Abstract: A tire for a wheel of a vehicle includes selected mixes of rubber and reinforcing materials, a carcass, a belting structure, a tread band provided with inserts, shoulders, sidewalls, and beads provided with bead wires and bead fillings. The tire is further represented by a concentrated-parameter physical model including a brush model with a road, where concentrated parameters of the physical model include structural stiffness Kc consisting of lateral stiffness Kcy, camber torsional stiffness Kc&thgr;x and yawing torsional stiffness Kc&thgr;z. The tire is further represented by a finite-element model including first and second elements and has construction characteristics substantially equivalent to the concentrated parameters that describe the dynamic behavior of the tire and enable the determination of selected physical quantities suitable for indicating the drift behavior of the tire for evaluation of the tire in relation to its road handling.

Abstract: Device for tubeless tire bead engagement and inflation, generally for tire removal machines (1) having a unit for supporting and locking a wheel (wheel rim+tire) (5-15) in a bedded position, comprises a movable implement to be associated with the structure of the tire removal machine, and generally shaped as a handlebar the handles (9) of which are lowerly provided with at least one compressed air delivery nozzle (11), said handlebar being able to move between a rest position in which it is spaced from said bedded wheel, and a working position in which said nozzles, retained thereat by the operator, extend beyond the upper bead retention flange (55) of the wheel rim (5) to blow air below it at the command of said operator.

Abstract: A self-contained, transportable system for conducting any of hydrologic tests or water sampling techniques without the need for retooling or readjusting the system. The system includes a borehole unit for conducting the tests in a borehole, and a data acquisition unit for monitoring and recording the results of the tests. The borehole unit includes, connected in serial relation, a pair of borehole packers for forcing the unit in place in the borehole, several pressure transducers for obtaining hydraulic measurements, a pump located between the borehole packers for withdrawing fluid and a fluid injector for injecting fluid. The data-acquisition system includes flow meters for monitoring fluid injection and fluid withdrawals, a data-acquisition module for monitoring a fluid pressure from the pressure transducers, power source and a computer interface.

Abstract: An arrangement for measuring the true position of a diaphragm within a diaphragm valve assembly utilizes a thin conductive element disposed in the valve between the diaphragm membrane and the actuator. The conductive element and the valve body are then used as the plates of a parallel plate capacitor, where the measured capacitance will vary as a function of the position of the diaphragm mambrane, having a first value when the diaphragm is in the “open” position and a second value when the diaphragm is in the “closed” position. Position values between the “open” and “closed” positions can also be determined, as well as the presence of different fluids within the valve body when the valve is in the “open” position.

Abstract: To provide a movement-detecting altimeter designed so as to be capable of avoiding excessive accumulation of errors. The movement-detecting altimeter has a movement dependent altitude updating unit which updates an indicated altitude when a moving condition is maintained, and which avoids updating of the indicated altitude when the moving condition is not maintained.

Abstract: A weather station with at least one element mounted on bearings on a housing or rack on a vertical axis for alignment with the direction of the wind and with a measuring device, which depending on the angle position of the element aligning in the direction of the wind provides an electrical signal, wherein the measuring device is an opto electric measuring device with at least two light paths. Each of the at least two light paths has its own light-emitting element and which have a common light detector and form a light path configuration, each light path is used to scan a group of markings, which are located around an axis of at least one screen in such a manner that the markings provide a code when scanning that defines the angle area of the position of the element aligning with the direction of the wind. The light-emitting elements determine the angle position of the element aligning with the direction of the wind.

Abstract: A level indicator and method is provided which is intimately affixed to the outside surface of the outside wall of a container, for use in the determination of the level of the interface between a mass of flowable material and the void volume above it within a container. The level indicator includes a thermochromataic layer which has at least two thermochromatic materials. Each of the thermochromatic materials responds chromatically within a different operating temperature range. In one embodiment, the level indicator vertically extends substantially the height of the container. In an alternative embodiment, the level indicator vertically extends along the height of the container, in the region of the top portion of the container, and at least above the legal safe-fill level of the flowable material within the container such that overfilling of the flowable material in the container is detectable.

