Abstract: A method for sharpening the cutting knives of a knife ring chipper, which includes a knife ring and a number of knife units, the units in turn containing knives and holding plates. The knife ring is removed from the knife ring chipper, the knife units of the knife ring chipper are removed from the knife ring and the knife units are disassembled. The dull knives are moved to a first buffer station and are stored and then moved to a grinder and sharpened. The sharpened knives are moved to a second buffer station and are stored, and the sharpened knives are then mounted onto holding plates in knife units. The knife units are incorporated into a knife ring and the knife ring is incorporated into a knife ring chipper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for peeling or shaping products such as potatoes comprising a frame, at least a first and a second grinding roller rotationally supported by the frame, at least one of the rollers comprising a grinding surface intended to contact the product during peeling or shaping, and a driving device for rotating the grinding rollers the first grinding roller comprising a substantially cylindrical body provided with axially adjacent peripheral grooves. To be able to make products of varying sizes with the same device, the device comprises means for adjusting the distance between said first and second grinding roller. The second grinding roller comprises a substantially cylindrical body provided with axially adjacent protrusions, which at least partly extend into the grooves when the distance between said first and second grinding roller is minimized.

Abstract: This invention concerns a machine for the drying, polishing and burnishing cutlery and other metal tableware. It consists of a tank suspended upon a base and moved by a vibrating device, having a treatment channel (15) designed to receive a drying material and the articles for treatment. The treatment channel (15) rises in a spiral from an entrance chute at the loading mouth to an exit passage or chute for the articles and has, in a transverse cross-section, a U-shaped bottom (22) defined by a substantially cylindrical concave surface and, lengthways, by a series of straight segments (23) which alternate with and are joined to curved segments (24), without sharp edges or corners. Ideally, the channel has a steeper gradient towards the exit.

Abstract: An insert tool with grinding blade and a supporting disk, and with a hub, which has at least one opening that permits the hub to be clamped to a driver flange of a grinder, which flange is connected to a drive shaft, wherein the hub is constituted by a component that is separate from the supporting disk, the hub can be operatively connected to a driver device of the grinder by means of at least one detent element, which is supported so that it can move in opposition to a spring element and which engages in detent fashion in an operating position of the hub and fixes the hub in a positively engaging manner.

Abstract: A conical disk having an obtuse angle that is attached to a rotary tool, like a power drill for example, as an accessory for the treatment and finishing, of surfaces, like sanding, for example. By virtue of its shape, the disk enables an even treatment of surfaces with a minimal effort, with uniform wear of the materials in friction, while preventing undesirable vibrations and forced operation that provoke continuous disengagement from the rotary tool. Other than its different shape, the disk (24) is similar to conventional disks, comprising basically two elements: A surface treating side (26) and attachment means (32).

Abstract: A grinding wheel has a flat, circular carrier surface (1) on which a plurality of elongated grinding members (2) are arranged running least partially radially. A discharge opening (3) is disposed ahead of each of the grinding members (2) in the circumferential direction (U). Furthermore, the carrier surface (1) has a basically truncated conical central depression (4) facing away from the grinding members (2). The discharge openings (3) abut the L-shaped grinding members (2) in a direction of rotation (D) and extend approximately over the entire length of the grinding members (2).

Abstract: A counterweight apparatus is provided for automatically self-returning an enclosure sash or other closure member to at least one preselected intermediate position when released after being opened beyond that intermediate position and for selectively maintaining the closure member in at-rest positions, when released, between that intermediate position and a fully closed position.

Abstract: A welding apparatus having specially designed louvers that are used to cover vent openings in the enclosure and contain the components of the welding apparatus. The louvers have a common side profile and have a configuration with a rear portion that is preferably horizontal and a front portion that angles downwardly, forming a front edge. An intermediate edge is formed by the front portion and the rear portion meeting at an angle. The intermediate edge is displaced away from a straight line drawn between the front edge and the rear edge. The configuration and spacing between adjacent louvers is designed such that a standard test probe cannot be inserted through the space between any two adjacent louvers.

