Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the viscosity of a fluid over plural shear rates caused by a decreasing pressure differential by monitoring the changing weight of the fluid over time. The apparatus and method utilize a riser, a capillary tube, a collector and a mass detector, such as a precision balance or a load cell, for monitoring the changing weight of a sample of fluid that flows through these components under the influence of the decreasing pressure differential. In addition, apparatus and methods for determining fluid viscosity online and fluid mixture homogeneity online are also described.

Abstract: A vibration meter and a method of measuring a viscosity of a fluid flowing through a pipe are disclosed. The vibration meter comprises meter electronics and a transducer assembly with an electromechanical excitation arrangement and with a flow tube which oscillates in operation. A sensor arrangement produces sensor signals representative of inlet-side and outlet-side deflections of the flow tube. An evaluation circuit derives from said sensor signals and from an excitation current generated by an excitation circuit for the excitation arrangement a viscosity value representative of the viscosity of the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the viscosity of a fluid in a container (such as a pipe). The apparatus comprises a mechanism for transmitting a signal into a fluid in a container. The transmitting mechanism contacts the container and provides the signal to the fluid in the container. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for receiving the signal after the signal has passed through the fluid. The receiving mechanism contacts the container and receives the signal from the fluid in the container. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for determining the fluid in the container from the signal after the signal has passed through the fluid and determining the fluid viscosity from the amplitude and sound velocity. The determining mechanism is connected to the receiving mechanism. The method comprises the steps of transmitting a signal into fluid. Then there is the step of receiving the signal after it has passed through the fluid.

Abstract: A measuring instrument (1) for gravimetric moisture determination consists of an instrument housing (2), a balance (3) installed in the instrument housing, and a radiant heater (8). The moisture content of a sample on a tray placed on the tray carrier (5) is determined by measuring the weight loss of the sample while it is being dried under the heater. The instrument is equipped with means for conducting an air stream generated by a fan (12) through the space between the sample tray carrier (5) and the weighing cell (21). The air-conducting means include an air duct that can be at least partially released from the instrument housing for cleaning.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering an engine to a dynamometer is provided with an exhaust system, coolant system, electrical system, and an engine mounting system. The systems decrease the time required to dress an engine while increasing test reliability and the number of engines that can be tested in an engine test room.

Abstract: A respiratory flow sensor is provided with two identical or substantially identical first and second wires arranged at spaced locations from one another in a housing through which the respiratory flow flows. The first and second wires can be heated by a respective associated power source. An air resistance body is arranged in the vicinity of the second wire. A third wire is arranged in the housing at a spaced location from the first and second wires and is used to determine the temperature of the respiratory flow via an associated measuring device for the temperature-dependent electric resistor. A central control and evaluating unit is connected to the power sources and to the measuring device and compensates a temperature change of the respiratory flow. The change is detected with the third wire by a change in the heating current flowing through the first and second wires, so that these wires have an operating temperature that is above the temperature of the respiratory flow by a defined amount.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of correcting quadrature error in a dynamically decoupled micro-gyro (100, 200) having a drive mass (110, 210) that is vibrated relative to a drive axis (Y, Z) and a sense mass (111, 211) that responds to the drive mass (110, 210) in the presence of an angular rate and associated coriolis force by vibrating relative to a sense axis (X, Y). The method includes the steps of providing a first static force element (121, 221) for applying a first steady-state force to a first region of the drive mass (110, 210); providing a second static force element (122, 222) for applying a second steady-state force to a second region of the drive mass (210), and applying a corrective steady-state force to the drive mass (110, 210) with the first and second static force elements (121, 122; 221, 222), the corrective steady-state force making the drive axis (Y, Z) of the drive mass (110, 210) orthogonal to the sense axis (X, Y) of the sense mass (111, 211).

