Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of processing corners of metal panel, and more particularly to a method of processing corners of metal panel which is capable of processing the corners of the metal panel without tearing or notching of the material of the metal panel, so that the sealant or welding process thereof is not needed. The method comprises the steps of bending the metal panel according to a desired standard, the end of one side edge of each of bended portions being bended with not being bended by 100 mm from the end, and being then closely attached and fixed onto a supporter; pressing the metal panel using a roller rotationally, upwardly and downwardly moving in the vertical direction to process the corners of the metal panel; and cutting unnecessary metal piece formed in the pressing step.

Abstract: A die set (24) for use with a stamping and forming machine (10) includes two opposed tooling plates (50, 52) arranged to undergo reciprocating motion with respect to a base plate (40) toward and away from a strip of material (30) that is fed along a feed path (38) between the two tooling plates (50, 52). Each tooling plate has a tool attachment surface (58, 60) facing inwardly toward the feed path (38) for the attachment of punch and die tooling assemblies (26, 28) for performing the stamping and forming operations on the strip of material. Each of the tooling plates (50, 52) includes four guide posts (82) that extend outwardly in a direction away from the feed path (38) so that the area (98) between the opposing tool attachment surfaces (58, 60) is maintained clear for the operation and maintenance of the punch and die tooling assemblies (26, 28).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a longitudinal portable aligner for damaged vehicle bodywork and vehicle chassis, in conjunction with which the aligner consists of a lower part (1) executed as a frame and an upper part (2), a so-called slide, mounted in it in such a way as to be capable of displacement. The aligner is equipped with folding wheels 919) capable of adjustment between a working position, in which the frame of the aligner is in contact with the floor, and a transport position, in which the frame of the aligner adopts a free position relative to the floor. The invention is characterized in that the wheels (19) are rotatably arranged on a wheel carrier (17) which is arranged as to engage around the lower part (1) and be pivotally mounted on the outsides of the lower part, so that the wheels (19) can be caused to oscillate about the fulcra of the wheel carrier (17) via the force exerted on the web of the wheel carrier.

Abstract: A sheet metal drawing equipment capable of providing a both thereof with strength sufficient to minimize deformation thereof during operation, to thereby increase durability thereof and stabilizing a gravity thereof to facilitate operation. The equipment includes a pair of legs each provided with surface contact sections adapted to be abuttedly contacted with a surface of a sheet metal, rails for slidably supporting the legs thereon, a slide frame member slidably supported on the rails, a pair of operation arms each pivotally supported at one end thereof on the slide frame members, a central shaft arranged so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the rails, inserted via the slide frame member and moved by operation of the operation arms, and connection arms each arranged in correspondence to each of the operation arms and pivotally connected at one end thereof to corresponding one of the operation arms and at the other end thereof to the central shaft.

Abstract: A binding structure for multiple pipes includes a plurality of disks with holes to receive the pipes. The holes are offset on alternating disks so that the pipes are securely held between the multiple disks. Latching pins are used to fix the disks in position after the desired placement of the pipes is achieved.

Abstract: The specification and drawings describe and show a thread-rolling die whose thread-forming lands are modified at their points of emergence along the side edge of die so that the crest of the ramp formed by the emerging end of the land remains parallel to the crest of the adjacent land.

Abstract: Method and equipment for the manufacture of corrugated paper products includes separate heaters for preparing liner and medium components. Data regarding these components is collected and an optimum conditioning for the components is determined. High voltage sensors, associated electronic circuitry and computer controls are used to determine surface moisture values.

Abstract: Method for operating a traversing sensor apparatus, wherein the properties of a paper web are measured through traversing such that a measuring head is moved during the measurement in the cross-machine direction. The movement of the measuring head in the cross-machine direction is stopped above the paper web and data is collected for a certain period through measurement from an area narrower than the width of the paper web, whereafter the movement of the measuring head in the cross-machine direction is continued. The data collected from an area narrower than the width of the paper web is used to calculate MD and CD values and to determine the effect of harmonic variations.

