Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a hollow axle, a wheel hub which surrounds the axle, bearings provided therebetween, at least one nut having a predetermined inner diameter mounted on an end of the axle, and a hub cap mounted to the wheel hub. An exciting element is mounted within the hub cap by a mounting wheel. A sensor member is mounted in the end of the axle and radially spaced from the exciting element. The sensor member has an outer diameter which is less than the inner diameter of the nut such that the wheel hub, the bearings, the nut, the hub cap, the exciting element and the mounting wheel can be removed without having to remove the sensor member from the axle.

Abstract: A fuel conditioning and measuring system for testing diesel engines includes a fuel conditioning loop having first and second heat exchangers, one employing a heating medium, and one employing a cooling medium. Flow of the heating and cooling mediums to the heat exchangers is controlled by control valves which receive a signal indicative of the temperature of the fuel flowing through the system and compare the measured temperature to a desired temperature to generate a control signal for positioning the control valves appropriately. A mixing tank serves as a buffer between the fuel supply and the test engine to ensure any disturbances from fuel returning from the test engine do not adversely affect the testing of the engine, and provides a mechanism by which the temperature of the fuel can be more accurately controlled. A flow meter and a density meter measure the flow of fuel through the system to provide accurate indications of mass and volumetric flow.

Abstract: According to the invention, an apparatus for detecting slip of a drive belt (4) of a generator (1) driven by a drive motor (2) is proposed, in which the slip of a drive belt (4) can be determined by observation of the on-board electrical system voltage (Ub) and of the signal course at the terminal (DF) of the generator (1). For determining the slip, the largest possible electrical load (10) is switched, and the voltage course of the on-board electrical system voltage (Ub) before and after the switching of the electrical load (10) is evaluated. By additional observation of the signal at the terminal (DF) of the generator (1), it is precluded that electrical consumers that are not observed could adulterate the result.

Abstract: The volume measuring device has a reservoir of known volume attached to a measuring tube. The measuring tube is also attached to a container mount configured to sealably engage a container. Liquid partially fills the measuring tube and the volume of liquid contained therein can be measured by measuring its height. The measuring tube pivots between two measuring orientations. In the first measuring orientation, the volume of liquid in the measuring tube equals the total volume of liquid minus the volume of the reservoir. In the second measuring orientation, the volume of liquid in the measuring tube equals the total volume minus the volume of the container. Thus, the difference in the volume of liquid contained in the measuring tube in the two orientations equals the difference between the known volume of the reservoir and the unknown volume of the container, and the volume of the container can be calculated.

Abstract: A thermo-sensitive flow rate sensor that comprises a plate-like substrate, a part of which is removed so that a space is provided therein, a diaphragm portion formed like a thin layer above the space in such a manner as to be integral with the plate-like substrate, and a heating element constituted by a thermo-sensitive electrically resistant film formed on the diaphragm. Plural holes penetrating the diaphragm portion are bored in an outer peripheral portion of the heating element. Each of the plurality of holes is shaped in such a way as to have obtuse corner portions or to have substantially no corner portions. The thermo-sensitive flow rate sensor measures the flow rate of a fluid, which is to be measured, according to an amount of heat transferred to the fluid from a part heated by energizing the heating element.

Abstract: A device for measuring thin films and bulks is disclosed using slow-wave structures in electrodynamic elements to allow a decrease in frequency, an increase in sensitivity to electromagnetic parameters and accuracy of their monitoring. A method is also disclosed for monitoring of materials which includes placing an electrodynamic element near a monitored material and exciting an alternating electromagnetic field at an appropriate frequency to penetrate the monitored material concentrating in a small volume. Electromagnetic field parameters are then measured which are caused by the material parameters variation and said variations are converted to electromagnetic field parameters, the element being excited by an electromagnetic field in the form of at least one slowed electromagnetic wave.

Abstract: A liquid-quantity monitoring apparatus includes: a piezoelectric device having a vibrating part capable of being exposed at least partly to a liquid-containing space, the piezoelectric device being capable of vibrating the vibrating part by a given drive signal and of generating a signal representing back electromotive force generated by vibration of the vibrating part; and a liquid-quantity determining unit for determining a quantity of liquid remaining in the liquid-containing space, to which the vibrating part is exposed, based on a resonance frequency of a residual vibration signal output from the piezoelectric device due to a residual vibration of the vibrating part after the vibrating part has been vibrated by the drive signal.

