Abstract: A vehicle control device, in particular a clutch mechanism for a tractor, includes a control lever and guide mechanism in which the lever is selectively movable from a first rest position to a second engaged position. The control lever is subjected to the action of an elastic apparatus operable to move the lever into the first rest position if the lever is released before reaching a given point along the guide mechanism. The elastic apparatus also being operable to move the control lever into the second engaged position if the control lever is released past the given point.

Abstract: A vehicle control device, in particular a clutch mechanism for a tractor, includes a control lever and guide mechanism in which the lever is selectively movable from a first rest position to a second engaged position. The control lever is subjected to the action of an elastic apparatus operable to move the lever into the first rest position if the lever is released before reaching a given point along the guide mechanism. The elastic apparatus also being operable to move the control lever into the second engaged position if the control lever is released past the given point.

Abstract: An emulator affixed to a brake arm connected to a brake pedal of an electric brake system is capable of emulating a hydraulic brake. The emulator includes a housing defining a fluid chamber containing a magneto-rheological (MR) fluid. A piston is slideably disposed within the piston chamber and a spring biases the piston to resist depression of the brake pedal. A magnetic source generates a magnetic field upon the MR fluid thereby increasing the sheer resistance of the MR fluid further resisting depression of the brake pedal emulating a hydraulic brake system. The amount of resistance can be varied according to the strength of the magnetic field exerted on the MR fluid.

Abstract: A pedal construction includes an adjustable pedal subassembly having a lower pedal member adjustably supported on an upper pedal member by an adjustment device. The lower pedal member includes a pedal lever and a lever mount including abutting mounting sections forming a fixed joint. The mounting section of the lever mount has a channel with sharp edges and the mounting section of the lever has a ridge interference fit into the channel. The sharp edges shave marginal material from sides of the ridge when the ridge is forced into the channel, but the ridge has depressions adjacent its bottom that receive the shaved marginal material when the ridge is forced into the channel. Fasteners extend through the ridge and channel to hold the assembly together, with the ridge and channel interface forming a primary mechanical structure providing torsional strength to the joint.

Abstract: A system that adds a secondary handlebar to a bicycle that already is fitted with a primary set of handlebars. The system includes a secondary handlebar. The secondary handlebar is supported by a neck element. The neck element is attached to the steering post of the bicycle using a clamping assembly. The clamping assembly can engage the neck element at a variety of different points. Consequently, the height at which the neck element supports the secondary handlebar over the steering post can be selectively adjusted. Furthermore, at least one pivot adjustment is disposed between the steering post and the secondary handlebar. The pivot adjustment enables the secondary handlebar to be selectively adjusted along an arcuate path. As a result, the secondary handlebar can be adjusted both height and position in order to match the ergonomic needs of a particular rider.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal, having a pedal shaft which has an end surface in which a blind hole is formed, is provided with a permanent magnet which is designed to interact with a sensor of the pedalling cadence, provided on the frame of the bicycle. The permanent magnet is housed within the blind hole and retained simply by magnetic attraction, if the pedal shaft is made from ferromagnetic material, or, for example, if the pedal shaft is not made from ferromagnetic material, by means of an auxiliary element of ferromagnetic material which is fixed within the aforesaid blind hole and to which the permanent magnet adheres simply by magnetic attraction.

Abstract: A method of welding an axle housing surface to a blank surface includes generated heat in one of the two components. Heat is generated from at least one of these surfaces at their interface sufficient to weld them together. The surfaces are then applied together.

Abstract: An iron-based mixed powder for use in powder metallurgy has an apparent density of at least about 3.1 Mg/m3, is excellent in die filling property and compressibility and without segregation, and includes an iron-based powder to which alloying powder is adhered at the surface by binder and free lubricant. The iron-based powder includes an atomized iron powder, or a mixed powder of an atomized iron powder and a reduced iron powder.

Abstract: Slurries of metallic or ceramic powders are prepared in water which contains gas-eliminating substances such as carbonic acid, hydrogen peroxide, carbonates or hydrogen carbonates. This results in highly porous, solid cakes which may be processed by breaking and/or grinding to yield granules having a low fines content. Depending upon the intended application, the adhesively bound agglomerates may very readily be suspended, used as sintering precursors or as starting substances for solid-state reactions.

