Abstract: A device for measuring the acoustic absorption properties of materials such as liners for jet engines has a first housing, an acoustic driver configured to provide acoustic energy to the first housing, a second housing attached to the first housing, and an acoustic driver configured to provide acoustic energy to the second housing. Acoustic sensors are used to measure the acoustic energy emitted from the two housings and to measure the absorption of each of the housings.

Abstract: An electromagnetic acoustic transducer for inducing and sensing vibrations n a cylindrical object and methods of using an electromagnetic acoustic transducer to determine resonant frequencies and physical properties of cylindrical objects. The electromagnetic acoustic transducers produce specific modes of vibration in cylindrical objects including axial shear vibrations. The electromagnetic acoustic transducers are used to determine the temperature, dimensions, elastic constants, and damping coefficients of cylindrical objects, the magnitude of a load applied to a cylindrical object, or the texture or grain orientation of the material forming a cylindrical object.

Abstract: A method for electronic compensation of erroneous readings is based on the observation that a sensor serving as a transducer is caused to resonate. The erroneous reading caused by the resonance is measured and a compensation signal is feedback into the measurement element, the signal being essentially unfiltered. An apparatus uses error detection and compensation circuits whose upper barrier frequency are above the resonance frequency of the transducer for detecting an error signal caused by resonance in the transducer and for generating a compensation signal for feeding into the detector sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring indicator device comprising a modular pressure transducer, a modular line socket connected to a device connector and a modular casing having a display. In order to improve the usefulness and provide simultaneous simple assembly, the pressure transducer and the device connector with the line socket are connected to opposing sides of the casing so that the casing is capable of rotating about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Dampening apparatus for a pressure gauge in which a short length of sleeve, ferrule, hub or thimble encircles the pointer shaft in a close but loose fit relation and is packed with a high viscosity fluid such that it will serve to decelerate and cushion any sudden shock or pulsation force that would otherwise be transmitted to the pointer shaft.

Abstract: A nondestructive detection apparatus for detecting tendon failures in a prestressed concrete slab. The detection apparatus includes a cart adapted to be moved over the prestressed concrete slab. A metal sensor and a distance meter are connected to the cart. As the cart is moved over the slab, the metal sensor takes readings of a length of tendon and the distance meter measures the distance traversed by the cart. The detection apparatus also includes a controller that interfaces with the metal sensor and the distance meter. The controller is constructed and arranged to sample the readings generated by the metal sensor at predetermined distance intervals traversed by the cart.

Abstract: A method, technique, and apparatus proof test an optical fiber interconnect by applying an ends off-set stress on the optical fiber until the optical fiber fails or breaks, either immediately (short-term strength), or as a result of the delayed-fracture/"static-fatigue" phenomenon for the given off-set, and, hence, for the given stress (long-term strength), imposed for the measured period of time. If, for instance, the short-term strength is addressed, the off-set is measured at the time of the failure, and the corresponding critical strain of the optical fiber is then predicted. In predicting the critical strain, the method and apparatus iteratively determine the total strain, including non-linear components thereof, for an optical fiber interconnect experiencing the measured ends off-set. The analytical model/method includes the steps of iteratively processing characteristic parameters associated with the optical fiber, and determining the non-linear strain associated with the optical fiber.

Abstract: A system is provided that accurately measures the quantity of liquid that is transferred through a flow meter. The system is composed of a flow meter with an ultrasonic fluid (liquid) sensor mounted therein that operates to sense the presence or absence of liquid flowing through the flow meter so that air flow is not erronecously measured as liquid flow. When there is substantially no liquid flow through the meter, the ultrasonic fluid (liquid) sensor interrupts the transmission of an output signal from a signal-conditioning circuit to a totalizer that operates to process the signal and total the amount of liquid so that any non-liquid material passing through the meter is not included in the total amount of removed liquid by the totalizer. Also provided are methods of using the system to accurately measure the amount of liquid flowing through a flow meter, such as in a grease trap pumping operation.

