Abstract: The pressure sensor comprises two supporting bodies (10,11) with plane supporting surfaces (12,13) between which a hose (14) is flattened. For measuring the internal pressure of the hose (14), a web (17) displaceable in a gap (16) is arranged at a supporting body (10), said web pressing against the plane surface of the flattened hose (14) and being supported on a force sensor (19). Thus, the deformation forces generated upon compressing the hose are eliminated for the measurement of pressure.

Abstract: A diaphragm-type semiconductor pressure sensor includes a substantially rectangular (110) semiconductor substrate, which has four sides, an active surface of (110) crystallographic face orientation, and a back surface, which is opposite to the active surface, of (110) crystallographic face orientation. Each of the surfaces is surrounded by the four sides. Each of the four sides is at an angle of substantially 45 degrees with a crystallographic axis of <110> orientation that is substantially parallel to the active surface. The substrate includes a diaphragm in the active surface. The diaphragm has been formed by forming a recess in the back surface. The diaphragm includes a gauge resistor. A pressure is detected on the basis of the variation in the resistance of the gauge resistor.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automating asphalt mix design by estimating volumetric properties for one or more mix designs; running one or more tests on the mix design using a gyratory compactor; digitally collecting data for each gyration from the gyratory compactor; and selecting an optimum mix based on the gyration data.

Abstract: An apparatus for varying the gain of a fiber optic sensor that non-intrusively senses the strain response of a pipe is provided. The apparatus includes a circumferential strain attenuator that has a annular land portion that mechanically couples the attenuator to the pipe. An annular web extends coaxially from the land portion and has a reduced cross sectional area relative to the land and an annular mandrel portion extends coaxially from the web portion and forms a gap between the pipe and the mandrel. The fiber optic sensor is wound on the circumferential strain attenuator. The web and mandrel cooperate to reduce the strain response of the fiber optic sensor relative to the strain response of the pipe.

Abstract: Devices for measuring a nip width between rolls of a press nip include one or more sensors adapted to be placed in the nip while the nip is stationary. The electrical resistance of each sensor corresponds to the size of the nip width, whereby a nip width or a nip width distribution may be determined by measuring the sensor resistance(s). Methods of measuring a nip width distribution include providing a plurality of force sensitive resistor sensors each of which respond to pressure applied thereto to provide a variable sensor resistance as a function of the amount of pressure and the area of the pressure exerted on the sensor.

Abstract: One or plural rotors are coaxially provided on a first shaft and a second shaft connected with each other by a connection shaft. Plural targets are provided at each rotor. Two detecting means disposed opposite to the targets output detection signals having phases different from each other as the rotor rotates. The steering apparatus assists steering according to a steering torque applied to the first shaft detected based on the detection signals and a steering angle of the first shaft. The steering apparatus has comparing means for comparing the detection signals with each other; malfunction judging means for judging whether any one of the detecting means is malfunctioning or not on the basis of a comparison result; and notifying means for notifying a malfunction when the malfunction judging means judges that there is a malfunction and can notify the driver of a malfunction in a torque sensor when it occurs.

Abstract: Improved sampler apparatus and methods for dissolution testing include a controller that determines whether several different dissolution testing methods can be performed concurrently by the sampler and controls the sampler in response to the determination; fluid delivery apparatus adapted to pierce a septum and to deliver fluid to or from a collection receptacle through a first aperture, and to permit air flow to or from the collection receptacle through a second aperture; a syringe pump including a distributor having apertures through which fluid flows into and out of the pump chamber, the piston of the syringe pump being moveable adjacent the apertures; and/or a leak sensor responsive to the presence of spilled fluids.

Abstract: A vibrator that produces bending vibration with both ends unsupported is mounted on one principal surface of a mounting board, and a driving-and-detecting circuit component is also mounted to cross over an antinode center line of bending vibration of the mounting board due to resonance. The original self-resonance frequency of bending vibration of the mounting board itself is lower than the frequency of bending vibration of the vibrator. The modified self-resonance frequency of bending vibration of the mounting board when the vibrator and the driving-and-detecting circuit component are mounted thereon is higher than the original self-resonance frequency, and does not coincide with the frequency of bending vibration of the vibrator.

Abstract: An electric actuator has an air guide which communicates a space via ventilating holes formed through an actuator body. The electric actuator includes a fan unit provided with an impeller for forcibly suctioning the air in the space of the actuator body by a motor. The air suctioned by the fan unit is discharged from a discharge port at an end of the air guide.

