Abstract: A process condition measuring device and a handling system may be highly integrated with a production environment where the dimensions of the process condition measuring device are close to those of a production substrate and the handling system is similar to a substrate carrier used for production substrates. Process conditions may be measured with little disturbance to the production environment. Data may be transferred from a process condition measuring device to a user with little or no human intervention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical structure presenting at least one vibratory property, the structure presenting at least one element for modifying said vibratory property, which element is made of a polymer that is flexible and heavy, e.g. containing massive filler material.

Abstract: Axially-movable first and second shift rails (70, 72) control engagement of one of a pair of gears (37, 32, 33, 34) coupled thereto. A first shift finger (102) rotates with a drive shaft (110) and is also pivotable thereto. A second shift finger (104) is mounted on the drive shaft so as to be selectively rotatable therewith, and is formed as a bell crank lever (154) having a first limb, which non-removably engages the second shift rail, and a second limb. The first shift finger is pivoted by a solenoid actuator (134) between a disengaged position, in which the first shift finger is clear of the first shift rail and the second limb of the bell crank lever, and an engaged position in which the first shift finger engages the first shift rail or the second limb depending upon the angular orientation, or rotational position, of the first shift finger.

Abstract: A device is provided that issues a vehicle speed signal representative of a vehicle speed. A control unit is configured to carry out when, upon the transmission assuming the second speed, the vehicle speed represented by the vehicle speed signal becomes equal to or lower than a first predetermined speed, starting operation for fully releasing the engaged condition of the first clutch; when thereafter the vehicle speed becomes equal to or lower than a second predetermined speed that is lower than the first predetermined speed, starting operation for releasing the engaged condition of the second clutch; and when thereafter the vehicle speed becomes equal to or lower than a third predetermined speed that is lower than the second predetermined speed, starting operation for fully releasing the engaged condition of the second clutch and starting operation for engaging the first clutch from the fully released condition of the same.

Abstract: The invention concerns a ball screw-nut device comprising a screw (2) and a nut (3), the nut including a housing (7) and a ball-bearing element (4) comprising a raceway (13) and a plurality of balls (15), the ball-bearing element (4) being produced as an independent part which assembled with the housing.

Abstract: The gear mechanism for minimizing backlash may include a convoluted spring positioned between an external spline of a gear or shaft and an internal spline of a gear. The gear mechanism may include a cam and cam follower arrangement upon two adjacent gears positioned on the same shaft. Two stacked gears may include a U-shaped backlash eliminating element passing through both gears. The gear mechanism may include rollers which may be conically shaped.

Abstract: The present invention provides an advanced geometry for skew and straight bevel gears having a localized and more stable bearing contact produced by forging. The localization of bearing contact is achieved by substitution of flat tooth surfaces with parabolic tooth surfaces. This is accomplished by either modifying line-contact directly or by using a generating parabolic cylinder during generation of the tooth surfaces. The actual contact area is spread over an ellipse centered around an instantaneous theoretical point of contact at the apex of the parabolic tooth surface. This localized bearing contact reduces the shift of the bearing due to assembly and manufacturing errors, thereby providing a more durable and quieter gear. Furthermore, the geometry of the gear enables creation of dies from which the gear may be forged. Transmission errors are modeled using a pre-designed parabolic function that coincides with the parabolic tooth surface design of the present invention.

Abstract: An automatic transmission operating lever which includes a knob with a switch, a lever member and a conducting wire wired in the knob to send a signal from the switch. The lever member includes a rod to be inserted into the knob and a lever base having an end face to which the rod is connected. An insertion hole is provided on an end face, and the conducting wire is inserted thereto. A guide path communicates with the insertion hole and guides the conducting wire in a direction crossing an axial direction of the rod.

