Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting potentially damaging contaminants on the surfaces of a plastic card, such as a credit card, an identification card, and the like, prior to a thermal printing operation being performed on the card. The apparatus includes a roller assembly including a first, driven, rotatable roller and a second, floating, rotatable roller parallel to the first roller. The card is directed between the first and second rollers so that the first roller is engageable with one side surface of the card and the second roller is engageable with the opposite side surface of the card. The second roller is supported in a manner to permit the second roller to pivot about a fixed axis when either one of the first and second rollers encounters a contaminant on one of the side surfaces of the card. An encoder is linked to the second roller for collecting data on the movement of the second roller as the card travels between the first and second rollers.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing and evaluating the performance of an automobile under simulated conditions includes torque applicators for connection to wheel shafts of an automobile and for applying torque forces to the wheel shafts, movable supports supporting the torque applicators and a force applicator for connection to the automobile to apply forces to the automobile. A control associated with the torque applicators and the force applicator varies the torque forces applied by the torque applicators to the wheel shafts and varies the forces applied to the automobile by the force applicator.

Abstract: In a wet-clutch break-in method, a torque converter assembly 1 incorporating a wet-type lockup clutch 8 is clamped between a lower-jig work receiving member 31 and an upper jig face plate 51, and the torque converter assembly 1 is filled with torque converter fluid supplied through a passage 34 extending inside an output shaft 26. Then a lockup-on pressure is supplied through a passage 36 extending between the output shaft 26 and a stator shaft 30 to bring a clutch disc 13 and a front cover 2 of the torque converter assembly into friction contact. The friction contact surfaces of the clutch disc and the front cover are made in the break-in process by rotating the upper jig face plate 51 by rotation of a motor transmitted by an input shaft 50 while stopping the output shaft 26 from rotating.

Abstract: A technique for monitoring anomalies in a railway system 400. The technique uses a motion sensor 207, 209 operably coupled to a chassis of a rail car 101 to detect a possibility of an event which may correspond to an anomaly in the railway system. A global positioning sensor (GPS) 213 operably coupled to the chassis detects a geographical location of the rail car 101 at a time corresponding to the event, which correlates the anomaly to the geographical location and the time. The technique also uses a processor 301 operably coupled to the motion sensor 207, 209 to direct a signal corresponding to the event and a recorder 215 operably coupled to the processor 301 to log the signal which may correspond to the anomaly and the geographical location of the rail car corresponding to the event. A central station 104 tracks and analyzes the anomaly over time to predict a possible defect in the railway system.

Abstract: A precipitation gauge that collects liquid and frozen precipitation in a reservoir, suspended by force-sensing transducers, permitting the accurate and precise measurement of accumulated precipitation. A proportionally-heated collector assembly prevents the accumulation of frozen rain or snow on the collector inner surface, converting it into water that enters the reservoir, with minimum electrical energy consumption. The force-sensing transducer may be a programmably excited vibrating strip transducer.

Abstract: An informational/positional guide, which is disposable in an aircraft instrumentation interface, used with at least one mechanical guide key configured to guide interface engagement, and the guide key having an orientation specific to a particular type of aircraft equipment configuration, the guide is provided with a key engagement member. The key engagement member is formed to engage the guide key and is disposable in a variety of angular orientations to facilitate engagement with the guide key. The key engagement member is further provided with an aircraft equipment configuration sensor for identifying the aircraft equipment configuration type in response to sensed orientation of the key engagement member and for generating an electronic signal in response to the identification of the orientation of the key engagement member.

