Abstract: A method of fabricating a micro-mechanical sensor (101) comprising the steps for forming an insulating layer (6) onto the surface of a first wafer (4) bonding a second wafer (2) to the insulating layer (6), patterning and subsequently etching either the first (4) or second wafer (6) such that channels (18, 20) are created in either the first (2) or second (4) wafer terminating adjacent the insulating layer (6) and etching the insulating layer (6) to remove portions of the insulating layer (6) below the etched wafer such that those portions of the etched wafer below a predetermined cross section, suspended portions (22), become substantially freely suspended above the un-etched wafer. This method uses Silicon on Insulator technology. Also disclosed is a micro-mechanical gyroscope structure (101) allowing an anisotropic silicon to be used to fabricate a sensor functioning as if fabricated from isotropic silicon.

Abstract: The invention relates to an acceleration sensor for detecting inertia forces, in which several separable and non-miscible media are stored in a receptacle and from at least one interphase between the media. Differentiation agents are provided to distinguish dynamic changes of position of the interphase from static changes of position, and evaluation agents evaluate the dynamic changes of position for the gradual determination of acceleration. An acceleration sensor that reacts sensitively to acceleration and deceleration, but which emits no signal when the sensor is rotated away from zero-position is thus created.

Abstract: A semiconductor acceleration sensor, which prevents an adhesion of a movable portion to a fixed portion due to an electrostatic force generated during being handled. The acceleration sensor has a sensor portion and a handling portion. The sensor portion has a first semiconductor layer; a movable portion including a weight portion supported to the first semiconductor layer for moving in accordance with an acceleration externally applied thereto and movable electrodes integrally formed with the weight portion; and fixed electrodes having a detection surface confronted to a detection surface of the movable electrodes and supported to the first semiconductor layer. The handling portion is to be contacted during being handled, and is provided at surrounding portion of the sensor portion with a trench interposed therebetween. The sensor portion is electrically insulated from the handling portion by the trench.

Abstract: The invention relates to components made from ductile metallic materials, and to a method with which deformation or the load acting on these materials is to be determined by means of acoustic emissions analysis. For this purpose, a particulate substance which is brittle at least in the temperature range below 400° C. is added to the ductile metallic material, which may preferably be a weldable structural steel, but may also be a ductile light metal alloy (e.g. aluminum alloy), in order to intensify the acoustic emissions behavior. The particles should be brittle at least in the temperature range of use of the component in question, e.g. at room temperature. It is advantageous if the particles are also plastically deformable in the forming temperature range, so that a certain structure (elongate or acicular) of the particles can be achieved, for example during cold work-hardening.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting anomalies and/or grain variations in a wooden member. At least one ultrasonic transmitter applies an ultrasound waveform into a surface of a wooden member so as to generate a multiplicity of ultrasonic waves including, e.g., longitudinal and shear ultrasonic waves. These ultrasonic waves are measured after propagation through the wooden member by at least one ultrasonic receiver disposed on the same surface of the wooden member. At least one ultrasonic receiver may also be placed opposite the ultrasonic transmitter so as to detect radial transmission of the longitudinal ultrasonic wave at a point across from the wooden member. The received ultrasonic waves are processed to determine anomalies and/or grain variations in the wooden member at positions of the wooden member between the ultrasonic transmitter and the ultrasonic receiver(s). The ultrasonic transmitters and receivers may be placed in rollers to facilitate high-speed, in-line processing of wooden members.

Abstract: In view of the fact that, when backup roll bearings which have been found satisfactory in the purity thereof in the sample evaluation through observations using a microscope are checked many times for the top surface layer portions of the raceway surfaces thereof according to an ultrasonic detecting method, on quite rare occasions, there can be found a bearing which contains one or more inclusions each having a size of as large as several hundreds &mgr;m, and such inclusions give rise to occurrence of a short-life bearing as a finished product, a range expressed by 2% Da depth×raceway surface is used as a test piece volume and the size of a non-metallic inclusion existing in the test piece volume is restricted to a length less than 500 &mgr;m, preferably, less than 100 &mgr;m. Here, the term “2% Da depth” means a depth up to 2% of a rolling element mean diameter from the surface of an inner or outer race of a bearing.

