Abstract: A slight pivoting movement makes a rotary cam out of a predetermined forming position, making an unwanted step in a curved surface of the work or making unable to form into an accurate curve. Sometimes, providing a product of accuracy in the order of {fraction (1/100)} mm was difficult, or it was impossible to provide a formed sheet metal product of a high quality. The present invention aims to maintain the rotary cam at a predetermined forming position thereby providing a formed sheet metal product of a high quality.

Abstract: The present invention aims to eliminate the need for the timing adjustment of the air cylinder operation at the time of pressing operation and to simplify the piping necessary for the air cylinder.

Abstract: A device for simultaneously forming multiple notches in opposing surfaces of a hollow workpiece in a single action. The device includes a first die and a first punch that is fixed relative to the first die. A second die and a second punch are fixed relative to each other and movable relative to the first punch and first die. In response to movement of the second die and second punch, the first die cooperates with the second punch to form a first notch in the first surface and the first punch cooperates with the second die to form a second notch in the second surface.

Abstract: A closing tool is provided for assembling an outer panel of a tailgate, decklid, door or the like to an interior panel. The closing tool may work in conjunction with an opening tool which operates to separate the outer panel from the interior panel at the hem flange. The closing tool includes a receptacle for receiving a partially open hem flange and the interior panel and a shaft. The shaft further defines a base at its lateral end for receiving an impact from a hammer or the like. Upon impact, the receptacle surrounds the partially open hem flange and the interior door panel thereby closing the hem flange.

Abstract: A method of compensating for baseline or span drift in gas sensing equipment includes obtaining gas concentration data over a time period and identifying a quiescent period within that time period. The method compares a component concentration corresponding to the quiescent period with one or more additional component concentrations relating to different quiescent periods and calculates an estimated background gas concentration for a predetermined number of time periods. The estimated background concentration is then compared to preset, or expected, background concentration, and a correction value is calculated. For baseline drift, a correction value is determined to be the difference between the estimated background concentration and the preset (expected) background concentration. For span drift, a correction value is determined to be the ratio of the estimated background concentration to the preset (expected) background concentration.

Abstract: An ignition coil, spark plug, and pressure sensor for an internal combustion engine are, in a preferred embodiment, integrated into a single assembly and mounted directly on a plug hole of an internal combustion engine. A hard spark plug shell serves as a pressure member and on which a strain gage is affixed. Changes in the pressure in the combustion chamber deform the shell, causing a corresponding change in the resistance of the strain gage. A bridge circuit or the like is used to measure the resistance change thereby providing a direct indication of cylinder pressure.

Abstract: A quantitative method of evaluating swimwear for underwater leakage using a mechanical test mannequin, a water tank, a fluorescent bowel movement simulant, and a fluorescence meter. More particularly, a swimwear garment is applied to the mannequin, the fluorescent bowel movement simulant is inserted into the swimwear garment, the mannequin and the swimwear garment are submersed into water within the water tank, and a motion mechanism attached to the mannequin moves the mannequin up and down, thereby simulating typical water play movements. The fluorescence meter can be used to quantitatively determine the amount of leakage of the fluorescent bowel movement simulant from the swimwear garment.

Abstract: In a method for determining the alcohol concentration in the alcohol/water mixture of fuel cells that are operated with this mixture, in particular for direct methanol fuel cells, the alcohol/water mixture is pumped through a constriction. The differential pressure between the entry to and exit from the constriction and, if appropriate, the flow velocity of the mixture through the constriction are measured, and the alcohol concentration is determined therefrom.

Abstract: A device for use in determining the characteristics of particles dispersed in a medium is described. The device has a sample cell for holding a sample containing particles dispersed in a medium. A transducer is positioned to emit sound waves into the sample of the sample cell. A mirror surface is positioned for translational movement within the sample cell without changing the level of the sample in the cell, for movement without the use of dynamic o-ring seals, and is positioned to reflect sound waves emitted by the transducer.

Abstract: A SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MULTI-DIMENSIONAL FORCE SENSING FOR SCANNING PROBE MICROSCOPY is provided.

