Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for determining the hardness of a vegetable or fruit, wherein the vegetable or fruit is rotated, wherein an impactor element is carried close to the surface of a fruit or vegetable, wherein during rotation of the fruit an impactor element is brought into contact with the fruit or the vegetable a number of times, wherein the impact of the respective impactor element is measured in order to determine the hardness of the vegetable or fruit over at least a portion of the surface thereof.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a low-cost combustion state diagnosing system and a combustion state diagnosing method capable of accurately detecting misfires which occur at a low frequency while a multiple-cylinder engine is operating at a high engine speed under a low load.

Abstract: A method for determining the road handling of a tire, comprising descriptions of the tire by means of a first, concentrated-parameter, physical model and by means of a second, finite-element model, a simulation on the second, finite-element model of a selected series of dynamic tests and an application to the first physical model of equations of motion suitable for representing the dynamic tests in order to obtain first and second frequency responses of selected quantities; a comparison between the first and second frequency responses of the selected quantities for determining the concentrated parameters of the first physical model and physical quantities indicative of the drift behavior of the tire.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitor method enables the reassignment of tire pressure sensors to respective tire locations on the vehicle in the event that the sensors are lost or replaced with new sensors having differing identification codes. A passenger compartment monitor, that normally monitor tire pressures through broadcast transmission from the sensors, is manually into a identification entry mode selecting a desired tire location, and when the vehicle begins travel, a motion switch in the new sensor detects vehicular motion and activates the transmission of the new identification code that is received by the monitor that then assigns the presently selected tire location to received identification code.

Abstract: System and methods for measuring the density of harvested crops or other material carried by a conveyor incorporate a linear array of ultrasonic distance sensors oriented at an acute angle to detect the height of harvested crops carried on the conveyor. The height measurements are used to calculate instantaneous cross-sectional areas of the harvested crops. The weight of the crops is measured by a load cell as the crops are carried on the conveyor. The density of the crops is finally calculated, using a processing means, based on the cross-sectional area measurement, the speed of the conveyor, and the measured weight of the crops.

Abstract: An oscillating element, particularly for a level sensor, comprises an oscillating diaphragm (3), a stack of piezoelectric elements (6, 7), and a tie bolt (4) connected to the diaphragm (3) for pressing the piezoelectric elements (6, 7) against the diaphragm (3). The tie bolt (4) forms a single piece with the diaphragm (3).

Abstract: An improved fluid level verification apparatus which may be manufactured or otherwise fabricated as a kit and assembled at a remote location for use on liquid filled containers and configured to reduce inherent mechanical stresses on the inspection tube and resists leakage due to environmental, chemical, thermal or mechanical expansion cycles by using internal grooves and entrapped o-rings.

Abstract: A monolithic low cost, high frequency surface acoustic wave (SAW) accelerometer is provided that is operable in high impact and vibration applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining structural inhomogeneities in sheet material, in particular due to creases or tears in bank notes.

Abstract: A surface acoustic wave device in which: input external terminals, output external terminals and ground external terminals are disposed on the outer peripheral surfaces of a container; there are formed, in a cavity portion of the container, input pads, output pads and ground pads which are respectively electrically connected to the input external terminals, the output external terminals and the ground external terminals; a plurality of SAW filter elements are housed in the cavity portion of the container; a plurality of ground conductor films are respectively formed in the areas where the SAW filter elements are respectively housed; the input electrodes, output electrodes and ground electrodes of the SAW filter elements are respectively connected to the input pads, the output pads and the ground pads; and a metallic lid hermetically seals the cavity portion. Only one SAW filter element is connected to the same ground pad.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a pressure sensor for a pressure measuring transducer which contains a base body (3), and a pressure-sensitive measuring membrane (7). The membrane is located on the base body (3) and can be subjected to a measurable pressure. The first chamber (10) is arranged between the base body (3) and the measuring membrane (7) in order to protect the measuring membrane (7) if the pressure to be measured exceeds an upper pressure limit. A second chamber (11) is provided to protect the measuring membrane (7) if the pressure to be measured falls short of a lower pressure limit. The second chamber (11) is arranged between the measuring membrane (7) and a contact plate (5) The contact plate is situated on the side of the measuring membrane (7) opposite the base body (3). A bore (6) is provided for subjecting the measuring membrane (7) to pressure.

