Abstract: A method of production of large Ingots of neutron attenuating composites using a vacuum-bellows system allows for large cross-sectional shapes to be extruded and rolled. This method uses a vacuum-bellows technology which allows the manufacturing of large 8-16 inch diameter ingots (50-450 lbs. each). A variety of primary metal matrix materials can be used in this technology. High specific strength and stiffness can be achieved because the technology allows for final densities of 99% and higher. The vacuum-bellows technology allows metals and ceramics to blend and mesh together at compression pressures of 800 tons with elevated temperatures. The controlled compression movement allows for any oxide layer, on the metal, to be broken up and consolidated with the chosen ceramic particulate. One application is to blend boron-rich ceramics and high purity (99.5-99.99%) aluminum particulates together and produce a large ingot using this vacuum-bellows technology.

Abstract: An elemental powder or powder of compounds is disclosed consisting essentially of the primary metals chromium, nickel and molybdenum for blending with an atomized, prealloyed, stainless steel powder and followed by pressing the powder into a part for sintering includes an additive incorporated into the matrix of the stainless steel powder that enhances the machinability of the part and serves as a chip breaker. Among the candidate additives are hexagonal boron nitride, a powder with lubricating qualities, Monel Metal (Ni—Cu), cupro-nickel (Cu—Ni), and powders of electrical resistance alloys such as 80-20 alloy (80Ni—20Cr), 70-30 NiCr, Ni—Cr—Fe—Si alloys, and molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2).

Abstract: Granular ore or ore concentrate is charged into a furnace for calcining the ore at temperatures of 400 to 1050° C., the ore forming a stationary fluidized bed in the furnace. The ore is thrown onto the fluidized bed through an opening in the furnace housing disposed above the fluidized bed, the ore being accelerated by blades of a rotating impeller. The impeller is disposed outside the furnace in the vicinity of the opening of the housing. Preferably, the rotational speed of the impeller is variable, and the impeller is movable and/or pivotable with respect to the furnace.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method, which helps to reduce and remove the build-up forming on the grate of a fluidized-bed furnace in the roasting of fine-grained material such as concentrate. The concentrate is fed into the roaster from the wall of the furnace, and oxygen-containing gas is fed via gas nozzles under the grate in the bottom of the furnace in order to fluidize the concentrate and oxidize it during fluidization. Below the concentrate feed point, or feed grate, the oxygen content of the gas to be fed is raised compared with the oxygen content of the gas fed elsewhere.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for substantially smoke free separation and recovery of zinc from galvanizing skimmings and for refining the resulting ash to a by-product form. An essentially closed housing defining a skimmings receiving chamber and a skimmings processing chamber with a bottom opening is placed on or above a galvanizing kettle and extends into the molten zinc of the kettle so that molten zinc is present with a skimmings processing chamber. A motor driven agitator shaft having paddles is rotated within the skimmings processing chamber so that the ends of the paddles enter the molten zinc during each shaft revolution and enhance melting and recovery of the zinc.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method where sulfidic iron-bearing copper concentrate is leached on the countercurrent principle, in a chloride environment. The leaching takes place with the aid of bivalent copper and an oxygen-bearing gas as a multistage continuous process, under normal pressure, at a temperature, which as highest corresponds to the boiling point of the solution. Part of the insoluble solid matter is returned, counter to the main flow of solid matter, to one of the previous leaching stages or reactors where, as a result of the extended leaching time, the leach waste iron is recovered mostly as hematite.

Abstract: A starting material for the production of a saw band which comprises saw teeth with tooth tips of hard, wear-resistant material and a process for the production thereof. The starting material comprises a steel band which carries on the face side thereof individual parts of cutting material which correspond to the tooth tips of the saw band. This abstract is neither intended to define the present invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope in any way.

Abstract: A torque wrench for applying torque to a component (21) is described. The torque wrench has an engaging member (18) for engaging the component (21) to be rotated about an axis (22) and a ratchet member (25) connected to the engaging member (18). A drive lever (14) is connected to the engaging member (18) via the drive lever (14) in one sense about axis (22) applies torque to the engaging member (18) and rotation of the drive lever (14) in the opposite sense applies torque below a predetermined value to the engaging member (18). A connecting member (12) is pivotably connected to the drive lever (14) remote from the engaging member (18) and is adapted to be engaged by a head (10) of a piston (6) having reciprocating linear movement to alternately rotate the drive lever (14) in opposite senses about axis (22). The connecting member (12) is slidable relative to the piston head (10) in a direction transverse to the direction of reciprocal linear movement.

