Abstract: A method for determining the rheological properties of a sample substance by the use of a rheometer, in which at least one element having magnetoelastic characteristics is received in said sample substance. The element is set into mechanical oscillation by the influence of a magnetic field and its oscillation characteristics are determined by the effect exerted by the oscillation of the element on an outer magnetic field which, in turn, provides information regarding the rheological properties of the sample substance. The device comprises a receptacle for the sample substance and the element. An exciting coil array is provided for exciting the element, thus causing it to oscillate mechanically; and a sensing coil array is provided to register the effect of the element on an existing magnetic field image during oscillation of the element.

Abstract: In the measurement of the properties of a fiber or colloid suspension for process control, e.g. in order to control a refiner, it is known that the fiber length is related to the rate at which water can be drained from a sample. In the present invention it is proposed to introduce the sample at a specified flow velocity into a lower section of an empty analyzer vessel that is subdivided by a filter into the lower section and an upper section situated above the filter. The sample is introduced in such a way that during the time it takes to fill the lower section of the analyzer vessel, sedimentation can occur in the sample fluid. Air is withdrawn from the upper section of the analyzer vessel at a specified rate of flow, by means of an exhaust or regulating valve. The rate at which the upper section is filled with filtrate can then be monitored as a measurement parameter. Alternatively or in addition, the filtrate can be sent to a measurement apparatus, in particular a polyelectrolyte measurement device.

Abstract: While the three-flat method is used as background art, a technique for analyzing the difference between two planes by approximating it with symmetry power series polynomials are employed, and measurement is effected at two positions where the reference surface and the sample surface are in a predetermined reference rotation state and where they are rotated from each other by 90 degrees from the former state; whereby the approximate surface form of the whole plane can be determined by a very simple arithmetic operation with a high accuracy. Of three glass sheets, different pairs of two glass sheets 53 and 54 are successively selected three times. The difference between two surfaces to be measured in each pair of the two glass sheets 53 and 54 is measured at a first position where, with respect to one glass sheet 53, the other is set at a predetermined rotational position; and a second position where the two sheets are rotated from each other by 90 degrees from the first position.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an X-direction piezoelectric driving member expandable in the X direction upon application of a voltage, and a Y-direction piezoelectric driving member expandable in the Y direction upon application of a voltage. One end of the X-direction piezoelectric driving member is flexibly connected to a frame via a hinge, and the other end of the member is firmly connected to a block. One end of the Y-direction piezoelectric driving member is flexibly connected to the frame via a hinge, and the other end of the member is flexibly connected to the block via a hinge. A probe can be scanned by using this scanning mechanism without causing much fluctuations of the optical axis of a light beam used for the atomic force microscope.

Abstract: A position sensor according to the invention comprises a housing having an internal compartment, a terminal support web extending into the compartment, at least one terminal having a first end in contact with the terminal support web and a second end extending outwardly of the housing, a sensor element located within the internal compartment, and a connector clip. The sensor element includes a terminal portion adapted for contacting the at least one terminal. The clip comprises a bight section, at least one first finger extending from the bight section, and at least one second finger extending from the bight section opposite the first finger. The first and second fingers are adapted to receive the sensor element and the support web therebetween when the clip is installed for holding the terminal portion against the at least one terminal.

Abstract: A method for allocating transmitters and receiving antennas in tire pressure monitoring systems which consist of a pressure sensor, a transmitter, and a transmitting antenna at each wheel, of a receiving antenna respectively allocated to them on the body, and of an electronic receiving and analysis system connected thereto via cables. In this, an identifier characterizing the wheel is allocated to each transmitter, and the signals are forwarded to the central electronic receiving and analysis system.

Abstract: Plate-like straightening members are provided between a main conduit and a metering pipe stored in the main conduit to suppress the deviation of a flow of a fluid in the main conduit and stabilize a flow in the metering pipe.