Abstract: A process for particulate agglomeration (i.e., pelletizing) and the product produced (i.e., pellets) by such processes are disclosed. The process generally comprises a process of agglomerating particulate material, said process comprising commingling said particulate material with a moistening effective amount of water, a binding effective amount of polymer and a binding effective amount of weak acid to produce a mixture and forming said mixture into agglomerates.

Abstract: An improved structure of a ratchet wrench characterized in that the ratchet wrench is provided with an adaptation hole to accommodate a ratchet wheel having a plurality of mounting teeth surrounding the external circumferential edge, one lateral side of the adaptation hole is provided with an adaptation recess to accommodate a stopping teeth, a directional block, two resisting element and two elastic bodies, and two resisting edges are provided at an appropriate position on the adaptation recess, and a notch is formed on the stopping teeth which is protruded out with a pivotal rod, the directional block is pivotally mounted to the pivotal rod, and one side of the stopping teeth is provided with a plurality of engaging teeth which is engageable with the engaging teeth of the ratchet wheel, the side face of the stopping teeth is restricted by a left and a right resisting element, and the top end of the two resisting element is formed into a bottom end which is restricted at the stopping face of the stopping tee

Abstract: A tool handle includes a tool member disposed on one end and a stem extended from the other end and having a width or a height smaller than that of the handle and having an orifice. A sleeve is engaged onto the stem and includes an aperture aligned with the orifice of the stem. A fastener includes a barrel extended from one end of a blade and engaged into the aperture of the sleeve and the orifice of the stem, and includes a pin extended from the other end of the blade and engaged into the barrel for detachably securing the barrel to the stem of the handle.

Abstract: A wrench having two driving stems pivotally connected with each other. One of the driving stems has a main stem and a female joint protruding from a rectangular or cylindrical section of the main stem with a hole at a center thereof. The other driving stem has the other main stem and a male joint projecting out of the center of a rectangular or cylindrical section of the main stem. The male joint and the female joint are engaged with each other via a coupler such as a roll pin. Therefore, without using an additional hinge or other mechanical coupler, these two driving stems are pivotally connected with each other.

Abstract: A control module advantageously reduces cost and enhances reliability, design flexibility, ease of assembly, and performance of a flywheel operated hand tool. The control module includes a thin film printed circuit with non-contact speed sensing of a flywheel to more accurately set the target speed and control transfer kinetic energy thereof to a fastener, achieving a desired depth regardless of variations in component performance and battery voltage. The printed circuit also includes long service life thin film switches for responding to trigger and safety inputs. Furthermore, the control module responds to a user speed selection and to preset speed selection ranges to reconfigure the controls as appropriate to constraints of a fastener drive assembly and to user preferences.

Abstract: A cutting tool is disposed on a turret. The cutting tool includes: a holder having a peak end, and a throw-away insert clamped to the peak end of the holder with a clamp screw. The holder has a bottom face and a peak end face defining a corner of the holder. The corner of the holder forms a chamfered face. The throw-away insert has a bottom face and a relief face defining a corner of the throw-away insert. The corner of the throw-away insert forms a chamfered face. The chamfered face of the corner of the holder and the chamfered face of the corner of the throw-away insert prevent the cutting tools adjacent to each other from causing an interference with each other when the cutting tools are at least one of in a standby position and in a machining operation.

Abstract: A process for cutting film-like material as a result of a shearing action performed by a blade and a counterblade provided with respective cutting edges acting in a given cutting plane.