Abstract: A method and a device for monitoring a bearing arrangement, having at least one bearing, in a mounting element of a roller journal bearing of a roller in a stand of a rolling mill train are designed to initiate upkeep or repair work on the bearing arrangement at the correct time. The method involves measuring a process quantity at the bearing or in an area adjoining the bearing, providing an evaluation device with the measured value of the process quantity, comparing the measured value with a stored preset value, and triggering a signal as soon as the measured value exceeds or falls below the stored preset value.

Abstract: A two-dimensional ultrasonic probe has a transmitting function of an ultrasonic signal without electric interconnection of a numerous number of microcomponents and without increase in crosstalk and electric impedance. This probe includes an optical fiber array having a plurality of optical fibers to which light generated from a light source is made incident, a plurality of ultrasonic detecting elements, formed at one ends of the respective optical fibers, for modulating incident light via the optical fibers on the basis of the ultrasonic signal to be applied, and an ultrasonic transmitting element using a piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A pressure detecting apparatus has a single-crystal semiconductor sensor chip disposed on a metallic diaphragm through a low melting point glass. The sensor chip has a planar shape selected from a circular shape, a first polygonal shape having more than five sides and having interior angles all less than 180°, and a second polygonal shape having a ratio of a circumscribed circle diameter relative to an inscribed circle diameter being less than 1.2. Four strain gauge resistors are disposed on X, Y axes passing through a center point O of the sensor chip in parallel with <110> directions. Accordingly, thermal stress is reduced not to adversely affect a detection error and simultaneously high sensitivity is provided.

Abstract: A method and device for making measurements of the characteristics of a fluid, particularly the milk, which flows in pulsations in a conduit. The device has a measuring region wherein at least one characteristic of the fluid is determined. The measurement is made during an optimal measuring window which constitutes a time interval while a pulsation of the fluid is received in the measuring region which contains a sensor or sensors for measuring one or more selected characteristics of the fluid, such as color, conductivity or acoustic qualities. The measuring region may be in a bypass passageway in the conduit which may be incorporated in a teat cup. The pulsations in the teat cup may be used to define an optimal measuring window for measuring one or more characteristics of the fluid as it flows in pulsations through the conduit. The sensed entry or approach of a pulsation into the measuring region may also be used to define the optimal measuring window.

Abstract: A loop flow-path is formed by providing a partition in the path of flow of a fluid duct. An incoming flow-path and an outgoing flow-path are provided with the fluid duct through connecting ducts, and a gas G flows in the fluid duct. An ultrasonic sensor having two opposing surfaces for transmission and reception is disposed in a part of the loop flow-path so that ultrasonic waves to be transmitted and receive have vector components in the direction of the loop flow-path. The ultrasonic waves outputted from the two opposing surfaces of the ultrasonic sensor travel in opposite directions to each other in the loop flow-path, one ultrasonic wave with the flow of the gas and the other ultrasonic wave against the flow of the gas, and are received on the opposite surfaces of the sensor, respectively.

Abstract: Actual inflow rates of gas and liquid into a wellbore from a reservoir are determined by flowing fluid from a wellhead for a prolonged duration so as to affect the reservoir. The flow and the wellhead pressure are measured. Knowing or determining an gas volume, a total rate of fluid inflow from the reservoir can be determined. If the well was previously flowing, then an original fluid flow rate is known. An incremental inflow rate of fluid from the reservoir is calculated as being the difference between the total rate of fluid inflow less the original rate of gas flow. Using an exponential relationship for the pressure change during wellhead flow, a theoretical curve pressure response curve can be created, displayed and compared against the actual pressure response, any deviation therebetween being indicative of fluid inflow from the reservoir.