Abstract: A gin process control system including sensing stations for sensing the physical properties of cotton as it progresses through a gin. A moisture sensor determines, over a wide range of values, the amount of moisture in the cotton. A quality monitor determines the color of the cotton, color distribution, and the amount and type of trash or other impurities which may be entrained in the cotton. A micronaire unit determines both micronaire and cotton maturity. A fiber length tester provides information on the length distribution, breaking strength, and elongation of the cotton fibers. Cotton samples are gathered from the gin flow stream and presented to the sensing stations in a variety of manual, semi-automated, and automated fashions. In a fully automated unit, the sensing stations are connected directly to the gin. The sensing stations are also in communication with the gin process control system, which uses the data from the sensing stations to automatically control the operation of the gin.

Abstract: An apparatus (50, 100, 150) for sensing a surface level (20) of fluid (12) includes a generally cylindrical central conductor (16, 102, 152) for connection to a pulse signal source (26) with a reduced diameter end (28, 104, 154) and an opposite end (24, 124, 168); a generally tubular outer conductor (14) concentric with the central conductor for connection to the pulse signal source and having one open end (32) adjacent the central conductor reduced diameter end and an opposite open end (18) adjacent the central conductor opposite end, the central conductor and the outer conductor forming a transmission line for pulse signals generated by the pulse signal source and a cavity (C) between an interior wall surface of the outer conductor and an exterior surface of the central conductor; a non-metallic seal (54) mounted at the outer conductor open end for sealing the cavity, the central conductor reduced diameter end extending through a central aperture (52) formed in the seal; a circuit board (58) for mounting th

Abstract: A labyrinth drainage construction for draining water which has penetrated into a front case of a starter is provided by a groove, a communication port, and a drainage hole. The groove is formed on a lower inner peripheral surface of a fit-in portion of the front case which fits with a center case such that the groove extends backward along the lower part of a holding plate from the front side of the holding plate. The communication port is interposed between the groove and a rotation restriction member-holding space located between the holding plate and the center case, thus communicating the groove and the rotation restriction member-holding space with each other. A drainage hole is positioned axially rearward from the communication port and communicates the groove and the outside of the front case.

Abstract: A telescopic multiple ball screw nut linear actuator has an outer screw and first nut defining a first helical ball raceway between them. The screw has a tubular portion with an axially open outer end on which a second nut is fixed. An inner screw, providing with the second nut a second helical ball raceway of opposite hand, is received within the outer screw tubular portion and is projectable from its open outer end, and a non-helically grooved, plug end fitting the inner diameter of the tubular portion of the outer screw is provided on the axially inner end of the inner screw and coacts with the tubular portion of the outer screw, with only an operating clearance therebetween, to restrain whipping when the inner screw is in projected position. The plug in one position relative to the second nut establishes the limit of projection of the inner screw by blocking the travel of the balls in the second raceway from the second nut to the inner screw.

Abstract: A friction clutch assembly in an automotive vehicle transmission is located between an engine-driven input shaft and a torque input shaft for a multiple ratio transmission. A clutch spring normally applies a clutch engaging force to the clutch assembly, thus establishing a torque flow path between the input shaft and the multiple ratio gearing. An electromechanically actuated ball ramp mechanism applies a friction clutch release force to the friction clutch assembly, thereby interrupting the torque flow path between the transmission input shaft and the multiple ratio gearing. An electromagnetic clutch actuator for the ball ramp mechanism, when it is energized, actuates the ball ramp mechanism to disengage the friction clutch. One element of the ball ramp mechanism is grounded to a transmission housing when the electromagnetic actuator is energized.

Abstract: A vehicular automated mechanical transmission system (10) is provided, having a semi-automatic mode of operation wherein shifts manually selected by a selector (1) are automatically implemented and a fully automatic mode of operation, manually selected by a mode selector (48), when shifts are automatically selected and implemented. When in the fully automatic mode of operation, manual manipulation of the selector lever will cause an automatic change to the semi-automatic mode of operation.

