Abstract: An elevator for bulk material includes an elevator head that mounts a mass flow measuring device. The mass flow measuring device includes an achoring plate, a resiliently deformable connection; a mounting plate and a load cell series interconnected in a load transferring circuit. One end of the load cell is secured to the anchoring plate; and the other end thereof is secured to a fixing member protruding from the mounting plate. Consequently the moment arm between the resiliently deformable connection and the load cell is longer than in prior art devices. This in turn reduces the effect of thermal expansion and contraction on the accuracy of the device.

Abstract: A flow rate of fluid moving within a tube having a small diameter can be measured by the steps of: preparing a structure that has first and second oscillation wave generating-detecting means on a surface of a wall along the conduit; moving the fluid in the conduit; generating an oscillation wave in the first oscillation wave generating-detecting means, applying the wave onto the wall, and measuring a period of time required for transmitting the generated oscillation wave to the second oscillation wave generating-detecting means within the wall; generating an oscillation wave in the second oscillation wave generating-detecting means, applying the wave onto the wall, and measuring a period of time required for transmitting the generated oscillation wave to the first oscillation wave generating-detecting means in the wall; and comparing a difference of the periods of time of transmission and separately prepared calibration data.

Abstract: A method of analyzing the condition of a motor driven rotating system using a current waveform produced by the motor. The motor position is initially identified from the current waveform produced by the motor and more particularly, a step of identifying the segment switching of the motor is performed to identify the system position with reference to individual rotations of the motor. The current waveform is then normalized to a preselected number of data points, each rotation being described by the preselected number of data points, such that the current waveform is converted from the time domain to a spatial domain corresponding to positions of the system. Subsequently, a frequency analysis is performed to identify frequencies corresponding to characteristics of the system, including calculating a frequency dependent distribution of the normalized current waveform to determine the energy content of the waveform at particular frequencies.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for obtaining an indication of torque, axial alignment and axial location for a shaft rotating about an axis of rotation. A first set of detectable elements are operably connected to the shaft and positioned parallel to the axis of rotation. A second set of detectable elements parallel to the axis of rotation are interlaced in a sensing plane with said first set of detectable elements. The second set of detectable elements have a variable relative position with respect to the first set of detectable elements. A third set of detectable elements are positioned laterally to the first set of detectable elements and the second set of detectable elements in an alignment plane parallel to the sensing plane. The third set of detectable elements are positioned at an offset angle to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A torque sensor has a contoured magnetoelastic element that generates a magnetic field having a shape that exhibits gradual changes rather than sharp peaks in the axial direction, making the torque sensor less sensitive to positional changes between the magnetoelastic element and a magnetometer in the sensor. The element is contoured in any desired shape to modify the magnetic field generated by the element when it is deformed through applied torque. In one embodiment, the element is a magnetic material coating applied to a contoured shaft.

Abstract: A rotation sensor includes a first rotor constituted by a magnetic material and having an outer face that has first conductive layers disposed in two levels as viewed in the direction of a rotation axis and second conductive layers disposed outwardly of and between the first conductive layers, a second rotor having metal members corresponding to the first conductive layers of the first rotor, and a stationary core having a stationary core body that accommodates therein two exciting coils that are spaced from each other in the direction of the rotation axis. The second rotor is disposed between the first rotor mounted to a first shaft and the stationary core fixed to a stationary member, and is mounted to a second shaft which is rotatable relative to the first shaft.

Abstract: In a torque sensor having a magnetic metal film with magnetic anisotropy attached to a torque transmission shaft, and an exciting coil and a pair of detector coils each installed near the magnetic metal film, outputs of the detector coils and a reference signal are respectively added in waveform adders when the exciting coil is energized by an exciting power source. Then, the outputs of the adders and the reference signal are respectively compared in phase in phase comparators, and the outputs of the comparators are respectively converted in voltage values. A differential amplifier amplifies a difference between the voltage values, and a torque detector detects direction and magnitude of the torque applied to the torque transmission shaft from polarity and magnitude of the difference voltage value, thereby enabling to accurately detect applied torque even when installed near noise-producing electrical equipment such as an electric power steering system.