Abstract: A balance bar for a straight tube Coriolis flowmeter. The balance bar is preferably manufactured by process that provides an increased number of flowmeter elements integral to the balance bar. These integral elements comprise: brace bars at each end of the balance bar, rib elements on each side of the balance bar to raise the horizontal vibration frequency, a surface to facilitate the mounting of a driver to the balance bar and to a flow tube surrounded by the balance bar, surfaces to facilitate the mounting of sensors to the balance bar and flow tube, voids that lower the resonant frequency of the balance bar in a drive plane, and a cavity that makes the vibration amplitude of the balance bar less than that of the flow tube. Said element that lowers the resonant frequency of the balance bar also makes the flowmeter calibration factor independent of density.

Abstract: Automatic pipettor with a single-row, multi-channel pipetting head, with tip ejector mechanism by which the pipette tips attached to pipettes arranged in a row are successively removed and which, by means of the movable construction of a lifter arranged below the pipetting head and carrying, e.g., a microtitration plate, can be used in an all-purpose manner for different microtitration plates in the direction of the pipettes and the movability of the pipetting head in a direction orthogonal thereto.

Abstract: A precessional device featuring a pair of axles each containing at least one flywheel forming a pair of rotors. The pair of axles are each mounted on circular track assemblies in which they rotate and generate a precessional torque that provides variable resistance along a first axis and a balancing of the precessional torque along a second axis.

Abstract: An engine starter includes a recoil device, and a recoil cover for accommodating the recoil device therein also covers a flywheel operatively rotated with the recoil device, ring gears integrally fixed to the flywheel, and pinions which are components of a starter device and engage with the ring gears when the starter device is operated. The recoil cover is provided with a drain mechanism, including a boss formed integrally with the recoil cover, a drain pipe projected on the boss, and a drain cap plugged to the drain pipe and made of rubber so that it is manually detachable therefrom without using a tool. Thus a liquid such as muddy water which has entered from the recoil cover can be removed simply by pulling out the drain cap.

Abstract: Rotary motion of a ball screw is converted by a feed nut into rectilinear motion to allow a displacement mechanism to make rectilinear motion. When the ball screw involves axial deviation, then an engagement member slides in a direction of the arrow C with respect to a nut holder by the aid of a first guide mechanism, and a second sliding guide slides in a direction of the arrow B with respect to the engagement member by the aid of a second guide mechanism. Accordingly, even when the ball screw involves axial deviation with respect to the second sliding guide, the sliding resistance is not increased between the second sliding guide and a frame of an actuator. Therefore, even when there is any axial deviation between the ball screw and the frame, there is no fear of obstructing the displacement action of a displacement member.

Abstract: A compact transmission comprises a first input shaft 1, a second input shaft 2 and a counter shaft 3, which are disposed parallel with one anther.

Abstract: A pedal arrangement in a vehicle cab including a support (5) fixed in the cab, in which a pedal arm (2) is mounted for pivoting about a pivot axis (4) spaced from both ends (2a, 2b) of the pedal arm. At its upper end, the pedal arm is joined to one end of a flexible rod (12), such as a steel cable, which can transmit tensile force to an operating lever (11), but which bends if subjected to compressive force.

Abstract: A pedal-supporting apparatus includes a bracket support configured to pivotally support a brake pedal subassembly and an accelerator pedal subassembly. The brake pedal subassembly includes a first upper portion and a brake pedal coupled to the first upper portion by an adjustment device comprising a vertically-elongated C-shaped track and follower. A rack on the track is engaged by a worm gear for adjusting the brake pedal location. The accelerator pedal subassembly is supported by an adjustment device like the brake pedal subassembly, and has a second rack on its track engaged by a worm gear for adjusting the accelerator pedal location. A reversible electric motor includes a rotatable shaft and a driving gear, and gear-driven cables engage the driving gear and extend to the worm gears so that the brake pedal and accelerator pedal are simultaneously and equally adjusted upon actuation of the motor. The tracks can be linear or arcuate.

