Abstract: Disclosed is a diaphragm type load detection sensor, comprising: a mounting portion attached to a installation plate; a strain generation portion provided on the mounting portion and having a load applied portion formed at the center thereof to which a load to be detected is applied; and a strain gauge provided on the strain generation portion. According to the present invention said strain gauge has sensing elements evenly provided on substantially whole periphery thereof and positioned at the predetermined distances from the center axis of the load applied portion of the strain generation portion.

Abstract: A gas borne substance sampling device (10) includes a housing (12) through which gas can be passed, and a holder (14) for gas borne substance capturing material. The holder (14) is located or locatable inside the housing (12) to contact the capturing material with gas passing through the housing (12). The device (10) has a sampling condition in which at least a major portion of the holder (14) is protected inside or covered by the housing (12) and an analysis condition in which at least a portion of the holder (14) is exposed or outside the housing (12).

Abstract: A suction lysimeter for sampling subsurface liquids includes a lysimeter casing having a drive portion, a reservoir portion, and a tip portion, the tip portion including a membrane through which subsurface liquids may be sampled; a fluid conduit coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the membrane, and which in operation facilitates the delivery of the sampled subsurface liquids from the membrane to the reservoir portion; and a plurality of tubes coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the reservoir portion, the tubes in operation facilitating delivery of the sampled subsurface liquids from the reservoir portion for testing. A method of sampling subsurface liquids comprises using this lysimeter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for inspecting a series of obstructed welds, such as those used in attaching the jet pump diffuser to a baffle plate using a jet pump adapter within a boiling water nuclear reactor (BWR). The apparatus comprises a support, a frame with holding mechanisms, a connector, a carrier and a sensor assembly and the method can comprise positioning the apparatus so that it partially surrounds the jet pump near the baffle plate attachment region and is temporarily held in place. The sensor assembly then positions a sensor adjacent an area of interest and the carrier is rotated along the frame to scan the sensor along the surface being inspected to acquire data regarding the quality or nature of the material, such as the quality of a weld.

Abstract: A guide for a video pipe inspection system that includes a camera head and a tubular coil spring having a central axis. A guide member with radially extending fins is configured to surround the tubular spring. At least one pin is removably engageable with the guide member and the tubular coil spring to retain the guide member in position with respect to the tubular coil spring. The straight segments of a pair of opposing U-shaped pins can be inserted into grooves in the guide member so that they extend between adjacent coils of the tubular coil spring. In alternate form, the guide member may include an inner capture ring assembly that receives the pins. An outer yoke assembly surrounds, and is freely rotatable about, the inner capture ring assembly and includes a pair of axles for rotatably supporting a pair of wheels that engage an interior wall of the pipe.

Abstract: [Subject] To provide a measuring apparatus of positions and postures of a machine for correcting positions and postures of an end effecter by means of an actuator, and an error correcting method for correcting errors thereof.

Abstract: A stationary arranged sensor (4) is provided in the region of one of the dead centers of the piston movement to monitor the position of the path of motion of a piston (1) relative to a cylinder (2) whereby the sensor (4) measures the lateral distance (a) to an indicator unit (6) arranged on the piston (1). The sensor (4) is arranged in a recessed position relative to the inner surface of the cylinder (2) and is sealed toward the cylinder chamber (9) by means of a cover (8), and the indicator unit (6) on the piston (1) is designed as an anomaly (10) that is non-sensitive to contaminating deposits in the area of the face (11) of the piston (1).

Abstract: A method for collecting data regarding a matric potential of a media includes providing a tensiometer having a stainless steel tensiometer casing, the stainless steel tensiometer casing comprising a tip portion which includes a wetted porous stainless steel membrane through which a matric potential of a media is sensed; driving the tensiometer into the media using an insertion tube comprising a plurality of probe casing which are selectively coupled to form the insertion tube as the tensiometer is progressively driven deeper into the media, wherein the wetted porous stainless steel membrane is in contact with the media; and sensing the matric potential the media exerts on the wetted porous stainless steel membrane by a pressure sensor in fluid hydraulic connection with the porous stainless steel membrane. A tensiometer includes a stainless steel casing.