Abstract: A rotatable apparatus includes a pair of rotatable members joined by a stress dissipating structure. The stress dissipating structure can be employed in a gear, sprocket, clutch or the like. In one aspect of the present invention, the stress dissipating structure includes an elastomeric material and a web which radially extend outward from the hub. In another aspect of the present invention, the stress dissipating structure includes a plurality of rotationally flexible spoke-like structures radially extending between the rim and the hub. In a further aspect of the present invention, corrugated spokes are used. An additional aspect of the present invention provides a stress dissipating structure employing various anti-buckling plate configurations. In still another preferred aspect of the present invention, the stress dissipating structure includes a plurality of rotatably deformable formations. Furthermore, the present invention provides a compressible washer stress reduction structure.

Abstract: An apparatus based on precision X-Y stages that are stacked. Attached to arms projecting from each X-Y stage are a set of two axis gimbals. Attached to the gimbals is a rod, which provides motion along the axis of the rod and rotation around its axis. A dual-planar apparatus that provides six degrees of freedom of motion precise to within microns of motion. Precision linear stages along with precision linear motors, encoders, and controls provide a robotics system. The motors can be positioned in a remote location by incorporating a set of bellows on the motors and can be connected through a computer controller that will allow one to be a master and the other one to be a slave. Position information from the master can be used to control the slave. Forces of interaction of the slave with its environment can be reflected back to the motor control of the master to provide a sense of force sensed by the slave.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two-dimensional motion producing apparatus for converting rotation of an input shaft to a two-dimensional motion in an X-direction of an output member and in an Y-direction orthogonal thereto.

Abstract: A steering column assembly unit of a motor vehicle steering column adjustable in height and tilt with a steering axle, a steering column housing accommodating the steering axle, and a fastening device for the detachable fixation of the steering column housing at a bracket that is a rigid part of the body. The fastening device has at least one plate assembly fixed at the steering column housing and the steering column housing includes a one-piece component provided with longitudinal holes. A plate assembly is arranged in at least one opening of the steering column housing. The steering column housing may be advantageously manufactured from an extruded aluminum section. A central through hole of the steering column housing accommodates the steering axle, wherein the steering axle is held by at least two bearings pressed in directly.

Abstract: A thermostat employing a lever for selecting the temperature setting has a detent mechanism for creating individual detent positions associated with temperature setting values. In a preferred embodiment the detent mechanism comprises ridges and valleys in the surface of the baseplate on which the thermostat elements are mounted. A projection on the setting lever engages the individual valleys to create the detent effect, and a edge of the cover cooperates with resiliency of the lever to deflect the lever so as to cause the projection on the lever to continually engage the ridges and valleys. Another embodiment has ridges and valleys on the edge of the cover which engage a first projection on the lever. A second projection slides along the baseplate surface and cooperates with resiliency of the lever to deflect the lever creating force urging the first projection into continual engagement with the ridges and valleys.

Abstract: A hybrid electric powertrain system is provided including an electric motor/generator drivingly engaged with the drive shaft of a transmission. The electric is utilized for synchronizing the rotation of the drive shaft with the driven shaft during gear shift operations. In addition, a mild hybrid concept is provided which utilizes a smaller electric motor than typical hybrid powertrain systems. Because the electric motor is drivingly engaged with the drive shaft of the transmission, the electric motor/generator is driven at high speed even when the vehicle speed is low so that the electric motor/generator provides more efficient regeneration.

Abstract: A linear ball screw actuator assembly and a method of constructing it. The actuator assembly has a housing for a ball screw and ball nut which together define a raceway between them for a recirculating ball bearing train of balls, one of the screw and nut being reciprocable along a z axis responsive to rotation of the other and being adapted to be coupled to a member to be actuated. The housing has gearing for transmitting rotation to the other of the ball and screw nut in a direction lateral to the z axis. A base for the housing is spaced from the housing and has a base journal journaling the first pin extending along a first pin axis laterally perpendicular to the z axis. The housing has a housing journal journaling a second pin extending crosswisely perpendicular to the first pin. The second pin axis intersects the z axis and x axis. The pins are coupled in a manner to permit relative rotation of the base and housing about either pin axis, or both, to obviate misalignment problems.