Abstract: A hand tool includes a shank that has a function end pivotably connected to an end of the shank and the function end is able to engage an object to be tightened or loosened. The function end is able to be pivoted relative to the shank so as to access the object at any angle.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing and removing a fastener such as a sink strainer nut includes a collar portion and a handle portion pivotally attached to the collar portion. The collar portion defines a plurality of cutouts and engaging surfaces for engaging with lugs on a sink strainer nut.

Abstract: Threaded fasteners that are tightly seated can be removed or installed easily using a tool constructed following the precepts of the present invention. The tool includes a pivot that can be releasably secured to any fixed object close to the fastener to be removed. A lever is pivotably connected to the pivot at its far end, and it=s near end has a handle for pressing downward on the lever. The drive assembly Is slidable along the length of the lever and can be aligned with the screw or fastener to be turned. The drive assembly includes a bit to engage the fastener, and the lever is used to press the bit tightly into the head of the screw. The drive assembly is rotatable, and maybe turned by a conventional tool such as a socket wrench or a box wrench. In this way, screws which are awkwardly located or are part of equipment that would be damaged by a slipping bit can be readily installed or removed.

Abstract: A brake lathe alignment system is provided for mounting a brake lathe upon an adapter attached to a wheel hub. A first structure is adapted to be attached to the wheel hub. A second structure is adapted to be attached to the brake lathe. A plurality of hydraulic pistons are carried by the second structure and engage the first structure, so that alignment of the second structure relative to the first structure is adjustable by extending and retracing the hydraulic pistons. The adjustment of position of the hydraulic pistons can be manually controlled on-the-fly by operation of manually actuated hydraulic pumps.

Abstract: A vertical lathe is provided with a base, a main spindle, a headstock, a tool rest and a splash guard. The headstock is movable in a Z-axis direction and an X-axis direction and grips a bar workpiece by a chuck. The bar workpiece is machined by moving the headstock and a tool. A part which has been subjected to the machining is cut by a cut-off tool as a machined workpiece. The lathe has a supporting means, provided above the headstock, for supporting an upper end of the bar workpiece and a transfer means for receiving the machined workpiece from the chuck and for transferring the machined workpiece to an outside of a machining area.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a workpiece holder for use with a rotatable lathe assembly. The workpiece holder comprises a housing with a base and two upwardly projecting outer sides. The first section is adapted to receive a workpiece to be machined and support the workpiece during the machining process. The support provided by the first section minimizes deflection of the workpiece and enhances the machining process.

Abstract: A blade assembly for a saw having a blade that rotates about an arbor includes a blade collar, first washer, saw blade, second washer, and arbor nut mounted onto the arbor. The first washer has integral shear pins that engage voids of the blade collar, coupling the blade collar to the first washer. To electrically isolate the saw blade, the first washer is made of an electrically insulating material, and also includes a hub that extends into the aperture of the blade, electrically insulating the blade from the arbor. The arbor nut secures the blade assembly to the arbor. Upon an emergency brake being applied to the blade, the shear pins shear, de-coupling the blade collar from the first washer, minimizing damage to the drive system and allowing for a rapid stop of the blade.

Abstract: A sawdust collection apparatus for a compound miter saw includes a turntable and a sawdust collection assembly. The turntable is rotatably mounted on a base and has a cutting groove defined in the turntable and a sawdust guide communicating with the cutting groove. The sawdust collection assembly has a hollow sawdust duct with a sawdust channel communicating with the sawdust guide and a hollow sawdust entry duct with a sawdust entry port to receive sawdust and debris and a sawdust passage to communicate with the sawdust entry port. The sawdust channel is connected to a vacuum cleaner to efficiently pull sawdust and debris out of the miter saw through the sawdust channel and the sawdust passage.