Abstract: A press-fit remote diaphragm assembly includes a diaphragm member and a mounting portion which can be press-fit assembled by hand and without the use of tools. The diaphragm member includes a flexible diaphragm and a first press-fit member receiving portion. The mounting portion includes a second press-fit member receiving portion. The first and second press-fit member receiving portions align to form a press-fit member cavity which contains a press-fit member. The press-fit member engages the first and second press-fit member receiving portions to couple the diaphragm member to the mounting portion.

Abstract: A diaphragm 30 and basic body 20 of a pressure sensor 10 are interconnected via a joint F. A groove 26 is provided in the basic body 20 in order to reduce the stress concentration in the region of the joint F FIG. 2).

Abstract: A flowmeter having a case enclosing a single straight tube surrounded by a balance bar. The balance bar ends are coupled by means of a brace bar to the flow tube as well as by case connect links to the inner wall of the case. The flow tube ends are coupled to end flanges by means of a raised element having a center opening for sealably receiving the flow tube terminus. The flow tube projects beyond the case end and is sealably coupled to a cone connect element in the case end. A void is defined by the space between the flow tube outer surface and the inner surface of the cone connect element and the end flanges to minimize the surface area of the flow tube that is affected by the weld between the case end and raised element of the end flanges. The case connect links contain out of plane bends to accommodate a change in the effective diameter of the case and the balance bar with respect to each other due to changing thermal conditions.

Abstract: An electrode layer is formed on the upper surface of a first substrate, and a processing for partially removing the substrate is carried out in order to allow the substrate to have flexibility. To the lower surface of the first substrate, a second substrate is connected. Then, by cutting the second substrate, a working body and a pedestal are formed. On the other hand, a groove is formed on a third substrate. An electrode layer is formed on the bottom surface of the groove. The third substrate is connected to the first substrate so that both the electrodes face to each other with a predetermined spacing therebetween. Finally, the first, second and third substrates are cut off every respective unit regions to form independent sensors, respectively. When an acceleration is exerted on the working body, the first substrate bends. As a result, the distance between both the electrodes changes. Thus, an acceleration exerted is detected by changes in an electrostatic capacitance between both the electrodes.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and an article of manufacture for determining the angular position of a shaft. The apparatus comprises a circumferentially alternating series of conducting and substantially non-conducting segments on an exterior surface of the shaft, and at least one contact surface in communication with the surface of the shaft, the contact surface sized to communicate with no more than one conducting segment at a time. Another embodiment of the present invention is described by a method of determining the angular position of a shaft by sensing a conductivity of an exterior surface of the shaft having an alternating series of conducting and substantially non-conductive surfaces, and determining the shaft angular position using the sensed conductivity of the exterior surface of the shaft.

Abstract: In order to improve a sensor assembly comprising a sensor which can be fixed in position on a functional unit and has a sensor housing, in which a sensor element with evaluation electronics is arranged, in such a manner that as simple and universal a fixing of the sensor as possible on the functional unit is feasible it is suggested that the sensor assembly comprises a sensor holder which can be brought into a position following the sensor housing in longitudinal direction and can be detachably connected to the sensor housing in this position by means of form-locking elements and that the sensor be fixable on the functional unit by means of the sensor holder.

Abstract: A working tool, in particular a soil rammer or a hammer, has two masses that may be linearly moved back and forth with respect to one another, namely a top mass which comprises a driving motor and a ramming or striking working mass which can be moved by the motor relative to the top mass by means of a crank drive and a set of springs. In order to reduce as much as possible the displacement of the top mass, an additional counterweight can be moved by the motor over at least a large part of the path of displacement of the working mass in the opposite direction thereto. The displacement of the end of the set of springs linked to the crank drive and the displacement of the counterweight are preferably offset relative to one another, with respect to the crank angle, by 180° minus a phase shift derived from the construction parameters of the set of springs.

