Abstract: The method uses color to determine the wear of the screw and barrel of the molding machine. The method measures the color and/or color variation to determine the wear. A first material of a first color and a second material of a second color are fed into the machine to create a third material with a third color. The third material is either extruded to form a part or is injected into a mold to form a part. The color of the part is then measured with a measuring device, such as, spectrophotometer. The color will change as the screw and barrel wear. The color value would then be compared with previous color values to determine the amount of wear.

Abstract: A tire testing machine (10) comprising a movable simulated road surface (14), an axle (16) including a bearing surface (22) around which a tire/wheel assembly (T) can rotate; and a frame (18) which supports the axle (16) in a non-rotatable but vertically floatable manner relative to the simulated road surface (14) whereby the tire/wheel assembly (T) can be loaded in rolling engagement against the simulated road surface (14). The frame (18) comprises tie members (26) which extend from the axle (16) to a stationary support (28) in a geometrically sturdy (e.g., triangular) arrangement and non-damping piston members (30) which are interposed between the tie members (26) and the stationary support (28). The geometrically sturdy arrangement of the tie members (26) can be an isosceles triangular arrangement and the simulated road surface (14) can comprise the outer circumferential surface of a road wheel (20).

Abstract: A low speed wind tunnel with an adjustable moving boundary is disclosed. The wind tunnel comprises a wind tunnel test section having at least one movable wall installed therein. The movable wall is capable of moving with the same direction and speed of the air flow. The movable wall may be a roller tread or a roller belt. A nested filter is installed at an inlet site of the air flow for regulating a source air flow into an evenly distributed flow field which is then sent to the wind tunnel test section. The nested filter includes a plurality of nested units arranged in order. Each nested unit has an air flow cross section adjustable structure for varying the cross section area of the air flow passing through the wind tunnel test section, thereby adjusting the speed of the air flow. The movable wall may be designed to be an adaptive boundary for corresponding with different shapes of objects under test located in the wind tunnel test section.

Abstract: The stickiness of cotton is determined by testing a cotton sample at two or more temperatures. Sticky deposits are recorded at a lower temperature, preferably 27° C. or 34° C., to detect the trehalulose-rich honeydews droplets. Then, the sample is subjected to a higher temperature, preferably 54° C., to detect the non trehalulose-rich honeydew droplets and physiological sugars. By comparing the results at these two temperatures, an accurate grading system for cotton may be produced which can help growers and spinners accurately identify different types of cotton and determine processing problems.

Abstract: A moisture sensing device for detecting moisture on a moisture collecting surface including an air pump for accelerating the formation of moisture on the moisture collecting surface. The moisture sensing device includes a moisture sensor that is operably positionable relative to a moisture collecting surface. The device also includes an air pump for accelerating the formation of moisture on the moisture collecting surface. A small pump can direct a flow of air over the moisture collecting surface to accelerate the formation of moisture through condensation.

Abstract: A built-in test system for an ultrasonic liquid level sensor that includes a transducer assembly having an ultrasonic transducer, and a switch that will be actuated when the ultrasonic transducer is in intimate contact with a surface of a tank in which level is to be determined. Once the switch is actuated to indicate that the ultrasonic transducer is properly coupled to the surface, a test sequence is initiated to determine that the level of ultrasonic transmissions are above a certain desired threshold for a selected period of time, and after which the circuit looks for echoes to determine the depth of the liquid in the tank. Thereafter, the test sequence is repeated for each cycle of level sensing.

Abstract: An apparatus operable in a wet environment for detecting the presence or absence of water in a non-conductive vessel, by measuring changes in dielectric constant and detecting the temperature of water in same vessel. A conductive element coupled to a sensing and switching means, transmits data to the controller, resulting from a change of dielectric constant at the conductive element. A temperature sensor detects and transmits temperature signals to the controller. A controller means receives data, from the dielectric constant sensor means and temperature data from the temperature sensor. Includes a coupling means which transmits data from the controller to an external device. The isolation means electrically isolates the conductive element and temperature sensor means from the water contained in a non-conductive vessel.

Abstract: A tank liquid level or volume gauge for use with volatile materials, such as propane, stored under pressure as liquid and released as gas, includes a float with a float magnet that couples with a liquid level indicator magnet across a fluid impermeable wall to provide indication of tank liquid level or volume. In another embodiment, when a predetermined tank liquid level or volume is reached during filling, the float actuates an inlet closure valve to increase inlet flow resistance, creating a shutoff signal.

