Abstract: In a process and apparatus for delivering a processing substance from a storage vessel to a processing station, the storage vessel enclosing a processing substance storage space and being coupled to conduits which communicate with the storage space, the storage vessel and the conduits enclosing a volume which includes the storage space, a method and system for determining the quantity of processing substance in the storage space by: closing the volume enclosed by the storage vessel and the conduits; performing first and second pressure measurements for measuring the gas pressure in the volume when the volume contains respectively first and second quantities of gas; determining the difference between the first and second quantities of gas; and calculating the quantity of processing substance in the storage space on the basis of the volume, the difference between the first and second quantities of gas and the gas pressures measured during the first and second pressure measurements.

Abstract: The precipitation measuring system is used for electronically measuring the amounts of rain, snow, hail or the like, with the use of a load cell. The system comprises a second frame mounted within a first frame. The second frame bears the collector and a load cell connects the second frame to the first frame. The load cell comprises a strain gauge bridge which is used to convert strain variations in the load cell into electrical conditions altering an electric current. These electrical variations correspond to weight variations occurring when the amount of precipitations in the collector varies and are then recorded by a recording device such as a computer. One advantage of the present invention is that the static and dynamic friction are eliminated, which greatly improves the precision and reliability of the system over the ones presently in operation. The calibration procedures are also simplified.

Abstract: A sensing circuit of a thermal mass flow sensor provides enhanced precision control of heating and temperature sensing coils used for fast sensing responses. The sensing circuit includes a pair of coil servo loops achieving servo loop control of the sensing coils in each servo loop. The current paths in the servo loop include a main current path carrying low levels of current and minor current paths carrying very small levels of current. These small levels of current have insignificant current levels compared to the levels of current in the main current path. The single main current path in the servo loop allows nearly all of the current from the primary servo amplifier to be used for driving the coils, thereby improving the efficiency of the coil servo loop. The heating and sensing coil in each servo loop is coupled to an integration network for measuring power provided to the coil.

Abstract: A sensor for sensing the concentration of a vapor of a volatile liquid in a gas is disclosed. The sensor has a dry-transducer temperature sensor and a wet-transducer temperature sensor. The wet transducer-temperature sensor is covered by a non-woven, non-flaking, liquid-permeable material to allow the liquid to pass from a source to about the wet-transducer temperature sensor and vaporize when the gas is not saturated with the vapor. The vaporization of the volatile liquid causes the temperature at the wet-transducer temperature sensor to have a steady-state temperature lower than the reference temperature measured by the dry-transducer temperature sensor. The difference in the temperature measured by the two temperature sensors being determinable to determine the concentration of the vapor in the gas. In an embodiment, the non-woven, non-flaking, liquid-permeable material is a porous membrane. In another embodiment, it is a gel.

Abstract: A hand-operated accelerator device includes a handgrip speed controlling actuator sleeved rotatably on a handlebar. A speed controlling signal emitting member has an elongated chamber therein with an opened guiding slot. A shifting member is slidably received in the elongated chamber, and has two magnets spaced apart from each other, and a protruding member extending outwardly of the guiding slot to move the shifting member in the chamber upon rotation of the actuator. A hall-effect generator extends transversely between the magnets so as to generate a voltage signal to be received by a circuit board when the shifting member is moved in order to convert the voltage signal into a control signal for controlling revolutions of an electric drive mechanism of an electric-powered bicycle. A spring is disposed to bias the shifting member in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The present invention is a seismic accelerometer to measure and record low frequencies and large dynamic measurement ranges. The accelerometer comprises at least one directional piezoelectric sensing element and an integrated circuit. Each directional piezoelectric sensing element senses inertial forces applied to the accelerometer from a particular direction, X, Y or Z, and generates a force voltage signal in response to the inertial forces applied to the accelerometer. The sensitivity of each directional piezoelectric sensing element is in direct proportion to the sensitivity of the integrated circuit and the mass of a first mass. The integrated circuit system receives the force voltage signal from each directional piezoelectric sensing element and generates an output signal for each direction.