Abstract: A device for sensing the level of liquid, particularly for submersed pumps, comprising capacitors with two plates arranged one above the other, wherein the plates are arranged in vertical succession at different levels.

Abstract: A float-type liquid level gauge assembly is provided for measuring the level of a liquid in a tank. The liquid level gauge includes a gear housing for efficiently coupling the gears and accurately assembling and aligning certain components; a movable pivot arm assembly supporting a float arm assembly; and a gear on the pivot arm assembly coupled with a pinion gear located in the gear housing. The pinion gear has a shaped passageway which accepts a similarly shaped drive shaft. A single piece magnetic cap, which defines a bore correspondingly shaped to accept the shaped drive shaft such that it will not rotate relative to the drive shaft, is installed on the drive shaft. The drive shaft and the magnetic cap each include a positioning feature, such that when the positioning feature of the drive shaft engages the positioning feature of the magnetic cap, the magnetic cap is properly aligned with a magnet in a dial assembly.

Abstract: An acceleration detection device for detecting an acceleration applied in a certain direction based on detection signals corresponding to the acceleration, is provided with a waveform detection part detecting waveforms of the detection signals and an acceleration determination part determining whether to make valid or invalid the acceleration based on the waveforms detected in the waveform detection part.

Abstract: A tachyometric display for automotive engines comprising a display head defining a circular display field. The field comprises a plurality of concentric circular bands having a quiescent state in which all of the bands are of the same illumination level and/or color. An engine speed signal is connected through a logic circuit to change the illumination level and/or color of the bands to show speed increases. A conventional needle type speedometer indicator is combined with the display head and suitable indicia are superimposed on the display field.

Abstract: A vibration gyro has a vibrator composed of three tines (first, second, and third tines) which are aligned in a single line at prescribed intervals in one direction on a base and extend in a direction perpendicular to an aligning direction. A central second tine and an adjacent first tine on a left are driven by oscillator. Further, Coriolis force generated on the second tine and the third tine on a right is detected by a detector. In this vibration gyro, the dimensions of the parts are determined so as to cause the third tine to substantially stand still when the first and second tines are driven by the oscillator.

Abstract: An angular velocity of the present invention includes a resonator formed of a resonating member and a connecting member, a first base connected to the connecting member, a holding plate to hold the first base, a circuit board fixed onto the holding plate, an elastic body disposed on an end part of at least one selected from the holding plate and circuit board, a case housing the resonator, first base, holding plate, circuit board and elastic body and provided with an opening, and a second base put in place so as to close the opening of the case. The resonator has a short side and a long side.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting drive train vibration. The system includes a programmable controller programmed to generate an output signal based on information from a wheel sensor located to sense the rotational behavior of an individual wheel. The controller is programmed to conduct a period test and a pattern test. A vibration of the drive train is detected in the event that both the period test and the pattern test are satisfied.

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: A process transmitter for measuring a process pressure includes a pressure sensor in a sensor housing. An isolation diaphragm which isolates fill fluid from process fluid is spaced apart from a process fluid seal. The spacing reduces deformation of the isolation diaphragm due to a mounting force.

Abstract: A force or pressure sensor structure has a membrane and a counter-structure, both being provided with electrodes for determining capacitors. There are at least two capacitors connected in series or in parallel for determining a desired pressure/capacitance dependence or a desired force/capacitance dependence. The counter-structure preferably is fixed and has a multiplicity of electrode areas in the shape of segments of a circle in order to assemble electrode areas obtained by optimization in a series or parallel connection. The interconnection of the individual elementary capacitors are preferably realized by a multilayer construction. The same membrane and an identical evaluation circuit can be used for any pressure/capacitance or force/capacitance dependence desired, with only the multilayer construction requiring modification for a different dependence. The electrode structures can preferably be defined by a few specifications, such as e.g., length, width, spacing or angle, radius, respectively.

Abstract: A self-dampening vessel is disclosed for use with any fluid system. The vessel receives a fluid and encounters pressure pulsations, flow distribution problems, noises and/or vibrations from changes in the fluid pressure. To combat these undesired effects without the use of a separate damper, the vessel comprises a tubular member having opposing sides and opposing ends. The sides of the tubular member may vary in shape, but the sides are typically connected by rounded ends. When subjected to pressure changes, the tubular member adapts and expands or retracts from a neutral position. Furthermore, the ends of the tubular member may include an opening with an endcap attached to cover the opening. The endcap includes a port for mating the vessel to a fluid source. Alternative, the ends may be sealed and an outer surface of the tubular member may include the port integrally.