Abstract: A configuration of slices of a volume, such as B slices, I slices, and/or C slices, is selected. Subsequently, the volume is scanned based on the selected configuration of slices. For example, transmit ultrasound beams are transmitted from an ultrasound transducer downstream into the volume through a selected slice. The transmit ultrasound beams are tracked downstream in the volume until the transmit ultrasound beams reach points that lie in a plane that corresponds to the selected slice of the volume. The tracking is used to form ultrasound scan lines which represent the portion of the volume through which the transmit ultrasound beams were tracked. The ultrasound scan lines are used to provide a view of the plane that corresponds to the selected slice. The transmit ultrasound beams are not tracked downstream from the plane in the volume that corresponds to the selected slice. Alternately, B slices of the volume are selected.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer (10) comprises a housing (12) having an axis (52) and a diaphragm (60) centered on the axis (52) at one end (62) of the housing (12). A cylindrical vibratable mass (74) is disposed in the housing (12) and centered on the axis (52). The vibratable mass (74) has a first end (76) secured to and centered relative to an inner surface (80) of the diaphragm (60) and an opposite second end (84). The vibratable mass (74) can be vibrated in a direction along the axis (52). A second cylindrical mass (90) is disposed in the housing (12) and centered on the axis (52). The second mass (90) has a third end (92) with a recess (100) centered on the axis (52). The second end (84) of the vibratable mass (74) extends into the recess (100) and is secured to the second mass (90). The second mass (90) resists the vibration of the vibratable mass (74) toward the second mass (90). An electrode (110) is fixed to a fourth end (94) of the second mass (90) opposite the third end (92).

Abstract: A device for conditioning the electrical signal generated by a vibration sensor for use of the conditioned signal by a computer-based data acquisition system utilizes a support body and circuitry for performing a series of operations upon the sensor-generated signal. The circuitry includes an input stage for receiving and amplifying the electrical signal generated by the vibration sensor to thereby develop an output electrical signal of the input, and further includes a gain stage for receiving and AC coupling the output electrical signal of the input stage and amplifying the output signal of the input stage by a predetermined factor and thereby developing an output electrical signal of the gain stage.

Abstract: When conductive particles are dispersed beyond the percolation threshold, electric conductive paths are formed between the electrode by chains of particles contacting with each other between the electrodes. Elongation of this composite results in an increase in the gap distances between conductive particles. This results in the increase in the electric resistance of the composites. It is found that strain sensors can be made by the use of this nature. Strains of iron frames or iron-concrete are known by the change of electric resistance of the sensors which are set on a surface of the place to be monitored. Main fields of the application of the present sensors are safety monitoring systems for buildings, bridges, tunnels, dams, etc. The sensors are also applicable for tanks of chemicals, aircraft, ships and mega-floats.

Abstract: A tension sensor including an optical fibre having a Bragg grating is disclosed, the sensor including a housing and a support member shorter that the housing coaxially disposed therein and connected to the housing at one end. The fiber runs along the longitudinal axis of the housing and is connected to one end of the housing and to at least one location on the support member. A second Bragg grating may be provided within the support member to allow for additional measurements for temperature compensation purposes.

Abstract: A force gage for measuring a tensile force in a pneumatically-operated device, includes a parallelogram linkage having a pair of longitudinal arms in spaced-apart parallel disposition, and a pair of transverse arms in spaced-apart parallel disposition and hingedly interconnecting the longitudinal arms, with a first one of the longitudinal arms being acted upon by a tensile force and movable by the tensile force in the direction of the tensile force, whereby the pair of longitudinal arms is oriented in a direction parallel to the tensile force. A probe is positioned between the transverse arms and securely fixed to a second one of the longitudinal arms for generating a pneumatic pressure signal commensurate with the tensile force. The probe has a casing and a sensing element which projects out of the casing and is acted upon in dependence on the tensile force by a force-applying structure which may be either the first longitudinal arm or one of the transverse arms.