Abstract: A force sensor, in particular for the determination of the forces on a vehicle seat, includes a force measuring cell (1; 19) having a Hall element. The force measuring cell (1; 19) contains a hollow-cylindrical flexible element (2; 23), which, based on the force effect (F) to be determined, causes an affect of the magnetic field in the region of the magnetic field-sensitive sensor element (11) of the force measuring cell (1; 19). The hollow-cylindrical flexible element (2; 23) contains a bar (4) on a relatively stationary end on a first support part with a magnet (5) on its free end. The flexible element held on one support part (26) projects into a top (20) held on the other support part (7), whereby the top (20) has a radially extending inner collar (21) in the region of mounting on the other support part (7). The inner collar overlaps radially a widening of diameter (22) of the flexible element (23) located in the interior of the top (20).

Abstract: A lightweight, economical, mass-producible, reusable airfoil can be deployed in an airspace while in or attached to any moving vehicle for the purpose of collecting air samples. A frame has an airfoil shape that provides pressure differentials that preferentially direct particulates and contaminants of differing size and mass to different areas of an absorbent media attached or integral to the frame. The absorbent media are readily detachable from the frame for sanitary and efficient transfer to facilities where the samples can be analyzed.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in sampling material on-line in a process system, comprising a sample collector (1) for receiving a sample of material, an elongate shaft (10) defining a passageway (14) carrying a measurement probe (11) for taking measurements from a colelcted sample, a pressurised fluid supply (31) connected to the passageway for delivering a pressurised fluid through the passageway to the sample collector for displacing the collected sample and a nozzle (33) provided at the distal end of the measurement probe (11) for distributing the pressurised fluid to the sample collector for displacing the collected sample from the sample collector (1)

Abstract: A sampler for collecting vertically continuous media samples from aggregate liquid filtering systems. The sampler includes a sample collecting lower section have an inner member rotatably carried within an outer member. These lower members have slots which may be aligned by relative rotation of the members. An upper extension section has inner and outer members which are releasably coupled to the lower inner and outer members. The extension section has handles which allow manual rotation of the inner members relative to the outer members. The handles are used to insert the sampler into an aggregate bed, open the slots to collect a sample, close the slots and remove the sampler from the bed.

Abstract: An improved nozzle system for a flow cytometer and accompanying methods have been invented for a high efficiency orientation and sorting process of a flat sample and dedicates items such as equine or bovine sperm cells. This improved nozzle system comprises a nozzle with a novel interior surface geometry that can both gently accelerate the cells and can include an elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface element within the nozzle, i.e., a single torsional orientation nozzle. The elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface element may have a laminar flow surface and may produce the simplest flow path for applying minimal forces which act in either an accelerative nature or orienting hydrodynamic forces, namely, the single torsional orientation forces, to orient a flat sample such as animal sperm cells into a proper direction for an analyzing and efficiently sorting process in clinical use, for research and for the animal insemination industry.

Abstract: The invention is a composite of interdependent engineering methods for earthen fill engineering and construction. The invention includes the development, utilization, and correlation of actual, cumulative field compaction energies, unique to and based on field combination-specific variables of any combination but including all of the following: soil type, compactor type, lift thickness, moisture content, and soil amendment type and mix.

Abstract: A portable sensor includes (i) a housing; (ii) one or more sensing devices, such as a video camera and/or a gas sensor (iii) a transmitter, electrically coupled to the sensing device(s) for transmitting a signal generated by the sensing devices; and (iv) a power source electrically coupled to, and for supplying electrical power to, the sensing devices, and the transmitter. The sensor is particularly useful for surveillance, inspections, medical emergencies and a variety of different settings in which remote transmission of inspected images is desired.