Abstract: A focusing electromagnetic acoustic transducer is provided which comprises a pair of meander coils, three insulation sheets and a magnet. The meander coils are formed on both surfaces of one of the insulation sheets to be positioned such that the meander coils are coincident with each other, and they are covered with the other insulation sheets. Each of the meander coils comprises a plurality of coil segments wherein intervals between adjacent coil segments sequentially are varied from one end to the other end. The magnet is positioned above the layers consisting the meander coils and insulation sheets. The coil segments of each meander coil are straight lines in parallel with each others, sector shapes on respective circulars having the same center point, or generally circular shapes having the same center point.

Abstract: A pressure measuring device which utilizes an array of optical, non-acoustic pressure sensors with a laser light source which generates a pulsed light signal into a light transmitting cable, wherein the pulsed light signal propagates along the light transmitting cable through the array of optical pressure sensors. A plurality of optical couplers are attached to the light transmitting cable at multiple locations spaced apart from one another in order to branch off at least a portion of the pulsed light each location. Each of the plurality of optical couplers includes a respective optical pressure sensor and a pressure insensitive reflector, wherein the branched off portion of the pulsed light signal is transmitted into to both the optical pressure sensor and the reflector. Each optical pressure sensor reflects a pressure indicating signal back into the optical coupler, while the pressure insensitive reflector reflects a reference signal back into the optical coupler.

Abstract: A pressure transmitter apparatus having a unitary body portion, separate diaphragms and flange elements and disposed within the body, a first and second normally vertical pressure passage. The first and second pressure passageways communicate respectively between first and second pressure openings extending normally horizontally through the body portion, and a transducer mounting element. The mounting element, coupled to the body portion and located above the pressure passageways, mounts a transducer that generates a differential pressure signal. One or a pair of diaphragm elements are configured to form first and second process diaphragms, closing first and second pressure openings. The flange element overlies the diaphragm element and is removably and replaceably secured to the body portion.

Abstract: A gauge or differential pressure sensor has a base portion having walls which define a cavity within the base portion and a diaphragm portion positioned over the cavity. The base portion comprises silicon; the diaphragm portion comprises silicon; the substrate has a passageway from a surface of the substrate into the chamber; the walls of the cavity form an angle with the diaphragm of no more than ninety degrees; and the chamber has a depth of at least about 5 microns. Preferably, the pressure sensor has a lip within the passageway which prevents an adhesive used to glue the sensor to a base from flowing to the diaphragm and fouling it. The pressure sensor is made by forming a cavity in a first wafer, fusion bonding a second wafer over the first wafer in an oxidizing environment, and using the thin oxide formed when fusion bonding the wafers as an etch stop when opening the cavity to the atmosphere. Etch conditions are selected to form the preferred lip in the passageway.

Abstract: A system and method for testing the pressure in a fluid system, according to which a member is provided for connecting to the fluid system in a manner to receive fluid from the system. A hydraulic cylinder establishes a fluid pressure and is connected to the member so that the cylinder can establish a predetermined fluid pressure in the system which is measured by a gauge and monitored.

Abstract: A device is proposed for detection of trapping in a power-operated closing element (4) with a switching element (24), which is arranged along a first closing edge, and at least two force transmitters (16) extending longitudinally, which flank the closing element (4) laterally in the closed position and transmit a trapping force to the switching element (24) in the case of trapping. The switching element (24) is designed as a foil-type element with two carrier foils (36), which are arranged above each other a specific distance apart. At least two contact elements to (40) are arranged on the carrier foils (36) in such a way that two longitudinal active areas (26) separated from each other by a longitudinal spacer (42) are formed, each active area (26) being arranged in the range of action of a force transmitter (16).

Abstract: A method for testing the integrity at least two test objects, each object is made of a plastically deformable material, by a. contacting a moving means with the objects at a first point in time, the moving means at a first position and the objects at a first position, the moving means having a shaped portion; b. shifting at least a portion of the objects to a second position at a second time, subsequent to the first time, wherein at least a portion of the objects were displaced during the interval between the first time and the second time; c. evaluating the objects after the shifting in step b. 22.

Abstract: An aircraft pitot and static pressure sensing device and an aircraft having the sensing device, more particularly a fighter aircraft, include a plurality of pressure sensors disposed in a radome of the aircraft. In addition, a plurality of air intake ports is provided in the radome. The air intake ports are connected through connecting passages to the pressure sensors.

