Abstract: A material sampling device comprises an auger, a first motor, and a rotatable tube assembly. The auger is configured to extract material from a container. The first motor is configured to rotate the auger. The rotatable tube assembly comprises an outer tube and a second motor. The outer tube is configured to allow the auger to rotate within the outer tube. The outer tube comprises an upper portion configured to remain stationary, and a lower portion configured to rotate. The second motor is configured to rotate the lower portion of the outer tube. In a second embodiment, a material sampling device comprises an auger, and a rotatable tube assembly. The rotatable tube assembly comprises an outer tube comprising an upper portion configured to remain stationary and a lower portion configured to rotate. The auger and the lower portion of the outer tube are configured to rotate simultaneously in opposite directions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a process for reducing an ethanol content of a liquid preparation, to the use of the device for producing a liquid flavouring substance concentrate and to processes for sensory assessment thereof.

Abstract: A modular sensor assembly for performing measurement or calibration is disclosed, comprising a sensing module comprising a threaded spigot, a first slip ring conductive track, and a second slip ring conductive track; a base module comprising a threaded receptacle, a first conductor, and a second conductor; wherein the sensing module is detachably mounted to the base module by rotating the threaded spigot into the threaded receptacle thereby forming a first electrical connection between the first slip ring conductive track and the first conductor, and a second electrical connection between the second slip ring conductive track and the second conductor.

Abstract: A transducer system includes a plurality of transducer elements formed on a flexible/substrate with localized circuit elements and interconnects associated with each transducer element.

Abstract: A rotary actuating mechanism for a center stack of a vehicle is disclosed including a knob and a plurality of rotary wheels. An indexing device, disposed adjacent the rotary actuating mechanism, includes a guide adapted to contact one of the rotary wheels and travel along the outer surface thereof to provide a desired tactile feel, wherein the guide is selectively positioned by one of a mechanical device and an electromechanical device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a window wiper system with a window wiper drive (1), in particular for rear window wipers of a motor vehicle, with a gear housing (10), which can be closed by means of a housing cover (14), for accommodating a gear arrangement (11), wherein the gear housing (10) and the housing cover (14) each have a run-on surface (15a, 15b) for the axial guidance of the gear arrangement (11). When the housing cover (14) is closed, an intermediate space (16) is formed between the mutually opposite run-on surfaces (15a, 15b), said intermediate space corresponding to the geometrical dimensions of an installation region of the gear arrangement (11) to be inserted.

Abstract: A transmission arrangement for translating a reciprocating translation movement, related to each of two gear rods, is disclosed. A first gear rod and its associated first gear wheel represent a first prime motor arrangement, while a second gear rod and its associated second gear wheel represent a second prime motor arrangement. A gear wheel arrangement, is adapted to expose a first bevel gear wheel in cooperation with said first gear wheel, and a second bevel gear wheel in cooperation with said second gear wheel, with a third bevel gear wheel, which allows these first and second bevel gear wheels to rotate in different directions. Said first bevel gear wheel and its associated first gear wheel, and said second bevel gear wheel and its associated second gear wheel, are pivotally supported by said shaft in a first pivotal direction and fixedly supported by said shaft in a second pivotal direction.

Abstract: The invention discloses an anti-skid mechanism operating device (1) for vehicles comprising an operating unit (2) and an operating arm (3) pivotally supported thereby and intended to carry a rotary anti-skid device (4) and to operate the latter between an active and a passive position. The operating device (2) comprises a worm gear (6) and a driven worm (5) adapted to engage said worm gear (6) for operation of the operating arm (3). The driven worm (5) is resiliently displaceable along an axis (A) of said worm (5).

Abstract: A multi-group transmission of a motor vehicle which includes at least two transmission groups arranged in a drivetrain and a way for supporting traction force during gearshifts such that traction-force gearshifts are maintained with improved shifting comfort at comparatively low cost, little design effort and compact installation space demands. At least one electromagnetic clutch is a change-under-load unit by which, bypassing the force flow of at least one main group made as a gear-change transmission, an active connection can be formed between a driveshaft and a main transmission shaft or a transmission output shaft. During a gearshift operation, an active connection is temporarily made between a driveshaft and a main transmission shaft or a transmission output shaft by way of at least one electromagnetic clutch designed as a change-under-load unit.

Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, and an intermediate member coaxially aligned with the input member and the output member. The transmission further includes at least one countershaft substantially parallel with the input member, output member and the intermediate member, and at least one gear associated with each of the input member, the output member, intermediate member, at least one countershaft. The transmission also includes a planetary gear set to operatively couple a gear of the at least one gear associated with the intermediate shaft with the output shaft, and a plurality of clutches to selectively define a torque transfer path from the input member to the output member via one or more of the intermediate member, first countershaft, second countershaft, and the at least one associated gears therewith. The plurality of clutches include a direct drive clutch to selectively couple the input member directly to the intermediate member.

Abstract: A drive train for a motor vehicle including a main engine, an auxiliary engine, and a parallel shaft transmission. The transmission includes: at least one input shaft connected to the main engine by a clutch device, at least one output shaft including a drive pinion that engages with a differential ring gear, a countershaft that is not coaxial with the input and output shafts, and a plurality of synchronizers configured to connect the input shaft to the output shaft selectively in rotation. The countershaft is fitted with a drive wheel connected to the auxiliary engine and that is permanently rotatably linked to the input shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for altering (minimizing or maximizing) characteristic (angular velocity or torque) variations of a rotating member connected to an engine consisting of a set of engaged circular gears modified in shape as a function of the “wave train signature” of the engine to which the gearset is connected such that the “wave train signature” of the rotating member is essentially “wrapped” around circular gears to form a noncircular gearset that alters the variations of the rotating member.

Abstract: A heel shifter for a motorcycle has a pivotable pedal so that the pedal may be pivoted up out of the way to give more room for the rider's foot on the left floor board.

Abstract: A shift selector apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a first operational zone and a second operational zone. The apparatus provides separation between the two operational zones to prevent accidental shifting between ranges.

Abstract: A shift lock assembly including a shifter base and a shift lever having a pivot member that is associated with the shifter base. A detent member having an upper portion including engaging features is coupled to the pivot member. A lock lever having opposing sides and a first end pivotally attached to the shifter base and a second end adapted to contact the engaging features of the detent member is also included. At least one solenoid is connected to the lock lever for pivotally moving the lock lever relative to the detent member wherein the at least one solenoid moves the lock lever between low, middle and high positions in response to control parameters.

Abstract: An actuating device contains two shifting buttons which are arranged on the upper side and lower side of the steering wheel. The shifting buttons are guided together rectilinearly on guide pins during a shifting operation, which guide pins are held in sleeves of a supporting plate and are fastened to a steering wheel cover.

Abstract: To provide a steering column system which has superior operating feeling and operating properties and which can suppress an operation failure, An engaging arm 5 is displaced relative to a cam member 22 by an annular member 24 being deformed elastically, whereby distal ends of gear teeth are made to shift from each other, thereby making it possible not only to enhance the operation feeling of the operation lever but also to facilitate the meshing thereof.

Abstract: Variable length steering spindle includes an outer sleeve-form profile with a cross section departing from the circular form, and an inner profile with a cross section departing from the circular form, which can be slid with an end section into the outer profile. The inner circumferential contour of the outer profile and the outer circumferential contour of the inner profile are formed at least partially by arcuate sections and, toward the gap space between the outer profile and the inner profiles, these arcuate sections form preferably alternately convex and concave sections of the outer profile as well as also of the inner profile and the convex sections of the outer profile are disposed at least partially opposite the concave sections of the inner profiled and/or the concave sections of the outer profile opposite the convex sections of the inner profile.

Abstract: A wireless controller (14) comprises a housing including a first portion (20a) and a second portion (20b) moveably attached to the first portion (20a). The first portion (20a) supports the controller (14) relative to an external surface and is adjustable between an elevated position and a collapsed position, wherein a first end of the first portion (20a) is elevated relative to a second end of the first portion (20a) when the first portion is in the elevated position. A sensing element (22) senses a position of the second portion (20b) relative to the first portion (20a) and provides a corresponding position signal. A transmitter (24) is coupled with the sensing element (22) and wirelessly transmits the position signal.

