Abstract: A device that automatically actuates the reversing lever of a ratchet mechanism when the radial direction of the motor is changed. The auto-shift mechanism includes a worm gear that rotates with the motor, and a disc coupled to the worm gear that moves laterally as the worm gear rotates. Axial movement of the disc actuates a reversing lever of a ratchet mechanism by either pulling or pushing the reversing lever. A lost-motion mechanism can absorb an initial amount of torque so that the auto-shift mechanism can run its course prior to applying the torque to a fastener.

Abstract: An adjustable socket tool with a selectively adjustable depth includes a housing having an elongated passage. A fastener socket is attached to a proximal end of the housing for concurrent rotation therewith and includes an interior region in communication with the elongated passage. The adjustable socket further includes an elongated stop pin slidably disposed within the elongated passage and fixed to the housing for concurrent rotation therewith about a longitudinal axis of the stop pin. The stop pin includes a proximal end arranged proximate the fastener socket so as to operably engage a bolt received within the fastener socket.

Abstract: A device includes a body having a first end, a second end, and four faces. The device is configured to stand upright on the second end. A plurality of tools is stored against the four faces in a closed position. A first face and a second face each includes a bit storage that holds at least one socket. A third face includes a drive, a can opener, and a blade. The drive and the can opener rotate about a first rotatable mechanism coupled to the second end. The blade rotates about an insert coupled to the first end. A fourth face includes a first set of tool drivers that rotates about a second rotatable mechanism coupled to the second end and a second set of tool drivers that rotates about a third rotatable mechanism coupled to the first end.

Abstract: A torque amplifying lever extension providing a safe means of increasing the force applied to the handle of a wrench, other hand tool, or machine lever. A lever extension can be placed over virtually any size lever handle without adjustment of the lever extension. Using only one hand, a user can quickly add the lever extension to a lever handle and apply additional force with reduced risk of a tool or handle or the lever extension slipping and injuring the user or damaging the work.

Abstract: A screwdriver drive design for a screwdriver features an engagement end that is complementary to a fastening element drive design for a fastening element to be screwed. The fastening element drive design includes at least two drive surfaces formed on the fastening element for transmission of a torque suitable for rotation with a tool in a first rotation direction and transition surfaces disposed between these drive surfaces. The transition surfaces form a guide surface for the tool when rotating the tool in the first rotation direction and upon engagement of the tool in the other rotation direction causes an axial outward displacement of the tool, wherein the transition surfaces are formed as outside surfaces, and wherein the outside of the fastening element, outside the transition surfaces and the drive surfaces, lies in a cylindrical jacket forming a recess.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for expanded driving heads used to drive torque-based fasteners (e.g., screws) into materials. The apparatus comprises a driving head that includes multiple prongs. Each prong comprises a tip adapted to engage a receptacle of a torque-based fastener. The tips of the prongs are also adapted to move apart from each other, thereby expanding the size of the driving head and engaging the receptacle of the torque-based fastener.

Abstract: A tool handle includes a first handle unit, a joint unit connected rotatably to the first handle unit and formed with a plurality of positioning grooves, a second handle unit connected co-rotatably to the joint unit, and a latch member inserted into the first handle unit and movable between a lock state, where two latching projections of the latch member engage two of the positioning grooves and the first and second handle units are non-rotatable relative to each other, and an unlock state, where the latching projections are disengaged from the two of the positioning grooves and the second handle unit is rotatable about the engaging block to permit adjustment of an orientation of the second handle unit relative to the first handle unit.

Abstract: Multi-tool, including at least one pivot (2, 3, 202, 302) on which are articulated a plurality of implements (4, 5, 6, 104, 204, 205, 304, 305) each rotatable from a minimum size inactive position to at least one operating position, characterized in that said pivot (2, 3, 202, 302) comprises elastic retaining means (9) of at least one of these implements (4, 5, 6, 104, 204, 205, 304, 305) in operating position and/or in the minimum encumbrance position.