Abstract: A shift assembly for a transfer cases, manual and semi-automatic transmissions comprises a drive motor having a worm gear output which engages and drives a gear having an eccentric drive pin disposed parallel to and offset from the axis of a rotation of the gear. The drive pin engages a slot in a shift fork which extends normal to the axis of movement of the shift fork and associated speed change or gear shift mechanism. The shift fork is disposed upon and supported by a shift rail. Uni-directional or bi-directional rotation of the drive motor rotates the gear and sequentially moves the eccentric pin, shift fork and shift mechanism between first and second terminal positions and, typically, a center or intermediate, neutral position.

Abstract: A transporting apparatus includes a supporting part, first and second driving axles rotatably supported by the supporting part, a plurality of driving links respectively combined to the first and second driving axles, a plurality of transporting links rotatably connected to the driving links, and a transporting table rotatably connected to the transporting links by pivots to reciprocate by a cooperation of the driving links and the transporting links. The first and second driving axles are aligned in a reciprocating direction of the transporting table. Thus, the present invention provides a transporting apparatus in which the first and second driving axles are aligned in a reciprocating direction of the transporting table, so that a moment load acting on the transporting table is decreased, preventing the transporting table from drooping and enhancing transport efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control lever safety apparatus for a heavy equipment which is capable of preventing an operation of a work apparatus when a control lever is operated or touched in a state that an equipment is started, in such a manner that a safety lever is tilted in a lower direction in the case that a consol box installed in a side surface of a driver's seat is tilted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering wheel comprising a hub, a steering wheel rim and at least one spoke connecting the hub and the steering wheel rim. At least one of the steering wheel rim and the spoke has a skeleton and a sheathing surrounding the skeleton. The steering wheel further comprises at least one decorative element and at least one clamp element at which the decorative element is latched. The clamp element at least partly encompasses the sheathing.

Abstract: A steering wheel back cover is disclosed which is composed of multiple interlocking parts. Specifically, the invention provides a two-piece steering wheel back cover which may be securely assembled about a steering column and/or steering wheel of a vehicle. The steering wheel back cover of the invention may be configured to conform to the shape of the steering wheel and to provide an improved view of the control panel of the dashboard to a vehicle operator, and allow attachment of various multi-function switch accessories.

Abstract: A bicycle crank arm apparatus includes an axle having a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion has an outer peripheral surface and a threaded inner peripheral surface; an axle bolt having a threaded outer peripheral surface screwed into the threaded inner peripheral surface of the first end portion of the axle; a crank arm having an axle mounting boss defining an opening for receiving the first end portion of the axle therein, wherein the axle mounting boss includes a first fastener for tightening the crank arm mounting boss around the first end portion of the axle; and wherein the crank arm boss is positioned axially inwardly of the axle bolt.

Abstract: A bicycle crank arm apparatus includes an axle having a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion has an outer peripheral surface and a threaded inner peripheral surface; an axle bolt having a threaded outer peripheral surface screwed into the threaded inner peripheral surface of the first end portion of the axle; a crank arm having an axle mounting boss defining an opening for receiving the first end portion of the axle therein, wherein the axle mounting boss includes a first fastener for tightening the crank arm mounting boss around the first end portion of the axle; and wherein the crank arm boss is positioned axially inwardly of the axle bolt.

Abstract: A cycle pedal comprising a body (1) mounted to rotate about a pedal spindle (2), with a front hoop (4a), comprising an attachment bar (5a) situated in front of the pedal spindle and substantially parallel to this spindle;

Abstract: A bicycle pedal assembly includes a pedal and a cleat. The pedal includes a body that rotates about a shaft. Front and rear clamping member are coupled to opposite ends of the pedal body. Each of the clamping members has an engagement surface facing in a first direction. The cleat has front and rear attachment portions that are selectively engageable with the pedal via the front and rear clamping members. Specifically, the front and rear attachment portions have front and rear offset coupling surfaces engageable with the front and rear engagement surfaces. The pedal and the cleat are configured to form a rear float pivot axis on a rear side of a center rotation axis of the pedal and a front cleat release pivot axis on a front side of the center rotation axis.