Abstract: The device has a V-shaped wedge provided with a flexible belt which is adjustable to locate on either side of the inside surfaces of the wedge. The belt has frictional side surfaces. The lid of a jar may be either opened or closed by jamming against the convergent inside surfaces between one side of the wedge and the belt adjusted to abut the other side of the wedge. One end of the belt is mounted to the vertex of the wedge and its other end is mounted to a slider button sliderably mounted to an arcuate periphery of a supporting plate of the device.

Abstract: A hand tool which includes a handle holding a sleeve on the inside, a shaft moved in and out of the sleeve, a coupling member pivoted to the shaft and turned between a first position where the coupling member and the shaft are axially aligned, and a second position where the coupling member and the shaft are retained at right angles, and a control device coupled to the coupling member and shifted between a first position for forward/backward driving, a second position for forward driving only, and a third position for backward driving only.

Abstract: A chuck tool usable to apply or remove threaded fasteners provided with an eye formation includes an elongated retainer sleeve having a cylindrical body presenting a forward cut-out adjacent a slotted base plate. During use of the chuck, the enlarged eye formation of a fastener is disposed within the sleeve cut-out with the fastener shank disposed through the base plate slot. In this position, the longitudinal axis of the fastener is aligned with the central axis of the sleeve as laterally spaced points on the fastener eye nest within two recesses communicating with the sleeve cut-out. Rotary displacement of the fastener is accomplished following the insertion of a bifurcated drive insert into the rear of the sleeve whereupon two forward fingers on the insert straddle a significant portion of the fastener eye, between the two points engaged within the sleeve recesses.

Abstract: A socket spanner is disclosed which includes a socket and a U-shaped elastic body. The socket includes: (1) a driven member, a drive member and an intermediate section located therebetween; (2) a pair of longitudinally extending grooves provided on an inner wall of the driven member opposite each other; and (3) a circumferentially disposed circular slot provided near an inner end of the inner wall of the driven member. The U-shaped elastic body includes: (1) two longitudinally extending arms connected by an arcuate bottom portion; (2) a protruded portion formed on one of the longitudinally extending arms of the U-shaped elastic body for exerting an urging force against a nut received by the driven member of the socket. The two longitudinally extending arms are completely received by the pair of longitudinally extending grooves, respectively, and the arcuate bottom portion is completely received in the circumferentially disposed circular slot provided near the inner end of the inner wall of the driven member.

Abstract: An adjustable hand tool comprising an integral multi-sized socket tool, including a drive handle, and a multi-tiered drive mountable to said drive handle, said multi-tiered drives providing either a series of tiers of drives all extending concentrically from one end of the drive, or said drives being provided to either end of the tool, and capable of being shifted within the drive to provide for a drive of one dimension upon one of its ends, and a drive of a different dimension upon the opposite end, and said tiered drives being shiftable within the multi-tiered drive to provide for exposure at either end. The various drives may be of rounded shape, so as to function in a manner similar to a universal joint, while the handle is manipulated for turning of its drive, as when used for tightening or loosening a bolt. The ratchet portion of the drive may include locking means, so as to lock the ratchet head and socket relative to its handle, once adjusted into an operative position.

Abstract: A tool includes a coupler pivotally coupled between a driving stem and a handle. The coupler may be selectively secured to the driving stem at any suitable angular position, and the handle may also be selectively secured to the coupler at any suitable angular position, such that the handle may be folded to engage with the driving stem for forming a compact folding structure. The coupler and the handle each includes a number of teeth, the latch includes a number of teeth for being biased to engage with that of the coupler and the handle.

Abstract: A screwdriver assembly to drive a threaded fastener carrying a washer thereon spaced axially from a head of the fastener towards a tip of the fastener. The screwdriver assembly comprises a guideway to receive a fastener coaxially therein, a washer abutment surface disposed about the guideway to engage a washer carried on a fastener received in the guideway to assist in axially locating the fastener coaxially within the guideway and an elongate rotatable driver shaft having at a forward end a bit member. The driver shaft is reciprocally movable axially in the guideway to engage the fastener with the bit member and drive the fastener axially forwardly from the guideway into a workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) for counterboring a pipe (25) includes an expander unit (24), a shaft (26) extending from the expander unit, a flywheel (30) rotatably and slidably mounted on the shaft, a frame (34) mounted on the flywheel to be movable in a radial direction, a tool mount (50) and a guide wheel mount (52) formed on the frame, the tool mount traveling with the flywheel into the interior of the pipe during counterboring and the guide wheel mount traveling outside of the pipe during counterboring, the guide wheel mount being connected to the tool mount by guide wheel arm (51) having a radial member (54) that is axially offset to the rear of the tool mount by a distance at least the length of the counterbore to be machined in the pipe, a cutting tool (56) adjustably mounted to the tool mount, a guide wheel (72) rotatably mounted on the guide wheel mount, an inward force applying member (116) and an outward force applying member (122) connected between the flywheel and the frame such that the frame can be moved