Abstract: A method for creating a coating blanket for use in printing presses includes providing a sheet of work material having a laminated construction wherein a flexible layer is coupled to a carrier layer of semi-rigid material. A cutting apparatus employing a drag-type knife movable between a working and non-working position is employed to cut the coating blanket from the coating blanket material. A controller having graphic cutting data and carrier layer cutting data stored therein generates command signals to operate the cutting apparatus, causing the flexible layer of coating blanket material to be cut in a single pass in accordance with said graphic cutting data and the carrier layer of coating blanket material to be cut via multiple passes of the knife in accordance with the carrier layer cutting data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for slotting a pipe including a clamping system comprising a clamping surface adapted to engage at least about 50 percent of the pipe circumference and at least about 50 percent of the pipe length in a clamped position and which defines a longitudinal clamping gap oriented to permit the slotting of the pipe therethrough. A first perforating mechanism moves a cutting head comprised of a plurality of cutters toward and away from the clamping gap such that the cutters perforate the pipe wall. A second independently operable longitudinal cutting mechanism moves the cutting head along the clamping gap to further cut the pipe wall by the cutters to form a plurality of discrete slots. A third indexing mechanism rotates the pipe about its longitudinal axis in an unclamped position to vary the location of contact between the cutters and the pipe wall about the pipe circumference.

Abstract: A cutting machine, for cutting vegetables into vegetable sticks, comprising a horizontal table having a feed end and an exit end. A belt extends vertically atop the table, around rollers which extend perpendicularly from the table. A plurality of cleats extend from the belt which have cleat fingers which extend horizontally outward from the belt. The cleats propel vegetables from the feed end toward the exit end. A horizontal blade assembly is disposed in the path of the cleats, but includes a plurality of horizontal blades which are vertically spaced to extend between the cleat fingers so that the blades do not interfere with the cleat fingers as they propel the vegetables. A horizontal blade assembly is located further toward the exit end than the vertical blade assembly, and includes a plurality of vertical blades which cut the vegetables into sticks.

Abstract: A fence for guiding a work surface past a saw blade supported by a table having a support tube running substantially perpendicular to the saw blade. The fence includes a rip fence having a plurality of studs disposed on opposing sides thereof. A pair of fence faces are positioned on opposing sides of the rip fence and have a plurality of slots for removably engaging the studs thereby securing the face fences to the rip fence. A rip fence head is affixed beneath the rip fence. A lockdown clasps the support tube with the rip fence head for securing the fence to the tablesaw. The lockdown includes an adjustment mechanism for stabilizing the fence to the support tube independently of the lockdown. The adjustment mechanism is adjustable relative to the lockdown so that the position of the fence on the support tube can be accurately adjusted by moving the fence relative to the lockdown mechanism.

Abstract: A collapsible table assembly having improved portability. A mechanism interconnects the table and supporting legs for moving the legs between a diverging supporting position, a folding position, and a storage position. A saw track assembly includes an upper platform for receiving a cutting device and a lower platform for supporting a workpiece during cutting connected to the upper platform. Each of the upper and lower platform are disposed above the table. A guide pin pivotally attaches the saw track to the table for allowing the saw track to pivot through a plane parallel to the table. A plurality of material supports supported by the table rotate between a first material supporting position for supporting a workpiece and a second unobstructing position for allowing the saw track to freely pivot through the plane without contacting the material supports.

Abstract: A perforating punch has first, second, third, and fourth tips, a first diagonal ridge contiguous to the first and second tips, a second diagonal ridge contiguous to the third and fourth tips, and an included angle setting point located at the point of intersection between the first and second diagonal ridges and positioned longitudinally of the perforating punch to bend the first and second diagonal ridges for thereby establishing included angles at the first, second, third, and fourth tips. The perforating punch allows an included angle and a shear angle thereof to be established independently for each of the four sides of a rectangular perforation to be produced, and is capable of establishing cutting conditions easily in a wide range.

Abstract: A comfortable, easily gripped pick for a stringed instrument includes: (a) an upper, wider portion comprising an overlay of a textured material, the textured material being adhered to the pick and being no thicker than between about ½ and six times the thickness of the pick, the textured portion covering between about ¼ and ½ of the front and/or rear surface of the pick; and (b) a lower, narrower portion of the pick that does not comprise an overlay.

Abstract: An electronic music instrument system, comprising: an electronic music instrument, having selectable groups of reproducible sounds and individually selectable reproducible sounds; a signal generator for energizing an audio amplifier responsive to different digital audio sources, including the groups of sounds and the individual sounds a graphical user interface for displaying at least one control graphic representing controllable parameters of the audio signals generated by the generator; and, a controller responsive to operation of the control graphic for adjusting the controllable parameters of the generator and for selectively coupling different ones of the sources to the generator. The graphical user interface can comprise: a video display; and, a touch-responsive overlay. The controllable parameters can include multiple instrument sound selection and sound layer assignment, controlled responsive to operation of the at least one control graphic.