Abstract: An angular position measuring system has a measuring tape including an adjusting device, the measuring tape being attached via an elastic layer to a clamping ring. A clamping device allows the arrangement to be attached to a body to be measured. Thus, the adjustment of the distance between the ends of the measuring tape is independent of the attachment of the measuring tape to the shaft. The elastic layer largely prevents the transfer of friction-dependent, local expansions of the clamping ring. The demands on the surface processing of the shaft are reduced in comparison with the related art.

Abstract: A support for supporting two or more units used in a system for measuring a speed and or acceleration of a vehicle, with the support able to rest on a surface, has an elongated bar on which the units are mounted. A first leg and a second leg are both mounted to the bar. A third leg is mounted to a rear portion of the bar. The legs are height-adjustable.

Abstract: The present invention provides fluidic devices and systems which have micromachined ultrasonic transducers integrated into microchannels. The ultrasonic transducers generate and receive ultrasonic waves. The transducers can be disposed and operated to measure fluid characteristics such as pressure, density, viscosity, flow rate and can also be used to mix and pump fluids.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing vibration in a bladed disk includes a motor-driven rotor upon which the bladed disk can be attached. At least one nozzle coupled with a liquid source is positioned to direct liquid from the liquid source to a position where it would impact at least one blade of the rotating bladed disk. The stress state and/or position of a rotating blade, so impacted, can be monitored to test its vibration characteristics.

Abstract: An apparatus and method monitors the condition of a bearing/shaft assembly by forming diagnostics based on spectral analysis of assembly's vibration. Baseline parameters are determined by a microprocessor analysis of the vibration spectra, comparing actual peaks to the peaks predicted by a model. The microprocessor estimates rotation rate and preferably number of rolling elements by attempting to fit the model to the actual vibrational spectrum, by varying the assumptions. Baseline profiles are formed from one or more selected tones and preferably also harmonics thereof, to characterize the bearing/shaft assembly. The baseline profiles and parameters are compared against later acquired vibrational characteristics, and the comparison is used to diagnose bearing and/or shaft conditions.

Abstract: A capacitive pressure transducer is disclosed. The disclosed transducer includes a heater shell, a capacitive pressure sensor, an electronics assembly, and a thermal barrier. The sensor and electronics assembly are disposed in the heater shell. The thermal barrier is also disposed in the heater shell and is disposed between the sensor and electronics assembly.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite diaphragm for a pressure transducer is disclosed. The method comprises providing a substrate layer having a first conductivity type and a first surface. Positive implants are deposited in the first surface of the substrate layer, and an epitaxial layer is grown on the first surface of the substrate layer so that the positive implants form positive diffusions in the epitaxial layer. An oxide pattern is formed on the epitaxial layer, and a top layer is deposited over the epitaxial layer and oxide pattern. The substrate layer and positive diffusions of the epitaxial layer are then etched to form the composite diaphragm. The positive diffusions can be patterned so that the resulting etched structure has improved diaphragm performance characteristics. For example, the remaining pattern can include a plurality of bosses and interconnecting battens so that the diaphragm has a relatively high burst pressure and a high output signal with improved linearity at low pressures.

Abstract: First and second resistors (sensing elements) are connected in series between first and second potentials. The junction point voltage between the first and second resistor is supplied to an inverting input of a first operational amplifier. The non-inverting input is supplied with a reference voltage Vref generated by third and fourth resistors. A feedback resistor is connected between output and inverting input of the operational amplifier OP1. The difference between temperature coefficient of resistor TCR of the sensing elements and temperature coefficient of sensitivity TCS is equalized to temperature coefficient of resistor of the feedback resistor. Further, the reference voltage is unchanged in accordance with the detected physical quantity or temperature variation.

Abstract: A capacitance-type external-force detecting device includes a substrate, a moveable unit which is supported by the substrate via a supporting beam and which can be displaced in the detecting direction, a comb-shaped fixed electrode provided on the substrate and including a plurality of fixed electrode units spaced in the detecting direction, a comb-shaped moveable electrode provided on the moveable unit and including a plurality of moveable-side electrode units provided between the corresponding fixed electrode units so that the moveable-side electrode units are meshed with the corresponding fixed electrode units, and a capacitance-detecting unit for detecting the displacement amount of the moveable part, at the time when the external force causes the moveable unit to be displaced in the detecting direction, as the variation in the ratio of the overall capacitance between the fixed electrode units and the moveable electrode units and for outputting a voltage signal substantially in proportion thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a self-powered fluid meter. The kinetic energy of a fluid being measured is used to provide power for circuitry that may perform functions related to the fluid measurement.

