Abstract: A sensor for measuring stresses induced by a force applied to a load-carrying member, including a layer of a magnetoelastic material formed on the load-carrying member is provided. The layer comprises a first phase with an average grain size below 100 nm and a first chemical composition, and a second phase of a distinctly different chemical composition, the first phase being divided by the second phase into regions having an average size in the range of 100-10,000 nm. A method for producing such a layer, including accelerating particles of a soft magnetic and magnetoelastic material having an average size in the range of 10-50 ?m towards the surface of the load-carrying member at a velocity of at least 300 m/s such that the average temperature of the accelerated particles is not higher than 500° C. above the melting temperature of the magnetoelastic material, but not lower than 500° C. below the melting temperature.

Abstract: A sample processing system that may be automated and methods are disclosed where samples are arranged on a carrier element and a process operation control system automatically processes the samples perhaps robotically with an operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information monitor or a data capture element. Significant process details as well as operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information may be monitored and an automatic notice element may cause notification of a person at some display that may be remote. Various people may be notified, such as an administrator, a supplier, or a manufacturer of an opportunity for some action such as reagent reordering or the like. A simulated motion display may be included to “watch” simulated operation in real time or long after completion of the actual processing.

Abstract: An air sampler device has a top plate and a bottom plate, and receives a Petri dish between the top plate and the bottom plate. The top plate includes 283 substantially small holes. The bottom plate has a deepened center well formed in the top surface. Elongated slots are formed in the top surface which extend out from the well. The slots have distal ends which extend beyond the Petri dish. Air is drawn into the sampler by a vacuum tube through an air port which communicates with the center well. Air is pulled into the 283 holes in the top plate and strikes the capture material in the Petri dish. The air then travels up over the sides of the dish, into the distal ends, through the slots, and into the center well, where it exits out of the vacuum air port.

Abstract: A filter apparatus that includes a housing having at least one opening by which a fluid is Introduced thereto, a first plate inside the housing and having a plurality of inlets offset from a central axis of the housing and angularly separated from each other. The inlets are configured to pass the fluid thereto. The filter apparatus includes a second plate inside the housing and disposed downstream from the first plate. The second plate has angularly extending outlets disposed at a radial distance from the central axis which is beyond the plurality of inlets such that the fluid is diverted radially outward in passing from the first plate through the second plate. The filter apparatus includes a first filter provided on the second plate underneath the plurality of inlets and configured to trap particles in the fluid which are not diverted to the angularly extending outlets, and includes an exit.

Abstract: This invention relates to plunger operated liquid dispensers, such as hand held pipettors, which are used to portion liquids. Specifically the invention relates to a reliable removal of a liquid from the liquid dispenser. According to the invention the plunger of the liquid dispenser is arranged into a speeded up movement while removing the liquid. This change in speed is preferably sudden.

Abstract: A sampling tool (100, 200) for use in obtaining a sample of material from within a container comprises a cutter shaft carrying a cutting head (1, 101), the shaft including a passage which has an inlet located at or towards the cutting head (1, 101), a drive mechanism which is adapted to cause the cutter shaft to rotate in a first direction in turn to cause the cutting head to cut a hole in wall of the container and expose the inlet to the material contained within the container, a flexible seal (3, 103) carried by the cutter shaft which is located so that with the inlet in contact with the fluid the seal extends at least partially through the hole, a clamp mechanism which is operable once the seal is located in the hole such that continued rotation of the cutter shaft pulls the cutting head (1, 101) back towards the hole to mechanically clamp the seal (3, 103) around the hole; and a self sealing connector which is in connection with an outlet of the passage and through which a sample may be withdrawn into a s

Abstract: A pullout mechanism for a biosensor, wherein the pullout mechanism includes a permanent seat, a sliding seat, a resetter and a push type brake seat. The sliding seat is set into the sliding seat space of the permanent seat in a sliding state. A resetter is arranged between the permanent seat and the sliding seat, enabling resetting of the sliding seat. A push type brake seat is arranged laterally onto the casing. The push type brake seat includes a pushing portion and a driving end. The driving end can penetrate the threading portion of the permanent seat. When the pushing portion is pressed, said driving end can push the driven end of the sliding seat to control the state of the sliding seat, allowing for automatic pullout of the specimen in the specimen inserting portion, and improving the ease of operation with stronger applicability.