Abstract: A device for laterally positioning a splitter downstream of a saw blade. The rotatable splitter holder is fastened behind a circular sawblade. The splitter keeps cut lumber or other material from becoming misaligned or pinching the back of a circular saw blade. Adjustment for alignment with sawblade is acomplished by rotating the base and attached splitter pin. Splitter width is adjustable with interchangable splitter inserts and bushings. A variation eliminates splitter friction while maintaining kerf width. This device is particularly suitable for an improved tablesaw throatplate. It can added to the deck or trunion of a tablesaw. The same device can also be used to prevent kickback and improve cuts with a handheld circular saw.

Abstract: A guard assembly for a compound miter saw includes an upper blade guard assembly, a lower blade guard assembly having a movable guard pivotally mounted in the upper blade guard assembly and a linkage assembly. The lower blade guard is pivotally mounted in the upper blade guard assembly. The linkage assembly including an inner link pivotally interconnected with the movable guard and the upper blade guard assembly controls the movement of the guard. A lock release mounted on the upper blade guard assembly locks the movable guard in position.

Abstract: A light-weight mechanical spacer is provided and includes first and second housing plates and a plurality of shafts or posts. The housing plates include a generally circular shape and include a coaxial bore formed therethrough for receiving an arbor. The first and second housing plates are connected by a plurality of shafts to both define the overall width of the spacer as well as to provide increased strength. The shafts enable the light-weight design as they effectively replace the solid mass of steel commonly found in conventional spacers.

Abstract: A barbed suture for connecting tissue, and a combination surgical needle with a barbed suture. The suture includes an elongated body and a plurality of barbs projecting from the body. Each barb causes the suture to resist movement in an opposite direction from which the barb faces. The disposition of the barbs on the body may be staggered, twist cut multiple spiral, overlapping, or random. Also, the configuration of the barbs may be a certain spirality angle &agr;, barb cut angle ⊖, barb cut depth, barb cut length, barb cut distance, corrugated barb underside, arcuate barb base, or varying barb size.

Abstract: A barbed suture for connecting tissue, and a combination surgical needle with a barbed suture. The suture includes an elongated body and a plurality of barbs projecting from the body. Each barb causes the suture to resist movement in an opposite direction from which the barb faces. The disposition of the barbs on the body may be staggered, twist cut multiple spiral, overlapping, or random. Also, the configuration of the barbs may be a certain spirality angle &agr;, barb cut angle &THgr;, barb cut depth, barb cut length, barb cut distance, corrugated barb underside, arcuate barb base, or varying barb size.

Abstract: A scale system used with a table saw. The table saw has a stationary table, a movable table and support rails portion relative the stationary table, and a rip fence that slides over the stationary table and the movable table. The scale system includes a first measurement scale and a second measurement scale located relative the stationary table. The first measurement scale includes a zero marking aligned with a point on the stationary table and a last marking separated from the zero marking. The initial marking on the second scale is aligned proximate the last marking such that the second scales runs counter to the first scale. A pointer system designates the distance on the measurement scales the unit is from the point where a first pointer on the unit measures on the first measurement scale and a second pointer on the stationary table measures on the second scale. The scale system can include a third measurement scale on the opposite side of the scale.

Abstract: An adjustment device for a compound miter saw includes a base having a top and a miter lip with detents, a turntable having a bottom and a miter assembly. The turntable is rotatably mounted on the top of the base, and the miter assembly is attached to the bottom of the turntable. The miter assembly includes a resilient biasing member having an engaging stop corresponding to the detents, a releasing rod rotatably mounted in the turntable, and an eccentric rotator having an eccentric portion and attached to the releasing rod corresponding to the resilient biasing member. The releasing rod rotates the eccentric rotator so the eccentric portion will push the engaging stop upward to disengage it from the detents to allow the turntable to be adjusted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dual-function citrus fruit chopper comprising a common base plate (1) which supports a guide device (2). Said guide device comprises an arm (2.1) which is provided with a rounded end (2.1.1) and an upper extending concave part (2.1.2) and which moves and presses the citrus fruit (3) against another corresponding part (2.2) until it reaches the position where it is to be cut down the centre (3.1). A cutting element (4) is disposed next to the guide device (2) and is used to cut the citrus fruit into semi-circles (3.2) of equal thickness except for the two ends of said piece of fruit.

