element to engage a second clutch element such that the input shaft drives the power takeoff shaft. The clutch assembly is placed in a disengaged state when pressurized fluid from the pressure source is removed from the clutch assembly. The brake engages an output of the input shaft when the clutch assembly is in the disengaged state to prevent fluid forces within the clutch assembly from driving the power takeoff shaft.

Abstract: A powertrain system is provided that includes a first prime mover and change-gear transmission having a first input shaft and a second input shaft. A twin clutch is disposed between the first prime mover and the transmission. The twin clutch includes a first main clutch positioned between the first prime mover and the first input shaft and a second main clutch positioned between the first prime mover and the second input shaft. The powertrain system also includes a second prime mover operably connected to one of the first and second input shafts.

Abstract: A gear and a method for combining a first gear with a second gear including the steps of moving the first gear relative to the second gear such that a first tooth of the first gear contacts a second tooth of the second gear, pressing the first tooth of the first gear against the second tooth of the second gear such that a resultant force is not directed to a center of at least one of the first gear or the second gear, wherein a torque is created by the resultant force, and rotating at least one of the first gear or the second gear based on the created torque until first teeth of the first gear mesh with second teeth of the second gear.

Abstract: An actuator includes a motor, an input rotation member driven by the motor, an input contacting portion formed on the input rotation member, a bush disposed so as to be relatively rotatable to the input rotation member, a first contacting portion and an engaging portion formed on the bush, a spiral spring including an outer circumferential hook portion in contact with the input contacting portion of the input rotation member, and an inner circumferential hook portion engageable with the engaging portion of the bush, the spiral spring storing a rotational force of the input rotation member as an potential energy via the input contacting portion, an output member disposed so as to be relatively rotatable to the input rotation member, an output contacting portion formed on the output member and in contact with the outer circumferential hook portion of the spiral spring; the output contacting portion transmitting the potential energy stored in the spiral spring to the output member; wherein the bush includes a se

Abstract: An offset transmission shift lever assembly and isolator arrangement is provided. The shift lever assembly includes an insert arranged to fit over a transmission shift stub. An isolator is provided that encircles the insert and is formed thereto. The isolator has a varying outside diameter such upon assembling the isolator into a canister that encircles the isolator, a portion of the isolator outside diameter is press fit into the canister and another portion of the isolator outside diameter does not contact the canister thereby leaving a gap between the canister and the isolator. The isolator also includes axial holes formed in a lower end thereof and extending axially for a portion of the isolator length. Affixed to the canister is a shift lever aligned parallel to and offset from the shift stub. A fastener is provided for securing the shift lever assembly via the insert to the shift stub.

Abstract: The invention includes a steering column assembly positionable in a vehicle. The invention also includes a connecting device releaseably attachable to the vehicle. The connecting device is moveable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration to selectively lock the steering column assembly with respect to the vehicle. The invention also includes a first energy absorber disposed between the connecting device and the steering column assembly. The first energy absorber is selectively engageable to dissipate energy. For example, the first energy absorber is engaged to dissipate energy in response to relative movement between the connecting device and the steering column assembly when the connecting device is in the locked configuration. The first energy absorber is disengaged with respect to dissipating energy in response to relative movement between the connecting device and the steering column assembly when the connecting device is in the unlocked configuration.

Abstract: A vehicular steering apparatus includes a column bracket secured to a steering column; and a fixing bracket secured to a vehicle body. The column bracket includes a top plate and a pair of side plates. The fixing bracket supports the column bracket via a support shaft. A support-shaft through hole formed in each of the side plates of the column bracket includes a slot extended along a longitudinal direction of the steering column. A resilient member is interposed between the top plate of the column bracket and a confronting portion of the support shaft. The resilient member biases the support shaft along a predetermined biasing direction to restrict play of the support shaft in the slot.