Abstract: A thermal mass flow controller having a thermal mass flow meter with an orthogonal thermal mass flow sensor includes a base defining a primary fluid flow path therein for carrying a flow of fluid to be metered. A pressure dropping bypass is positioned in the primary fluid flow path. A flow measuring portion of a thermal mass flow sensor is oriented substantially transversely or orthogonally with respect to and is in communication with the primary fluid flow path. The flow measuring portion includes a portion of an electrical bridge for determining a temperature of the sensor and produces a mass flow rate signal in response thereto. A valve is connected to an outlet of the primary flow path to control the flow of fluid in response to the mass flow rate signal.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for monitoring the dynamics of particle motion in a liquid-solid media including the rate of settling of particles, the identification of unsettled particle clouds, and the identification and control of the bed level of settled particles in a slurry within a settler. The system includes an ultrasound transducer and a receiver for detecting echoes from particles in the slurry. The echoes are processed to determine the bed level of the settled particles, the position of unsettled particle clouds, and the rate of settling of the particle clouds.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the dynamics of particle motion in a liquid-solid media including the rate of settling of particles, the identification of unsettled particle clouds, and the identification and control of the bed level of settled particles in a slurry within a settler is provided. The system includes an ultrasound transducer and a receiver for detecting echoes from particles in the slurry. The echoes are processed to determine the bed level of the settled particles, the position of unsettled particle clouds, and the rate of settling of the particle clouds.

Abstract: A follow-through measuring device for measuring and displaying the time duration of impact comprises a piezoelectric sensor for sensing the presence of force while the athletic implement is in contact with a ball. The sensor provides a signals with a time duration equal to the time of contact of the ball with the striking implement. The follow-through measuring device further comprises a display unit which houses a receiver, a timer circuit, and a clock display. The signal provided by the sensor is transmitted to the receiver in the display unit, via an rf signal. The timer circuit measures the duration of time which the signal exceed a predetermined trigger level. The display unit then displays the measured time on the clock display.

Abstract: Two torsion bars project from a reference member to support at least one plate or frame-shaped first dynamic member for rotation about an axis of the torsion bars. In one embodiment, a frame-shaped first dynamic member and a second pair of torsion bars, oriented non-parallel to the first torsion bars, support a second dynamic member for rotation about an axis that is collinear with the second pair of torsion bars. The vibrational frequency of the principal torsional vibrational mode of the dynamic members are respectively lower by at least 20% than the vibrational frequency of any other vibrational mode thereof. Either an electrostatic or electromagnetic drive means imparts rotary motion to the dynamic members about the collinear torsion bar axis(es). The reference member, the torsion bars and the dynamic member(s) are all monolithically fabricated from a stress-free semiconductor layer of a silicon substrate.

Abstract: A piezoelectric device is used in an dual axial gyroscope system and includes a piezoelectric exciter for generating a linear velocity on a first axis; a first piezoelectric detector element, placed on a surface of the piezoelectric exciter in a direction orthogonal to the first axis, for detecting a first Coriolis force provided in a direction orthogonal to the first detector; and as second piezoelectric detector element, placed on the surface of the piezoelectric exciter in a direction orthogonal to the first axis and the first detector, for detecting a second Coriolis force provided in a direction orthogonal to the second detector element.

Abstract: A first floating body is supported by a silicon substrate so as to be movable in the x-direction and substantially unmovable in the y-direction. A second floating body is supported by the first floating body so as to be substantially unmovable in the x-direction and movable in the y-direction. A driving circuit and a pair of fixed electrodes having comb finger electrodes vibration-drive the first movable body in the x-direction. Fixed comb finger electrodes and a capacitance detection circuit detect a y-directional displacement of the second movable body and generate a displacement signal. A signal processing circuit converts the displacement signal into an angular rate signal.

Abstract: The oscillation type gyroscope comprises an oscillator having electrodes for driving and for detection and also having oscillating arms adapted to oscillate in a cantilevered state, with front end portions of the oscillating arms being free ends; a support member for supporting a base end portion of the oscillator; a circuit board to which the support member is secured; a flexible printed circuit board with wiring patterns formed thereon and having oscillator-side end portions, a circuit board-side end portion and a wiring portion; first connecting portions provided in the oscillator-side end portions, conducted with the wiring patterns and connected to corresponding electrodes electrically by soldering at the base end portion of the oscillator; and a second connecting portion provided in the circuit board-side end portion, conducted with the wiring patterns and connected electrically to the circuit board at the circuit board-side end portion, wherein among the electrodes, those which lie in the same plane an