Abstract: A control device for an automatic transmission for automatically shifting a synchromesh type gear transmission, having a controller in which shifting to another gear is performed after temporary synchronization is effected by use of a synchronizer of an intermediate gear between one gear and the another gear, when shifting from the one gear to the another gear while skipping at least a next gear of the one gear is effected.

Abstract: A transmission comprising: an input shaft, to which a power is transmitted from a prime mover; an output shaft for outputting the power to drive wheels; and a plurality of transmission mechanisms of different gear ratios for transmitting the power between the input shaft and the output shaft. A two-way clutch capable of switching a torque transmitting direction into a forward direction and a backward direction is interposed between at least any of the transmission mechanisms and the input shaft or the output shaft, and a select mechanism is provided for selecting the torque transmitting direction of the two-way clutch.

Abstract: An overload protecting device assembled in an auger transmission is disclosed as including a worm wheel having its side wall formed with a plurality of wheel-side protruding segments, a boss member engaging with the wheel and fixedly coupled to an auger shaft for non-rotating relationship, and a slide washer having a plurality of wheel-side projections facing the wheel-side protruding segments. When the auger shaft encounters a torque exceeding a given value, the worm wheel and the boss member are enabled to rotate relative to one another. As the wheel-side projections ride on the protruding segments, the slide washer is moved in a direction opposed to the worm wheel. A washer detection switch detects such a movement to produce a detection signal to forcibly stop the operation of an engine.

Abstract: A gear made of a resin includes a substantially cylindrical rim having a plurality of teeth formed around an outer periphery thereof, a boss formed about a rotational center of the rim, and a web connecting the boss and the rim to each other. At least one groove is defined along outer surface of each tooth to divide the tooth in a widthwise direction of the tooth. As a result, a portion of the gear, in which the grooves are defined, is deformed in a reduced amount, leading to a reduced amount of deformation such as a warpage or sink in the entire gear, thereby providing an enhancement in tooth flank accuracy. Since the grooves are defined along the outer surfaces of the teeth, a lubricant such as grease can be supplied effectively to tooth flanks by previously applying the lubricant in the grooves.

Abstract: The method for manual shifting of a multi-section transmission which has at least one hand-shiftable main transmission with one input constant and one rear-mounted range change group consists in that the rear-mounted range change group is shifted to the neutral position during initiation of and prior to carrying out the shifting operation of the main transmission.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of zinc treated with metal hydride in organometallic synthesis.

Abstract: A corkscrew (100) which comprises a body (10) formed by first and second elongate handgrips (20 & 30) connected together for gripping the neck of a wine bottle, a central helical screw (50) for use between the handgrips (20 & 30) to remove a cork from said bottle, and a turning knob (40) provided atop the body (10) and co-axially. supporting the A screw (50) for operation. The first handgrip (20) is provided at its upper end (22) with a downwardly-opening cavity (24). The second handgrip (30) is pivotably connected at its upper end (32) to the first handgrip (20) by means of a connector (60) inserted-from below into the cavity (24). The connector (60) incorporates a hinge pin (68) that passes through the connector (60) and the upper end (32) of the second handgrip (30) for connection. The pin (68) is confined in place by a peripheral wall of the cavity (24) extending around the connector (60).

Abstract: A screw device, an assembly for theft-proofing vehicle wheels, and a motor vehicle with theft-proofed vehicle wheels is disclosed. The screw device has a screw with a head and a threaded portion intended to be screwed into a thread of a wheel hub, a sleeve and a lock member. The threaded portion is intended to be screw into the thread of the wheel hub via a recess arranged in a central portion of a vehicle wheel. The lock member is an endless, smoothly undulating or curved lock member. The dimensions of the sleeve are adapted to the dimensions of the recess so that regions of the central portion adjacent to the recess encompass substantially entirely and closely a circumference of the sleeve when the threaded portion has been screwed into the thread. The invention can be applied to all types of vehicle wheels, and is particularly advantageous for exclusive private cars with special rims.

