Abstract: An insert device for narrowing a throat of a Venturi based multiphase flow meter is shaped to be inserted in the throat. The insert comprises an entrance window and an exit window for a radiation beam generated at a periphery of the throat. The insert allows pressure takeoff to be made in a conventional way. Several examples of insert device are described including a rod, a tubular and a tuning fork insert.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring method in particular for the strip tension and the line force of a strip conveyor system, in which the strip is guided so as to wrap partially around a corotating measuring roller, which has at least one pressure sensor for measuring a pressure acting on a surface section of the measuring roller, and guided through a gap formed between the measuring roller and a backing roller. The pressure acting on a surface section of the measuring roller is measured by means of the pressure sensor at least at two rotational positions of the measuring roller. The rotational angle of the measuring roller is measured relative to a reference position. The invention is based on the basic idea of measuring the variation of a pressure acting on a surface section of the measuring roller over at least part of the rotation of the measuring roller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring apparatus that is used to dimension the components of a bicycle according to the user. The inventive apparatus is of the type that comprises a base (10) and a frame (12) which is disposed on the base, the following elements being mounted on said frame: a stem (50) equipped with handlebars (52) to support the arms; a saddle (38) to support the buttocks; a crankset (30) which is used to support the feet; a braking and measuring device (42) which is kinematically connected to the crankset (30) in order to adjust and measure the force exerted by the user; and means for adjusting (20c, 24c, 26c) at least some of the dimensions of the apparatus. Moreover, the inventive apparatus comprises at least one force sensor (58, 60, 62) which is disposed on one of the bearing points and an electronic control system (56) which is connectcd to the force sensor in order to determine the force applied by the user and the evolution thereof over time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for detecting the stress distribution of metal strips stressed by tension of the strip, comprising a measuring roller (A, B), comprising at least one receptacle (2) formed in the measuring roller body (1) of the measuring roller (A, B), comprising a measuring sensor (6) which sits in the receptacle (2), comprising a force-transmitting element (5) fitting in the receptacle (2), which has a loading shoulder (5b) which acts on the measuring sensor (6), said loading shoulder's cross-sectional area is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the receptacle (2), and comprising a cover (7) sitting in the opening of the receptacle (2) said cover's outwardly directed surface is arranged substantially flush to the circumferential surface of the measuring roller body (1) of the measuring roller (A, B) and which is connected to the force-transmitting element by means of a press connection.

Abstract: A seat-load measuring apparatus includes: a base having an open top and configured to be fixed to a seat bracket configured to support a load imposed on a vehicle seat; an arm supported by the base and configured to receive the load imposed on the vehicle seat; a load sensor supported by the arm to detect the load imposed on the vehicle seat; a rail bracket configured to support a seat rail that movably guides the vehicle seat in a vehicle front-rear direction, and to connect the base to the seat rail; and a load support member connected to the rail bracket and configured to support a load imposed on the seat rail, the load being heavier than a predetermined load, where the base is connected under the seat rail with the rail bracket located between.

Abstract: A tactile sensing transducer provides as its output a skin deformation signal for storage or transmission to a tactile stimulation display transducer. A skin surface imaging means operating optically, acoustically or otherwise is positioned for viewing and providing an output image signal corresponding to said deformed skin surface. An electronic processing means connected to said imaging means provides an output skin deformation signal corresponding to the deformation of said skin. The display transducer may incorporate a plurality of individually actuatable, bendable cantilevered arms mounted in line on a base support, each of the arms having tip ends which are displaceable, upon actuation, to provide a tactile display.

Abstract: A sample holder and auxiliary apparatus are provided to position and hold a sample in the sample holder. A method of positioning and holding a sample in the sample holder is also provided. The sample holder preferably includes a holder body having a sample holding portion arranged therein. An opening in the sample holding portion is configured to receive a sample therein. An elastic member is configured to supply a holding force to hold the sample in the opening. The auxiliary apparatus preferably includes one or more holder supports configured to support a sample holder. The auxiliary apparatus is configured to receive the sample holder and force a sample holding member of the sample holder into a rearward position to permit the sample holder to receive a sample into an opening thereof.

Abstract: An air sampling apparatus includes a casing having a battery provided therein and means for attaching a sampling cassette to the casing. An impeller draws air through the sampling cassette. Power is provided to the impeller by a battery. A microprocessor included in the air sampling apparatus is configured to activate the impeller in accordance with a programmed sampling schedule.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus is characterized by a sampler and a sample collection station. The sampler is stationary and periodically delivers discrete product samples to a stationary inlet to the sample collection station. The sample collection station includes a deck having a plurality of passages in linearly aligned spaced relationship, a plurality of sample collection containers, and inlets to the sample collection containers that are in communication with associated ones of the deck passages. The deck is linearly indexed in both directions of movement along the linear alignment of the deck passages to place selected ones of the deck passages into communication with the stationary inlet, so that product samples delivered by the sampler to the sample collection station are directed into selected ones of the sample collection containers.