Abstract: A vibrator has (a) a housing including a wall forming a cavity, (b) a sleeve in the cavity, and (c) a piston received in the sleeve for reciprocating movement therein. In the improvement, the cavity has a boundary surface inside the housing and the vibrator includes an impact block interposed between the boundary surface and the sleeve. Such impact block is positionally retained in the cavity by the boundary surface and the sleeve.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is an elliptical vibratory apparatus including a first controller which includes at least a first phase shifter, a first high-gain amplifier and a first saturating element; a first power amplifier for amplifying an output of the first controller; a first vibratory exciter receiving an output of the first power amplifier for generating a horizontal vibrational force in a horizontal direction; a horizontal vibrational system of an elliptical vibratory machine receiving said horizontal vibrational force; a vibrational displacement detector for detecting a horizontal displacement of a movable part of the elliptical vibratory machine in the horizontal direction, the output of the vibrational detector being supplied to both the input of the first controller and the input of a second controller; the second controller including at least a second phase shifter, a second high-gain amplifier and a second saturating element; a second power amplifier for amplifying an output of the second controlle

Abstract: A sensing apparatus having a body member with a portion engageable with a work object having a medium to be sensed; and a system for registering at predetermined criterion, relative to the body member, during engagement of the portion of the body member with the work object, as an index of the medium. A method for manufacturing a resultant work piece having at least one projection thereon, the method including the steps of cutting a first work material to form the projection on a portion of the first work material, mounting the projection on a second work material and removing the remainder of the first work material from the projection to form the resultant work piece.

Abstract: A pressure gauge comprising a body (14) and a pressure sensing member consisting of a resiliently flexible curved tube (12) attached to the body (14) and having a fixed end (16) for communication with a fluid to enable pressure measurement, and a closed opposite end (18) freely movable by the fluid pressure relative to the body (14) and controlling a pressure indicator (20). The gauge comprises at least one stop (36) arranged between the body (14) and the tube (12) for restricting the resiliency of the tube (12).

Abstract: A system for simultaneously measuring strains in a test member includes spatial-position members which are coupled to different portions of the test member and first and second displacement sensors which are spaced apart by a sensor space and coupled to the spatial-position members. Linear and bending deformations of the test member are calculated as functions of the responses of the displacement sensors and of the sensor space.

Abstract: A pulse generator (48) in a flowmeter system (10) transmits an excitation pulse to a transducer assembly (12) by way of a signal-conduction medium (20) located in a region subject to an explosion hazard. The amplitude of the excitation pulse is great enough that it would ordinarily trigger an explosion in the hazardous region if one of its cables (22, 23) were to break. But a saturable-core transformer (T1) so limits the excitation pulse's duration as to prevent the explosion.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the flow rate of a fluid flowing through a minimal flow pipeline with a Coriolis effect mass flowmeter. The flowmeter has a single flow tube with two loops. The loops are connected by a cross-over section. A driver oscillates the loops and the phase difference between the ends of the loops is measured. The measured phase difference is then used to find the flow rate of the fluid. The flow tube is fixedly attached to an anchor which is, in turn, attached to a housing. The anchor separate the vibrating, dynamic portion of the flowmeter from the non-vibrating portion of the flowmeter.

Abstract: An air flow rate measuring apparatus includes a casing having opposite open ends, a flow rectifier mounted within the casing at an upstream-side portion thereof with respect to a direction of flow of fluid to be measured, and at least one fluid pressure detector which is mounted within the casing, and is disposed downstream of the flow rectifier, the fluid pressure detector including at least one differential pressure detector member. The differential pressure detector member includes a pair of tubular members of an identical configuration, and each of the tubular members has a flattened shape having opposed narrow side walls and opposed wide side walls, and at least one pressure-measuring port is formed through one of the opposed narrow side walls. The differential pressure detector member further includes a pair of plug members mounted on and closing opposite open ends of each of the tubular members, respectively, one of the pair of plug members having a pressure outlet port.

Abstract: A pressure sensor is provided which can detect the presence, absence or magnitude of pressure, as well as a pressure profile. The pressure sensor includes a sensor membrane and a sensor device. The sensor membrane is flexible and may be constructed of a conductive material or may include a flexible film attached to a conductive film. The sensor device includes a sensor strip, a voltage source, and an electrical sensor. The sensor strip includes both a conductive strip and a resistive strip. The conductive strip is arranged parallel to the resistive strip. As pressure is applied to the sensor membrane, the sensor membrane distends or deforms towards the sensor strip. As sufficient pressure is applied, the sensor membrane will make both electrical and mechanical contact with both the conductive strip and the resistive strip at a point along the length of the sensor strip. Since the sensor membrane is conductive, the conductive strip and the resistive strip will be in electrical connection with each other.

