Abstract: A pedometer is disclosed that accurately calculates the length of the strides taken by a user when walking and running. The length of each stride is calculated using measurements of the acceleration of the wearer's foot during each stride. This acceleration is measured by an accelerometer attached either directly or indirectly to the wearer's foot. The calculation of the stride length is performed by a data processor which analyzes the accelerations of the foot as measured by the accelerometer. The acceleration values for each stride are identified, and these are used in conjunction with a set of coefficients to calculate the length of each stride. These coefficients are determined for each user by means of a calibration process during which the pedometer measures the characteristics of the wearer's stride for a variety of different walking and running speeds.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring dimensions of particles includes a base. At least three fixed posts are mounted to the base. A swinging arm is pivotally mounted to the base about a pivot point. The swinging arm has a first section mated with a first of the at least three fixed posts, a second arm mated with a second and a third of the at least three fixed posts, and a third section connecting the first and second sections. The first section has a first length and the second section has a second length. A first opening is formed when the first section and the first fixed post are not in contact. Second and third openings are formed when the second section does not contact the second and third fixed posts.

Abstract: A method for use in neutralizing a charged discharge includes providing a neutralizer housing having a longitudinal axis extending between an inlet and an outlet thereof. A charged discharge is introduced into the inlet of the neutralizer housing for flow parallel to the inlet of the longitudinal axis from the inlet to the outlet. An alternating electric field is created within the housing parallel to the longitudinal axis for directing bursts of negatively charged ions and positively charged ions alternately towards the inlet for use in neutralizing the charged discharge. An apparatus for carrying out this method is also described.

Abstract: A measurement device for process measurement engineering with a measurement unit (2) and an evaluation device (3), the measurement unit (2) having a sensor, especially a temperature sensor, and the evaluation device (3) containing at least most of the electrical and electronic components and having a display and/or an adjustment capability. The number of types of measurement devices required to be maintained can be reduced and their possible applications increased by the measurement device (1) being modular and the measurement unit (2) and the evaluation device (3) being detachably interconnected both electrically and mechanically via standardized interfaces.

Abstract: The invention is a floated gimbal instrument platform that provides a stable optical path for optical instruments. The instrument platform has an outer vessel with a transparent viewing port, an inner vessel also with a transparent viewing port, a transparent suspending fluid filling the outer vessel and in which the inner vessel floats in neutral buoyancy, an optical instrument secured inside the inner vessel, spacing studs which centrally position the inner vessel within the outer vessel, and jets which align the second viewing port with the first viewing port, the jets being used to rotate the inner vessel in the suspending fluid. Any misalignment between the viewing ports can be compensated by rotating the inner vessel and any translational forces applied to the platform is dampened by the fluid, thereby eliminating jitter.

Abstract: This invention relates to a transmission mechanism that allows the transformation of linear movement into circular movement and vice-versa and may be applied to any machine where such a transformation is required. This mechanism includes connecting rods mounted on eccentric wheels, which are in turn connected to the elbow of the crankshaft. Due to this special disposition, these rods do not move in the traditional oscillating manner but only in linear form. Each connecting rod and its piston are cast as a single, light metal piece, without the use of connecting pins. The piston length need not be greater than strictly necessary for holding the ring. The connecting rod length is also reduced. The distance from the crankshaft axis to the cylinder-head union is not bigger than half that now typically in use. The crankshaft length is less than half the length of traditional ones.

Abstract: An internal side load compensation device for use with a linear actuator comprises at least one cam beam affixed to the actuator housing pre-loaded to a known side load to influence at least one cam roller affixed to the primary driver of the linear actuator. The cam beam is pre-loaded by adjusting pre-load bars extending within the actuator housing.

Abstract: A transmission includes an output gear, which has an integral shaft that is formed with a threaded axial hole and that has a long shaft section and a short shaft section. The output gear is disposed between a first housing half and a second housing half, which are formed with first and second cylindrical portions, respectively. The long shaft section is disposed rotatably within the first cylindrical portion. The short shaft section and a thrust bearing are disposed rotatably within the second cylindrical portion. As such, a threaded rod which engages the threaded axial hole in the shaft can move axially and smoothly on the first and second housing halves, thereby reducing output torque loss of the threaded rod when moving in a first direction.

