Abstract: The present invention controls the ever-changing thermal crowns to give good strip shapes during rolling without causing any flaws in the rolled surfaces and with quick responses to ever-changing thermal crowns.

Abstract: On a two-roll rounding machine, in addition to a compressively elastic guide roll and a compressively rigid rounding roll, one or more compressively elastic rolls are provided which have both a rounding function and a supporting function for the rounding roll. These additional rolls may also be supported by a back-up roll. The result is a rounding machine that has very good rounding characteristics even at small rounding diameters.

Abstract: In a method of making a pipe of different wall thickness, a mandrel with at least one outer recessed axial section is inserted into a tubular blank. Subsequently a drawing die, having an inner diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the tubular blank, is pushed over the tubular blank while the pipe is held in place with respect to the mandrel in drawing direction, thereby pressing a wall portion of the blank into the recessed axial section of the die to form a pipe with a wall portion of greater wall thickness. As the mandrel is then withdrawn from the pipe, the wall portion of greater wall thickness of the pipe is pressed radially outwards.

Abstract: At a package for electronic parts forming process, in a package forming method for decreasing stress and stress concentration and obtaining a desired warp and flatness, in particular, according to cutting protruding part process, a package forming method wherein a package for accommodating in recessed part formed one face of a metal plate, forming the recessed part by pressing from the face of the metal plate, and by forming the recessed part protruding part formed bulgingly from one face of the metal plate is cut by cutting tool and a bottom which is rolled up in a cavity shaped and is thinner size than that of the metal plate is formed cavity shaped at the recessed bottom face. Protruding part formed bulgingly in another face of the metal plate is cut by cutting tool dividedly in more than one times and cutting direction is differed in alternately facing direction, stress by cutting is almost cancelled.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for drawing continuous metallic wire having a first diameter to a metallic fiber having a reduced second diameter. A feed mechanism moves the wire at a first linear velocity. A laser beam heats a region of the wire to an elevated temperature. A draw mechanism draws the heated wire at a second and greater linear velocity for providing a drawn metallic fiber having the reduced second diameter.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a discrete curved product from a feed stock includes a source of heat that is adapted to impose a focused beam of light on at least one surface of a work piece to cause the surface of the work piece to expand and thereby move in the general direction of the heat source so as to impart a predetermined radius of curvature to the work piece. The apparatus is described in connection with one example where it may be employed to manufacture a curved backbone for a beam blade windshield wiper assembly from feed stock. In addition, a method of manufacturing a discrete curved product from feed stock, generally, as well as a discrete curved backbone for a beam blade windshield wiper assembly from feed stock, specifically, is also disclosed.

Abstract: The movement of an expander by actuation of a manual hydraulic pump in a hydraulically powered flaring hand tool contacts die elements so as to move the die elements radially outward to flare hollow malleable cylindrical tubing. The tool has a manual hydraulic pump for producing movement of a shaft, an adjuster member coupled to the manual hydraulic pump, permitting the shaft to slide through the adjuster member, an expander coupled to the shaft end, and a die set having a plurality of die elements, the die set is coupled to the adjuster member.

Abstract: A tooth rolling flat die and a method for forming a tooth are provided. The die has the same service life as those of the conventional tooth rolling flat dies using oil coolant even if conducted by semi-dry forming. Wherein the die comprises the surface roughness Rz of the first substantially quarter length portion of the leading teeth section wherein heights of the tops of the teeth are gradually increasing, ranging 20 to 35 &mgr;m, and that Rz of the second substantially quarter length portion of the leading teeth section, ranging 5 to 20 &mgr;m. The die is adapted for semi-dry forming the tooth.

Abstract: A multiple single use optical sensor includes a series of continuous sensor stripes deposited on a substrate web. At least one sample chamber is adapted to extend transversely across a discrete portion of the series of sensor stripes to facilitate analysis of a sample disposed therein. The sample chamber may be moved, or additional sample chambers provided to enable subsequent measurements of additional samples at unused discrete portions of the sensor stripes. The continuous nature of the sensor stripes provides consistency along the lengths thereof to enable calibration data obtained from one discrete portion of the sensor stripes to be utilized for testing an unknown sample an other discrete portion of the sensor stripes. This advantageously eliminates the need for any particular discrete portion of the sensor stripes to be contacted by more than one sample, for improved sensor performance.