Abstract: A sensor for use in determining a level of a medium or detecting an object includes a plurality of spaced-apart electrically conductive members disposed on a nonconductive support. Each of the conductive members are connected to an astable multivibrator for selectively generating a first plurality of signals each having a frequency based on a capacitive value due to a respective conductive member, an at least one ground member, and at least one of an absence of the medium and a presence of the medium. A microcontroller enables determining the level of the medium or detection of the object based on the frequencies of the first plurality of generated signals. The microcontroller may be configured for compensating for buildup of a material on the sensor to enhance the accuracy of the sensor. Self-correcting features and safety features employed in the sensor are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a method for producing a micromechanical rotation rate sensor, a wafer stack arrangement is used wherein a substrate wafer arrangement (12, 16) is connected to a structural wafer arrangement (14, 18) by means of an insulating connecting layer (15). The required thickness of the structural wafer arrangement (14, 18) is adjusted by thinning it out, where-upon the structural wafer arrangement is structured so as to define at least one seismic mass (20), a suspension (24) and a spring means (22a, 22b) which connects the seismic mass to the suspension. The connecting layer acts as an etch stop for a dry-etching method in which the structural wafer arrangement is structured. In a subsequent further dry-etching step, the connecting layer is selectively removed in such a way that the seismic mass can carry out an excitation oscillation and the seismic mass or parts thereof can carry out a detection oscillation on the basis of a Coriolis force relative to the substrate wafer arrangement.

Abstract: An accelerometer had a movable electrode between two fixed electrodes to form a differential capacitor. Drivers provide AC drive signals to the fixed electrodes. The movable electrode is coupled through reading circuitry to an output terminal. In response to a sensed acceleration, feedback is provided from the output terminal to one or both drivers to null any AC signal on the movable electrode and to keep the electrostatic forces between the movable electrode and each of the fixed electrodes equal.

Abstract: A linear accelerometer is provided having a substrate, a fixed electrode supported on the substrate and including a first plurality of fixed capacitive plates, and an inertial mass substantially suspended over a cavity and including a plurality of movable capacitive plates arranged to provide a capacitive coupling with the first plurality of fixed capacitive plates. The inertial mass is linearly movable relative to the fixed electrode. A central member is fixed to the substrate. Support arms support the inertial mass relative to the fixed electrode and allow linear movement of the inertial mass upon experiencing a linear acceleration along a sensing axis, and prevent linear movement along a nonsensing axis. Inputs and output lines are electrically coupled to the fixed electrode and the inertial mass. An output signal is generated which varies as a function of the capacitive coupling and is indicative of linear acceleration along the sensing axis.

Abstract: A method and a device for measuring dimensions of gaps and hollow spaces in motor vehicle body construction use a filler element which is introduced in a gap or a hollow space to be measured. The filler element is coupled to an ultrasonic testing device for accurately and consistently measuring the gap or hollow space.

Abstract: A temperature compensating or offsetting magnetically coupled pressure sender comprises a pressure responsive element coupled to a rotating permanent magnet via a temperature sensitive element. The sender is intended to relay a pressure reading from within sealed vessels, including vehicle tires, without requiring penetration the wall of the vessel. In vehicular applications, the recommended pressure is usually stated for “cold” tires. Operating a vehicle heats up its tires and increases their pressure, which may produce a misleading indication. Pressure senders described in this invention have temperature compensating or offsetting elements built in to the pressure senders so that the indicated pressure is always referenced to a “cold” tire. Spiral or helical metallic strips or elastomeric members may be employed as the temperature compensating or offsetting elements.