Abstract: A compact lifting device whose load arm is fixed to a cover of lid of a processing chamber provides, a tubular pan body with an externally easily adjustable spring counterweight type member passing through the tubular center of the pan body. The spring member is cleverly mounted between an upper and lower portion of the pan body and rotates with the pan body as the lift mechanism swings from side to side. An innovative center core mounting of the spring device allows loads from the lifted weight to be equally distributed on two side of the pan body. The rotation of the pan body is by the use of bearings which are constructed so that a flange of pan body is utilized as two races of a ball bearing further reducing the space need for mounting such a lifting device.

Abstract: An electronically controlled shift system is provided for a synchronized manual transmission of a motor vehicle. The shift system provides greater control of gear engagement by determining an optimum shift force at shift time, by adjusting this shift force based upon engine temperature, and by applying variable shift forces to complete a gear shift. In particular, the electronically controlled shift system comprises a manually operated shift lever for selecting a gear, a transmission control module connected to the shift lever for receiving an electrical input signal indicative of a selected gear and a dual motion actuator receiving actuation signals from the transmission control module for actuating a shift rail of the transmission to engage the selected gear.

Abstract: Non-synchronized, manually shiftable transmissions of modern vehicle types are actuated by means of an automated transmission control, and the driver can optionally select any gear by means of an actuator which is electrically connected to the transmission control device. In general terms, the method of this invention includes the operator generating a signal indicating a desire to shift the transmission. The transmission then automatically begins implementing the shift. If the currently engaged gear is not disengaged within a preselected time period, because the system cannot achieve a break torque condition, for example, the system signals the driver to manually operate the clutch. A visual and audible signal preferably are provided to the driver. Once the driver manually operates the clutch, the system is able to complete the desired shift.

Abstract: A new and improved rack and pinion steering gear including a housing, a rack bar having a rack gear thereon, and pinion head having a pinion gear thereon. The pinion head is supported on the housing for rotation as a unit with a steering hand wheel. The rack bar is supported on the housing for back and forth linear translation by a sleeve bearing and by a thrust bearing behind the rack bar opposite the pinion gear. The rack and pinion gears cooperate in converting manual effort applied at the steering hand wheel into linear thrust on the rack bar.

Abstract: In the operation of construction machines it is quite common to provide a myriad of control levers for the various machine functions. Since the requirements for the implements controlled by the various levers are different, the control levers themselves are different, in operation as well as in physical configuration. The present invention comprehends a modular control handle having a grip assembly that is adaptable to accommodate one of a plurality of different control modules mountable therein. The control modules may be varied to accommodate various machine operations but the size and shape of the grip assembly may remain the same.

Abstract: A steering module comprises: a steering wheel attached to a member which is attached to a car body portion, the steering wheel being connected to a steering shaft which passes through the member; a pad having at least one electric part, the pad being attached to the member through the steering wheel; a first connector arranged in the member; and a second connector arranged in the pad, the second connector electrically connecting with the electrical part, and electrically connected to the first connector. The steering module further comprises: an external gear secured to the steering shaft; an internal gear connected to the steering wheel, the internal gear being arranged to surround the external gear; and an intermediate gear rotatably supported by the member attached to the car body portion, the intermediate gear being located between and engaged with the external gear and the internal gear. In the steering module, the first connector is located at an inside of the internal gear.

Abstract: A driven robot arm (1) has a torque compensation unit for a motional degree of freedom (4). A separate magnetic compensation unit (9) is proposed which is independent of the robot arm drive.

Abstract: A modular manipulation unit is disclosed. The unit includes a body (11) formed of three extruded, profiled elements. The elements include a base plate (15), a top element or cover (16) fixed on the base plate, and an intermediate slide (17) arranged and guided between the base plate and the top element. An interface part (13) is fixed and movable with the intermediate slide, and an actuator is connected to the said intermediate slide for movements of same and of the gripping tool carried by the said interface part.

