Abstract: An enhanced scanning probe microscope is provided with means for controlling the atmosphere surrounding the probe tip and the sample or surface to be scanned. Additional enhancements include a tip holder which can be tuned to reflect the laser light of the apparatus on the photodiode, a brace to stabilize the optical microscope relative to the sample and a mirror placed to allow visualization of the sample and tip from the side. Also provided is an enhanced method of nanolithography using an enhanced scanning probe microscope in which it is possible to control the atmosphere surrounding the probe tip and the substrate to be patterned or etched.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine to improve air/fuel ratio control using a feed-forward observer-based control strategy include estimating current and future airflow actuator positions, determining corresponding mass airflow values, and determining a future in-cylinder air charge based on a difference between the current and future mass airflow values. In one embodiment, the difference between current and future mass airflow estimates is used as a feed-forward term and combined with a sensed or measured value generated by a mass airflow sensor prior to being processed using a manifold filling model to predict the future cylinder air charge.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for improving vehicle steering performance and robustness of that performance through control of non-uniformities in the vehicle's tires, wheels and tire/wheel assemblies as a way to overcome the tendency of the steering systems in certain vehicle types to undergo “steering performance loss.” While minimizing lateral force variations (e.g., couple imbalance), a controlled amount of radial and/or tangential force variation is induced in one or more tire/wheel assemblies by means of mass non-uniformity, dimensional non-uniformity, and/or stiffness non-uniformity. For stiffness non-uniformity, the preferred method comprises imparting a controlled amount of stiffness non-uniformity to the tire in at least one of the tire/wheel assemblies, followed by statically and dynamically balancing all of the vehicle's tire/wheel assemblies.

Abstract: A tire gauge for measuring a pressurized gas in a tire through a valve stem includes a pressure-measuring device for receiving the pressurized gas and determining a pressure measurement for the pressurized gas and an attachment-and-alignment mechanism coupled to the pressure-measuring device for aligning the tire gauge with the tire valve stem and for removably coupling the tire gauge to the tire valve stem while activating the needle valve in the tire valve stem. A method is also presented.

Abstract: Wireless sensing and communication system including sensors located on the vehicle, in the roadway or in the vicinity of the vehicle or roadway and which provide information which is transmitted to one or more interrogators in the vehicle by a wireless radio frequency mechanism. Power to operate a particular sensor is supplied by the interrogator or the sensor is independently connected to either a battery, generator, vehicle power source or some source of power external to the vehicle. The sensors can 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. The sensors arranged on the roadway or ancillary structures would include pressure sensors, temperature sensors, moisture content or humidity sensors, and friction sensors.

Abstract: The tire comprises a radially inner carcass (1), a base layer (2) which is applied to said carcass radially, externally; a profile comprising numerous profile elements (3, 4, 5) applied radially, externally to said base layer (2); and a sensor (6) which is located in the base layer (2) and associated with one profile element (5) selected from said profile elements (3, 4, 5) and which is used to determine a maximum force exerted on said selected profile element (5). The selected profile element (5) is mechanically separate from all of the other profile elements (3, 4). The method for determining a wear value for a tire of this type that turns and rolls on a base surface (10) provides that the maximum force is measured while the tire is rolling and that the wear value is determined from this maximum force.

Abstract: An air sampler device and method for collecting airborne pathogens and psychrometric data for room or remote air samples wherein the sample volume is electronically controlled. Particulates in the air are caused to impact the surface of the growth/inhibitor media contained in the pathogen dish thereby depositing pathogenic microorganisms in the media. The growth/inhibitor media may be a solid, liquid, gel, or mixture thereof. After the pathogen dish is incubated, colony forming units are counted for determination of air quality parameters. A chip-based sensor measures psychrometric properties of the air sample.

Abstract: An ullage meter is designed to be made up of a coating or film attached to the surface of a tank for holding compressed gas. This is used normally when the tank is warm as is the case right after the tank is pressured with gas. The coating includes materials which change in appearance when various specific temperatures are reached. The changed appearance allows numbers to be seen which tell the observer how much pressure will be lost after the warm tank has cooled to some specific temperature. This loss is an ullage.

