Abstract: An upper steering shaft assembly for a steering column and method of construction therefore having a tubular shaft section and a stub shaft section fabricated separately from one another. The tubular shaft section has a main body portion and a splined portion. The stub shaft section has a shaft portion and a hub engagement portion comprising a splined segment and a tapered portion. A connection end extends axially from the shaft portion of the stub shaft section and is disposed within the main body portion of the tubular shaft section and the tubular shaft section and the stub shaft section are fixedly attached to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a casing tube of a steering column of a motor vehicle, the tube comprising two telescopic tube sections which are connected frictionally to each other in a press fit and, in the event of a crash, can be displaced relative to each other over an axial displacement path. In order, in the case of a vehicle accident, in a simple manner firstly to prevent a hard impact of the driver on the steering wheel and secondly to achieve the greatest possible absorption of impact energy, the tube sections are connected frictionally to each other over the entire displacement path. Furthermore, a method for producing a casing tube of this type is disclosed.

Abstract: A dual purpose outer primary housing, or cover, for a motorcycle drive train is provided. The cover has a lip, an ornamental design and a recess. The lip is shaped to form a seal with the inner primary housing. The recess is shaped to extend away from the lip and the inner primary housing when the two housings are operationally coupled. The recess is sized to accommodate a belt of up to a certain maximum width, for example a 3-inch wide toothed belt, and will therefor also accommodate a narrower metallic chain. The recess and the inner primary housing substantially form a pocket required to support the maintenance of the drive chain in an oil bath. When the motorcycle is modified to include a belt, the cover is modified by relieving material from the outer primary housing to form air path apertures that extend wholly through the cover.

Abstract: An apparatus is described to reduce a play occurring in a micro-mechanical gear arrangement, the apparatus having a moveable hub coupled to a gear of the micro-mechanical gear arrangement, the moveable hub configured to permit a movement of the gear that reduces the play. A push rod is coupled to the moveable hub and at least one buckling beam is tethered to the push rod so that a force is exerted upon the push rod to cause the movement of the gear, the force being transferable to the gear via the moveable hub.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission mechanism with a single differential mechanism for an automotive vehicle. The transmission mechanism of the present 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: A bicycle hub having a fluid automatic transmission receiving power input from the rider which uses drag as the means to transfer power from an outer shell being rotated by the drive train to a stator and using applied torque to automatically control mechanical advantage in a limited manner by changing drag, this with flow restriction to limit the amount of shear possible thus the device is a fluid couple with torque-converter qualities. The ability to respond to torque in a way that changes mechanical advantage in a manner that the rider considers normal bicycle operation over varied terrain is what makes the device a fluid automatic bicycle transmission, an invention appropriate to small and fractional horsepower applications in general.

Abstract: Produce metal powder, especially titanium powder, offering high purity and uniform granular shape and size, in an economical manner using an apparatus that comprises a pressure-resistant container comprising a high-pressure water tank, an injector nozzle for mixture gas of oxygen and hydrogen, a material element-metal feeder part, an ignition plug and a combustion chamber.

Abstract: An article made of a metallic material having its constituent elements is made by furnishing at least one nonmetallic precursor compound, wherein all of the nonmetallic precursor compounds collectively include the constituent elements of the metallic material in their respective constituent-element proportions. The precursor compounds are chemically reduced to produce particles comprising the metallic material, without melting the precursor compounds and without melting the metallic material. The particles may be consolidated into a rod, which may be used as a welding rod in a welding operation. Alternatively, the nonmetallic precursor compounds may be consolidated prior to the chemical reduction.

Abstract: A metallic alloy is prepared from a gaseous mixture of at least two non-oxide precursor compounds, wherein the non-oxide precursor compounds collectively comprise the metallic constituents. The mixture of the non-oxide precursor compounds is oxidized to form a solid mixed metallic oxide. The solid mixed metallic oxide is chemically reduced to produce the metallic alloy.