Abstract: A bearing test method and a bearing test device are provided for bearings in which a non-contact state is maintained between a shaft element and a bearing element in a normal rotation state. In addition, a motor bearing monitoring device is provided to detect an abnormality in a motor or that a motor's life is near its end, where the motor utilizes the bearing. Furthermore, a storage device such as a hard disk drive equipped with the motor monitoring device is provided. For a bearing that can retain a shaft element and a bearing element coaxially positioned in a non-contact state when the number of revolutions exceeds a predetermined number of relative revolutions, a bearing test method is provided to determine whether the shaft element and the bearing element are in a contact rotation state.

Abstract: A surface particle detector that includes a scanner slidable over a surface, a particle counter for counting particles passed therethrough, and a conduit connected between the scanner and the particle counter. The particle counter includes a pump for creating an airstream for drawing particles from the surface, through the scanner and conduit, to the particle counter, and back to the scanner. A sensor measures the airstream flow rate, and a controller controls the pump speed based upon the sensed airstream flow rate. The conduit attaches to the particle counter via a first connector, which contains electronic indicia identifying the type of scanner attached to the other end of the conduit. The controller controls the particle counter in response to the detected electronic indicia. The particle counter also includes a removable filter cartridge with a filter element that captures the counted particles for laboratory analysis.

Abstract: An oil sampling system for an electrical power device in which the oil flows through the sampling device in a closed loop with the oil containing apparatus of the electrical power device. Oil is taken in from an active region near the top of the oil containing apparatus and returned to a lower region thereof. This assures that the oil sample is representative of the oil in the system. For the case of a power transformer, the oil flow is by cooling with gravity assistance. For the case of a pumped system, such as a load tap changer, the oil flow is forced. The sampling procedure begins with connecting the sampling device in the closed loop. Oil is then passed through the sampling device until bubble free. The sampling device is then removed for analysis. The procedure does not need a flush operation or a flush container.

Abstract: A weathering test apparatus having a vertically disposed long-arc type air-cooled metal halide lamp, a lamp housing having a cooling device for cooling a lower seal portion of the lamp, and a vertical specimen rack which rotates about the lamp. The lamp, in which halide metals and mercury and a rare gas are infused, includes a supporting member having at least one hollow protrusion positioned at the upper ½ to ⅔ portion of the radiation length of a radiation tube wall, and the radiation length of the lamp is 5 cm to 15 cm. The lamp housing comprises an air supply device disposed outside of the test chamber for supplying cooling air, a cooling device located between an inner optical filter and the lower seal portion of the lamp, and an air volume adjustment device. In this way, the temperature difference between the upper seal portion of the lamp and the lower seal portion of the lamp may be decreased.

Abstract: An anthropomorphic dummy head for use in a vehicle crash test is provided that includes a skull member forming a shape of the dummy head and an eye damage measuring part for estimating damage to an eye, wherein the eye damage measuring part comprises a housing disposed inside the skull member, the housing being closed and filled with compressible gas; a one-side-open cylinder that is fixed to a circumference of the housing; a piston that is slidably inserted into the one-side-open cylinder, one end of which is provided with a plate onto which an impact from an outside of the housing is transmitted; and a pressure sensor detecting pressure inside the housing.

Abstract: Two cam plates each have at least one groove providing a non-circumferential ball ramp. The ball ramp of the second cam plate intersects with the ball ramp of the first cam plate when viewed axially. At least one ball is positioned between the first and second cam plates, in the grooves of the first and second cam plates. The ball is biased radially to ensure that the ball follows the non-circumferential ball ramps of both cam plates in response to relative rotation of the two cam plates.

Abstract: A powershift transmission for a work vehicle is disclosed having two modes of applying power: a direct connection through a series of gears, and a connection through a torque converter integral with the transmission. The two paths branch at the input shaft, on which is mounted and which drives a torque converter that has a gear coupled to its output. Another gear on the input shaft is connected to that shaft by a hydraulic clutch. When the clutch is engaged, the transmission provides several high-range forward gear ratios through a direct gear drive. When that clutch is disconnected, the torque converter supplies power to the transmission to low forward and low reverse ranges of gear ratios. The transmission includes a first countershaft, on which are mounted a reverse master clutch engaged in all reverse gear ratios) and a forward low range clutch, which is engaged in the low range of forward gear ratios. The reverse master clutch couples the countershaft directly to the output shaft.