Abstract: A method and a system for efficiently screening for dangerous threatening items in or on an animate subject (e.g., a person) are presented. The system includes a portal that accommodates an animate subject and a test unit that includes equipment for subjecting the animate subject to a combination of two or more tests. There are sensors located in the portal, wherein each of the sensors reads data resulting from testing the animate subject and generates an output signal. A computation unit receives the output signal from each of the sensors and processes the output signals in parallel to determine a risk factor based on parameters resulting from the two or more tests. The test unit may be coupled to a portal and an object unit, wherein the object unit is for screening inanimate subjects (e.g., bags, coats). The parallel acquisition and processing of the output signals enhances accuracy.

Abstract: Apparatus for processes of checking anesthesia and ventilation devices, in the form of a test lung, comprising a lung sac (5), elastically deformable lobes (6, 7), an inlet nozzle (1) and adjustment means (8, 9, 10) for adjusting the simulation parameters. The test lung is in the form of a compact unit and permits the simulation of different lung types by adjustment of the lung parameters.

Abstract: A tire insert attachment apparatus includes a pin attached to a first part of the insert and extending into a second part of the insert to engage an actuator that draws the bolt into the second part. The actuator includes a tool engagement head that transmits rotational motion of a tool to a translator via a converter, the converter transforming the rotational motion of the head into linear motion imparted on the translator. The translator can be a rack and pinion setup or can be a thread arrangement. Preferably, the head rotates a worm, which rotates a pinion that has threads formed on an inner surface and engaging mating threads on the pin, the pin taking the form of a bolt, such as an eyebolt.

Abstract: A slide hinge for a mobile device is described.

Abstract: A rotary-to-linear mechanism including an elongate linearly-moveable first member having a longitudinal first axis, and rotatably-moveable second and third members. The second member is rotatably disposed about the first member and defines a second axis about which it is rotatable. The third member encircles the first axis and is operatively engaged with the first member. The third member is disposed in a central cavity of the second member and has an axial surface superposing a second member interior surface, the superposed surfaces each defining one of a pair of corresponding grooves each encircling the first and second axes.

Abstract: A photostructurable ceramic is processed using photostructuring process steps for embedding devices within a photostructurable ceramic volume, the devices may include one or more of chemical, mechanical, electronic, electromagnetic, optical, and acoustic devices, all made in part by creating device material within the ceramic or by disposing a device material through surface ports of the ceramic volume, with the devices being interconnected using internal connections and surface interfaces.

Abstract: A transmission is disclosed for a wheeled vehicle. The transmission has a rotary input (14) to be driven by a rotary power source, e.g. an internal combustion engine. It has a rotary output (16) for driving a vehicle wheel. A transmission unit is coupled between the rotary input and the rotary output to transfer drive between them at a speed ratio which is continuously variable through a range which includes both negative ratios (providing a reversal of rotational direction between the rotary input and the rotary output), positive ratios (in which the rotary input and the rotary output rotate in the same direction), and a geared neutral ratio, in which the rotary output is stationary. In accordance with the invention, the transmission further comprises a brake (20) for braking the rotary output. The brake is provided with a control arrangement adapted to apply it when the speed ratio is set to the geared neutral ratio and to release the brake as the speed ratio is adjusted away from the geared neutral ratio.

Abstract: A transmission unit (7) is proposed herewith for a vehicle driven by muscle power, said transmission unit (7) having one through shaft (13) and one output shaft (23), as well as having at least two sub-transmissions ([a],[aa],[b],[c],[d],[e]) and having at least one intermediate shaft (17,19a,19b,21). The transmission unit (7) is characterised by at least one of the intermediate shafts (17,19a,19b,21) and/or the output shaft (23) being formed as a hollow shaft which is arranged coaxially to another shaft of the transmission unit (7). (FIG.

Abstract: A driving force transmission apparatus includes: a driving force transmission shaft receiving driving force of a driving source from a rotating member and transmitting the driving force from a main driving wheel side to an auxiliary driving wheel side; a first driving force interruption unit connects/disconnects the driving force transmission shaft to/from the rotating member; a second driving force interruption unit connects/disconnects the driving force transmission shaft to/from at least one of two auxiliary driving wheels so that transmitted torque is variable; and a control unit controls connection and disconnection of the first and second driving force interruption units. The control unit causes the second driving force interruption unit to connect/disconnect the driving force transmission shaft to/from the at least one of the auxiliary driving wheels before causing the first driving force interruption unit to connect/disconnect the driving force transmission shaft to/from the rotating member.

