Abstract: A solid product level indicator (100) for determining the specific gravity of a use-solution (120) thereby indicating the concentration of the solid product (123) dissolved in the use-solution (120) includes a float assembly (125). The float assembly (125) includes a float (101) and a float stem (102). A guide member (104, 106 and 108) positions and guides the float (101). Magnets (114) contained inside the float (101) trigger a signal mechanism (112) inside the float stem (102) when the float (101) is displaced along the stem (102) due to the decrease in the specific gravity of the use-solution (120) when the concentration of the solid product (123) is low. The float assembly (125) can be positioned to provide early or late alert to allow replenishment of the solid product (123) before the supply of solid product (123) is critically low. The solid product level indicator (100) can be used in systems with constant liquid levels or variable liquid levels.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for suspending and strain isolating a structure is provided, the apparatus having a first elongated flexure having first and second ends structured for connection to a support structure, and a second elongated flexure having first and second ends structured for connection to a structure to be isolated from the support structure. A portion of the second flexure intermediate the first and second ends thereof is interconnected to a portion of the first flexure intermediate the first and second ends thereof.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes a bridge circuit including two capacitors and two piezoelectric vibrators on which reverse stresses are exerted by acceleration, and a voltage-dividing impedance circuit provided between a second junction point and a third junction point. The signal of a voltage-dividing point of the voltage-dividing impedance circuit is fed back to a first junction point, so that an oscillation circuit is provided. An oscillating-output phase difference between the second and third junction points is detected by a phase-difference-signal processing circuit and is output as an acceleration-detection signal.

Abstract: A method for detecting transverse mode vibrations in an ultrasonic hand piece/blade for determining the existence of unwanted vibration in the hand piece/blade. A tracking filter centered at the drive frequency of the generator, is used to monitor the drive frequency of the ultrasonic generator and attenuate the drive signal when it exceeds a predetermined level. The tracking filter has a wide pass band. Alternatively, a tracking filter having a pass band which is divided into several regions is used to avoid other longitudinal resonances, such as a resonance at a second harmonic, or other spectral features that would otherwise detract from the tracking accuracy of the filter.

Abstract: During testing of a panel-like workpiece by means of ultrasonic penetration and at least one inspection channel comprising an ultrasonic transmitter and an ultrasonic receiver on opposite-lying sides of the workpiece, diverse test signals and test information are accumulated at the ultrasonic receiver. Each ultrasonic receiver is connected to an evaluation system, in which the test signals and the test information are combined, evaluated and reduced to a single piece of result-information which describes the tested workpiece. If at least two inspection channels are provided, it can also be provided that a reduction to a single piece of result-information is performed in each case for each ultrasonic receiver.

Abstract: A cuff of a wrist-mount blood pressure monitor capable of oppressing an artery of the wrist securely without having effects of muscle, tendon or bone existing in the wrist area is presented. This cuff 10 of a wrist-mount blood pressure monitor comprises a first air bag 14A as a first inflatable portion, and a second air bag 16A as a second inflatable region disposed between the first inflatable portion 14A and the wrist, being made of a material of a higher stretchability than the material for the first air bag 14A.

Abstract: A testing apparatus has an integral load cell element. The apparatus may be used to characterize a property of a sample on, for example, the mesoscale. The apparatus has a frame, at least one actuator and at least one displacement sensor. The apparatus may further include a controller and data acquisition equipment. At least one portion of the frame defines at least one flexure element that is capable of being displaced, by the actuator or a sample, along a rectilinear axis. The frame defining the flexure element has a platform and at least two parallel beams or springs supporting the platform. The portion of the frame defining the flexure element tends to restrict displacement of the sample rectilinearly along an axis that is parallel to the applied force. The arrangement also provides a counter-rotating associated with a cantilever spring assembly. An indentation testing apparatus is has the capability to indent a sample with an indenter.