Abstract: A variable gear ratio device featuring geared segments with variable gear ratio adapted for inclusion into mechanical machines, motors and pumps where there is a constant requirement for a variable transfer ratio for the variability and optimization of the load of torque that are formed by a driving shaft and driven shaft. The device features a plurality of engaged gears capable of eccentric rotation where the axis of rotation of the driven shaft is moved outside of the center axis of the driving eccentric geared segment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device (1) for the production of spherical metal particles (2) from a melt (3). In order to produce droplets a melt jet (8) is subjected to vibrations and is led through at least one nozzle (7). In order to produce spherical metal particles (2) the droplets at the outlet of the nozzle (7) are fed to a coolant (10) for purposes of consolidation. The nozzle (7) dips into the coolant (10), the temperature of the coolant (10) being below the melting point of the melt (3).

Abstract: A method for making metal nuggets comprises heating a material containing a metal-oxide-containing substance and a carbonaceous reductant to reduce metal oxide in the material and then further heating the produced metal so as to melt the metal while allowing the metal to separate from a by-product slag component and to form granular iron. A cohesion accelerator for the by-product slag is mixed into the material to produce metal nuggets having a high metal purity, a large diameter, and superior transportation and handling qualities at a high yield and high productivity.

Abstract: Molten steel is degasified under vacuum and in the first 5 minutes of the degasification to improve and accelerate the degasification solids in the form of pieces of a size of 2 to 50 mm are introduced into the melt.

Abstract: A device for the extraction of broken fastener comprises a left handed cutting tool juxtaposed to a left handed drill bit that is surrounded by a socket. In a specific embodiment the socket has longitudinal slits, a ribbed inner surface, and a threaded outside surface adapted to be received by a collar.

Abstract: A ratcheting tool driver has a handle and a ratcheting body that includes a plurality of recesses for receiving a plurality of pawls having teeth formed thereon. A cover is axially secured to the ratcheting body and rotates relative to the body over a limited distance. The cover is formed so that it interacts with the plurality of pawls, which are operatively received in the body recesses so that they engage and disengage teeth formed on a socket ring. The socket ring contains a plurality of teeth on its outer circumference, is received in an axial bore formed in the ratcheting body, and operatively engages the pawl teeth.

Abstract: A pivoting jaw pipe wrench comprises a fixed jaw including a plurality of discrete teeth, each for a different one of a plurality of pipes having different diameters. A pivotal jaw member has first and second jaw faces at an obtuse angle to one another and displaceable toward and away from the fixed jaw, whereby a pipe of given diameter to be gripped by the wrench is cradled between the first and second jaw surfaces and engaged by the one of the discrete teeth provided on the arcuate jaw for the pipe of given diameter.

Abstract: A device for manipulating a target that is located in a confined space is provided for the purpose of gripping, forming (with our without dies), deforming/cutting, or turning the target. The device has a pair of handles each coupled to a tong, which are movable to clamp or release the target. A ratchet mechanism couples to a handle to re-vector the handle in order to reduce the operational footprint of the device to accommodate obstacles and operate successfully in confined and limited access spaces. Operation of the apparatus allows the action to be accomplished over a variable number of strokes, with the distance of each stroke, and thus the arc of the handles traversed, varying with each stroke, while still accomplishing the desired action.

Abstract: A bicycle crank arm apparatus includes an axle having a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion has an outer peripheral surface and a threaded inner peripheral surface; an axle bolt having a threaded outer peripheral surface screwed into the threaded inner peripheral surface of the first end portion of the axle; a crank arm having an axle mounting boss defining an opening for receiving the first end portion of the axle therein, wherein the axle mounting boss includes a first fastener for tightening the crank arm mounting boss around the first end portion of the axle; and wherein the crank arm boss is positioned axially inwardly of the axle bolt.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus or machining a workpiece include the use of a cryogenically cooled oxide containing ceramic cutting tool. The method involves cryogenic cooling of the cutting tool during a cutting operation, which cooling results in enhanced wear resistance and fracture resistance of the cutting tool. A preferred embodiment involves jetting a cryogenic fluid directly at the cutting tool.