Abstract: In this system an unbalancing force, as set by an unbalance load injection device integrated into a work piece balancing machine and its balance computer, is injected into an injection planethrough an operating portion of the machine. This injected load is in effect transferred by computation to a calibrating plane of a known standard or a masterwork part loaded into and rotatably driven by the balancing machine. The values of the unbalancing force as generated by the unbalance injecting device and by calculation into the rotating master are sensed by synchronizer and vibration pick-ups. Data reflective of the injected imbalance are furnished to the balance computer for the calibration thereof. The principle of this self-calibration is to use a workpiece drive spindle and unbalance injector device that can introduce a known unbalance, set by adjusting the unbalance injector device to inject a predetermined load at a known angle into the master to effect master unbalance.

Abstract: A wheel balancer includes a shaft adapted for receiving a wheel/tire assembly. The balancer has a longitudinal axis and is rotatable about the axis so as to rotate the wheel/tire assembly removably mounted thereon. A sensor assembly is provided for measuring rotation of the shaft about the longitudinal axis. A vibration sensor assembly measures vibration of the wheel/tire assembly as the wheel/tire assembly is rotated. A motor operatively connected to the shaft rotates the shaft about the longitudinal axis, thereby to rotate the wheel/tire assembly. A load roller applies a generally radial force, which can exceed one hundred fifty pounds, to the wheel/tire assembly during rotation of said wheel/tire assembly. A sensor detects lateral force, wheel/tire assembly radius, and/or wheel/tire assembly diameter, which can have a tendency to cause a vehicle on which the wheel/tire assembly is mounted during use to deviate from a straight line path.

Abstract: The advisory speed meter is used to determine the advisory speed for a highway curve or to provide data for use in determining the advisory speed for a highway curve. The meter determines and records the maximum lateral horizontal acceleration experienced by a vehicle and occupants while traversing a highway curve. The meter has been extensively tested on rural curves and on entrance and exit and connecting ramps between all types of highways. The process for determining an advisory speed for a curve is described. The advisory speed meter provides accurate, reproducible data for use in determining advisory speeds for highway curves.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided which comprises a console including on/off push buttons and a liquid crystal display for providing messages to the user, a receiver unit, a transmitter unit and a circuit capable of calculating the speeds of the user during use as well as operate LEDs which display the status of the apparatus and flash in response to movement of the user wearing the device while he or she is running or walking.

Abstract: A triaxial sensor substrate is adapted for use in measuring the acceleration and angular rate of a moving body along three orthogonal axes. The triaxial sensor substrate includes three individual sensors that are arranged in the plane of the substrate at an angle of 120 degrees with respect to one another. Each sensor is formed from two accelerometers having their sensing axes canted at an angle with respect to the plane of the substrate and further being directed in opposite directions. The rate sensing axes thus lie along three orthogonal axes.

Abstract: A resonant sensor comprises a support structure comprising two support points; a laminar resonator suspended between said two support points of said support structure and comprising a plurality of substantially parallel flexural members which are responsive to relative movement of said support points; means for exciting said resonator into a balanced mode of oscillation and means for sensing motion of said resonator.

Abstract: An apparatus 100 for providing information concerning a condition of a vessel such as a steam drum 12 which segregates steam and liquid from one another includes a liquid contact assembly 102, a signal generator element 130, and a housing 112 and a conduit 114 for enclosing the signal generator element 130 in a substantially leak proof manner within the vessel space. The liquid contact assembly 102 is disposable at a first vessel location in the steam drum 12 and has a vibration component 108 operable to vibrate at natural frequencies which vary as a function of a predetermined characteristic of the liquid at the first vessel location and a support component 110 for supporting the water contact assembly 102 in contact with the liquid at the first vessel location. The signal generator element 130 generates a signal indicative of a natural frequency of the vibration component 108.

Abstract: A method for distinguishing multiple targets using time-reversal acoustics. Time-reversal acoustics uses an iterative process to determine the optimum signal for locating a strongly reflecting target in a cluttered environment. An acoustic array sends a signal into a medium, and then receives the returned/reflected signal. This returned/reflected signal is then time-reversed and sent back into the medium again, and again, until the signal being sent and received is no longer changing. At that point, the array has isolated the largest eigenvalue/eigenvector combination and has effectively determined the location of a single target in the medium (the one that is most strongly reflecting). After the largest eigenvalue/eigenvector combination has been determined, to determine the location of other targets, instead of sending back the same signals, the method sends back these time reversed signals, but half of them will also be reversed in sign.