Abstract: In a shift lever for an automatic transmission, a shift lever main body is penetrated through a slide plate and including a knob cover penetrated through the slide plate, the knob cover including a socket portion exposed to an outside of the knob cover, and a knob onto which at least one wire terminal is attached, the wire terminal being engaged with the socket portion and being exposed to an outside thereof, is attached onto the shift lever main body to cover the socket portion of the knob cover.

Abstract: A rear cover for a drive axle housing is provided that minimizes stresses in the weld joining the output shaft bearing tube to the rear cover. In one embodiment, the rear cover includes a stiffening rib extending transversely across part or all of the cover. In another embodiment, the rear cover includes a raised portions proximate the output shaft bearing tube that is substantially spherical in shape.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a mobile vehicle having two motors, the torque of which is added up on a common output shaft (30), one motor being connectable with the output shaft (30) via a first reduction gear step (28) or a second reduction gear step (29) and at the maximum rotational speed of the output shaft (30), one motor (12) has zero displacement and is separated from a common high-pressure line (2).

Abstract: In an ultrafine metal powder slurry containing an organic solvent, a surfactant, and an ultrafine metal powder, the surfactant is oleoyl sarcosine, the content of the ultrafine metal powder in the ultrafine metal powder slurry is 70 to 95 percent by mass, and more than 0.05 to less than 2.0 parts by mass of the surfactant is contained relative to 100 parts by mass of the ultrafine metal powder. By the above slurry, reduction in labor and treatment time can be realized in a conductive paste forming process. In addition, since aggregation of particles of the ultrafine metal powder is prevented, an ultrafine metal powder slurry can be provided having superior dispersibility and dry film density.

Abstract: This invention is to a mixed alloy lead-free solder paste, a method of making the solder paste, and a method of using the solder paste. The solder paste comprises particles of a first alloy and a second alloy, mixed in a flux. The liquidus temperature of the first alloy and the liquidus temperature of the second alloy differ by not greater than about 15° C.

Abstract: A method and composition for removing sulfur from molten ferrous material, particularly molten iron. The desulfurization agent includes reclaimed magnesium scrap, a gas-producing compound and a calcium compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gold nanoparticles which can be produced at low costs with high yields in large amounts by a liquid phase synthesis method and have a controlled size, as well as a synthesis method thereof. The inventive gold nanoparticles consist of gold nanoplates having a polygonal or circular plate structure.

Abstract: A high purity of molten iron is produced efficiently at a higher productivity, by feeding a raw material mixture containing a carbonaceous reducing agent, an iron oxide-containing material and a CaO-containing material onto a hearth of a moving-hearth reducing furnace, heat-reducing the raw material mixture in the reducing furnace, and melting it in a melting furnace melting, wherein a blending amount of the CaO-containing material in the raw material mixture is adjusted in such a manner that another feeding of the CaO-containing material into the melting furnace makes a basicity of a slag generated in the melting furnace 1.1 or more an feeding amount of the CaO-containing material becomes 40 kg or less per ton of the molten iron obtained in the melting furnace.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition which includes elicitor compounds selected from the group consisting of: (N,N?diacetylhexobiose)n; (N,N?diacetylhexobiose)n having one or more associated amino acid residues, wherein the amino acid residues are valine or ornthine; (N,N?diacetylhexosamine)n having an associated (dihexobiose)n; (N,N?diacetylhexosamine)n having an associated (dihexobiose)n and one or more associated amino acid residues, wherein the amino acid residues are valine or ornithine; or combinations thereof. The (N,N?diacetylhexobiose)n and (N,N?diacetylhexosamine)n comprise N-acetylglucosamine or other amino hexosamines, while the (N,N?diacetylhexobiose)n and (dihexobiose)n are any D-hexoaldose or N-acetylamino derivative of D-hexoaldoses. In this aspect of the present invention, n=1 to 5 and the compounds are all 3 kDa or less.