Abstract: A manifold includes a body having generally planar inlet surface. The inlet surface includes a first inlet and a second inlet adapted for coupling to a pressurized process fluid. An outlet surface on the manifold is adapted for coupling to a co-planar transmitter and is at angle relative to the inlet surface. The manifold includes an equalizing valve surface opposite the outlet surface, and a perimeter therebetween. The outlet surface includes first and second outlets in fluid communication with the first and second inlets, respectively.

Abstract: To monitor the operating state of a composite structure formed from at least two different materials and subject to a uniform force or load over its entire surface, the deformation at the interface between the two materials is measured. A comparison with a reference quantity of the structure, normally produced by the force applied thereto, indicates the operating state. When the composite structure forms the wall (14) of a reservoir (10), monitoring takes place in an instrumentation box (30) joined to the reservoir. When a critical threshold is exceeded, an alarm indicator (32) is triggered on the box (30).

Abstract: A device for measuring fluid flow rates over a wide range of flow rates (<1 nL/min to >10 &mgr;L/min) and at pressures at least as great as 10,000 psi. The invention is particularly adapted for use in microfluidic systems. The device operates by producing compositional variations in the fluid, or pulses, that are subsequently detected downstream from the point of creation to derive a flow rate. Each pulse, comprising a small fluid volume, whose composition is different from the mean composition of the fluid, can be created by electrochemical means, such as by electrolysis of a solvent, electrolysis of a dissolved species, or electrodialysis of a dissolved ionic species.

Abstract: A device for measuring the volume flow of a fluid in a pipe comprises at least two objects to be arranged in the pipe. By means of sensors, the frequencies can be determined with which vortices occur which arise behind the respective objects upon the fluid flowing round the objects. The objects are of so different a shape and/or diameter that at least one of the vortex frequencies thereby determined is independent of a pulsation frequency possibly arising in the approach velocity of the fluid. A sensor is present for determining this pulsation frequency, while further means are present for determining the approach velocity from that vortex frequency or those vortex frequencies for which it holds that the ratio between the vortex frequency and the pulsation frequency lies outside an interval (0.4, 2.5).

Abstract: In a flow meter, especially for liquid cooling media in injection molds, comprising a housing with an inlet and outlet conduit and inside the housing a piston that is slidable against the force of an axially acting spring by the pressure of the fluid flowing through the housing in such a way that the displacement of the piston takes place in dependence upon the flow rate and is indicated through a window, provision is made, to attain a high measuring accuracy with a simple construction, for a helical spring (22) that is guided in extension of the inlet conduit (2) in an axial direction to be disposed in such a way that the entering fluid is transported around the centrically disposed helical spring (22).

Abstract: A mechanical/electrical transducer which has a bridge circuit formed by electrically connecting strain-sensitive thick-film resistors by conductor tracks, the thick-film resistors being arranged directly on a metallic component to be subjected mechanically to torsional loading and lying outside an axis of the component to be loaded which is neutral with respect to bending moments, it being possible to tap an electrical signal corresponding to the strain of the thick-film resistors when the component is subjected to torsion.

Abstract: A back flushable sample probe includes a hollow fitting securable to a fluid supply source and a strainer assembly disposed within the fitting. The strainer assembly includes a movable first member and a second member secured within the fitting. The first member is movable to contact the second member and form a strainer at the engaging surface between, the first and second members, where the strainer permits a fluid sample to flow through the engaging surface but prevents debris entrained in the fluid to pass therethrough. During back flushing of the sample probe, the first member disengages from the second member, causing any debris accumulated at the engaging interface to be removed from the sample probe.

Abstract: Self sufficient electronic system for monitoring and continuous surveillance of steam traps, valves and installations using fluids. The system comprises three essential elements: a multi sensor, an electronic analyzer and an optional receiver. The sensor measures fluid conductivity, pressure and temperature. The electronic analyzer continuously controls the status (pressure, temperature) and conductivity of fluid, supplying optical, acoustic and digital information, in situ or from a remote point, in accordance with the results of analysis carried out. The receiver centralizes and processes the signals emitted by the analyzer. The analyzer electronic circuits are fed by batteries recharged through photovoltaic cells incorporated in the equipment. The multiple probe also incorporates an ultrasonic sensor which detects ultrasounds generated in the steam trap or valve. The analyzer and the remote receiver also add the corresponding electronic circuits for a continuous surveillance of ultrasounds level.