Abstract: A metallic article is prepared by first furnishing at least one nonmetallic precursor compound, wherein all of the nonmetallic precursor compounds collectively containing the constituent elements of the metallic article in their respective constituent-element proportions. The constituent elements together form a titanium-base alloy having a stable-oxide-forming additive element therein, such as magnesium, calcium, scandium, yttrium, lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, and lutetium, and mixtures thereof. The stable-oxide-forming additive element forms a stable oxide in a titanium-based alloy. At least one additive element is present at a level greater than its room-temperature solid solubility limit in the titanium-base alloy. The precursor compounds are chemically reduced to produce an alloy material, without melting the alloy material. The alloy material may be consolidated.

Abstract: A method to dissolve at least one metal from jarosite or other iron hydroxyl sulphate containing-material which includes the steps of subjecting the material to alkaline treatment in a brine solution to facilitate jarosite decomposition, and acidification of the brine slurry to solubilise the liberated metal.

Abstract: A process for separation/recovery of PGM by selectively adsorbing and eluting PGM in the form of chloride, e.g., chloro complex, irrespective of its form, using an ion exchange resin from a chloride solution containing PGM at a relatively low concentration and an impurity element at a high concentration. The process for separation/recovery of PGM from a solution containing the PGM and an impurity element, comprising the first step of selectively adsorbing the PGM by bringing polyamine-based anion exchange resin into contact with the solution to form adsorption-treated resin, second step of washing the adsorption-treated resin to form a washing-treated resin, and third step ofeluting the PGM from the washing-treated resin.

Abstract: The invention relates to shaving and is concerned with a blade formed from a single crystal ceramic material. The blade presents a sharp cutting edge and support elements are provided for mounting and positioning the blade (cutting element) in a blade unit. A guard element is disposed forwardly of the cutting edge and extends parallel thereto. A plurality of parallel cutting elements may be provided. The invention also concerns a method of making the cutting element.

Abstract: A hand held wire stripper has ergonomic handles and special cutting blades on two pivotally connected lever members defining the handles and offset jaws having working edges adjacent each other when the wire stripper is in a closed position. The jaws have aligned cutting blade sections at the working edges that taper from the edges in at least two oblique angles with respect to the edges. In addition or alternatively, the cutting blade section defines a plurality of serrations aligned with the serrations of the other lever member. The elongated handles each have a rear grip and a forward grip separated by an outward extension. The forward grips extend forward from the outward extensions toward the hinge point so as to receive a thumb and forefinger of a user and allow gripping of the handles adjacent the hinge point.

Abstract: A power driven wrench comprises a head having an opening which carries a toothed or threaded rotary member substantially completely within the head. A shaft is present having a toothed or threaded inner end which engages the toothed rotary member, extending through an aperture in the head, to cause the rotary member to rotate as the shaft rotates. The shaft also has an outer end that can engage a power source to rotate the shaft. The rotary member defines an aperture capable of firmly holding within the head a driver member having a polygonal opening for receiving heads of objects to be rotated by the wrench. The driver member is replaceable by another driver member having a different polygonal opening without any disassembly of the head.

Abstract: An open-end ratchet wrench includes a housing defining a handle and a head with an open mouth for receiving first and second elements of a work piece therein. A fixed jaw member on the wrench engages the first element and a moving jaw member engages the second element of the work piece. A squeeze lever is operable to rotate the moving jaw member about a center axis of rotation selectively in either a clockwise or counterclockwise movement, to thereby tighten or loosen the second element relative to the first element. An engagement assembly operates the moving jaw member between an operable position in engagement with the work piece and a retracted position, wherein the jaw member moves away from the center axis of rotation to back off and release from operative engagement with the second element, thereby allowing removal of the wrench from the work piece.

Abstract: A tool device includes a diagonally disposed groove and a channel formed in one end and communicating each other, and a latch pin and a button slidably received in the groove and the channel of the tool device. A spring may bias one end of the latch pin out and to engage into a tool member, and to detachably lock the tool device to the tool member. The latch pin may be easily disengaged from the tool member by depressing the button into the tool device. The button has a notch formed between two legs for slidably receiving the latch pin.

