Abstract: The fuel injector system of this invention is controlled via a diaphragm or piston referenced to a pressure pulse from a linear engine such as may be used for gas-powered fastening tools to inject fuel to the engine.

Abstract: A cam member 5 is disposed within a first chamber R1 such that the cam member 5 is rotatable but non-movable in the axial direction. The cam member 5 is non-rotatably connected to a rotor 3 through a connection shaft portion 52 piercing into a piston 4. A second cam mechanism 10 is disposed between the cam member 5 and the piston 4. When the cam mechanism 7 causes the piston 4 to move from the second chamber R2 side to the first chamber R1 side in accordance with rotation of the rotor 3 in one direction, the second cam mechanism 10 allows the piston 4 to move from the second chamber R2 side to the first chamber R1 side by the same amount of movement. When the second cam mechanism 10 causes the piston 4 to move from the first chamber R1 side to the second chamber R2 side in accordance with rotation of the rotor 3 in the other direction, the cam mechanism 7 allows the piston 4 to move from the first chamber R1 side to the second chamber R2 side by the same amount of movement.

Abstract: This invention is related to methods for inactivating micro-organisms using high pressure processing. A method is described for inactivating micro-organisms in a product using high pressure processing including the steps of packing said product in a flexible container, heating said product to a pre-pressurized temperature, subjecting said product to a pressure at a pressurized temperature for a time period; and reducing the pressure after said time period. The method of the present invention could further comprise an additional step of subjecting said product to a predetermined amount of oxygen for a time interval. The methods of the present invention may be applied preferably to food, cosmetic or pharmaceutical products.

Abstract: Image-dependent tone and color reproduction processing of digital images is accomplished by creating a spatially blurred and sub-sampled version of the original image, and applying knowledge of the capture device physical characteristics to obtain statistics related to the scene or original captured. The statistics are used for image-dependent linearization of the captured image data based on an OECF model, and in conjunction with information about the output medium, to calculate image-specific preferred tone reproduction curves based on a preferred reproduction model. The image data can then be processed for reproduction on output media with different density ranges and color gamuts. All the processing described can be accomplished automatically, but the access to accurate scene information afforded by the image-dependent linearization, and to the perceptually intuitive parameters controlling the calculation of the preferred reproduction curves, also allows for simple, intuitive manual adjustment.

Abstract: A human power amplifier includes an end-effector that is grasped by a human operator and applied to a load. The end-effector is suspended, via a line, from a take-up pulley, winch, or drum that is driven by an actuator to lift or lower the load. The end-effector includes a force sensor that measures the vertical force imposed on the end-effector by the operator and delivers a signal to a controller. The controller and actuator are structured in such a way that a predetermined percentage of the force necessary to lift or lower the load is applied by the actuator, with the remaining force being supplied by the operator. The load thus feels lighter to the operator, but the operator does not lose the sense of lifting against both the gravitation and inertial forces originating in the load.

Abstract: This engine 1 relies on a flywheel having a flywheel axis and an undulating cam surface. A piston with a roller at its base is positioned in a cylinder such that the roller abuts the undulating cam surface at some radial distance from the flywheel axis. Thus, as the piston is pushed downward by an explosion in the cylinder, it pushes against the cam surface causing the flywheel to rotate. As the flywheel continues to rotate its undulating surface pushes the piston back into position for a repetition of the cycle. More complex embodiments include one in which undulating surfaces are located on opposite faces of the same flywheel with separate pistons interacting with each face and one in which undulating surfaces are located on the facing surfaces of two separate flywheels with pistons positioned between the flywheels. In the latter embodiment, pistons can share the same cylinder.

Abstract: Thin-film interference filters are constructed with a generalized pattern of layers differing in both thickness and refractive index to produce spectral responses appropriate for adjusting optical power among a plurality of different wavelength channels. Each of the layers is composed of unit sub-layers having thicknesses equal to a quarter-wavelength thickness of a monitoring beam. Interference fluctuations of the monitoring beam associated with the deposition of the unit sub-layers enable a gain-flattening filter to achieve greater manufacturing accuracy by exploiting self-correcting effects of “turning point monitoring” techniques.

Abstract: A new direct thermal printable media includes an optically transmissive film that gives both form and protection to a layer of thermosensitive imaging material on a back surface of the film. Concentrations of heat applied to a front surface of the film form images within the thermosensitive layer that are visible through the film. A substrate is laminated to the thermosensitive layer on the back surface of the film for providing additional support independently of physical and chemical properties required for directly supporting thermosensitive imaging material.

Abstract: A two-stage proportional control valve assembly regulates flow of a first fluid such as an engine exhaust gas using a second fluid such as engine oil for power. A directional valve under control of an electrical actuator regulates flows of the second fluid to operate a fluid-powered actuator. A mechanical connection between the fluid powered actuator and a flow control valve for regulating flows of the first fluid enables the electrical actuator to indirectly control the flow control valve with a minimum draw.