Abstract: A lid for a sample holder that includes a load port, a first flow channel, and a second flow channel. The first flow channel includes a first end connected to the load port and a second end that opens into a first reservoir of the sample holder. The second flow channel also includes a first end connected to the load port and a second end that opens into a second reservoir of the sample holder.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for conveniently collecting and storing liquid samples, as well as applying an aliquot of the sample to a test device, such as a lateral flow immunoassay. The present invention comprises an absorbent swab and a dropper container containing an expression means for expressing the collected sample from the swab. After the collected sample has been expressed into the reservoir of the device, the device is capped. The device can be inverted over a test device, the sides of the reservoir squeezed and an aliquot of the sample applied, in a drop-wise manner, to the sample application well of the test device. The present invention is particularly useful for collecting viscous samples, such as saliva or oral fluid, in a drug of abuse testing setting.

Abstract: A tool is evaluated in response to a member of the tool being moved from a first position to a second position. In this evaluation, a first force is applied to the member. The first force is operable to move the member from the first position to the second position. In addition, a second force is sensed. This second force results from a resistance of the tool to the first force. Furthermore, it is determined whether the second force exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: Various sensors use an electro-active device (11) electrically connected to a detector circuit. The electro-active device (11) comprises an electro-active structure in the form of a continuous electro-active member (12) curving in a helix around a minor axis (13) which is in itself curved for example in a helix around a major axis (14). On activation by relative displacement of the ends (16) of the device (11), the electro-active structure twists around the minor axis due to the fact that the minor axis (13) is curved. The continuous member (12) has a bender construction of a plurality of layers (21) and (22) including at least one layer of electro-active material so that concomitantly with the twisting the continuous member (12) bends generating an electrical signal detected by the detector circuit. The electro-active device (11) is advantageous as a sensing element in a sensor because it has a large displacement, high sensitivity and low compliance.

Abstract: A starter for cranking an internal combustion engine includes an electric motor for driving a pinion gear of the starter. The rear end of the electric motor is covered with a rear end frame having a bearing holder formed thereon. To protect the bearing holder from external force applied to the rear end frame, a rear end cover having an upper plate is connected to the rear end frame. The upper plate of the rear end cover is positioned to form a certain space between the rear end frame and the upper plate. The rear end cover may be connected to the rear end frame by utilizing bolt heads of a pair of through-bolts fastening the electric motor to a front housing and the rear end frame.

Abstract: A reciprocating shaft assembly in a reciprocating saw moves in a reciprocal motion and drives a saw blade via a blade holder. At least one bore is formed in an end of the reciprocating shaft assembly opposite the blade holder. A pin fixed to the saw passes through the bore and acts as a bearing to support the reciprocating shaft assembly in its reciprocating motion.

Abstract: A mechanical apparatus used to convert a servo motor's rotational motion output into linear motion output is provided.

Abstract: A selector transmission with countershaft design is described which comprises one input shaft (2), one output shaft (3), one main shaft (4) situated therebetween and one countershaft (5) interacting with the main shaft (4), shiftable gear wheel pairs being located upon the main shaft (4) and the countershaft (5). The main shaft (4) and the countershaft (5) are disposed at an angle (&agr;) to each other.

Abstract: A vehicle hydraulic system (10) includes a pump (12), a low pressure line (16) and a high pressure line (30). A restriction and bypass system is provided on the low pressure system allowing charging up of an accumulator (50) on the high pressure system. Furthermore a torque sensor, D, E, F is provided on a clutch hub (96) of a multi-plate wet clutch.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission transmits torque from an engine to a drive axle and includes a power shift transmission and a reverser module. A control system and method automatically partially disengages the reverser module during a shift of the power shift transmission with nearly no effect upon the operating condition of the engine, so that a portion of the torque generated by the engine continues to be transmitted at all times to the drive axle.

Abstract: An electric power-generating device with a rotor turned by an external source of energy, such as wind or water currents. The rotor is coupled to a main shaft. A pair of bull gears is located on the main shaft. A number of intermediate gears are located around a perimeter of the bull gears. An intermediate gear is connected to an input shaft having a double helix pinion that engages the pair of bull gears. The other intermediate gears are similarly connected to respective input shafts having double helix pinions that engage the pair of bull gears. A plurality of output shafts is provided. An output shaft has an output pinion that engages two adjacent intermediate gears. The other output shafts are similarly connected to respective adjacent intermediate gears. A number of rotational devices are connected to the output shafts.

Abstract: A torque dividing gear drive system, a method of driving an output gear, and a method of evenly dividing an output torque between three gears is provided. The torque dividing gear drive system that is provided has a first gear driven by an engine, a second gear coupled to the first gear, a third gear coupled to the first gear, a fourth gear coupled to the first gear, a fifth gear driven by the second gear, a sixth gear driven by the third gear, a seventh gear driven by the fourth gear, and an eighth gear driven by the fifth, sixth and seventh gears. The first gear may be a floating gear. A method of operating such system is also provided.