Abstract: A robot joint driving apparatus has an improved structure, a robot having the same, and a cable linkage method of the robot joint driving apparatus. In the robot joint driving apparatus, lines of a cable to drive a robot joint unit are connected plural times in parallel, thereby increasing torsional stiffness of the robot joint unit. Further, a cable fixing unit is provided on an output pulley, thereby preventing slippage of the cable on the output pulley. Moreover, the overall size of the robot joint driving apparatus is reduced due to an improved power transmission structure from a driving motor to the output pulley.

Abstract: A robot joint driving apparatus is smoothly operated without generation of backlash. A robot includes the robot joint driving apparatus. The robot joint driving apparatus includes an internal gear having a ring shape, a main pulley arranged at the center of the internal gear and connected to a power source, first and second pinion gears provided at both sides of the main pulley and engaged with the internal gear, first and second pulleys respectively fastened to the first and second pinion gears, first and second belts respectively connecting the main pulley and the first and second pulleys, and tension adjustment units to adjust tensions of the first and second belts.

Abstract: A vehicular manipulation input apparatus includes, as a pair arranged at different positions, a first manipulation section to execute a first control and a second manipulation section to execute a second control, the second control including a denial of the first control such as suspension, release, nullification, regress, or replacement of the first control with a previous control prior to the first control. A second manipulation direction of second manipulation section is orthogonal to a first manipulation direction of the first manipulation section; alternatively, the second manipulation direction has a directional component opposite the first manipulation direction of the first manipulation section.

Abstract: The steering column module for a motor vehicle comprises a steering column and a device for the longitudinal and/or inclination adjustment of the steering column. This device for adjustment comprises a control circuit and is equipped with at least one electric motor of the device for adjustment. The steering column module furthermore comprises a clamping device, which is connected to the control circuit and equipped with an electric motor of the clamping device for the actuation of the clamping device between a normally provided clamping position and a release position. In the method, the clamping device is first actuated until it is in the release position and is held in the release position; only then follows an adjustment of the adjustment device until the desired longitudinal and/or inclination adjustment of the steering column has been reached. Thereafter the clamping device is allowed to go back to the clamping position.

Abstract: A brake operating device for a bicycle comprising a housing on a handlebar, the housing comprising a recess on a mouth; a spring biased brake lever rotatably mounted on the housing; a brake cable having one end connected to a cable connector of the brake lever; and a spring biased stop member pivotably sitting upon the brake lever to urge against the recess. Pressing the stop member to disengage the stop member from the recess and counterclockwise pivoting the brake lever will loosen the brake cable. Thereafter, a tire replacement is made easy.

Abstract: A manual operator for a vehicle, wherein the manual operator can be simply operated, has a good appearance, and allows a sufficient space for a manual operator for a parking brake. A first manual operator (13) pivotably mounted on a handlebar (11) has an output section (26) mounted so as to be pivotable about the center of a first support shaft (12). A second manual operator (15) has an input section (44) provided so as to be pivotable about a second support shaft (14) when pushed by the output section (26). The second manual operator (15) is a manual operator adapted for a vehicle parking brake and capable of setting the vehicle to a parked state.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to pedal assemblies, particularly pedal assemblies having a kickdown device that includes one or more deformable tactile domes adapted to uniformly deform or invert on application of sufficient force. This deformation, flattening, or inversion may result in a kickdown effect that may correspond to an engine kickdown. Additionally, the device may be adapted for engagement with a pedal assembly to impart a hysteresis effect as the pedal moves relative to the body.

Abstract: A saddle-ride type vehicle has a handlebar cover 27 covering at least a front portion of a handlebar 14. The vehicle includes a turn signal device having mounting stays 26 jointed to the handlebar bar 14, and lamp members 25 supported on the mounting stays 26. The handlebar cover 27 covering the front portion of the handlebar 14 has opening portions 47 formed so as to face in a vehicle body forward direction. The mounting stays 26 penetrate the opening portions 47 and extend in the vehicle body forward direction from the handlebar 14. The lamp members 25 are connected to front end portions of the mounting stays 26. The mounting stays 26 are jointed to end portions 14c of the handlebar 14. Stay covers 45 which cover the mounting stays 26 can be provided.