Abstract: A fluid flow meter is of the type including a heated probe sensor of known electric resistance dipped into or swept by a fluid stream having a predetermined velocity. The sensor is capable of converting each flow velocity value to a voltage value, and is connected to a processor operating using fuzzy logic for producing the flow measurements. The sensor may be an NTC thermistor. The thermistor may be powered from a current generator, and the processor may include a neural network. The sensor may include at least two discrete thermistors, one being a hot thermistor and the other being a cold thermistor.

Abstract: A force sensing device for use in analyzing the movement of a person or animal. The device includes a base and a platform supported on the base by ball casters. The platform includes first and second plates with pneumatic tubing positioned between the plates. Forces on the platform result in compression of the pneumatic tubing, and the corresponding pressure changes in the pneumatic tubing are measured by associated pressure transducers. The device includes side rails which extend upwardly from the base and surround the platform. The side rails each include first and second plates with pneumatic tubing positioned between the plates. Side-to-side movement of the platform against the side rails results in compression of the pneumatic tubing in the side rails, and associated pressure transducers measure the corresponding pressure changes. The measurements from the pressure transducers are converted into force measurements and used to analyze the movement of the person or animal.

Abstract: An agricultural system for acquiring grain samples from a field includes a combine, a grain sample acquiring apparatus for acquiring a grain sample at a plurality of locations within the field, a location signal generating circuit, and a data recorder which communicates with the location signal generating circuit and records the sample site locations.

Abstract: An apparatus for sampling particles from a processing chamber used in the fabrication of semiconductor devices includes a sampling line sequentially having a sampling port, a sampling air valve, a particle sampler and an isolation valve. A pumping line is connected between the isolation valve and a pump, and a discharge line is connected between the pump and a discharge port. The apparatus includes a purge line sequentially having a purge gas source, a purge air valve, and a divergence end. A purge-sampler line connects the divergence end to the sampling line between the sampling air valve and the particle sampler, and includes a purge-sampler air valve. A purge-pump line connects the divergence end to the pumping line, and includes a purge-pump air valve.

Abstract: A blood clot detector includes a pressure transducer on an aspiration line to provide output voltage data to a microprocessor corresponding to the vacuum level during aspiration. The microprocessor integrates the vacuum readings over time during the aspiration cycle to provide a pressure integral for each test sample aspiration. A pressure integral is determined for an unclotted aspiration and used as a reference for comparison with the pressure integrals of each test sample aspiration to determine whether a blood clot has interfered with the test sample aspiration. A valve is provided across an analytical line and an aspiration line to provide selective communication between the aspiration line and the analytical line or to prevent such communication. Communication between the aspiration line and the analytical line permits transfer of a test sample from the aspiration line to the analytical line if the test sample is considered acceptable for sample analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting outgassed compounds during a dynamic headspace outgassing test includes placing a component to be tested within a sample container formed from an inert material and placing the container within an oven to heat the component. A gas inflow line directs a flow of inert gas to envelop the component within the sample container and mix with the compounds outgassed from the component. An outflow line formed from an inert material directs the mixture of inert gas and outgassed compounds from the sample container to a trap which separates the inert gas from the outgassed compounds and retains the outgassed compounds for further analysis. The sample container includes a body and a top formed from an inert material and fasteners securing the body and top together to seal the component within an interior chamber of the container.

Abstract: A plurality of sensing units are buried at suitable intervals in an area of ground or a snow accumulation section to be observed. Each of the sensing units includes a gyro-sensor for, when external force acts on it as a result of the displacement of the ground or the snow accumulation section, sensing impulsive acceleration from the magnitude and direction of the displacement and the inclination of the sensing unit itself, and a transmission section for transmitting the sense data by radio. A base station acquires the sense data transferred from the sensing units, processes the sense data for each measuring point in real time, determines the movement of the ground and/or the snow accumulation section, and judges a state of the ground and/or the snow accumulation section on the basis of the movement.