Abstract: A load cell body for measuring components of force and moment in plural direction includes an integral assembly having a rigid central hub and a rigid annular ring concentric with the central hub. At least three radial tubes extends radially along corresponding longitudinal axes from the central hub to the annular ring. Flexure members join the radial tubes to the annular ring. Each flexure member is compliant for displacement of each corresponding radial tube along the corresponding longitudinal axis. As a load cell, a strain sensor mounted on each radial tube measures strain therein.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a system for providing a sample. It incorporates and appropriately connected valve element working with a surrounding seat and housing. The valve element responds to pressure from the atmosphere which purges the valve element of remnants of a sample passing therethrough so that no trace constituents are left in the valve element. The valve element is a two position, three way valve element which is rotated, thereby permitting a purge gas to flow or not flow, and it rotated to another position permitting the sample of interest to flow or not flow. A sequence of operations is defined.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method are described for continuously measuring the timing and distribution of forces exerted against the entire surface of a quadruped's foot, thus providing a diagnostic tool to assist in measuring the ambulatory functions of an animal. The described force sensing device is lightweight, durable and worn by the animal in a manner which does not alter the natural movement of the quadruped. The device may be utilized without a shoe within an attached boot, or incorporated in a modified conventional horseshoe which fits over the hoof of the animal. The apparatus can further include a remote sensing and feedback function which allows the processing, storing, display and feedback of data indicative of the ambulatory functions of the animal at one or more remote locations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for retaining a first and second PTO in longitudinal relation to an output sleeve in an agricultural vehicle. The output sleeve is for interchangeably supporting and transmitting rotational power to the first and second PTOs, and includes an outward protrusion proximate an end of the output sleeve. The apparatus includes an outer plate with an outer plate aperture such that the outer plate can be longitudinally positioned onto the first PTO behind a shoulder on the first PTO. The apparatus also includes an inner plate with an inner plate aperture such that the inner plate can be longitudinally positioned onto the output sleeve, and an inward protrusion into the inner plate aperture.

Abstract: A shift knob integrally includes one of a plug or socket having fixed contacts which are coupled to a control switch mounted to the shift knob. The plug or socket is mounted to a sleeve which integrally includes the other of a socket and plug with fixed contacts precoupled to the transmission wire harness such that during assembly it is only necessary for the shift knob to be mounted onto the knob-receiving sleeve to make both mechanical and electrical contact with the transmission. In a preferred embodiment, the shift knob includes a keyed plug with the contacts recessed within a housing of the plug.

Abstract: A shift fork/gate assembly is provided for use in a manual transmission of the type including a gear train having a plurality of gears disposed thereon and a shift control assembly for selecting one of the plurality of gears. The shift fork/gate assembly includes a shift fork member engaging a synchronizer device along the gear train. A gate member is connected to the fork member by inserting a portion of the gate member into an aperture formed in the fork member. The gate member selectively cooperates with a blocker of the shift control assembly to selectively prevent movement of the shift fork member until the shift control assembly is properly aligned.

Abstract: A modular single lever control which shares common components consisting of plastic can be heat fused and or snapped together. A common base component (12) has opening (22) which receive male projections (20) from side components (14 and 16). In addition, cantilevered male projections (24) extend laterally from side components (14 and 16) and into overlapping portions with the snap-together connections (26) disposed in the overlapping portions for holding the side components (14 and 16) together. The detent side component (14) includes detents (44) to coact with a detent roller (58). Alternatively (144) are presented in a flange extending from the centrally disposed lever subassembly (18) to coact with a roller (158) supported from the second side component (16). A pair of opposing stub shafts (28) extend in a cantilevered fashion from lower bridge (36) of the side components for rotatably supporting the single lever subassembly (18).