Abstract: A measurement device, i.e. a metrology tool, and a vehicle are combined to provide a mobile metrology in a fabrication facility. Peripheral equipment such as a device transfer unit, for, e.g., FOUPs in semiconductor manufacturing, an electronic control system with, e.g., a PC, monitor, and keyboard and optionally a vacuum pump is also provided in module frames of the vehicle. The measurement configuration particularly reduces bottleneck situations in equipment qualifying of processing tools during fast ramp-up phases of, e.g., semiconductor manufacturing facilities, thereby saving costs. The construction is based on PGVs or AGVs and allows a fast operation directly at the location of a processing tool. With the possible exception of power supply or operator control, the measurement configuration can operate fully autonomously.

Abstract: A cam rotation control mechanism is provided, which includes a resilient member having one end attached to a rotatable cam. When the transmission of driving force of a rotating device to the cam is interrupted by a clutch mechanism, the cam is forcibly turned to the home position by pulling force of the resilient member.

Abstract: An internal propulsion apparatus of a closed system utilizing the Coriolis force is provided to generate locomotion without external force.

Abstract: A linear unit (1) comprising a profiled rail (2) along which a carriage (3) is arranged for sliding motion backwards and forwards by means of a reversible screw (4) which actuates the carriage and on either side of the carriage passes through a bore (7) in a screw support (8). A pull rod (24) displaces the screw support backwards and forwards along the profiled rail between to end stop positions, and the screw support serves as a support bearing carrying the screw between bearings (10) supporting the screw at its ends. A self-centering device for automatic centering of the screw in the screw support is formed with a self-centering element (11) mounted in the screw-support bore, said element slidingly abutting against the screw both when the screw is rotating in either one of its directions of rotation and when the screw support assumes its end stop positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a screw mechanism comprised of a screw shaft (1), a screw nut (2) and rolling bodies. When the screw mechanism is subjected to a high static load, the forces are transmitted from the screw shaft (1) to the screw nut (2) by means of the rolling bodies. As the contact surfaces between the rolling bodies, the screw nut (2) and the screw shaft (1) are very small, only relatively weak forces can be transmitted. In order to adapt the screw mechanism to high static loads, using simple construction measures, the surface of the screw shaft (1) between the grooves (4) of the rolling bodies is provided with locking structures which can be form-fittingly connected with complementary locking structures of locking elements (7, 8) which are moveable essentially transversally to the axis of the screw shaft (1).

Abstract: In a transmission of the constant mesh type a number of gear selectors are driven by using a hydraulic coupling between input and output pistons. The hydraulic coupling functions as a hydraulic spring and force multiplier. A hydraulic actuator (23) is received by internal gear case wall (24) formed so as to prevent any radial or axial movement of the actuator itself. A hydraulic coupling, in this case the hydraulic coupling is formed as hydraulic springs or bags illustrated at (26).

Abstract: A treading type vehicle driving device includes a substrate, a first transmission assembly, a second transmission assembly, a treadle structure, a gear assembly and a position limiting plate. The straight-cut gear A can move reciprocally along the trenches of the slant-cut gears C1 and C2 so as to drive the straight-cut gear A to engage with the straight-cut gear B2 of the first transmission assembly (treading forwards), or to engage with the straight-cut gear D of the second transmission assembly 2A (treading backwards). When the pedal is treaded forwards and backwards, the vehicle moves forwards rapidly with less power. The straight-cut gear A will separate from the engagement of the straight-cut gear B2 or straight-cut gear D of transmission assembly since the teeth trench of the slant-cut gears moves on the slant-cut fan gear(forwards is C1 and backwards is C2); thereby, wheels rotate continuously.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission mechanism with a caseless differential mechanism for an automotive vehicle to drive four wheels instead of two differential mechanisms of the prior art disposed on the front axle and rear axle. The transmission mechanism of the invention is of a compact structure and a relatively less cost of manufacturing, and makes a clearance between the chassis of the automotive vehicle and the ground increased. The performance of the automotive vehicle equipped with the transmission mechanism of the invention can be improved.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automated transmission device with torque transfer, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising an input shaft (18) that supports drive pinions (20), each of which is engaged with a driven pinion (22) that is mounted freely rotating on a output shaft (12); controlled unidirectional locking mechanisms (24) which are mounted between the shaft (12) and the driven pinions (22); and mechanical means for activating said mechanisms (24) in a positive manner comprising at least one cam (26) which moves translation inside the driven shaft (12).