Abstract: A method to clear plastic mines together with an apparatus to use it, is described in order to get an efficient, fast, cheap and reliable civil clearance of explosive devices, especially land mines and antipersonnel mines.

Abstract: A hydraulic recovery system for a construction machine comprises a recovery valve for supplying at least a part of a hydraulic fluid from a rod-side line, through which the hydraulic fluid is drained from a rod-side hydraulic chamber of an arm hydraulic cylinder, to a bottom-side line through a variable throttle, and a throttle valve for returning the remaining part of the hydraulic fluid, which is not recovered, from the rod-side line to a hydraulic reservoir through a variable throttle. Opening areas of those variable throttles are controlled depending on an arm flow rate supplied from hydraulic pumps to the arm hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for actuating arms used on a borehole data-logging tool to deploy measuring instruments against a borehole wall, a mandrel is provided. At least one arm carried by the mandrel is mounted to the mandrel to move between an expanded position, in which a part of the arm projects from the mandrel, and a retracted position. A resilient biassing compression spring provides a resilient biassing force on each arm for biassing the arm towards its expanded position. A hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly associated with each arm restrains the arm against movement towards its expanded position. A drive piston and cylinder assembly acts upon the resilient biassing compression springs for adjusting the resilient biassing force acting upon each arm.

Abstract: A piston support, in particular for a driving piston (8) of a setting tool, has a cylindrical section (10a) followed by a wedge-shaped section (10) extending toward the trailing end of the driving piston (8) and with a wedge-shaped surface (18) inclined inwardly towards the piston central axis (16). At least one braking element (23), presses against the cylindrical section (10a) in the ready-to-fire position of the driving piston (8) and a pressure force on the driving piston (8) reduces when the braking element (23) on movement of the driving piston (8) in the forward direction of travel, comes to rest opposite the wedge-shaped surface (18). When this is done, the driving piston can be guided smoothly and returned under braking into its ready-to-fire position, and held there securely.

Abstract: A hydrostatic axial piston machine has a drum-like cylinder block which is supported in a manner fixed against rotation on a driving or output shaft and is provided concentrically and parallel to its center line with cylinder boreholes in which axially displaccable pistons are arranged which are supported via spherical heads on a slanting disk which is fixed to the housing and preferably adjustable in its slanting angle. The cylinder openings opposite the slanting disk sweep over roughly kidney-shaped low pressure and high pressure control openings of a control body, between which reversing regions with additional boreholes are located. To control the additional boreholes, which influence the pressure increase or the pressure drop on the passing of the cylinder openings over the reversing regions, in dependence on the operating states, a borehole opens at least in a reversing region of the control body which is connected to the high pressure side or the high pressure control opening by a line.

Abstract: A swashplate type compressor that includes one or more pistons having an extra support surface for receiving a side load is provided. In a first preferred embodiment of the piston, a rotational restrictor that overlaps the head region is utilized as the extra support surface. In a second preferred embodiment, a support projection, separate from the head region, is utilized as the extra support surface. The extra support surface of the piston of the present invention receives a portion of the side load exerted on the piston, thereby relieving some of stress applied to the head region.

Abstract: The tubular component of a fluid-driven tension actuator is made in a two layer system wherein a woven sleeve is immersed in a tubular shaped elastomeric material.

Abstract: A dual end stop is provided for setting precise open and closed positions for the valve to which the pneumatic actuator is attached. In a preferred embodiment, a stop assembly housing contains two stop adjustment bolts as well as a cam that defines first and second stop surfaces. The stop assembly housing is preferably mounted to the actuator housing outside of the pressurized zone contained by the actuator housing. The stop bolts and associated threaded apertures are designed for minimum overhang of the stop bolts to provide more support. The stop assembly housing not only preferably houses the stop assembly components but also preferably serves as an adaptor plate for the various valves to which the actuator may be mounted. The stop bolts preferably have a convex head to provide a defined point contact rather than a random point contact as may be produced with flat heads.