Abstract: A container opening device and method are provided to facilitate the opening of containers of the type having integral pull tabs. The device includes a body, a tip located at one end of the body, and a handle located at the opposite end of the body. A slot is formed in the body and is positioned between the handle and the tip. The device is first used as a lever to rotate the pull tab to an activated position. The pull tab is then inserted within the slot formed in the body, and the handle of the device is rotated while securing the pull tab in the slot causing the lid to roll around the body thus separating the lid from the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for injecting tire sealant fluid into a tire. The present invention uses a syringe type reservoir connected to a long, flexible tube which is in turn connected to a valve stem connector. The valve stem connector has two different threads, Schrader and Presta, to accommodate both types of valve stems. The Schrader type threads are larger than the Presta type threads and thus the Presta type threads are positioned further into the valve stem connector of the present invention than the Schrader type threads. The larger Schrader type threads are used on automobiles and less expensive bicycles. The Presta threads are more common in Europe and are used on most high-performance bicycles. The main advantages of the present invention are that an exact amount of sealant can be dispensed, there is no wasted sealant because spillage is eliminated and the device uses no external power source to dispense the sealant.

Abstract: A striking and pulling tool, such as a hammer, having separate head elements secured to opposing sides of a handle. The tool may be part of a system with interchangeable components.

Abstract: A double-headed striking tool is provided with a first and second head of approximately equal mass mounted at opposing ends of a handle such that the first and second head are aligned at a right angle to each other. The handle is shaped to provide an aligned grip with an expanded or flared midsection that tapers to a smaller cross-sectional area at the opposing ends. The first and second head may be formed with a crown or bevelled strike face and a curved or straight claw. A carrier for a double-headed striking tool comprises a keyhole-shaped receptacle for inserting the strike face of the tool, and suspending the tool by its neck.

Abstract: A Kit with a protector block controller shoe being a treadle with two upwardly raised sides, a handle and a crossbar laterally placed before the operator's foot so when the controller shoe is attached by the crossbar to a protector block of standard dimension and material it allows the operator to control the protector block from a new, safer, more comfortable and more advantageous position, and when a sledgehammer attachment has two plates attached width to width at a slightly acute angle with sides to maintain that angle under heavy impact and to provide a pocket for the sledgehammer head to fit into and be held by a clamp and retaining lip in order to change one or more striking surfaces to a new angle inward with respect to a longitudinal line passing through the center of the handle, and to enlarge that surface in order to allow the operator to impact the protector block from the said new, safer, more comfortable and more advantageous position than with any prior art in the same field.

Abstract: A jaw portion structure of an adjustable spanner comprises an adjustable spanner body including a head portion and a handle; a fixing jaw portion and a sliding trench being extended integrally in the head portion; one side of the fixing jaw portion being formed with a second clamping surface. A movable jaw is installed in the sliding trench; one side of the movable jaw being formed with a first clamping surface corresponding to the second clamping surface; a lower end of the movable jaw being installed with a positioning rod which being positioned to the sliding trench of the head portion. A neck portion is formed between the positioning rod and the movable jaw. One side of the neck portion is formed with an inclined surface connected to the first clamping surface. Each of two sides of the inclined surface is formed with a respective cambered guide surface.

Abstract: A comfortable driving spanner has a holding portion; an engaging portion; and a pivotal portion for connecting the holding portion and the engaging portion thereby, the engaging portion being rotatable with respect to the holding portion for engaging with and driving a screw element. The holding portion has two bottoms and two lateral surfaces; areas of the bottoms are reduced from the connecting groove to a normal area with a predetermined width; in the normal area, the ration of the width of the bottoms to the width of the lateral surfaces is between 2/5 to 2/9.

Abstract: A dual function wrench includes two function ends and the two different function ends are overlapped with each other. Each function end includes a clamping space and the two respective clamping spaces are in communicating with each other. The first function end includes two fixed jaws which have two respective flat clamping surfaces facing with each other. The second function end is a quick release function end so as to rotate an object without removing the second function end from the object.

Abstract: A slotted torque wrench has an elongated stem that extends between a handle and a socket for a nut. The slot extends through one face of the socket and at least partially along the stem. A torque limiter couples the socket to the handle.