Abstract: A gearbox containing two shafts connected internally causing the shafts to operate at different speeds. One shaft has a 21-spline female connection on one end with a 21-spline male connection on the other end. The other shaft has a 6-spline female connection on one end with a 6-spline male connection on the other end. The female end of one shaft can connect to the standard 1000-RPM power take-off shaft of a power unit. Alternatively, the female end of the other shaft can be connected to the standard 540-RPM power take-off shaft of a power unit. The output shafts operate at two different speeds; one at 540-RPM and the other at 1000-RPM. These output shafts connect to the standard 6-spline/21-spline female connection on driven equipment. By connecting the driven equipment to the matching spline shaft, the driven equipment will operate at the proper speed. It also provides capability to drive two units concurrently with one power unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotationally symmetrical coupling comprising an annular hub (2) made of a rigid material, which is surrounded by an outer ring (3) made of a rubber-elastic material. The coupling also comprises an outer contouring, which is located on the outer diameter and which is provided for positively transmitting torques, whereby the outer ring (3) is reinforced by an embedded, annular, rigid solid body (7). The aim of the invention is to achieve a quieter operation of a coupling of the aforementioned type and to better protect this coupling from becoming damaged. To these ends, the invention provides that the rubber-elastic material is silicone and that the annular, rigid solid body, on the outside, has a shape, which is similar to that of the outer contouring (5) of the outer ring (3) and which maintains, over the circumference, a nearly constant distance from the outer contouring (5) of the outer ring (3).

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a manipulator that is excellent in controllability since respective rotating portions are rotated by respective double-acting type cylinders, excellent in safety, and does not adversely impact the environment since water is used as its operating fluid. The manipulator disposed on a supporting structure such as a robot fuselage and a cradle, etc., at a work site in a factory, which comprises an arm member, a fixing shaft fixed on the arm member, another arm member for axially supporting the fixing shaft, and a double-acting hydraulic pressure drive type cylinder in which a cylinder portion is disposed at one arm member, and a piston portion is disposed at another arm member, or a double-acting hydraulic pressure drive type cylinder in which a cylinder portion is disposed at another arm member and a piston portion is disposed at one arm member.

Abstract: A steering column (10) includes a support (24) through which a steering column member (12) extends connected with a mounting bracket (68). A locking mechanism (130) locks the support (24) in any one of a plurality of positions relative to the mounting bracket (68). The locking mechanism (130) has a locking shaft (200) extending through first and second cams (148, 132) and the mounting bracket (68). The first cam (148) is rotatable relative to the locking shaft (200) and the second cam (132) and has a first cam surface (150). The second cam (132) has a second cam surface (134) facing the first cam surface (150). A bearing (166) includes a flexible cage (168) and a plurality of bearing members (170) rotatable relative to the cage engaging the first and second cam surfaces (150, 134). The locking mechanism (130) clamps the support (24) to the mounting bracket (68) when the first cam (148) is in a first position relative to the second cam (132).

Abstract: A steering assembly for connecting the front wheel and handlebar of a bicycle or other wheeled vehicle to the frame. A steerer tube is connected to the front wheel and passing through a head tube on the frame. A stem connects the steerer tube to the handlebar, and bearings on the top and bottom of the head tube which allow the steerer tube to pivot axially inside the head tube. The top of the steerer tube extends above the bearings and is slotted and fitted with a quick release clamping device which allows the stem to be raised and lowered inside the steerer tube. The sides of the stem are channeled such that the stem cannot rotate axially inside the steerer tube and the upper portion of the stem can be lifted out of the steerer tube, then rotated, and folded down to the side of the bicycle frame during storage.