Abstract: An oscillating flowmeter including a measuring chamber having a bottom, a cylindrical jacket, a central journal, a guide ring, a separating wall, and inlet and outlet openings, and a piston located in the measuring chamber and having a bottom, a cylindrical skirt, at least one pilot journal engageable with and rotatable about the central journal of the measuring chamber, and a guiding slot extending in the skirt and the bottom and up to separating wall of the measuring chamber, with at least one of the central journal of the measuring chamber and the pilot journal of the piston being formed as a resiliently pliable member.

Abstract: The output of a synchronous detector is made precise by reducing the offset included in the outputs of detecting piezoelectric elements. This is carried out by applying one y-axis direction exciting force to one movable piece from one pair of driving piezoelectric elements and another y-axis direction exciting force to another movable piece from another pair of driving piezoelectric elements.

Abstract: A vibration gyro which is equipped with an oscillator in which slits are made in a flat-plate piezoelectric board to form a tuning fork section. For construction of the oscillator, driving electrodes for vibrating the tuning fork section are formed in the vicinity of end portions of the slit, while detection electrodes for detecting an rotational angular velocity in a longitudinal direction of the tuning fork section are formed on the arm portions of the tuning fork section.

Abstract: A sensor (10) is capable of detecting linear acceleration in the three Cartesian directions and the angular acceleration about three Cartesian axes. The sensor (10) has a conductive layer (32) that is free to move or rotate in any direction. A first, second, and third set of conductors are used to sense and quantify the acceleration of the conductive layer (32). The sensor (10) can also be operated as a closed loop system with the addition of a fourth set of conductors.

Abstract: A digital bond tester operating at frequencies in the kHz range and relying upon vibrational modes which can excite all or substantial portions of the test object.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that employs ultrasonic waves to perform in-situ measurements to determine the properties of films deposited on substrates in the course of various semiconductor or processing steps. In one embodiment a single transducer excites incident acoustic waves at multiple frequencies that reflect from the films. The reflected waves are received by the same transducer. An analysis system determines the phase shift of the received reflected waves and, based on the phase shift, determines the film properties. Other embodiments employ distinct source and receiving transducers. Embodiments are also disclosed that compensate the measured phase shift for temperature variations in the substrate. In one such system, temperature compensation is performed based on the processing of phase measurements made at multiple frequencies or incidence angles or with multiple ultrasonic modes. The disclosed techniques are equally applicable to determining the degree of erosion of chamber members.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for ultrasound testing of disc bodies which are shrunk onto shafts and have an unknown contour.The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for ultrasound testing of a disc body (2), which is shrunk onto a shaft (1), in the region of the shrink seating (3) and of the adjacent shrinkage influence zone, the disc body (2) having side pieces (4, 5) which taper radially outwards from the shrink seating in cross-section. The contour of the disc body (2) is scanned and its geometry is derived in this way. A geometric reflection surface is determined. Test parameters and test positions are determined from the disc body geometry in accordance with a predetermined test technique, and ultrasound test heads (9, 10) are coupled, using the determined test parameters, to the side pieces (4, 5) in order to cover the determined test paths. The associated apparatus has a geometry identification device which detects the geometry of the disc body (2) before the actual test procedure.