Abstract: A two-dimensional sensor array for high throughput screening of fluids in micro-machined fluid arrays is provided. The sensor array includes a two-dimensional array of piezoelectric transducers which are in contact with the back-side of the micro-machined fluid array which is opposite from the fluid positions. A means is provided to generate and detect shear or longitudinal ultrasonic waves in a time-multiplexed manner whereby the waves could propagate in either a pulse or continuous mode. A means to determine fluid parameters based on the shear and longitudinal ultrasonic waves is also provided. Furthermore, a fluid dispense system could be included which is then controlled based on the determined fluid parameters and a feedback control system. The two-dimensional micro-sensor array is compatible with and based on miniaturization technologies for high-throughput biology, such as micro-fluidics, detection, sample handling, and bioassay technology amenable to high-density formats.

Abstract: A chamber in the interior of a housing communicates with the environment of the housing by means of a gas esxchange path, wherein a filter element with a hydrophobic and/or hydrophobicized, nanoporous material is placed in the gas exchange path. The chamber serves, e.g. to accomodate electronic circuitry, or it is chamed as a reference pressure chamber of a relative pressure sensor. The relative pressure sensor according to the present invention for capturing a measured pressure with respect to a reference pressure comprises a reference pressure path 23 which extends between a surface which can be exposed to the reference pressure and an opening in a reference pressure chamber 22, a filter element 30 which is arranged in the reference pressure path comprising a hydrophobic or hydrophobicized, nanoporous material. The filter element allows pressure compensation on account of its permeability to N2 and O2, while water molecules are selectively blocked.

Abstract: There is disclosed a measurement mechanism for differential pressure measurement. The mechanism has two housing portions with flanges. A differential pressure sensor is force-fit between the two flange faces. An electronics board is connected to the differential pressure sensor by means of a force-fit electrical contact.

Abstract: An electrical capacitance pressure sensor has a lower electrode, a movable electrode, and an upper electrode. A first cavity portion is formed between the lower electrode and the movable electrode. A second cavity portion is formed between the upper electrode and the movable electrode. The substrate has an opening portion that penetrates the substrate from the first surface to the second surface thereof. The lower electrode has at least one first window portion that penetrates the lower electrode from the side of the substrate to the side of the first cavity portion and communicates the cavity portion to the opening portion of the substrate. The upper electrode has at least one second window portion that penetrates the upper electrode from the side of the cavity portion to the outside thereof to communicate the cavity portion with the outside.

Abstract: A compressible variable capacitance sensor for determining the presence, size, position, and type of an object such as a human body part includes two flexible conductor elements separated by a non-conductive compressible element. The capacitance of the capacitance sensor changes as a function of force applied by an object on the capacitance sensor. A controller senses the capacitance of the capacitance sensor and controls a device accordingly. The device may be a movable closed opening such as a window in which the controller controls the window as a function of the monitored capacitance to prevent pinching of the object. The device may also be a seat in which the controller determines the characteristics of the seat occupant based on the monitored capacitance.

Abstract: Displacement measuring means (15, 16) are fixed onto the structural element. A hole (20, 21) is pierced in the measurement zone and a supply pressure is applied to a flat actuator introduced into the hole. The displacements measured are analyzed as a function of the supply pressure to determine the stress from a supply pressure which roughly compensates for the deformation of the element due to the piercing of the hole. The measuring means comprise two arms (15) that are fixed to the element at two respective anchoring points (X) aligned parallel to a measuring direction, and at least two displacement sensors (16) mounted on the arms on each side of the anchoring points to measure the variations in separation between the anchoring points. The arms (15) leave between them a gap through which the hole is pierced at a central position with respect to the anchoring points.

Abstract: The flowmeter comprises a flow sensor with a flow tube, two coils, and two measuring electrodes as well as measuring and control electronics. The method serves to compensate interfering potentials that are caused by inductive and/or capacitive interference arising from the coil leads and/or by particles of foreign matter or air bubbles in the liquid to be measured and/or by coatings on the measuring electrodes. During first subcycles of the excitation current, a measurement signal proportional to volumetric flow rate is computed as usual. During second subcycles of the excitation current, at least one voltage pulse is applied to at least one of the measuring electrodes.

Abstract: The flowmeter comprises a flow sensor with a flow tube, two electrodes, and two field coils traversed by a first excitation current and a second excitation current, respectively, as well as control and evaluation electronics. The method serves to generate an error signal when the uniform turbulence in the liquid to be measured is disturbed. During a first quarter cycle, the excitation currents are equal, have a constant value, and flow in the same direction, a first direction. During a second quarter cycle, the first excitation current has the constant value and flows in the opposite direction, and the second excitation current is less by a constant amount and flows in the first direction. During a third quarter cycle, the excitation currents have the constant value and flow in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring physical parameters of a fluid, the sensor comprising an air intake fitted on a streamlined body, and a duct formed in said streamlined body to enable the fluid to flow and communicating with said air intake, the sensor being characterized in that said air intake has an inside section that is, at least in part, rounded and fitted on the streamlined body via a surface that is plane.