Abstract: A strain detector where water does not reach a strain-resistance element and which supplies stable output at all times is provided. In the strain detector, a first protective layer made of glass is disposed to cover an insulating substrate and the strain-resistance element. A second protective layer made of resins or glass for covering the first protective layer, and a thermistor for compensating the resistance of the strain-resistance element are disposed.

Abstract: A modified atomic force microscope (AFM) is used to perform contact resistance and/or current-dependent stiction measurements for conductive thin films at controlled values of applied force. The measurements are preferably performed under conditions approximating the operation of the thin films as electrodes in microswitch array fingerprint sensors. A first, planar thin film is contacted with a second, curved thin film deposited over a round ball having a diameter of a few microns to a few tens of microns. The second film is preferably a coating deposited over the ball and over the arm controlling the ball motion. The coating deposited over the arm provides an electrically conductive path to the contact surface of the ball.

Abstract: The invention proposes a method for determining a rotation angle (&PHgr;) and/or an angular difference (&dgr;) in a divided shaft (3), which has a number of phase tracks (1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b) disposed on it, which are provided with codes. Via an evaluation unit, each group of tracks (1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b) supplies a phase signal (&agr;1, &agr;2), which is respectively ambiguous with regard to a rotation of the shaft (3). The at least two phase signals (&agr;1, &agr;2) are added up in a weighted fashion to produce a signal S from which the integer portion and the non-integer portion are calculated. The non-integer portion is proportional to the angular difference (&dgr;) between the two track groups. The torque (M) is determined through multiplication with the spring rate of an interposed torque rod. The unambiguous torque (&PHgr;) is determined from the integer portion of the signal (S) and a phase value (&agr;1) or (&agr;2) with the aid of a weighted addition.

Abstract: A portable lysimeter including a collection vessel having an inflatable bladder and a semi-permeable member assembly at least partially movable in response to inflation of the bladder, a sample conduit in fluid communication with the semi-permeable member and a reservoir in fluid communication with the sample conduit.

Abstract: A simulation testing system and method for testing an automobile system or component(s) such as an exhaust system (14) comprises first and second multi-axis simulation tables. One part of the exhaust system is supported by one of the tables with another part being supported by the other table. Each table includes hydraulic actuators (8) capable of imparting motion to the tables in a number of directions. The tables are independent from each other so that the motion imparted to one table can be distinct and separately controlled from that motion imparted to the other table. By arranging the tables so that the motions can vary between the two tables, more realistic simulation testing can be performed on the system or component being tested.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved ultrasonic transducer mount including a removable union sleeve engaged with a transducer holder sleeve on the mount. The union sleeve has an outer diameter that engages an extractor tool for removal of the transducer and transducer holder from the mount. A retaining ring holds the union sleeve in place on the outside of the transducer holder sleeve.

Abstract: A securing arrangement for transporting and mounting a measuring system used for the determination of the position of two components, which can be moved relative to each other. The securing arrangement includes a base body, which is linearly displaced along a displacement direction via a guide track of a support body of a measuring graduation of the measuring system and is fixed in place on the support body by clamping forces in order to maintain a mounting base that fastens a scanning device to one of the two components in a desired position in relation to the support body. A service element is provided on the base body and having an operating section for introducing and/or canceling the clamping forces, wherein the operating section of the service element laterally protrudes past a surface of the base body which faces away from the support body and is laterally bordered by a lateral edge, when the base body is fastened on the support body.

Abstract: A multiple extend ball screw and nut linear actuator incorporates a revolvable axially restrained ball screw with a ball nut thereon. A constant speed reversible drive revolves the screw to move the ball nut forwardly and rearwardly. External helical threads of the same hand as the ball nut threads are provided externally on the ball nut but have a substantially reduced lead. A second rotatably restrained nut having threads matching the external threads on the ball nut mounts on the ball nut and connects to the system to be actuated.