Abstract: In a method of machining a workpiece wherein a complex tool 21 having a plurality of inserts 22, 23, 25, 26, 29, 30 thereon is installed on a tool holding means 20 of a machine tool so as to machine a workpiece 17, turning machining is performed on rotating workpiece, selectively using one or more inserts of a plurality of inserts installed on the complex tool, with the complex tool being fixed and held, and milling machining is performed on a workpiece using one or more inserts of a plurality of inserts installed on the complex tool, with the complex tool being rotated and driven. Then, both turning machining and milling machining can be performed without changing tool, and extremely efficient machining is possible.

Abstract: A two-opposed-main-shaft type composite NC lathe provided with a tool changeable tool spindle and tool turrets, comprising: a left turret rest and a right turret rest provided on a lower front side of a left main shaft and a right main shaft facing each other on a Z-axis; a third tool rest positioned on an upper rear side of the left and right main shafts and provided with a tool spindle; a tool magazine holding tools therein which are to be fixed to the third tool rest; and an automatic tool changing device. The left and right main shafts are provided with main shaft motors capable of controlling a C-axis and being driven independently and synchronously with each other. The tool spindle on the third tool rest is capable of controlling the directions of the Z-axis, an X-axis, a Y-axis and a B-axis and fixing the rotations thereof.

Abstract: In the inventive arrangement of a cover strip (27) on a linear guide, the cover strip (27) is supported through its flat inner surface (32) on a flat support surface (28) of a guide rail (26), which flat support surface delimits a longitudinal groove (25) of the guide rail (26) in inward direction. Two recesses (31) made in the inner surface (32) of the cover strip (27) in the regions of the long sides of the cover strip (27), extend in longitudinal direction and lead to the formation of resilient retaining ledges (33) which serve to fix the cover strip (27) on the guide rail (26).

Abstract: A spindle (10) is arranged in a machine tool, said spindle (10) having an axis (46), a receptacle arranged in the axis (46) and provided for receiving a shaft of a tool holder (14), and a clamping mechanism for axial fixation of the shaft in the receptacle, the clamping mechanism comprising an axially movable clamping arbor (18) with a circumference, at least one segment (60) arranged at said circumference and having at least a first and a second radial operation position, whereby said at least one segment (60) fixes said shaft positively in said receptacle, when being in the first radial operation position, first guiding means acting between the clamping arbor (18) and the at least one segment (60) such that upon axial movement of the clamping arbor (18) the at least one segment (60) is radially transferred between said first and second radial operation positions, and second guiding means arranged for holding said at least one segment (60) in the defined way when being in said second radial operation positio

Abstract: An air actuated finger pull back chuck device having a locating portion and a clamping portion. Locator slides and locator cams are air actuated to position the workpiece. The workpiece is located to the device with locator slides and air actuated clamp arms operate clamp fingers to pull back and hold a workpiece to the chuck device for the operation. The locator cams have a single connector to the locator actuator plate and the locator cams can be quickly reversed for locating on an inside diameter or an outside diameter. Various fingers can be attached to the clamp arm to fit various workpiece sizes. The quick change over times for different sized and shaped workpieces are facilitated by the simplicity of the invention.

Abstract: A workpiece positioning device for precisely positioning a workpiece relative to a power tool or other device. The device includes a stationary base, an elongated locator member carried by the base for limited slideable movement right and left thereof. The locator member having a set of spaced-apart circumferential slots therein. An elongated scale made fast to the base and disposed adjacent to the locator member has a set of axially aligned spaced-apart through-apertures therein for positioning of the scale relative to said locator member. A movable stop having a surface thereon for abutting against a workpiece is disposed adjacent to the locator member for limited slideable movement right and left thereof. The movable stop being incrementally positionable relative to the locator member. The locator member being incrementally positionable relative to the scale. Whereby a workpiece abutting the movable stop will be exactly located in the precise position selected therefor.

Abstract: String tightening device for a string instrument having at least one string. The string tightening device includes a tuning screw arranged to be operable from a freely accessible side of the string instrument at least during play, and at least two opposing guide surfaces structured and arranged to be coupled to a body of the string instrument. A moving nut is coupled to the tuning screw and is guided between the at least two opposing guide surfaces to adjust a tension in the strings, and the moving nut includes a string connection point which is offset from the tuning screw.