Abstract: A wireless sensor probe for use in environmental monitoring and control includes a separable probe body and sensor mast. The probe body includes a void configured to house the sensor mast including one or more sensor devices for sensing a soil property surrounding the probe body when the probe body is inserted partially into the ground. The probe body includes a probe top part for encapsulating the probe body and the sensor mast. The sensor mast is inserted into the probe body to form the sensor probe. In another embodiment, a wireless sensor probe includes a housing containing one or more sensor devices. The probe further includes a collar situated near a top portion of the housing being used to anchor the housing to the top of the ground and a gasket formed on the outside perimeter of the housing for securing the housing in the ground.

Abstract: A pressure sensor device (1) includes a sensing element (2) for sending an analog signal according to pressure. The pressure sensor device (1) outputs the analog voltage to a microcomputer (20) through an input-output terminal (8). An input-output control circuit (4) monitors the voltage value in the input-output terminal (8). When the voltage of the input-output terminal (8) is set to high by the microcomputer (20) and is dislocated from a predetermined range, the input-output control circuit (4) functionally changes the input-output terminal (8) outputting a detecting signal to a terminal for inputting an external signal from the microcomputer. After the input-output terminal (8) is changed to the terminal for inputting the external signal, a range control circuit (7) fetches an external command signal through the input-output terminal (8) and switches the output characteristics.

Abstract: An apparatus which facilitates placing an instrumented probe into a media, including a plurality of probe casings having first and second ends, the first end of one probe casing being configured to selectively couple with the second end of another probe casing at a casing joint to form an insertion tube, the insertion tube having an instrument receiving end, a surface end, and an insertion tube wall which together define a central cavity, and wherein the casing joint includes a seal which functions as a substantial barrier to contaminants.

Abstract: A variable-ratio transmission device includes a crankshaft for attachment to a first rotational member at an axis of rotation. The crankshaft may be angled such that a portion of the crankshaft is offset a radial distance from the axis of rotation. A connecting arm may be attached to the crankshaft in a manner such that the connecting arm can be moved along the length of the crankshaft. The connecting arm may be attached to an second rotational member such that as the crankshaft is rotated, the connecting arm causes the second rotational member to rotate back and forth. A ratio of movement between the first rotational member and the second rotational member can be adjusted by moving the connecting arm along the length of the crankshaft to thereby alter the radial distance the connecting arm is moved during rotation of the crankshaft.

Abstract: The automated multiple-gear transmission comprises an input shaft, a gearwheel assembly for engaging the gears via several output paths and an output shaft, and the gearwheel assembly comprises several intermediate spur gear stages and an auxiliary planetary assembly.

Abstract: A control lever assembly for a vehicle transmission includes a housing which supports a guide plate having a slot and a recess formed in a central portion of the slot. A carrier member is pivotally coupled to the housing about a pivot pin. A lever has a shaft which is supported by the carrier and which is rotatable and axially movable relative to the carrier. The lever has a knob which is mounted on an end of the shaft and which is received by the slot. A spring is coupled between the shaft and the carrier and is biased to rotate the knob and to urge the lever towards the pivot pin. When the knob is in the slot and outside of the recess, the slot walls prevent rotation of the knob and maintain the lever in a first rotary orientation. When the knob is moved into the recess, the spring is automatically able to rotate the knob and lever into a second rotary orientation.

Abstract: This transmission operates by use of a drive shaft, that by being extendible and retractable, can vary in length. Gears on each end of the drive shaft deliver power from one of a number of concentric rings of gear teeth on a pedal drive to a similar arrangement on a wheel drive. The drive shaft by moving between these concentric rings can vary the gear ratios of the power delivered. A cam wheel and spring mounted ball bearings are employed to change the length of the drive shaft and especially, lift the drive shaft off of the pedal drive/wheel drive as it disengages and set it down to engage the next set of concentric gears. An alternative method to the use of a cam wheel that performs the same function is also described. This allows a radial taper to all engaging gears and a deeper seat.