Abstract: A detachment tool for a pipe clamping strap detachment tool includes a support seat, a fixed jaw, a movable member including a base plate and a movable jaw, and a threaded rod. Thus, the two ear plates of the pipe clamping strap are supported by the fixed jaw and the movable jaw of the movable member rigidly and stably without slip during the detachment process of the pipe clamping strap, thereby facilitating a user detaching the pipe from the pipe clamping strap.

Abstract: A serpentine belt tool for release of tension on a serpentine belt tensioned by a biased idler pulley mounted on a spring loaded arm includes first and second manually operable handles which may alternately be engaged with an extension bar keyed to the center spindle of the idler pulley to thereby provide ratchet like action and movement of the extension bar releasing the tension of the idler pulley on the belt.

Abstract: A tool for cutting an armored casing includes two upper and lower housing members biased away from one another by a resilient element, a handle pivotally coupled to the lower housing member, and an additional resilient element biasing the handle away from the lower and connected to a clamping stud. The additional resilient element is configured to yield to an initial compression force applied to the housing members and handle and sufficient to displace the clamping stud toward and engage the armored casing in a clamping position. By increasing the external force, the housing members move to a cutting position, in which a circular saw is operative to cut the clamped armored casing.

Abstract: A tool for cutting an armored casing includes two upper and lower housing members biased away from one another by a resilient element, a handle pivotally coupled to the lower housing member, and an additional resilient element biasing the handle away from the lower and connected to a clamping stud. The additional resilient element is configured to yield to an initial compression force applied to the housing members and handle and sufficient to displace the clamping stud toward and engage the armored casing in a clamping position. By increasing the external force, the housing members move to a cutting position, in which a circular saw is operative to cut the clamped armored casing.

Abstract: Tomatoes are placed on cutting blades (20) in article openings (46) of an article positioning plate (44). The blades are moved as article pushers (24) move downwardly and engage the upper facing surfaces of the tomatoes, pushing the tomatoes through parallel cutting blades (20). The end slices (30 and 40) are gathered in end collectors (96) and discarded while the intermediate slices (42) are received in transfer tray (72). Gathering plates (100) urge the intermediate slices of the several tomatoes to gather in one accumulation of tomato slices, and the transfer tray (72) is lowered to a position immediately above shipping containers (74) and tilted to deposit the tomatoes in the containers.

Abstract: A gift wrap storage and cutting system comprises a box for storing rolls of paper; and at least one cutter arranged to slide along a slide block guide parallel to an edge of the box. Each cutter comprises a blade, a blade guard, a paper guide, and a slide block that engages the slide block guide. The blade guard is spaced apart from the slide block by less than a width of a user's finger. Measurement graduation lines can be provided on the front of the container to aid in setting cutter positions.

Abstract: A slitter with several cutting units connected to it each in the form of a blade holder (11) as a support stand for a circular blade (13). A device (19), which is provided for changing the cutting units (13) automatically, comprises a stack (16) for stocking at least one new cutting unit and an automatic tooling layout (17) for dismounting the used cutting unit and for mounting the new cutting unit (13) taken out of the stack.

Abstract: A slicing blade for a slicing machine includes a center region connectable to a source of rotary power to be rotated about an axis, and a cutting edge region driven into rotation by the center region and having a discontinuous cutting edge. The discontinuous cutting edge is formed by a plurality of notches along the cutting edge region. The notches are formed by serrations arranged on at least one face of the cutting edge region. The notches can have a consistent pitch between adjacent notches. The notches can be arranged continuously around the cutting edge. The notches can alternately be arranged in sections, the sections spaced apart around the cutting edge region.