Abstract: A portable device for measuring the shear properties of a material specimen under applied dynamic circumferential forces against the specimen perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said specimen. The device may further apply a dynamic force against an end of the specimen. The device includes clamps that hold the specimen at its proximal and distal end, wherein the circumferential force applied to the specimen is affectively applied between the two clamps. The temperature of the specimen may be held constant by controlling the temperature within an environmental chamber through the use of a closed loop PID control system. The force against the specimen is dynamically loaded by a dynamic load reaction frame consisting of a shear load actuator and load reaction structure. A microprocessor-based controller operates the dynamic load reaction frame under closed loop control.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for accurately controlling the amount of NH3 to be applied to a field by measuring the NH3 flow rate without condensing or cooling the NH3. The system includes a control station 12 on the vehicle with a tachometer 12A or a GPS system for providing a vehicle speed signal to a control panel 13. The control panel includes a toggle switch 17 for adjusting the opening or closing of a valve 52 in the flow line to regulate the flow through the system, although the control panel alternatively may automatically control the valve 52. The vehicle transports a tank 20 containing liquid NH3 and a tool bar 30 for distributing the NH3 to the soil. After flowing through the flow meter 40,60, 130, the NH3 is conducted to the soil through a series of hoses, fittings, a distributor, and tubing. The flow meter transmits a signal to the control panel, which is converted to a corrected flow rate signal in response to a fixed value vaporization correction factor.

Abstract: Known devices for measuring the mass of a flowing medium can be impaired in their measurement precision by fluid components carried along in the medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sampling container for taking samples from a tank containing a flammable liquefied gas. The container comprises an inlet opening and an outlet opening, at least two valves for operating the openings, and a connector at the inlet opening for establishing fluid communication with the tank. A nozzle which communicates with the inlet opening and which suppresses the splashing of liquefied gas flowing into the sampling container and hence the build-up of static electricity. The invention further pertains to an apparatus for taking samples from a tank containing a flammable liquefied gas, comprising a first connector-counterpart for receiving the connector of the sampling container.

Abstract: The present invention, provides a flow cytometry apparatus for the detection of particles from a plurality of samples comprising: means for moving a plurality of samples comprising particles from a plurality of respective source wells into a fluid flow stream; means for introducing a separation gas between each of the plurality of samples in the fluid flow stream; and means for selectively analyzing each of the plurality of samples for the particles. The present invention also provides a flow cytometry method employing such an apparatus.

Abstract: A ratchet tool test device includes a board having a hole and a recess which has a toothed inner periphery and shares a common axis with the hole. A pawl member has a shank rotatably extending through the hole and a plurality of extensions extend from the shank. Each of the extensions has teeth which are engaged with the toothed inner periphery. An engaging section is securely connected to the shank so as to be cooperated with a ratchet tool. When the ratchet tool is rotated, the teeth are moved over the toothed inner periphery in one direction.

Abstract: A control feedback system and method for industrial processes using automated particle or object analysis is disclosed. The control feedback system and method includes a particle characteristic measuring unit to obtain measured characteristics of a bulk material sample; an optimal characteristic definition for comparison with the measured characteristics; a corrective action database for defining and selecting actions to be taken in response to a comparison of the measured characteristics with the optimal characteristic definition; and a control line network to transfer control signals to a plurality of processing units in response to a selected action to be taken.

Abstract: A gyro torque converter includes an input shaft and an output shaft. An outer gimbal is supported by the input shaft and the output shaft. An inner gimbal is rotatably mounted within the outer gimbal. The inner gimbal is connected to be rotatably driven by the input shaft. A gyro is rotatably mounted within the inner gimbal.

Abstract: One end of a cylinder disposed on the outer periphery of a ball screw shaft is fixed to the end face of a ball nut, while the other end of the cylinder is closed by an end plate to thereby form a lubricant filling space between the end plate and the leading end face of the ball screw shaft. And, the lubricant is supplied into the lubricant filling space from a grease nipple mounted on the cylinder.