Abstract: A capacitive pressure transducer includes a conductive diaphragm positioned between pneumatically separated chambers. The diaphragm is fixed and sealingly coupled at its periphery to the peripheral rim of a concave body member. The diaphragm is supported in tension by the peripheral rim of the body member. An electrode assembly, supported by the body member establishes a substantially planar conductive surface opposite to and spaced apart by a nominal gap from the conductive diaphragm. The body member includes a yieldable portion that is adapted to radially expand its peripheral rim in response to forces applied to the body member. When the forces are applied, the body member becomes strained beyond its elastic limit and takes a permanent set whereby the peripheral rim is expanded and the diaphragm becomes tensioned. The tension in the diaphragm can be determined as a function of the geometry of the body member and deformation resulting from the forces applied.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved flow sensor turbine assembly for fluid flow measurement. The flow sensor turbine is connected in fluid communication with a conduit through which a fluid whose flow rate is to be measured flows. The flow sensor turbine assembly includes a turbine, rotatably mounted on a turbine shaft, including turbine blades which rotate in response to the flow of fluid through the turbine assembly. Synthetic sapphire ball thrust bearings are provided adjacent to one or both ends of the turbine shaft to provide a low and consistent friction level and a high wear resistant bearing for the rotating turbine. Rotation of the turbine in the turbine assembly may be detected using an infrared rotation detector. Alternatively, a metallic insert may be positioned in one or more of the turbine blades. In such a case, rotation of the turbine may be detected using an inductive pick-up.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a detachable barrel assembly for use with an electronically monitored mechanical pipette. The detachable barrel is made to retain all internal elements thereof in proper operating position even when the barrel assembly is detached from the pipette. The barrel assembly may be of a single channel or multi channel configuration. The barrel assembly may be removed from the pipette in order to allow it to be cleaned, such as by autoclaving, and reattached to the pipette. In this manner, the electrical components of the pipette itself do not need to be subjected to autoclaving whenever the barrel assembly needs to be cleaned. Further, the self-contained design of the barrel assembly simplifies detachment and reattachment thereof to the pipette.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus for sampling agricultural commodities such as any legume, grain, vegetable, fruit, nut, etc., for grading and valuation purposes. The apparatus uses a programmable logic controller, sensors, and logic software to operates a sampling and collection system The sampling apparatus includes a sampling tube which obtains the required samples from a trailer-like vehicle to a sample bin and then to a collection chute. In this manner, the sampling apparatus automatically obtains a representative sample of the agricultural commodity contained within the trailer and allows for accurate grading and valuation.

Abstract: A scale modelling centrifuge has a relatively massive rotary circular base wall, which may form part of a drum, possibly with a detachable peripheral wall either carrying an annular sample-reciving trough or constituted by such trough, or which may have mounted therearound a plurality of sample-receiving containers.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus is provided for transmitting electrical pulses from a signal line into and out of a vessel to measure a process variable. The sensor apparatus has a mounting section, at least one dielectric insert, a conductive transitioning pin, a metallic insert, a probe element, and an electrical connector to the signal line. The mounting section is configured to be coupled to the vessel and includes a central aperture with a first tapered surface. The dielectric insert has a second and third tapered surface. The second tapered surface is configured to engage the first tapered surface of the mounting section to prevent movement of the dielectric insert in a direction away from the mounting section.

Abstract: A linear motion apparatus for moving an object in a vacuum chamber comprising an antenna or a telescoping shaft such as a fishing rod to effectively utilize space, and to avoid the need of a rear projection thereby achieving stability.

Abstract: A driverless vehicle operating system for controlling operation of a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission includes a shift control mechanism controlling operation of a shift lever for the manual transmission, a clutch control mechanism controlling operation of a clutch, which operationally connects the manual transmission and an engine of the vehicle, and an accelerator pedal control mechanism controlling operation of an accelerator pedal of the vehicle. The system also includes an operator input device, an engine speed sensor, and a vehicle speed sensor. An electronic control unit receives input from the shift control mechanism, the clutch control mechanism, the accelerator pedal control mechanism, the operator input device, the engine speed sensor and the vehicle speed sensor, and controls the shift control mechanism, the clutch control mechanism, and the accelerator pedal control mechanism based on the received input.

Abstract: The selector rings (9-11) of a gearbox are moved axially of the mainshaft (8) to engage and disengage gears (1-6) by respective pairs of push-rods (15, 16) which extend inwardly between the gears (1-6). The push-rods (15, 16) bear on oppositely-inclined faces (22) of pairs of blocks (17) which slide in slots (18) parallel to the shaft (8) and which engage respective rings (9-11) at diametrically-opposite locations. Actuation of one pair of rods (15; 16) causes their blocks (17) and the engaged ring (9-11) to move in one direction whereas actuation of the other pair causes movement in the opposite direction. The rods (15, 16) slide within mounting blocks (19) inset between pairs of the gears (1-6), and are actuated by the cam surface (26) of a longitudinally-driven rack (25). Alternatively, the push-rods (47, 48 FIG. 8) are actuated by individual hydraulic rams (45, 46).