Abstract: An automatic player reenacts a music passage on an acoustic piano without any fingering of a human player; solenoid-operated key actuators and a solenoid-operated pedal actuator is provided for the keys and damper pedal; the automatic player makes the damper pedal travel along a simulative pedal trajectory, and the central processing unit stores pieces of control data expressing the pedal stroke together with the amount of mean current supplied to the solenoid-operated pedal actuator; the central processing unit analyzes the pieces of control data so as to determine an entry point of half pedal section and an exit point of the half pedal section, and specifies a target half point in the half pedal section; while reenacting a music passage, the automatic player brings the damper pedal to the half point so as to reproduce the half pedal state, exactly.

Abstract: A spring operated record player organ is set forth, it includes a base apparatus, a driving unit, a gear set, a fixed axle unit, a record player, and a rotation speed governor. By the manipulatively designed component parts in the mechanism. The record player is able to rotate with the stable restoring force of a manually wound up coil spring so as to play rhythmical music pleasant to the ear. As this apparatus does not require electric power, it is conveniently usable anywhere.

Abstract: A high-quality keyboard device for a keyboard instrument, which can be manufactured by a simplified manufacturing process and at reduced manufacturing costs. A keyframe is formed by a molded piece of a synthetic resin. A plurality of front rail pins and a plurality of balance rail pins are arranged in a juxtaposed manner in a left-right direction at a front part and a central part of the keyframe in a front-rear direction. A plurality of keys are made of wood and each have a balance rail pin hole formed in a central portion thereof in the front-rear direction. A first reinforcing member and a second reinforcing member are made of metal and provided in the vicinity of the balance rail pins and the front rail pins for reinforcement of rigidity of the keyframe.

Abstract: A digitally controllable oscillator includes an oscillation generation means and an oscillator control, wherein the oscillator control comprises two digital/analog converters whose output signals are combined by a combiner in order to generate an analog input signal into the oscillation generation means. The second digital/analog converter is implemented in order to provide, in response to a digital increment in its digital input signal, a difference in the output signal of the second digital/analog converter which is smaller than a difference in the output signal of the first digital/analog converter when the first digital/analog converter is pulsed with the digital increment in its digital input signal.

Abstract: A string attachment system for securing a string to a stringed musical instrument. The string attachment system includes a bridge pin having an elongate stem defining an outer surface formed for longitudinal mating insertion into a pin hole defined by the walls of a walled opening through a bridge assembly disposed on the body of an instrument. A passage is formed to extend transversely through the stem from a front entry point to a rear exit point. With this arrangement, the bridge pin can receive an end of a musical string through the front entry point, through the passage, and out through the rear exit point to enable the string to pass through the bridge pin and into the pin hole along with the stem of the bridge pin. A rear groove is formed in the outer surface by two planar walls intersecting to form a v-shaped groove for receiving the string.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention is a drum kit. The drum kit includes a base portion, at least one connecter arm capable of being coupled to the base portion and A plurality of drum pad portions capable of being coupled to the at least one connecter arm wherein each of the plurality of drum pad portion includes a sound reducing material.

Abstract: This method and apparatus extract symbolic high-level musical structure resembling that of a music score. Humming or the like is converted with this invention into a sequence of notes that represent the melody that the user (usually human, but potentially animal) is trying to express. These retrieved notes each contain information such as a pitch, the start time and duration and the series contains the relative order of each note. A possible application of the invention is a music retrieval system whereby humming forms the query to some search engine.

Abstract: An electric musical instrument transducer contains one or more air gapped parallel plate variable capacitors. Each variable capacitor in the transducer has one plate that comprises, covers, or is embedded within an acoustically emitting vibrating surface on a musical instrument (such as a drumhead or soundboard) while the other plate is a rigid surface held a fixed distance away. When the instrument is played, the vibrating surface causes vibrations directly (without using airborne sound as an intermediary) in the non-fixed plates of the variable capacitors, thus causing time-varying voltage oscillations in the variable capacitors that directly reflect the vibrational state, and therefore the sound, of the instrument. These voltage oscillations are then converted to signals that can be used by audio recording and amplification equipment.