Abstract: A shifting device is provided for shifting between different operating states of a motor vehicle transmission, with a gearshift lever (1), which is mounted movably in a bracket and can be moved in a first direction between two shift gates (A, B). The gearshift lever (1) can also be moved in a second direction along a first of the said two shift gates (A) into three said shift positions (X, Y, Z). A signal transmitter is provided for sending a transmitter signal (5), and three said sensors (2, 3, 4) are arranged at spaced locations from the signal transmitter and in the form of a triangle for detecting the transmitter signal (5). The sensors (2, 3, 4) and the signal transmitter can be moved in relation to one another by the gearshift lever (1), and electric signals characterizing the particular shift position (X, Y, Z) are sent by the sensors (2, 3, 4) at least indirectly to an evaluating device by which the transmission can be put into different operating states as a function of the electric signals.

Abstract: A gear drive apparatus for converting a rotational input provided by a drive device, such as a wind power generator rotor, into a predetermined rotational output for driving rotation of a driven device, such as a generator, includes a large gear coupled to the drive device and a pair of output pinion shafts coupled to the driven device. A first gear level includes eight primary level pinion shafts each having gear teeth meshingly engaged with the outer circumferential gear teeth of the first large gear. The eight primary level gear or pinions are coaxially secured to the eight primary level pinion shafts for driving rotation thereof. Four secondary level gears and four secondary level pinion shafts form a secondary gear level which rotates the pair of output pinion shafts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device, for driving a regulating unit. Said device has a gearing (20) mounted between a motor (10) and the regulating unit (30). The gearing (20) has at least a first gearing stage (22) which is coupled to an output shaft of the motor (10) and a subsequent second gearing stage (24), whereby the second gearing stage (24) is configured as an eccentric gearing stage.

Abstract: A gate-type shift lever device in which a pin is formed at a mounting piece formed at a back wall portion of a base, which pin axially supports a plate switch. Two levers are formed at the plate switch. A shift lever abuts and presses one of the levers during a shift operation from a “D” position to a “4” position. The shift lever abuts and presses another of the levers, during a shift operation from a “2” position to an “L” position. In accordance with rotation of the plate switch due to the pressing forces received by the levers, a holder contact moves transversely. Thus, the shift operations from the “D” position to the “4” position and from the “2” position to the “L” position can be detected.

Abstract: A vibration damper for a semiconductor wafer handling arm includes a spring and a mass coupled to the spring to form a mass spring system that is tuned to vibrate at a structural resonant frequency of the vibrating wafer handling arm. The spring has temperature insensitive spring characteristics and the mass and spring are constructed of materials that do not outgas or produce contaminants in a semiconductor processing environment. The mass spring system is preferably a cantilever beam spring connected to a high response point on the vibrating arm and oriented to vibrate in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the wafer. The mass is preferably slidably adjustable along the length of the cantilever beam spring to adjust the resonant frequency of the vibration damper. Vibration damping of the wafer handling arm is accomplished by the transfer of kinetic energy from the vibrating wafer handling arm to the mass spring system.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes a steering wheel rim, a hub and at least one spoke connecting the steering wheel rim and the hub. At least one of the steering wheel rim and the spoke includes a skeleton, a sheathing surrounding the skeleton as well as a shell arranged around the sheathing, and at least one decorative element. At least one latching element is provided by which the decorative element is directly attached to the shell.

Abstract: A casing (1) for a transmission mechanism constituted by two half shells (1A, 1B), contains at least one clutch control member (3) moved angularly by a control lever (4) external to the casing (1) The control lever (4) includes a split sleeve (5) insertable within a receiving bearing (6) of the casing (1), this sleeve (5) defining at least two fingers (7A, 7B) that are resiliently deformable so as to be able to be immobilized axially in the receiving bearing (6), a portion (3A) of the body of the control member (3) being disposed in the assembled condition of the half shells (1A, 1B) of the casing (1) in the slots (8) provided between the fingers (7A, 7B) to render the lever (4) undisassembleable.