Abstract: Torque in a torsion member, such as a rotating shaft, is sensed by a piezoelectric element that is attached to the torsion member. The piezoelectric element has a resonant frequency that varies with changes in the torque and is part of a transducer oscillator that produces a first signal. A reference oscillator has a similar piezoelectric element and produces a second signal having a frequency that varies in response to environmental parameters. The first and second signals are heterodyned, thereby cancelling the effects due to environmental parameters acting on both piezoelectric elements and producing a resultant signal that has a frequency which corresponds to the torque applied to the torsion member.

Abstract: A device for measuring mechanical properties of an elastic body, comprising:

Abstract: A component includes a housing (110, 1110) at least partially defining a cavity (125, 1125), a sensor element (105) located in the cavity, and a support member (340, 1140) located over the cavity, located over at least a portion of the housing, and having a hole (341, 1141) over the cavity. The component also includes a filter (345, 700, 800, 1045) located over the support member and located over the hole in the support member.

Abstract: Provided is a test system and method that permits automatically interchanging a plurality of tools to seamlessly perform various functions on a sample. Each tool is mounted in an assembly and the sample is mounted on a chuck. A path is defined in a plane along which a carriage on which the tool assemblies are mounted is transported with the tools each positioned in the same attitude with respect to, and distance from, that path. The carriage is transported along the path to a position where one of the tools is adjacent the chuck which is rotated, if necessary, to position a desired point of interest on the sample immediately adjacent the tool. Once positioned, the tool engages the sample to perform a test. Following testing, the tool is disengaged from the sample and the process repeated as necessary for each additional test to be performed on the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus is proposed for coupling at least one secondary assembly (32), in particular a starter generator, to a primary assembly (20), in particular an internal combustion engine. The at least one secondary assembly (32) and the apparatus for coupling (26) are connected to each other by means of a transmission mechanism (27). The apparatus has an epicyclic gear (38) which connects the primary assembly (20) to the transmission mechanism (27) and the epicyclic gear (38) can be switched between two multiplications by means of a first coupling (53). The first coupling (53) is a free-wheel coupling and a ring gear (50) of the epicyclic gear (38) can be immobilized in at least one rotation direction by means of a second coupling (56).

Abstract: A contamination resistant lead screw or ball screw-driven linear actuator has the lead screw and drive nut enclosed within a specially constructed guide chassis. A carriage is slidably mounted on parallel rails attached to the guide chassis. The carriage is attached to the drive nut through a slot in the guide chassis. An enclosure surrounds the guide chassis. The enclosure and the guide chassis create a labyrinth seal that effectively contains internally generated debris and contamination and excludes environmental dirt, debris and contamination.

Abstract: A parallel mechanism for manipulating an object in space is provided. The parallel mechanism includes an end platform for supporting an object to be manipulated and an intermediate platform arranged in spaced relation from the end platform and connected to the end platform by a connecting element. A plurality of first links are connected to the end platform and a plurality of second links are connected to the intermediate platform. A linear motor is associated with each first link and each second link for translating the ends of the first and second links to move the end and intermediate platforms.

Abstract: A locking system for an adjustable steering column has an adjusting device for adjusting the steering column in the vertical direction, and a locking device for the form-fitting locking of the steering column in the vertical direction, particularly for motor vehicles. In order to provide an adjustable steering column which is improved with respect to the required installation space, it is suggested that the adjusting device comprises a vehicle-body-fixed swivel bearing for the steering column and a control arm swivellably held at a distance thereto on the vehicle body. In this case, the control arm is disposed on the steering column in a sliding seat.

Abstract: A transversely moving cable control for operating devices such as the brakes or gear shift of a bicycle. In one embodiment a lever is rotatably attached to a hollow base plate. Rotation of the lever away from the base plate transversely moves the portion of a cable between a cable guide in the base plate and an exit aperture in the lever to create a pulling force on one or both ends of the cable. Meanwhile, the cable guide and the exit aperture maintain the portion of the cable outside the transversely moving cable control in substantially the original position of such cable. An alternate embodiment accomplishes these same functions by using a substantially U-shaped housing having cable guides in the ends of the legs of such housing to maintain the outer portions of the cable in substantially their original position while employing a pulley inside a block that is drawn toward an aperture in the second end of the U-shaped housing to transversely move the intermediate portion of the cable.