Abstract: A shaft part (3A) of a second hinge member (3) is press-fitted into a support hole (23) of a first hinge member (2). By this, frictional resistance is generated between an inner peripheral surface of the support hole (23) and an outer peripheral surface of the shaft part (3A). A coiled spring (4) is disposed between the first hinge member (2) and the second hinge member (3). The coiled spring (4) biases the first and second hinge members (2, 3) such that when the first and second hinge members (2, 3) are turned in normal and reverse directions from a predetermined neutral position, the first and second hinge members (2, 3) are returned towards the neutral position side.

Abstract: This laser-sighting system can be constructed as a compact side module for use with a revolver or automatic pistol. Features on the side of the firearm such as the yoke screw and the other side plate screws of a revolver are used to secure this laser-sighting system in a favorable location on the side of the firearm frame above the trigger guard forward of the grip, but behind the leading edge of the firearm's trigger guard. The takedown pins or slide stops found in this same location on many automatic pistols can also be used for this purpose. The system uses a very thin self-contained laser-sighting module that does not interfere with the holstering, concealment, or handling of the firearm. The system can also contain a white light or colored LED for illumination and communication.

Abstract: A cam portion 5 is composed of a first to fifth arcuate surfaces 51 to 55. The first arcuate surface 51 is arranged such that when a cover member C of a cellular telephone is located in a neutral position, a plate spring portion 22 contacts a crossing portion 56 where the first arcuate surface 51 crosses an orthogonal line Lp passing through a center of curvature of the first arcuate surface 51 and orthogonal to a rotation axis L. A second and a third arcuate surface 52, 53 are arranged on both sides of the first arcuate surface 51. Radii of curvature of the second and third arcuate surfaces are set to be larger than a radius of curvature of the fist arcuate surface 51.

Abstract: A recumbent bicycle with (i) a cantilevered bicycle seat and (ii) a coaxial pivot and mid-drive sprocket around which the bicycle can be folded so as to form a more compact configuration. The folding of the bicycle is facilitated by the splaying of support arms for the coaxial pivot and mid-drive sprocket, which splaying allows the rear portion of the bicycle to be folded into a position lying between the splayed support arms.

Abstract: A hinge shaft 6 is nonpivotably connected to a cover 3. Two shaft portions 63 are formed on the hinge shaft 6. Spring elements 51, which are nonpivotably disposed at a telephone main body 2, are in pressure contact with the shaft portions 63. By the foregoing arrangement, the shaft portions 63 are functioned as a pivotal movement restricting portion for restricting a pivoting position of the cover 3. The shaft portions 63 are arranged away from each other so that a space S for storing a lubricating oil such as a grease is formed therebetween.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus has a side view endoscope 10 for side viewing an object in a radial direction of a distal end constitutional portion 14 and a balloon catheter 40. With an insert portion 13 of a side view endoscope 10 inserted in an insert tube 41 of the balloon catheter 40, the balloon catheter 40 is inserted into a blood vessel B. The insert tube 41 is provided at its distal end with a transparent balloon 42. This balloon 42 encloses the distal end constitutional portion 14. By feeding air (fluid) to this balloon 42, the balloon 42 is expanded so as to be urged against an inside wall of the blood vessel B. This causes the blood to be discharged between the inside wall of the blood vessel B and the balloon 42, thus enabling to observe the inside wall of the blood vessel B through the side view endoscope 10.

Abstract: Printed electrochemical cells including both power cells and display cells are arranged in a partially assembled condition to extend shelf life of the cells. The partially assembled condition is also used as a switching mechanism for controlling activation of some of the cells. The active components of the cells include two electrodes and an electrolyte layer that is maintained out of contact with at least one of the electrodes for interrupting an ionically conductive pathway between the electrodes. The electrolyte is preferably an electrolytic adhesive that is protected by a release layer until the cells are needed for service.

Abstract: This pendant responsive crane control system has a sensor pendulum arranged above a hoist for the crane and a load sensor for determining the load lifted by the hoist. The sensor pendulum serves as a swinging link between the hoist and a crane drive for moving the hoist. Lateral movement sensors generate signals in response to lateral movement of the sensor pendulum. A crane control means directs lateral movement of the crane drive in response to the signals generated by these sensors. The load sensor used is preferably a load cell or strain gauge incorporated into the sensor pendulum.

Abstract: An inhalation device has a container 2 for an aerosol volume inhaled via a channel 15 and a mouthpiece 14, the container being located within a housing 12. The aerosol, in particular vitamin A, is introduced from a cartridge 17 into the interior of the container 2 via a nebulizer 18. The breath flow in the inhalation device is controlled via a control means 5 that keeps the inhalation flow essentially constant during the entire inhalation period.