Abstract: A control system for auxiliary section range and/or splitter control includes a direct ported control valve assembly having a spool disposed within a bore of a cover housing, the spool having a differential area to bias the valve and two sealing members radially biased by a spring to direct pressurized air or hydraulic fluid to an appropriate side of a piston to effect the splitter and/or range shift of the transmission. The control valve assembly includes components, such as the valve spool, which may be used in various transmission applications in addition to components, such as the pilot cap and seal plate, which may be selected to control the logic (normally open or normally closed) of the valve assembly and the apply rate of the range and/or splitter cylinder depending upon the particular application. A filter/regulator is mounted to the valve cover assembly to provide direct porting of the pressurized fluid supply to eliminate connecting hoses.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in turning steerable wheels of a vehicle includes a first gear (16) and a second gear (14). The first gear (16) is movable along an axis (24) to reduce clearance between meshing teeth (18 and 20) on the gears (14 and 16). A lash adjustment assembly (46) is operable to adjust the clearance between the teeth (18 and 20) of the gears (14 and 16). The lash adjustment assembly (46) includes a threaded member (60). An external thread convolution (66) on a shank portion (64) of the threaded member (60) engages an internal thread convolution (68) on the first gear (16). A spring (72) has a plurality of turns (78) which are coiled around the shank portion (64) of the threaded member (60). One end portion of the spring (72) is connected to the shank portion (64) of the externally threaded force member (60).

Abstract: A machine tool operated by gyroscopic precession is disclosed. The machine tool is provided with a rotatable member disposed for rotation in a single plane, the member mounted to a base. A gyroscopic mass supported by a gimbal is mounted to the rotatable member so that the spin axis of the gyroscopic mass, in a null position, is parallel to a plane of rotation of the rotatable member. A sensor is provided for sensing position of the rotatable member, the sensor providing a control input to a computer, which in turn develops a drive signal for driving an actuator coupled to the gimbal. When the actuator is activated by the drive signal, the gimbal is displaced, precessing the gyroscopic mass and generating a force used to rotate the rotatable member.

Abstract: An anchorage is provided for anchoring an elongate member (2) such as a Bowden-type control cable to a flat member (7) such as a vehicle bulkhead having an undercut slot (5) in an edge (6) thereof. The anchorage comprises a sleeve (1) which is fixable coaxially around the elongate member (2) and which is formed with a peripheral groove (4) whose axial length is sufficient to accommodate the thickness of the flat member (7) at its slot (5). The groove (4) defines a neck (8) which is a close fit into the slot (5), and at least one plunger member (9) carried by the sleeve (1) is axially movable relative to that sleeve (1) from a position in which it is clear of the groove (4) into a position in which it projects across the groove and enlarges the size of the neck (8) to a dimension such as to form an interlock with the undercut (11) of the slot (5), to resist withdrawal of the anchoring sleeve (1) therefrom.

Abstract: An adjustable pedal mechanism for automotive vehicles includes a pivoting presenter arm with a swinging lower end that provides a pivot for a pedal actuating mechanism. A link connecting the actuating pedal with the operated device, such as an accelerator throttle or power control cable, extends essentially parallel to the presenter arm. the link has a length equal to that of the presenter arm so that pivoting of the presenter arm to move the pedal pivot point forward or back causes an equivalent pivoting motion of the link and thereby maintains the pedal attitude constant over a substantial range of adjustment positions. By making the presenter arm of substantial length and limiting its angular adjustment motion on either side of a vertical line, the height of the pedal above the vehicle floor is maintained relatively constant over the total range of adjustment of the pedal position.