Abstract: A bottle opener for opening a bottle in an efficient manner. The bottle opener includes a substantially rigid panel having a first surface, a second surface, a third surface and a fourth surface wherein the first and second surfaces are opposite surfaces. The third and fourth surfaces have a length greater than a length of the first and second surfaces. The panel has a first portion, a middle portion and a second portion wherein the first portion is adjacent to the first surface and the second portion is adjacent to the second surface. The panel has a first opening therein positioned in the middle portion. The first opening has a generally rectangular shape. A bottle cap is positioned in the opening and the panel biased against the bottle cap to remove the bottle cap.

Abstract: A double-ended hexagonal shank tool bit for extracting Phillips head or similar screws with damaged heads. One end of the tool shapes the screw head recess to a flared opening. The other end of the tool is tapered with left-hand screw threads and diametrically opposite longitudinal gashes arranged to enable the tool to engage the sides of the shaped recess and remove the screw.

Abstract: A power tong or back-up tong has a jaw assembly that is advanced into engagement with a pipe through a cam follower that contacts the camming surface on the inside circumference of a ring gear, the cam follower being in the form of a series of roller elements arranged as a circulating bearing. In a preferred form, the roller elements are cylindrical roller bearings and the jaw assembly is mounted for sliding advancement towards the pipe to be engaged.

Abstract: A compact structure for controlling movement of the pawl of a ratchet tool includes a selection member movably connected to the tool and a through hole is defined through the selection member. A spring and a bead are received in the through hole and the bead is engaged with one of two positioning recesses in the slot, and the spring is engaged with a notch defined in the pawl. The pawl is shifted to allow one of two ends thereof contact against an inside of the recess of the tool by moving the selection member.

Abstract: A ratchet tool includes a head and an engaging member is rotatably received in a hole of the head. The engaging member has a polygonal inner periphery for engaging a nut and a toothed outer periphery which is engaged with a pawl movably connected to the head. A magnetic member is connected to a side of the engaging member and protrudes into a space enclosed by the polygonal inner periphery of the engaging member. A ring is mounted to the engaging member and the magnetic member is connected to the ring and the engaging member. The nut is engaged with the engaging member and attracted to the magnetic member and is easily to removed by rotating the ring.

Abstract: A socket structure includes a main body having an outer wall formed with a driving portion and an indication portion. The driving portion has a plurality of successively and longitudinally arranged teeth. The indication portion provides an indication and identification function, thereby facilitating a user identifying features of the socket structure. A method for manufacturing the socket structure includes the steps of: choosing material, forging, coarse grinding, broaching, turning, rolling, hardening, polishing, surface treatment, and forming the product.

Abstract: A hand tool, including a shank having a proximal end joined to an operational head, the shank including an elongated groove with corresponding ends adjacent the proximal end and a distal end of the shank; a slidably sleeve sized to receive the shank, the sleeve defining a set aperture; a set disposed in the set aperture and positioned to bias into the elongated groove, the set preventing sliding between the shank and sleeve when tightened and the set allowing sliding between the shank and the sleeve when loosened; and a selective lock relating between the sleeve and the shank, the lock preventing separation of the sleeve and the shank when the sleeve and shank are in rotational alignment, the lock allowing separation of the sleeve and the shank when the sleeve and shank are out of rotational alignment.

Abstract: The present invention a bit holder for use with a drill chuck includes a shaft adapted at one end for releasably mounting to the drill chuck, and at the other end for releasably mounting tool bits therein; and, a housing connected operably to said shaft, said housing defining bit compartments for releasably receiving tool bits therein. The bit holder further including a sleeve for positioning relative to said housing for selectively retaining or for selectively releasing tool bits in said bit compartments. Wherein said housing and said sleeve operably rotate relative each other, wherein said housing or sleeve rotate about a longitudinal shaft axis such that rotating said housing or said sleeve relative each other selectively retains or releases said bits from said bit compartments.