Abstract: An assembly operable to be used with a steering wheel of a vehicle and to suppress a vibration transmitted to the steering wheel includes a plurality of support flexures and an inertial ring attached to the support flexures. The support flexures are operable to be attached to the steering wheel and the support flexures and the inertial ring are tuned to suppress a vibration at a predetermined band of frequencies. The support flexures and the inertial ring are positioned in an annular cavity formed in the rim.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering wheel comprising a hub, a steering wheel rim, at least one spoke connecting the hub and the steering wheel rim, and at least one decorative element. At least one of the steering wheel rim and the spoke have a skeleton and a sheathing surrounding the skeleton. The skeleton has a recess and the decorative element has a fastening element which projects into the recess.

Abstract: Hand grip apparatus (100) that wraps around an object to be gripped is described, including a multi-layered flexible gripping surface (102) dimensioned to wrap around the object. The multi-layered flexible gripping surface includes a cover layer (112) of an elastomeric material, a base layer (116) of a rubberized material, and a gel layer (126) interposed between the cover layer and the base layer. In use on the object, the gripping surface is secured in place by fastening elements (120, 122) that are secured to the flexible gripping surface and configured to cooperatively engage when the grip apparatus is wrapped around the object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrodynamic 2-speed turbine drive, in particular, turbine drives for application in under-floor or low-floor drive systems on rail vehicles, with two hydrodynamic components for the formation of two tractive-work circuits for two different speed ranges. A first hydrodynamic component is in the form of a hydrodynamic speed/torque converter (3) and a second hydrodynamic component is in the form of a hydrodynamic clutch (4). Drive for the hydrodynamic components is achieved from the drive input shaft (11) by means of a high gear set (14). Coupling of the hydrodynamic components with the drive output shaft (12) is achieved by means of a reverse gear set (22). According to the invention, the hydrodynamic speed/torque converter (3) and the hydrodynamic clutch (4) are arranged parallel to each other and with no, or very little offset when considered in the axial direction between drive input shaft (11) and drive output shaft (12).

Abstract: Low nanosized combusted products are obtained by introducing at least one volatile metal compound into the flame of a non-premixed, multi-element diffusion flame burner which exhibits a one-dimensional temperature profile. The combustion process generates a stable environment favoring formation of very small particles of uniform composition. Adjusting burner stoichiometry enables production of zero valent metal powders and metal compounds of low or intermediate oxidation states as well as the usual more highly oxidized species.

Abstract: A method of producing an elemental material or an alloy thereof from a halide or mixtures of halides is provided. The halide or mixtures thereof are contacted with a reducing gas in the presence of reductant material, preferably in sufficient quantity to convert the halide to the elemental material or alloy and to maintain the temperature of the reactants at a temperature lower than the boiling point of the reductant material at atmospheric pressure or the sintering temperature of the produced elemental material or alloy.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for stabilizing a fluidized bed used in roasting by adjusting the oxygen content of the roasting gas in the bed. The fine-grained material for roasting is fed into the furnace above the fluidized bed and the roasting gas, which causes the fluidizing, is fed into the bottom of the furnace through a grate. In this method, the total amount of oxygen in the roasting gas to be fed and the average total oxygen requirement of the material to be roasted are calculated and the ratio between them regulated so that the oxygen coefficient in the bed is over 1.