Abstract: A method for determining the efficiency of a vehicle's shock absorbers, comprising the following operational steps: identifying, by virtue of image acquisition means, at least one point of the vehicle rigid with the shock absorber lower connection, and at least one point of the vehicle rigid with the shock absorber upper connection; associating said at least two points with a cartesian reference system; subjecting the vehicle or at least a wheel thereof to a non-horizontal forcing stress; memorizing a succession of photograms in order to acquire the equations of motion of said at least two points and calculating the equation resulting from the difference between the two equations of motion; determining from said equation the parameters necessary to evaluate the shock absorber efficiency.

Abstract: An explosion-proof apparatus includes a pressure resistant explosion-proof case, heater, manifold, and analyzer unit. The heater is disposed in the pressure resistant explosion-proof case. The manifold is heated by the heater in the pressure resistant explosion-proof case and supplies heat from the heater to an outside of the pressure resistant explosion-proof case by heat conduction. The analyzer unit is disposed outside the pressure resistant explosion-proof case in contact with the manifold, and is heated by heat supplied from the manifold.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the moisture vapor transmission rate of a shoe comprising, on a supporting footing, a hollow body made of self-supporting material, which reproduces the shape of a foot and is designed to support the shoe to be tested. The body is provided with through holes which are distributed thereon and contains water. The apparatus also comprises a sock made of waterproof and vapor-permeable material, arranged so as to enclose the hollow body. There is also a presser by means of which the hollow body is made to perform a relative movement between a configuration in which it is spaced from and a configuration in which it is compressed against the sole of the shoe. Conditioning fixtures are also provided for heating the water in the hollow body to a preset and constant temperature, and a weighing device B for measuring the weight of the body, with all the items associated therewith, and the shoe to be tested.

Abstract: In a viscoelastic characteristic value-measuring apparatus, using a split Hopkinson's bar, a first strain gauge (7) and a second strain gauge (9) are installed are installed on an input bar (3) which is hit with a impact bar. A third strain gauge (11) and a fourth strain gauge (13) are installed on an output bar (5) which is connected with the input bar (3) through a specimen (20) put between the input bar (3) and the output bar (5). The length of the input bar is set to not less than 1000 mm nor more than 2500 mm. The length of said output bar is set to not less than 700 mm nor more than 2200 mm. The propagation speed of a strain in the input bar and the output bar is set to not less than 1200 m/s nor more than 1800 m/s.

Abstract: Moisturing management indexes are determined for a textile sandwiched between two plates. Electrical conductors arranged in concentric opposing pairs are used to measure changes in electrical resistance of the fabric. A quantity of water (or other chosen liquid) is poured down a guide pipe and changes of resistance measured against time. From this data, specific indexes are determined, in a repeatable fashion, and used for determining moisture management characteristics of the fabric.

Abstract: In a scanning probe microscope a probe associated with its sharp end includes a single conductive material.

Abstract: A roller type test stand for motor vehicles and/or wheel/tire combinations including at least one running roller for supporting the wheels, a supporting frame and a drive arranged between the running rollers. The drive is a motor/transmission combination including a shaft for supporting the running rollers, a transmission and at least one motor. The motor is arranged next to the shaft and is connected to the shaft via a transmission. The motor/transmission combination is arranged on a frame that is swing mounted on the supporting frame. At least one measuring apparatus is arranged on the frame between the running rollers. Alternatively, the frame may be replaced by a housing.

Abstract: A flow rate-measuring device capable of measuring accurately a flow rate of fluid to be measured containing a drift or eddy as compared with a conventional device is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring the flaw of a medium, e.g., a gaseous medium or a fluid medium, which device is based on measuring and affecting the temperature distribution of a medium flowing along, which flow sensor comprises two objects, each comprising a heating element and a temperature sensor, the measured temperature difference being kept, by way of a control loop, to the value of zero, the asymmetry of the power supply to the objects in order to comply with the aforesaid criterion, according to which the temperature difference must be zero, being representative of the value to be measured of the medium flow, taking into account parameters associated with the medium, such as its density and specific heat.