Abstract: A transmission utilizes oscillating torque to vary the mechanical power transmitted to a load. An arm assembly is rotatably coupled to a frame. At the ends of the arms are eccentric masses, rotatably coupled thereto. An input shaft rotates the masses about the ends of the arms. The rotating masses produce an oscillating torque that causes the arms to oscillate. The arms are coupled to an output assembly. The output assembly utilizes one way clutches, with one clutch reversed relative to the other clutch. The one way clutches convert the bidirectional rotation of the arms to unidirectional rotation for the load. The output speeds of the transmission are controlled by providing at least two side by side rotatable masses and varying the phase of one of the masses relative to the other mass. Varying the phase changes the center of gravity of the masses, thereby affecting the torque applied to the arms.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical automatic transmission is provided including a first input shaft and a second input shaft concentric with the first input shaft. A plurality of drive gears are rotatably mounted to each input shaft and are provided with synchronizer devices for selectively engaging the drive gears to the input shafts. A driver shaft is provided with a plurality of driven gears in meshing engagement with the drive gears. The electro-mechanical automatic transmission is provided with a pair of electro-mechanical clutch actuators for selectively disengaging dual clutches which transmit engine torque to the input shafts, as well as an electro-mechanical shift actuator system which operatively engage the synchronizer devices for selectively engaging the drive gears.

Abstract: A direction-reversing mechanism (20) is disposed between a primary shaft (17) and output shaft (19) which are arranged in parallel with each other with the output shaft being arranged at a level lower than that of the primary shaft. A first fluid-operated speed change mechanism (23) is disposed between a first drive shaft (21), arranged co-axially with and coupled to the output shaft, and a first driven shaft (22) arranged in parallel with the drive shaft. The drive shaft is arranged at a level lower than that of the driven shaft, and plural fluid-actuated clutches (63, 64, 65) are mounted on the drive shaft. A second fluid-operated speed change mechanism (24) is disposed between a second drive shaft (26), arranged co-axially with and coupled to the first driven shaft, and a second driven shaft (27) arranged in parallel with the second drive shaft.

Abstract: A control for enhanced manual shifting in a computer-assisted (48) vehicular splitter-type compound transmission (16) having a nonsynchronized, enlarged backlash main section (16A) shifted by a manually operated shift lever (31) and a controller (42). The splitter section (16E) is provided with a three-position (L, H, N) actuator (46) and is commanded to a splitter-neutral position upon sensing a main section shift to neutral to reduce the inertia of the main shaft assembly and reduce the need to synchronize the main section.

Abstract: A variable torque transmission includes at least one disc-shaped gear 30 having a circular toothed surface 36 with flat beveled teeth 32 that mate along radius 38 with the cone-shaped teeth of pinion gear 10 to produce an infinitely variable lever arm and thus infinitely variable torque while allowing a constant rotation ratio between the drive shafts of the flat beveled gear 30 and pinion gear 10. The result is that the drive shaft energy input may be constant and thus energy efficiency may be maximized while torque may be selectively varied.

Abstract: An electric power assisting steering apparatus comprises a housing, a motor mounted on the housing to generate auxiliary steering power in a rotating shaft, an output shaft to transmit the steering power for steering the wheels, a bearing for supporting the output shaft to be freely rotatable, and a worm gear mechanism having a worm connected to the rotating shaft and a worm wheel connected to the output shaft, to transmit the auxiliary steering power of the motor to the output shaft. An elastic body is provided between at least one of the rotating shaft and the housing and the bearing, so that when a tooth surface of the worm and that of the worm wheel are brought into contact with each other, the rotating shaft is moved in at least one of the axial direction and the radial direction relative to the housing by deforming the elastic body.