Abstract: A guard for a table saw has a cover member positioned above a working surface and rotating blade of a table saw. The cover member provides a gap between a lower surface of the cover member and the working surface to permit a work piece to pass there through to be cut by the rotating blade. The guard has at least one support member for supporting the cover member above the working surface. The support member facilitates lateral movement of the cover member between a first position and a second working position. The lateral movement is generally parallel to the working surface. The cover member covers the rotating blade from above throughout the cutting operation.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the removal of a selvedge cut off from the edge of a textile fabric web, at the exit from a stretcher frame has means for removing, particularly vacuuming away, the cut-off selvedge and means for monitoring the removal. In order to prevent the possibility that the selvedge is drawn back into the machine counter to the vacuum direction, the selvedge is passed over an easily moved wheel, in such a manner that the wheel is necessarily entrained by the transported selvedge. The direction of rotation of the wheel is detected.

Abstract: The invention refers to a novel device for cutting flat objects, in particular for cutting stiff bandages and protective suits. The device provides at least one movable cutting tool (8, 13), which is able to perform a movement, that can be assigned to a closed line surrounding a finite area.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of adhesive binding of sheet-form printed materials arranged in stacks and, in particular, is directed to a method and device of the type that cuts side edges of sheet-form printed materials with tool. According to various aspects of the invention, a tool having a cutting edge and a notching element is provided as well as a method of making the tool, and a method of changing a depth of notching by changing an angle of rotation relative to a cutting plane is described.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for cutting food products, in which the products are fed single-file by gravity through a cutting device comprising one or more cutting elements. The apparatus makes use of a device for contacting and positioning the products as they drop through a feed passage prior to encountering the cutting device so as to produce size-reduced products of more uniform size.

Abstract: A sheet cutter for making business cards is composed of an upper cover, a seat mounted beneath the upper cover, a transversal blade assembly and a longitudinal blade assembly. By using the transversal blade, a sheet printed with multiple business card details in rows and columns can be conveniently cut into individual business cards along the longitudinal and transversal directions.

Abstract: A dual bevel table saw provides a table saw enabled with a dual sided arbor assembly and a bi-directional bevel assembly. The dual sided arbor assembly coupled with the bevel assembly further provides for the positioning of a motor and a saw blade to allow for the full range of angular adjustment to be enabled without having to sacrifice any of the cutting features of the saw blade such as depth of cut. The dual bevel table saw may further include a companion saw assembly to provide increased functionality provided by the dual bevel table saw.

Abstract: A nut cold cutter devise is used in the assembly and maintenance of semi-autogenous grinding mills for large-scale mining. The device includes a front body, a back body and a hydraulic cylindrical chamber located between the front and back bodies. The front body has a defined cavity in which there is a movable cutting tool and a fixed cutting tool. The nut to-be-cut is positioned in the space located between the two cutting tools. The hydraulic cylindrical chamber contains a push piston that is sealed to the inside of said hydraulic cylindrical chamber with watertight joints. The push piston is attached to a toolholder axis and the movable cutting tool is attached to the front end of the toolholder axis.

Abstract: A bandsaw blade includes a blade beam carrying a plurality of cutting teeth separated by gullets. A clearance angle of the teeth is smaller than 35°, and the back of a leading tooth has a convex transition to a gullet. The radius of the gullet is larger than ½ of the depth of the gullet.

Abstract: A machine for indenting surface of optical discs includes a housing having a slot, two panels mounted within the housing, two rollers rotatably mounted between the two panels and provided with a plurality of protuberances thereon, a set of gears mounted on an outer side of one of the rollers and drivingly connected with the rollers, a motor drivingly connected with the gears, a control circuit electrically connected with the motor, and at least a sensor electrically connected with the control circuit and mounted close to the slot.

Abstract: A pick or plectrum, used to play stringed instruments, containing a flavoring agent, which is imparted to a player of such instruments, when the pick is placed into the player's mouth. The flavoring agent can be located onto or in the pick during the manufacturing process or flavoring may be achieved by affixing a laminate containing a flavoring agent to a standard pick.