Abstract: A dual end stop is provided for setting precise open and closed positions for the valve to which the pneumatic actuator is attached. In a preferred embodiment, a stop assembly housing contains two stop adjustment bolts as well as a cam that defines first and second stop surfaces. The stop assembly housing is preferably mounted to the actuator housing outside of the pressurized zone contained by the actuator housing. The stop bolts and associated threaded apertures are designed for minimum overhang of the stop bolts to provide more support. The stop assembly housing not only preferably houses the stop assembly components but also preferably serves as an adaptor plate for the various valves to which the actuator may be mounted. The stop bolts preferably have a convex head to provide a defined point contact rather than a random point contact as may be produced with flat heads.

Abstract: A process for producing an oxygen enriched product includes: (a) providing a gas separation apparatus having at least one bed containing a mixture of at least two different nitrogen selective adsorbents, wherein the at least one bed is free of lithium cations; (b) feeding a feed gas containing oxygen and nitrogen into the gas separation apparatus to contact the at least one bed; and (c) recovering from the gas separation apparatus the oxygen enriched product. The process is preferably performed above ambient temperature and/or in a simplified four-step cycle.

Abstract: An AgX-type zeolite having a silver exchange level of 20-70% and a Ar/O2 Henry's law selectivity ratio at 23° C. of 1.05 or greater has an optimum combination of selectivity for argon over oxygen at lower cost than higher silver exchange levels. This material can be used in oxygen VSA/PSA processes to produce oxygen at purities above 97%.

Abstract: A gas treatment device comprises an oxygen-mixed unit, a treatment unit, a working fluid and a sprayer. The sprayer has an inner wall and a plurality of nozzles circumferentially arranged on the inner wall. The nozzles are used for outputting the working fluid to form a filtering region so that the particles can be easily and efficiently removed.

Abstract: An air cleaning apparatus draws air through a convoluted air channel defined by a plurality of non-permeable baffles. The baffles are arranged so that the air stream must change direction several times before exiting the apparatus. Air cleaning means in the form of a fluid curtain is disposed along at least a part of said air channel. One preferred embodiment causes fluid to flow over the baffles to provide a plurality of fluid curtains arranged along the air channel.

Abstract: Method of producing compost tea is disclosed the steps of: Introducing a flow of aqueous solution over and through a basket. This flow is used to leach and wash microorganisms and nutrients from organic compost and other organisms and nutrient-rich materials from the basket into the culture tank. The culture tank collects and cultures microorganisms and nutrients, creating compost tea. Compressed air is used to power this circulation instead of mechanical pumps which injure the organisms as they pass through.

Abstract: The present invention discloses decanter for operating with at least two types of coffee makers. The decanter includes a base-lid for mounting on the decanter for brewing coffee with a first type of coffee makers. The decanter further has a lid-attachment for attaching to the base-lid to constitute a combined lid assembly for mounting on and covering the decanter suitable for brewing coffee with a second type of coffee makers. In a preferred embodiment, the base-lid further includes receptive adapting slots for receiving and removably adapting the lid attachment to the base-lid whereby the lid-attachment may be flexible attached and removed from the base-lid.

Abstract: A horizontal axis rotisserie oven with versatile electronic controls. The rotisserie further includes: an improved spit for quick mounting of food, and a door which hides blemishes due to normal use, and easily referenced food cooking indexes, and means for keeping countertops clean.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making bowl-shaped snack food products, e.g. tortilla chips. The method features placing chip preforms in open bowl-shaped cavities and partially frying the chip preforms by filling them with hot oil from above. Additionally, the preforms are partially fried from below by immersing the lower portions of the preforms in a vat of hot oil and transporting them through the hot oil. After cooking the preforms to a desired moisture content, at which point the preforms retain their bowl shapes outside of or independent of the mold cavities, the preforms are removed from the mold cavities and subsequently cooked to completion in a secondary frying operation. The invention also features an apparatus to carry out the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a barbecuing cooker by which coffee beans, beans, corns or popcorns can be parched beside a convenient barbecue cooking of chickens, turkeys, ducks, steak, fishes and the like, in which far infrared rays can be emitted during cooking to provide a quality meat with excellent taste and nutrition and which is so constructed as to permit easy cleaning of the cooking chamber as well as handy mounting or dismounting of spits.