Abstract: A machine tool for machining a workpiece is provided with a cutting tool holder for holding a cutting tool and a rotation mechanism for holding the workpiece. One or both of the cutting tool holder and the rotation mechanism are movable on multiple axes so that the cutting tool is movable relative to the workpiece in multiple axial directions. A control device is provided for controlling the movement of one or both of the cutting tool holder and the rotation mechanism to synchronously vibrate the workpiece and the cutting tool relative to each other at a low frequency in multiple axial directions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a precision CNC facing lathe, which comprises a facing head that has slide ways and a feed slide that is mounted in the slide ways on the facing head, wherein, a ball screw feeder that can drive the slide to move in radial direction and a dynamic balancer are arranged on the facing head. The dynamic balancer comprises weight blocks, a weight cable, fixed blocks, and pulleys. The lathe provided in the present invention can absolutely substitute conventional rack-and-gear driven CNC facing lathes, and can improve work piece machining accuracy and machining efficiency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacement of damages display shield (typically glass) covering a display screen on a device, typically a mobile phone. Mobile phones have an electronic display protected by a glass shield. Between the glass and the display is often a plastic polarizing or other intermediary sheet. Removal of a damage glass can be accomplished by cutting thru the polarizer with a moving wire or blade. This separates the glass from the sensitive display and allows replacement of the glass without damaging the more expensive display.

Abstract: A cutter head for use with automated hair cutting systems are provided. The cutter head comprises a coupling apparatus for attaching the cutter head to an automated hair cutting device; a top comb comprising a plurality of top cutting members; a bottom comb comprising a plurality of bottom cutting members; and a control apparatus having a plurality of control modes for controlling movement of the top and bottom cutting members.

Abstract: Apparatus for moving logs (2) within cutting-off machines. The apparatus includes a platform (1) with one or more longitudinal channels (10) inside which the logs to be cut are disposed, and a pusher device (3) acting in correspondence of the platform (1) and intended for acting on the back of the logs (2) to push them, along respective guide channels (10), toward a cutting device (4) disposed downstream. The apparatus includes a clamping device (5) disposed intermediate between the pusher device (3) and the cutting device (4) and intended for engaging the logs (2) which are pushed along the channels (10) of platform (1) by the pusher device (3) and driving them along up to the cutting device (4).

Abstract: An apparatus, comprising a cutting assembly being configured to cut an object, and scrap-guiding regions being positioned on opposite sides of the cutting assembly.

Abstract: The line comprises a feed path (P) of the web material (N) and, along the feed path, a transverse cutter (5) for cutting scraps (FS) from said continuous web material (N); Furthermore, the line comprises a system for removing scraps of web material cut by the cutter. The system for removing scraps is fitted with a scrap accumulator member (21). The accumulator member (21) is movable in a direction generally parallel to the feed path (P) of the web material between: a position for receiving scraps, wherein the distance between the accumulator member (21) and the cutter (5) is such that scraps (FS) generated by the cutter (5) are collected by the accumulator member (21); and a standby position, at a distance from said cutter (5) such that scraps (FS) generated by the cutter are collected in a space (D) between the cutter (5) and the accumulator member (21).

Abstract: The invention relates to a punching device for processing dried samples applied to a sample card, in particular liquids containing DNA, such as blood, saliva and the like, comprising at least one punching means (110) with a punch and a lower die, wherein the punch is movable between a resting position at a distance from the lower die and a punching position closer to the lower die. The punching means (110) has a receiving opening into which a sample card can be introduced by means of a movable gripping unit (300) of the punching device (10) and can be positioned in relation to the punching means (110), and a punching drive (14) which can be coupled or is coupled to the punch of the punching means (110) and which drives the punch between the resting position and the punching position. According to the invention, it is proposed that the punching means (110) has a structure which is separate from the punching device (10) and on which the punch and the lower die are arranged.