Abstract: In order to provide a drive housing for machine tool drives which offers the possibility, with simple production technology, of not being subject to any restrictions whatsoever with respect to the recess to be provided, it is suggested that this have a plurality of segments which are stacked in a stacking direction, are cut out from flat material and extend in stacking planes transversely to the stacking direction and each of which has continuous material web systems of a constant thickness which extend in such a manner that segments following one another in stacking direction abut on one another with their material web systems, thereby forming overlapping surfaces, and are connected to one another areally and with a material fit in the area of their overlapping surfaces.

Abstract: A device and method for computerized product slicing are disclosed. The device includes a blade, an openable product holder capable of engaging/retaining therein the product and of communication with a product sensor, the product sensor which detects presence of product in proximity to the product holder and causes it to close upon the product, a slicing mechanism, and a weighing module designed and constructed to collect, retain and weigh slices of product and to communicate weight thereof to a CPU which accepts a data input from a user. The CPU is essentially responsible for control of the device and for display of data on a display included in the device. A method including the sequence of actions performed by the device is further disclosed.

Abstract: A string saw includes a housing, and an air box. The housing includes a first casing and a second casing combined with each other. The air box is mounted in the housing and has an inside formed with a receiving chamber communicating with the storage space of the first casing, so that the cut chips during the sawing process can be introduced from the storage space of the first casing into the receiving chamber of the air box. Thus, the string saw can provide the dust collection and chip drainage function.

Abstract: An apparatus for perforating a packaging film comprises at least one rotary cutter, which is rotationally driven by suitable drive means, and a fixed cutter, the cutters having respective blades by which a packaging film moving between the knives themselves on a supporting surface is perforated at regular intervals. The rotary knife is rotated by drive means which move it at a controlled speed of rotation that varies within one full angular revolution.

Abstract: A fine-adjustment mechanism for making small adjustments to a cutting angle on a miter saw. The mechanism is used in conjunction with an apparatus that includes a base having at least one recess, and a turntable that supports a cutting tool is rotatably mounted to the base. An angular-adjustment lever is pivotally mounted to the turntable. The angular-adjustment lever includes a first insert proximal to the turntable. The first insert is capable of engaging at least one recess. The fine-adjustment mechanism is mounted to the turntable and includes a fine-adjustment lever pivotally mounted on the turntable. The fine-adjustment lever may include a plurality of notches. A second insert having an opening therethrough is supported by the fine-adjustment lever and adapted to engage at least one recess of the base. A threaded rod supported by the fine-adjustment lever extends through the opening in the second insert. A latch holder may be attached to the fine-adjustment lever.

Abstract: A table saw including a base, a main table supported by the base, first and second rails attached to the table, a sliding table fixedly attached to the rails and sliding along the longitudinal axis of the rails and a cross-cut table slidably movable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rails. The cross-cut table may be adjusted to ensure movement parallel to a blade protruding from the main table. An improved miter gauge assembly is also disclosed. An improved fence assembly is further disclosed herein. In addition, a table saw having an improved panel and leg construction is disclosed herein.

Abstract: A miter saw attachment for attaching to the fence of a miter saw and for cutting molding, for example crown molding or cove molding, the attachment comprising: a block comprising an angled face and a fence face, with the block defining a mount recess and defining a block opening leading to the mount recess. The mount defining a mount opening with a means for fastening received therein. The mount received in the mount recess. The means for fastening tightened drawing the mount and block to the fence of the miter saw. The molding to be cut is positioned and held against the angled face of the block and cut.

Abstract: An integrated circuit package separator for separating integrated circuit packages from a board includes a base, a support over the base, and a pair of pneumatic actuators including first and second lift members laterally spaced from the base and beneath respective ends of a pair of opposing ends of the support. The first and second lift members are configured to vertically displace the support and lift the support off the base by contacting the support. Individual actuators of the pair include release valves configured to equilibrate a back-pressure of the individual actuators to ambient during lifting of the support. The separator includes a cutting mechanism configured to cut the board while the board is over the upper surface of the support to separate the integrated circuit packages from one another.