Abstract: A wireless controller (14) comprises a housing including a first portion (20a) and a second portion (20b) moveably attached to the first portion (20a). The first portion (20a) supports the controller (14) relative to an external surface and is adjustable between an elevated position and a collapsed position, wherein a first end of the first portion (20a) is elevated relative to a second end of the first portion (20a) when the first portion is in the elevated position. A sensing element (22) senses a position of the second portion (20b) relative to the first portion (20a) and provides a corresponding position signal. A transmitter (24) is coupled with the sensing element (22) and wirelessly transmits the position signal.

Abstract: A cam device has an improved stableness in operability including a first member and a second member incorporated with each other. The first member has an engaging surface defining engaging portions moveable relative to engaging portions on an engaging surface of the second member. Each engaging portion has a top edge having two ends, a first slope extending from one end of the top edge, and a second slope extending from the other end of the top edge. Each first slope has one other first slope circumferentially spaced at an angle of 180° and each second slope has one other second slope circumferentially spaced at an angle of 180°.

Abstract: A segmented crankshaft design with interchangeable parts is shown. The new crankshaft design allows for rapid customization. The system comprises specifically designed segments that are indexed to fit together to form a complete crankshaft.

Abstract: The embodiment of a torque multiplying mechanism, consisting of a rotating sleeve (9), a pedal extender arm (2), small sprockets (5), a hinge pin (4) attached to each small sprocket and to each pedal extender arm, un-numbered short chains connecting the small sprockets to large sprockets (6), and foot pedals attached to the pedal extender arms. The foot pedals connect the pedal extender arms to the rotating sleeve through the small sprockets, short chains and large sprockets attached to the sleeve. The rotating sleeve then forces the vehicle drive sprocket to turn, with multiplied torque, due to the leverage applied to the short chains by the small sprockets attached to the pedal extender arms.

Abstract: A gearbox for a motor vehicle is provided that includes, but is not limited to two coaxial input shafts carrying gearwheels, and three layshafts selectively drivable by the input shafts. Each gearwheel of the input shafts meshes with at least one gearwheel of the two layshafts. The three layshafts carry three pinions meshing with a same output gearwheel, and the third layshaft further carries a reverse gearwheel meshing with a gearwheel of the first layshaft.

Abstract: An improved process and composition for the extraction of metal from a metal-laden ore, soil or rock is provided. A liquid, three-component aqueous lixiviant comprises water, an alkali metal salt and a low pH acidic composition. A four-component aqueous lixiviant comprises water, a low pH acidic composition, an alkali metal salt and an acid having a pH value less than 2. Both lixiviant compositions are efficient for extracting metal into a pregnant liquid solution. The pregnant solution is treated by known conventional means, such as filtration, centrifuging or electrolysis to remove the extracted metals. The three-component and four-component aqueous lixiviants of the present invention are non-toxic, meaning, not an irritant or deleterious to humans or the environment and perform, as well as, or better than known toxic cyanide lixiviants.

Abstract: One non-limiting embodiment of an apparatus for forming an alloy powder or preform includes a melting assembly, an atomizing assembly, and a field generating assembly, and a collector. The melting assembly produces at least one of a stream of a molten alloy and a series of droplets of a molten alloy, and may be substantially free from ceramic in regions contacted by the molten alloy. The atomizing assembly generates electrons and impinges the electrons on molten alloy from the melting assembly, thereby producing molten alloy particles. The field generating assembly produces at least one of an electrostatic field and an electromagnetic field between the atomizing assembly and the collector. The molten alloy particles interact with the at least one field, which influences at least one of the acceleration, speed, and direction of the molten alloy particles. Related methods also are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides chemical processes for the treatment of industrial steelworks waste, especially those from an electric arc furnace, called “flue dust,” to allow for the subsequent recovery of metals (e.g. zinc and iron) from the dust. The main purposes of the process are: (i) the opening of the crystalline webs (zinc ferrite) originally formed in the flue dust, with the simultaneous production of soluble sulfates in aqueous medium; (ii) and the destruction of possible dioxins without subsequent regeneration. The processes encompass production of salts or sulfates of the metals in the flue dust, utilizing concentrated sulfuric acid and reagents or catalysts by dry medium, at normal pressure and moderate temperatures. The processes promotes reaction of sulfuric acid with elements found in the flue dust to maintain a homogenous mixture without the presence of water, and prevent agglomeration of the particles through the addition of secondary reagents and catalysts.