Abstract: A powertrain has a countershaft transmission and a throttle controlled engine. The transmission has an operator controlled friction clutch that is effective to connect and disconnect the transmission and the engine. The transmission also has coaxially aligned input and output shafts and a countershaft parallel therewith. The input shaft, countershaft, and output shaft are connected through meshing gears. In order to maintain the lash between the connecting gears, a selectively actuatable friction damper is disposed between the input shaft and the output shaft. The damper is actuated during transient events that would otherwise cause the gear meshes to separate resulting in noise.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gutter selection actuator as well as a method for gutter selection in a transmission. The gutter selection actuator has precisely one double-action gutter piston (2) and one valve device (20) and can be controlled by a common control pressure. A selector finger (4) of a selector shaft (3) can be engaged and disengaged with the gutter piston (2). The position and the movement of the gutter piston (2) is determined in this connection exclusively by the valve device (20).

Abstract: A reverse shift device of a manual transmission is disclosed to reduce the total length of the transmission, improve shift feeling and decrease noise by excluding a reverse idler gear that rotates, while being meshed between input and output axles, the device comprising: an idle axle fixed at a shift case; and an idle synchronizer installed at the idle axle for switching a state of conveying the rotational force of an input axle to an output axle at the time of forward-reverse shifts.

Abstract: A form of gearing having teeth with different face widths along the tooth height and a method thereof of designing and manufacturing. Different gear tooth face widths are introduced along the tooth height to alter the tooth stiffness characteristic to provide a pair of gears with reduced mesh stiffness variation. The use of variable face widths along the tooth height changes both the geometric properties of the tooth and the load distribution/concentration to reduce the self-excited component of dynamic load, in effect reducing gear noise and increasing power density.

Abstract: The present invention is a gear system generally having a driven gear, rotatably mounted on an axis, having teeth defined by unique geometrical profiles; a driving means contacting the teeth of the driven gear; and round pins or spheres for engaging the teeth of the driven gear rotatably mounted on the driving means, the round pins or spheres for engaging the teeth of the driven gear roll along a profile of the tooth of the driven gear; and the gear system has a variable pressure angle and a variable contact ratio.

Abstract: A cable linkage comprising a cable partially housed within a sheath and a fitting for securement to a linkage member, a length of cable between the fitting and the sheath being exposed when the cable is extended in use, wherein the fitting has a guide follower arranged to follow a guide so as to substantially inhibit kinking of the exposed length of cable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shifting device (1) for transmitting, without force, shifting commands to an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle. The inventive shifting device comprises a gear shift lever (2) which is pivotally mounted in at least one shifting path, and comprises a detection device for detecting the gear shift lever position (P, R, N, D ), as well as a transmitting device for transmitting, without force, shifting commands to the automatic transmission, whereby the detection device and/or the transmission device are/is operated in an at least partially electrical/electromagnetic manner. The invention is characterized in that a means (5-14) for mechanical coupling between the gear shift lever (2) and the automatic transmission is provided which can effect the release of the parking position of the automatic transmission.