Abstract: In the method for measuring the velocity of fluid or visualizing the distribution of fluid by feeding tracer particles to the fluid, irradiating the fluid with light and observing return light from the tracer particles, tracer particles containing a fluorescent substance are fed at least partially to the fluid and the fluid is irradiated with exciting light to cause the tracer particles to output fluorescent emissions. A filter which does not transmit the exciting light is used to substantially selectively observe the fluorescent emissions of the tracer particles. This method results in a remarkable improvement in the accuracy of flow velocity measurement or visualization of fluid distribution. Moreover, in a mixed fluid system consisting of two or more different fluids, the pattern of behavior of each fluid and the intermingled state of the fluids can be observed by using a plurality of different tracer particles.

Abstract: A vortex detector for low flow rates comprises a vane that is located downstream from a vortex generator and is connected at only one end in a canthever manner to a cylindrical housing, which defines a flow passage. The end of the vane connected to the housing includes an area of reduced thickness that acts as a resilient, plastic hinged joint to make it easier for weak vortices generated by the vortex generator to impart vibrations or deflections to of the vane. Strain gauge transducers in the area of reduced thickness detect deflections or vibrations of the vane and produce analog electric signals having amplitudes and frequencies that are related to the strengths, frequencies, and period of the vortices.

Abstract: A motion controller for a motor-driven transportation truck or trolley with a steering pole that can be swivelled about a horizontal axis attached to a steering shaft or a steering frame and is provided with means for setting the direction of motion and the speed, characterized in that the steering pole is equipped with a sensor means providing an output signal that depends not only on the magnitude of the force applied to the steering pole, but also on whether this force is a push or a pull, and that the system also comprises a feed back controller unit that sets and/or regulates the speed and the direction of rotation of the driving motor according to this output signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of a multipurpose groundwater sampler device are shown and described, each having a sample tube part of which forms a sample chamber, a top portion having a handle, a novel inlet portion, a sediment trap, novel valve means and a means to join the assembly together. The novel inlet portion is of a size and shape that facilitates rapid filling of the sample chamber and facilitates the collection of layers of fluid which can be measured in the sample chamber to directly represent the in situ thickness of a stratified layer. The novel valve means also facilitates fast filling and incorporates a sediment trap, which keeps sediments from interfering with the valve workings. The multipurpose groundwater sampler device of the present invention is adapted to be provided with an extension tube of the same inside opening as the sample chamber to extend the wide inlet a greater distance from the valve means for collecting thick layers of stratified liquids at their in situ thickness.

Abstract: The inventive label sensing device includes a label detector within a housing. The label detector includes a bearing assembly serving as a piston, the bearing assembly having a roller bearing for riding over label material. The roller bearing moves the bearing assembly vertically as the roller bearing rides over the label material based on the height differential of the label and the label substrate. The bearing assembly is in contact with the first end of a lever arm at a pivot point located on the bearing assembly. As the bearing assembly moves up and down, the first end of the lever arm moves responsive to movement of the pivot, generating an amplified signal in the second end of the lever arm, proportional to movement of the roller bearing. Provided at a location adjacent to the second end of the lever arm is a proximity sensor for detecting the movement of the second end of the lever arm within a soft switching region.

Abstract: According to the present invention, insulating paper immersed in an oil is heated and deteriorated at a temperature up to 110° C. which is in an operating temperature region for an oil-filled electric apparatus, and the value of the degree of the polymerization which decreases with the deterioration of the insulating paper and amount of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide which is generated by the heat decomposition of the insulating paper and which is dissolved in the insulating oil are used to observe the generation rate thereof. The present invention is a method of evaluating deterioration characteristics of insulating paper from the change of the degree of polymerization with passage of time and from the temperature dependence of the gas generation rate. The deterioration of the insulating paper has different aspects in the regions higher and lower than 110° C., and the deterioration characteristics of the insulating paper on the low temperature side can be accurately evaluated.

Abstract: A motor-operated cylinder is provided, wherein the rotational movement of the output shaft of a motor is converted into a linear movement by a thread mechanism 3, with the least possible load applied to the thread mechanism 3 when an object starts to be moved. The motor-operated cylinder is equipped with a booster 14 so that propelling forces exerted by both the thread mechanism 3 and booster 14 simultaneously act on a retractable rod 6.