Abstract: A food processing appliance, such as a food slicing or a food dicing machine, that includes aluminum components, such as cutting discs that include knives and/or food dicing gratings, and feeders that come into contact with the food being processed, wherein the aluminum components being made in die cast aluminum. After being cast, cleaned and possibly treated, an aluminum component is tumbled so as to obtain a dense surface. The tumbled component is coated with the aid of a chemical nickel plating process, wherein the chemically applied coating has a thickness exceeding 5 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A cutting device has a body, a driving device, a moving base, a head and a cutting rod. The driving device is mounted on the body to actuate the moving base to move relative to the body. The head extends from the body and has a central hole defined through the head. A notch and an exhaust hole are defined in the bottom of the head and communicate with the central hole. The cutting rod is moveably received in the central hole in the head and is attached to the moving base. The cutting rod has a cutting recess defined around the cutting rod. Accordingly, the metal waste generated during the cutting process is kept from flying about and injuring the user, so the safety of using the cutting device is improved. In addition, the cut metal sheet can be kept from shake or vibration.

Abstract: A method for cutting the edges of a continuous glass ribbon (10), moving at a speed VR, comprising a longitudinal marking stage which generates a marking line, in particular using a cutting wheel (11), a transverse marking stage, and a subsequent transverse breaking stage. The inventive method also comprises an intermediary stage between the longitudinal marking stage and the transverse marking stage consisting in generating at least one longitudinal fissure (32) through at least a substantial part of the thickness of the continuous glass ribbon, or through the entire thickness of the continuous glass ribbon, on the basis of the marking line (30), and in spreading said longitudinal fissure at a speed VF, which is more or less equal to but in the opposite direction to the speed VR of the moving continuous glass ribbon. The invention also relates to a device designed to carry out said method. The glass plates cut using the inventive method have edges, advantageously, without any major defects.

Abstract: A guitar body is formed of a generally solid material having a cavity formed therein and substantially lacking a soundboard. A soundboard is formed of a generally planar material attached to the solid material, so as to substantially cover the cavity.

Abstract: An acoustic stringed instrument body includes a soundboard, a bottom surface and a side surface, wherein the soundboard includes a relief cut, wherein the relief cut is dimensioned to create a more flexible coupling between the soundboard and the sidewall, wherein the relief cut improves the tone of the instrument by allowing the soundboard to vibrate more freely.

Abstract: A peg for a stringed instrument is provided, The peg has a main body 10; a pair of bearings 12 erected at two sides of the main body so as to oppose each other, a worm gear 21 which is rotatably supported in a large diameter hole 15 and a small diameter hole 16 which has a knob 29 on one end portion, and a winding shaft 30 which is connected to the worm gear 21 via a worm wheel 40. The bearing 12 is formed of a material having spring-like properties and thus has increased elastic limit and avoids deformation.

Abstract: The HARP PICK is made of a particular white, planar, compressed (as opposed to a woven), semi-stiff wool felt, approximately ¼ inch thick. The pick is cut from the felt by a metal die. Dimensions are typically 2 inches by 1{fraction (5/16)} inches, however, slightly larger or smaller dimensions may apply. (See Diagram A of Drawings). An egg shape is proposed herein, however, other geometries may apply within the proposed dimensions, such as elongated or plump oval.

Abstract: An enhanced bass drum pedal is provided with an eccentricity-adjustable cam system comprising a cam core mounted on a rotating shaft, a cam member rotatably connected to the cam core by a first pin, a positioning member rotatably connected to the cam member by a second pin, and a set screw. The positioning member is fastened onto the cam core by the set screw at a selected position of the positioning member to adjust the eccentricity of the cam system relative to the axis of rotation. As a result, a user can readily alter the impact force acted on a drum head and the restoring force applied to the foot board thereby tuning the bass drum pedal to suit the user's playing style and ability.

Abstract: A musical instrument controller provides an array keyboard in which most note triggers form major 3rd, minor 3rd, and perfect fifth intervals at line segment boundaries with adjacent note triggers, and form major and minor triads at vertices or other convergence points where three note triggers meet. The segments and vertices provide for single-finger triggering of intervals and triads. After-pressure and movement in the array plane (even crossing trigger boundaries) provide for three dimensions of per-key continuous control.