Abstract: A case (11) for musical instruments, in particular for string instruments such as guitars, has a floor section (12) and a lid section (13) which are joined to one another by a hinge-like connection, in particular are sewn together, and can be closed by a fastening device (15), in particular a zipper. The case (11) further includes a positioning element (17) for positioning the musical instrument in the case (11) and a fixation device (22) with which the musical instrument is releasably fixed in the case by the positioning element (17). The positioning element (17) that is formed substantially as a pocket (25).

Abstract: A relative chord method for playing a series of chords on a music keyboard by prescribed finger transitions from one chord to the next dependent upon the musical interval between the chords.

Abstract: The invention provides for the integration of video into electronic music technology. Cameras on instruments, such as guitars, are provided for display during performance, recording, and for creating control signals. Extraction of control signals from camera images, including patterns and gestures in 2D and 3D, may be included. All such outgoing control signals may be MIDI, and extraction algorithms may be selected and controlled by MIDI. A range of video signal generation, video signal processing, and camera image capture control functions relevant to the use of video in live performances may be controlled by MIDI to unify a common control infrastructure for a live performance environment.

Abstract: An electronic percussion instrument includes a vibration detection apparatus having a simplified frame structure that increases the uniformity of its rim shot strike sensitivity distribution. The frame is comprised of a flange, a center section and a linking section that surrounds the center section and extends from the center section to the flange. The flange engages the end of the drum body and the frame is disposed within the drum body. A rim shot sensor is mounted to the center section of the frame and detects rim shot vibrations that are transmitted through the frame. Because the linking section of the frame surrounds the center section, uniformity of rim shot strike sensitivity is improved. A head sensor is also mounted to the frame on a support plate that is coupled to the frame through a vibration isolating damper. A cushioning material is placed between the head sensor and a head of the percussion instrument for transmitting vibrations from the head to the head sensor.

Abstract: A method for deflecting a projectile from an initial trajectory. Such a projectile has a first surface area and a second surface area and moves through a gaseous atmosphere with a surrounding plasma sheath. This method includes the step of directing electromagnetic radiation toward the projectile, wherein the electromagnetic radiation has a wavelength which is absorbed by the plasma sheath but is not substantially absorbed by the gaseous atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention relates to armor that is intended to withstand and provide protection against blunt trauma or ballistic impact from a projectile or the impact of a stabbing weapon. Such impacts on the armor may transmit a high localized load to the body of the wearer. The invention reduces the intensity of this loading thereby reducing tissue trauma. The invention uses one or more layers of an energy absorbing material that contains a large volume fraction of fluid filled free space, distributed throughout an internal cellular structure that accommodates deformation on one surface without passing on the same degree of deformation to its adjacent surface. It is, in effect, a highly compressible layer that disperses a dynamic load applied normal to its surface (resulting for example from the bullet impact) into a more laterally extensive pressure distribution. When this material is combined with reinforcing fiber material layers, the deformation reduction is further enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for producing a shield for protecting an area from a pressure blast. The shield, which attenuates the pressure blast, can be used with tall, mobile, and underwater structures, including structures in densely populated areas. One system includes a source for providing an attenuation material, a delivery system that delivers the attenuation material to nozzles, and at least one valve device to control the delivery. A detector is configured to actuate the valve device to an open position in response to a perceived blast threat so that the delivery system delivers the attenuation material to form the shield proximate to a periphery of the protected area.

Abstract: An active armor system, which includes a first armor layer and a second armor layer. An interior space is interposed between the first and second armor layer. A third layer is also positioned preferably adjacent to and on the inner side of the first layer This third layer is comprised of a material selected from a piezoelectric material, and electrostrictive material, and a magnetostrictive material. The third layer may also be characterized as any material capable of producing an electrical or magnetic field within the space in response to the application of mechanical force on this third layer. The application of force on the third layer as a result of the impacting of a shaped charge projectile on the first armor layer will result in the production of an electric or magnetic charge in the interior space which will disrupt the formation of the shaped charge gas jet so as to prevent the penetration of the second armor layer.