Abstract: The present invention intends to provide a shift control apparatus for transmission which can reduce or prevent the speed-change shock and/or noise at the balk point where the sleeve engages with the ring in the shift push-in process. In order to achieve the above object, a shift control apparatus for a transmission comprises a plural sets of paired free-rotate gears, a plural sleeves 17, 18, a plural sets of paired synchronize rings 27 to 29, an actuator 65, 70 for actuating the sleeve, a control means 50 for controlling the actuator based on a speed-change command. The control means 50 controls the actuator 70 so that the sleeve 18 is driven by a first drive force Qmax upon starting of a speed-change operation, and is driven by a second drive force Q2 smaller than the first drive force at least during a first time period T3′ to T4′ from a time before a balk point B of the sleeve where the sleeve engages with the synchronize ring in a shift push-in operation.

Abstract: A ball screw assembly includes a screw shaft with a spiral groove, balls along the groove, a nut with the screw shaft relatively rotatable with the balls, and a seal device.

Abstract: A cycloidal gear with a small number of teeth includes a tooth of cycloid tooth. In the above construction, the number of teeth is four or five; and the cycloidal gear with a small number of teeth meshes with a large gear with cycloid tooth to constitute a gear train.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus for a shifting control device includes a clamping unit and a housing attached to the clamping unit. The clamping unit includes a clamp member structured to mount to a handlebar around a first axis coaxial with the handlebar, a clamp arm member coupled to the clamp member and extending in a radial direction from the clamping member, and a housing mounting member disposed on the clamp arm member and spaced apart from the clamp member. The housing includes a base member structured to mount to the handlebar around the first axis, a housing arm member coupled to the base member and extending in the direction of the clamp arm member, and a pulley coupling member disposed on the housing arm member and spaced apart from the base member, wherein the pulley coupling member is fixed to the housing mounting member. A pulley is coupled to the pulley coupling member for rotation around a second axis that usually is oriented differently from the first axis.

Abstract: In a bearing bracket for pedals in motor vehicles comprising a supporting bracket (8) having its base fixed to a substantially vertical region (2) of the bulkhead/cowl panel assembly (1) and a bearing bracket (9) having its base fixed to a substantially horizontal region (3) of the bulkhead/cowl panel assembly (1), with the pivot axle (7) of the pedals, for example of a brake pedal (6), being held stably and pivotally, the pedals, e.g. a brake pedal (6), are provided with a stop arm (11) projecting upwardly above the pivot axle (7) and cooperating with a rest stop (12) to determine the rest position of the pedals, the pivot axle (7) of the pedals is pivotally mounted solely in the bearing bracket (9), in bearing openings (10), and the rest stop (12) is located on the supporting bracket (8).

Abstract: A gas-pedal module has a gas pedal (12) which is mounted pivotably in a housing and can be actuated, counter to a restoring spring, with pedal-force-dependent hysteresis, a pedal-position sensor producing an electric signal corresponding to the pedal position. In view of the high pedal forces, precise and expensive bearings are necessary in order to avoid jamming of the gas pedal (12). In order to reduce the production costs arid nevertheless reliably to prevent jamming, it is proposed to mount the gas pedal (12) in a floating manner in a bearing element (28) which has play in the upward direction. Specific selection of the coefficient of friction on the contact surface (30) between the bearing journal (18) and the bearing element (28) makes it possible to achieve a hysteresis as is desired in the case of such gas-pedal modules.

Abstract: A throttle controller includes an electrical position sensor having a movable element and being mounted on a steering mechanism, such as a handlebar, and a mechanical interface from the position sensor to a throttle handle. The movement of the throttle handle actuates the mechanical interface which, in turn, alters the position of the movable element in the position sensor. The changeable position of the movable element thus provides an electrical indication of the position of the throttle handle suitable for controlling the internal combustion engine or electric motor. The position sensor may be a rotary position sensor having a rotor as the movable element, wherein rotating the throttle handle rotates the rotor. The throttle controller is particularly useful on a personal water craft, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, etc. Potentiometers or Hall effect devices are both suitable for use as the position sensor.