Abstract: A mechanical transmission module has two plates, a transmission mechanism and an actuating axle. The two plates are mounted together with a gap formed between the plates. The transmission mechanism is mounted between the plates. The transmission mechanism can be a Geneva mechanism, a worm and gear mechanism, a belt drive assembly, a threaded rod and slide mechanism, a geared mechanism and so on. The actuating axle extends out from the two plates and drives the transmission mechanism. A connector is secured to a free end of the actuating axle. The connector has a groove and a protrusion in the external face to engage with the groove and protrusion on the connector of another mechanical transmission module. Accordingly, the transmission mechanisms can be modularized and combined with each other. The combination and transmission relations between different types of transmission mechanisms are easily be understood through use of the modules.

Abstract: A hypoid gear set including a ring-shaped gear positioned about an axis and having a plurality of curved gear teeth arranged about the axis. Each tooth has a second side having a forward face with a shallow pressure angle relative to an axially extending line and defining the drive side of the gear. Each tooth has a first side having a rear face with a steep pressure angle relative to an axially extending line and defining the coast side. A pinion gear drives the rear faces of the ring-shaped gear such that the ring-shaped gear rotates in the direction of the forward faces of the teeth of the ring-shaped gear.

Abstract: A gear indicator for use on a bicycle is provided remotely from the shift operating device. The gear indicator is coupled to a shift operating device via an indicator cable. The gear indicator basically includes a housing with an indicator member slidably coupled to the indicator cable with in the housing. The location of the indicator member relative to the housing indicates a gear currently engaged by the chain. In the most preferred embodiments, an indicator member is frictionally mounted on the inner wire of the indicator cable for automatically adjusting of the indicator member in the event that the cable becomes elongated or the indicator member becomes misaligned. The housing has a biasing member coupled between one wall of an interior cavity and the first end of the inner wire of the cable indicator for biasing the indicator member to one of its end positions.

Abstract: An adjustable pedal assembly for a motor vehicle an upper arm having a pivot axis and first and second generally planar members, and a lower arm having a lower end carrying a pedal and an upper end operatively connected to the upper arm for selected movement relative to the upper arm. The first and second members are generally parallel and spaced apart. The first and second members each form first and second camming surfaces at a peripheral edge thereof. The upper arm carries first and second cam pins laterally extending from the lower arm and engaging the first and second camming surfaces respectively. The first and second camming surfaces and the first and second cam pins are adapted to mechanically lock the upper and lower arms together for mutual rotation about the pivot axis upon application of a load to the pedal. Preferably a spring operably connects the upper and lower arms to resiliently bias the first and second cam pins into engagement with the first and second camming surfaces.

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 composite flywheel rim has multiple fiber layers in each of a plurality of radially contiguous zones. The layers in the intermediate zones each have a mixture of carbon fiber tows and glass fiber tows. The ratio of carbon fiber tows to glass fiber tows in each layer of any single zone is constant and the ratio incrementally increases zone-by-zone radially toward the outside of the rim, and the distribution of carbon fiber tows is macroscopically uniform in each zone. The flywheel rim is made by winding a band of fiber tows, impregnated with wet resin, onto a mandrel. The macroscopically uniform distribution can be achieved by controlling the correlation between lead rate of the fiber band as it is wound onto the mandrel per mandrel revolution and the winding length.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal includes a pedal shaft, a pedal body, first and second clamping members and a first biasing member. The pedal body is rotatably mounted on the pedal shaft. The first clamping member has a first cleat engagement surface and is pivotally coupled to one end, while the second clamping member has a second cleat engagement surface and is fixedly coupled to the other end. The second clamping member is configured to form an unobstructed longitudinal passageway. Preferably, the second clamping member includes two outer attachment points and an inner attachment point. Preferably, an adjustment member is arranged between the first clamping member and a biasing member to adjust tension of the biasing member on the first clamping member. The adjustment member has a head arranged in a hole of the first clamping member, an enlarged section and an adjustment plate adjustably mounted on the adjustment member.