Abstract: In a method for producing workpieces having inner and/or outer contours deviating from a circular shape, at least one workpiece is clamped on a machine and the workpiece is driven in rotation about a rotational axis of the workpiece at a first constant velocity. At least one tool is arranged on a carriage that is moveable radially to the rotational axis of the workpiece as well as axially in the longitudinal direction of the rotational axis of the workpiece. The tool is rotatably driven about a rotational axis of the tool that deviates from the rotational axis of the workpiece such that an active cutting surface of the tool moves on a circular path at a second constant velocity. The second constant velocity is selected such that its revolutions per minute deviate from the revolutions per minute of the first constant velocity with respect to size and/or rotational direction.

Abstract: A cutter system for cutting a larger sheet into individual photographic images includes a cutter for severing a transverse strip containing one or more printed images from a larger sheet. A transport table positioned to receive the strip from the cutter includes two sets of drivers, one set for moving the strip longitudinally and a second set for moving the strip laterally to a second cutter that in turn separates the strip into individual photographs. Sensors in both cutters acting in response to fiducial marks on the larger sheet cooperate with the drivers for positioning the larger sheet and the severed strip at the proper cutting locations.

Abstract: An apparatus for emptying a reel on which a web of material is wound in layers. A frame supports the reel. A carriage is mounted on the frame for reciprocal movement longitudinally in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction over the reel. A knife is mounted on the carriage for movement with the carriage to cut sheets of material from the web as the carriage moves over the reel. A plough removes cut sheets of the material from the reel as the carriage moves over the reel.

Abstract: A Venetian blind cutting machine comprises a mold assembly, which has a main block and a guiding slot on the main block. A sliding block slidably receives in the guiding slot. The guiding slot has at least one stopping potion for stopping the sliding block. The sliding slot is for receiving slats therein between a closed end of the guiding slot and the sliding block. A cutter is slidably provided at the main block of the mold assembly for free shifting. Two driving bars have ends thereof fastening to the cutter. A joint block has two openings for receiving the driving bars therein and holding the driving bar therein by friction. The joint block is fastened to the sliding block. Whereby, the driving bar will drive the cutter, the joint block and the sliding block to move along with it. The sliding block will press the slats first to lock the slats in the guiding slot automatically.

Abstract: A guillotine type stud cutter with a frame with side rails and a guillotine blade slidably mounted between the rails has spaced, fixed, parallel, stationary die plates secured transversely between the side rails. Immediately inboard of the stationary die plates, sets of spaced parallel shear plates are slideably mounted for movement transversely of the side rails and toward and away from one another. The shear plates have opening defined by wall margins with sharp edges substantially perpendicular to an inside surface of the shear blades, to receive sheet metal studs of different sizes.

Abstract: A receiver block particularly configured for an AR-15/M-16 receiver includes an upwardly extending tongue adapted to be received in the receiver cavity with oppositely positioned ears on the receiver being received in apertured slots on the receiver block with pins being received in the aligned openings to lock the receiver to the receiver block thereby providing substantially total exposure and access to the receiver.

Abstract: A recoil control mechanism for a weapon which fires a projectile which is characterized by the generation of a forward counterforce to the rearward recoil simultaneously with absorption of rearward recoil force upon initiation of propoulsion of the projectile. The forward counterforce is generated by propelling a first mass forwardly upon firing the projectile and substantially simultaneously propelling a second mass rewardly for absorbing some of the recoil force. In one mechanism (10), the first mass may be the weapon's barrel (12) and the second mass its breach block (14). Expaning gases (36) from detonation of propellant in cartridge (24) enter a reaction volume (28) between the barrel (12) and breech block (14). These gases drive barrel (12) forwardly against force transmission spring (16) to impose a forward counterforce on the weapon's frame (18).