Abstract: A drivetrain locking gear for locking a drivetrain. The drivetrain locking gear includes a guide shaft extending from an inner wall of a transmission and a holed locking gear being slidably and nonrotatably disposed on the guide shaft. The locking gear selectively engages a fixed gear of a drive shaft for preventing rotation of the drive shaft. An actuation means permits selective engaging and disengaging of the locking gear from the fixed gear.

Abstract: An eversible tube is provided in a motor vehicle, especially as a connecting part for two steering shaft sections and which can be everted, starting at one end, during axial imposition of force with plastic deformation and energy consumption. Beginning at the eversion end, it has a longitudinal section that is easier to deform than the next longitudinal section.

Abstract: A flywheel rim support formed from two shell halves. Each of the shell halves has a disc connected to the central shaft. A first shell element connects to the disc at an interface. A second shell element connects to the first shell element. The second shell element has a plurality of meridional slits. A cylindrical shell element connects to the second shell element. The cylindrical shell element connects to the inner surface of the flywheel rim.A flywheel rim support having a disc connected an outer diameter of a shaft. Two optimally shaped shell elements connect to the optimally shaped disc at an interface. The interface defines a discontinuity in a meridional slope of said support. A cylindrical shell element connects to the two shell elements. The cylindrical shell element has an outer surface for connecting to the inner surface of the flywheel rim.A flywheel rim casing includes an annular shell connected to the central shaft. The annular shell connects to the flywheel rim.

Abstract: A flywheel assembly is provided for transmitting torque from a crankshaft 2 to a main drive shaft 3. The flywheel assembly 1 basically includes a first flywheel 4, a second flywheel 5, a damper mechanism 6, a bearing 17 and a flexible plate 41. The flywheel assembly is designed to suppress the transmission of bending vibrations to the second flywheels. The second flywheel 5 is disposed adjacent to a side of the first flywheel 4 which is remote from the crankshaft 2. The damper mechanism 6 elastically couples the first and second flywheels 4 and 5 together in the circumferential direction. The flexible plate 41 is arranged axially between the first and second flywheels 4 and 5 for supporting the second flywheel 5 with respect to the first flywheel 4. The flexible plate 41 is flexible in the bending direction. The bearing 17 is arranged between the flexible plate 41 and one of the first and second flywheels 4 and 5.

Abstract: A power shift transmission (10) for a movable machine comprises an input shaft (9) driven by an engine (1), an output shaft (8), at least one mechanical drive line (13) and at least two separate hydrostatic drive lines (4, 5). Each of the hydrostatic drive lines (4, 5) comprises a separate shaft (32, 43) and is designed to be coupled to the output shaft (8) via synchronizing devices (34, 35, 45, 46, 47) and gear units. The at least two hydrostatic drive lines (4, 5) are arranged in parallel. At least one power shift clutch (15) is arranged at the input end of each of the at least one mechanical driving (13) line and at least one power shift clutch (40, 42) is arranged at the input end of each of the at least two hydrostatic drive lines (4, 5).

Abstract: A powered lug wrench with adjustable stabilizing bar that is adjustably positionable to contact the roadbed and provide the necessary resistance to the turning of the powered wrench to undo the lug nuts from the lugs. The wrench includes a lug nut drive assembly and an adjustable stabilizing bar assembly. The adjustable stabilizing bar assembly includes a rigid stabilizing bar, a bar fitting rigidly attached to the rigid housing assembly and a knurled stabilizing bar lock screw. The bar fitting has a bar receiving passageway formed entirely therethrough sized to slidably receive the rigid stabilizing bar and a threaded lock screw aperture formed between a top surface of the bar fitting and the bar receiving passageway. The knurled stabilizing bar lock screw is companionately threaded to screw through the threaded lock screw aperture and into the bar receiving passageway to lock the stabilizing bar at a desired length.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench including a handle, a drive stud, and a ratchet mechanism further includes a tool release mechanism. The tool release mechanism includes a tool release actuator which forms a recess. A reversing lever is coupled to the ratchet mechanism and is movable to forward, non-ratcheting and reverse positions to select a forward ratchet direction, a non-ratcheting action, and a reverse ratchet direction, respectively, for the ratchet mechanism. The direction control element carries a protruding element that is shaped to fit into a recess in the tool release actuator when the direction control element is in the forward position, to remain outside the recess when the direction control element is in the non-ratcheting position, and to fit into the recess when the direction control element is in the reverse position. The protruding element impedes inadvertent operation of the tool release mechanism when the direction control mechanism is in either the forward or the reverse positions.