Abstract: A lathe carriage unit displaceably mounted on a bed for carrying and moving a tool post in a z-axis or x-axis direction comprises a saddle body having a guide slot extending along the length thereof and first and second bearing housings spaced apart from each other. A cross slider is slidably fitted to the guide slot of the saddle body for movement between an extended position and a retracted position. The cross slider can be caused to move by a drive mechanism into the extended or retracted position along the guide slot of the saddle body. The drive mechanism includes a ball screw rotatably supported at its opposite ends on the first and second bearing housings of the saddle body, a ball nut threadedly engaged with the ball screw and fixedly attached to the cross slider and a servo motor operatively connected to the ball screw for causing forward or reverse rotation of the ball screw.

Abstract: A utility tool has a knife blade and a housing. The housing includes a handle for supporting the knife blade adjustably in a manner so that the blade is rotatable on a shaft for supporting the blade. The shaft is carried by a pair of bearings to a plurality of fixed angular positions. Means are provided for locking the knife blade in the fixed angular positions. The housing includes a flat base having an external surface adapted to be supported upon work to be cut by the knife blade. The flat base of the housing includes a hole therethrough for the blade to extend into positions for cutting the work to be located below the base. The means for locking the knife blade in the fixed angular positions includes spring biasing means for holding the means for locking in a locked position. There is a harness for supporting the blade to prevent rotation of the blade during cutting.

Abstract: In an apparatus for shearing multi-walled workpieces, such as metal framing studs, a pair of base supports are spaced relative to each other to define a blade gap therebetween, and a guillotine-like blade is slidably received within the gap for shearing the workpieces. A pair of first supports, each defining a plurality of first support surfaces, are each slidably mounted on a respective base support. A pair of second supports, each defining a plurality of second support surfaces, are also each slidably mounted on a respective base support, and the second supports are spaced apart from and face the first supports to thereby define an adjustable-width channel therebetween. Each of the first, second and base supports defines a blade-like edge located adjacent to and defining the blade gap.

Abstract: A workpiece-supporting fence has a pair of movable fences movably attached to a fixed fence which is secured to a base of the device in which the fence is being used. The pair of movable fences are located on opposite sides of a working tool such as a saw blade. A fixed clamping arrangement is associated with each movable fence and provides a single point actuation member for each movable fence to clamp the movable fence to the fixed fence such that the movable fence is vertically aligned and flush with the fixed fence. In one embodiment, each movable fence is provided with a gap-filling flap which is pivotably secured to the movable fence to be movable between a lower and an upper position. In its lower position, the gap-filling flap minimizes the gap between the movable fence and the working tool. In its upper position, the gap-filling flap provides additional support when working with taller or thicker workpieces.

Abstract: A bevel table saw 10 comprising a table 14 supported by a frame 12, the table 14 defining a slot 16 for a saw blade 44, and a blade assembly 30 mounted to the frame 12 below the table 14 such that, in use, a saw blade 44 of the blade assembly 30 protrudes through the slot 16 to cut workpieces on the table 14, wherein the depth of cut of the saw blade 44 is adjusted automatically when bevel cuts are made in a workpiece. As a result, clashing of the blade assembly 30 with the underside of the table 14 or he frame 12 is automatically avoided, thereby simplifying se of the table saw 10 during the making of bevel cuts.