Abstract: Wireless sensing and communication system including sensors located on the vehicle or in the vicinity of the vehicle and which provide information which is transmitted to one or more interrogators in the vehicle using wireless radio frequency transmission technology. Power to operate the sensor may be supplied by the interrogator. The sensors include tire pressure, temperature and acceleration monitoring sensors, weight or load measuring sensors, switches, temperature, acceleration, angular position, angular rate, angular acceleration, proximity, rollover, occupant presence, humidity, presence of fluids or gases, strain, road condition and friction, chemical sensors and other similar sensors providing information to a vehicle system, vehicle operator or external site. The sensors provide information about the vehicle and its interior or exterior environment, about individual components, systems, vehicle occupants, subsystems, or about the roadway, ambient atmosphere, travel conditions and external objects.

Abstract: A method for selecting proportions of aggregate for incorporation into concrete comprises several steps. First, a maximum aggregate size for a specific application is determined. A sample of the maximum size aggregate is loose poured into a container. The percentage voids in that sample is then calculated. An amount of smaller sized aggregate equal to approximately the volume of percentage voids calculated earlier is added to the sample until a reduced volume of voids in the mixed sample is achieved. Finally, the amounts of aggregate determined to have the reduced volume of voids in the mixed sample are used in a concrete mixture.

Abstract: A hydraulic strain sensor for use with a downhole tool includes a housing having two chambers with a pressure differential between the two chambers. A mandrel is disposed in the housing. The mandrel is adapted to be coupled to the tool such that the weight of the tool is supported by the pressure differential between the two chambers. A pressure-responsive sensor in communication with the one of the chambers is provided to sense pressure changes in the chamber as the tool is accelerated or decelerated and to generate signals representative of the pressure changes.

Abstract: A high-performance, fast-response, multi-sensor pressure probe for velocity and pressure measurement applications in unsteady and turbulent flowfields. The invention includes both 5 and 7-sensor probes, hemispherical-tip probes and conical-tip probes of various diameters. The present invention eliminates the need for long pressure tubing in such probes by placing the sensors adjacent the flow apertures which leads to a dramatic response in probe measurement frequency response which extends the use of the invention to unsteady and turbulent flows.

Abstract: The process for the construction of a micro-thermocouple sensor designed to be incorporated in a mass flow meter for the circulation of gaseous fluids, including of the following steps:

Abstract: In a flow sensor, a heater is provided in the middle of an insulation thin film stretched above a gap on a substrate. Temperature measuring elements, which in some embodiments are thermopiles, are provided on both sides of the same, and an ambient temperature measuring resistive element is provided on the top surface of the silicon substrate. The thermopiles in some embodiments are made of polysilicon and aluminum, and in some embodiments the polysilicon is doped with phosphorus (P). In some embodiments, the amount of phosphorus is determined such that temperature characteristics of the thermopiles and have an absolute value substantially equal to that of temperature characteristics attributable to factors other than the thermopiles and have a (positive or negative) sign opposite to that of the latter. Thus, the temperature characteristics of the thermopiles cancel the temperature characteristics attributable to factors other than the thermopiles.

Abstract: The device according to the present invention serves the purpose of determining the filling level of a filling material in a container. It has the following components: a signal-generating unit which generates measuring signals, a signal injector and at least one antenna having an antenna, the signal injector injecting the measuring signals onto the antenna structure. The antenna emits the measuring signals in the direction of the surface of the filling material, and an evaluation circuit which receives the measuring signals reflected at the surface of the filling material and received by the antenna determines the filling level in the container via the propagation time of the measuring signals. The antenna has at least one first dielectric substrate to which the antenna structure is applied. The antenna structure is at least one spiral antenna.

Abstract: An adapter for holding a sample container includes a main body portion and a tapered body portion that forms a continuation of the main body portion. The tapered body portion includes a mouth opening that is of lesser diameter than the diameter of the main body portion. The mouth opening of the adapter is sized to provide direct support of a sample container which holds a liquid sample. During liquid level sensing ultrasonic waves from an ultrasound detector are reflected back to the sound detector as echoes from the lip flange of the sample container and from the liquid level within the sample container. The tapered surface of the adapter deflects sound echoes away from the sound detector. The adapter is thus invisible to the ultrasound detector. The echo from the liquid level is a variable duration echo and the echo from the lip flange of the sample container is a fixed duration echo that is always of lesser duration than the variable duration echo.