Abstract: A contactless system including an aerodynamically floatable device, a member having an outer surface adjacent to and spaced from the aerodynamically floatable device, a support mechanism adapted to support the aerodynamically floatable device for free movement toward and away from the outer surface of the member, the aerodynamically floatable device having a side adjacent to, spaced from, parallel to and facing the outer surface of the member, the aerodynamically floatable device also containing at least one passageway for directing at least one stream of a gas from the side of the aerodynamically floatable device toward the outer surface of the member with sufficient pressure to maintain the aerodynamically floatable device a constant distance from the outer surface of the member.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for transferring rotary motion into an isolated region. The apparatus includes first and second angled drive shafts each coupled to an opposite side of a collar via one or more bearings. A flexible seal is coupled between the collar and an isolated region (e.g., a process chamber) forming a first stage isolation region. The second shaft extends from the collar through the first stage isolation region into the process chamber. The first shaft extends through an end plate to the collar. An anti-rotation element is coupled between the collar and the end plate. As the first angled shaft rotates the collar wobbles causing the second shaft to rotate within the process chamber. Rotational forces which may be imparted from the shaft to the collar are opposed by friction induced between the collar and the end plate by the anti-rotation element. Thus, the collar will not rotate and the flexible seal will not twist.

Abstract: A driving pull rod assembly of a central control lock for automobiles includes a U-shaped frame having a top and a bottom respectively provided with a protuberance, a slide slidably fitted within the U-shaped frame and formed with a longitudinal threaded hole, a flange configured to engage with the U-shaped frame, and two stop members at a top and a bottom thereof, a driving gear having a side formed with a recess provided with two oppositely disposed resilient V-shaped members, a tubular lead screw integrally made of plastic and threadedly engaged with the longitudinal threaded hole of the slide, the tubular lead screw including a metal shaft extending therethrough, the metal shaft having an end provided with an engaging member, the engaging member being configured to fit into the recess, and a motor drivingly connected with the driving gear.

Abstract: An infinitely and continuously variable transmission system capable of gradually multiplying TORQUE while decreasing RPM and vice-versa. For a given input shaft TORQUE and RPM, the system delivers to the output shaft such increases or reductions in TORQUE with inversely corresponding increases or reductions in RPM as may be desired across a predetermined and very wide range of transmission ratios. The range can include zero RPM for the output shaft while the input shaft continues to rotate at any RPM, thus eliminating the need for an input shaft disengaging clutch. The invention includes a main assembly consisting of one or more pairs of co-axial diametrically opposed one-way clutches and corresponding pairs of diametrically opposed carrying shafts which are interconnected through a central hub assembly. The axes of the carrying shafts share the same plane with each other and with the central hub's multi-directional center around which they are radially and symmetrically mounted.

Abstract: A yoke apparatus 34 is useful with a steering system having a pinion gear 20 and a longitudinally movable rack 24 engaged with the pinion gear 20. The yoke apparatus 34 comprises a bearing disc 36 received in the aperture 32, and a pair of biasing members 40 and 38 disposed in parallel with one another, each biasing the bearing disc 36 against the rack 24. This in turn biases the rack 24 against the pinion gear 20. The biasing members 40 and 38 have different spring constants and different compliances. Preferably, one of the biasing members 40 and 38 is a compression spring member 40 while the other is an elastomeric O-ring member 38, or other elastomeric member having a highly non-linear compliance. The yoke apparatus 34 also preferably comprises a plug 42 adjustably received in the aperture 32 which applies an axial load to the pair of biasing members 40 and 38.

Abstract: An adjustable nut for mounting a movable working assembly to a lead screw having a longitudinal axis and a thread, and methods for adjusting lead screw nuts. In one embodiment, the adjustable nut has a first member, a second member and an adjustment assembly. The first and second members of this embodiment are configured to threadably engage the thread on the lead screw. The second member can be coupled to the first member to prevent relative rotation between the first and second members, and to allow axial displacement between the first and second members along the longitudinal axis of the lead screw. The adjustment assembly of this embodiment includes a biasing element coupled to the first and second members to exert an axial drive force with respect to the longitudinal axis of the lead screw that drives the first and second members apart from one another.