Abstract: A cutting mechanism for accurately cutting a notch in a piece of edging, to permit sharp bending of the piece of edging for a picture or plaque, is disclosed. The cutting mechanism comprises a jig secured to a base member, the jig being dimensioned to receive the piece of edging clamped thereto. A cutting blade is mounted on the base member for reciprocating movement between a first retracted position whereat the cutting blade is remote from the jig and a second fully extended position whereat the cutting edge has passed through the jig. The cutting blade has an inverted "V"-shaped cutting edge comprising two blade portions joined one to the other at a central vertex.

Abstract: The cutting device with movable punch is of the type which has a body placed within a seat (2) which is formed in the structure (3) of the machine, and also a fixed die (4), a movable upright (5) and an elastic element (6). In particular the body is constituted by a punch placed in the central position within the seat (2), a shaped element (8) coaxial with the punch and a blank-holder (9) which is integral with the terminal lower part of the shaped element (8).

Abstract: A lightweight, dimensionally stable steel rule die for cutting and scoring carton blanks having a die board containing the cutting and scoring rules which is formed of a laminated plastic construction adapted to register and coact with a steel counterplate over prolonged production runs and maintain registration within a tolerance range of about .+-.0.002 inches.

Abstract: Wheeled luggage cases include at least two wheels and a handle with which to roll the luggage on these wheels. Most prior art wheel handles require the user to use considerable force to balance the case on these two wheels, either when the case is carrying auxiliary cases or when otherwise fully loaded. The disclosed luggage case has a wheel handle which extends out of and along one side of the case on an arm, and a handle grip mounted on this arm in a way that tips the luggage case forward to better balance over the wheels when carrying varying loads. The wheel handle arm also includes a mechanism that supports the handle grip at different heights to further optimize this load balancing function.

Abstract: A pressure differential operated brake booster includes a housing, a diaphragm assembly adapted to divide the interior of the housing into a constant pressure chamber and a variable pressure chamber, a valve body carried by the diaphragm assembly, a valve mechanism arranged within the valve body and including a plunger connected to an input rod, and a reaction assembly disposed between the plunger and an output rod. The valve mechanism is operable to develop a pressure differential across the diaphragm assembly to transmit its movement to the output rod and feed part of the resulting reaction force back to the input rod through the reaction assembly and the plunger. The reaction assembly includes a front reaction disk and a separate rear reaction disk having a diameter less than that of the front reaction disk and greater than that of the plunger. The front reaction disk is disposed between the valve body and the output rod. The valve body has at its front end a recess to receive the rear reaction disk.

Abstract: A rubber damper is disposed between a valve plunger, which forms a valve mechanism of a brake booster, and a plate plunger. An air gap is defined around the outer and the inner periphery of the rubber damper to permit an elastic deformation of the rubber damper. When a brake pedal is further depressed under a servo balance condition, the valve plunger compresses the rubber damper, whereby it is driven forward. This arrangement allows a force of depression required when the brake pedal is further depressed under the servo balance condition to be reduced relative to the force of depression required in a conventional arrangement in which the valve plunger must be driven forward by compressing a reaction disc which is surrounded by an output shaft, a valve body and a valve plunger. As a consequence, the response of the brake booster is improved.

Abstract: A fluid pressure cylinder wherein the configuration of a gasket groove for dividing a flow path is changed such that a first communicating passage (and a piping port), a cushion valve inserting hole (and a cushion valve control hole), etc. can be disposed to be close to or coincident with each other in the axial direction. The first communicating passage and the cushion valve inserting hole for a cushion valve are disposed to be close to or coincident with each other in the axial direction and displaced relative to each other at a predetermined angle with respect to the center line of the cylinder. The outer peripheral surface of an end cover is provided with a gasket groove having a predetermined width in the axial direction to divide the first communicating passage and the cushion valve inserting hole from each other. The gasket groove is fitted with a gasket.

Abstract: An indication means in a brake cylinder for a vehicle brake with a spring activated parking brake in which the brake cylinder comprises a cylinder housing (3) with a casing wall (22) and at least one gable (23). A pressure spring (5) is positioned between the piston (4) and the gable (23) of the cylinder housing for activating the parking brake by mechanically influencing the piston (4) of the brake cylinder. A bar (11) is axially displaceable relative to the release screw (1) in the throughbore (34) in the release screw (1). The bar (11) at a first end, within the cylinder housing (3), has a position sensing body (8, 16) which is axially fixed to the bar (11) and provided with a contact surface (40) for contact against the nut (7). At a second end the bar (11) has an indication body (12) which visibly protrudes out of the screw head (36) of the release screw (1) in case of axial displacement of the bar (11).