Abstract: A controlled mechanical carrier motion system comprising a base support, a pivot holder and a plurality of pivoting links with the pivoting links rotatably coupled to both to members of the pivot holder and to either the base support or to a corresponding one of a plurality of force imparting members, or both, to rotate about axes which extend in different directions for each of these rotatable couplings in a link, typically in accord with specific geometrical arrangements, and in different directions from similar axes in another of such links.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprising an outer tubular member (30) having an axis (32). An inner member (90) extends into the outer tubular member (30, 90) and is coaxial with the outer tubular member. The members (30) have surfaces (52a, 102a, 102b) which define a plurality of races (112) spaced circumferentially around one of the members (90). At least one rotatable element (140) is in each of the races (112). The rotatable elements (140) engage the outer tubular member (30) and the inner member (90) and guide relative axial movement of the outer tubular member and the inner member and transmit torque between the outer tubular member and the inner member. One of the members (30) applies radially directed force to the rotatable elements (140) urging the rotatable elements radially into contact with the other member (90) to provide for a no-lash torque transmission between the members.

Abstract: A manually adjusted device for terminals of control cables having a longitudinal housing provided on a main body of a terminal and open at one end, a regulating rod which is slideable in both directions, and having an interior end and an exterior end, the regulating rod being linked to the longitudinal housing by the interior end so that the exterior end projects outwardly of the main body, device for securing a position of the regulating rod with respect to the terminal, thrust device including at least one thrust spring which works permanently under compression with one end resting against the interior end of the regulating rod and another end resting against the main body so that the regulating rod is permanently subjected to an action of a force directed from outside inwards, and a longitudinal housing in which the thrust spring is fitted, the longitudinal housing in which the thrust spring is fitted extending parallel to the longitudinal housing of the regulating rod and being linked by a guide groove, a

Abstract: A piston pin for connecting a piston to a connecting rod especially but not exclusively of an internal combustion engine is made from a sleeve formed by a non-cutting rolling procedure at formation of a longitudinal slot. The longitudinal slot of the sleeve may extend in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis of the sleeve, or may have a wave-like configuration, or may be formed between longitudinal edges interlocking in the form of a tongue and groove. The outer surface of the piston pin is cylindrical while the interior thereof is formed with a central cylindrical section which terminates on both sides in sloped sections.

Abstract: A universal assembly machine manufactures conventional buttons with formed backs. The machine comprises a rotatably indexable die table to which are mounted pickup and crimp dies. The die table indexes about a center column of the machine frame. A ram die is advancable and retractable in a pickup stroke and a crimp stroke by means of a handle. The ram die includes a ram outer ring that is rotatable by means of a shifter post joined to the die table. Indexing the die table causes the shifter post to rotate the ram outer ring into a pickup mode or a crimp mode to suit the ram pickup and crimp strokes, respectively. The universal assembly machine also manufactures buttons with flat backs by using a different crimp die pedestal than is used with the formed backs. An adapter on the crimp die pedestal used with formed backs allows that crimp die pedestal to also be used for manufacturing buttons with flat backs. The invention also embraces button medallions.

Abstract: A nail starter for a hammer includes integral protrusions and a spring member disposed between these two protrusions for releasably holding the body of a nail in a predetermined position.

Abstract: An axially repositionable adapter for use with a ratchet assembly for providing telescoping and axial repositioning of an overall length of the adapter. A first elongate member includes a first tool bit engaging end and a second open end which defines a hollowed and axially extending interior. A second elongate member includes a first end which is mounted in a telescoping and axially inserting manner within the axially extending interior of the first elongate member and a second socket wrench engaging end. The first and second elongate members can also be reversed so that the first member is an inner member and the second member is a telescopically attached outer member. A plurality of individual apertures are formed along a selected surface of the second elongate member and are arranged in axially and spaced apart fashion.

Abstract: A tool feed module for a portable lathe machine tool includes a tool block carrying a cutting tool driven by a feed screw incrementally advanced during a cutting procedure by an actuator arm contacting a striker device located on the tool housing. The actuator arm drives the feed screw through an actuator shaft and a one-way drive device permits the actuator arm to pivot in opposite directions while driving the feed screw in increments during pivotal motion in a single direction. To enable reverse rotation of the feed screw and withdrawal of the cutting tool to a starting position rapidly, the actuator shaft is connected to the one-way drive device through a releasable connection that permits rotation of the drive screw by the actuator shaft independently of the one-way drive device.