Abstract: A polyphonic instrument comprises a geometric system coupled with a user interface and a method for generating tone using fluid. The geometric system is arranged such that each point corresponds to a mechanism underlying a malleable surface and is sequentially based upon the 12 tone system of music. The instrument also provides a new method for generating tone by the means of using fluid, whereby a specific frequency is picked up by a separate hydrophone or fluid based transducer submerged in a sealed and removable fluid containment unit having a rotational element also contained within for each note indicated. The rotational element when arranged in a series of graduated units and/or in combination with graduated sub-containment units of fluid changing in scale for separate frequencies, will generate separate tones which may be manipulated through physical and/or analog/digital electronic means.

Abstract: An electrical connector that avoids some of the disadvantages associated with electrical connectors in the prior art. In particular, the illustrative embodiment of the present invention uses spring-loaded contacts to maintain connection in the presence of the vibration associated with a rocket launch, and also includes an environmental seal and electromagnetic shield so as to provide an environment for the electrical contacts that is isolated from the ambient environment and external electromagnetic radiation. Furthermore, the illustrative embodiment avoids the possibility of bent connector pins, which would make mating between the electrical connectors.

Abstract: An authomated system for remote detection of muzzle blasts produced by rifles, artillery and other weapons, and similar explosive events. The system includes an infrared camera, image processing circuits, targeting computation circuits, displays, user interface devices, weapon aim point measurement devices, confirmation sensors, target designation devices and counterfire weapons. The camera is coupled to the image processing circuits. The image processing circuits are coupled to the targeting location computation circuits. The aim point measurement devices are coupled to the target computation processor. The system includes visual target confirmation sensors which are coupled to the targeting computation circuits.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the displacement of a fluid pump includes a swashplate supported for pivotal movement about a first axis, and an engine having first and second cylinders. A first piston is located in the first cylinder and secured to the swashplate at a first side of the first axis. A second piston is located in the second cylinder and secured to the swashplate at a second side of the first axis opposite the first side. A plate is secured to the swashplate for pivotal movement about the first axis and is supported for rotary oscillation relative to the swashplate about a second axis. A pump includes a third cylinder and a first plunger located in the third cylinder, secured to the plate for pivotal movement about the first axis and rotary oscillation about the second axis. The plunger displaces fluid from the third cylinder as the plunger reciprocates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piston for an internal combustion engine comprising piston-pin bores, into which lubrication grooves that run around the nadir and equator zones of said bores are machined. The aim of the invention, is to simplify the production of the piston-pin bores provided with said lubrication grooves. To achieve this, each of the lubrication grooves has a central region, whose groove base has a depth of less than 100 ?m. Said central region is flanked by groove areas facing towards the interior and exterior of the piston. The bases of said grooves are inclined towards the longitudinal axis, each forming an acute angle with the longitudinal axis of the piston-pin bore.

Abstract: A hydraulic linear drive, in particular for a hydraulic transmission actuator, has a piston/cylinder unit in which an adjusting piston is situated so that it is longitudinally displaceable in a cylinder housing and divides a cylinder space into at least two pressure spaces. The pressure spaces can be acted upon by hydraulic oil via controllable pressure supply through hydraulic lines. A sealing ring is situated on the adjusting piston or on the cylinder housing for sealing, the two pressure spaces with respect to one another. The sealing ring is accommodated in a ring groove on the cylinder housing so as to seal with its inside against the adjusting piston. A sealing pressure supply system communicates hydraulic oil to the outside of the sealing ring so as to control the sealing pressure of the sealing ring on the piston surface.

Abstract: A cross-linked, supported polybenzimidazole membrane for gas separation is prepared by reacting polybenzimidazole (PBI) with the sulfone-containing crosslinking agent 3,4-dichloro-tetrahydro-thiophene-1,1-dioxide. The cross-linked reaction product exhibits enhanced gas permeability to hydrogen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and methane as compared to the unmodified analog, without significant loss of selectivity, at temperatures from about 20 degrees Celsius to about 400 degrees Celsius.