Abstract: A ball screw assembly includes a ball nut or a ball screw having internal or external, respectively, helical curves, wherein two adjacent turns of the helical curves are joined by a crossover/crossunder path, wherein ends of the crossover/crossunder path and ends of the helical curves are integrally joined without interruption. A ball screw assembly may further include crossover/crossunder paths which are staggered about the screw or the nut.

Abstract: Ball screw nut is composed of an inner threaded nipple and an outer housing. The nipple is constructed with a hollow hard tubular metallic material to ensure the strength of the structure; while the outer housing where requires less strength is formed of a plastic material by ejection mold process so as to reduce the production cost and simplify the fabrication process. The nipple and the housing are conjoined together by screw engagement.

Abstract: The gear-change is comprised of a casing (1-2) for securing to the structure of the vehicle, and in said casing a cam (5) is located, to which twin lineal slide blocks (8) and (16) are linked, the first of these is linked to the gear-change selection cable (10) and the second to the gear selection cable (14); the slide block (8) having a side protrusion that freely moves in a slanting aperture (6) of the cam (5), so that the traverse movement of the lever (4) and corresponding tilting toward one side and another of the cam (5), brings with it the longitudinal movement of the slide block (8) and with that the traction or compression of the cable (10), whereas the forward and backward tilting movement of the lever (4), that is hinged on an axis (11) with respect to the cam (5), produces the longitudinal movement of the slide block (16) and with that the traction or compression of the cable (14).

Abstract: An interlock device includes a housing and a toggle interlock mechanism with an extendable interlock pin. The interlock device also includes a preassembled switch, an electromechanical device, and a lead frame interconnecting the switch and electromechanical device. The lead frame conductors are formed as one piece, but are separated after assembly into the housing. The conductors and mating components include mating non-releasable contacts that telescope together in a manner that forms a robust assembly and that facilitates automation of the assembly process. A method related to the above is also disclosed.

Abstract: A polymeric steering column housing assembly is provided formed from a plurality of components interconnected together using conventional fastening methods for housing a tilting and/or telescoping steering column shaft assembly. In one form of the invention, the steering column housing assembly includes a lower housing member formed from at least two mating parts. Pivotally coupled to the lower housing assembly is an upper steering column assembly likewise formed from at least two mating parts interconnected together. The upper and lower housing members are in turn interconnected by a positioning locking system to control the tilt position of the upper housing member relative to the lower housing member.

Abstract: An adjusting mechanism of a manual transmission cable wherein a guide connected to a cable is coupled to a slide clip for lengthwise movement of the cable, and a lever pin integrally moving with a shift lever is made to go through the guide and the slide clip at the same time, such that the slide clip slides in the longitudinal direction of the cable along the guide to enable to adjust the total length of the cable between the shift lever and the manual transmission, whereby the guide and slide clip are coupled when the slide clip is compressed to the guide, thereby enabling to maintain the adjusted length of the cable.

Abstract: A control pedal assembly includes a first support and a second support adjustable in a fore-aft direction relative to the first support. At least one guide is carried by the second support and has a tapered engagement surface engaging the first support and moving along the first support as the second support is adjusted in the fore-aft direction. A spring member biases the tapered engagement surface of the at least one guide into engagement with the first support. A pedal is supported by the second support and is pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis. The second support carries the pedal as the second support is adjusted in the fore-aft direction.

Abstract: In order to provide a mounting element for a foot-operated parking brake in a motor vehicle, the said mounting element being fastened in the driver-side foot space in the region of connection of an end wall to an end-wall column by means of screw connections and having components of the foot-operated parking brake connected to it, in order to arrange these for use in the vehicle, the said mounting element being light and at the same time being cost-effective to produce, it is proposed to have a mounting element made of plastic, in which the connection points between the mounting element and components of the foot-operated parking brake which are fastened to it are designed as metal inlay parts injection-molded around with the plastic of the mounting element, and in which these metal inlay parts are arranged in the region of the screw connections which serve for fastening the mounting element to the body.