Abstract: A coordinate positioning machine comprises a fixed structure including a table and a supporting frame (314), rigidly connected together. A moveable arm (310) is suspended from the frame by means of three powered telescopic struts (316), each of which is universally pivotally connected to both the arm and the frame. As a consequence the moveable arm is able to move with three rotational degrees of freedom. Movement of the arm with each of these degrees of freedom is constrained by a passive device (340), connected to the arm and the fixed structure, and which eliminates all rotational movement of the arm, while simultaneously permitting translation thereof.

Abstract: A telescopic steering column for motor vehicles with a steering shaft 1, whose axial, plastic-coated teeth 1.1, which are arranged at least in some areas, engage complementary teeth 2.1 of the steering column jacket 2, which accommodates and guides the steering shaft and which is accommodated in a housing of the steering column, wherein a securing element 3 engages a recess 2.2 of the steering column jacket 2 with at least one hook-shaped claw 3.1 on one side and is supported at or in the end section of the steering column jacket 2 via a radially directed shoulder 3.2 on the other side and thus forms an axial displacement limitation of the steering shaft 1 in at least one direction.

Abstract: A click-stop gear shift with a detent spring in a housing. The detent spring has a projection which engages notches defined in a rotary member connected to a rotary handle. The detent spring has an outer and an inner spring portions which, together with an arcuate portion, form a curved shape. The inner spring portion is supported by a support member. By selectively positioning the support member along the inner spring portion, the stiffness of the detent spring can be changed. The ability of the relatively long spring portion to vibrate allows a desirable noise to be produced that serves as an acoustic confirmation of the gear shifting movement for the user.

Abstract: In the case of bicycles, the purpose of the new construction is to make maximum use of the momentum produced by pedalling under varying ground conditions, load, and acceleration--thus making bicycling easier. The construction has two variable positions which reduce the time during which the pedals are in a dead position (top and bottom) and prolong the time where the pedals are at right angles (16) whereby maximum effect is gained from the power force. This applies if the direction of force is non-circular, i.e. when there is a rise of the ground, and under acceleration as well as "standing pedalling". New positioning is possible in relation to the pedal arm (18), i.e. when changed ground conditions (rise) cause the center of gravity (pedalling) to shift. The invention differs from existing ones in that there is "increased" angular velocity between the driving shaft (1) and driven shaft (2) when they are on the same level and have the same longitudinal direction, which is the case in this construction.

Abstract: A hybrid gearbox for land vehicles and automotive machines is designed such that the starting up and maneuvering operations of the vehicles are powered by a hydromotor and their normal travel is powered by a direct coupling with an internal combustion engine. In its normal operation, the internal combustion engine drives a neutrally positioned axial piston pump as well as the driven shaft. When operated under load, the driven shaft is decoupled from the internal combustion engine, and the latter drives the variable axial piston pump which in turn delivers pressure to the hydromotor.

Abstract: A method of making a cutting blade using a fiber composite tape formed into a continuous closed loop. The tape is selected and prepared such that at least some of the fibers form an acute angle with the cutting edge.

Abstract: The invention discloses the structural improvement of a cork bottle opener. It is composed of a hollow cylinder, moving block and central rod. There is a cover locked at the top end of said hollow cylinder. And there is a section of inner thread in the inner wall of top end. The other end is combination end. A snap groove is set at the center of said moving block. The outer edge of said moving block has outer thread, which can be screwed to inner thread of hollow cylinder. The central rod penetrates to the hollow cylinder through a central hole on the cover. A handle is set at one end of said central rod, and a screw drill is set at another end. A constraint flange is set at the middle of central rod. A wedge is set at the end of constraint flange adjacent to screw drill. The wedge can be snapped to snap groove of moving block.

Abstract: A ratchet tool includes a head and a shank extending from the head in which a ratchet and a pawl are received in the head. A rod is rotatably inserted in the the shank and a grip is connected to the distal end of the shank. The grip is detachably connected to the first end of the rod, and an actuating member is connected to the second end of the rod. The actuating member is engaged with the ratchet which is rotated by the actuating member by rotating the grip. Therefore, the ratchet together with a bit or a socket connected to the ratchet are rotated simply by rotating the grip.

Abstract: A tool includes a handle having a bore for slidably receiving a stop and a link. The link has one end pivotally coupled to the stop for allowing the link to be rotated relative to the stop when the link is extended outward of the handle. A driving stem is pivotally coupled to the link for allowing the driving stem to be rotated relative to the link when the link is extended outward of the handle. A ratchet mechanism is disposed in the handle and is selectively engaged with the stop for controlling the driving direction of the driving stem.