Abstract: A compact gear system that includes an input shaft (28), an output shaft (1) and gear wheels which drivingly connect the same, wherein the output shaft (1) is journalled in a gear housing (2). The output shaft (1) is hollow and has pins (5a) which project radially outwards in a normal plane and each of which carries a gear wheel (6). Provided on each side of the pins is a respective crown wheel (11, 12) journalled on the output shaft (1) and having a toothed ring (17, 18) in engagement with the gear wheel (6). Each crown wheel also has a cylindrical toothed ring (19, 20) which coacts at different transmission ratios with a respective toothed ring (25, 26) on an eccentric shaft (21) which extends parallel with the output shaft (1) and which is rotatably journalled in the housing (2), wherein the eccentric shaft (21) is driven by the input shaft (28).

Abstract: A flexible motion transmitting core element (12) is attached a rod (14) and a conduit (16) movably supports the core element (12) and has an end portion to which is attached an end fitting (18). An insert (20) has a neck portion (22) embedded in the end fitting (18) and a spherical portion (24) presenting a ball-shaped pocket and extending from said neck portion (22) through a maximum inner diameter D. A swivel tube (26) has a bore therethrough for movably supporting the rod (14) and has a convex spherical surface (28) slidably supported in the ball-shaped pocket for swiveling movement relative to the end fitting (18). The end fitting (18) embeds only a portion of the spherical portion (24) of the insert (20) for allowing the open end (30) to move radially to snap the convex spherical surface (28) of the swivel tube (26) into the ball-shaped pocket of the insert (20). The insert (20) includes an anchor flange (32) for anchoring the insert (20) in the end fitting (18).

Abstract: A control cable comprises first and second half cables connectable together by a linking device. The first and second half cables respectively include first and second sheaths and first and second inner cables. The linking device comprises male and female interior and exterior linking bodies respectively joined to the first and second inner cables and sheaths. The male interior and exterior linking bodies are at least partially insertable in the female interior and exterior linking bodies, respectively, and each has a groove. The interior and exterior linking bodies are locked together by respective interior and exterior locking elements.

Abstract: A steering wheel has a ring core embedded in a gripping ring, a plurality of spokes extending in the ring core, a plurality of spoke cores embedded in the associated spokes. A connecting member connects at least two spoke cores together. A coupling mechanism couples the boss to the connecting member. The coupling mechanism includes an cylindrical support formed on the connecting member, and a pair of spaced ribs formed on the boss for holding the support. The connecting member fits between the ribs when the connecting member is coupled to the boss. A bolt fastens the support to the ribs.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use in a vehicle having a rotatable steering shaft (32) and a locking mechanism (56) for preventing rotation of the steering shaft. The locking mechanism (56) is deactivated by an ignition key (58) in the vehicle's ignition. The apparatus comprises a vehicle steering wheel assembly (20) having a front side (68) facing a driver of the vehicle and a back side facing away from the driver, an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (90) for helping to protect the driver of the vehicle in a vehicle collision, and a mechanism (60, 110) for removably connecting the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (90) with the steering shaft (32). The mechanism (60, 110) for removably connecting the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (90) requires rotation of the steering wheel assembly (20) to accomplish removal of the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device from the steering shaft (32).

Abstract: An automatic balancing device for rotary units or systems. The automatic balancing device includes an annular housing, and an annular outer race track disposed in the annular housing. The outer race track is concentric with and attachable to the rotary system so as to rotate with the rotary system. A number of roller bodies are disposed in the annular housing and are freely movable along the race track for dynamic and/or static contact therewith during rotation of the rotary unit or system. The outer racetrack is provided in a separate ring of a large diameter having a torus-shaped groove forming the race track and having a curved concave profile facing the center of the separate ring.

Abstract: A twin mass flywheel (10) having a friction damper (50) and a friction plate (55) with a shaped radially outer (55a) or radially inner first periphery which cooperates with a similarly shaped first periphery of a further component (54) of the damper to transfer torque between the friction plate (55) and the further component, the first periphery of the friction plate comprising a plurality of drive surfaces (55B), at least one of which is substantially tangential or chordal to the friction plate (55). The friction plate (55) may additionally have a second periphery with second drive surfaces tangential or chordal to the friction plate or it may additionally have drive formations formed as axially projecting lugs on an axially orientated surface of the friction plate. The friction plate (55) may be manufactured by sintering techniques or may have a sintered coating applied to its friction surface.