Abstract: A double-reversible ratchet wrench, which includes a body having a receiving chamber at one end, a ratchet wheel mounted within the receiving chamber, a stop block with two toothed portions mounted within the receiving chamber and meshed with the ratchet wheel to limit the direction of rotation of the ratchet wheel, a retainer ring mounted around the ratchet wheel inside the receiving chamber to hold the stop block in place, and an adjustment member mounted in the receiving chamber and turned to shift the stop block between two positions to control the reversing direction of the ratchet wheel.

Abstract: A plumbing tool for tightening the drain assembly of a shower. The tool includes a shaft having opposite proximal and distal ends and a tubular first bell reducer having open proximal and distal ends. The distal end of the shaft is inserted into the proximal end of the first bell reducer. A tubular second bell reducer is provided having open proximal and distal ends. The distal end of the first bell reducer is inserted into the proximal end of the second bell reducer. The distal end of the second bell reducer has therearound a plurality of spaced apart notches to define a plurality of spaced apart teeth around the distal end of the second bell reducer.

Abstract: A screwdriver includes a handle and a shank retractably received in the handle, the shank having a flexible section and a bit removably attached to the distal end thereof. A tube securely extends from the handle and a second spring is mounted to the tube with a ball movably received in a passage radially defined through the tube. The shank has two annular grooves respectively defined on the outside thereof. A sleeve is movably mounted on the tube and has a recess defined in the inside thereof. The shank can be extended from the handle by pulling the sleeve toward the handle to release the ball from one of the two annular grooves and drop in the recess of the sleeve.

Abstract: A new pair of pliers for allowing easy grasping of the handles during use. The inventive device includes first and second arm members each having a jaw portion, a mid portion, and a handle portion. The mid portions of the arm members are pivotally coupled together such that the jaw portions oppose each other. The handle portions of the arm members are in a pivotal relationship with one another. An arcuate gripping handle is positioned between the handle portions of the arm members and is coupled to the handle portion of the first arm member.

Abstract: A tube machining apparatus is described which comprises a support frame (2), an intermediate body (6) arranged to carry tools (7), a clamp (8) for locking at least one tube (4) at a predetermined processing or machining station (9), and at least one gripper (16) for acting by grasping on each tube. Gripper (16) and tools (7) are carried by the intermediate body (6) and movement means (17) is provided which is interposed between the intermediate body (6) and the support frame (2) and is capable of simultaneously moving both the gripper and the different tools between respective rest and work positions.

Abstract: A rotary loader for feeding bars to lathes comprises a stepped rotary drum (11) and supporting guides (13) for sliding of the bars. A flange (16) coaxial and integral with the drum supports peripherally braking surfaces (17) such as pins arranged with a pitch equal to the drum braking pitch. An opposing surface (20) is pushed elastically towards the drum rotation axis to meet the braking surfaces in sequence and supply drum braking and stopping action against its inertial movement.

Abstract: A new type of stator design and arc shaping method that is used in a diametrically wound and diametrical air gap type of brushless motor. After arc shaping, the stator of this brushless motor has an external profile composed of a central arc and two modified arcs located on each side of the central arc. The central arc subtends an angle twice that of angle A and the modified arcs each has a radius r, both angle A and r are given by the following formulae: ##EQU1## Through arc shaping the stator, the cogging torque is lowered while a certain standard value for the torque constant is still maintained. Thus, the overall efficiency of the brushless motor is raised.

Abstract: A method for removing wires from a bale of waste cardboard and paper material that is compacted in vertical layers with wires running at right angles to the layers and in vertical planes. A cutting blade is moved downwardly through the wires and bale of waste material to separate a forward portion of the bale of waste material from the remainder of the bale of waste material and from the cut wires. The cut wires are gathered ahead of and beneath the bale of waste material into a bundle with opposed pairs of hook blades moved toward one another to interdigitate in overlapping relation to grasp the bundle of wires in a wire-receiving recess. A rotating fork is inserted into the wire receiving recess to coil the cut wires and pull them free from the bale of waste material as the bale of waste material is moved forward. The recess is cleared by withdrawing the fork from the coil and pushing the coiled wire with a pushing finger clear of the recess.