Abstract: A heating ventilation and cooling (HVAC) localized air filter assembly system for capturing particulate material and contaminants distributed through HVAC systems. The system includes a least one frame assembly positionable over a HVAC duct and having a front wall and a perimeter wall extending from the front wall. The front wall has at least one opening for facilitating airflow through said frame assembly. Additionally, at least one filter assembly is positionable within the at least one frame assembly. The filter assembly is designed for capturing particulate matter in ambient air being conducted through the HVAC duct.

Abstract: A ventilator comprising a cylindrical housing the intake of which is connected to a coaxial cylindrical conduit of smaller diameter, an electric motor axially mounted in the housing, of small diameter relative to that of the housing, and on the shaft of which is fixed a wheel consisting of blades, each having a shape that all the cross-sections of a blade through planes parallel to the axis of the housing are parallel to said axis and the vanes orienting the air stream, integral with the inner side of the housing, distributed at the periphery of the housing and each including at least a curved part which, located on the side of the housing intake, is housed in an annular space comprised between the housing and the virtual cylindrical surface extending the air intake.

Abstract: A portable electronic device and an entertainment system that can give a user a sense of familiarity by generating a proper character using an identification number and by displaying it, for example, on a display means include an identification-number holding section which holds a proper identification number through a bus, which is connected to an interface to connect to a game-machine main body having a program-execution function. Input operation is performed by a player at an input-operation section. At an operation-information generation section, an operation information is generated in response to the input operation at the input-operation section. The RAM provides for use for operation information stores the operation information received from the operation-information generation section. A character-information generation section generates proper character information in accordance with the operation information and gene information when the latter is received through the game-machine main body.

Abstract: An online digital photography game system allows multiple participants in the game by submitting digital photography game entries, where the digital photography game system determines a game winner based on equivalency with a game solution. The digital photography game system allows a user to choose a particular game and to save incomplete game entries. Digital photography games may require an entry fee for participation. Additionally, one or more participants can be rewarded for their participation in the game.

Abstract: A method of operating gaming device that enables players to accumulate awards until there are no more awards or until one or more termination variables reaches a predetermined limit is provided. A random generation device generates awards upon a player input. One or more termination variables is used, each defined by or divisible into a plurality of units, wherein a random generation device generates an amount of units upon a player input. A game termination limit of accumulated or lost termination units is provided, wherein a player generates awards until accumulating the termination limit of units.

Abstract: A gaming bonus device and method of use in a gaming system. A game player is allowed to play a game for a prize on a primary game. The primary game generates a bonus-qualifying event. The bonus game, in response to the bonus-qualifying event, generates and displays three either/or binary outcomes entitling a player to a predefined payout. The game player can be allowed to select the winning outcome. The payout depends upon the number of similar binary outcomes displayed as compared to the selected winning outcome.

Abstract: Multiple staged follower magnets in a topper construction each constitute an award in and of itself. When stopped on selected sites assigned designated values increase the follower's value by multiplication in the visible cuing area, thereby increasing the available range of awards exponentially.

Abstract: An electronic toy gun for a toy shooting game includes an infrared beam emitter, a trigger, a game data input device, and an internal processor. The infrared beam emitter is configured to emit an encoded infrared beam. The trigger is configured to activate a state of emission of the infrared beam by the infrared beam emitter so as to indicate that a weapon is being fired. The game data input device is configured to receive game data input from a user. The internal processor is configured to receive the game data input from the game data input device and to cause the infrared beam emitter to emit an infrared beam that is coded with one of a plurality of codes based on the game data input.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a pair of bifurcated yokes interconnected by a cruciform. The cruciform includes four orthogonal trunnions each including a lubricant passage. A seal includes a plurality of protrusions engaging a portion of the trunnion to provide a purging path for trapped air.

Abstract: A hybrid tennis court with one type of surface applied to one side of the net from the net to the back fence and a different type of surface applied to the other side of the net from the net to the back fence. A hybrid court is useful as a teaching tool, for exhibitions, for injured players, and for adding a new dimension to the game of tennis. Also included in this invention is a golf course with two or more different types of surfaces used on different putting greens or a putting green with two ore more different types of surfaces on the same green or different types of surfaces on different fairways.