Abstract: A well-known connector (26) extends from at least one of a terminal (18, 20) and a conduit support (16) for connection to a disc-shaped head (22) supported on a post (24). The connector (26) presents a surface (28) and a flange (30) is spaced and parallel to the surface (28) to define a pocket between the surface (28) and the flange (30) for receiving the disc-shaped head. The connector of the assembly is characterized by a catch (40) extending upwardly of the surface (28) forwardly of the circular opening (32) for allowing insertion of the head (22) into the pocket and for retaining the head (22) in the pocket. The catch (40) includes a shoulder (42) extending upwardly to a top (44) for retaining the head (22) in the pocket. The catch (40) includes an inclined ramp (46) extending downwardly and forwardly from the top (44) of the shoulder (42). A slot (50) extends around the beam (48) for allowing the beam (48) to flex relative to the connector (26) for snapping the catch behind the head (22).

Abstract: An adjustable pedal system has a first pedal pivotally attached to the translatable nut of a first jack screw actuator for adjusting the fore and aft position of the first pedal and a second pedal pivotally attached to the translatable nut of a second jack screw actuator for adjusting the fore and aft position of the second pedal. An electric motor drives the translatable nuts fore and aft, and a fail-safe device that includes a motor control switch operated by the fore and aft movements of two of the nuts limits misalignment of the two pedals due to adjustments.

Abstract: An adjustable control pedal includes a molded-plastic upper support forming a hollow interior space. The upper support has a pair opposed side walls partially forming the interior space and opposed flanges inwardly extending into the interior space from the side walls. The opposed flanges are molded-in flanges unitary with the upper support. A pedal arm has a lower end carrying a pedal and an upper end provided with at least one guide pin slidingly supported by the opposed flanges for selected movement of the pedal arm relative to said upper support. The interior space is entirely enclosed by the upper support except for an opening at a bottom side of the upper support and the upper end of the pedal arm extends into the interior space through the opening. A drive assembly is operatively connected to the pedal arm to selectively move the lower arm relative to the upper support.

Abstract: In order to suppress axial vibration in a crank system, prevent knocking sound, and reduce vibration noise, a flywheel (1) which is mounted onto the crankshaft of an engine (E) is made into a spoked form having an uneven number of spokes (5). This prevents the symmetrical bending that occurs with an even number of spokes, and divides the vibration mode in the peripheral direction. It is preferable that the number of spokes be seven. The flywheel (1) is mounted such that, when the pistons of predetermined cylinders #5 and #6 are at top dead center at the start of the expansion stroke, one of the spokes (5a) is positioned on the opposing side to these predetermined cylinders, which border the center of the crank (C).

Abstract: A process for producing a lightweight molded part, comprising introducing a gas into a particle-containing, molten metal to produce a metal foam having voids with a monomodal distribution of their dimensions, introducing the metal foam into a casting die and compressing it therein essentially under all-round pressure; and the molded part made by this process.

Abstract: A manually operated tool bit structure includes a handgrip, an operation member, and a gear shifting device fitted with the handgrip and having an actuating portion whereby a fitting ring of the operation member is fitted with the actuating portion of the gear shifting device so that the gear shifting device is rigidly connected with the handgrip while the handgrip and the gear shifting device will not detach from each other due to the effect of an operational force. In addition, the gear shifting device includes a plurality of locking lugs which are detachably received in the locking cavities defined the handgrip so that the gear shifting device can also be rotated with rotation of the handgrip.

Abstract: A wrench includes a driving head for driving a fastener, and a latch slidably engaged in the driving head and movable inward of the driving head for engaging with the fastener and for preventing the head from moving relative to the fastener. A cover is secured to the head and has a passage for slidably receiving the latch. A catch may be secured to the cover and engaged with the latch for limiting the sliding movement of the latch relative to the cover and for preventing the latch from being disengaged from the cover.

Abstract: A wrench includes a fixed jaw formed on one end of a handle, a pivotal jaw pivotally secured to the handle and having one end for engaging with a fastener. The pivotal jaw has a middle cavity for receiving a spring-biased engaging member which may engage with the handle to force the pivotal jaw toward the fixed jaw. The fixed and the pivotal jaws each includes a flat engaging surface and a notch for alternatively engaging with the opposite flat surfaces and the opposite corners of the fastener and for allowing the handle to be rotated for only thirty degrees relative to the fastener.