Abstract: Saw blades, including band saw blades, reciprocating saw blades, hole saw blades and hand hack saw blades, are made from a bi-metal strip. The bi-metal strip includes a cutting edge defined by a plurality of cutting teeth that is welded to an axially-elongated carbon or spring steel backing. The cutting edge is formed of a high speed steel alloy consisting essentially of: about 8/10% to about 1% carbon, up to about 45/100% silicon, up to about 4/10% manganese, up to about 3/100% phosphorous, up to about 3/100% sulfur, about 4% to about 6% cobalt, about 3% to about 5% chromium, about 4-1/2% to about 5-1/2% molybdenum, about 1% to about 2-1/2% vanadium, about 5-1/2% to about 7% tungsten, and about 74% to about 78-1/2% iron.

Abstract: A height adjustment device for a band saw machine includes a fixing unit, an adjustment unit which is slidable relative to the fixing unit and at least one fixing member to secure the fixing unit the adjustment unit. Through the position of the adjustment unit relative to the fixing unit, the height of the band saw machine can be adjusted according to the user's height for the user to operate the band saw machine conveniently.

Abstract: A potato piercer having a top assembly with a handle. The top assembly includes a first plate having a bottom surface and a plurality of piercing stakes secured to the bottom surface. The potato piercer further includes a bottom assembly having a second plate and a plurality of piercing stakes secured to the top surface of the second plate. The potato piercer has a housing sized and configured to receive a potato for piercing. The housing has a roof with a plurality of apertures for receiving the top assembly stakes, a floor with a plurality of apertures for receiving the bottom assembly stakes, and a cavity for receiving the potato. There is an actuator assembly operatively coupled to the top and bottom assemblies, whereby a force applied to the handle causes the actuator assembly to translate the potato piercer from a non-piercing configuration to a piercing configuration.

Abstract: A device for producing percussive sounds while simultaneously playing a plucked stringed instrument such as a guitar is disclosed. A plate attached to the front panel of a guitar contains a pivoting arm assembly. The arm is placed below the guitar strings such that it enables the player's hand to strike the swinging arm at the completion of a strumming downstroke on the strings. This causes the arm to swing down causing the actuation of an electric switch which then actuates the transmission of a signal for playing the percussive sound. This may be accomplished within less than 0.01 seconds; therefore, the resulting percussive sound virtually coincides with striking of the swinging arm. The swinging arm is attached to the plate with a spring loaded mechanism in a way that the arm rebounds to its original position following the swing-down making the arm ready for the next hand strike.

Abstract: For over 150 years, conventional acoustic guitar designs have anchored the strings on a bridge attached to the guitar face; passing over a saddle; notched to align the strings over the fingerboard; and terminating at the tuning keys. The strain on the bridge and entire guitar face top over time eventually causes the thin guitar face top to warp. This phenomenon negatively impacts the quality of the instrument. The current patent, a bridge for stringed instruments (No. 6372971) was designed to eliminate surface warping to the guitar face of the instrument by distributing the load from the strings transversely across the guitar face. The principle of this feature, added to the current aforementioned patent, allows the user to raise and/or lower the strings (for the ease and comfort of the user) relative to the fingerboard without affecting the tuned strings or requiring a major operation to modify the saddle.

Abstract: A tremolo device with a movable bridge, an adjustment device, and a support frame is implemented on an acoustic guitar, with features that can also be employed on an electric guitar or other stringed instruments. The movable bridge holds strings of the musical instrument in tension. The adjustment device, such as a tremolo bar, moves the bridge to change the tension of the strings. The support frame engages the bridge at a first area and engages the musical instrument at a larger second area. When the tremolo device is used, the support frame receives a force over the first area and transmits a corresponding force to the musical instrument over the larger second area, reducing the pressure that would be experienced by the musical instrument. The support frame also transmits string vibration received through the bridge to the instrument body to produce proper acoustic tones.

Abstract: A pedal percussion instrument includes a base, a pedal, a connecting member, a rotating body, a shaft pivotally connecting the rotating body, a striking part rotating about the shaft and a stricken part. The shaft is located between an upper end and a lower end of the pedal part when the pedal part is not being operated. The striking part is disposed on a side opposite to the pedal part with the shaft interposed therebetween and is disposed on a side lower than the stricken part when the pedal part is not being operated. The pedal part rotates in one direction with respect to the base, the rotating body rotates via the connecting member in an other direction with respect to the base. The stricken part is struck by the striking part through a rotation of the rotating body in the other direction in a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A drum brush, comprising a handle having a long axis; a hard secondary strike surface contacted to the handle, protruding further out from the axis of the handle in a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the handle; and bristles connected to the hard secondary strike surface. The hard secondary strike surface may comprise a bead.