Abstract: A crack detection method capable of detecting cracks on a scale of about 5 &mgr;m or greater, useful for detecting cracks in sol-gel tubes. A signal is transmitted from a source to a body in which cracking may occur. The signal is reflected back to a sensor. An output voltage from the sensor is measured which is proportional to a signal characteristic change between the transmitted and received signals. Signal characteristics such as frequency, phase, and amplitude may be monitored. The signal characteristic change may result from one or more mechanisms selected from the group consisting of microscopic motion of the body, media transition and fluid movement.

Abstract: A surface to serve as a surface under ultrasonic inspection has a roughness of 0.4 &mgr;mRa or less, and wherein all imperfections existing a controlled volume X corresponding to all cross sections of a raceway ring 1 assume a length of 0.2 mm or less as represented by the square root of areas of the imperfections. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a rolling bearing which does not become short-lived and obviates a concern about occurrence of cracking even when used in a harsh environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adaptive transmit-focusing and a beam-forming method and apparatus. The present invention in connection with beam-forming applies adaptive patterns of delay profiles to reflected ultrasonic pulses from a group of ultrasonic pulses, received by transducer arrays, forms multiple sets of preliminary scan-line data and combines the multiple sets of preliminary scan-line data into single scan-line data. The present invention in connection with transmit-focusing performs focusing a group of ultrasonic pulses by applying a plurality of delay profiles in accordance with propagation velocities within an object region to be ultrasonic imaged. The present invention reduces transmit-focusing and beam-forming errors generated from applying a single pattern of delay profile, and provides clear ultrasonic images.

Abstract: Process and device for controlling force applied on a fuel assembly in a transport container.

Abstract: The invention presents a sled device for testing the rollover threshold of a vehicle. The sled has a carriage that is mounted on a track. The carriage can slide upon the track from a first track location. The carriage is configured so that an actual vehicle may be placed on the carriage. When a vehicle is on the carriage, the vehicle is positioned with one side of the vehicle positioned toward the first tract location and the second side of the vehicle positioned toward the second track location. The carriage is propelled from the first tract location to the second track location by an accelerator. As the carriage nears the second track location, a decelerator slows and arrests the movement of the carriage, thereby simulating an impulse potentially sufficient to cause the vehicle to roll.

Abstract: A sensor for identifying fingerprints or other skin textures includes an array of cells each including a membrane switch. Each switch includes a fixed lower electrode disposed on a chip substrate, and a flexible membrane disposed over the lower electrode and capable of flexing downward to establish electrical contact between the lower electrode and an upper electrode. The upper electrode can form the membrane itself or a layer of the membrane, or can be attached to other membrane layers. Switches situated underneath skin ridges change state (e.g. are closed) by the applied pressure, while switches underneath skin valleys remain in their quiescent state (e.g. open). Adjacent switch chambers are connected by fluid tunnels which allow the passage of air between the chambers. Each chamber is substantially closed to the exterior of the sensor, such that particles from the environment cannot contaminate the switch contact surface defined between the switch electrodes.

Abstract: A device for detecting the pressure exerted at different points of a flexible and/or pliable object that may assume different shapes, includes a plurality of capacitive pressure sensors and at least a system for biasing and reading the capacitance of the sensors. The requirements of flexibility or pliability are satisfied by capacitive pressure sensors formed by two orthogonal sets of parallel or substantially parallel electrodes spaced, at least at each crossing between an electrode of one set and an electrode of the other set, by an elastically compressible dielectric, forming an array of pressure sensing pixel capacitors. The system for biasing and reading the capacitance includes column plate electrode selection circuits and row plate electrode selection circuits and a logic circuit for sequentially scanning the pixel capacitors and outputting pixel values of the pressure for reconstructing a distribution map of the pressure over the area of the array.

Abstract: A gas sampler (1) for a portable gas analyser, having a cooler or chiller (8) through which cooler or chiller (8) the gas sample is passed prior to being conveyed to a gas analyser, has the cooler or chiller (8) operable by means other than electrical power. The invention also includes a portable gas analyser provided with such a sampler (1).