Abstract: A device for controlling the amplitude of a swinging body. The device accurately controls the drive thereof in response to the load the swinging body carries even if it carries infants of different weights.

Abstract: A telescopic putter mounted to a headband is a novelty game that mimics the game of golf. It is played indoors with a lightweight plastic ball and a cup resting on the floor. The game follows the general rules of putt-putt golf, except for the rule that the player must not touch the club with their hands when swinging. Instead the club is attached to the player's head with the use of a headband. Thus, the player must bend over the ball, place their hands on their knees and swing the club by turning their head from side to side. The club has an adjustable length shaft that telescopes in and out to accommodate players of varying heights.

Abstract: A positioning device for assisting an individual in properly positioning the club face of a golf club so that a golf ball travels a desired path when struck by the golf club. The positioning device includes a hollow body, which is generally symmetrically disposed about the shaft of a golf club. The body includes an upper section and a lower section and an opening therebetween. The opening in the body receives the shaft of the golf club. The upper and lower sections each have a left and a right side. The right side of the upper section is hingedly connected to the right side of the lower section. A fastener detachably connects the left side of the upper section to the right side of the lower section. The upper section has a recess formed therein for receiving a tubular spirit. The tubular spirit is curved about the axis of the shaft of the golf club. The curve of the spirit level extends in a first plane. the first plane extends substantially perpendicular to the axis of the shaft of the golf club.

Abstract: A golf club head is provided, including a planar face with a pattern of horizontal grooves therein each having a cross section with an opening in the planar face. The grooves each include a first side, a second side, a pair of top junctures where the first and second sides join the planar face, a bottom and a pair of bottom junctures where the first and second sides join the bottom. The spacing between the first and second sides continually increases from the bottom to the top junctures. Each of the sides includes a lower section positioned nearer the bottom and an upper section positioned nearer the face. Each of the lower and upper sections is substantially planar. The top junctures are convexly rounded and the bottom junctures are concavely rounded.

Abstract: The iron golf club head (20) of the present invention is preferably composed of three main components: a periphery member (22), a central member (24) and a face plate 26. The periphery member (22) is preferably composed of a high density material such as a iron-nickel tungsten alloy. The central member (24) is preferably composed of a bulk molding compound. The face plate (26) is preferably composed of a titanium alloy material. The iron golf club head (20) preferably has high moments of inertia Izz and Ixx.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball, which is superior in flight distance, shot feel, controllability and scuff resistance. The present invention relates to a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a core consisting of a center and an intermediate layer, and a cover having many dimples on the surface thereof, wherein the center has a diameter of 25 to 40 mm, and a surface hardness of the center is higher than a central point hardness of the center in Shore D hardness by not more than 7, the intermediate layer has a thickness of 0.5 to 8.0 mm, and a surface hardness in Shore D hardness of the intermediate layer is higher than the central point hardness of the center by 3 to 25, and a hardness in Shore D hardness of the cover is lower than the surface hardness of the intermediate layer by 0 to 15.

Abstract: Provided is a multi-piece solid golf ball, wherein an outer layer cover has a polyurethane based elastomer as a main component; a solid core surface Shore D hardness is 50 to 60, an inner layer cover Shore D hardness is 53 to 61, and an outer layer cover Shore D hardness is 52 to 58; an average surface Shore D hardness of the solid core and inner and outer layer covers is 53 to 58; a value obtained by dividing a thickness of the outer layer cover by a thickness of the inner layer cover is 0.48 to 1.00, and a total thickness of the outer and inner layer covers is 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm; and a dimple volume occupying ratio VR value is 0.66% to 0.85%. The golf ball is excellent in flight performance, feeling characteristic, and controllability, and is improved in scratch resistance and durability against hitting.

Abstract: A dimple pattern for a golf ball with multiple sets of dimples is disclosed herein. Each of the multiple sets of dimples has a different diameter. A preferred set of dimples is twelve different dimples. The dimples may cover as much as eighty-seven percent of the surface of the golf ball. The unique dimple pattern allows a golf ball to have shallow dimples with steeper entry angles. In a preferred embodiment, the golf ball has 382 dimples covering ninety percent of the surface.