Abstract: A data processor using computer and a staff notation have a listing of note code table corresponding with data input to said computer and scales of music staff notation, a note decoder decoding from input data to corresponded scale code data using said listing of note code table, a note code storage device memorizing output data from said note decoder with in order, and an output means for output the music staff notation data from the note code storage device. Plural list of note code table are able to set in note decoder selectably.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating musical tones are provided. Musical tones are generated based on musical tone waveform samples generated through a plurality of channels, and performance information is input. Control information is input depending on an amount of operation of an operating element operated by a user. Musical tone waveform samples are generated for each of the channels corresponding to the performance information input within a predetermined time period, in a number corresponding to the input control information, whenever the predetermined time period elapses. Musical tones are generated based on the generated musical tone waveform samples.

Abstract: A communications apparatus for tone generator setting information includes a timer for providing an instruction at a constant time interval and a transmitting unit for transmitting initial tone generator setting information before sound information is transmitted and thereafter periodically transmitting the real time subsequent tone generator setting information corresponding to the initial tone generator setting information, in response to instructions from the timer.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic launch tube made using fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP) includes a cylindrical FRP tube having an inside wall, where the inside wall has a circumferential groove near a lower end of the tube. A bottom member made of FRP is molded for engagement with the tube at the groove. After forming the tube and the groove, a mold having a concave surface is placed inside the tube adjacent to the groove, and resin-coated fiberglass matting is laid on the mold. A fibrous material is placed over the fiberglass matting and a nonporous bag seals the fiberglass matting. A vacuum is drawn in the bag, and atmospheric air pressure compresses the fiberglass matting, forcing it into the groove. A counter mold can be used instead of vacuum setting to compress the fiberglass matting. The bottom member has a convex surface, and the convex surface and the inside wall of the tube define a chamber for receiving pyrotechnics.

Abstract: A hydrostatic variable displacement pump has a swash plate (3), which is used to adjust the stroke of displacement pistons in a cylinder block. The swash plate has its angle position pivoted in relation to the stroke direction of the displacement pistons by means of a servosystem. The servosystem is fitted on the housing (6) of the variable displacement pump. The servosystem (4) has a pressure cylinder (18) and a servopiston (7), which together form a servocylinder pressure chamber (8). The servopiston (7) operates in the pressure cylinder (18), is subjected to compressive loading by means of a spring assembly (9,10) and has a piston with at least two servopiston surfaces (11, 12) subjected to the action of pressure.

Abstract: A manifold (2) is provided with a first passage (4) for supplying pressurized oil and a second passage (5) for air venting. The manifold (2) has a support surface (9) to which a housing (12) of every hydraulic cylinder (7) is hermetically fixed through a sealing member (10). A piston (14) is inserted into a cylinder bore (13) of the housing (12). A hydraulic chamber (15) is formed between the piston (14) and the support surface (9). The hydraulic chamber (15) directly opposes to the support surface (9). The first passage (4) communicates with the respective hydraulic chambers (15) through branched passages (17). The hydraulic chamber (15) has an upper portion communicated with the second passage (5) through an air vent passage (18).

Abstract: A connecting rod-piston mounting arrangement for a reciprocating compressor of small refrigeration systems, in which one of the parts defined by the piston (10) and the end (22) of the connecting rod (20) adjacent the said piston (10) carries a first spherical seat (11) and a spherical annular seat (12), the other of said parts incorporating a second spherical seat (23) turned to the first spherical seat (11) and a spherical annular surface (24) seated against the spherical annular seat (12), said first and second spherical seats (11,23) being seated onto respective opposite spherical surface portions (31,32) of a ball joint element (30) provided between the piston (10) and the connecting rod (20).

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention for treating a gas containing a substance to be decomposed comprises adsorption means equipped with an adsorbent for adsorbing the substance to be decomposed, steam introduction means for bringing steam into contact with the adsorbent, condensation means for obtaining a condensed liquid containing the substance to be decomposed from the steam containing the substance, a reaction tank, condensed liquid supply means for supplying the condensed liquid to the reaction tank, hypochlorous acid supply means for supplying a solution containing hypochlorous acid to the reaction tank, and light irradiation means for irradiating the reaction tank with light.