Abstract: A method for the algorithmic expressive intonation tuning (EIT) and performance of electronic, computer and MIDI musical works relies on melodic intervals, rather than on chordal harmony, and acts by desirably modifying the pitch of a note slightly (compared to equal temperament tuning), depending on the next melodic note. This dynamic, non static, melodic tuning emulates, and can even possibly augment, aspects of outstanding live human musical performance achieved with regard to pitch subtleties, as it enhances the living sounding, real aspects of the performance of electronic, computer and MIDI music, by sensibly causing a slightly different pitch of particular notes, depending on the size of an interval and on whether an interval is ascending or descending, with the same note subtly having more than one pitch often, depending on melodic context.

Abstract: In a method for transferring a music signal into a note-based description, a frequency-time representation of the music signal is first generated, with the frequency-time representation comprising coordinate tuples, with a coordinate tuple including a frequency value and a time value, with the time value indicating the time of occurrence of the assigned frequency in the music signal. Thereupon, a fit function will be calculated as a function of the time, the course of which is determined by the coordinate tuples of the frequency-time representation. For time-segmenting the frequency-time representation, at least two adjacent extreme values of the fit function will be determined. On the basis of the determined extreme values, a segmenting will be carried out, with a segment being limited by two adjacent extreme values of the fit function, with the time length of the segments indicating a time length of a note for the segment.

Abstract: Multiple kernel-mode audio processing modules or filters are combined to form a module or filter graph. The graph is implemented in kernel-mode, reducing latency and jitter when handling audio data (e.g., MIDI data) by avoiding transfers of the audio data to user-mode applications for processing. A variety of different audio processing modules can be used to provide various pieces of functionality when processing audio data.

Abstract: In connection with a classification system for classifying media entities that merges perceptual classification techniques and digital signal processing classification techniques for improved classification of media entities, a system and methods are provided for automatically classifying and characterizing tempo properties of media entities. Such a system and methods may be useful for the indexing of a database or other storage collection of media entities, such as media entities that are audio files, or have portions that are audio files. The methods also help to determine media entities that have similar, or dissimilar as a request may indicate, tempo(s) by utilizing classification chain techniques that test distances between media entities in terms of their properties. For example, a neighborhood of songs may be determined within which each song has similar tempo characteristics.

Abstract: Surface impact position and/or intensity of an impact on a drum are detected and used to generate different sounds, lights and other special effects.

Abstract: External armament apparatus, including a machine gun, an associated ammunition box for supplying belted ammunition to the gun, a flare dispenser, a missile launcher or other external stores apparatus, and a forward looking infrared sensor (FLIR), is exteriorly supported on a landing gear sponson tow plate of a helicopter, adjacent a cabin area gunner's window. The external mounting of the gun and other armament apparatus frees up cabin space, permits the gunner's window to be closed with the gun in a ready position, and permits a 0.50 caliber machine gun to be used an alternative to either a 7.62 mm mini-gun or a single barrel 7.62 mm machine gun adjacent the gunner's window.

Abstract: In one embodiment a pneumatic motor is provided that includes an intake chamber in fluid communication with at least one intake channel. Each intake channel is further in fluid communication with a corresponding cylinder, which receives a piston that cycles upwardly and downwardly to rotate a motor axle. A member is placed in each intake channel to seal the corresponding cylinder from each intake channel when compressed fluid in the intake channel has a higher pressure then pressure in the corresponding cylinder. Each piston includes an actuator extending downwardly from the piston and having a profile that, during a portion of the upward cycle of the piston, causes the actuator to push the member back into each intake channel to allow compressed fluid into each of the corresponding cylinders. Each piston includes an intermediate section that has an annular groove, a seal positioned in the groove that creates a fluid tight seal against the corresponding cylinder during the upward cycle of the piston.

Abstract: A method is provided for recovering energy in a hydraulic circuit. The hydraulic circuit includes a pump having a swashplate and being in fluid communication with a hydraulic actuator via a valve. The method includes sensing an overrunning load condition in the hydraulic circuit, actuating the valve to provide fluid from the hydraulic actuator to the pump under the overrunning load condition, and producing a torque output from the fluid provided to the pump. Also, a method is provided for recovering energy in a hydraulic circuit including a pump and a motor in fluid communication with a hydraulic actuator via a valve. The method includes sensing an overrunning load condition in the hydraulic circuit, actuating the valve to provide fluid from the hydraulic actuator to the motor under the overrunning load condition, and producing a torque output from the fluid provided to the motor.