Abstract: A detachable nock for use with a bow hunting arrow, said arrow having a locating device associated with and transported by it. The detachable nock engages with the target animal and separates the locating device from the arrow as the arrow passes through the target animal, thereby retaining the locating device with the animal to permit tracking. The detachable nock may be constructed with various fixed or movable retention components to accommodate the needs of a wide range of hunters. The design of the detachable nock minimizes its impact on the flight of the arrow and allows the bow hunter to use any style of hollow-shaft arrow, broadhead, and fletching.

Abstract: A boomerang is made from a flat sheet material, and includes interconnecting portions angularly displaced from one another about a center point, and terminating at an arc boundary that cooperates with the center point to define a radius, and blades integrally and respectively formed with the interconnecting portions. Each blade has a bent line which extends from an outer point at a distal edge to an inner point at the arc boundary, and which is of a length that is equal to the radius. The bent line meets a radius line at the arc boundary to form a vertex with an included angle of obtuseness. Varying the interior angle formed by each of the bent line and the radius line with a base line interconnecting the outer point and the center point can change flight patterns of the boomerang.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for improving the operation of a transmission for an automotive vehicle, and in particular the transmission as installed by the original automobile manufacturer. The methods and systems of the present invention modify the original hydraulic fluid circuits of the automotive transmission provided by the automobile manufacturer to adjust the feel or firmness of upshifts of the transmission perceived by drivers and occupants of vehicles having the modified transmissions.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly for use in an all-wheel drive vehicle having a first hydraulic coupling operable to automatically transfer drive torque to a secondary driveline in response to slip of the primary driveline and a second hydraulic coupling operable to bias torque and limit slip between the wheels of the secondary driveline.

Abstract: A transfer case for a vehicle that allows shifting between AWD and two-wheel drive at any vehicle speed. The transfer case includes a center differential employing pinion and sun gears that allow a front drive shaft and a rear drive shaft to turn at different speeds to provide the all-wheel drive function. The transfer case further includes an electrically actuated synchronizer assembly that allows the speed of the front drive shaft to be synchronized to the speed of the rear drive shaft when shifting from two-wheel drive to all-wheel drive to provide the shift on the fly function. The synchronizer assembly also includes a neutral position where both the front drive shaft and the rear drive shaft are not engaged to the vehicle transmission to allow for vehicle towing.

Abstract: A differential having a first side gear, a second side gear, and a fastener assembly to restrain the first and second side gears against axial movement. The first and second side gears each include an abutment face and a passage. The fastener assembly includes a bolt and a nut. The bolt has a shaft passing through the passages and a head operatively engaging one of the abutment faces of the side gears. The nut is coupled to the bolt and operatively engages the other abutment face. The invention is also directed to an independent axle differential having a ring gear rotatable about an axis, a geared pinion coupled to rotate with and relative to the ring gear, the first and second side gears and fastener assembly discussed above, and first and second output shafts. The first and second output shafts are disposed in the cavity and coupled to rotate with the first and second side gears, respectively, and each have a shaft end located proximate to one of the bolt head and nut.

Abstract: Proposed is a planetary drive, having a rotationally driven sun gear (2) disposed coaxially to principal drive axis (4), with a an internal gear (14) affixed within housing (12B) and possessing a rotatably supported planet carrier (22), about which a plurality of circumferentially apportioned planet gears (16) are rotatably seated, which are in complementary tooth engagement with the sun gear (2) and with the internal gear (14), whereby the planet carrier (22) forms the output drive and in common with an output side output drive shaft (24) is supported within the housing by an axially installed inclined bearing pair, comprised of a first inclined bearing (26) and a second inclined bearing (28).

Abstract: A rolling element for a continuously variable transmission, including input and output disks and a power roller interposed between the input and output disks, the power roller including an inner race, an outer race and a plurality of rolling members interposed between the inner and outer races, the input and output disks and the inner race having rolling contact surfaces coming into rolling contact with each other via lubricating oil, the inner and outer races having rolling contact surfaces coming into rolling contact with the rolling members via lubricating oil, and a nickel-based coat formed on at least one of the rolling contact surfaces, the nickel-based coat having a thickness ranging from 0.1 to 20 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A dual engine crankshaft coupling arrangement is provided. The coupling arrangement includes a starter clutch portion for frictionally engaging a crankshaft of a primary engine with a crankshaft of a secondary engine for starting the second engine. A phase clutch is also provided for engaging the first and second crankshafts in an angular specific relative orientation for proper timing relationships coupling of the engine crankshafts.