Abstract: A ball screw device has a screw shaft having a helical thread groove provided on an outer surface thereof; a ball nut having a thread groove provided on an inner surface thereof, the ball nut being movably fitted on the screw shaft; a number of balls rollably interposed between the two thread grooves; and a ball circulating member fixed to the ball nut for forming a ball circulation path through which the balls rolling on a gap between the two thread grooves are endlessly circulated, wherein the ball has a distribution of residual compressive stress including a maximum value &sgr;s of 1,000 MPa or less after polishing in a production process involving surface hardening followed by hardening and tempering and the residual compressive stress &sgr;D at the depth of 1% of the ball diameter Dw from the surface of the ball is the maximum value &sgr;s or less.

Abstract: A throttle sensor mounting structure by which a throttle sensor can be mounted so that shock resistance thereof is enhanced and detection errors are reduced. Fork portions of a front fork are connected to each other at upper end portions thereof through a top bridge and on the lower side thereof through a bottom bridge. The opening of a throttle grip, i.e., the throttle opening is transmitted to a throttle sensor as a displacement of a throttle cable. The throttle sensor has its base member screwed to bosses provided at two positions on the front side of the top bridge by screws whereby it is so fixed that its major portion including a sensor portion is disposed between the top bridge and the bottom bridge.

Abstract: A steering column is structured such that a clamp/unclamp mechanism of a telescopic mechanism and a tilting mechanism can be operated by a single control lever located in the vicinity of a steering wheel, and that no part juts out of the steering column to improve reliability and controllability. When the control lever is pulled to rock on the center of the lever center axis, a tilt head is unclamped, while the rocking motion of the control lever turns a pusher plate, thereby pushing a pusher rod and also turning a column clamp shaft through a rocking arm. With the rotation of the column clamp shaft, the clamp is released to allow a column head to move. Since the column clamp shaft turns parallelly with the direction of movement of the column head, the column head can be clamped/unclamped regardless of its position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an accelerator pedal device that includes at least one pedal element that can be moved in relation to a base element, at least one retraction element, and at least one damper element that is used to dampen the pedal actuation movement and the pedal retraction movement of the pedal element, wherein the rotor of a motor unit is connected to the pedal element and a stator unit that is connected to the base unit, and wherein a clutch device is located between the motor unit and the pedal element, and the retraction unit includes a clutch cable and a motor cable, the pedal element is connected to the clutch cable and the motor unit to the motor cable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a handlebar safety device which attaches to a handlebar. The handlebar safety device comprises a sleeve which is received over the handlebar. A bias member retainer housing is coupled to one end of the sleeve and an end cap is coupled to the other end of the sleeve. A bias member biases the bias member retainer housing from the end cap. Upon impact of the rider with the handlebar safety device, the bias member compresses and absorbs energy generated by impact of the rider. If the impact force is greater than a predetermined amount, the bias member retainer housing can fail or break to prevent the bias member from rebounding into the rider. For example, the frame can be a bicycle frame or a frame for other forms of personal transportation and toys that are pushed or ridden.

Abstract: A flywheel assembly 1 is configured to transmit a torque from a crankshaft of an engine to an input shaft 6 of a transmission, and includes a flywheel 2 and a damper mechanism 3. The flywheel 2 receives torque from the crankshaft. The damper mechanism 3 includes a pair of disk shaped plates 11 and 12 fixed together and coupled to the flywheel 2, a hub 15 having a flange 20 arranged between the paired disk shaped plates 11 and 12 and transmitting a torque to the input shaft 6, and coil springs 16 and 17 that are compressed in a rotational direction when relative rotation occurs between the disk shaped plate pair 11 and 12 and the flange 20. A torsion angle stopper 30 is formed for stopping the relative rotation between the disk shaped plate pair 11 and 12 and the hub 15. This configuration serves to prevent application of an excessively large torque to the elastic member in the flywheel assembly.