Abstract: A flywheel assembly 1 includes a flywheel 2, a flexible plate 3 and a dynamic damper 4 to reduce the noise of an engine during acceleration of the speed of the engine. The flexible plate 3 connects the flywheel 2 with a crankshaft 5 so as to be able to oscillate in a bending direction. The dynamic damper 4 includes a mass body 13, and a plate 14 which connects the mass body 13 with the flywheel 2 so as to be able to oscillate in a bending direction.

Abstract: A linkage component (22) for a vehicle includes a rod portion (60) which extends between opposite end portions (56 and 58) which are connected with the vehicle. The rod portion (60) of the linkage component (22) has a seam (64) which is held in a closed condition by interlocking projections (72) and recesses (78). The linkage component (22) is formed from a single piece of sheet metal.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal assembly is provided for attaching a shoe thereto via a cleat. The bicycle pedal has a pedal body rotatably coupled to the second end of the pedal shaft for supporting a cyclist's foot. The pedal body preferably has a pair clamping members pivotally coupled thereto. A biasing member is coupled between the pedal body and each of the clamping members. Adjustment member or screw 231 is threaded into a threaded hole formed in the pedal body such that the free end of the screw contacts a portion of the associated clamping member to rotate the clamping member. The associated biasing member is now placed under tension. This arrangement allows for easy assembly of the bicycle pedal, since clamping members and biasing members can be coupled to pedal body without placing biasing members under tension. Also, this arrangement allows the initial tension to be regulated by utilizing thin washers between the head of the screws and the pedal body.

Abstract: A transmission for a working vehicle like a tractor of the invention is housed in a transmission housing 1 interposed between an engine and a rear axle housing 2. An interior of transmission housing 1 is divided into a front chamber A and a rear chamber B through a partition wall 1a. In front chamber A is disposed a main-clutch system partition centering a traveling-input shaft 7. In rear chamber B is disposed a speed-changing system as a combination of reversing arrangement and multi-speed-changing arrangement. In a rear opening of housing 1 is disposed a bearing plate 3. In rear chamber B, a first speed-changing shaft 8, a second speed-changing shaft 9 and a front transmission output shaft 10 are supported in parallel between wall 1a and plate 3. A regular speed-reduction gear train and a reversing speed-reduction gear train are interposed between shafts 8 and 9, so that shafts 8 and 9 can be connected with each other through one of the gear trains by a first clutch device C1 on shaft 8.

Abstract: A rotation transmitting device 1 introduces rotation into a vacuum side space 200 via a flexible meshing type gear drive 4 from an atmosphere side space 100. A first spacer 15 is disposed between ball bearings 13 and 14 of a rotation output shaft 5 positioned at the vacuum side, and a magnetic circuit is formed passing from the spacer 15 and through the ball bearing 13, a shaft portion 51 of the rotation output shaft 5 and the ball bearing 14. A magnetic fluid is filled as lubricant for lubricating potions of the ball bearings 13 and 14, which is retained on these portions by magnetic force generated by the magnetic circuit, whereby these portions are always lubricated appropriately. The magnetic fluid retained on these portions captures wear particles or other dust generated from the ball bearings 13 and 14, preventing these particles from leaking out to the vacuum side.

Abstract: A device for sharpening blades has a hard metal cutting blade (7) per se known in the art, secured to an ergonomically shaped handle (1). A bead (6) is provided to reduce the risk of accidents.

Abstract: A precision punch and die device for punching holes in a ceramic substrate and method of assembling the device. The device comprises a punch which moves relative to the substrate for punching a hole in the substrate and a die assembly including one or more precision die plates and support plates for guiding the punch and punching the substrate.