Abstract: A compressor has pistons slidably housed in cylinder bores. Respective shoes slide against each of the pistons and a swash plate or cam to convert rotation of the swash plate to reciprocation of the pistons. Each piston has a recess for slidably receiving the shoe. A friction reducing layer containing tin as a major component is formed between the shoe and the piston. Additionally, a tin-based layer may be formed between the shoe and the swash plate.

Abstract: A cost-effective process for providing a copper-based alloy casting, which has superior wear characteristics, to a cylinder block is described. The process includes providing a negative pressure around the cylinder block and a copper-based alloy. The process further includes heating the copper-based alloy to a submolten state for immersing the cylinder block within such, while promoting the entrained gas within the copper-based alloy to migrate in a given direction and terminate in a specified portion of the copper-based alloy to effectively control porosity. The process further includes cooling the immersed cylinder block in the given direction to effectively reduce microshrinkage of the copper-based alloy.

Abstract: A reciprocating compressor includes a cylinder block, a plurality of cylinder bores extending through the cylinder block, and a plurality of pistons slidably received in the plurality of cylinder bores, respectively. The cylinder block and the pistons are each formed of an aluminum-based material, and each of the plurality of pistons has a peripheral surface thereof covered with a thermal sprayed coating which is formed of a material having a smaller coefficient of linear expansion than one of the aluminum-based material. The thermal sprayed coating covering each of the pistons has at least one slit formed thereacross in a manner such that each of the at least one slit extends from the one end of each of the pistons to the other end of the same whereby part of the peripheral surface of the piston is exposed through the at least one slit.

Abstract: A brewing system (30) with a water dispensing brew valve (176) for controlling the passage of water through the beverage ingredient (186) and a by-pass valve (170) for passage of hot water through a brew basket (180) but past the beverage ingredient (186) having a controller (158) with a brew start switch (50) for controlling the brew valve (176) also has a flush switch (54") for opening independently of the brew switch (50), the brew valve (176) and also the by-pass valve (170) to flush a dispenser urn (66).

Abstract: A self-contained beverage machine simulataneously heats a beverage and a condiment utilized in the beverage. The condiment is in a small container removably carried on the beverage machine.

Abstract: An infusing device includes an infusing container with an annular wall that extends in an axial direction, and a bottom wall that defines an outlet therein for discharging a beverage. A filtering member is inserted in the infusing container with a major surface transverse to the axial direction. The filtering member has a center area and a perforated portion for passage of the beverage. A stem is fixed at the center area and extends outwardly of the mouth for gripping by a user's hand. A plug member is disposed underneath the filtering member to register with the outlet. When the filtering member moves with the stem in the axial direction, the plug member will engage and be disengaged from the outlet so as to close and open the outlet, respectively.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a pan or skillet coupled with a lid of the invention which together form a special cooking chamber where a utensil may remain operable while it is in the cooking chamber and while the lid is in place on the skillet. In addition, a special port in the lid permits on to add spices, cooking oils and other ingredients to the cooking chamber without removing the lid. In this way, a lid of the invention allows one to prepare foods in a cooking chamber without having to remove the lid portion thereof. Preferred lids of the invention include: a dome shaped transparent element, having a slot and a port therein, a handle thereon and a port cover which is removable from the port by way of a hinge and a is driven by a finger lever.

Abstract: In a toaster for toasting a sliced bread with a pattern of a pattern plate, a heater guard is attached to the pattern plate on the side of the sliced bread, and the heater guard has a protrusion over the length between the upper and lower portions of the pattern plate generally in the shape of a rectangle with one side opened such that a prescribed space is ensured between the heater guard and the pattern plate. Thus, a pattern caused by the shadow of the heater guard is not formed in the pattern of the toasted sliced bread, and a toaster allowing a fine toasting pattern can be obtained.