Abstract: A process for recovering rare earth elements from a composite ore containing rare earth elements that includes a monazite group mineral and an apatite mineral, includes pre-leaching the composite ore with an acid so as to substantially dissolve the apatite mineral into the leach liquor and precipitating rare earth elements from the pre-leach liquor. The residue of the pre-leaching step is subjected to an acid bake treatment, followed by a water leach, to produce a water leach liquor rich in rare earth elements. Impurities including thorium and iron are separated from the water leach liquor by introducing a neutralizing additive to the water leach liquor rich in rare earth elements, and rare earth elements are precipitated from the post-neutralization liquor.

Abstract: A tong unit having a ring gear, an upper cage plate, and a jaw assembly is disclosed. The cage plate has a removable window section, through which the jaw assembly may be inserted into and removed from the central opening in the ring gear. The jaw assembly may be attached to the removable window section, so that the window section and the jaw assembly can be lifted out and inserted together.

Abstract: A power tong having a ring gear and dumbell rollers, with mating load surfaces on the ring gear and dumbell rollers which transfer horizontal and vertical loads from the ring gear to the dumbell rollers, without contact between the ring gear teeth and the dumbell rollers. The power tong further has a dumbell roller shaft configuration which permits vertical and rotational locking of the shaft, while permitting easy replacement and without binding of the rotation of the top and bottom plates on the dumbell rollers.

Abstract: A jaw assembly, namely a multi-jaw assembly (preferably three-jaw) for a tong unit. The jaw assembly has a rear jaw connected to two side jaws, by pivot pins, to form a multi-jaw jaw assembly. The pivot pins pass through the upper and lower cage plates on the tong unit; as such, the jaw assembly must move along with the cage plates. The rear jaw, with respect to the cage plates, is stationary. The side plates, by virtue of the pivot pins, are rotatably attached with respect to the cage plates. The rear jaw and side jaws carry dies, typically two dies on the rear jaw and one die on each of the side jaws, for gripping a tubular. The multi-jaw assembly permits efficient gripping of undersize and/or out-of-round tubulars, and application of torque thereto, without damage to the tubular.

Abstract: A spinner tool has a shaft that is receivable in a rotation-imparting device, such as a hand-held drill. The shaft carries mounts in which the shaft rotates. Gripper elements are mounted between the mounts for radial movement relative to the shaft. The shaft is configured to move the gripper elements away from the shaft away from the shaft upon rotation of the shaft. This movement of the gripper elements causes the gripper elements to engage the interior surface of a hollow-cylindrical element in which the tool is inserted, so that the hollow-cylindrical element rotates together with the shaft.

Abstract: A tubular handling system includes a plurality of roller units configured to engage and rotate a first tubular, wherein the roller units are configured to adjust about a concentric center of the first tubular. The tubular handling system further includes an upper jaw assembly including a double-acting gripping cylinder, the upper jaw assembly configured to grip the first tubular, a lower jaw assembly including a double-acting gripping cylinder, the lower jaw assembly configured to grip a second tubular, a first torque cylinder configured to rotate the upper jaw assembly in a first direction relative to the lower jaw assembly, and a second torque cylinder configured to rotate the lower jaw assembly in an opposite direction relative to the upper jaw assembly.