Abstract: An open end wrench having a mouth defined between two jaws and a nest. A longitudinal series of transversely extended flat teeth are provided at each of the two jaws within the mouth, so that the longitudinal series of transversely extended flat teeth includes a first tooth remote from the nest, a third tooth adjacent to the nest, and a second tooth spaced between the first tooth and the third tooth by a respective transverse groove. The first tooth has a front side remote from the second tooth and a rear side adjacent to the second tooth. The longitudinal lengths of the first tooth, the second tooth and the third tooth have a ratio of 4:3:3:. The longitudinal length of the longitudinal series of transversely extended flat teeth is equal to 0.39 of the width of the mouth, and 0.77 of the distance from the front side of the first tooth to the nest.

Abstract: A pair of pliers includes a head and a handle pivotally connected to the head which includes three parts. A movable jaw is movably received between the first part and the third part of the head and a first spring is connected between the movable jaw and the second part. The movable jaw has a toothed portion defined in one of two sides thereof. A pawl member is movably received between the first part and the second part with a second spring connected to the pawl member and the second part. The pawl member is moved along an inclined surface of the second part and has a toothed side which is disengagably matched with the toothed portion of the movable jaw by rotating the handle.

Abstract: A tool includes an adapter for coupling to a rotary element such as a screwing/unscrewing socket. The adapter is equipped with a mechanism for locking the coupling. The lock mechanism is unlockable and normally locked. The tool further includes a main drive member for rotating the adapter, and the main drive member includes, for example, a ball-type universal joint. The lock mechanism is unlocked simply by a displacement of the main drive member towards the distal end of the adapter.

Abstract: A plier for inserting and removing retaining rings and other purposes. The plier is convertible for alternately closing and opening of the jaws as the handles are closed. The handles and jaws are rotatable about a pivot shaft. Cams effect movement of the key members between a first position wherein a first key member connects a first handle to a first jaw and a second key member connects a second handle to a first jaw whereby the jaws move inwardly as the handles move inwardly and a second position wherein the first key member connects the first handle to the second jaw and the second key member connects the second handle to the first jaw whereby the jaws move outwardly as the handles are moved inwardly. The plier includes a storage cavity for tips and tip change tools.

Abstract: An improved hand tool assembly includes first and second rigid members, each having a handle portion, a throat portion and a working end, the members being joined by a pivot pin in a scissors-like arrangement whereby the working ends are caused to move toward each other in response to the handle portions being moved toward each other. Each of the first and second rigid members is of a laminated construction which includes a plurality of substantially flat laminations, preferably manufactured from stamped parts. First and second molded metal jaw members are adhesively affixed to the working ends of the first and second rigid members.

Abstract: A method of drive decoupling, and a drive decoupling device, utilized in connecting a driving member to a driven members that is attachable to a workpiece to be rotated about a drive axis, includes a laminated plurality of flexible sheet material, attached to the driving member by at least one off axis connection and to the driven member by at least one other off axis connection circumferentially spaced from the one off axis connection, and which is torsionally rigid in a plane perpendicular to the drive axis so as to accommodate any eccentricity developed through misalignment of the driving member and driven member. The coupling device is centrally apertured so that a headstock can extend therethrough. A pair of drive decoupling devices are also provided in series by connecting the driven member of one to the driving member of another.

Abstract: A tool holder which uses a collet for holding a stationary tool on a turret of a turret lathe. The turret being of the type having a plurality of flat surfaces adapted for receiving a tool holder. The tool holder includes a body with a flat surface adapted for mounting against at least one of the flat surfaces of the turret, and a fixed aperture of a fixed size having an axis, a first end centered on the axis and a second end centered on the axis and a constriction starting near the first end and gradually reducing the size of the aperture in the direction of the second end. At least two locations for fixedly mounting the body against the turret are positioned next to the aperture, and allow for mounting of the body against the turret in a fixed position.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sorting out short lengths in light-section finishing lines, including a cutting device, for example, a cold shear, which has a cutting plane, wherein the cutting device is followed by a driven roller conveyor with a length stop which can be removed preferably by being lifted and is adjustable to the desired length. The rolling stock resting against the length stop is held after cutting to length in the cutting device until the short lengths have been conveyed away by the driven roller conveyor after lifting the length stop.