Abstract: A clamp device is disclosed having a first member having a handle portion and a jaw portion. A second member has a handle portion and a jaw portion. The handle portion and jaw portion of the second member define a notch extending from an inner surface of the handle portion of the second member at least partially into the jaw portion of the second member, the second member being formed as a single piece. A pivot is pivotally coupling the first member and the second member intermediate their respective handle portion and jaw portion for opposed pivotal motion. An arcuate clamp bar has a first end coupled to the first member and a second end, an arc of the arcuate clamp bar being concentric with the pivot. A brake lever has an end pivotally coupled to the second member at the notch. The end contacts the jaw portion of the second member. The brake lever has an aperture with the arcuate clamp bar extending therethrough.

Abstract: A tool for installing a traction stud including a threaded shank having a pointed ground engaging end and an opposite end mounting a transverse head on a snowmobile drive belt so that the head bears against the inside surface of the track and the pointed end projects outwardly beyond the outside surface of the track. The tool includes a pair of clamping members which have pivotally coupled together along one lateral side of the belt and have free terminal ends mounting opposing clamping jaws which swingably move between spread positions spaced from the belt and closed positions clamped to the belt. Handles are provided on the ends of the elongate member laterally adjacent the track for moving the clamps between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A lathe assembly having a guide with a passageway for movement of a piece of bar stock, with a leading end and a trailing end, in a substantially straight path between a feeding position and a working position. A sensor assembly is capable of detecting the position of the trailing end of a piece of bar stock within the guide passageway to thereby allow a user to determine if a piece of bar stock in the guide passageway has a length sufficient to perform the desired operation thereon. Also, a method of using the lathe assembly.

Abstract: The invention is a device for automatically cutting small objects, primarily objects in the form of tablets and a method of tablet cutting. The device includes tablet guide, alignment and cutter apparatus. The tablet-guide moves a tablet to a cutting position. The alignment apparatus aligns the tablet for cutting at the cutting position. The cutting apparatus automatically cuts the fully aligned tablet into tablet portions having equal volume. The device may include vacuum apparatus for removing cut tablet particulates and may include ejector apparatus for ejecting cut tablet portions.

Abstract: A positionable top for operatively positioning a power tool by adjusting the position of the top in relation to a frame. By utilizing multiple engaging slots on the frame and a matching projection on the square top, the top may be rotated, inverted, horizontally adjusted, and vertically positioned within a frame to support various portable power tools in a variety of positions. The power tools are locked to the top by clamps which utilize “T” shaped grooves as both clamp rails and miter guide grooves. An alternative embodiment includes an insert and an aperture top with vertical adjustment and a frictional engagement lock.

Abstract: To provide a die set having rigid guide posts and rigid guide bushes which are fitted to each other. In the guide post and the guide bush having a sliding portion with a fitting clearance on the fitting surface thereof, even if an axis of the guide bush is tilted with respect to an axis of the guide post, the guide bush can be externally fitted onto the guide post easily. The guide post or the guide bush has a tip portion with a clearance slightly larger than the fitting clearance with respect to a mating element near the fitting tip end on the fitting surface, and a relief groove is provided around an entire circumference between a sliding portion having the fitting clearance and the tip portion. A distance from the tip portion to the sliding portion preferably has a predetermined or greater length.

Abstract: An indexable cutting insert for use in a milling cutter. The cutting insert having four identical side surfaces extending between generally square shaped top and bottom surfaces with two diametrically opposite protuberances extending away from each other in a top or bottom view of the cutting insert. The cutting insert has eight identical major and minor cutting edges. The milling cutter having the general form of a circular disk with a plurality of the cutting inserts releasably mounted in insert pockets angularly around the periphery of the cutter. The cutting inserts are arranged to produce a profile on a workpiece having a central straight section and two beveled sections on either side of the central straight section.

Abstract: A machining center is provided with a cutter depot structure comprising a cutter socket, a cutter disk, and a round machine frame. The cutter socket is rotatably mounted on the periphery of the cutter disk by a retaining pin which is put through an L-shaped rod of the cutter socket. The L-shaped rod is provided with a roller. The cutter disk is provided with an annular stop surface. The round machine frame is provided with a wearproof annular pad having a cut. The cutter socket in motion is confined by the stop surface of the cutter disk and the annular pad of the machine frame such that the cutter socket is kept in the horizontal state. The cutter socket is turned on the retaining pin to facilitate the inverting of the cutter, thereby resulting in reduction in length of a cutter exchanging arm.