Abstract: An apparatus and a method for finding a device, whereby at least one magnetic dipole, arranged in the area of the device, rotates about a rotation axis extending at an angle of >0° to the device length axis, the three time-dependent magnetic-field components Hx(t), Hy(t) and Hz(t) are detected, and the position, the orientation of the device axis and/or the roll angle of the device is calculated from this.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive load sensor includes a coil, a magnetic path forming member composed of a magnetic material, a rod composed of a magnetic material, two load transmitting members, a housing, and two load applicators. Openings are respectively formed at the approximate centers at both ends of the magnetic path forming member that covers the outer periphery and both ends of the coil. The rod is inserted into a through hole of the coil and the openings. Both ends of the rod respectively project through the openings, and the rod is arranged so as not to come into contact with the magnetic path forming member. Both the ends of the rod are respectively supported by the load transmitting members. Respective portions of the load transmitting members project outward through an opening of the housing.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system of capacitive sensor based inventory control is disclosed. In one embodiment, an inventory management system includes a first conductive surface and a second conductive surface substantially parallel to the first conductive surface, a sensor to generate a measurement based on a change in a distance between the first conductive surface and the second conductive surface, a scale formed with a set of plates having inserted between the set of plates the first conductive surface and the second conductive surface and a container placed above the scale such that an item (e.g., a liquid, a solid, a discrete part, a powder and/or a gas, etc.) of the container is weighed through the measurement. The inventory management system may further include a reference capacitor associated with the apparatus to enable the sensor to adjust the measurement based on the environmental condition.

Abstract: Provided is a pipette head assembly for use in an automated liquid handling device, which assembly comprises a pipette head holder for mounting in the device and a pipette head for locating in the holder, which comprises one or more pipette barrels and associated plungers, wherein the pipette head further comprises a shaped member, the configuration of which uniquely identifies the pipette head, and the holder includes an array of sensors positioned to cooperate with the shaped member when the pipette head is located in the holder so as to detect the configuration of the shaped member for identification of the pipette head by the device.

Abstract: A device is provided that can include at least one gas trap that can be arranged in fluid communication with a sample-containment feature formed in or on the device. The gas trap can be arranged to trap gas or air displaced from the sample-containment feature as the sample-containment feature is loaded with a liquid. The trapped gas in the gas trap can assist in breaking-up and expelling the liquid from the sample-containment feature during a subsequent liquid transfer operation, for example, to an adjacent sample-containment feature. Systems for processing such a device and methods using such a device are also provided.

Abstract: A docking mechanism provided for analytical apparatus, such as an acoustic bio-sensor apparatus. The mechanism is operable releasably to receive a cartridge (58) for use in analysing a sample comprising a fluid and having a flow cell (104, 106; 304, 306) for the sample and an electrically operated sensor (92) for performing the analysis. The docking mechanism has a clamping mechanism (12, 8, 10) for urging fluid connector means such as ferules (50, 52) against the cartridge to provide a fluid connection between the flow cell inlet and a sample delivery means.

Abstract: A power take-off assembly for transmitting rotary power includes an impeller shaft connected driveably to a power source, a housing having an opening through a wall of the housing, a pinion secured to the impeller shaft, located in the housing, aligned with the opening, and supported for rotation about an axis, and a first power takeoff idler gear including a first idler gear portion meshing with the pinion, aligned with the opening, and including a first pin extending from a side of the first idler gear portion; a second idler gear portion coaxial with the first idler gear portion, rotatable relative to the first idler gear portion, meshing with the pinion, aligned with the opening, and including a second pin extending from a side of the second idler gear portion toward the first idler gear portion; and an arcuate spring located between said first and second idler gears, and including first and second angularly spaced ends, the first end contacting the first pin and the second end contacting the second pin.

Abstract: An iron-base sintered part having high density and totally enhanced strength, toughness and abrasion resistance, a manufacturing method of the iron-base sintered part, and an actuator are disclosed. The iron-base sintered part is formed by an iron-nickel-molybdenum-carbon-based sintered alloy, has density of 7.25 g/cm3 or more, and has a carburization quenched structure. A method for manufacturing the iron-base sintered part includes a molding process of charging a raw mixture powder of an iron-nickel-molybdenum-based metal powder and a carbon-based powder into a cavity of a molding die and compressing the raw powder in the cavity to form a consolidation body, a sintering process of sintering the consolidation body at a sintering temperature to form a sintered alloy, and a carburization quenching process of heating the sintered alloy in a carburization atmosphere and quenching the heated alloy.