Abstract: In a transmission, a transmission stage is formed by a mating pair of a first driving gear rotationally fixed to an input shaft and a first driven gear mounted on an output shaft in a rotatable manner and releasably connectable rotationally to the output shaft by a first clutch, and another transmission stage is formed by another mating pair of a second driving gear rotationally fixed to a supplemental shaft and a second driven gear mounted on the output shaft in a rotatable manner and releasably connectable rotationally to the output shaft by a second clutch while the supplemental shaft is rotationally driven by the input shaft by a supplemental gear rotationally fixed to the supplemental shaft and mating with the first driven gear.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotating objects around a tree. The apparatus includes a rigid material that has a top surface and a bottom surface with a first aperture, configured to receive the base of the tree. The aperture is disposed substantially in the center of the rigid material. A gear is coupled to the bottom surface of the rigid material. A frame includes a pinion configured to rotate about the gear. A motor, coupled to the pinion, rotates the pinion. The frame also includes a second aperture, configured to receive the base of a tree.

Abstract: The allows: Ta—Si, Nb—Si, TaN—Si, NbN—Si and variants are used as enhanced powder anode substrates for electrolytic capacitor anodes (sintered powder masses) with dielectric oxide formation at walls of the internal pores.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for the production of neodymium-iron-boron permanent magnet alloy powder. The neodymium-iron-boron alloy prepared by the process of the present invention can be processed further to get anisotropic permanent magnets, bonded as well as sintered.

Abstract: A corkscrew comprised of an outer tube, an inner tube, and a slide needle holder that allows safe and fast removal of a cork in a bottle with a retractable needle by rotating the inner tube to drive the slide needle holder to either extend or retreat for use or for storage with reduced length of the corkscrew; and additionally adapted with a foil cutter to facilitate the subsequent cutting of the foil that covers the opening of the bottle.

Abstract: A replaceable tip for a tool. A locking pin is disposed on a transverse opening in the end of the tool. A sleeve having a cammed surface formed interiorly is disposed over the end of the tool with the ends of the locking pin contacting the cammed surface. The replaceable tip has a locking keeper which engages the locking pin. Rotation of the sleeve in opposite directions locks or unlocks the locking keeper to the locking pin to allow retention or removal of the tip. In an alternate embodiment the sleeve has opposite spring fingers which contact the ends of the locking pin.

Abstract: A skateboard tool kit which is easily carried. The kit has a tool-conforming container with a body containing 1 tools and a snap secured cover. It is vertically disposed and is generally elongate in cross section with a narrowed neck. An extension “L”-shaped wrench has at one end a socket drive for hex sockets and at the other end a hexagonal insert which fits hexagonal cavity within a wrench receiver tower extending upward into the container, supporting two hex sockets. The extension wrench hexagonal insert is inserted into the hexagonal cavity, making the container useful as a wrench handle. The outer side of the neck portion of the container has dimples formed therein to provide for a good grip by the user. An “L”-shaped combination wrench is of hexagonal stock and has a Phillips head screwdriver head and an Allen key head.

Abstract: A tube cutting machine comprises a tube secured in a chuck tightened against an outer tube wall and by a mandrel expanded within the tube against the tube inner wall opposite the chuck. A blade with a conical body side on the tube body side advances into the tube at the body side angle, eliminating longitudinal force against the tube body and accumulation of tube material on the blade body side. In alternative embodiments, either the tube or the blade can rotate. As the blade edge enters the tube wall, the blade end side, opposite the body side is also conical and pushes the tube cut portion longitudinally away from the tube body, causing the tube before the blade to neck under the longitudinal force imposed by the blade end side. The blade is reversed when the neck weakens and is unable support the tube cut portion but has not yet broken, referred to as the failure point. The blade is then withdrawn and the neck is snapped off. The failure point is detected by a rod urged transversely against the tube end.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for sizing a stator wedge slide having a wedge-shaped profile. The apparatus includes a support bed for supporting the slide; a slide cutter for cutting the slide; a slide positioner for positioning the slide relative to the slide cutter; and a thickness gauge for determining a thickness of the slide. A position of a first cut is located based on a first thickness determined by the thickness gauge.

Abstract: A work table includes a workpiece-supporting box having a bottom plate formed with an outlet port connected to a suctioning device, and a peripheral wall. Left and right guide plates extend inclinedly and downwardly from the peripheral wall toward the outlet port, and have opposing end walls distal from the peripheral wall. A distributor member is disposed between the end walls, and cooperates with the bottom plate to confine a lower chamber in fluid communication with the outlet port, and further cooperates with the guide plates and the peripheral wall to confine an upper chamber. A working panel is mounted on the peripheral wall, and is formed with apertures for access to the upper chamber.