Abstract: A reciprocating drive system that utilizes energy available from pressure changes in flowing fluid systems, said drive used for the injection of additives into pipelines. The reciprocating drive includes a hydraulic accumulator having a gas chamber connected to a gas pipeline to contain said gas, whereby variation in the elevated pressure of the pipeline is reflected in the pressure applied to an incompressible fluid in a hydraulic conduit. The drive is capable of recycling gas used to drive the system back into pipelines.

Abstract: A brake booster (10) having a housing defined by joining a substantially circular first shell (12) to a second shell (14) to compress a first bead (100,200) on a diaphragm (102,202) secured to a movable wall (76) and seal an interior thereof from the surrounding environment. The movable wall (76) includes a hub (44) with a disc (74) having an annular groove (70) located adjacent a peripheral surface (72) for receiving a second bead (104,204) on the diaphragm (102,202). The diaphragm (102,202) is characterized by a resulting cylindrical body (116,216) with a first section (215) that transitions from the first bead (100,200) and a second section (217) that transitions from the second bead (104,204). The first (100,200) and second (104,204) beads each have an initial oval shape that is stretched into a circular shape for respective retention between the first (12) and second (14) shells and annular groove (70) in sealing a front chamber (50) from a rear chamber (52).

Abstract: An air purifier discharges air directly to a room without forcing the air to pass through a HEPA filter when the level of contaminations in the air, such as dust particles, is determined to be sufficiently low. The air purifier thus minimizes air pressure loss and attenuates operational noise caused by the HEPA filter, through which air passes. In an aspect, the air purifier includes a main body defining an air passage therein to allow sucked air to pass therethrough prior to being discharged, and a first filter installed in the main body to be switched between a dosed state and an open state. The first filter removes contaminants from the sucked air in the dosed state, and allows the sucked air to pass smoothly through the air passage in the open state.

Abstract: An air purifier has a simply manufactured and assembled ionizer, which increases the charging efficiency for dust particles through maximally increased discharge spaces and prevents electrical accidents. The air purifier includes an ionizer and a collector. The ionizer includes two ground electrode units and at least one discharge electrode, the two ground electrode units each having one or more electrodes, each formed in a hollow semi-cylindrical shape, the two ground electrode units being joined to face each other, the at least one discharge electrode being placed in spaces formed between the hollow semi-cylindrically shaped electrodes of the joined ground electrode units, thus charging dust particles passing through the spaces between the hollow semi-cylindrically shaped electrodes. The collector is electrically charged with a polarity opposite to a polarity of the charged dust particles.

Abstract: An object of the present invention to provide a method and a system for separating gas based on a PSA method, in which a plurality of components contained in a gas mixture can be separated and recovered with high purities at the same time, the system is simple, the system cost is low, and the operation is easy.

Abstract: A process for the reduction of the level of a component in a feed gas such as air involving passing the gas to at least three parallel thermal swing adsorption zones charged with an adsorbent and operating according to an adsorption cycle. The cycle of each zone is phased with respect to that of the other zones so that at any point during the cycle, the number of zones in the adsorption step is greater than the number of zones not in the adsorption step. Thermal swing adsorption apparatus having at least three parallel thermal swing adsorption zones and means for controlling the flow of the feed gas through the zones such that each bed undergoes repeated cycles which are out of phase with the cycles for the other vessels provided that, in use, at least two vessels are in the adsorption step at any time.