Abstract: A gear assembly for transmitting torque from one shaft to another comprises two intermeshing gears mounted on respective shafts. One of the gears comprises a hub member for receiving one of the shafts, a toothed annular member mounted for rotation with the hub member. At least one spring provided between the hub member and the annular member has stiffness capable of reducing torsional vibrations and noise induced during rotation of the gears by the eccentricity of at least one of the gears.

Abstract: A rotation/linear motion converting mechanism includes a shaft 1 having an external thread 1a on an outer circumferential surface, a nut 2 having an internal thread 2a on an inner circumferential surface, and a roller 3 arranged between the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 1 and the inner circumferential surface of the nut 2. The roller has a thread 3a threaded to the external thread 1a and the internal thread 2a. A spur gear 3b and a spur gear 3c are provided in portions of the roller 3. A spur gear 1b is provided in a portion of the shaft 1. The spur gear 1b is meshed with the spur gear 3b of the roller 3. Internal teeth 4a are provided in a portion of the nut 2. The internal teeth 4a are meshed with the spur gear 3 of the roller 3. This improves the lead accuracy of the shaft 1 when the nut 2 is rotated.

Abstract: The invention is a device (1, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) for converting a rotary motion into a linear motion, comprising a first threaded element (3) that defines a first axis (7), suited to be coupled with a second threaded element (4) defining a second axis (10), said axes (7, 10) being substantially parallel to each other but not coinciding with each other. The device (1) also comprises means (12) arranged between the first threaded element (3) and the second threaded element (4), suited to transmit the rotary motion imparted to one of the elements (3, 4) to the other.

Abstract: The gear selector fork comprises a body forming a pair of support plates having respective coaxial through-holes for supporting the fork slidably along a stationary rod of the gearbox, a pair of prongs fixed to the body and forming at their distal ends respective actuating portions able to operate a sliding coupling sleeve of the gearbox, and an actuating nose fixed to the body so as to impart to the fork the sliding movement along the stationary rod for engagement of the desired gear. The body and the prongs are formed so as to allow two forks with identical body and prongs to be mounted on the same stationary rod being superimposed at least partially in the direction of sliding along the stationary rod. The prongs are welded to one of the support plates of the body and extend on the same side as the zone where they are welded to the body, relative to the axis of the through-holes.

Abstract: A bicycle control device is basically provided with a base member, a control unit, an attachment member, a first operating lever and a second operating lever. The base member includes a handlebar mounting structure. The control unit is mounted to the base member. The attachment member is movably coupled to the base member. The first operating lever is operatively coupled to the control unit. The first operating lever is coupled to the attachment member to move with the attachment member when the attachment member is moved relative to the base member. The first operating lever is pivotally coupled to the attachment member to pivot relative to the attachment member about a first pivot axis to operate the control unit. The second operating lever is operatively coupled to the control unit and pivotally coupled to the attachment member.

Abstract: This invention provides a manipulator that can facilitate a teaching method, improve the operation speed of an arm, and mount a heavy load in a narrow space. The manipulator includes a plurality of arm bodies provided in series, joint parts rotatably connecting two adjacent arm bodies, and the joint parts in which slope of rotation axes of the adjacent joints are 90 degrees, at least one linear body disposed in the joint parts coaxially with the rotation axes. The joint parts are composed of a servo motor, and a speed-reduction mechanism. The rotation axes of the servo motor, the speed-reduction mechanism and the joint parts become the same axis.

Abstract: An arm part of a manipulator of an industrial robot has at each end thereof a connector for connecting the arm part to a gear and a stiffener for stiffening the end region of the arm part. At least one aperture is arranged in a hollow structure of the stiffener for providing access to connecting members.

Abstract: A multi-joint finger unit (1) has first and second joint sections (3, 5) constructed by using bevel gears. In each joint section (3, 5), the section where a driving bevel gear (10, 44) and a driven bevel gear (14, 56) mesh with each other and also a bearing section of a joint shaft (15, 57) are assembled in a tubular housing (13, 51) whose forward end is closed. Rear end openings (13A, 52) of the tubular housings (13, 51) are closed by a tubular housing (7) at a finger root and a tubular housing (41) at a finger body section. The section where the gears of the joint sections (3, 5) mesh and the bearing section are substantially sealed, so that a foreign matter is prevented from entering from the outside to these sections and lubricant does not leaks from these sections. The multi-joint finger unit is suitable for use in place where thick powder dust is present and in a clean room.