Abstract: In combination, a guide body/matrix body assembly and a precision punch set assembly and method, the combination forming a precision punching system for highly accurate registration hole placement in film and plate sheet material used in subsequent precision alignment thereof on printing presses and image platemaking. The punch set assembly includes a punch guide and a punch matrix which are precision installed into the guide body and matrix body, respectively, in highly accurate fashion with respect to substantially all lineal and rotational degrees of freedom through the use of slightly oversized holes in the guide body and matrix body and a curable adhesive which fixes the precision alignment when cured. Vibration applied to the guide body/matrix body assembly during precision alignment and orientation of the punch set assembly is preferred.

Abstract: A power tong 10 for making up and breaking apart threaded oilfield tubular connections includes a frame 11 having an open throat 20, a rotary ring 16 having an open throat 22, and a door 24 for closing over the open throat for safety. Hydraulic motor 42 is regulated by a control valve 52 for rotating the ring 16 which in turn rotates the oilfield tubular. A switch 46 responsive to the position of the door 24 controls the flow of air pressure to a cylinder 50, which renders active valve operator 54 which controls valve 52. According to the method of the invention, the door 24 must first be closed so that the switch 46 renders the valve operator 52 active, and the valve operator 52 must be reset once the door is opened before it can be manipulated to operate the motor control valve 52.

Abstract: Manual pipe tong comprising secondary latch. The pipe tong comprises a handle and a plurality of linked jaw segments pivotally attached to the handle. Two of the segments are first and second latch segments, and are releasably engageable to form a primary latch. The primary latch may be released and the jaw segments opened to encircle a tubular for makeup of a threaded connection. The first latch segment comprises substantially parallel upper and lower surfaces, and projections on each of those surfaces. A hooking member on the second latch segment comprises a pair of spaced-apart hooks joined by a handle, and is rotably disposed on the second latch segment so that the hooks sandwich the second latch segment. The hooking member is rotatable between first and second positions, and in the second position the hooks engage the projections on the first latch segment so as to form a secondary safety latch.

Abstract: A socket wrench extension has an insertion member having a polygonal socket head with a lateral socket head surface. A receiving member with a polygonal receiving socket is provided. A joint connects the insertion member to the receiving member. A locking element is moveably connected within the insertion member such that the locking element partially projects from the lateral socket head surface. A pressure transmission member is axially movable in the insertion member. The pressure transmission member has a first end with a key head and a second end. The key head serves as an actuating member for the pressure transmission member. The second end transforms axial movement of the pressure transmission member into an outward movement of the locking element.

Abstract: A hand tool includes interchangeable screwdriver bits and a pivoted sleeve which pivots from an inoperable position to an operable position, and one of the screwdriver bits is slidably non-rotatably operably disposed in the operable position. The hand tool also includes a pivoted telescoping magnet which is pivoted from an inoperable position to an operable position for extendibly magnetically holding a screw. The hand tool is alternatively operable as a screwdriver and telescoping magnet.

Abstract: A compact multiple function hand tool Includes a pliers with opposed hand grip legs with one hand grip leg having a pivotable self-contained tool bit drive set which contains two double-ended tool bits and three nut drives, and the other hand grip leg has a pivoted bladed tool, so that the compact hand tool is alternatively operable as a pliers, a bladed tool, a multiple tool bit drive and a multiple nut drive.

Abstract: An electromechanical releasing torque wrench which includes an electronic controller (50) and transducers (32) or (34) to measure and actuate a release of the wrench with physical, audible and visual signals. In operation, the user sets the desired torque-release-point on the keypad (60) of the electronic controller and then attaches the wrench to a workpiece with the ratchet means which pivotally protrudes from the enclosure (20). The user tightens the workpiece, normally a threaded fastener, and the force sensing means attached to the ratchet (28) or (62) produce an analog signal to the controller. When the release point is reached the controller sends a signal to a solenoid (44) or linear actuator (66) creating linear mechanical motion causing the mechanical advantage locking latch and trigger means to disconnect the ratchet producing a momentary reduction of force felt by the operator and an audible clicking sound as the ratchet strikes the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention is an inline ball valve shutoff tool for moving an inline ball valve handle used to open and close inline ball valves. The tool allows access to inline ball valves that are difficult to reach due to obstructions and height restrictions. The tool allows for access through the maze of conduits and other obstructions which block access to inline ball valves. There are approximately eighteen different sizes of pipe commonly used for supply lines and all require different sized inline ball valves and valves handles. Generally pipe lines run in either a horizontal or vertical direction. For pipes running in the vertical direction, the inline ball valve handles operate in a vertical plane. For pipes running in the horizontal direction, the inline ball valve handles can operate in either the vertical plane or a horizontal plane. The different components of the inline ball valve tool allows for movement of different sized valve handles that are in any of the positions described above.