Abstract: A rotatable handgrip for a twist-grip shift control device includes a rotatable member and a flexible grip disposed over the rotatable member. One or more spaces are defined between an inner peripheral surface of the grip and an outer peripheral surface of the rotatable member so that the grip bends radially inwardly in response to pressure from a hand part (palm, finger, thumb, etc.) so as to generally conform to the hand part. The space may be formed by a recess formed on the inner peripheral surface of the grip, on the outer peripheral surface of the rotatable member, a combination of recesses on the grip and the rotatable member, or through some other structure.

Abstract: A stroke length regulator of small dimensions and simple construction, provided with a cam for converting an eccentric movement into a reciprocating movement, a cylindrical body around which this cam is fitted, and a crank member fitted slidably in this cylindrical body and having a cam guide portion for varying an eccentric position of the cam and an outer circumferential surface portion contacting an inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A connecting rod 10 having a generally elongated body portion 15 which includes a piston-connecting end portion 12 and a crankshaft-receiving end portion 13. The connecting rod 10 is selectively fractured, thereby separating cap portion 14 from the body 15 and the crankshaft-receiving end portion 13 and forming surfaces 28, 30, 32, and 34. Dissimilar fasteners 24, 26 selectively connect the separated cap portion 14 to the body 15 and substantially ensure that surface pairs 28, 30 and 32, 34 engagingly mate when the connecting rod 10 is operatively reassembled upon the crankshaft.

Abstract: A bicycle crank assembly includes a spindle connection arrangement for connecting a first and second crank arm to a bicycle frame. The first crank arm includes a first portion of the spindle and the second crank arm includes a second portion of the spindle. The first and second spindle portions are connected to one another using two spaced apart bearing surfaces that provide a durable yet easily disassemblable spindle. The crank assembly also includes a removable chain ring and a chain ring adjuster for adjusting the position of the chain ring along the rotational axis of the spindle in order to allow the chain ring to be properly aligned with other components of the bicycle. In one embodiment, the assembly includes variable length crank arms that increase the ground clearance of the crank assembly and improve the leverage provided by the crank assembly during the downward stroke of the crank assembly.

Abstract: This is a clipless pedal system for bicycles. It includes a pedal platform and two cleat retainers. The cleat retainers have hooked ends and are held against opposite sides of the pedal platform. A resilient loop encircles the pedal platform, holding the cleat retainers against the pedal platform. The ends of the cleat retainers may pivot away form the pedal platform by elastic deformation of the loop, allowing insertion of a cleat attached to a cycling shoe.

Abstract: The present invention is regarding to a structural improvement of a clamp which includes a flex attached to a handle set, an actuator cable extends through the slider and is linked to gripper device, of which the openings and open notch are built in, it offers a convenient scheme for operator to detach or engage actuator cable from gripper device, by simple operation, gripper devices may be conveniently interchanged in order to meet versatile needs in various situations.

Abstract: A coaxial socket tool that includes an outer socket having a hollow body with a first end, a second end, and an inner diameter, the first end of the outer socket being adapted for engaging the surface of a nut of a size, the second end of the outer socket having a connector for transferring torque to the outer socket. An inner socket having a body is rotatably mounted within the inner diameter of the hollow body of the outer socket. The body of the inner socket has a first end and a second end. The first end of the inner socket is adapted for engaging a nut of the same size as engaged by the first end of the outer socket. The second end of the inner socket also having a connection that allows transfer of torque to the inner socket.

Abstract: An open top rotating vise for use in breaking joints in a drillstring has a cradle with two side plates and two end plates secured to one another and semi-circular bearing surfaces carried by and extending outboard from the side plates. A stand with side frame members extending parallel to the cradle side plates has anti-friction rollers carried by and extending inboardly from the side frame members. The rollers are arranged on a radius concentric with the radius of the cradle semi-circular bearing surface and positioned to engage the cradle bearing surface. Oppositely facing jaw members are carried by the cradle intermediate the cradle side plates.