Abstract: A device for mounting a bicycle display to a steering member of a bicycle includes a mounting arch; a display coupler disposed on the mounting arch; a first mounting section disposed at a first end of the mounting arch and having a first mounting surface; wherein the first mounting section includes a first mounting opening extending completely through the first mounting section and intersecting the first mounting surface for receiving a first fastener therethrough; and a second mounting section disposed at a second end of the mounting arch and having a second mounting surface that does not face the first mounting surface.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes a boss for fastening the steering wheel to a steering shaft. Among other features, the steering wheel has a pair of lower spokes that are deformable to absorb energy in a collision. The boss conserves space and has relatively long splines for engaging the steering shaft. The boss includes a plate that facilitates insert molding and conserves space. The spokes include integrally formed airbag supports. A bolt retainer is included in the steering wheel. The bolt retainer holds a bolt for tightening the boss on the steering shaft, and the bolt retainer permits one-handed attachment.

Abstract: A method for producing high-purity niobium involves refining crude niobium in an electrolyte comprising a melt of salts containing a complex niobium and potassium fluoride and an equimolar mixture of alkaline metal chlorides, said electrolyte further containing sodium fluoride in the amount of from 5 to 15 wt %, and subjecting the obtained cathode deposit to electron-beam melting in a vacuum free of oil vapors under a residual gas pressure of from 5*10−5 to 5*10−7 mm Hg, a melting rate of from 0.7 to 2 mm/min and a leakage into a melting chamber from 0.05 to 0.005 l ·&mgr;m/s to produce an ingot of niobium. The method produces high-purity niobium having the total amount of impurities within the range of from 0.002 to 0.007 wt % which satisfies the requirements imposed on the materials used in microwave technology and microelectronics, with reduced losses of niobium in both of the refining stages and increased yield of high-purity niobium.

Abstract: A treatment agent and method to introduce magnesium into ferrous material. The treatment agent includes a mixture of high melting temperature particles and magnesium particles. The content of high melting temperature particles in the particle mixture is present in an effective amount to inhibit the complete conversion of the magnesium particles into molten magnesium prior to the magnesium particles entering the ferrous material. The method describes the efficient treatment of molten ferrous material with these particles.

Abstract: In a method for working up a gold bath or a gold alloy bath, which contains gold in the form of a gold sulphite complex, working up takes place through at least one oxidant, which oxidizes the sulphite contained in the complex and reduces the gold contained in the complex to its metallic form. In the method in particular hydrogen peroxide and potassium-peroxo-monosulphate are used as oxidants. The oxidants are provided in a kit.

Abstract: A corkscrew (10) has a handle (12) mounted to a screw stem (14) rotatably guided within a cap (18) which contains upper ends of two prongs (40). The prongs have semi-circular lower ends (48) which surround a screw (16) and comprise inner shoulder stops (64) for engaging on a bottleneck. Upper ends (42) of the prongs are articulated to a core unit (20) having a guide bush (22) for the screw stem (14). Cap (18) may be integral with the handle (12). Alternatively, the handle may be screw-fitted to a tapped stem (84) guided by the cap. Bearing means for the upper prong ends, on which expanding springs (65) bear, find stops at a lower peripheral edge of cap (18). A lug (50) supports each upper prong end (42) on a pin (34) that traverses a guiding cheek (30) on the guide bush (22). Radial bell ribs (44) have lower leading edges (45) in each central portion (46) of the prongs (40).

Abstract: This corkscrew consists of a main body (1) fitted to a foldable blade (7) to open bottles, a helicoidal screw (2) and a guide (4) over which is fitted a detachable arm (3) having an end nail (3a) providing a point of support over the bottle neck during uncorking. The arm (3) may be placed, with the aid of a curved retainer (5) and helicoidal spring (6), in a front or rear position.