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically analyzing a trace substance capable of automatic analysis of a trace substance in a short time with high accuracy is provided. This apparatus comprises (a) samplers for making samples each containing a desired substance at different sampling points, (b) concentrators for concentrating the substance contained in the samples to thereby produce concentrated samples, (c) a quantitative analyzer for analyzing quantitatively the substance contained in the concentrated samples, and (d) a controller for controlling the samplers, the concentrators and the analyzer to cause automatically operations of the samplers, the concentrators, and the analyzer repeatedly at specific intervals of time. Each of the concentrators receives alternatively the samples from at least two ones of the samplers. The analyzer receives alternatively the concentrated samples from the concentrators.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is proposed for inspecting solder balls on a BGA (Ball Grid Array) package, which is capable of rejecting defectively-bonded solder balls while allowing properly-bonded ones to pass therethrough. The proposed method and apparatus is characterized by the use of a rotatable disk having a plurality of flaps arranged at equal angular intervals along the perimeter thereof and which is capable of being rotated in steps if a force greater than a preset threshold torque is being applied tangentially to any one of the flaps. The threshold torque is set to be equal to or less than the shear-resistant strength of a properly-bonded solder ball but greater than the shear-resistant strength of a defectively-bonded one. During inspection procedure, the BGA package is moved toward the rotatable disk to allow each solder ball to push against one of the flaps on the rotatable disk.

Abstract: The invention is directed to industrial diagnostic gauges that are utilized in industrial applications. Examples include pressure and temperature gauges utilized in petrochemical plants. The industrial diagnostic gauges include luminescent materials and reflective materials to facilitate accurate reading of the industrial diagnostic gauges in low and no light conditions from distances greater than 4 feet. Broadly, the industrial diagnostic gauges include a housing, a diagnostic member, a face having at least one marking, at least one hand operatively associated with the diagnostic member, a clear window and a retaining ring. The face preferably includes at least one luminescent material and the at least one marking and the at least one hand each include at least one reflective material. Methods of reading industrial diagnostic gauges and methods of manufacturing industrial diagnostic gauges are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive for an adjustable motor vehicle part which has an electric motor (10), a worm drive which has a worm wheel (28) surrounded by a gearbox (36, 38; 136, 148), and electronic components (32, 34) for operation of the electric motor. At least the important part of the electronic components (32, 34) is located between the worm wheel (28) and the gearbox (38; 138).

Abstract: A gear set comprising a pair of phased split gears, a driven gear (1) and a driving gear (2). The sections ((3)(4) and (5)(6)) of each of the split gears are offset from each other, preferably by one-half pitch, and in one of the two split gears, the sections of the gear may rotate relative to each other. The two sections of that gear must then be connected by a means that allows the transmission of torque between the two, preferably by being resiliently loaded by a torsion spring (33) or other bias medium to the leading edge of the meshing tooth of the mating gear. When the driving split gear is turned, force is initially applied to the driven gear through the resilient bias medium. This allows perfect mesh between the two gears in the drive while taking manufacturing variability into consideration.

Abstract: A steering column assembly of the type comprising a steering shaft extending along a longitudinal direction and comprising a front segment and a rear segment, a gear mechanism for transmitting rotary movement of the rear segment as produced by a steering wheel to the front segment, a stationary block for mounting a central cushion to prevent it from turning while the steering shaft is turning, the gear mechanism comprising a front toothed member connected to the front segment of the steering shaft, a rear toothed member connected to the rear segment of the steering shaft, and an intermediate toothed member having a front toothed portion meshing with the front toothed member and a rear toothed portion meshing with the rear toothed member. The teeth of the front toothed portion of the intermediate toothed member are angularly offset relative to the teeth of its rear toothed portion.

Abstract: A plated synthetic resin member for a vehicle has a main body made of a synthetic resin and a plating coat formed on the surface of the main body and having a metallic gloss. The main body is molded from a translucent synthetic resin. The plating coat formed on the surface of the main body is translucent. The main body has a built-in lamp that can light up. Lighting up the lamp at night puts the plating coat in a light-emitting state. Thus, the plated synthetic resin member for a vehicle that can provide a high-class image even at night.

Abstract: A retainer of a scooter handle frame comprises a handle frame, a tightening ring, and a handle rod. After the tightening ring is installed in the handle frame, the handle rod is mounted therein. When a quick detaching device is locked; the quick detaching device will tighten the handle frame and the tightening ring; and thus the sliding trench of the handle frame and the notch of the tightening ring are reduced. As a result, the handle rod is fixed in the handle rod instead of telescopically moving or rotating therein. The contact surface between handle rod and the tightening ring are smooth. When the tightening ring is worn, by the notch, the enlarged size can be compensated. When the tightening ring is destroyed, it is only necessary to update the tightening ring instead of updating the whole handle frame or handle rod so that the cost is reduced.