Abstract: An automobile steering wheel includes an extension support, a plurality of support connecting portions and a detachable member, and a plurality of support connecting portions are formed at an external periphery of the extension support, and a connecting section is disposed separately at both ends of the support connecting portion, and an assembly positioning hole is formed at the center of the extension support, such that the two connecting sections at both ends of the detachable member and the two connecting sections at both ends of the support connecting portion are fixed to each other to provide a flexibly variable structure to meet user requirements while maintaining the safety of using the automobile steering wheel.

Abstract: In order to make easy to change the size of a cam device in the course of press mold design, there is provided a cam device including: a cam holder; a cam slider, and a cam driver, wherein the cam devices are grouped depending on the basis of width dimensions in combination of hardness of a sliding contact surface of the cam holder and a sliding contact surface on the cam slider end, and hardness of a cam surface of the cam driver and a cam surface of the cam slider, and the design structures of the respective groups are determined in such a manner that the maximum process ability in a certain group among the groups is larger than the minimum process ability of an adjacent group having a larger width dimension, and smaller than the maximum process ability in an adjacent group having a smaller width dimension.

Abstract: A dual clutch transmission for a vehicle is provided. The transmission includes a first input shaft driven by a first clutch and a second input shaft driven by a second clutch. An output shaft or shafts are driven by the input shafts having selective mesh torsional force transferring gear contact therewith. A differential input gear is driven by the output shaft or shafts. At least one of the input shafts has at least one input gear that torsionally engages with the output shaft via an idler shaft having an idler input shaft torsionally connected on the idler shaft with an idler shaft output gear through a one-way clutch and wherein the idler shaft output gear is meshed with another gear on the one input shaft.

Abstract: A hybrid transmission that is operatively connected with an engine includes an input member operatively connected with the engine, at least one intermediate member, and an output member. A plurality of selectively engagable torque-transmitting mechanisms enable the input member to be selectively operatively connected to the at least one intermediate member through the first gearing arrangement by engagement of different ones of a first set of the torque-transmitting mechanisms. A single motor/generator is operatively connectable to the at least one intermediate member and is selectively operatively connected to the output member in two alternative ways through the second gearing arrangement by selective engagement of two respective ones of a second set of the torque-transmitting mechanisms to establish two different torque ratios between the at least one intermediate member and the output member.

Abstract: An automatic dual-clutch transmission is able to establish a parking lock by bringing one of a first input shaft and a second input shaft into engagements with a low speed stage gear train as well as with a reverse stage gear train in performing a parking. Gears of an engaging member and a mating sleeve in at least one of a low speed stage shift clutch and a reverse stage shift clutch which are simultaneously brought into engagements to establish the parking lock are able to mesh with each other at axially extending side surfaces thereof which are formed to extend linearly in parallel to an axial direction thereof.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to an actuating drive. The actuating drive includes an electric motor that is operatively connected to a fitting via a device unit and a transmission unit that is equipped with a manual device. The drive unit combines functional units of the manual drive, the brake, the manual drive and a displacement feedback of the brake in an attachable housing.

Abstract: A method for introducing dust into a molten bath of a pyrometallurgical installation is described. According to the method, a carrier gas containing dust particles is guided through a heating zone of an electrode less plasma torch, the gas being converted to a plasma by inductive heating prior to being blown into a region of the installation which receives the molten bath.

Abstract: Disclosed is a steelmaking flux which makes it possible to produce steel of extremely low contents of oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur. The flux consists of, by weight, CaO: 30-57%, Al2O3: 35-64% and MgO: 5-17%, and having a composition in the area defined by the points A to E of Table 1 below in the MgO—CaO—Al2O3 diagram of FIG. 1, in which the activity of alumina is 10?2 or less. TABLE 1 Concentration (Molar basis, mole) Point NCaO NAl2O3 NMgO A 0.41 0.48 0.11 B 0.37 0.35 0.11 C 0.62 0.22 0.16 D 0.87 0.25 0.08 E 0.46 0.45 0.

Abstract: It is possible to efficiently obtain a purified material from a material containing a metalloid element such as silicon or metal element as the main component, and an impurity. The method for purifying a material, comprising bringing a material containing a metalloid element or metal element as the main component, and an impurity into contact with a compound represented by the following formula (1): AlX3 ??(1) wherein X is a halogen atom; to remove the impurity from the material.

Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a method of synthesis for metallic nano-products such as metallic nano-antennas, metallic nano-rods, metallic nano-wires, metallic nano-prolate spheroids and metallic nano-oblate spheroids using saturated and unsaturated carboxylic acids. The method involves preparing a reaction mixture by mixing a polar protic solvent, a polar aprotic solvent or a non-polar solvent, a saturated fatty acid or an unsaturated fatty acid and a metallic salt. Then a mixture of reducing agents is prepared by mixing a polar protic solvent, a polar aprotic solvent or a non-polar solvent and a saturated fatty acid or an unsaturated fatty acid. The reaction mixture and the mixture of reducing agents are combined and heated solvo-thermally for a pre-determined period of time at a pre-determined temperature.

Abstract: A dual outlet injector is disclosed for use in a dual lance or dual port desulfurization station, whereby reagent from a given injector vessel may be injected into two separate supply pipes respectively corresponding to the dual lances or dual ports. The dual outlet injector enables a desulfurization station to be configured comprising only one supply vessel for powdered magnesium reagent and only one supply vessel for a carrier reagent such as powdered lime.

Abstract: A strap wrench includes a strap that is a continuous loop and has notches. No portion of the strap is affixed to any portion of the wrench. The strap is placed around an object that needs to be turned such as an oil filter on an engine. A tension mechanism is then used to tighten the strap into place around the object to be turned. A ratchet mechanism engages one or more notches on the strap to prevent movement of the strap in one direction while allowing movement of the strap in the opposite direction. The combination of the notched continuous loop strap and ratchet mechanism allow the strap wrench to have a ratcheting action after the strap is tightened into place around the object to be turned.

Abstract: A non-slip and anti-burring gas cylinder spanner for tightening and loosening hose coupling nuts used with gas cylinder valves includes a body with a handle extending opposite a head. A nut engaging portion within the head defines an internal aperture having at least five nut engaging sides dimensioned and configured to engage corresponding sides of a hexagonal nut so the sides of the nut engaging element have increased contact points with the sides of the nut, preventing slippage and burring. A backing plate attached to the head is positioned over a part of the nut engaging element so the backing plate indicates correct spanner/nut positioning and prevents slippage of the spanner relative to the nut when tightening or loosening. The nut engaging element and the backing plate combination prevents rotational and side slippage of the spanner relative to the nut and burring of the nut when tightening and loosening.

Abstract: A tool coupling structure comprises a first post member including a fitting end disposed on one end thereof and a polygonal cavity mounted on another end thereof; the cavity including a hole formed on an outer wall thereof, and the hole including a biasing element installed therein; a second post member including a coupling end fixed on one end thereof and a polygonal sphere knob formed on another end thereof to be fitted to the cavity of the fist post member, and the sphere knob including an elastic engaging member fixed on a peripheral side thereof in response to the hole of the first post member to be retained in the hole.

Abstract: According to the present invention, the main purpose is to provide a tool head positioning structure for a flexible wrench, which includes a handle and a tool head pivotally connected to the handle. The handle includes a controller associated with a retaining member disposed between the controller and the tool head, and the retaining member can be controlled to approach or away from the tool head by rotating the controller. The controller has two continued surfaces, which are pushing portion and retracting portion respectively, and each surface has a depth different from each other. The handle further includes a resilient device engaged to the controller so as to keep in a required position. A user can rotate the controller to make the pushing portion or the retracting portion be aligned with the retaining member so as to fix or adjust an angle of the tool head.

Abstract: There is provided a roll surface machining method and apparatus for using a cutting tool to carry out ultra-precision machining in the surface of a roll with a reduced amount of data. The apparatus and method for roll surface machining includes setting a machining start position of a cutting tool with respect to the surface of the roll by C-axis indexing of the roll and positioning of the roll in the axial direction (Z-axis direction) both with respect to the cutting tool. Also the cutting tool and the roll are moved relative to each other in the axial direction of the roll by position control using C-Z axis interpolation, thereby forming a three-dimensional pattern in the surface of the roll.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably holding a tubular toolholder shank includes a tool support member; a canister disposed within the tool support member; a lock rod movable within the tool support member in a reciprocating motion for pulling the tubular toolholder shank into a locked position and for releasing the tubular toolholder shank to an unlocked position; and at least two locking elements engaging the lock rod so that movement of the lock rod causes the locking elements to extend outward to engage the tubular toolholder shank. The lock rod includes a relief cavity extending rearward from a forward end of the lock rod. The lock rod has a maximum outer diameter and the relief cavity has a maximum diameter. A ratio of the maximum diameter of the relief cavity to the maximum outer diameter of the front portion of the lock rod is greater than approximately 1 to 4.