Abstract: The comfort level gear shift motor vehicle with an automated gear-shifting transmission is determined by shift parameters, which are dependent on driving parameters and on a shift program mode. The shift program mode identified through a characteristic parameter, which can vary a range of parameter values corresponding to a range of shift program modes. The method has the steps of detecting current values the driving parameters, detecting a current value of the characteristic parameter, determining respective minimum and maximum values that each of said shift parameters can assume within the range of characteristic parameter values as a function of the current driving parameter values, calculating actual shift parameter values as intermediate values between said maximum and minimum values for each of said shift parameters based on said current value of the characteristic parameter, and performing the gear shift with the actual shift parameter values.

Abstract: In a method for controlling a drive unit, a driver command value is formed while considering the current transmission ratio and the drive unit is controlled in dependence upon the driver command value. In addition, a predicted driver command value is determined in dependence upon transmission ratios other than the current transmission ratio. In addition, the minimum and maximum possible values are considered in the formation of the driver command value. A correction of the driver command value is undertaken in dependence upon the difference between minimum possible torque and minimum requested torque or between maximum possible torque and maximum requested torque.

Abstract: In a constitution where a hydraulic pressure is delivered periodically to friction engagement elements in released states to discharge air mixed into a hydraulic circuit a duty ratio in the hydraulic pressure delivery is switched to a plurality of different values according to operating conditions, a ratio of an actual total time to a target total time is switched per each of duty ratios; and the air discharge control is terminated when a sum of the ratios becomes a predetermined value or above.

Abstract: An abdominal exercise device includes a frame, and upper and lower force receiving members movably mounted on the frame and constrained to move in opposite directions. A resistance device is interconnected between the frame and at least one of the force receiving members to resist movement of the members toward one another and/or to bias the members away from one another. The lower member is configured to support a person's feet, and the upper member is configured to support a person's hands and/or to engage a person's chest. The device facilitates a combination crunch and leg lift exercise that involves both a person's upper abdominal muscles and a person's lower abdominal muscles. Also, the upper member may be resiliently supported in a manner that facilitates exercise of a person's oblique muscles, as well.

Abstract: A supporting mount for a tilting body inversion frame having standing means and spaced trunnion-bearing plates in an elevated position for bearing the trunnions carried by the tilting body inversion frame. Each of the trunnion-bearing plates has a blind slot for receiving and bearing the trunnions. At least one of the trunnion-bearing plates further include a keeper movable relative to the trunnion-bearing plate between locking position and open positions. The keeper has at one end a hook portion which in locking position secures the respective trunnion in bearing engagement, and at the other end a lever portion extending away from the trunnion-bearing plate, and in-between an axial portion through which the keeper is pivotally connected onto the outer side and proximate to the upper end of the trunnion-bearing plate.

Abstract: A tool handling device for a machine tool has a plurality of tool holders, which are arranged stationarily in one plane. A boom is able to be pivoted around a pivot axis normal to such plane and bears a tool gripper arrangement able to be moved in a radial direction normal to the pivot axis. Tools may be moved by it between a transfer station and the tool holders. This tool handling device is suitable both for use as a tool magazine and also as a magazine extension module for a machine tool to permit high speed tool changing with simple movements.