Abstract: A torque applying tool (10) having a housing or body (14) including a rectangular body portion (16) having a worm receiving opening (20) extending therethrough and an arcuate housing portion (18) having a gear receiving opening (22) extending therethrough at right angles to the worm receiving opening (20). A toothed gear (26) is mounted within gear receiving opening (22) and has a central opening (32) of a hexagonal shape to receive nut (N) therein to be rotated. Worm gear (38) is received within worm receiving opening (20) and has a helical thread (39) thereon formed of a concave shape to engage teeth (28) on gear (26) for rotation of gear (26) and nut (N).

Abstract: A fastening device, comprising a bolt member, a nut to be turned, and a torque power tool operative for applying a torque to the bolt member and a torque to the nut to be turned simultaneously, so that during tightening of the fastener and turning of the nut, a free shank of the bolt member does not turn or twist due to torsion or side load, the bolt member including a rod and a washer having an axis, the rod having at least two portions located substantially at its ends, one of the portions being a threaded portion and located at one of the ends of said rod to connect with the nut to be turned while another of the portion located at the other of the ends of the rod is adapted to connect with an object, the washer having two opposite bearing faces extending substantially perpendicular to the axis and being subjected to turning friction, the bearing faces including an upper bearing face adapted to cooperate with a bearing face of the nut to be turned and a lower bearing face adapted to cooperate with a bearing

Abstract: The universal wrench consists of a handle (1) that is made of flat parts (2, 3) that are connected by pins and are provided with a coating (27) and with clamping parts (9, 10) on their ends and have offsets (2′, 3′), which form a support slot (10) for clamping body (8), as well as a clamping body (8) with clamping surfaces (13, 14, 15) and a bearing flange (23) with support slot (20) that has a varying diameter (18, 19) for swivel axis (21), which can move in recesses (17) of handle parts (2, 3) against a spring (25) and on which wrench body (8) can pivot and is mounted in an adjustable manner in the gripping opening.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical shaped tool handle holds multiple sizes of tools. The handle includes one or more holding slots each positioned on one of multiple outer surface faces into which tools are inserted and held. Each holding slot includes one or more contoured compartments in which tools rest when engaged with the handle. Each contoured compartment is of a size and dimension which corresponds to one or more tool sizes. In the preferred embodiment of the tool handle, three of its outer surface faces have a continuous holding slot with multiple receiving holes for inserting therein hexagonal wrenches of multiple sizes. The continuous holding slots of the preferred embodiment of the handle include multiple contoured compartments for holding an inserted hexagonal wrench. Each contoured compartment is formed about a corresponding receiving hole. A lock is positioned over the contoured compartment to irremovably confine the short leg of the hexagonal wrench within the contoured compartment.

Abstract: In order to eliminate errors in roundness and the occurrence of helical waves, a skiving head is provided with at least three skiving blades arranged in a radially displaceable manner in the skiving head. With this skiving head, both the requirement for self-centering of the skiving blade set as well as the requirement for circular skiving geometry with consistent cutting depth are fulfilled.

Abstract: A hand-operated toolholder for a chisel (1) and including a holding member for operating a chisel and having a protection flange at its end facing in a direction opposite to an operational direction (B), a tubular guide (2) for axially guiding the chisel (1) and received in the holding member (3), and a locking mechanism (6) cooperating with the tubular guide (2) for retaining the chisel in the guide.

Abstract: With a blade exchanging device, a cylindrical body is engaged with a nut that is fastened to a spindle, and at the same time the nut is held by fitting nails of a chuck member with grooves that are formed on the nut. Next, a torque wrench is inserted through the cylindrical body, and a polygonal head of the torque wrench is engaged with a polygonal hole formed in the head of the spindle. In this state, the spindle is rotated with the torque wrench in a direction to unfasten the nut from the spindle. The nut is thereby detached from the spindle. When the cylindrical body is disengaged from the spindle, the nut is prevented from falling off the cylindrical body, since the nails of the chuck hold the nut.

Abstract: A method of forming an integral tubular projection in a disk-shaped work by spinning is provided.