Abstract: This invention provides a two bed pressure swing adsorption process for recovering a primary gaseous component at a purity of over 99% from a feed gas comprising the primary component and one or more impurities.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the separation of one or more gaseous components from a gas stream, in which the gas stream is brought into contact with a layer arrangement on a first side and the liquid absorbent is in contact with a second side opposite to the first side, wherein said layer arrangement has a dense polymeric coating layer with a fractional free volume in the range of 20-45% on a porous carrier layer. The invention is also directed to a process for the desorption of the gaseous components from the liquid absorbent, as well an apparatus for the separation of the gaseous component and an apparatus for the desorption of the gaseous component.

Abstract: A system and process for agglomerating and processing carbonaceous fines is provided. The process comprises powdering the carbonaceous fines, mixing the powdered carbonaceous fines with an organic liquid creating a slurry, adding a predetermined amount of an aqueous electrolyte to the slurry creating agglomerated particles, settling the large agglomerated particles resulting in a settled mixture of agglomerated coal fines and reagent liquor, and separating the agglomerated coal fines from the reagent liquor.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for cleaning pipe-shaped filter elements arranged in a housing including a separation wall dividing the housing into a clean gas space and a raw gas space into which the filter elements extend from the clean gas space through the separation wall and the raw gas is directed from the raw gas space through the filter elements into the clean gas space while dust is removed from the raw gas and collected on the filter elements, the filter elements are cleaned from time to time by supplying momentarily pressurized flushing gas to the clean air space which, at the same time, is closed to generate a flushing gas pulse providing for a backflow of clean gas from the clean gas space to the raw gas space, which dislodges dust collected on the filter elements.

Abstract: A separation device includes a casing and a first and a second rotation blade. A pulverization chamber is defined between the casing, the first, and the second rotation blade. Operating an urging device and at least one of the first and the second rotation blades, creates channeling vortices within the pulverization chamber. Fly ash containing unburned carbon is feed into the pulverization chamber, and through at least repeated self-collision, unburned carbon is segregated and reduced in size while remaining particular matter is similarly segregated and reduced in size. A method implements the separation device and provides simple results.

Abstract: A thermoelectric particle precipitator for removing and collecting particles from a fluid stream. The thermoelectric particle precipitator utilizes one or more thermoelectric modules to create a temperature gradient which causes suspended particles in a fluid stream to undergo thermophoretic movement and precipitate on a surface on the cooled side of the temperature gradient. The collection surface may be a cooled surface of the thermoelectric module or a cooled surface of a thermal mass. The collected particles may be analyzed to determine their composition.

Abstract: There is provided a size and a shape capable of decreasing an unit power consumption, an adsorption column having the optimal shape for the selected adsorbent, and a pressure swing adsorption separation apparatus having an excellent pressure swing adsorption separation performance. In the present invention, an adsorbent having an equivalent diameter within a range of 1.0±0.2 mm or within a range from 12 mesh to 20 mesh is used and the adsorption column is established such that a superficial velocity u [m/s] of a raw material air is set to be within a range of ±25% of u=0.07a +0.095 to the equivalent diameter a [mm].

Abstract: A chemical filter includes a unit body and an adsorbent housed in the unit body. The adsorbent is for adsorbing a gas. The chemical filter provides a purified gas in which the concentration of ammonia and the concentration of organic gases having a boiling point of about 150° C. or higher, respectively are about 1 ppb(v) or less. This purified gas is applicable for a semiconductor manufacturing system without causing troubles of tarnish and the like.

Abstract: A coffee maker having interchangeable carafes, a serial heating system, and a centrifugal brewing system. The coffee maker includes a glass carafe and a thermal carafe, either of which interchangeably fits within a carafe cavity. The presence of the glass carafe activates a heating element positioned under the carafe. The thermal carafe does not. The centrifugal brewing system includes a showerhead for distributing water at radially spaced locations over a rotating grounds basket. The control for the serial heating system activates and deactivates the heating element to allow for heat transfer between heated and unheated portions of the water. In an alternative embodiment including a batch water heating system, the coffee maker includes a modular distributor secured to the bottom of the water heating vessel by a hand-actuated bayonet mount for easy cleaning or replacement.