Abstract: A retention device for the retention of matched pairs of drumsticks. The device can include at least two retention clamps, each clamp enclosing a channel, and a coupler connecting the at least two retention clamps to each other. Each clamp can have sufficient flexibility so as to allow for the insertion of a drumstick into the channel and so as to frictionally retain a drumstick within the channel. Furthermore, each clamp can include a pair of arms, each arm having a distal end, the distal ends of the arms defining a gap therebetween.

Abstract: An automatic player piano is equipped with a recording system equipped with a sequencer, to which event data codes for note-on and note-off events and a digital external audio signal expressing singer's voice are supplied; the sequencer supplements duration data codes to the event data codes, and produces RIFF audio data codes expressing the voice; and respectively stores the event data codes and duration data codes and the RIFF audio data codes in a standard MIDI file and a RIFF file.

Abstract: A howitzer suitable for deployment on a ground plane, the howitzer having an ordnance for firing a projectile. The ordnance can include a barrel defining a barrel axis and having a muzzle towards the front end of the howitzer and a breech assembly at the back end of the barrel; a cradle for holding the ordnance at a traverse and an elevation; two trunnion pins located on the cradle, which co-locate with receiving trunnion bearings on a saddle, wherein in a first position said breech is located forward of the trunnion, in a second position, at the end of the recoil stroke, the breech is retracted substantially behind the trunnion, wherein a recoil stroke is variable depending on the selection of the elevation.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved recoil control device comprising a bolt head and an inertia block or slider for use in a variety of firearms. In one embodiment, the bolt head and inertia block are articulated so that the displacement of the bolt head results in a force component outside the firing axis of the barrel of the firearm. The device can be incorporated into firearms of a variety of sizes and configurations to produce recoil reduction and/or weight reduction advantages.

Abstract: An active protection system for protecting a platform from an incoming threat. The system comprises: a detection system configured for providing an output data associated with an incoming threat; a first countermeasure arrangement mountable on the platform and configured to intercept an incoming threat at a far interception point; a second countermeasure arrangement mountable on the platform and configured to intercept an incoming threat at a near interception point; and a controlling unit, in communication with the detection system and with the first and second countermeasure arrangements, configured for receiving said output data and selecting a preferred countermeasure arrangement from said first and second countermeasure arrangements, with which the incoming threat is to be intercepted.

Abstract: A shovel according to an embodiment of the present invention is a shovel including a boom cylinder and an arm cylinder. The shovel includes a hydraulic motor driven by hydraulic oil flowing out of the boom cylinder, a regenerating oil passage configured to supply the hydraulic oil flowing out of the boom cylinder to the hydraulic motor, a reusing oil passage configured to supply the hydraulic oil flowing out of the boom cylinder to the arm cylinder, and a reusing flow control valve configured to control a flow rate of hydraulic oil flowing in the reusing oil passage.

Abstract: A first adjustable stop on a jack member selectively adjusts an incline stop gap while a second adjustable stop on a support element selectively adjusts a decline stop gap. Stop surfaces on the first adjustable stop and the support element may define the incline stop gap, while stop surfaces on the second adjustable stop and the first adjustable stop may define the decline stop gap. A number of turns of a stop needed to effect a desired of adjustment may be determined using a pitch, lead, and/or number of starts of threads used to mount the stops.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid power cylinder assembly 10 includes a cylinder chamber 14, a piston 15, a piston rod 19 and an end cap 21. End cap 21 includes a drift stop chamber 24 and a drift stop blocking surface 25. Chamber 24 is in open fluid pressure communication with chamber 14 under all conditions. Piston 15 includes a piston body portion 16 and a drift stop body portion 29. Drift stop body portion 29 includes a drift stop blocking member 31 and a positioning surface 34 for preventing the blocking member 31 from contacting the walls of cavity 24 and cylinder chamber 14 when disengaged from blocking surface 25. In one position drift stop body portion 29 is received within drift stop cavity 24, and blocking member 31 engages blocking surface 25 to prevent unintended movement of piston 15.