Abstract: A fuel quantity transducer (20) suitable for use in a liquid level measurement system (30) uses an AMR device (30) to permit liquid level measurement. A flange (60) is fastened to the inside of a tank (12) and the AMR device (38) on the outside of the tank (12). A support (62) provides a channel shaped piece that is attached to the flange (60) and provides a pivot for a rotor (64). A stop pin (61) is pressed into the support (62) and provides a stop for the rotor (64) at each end of a ninety degree arc. The rotor (64) is a square bar counterbored for a magnet (42) and tapped laterally for a pivot rod. The magnet (42) is placed on the counterbore and retained such that the clearance between the magnet (42) and the flange is small. A float arm (80) is screwed into the axially threaded end of the rotor (64) and secured with a locking jam nut (82).

Abstract: A sensor for detecting stress waves for use in a stress wave analysis system. The stress waves are preferably detected in a narrow frequency range of 35-40 KHz. At this range, stress waves from friction and impact sources typically propagate through machine structures at detectable amplitudes. In order to maximize the signal to noise ratio of stress waves, relative to background noise and vibration, the sensor of the present invention is designed and calibrated with a frequency response and damping features that are specifically tailored for stress wave analysis. The sensor is a multi-functional sensor that can measure a number of logically related parameters for indicting the mechanical condition of a machine. It is often desirable to measure both friction and one or more other parameters appropriate for indication of a machine's health, where all of the measuring capability is contained in one sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus which can easily measure the thickness of a rust-inhibiting film, provided on a copper surface. The method for measuring the thickness of a rust-inhibiting film, provided on a copper surface by using a rust-inhibiting processing liquid, comprises depositing a copper film on the surface of a crystal vibrator; immersing the copper film of the crystal vibrator in a rust-inhibiting processing liquid; and measuring change in the number of vibrations of the crystal vibrator caused by growth of the rust-inhibiting processing liquid on the copper film. The apparatus for measuring the thickness of a rust-inhibiting film, provided on a copper surface by using a rust-inhibiting processing liquid, comprises a crystal vibrator having a copper film deposited on a surface thereof; and a measuring unit which measures the thickness of the rust-inhibiting film on the copper film by measuring change in the number of vibrations of the crystal vibrator.

Abstract: Ultrasonic techniques are applied to the measurement of wooden members to detect splitting during sawing operations and thereby allow modification of a sawing technique or change in saw cut placement.

Abstract: A nondestructive bond testing system is implemented using a pulse laser that sends a single or multiple pulse(s) of controlled magnitude and bombards an object of interest causing a thermoelastic excitation response. This excitation in turn induces an ultrasonic propagation along or through the surface material. By detecting, capturing and interpreting these thermoelastic propagation signatures, the attachment condition of the joining materials is determined. The technique is a significant improvement over traditional mechanical pull, shear or contact type techniques. The techniques are implemented in automated high speed inspection systems suitable for real time manufacturing application. Particular applications include evaluating material joining in microelectronics manufacture (such as ball bonds) and thin coating processes.

Abstract: A mechano/electrical sensor senses force or vibration and delivers at least one electrical signal that is a function of the sensed force or vibration. The sensor has at least one inner body supported by at least one piece of electric support structure that, in turn, is suspended in a surrounding framework. Signal leads are provided from opposite lead polarizable sides of the at least one support structure.

Abstract: A delayed fracture is effectively prevented by appropriately setting a shape and working stress, and working environment of a high strength member having more than 1,000 MPa of tensile strength. For this end, the relationship between a maximum value of diffusible hydrogen contents of unfailed specimens (Hc) and Weibull stress are found and the content of diffusible hydrogen entered into steel from the environment due to corrosion during the use of the steel member (He) is also found. Then, Weibull stress in the Hc that is equal to the He is found, thus determining the shape and working stress of the steel member so as to provide stress below the Weibull stress.

Abstract: A capacitive strain gage assembly (10) for measuring strain in a component (40) includes a housing (12) attachable to the component (40) at a first location (42). The strain gage assembly (10) includes a first target sensor (24,26) and second target sensor (28,30) disposed in the housing (12). The strain gage assembly (10) also includes a sensor member (14) attachable to the component (40) at a second location (44) in movable relation to the housing (12). The sensor member (14) includes a sensor element (32) operable to transmit capacitive signals to the first and second target sensors (24,26,28,30). The sensor element (32) is disposed between the first and second target sensors (24,26,28,30). The strain gage assembly (10) may also be constructed using generally buckle resistant flexible materials for nonplanar strain measurement applications.