Abstract: A transmission for a working vehicle comprising a transmission mechanism for controlling drive transmission; a first input shaft for transmitting drive from an engine to the transmission mechanism; a second input shaft, usable as an alternative to the first input shaft, for transmitting drive from the engine to the transmission mechanism, the second input shaft extending in a different direction to the first input shaft; an implement-operating output shaft for outputting drive from the transmission mechanism to drive a working implement; and a pair of right and left propelling output shafts for transmitting drive from the transmission mechanism to drive wheels, the propelling output shafts extending in the same direction as axes of the drive wheels. The first and second input shafts extend transversely of the propelling output shafts. The implement-operating output shaft extends in the same direction as the first input shaft.

Abstract: In a method and a device for melting down metal-containing material, preferably fine-particulate metal-containing material, such as sponge iron, in a metallurgical melting furnace (1), wherein, in an interior space (11) of the melting furnace (1), a metal melt (5) and a slag layer (6) floating on top of the metal melt (5) are maintained, the metal-containing material is added by means of a supply means dipping into the slag layer (6) and energy is added in the form of electric arcs (14), the metal-containing material is charged directly into the central region (Z) of the melting furnace (1) by means of at least one charging tube (8) exclusively serving for conveying material via the charging tube outlet (9) of the same, the electric arcs (14) are directed obliquely towards the metal melt (5) against the central region (Z) of the melting furnace (1) and the metal-containing material is melted in the slag layer (6) and a mixed process slag-metal melt is maintained in the region of the charging tube outlet (9).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for removing at least a portion of a manganese constituent from a zinc-bearng material, comprising the step of subjecting the material to a first oxidation mixture of SO2 and oxygen, at conditions sufficient to oxidize the manganese constituent

Abstract: A process for producing quick and inexpensive gear cutters made of steel or carbide. Cylindrical shaped blanks of tool steel or other suitable materials of are chosen for a size appropriate for the task and are then machined in order to form cutting edges for a spindle driven tool. The parameters of the cutting edge are chosen by a process that calculates the parameters of the gear that is to be cut with the cutter. The finished product is a gear cutter is an end mill format type of tool having a shank for being driven in a spindle type of machine.

Abstract: A bottle cork extractor has a tubular needle carrier with an axially directed hollow needle of sufficient length to penetrate through the cork. Pressurized fluid is injected into the bottle through the needle and acts to eject the cork. A graspable sleeve encircles the needle carrier and has flexible tool positioning legs which extend downward along opposite sides of the bottle. Threads on the sleeve engage threads on the needle carrier. This enables easy penetration of the needle into the cork by turning the needle carrier relative to the sleeve and easy removal of the ejected cork from the needle by reversed turning of the carrier. Cutting blades on the tool positioning legs facilitate cutting of foil wrapping or the like at the top of bottle.

Abstract: On all modern tattoo machines, the tube grip is a removable part that houses the needle bar, which holds the needle groupings that move into and out of the skin in the act of tattooing. The tube grip and needle groupings must be removable to allow for cleaning and sterilization.

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

Abstract: A wrench used to tighten and loosen mechanicals on electrical jumper cables without damaging the mechanical. The innovative tool includes a head portion having first and second work surfaces for engaging a mechanical's grip, said first and second work surfaces arranged about an imaginary axis of rotation and substantially parallel to said axis, and a handle secured to the head for allowing manual manipulation of the present invention so as to cause the mechanical grip to rotate. When the innovative wrench head is turned in a predetermined direction, the two work surfaces provide substantial surface-to-surface contact with the mechanical grip being turned, thereby increasing rotational torque while reducing grip deformation and damage.

Abstract: A universal socket structure includes a socket body, a mobile body having a first end pivotally mounted on a first end of the socket body so that the mobile body can be rotated relative to the socket body through a determined angle, and a sleeve slidably mounted on the socket body. In such a manner, the sleeve is slidable between a first position where the sleeve has a first end rested on the first end of the socket body and a second end rested on the first end of the mobile body so that the first end of the mobile body is fixed to the first end of the socket body, and a second position where the second end of the sleeve is detached from the first end of the mobile body so that the mobile body can be rotated relative to the socket body.

Abstract: A specialty tool having removable and interchangeable jaw members which are secured to the handles by twist locking. A ratchet gear and pawl are disposed at the pivot hub of the tool to lock the tool in a selected position. A releasing lever provides an option to the user to use the ratcheting action.