Abstract: A hand tool for turning sockets connectable to nuts and bolts has a handle attached to a head having an inside cylindrical surface. A body joined to a member for holding a socket has a plurality of pockets facing the cylindrical surface and chord ramps at the bottom of the pockets. The middle portions of each ramp has at least one axial groove to accommodate a roller to prevent inadvertent shifting of the roller to a reverse drive position. Rollers located in the pockets engage the ramps and cylindrical surface to selectively lock and unlock the head to the body so that when the handle is oscillated the body intermittently rotates. A ring mounted on the body is manually moved to shift the rollers between opposite end sections of the pockets. A socket release ball mounted on the member is controlled by a stem movably mounted on the body and member.

Abstract: An open end wrench having two heads each of which provides ratchet action, each of which accepts fasteners of different nominal sizes, and each of which imposes torque on the fastener only on flat facets and not at apices between adjacent facets. Each head has a first jaw bearing a convex interior surface facing the interior surface of a second jaw. The second jaw has plural pairs of intersecting facets where, in a first embodiment, the included angle formed between intersecting facets is greater than ninety degrees and less than one hundred twenty degrees. In another embodiment, the included angle is greater than seventy degrees and less than ninety degrees. Each pair of intersecting facets accommodates a polygonal fastener of one nominal size. The two embodiments are usable with hexagonal and square headed fasteners, respectively.

Abstract: The wrench comprises a frame having a head and a fixed jaw on the head. A movable jaw is movably carried by the head and movable toward and away from the fixed jaw. The frame, the head and the jaw are composed of stacked plates. Two of the plates of the frame respectively define frame ledges and two of the plates of the movable jaw respectively define jaw ledges. The jaw ledges respectively overlap the frame ledges so that the movable jaw captures the frame, thus preventing the frame from spreading or tending to delaminate under heavy load.

Abstract: Described is a wrench comprising a base plate having a generally circular periphery. A plurality of teeth extend radially from the periphery of the base plate and are adapted to engage the indentations in the top of a compression ring of a base assembly. The base plate has a shaft extending upwardly therefrom. Preferably, the shaft includes a handle portion which an installer may use to apply torque to the tool and, thereby, to the compression ring. The shaft may, however, be adapted for engagement with another tool, such as a pipe wrench or electric drill.

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: An apparatus for simultaneously forming a plurality of closely spaced, parallel grooves having a web between them in a thin-walled tube is described. The apparatus includes a tube holding mechanism, a rotating cutting tool and a device for driving the cutting tool. The cutting tool includes a single insert form cutter for forming the grooves. The insert includes a plurality of cutting blades and chip relief members which prevent chips from building up in the tool. The chip relief members are generally triangle-shaped and are disposed on the cutting edge of the insert form cutter.

Abstract: A bar work loading apparatus for loading a bar work into a head traveling type vertical machine tool. The machine tool has a headstock rotatably supporting an approximately vertical main spindle and movable in the direction of the axis of the main spindle and a direction perpendicularly intersecting the axis of the main spindle. A chuck is provided at the lower end of the main spindle. The machine tool further has a controller for controlling the movement of the headstock and the rotation of the main spindle and also controlling the opening and closing operation of the chuck. The bar work loading apparatus is provided near the machine tool in side-by-side relation and has a holding member capable of holding at least one bar work in such a manner that the axial direction of the bar work is parallel to the axial direction of the main spindle at least at a work receiving position where the chuck receives the bar work, which is in a range within which the center axis of the main spindle is movable.

Abstract: A punched slug removal system for punching a slug from a workpiece and removing the punched slug. The system includes a punch having a reciprocating travel path with a transition point where the punch changes direction. A die plate has an aperture into which a die bushing may be disposed. The die bushing provides support for the workpiece and has an opening through which the punch and a slug pass. A manifold supports the die plate and (if present) the die bushing and has a distribution channel and an orifice which direct a gas flow onto a slug attached to the punch in a direction perpendicular to the reciprocating travel path of the punch to remove the slug from the punch. The distribution channel is tapered to increase the velocity of the gas flow. The orifice is positioned at the top of the manifold adjacent the transition point of the reciprocating travel path of the punch.