Abstract: In a method for processing dusts or dust mixtures containing alkalis and heavy metals, such as, e.g., steelworks dusts, fine ores or blast furnace dusts, the dusts are charged onto or into, in particular top-blown on or blown into, a bath of molten metals and liquid oxidic slags. Volatile heavy metal compounds such as, e.g., Zn and/or Pb oxides are separated from the gaseous phase and alkalis are introduced into the slags.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating molten aluminium from a mixture of molten aluminium and aluminium dross includes a table for supporting an insulated crucible containing the mixture of molten aluminium and aluminium dross. A rotatable frame supports a plurality of tines which can be lowered into the mixture in the crucible for stirring the mixture. Vibration means are provided enabling simultaneous vibration of the crucible and stirring of the mixture. The tines cuts through the dross in a shearing action gently rolling the dross, mixing and tumbling it and causing the droplets of aluminium to coalesce. The aluminium droplets and particles in the dross coalesce to form larger droplets and gradually sink to the base of the crucible. A screening means is disposed to substantially surround the crucible when it is supported by the table, which includes a door to both allow and prevent access to the crucible.

Abstract: A method of separating nickel, cobalt or both from other cations contained in a leach solution, the method including the steps of subjecting the leach solution to separate solvent extraction steps using an organophosphinic acid, a carboxylic acid and an organophosphinic acid.

Abstract: A bandsaw blade for sawing of metal where each tooth has a narrow flat land (12) without clearance angle and a sharp cutting edge (14) in front, manufactured by moving the blade longitudinally with the tips of the teeth in contact with one or more slowly rotating hones (11) before possible setting and before joining to loops, thus providing less risk of tooth damage, less cutting force and greatly reduced noise. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a bandsaw blade with teeth.

Abstract: Deadblow hammers capable of minimizing or eliminating recoils when the hammers impact their targets are discussed which have easy access anti-recoil chambers and which have open sockets for receiving handles that extend the length of the hammerhead body. These hammers incorporate filler materials, which function to negate the effects of the hammer recoils, with improved filling port(s) for filling the filler materials. Golf clubs with anti-recoil chamber and insert elements are also discussed.

Abstract: Screwdriver with changeable operation modes, including: a handle having a slide way formed in the handle and passing through a front end of the handle; a stem, a rear end of which is slidably fitted in the slide way without detaching from the handle; a clutch mechanism connected between the stem and the handle, in normal state, the clutch mechanism being in a non-transmission state, whereby the stem can freely rotate within the handle; and a rotary member connected with the stem for a user's hand to rotate. When the screwdriver is used to screw a screw in a loosened state, the user can turn the rotary member to rotate the stem. In the case that the screw is in a tightened state, the handle is pressed to move the stem inward, the clutch mechanism is in a transmission state and the user can turn the handle to drive the stem.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a wrench body, a ratchet wheel, a pawl member, and an elastic member. Thus, when the ratchet wrench jams during operation, the jamming prevention portion may force the pawl member to detach from the ratchet wheel, thereby preventing the ratchet wrench from jamming during operation. In addition, when the pawl member compresses the elastic member to a determined extent, the jamming prevention portion applies a reaction on the wall of the locking recess of the wrench body, so that the pawl member will not compress the elastic member to an excessive extent, thereby preventing from wearing the elastic member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tool having an axial passage, a top and a bottom, and a sidewall portion possessing porosity and permeability properties and constructed of a material having equal or better erosion properties than any substances produced and/or injected into any earth formation, said tool functioning as a filter to permit solids to pass or not pass depending upon their size, characterized in that the porosity and permeability can be programmed to any given value radially and longitudinally, said tool further including a means for circulating from outside, inward or from the inside outward to enable cleaning, wherein optionally said tool can be used in multiples.

Abstract: A tool (10) for turning a T-bar portion (40) of a T-Handle lock assembly includes a shaft (12) and a forward-projecting portion (14,16,20). The shaft (12) is intended for connection to a motorized tool (30), such as a cordless drill. The forward-projecting portion (14,16,20) is preferably “U” shaped and is intended for mating with the T-bar portion (40). During operation, the forward-projecting portion (14,16,20) rotates the T-bar portion (40) in response to rotation of the shaft (12) by the motorized tool (30), thus allowing a user to quickly open and close a vending machine without any repetitive or strenuous manual effort.