Abstract: When a bolus dose of cold saline is injected into a catheter where a wire, carrying a sensor unit and electrical leads for signal transmission, is located, the lead resistance is affected by the cold saline thereby altering the resistivity. However, by countering this effect and measuring the change needed to affect this countermeasure, a resistance variation curve can be generated. An accurate starting point for the determination of a transit time can be derived from the curve. Using conventional flow measurement calculations with the accurate starting point yields a better understanding of the flow profile in an artery based on the transit time.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a shock measurement apparatus which allows shock received by a hard disk drive of a notebook PC to be precisely measured without altering the physical characteristics of the PC.

Abstract: To provide a rotation sensor for detecting a relative rotation angle, which shows little variation in detection accuracy even in the presence of disturbances.

Abstract: A unit for sampling aldehydes and ketones contained in diluted exhaust gases from thermal combustion engines has a specific trapping circuit and a simulation circuit that simulates the specific trapping circuit. The specific trapping circuit and the simulation circuit are arranged in parallel so that the diluted gases can be passed for some time in the simulation circuit (5) before they are passed into the specific trapping circuit wherein aldehydes and ketones are trapped.

Abstract: A sediment collecting device for collecting sediments in a body of liquid. The device includes a collecting container. The peripheral wall of the collecting container is provided with a plurality of collecting apertures. An obstructing is inserted into the collecting container. The obstructing container has a peripheral wall provided with a plurality of valve apertures. The valve apertures are configured, sized and positioned so that when the obstructing container is in an open configuration the valve apertures are in register with the collecting apertures and so that when the obstructing container is in a closed configuration the valve apertures are offset relative to the collecting apertures. The device also includes a carrying container configured and sized for receiving the collecting container and carrying container lid. The carrying container lid is attachable to the carrying container upper peripheral edge for forming together with the collecting container a collecting enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention is a multi-layer guidewire which has a first core metal and a secondary metal formed on the outer periphery of the core. During manufacture the composite structure is twisted providing superior mechanical properties to the finished guidewire.

Abstract: In a shifting device which changes the gear ratio of a synchromesh-type transmission by using an electrically operated or controlled actuator, the actuator is controlled to stabilize or equalize the time durations required for effecting respective synchronizations. A driving signal for each of the synchronization controls is decided in accordance with a relationship between the driving signal to be applied to the actuator and a relative rotation number between an idle gear and a sleeve when the synchronization control is initiated. Prior to each synchronization control, the above relation is corrected based on four variables obtained at the latest synchronization control, including (i) an input rotation number deviation summation &Sgr;&Dgr;Nin, (ii) a synchronization time duration deviation &Dgr;TSYN, (iii) an elapse-time input rotation number deviation &Dgr;dNinP, and (iv) a change grade deviation &Dgr;dNin.

Abstract: A stack of gears including and a first and a second gear disposed in parallel relation to, and sharing a common axis with, the first gear. Each gear is of a different diameter and each includes a plurality of teeth. At least one transition train is teeth disposed between the first gear and the second gear. Like the first and second gear, the transition train also includes a plurality of teeth that are disposed in substantially perpendicular relation to the common axis. The transition train is dimensioned to form at least one deceleration channel and at least one acceleration channel extending from each of the first gear and the second gear. The stack of gears may be dimensioned for use with a pinion gear, or with a continuous loop drive, such as a chain or belt.