Abstract: A steering column (10) includes a support (24) through which a steering column member (12) extends connected with a mounting bracket (68). A locking mechanism (130) locks the support (24) in any one of a plurality of positions relative to the mounting bracket (68). The locking mechanism (130) has first and second cams (148, 132). The first cam (148) is rotatable relative to the second cam (132) and has a first cam surface (150). The locking mechanism (130) clamps the support (24) to the mounting bracket (68) when the first cam (148) is in a first position relative to the second cam (132). The support (24) is movable relative to the mounting bracket (68) and the locking shaft (200) is prevented from moving relative to the mounting bracket when the first cam (148) is in a second position relative to the second cam (132). A torsion spring (300) urges the first cam (148) toward the first position.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly including a column jacket moveable in at least one of a telescoping direction and a raking direction is disclosed. First and second gears are coupled to a rake bracket and mesh with each other with the first gear rotatable about a first pivot axis transverse to a longitudinal axis and the second gear rotatable about a second pivot axis transverse to the longitudinal axis and spaced above the first pivot axis such that rotation of the first gear causes rotation of the second gear. A cam mechanism is coupled to the rake bracket and to each of the first and second gears with the cam mechanism movable along the first and second pivot axes during rotation of the first and second gears for selectively engaging the rake bracket to prevent movement of the column jacket in at least one of the telescoping and raking directions.

Abstract: A device to mount a control lever to a bicycle handlebar includes a bracket, an expanding bolt, and a fixing member. The bracket is configured to be connected to the control lever and includes an inlet opening with a center axis, a first tapered portion extending along an axial direction, and at least one tapered outer serration formed on the first tapered portion. The expanding bolt includes a tubular portion and a second tapered portion extending along the axial direction. The tubular portion includes an outer threaded surface. The fixing member is disposed on the tubular portion of the expanding bolt. The first and second tapered portions are configured to operate so as to push the fixing member against an inner surface of the bicycle handlebar when the device is mounted to the bicycle handlebar.

Abstract: Embodiments include a self-centering control rod device having two independently operating springs, a bushing, and a control rod. The two springs utilize preload compression to maintain the control rod centered. One spring operates directly against the control rod while the other operates against the bushing. Each spring may have different spring strength or established preload in order to balance out the application force required to control a particular object. Spring compression force adjustments on one spring do not affect the center point or the spring compression force adjustment of the other spring.

Abstract: A curved surface actuating mechanism suitable for controlling motions of eyelids for a doll is provided, which includes a main shaft, a first drive unit, a second drive unit, a third drive unit, a sleeve, and a curved surface. The main shaft is a fixed shaft. A first drive wheel of the first drive unit is fitted on the main shaft and driven to rotate by a first driving member. A second drive wheel of the second drive unit is fitted on the main shaft and driven to rotate by a second driving member. The sleeve is fitted on the main shaft and has a vertical split shaft. A third drive wheel of the third drive unit is fitted on the vertical split shaft, and meanwhile engaged with the first and the second drive wheels. The curved surface has a link lever fixed to the third drive wheel.

Abstract: A synchronous actuator comprises a telescopic cylinder assembly having at least three pivotally connected cylinders, a drive assembly and a driven assembly. The drive assembly is connected to two adjacent cylinders. The driven assembly is connected to three adjacent cylinders. With the drive assembly and the driven assembly, the cylinders of the telescopic cylinder assembly can be extended or retracted synchronously in axial direction.

Abstract: A method of producing de-alloyed nanoparticles. In an embodiment, the method comprises admixing metal precursors, freeze-drying, annealing, and de-alloying the nanoparticles in situ. Further, in an embodiment de-alloyed nanoparticle formed by the method, wherein the nanoparticle further comprises a core-shell arrangement. The nanoparticle is suitable for electrocatalytic processes and devices.