Abstract: Improved components are provided for a bicycle which is powered by pedals, motor, or engine. Such bicycle can be folding or non-folding. The two components are 1) lever-locked handlebars mounted upon a sturdy steering column and 2) a sturdy offset seat column which can be height-adjustable. Included is a handle bar assembly having a pair of foldable handle bars mounted to a center section, which is mounted in turn on a steering column. Each of the handle bars has a cam mounted thereto with a lever attached to the cam, so that when each handle bar is pivoted up to its extended operating position, a lever and cam are pivoted so that the cam overlaps the center section in close proximity, holding each handle bar in such extended position. Pulling the levers out of their respective pockets and pivoting them and their cams in the reverse directions, releases the respective handlebars so that they can fold downwardly toward the steering column in a compact manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handlebar having an adjustable dampening mechanism which further strengthens the handlebar and allows an operator to vary the stiffness of the handlebar. The handlebar includes a tubing with a central region having a first end and a second end, a first bent region extending from the first end of the central region, a second bent region extending from the second end of the central region, a first handgrip region extending from a distal end of the first bent region, and a second handgrip region extending from a distal end of the second bent region. Bent portions adjoin each of the regions. The adjustable dampening mechanism includes a rod disposed within the tubing, wherein the rod contacts the inner wall of the tubing at the bent portions. Forces acting upon the handlebar cause the handlebar to deflect. During the deflection of the handlebar, the rod is forced to further bend at some of the bent portions due to increasing contact forces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a steering wheel that comprises a closed annular steering wheel rim and spokes, and further comprises a steering wheel skeleton as well as a sheathing therefore, the sheathing being one of a foam covering and a leather covering that surrounds the steering wheel skeleton. The method comprises the following steps: a) the one-piece steering wheel skeleton is produced, it having, in order to form the steering wheel rim, a closed annular portion the cross-section of which has an open hollow profile; b) a body that serves as a spacer is placed in the open hollow profile in order to almost completely fill the hollow profile, and; c) the steering wheel skeleton is provided with the sheathing at least in an area of the steering wheel rim. The invention further relates to a steering wheel produced by such method.

Abstract: There is provided a flywheel device for a prime mover, which can be made compact in the axial size thereof and have an effectively increased inertial mass. The flywheel device is comprised of a drive plate and a mass ring. The drive plate has an annular projection and is attached to a crankshaft in a manner concentric with the crankshaft. The mass ring has an annular recess and is concentrically attached to the drive plate by the annular recess being fitted on the annular projection of the drive plate. The flywheel device transmits torque from an engine as the prime mover to the input shaft of an automatic transmission while reducing variation in the torque.

Abstract: In an articulated fitting (5) for a vehicle seat, particularly for a motor vehicle seat, consisting of a first fitting part (7), a second fitting part (8) pivotable relative to the first fitting part (7) around an axis of rotation (10), a detent pawl (15) for locking the second fitting part (8), which is pivotably mounted on the first fitting part (7), and a clamping element (25) mounted in a pivotable manner for securing the detent pawl (15) in a locked state, the clamping element (25), through a pivotably mounted cam (31), acts on a detent pawl (15), the cam (31) being mobile relative to the detent pawl (15).

Abstract: A safety cycle pedal includes a pedal body with an axle rotatably extending therethrough and two frames are respectively connected to two opposite surfaces of the pedal body by two respective pins. Each frame has end plate through which a bolt extends therethrough. Two torsion springs are mounted on the two pins and each of which is shaped to include two legs and a connection portion which is connected between the two legs. The two connection portions respectively extend from the two opposite surfaces of the pedal body. Two bars are respectively connected to the two bolts and located between the two lugs of the two respective frames. The two bars respectively contact the two legs of the two respective torsion springs.

Abstract: A hydraulic controller comprises a first hydraulic control valve 60, which is mounted on an end face S1 of a first housing unit H1, an oil pump 50, which is mounted on the first hydraulic control valve 60, and an input shaft 1 of a transmission, which shaft is provided rotatably in a transmission housing. The oil pump 50 comprises an outer rotor 52 and an inner rotor 53 in a pump casing 51 and 54, which is mounted on the valve body of the first hydraulic control valve 60. The input shaft 1, which is inserted into the pump casing and fit into the inner rotor 53, rotates and drives the inner rotor. The oil pump 50 sucks oil from the bottom of the transmission housing and supplies it through the mounted part into the first hydraulic control valve 60.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transaxle having a hydrostatic transmission module including a transmission housing, a rotating fluid pump and a rotatable fluid motor, the pump being of variable displacement, the motor being rotated at various speeds and in forward and reverse directions in response to changes in pump displacement; an axle drive unit including a housing and a speed reduction gear train having an input and an output disposed in the axle drive housing, the motor being operably coupled to the gear train input; a differential assembly having a rotating casing, the rotating casing being external to the transmission housing and axle drive unit housing; and a pair of axles extending from the differential assembly casing.