Abstract: A detent mechanism is provided for minimizing the force balance condition of an operating lever assembly. The detent mechanism has a detent housing with first and second detent members disposed therein. Means are provided for biasing the first detent member against rotation. The second detent member frictionally engages the first detent member while being capable of movement relative thereto. The second detent member is also disposed for selective engagement of detent notches provided on the first detent member, whereby movement of the second detent member with and relative to the first detent member causes the first detent member to rotate in a first direction until the means for biasing exerts enough force on the first detent member to cause the first detent member to rotate in a second direction causing the second detent member to engage an adjacent detent notch of the first detent member.

Abstract: Upon self-alignment of a steering wheel of the present invention, a steering wheel body has its ring plane displaced toward the vertical plane by means of plastic deformation of the steering wheel core. There is located a switch operation portion in at least one of the two front spokes neighboring a front space inside the ring portion and generally symmetrically arranged relative to the boss portion. The cores of the front spokes are further provided at positions generally symmetric relative to the boss portion and to the boss portion relative to the switch operation portion with deformable portions, respectively, to be twist-deformable upon self-alignment.

Abstract: A lightweight bearing and wave gear drive are provided. An outer or inner bearing ring of the bearing has fixing holes to enable the ring to be attached to another member. The parts of the bearing on which raceway surfaces are formed are made of an iron-based material, while the main bearing ring member is formed of a lightweight material that is lighter than the iron-based material. Surface portions that constitute fixing bolt seats are plated to increase the strength of such portions. The wave gear drive includes a rigid internal gear, a flexible external gear located inside the internal gear, and a wave generator located inside the external gear. The internal and external gears are coupled by the lightweight bearing in a way that allows the gears to rotate relative to each other.

Abstract: A method and composition for removing sulfur from molten ferrous material, particularly molten iron. The desulfurization agent includes reclaimed magnesium scrap, a gas-producing compound and a calcium compound.

Abstract: A calixarene dimer of the general formula (I-G), comprising a first calixarene moiety I and a second calixarene moiety G, wherein: L is [—CH2—] or [—O—CH2—O—] and is the same or different between each aryl group; R5 is H, NO2, halogen, or C1-C10 aliphatic hydrocarbyl group, C6-C20 aryl group, C6-C20 hydrocarbylaryl group, any of which is optionally substituted by one or more halo or oxo groups or interrupted by one or more oxo or amide groups, and R5 is the same or different on each aryl group; R1 comprises a carboxy group which is or is not protonated or protected; two groups out of R2, R3 and R4 are H; the one group out of R2, R3 and R4 not being H comprises at least one atom of one or more of O and S, the said at least one atom being capable of causing the calixarene to be adsorbed onto the surface of the substrate; and the one group out of R2, R3 and R4 not being H being conjugated to the second calixarene moiety G.

Abstract: The prevent invention provides a method for producing a feed material for molten metal production and a method for producing a molten metal capable of sufficiently carbonizing biomass and effectively using carbonized biomass as a reducing agent. In the method for producing a feed material for molten metal production, a mixture containing an iron oxide-containing material and biomass is heated in a heating furnace substantially isolated from oxygen to carbonize the biomass in the mixture and obtain a feed material for molten metal production, or the mixture is charged in a reducing furnace to reduce the iron oxide-containing material after being heated in the heating furnace. In the method for producing a molten metal, the feed material for molten metal production obtained by the method for producing a feed material for molten metal production is charged in a melting furnace to obtain a molten metal.