Abstract: A first piston (22) of a first locking cylinder (20) descends when a pressure of compressed air in an actuation chamber (23) has exceeded a pressure for locking commencement (P1) and ascends by a first spring (24) when the pressure of the compressed air has decreased to a pressure for releasing commencement (P2). A second advancing and retreating cylinder (32) comprises an inlet chamber (41) and an outlet chamber (45) formed below and above a second piston (35), respectively, and a second spring (46). The actuation chamber (23) communicates with the outside air through the outlet chamber (45). A restricting passage (37) is provided in a route between the actuation chamber (23) and the outside air. The actuation chamber (23) communicates with one of the inlet chamber (41) and the outlet chamber (45) through a communication hole (62).

Abstract: The linear path slide (100) with a slide (10) which is arranged with a sliding guide (12) slidingly movable and resistant to torsion in a housing (11) and with a hydraulic driving gear which causes the translation movement of the slide (10) and which has a piston (24) arranged slidingly movable in a cylinder by constituting a hydraulic working space (13), is configured in such a way that the cylinder and the working space (13) are placed in the slide (10), the piston (24) being fixed with respect to the housing (11).

Abstract: A fluid-operated piston-type actuator includes a body having first and second axial ends and an inner surface that defines a bore that opens through at least one of the first and second axial ends to define an open end of the bore. A piston is slidably positioned in the bore. An end wall is positioned in blocking relation with the open end of the bore. The end wall comprises a peripheral surface that defines a first circumferentially extending groove that is axially aligned with a second circumferentially extending groove defined in the inner surface of the body when the end wall is positioned in blocking relation with the open end of the bore. The end wall further comprises an inner face oriented toward the piston and an opposite outer face oriented away from the piston. The first groove is located axially between the inner and outer faces.

Abstract: A compressor includes pistons, each of which is coupled to a swash plate through a pair of shoes. The swash plate rotates integrally with a drive shaft. The shoes convert the rotation of the swash plate to the reciprocation of the piston. A lubricating coating made of copper-based material is formed on parts of the swash plate along which the shoes slide. The copper-based material includes silicon. The shoes smoothly slide on the swash plate, which is coated by the lubricating coating that uses minimum amount of lead.

Abstract: A bread baking machine of the invention has a gasket for sealing and a magnetic metal fitting A constituting a locking means, both provided on a container cover which opens and closes an opening above a lid container placed in an outer cover for storing supplementary ingredient of bread and for entering it automatically. The bread baking machine can thus lock the lid container and the container cover while keeping the gasket depressed against a sealing surface. Since this structure ensures the gasket to seal a space between the lid container and the container cover, it can prevent dew condensation and thermal deformation of components due to leakage of hot steam.

Abstract: A pressing mold for receiving a foodstuff, such as ham pieces, as it is being cooked and pressed in a hermetically sealed wrap, comprises a cover to press the foodstuff being cooked and to allow the foodstuff to expel an exudate. The mold comprises at least one transverse partition bounding, inside the mold, a main pouch of the wrap. The main pouch carries the foodstuff. The wrap includes at least one lateral pouch connected to the main pouch by a bridge including passages through which the exudate flows during cooking. The lateral pouch fits into a space in the mold between the partition and an end wall of the mold. A space is provided between the upper edge of each partition and a cover of the mold. The space is such as to prevent pinching of the passages during cooking and pressing of the foodstuff.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for mixing a gas and a liquid to produce a gaseous vapor of the liquid that is substantially free of droplets. Gas, e.g., carbon dioxide, is divided into first and second streams. The first stream is combined in an atomization zone with the liquid, e.g., acetic acid, to form an atomized mixture of the gas and liquid. This atomized mixture is then contacted with the second gas stream in a mixing zone within a mixing/separation chamber in which the second gas stream vaporizes substantially all of the atomized liquid, and the resulting mixture of gas, vaporized liquid and residual droplets moves to the separation zone of the mixing/separation chamber. In the separation zone, the residual droplets gravitationally separate from the vaporized mixture, and the vaporized mixture free of a substantial amount of residual droplets is removed from the chamber.