Abstract: In a sheet delivery apparatus of a sheet folding machine for a rotary printing press, a cutter mechanism cuts a continuous paper web traveling along a paper web path into sheets. A first conveyor, disposed downstream of the cutter mechanism, conveys the sheets successively with spaces therebetween. A second conveyor, disposed adjacent to and downstream of the first conveyor and having a carrying surface lower in level than the carrying surface of the first conveyor, receives the sheets transferred successively from the first conveyor, and conveys the sheets at a conveying speed lower than that of the first conveyor after arranging the sheets in a scale-like train. A pushing down device, disposed adjacent to an upstream end of the second conveyor, pushes downward against the second conveyor a trailing end portion of the individual sheet being transferred from the first conveyor to the second conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for slitting a running paperboard web includes a thin high speed rotary slitting blade that is plunged through the moving web and into a slot between a pair of anvil surfaces supporting the web on the opposite side. Because the slitting blade and the anvil surfaces are vertically separated and pre-positioned before order change, an adjustment apparatus is provided to spread the anvil surfaces apart to provide an open gap with a large target for blade edge when it is plunged through the web and into the slot. The anvil surfaces are then closed to bring the edges of the surfaces against the opposite faces of the blade for running operation. Preferably, the anvil surfaces are mounted on brackets hinged together below the surfaces to move the edges of the surfaces defining the slot between the opened and closed positions in the manner of a clam shell.

Abstract: A circular saw having a saw arm angle adjusting device includes a rotation shaft mounted between the base and the saw arm, and an adjusting device mounted on the base for adjusting the angle of the saw arm, so that the saw arm may be pivoted through an angle and may be positioned. The adjusting device includes a drive shaft, a drive unit, a driven unit, and an adjusting unit. Thus, the user may directly operate the drive shaft, so as to operate the adjusting device for adjusting the angle of the saw arm relative to the base so that the user may adjust the angle of the saw arm easily and conveniently.

Abstract: A bar cutting assembly including a mounting assembly having a through hole and mounted for rotational movement. A cutter assembly is mounted on the mounting assembly such that the cutting tool rotates in conjunction with the mounting assembly. The cutter assembly is configured to progressively move axially relative to the mounting assembly upon each rotation such that the cutting assembly moves progressively across at least a portion of the through hole.

Abstract: A paint can channel perforating apparatus includes a perforating member, a stiffening brace and a plurality of perforating bits. The perforating bits are arranged normal to the plane defined by the perforating member. A protective housing may be adapted to enclose the perforating member and the rim of a paint can. The protective housing includes at least one cross member arranged parallel to the stiffening brace and a plurality of guides sized to accept and direct the stiffening brace linearly. A shaft may be fixedly attached to the stiffening brace and slideable relative to an orifice defined within one of at least one of the cross members. Further a spring may be positioned around the shaft and between a handle and the cross member to return the perforating bits to a rest position after the channel has been pierced by the perforating bits.

Abstract: A tool for machining workpieces, having a parent body which can be expanded at least zonally, having at least one geometrically defined cutting edge projecting beyond a circumferential surface of the tool, and having a setting device influencing the radial distance of the cutting edge from the center axis of the tool. The setting device has a setting element, and an adjusting device which sets the degree of bending of the setting element. The setting element is inserted into the parent body of the tool in such a way that, when the bending of the setting element is varied, the radial distance of the cutting edge is varied.

Abstract: A bow stringed instrument having an anchor piece which secures the strings to the top plate of the instrument, wherein strings are connected to the anchor piece and the anchor piece is attached to the top plate.

Abstract: An improved stringed musical instrument (10) with a neck (12) which can be pivoted by wrist motion relative to the body (11). This action changes the length and therefore pitch of the strings. In addition, the pivot motion (P) may also adjust various electronic controls (51) to vary a variety of other effects commonly used in modern music. The operation leaving the musicians feet, hands, and fingers free to play in all other normal manners.

Abstract: A musical instrument support for attaching to an instrument, said support comprises a resilient continuous frame including at least two U shaped clamp portions making contact with an instrument at guitar contact areas. for releasably and resiliently biassing said support to an instrument wherein said clamp portions for engaging with a front and back side of an instrument; and said frame further including at least two U shaped base portions making contact with an instrument at second contact areas. for resting said support onto a persons thigh, such that said base portions rest comfortably and securely on a persons thigh and maintains said instrument in a desired playing position when said support is clamped to an instrument.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for carrying percussion instruments, particularly drums of various kinds, which comprises a combination of a carrier assembly with a novel receptacle for supporting J-rods thereon. The carrier is a vest-type or T-bar-type carrier with clamps for tubes or J-rods having a base and overlying portion configured to engage the tube or J-rod at a plurality of distinct and separate points. Variations are shown which have one or more clamps on a single base. In other embodiments, a plurality of clamps are adjustably positioned on the carrier.