Abstract: Enclosed rotisserie including a rear mounted heating element and a power rotated dual rod spit assembly. The spit assembly may also be mounted at various distances from the heating element to decrease cooking times. The open front of the enclosure is from time to time covered by an inclined glass panel door which may be opened in various ways to facilitate food insertion into and removal from the enclosure, and which may be easily removed for cleaning or other purposes.

Abstract: A foldable food tray with an integrally formed condiment pocket coextensive with one wall of the tray and defined by a movable partition panel pivotal between a first closed position for foldable collapsing of the pocket with the tray, and a second open position engaged between opposed tray walls to define the pocket and preclude an inward folding of the pocket and tray.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for preparing food fermenting agents comprising a fermentation of lactic bacteria in a culture medium comprising at least one fermentation activator saccharide selected from the group consisting of the maltodextrins, the branched maltodextrins, the soluble starches and the oligosaccharides, on their own or in a mixture. Its subject is also a process for preserving food fermenting agents which uses at least one fermentation activator saccharide selected from the group consisting of the maltodextrins, the branched maltodextrins, the soluble starches and the oligosaccharides, on their own or in a mixture.

Abstract: A conveyer-belt sushi control system, in which an amount of sushi distributed by a conveyer belt can accurately be counted, is provided as follows. A plurality of menu stands are mounted on a conveyer-belt table. A menu stand is followed by a plate on which sushi of a kind described on the menu stand is arranged. When the menu stand passes near a sensor, the sensor detects information output from the menu stand (e.g. electric wave for specifying a kind of sushi passing by subsequent to the menu stand). The sensor counts the number of passing-by plates until it detects the next menu stand, enabling counting of the amount of sushi per kind.

Abstract: A refuse collection system includes a plurality of waste receptacles arrayed adjacent to, or in the midst of, an eating area. Some of the waste receptacles may include compactor elements, and others may not. The receptacles have electronic control units and sensors for detecting the presence of patrons adjacent to the refuse receiving inlet door, or chute, and to sense the quantity of refuse accumulated in the receptacle. The patron sensor employs a wide angled feature for better detection of patrons who approach the unit from and oblique angle. The units have signal conveying devices, such as loudspeakers, by which aural messages can be communicated to patrons or servicing personnel. The electronic control units are able to communicate to a remote monitoring location, whether a fixed station or a portable station carried by a staff member.

Abstract: A baler is described which has a collection chamber or duct and a baling chamber. Crop material enters the duct until a pre-determined level has been reached at which time a stuffer transfers the pre-compressed crop to the baling chamber. A control system is provided for calculating the ratio between the amount of crop material which should be formed into bales under optimal conditions and the rate of flow of crop material entering the duct. This ratio can be displayed and used to control the speed of the towing vehicle. The present invention uses the duct as a kind of measuring cylinder to determine the rate at which crop material is entering the baler.

Abstract: A baler is described which has a collection chamber or duct and a baling chamber. Crop material enters the duct until a pre-determined level has been reached at which time a stuffer transfers the pre-compressed crop to the baling chamber. A control system is provided for calculating the ratio between the amount of crop material which should be formed into bales under optimal conditions and the rate of flow of crop material entering the duct. This ratio can be displayed and used to control the speed of the towing vehicle. The present invention uses the duct as a kind of measuring cylinder to determine the rate at which crop material is entering the baler.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing fuel cell plates including a continuous press, a vibrating hopper, a leveler and rollers for removing air from resin impregnated graphite. The sifted material is deposited on a heated lower press belt which is electrostatically charged, the belt having an embossing pattern. The material is leveled to a predetermined height and squeezed to remove air. An upper belt, also having an embossing pattern, contacts the material and heat and pressure are applied in a reaction zone for a predetermined time period. The finished product is a relatively low cost fuel cell plate.