Abstract: This invention provides a substrate transportation apparatus in which a loader and macroinspection/transportation section are separate to be independent of each other. The loader can be arranged on the left side or rear side of the macroinspection/transportation section when seen from the front side. The substrate transportation apparatus can easily be changed in accordance with various types of specifications of apparatus layout.

Abstract: The invention concerns a gearbox, comprising a hollow shaft (21) perforated with radial orifices (214, 215, 216); idling gears (44, 45, 46) mounted rotating on the hollow shaft (21), each of which has internal splines; a cottering rod (5) mounted mobile in translation in the hollow shaft (21); and rows of balls (64 to 66) arranged opposite the idling gears; the cottering rod having a radial protuberance (21) designed to be engaged, depending on the axial position of the cottering rod, the balls of either of the rows in the splines of the corresponding gear. The inventive gearbox comprises a cage (7) fixed in rotation relative to the hollow shaft (21) and arranged between said shaft and the idling gears, said cage (7) consisting of segments whereof only two can be, at any one time, spaced apart from each other to enable the balls of the corresponding row to be engaged in the splines of the corresponding gear.

Abstract: A double clutch transmission is provided for a motor vehicle. The transmission is equipped with a first transmission input shaft which is connected to a starting gear and which is connected to a first clutch, a second transmission input shaft which is connected to at least two driving gears and which is connected to a second clutch, and a shared transmission output shaft. Two of the gears that are connected to the second transmission input shaft can be simultaneously shifted in a parking position function. A method is provided for controlling an automated double clutch transmission during which an activation of a parking position is effected by simultaneously engaging two gears which are assigned to a transmission input shaft that does not have any starting gear.

Abstract: A ball screw apparatus is provided with a screw shaft having a spiral ball screw groove, a nut member having a screw groove, and a plurality of balls. A smoothly continuous worked portion is formed at a portion of the screw groove by grinding a corner portion between the screw groove and a connecting way. The worked portion is formed such that the distance between the screw grooves is gradually reduced regarding an advancing direction of the ball entering from the connecting way in between the screw grooves. This worked portion extends from an end of the connecting way in a circumferential direction of the nut member and within a range of 90° from the corner portion along the circumferential direction of the nut member.

Abstract: An automatic transmission operating lever 1 including a bar 2 jointed with a base 3 on a base-side end thereof, a knob 5 into which the bar 2 is inserted, a first engagement mechanism and a second engagement mechanism. The first engagement mechanism includes a first engaging portion 21 axially extending on an outer surface on the other end of the bar 2 and a second engaging portion 51b to be engaged with the first engaging portion 21, which is provided in the knob 5. The second engagement mechanism includes a protrusion 3d on the outer surface on the base-side end of the bar 2 and a hook 51f to be latched on the protrusion 3d, which is provided in the knob 5. The first engagement mechanism starts engagement before the second engagement mechanism.

Abstract: A multiple degree of freedom platform assembly formed from a plurality of thin films on a substrate can, when activated, move out of the plane of the substrate without additional manufacturing steps. The platform is connected to the substrate by at least three linkages, each linkage being pivotally connected to the platform and the base. At least two of the base connections are to powered traveling devices that are manufactured at one end of a path and which may be moved to locations along the path to cause the platform to move to predetermined positions. The entire assembly, including hinges, is manufactured as planar structures; preferably by a thin film technology such as MEMS.

Abstract: A shift operating device for a bicycle is provided to change gears of the bicycle. The shift operating device is coupled to the front or rear derailleur via a shift cable. The shift operating device is also coupled to a gear indicator device via an indicator cable. The shift operating device has an attachment portion, a hand operating portion, and a take up member. The attachment portion is adapted to be coupled to a portion of a handlebar of the bicycle. The hand operating portion is coupled to the attachment portion to move between a plurality of shifting positions. The take up member is operatively coupled to the hand operating portion to move in response to movement of the hand operating portion. The take up member has a peripheral winding surface, a first cable attachment point and a second cable attachment point.

Abstract: A compactly constructed locking device with a displaceable securing element fixing a detent element and actuated in a simple way into a detaining position or into a releasing position. The distance between a control cam and the securing element is selected in such a way that, with the detent element in the unlocking position, the control cam is axially displaced with respect to the control contour and is therefore located outside the range of action of the control contour. Only when the electromechanical drive is activated in order to displace the detent element into its locking position does the drive part with the control contour come into engagement with the control cam. The arrangement allows for sudden displacement into the locking position.