Abstract: A primary piston is described of molded plastic and equipped with a functional metallic insert and at least one groove. The primary piston is installed in a master cylinder comprising at least the primary piston and a secondary piston, these being mounted in the bore hole of a master cylinder. These pistons can create pressure in a primary pressure chamber and a secondary pressure chamber, respectively, due to the action of a push rod on the primary piston.

Abstract: A piston assembly is provided. The piston assembly may include: a piston rod; a piston pivotally connected to the piston rod; and a rotatable rod bearing configured to allow the piston rod to pass therethough and rotate along with the piston rod as the piston rod pivots with respect to the piston. A method of making a piston assembly may be provided. The method may include: attaching a piston rod to a piston in a pivoting connection; providing a rotatable bearing for the piston rod; and supporting the piston rod with the rotatable bearing.

Abstract: A piston may include a piston crown including radially inner and outer crown mating surfaces, the crown defining at least in part a cooling gallery extending about a periphery of the crown. The piston may include a piston skirt including a pair of oppositely disposed pin bosses, the pin bosses each defining a piston pin bore. The piston skirt may have a radially inner skirt mating surface cooperating along a radially inner interface region with the radially inner crown mating surface, and a radially outer skirt mating surface cooperating along a radially outer interface region with the radially outer crown mating surface such that the cooling gallery is substantially enclosed. The piston may include at least one cooling fin extending from an interior surface of the cooling gallery.

Abstract: A filtration system includes a frame directing a fluid flow through the filtration system. An ionization array is located in the frame and has an ionizer current flowing therethrough. The system further includes a media filter having a plurality of media fibers arranged to capture particles flowing therethrough and a conductive surface located at the media filter and having a filter current flowing therethrough. A comparator is utilized to determine a difference between the ionizer current and the filter current, and compare that difference to a predetermined range.

Abstract: Systems and methods of automatically operating dehumidifiers in response to dehumidifier operating conditions are disclosed herein. A method of operating a dehumidifier configured in accordance with one embodiment includes directing air flow through the dehumidifier at a first volumetric flow rate while the dehumidifier is operating at a first operating condition. The method further includes changing the first volumetric flow rate to a second volumetric flow rate when the first operating condition of the dehumidifier changes to a predetermined second operating condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for separating CO2 from mixed gases. A stream of mixed gases passes one side of a facilitated transport membrane, while a sweep fluid, such as steam, passes the other side of the membrane, removing the CO2. The method is especially useful in the removal of CO2 from gases produced by internal combustion engines on mobile devices.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of obtaining carbon dioxide from a CO2-containing gas mixture. The methods combine the benefits of gas membrane separation with cryogenic temperatures.

Abstract: An air trap for a blood circuit and method for removing air from blood in a dialysis unit. The air trap may include a blood inlet supply line, a blood outlet supply line, and a container having an approximately spherical internal wall, an inlet at a top end of the container connected to the blood inlet supply line, and an outlet at a bottom end of the container connected to the blood outlet supply line. The inlet may be offset from a vertical axis of the approximately spherical internal wall such that blood entering the container is directed to flow in a spiral-like path. The inlet port may be arranged to introduce blood into the container in a direction that is approximately tangential to the approximately spherical inner wall of the container and/or in a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the vertical axis of the container.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices that include spark or particle arresting, features and muffler features. The disclosed devices may include: (a) an upstream inlet receiving exhaust gas flow; (b) a downstream outlet discharging exhaust gas flow; (c) a cylindrical body disposed between the upstream inlet and downstream outlet; and (d) a particle trap having an opening for collecting particulate matter in the exhaust gas flow, the particle trap disposed downstream of the cylindrical body on a wall of the device. The cylindrical body of the devices typically includes an annular channel permitting axial flow of gas therethrough from an upstream end of the annular channel through a downstream end of the annular channel. The downstream end of the annular channel may be configured to have openings for discharging exhaust gas flow and imparting a spiral flow to the discharged gas flow.