Abstract: A work piece such as a semiconductor ingot is positioned and bonded to a work piece bonding block by a bonding jig which is provided separately from a wire saw in such a manner that the central axis of the work piece and respective horizontal and vertical surfaces of the work piece bonding block come into parallel to each other. Then, the work piece bonding block is positioned and mounted at a mounting jig which is provided on a cutting-feeding table of the wire saw and which has horizontal and vertical reference surfaces perpendicularly intersecting a cutting plane, so that the central axis of the work piece automatically and perpendicularly intersects the cutting plane.

Abstract: A semi-automatic linerless label dispenser effectively dispenses labels from a support for a supply of continuous form linerless labels, each label having a pressure sensitive adhesive face and an adhesive-release material face. First and second grooved drive rolls engage the labels and first and second sets of stripper and guiding fingers disposed in at least some of the grooves of the drive rolls guide the labels and prevent them from sticking to the drive rolls. At least the first drive roll and the first set of stripper fingers have adhesive-release material portions (e.g. plasma coatings) which engage the adhesive face of labels from the supply. An automatic cutter mounted on the opposite side of the stripper and guiding fingers from the support includes pivotally movable and stationary blades, and a silicone-impregnated felt wiper.

Abstract: A punching machine includes a body frame having a table to support a workpiece. First and second work movement positioning apparatuses are mounted at both sides to move and position the workpiece in a direction of axis X. A work head is mounted on the body frame and has a ram and a tool. The work head moves on the body frame in a direction of axis Y, which is perpendicular to axis X. The first and second work movement positioning apparatuses are arranged in series in the direction of axis X. The workpiece is clamped by the first positioning apparatus, moved in the direction of axis X, punched, clamped by the second positioning apparatus, unclamped by the first positioning apparatus, and moved further in the direction of axis X.

Abstract: A punch activating apparatus is provided which may be used in connection with a plurality of button-activated punches having different shapes and sizes. The punch activating apparatus comprises a base assembly including a base having an upper surface, and a lever assembly secured to the base assembly. The upper surface of the base defines a target area, and the lever assembly is operable to engage and depress the activating button of any one of the plurality of punches when the punch is positioned at the target area.

Abstract: A tool having a body with two broad sides and a margin along which a cutting edge extends, and discrete, discontinuous protrusions from at least one of said broad sides, spaced from said cutting edge and from one another. The protrusions can take the form of concave dimples with a ridge on their perimeter or convex dimples with a smooth outermost surface, with or without complementary concave dimples, which preferably, but not necessarily, have ridges on their perimeters.

Abstract: An apparatus for slicing a food product includes a housing having a food product inlet and a food product outlet and a food product path defined therebetween. A reciprocating cutter is positioned within the housing along the food product path between the food product inlet and the food product outlet. A pusher element is provided for pushing a food product along the food product path against the reciprocating cutter whereby the cutter slices the food product.

Abstract: An integrated fire and flight control system of the type which controls aircraft flight dynamics to referenced values defined by a weapon launch solution to provide optimum aircraft to target orientation, further optimizes the aircraft's angle of attack (AOA) to the target by controlling the aircraft's vertical speed to modify the aircraft's rate of climb or descent as necessary to produce an actual pitch attitude that is within a range of AOA values corresponding to the range of permissive weapon launch vertical speeds recommended by the weapons manufacturer.

Abstract: A rotor assembly for a rotary power device consists of two opposed rotor sections which when assembled in the stator of the device have limited movement parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor assembly. Each rotor section includes through running cylinders and a center passage for a drive shaft when the sections are assembled. Each rotor section defines inwardly extending support legs and a rear face which act to limit the travel of the rotor sections towards one another. The number of support legs is equal to one half of the number of cylinders in the rotor assembly. The base of the support legs includes a socket which is aligned with a socket in the rear face of the opposing rotor section. A guide pin and spring are disposed in the socket of the support leg and the guide pin extends from the socket into the rear face socket when the rotor sections are assembled.