Abstract: There is provided a pneumatic booster having an ejector, which achieves space-saving and enables easy piping.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a brake booster and a device for implementing the a method. The booster comprises an envelope in which there is mounted to slide with sealing a skirt dividing a low-pressure chamber from a variable-pressure chamber, a piston, a three-way valve (19) comprising a plunger distributor (20) formed of a feeler (22) slidably surrounded by a bushing (32) forming part of an emergency brake boosting device. The device also comprises a key for axially indexing the bushing relative to the piston and able to collaborate with a stop means (114) of the bushing for a rate of travel (V) of the distributor above a rate of activation (Vs) allowing the jump to be altered. The bushing (102) according to the invention comprises at least one adjusting means (120) for adjusting the axial position of the stop means relative to the longitudinal ends (101, 103) of the bushing, thus in part determining the activation rate (Vs).

Abstract: The invention provides a shoe for a hydraulic apparatus and manufacturing method thereof, by which production cost can be lowered without making a sliding-contact surface uneven by a welding process.

Abstract: A piston rod-less linear drive (1) has a housing (2) with a longitudinal slot (5) having a moving force coupling member extending through it. The outer slot opening (7) is provided with at least one covering band (33), which is fixed at an attachment section (34) on a longitudinal side (37) of the outer slot opening (7). The covering band ( )33) furthermore has a pivoting covering section (35), which is provided with detent means (46), which render possible a releasable detent function in a covering position covering the outer slot opening. Actuating means kinematically coupled with the force coupling member may act on the covering band in order to cause the detent locking action.

Abstract: A hydraulic fastening device, for securement of two components, for example, securement of teeth to a bucket on earthmoving or mining equipment. Each component (29) and (51) has an orifice (50) and (52) therein adapted to be substantially aligned. A body member (26) is inserted in the aligned orifices (50) and (52). A control means (34) is then operated to move at least one protrusion (40) and (41) to protrude from the body (26) and to fasten the components (29) and (51). This achieved by hydraulic operation and connection of a fluid conduit (32) between the control means 34, e.g. a grease nipple, and the protrusions (40) and (41).

Abstract: A process for removing oxygen from a copper plating solution is provided. The solution is passed through a degasser comprising a shell and hollow hydrophobic fiber porous membranes wherein the shell while a vacuum is drawn on the surfaces of the fibers opposite the fiber surfaces contacted by the solution. Gas passed through the fiber walls while liquid is prevented from infiltrating the fiber pores. The composition of the solution is monitored so that the composition can be retained substantially constant by adding components of the solution as needed.

Abstract: A fluid separation assembly (10) having a fluid permeable membrane (38 and 62) and a wire mesh membrane (18 and 28) adjacent the fluid permeable membrane (38 and 62), wherein the wire mesh membrane (18 and 28) supports the fluid permeable membrane (38 and 62) and is coated with an intermetallic diffusion barrier. The barrier may be a thin film containing at least one of a nitride, oxide, boride, silicide, carbide and aluminide. Several groups of multiple fluid separation assemblies (104) can be used in a module (85) to separate hydrogen from a gas mixture containing hydrogen.

Abstract: A method for recovering large volumes of hydrocarbon fuels, particularly methane (CH4), using commercially available reagents which are strongly water-soluble and soluble in liquid CO2 in the presence of liquid CO2 injected into the methane hydrate formation. The reagents which are strongly water-soluble and soluble in liquid CO2 form dilute aqueous acids that significantly increase the rate of conversion of methane hydrate into methane and CO2 hydrate, thereby allowing the natural gas to be released in a form that can then be recovered in large quantities using conventional means. The preferred embodiment uses SO3, HCl or other strongly water soluble gas to cause the methane hydrate ice crystals to melt and form an aqueous solution. The aqueous solution contacts the methane hydrate ice on one side and liquid carbon dioxide on the other side.

Abstract: A filter element assembly includes at least one housing. A filter medium is removably secured to the at least one housing. A securing mechanism is adapted and constructed to removably secure the filter medium to the at least one housing.