Abstract: A master processing apparatus for use with a pair of removable feed rolls carrying a supply of stock material includes a frame and a master processing assembly operable to cause adhesive bonding between the stock materials and a master. The apparatus includes a cutting assembly and a movable feed tray. A master engaging structure engages the master as it is being processed.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out proton therapy on a patient comprises a proton beam guiding device using magnets, quadrupoles, and an end-mounted device for proton beam guiding and control device with an exit window for guiding or directing the proton beam to the treatment spot in the patient. A patient table of the apparatus can be moved in a controlled manner in such a way that the patient can be placed in a desired position with respect to the proton beam. The proton beam guiding and controlling device can be turnably or rotatably mounted around a horizontal axis of rotation in such a way that the patient table which is arranged approximately on the plane of the axis of rotation remains accessible from one side at all moments for the person treating the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a vibratory stimulus to the penis of a male human comprising a cuff adapted to fit around the penis, which cuff includes one or more vibratory means operable at a pre-determined or variable frequency. A method of measuring premature ejaculation in a male human, said method comprising the steps of: a) positioning a vibratable cuff to the penis of the human; b) providing a vibratory stimulus having either a pre-determined constant frequency or a variable frequency to induce ejaculation; c) measuring the latency time period to ejaculation at said vibratory stimulus and/or the threshold frequency required to induce ejaculation; and d) comparing said latency measurement and/or said threshold frequency to known standard measurements. A method of evaluating a novel potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of premature ejaculation in a male patient.

Abstract: An assembly of cannula and endoscope and dissection tip facilitate surgical procedures at remote surgical site in tissue of a patient. Relative rotation of the cannula about the endoscope from clamped rotational fixation of the cannula and endoscope is made possible by flexing a resilient clamping segment, and such relative rotation promotes convenient positioning of an eccentric tissue-dissecting tip about a vessel being harvested from within tissue of a patient. Color tinting of the tip or color-tinted illumination of tissue at a remote surgical site enhances contrasting visualization through the tip via the endoscope among the tissue types encountered at the surgical site within a patient. A tool bridge or lateral support mounts to a more rigid component such as an endoscope that extends from the proximal end of a cannula to support a more flexible surgical instrument also extending from the proximal end of the cannula.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a flexible inserting tube to be inserted into a body cavity, an operation unit connected to a proximal end of the flexible inserting tube for operating the flexible inserting tube, and an hollow cylindrical cover member connected to the operation unit to surround a portion of the flexible inserting tube near the proximal end thereof. A proximal end portion of the cover member is made of a first material while a distal end portion thereof is made of a second material. The first material has higher stiffness than the second material.

Abstract: An optical fiber viewing assembly for an endoscope has a light guide with an elastically flexible portion and a substantially rigid pre-curved distal portion. The viewing assembly is particularly suited for traversing bends of relatively small radii in an endotracheal breathing tube without scraping accumulated biological material from the inner surface of the breathing tube that could collect on the distal end of the light guide and obscure the endoscopic view.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus (24) for use as a borescope or endoscope for viewing an object at a remote or inaccessible location. The apparatus (24) comprises a tube (22) having a proximal end and a distal end and means in the tube for obtaining an image of an object and transmitting it to a viewing device. The apparatus (24) also comprises illumination means comprising an array (20) of light emitting diodes (10) mounted on a substrate (12) and covered by a common protective shield (18) of optically clear material. The array (20) may be mounted at the distal end of the tube (22) adjacent a viewing port (26). Alternatively, the array (20) may be mounted at the proximal end of the tube, adjacent the end face (38) of a bundle of optical fibers which transmit light to the distal end of the tube (22). The arrangement eliminates the need for an external light source ande light guide, thereby reducing light losses and making the apparatus more compact.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retractor for providing surgical access through a passage in tissue, together with methods for its use and deployment. The retractor comprises an anchoring frame having an upper surface, a lower surface, and an opening therethrough which defines an axial axis. A flexible tensioning member is attached to the frame, and is extendable from the frame out of the body through the passage when the frame is positioned through the passage and into a body cavity. This tensioning member is selectively tensionable to spread the tissue radially outwardly from the axial axis. Hence, it is the tension imposed on the flexible liner which effects retraction of the tissue, rather than relying on the structural integrity of an artificial lumen.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method for reducing noise in ultrasound images comprising the steps of transmitting and receiving from an ultrasound transducer comprising a plurality of apexes a plurality of ultrasound beams from a first apex to form a first sector image comprising a plurality of image intensities, transmitting and receiving from at least one other apex of the transducer a plurality of ultrasound beams to form at least one other sector image comprising a plurality of image intensities overlapping a portion of the first sector image to form an overlap region, and combining the first sector image and the at least one other sector image to produce a compound image.