Abstract: A 99.99% pure indium feed is charged into a crucible and heated to 1250 ° C. by an upper heater in a vacuum atmosphere at 1×10−4 Torr, whereupon indium evaporates, condenses on the inner surfaces of an inner tube and drips to be recovered into a liquid reservoir in the lower part of a tubular member, whereas impurity elements having a lower vapor pressure than indium stay within the crucible. The recovered indium mass in the liquid reservoir is heated to 1100° C. by a lower heater and the resulting vapors of impurity elements having a higher vapor pressure than indium pass through diffuser plates in an upper part of the tubular member to be discharged from the system, whereas the indium vapor recondenses upon contact with the diffuser plates and returns to the liquid reservoir, yielding 99.9999% pure indium, while preventing the loss of indium.

Abstract: Alkoxylated compounds of formula I

Abstract: Methodology for the extraction of metallic elements from solid and liquid metal-contaminated starting material such as mineral ores, recyclable wastes, contaminated soils, engraving solutions, metal finishing solutions, battery manufacturing solutions, toxic wastes such as dusts producing through steelmaking processes by effectuating preferably prolonged contacting of such starting material with liquor compositions to cause the underlying structure of the starting material to be broken down. The contaminated starting materials are more susceptible to metal separation because the released metallic element are readily solubilized in the contacting liquor. Compositions of the contacting liquor comprise caustic silicate solutions containing essentially saturating levels of silica.

Abstract: A unidirectional bucking device of a ratchet wrench comprises a wrench body, a ratchet wheel, a brake block, an elastomer, and a plug cover. An outer periphery of the ratchet wheel is formed with a teeth portion and an inner side of the ratchet wheel is formed with a clamping seat. One end of the brake block is formed as a braking surface. A taper space with an apex having an angle is formed between the braking surface and the receiving groove so that when the brake block is engaged and braked by the ratchet wheel. The brake block moves through a small extent so as to adjust the engagement of the teeth portion and the ratchet teeth portion and the teeth portion, and the ratchet wheel are hidden within the receiving groove.

Abstract: The ratchet wrench includes a ¼ inch and a ⅜ inch driver combination on opposite sides of the ratchet embodiment and a handle that extends to a plurality of lengths for various torque requirements. Each adjusted length is secured by a spring induced detent ball housed within a vertical hole on the ratchet's solid arm, the detent ball seats into a plurality of holes on the extendable handle. The smaller ¼ inch driver side is housed within the ratchet head and into a hollow ¼ inch square configured slot provided at the central axis of the ratcheting gear and fixed ⅜ inch driver unit. A manually slideable gate expels and retracts the spring induced ¼ inch driver outward to an adequate working length and is manually retracted and retained by the slideable gate. The ratchet has an ultra thin profile for use in limited working spaces and convenient storage.

Abstract: A high twisting ratchet wrench comprises a wrench body, a ratchet body, an adjusting means; two brake blocks, and two elastomers. The ratchet body, brake blocks and elastomers are installed in a head at one end of the wrench body. Each brake block is installed within one of two actuating grooves in inner edges of the head. An outer peripheral surface of each brake block has a plurality of buckling teeth. The head of the wrench body has two actuating grooves for receiving the brake blocks. Each actuating groove has a rectangular shape. A cross sectional view of each brake block has a rectangular shape. Thus, the area of the buckling teeth is increased so as to increase a contact area of the brake blocks and the ratchet body and thus the twisting force of the wrench body applied to an object locating within the ratchet body is enhanced.

Abstract: A ratcheting tool includes a body and a gear disposed in the body. The gear defines a plurality of teeth on a circumference of the gear so that the gear teeth define a first arc having a first radius. A pawl is disposed in the body so that the pawl is movable laterally with respect to the gear between a first position, in which the pawl is disposed between the body and the gear so that the body transmits torque through the pawl in a first rotational direction, and a second position, in which the pawl is disposed between the body and the gear so that the body transmits torque through the pawl in an opposite rotational direction. The pawl defines a plurality of teeth facing the gear, and the pawl teeth define a second arc having a second radius larger than the first radius.