Abstract: A ratchetable open-ended wrench includes a handle H for a hand to grasp, a wrench head 100 located on one end of the handle, and a fastener room 160 located in the wrench head 100 for accommodating a workpiece W to be rotated. The wrench head 100 further includes a first jaw 110 having a first driving wall 114, a second jaw 120 having a second driving wall 124 facing the first driving wall 114, an inner wall 126 extending from the second driving wall 124 into the second jaw 120, a fastener-jaw room 128, an auxiliary jaw retracting opening 13, an auxiliary jaw 140 capable of longitudinally sliding into the auxiliary jaw retracting opening 130 in an elastic way, and an auxiliary jaw limiting member 150 coupled to a limiting slot 148. The auxiliary jaw 140 further includes an exterior end 142 having a pillow 142 in contact with the driving wall 126 and a pushing surface 144 for working together with the first jaw 110 to grip the workpiece W under operation, an interior end 146, and a limiting slot 148.

Abstract: An adjustable socket having a housing with a longitudinal axis. A collar is couplable to and movable along the housing. The collar's lower end is bevelled. A plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures extend through the housing. A jaw is mounted in each aperture for slidable, radial movement through the aperture. Each jaw has a flat inward face and a bevelled outward face. The jaws are biased radially outwardly away from the axis. Rotation of the collar around the housing in a first direction forces the collar's bevelled end against the jaws' bevelled faces, forcing the jaws radially inwardly and forcing their inward faces against a fastener located between the inward faces. Rotation of the collar in the opposite direction allows the jaws to be biased radially outwardly to release the fastener.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a structure for an improved screw driver having a torquing member. The screw driver having a handle end and a working end. The working end is adapted to turn screws. The handle end having openings adapted to receive the torquing member. The opening being generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the torquing member has an elongated member extending from the handle through the opening and having a second end. A secondary handle member is attached to the second end for assisting to apply torque to the screw driver while turning screws.

Abstract: The invention has two main components: a straight edge board and a pressure arm assembly. When used together, the two components will allow a table saw operator to safely and accurately straight line rip crooked material, typically lumber, in one continuous pass. When used without the straight edge board, the pressure arm assembly will keep the material tight against the table saw's rip fence while rip sawing or performing additional sawing techniques.

Abstract: A device for the manufacture of an absorbent product including a rotatable slitting tool having an extent in a radial direction and an extent in an axial direction perpendicular to the radial direction, the slitting tool being divided in the axial direction into two lateral parts and lying between them a central part. The central part has a circular cross section in the radial direction, and the lateral parts include, in the axial direction, intermittent protuberances projecting from the central part. The protuberances are the same distance from the center of the slitting tool as the circular cross section. The central part between the protuberances, in the direction of curvature of the envelope surface, forms a plurality of cutting edges, each of which has a width which, at a given pressure, permits slitting of a layer of material intended for the absorbent product, and the protuberances form supporting surfaces between the cutting edges.

Abstract: A stop rule for circular saw benches includes a profiled hollow body extending longitudinally with a substantially right-angled cross section, on which means are located for the attachment thereof to a table. One side of the profiled hollow body is designed as a guide member with a coplanar extension extending therefrom, which has a guide rule on the front edge thereof for low workpieces. Such guide rule extends vertically at right angles from the table, on which the guide member lies when the stop rule is in a horizontal position. The extension protruding sideways has a horizontal contact surface in the horizontal position of the stop rule, on which surface a vertically adjustable hold-down device for low work pieces is connected.

Abstract: A motor (6) having a motor shaft (6a), a circular saw blade (1) having a saw blade shaft (1a) parallel to the motor shaft, a housing (2) accommodating the motor and the circular saw blade and having a handle (14) at the rear thereof, a surface plate (4) connected to the housing (2), a start end gear (7a) fixed to the motor shaft, a terminal end gear (7b) fixed to the saw blade shaft, and an intermediate gear (7c, 7d) located between the start end gear and the terminal end gear are included. The start end gear, terminal end gear, and the intermediate gear are meshed each other to transmit, to the circular saw blade, rotation of the motor to be decelerated as rotation in the identical direction. The intermediate gear is positioned rearward of the plane including the motor shaft and the saw blade shaft.