Abstract: Aqueous dispersion containing a silicon-aluminum mixed oxide powder, the powder containing 0.1 to 99.9 wt. % Al2O3 and Si—O—Al-bonds. The dispersion can be produced using dispersing and/or grinding devices which a achieve an energy input of at least 200 KJ/m3. The dispersion can be used for the chemical-mechanical polishing of semiconductor substrates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing metal foam and to a metal body produced using this process.

Abstract: A continuous vacuum refining method of molten metals, wherein impurities in the molten metal are eliminated by evaporation by stirring the molten metal (1) in the molten liquid stirring part B in the evacuated and pre-heated vacuum chamber, the molten liquid is transferred from the stirring part B to the tapping part C in the chamber through connecting holes, the molten liquid is continuously guided into the vessel in the refined molten liquid recovery chambers (10a), (10b) through the recovery passageways (8a), (8b) connected to the tapping part C, the recovery chamber being evacuated and connected with the passageway, and the refined molten liquid (9) is recovered after returning the pressure to the atmospheric pressure, wherein the molten liquid is discharged using plural passageways and plural recovery chambers connected with the respective passageways with alternating the recovery chamber. An apparatus employed for this method.

Abstract: A braid cutting device 7 of a shielded wire includes a die 107 located outside an exposed braid 22 of a shielded wire 15, a braid opening means (110), a circular punch which advance inside the braid, a guide member 109 for guiding the braid 22 in a direction of opening the braid 22 and guiding the inner sheath of the shielded wire inside the braid inside the punch 108. The guide member 109 can be divided into two segments. When the punch 108 is moved forward, the guide member can open outwardly and move backward by a driving means 123 and moving means 122. The braid 22 is opened by the opening means and further opened along the outer slope of the guide member 109. The braid 22 is further opened by the guide member in such a way that the guide member is opened. The inner sheath of the braid is guided along the inner slope of the guide member into the inside of the circular punch 108.

Abstract: An improved die insert for gripping oil field tubular members in tubular handling systems such as power tongs, slips, safety clamps and the like. The die insert has a gripping surface which comprises a backing surface adapted to contact the tubular member. The backing surface may be smooth or it may have a series of teeth formed thereon. The backing surface further has a granulated particle coating applied thereto which forms the gripping surface of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the gripping surface will include a refractory metal carbide selected from the group consisting of the carbides of silicon, tungsten, molybdenum, chromium, tantalum, niobium, vanadium, titanium, zirconium, and boron.

Abstract: A fluid-operated tool has a ratchet link assembly provided with ratcheting mechanism for engaging and turning a threaded connector, a fluid-operated drive assembly releasably connectable with the ratchet link assembly, and a unit for releasably connecting the fluid operated drive assembly with the ratchet link assembly, the connecting unit including an opening provided in one of the assembly, a projection provided in the other of the assemblies and insertable into the opening, and a blocking member which block the projection in the opening in an assembled condition of the assemblies, the blocking member being operable by a user to unblock the projection and to allow withdrawal of the projection from the opening so as to release the assemblies from one another. The opening and the projection are formed so that in operation during an advance stroke of the fluid operated drive the projection is urged further into the opening.

Abstract: A Pipe Wrench with: reasonable coordination on distance between-Center of Arcuate Teeth and Link-Hole, eccentric length of Tips of Arcuate Teeth and Link-Hole; Instant Grip and Release, Time-Saving, Power-Saving, easy Operation is disclosed. It is composed of Heading-Hook, Main Body, Arcuate Jaw-Block, Spring-Guard Plate, Spring, Oil-Rope, Pin and Screw Bolt. The Jaw-Block designed by two (2) different sizes of Arc is inlaid in Slot B on Handle, due to designed size of Link-Hole being eccentric from center of Arcs of Jaw-Block is well coordinated with Arcs on Tip Teeth of Jaw-Block, which enables this Invention with Reliable and Firm Self-Lock on workpiece as well as its Open-Width being enlarged.