Abstract: A method of and a smelter for producing steel (1) with a high manganese and low carbon content on the basis of liquid pig iron (2) or liquid steel (3) and slag-forming constituents (4) with the object of preventing existing drawbacks of process route in vessels other than, e.g., electrical arc furnaces (18). With steel produced with a high manganese and low carbon content, in a process, the carbon component is reduced to about 0.7-0.8% by a combined blowing of oxygen (7) through top lances (8) and underbath nozzles (9) after feeding of liquid ferro-manganese (50 and liquid steel (3a) in a FeMn-refining converter (6a), wherein a component of a cold end product from premelt is added as cooling means (10), and wherein the carbon component is reduced to about 0.05-0.1% C by a continuous blowing of oxygen (7) through the underbath nozzles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing and/or refining a metal-containing slag. The aim of the invention is to improve reduction of the slag. For this purpose, calcium carbide (CaC2) is added to the slag as the reducing agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing of preforms (15, 25) for saw blades respectively saw bands, comprising the following steps (a) arranging a strip (30) of a cutting material for a cutting edge of saw blades respectively saw bands without any play between the edges (12, 22) of a first carrier band (10) and a second carrier band (20); (b) guiding of a laser or electron beam (40) along a first edge (32) of the strip (30) for welding part per part of the first carrier band (10) to the strip (30), wherein regions (36) along the first edge (32) of the strip (30) remain unwelded; (c) guiding of a laser or electron beam (40) along a second edge (34) of the strip (30) for welding part per part of the second carrier band (20) to the strip (30), wherein regions (36) along the second edge (34) of the strip (30) remain unwelded; and (d) guiding a laser, water or electron beam (50) between the first edge (32) and the second edge (34) of the strip (30) or the second edge (34) and the first edge (32

Abstract: An article for enabling disconnection of a closure from a container, and the output of sound thereupon. The article includes a closure capture enabling element, for enabling capture of the closure, and a handle, connected to the closure capture enabling element, for enabling movement of the closure capture enabling element for capture, disconnection, and removal of the closure thereby relative to the container. It also includes a sound outputting circuit, for enabling sound to be outputted upon capture and movement of the closure in a direction for enabling disconnection of the closure from the container, and a sound outputting actuation enabling element, for enabling actuation of the sound outputting element.

Abstract: A ratchet screwdriver includes a handle, a ratchet, a shaft and a finger ring. The handle has a body having a receiving chamber and a front through hole. The receiving chamber is formed in the body and communicates with the front through hole. The ratchet is mounted in the receiving chamber and has a keyed driving protrusion and a drive selector. The shaft is mounted rotatably in the body and has a proximal end being mounted securely on the keyed driving protrusion. The finger ring is mounted securely around the shaft outside the body and is smaller than the handle to allow quick and easy rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: Self-contained, combined wrench and marking system, and method for installing a fitting and for automatically marking an installed fitting. The self-contained combined wrench and marking system has a wrench that may include a wrench head for rotating a fastener during a fastener tightening operation, a torque measuring mechanism for measuring a torque applied to the fastener during the fastener tightening operation, and an angle measuring mechanism for rotating the fastener to a preset angle during the fastener tightening operation. The self-contained combined wrench and marking system also has a marking system for automatically marking the fastener after the torque is applied to the fastener and after rotating the fastener to the preset angle.

Abstract: The invention is an improved ratchet to drive sockets for the purpose of tightening or loosening threaded fastener. The invention contains an electric motor, battery and worm gear system to drive the sockets. The battery and motor are contained within the handle of the invention and are thus limited in size and power. A switch is also located on the handle and is used to activate the motor in the desired direction. The motor is powerful enough to drive most fasteners when the fasteners are somewhat loose, and as such the invention can drive the loose fasteners rapidly. At such times when the fasteners are snug or tight the invention will perform as a conventional ratchet. As the handle is pulled the worm and pion gears will lock and transmit the torque to the socket. As the handle is released the motor will drive the worm and spin the pion gear/socket and take up all of the slack.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling device (24) used for producing a flow path between the tank (6) of a water vapor cutting device (1) and a liquid-filled cartridge (25), wherein said coupling device (24) comprises a housing (29) provided with a receiving area (30) which is formed therein, used for mounting the cartridge (25) on said housing (29) and which comprises a channel (39) provided with an input orifice (40) fluidically connectable to the cartridge (25) and to an output opening (41) which is also fluidically connectable to an external surrounding area, for example to the tank (6).