Abstract: A stamping die produces gears or other parts having quality tooth forms or the like from smooth edged metal blanks. A lower portion of the die includes a trim punch, whose perimeter shape corresponds to the shape of the desired part, and a vertically moveable stripper plate surrounding the trim punch and having a recess for aligning the blank. An upper portion of the stamping die is vertically moveable with respect to the lower portion, and includes a trim die. The trim die has a bore disposed therein complementary to the trim punch. A nest plate is affixed to the underside of the trim die, and has a tapered nest opening that aligns with the die bore. A controllably biased shedder passes through the bore and opening. During operation, a blank is first placed in the recess. A press ram subsequently descends, with the blank becoming sandwiched between the shedder and the trim punch, with a portion of the blank to be trimmed being left unsupported.

Abstract: A sheet cutter for cutting a sheet by shearing. The sheet cutter has a fixed blade, a movable blade which is movable along the fixed blade, and a receiving element which receives a sheet piece which is cut off from the sheet. The receiving element is structured so as to be movable together with the movable blade as the movable blade moves. The receiving element may be structured such that it is translationally movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the moving direction of the movable blade.

Abstract: A quick-extraction punch-holder adaptor for converting punching machines from a single-punch to a multiple-punch configuration, connectable to a conventional turret of a punching machine, comprises a cylindrical body crossed by a plurality of punch accommodation receptacles, a selection device rotatably mounted at the end of the cylindrical body and provided, at a lower face, with a tooth for contact with the head of each selected punch and elastic elements, circumferentially interposed between the selection device and the cylindrical body, and being loadable by compression to contrast the active stroke and produce the return of the punches.

Abstract: A mini-blind cutter for selective manual in-store sizing of a first mini-blind product and a second mini-blind product. Each of the mini-blind products include a head rail, a plurality of slats, and a bottom rail having a different geometry and or material composition. A die assembly is movable from a first position to a second position includes a first and second region to receive the first and second mini-blind products. A blade carrier assembly includes at least two blade carriers and permits permit independent translation of the blade carriers to accommodate the different sized mini-blind products.

Abstract: A music teaching instrument adapted to teach a player the notes of a musical scale so that the notes will be remembered. The instrument includes a sound system having a memory in which is stored audible tones of the musical scale, and means to reproduce a tone extracted from the memory so that it can be heard by the player. A keyboard is provided having a row of keys corresponding to the tones of the scale. Switching means are associated with the keys and are coupled to the sound system whereby when a key in the row is actuated by the player, a corresponding tone is then reproduced. A row of puppets is behind the row of keys, each puppet being normally inactive and in registration with a respective key. Means responsive to actuation of a key serve to activate the corresponding puppet, whereby the puppet then appears to be voicing the tone being reproduced.

Abstract: A performance evaluation apparatus presents a reference performance of a music piece for practice. The user inputs manual performance operations in tempo with the presented reference performance. The apparatus compares the inputted manual performance and the reference performance, and outputs an evaluation report as to the correctness of the manual performance with respect to the reference performance. In one embodiment, the apparatus is provided with an outputting condition designating device for the user to designate whether to output an evaluation report after the practice performance is over. In another embodiment, the apparatus is provided with an evaluation span designating device for the user to designate performance spans about which the user's practice performance is to be evaluated. The apparatus outputs an evaluation report according to the user's designation.

Abstract: A musical tone signal generation apparatus accommodated for multiple users to play music in an ensemble is configured by a main unit and a prescribed number of performance operators, which are physically separated from each other. The main unit installs speakers that are arranged in connection with the performance operators respectively. At least one of the performance operators is configured as a hold operator that is configured using a pressure sensor mounted on a base member and encapsulated in a hold member which is made by elastic material (e.g., urethane foam) and is formed in a round shape suited for grip of the user. Each of other performance operators installs at least a pad, which is manually operated by each user to issue tone-generation instructions. Performance data (e.g.