Abstract: A fracking trailer includes a particulate storage enclosure to receive a mixture of particulate and air in an interior of the particulate storage enclosure having a front end and a rear end. The fracking trailer also includes a filtration system connected to the particulate storage enclosure at the front end to filter particulate from the air in the mixture and exhaust filtered air.

Abstract: A combination discharge reactor for decomposing waste gas is disclosed is disclosed to include a housing with a gas inlet and gas outlets, and multiple processing units mounted in the housing. Each processing unit includes a support structure consisting of brackets and support rods, a rod electrode mounted in the bracket, and a tubular electrode mounted in the brackets and surrounding the rod electrode.

Abstract: A separator with a helix assembly that includes a plurality of segments disposed end to end and forming an intermediate casing. Each of the segments has a tubular portion with a first circumferential edge and a second circumferential edge and a helical portion extending from the second circumferential edge. The tubular portions of the segments form an intermediate casing, while the helical portions of the segments form a spiral helix. The helix assembly further includes an inner casing concentrically disposed within the intermediate casing and coupled to the spiral helix.

Abstract: An air filter assembly for an engine includes a filter element, a sound attenuation member and an end cap. The filter element may be a cylindrical filter element defining a hollow interior. The sound attenuation member may extend into the hollow interior of the cylindrical filter element. The sound attenuation member may include a flange at a first end thereof. The flange may have a diameter greater than a diameter of the hollow interior. The end cap may be secured to the cylindrical filter element and may function to fix the sound attenuation member relative to the filter member. The sound attenuation member is operative for reducing engine noise travelling through the air filter assembly.

Abstract: A method of removing mercury from a process gas by means of a sorbent and a filter (10) involves applying said sorbent to at least one filtering surface (12) of the filter (10). A first parameter, which is indicative of the amount of mercury that needs to be removed in said filter (10), and a second parameter, which is indicative of the amount of material that has been collected on said filtering surface (12), are measured. A measured value of said first parameter is compared to a mercury set point. When said measured value of said first parameter is higher than said mercury set point, the cleaning of said filtering surface (12) is delayed, compared to the point in time suggested by a measured value of said second parameter.

Abstract: A coffee maker comprises a filter basket assembly that enables two coffee dispensing modes. The assembly comprises a filter basket, an actuator that cooperates with a carafe and a motor driven valve. The actuator stops coffee from dispensing when the carafe is removed, but can be defeated by the user to dispense into a cup or mug when the carafe is absent.

Abstract: A water tank for a household device includes a tank container with a bottom and side walls. At least one of the side walls includes filling-level markings that comprise a profiling formed integrally with the at least one side wall.

Abstract: A brewing unit for a coffee machine has a brewing cylinder on a second end of which an end plate is pivotal between a closed position and an open position. A piston is axially movable in the cylinder away from the first end of the cylinder past the fill opening to compact coffee introduced through a fill opening at the second end in a brewing position and from the brewing position toward the second end in the open position of the end plate into an eject position to eject the used ground coffee from the brewing chamber. A pair of gear wheels flank the cylinder at the second end. Respective coupling plates each having an inner end pivoted on a respective one of the wheels and an outer end pivoted on the end plate about an actuating axis. A drive synchronously rotates both wheels.

Abstract: A water diffuser that extends from the discharge outlet of a pet fountain, for receiving water from the outlet of the pet fountain's water pump, wherein the diffuser includes a perforate tubular diffuser section that can be releasably coupled or otherwise anchored to part of the fountain by a connecting or coupling section that preferably is tubular and imperforate. The diffuser can include a water treatment disposed within the diffuser that is dispensed or released into water flowing through the diffuser. The diffuser may also include a filter for removing contaminants from water flowing through the water. Where used together with a water treatment, the filter can be disposed within the diffuser upstream of the water treatment for filtering water flowing through the diffuser before treating the flowing water.