Abstract: Safety systems for power equipment are disclosed. The safety systems include a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a working portion of a machine, and a reaction system associated with the detection system to cause a predetermined action to take place upon detection of the dangerous condition. The reaction system may be adapted to perform some action upon detection of the dangerous condition with sufficient speed so that the person is cut no deeper than ?th of an inch when contacting or approaching the blade at any point above the table at a rate of one foot per second.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotational stamping of stamped blanks with a defined geometry and size from a flat material comprises a tool, which comprises plural cutting dies and cutting holes. A first tool support rotates about a first axis and a second tool support rotates about a second axis. The first axis and the second axis are disposed in parallel and at a radial distance from one another, so that a radial offset for forming a pass-through gap for the flat material is provided between the first tool support and the second tool support. The cutting dies penetrate the cutting holes precisely fitting through counteracting rotation of the tool supports. The invention provides that the cutting dies and the cutting holes are disposed respectively on the circumference of the first tool support and on the circumference of the second tool support, in a seamless and alternating pattern, so that the flat material is processed into stamped blanks in a single step without lost or scrap pieces.

Abstract: A dust collection cover capable of efficiently collecting cutting chips and residues generated as a result of cutting a workpiece. A cutter includes a motor and a rotary blade driven by the motor, and the dust collection cover is attached to the cover for covering a part of the blade. The cover is formed with a dust discharge port through which cutting chips and residues are discharged. The cover has a guide arrangement for directing the cutting chips and residues toward an interior of the cover body. The arrangement provides a blowing-out air blowing to the workpiece, or a rod-like member removing the cutting chips and residues.

Abstract: A planar saw blade having an outer cutting edge with a plurality of saw teeth also includes sets of secondary teeth placed in cutout portions within the body of the saw blade. The secondary tooth sets provide portions within the body of the saw blade that provide additional cutting action that reinforces the primary outer cutting edge of the blade, and include deep gullets that aid in the removal of sawdust and debris.

Abstract: An improved device for providing the so-called magic touch effect during a double repetition, in an upright piano, is characterized in that said device comprises a plurality of keys said keys being swingably mounted on a keyboard frame and supporting, each, a suitably inclined slanted drive element, which can be screw adjusted and is intercoupled to a slanted swinging arm, operating as control angular variation continuous escapement energy lever in turn pivoted to an abruptely clockwise downstream slanted main bridge operatively swinging with the escapement lever which is coupled to a butt roller of a hammer, pivoted to a first pillar element, in turn supporting a plurality of adjusting buttons for adjusting a first and second escapements.

Abstract: A tuning peg for a stringed musical instrument is suggested, comprising a shank with a first area which forms a string supporting area and at least one additional area which forms a mounting area for fixing the tuning peg to the stringed musical instrument, wherein the first area is rotatable relative to the at least one additional area, a first gear wheel which is connected non-rotatably to the first area, at least one additional gear wheel which is connected non-rotatably to the at least one additional area, a head which is arranged on the shank so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation and at least one drive gear wheel which is arranged on the head and which acts on the first gear wheel and the at least one additional gear wheel.

Abstract: A device for string instruments comprising a fretboard with a plurality of frets, arranged at a distance from each other along the lengthwise direction of the fretboard and running transversely across the fretboard. Over the fretboard, at right angles to and above the frets, are lengthwise tensioned strings (8), intended to be set in oscillation for tone generation, where the lengths of the oscillating parts of the strings are variable for variation of pitch by pressing the strings against selectable frets. At least some of the frets include a straight fret segment (18) located beneath at least one of the strings, which fret segment is displaced lengthwise along the strings in relation to other segments of the fret in question.

Abstract: A wind instrument provided with a resonating buffer comprises a wind tube including a mouthpiece provided on the forwardmost end thereof, an outlet mounted on the rearwardmost end thereof, and a curved portion arranged between the mouthpiece and the outlet thereof, at least one resonating buffer attached between the curved portion and the outlet of the wind tube. So that the sound waves become gentle and clam and flow forward to the outlet, thereby eliminating interruption and overcoming cacophony.

Abstract: A computer keyboard including a plurality of buttons for use as an alphanumeric input device, wherein an interval-based isomorphic note layout is mapped to the buttons, and the keyboard is able to function as a music controller input device.