Abstract: An accelerator pedal device has a bracket having a pin, a pedal arm turnably supported by the bracket through the pin, a return spring arranged to surround the pin for biasing the pedal arm, and an accelerator-opening sensor mounted on the bracket. An engaging portion is disposed at the leading end of the pedal arm, a rotor of the accelerator-opening sensor and the engaging portion are associated through the crank mechanism. As a driver depresses the accelerator pedal, the pedal arm turns on the pin, by the action of the crank mechanism engaging with the engaging portion it the leading end of the pedal arm, the rotor of the accelerator-opening sensor is rotated, and a voltage signal according to the depression stroke is outputted from the accelerator-opening sensor.

Abstract: An upper headset assembly for a bicycle includes a race member having an annular groove defined in the top thereof for receiving a bearing therein. A ring member is mounted to the bearing on the outer periphery thereof and has a first tapered surface defined in the inner periphery thereof. A pressing ring device has a second tapered surface contacting the first tapered surface of the ring member and a third tapered surface. A collar is mounted to the pressing ring device and a plurality of bolts extend through the collar and contact against the third tapered surface.

Abstract: A grind stone removing wrench for providing a means for simple and easy removal of grind stones from a profile grinder without damaging the profile grinder. The inventive device includes an arm member having a first flange projecting a finite portion from a first end thereof, a planar member pivotally attached to an end of the arm member mesial the first flange and the end opposite of the first end, the planar member including a second flange opposite of the pivoting point, and a handle secured to the arm member for allowing manual manipulation of the present invention so as to bring together the first flange and the second flange for grasping the grind stone from within a profile grinder. The handle preferably includes a first portion secured orthogonally to the arm member and an second portion substantially orthogonal to the first portion for avoiding safety shields of the profile grinder.

Abstract: An attachment for transmitting torque from a wrench to a socket is provided which has a first end adaptable to be connected to a socket and a second end having an outer surface which can be driven by a wrench. The geometry of the second end is such to allow a wrench having a small size to be engageable thereto.

Abstract: A pipe wrench includes a first elongated member and a second elongated member. A first intermediate section of the first elongated member includes a recess defined in an inner side thereof that faces a second intermediate section of the second elongated member. A bottom wall that defines the recess has a ridge formed thereon. A first stepped portion and a second stepped portion are formed on two sides of the recess, respectively. A first pin and a second pin are respectively formed on the first stepped portion and the second stepped portion. The second intermediate section includes a number of parallel channels defined in an inner side thereof that faces the first intermediate section. The ridge is releasably engaged with one of the channels. A panel is mounted to an outer side of second intermediate section and includes two holes through which the first pin and the second pin are extended and riveted, respectively.

Abstract: A hand tool provides a slender elongated shape having a pair of finger actuation plates, one of which drives an interior rod. The end of the tool is adapted with a fixed jaw and a movable jaw attached to the interior rod. With the tool held in the manner of a pencil, the thumb and first finger are in position for moving the actuation plates so as to produce corresponding motion in the jaws. The tool allows the sensitive motion and tactile feedback inherent to the fingers to be transferred along the length of the tool for grasping, cutting and other useful actions.

Abstract: A combination screwdriver, scraper and prybar has a handle with an elongated shank terminating in a multi-function blade. The blade has opposed, flat, planar blade faces converging toward and joined by a distal planar end surface which intersects and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shank. The blade faces are respectfully inclined to the axis at substantially three degrees and substantially seven degrees. The shank may be square or circular in transverse cross-section and, if square, opposed sides of the shank lie in planes perpendicular to the blade faces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting machine for cutting a flexible material by a cutting wheel rotated by a motor. The cutting wheel and the motor are carried by a cutting head mounted to move horizontally along two orthogonal axes and to rotate about a vertical tangential servo-control axis. The invention further includes a support table covered with a mat into which the cutting wheel penetrates. The cutting wheel is adjustable to change the depth to which the cutting wheel penetrates into the mat. The cutting wheel is also adjustable to change the horizontal distance between the vertical tangential servo-control axis and the axis rotation of the cutting wheel so that the cutting wheel penetrates into the mat a front contact point situated in the vicinity of the tangential servo-control axis.