Abstract: A gas reduction apparatus 12 is provided for reducing the amount of gas 15 emitted from a cooling tower 10 into the atmosphere. The apparatus 12 in accordance with the principles of this invention includes a first air conduit 13 which collects the gas 15 and chemical particles therein released from the cooling tower 10 before they are released into the atmosphere. The conduit 13 then provides a path for the gas 15 and chemical particles formed therein to flow to a liquefier 16. The liquefier 16 converts the gas 15 to a liquid 17. A filter 32 is coupled adjacent the liquefier 16 to separate the chemical particles released into the liquefier from the liquid 17 formed in the liquefier. The liquid 17 is then directed through an outlet conduit 34 to a cooling tower reservoir 36 where it finds itself back into the cooling tower 10.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide recovery apparatus and process for supercritical extraction includes providing a process stream from a supercritical extraction procedure in which the process stream includes pressurized carbon dioxide, extraction process waste and optionally at least one co-solvent; reducing the pressure of the process stream below critical pressure; venting low pressure carbon dioxide vapor to exhaust; cooling the process stream to form a two phase mixture; separating the two phase mixture into a process liquid, containing co-solvent if present, and a process vapor phase stream; collecting the process liquid; filtering the process vapor phase stream to remove particulates and optionally residual co-solvent; passing the filtered process vapor stream through an adsorber to remove trace impurities to form a purified carbon dioxide vapor stream; and, drying the purified carbon dioxide vapor stream to remove residual water vapor.

Abstract: A power generation system has a power source and an aftertreatment system connected to the power source. The aftertreatment system is adapted to treat an exhaust of the power source. The aftertreatment system has a particulate filter that is dimensioned to be interchangeable with a muffler.

Abstract: A filter system and a method for cleaning a gas laden with powder particles, in particular for a powder coating apparatus. At least one filter element is arranged between a crude gas chamber and a clean gas chamber. A first gas discharge device directs a gas stream from the crude gas chamber through the filter element into the clean gas chamber. A shut-off device interrupts the first gas stream through the filter element, and a second or cleaning gas discharge device directs a cleaning gas stream through the filter element into the crude gas chamber. A vibration device vibrates and/or shakes the filter element to dislodge powder from the filter element.

Abstract: An air purifier has a simply manufactured and assembled ionizer, which improves the charging efficiency for dust particles using multi-directional discharge and prevents electrical accidents. The air purifier includes an ionizer and a collector. The ionizer includes a first electrode and at least two second electrodes, the first electrode having at least two hollow, semi-cylindrically shaped electrodes, the at least two electrodes being connected successively and in parallel so that the first electrode has a corrugated shape, and the at least two second electrodes are positioned at inner spaces defined by the hollow semi-cylindrically shaped electrodes, respectively. The collector is electrically charged with a polarity opposite to a polarity of charged dust particles.

Abstract: An air purifier provides various air purification functions relating to various environmental conditions by increasing a purification function relative to specific contaminants through replacement of a filter based on the environment to be purified. The air purifier includes a main body of a structure allowing air to pass therethrough. A replaceable filter is received into the main body and is replaceable on a basis of the environmental properties of a space to be purified, removing contaminants in the air passing through the main body. Further, the air purifier includes a dust collecting unit to charge dust particles electrically and to collect the dust particles by electrostatic attraction. In addition, a metal filter functions to collect the dust particles charged in the dust collecting unit, and a HEPA filter is used to collect micro-contaminants. The metal filter is positioned in front of the HEPA filter.

Abstract: A fluid storage and dispensing apparatus including a fluid storage and dispensing vessel having a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and an integrated gas cabinet assembly including such fluid storage and dispensing apparatus and/or a point-of-use ventilation gas scrubber in the vented gas cabinet. By the use of physical adsorbent and chemical sorbent media, the gas cabinet can be enhanced in safety of operation, e.g., where the process gas supplied from the gas cabinet is of a toxic or otherwise hazardous character.

Abstract: An adsorbent material fabricated into a reinforcement-free, self-supported coherent thin sheet and configured for use as a parallel passage contactor element in adsorption/separation applications with gases and liquids is disclosed. The adsorbent sheet material is obtained by enmeshing fine adsorbent particulates in a polymer binder. Particulates include but are not limited to carbon particles, inorganic oxides particles, or ceramic particles, or synthetic polymer resin particles, where the characteristic length of particles is in the range from 0.01 &mgr;m to 100 &mgr;m. Particles of nano scale and mixtures of particle sizes may be advantageously incorporated. The adsorbent sheet advantageously contains a large volume percentage of active adsorbent particles.