Abstract: A locating/controlling structure for telescopic tube including an elliptic outer tube. A rotary button is rotatably disposed at one end of the outer tube. The rotary button is connected with an elliptic rod passing through the outer tube. An inner tube is telescopically nested in the outer tube. One end of the inner tube fitted in the outer tube is provided with a cock body formed with a central circular hole through which the elliptic rod is passed. The cock body has a stop section protruding from the inner tube. The stop section is formed with two radially opposite receptacles. A movable block is disposed in each of the receptacles. Each movable block has a contacting face complementary to the inner circumference of the outer tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering wheel comprising a steering wheel body (30), an airbag unit (3), a detent connection for fixing the airbag unit to the steering wheel body, a contact device having a first and a second contact (8, 9) that are short-circuited for triggering an electric function element, especially an electric horn (24), when the airbag unit is moved in a direction toward the steering wheel body by a pressure exerted on said airbag unit. According to the invention, one of the detent elements of the detent device is, at least in part, electrically conductive and simultaneously forms the first contact (8) of the contact device. When an airbag is fastened according to the floating horn principle, the number of required parts is further reduced and it is possible to easily and securely fix the airbag unit to the steering wheel without the use of tools.

Abstract: A differential cover for a differential unit of a vehicle includes a central area, a flange area having a lower surface facing a mating direction for mating with a surface of a differential housing. The flange area has a plurality of apertures distributed along the flange area. The flange between centerlines of adjacent apertures defines a plurality of segments, each of which extending further in the mating direction than the lower surfaces of the segment at respective centerlines.

Abstract: A transfer case is provided and includes a first output shaft driven by a powertrain and operably interconnected with a first pair of wheels, a second output shaft selectively driven by the first output shaft and operably interconnected with a second pair of wheels and a transfer gear assembly operably disposed between the first output shaft and the second output shaft for transferring drive torque from the first output shaft to the second output shaft. The transfer gear assembly includes a first transfer gear in selective drive connection with the first output shaft, a second transfer gear in meshed engagement with the first transfer gear, a third transfer gear in drive connection with the second transfer gear and the second output shaft. A clutch pack is operably disposed between the first output shaft and the first transfer gear for selectively establishing drive connection therebetween.

Abstract: A hex wrench assembly includes a tubular body having a reinforcement protrusion extending radially outward from a mediate portion of the body. A plurality of passages are defined in the body and a plurality of recesses are defined radially in an outer periphery of the body. Each recess shares a common axis of respective one of the passages. The head of a hex wrench is inserted in the passage and the handle of the wrench extends out from the recess.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wrench that grips the internal surface of a pipe to be turned. When torque is applied to the wrench, one or more gripping surfaces are forced apart by a cam mechanism. The gripping surfaces tightly engage the internal surface of the pipe in response to movement of an internal cam. Torque applied to the wrench causes the pipe to turn. Because the wrench grips the internal diameter of a pipe, it can be used without damaging the external surface of the pipe, and used in very confined spaces. The gripping surfaces distribute the gripping load evenly across the pipe, which minimizes any deformation of the pipe.

Abstract: Apparatus for, and method of, conveying tandem thermoplastic containers from a molding machine to a tail removal station, the tandem containers being positioned with their axes extending horizontally but possibly out of parallel with one another and with their ends possibly out of alignment with one another. The apparatus includes a spaced pair of synchronously driven endless conveyors that convey tandem containers to a downwardly inclined ramp, the ramp having a wedge on its tandem supporting surface that engages outwardly projecting beads on each of the containers of the tandem to orient the tandems with their ends parallel, the downwardly inclined ramp also serving to orient the tandems with their axes parallel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for machining platelike workpieces in a striated manner, whereby, in work steps, the material plate is machined by a controlled linear unit in a striated manner and always in the same X-axis direction. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out said method.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus of blade's raw material used in a paper blanking die for manufacturing paper box and the like and an automatic cutting system using this cutting apparatus. This cutting apparatus comprises: cutters more than two kinds having different cutting out or cutting off patterns arranged side by side laterally against a feeding direction of the blade's raw material; a cutter guiding section for guiding said each cutter so as to be able to perpendicularly move against a plane of said blade's raw material; a pressing means for perpendicularly moving and pressing any one of the cutters toward a plane of said blade's raw material; a cutter die for supporting said blade's raw material against the pressing force of said cutter and simultaneously interacting with said cutter whereby executing the cutting work of the blade's raw material; and a cutter selecting means for selecting such that only any one of said cutters is pressed by said pressing means.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cutter releasing mechanism for direct connected spindle of machine tool comprises a pressured mechanism associated with the action of air and oil pressure serves to improve the function and effect of the cutter releasing mechanism. During releasing the cutter tool, a required actuating force is transmitted to the cutter tool equipped at the front end of the main shaft to perform cutter releasing mission, and clean the cutter with air blow conducted thereto at the moment the cutter is released. The cutter releasing mechanism of the present invention is suitable for both vertical and horizontal combination machinery by minimizing the increased length of the main shaft caused by adding the cutter releasing mechanism so as to alleviate vibration of the shaft working at a high speed.