Abstract: A power take off drive train for an agricultural tractor, comprises at least one input shaft and an output shaft, said shafts being rotatably mounted in a transmission casing, wherein the said gear train provides for the output shaft to be rotated at one of three selected speeds, one of the at least one input shafts mounting first and second input gear wheels and a selector, the gear wheels being free to rotate on said shaft, and wherein the selector is mounted on the shaft for rotation therewith, and to slide axially along side shaft to engage with one of said first and second gear wheels transmitting torque thereto, and wherein said output shaft mounts first and second output gear wheels fixed for rotation therewith, the said first and second output gear wheels being in driving engagement with said first and second input gear wheels respectively, and wherein the drive train further comprises a third output gear wheel, which gear wheel engages with a third input gear wheel mounted on an input shaft mounted i

Abstract: A ball screw with ball retainer cage equipped between the screw bolt and the nut body is disclosed. The adjacent balls can move without squeezing each other and well protected in the retainer cage from dropping off therefrom when the retainer cage is disintegrated from the screw bolt and the nut body simultaneously. The total length of the ball screw assembly can be shortened to make the assembly compact in size. In addition, the specification of the product can be standardized to facilitate mass production with a reduced cost employing die casting process.

Abstract: A housing (21) which comprises an input shaft (22) and a second output shaft rotatably supported in a housing (21), and a first output shaft (23) rotatably supported to be movable in the axial direction as well as the rotational direction, a first cam mechanism (25A) which transmits the rotation of the input shaft (22) to a rotation movement of the first output shaft (23), a second cam mechanism (25B) which converts the rotation of the input shaft (22) to an oscillating rotation of the second output shaft (24) and transmits it, a third cam mechanism (25C) which converts the rotation of the input shaft (22) to an oscillating rotation of the second output shaft (24) and transmits it, and the housing (21) is rotatably supported capable of oscillating to a fixed system such as a base by a supporting shaft, and a link mechanism for converting the oscillating rotation of the second output shaft (24) to an oscillating movement of the housing (21) is provided in between the second output shaft (24) and the fixed syst

Abstract: A plastic gear is provided which includes a main body portion and a toothed portion. The main body portion is made of a synthetic resin containing reinforcement fibers. The toothed portion is made of a synthetic resin which is the same as the synthetic resin of which the main body portion is made except that it does not contain any reinforcement fibers. A method of producing such a plastic gear is also provided.

Abstract: A pedal bracket structure wherein a pedal lever is rotatably supported in the vicinity of the rear end portion of a pedal bracket fixed to a toe board at the front end portion thereof, a rigidity supplementing portion is formed in the vicinity of the aforesaid front end portion and a brittle portion is formed at the rear end portion of the rigidity supplementing portion. Only with a simple structural modification in which the rigidity supplementing portion is provided contiguously with the brittle portion formed to promote the absorption of impact by deformation between a mounting portion to the toe board and the brittle portion. While the pedal bracket is made to deform longitudinally easily through the formation of the brittle portion, the pedal bracket provides such a superior rigid feeling that the driver feels no uncertainty in operating the pedal.

Abstract: A cam mechanism through which torque applied to an input shaft is converted into the bi-directional rotation and reciprocating axial movement of an output shaft. Two cam elements are utilized, one consisting of a roller gear cam attached to the input shaft, and the other of a recessed channel type cam formed on one side of the roller gear cam. Two power transfer mechanisms are also utilized, one consisting of a turret installed adjacently to the roller gear cam as means of imparting a rotational movement to the output shaft, and the other consisting of a reciprocating swing arm of which one end is driven by the channel type cam. The turret is connected to the output shaft through a sliding spline that allows the output shaft to move axially within the turret, by means of a movable connection with the reciprocating swing arm, while being rotationally driven by the splined connection.

Abstract: To provide a rotary damper having a compact shape with a short axial length and capable of absorbing an extremely high torque acting temporarily in the case of a door abruptly closing. In a rotary damper (1) in which a rotary member (5) includes: a basement portion (6) axially supported by a drive shaft (4); a torque adjustor (7) capable of relatively moving on the drive shaft (4); a slide member (8) positioned through and facing the torque adjustor (7); and a spring (9) for energizing the slide member (8) to a cam, the slide member (8) is moved in the radial direction by relatively moving the torque adjustor (7) to a position having a predetermined angle against the drive shaft (4), and a predetermined radial clearance is formed between an outer surface (8b) of the slide member (8) and an inner peripheral surface (3a) of a chamber, thereby changing the clearance to change a torque generated by the rotation of the rotational member (5).