Abstract: A workpiece spindle device for a machine tool having a drivable workpiece spindle in a spindle housing and including a hydraulic oil supply device with a non-rotating housing portion connected to the spindle housing. An oil control device is connected to the non-rotating housing and communicated to the oil supply device without an oil line therebetween. An oil flow path is provided between the oil control device and a cylinder chamber of a workpiece clamping cylinder of the spindle with the oil path being free of any valve and thus substantially unrestricted to oil flow.

Abstract: A method for dispensing discrete length reinforcement fibers. A continuous length of a reinforcement fiber is wound around a base end of a form, the base end having a generally circular cross-section, to form generally circular coils. The coils are moved axially from the base end of the form to an elongated portion of the form, the elongated portion having an elongated cross-section, to change the shape of the coils from the generally circular shape to an elongated shape. The elongated coils are cut to form discrete length reinforcement fibers. The discrete length reinforcement fibers are then dispensed.

Abstract: A cutting device cuts a flat tube in such a manner that a locus connecting each point where a blade tip of a blade portion of the cutting device is firstly introduced into the flat tube passes through a base portion of a frontmost side protrusion portion. Therefore, the bending moment generated due to a cutting force of the cutting device is decreased to prevent defective cutting.

Abstract: High speed flying shears with contrarotating blades (13) fitted to blade-holder drums (30), the shears comprising an upstream one-channel switch (16) of a start-stop type which conveys the rolled stock (11) lengthwise into sharing area and can be oriented laterally on a plane substantially containing the axis of feed of the rolled stock (11) and parallel to and lying between the planes containing shafts (12) of rotation of the blade-holder drums (30), the circumferential position of the blades (13) being associated with the lateral position of the upstream one-channel switch (16) at least in the transient time of the feed of the rolled stock (11) through the shearing area (35), a two-channel (22-23) switch (20) which can be oriented laterally substantially on the same orientation plane as, and in synchronization with, the one-channel switch (16), the two-channel switch (20) including the inlets of two enlarged channels (22-23) superimposed on each other on a plane perpendicular to the axis (12) of rotation of

Abstract: A pipelined system for removing the contents of sealed coin-collection boxes, wherein each box requires a set of different operations to be performed in seriatim to remove the box contents. The operations include removing a seal, opening a box lid, removing the box contents, resetting the lid and resealing the box. The pipelined system comprises a rotary surface for supporting a plurality of the boxes at spaced locations. Stationary surfaces mount a plurality of box-processing units, including pneumatic actuators and processing tools, at spaced stations to form a pipeline. The processing units each perform a different one of the processing operations during each processing cycle. A motor assembly pivots the rotary surface for stepwise positioning the boxes at different ones of the stations. A control system, including computer and pneumatic systems, causes the box-processing units to perform the different processing operations simultaneously on all boxes in the pipeline.

Abstract: A yoke for mounting a saw blade to a reciprocating saw, the yoke adapted to be received by a mounting support on the reciprocating saw. The yoke includes first and second arms and a region connecting the first and second arms, the first and second arms having ends for receiving the end of a saw blade. The first and second arms and the connecting region are hollow and are formed of a composite material.

Abstract: A portable bank saw sawmill which includes a specially designed tubular frame with four rigid tubular posts attaching the overhead track system to the lower deck frame. Logs are placed and secured on the lower frame, the bandsaw assembly moves longitudinally of the frame by use of the overhead track, to make successive cuts with the saw. A hydraulic motor driving a sprocket and chain turns threaded rods to raise and lower the cutting assembly from the overhead track.

Abstract: A method for aiming the weapon (4) of a weapon system (1) with an aiming system (5) and a heat imaging device (6) while considering external influences acting on the projectiles to be fired into a target region (3). In order to accomplish that influences acting on the projectiles (2) during their flight into the target region (3) are considered in a simple manner for the aiming of the weapon (4), the amount of lateral deviation (13) of the point of impact (11) of the projectile from a predetermined point of aim (12) of the weapon (4)is determined by measuring or tracking the tracer (10) of the projectile (2) by the heat imaging device (6). The amount of lateral deviation (13) thus determined is then compensated for in the subsequent firing by a corresponding lateral aiming correction of the weapon (4). A weapon system (1) for implementing the method is likewise disclosed.