Abstract: An apparatus for punching CMP machine backing film. The apparatus comprises a base, a first plate, and a second plate. The base holds the backing-film. The first plate is disposed on the base in a manner such that it moves between a first position and a second position. The first plate abuts the backing-film when it is located at the second position. The second plate, having a plurality of punches, is disposed on the base in a manner such that it moves between a third position and a fourth position. The first plate is located at the first position when the second plate is located at the third position. The first plate is located at the second position when the second plate is located at the fourth position so that the punches pass through the first plate to punch the backing-film.

Abstract: The present invention provides a punch press which enables cartridges to be easily replaced so that the replacement of the cartridges allows the use of a large number of tools, which enables tools in the cartridges to be quickly indexed, and which allows the accuracy of punching to be easily improved. Cartridges 3, 4 are used which hold tools 1, 2, respectively. Cartridge holding means 6, 7 are provided which hold the cartridges 3, 4, respectively, that are supported by a punch frame 5 and located at a press position P. A ram 10 is provided above the cartridge holding means 6, 7. The cartridge holding means 6, 7 have cartridge clamps 14, 15, respectively, removably holding the corresponding cartridges 3, 4. The cartridge holding means 6, 7 have cartridge rotating mechanisms 16, 17, respectively, that rotate the held cartridges 3, 4 in order to index any of the tools 1, 2. The cartridge holding means 6, 7 fix the cartridges 3, 4 during punching so that the cartridges cannot be moved in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A band saw replacing device includes a slide seat mounted on a top seat of a machine stand of a band sawing machine, an adjustment rod connected with the slide seat, a pivoting member, and a wrenching member. The pivoting member is pivotally connected to the top seat of the machine stand at an end thereof and is connected with the adjustment rod. The wrenching member is pivotally mounted on the top seat and has an arched engaging portion extending outwards therefrom for supporting the other end of the pivoting member. Accordingly, it's as easy as pushing the wrenching member to facilitate lowering the adjustment rod and to further shorten a distance between a driving wheel mounted on the slide seat and a driven wheel mounted on the machine stand, thereby replacing a band saw fitted on the driving wheel and the driven wheel rapidly and efficiently.

Abstract: A cutoff apparatus includes a blade and an actuator, the actuator being operatively connected to the blade for selectively moving the blade in a rectilinear direction. A cutting block is disposed adjacent the blade, and the cutting block is positioned off-center with respect to a plane defined by the blade's rectilinear movement. A depth control mechanism is utilized for selectively controlling a degree of movement of the blade toward the cutting block. Operation of the actuator selectively causes the blade to move in the rectilinear direction thereby impacting the cutting block to an extent in accordance with the depth control mechanism.

Abstract: A scribing head 1 of this invention raises and lowers a scribing cutter by rotation of a servomotor 3. As a scribe pressure, a rotational torque of the servomotor 3 is transmitted to the scribing cutter. To form a scribe line across another scribe line which is formed earlier, the scribe pressure is raised temporarily when the scribing head passes the scribe line which is formed earlier. The rotational torque of the servomotor 3 is controlled at any of preset limits while the position of a cutter 6 of the scribing head shifts on the brittle substrate. The servomotor 3 is driven under position-control mode.

Abstract: A pillow-shaped damping element to be located in an interior of a percussion instrument includes upper and bottom sides, a filling material having sound-absorbing characteristics and located between the upper and bottom sides, and a holder for a microphone provided on the upper side of the damping element.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for teaching how to play multi-component percussion equipment. The inventive method includes the steps of attaching respective indicators, each bearing a distinct color, to each respective component of the percussion equipment, and coloring notes on the drummer's score with respective matching colors, and the step of playing notes on the drummer's score on the corresponding respective piece of equipment. The inventive system includes a musical score, a first drum stick, a second drum stick, and a plurality of respective indicators, each indicator having distinct color, attached to each respective component of the equipment. The score is color-coded such that notes that are to be played on a respective component are indicated in a respective color.