Abstract: A plier having a first handle member and a second handle member. The first handle member has a first hand grip portion, a first intermediate potion and a first jaw portion. The second handle member has a second hand grip portion, a second intermediate portion and a second jaw portion. The second jaw portion is movable relative to the first jaw portion and the second hand grip portion is movable relative to the first hand grip portion. The second intermediate portion is pivotally mounted on the first handle member. The second intermediate portion is connected to the second jaw portion so that movement of the second hand grip portion will move the second jaw portion relative to the first jaw portion.

Abstract: The removal tool is used in connection with a locking nut and bolt system. The bolt thread has a plurality of notches generally longitudinally spaced in a predetermined pattern. The locking unit or element carries one or more tines. The tine has a distal tine end adapted to latch onto the lock face of the notch on the bolt and, when the distal tine end is not disposed in one or more notches, the tine end moves on the bolt thread crest. When the distal tine end is in the notch or notches, the lock face of the notch prevents counter-rotational movement of the bolt with respect to the nut when the distal tine end abuts the lock face. The locking unit supports the tine and may be cylindrical, rectangular or on a perpendicular support face normal to a radial plane through the axial centerline of the nut thread. The locking unit may be on a nut insert or may be carried on the leg of a U, J or S-shaped clip.

Abstract: Feed back vibrations of a metallic tool generated during the machining of metallic workpieces are damped by detecting an oscillatory motion of the tool, identifying a frequency of the oscillatory motion and generating a mechanical camping force having the same frequency as the oscillatory motion and applied to the tool in counter-direction to a velocity of the oscillatory motion. The damping force can be of constant amplitude or gradually decreasing amplitude.

Abstract: A facedriver for holding a miniature workpiece along the axis of a rotary-drive machining device, including a base member, a forwardly-biased centerpoint member, drivepins supported rearwardly by fluid in a fluid-containing chamber in the base member, a grip member contacting the centerpoint member, and a grip portion of the fluid chamber adjacent to the grip member for fluid contact therewith such that varying fluid pressure caused by loading force on the drivepins causes application of varying radial gripping force on the centerpoint member through the grip member.

Abstract: An arbor 1 having an axis of rotation 2 comprises a body member 3 having end 4 with flats so that it may be drivably secured in a spindle or chuck of a machine or machine tool. The body member 3 has a co-axial socket 5 provided at its opposite, cutting end 6 to receive a shank of a rotary cutter (not shown), the shank having, in the conventional manner, at least one flat. The arbor 1, further comprises a collar 7 carried at the cutting end 6, which collar 7 is biassed by a torsion spring 8 to an active position and is manually rotatable, within limits, against the spring bias, to an inactive position.

Abstract: A machine is provided for stripping the ground wall insulation from a stator bar quickly and in such a manner that the copper strands will not be damaged. The apparatus of the invention includes a power driven cutting tool for milling or routing the insulation from a portion of the insulated bar, a sensing device for detecting the location of the copper strands and a height adjustment assembly for determining a disposition of the bar with respect to the cutting tool. In an exemplary embodiment, the height adjustment assembly is adjusted in accordance with the location of the copper strands as detected by the sensing device to substantially prevent the cutting tool from making damaging contact with the copper strands.

Abstract: A utility tool utilizing a toggle link mechanism and a method for using the utility tool for providing a substantial mechanical advantage for a user throughout an entire work operation such as cutting sheet material. The tool comprises an upper handle, a jaw pivotally attached to the upper handle and a jaw link rigidly attached to the jaw. The tool further comprises a means for inputting force connected with the upper handle and a handle link rigidly attached to the handle. The tool also comprises a toggle action force transfer mechanism defined by an intermediary link extending between the jaw link and handle link, wherein force inputted to the means moves the intermediary link away from the upper handle.

Abstract: The protective tape applied to the front surface of a semiconductor wafer to protect the wafer during backgrinding must be trimmed so that excess tape, known as tape bur, does not extend beyond the perimeter of the wafer. Tape bur may interfere with backgrinding by causing improper grinding, which may lead to wafer breakage. The tape cutter that trims the protective tape to eliminate tape bur is provided with a sensor which detects whether tape bur has been trimmed from the wafer. If tape bur has not been removed from the wafer, corrective action is taken to prevent the wafer from being backgrinded.