Abstract: A saw assembly, comprising a first top bench and a second top bench, a first cutting head mounted on the first top bench and a second cutting head mounted on the second top bench, each cutting head comprising a wall having a first side and a second side; a plate rotatable around a pivot mount mounted on the first side of the wall; a unit indexing a movement of the plate from the second side; and a blade, mounted on the first side of the wall by an arm rotataly connected to the wall by the plate.

Abstract: A circular saw (22) of 10-foot diameter or greater stems from a shovel stick (56) of a hydraulic shovel. The saw operates with hydraulics and linkages to adapt to all planes and positions, including taking any angular positions from 0 to 135 degrees. A control valve (61) determines the positioning of the saw thereby allowing the carving of a half-sphere in a stone wall, in concrete or in ice. The saw can be locked in the desired angle to realize a secure job. The saw is mounted on a lower rotation base (38) of 360 degrees and possesses a support device (23) mounted to the base (38) about a rotation pivot (30). Angular displacement due to the upper stationary plate (42) swivels in accordance with movements of stretching or compressing of hydraulic cylinder (49) of the shovel. The saw is used in every confined space where it is required to bring mobile equipment.

Abstract: A pocket (6) is machined into the surface of a component (9) by pressurising a fluid (1) and directing a jet (11) of the pressurised fluid (1) at the surface to be machined. Continuous relative movement is provided between the component (9) and the pressurised jet (11) of fluid (1) during machining. Material is removed from the component (9) in a series of layers, whereby the path of the fluid jet (11) in one of the layers is perpendicular to the path of the fluid jet (11) in the subsequent layer. The fluid jet (11) operates continuously until the required amount of material has been removed from the component (9).

Abstract: An improved string for a musical instrument comprising amorphous metal is disclosed. The string may be a single wire of amorphous metal or comprise a core wire and covering wire, wherein the core wire and/or covering wire comprises amorphous metal. Such a string has greater sustain of sound and higher volume of sound over a longer period of use than previously available metal strings. Musical instruments comprising such strings are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mechanical metal instrument that can be attached to every electronic and acoustic guitar with the purpose of fast and reliable tuning of the strings to various variations/combinations.

Abstract: An instrument comprising a body, a neck and a plurality of strings. The neck comprises a first end having a headstock, a fretboard, at least one mineral fret coupled to the fretboard, and a second end one of coupled and integrated to the body. The mineral fret may be generally transparent.

Abstract: A percussion instrument incorporates a case with an inner surface having a substantially circular profile. Multiple high precision spherical balls are contained with the case for acceleration on the inner surface in uniform circular motion along the profile to produce a persistent sustained sound. In one exemplary embodiment the case is cylindrical and incorporates two end plates. In a second embodiment the percussion instrument case is torroidal. In a third embodiment the percussion instrument case is spherical. Use of varying materials in the case or differing surface textures on the inner surface allows timbre of the instrument to be modified. Motion of the instrument lateral or perpendicular to the circular profile allows the creation of pulsed percussion sounds.

Abstract: A drum stand with at least one leg, at least one support region, formed as a support, at least one foot region, formed as a foot element and at least one holding region formed as a holding element or an accommodation element for the drum. The foot region and/or the holding region essentially extend horizontally and are connected, particularly resiliently or vibratorily, to the support region via one bend.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating, modifying, interacting with and playing music are provided, preferably employing a top-down process, where the user is provided with a musical composition that may be modified and interacted with and played and/or stored (for later play). The system preferably is provided in a handheld form factor, and a graphical display is provided to display status information, graphical representations of musical lanes or components which preferably vary in shape as musical parameters and the like are changed for particular instruments or musical components such as a microphone input or audio samples. An interactive auto-composition process preferably employs musical rules and a pseudo random number generator, which may also incorporate randomness introduced by timing of user input or the like.

Abstract: A method for composing music by a non-musician is based on the use of pre-recorded melodies which are stored in banks and associated with orchestra accompaniments also stored in banks. The orchestra accompaniments are in advance embodied in the form of an entire devoid of melody part. A selected melody is associable, with the aid of a suitable software, with a selected accompaniment by a dictation process which makes it possible to select, with a tolerance range, the duration and position of each melody note in the accompaniment.