Abstract: A fastener-driving tool assembly includes a fastener-driving member and a coupling device. The fastener-driving member includes a first end and a second end for driving a fastener. The first end of the fastener-driving member includes a polygonal opening. The coupling device includes a first member and a second member. The second member has a polygonal end securely engaged with the polygonal opening of the fastener-driving member. The first member includes an end for engaging with the other end of the second member. The other end of the first member includes a polygonal engaging hole for engaging with one of an extension rod, a handle, and a polygonal first end of a second member of a similarly constructed coupling device.

Abstract: A method for preparing a graphic on a sheet of material which also includes at least one registration mark at and about the graphic in predetermined positions. The method involves the steps of applying the graphic and at least one registration mark on a sheet of material in positions according to layout data, transferring the layout data to a processing controller, placing the sheet of material on a sheet-receiving surface, sensing the position of the registration mark on the sheet of material, and utilizing the layout data and the position of the registration mark to precisely narrow-path-process around the graphic on the sheet of material. Certain embodiments use either (a) a subset of marks which is applied on one side of graphic or certain reference features, such as edges and corners of the sheet and elements of the graphic, to ascertain the position and orientation of the sheet on the apparatus. The invention provides efficient, rapid, automated, and precise processing around the graphic.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for slicing a hard and brittle material having a crystal structure, such as a silicon ingot, and more particularly a hard and brittle material cutting method which solves the problem of worsening variance in thickness, nanotopography, and wafer warpage. The inventors perfected the present invention upon discovering that when retainer plates are bonded to or pressed against the ends of an ingot, and simultaneous slicing with a wire saw is performed along with the retainer plates, a portion of increasing variance in the warpage, nanotopography, and thickness will appear in the portions corresponding to the retainer plates, resulting in a decrease in variance in wafer warpage, nanotopography, and thickness at the ends of the targeted ingot.

Abstract: A combination punching and setting tool and method includes an elongate body with an upper impact end, a lower attachment end, and at least one interchangeable tip interchangeably received on the attachment end. The interchangeable tip is selected from the group consisting of i) a punching tip configured to punch an opening in a base material, and ii) a setting tip configured to set a securing device placed in an opening in the base material. The elongate body includes an ejection chute for ejecting base material punched by the punching tip out of the elongate body. The setting tip may include a pattern, formed on a lower end of the tip, configured to form a corresponding pattern on the securing device when the securing device is set.

Abstract: A shaving apparatus includes an outer cutter (60), for example in the form of a perforated foil, and an undercutter assembly (10), adjacent to the outer cutter, which is drivable for linear reciprocation in a reciprocation direction. The undercutter assembly has a driven primary undercutter (20) and a secondary undercutter (30), which is moveable with respect thereto, the blade elements of the primary and secondary undercutters being mutually interleaved. When the primary undercutter (20) is reciprocated relative the outer cutter (60), the secondary undercutter (30) also performs a reciprocating movement, which lags behind that of the primary undercutter, so the blade elements of the primary and second undercutters move towards one another at intervals and can trap hairs therebetween, causing them to be pulled in addition to the cutting action and thus achieving a closer shave.

Abstract: A method of saw cutting relatively thin walled metal tubing in a relatively burr free fashion by causing the cutter blade to move through a path of travel which maintains an essentially tangential relative motion vector between the saw teeth and the tube wall at the place of engagement during some or all of the movement of the blade center around the tube center. Both ring blade and disc-type saws are disclosed and a two axis displacement system using digitally controlled ball screw actuators is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for detachably securing tool attachments to a cultivator, which includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a planer body with a first and second face, a first and a second end. The first portion is secured to a surface of a tool attachment. The second portion has an elongate body having a first and second face, a first and a second end. An upper retaining member is provided at the first end, and a lower retaining member is provided at the second end. The second portion is secured a surface of a shank of a cultivator. Upon sliding engagement of the first portion with the second portion, the first end of the planer body is positioned between the upper retaining member and the first face, and the second end of the planer body is positioned between the lower retaining member and the first face of the second portion.