Abstract: An operating system for automatic rifles is described which permits a user to easily remove and replace the bolt and bolt carrier from the rifle, without requiring the user to employ special tools. This invention permits the user to reconfigure the rifle to fire a wide range of different calibers of cartridges, as well as to reconfigure the rifle to feed ammunition from either the top or the bottom of the firearm. This invention further improves the reliability and decreases the manufacturing cost of the operating system by reducing the number of required components. This invention also provides an ergonomic, left hand sided, non-reciprocating cocking handle. The cocking handle assembly is provided with a slot cover which keeps debris from entering the interior of the rifle.

Abstract: A retractable seal replaces the existing o-ring seals on the Tomahawk Cape Launching System (CLS). An elastomeric member is shaped to fit within the existing o-ring slot on the CLS and a cylindrical ring member of shape memory alloy circumscribes the elastomeric member. Under normal operating temperatures, the shape memory alloy member has a diameter large enough to allow the elastomeric member to extend beyond the diameter of the CLS so as to form a seal against the missile tube, yet small enough to not interfere with the seal. When the shape memory alloy member is heated, it contracts to a smaller predetermined diameter, compressing the elastomeric member within the o-ring slot so as to allow the movement of the CLS into or out of the missile tube without abrading the elastomeric member.

Abstract: A self-centering motor (16) includes a piston (130) which is disposed in a housing (112) and is movable in opposite directions from a centered condition. A pair of centering members (160 and 162) are disposed in the housing (112) to effect movement between the piston (130) and the housing toward the centered condition upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition, such as failure of a pump (44) to supply fluid under pressure. The members (160 and 162) which effect movement of the piston (130) to the centered condition are normally disposed in an overlapping relationship which enables the motor (16) to have a compact construction. In one embodiment of the invention, the members (160 and 162) which effect movement between the piston (130) and the housing (112) toward the centered condition include an inner centering member (162) and a cylindrical outer centering member (160) which extends around the inner centering member.

Abstract: A refrigerant compressor is provided. A cylinder block has a plurality of cylinder bores axially formed therethrough. A plurality of pistons are slidably received in the cylinder bores, respectively. A housing is secured to the cylinder block and has a crankcase defined therein. A drive shaft extends through the crankcase and has one end on a cylinder block side. A torque-transmitting member is received within the crankcase and mounted on the drive shaft, for rotation in unison with the drive shaft for converting torque transmitted from the drive shaft into reciprocating motion of each of the pistons. A bearing supports the one end of the drive shaft.

Abstract: In an apparatus for preparing filter coffee, there is provided an autonomous assembly for generating steam, besides an assembly for generating hot water required for brewing the coffee powder. An essential element of that steam generating assembly is a separate container to be filled with fresh water, having an outlet that is connected to a heating element.

Abstract: A lid for a pressure cooker has two radially slidable jaws with upstanding lips, respectively. A locking plate can slide transversely outwards from the position shown so that the lips ride along limbs of apertures and are thereafter held, to prevent radial movement, by the plate. The plate is held in its transverse outward position by a plunger (not shown) of a locking valve that is engaged in an aperture in the plate. The plunger is released to fall from an uplifted locking position when pressure in the cooker falls below a predetermined level and to enable the plunger to become slidable along the aperture. This allows the plate to move and unlock the jaws so that the lid can be removed.

Abstract: A toaster for bread-type food products includes a housing defining at least one toasting cavity. A toasting heater is operatively associated with the cavity. An endless chain-type conveyor is provided for conveying food products through the cavity. An endless belt is disposed about the conveyor to prevent the chain-type conveyor from imprinting the food products. The belt includes a seam, and a retention portion of the belt at the seam is engaged with the conveyor to prevent slippage between the belt and the conveyor.