Abstract: An adjustable punch assembly includes a releasable locking means for selectively allowing relative rotation between a threadably mated punch cap and punch driver for punch length adjustment. The releasable locking means includes a locking element, preferably a ball bearing, residing in a passage extending in a radial direction in the punch cap to open opposite a splined index portion of the punch driver. The splined index portion includes a plurality of angularly spaced grooves each extending in an axial direction of the punch driver, whereby a corresponding groove opposite the passage is engaged by the locking element. A plunger in its locked position confines the locking element in locking engagement with the punch cap and punch driver, and is movable to an unlocked position wherein the locking element is no longer confined in locking engagement to permit punch length adjustment.

Abstract: A band saw blade having relatively extended pitch patterns of eight of more teeth exhibits relatively low noise and vibration during cutting operations, and substantially uniform tooth loading characteristics. The band saw blade defines set patterns within each pitch pattern, and each set pattern is defined by an unset leading tooth followed by a plurality of offset trailing teeth. Each tooth within each set pattern defines a pitch between the respective tooth and the preceding tooth in the cutting direction of the saw blade, and an accumulated pitch between the respective tooth and the preceding tooth of like set direction in the cutting direction of the saw blade. The ratio of pitch to accumulated pitch for each tooth within each set pattern increases from one tooth to the next in the direction opposite the cutting direction of the saw blade for substantially uniformly distributing the chip load over the teeth of the saw blade.

Abstract: The saw blade has a base body on which are mounted uncrossed teeth with cutting edges. The teeth are combined to form successive groups of at least three teeth and are disposed symmetrically to the longitudinal center plane of the base body. The teeth of one group increase in height from tooth to tooth while simultaneously decreasing in width.

Abstract: A method of separating a pipe (1) from an elongate flexible element (2) used to pull the pipe (1) from the ground comprises drawing the flexible element (2) past or through separating means which splits the pipe (1) along its length as it passes to thereby strip the pipe (1) from the flexible clement (2).

Abstract: A muzzle brake for a gun which comprises an annular member mountable on the firing end of the muzzle of the gun, which member comprises a pair of concentrically located annular elements of which the first one is mounted stationary relative to the muzzle of the gun and the second one is slidably movable against the biasing action of a spring relative to said first element in a direction opposite the firing direction of the gun, said movement taking place under the influence of the exhaust gas resulting from the firing of a projectile by the gun, and said movement being from a first extreme position into which said spring forces said second element, in which position the brake is in the ‘off’ position, to a second extreme position where the brake is in the fully ‘on’ position, in which position said exhaust gas can force the first element, and hence the muzzle of the gun, to move in the firing direction, and so counteract the recoil action of the gun.

Abstract: A training barrel for conversion of a firearm from normal barrel/slide partial locking operation to unlocked slide blow-back operation has an insert which provides a guide ramp for chambering rounds during the reload cycle. The guide ramp compensates for the absence of rearward displacement of the barrel when the firearm is converted to a training configuration. Such insert may be assembled into the weapon without modification to the slide or frame of said weapon.

Abstract: A cartridge clip including a carrier member (1) and a plurality of propellant-containing cartridges arranged in the carrier member (1) with the carrier member (1) having at its first free end a taper (11) a width (B) of which decreases in a direction transverse to a longitudinal extent of the carrier member (1) and transverse to longitudinal axes of the cartridges (2), and at least one locking surface (7, 8) provided in a region between the taper (11) and a cartridge adjacent to the taper (11) and facing the taper (11).

Abstract: An armor system useful, for example, as a shroud, comprising a first pliable, cut resistant fibrous layer and a second pliable fibrous layer is disclosed. The first layer is arranged to receive an impact from a large projectile prior to the second layer and engages the projectile to slow its velocity. The second layer is substantially coextensive with the first and dissipates the incoming energy of the impact to resist complete penetration of the second layer by the projectile, preferably by deforming in response to the impact. Both layers comprise fibers having a tensile modulus of at least about 200 g/d, and an energy-to-break of at least about 8 J/g and a tenacity equal to or greater than about 10 g/d. In another embodiment, the layers are reversed relative to the impact face of the system sq that the second layer becomes the first layer and is resistant to projectiles impacting the system, while the first layer becomes the second layer and resists deformation of the system by projectile impacts.