Abstract: A method of automatically producing a compilation mix from a set of songs is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of generating (22) a beat profile comprising a temporal map representing an ideal rate of repeat of the dominant beat for the compilation mix at different points in time over the duration of the compilation, generating (21) at least one set of song data indicative of the rate of repeat of the dominant beat for each of the songs in the set of songs, and allocating (24) the songs temporally within the compilation mix by processing the song data together with the temporal map, the songs being located temporally with respect to one another such that the rate of repeat of the dominant beat of the compilation approximates that indicated by the temporal map and end portions of adjacent songs overlap.

Abstract: The present invention provides a background music play device equipped in a mobile station and methods for playing the background music capable of playing the background music during voice communication between two mobile stations. A background music play device for a mobile station of the present invention includes storage means for storing digital music file; music file play means for playing the digital music file stored in the storage means; output means for outputting voice of caller and music played by the music file play means; input means for inputting voice of receiver; control means which control signal transmittance and receipt, encoding signals to be transmitted and decoding signals received, and outputting the music as a background music according to user's selection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the correction of dynamic gun errors. Dynamic gun errors are caused by the movement of a gun tube muzzle area (3) of a gun (1) in the course of continuous firing. To correct these errors, a measurement of the movement of a gun tube muzzle area (3) of a gun (1) is performed during continuous firing for obtaining measured signals. The measured signals are used for correcting the azimuth and elevation of the gun tube (2) in order to compensate the movement of a gun tube muzzle area (3).

Abstract: An adjustable packing gland assembly is mounted for adjustable engagement with a seal and a packing in a fluid pumping apparatus for sealing against fluid leakage about reciprocating plungers and like pumping elements, the adjustable packing gland also stabilizes the pumping element. A stuffing box is formed in the pump housing and spaced packing gland shoulder bolts bottom out on that housing. A packing gland is disposed in the stuffing box and is slidably mounted on the spaced adjustment studs, each of the shoulder bolts having adjusting nuts and pipe sleeves disposed for precision adjustment of the packing gland. Bearing against the plunger on either side of the packing and seal are guiding elements made of a low wear material which possesses lubricity as against the plunger. The upper guide may be integrally formed with the gland. An eccentric liner is made of a similar material as the guides, rendering it a low wear item in need of little or no lubrication.

Abstract: A simplified piston pump which is featured in that the number of components for the assembling thereof can be minimized, that the assembling thereof can be simplified, and low in manufacturing cost thereof. This simplified piston pump comprises; a cylinder having at least one protrusion formed on the inner surface of a proximal end portion of said cylinder for preventing the piston from slipping out; and a piston shaft having a structure wherein the outer surface of the piston shaft is contacted with the inner surface of the cylinder to prevent the decentering of the piston shaft and wherein a groove is formed thereon to ensure the reciprocative movement of the piston.

Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator for removing suspended particles from a gas stream that directs at least a portion of such gas stream upwardly at the precipitator inlet. This causes the gas flow near the bottom of the treatment zone in the precipitator to have a lower velocity. The gas flow near the bottom has a greater number of suspended particles as particles dislodged from the gas flow above may re-enter the gas flow at a point below. The slowed gas flow is in contact with the treatment zone for a longer period of time, thereby allowing for more particles to be dislodged.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner apparatus includes a housing, a motor disposed within the housing and having an output shaft, and a fan coupled to the output shaft for generating a vacuum airflow through an air intake port in the housing. A separator is operably coupled to the output shaft for separating dust and dirt particulates entrained in air ingested through the intake port. The separator has a body that defines a longitudinal axis of rotation and the motor drives the separator to rotate about the axis. The body includes a plurality of longitudinally extending vanes with each vane presenting a curved flow surface for increased particulate separation as the body rotates about the axis. The longitudinally extending vanes include beveled lower ends that reduce foaming. The separator also includes a plurality of secondary particle impacting vanes positioned in the bottom of the separator for trapping particulates within said separator.