Abstract: A machine tool device having a monitoring unit for monitoring at least one machine tool monitoring range, the monitoring unit having an evaluation unit. The evaluation unit has a computing unit which is provided to distinguish at least two motions in the machine tool monitoring range.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus for a sheet material article trimmer includes a transfer element configured to grip the sheet material article and move the sheet material article in a transfer direction onto a side table of the sheet material article trimmer. A driver is provided, the driver being configured to move the transfer element at the same speed as the side table during period of time when the sheet material article is gripped by the transfer element and the side table is moving in the transfer direction.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a protrusion cutting apparatus (30) for cutting a closed-cell foam product (32) comprising a support surface (36) adapted to support the foam product (32); a template (34) having an opening, the template (34) being movable relative to the support surface (36) to compress the foam product (32) between the support surface (36) and the template (34) so that a portion of the foam product (32)protrudes through the opening; a cutting tool (40) adapted to cut the foam product (32) adjacent to the template (34) so that the portion of the foam product (32) protruding through the opening is cut from the foam product (32); and one or more air vents (42) formed in the support surface (36) to allow air trapped between the compressed foam product (32) and the support surface (36) to escape.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting tubular members includes a support structure, a control system, a cutting station, a guide and an extracting assembly. The cutting station includes a first wheel having at least one cutting member located on the circumference of the first wheel and a second wheel having at least one projection located on the circumference of the second wheel. The extracting assembly has a cylindrical member with a first end and a second end. The cylindrical member also includes a pair of grooves extending along a portion of the interior thereof. The grooves decrease in height and depth from the first interior section to the third interior section.

Abstract: An emergency stop device for a band saw includes a brake member moveable between a standby position and an active position where the brake member firmly urges and stops a running wheel of the band saw, around which a band saw blade is looped. The brake member is held by a retainer at the standby position when the emergency stop device is inactive. When the emergency stop device is started, the retainer is separated apart from the brake member for enabling the brake member to move by an actuation of a spring member from the standby position to the active position so as to stop the cutting motion of the band saw blade.

Abstract: A cutting head with chip collection for cutting a tubular object. The cutting head comprises a frame and gripping, cutting, advancing and sealing units. The gripping unit is used to grip the object and secure its position with respect to the frame. The cutting unit has a motor driving a blade for cutting the tubular object. The advancing unit is used to guide the cutting unit in order to vary a cutting depth of the blade through a cutting area defined by an opening of the frame. The sealing unit has members extending around the cutting area and forming a chamber to contain the chips produced by the blade during a cutting. A suction conduit communicating with the chamber allows drawing the chips and conveying them toward a chip collecting outlet.

Abstract: An anti-kickback device includes a riving knife mounted rearwardly of a saw blade of a table saw machine and having a retaining hole. An elongate mount has a cavity and an insert groove to receive the plate body such that the retaining hole is located in the cavity. A fastening unit includes a post which is received in the cavity, which straddles a top surface of the knife, and which has a radial bore registered with the retaining hole, a detent body disposed in the radial bore and movable to extend into or to be clear of the retaining hole to thereby permit the mount to be secured to or detached from the knife, a tubular actuator which has an inner cam surface configured to move the detent body, and an operating member manually operable to move the actuator.

Abstract: A leaning grid for a miter saw includes at least one upper leaning grid which is a movable leaning grid having an upper support surface for a work piece and at least one lower leaning grid having a lower support surface for the work piece. The lower leaning grid is also a movable leaning grid and may move between two support positions. The lower support surface and the upper support surface are in a same plane when the lower leaning grid is located at the support positions and the lower support surface and the upper support surface are in different planes when the lower leaning grid is located at a position that is between the support positions.

Abstract: To be able to accurately adjust an angle using a simple operation when mounting a groove machining tool into a holder, there is provided a groove machining tool for use with a thin-film solar cell. The groove machining tool is retained by a holder, is caused to move together with the holder over a thin film of an integrated thin-film solar cell in one direction, and forms a groove on the thin film extending in one direction and has a tool body. The blade tip part is formed on a tip end of the tool body and has blade tips for machining grooves disposed at a tip end. An angle regulation unit is disposed on the tool body so that the blade tip part is fixed in a predetermined orientation with regard to the direction of formation of the groove when being retained by the holder.