Abstract: A driving tool capable of grasping and driving screw type devices having polygonal drive sockets. The tool comprises a body or shaft having an axis of rotation, an enlarged head textured to enhance grip by hand, and a driving bit for engaging the socket of a screw type device. The bit comprises two opposed jaws separated by a gap. The jaws project from the shaft and are longitudinally aligned with the axis of rotation. The jaws are tapered so that they can enter the socket of a screw type device. The jaws collectively have a polygonal external periphery, for example, hexagonal, that cooperates with the polygonal drive socket. The driving tool is fabricated from a material exhibiting spring characteristics such that the jaws resiliently resist being compressed upon insertion into the drive socket.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for trimming the neck of plastic bottles includes means for rapidly rotating a cutting blade around the neck being trimmed while progressively moving the cutting blade through the thickness of the neck. During the cutting, a flat surface of the cutting blade rubs against the newly cut upper neck or finish surface to provide a polished surface therefor.

Abstract: A multiple spindle bar machine (10) includes in its preferred embodiment three main spindles (66) that are opposed by three counterspindles (106) of substantially identical construction. The main spindles (66) can be indexed about the Z axis. The counterspindles (106) cannot be indexed, but they can translate along the Z-axis. Each main spindle (66) is hollow and contains a workpiece-grasping collet chuck (68). At least one of the counterspindles (106) contains a workpiece-grasping collet chuck (108). The main spindles (66) are rotated in unison, but the counterspindles (106) are rotated independently by computer-controlled motors. In the preferred embodiment, three tool-carrying turrets (20A, 20B, 20C) are radially spaced around the machine at three work stations. Preferably, the turrets (20A, 20B) located at the first and second workstations can be moved along both the X and Z axes, while the turret (20C) located at the third workstation can be moved along the X axis.

Abstract: A clamping device for machine tools is disclosed that is capable of ensuring the clamping force for a tailstock while maintaining a small overall size of the device and a reduced number of parts. The tailstock (movable carriage) movably mounted on a fixed bed is clamped at a specified position to the fixed bed. A stationary rack (stationary fitting member) extending in a direction of movement is fixed to the fixed bed. A movable rack (movable fitting member) is provided on the tailstock so as to be movable in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the tailstock. Wedge-shaped fitting surfaces are formed at mutually opposing portions of the stationary rack and the movable rack. The movable rack is driven to perform advance-and-retreat motions between a clamping position where the movable rack fits together with the stationary rack and an unclamping position where the clamping state is released.

Abstract: Blade assemblies for reciprocating wallboard tools and methods for cutting wallboard are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the blade assembly includes first and second fingers attachable to a cutting tool, and a reciprocating cutting member between the first and second fingers. The cutting member can have a body pivotally coupled to the first and second fingers, and a blade projecting from the body. In one embodiment, the blade can have a top surface with an arcuate portion having a generally constant radius defining a cutting surface that is at least approximately coterminous with a distal end. In another embodiment, the blade can have a top surface with an arcuate portion having a radius of greater than approximately 2 inches. In another embodiment, the distal end of the blade can have a nose with a radius of at least approximately 0.3 inch. In another embodiment, the blade can also include a tail projecting away from the top surface.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus and method capable of applying uniform tensile strength to each of a plurality of beltlike materials on the downstream side of its cutting portion to form beltlike materials having uniform width. A continuously-conveyed raw fabric is cut in its longer direction into a plurality of beltlike materials in a cutting portion. The plurality of beltlike materials are guided to a wind-up portion having a plurality of wind-up mechanism by guide mechanism that come into contact with the beltlike material. At least one of the guide mechanism is arranged so that its capability to cut off tensile strength is lowered for differentiating the tensile strength of the beltlike material on the upstream side of the guide mechanism from the tensile strength of the beltlike material on the downstream side thereof.