Abstract: A dynamic pressure regulator cushion for use with a fluid power actuator to smoothly and linearly decelerate the piston at end of stroke. The dynamic pressure regulator cushion comprises a pressure sensor attached to a valve. A side of the pressure sensor tending to close the valve is exposed to driving pressure. A side of the pressure sensor tending to open the valve is exposed to fluid pressure in the cylinder ahead of the piston. An adjustable valve pre-loading is provided to maintain the fluid pressure in the cylinder ahead of the piston at a constant, pre-determined level above the driving pressure during the cushion stroke. This pre-set pressure differential across the piston serves to smoothly and linearly decelerate the piston to near zero at end of stroke. Two pressure sensor embodiments taught are a pressure sensor piston reciprocating within a plenum, and a diaphragm whose outer edge is attached to, and sealed to, an inside wall of a plenum.

Abstract: A hydraulic control valve (10; 110) which acts as a hydraulic flow amplifier. An obturator (34; 134) is slidable towards and away from a valve seat (36; 136) to controllably vary throughflow from an inlet (S; P) to an outlet (T; S). The obturator (34; 134) is mounted on a piston (30; 130) which is slidable in dependence on the excess of the difference between inlet and outlet pressures over control pressure in a control chamber (42; 142). The control chamber (42; 142) is fed with hydraulic fluid bled from the source (S; P) via a controlled leak (48+50; 148+150) which is self-regulating in dependence on throughflow-controlling movement of the piston/obturator (34/30; 134/130) in a sense which provides negative feedback. The control chamber (42; 142) is drained through a fluid conduit (54; 154) incorporating an externally-controllable fluid flow restriction (56; 156) which serves as the control input to the control valve (10; 110).

Abstract: A pressure transformer is provided having a housing, with a rotating group disposed therein, an adjustable port plate is disposed between a barrel of the rotating group and a head portion of the housing. The barrel has a plurality of pistons slideably disposed in cylinders defined in the barrel. The cylinders each define a cylinder port that is in intimate contact with the port plate. The port plate has three arcuate slots defined therein and spaced from one another along a predetermined circumference. Each arcuate slot has a leading edge and a trailing edge. Likewise each of the cylinder ports has a leading edge and a trailing edge. The shape and orientation of the leading edges and trailing edges of the cylinder ports and the arcuate slots are the same. During relative rotation between the cylinder ports and the arcuate slots, the leading edges of the cylinder ports and the leading edges of the arcuate slots are radially concurrent.

Abstract: A cylinder device includes a casing with a pair of fluid inlet/outlet ports defined therein, a base plate, a piston fixed to the base plate, a cylinder, and a top plate. The cylinder device also has first, second, and third cylinder chambers defined in the cylinder between the base plate, the piston, and the top plate, a first fluid passage and a second fluid passage through which one of the fluid inlet/outlet ports communicates with the first and third cylinder chambers, and a third fluid passage and a fourth fluid passage through which the other fluid inlet/outlet port communicates with the second cylinder chamber.

Abstract: A piston-type fluid displacement apparatus includes a housing enclosing a crank chamber, a suction chamber, a suction chamber, and a discharge chamber. The housing includes a cylinder block wherein a plurality of cylinder bores formed, a drive shaft rotatably supported in the cylinder block and a plurality of pistons each of which is slidably disposed within one of the cylinder bores. Each of the pistons includes a cylindrical body and an arm portion axially extending from a first axial end of the cylindrical body and a pair of engaging portions formed the first axial end of the cylindrical body and the arm portion. The cylindrical body of the pistons includes an hollow portion therein. The housing further includes a plate having an angle of tilt and titably connected to the drive shaft and bearing coupling devices coupling the plate to each of the pistons, so that the pistons reciprocates within the cylinder bores upon rotation of the plate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a remote seal of the type used in the process control industry includes welding a circular metal sheet of a material fusible to a housing. The sheet has a hole formed therein with an inner diameter. The method further including attaching a diaphragm made of a metal to the sheet along the inner diameter of the hole in the sheet. A remote seal includes a flange face and a disc attached to the flange. The disc includes an inner diameter. The remote seal further includes a diaphragm attached to the disc along the inner diameter of the disc.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for assembling a battery. The invention includes an improved apparatus and method for sealing a battery case closure to a battery case. The apparatus comprises a device for moving a carrier with fluid pressure through fluid conduits disposed internal a shaft. A novel case stop is disclosed for stopping and positioning a battery case on a support. A method is disclosed for heating a battery case with a case heater. A conveyor system is included for sequentially moving a plurality of flat battery components such as case closures.