Abstract: A selectively bonded two-ply diaphragm for a diaphragm pump having adjacent first and second layers of the diaphragm which are selectively bonded at the interface between the layers in at least one attachment portion, which is adapted for attachment to a pump. A working portion is provided in which the first and second layers are free to move relative to one another at the interface. The attachment portion may include a central portion which is adapted for attachment to a diaphragm rod of a pump and a peripheral portion surrounding the central portion which is adapted for stationary attachment to a pump housing. The working portion joins the peripheral portion and the central portion. Selective bonding of the diaphragm is by at least partially bonding or substantially bonding the first and second layers at the interface in the peripheral portion, the central portion, or both.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooking foods on a conduction-heated griddle with an upper food support surface. A steam generator supplies steam at controlled temperatures. At least one cover is disposed adjacent to the support surface and is placed at a position substantially covering the foods. An orifice connects the steam generator to inside the cover and injects steam around the foods so as to aid in the cooking of the foods simultaneously with the foods being cooked by the heated griddle.

Abstract: A cooking pot for the preparation and dispensing of food. The pot can be operated at atmospheric pressure, at higher pressures as a pressure-cooker, or under vacuum as a vacuum tumbler. The pot is rotatable about both its longitudinal axis and its lateral axis. A dispenser connected to one end of the pot enables the food preparer to dispense a definite and desired amount of the prepared food.

Abstract: Apparatus for preparing an extruded food product, particularly a multi-colored food product, includes a mixer for mixing food materials for obtaining a base material mixture which is emulsifiable and includes an emulsifying device for emulsifying the base material mixture to obtain an emulsified product, and tanks are provided for supplying different solutions, particularly differently colored food-coloring solutions, to the emulsifying device for inclusion in the emulsified product.

Abstract: Provided are a stencil printing method and an apparatus therefor, in which a master having a low stiffness such as a single film may be transferred, in which a complicated mechanism for fitting and removing a plate is not needed and in which a degree of avoiding movement of a pressing roller to be in contact with the master can be minimized.

Abstract: A web-fed rotary printing press (1) which, in a first mode of operation, simultaneously prints on first and second webs (10, 18) and, in a second mode of operation, prints on a third single web (30) comprises at least one blanket-to-blanket printing unit (2a, 2b, 2c) to which, in the second mode of operation, the third single web is fed to be printed on both sides and to which, in the first mode of operation, the first and second webs (10, 18) are fed arranged on top of each other so that a first side (8a) of the first web (8) and a second side (16b) of the second web are printed on. The printing press (1) further comprises first and second further printing units (20, 22) located downstream of the blanket-to-blanket printing unit (2) and first guiding means (24) for, in the first mode of operation, guiding the first web (10) around the first further printing unit (20) and second guiding means (26) for guiding the second web (18) around the second further printing unit (22).

Abstract: A transport apparatus and method for transporting labels along a printing path of a printing device is disclosed. The transport apparatus includes a label transfer station including a first peeling device for deflecting the web supplied by the payoff roller to a take-up roller, the deflection of the web being at such an angle that a label mounted on the web is peeled from the web as the web passes over the first peeling device, a discrete carrier for receiving the peeled label from the web and transporting the label along the printing path and through the printing assembly and a second peeling device for deflecting the discrete carrier, the deflection of the discrete carrier being at such an angle that the label mounted on the discrete carrier is peeled from the discrete carrier as it passes over the second peeling device.

Abstract: An anilox inking unit for an offset printing machine having an anilox roll having a rotation direction and a fluid blowing device arranged along the anilox roll . The blowing device is disposed downstream of a working doctor with respect to the rotation direction of the anilox roll and upstream of the ink transfer point. In accordance with one embodiment, the fluid being blown by the blowing device is ambient air.

Abstract: In electron beam lithography, a lithography system uses multiple microcolumns in an array to increase throughput for direct writing of semiconductor wafers. The mismatch between the microcolumn array and the semiconductor die periodicity is resolved by using only one microcolumn to scan each individual die. This is accomplished by assuring that the stage carrying the semiconductor wafer moves a total distance in each of the X and Y directions which is greater than the pitch between adjacent die. Hence each die is scanned by only a single microcolumn although at possibly different times during the total stage motion.