Abstract: A song data reproduction apparatus has a storage for song data composed of performance data and order information. The performance data represents a content of a music performance and contains reproduction limiting information for limiting a reproduction state of the music performance. The order information indicates either of a purchase or a preview associated to a usage right of the content of the music performance. A usage right identification section refers to the order information of the song data containing the performance data to be reproduced, for identifying the usage right of the content of the music performance in terms of the purchase or preview. A limiting information read section reads the reproduction limiting information from the performance data when the identified usage right indicates the preview. A reproduction control section controls the reproduction state of the music performance in accordance with the read reproduction limiting information.

Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed that transmit MIDI messages between a transmitter and a receiver through a link that is susceptible to errors. The method includes: detecting an error condition during the reception of MIDI messages from the link; estimating a severity of the error condition and, based on the estimated severity, selectively one of ignoring the error condition or substituting error concealment MIDI messages to compensate for the error condition. The error concealment MIDI messages may be received from the transmitter and stored in the receiver, or they may be generated algorithmically by the receiver. The method further includes determining a duration of the error condition, and if the duration exceeds some threshold, at the end of the error condition the receiver re-starts the use of transmitted MIDI messages at the beginning of a next bar, or at some other suitable location.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating two or more mobile stations that form a local group. The method includes beginning an application, such as a game that transfers data, with each of the mobile stations; and using a variation in sound made by each of the mobile stations to represent movement of a virtual object, such as a game piece, between the station. The variation in sound can be caused by execution of MIDI commands that change the volume and/or the pitch of the sound, and can be made in response to MIDI commands from another mobile station designated as the group master. The sound may be separately varied to represent both horizontal and vertical changes in object motion. Also disclosed is a mobile station having an audio user interface (AUI) for representing motion of a data object relative to the mobile station by varying an audio output.

Abstract: A blast diffuser for a gun, comprising bore means having a surface defining a barrel through which a projectile may be discharged when a diffuser is attached, in use, to a gun barrel, the blast diffuser further comprising primary chamber arranged around the outside of the bore means and a secondary chamber adjacent to an outer surface of the primary chamber, wherein a plurality of holes are arranged in the surface of the bore means to the primary chamber, and a plurality of holes are arranged in the outer surface of the primary chamber to allow passage of combustion gasses from the primary chamber further comprising an opening to allow the escape of combustion gasses into the atmosphere.

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 armored vehicle, especially combat vehicle, having an outer wall (1) in which is disposed an air inlet opening (2) behind which a radiator is positioned in the interior of the vehicle. To produce a ballistic protective device at the air inlet opening, there is disposed in the interior of the vehicle, in the region between radiator and air inlet opening (2), a base plate (5), and the intermediate spaces between the outer edges of the base plate (5) and the inner edges of the air inlet opening (2) are closed off by cover plates (4.2, 4.3). The base plate (5) is provided in the central portion with an air passage below which the radiator is positioned. Above the base plate (5), essentially in the plane of the outer wall (1), a protective plate (7) is disposed and dimensioned such that an annular air passage slot is provided between its outer edges and the inner edges of the air inlet opening (2).

Abstract: A recoil brake isolation system for the hydraulic recoil brake cylinder of a large caliber gun, includes two sets of hydraulic valves disposed respectively within the inlet valve block and return valve block of the hydraulic cylinder, an orchestrated combination of which together block the flow of hydraulic fluid to or from the hydraulic cylinder during the recoil/counterrecoil cycle or upon failure of the hydraulic circuit. A method of hydraulically isolating a recoil brake cylinder of a large caliber gun for survivability and improved weapon performance and a gun incorporating such a system are also included.

Abstract: A positioner for a control valve assembly is disclosed wherein the positioner is mounted internally to thus protect the positioner from damage stemming from environmental, impact, or other outside influences. Accordingly, not only can the position of the valve be accurately measured, but the sensing hardware is less subjected to damage or other drawbacks associated with exposure.