Abstract: A cutting machine equipped with a chuck table for holding a workpiece, a cutting means having a cutting blade for cutting the workpiece held on the chuck table, and a cutting blade detector having a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion for detecting the state of the cutting blade, wherein the cutting blade detector comprises a protective cover means for selectively covering the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a guide for use with rotary components such as a rotary saw. In the preferred embodiment the invention is comprised of a rotary saw with a blade, a reflector affixed adjacent and coaxial to said blade, a light beam source, preferably a laser projecting a beam of light co-planer to and at said reflector. The reflector acts as a curved mirror to fan the beam of light creating a guideline coplanar with the rotary component or blade of the rotary saw.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic metal printer which prints a camera-photographed and computer-processed image on a surface of a hard material, such as a metal sheet, through a dot matrix printing type method wherein brightness of the printed image is expressed in accordance with density of dots in the dot matrix formed on the surface of the hard material. The automatic metal printer includes a platform which reciprocates forward and rearward in a lower portion of a body by a motor-operated first ball screw. A saddle is installed at a position above the platform so as to reciprocate to the left and right in the body by a motor-operated second ball screw. A dotter is vertically installed on the saddle so as to dot the upper surface of the hard material seated on the platform to print a desired image.

Abstract: The twist-tie dispenser has a pair of pinch wheels on its infeed side, and a cutter wheel rolling against an anvil wheel near its outlet side. A crank and a spring are used to forcefully advance the cutter wheel over about half a turn per full rotation. The cutter wheel has a cutter blade mounted therein which rolls against the anvil wheel. A continuous twist-tie stock is fed between the pinch wheels and between the cutter wheel and the anvil wheel and extends to protrude through the outlet side of the dispenser. A pulling of the twist tie material on the outlet side causes the cutter wheel to rotate and to extend the spring. As the spring pass the over-centre position, it swiftly urges the cutter wheel to severe a twist tie and to advance the end of the tie stock outside the dispenser for a subsequent cycle.

Abstract: A powder material application apparatus capable of applying powder material uniformly onto lower surfaces of plural upper punches, upper surfaces of plural lower punches and inner circumferences of plural dies of a tabletting machine. Powder material is applied on a material contacting surface of the lower punch by spraying powder material mixed with air from a powder material spray port for lower punch of a powder material application part for lower punch. Powder material is applied on a material contacting surface of the upper punch wherein powder material is not applied enough according to gravity by spraying powder material mixed with air from a powder material spray port for upper punch while the upper punch moves from an initial end to a terminal end of the powder material spray port for upper punch. The powder material spray port for upper punch is provided along the rotary orbit of the upper punches and is elongated more than the powder material spray port for lower punch.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a percussion detecting apparatus, which is excellent in percussion feeling, and the percussion sounds of which are very small, in electronic percussion instrumental system. The percussion detecting apparatus is provided with a head prepared from a net-like raw material composed of a first net and a second net, the net-like raw material being obtained by such a manner that both the nets having been woven in accordance with plane weaving manner wherein the longitudinal and transverse fibers cross at right angles are laminated in such a way that the weave pattern directions thereof intersect obliquely with each other; and a head sensor which is in contact with the center position of the under side in the head and detects percussion with respect to the head as electric signal.

Abstract: A thumb rest for installation in a recess formed in the body of a guitar, or the like, includes a base having a longitudinal slot oriented generally along the length of the strings, and a thumb support lever supported on a pivot shaft which is movable along the slot, whereby the thumb support lever may be moved to a desired position and angular orientation relative to the strings. A retaining nut longitudinally movable in the base threadedly engages with one end of the pivot shaft, and a locking knob at the other end of the shaft and a resilient washer located between the thumb support lever and the base allows the lever to be tightened and retained at the desired position. A shoulder extending from the base serves as template for the depth of the recess, and forms a frame to provide a neat finished appearance down over the pivotable finger support and presses the finger support against a resilient washer which is pressed against the slide.