Abstract: A virtual reality composer platform and system (VRCPS) includes a plurality of user input/output devices and signal input/output controllers interfaced to a central processing unit complete with plurality of memory means, a butterfly morpheus musical instrument with plurality of manual input means each with a first unique visible indicia interfaced to said central processing unit, a plurality of finger adapters each with a second unique visible indicia donned on respective fingers and at least one custom butterfly morpheus music notation computer interface. The system is particularly suited for composing music for self-learning and teaching for all types of musical instruments for optimal virtual reality multimedia experience. The VRCPS platform and concepts disclosed are vari-dimensional acoustic environments, which are equally suited to all types of electronic learning and composing systems, game systems and computers.

Abstract: A talk assisting system has a vibration sensor for detecting tones produced through a musical instrument and a signal interrupter connected between a microphone and a sound system; while a player is fingering a music tune on the musical instrument, pieces of vibration data express a wide amplitude of the vibrations, and a tone discriminator changes a state signal to an active high level; and the signal interrupter is responsive to the state signal so as to block the sound system from the voice signal, whereby the tones are not mixed with the voice.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus is disclosed which processes an audio signal. The signal processing apparatus includes a detection section which detects a first tempo from an audio signal, a calculation section which calculates a speed feeling that indicates whether the first tempo is fast or slow, and a determining section which determines a second tempo by correcting the first tempo using the speed feeling.

Abstract: An antiballistic armor includes a core having a first surface, a second surface, and pockets extending into the core. The antiballistic armor further includes projectile impeding elements, wherein one of the projectile impeding elements is disposed within each of the pockets of the core. Further, the antiballistic armor includes a first face sheet joined to the first surface of the core and a second face sheet joined to the second surface of the core. A method includes producing pockets in a core that extend into the core, attaching projectile impeding elements within the pockets in the core, joining a first face sheet onto the first surface of the core, and joining a second face sheet onto a second surface of the core.

Abstract: A composite armor including a disrupting layer and a backing layer provides protection against blast and ballistic threats. The disrupting layer includes ceramic particles or tiles that disrupt the incoming projectile, while the backing layer prevents penetration past the armor by the disrupted projectile. The disrupting layer may include a layer of polygonal ceramic tiles with a deflecting front surface, encased by a retaining polymer, and may also include fire-retarding particles.

Abstract: A lightweight armor system senses a shock wave from an explosive and deploys an inflatable barrier before the arrival of shrapnel from the explosion. The sensor is tuned to frequencies associated with shock waves generated by known Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The shock waves travel at between 25,000 and 30,000 feet per second and arrives at a vehicle before the shrapnel generated by the IED. The sensor generates a signal which is amplified and provided to a plurality of initiators in a plurality of nested pods. The nested pods inflate rapidly and form a barrier over areas requiring protection from the shrapnel.

Abstract: The invention embodies the turret (10) as a protected cell (1) with its own protective plates (7) and then provides this with an additional casing of protective plates (9) so that both together implement a modular protective construction with different levels of protection. Outside the protected cell (1), assemblies (2) can be arranged that do not need to be within the direct reach of the operator. This can be in addition to the ammunition, the electronics for the ammunition feed, and also the electronics of the turret control or the like. These assemblies (2) are again encased by a lattice structure (8) that serves as an accommodation possibility for other protective elements (9) that form the outer skin of the turret (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to a reciprocating installation (1) for the compression of a current gas, comprising: at least one cylinder (2) which defines a compression chamber (3); a piston (4) which co-operates with the cylinder, an actuation rod (6) extending from said piston; a cylinder base (7) comprising a passage (8) for the linear and reciprocating displacement of the piston rod; and a stuffing box-type sealing device (9) between the piston rod (6) and the cylinder base (7).

Abstract: Pin bosses (1) are proposed for the piston (2) of an internal combustion engine, having in each case one pin bore (3) which has a zenith-side ovality in the region (15) of the bore centre (7), wherein the zenith-side ovality of the pin bore (3) increases starting from the bore centre (7) radially to the outside and radially to the inside, and the nadir-side ovality increases starting from the bore centre (7) radially to the inside. As a result, the shape of the pin bore (3) is adapted to every load-dependent deformation of the piston pin. As a result of this, in addition, the lubrication of the piston pin is improved in the region of the bore centre (7).

Abstract: An inertial gas-liquid separator has a variable flow actuator movable to open and close a variable number of accelerating flow nozzles.