Abstract: A disposable filter press device for making a brewed beverage from a combination of liquid and material to be brewed includes a first disposable cup and a second disposable cup. The first disposable cup has a closed bottom, an open top and a sidewall extending around the entire circumferential extent of the first cup, while the second disposable cup is sized and configured to be positioned in the first cup. The second cup has a bottom end, an open top and a sidewall extending around the entire circumferential extent of the second cup. The second cup also includes a filter for filtering the brewed beverage from the material used to brew the brewed beverage as the second cup is moved relative to the first cup. The filter press device can also be provided with a mechanism for connecting the second cup to the first cup with the second cup being in an inverted, bottom end up position.

Abstract: A convection based cooking apparatus with an insulating baffle to provide improved air-flow and isolation between a cooking chamber and a heating chamber. The heating chamber and the cooking chamber are positioned side by side, and separated by the insulating baffle. The insulating baffle is hollow for holding a liquid and includes an opening for emitting steam. An air passage exists between the heating chamber and the cooking chamber, in such a way that, heated air passes through the passage, flows over the insulating baffle to combine with the steam, and then into the cooking chamber. The air passage is located near the top of the heating chamber and the cooking chamber. As the air passes over the insulating baffle, the air is diffused throughout the cooking chamber and thereby uniformly distributed across a cooking surface within the cooking chamber.

Abstract: A portable barbecue grill apparatus has multiple functions including barbecuing, baking, roasting, and pan broiling, some of which can be accomplished simultaneously on joined cooking elements. The grill apparatus can have an extendable rear lid having a rotisserie attached to a base. Alternatively, a pair of slotted side plates attached to the lid and covered by a heat shield can permit the spacing of the spit from the burner in the lid according to the size of the rotating fool. The lid and base each contain heating elements energized by one or two portable propane tanks.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooking eggs includes a cover plate, a middle plate, a bottom plate, and a lock-down assembly. The lock-down assembly removably secures the middle plate between the cover plate and the bottom plate. A receiving pocket is provided in the bottom plate and a recess is provided in the middle plate such that with the middle plate located between the cover plate and the bottom plate an egg-receiving cavity is formed between the receiving pocket and the recess to house an egg to be cooked.

Abstract: A strapping machine and method for applying flexible heat-sealable straps around objects includes a programmable control system that receives encoder and other signals from various sensors in the machine to regulate each strapping cycle. A feed/tension unit provides primary tensioning of the strap about the object based on signals from the control system. A motor driven roller and a pinch roller in the feed/tension unit each providing separate encoder signals to the control system to assist the control system in advancing and retracting the strap during feed and tensioning sequences, respectively, and provide signals indicating an exact position of the strap. A secondary tension system provides a final high tensioning force on the strap. The control system can automatically adjust individual strapping cycles, including tensioning, to compensate for various size bundles and different types of objects. Thereafter, a sealing head heat seals the strap and severs the sealed strap from the remaining strap coil.

Abstract: In a stencil printer, a printing drum is provided with a clamp plate for clamping an end portion of a stencil master, thereby holding the stencil master on the printing drum. A paper supply mechanism supplies printing sheets to the printing drum in synchronization with rotation of the printing drum. A first motor drives the paper supply mechanism by way of a first transmission mechanism, and a second transmission mechanism is operatively connected to the first transmission mechanism to be driven by the first motor by way of the first transmission mechanism, thereby rotating the printing drum. A phase adjustment mechanism driven by a second motor drives the second transmission mechanism with the first transmission mechanism held stopped, thereby changing the relative phases of rotation of the printing drum and sheet supply operation of the paper supply means. A drum position sensor generates a detecting signal upon detection that the printing drum comes to a reference position.