Abstract: A mechanical indexing device. The device comprises a mechanism for converting linear motion into many different combinations of linear and rotary motion, whereby an object can be moved along a desired linear path and indexed through a desired arc of rotation.

Abstract: A method of producing a nickel base alloy includes casting the alloy within a casting mold and subsequently annealing and overaging the ingot at at least 1200° F. (649° C.) for at least 10 hours. The ingot is electroslag remelted at a melt rate of at least 8 lbs/min. (3.63 kg/min.), and the ESR ingot is then transferred to a heating furnace within 4 hours of complete solidification and is subjected to a novel post-ESR heat treatment. A suitable VAR electrode is provided form the ESR ingot, and the electrode is vacuum arc remelted at a melt rate of 8 to 11 lbs/minute (3.63 to 5.00 kg/minute) to provide a VAR ingot. The method allows premium quality VAR ingots having diameters greater than 30 inches (762 mm) to be prepared from Alloy 718 and other nickel base superalloys subject to significant segregation on casting.

Abstract: A method for aluminum recovery during the carbothermic production of aluminum in a smelting furnace (1,2) is disclosed, where during carbothermic reduction of alumina, aluminum and aluminum suboxide vapors are produced (3, 4), which are reacting with carbon. Reactive carbon is generated in situ by the cracking of hydrocarbon compounds (6) in a separate closed reactor vessel (5) at a temperature greater than about 1955° C. Solid aluminum carbide that formed during the reaction can then be recycled by a conduit (8) to the primary reactor for reduction to aluminum, and reactor gas (10) can be fed to a cooler (9).

Abstract: Self-reducing agglomerates are provided for use in the production of metal. The agglomerates comprise a mixture of iron oxide containing particles and particles of a reducing agent bonded by use of a pre-gel. The agglomerates are produced by a method and apparatus that provides for mixing and curing thereof. The agglomerates may then be used for reduction thereof for the production of iron.

Abstract: A silicon base binary alloy of prealloyed powder having less than 10% aluminum, excluding zero. The alloy may be in the form of gas atomized prealloyed powder, which powder may be consolidated to form an article. Preferably, the article is a sputtering target.

Abstract: The invention relates to a technical sodium purification method consisting of placing liquid sodium in contact at a temperature greater than or equal to 150° C., inside a static mixer, with an inert gas stream with respect to the sodium containing the stoechiometric quantity of water vapour required to oxidise calcium so as to lower its content to the desired content, and then separating the purified sodium from the inert gas, and the hydrogen and lime produced by the reaction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing metal foams of controlled structure and to the metal bodies in foam form obtained in this way, wherein metals from group IB to VIIIB of the periodic system of the elements are added before and/or during the formation of the foam.

Abstract: A ratchet tool includes a seat rotatably secured to a housing and having a number of teeth facing toward the housing, the housing having two channels for slidably receiving two pawls which are biased to engage with the teeth of the seat, and an actuator rotated by a control ferrule to selectively disengage the pawls from the teeth of the seat to control the rotational direction of the seat by the housing. A driving stem is engaged in the seat and has an engaging hole for changeably receiving a tool member. A rod may be biased to secure the tool member to the driving stem.

Abstract: A ratchet tool includes a ring-shaped head having a toothed member rotatably received therein and a first end of a handle is pivotally inserted in the ring-shaped head. A pawl is connected to the first end of the handle and pivotally engaged with the toothed member. Two springs are received in the ring-shaped head and contact two sides of the handle.

Abstract: A screwdriver assembly includes a first screwdriver and a second screwdriver connected to each other. The two screwdrivers have different specifications to be used in different working conditions and are packaged and marketed together to reduce the packaging cost.

Abstract: An electronic type torsional wrench includes a handle, a force applying stem, a drive shank, and a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor includes a base member connected with the force applying stem, and a detecting member connected with the drive shank. In such a manner, when the relative pressure is formed between the force applying stem and the drive shank, the pressure sensor detects pressure values which are converted into torsion reading values by the converting unit, and the torsion reading values are displayed by the display monitor. Thus, the torsion reading values can be detected accurately, and the operation of the torsional wrench is convenient.