Abstract: There is provided a performance apparatus which is capable of performing fine variable control of musical tone parameters so as to obtain a variety of sounding characteristics. A plurality of reeds are fixedly mounted on a center block and each excited to vibrate by a corresponding actuator. A plurality of, e.g. three, resonant plates of different sounding volume are arranged in layers and each provided with a short yoke. A plurality of, e.g. three, vibration transmission mechanisms are fixed on a lower surface of the center block in association the respective resonant plates, and each comprised of a clutch coil wound around a clutch yoke.

Abstract: Armored protective panels for inflatable (and other) boats are detailed. The panels themselves may be inflated, either separately or together, for deployment and hence need not normally impede navigation or performance of the boats. If relatively flexible anti-ballistic materials are selected as components, the panels may be designed to collapse into rolls when not inflated. Alternative panels may include stealth or other non-anti-ballistic materials or be designed for use with objects or vehicles other than boats.

Abstract: Apparatus, and an accompanying method for use therein, that utilizes working and stopping servo-controlled hydraulic pistons wherein the stopping piston acts as a controlled mechanical stop for the working piston. Both pistons are spaced apart along and coaxially arranged around a common shaft, with each piston moving in a separate cylinder. The working piston is securely attached to the shaft, while the shaft moves through a central, longitudinal bore of the stopping piston. The stopping piston effectively “floats” in its cylinder and produces a greater force than the working piston. A radially extending stop element, situated on the shaft, has a surface configured to abuttingly engage with a complementary surface on the stopping piston such that the stopping piston, once appropriately positioned, controllably stops continued movement of the working piston in a very short time and over a very short distance with little strain induced in the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for separating undesired particles from a gaseous medium in which the particles are dispersed. The particles and gaseous medium are passed through a fluid-pervious filtration media which has been infused with an absorbtion composition comprising a homogeneous thermal reaction product of an oil component selected from the group consisting of glycerides, fatty acids, alkenes, and alkynes, and a methacrylate or acrylate polymer component. The particles are thereby immobilized at the media. The purified gaseous medium having passed through the filtration media is collected and flowed to a utilization or discharge point.

Abstract: A germicidal method and apparatus for destroying airborne pathogenic bacteria such as tuberculosis bacteria using ultraviolet light. Air is drawn through a filter and into a sterilization chamber that is irradiated with ultraviolet light, and out through an exhaust opening. Consideration for the characteristics of the room in which the apparatus is installed and the positioning of the installation allows effective prevention of transmission of disease through expectoration and inhalation of airborne microdroplets of bacteria-containing sputum. The filter is of the low-density type which traps large particulates, but not small particulates of the size of the microdroplets, so that the filter does not become a bacteria colonization site. Baffles on the air intake opening and air exhaust opening to prevent ultraviolet light from escaping into the environment. The sterilization chamber is constructed such that the air passes the ultraviolet light bulbs twice as it circulates therethrough.

Abstract: A laminar flow, wet electrostatic precipitator (ESP) with planar collecting electrodes preferably made of membranes, such as a woven silica fiber. The collecting electrodes are spaced close to planar discharge electrodes to promote laminar flow (Re<2300). Charging electrodes are positioned upstream of the wet ESP to charge the particulate entering the wet ESP to promote collection. The wet ESP is preferably downstream from a conventional turbulent dry ESP for collecting a substantial portion of the larger particulate in the gas stream prior to the gas stream entering the wet ESP.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a closed cartridge (10), for extraction under pressure, comprising a dish (12) with a bottom (13) with a central part and a peripheral part and a side wall having substantially the shape of a frustum of a cone and a circular edge with a diameter greater at the bottom and a cover (15) welded to the periphery of the edge of the dish and the cover is intended to be torn only through the effect of the force of the extraction fluid when extraction starts, the said cartridge comprising, in the dish at the level of the bottom, a means (16) guaranteeing retention of the solid substance when it is opened, in which the means guaranteeing retention of solid substance is a sheet of fabric sealed in the bottom of the dish in two zones, on the one hand in the central part (17) and on the other hand in the peripheral part (18) of the said bottom (13).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for extracting a food substance contained in a closed refill. The device includes a hollow body with a housing for accommodating the refill, a water inlet channel passing through the body and communicating with the housing, and a plurality of piercing elements arranged in the housing for piercing the refill in several different places in order to allow the water to pass through the refill. The piercing elements are spaced apart in the housing with respect to the water inlet direction in the housing. Each piercing element includes: (i) a base portion secured to the body and projecting into the housing, designed to engage at least partially inside the refill, and (ii) a cutting surface which intersects the base portion at an acute angle.