Abstract: A grinding support for supporting a workpiece, such as a pin member, during a process of grinding the workpiece. The support particularly supports the workpiece in a stable position during grinding so that larger grinding "cuts" can be taken, thereby speeding the process. In addition, the positioning of the support can be precisely controlled to ensure a consistent grind along the length of the workpiece. The grinding support may be used in a grinding support assembly in which a workpiece is supported at one end thereof by the aforementioned support, and at another end by a known type of support, the latter preferably being rotatable, whereby the workpiece can be rotated during the grinding process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electronically measuring a floor space area into which a floor covering is to be installed. A stylus is traced around the periphery of the floor space. The stylus emits signals which a controller decodes into electronic measurement data. The electronic measurement data is stored in memory. Data stored in memory is then transferred to an electronic cutting unit which uses the measurement data to generate commands for controlling a cutting tool to cut the floor covering to a predetermined size.

Abstract: A gauge plate assembly for a food slicer includes a first plate including a food product contacting side and an attachment side. The attachment side has a plurality of fixed mount studs extending therefrom in an established arrangement, the mount studs attached to the first plate in a non-through manner. A support plate includes a mount side which faces the attachment side of the first plate and has a plurality of stud receiving openings in a mirror image of the established arrangement of the plurality of mount studs for alignment therewith. The attachment side of the first plate is positioned adjacent the mount side of the support plate with the plurality of mount studs inserted within the plurality of stud receiving openings. The studs are secured within the stud receiving openings in a press fit engagement in order to hold the two plate together. This arrangement provides an assembled gauge plate which does not require protruding fasteners to be machined or sealed and otherwise reduces assembly costs.

Abstract: A method and preferred apparatus (10) to cut a preform material which is biodegradable and preferably dispersible in water, to produce a shaped article, is described. The cut is produced without producing harmful fumes or leaving a harmful residue and preferably without charring at the cut. Preferably, only small amounts of carbon dioxide and water are produced at the cut. Shaped articles which are in sheet or block form or which are for 2-D or 3-D shaped article formation can be produced.

Abstract: In order to achieve speed up of the piercing operation to form elongated forms in a thin sheet whose length is greater than the thickness and width thereof, a piercing apparatus is provided with an upper roller die having a first cutter roller held between press rollers so that the first cutter roller protrudes at the outer peripheral portion thereof, from the outer peripheral surfaces of the press rollers, a lower roller die having recesses between two second cutter rollers and engaging with the outer peripheral portion of the first cutter roller. The thin sheet is continuously fed in the lengthwise direction thereof into the engagement portion between the upper and lower dies. When a sliding cutter is engaged in the recesses formed on the first cutter roller, the thin sheet passing through the engagement portion is cut to form elongated holes.

Abstract: A safety device for a power saw, such as a miter saw, includes an interference stop mounted on the frame or other support of the saw. The stop prevents a lower pivotal blade guard of the saw from being pushed away from a covering relationship with respect to the saw blade when the saw is moved from a "cutting" position to a fully raised "home" position, thereby preventing accidental exposure of the saw blade.

Abstract: A universal cutting assembly is provided for cutting a panel from an envelope blank or the like. The die holder can have either a magnetic or non-magnetic outer surface and a plurality of surface orifices therein radially communicating with corresponding feed tubes for individually and selectively supplying vacuum or air to the surface and into the vicinity of the envelope blank. A novel die plate locating system is also provided for use with the universal cutting assembly.