Abstract: The novel turning method on a lathe or a machining apparatus uses a tool head which is traversable for the machining and can be rotated mechanically in a receiver with a rotary axis D in the course of the machining. The rotary axis D of the tool head lies within an angular range &agr; of 45° to 90° to the X-axis and perpendicularly to the Z-axis of the machining apparatus. In addition, a tool head is used whose cutting inserts are arranged in such a way that each cutting insert has a tool reference plane Pr through in each case identical selected cutting-edge points perpendicularly to the assumed cutting direction in accordance with DIN 6581, this tool reference plane Pr running within an angular range &bgr; of 90° to 135° to the rotary axis D of the tool head.

Abstract: 1. Turret.

Abstract: A slicing device for slicing a number of articles in one slicing operation. The device includes a frame, a plurality of horizontally disposed cutting blades mounted in the frame, a pusher pushing the article into the cutting blades, and a support positioned between the cutting blades and the pusher. The support is able to support, at least temporarily, the articles prior to slicing. A collector is positioned underneath the cutting blades for collection of the sliced articles. The collector includes first and second collection units for collection of the end and intermediate slices respectively.

Abstract: Machines with safety systems are disclosed. The machine may take the form of woodworking machines including table saws, band saws, miter saws, hand-held circular saws, pneumatic chop saws, radial-arm saws, jointers, planars, routers and shapers. The machines may include an operative structure configured to perform a task, where the operative structure includes a cutting tool adapted to move in at least one motion, and a safety system adapted to detect the occurrence of an unsafe condition between a person and the cutting tool and for mitigating the unsafe condition. The safety system may include a detection subsystem and a reaction subsystem.

Abstract: A band saw including a frame, at least two, spaced apart, rotatable wheels supported by the frame, a blade looped around the wheels, where rotation of at least one wheel causes the blade to move around the wheels, a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and the blade, and a reaction system configured to engage and stop the blade within 10 milliseconds after detection of the dangerous condition is disclosed. The reaction system may be configured to cut and grip the blade.

Abstract: A guard means for machines such as pressbrakes, guillotines, stamping machines and the like, in the case of which a first machine part performs working movements toward a second machine part. At least one photoelectric detector, more especially a laser photoelectric detector, has its light beam extending perpendicularly to the direction of working movement and is able to be so positioned between the two machine parts at one thereof that its light beam is at a safety distance from such machine part, such safety distance being able to be set by means of a guard means arranged adjustably on this one machine part, such guard means bearing the at least one photoelectric detector. A halting means is adapted to arrest the working movement on interruption of the light beam and a switching off means serves for switching off the halting means directly prior to interruption of the light beam.

Abstract: A feeding device for transporting a thin and sticky tape, particularly a cord tape, through a cutting device onto a conveyor belt for transporting the sections of cord tape away, with a pulling device with pliers, which take hold of the leading edge of the cord tape lying under the raised upper knife of the cutting device, in order to pull the cord tape by a distance, corresponding to the width of the cutting, from the unwinding roll through the cutting device over the conveyor belt, which transports the cutting away and preferably lies lower.

Abstract: Embodiments of features for a paper punch machine are shown and described. Preferably, these features, which may be called “accessories” whether they are built-in original equipment manufacture or retrofit equipment, assist in proper paper alignment and punch control. A first accessory is an improved paper stop that is both grossly-adjustable and finely-adjustable, by a preferred combination of a biased sliding mechanism, followed by a fine-tuning mechanism gradually laterally moving the paper stop by causing a threaded shaft to rotate after the paper stop is already in the preferred “gross-adjustment” position. This way, the paper stop is brought close to the proper marking on the housing appropriate for a particular paper or die assembly, and then exact adjustment may be made in very small and precise amounts.