Abstract: A tool comprises a handle, a fixed jaw securely mounted to the first end of the handle, and a movable jaw mounted to and slidable relative to the handle. The movable jaw includes an operative section for cooperating with an operative section of the fixed jaw. A ratchet wheel is rotatably mounted to the handle. A gear that meshes with a rack of the movable jaw such that the gear is driven to urge the movable jaw to move with respect to the fixed jaw when the ratchet wheel is turned. The operative section of the movable jaw is moved toward the operative section of the fixed jaw when the ratchet wheel is turned in a direction. The operative section of the movable jaw is moved away from the operative section of the fixed jaw when the ratchet wheel is turned in a reverse direction.

Abstract: A socket wrench is provided which performs the functions heretofore carried out by two separate wrenches. To this end, the present invention provides a wrench where each end thereof selectively acts (a) as a receiving end for a nut or other fastener to be rotated by the wrench and of a different size than that to be received by the other end of the wrench and, (b) as the receiving end of a driver member which is to rotate the wrench to turn the nut or other fastener surrounded by the other end of the wrench. Preferably, the same driver member is insertable into either end of the wrench.

Abstract: A vise lock tool comprises a first and second handle member, both of which are pivotally mounted to the lower jaw member. The upper jaw member has an elongated shank with a continuous plurality of teeth present on the posterior side and is slidingly mounted in a guide slot. Attached to the second handle member is a releasable locking means which locks the upper jaw with respect to the lower jaw and allows a flick of the wrist to open or close the upper jaw due to a spring-operated detent means for engaging the teeth on the elongated shank of the upper jaw member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a set of trimming accessories for trimming rubber plate used in an ion implanter. The rubber plate is suitable for use in an ion implanter, wherein the ion implanter has a platform with multiple primary holes and multiple primary notches. In specific embodiments, the set of trimming accessories includes trimming equipment such as a knife or preferably a laser; a template with secondary holes corresponding to primary holes and secondary notches corresponding to primary notches. The template is used as a guide to form a plurality of tertiary holes in the rubber plate corresponding to the plurality of secondary holes of the template and to form a plurality of tertiary notches in the rubber plate corresponding to the plurality of secondary notches of the template.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel machining tool suitable for machining, e.g., lathing, of a workpiece made from a difficult-to-machine material such as fully sintered ceramics and quench-hardened high-chromium cast irons. The machining tool has a conically pointed cutting chip of a cemented metal carbide and provided with a round-bottom groove of a 0.2-0.5 mm radius of curvature running with an inclination angle of 15-60° relative to the cutting face of the chip. The invention also provides a machining method for a workpiece of a difficult-to-machine material by using the above-mentioned machining tool, in which ultrasonic vibrations are applied to the tool in the cutting direction so that abrasive wearing of the flank surface can be decreased.

Abstract: A turning lathe for interior cutting of hollow work pieces using a boring rod onto which a tool holder device is fitted and on which there is a mechanism for holding a work piece in such a way that it encloses at least part of the boring rod characterized by the fact that the boring rod is gripped and held in place at both ends and by the fact that the tool holder device is fitted onto the boring rod in such a way that it is movable.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a sealing tape dispenser, includes a retracting tape guide which is mechanically linked to an access cover so as to be automatically retracted upon cover opening to allow larger tape rolls to be loaded and to enhance unobstructed access to the machine. In a second preferred embodiment, a sealing tape dispenser, includes a cutting blade lift and interlock mechanism as to assist in clearing tape jams by mechanically lifting the cutting blade to a raised position whereby unobstructed access is gained to the tape path and an interlock is disabled so as to prevent further tape dispenser operations while the cutting blade is in a raised position.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for dividing logs of substrate into rolls and a method of using this apparatus. The apparatus may include a distribution sprocket, a pocket for holding the log, a cutting device, and a device for collecting the rolls. Logs may be transported, divided, and distributed without the need for secondary clamping devices.

Abstract: The blade guides of this invention depart from prior art by using the blade to drive thrust rollers, of resilient elastomeric construction, into which the blade's teeth are locked synergetically in an inverse manifestation of the chain and sprocket principle. Lateral thrust force against the blade's teeth is distributed equally along the blade's irregular edge by the correspondingly irregular shape of the elastomeric thrust roller creating an interface of sufficient area to thwart the cutting action of the blade's teeth.