Abstract: Treatment systems for treating flowable food products using electrical pulses to inactivate microbes. Systems described include one or more stages having flow-through processors. The flow-through processors have first and second electrodes which are spaced across a treatment chamber in which an intense electrical field is generated using bipolar electrical pulses. The treatment chamber is temperature stabilized to improve processing and minimize surface buildup on the electrodes. Oversized processor electrodes can be used such as in conjunction with an electrode spacer to provide a treatment zone having a relatively uniform and high electrical field strength.

Abstract: A fully automatic, milk inclusive espresso coffee machine which includes coffee bean grinding and brewing apparatus and a milk aeration system which pumps a selection of milk from an internal refrigerator through a choice of aeration processes to a steaming apparatus for heating and further conditioning the milk for joining the brewed coffee liquor. With each beverage production cycle all milk is hygienically either served or returned to its refrigerated reservoir. A process is disclosed which includes pumping milk, all in a refrigerated environment, selectively along a plurality of milk lines one of which may inject air for foaming the milk to a steam delivery line for heating and steaming it and delivering it to a beverage cup. After the desired amount of milk has been delivered, the steam flow continues momentarily to cleanse the line of residual milk.

Abstract: An apparatus for destroying pathogens on food, including a steam chamber having an entrance opening and an exit opening. An entrance door structure nominally closes the entrance opening in the steam chamber and an exit door structure nominally closes the exit opening of the steam chamber. Each of the entrance and exit door structures are composed of a plurality of closely vertically adjacent segments that are mounted to the entrance and exit openings to open and close independently of each other. Flanges extend horizontally from the upper and lower edges of the door segments to maintain a relatively close seal with the adjacent door segment even though the door segments are opened or closed a relatively differing amount.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for improving the flavor of distilled liquor by applying a vacuum to remove volatile compounds. The apparatus allows a consumer to treat various kinds of liquor in differing quantities regardless of the size or shape of the liquor bottle. A pitcher serves as a receiving vessel for the liquor to be treated. The pitcher has a hollow handle which, in conjunction with a vacuum stand, allows air to be drawn through the hand and discharged into the liquor at the bottom of the pitcher. The vacuum stand is especially adapted to sealingly receive the pitcher and cause air to flow through the liquor. The pitcher is placed on the vacuum stand, a lid portion of the stand is placed over the pitcher to create a seal, and a vacuum is applied on the contents of the pitcher. Air is drawn through the hollow handle and percolates or bubbles out at the base of the pitcher, creating agitation of the liquor and causing removal of the volatile compounds.

Abstract: A food smoker for providing a smoky flavor to food. The food smoker includes an elongate cylinder having opposed open ends and an interior adapted for receiving wood chips. The cylinder has a plurality of rows of generally equally spaced apertures extending through it. The apertures are positioned in an upper 1/3 portion of the cylinder. A pair of end caps are detachably coupled to the ends of the cylinder.

Abstract: A stencil printer of the present invention includes an ink drum and a press drum rotatable with a paper or similar recording means wrapped therearound while pressing the paper against the ink drum. A moving mechanism selectively moves the press drum into or out of contact with the ink drum in synchronism with the feed of the paper order to prevent the press drum from contacting the ink drum when the paper is absent therebetween. Even when the moving mechanism angularly moves the press drum, the press drum is free from a change in peripheral speed and can surely catch the leading edge of the paper. Drive transmission to the press drum is implemented by an Oldham coupling or a universal coupling.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a method for screen printing a target object, such as a substrate, which allows for the removal of a misaligned screen printed pattern without causing damage to the target object. A removable barrier layer is applied to the substrate and the pattern screen printed on the removable barrier layer. If the pattern is not properly aligned, the removable barrier layer with the screen printed pattern attached is removed from the substrate and the substrate can be reprinted. If the pattern is properly aligned, only the removable barrier layer is removed and the pattern drops onto and adheres to the substrate.