Abstract: An apparatus for decurling food material, such as slices severed from a food material supply, while the slices are being moved toward a transfer member includes a constriction positioned in close proximity to the slicing station and in general alignment therewith. The constriction is defined by opposing upper and lower surfaces; the upper surface is a stationary surface while the lower surface is a moving surface. The lower moving surface utilizes a plurality of flexible bands rotating around at least one roller, which are disposed proximate to the food material supply. The flexible bands are driven around a guide member having an arcuate profile that matches the curvature movement that the food material supply takes. The bands which form the lower moving surface are driven at a speed equal to or greater than the speed at which the slicer operates.

Abstract: A push stick for use with stationary power tools including table saws and shapers. The push stick has a flat base plate that can ride on the surface of the power tool thereby providing stable operation with a resulting increase in safety for the operator and more accurate cutting. A handle of the push stick is placed at an optimum angle to provide both downward and forward pressure on a work piece. The push stick may also be equipped with a variable handle angle to optimize its use with different power tools. The base plate of the push stick may be adjustable in thickness to accommodate work pieces of different thicknesses.

Abstract: A unitary tray and blade guide frame including longitudinal members extending from rigid, integral attachment with a back tray. An end frame member transversely, rigidly mounts to the longitudinal frame members and the back tray. A blade guide mounts to the back tray, with its upper surface flush with the upper surface of the back tray. A thickness tray slidably mounts in slots formed in the longitudinal frame members. An adjustment mechanism adjusts the position of the thickness tray. A food product workpiece extends downwardly from a reciprocatably displaceable workpiece retaining carriage, and rests on the upper surface of the thickness tray. The carriage advances the workpiece into a blade, which removes a slice from the workpiece. The lower surface of the remaining workpiece slides against the upper surface of the blade guide and the back tray.

Abstract: Pin insertion holes 25, and 26 are adjustable relative to each other and are arranged such that one is on a die holder 6 which is mounted on an alignment plate 7 of a lower turret 2 and the other one is on the alignment plate 7 itself. A mounting pin 11 is inserted through the die holder 6 and through both pin insertion holes 25, 26. This mounting pin 11 is capable of increasing and decreasing in diameter when inserted in the pin insertion holes 25, 26. The mounting pin 11 is charged with a pressure medium 22 such as oil or the like and this diameter increase is carried out by the pressurization of the pressure medium 22 by the screwing of a pressure application screw 23 or the like.

Abstract: A scroll saw with an adjustable tensioning mechanism includes a housing having an inner surface and a pivoting arm having a rearward end disposed within an opening in the housing. A first blade clamp is disposed at the forward end of the pivoting arm and secures the upper end of a saw blade. The lower end of the saw blade is secured in a second blade clamp disposed at the forward end of a lower arm. A wedge is disposed within the housing, in contact with the inner surface of the housing. The wedge also is disposed in contact with and translatable along a surface of the pivoting arm. A rod is linked to the wedge at one end and extends through the pivoting arm. The rod includes an upwardly turned arm. A cam having a spiral track is rotatably mounted at the front of the pivoting arm with the upwardly turned arm disposed in the track.

Abstract: A cutting tool (10) for making precise circumferential and longitudinal cuts in an fiber optic cable (12) includes a rotary-driven cutting wheel (18) that extends partially into the top of a housing (24) having an open bottom. The housing receives a pair of upper and lower cable guides that have opposed longitudinal and transverse channels (36 and 42) and 38 and 44) for retaining the cable in a longitudinal and transverse relationship, respectively with the cutting wheel. A cable lock guide (48) attaches to the bottom of the housing to maintain the guides in a fixed relationship while an adjustment mechanism (52) extends through the guide lock to displace the guides (and the cable retained therebetween) towards the cutting wheel to control the depth of cut. By placing the cable in the longitudinal channels in the guides, the tool can make a longitudinal cut when displaced along the axis of the cable.