Abstract: A conveyor oven having a heating chamber and an oven chamber. A conveyor is disposed in the oven chamber to convey food products between an entry port and an exit port. An air impingement assembly is disposed to provide jets of impingement air toward the food product. A fan blower, a heater and a moisture delivery device are arranged to provide heat and moisture to an airflow to the air impingement assembly so that the jets of air are heated and laden with moisture and provide as a blanket-like mixture of air and moisture at the surface of the food product..

Abstract: A structurally reinforced, durable baking tray for use in high-volume industrial baking applications. The baking tray of the present invention includes a baking surface, the perimeter of which is encircled by a band of material that is partially rolled down and away from the baking surface to define the outer edge of the tray. At least one lengthwise support rib is formed in the baking surface and connects with the band of material at both ends of the baking tray. At least one widthwise support rib is also formed in the baking surface. This widthwise rib intersects the lengthwise support rib and connects with the band of material on both sides of said baking tray. The intersecting support ribs pass completely through the length and width of the baking tray and join with the band of material encircling the baking surface, thereby conferring structural stability, rigidity, and durability to the tray.

Abstract: A multi-purpose cooking apparatus includes a housing including a direct heat cooking area on one side and an indirect heat cooking area on the other side adjacent to the direct heat cooking area. A burner or burners are disposed beneath the direct heat cooking area. A removable cooking pan, having an open bottom formed by spaced rods, is located, in use, above the burners and below the direct heat cooking area. A removable water pan is interchangeable with the cooking pan and is selectively positionable within the housing in a first position beneath the indirect heat cooking area wherein heated water evaporating from the pan moistens the food, and a second position beneath the direct heat cooking area when the cooking pan is removed, wherein the water pan can be used for steaming as well as boiling and frying.

Abstract: A food service item comprises a biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer comprising two randomly repeating monomer units wherein the first randomly repeating monomer unit has the structure (i) wherein R1 is H or a C1-2 alkyl, and n is 1 or 2; and the second randomly repeating monomer unit has the structure (ii) wherein R2 is a C3-19 alkyl or a C3-19 alkenyl. At least about 50% of the randomly repeating monomer units have the structure of the first randomly repeating monomer unit.

Abstract: A colander with reduced dimensions (10) comprising a casing in the form of a spherical bowl, the lower part of which is provided with a series of small through holes (22) designed for drainage. According to the invention, said colander includes a first casing (20) in the form of a spherical bowl and a second casing (30) in the form of a spherical segment with two bases, an upper circular rim (26) of the spherical bowl of said first casing (20) being connected in correspondence with a lower base of the spherical segment with two bases of said second casing (30) by removable fixing means (24, 28, 29, 34) between said first (20) and said second casing (30).

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for harvesting and processing produce including a produce seat having a cutter aperture, wherein the produce seat receives produce such that the produce is aligned with a cutter. The cutter is secured with a shaft that is rotationally coupled with a motor configured to rotate the shaft and cutter. A support is configured to position the produce seat proximate the cutter and the support is configured to allow the produce seat to be moved from a first position where the produce seat is proximate the cutter, to a second position such that at least a portion of the cutter extends through the cutter aperture, and to allow the produce seat to be returned to the first position.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a press machine eliminates the free clearances present between the threaded portions of a screw and adjustment nut assembled in a shutheight adjustment mechanism. A hydraulic assembly directs a pressurized fluid against an outer periphery of the adjustment nut to effectively compress the adjustment nut and cause its threaded portion to be displaced into interlocking engagement with the threaded portion of the screw. Alternatively, the hydraulic assembly may be arranged to hydraulically pressurize an interior space of the screw to effectively expand the screw and cause its threaded portion to be displaced into interlocking engagement with the threaded portion of the adjustment nut.