Abstract: The machine comprises a scoring tool, which makes a first surface incision tangentially of a tubular element, and a blade for making a full cut starting from the surface incision, the machine being characterized in that it comprises means for autonomously commanding and guiding a working cycle of the scoring tool and also comprises distinct means for autonomously commanding and guiding a working cycle of the blade.

Abstract: An adjustable rip fence for a machine tool has a fence which is movable with respect to the cutting tool due to a rack and pinion. The rail assembly supporting the fence include a pair of stationary rails which are secure to the machine tool. A movable rail telescopically engages each stationary rail and the movement of each rail is accomplished by the rotation of a pair of pinion gears each of which engages a respective rack on the movable rails. The simultaneous rotation of the pinion gears is the result of both pinion gears being secured to a common pinion shaft which is rotatably secured to the machine tool. The telescoping nature of the rails allows for adjustment of the fence beyond the working surface of the machine tool.

Abstract: A bar notch (3) in the side of a side member (1) and a shaping cut (4) at the end of a cross member (2) for the bar jointing of a side member (1) with a member (2) in workpieces of wood, plastics or MDF—medium density fibreboard—produced by a punching or shearing operation consisting of a first step—a preliminary cut—and a second step—a final cut. A machine for implementation of the cutting operation comprises a knife head (9) for two side knives (10) and a nose knife (11), a table (14) and a rest (13), a first set of adjustable guide members (17) that can set the position of the knife head (9) in relation to the workpiece (1) or (2) which is to be processed, a second set of adjustable guide members (23) for setting of the mutual distance between the cross member notches (3) and a third guide member (29), which can serve as an end stop for the end of the cross member (2) during the shearing process of a cross member shaping (4).

Abstract: The present invention is a tire cutting machine comprising of a base, a body member, a drive assembly means and a cutting assembly means. The drive assembly means includes a drive power means simultaneously engaged to a pair of front drive wheels and to a pair of rear drive wheels to provide rotation thereof. The front drive wheels are coaxially mounted in close relation to one another on a front drive wheel shaft extending between a first drive assembly arm and a second drive assembly arm. The rear drive wheels are coaxially mounted in close relation to one another and to a guide wheel which is directly engaged to the drive power means. The cutting assembly means includes a cutting power means simultaneously engaged to a front cutting wheel and to a rear cutting wheel to provide rotation thereof.

Abstract: A modular conversion unit for converting punching machines from single-punch to multiple-punch comprises an upper main cylindrical magazine rotatably supported by a turret of the punching machine and provided with a plurality of radial seats for accommodating corresponding upper secondary cylindrical magazines, supporting a preset number of punches surmounted by corresponding hammer elements fitted so as to rotate, a corresponding lower main cylindrical die-holder magazine accommodated so as to rotate synchronously and in alignment with said upper cylindrical magazine in a hollow seat formed in a worktable of the punching machine and provided with a corresponding number of radial seats for lower secondary die-holders vertically aligned with the upper secondary magazines, each die-holder being provided with a plurality of dies whose number is equal to the number of the punches.

Abstract: A blade unit for cutting sheet material including a base member assembly mounting a circular blade and a cover member for detachable engagement with the base member assembly. The base member assembly includes a supporting wall having a circular upper edge and a guard flange extending around the circular upper edge and protecting a portion of an outer edge of the blade from contact. The base member assembly is further provided with a straight bottom edge and a portion of the blade extends below the bottom edge to define an exposed cutting edge for the blade. An elongated guide structure tab extends from the bottom edge parallel to and adjacent the exposed portion of the blade for guiding the blade unit along a slot in a guide template.