Abstract: A support element for supporting bearings that rotatably support shafts, gears and the like within a transmission is described. The support element is formed separately from the transmission casing. During assembly of the transmission components can be attached to the support element prior to being inserted into the casing. A second support element may be provided to which the components can also be attached. The two support elements and attached components can therefore be inserted into the casing as an assembled module.

Abstract: A differential and drive axle assembly is provided with a worm/worm gear input. The worm/worm gear input provides for a small differential and drive axle assembly while also reducing the noise and weight of the assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of adding a grain growth inhibitor of WC/Co cemented carbide, which comprises adding a water-soluble salt of V, Ta, or Cr component as a grain growth inhibitor, at the time of mixing water-soluble salts of W and Co during the initial production process of WC/Co cemented carbides. As a result, the present invention leads to the production of powder of homogeneous distribution of grain growth inhibitors, which in turn results in the enhancement of the mechanical properties thereof by effectively controlling the abnormal growth of WC during sintering in the production process of said cemented carbides.

Abstract: A Mo source powder is added to and mixed with an iron-based powder containing 1.0% by mass or less of prealloyed Mn to yield a powder mixture containing 0.2 to 10.0% by mass of Mo, the resulting powder mixture is subjected to heat treatment in a reducing atmosphere to thereby yield an alloyed steel powder containing Mo as a powder partially diffused and bonded to a surface of the iron-based powder particles. The prepared alloyed steel powder for powder metallurgy has satisfactory compactability. The use of this alloyed steel powder can produce a sintered powder metal body (an intermediate material after compaction and preliminary sintering in re-compaction of sintered powder materials process) for highly strong sintered member.

Abstract: A high-surface-area heterogenite (HCoO2) material is described for use in making submicron cobalt metal powders. The HCoO2 material has a surface area of at least about 90 m2/g and is preferably produced by dehydrating a cobalt hydroxide precipitate at 110° C.

Abstract: The method for smelting copper sulfide concentrate essentially consisting of the steps of: adding SiO2 source material and CaO source material for flux to the copper sulfide concentrate, and subjecting the copper sulfide concentrate to oxidation melting to produce slag and at least one selected from the group of white metal and blister copper, so that at least part of Fe in the copper sulfide concentrate is removed to the slag while at least part of S is removed in the form of SO2, and that copper is concentrated in the form of at least one selected from the group of white metal and blister copper, and wherein the composition of the slag is controlled such that the weight ratio CaO/(SiO2+CaO) is in the ramge of 0.6 to 0.85, while the weight ratio Fe/(FeOx+SiO2+CaO) is in the range of 0.5 to 0.6.

Abstract: A ratchet screwdriver comprises a handle, a main body, and a movable joint member fastened between the handle and the main body. The joint member is formed of a ratchet portion, and a locating device comprising a position confining slot, a recovery spring, and a retaining member. The retaining member is formed of a press portion and a retaining portion and is urged by the recovery spring such that the retaining portion is retained by the ratchet portion so as to fix the movable joint member, and that the retaining portion is forced to move away from the ratchet portion at such time when the press portion of the retaining member is exerted on by an external force, thereby enabling the movable joint member to swivel.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a wrench having an opening that fits different sizes of screwing and unscrewing objects such as bolts and nuts, and such wrench comprises a main body having a first clipping member and a second clipping member along the axis of the main body and being disposed on at least one of its ends, the first and second clipping members enclose an opening, and the lateral sides of the enclosed opening is for clipping and driving the external diameter of the bolts or nuts characterized in that the length of the front end of the first clipping member is longer than the that of the second clipping member, and a first blocking recession showing a pair of symmetric obtuse angles is disposed at the lateral side adjacent to the opening.

Abstract: A nosepiece assembly, such as a two-piece locator assembly. The assembly is selectively mountable on a tool housing in coaxial relation with a driven tool attachment. The locator assembly includes a mounting sleeve having a 5 plurality of tabs that can be snapped into a circumferential groove on the tool housing to thereafter releasably restrain axial movement of the sleeve relative to the tool housing. The locator assembly and the tool housing also include cam members that are arranged to provide axial movement to the locator assembly when a rotational force is applied to the mounting sleeve. This arrangement 10 permits the locator assembly to be easily and quickly snapped on and off the tool housing with one hand while allowing an improved attachment means to provide stability to the locator assembly when in a supported position.