Abstract: A ball screw device comprises a screw shaft, a nut externally mounted on the screw shaft, and a multiplicity of balls interposed between thread grooves of the screw shaft and the nut. The screw shaft has a ball circulation groove for coupling downstream and upstream sides of the thread groove so that the balls are returned from the downstream side to the upstream side and thereby circulated in the thread groove of the screw shaft. The ball circulation groove has such a curved shape as to sink radially inward in an intermediate region in a rolling direction of the balls and has a curved shape protruding radially outward in both end regions, and is configured in the manner that the centrodes of the balls rolling in the both end regions and the balls rolling in the thread groove of the screw shaft satisfy predetermined conditions with respect to circulation of the balls.

Abstract: In the ball screw, a ball circulation tube 20 is formed to have such a shape that the movable amount of balls 15 in a first direction (X) intersecting at right angles to the axis of the tube 20 is larger than the movable amount of the balls 15 in a second direction (Y) intersecting at right angles to the first direction (X), and the ball circulation tube 20 is fixed to a nut 13 in such a manner that the outer surface 20a of the tube 20 extending in parallel with the first direction (X) is opposed to the outer surface of the nut 13.

Abstract: A leadscrew mechanical drive includes a leadscrew having a leadscrew axis and a leadscrew thread with a nonzero leadscrew thread pitch. A leadscrew follower structure is engaged to the leadscrew. The leadscrew follower structure includes a first leadscrew follower and, desirably, a second leadscrew follower. The first leadscrew follower and the second leadscrew follower are substantially identical, and each leadscrew follower includes a threaded insert having an insert thread with a nonzero insert thread pitch different from the leadscrew thread pitch. The insert thread is engaged to the leadscrew thread over a circumferential distance of less than one-half turn of the insert thread.

Abstract: The moving part has a hub (2) turning on its axis (A) and a transmission or working zone (4) intended to come into contact with a moving or fixed element, an elastic zone (3) likely to undergo a deformation being placed in between the hub (2) and the transmission or working zone (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to a toothed wheel (4) for mounting in a toothed gearing (1), wherein the toothed wheel (4) and a cylindrical gear (8) form a gear pair. The toothed wheel (4) has a curved pitch surface (5) with teeth, which comprises at least one tooth (7) extending spirally. The toothed wheel (4) is configured for mounting in the gear pair in such a way that the axis (2) of the toothed wheel (4) extends substantially perpendicular relative to the axis of the cylindrical gear (8).

Abstract: A link member interlinks an external member forming part of a cabinet of an apparatus and an internal member capable of pivoting about a pivot shaft located more deeply inside the apparatus than the external member for causing the internal member to pivot in cooperation with the external member pivoting. The link member has a stretchable length and is provided with a resilient biasing member biasing the link member in such a direction as to stretch the length. When the external member is in its closed position, the internal member is positioned to abut a predetermined contact portion by the biasing force of the resilient biasing member. Parts storage shelves are provided in the space defined between the external member and the internal member.

Abstract: A shift lever assembly includes a cross-car-beam. The assembly includes a shift lever supported by the cross-car-beam. The assembly includes a fitting fixing the shift lever to the cross-car-beam. The fitting includes a base for inserting the shift lever therein. The fitting includes a first wall fixed to the cross-car-beam. The fitting includes a second wall extending from the base transversely of the first wall and fixed to the cross-car-beam.

Abstract: A shift device includes a housing, a shift lever, a sensor unit. The shift lever is moved forward and rearward, and leftward and rightward of the shift device for selecting the connection state of the transmission of a vehicle. The sensor unit is attached to the housing. The sensor unit includes a first MRE element, a second MRE element, a light sensor, a first microswitch, and a second microswitch, which are integrated. The first MRE element, the second MRE element, and the light sensor detect the position of the shift lever in the front-rear direction. The first and second microswitches detect the position of the shift lever in the left-right direction.

Abstract: A shift lever apparatus includes a base member, a shift lever, and one or more planar four-bar linkage mechanisms supporting the shift lever so as to be movable relative to the base member. The four-bar linkage mechanism includes four link elements including a base-side link element, a lever-side link element, and a pair of connecting link elements. The shift lever is supported by the lever-side link element, and the base member supports the base-side link element. The four-bar linkage mechanism includes an operational plane in which the four link elements conduct a link motion. The lever-side link element is parallelly or substantially parallelly shiftable in the operational plane relative to the base member so that the shift lever can shift parallelly or substantially parallelly in the operational plane relative to the base member.

Abstract: A parking lock for an automated transmission of a motor vehicle includes a first spring-type actuator for engaging the parking lock, a transmission actuator, a release device operable using the transmission actuator for disengaging the parking lock, and a retaining device. The retaining device is configured to counteract at least one of the spring-type actuator and a second spring-type actuator so as to hold the parking lock in a disengaged state.

Abstract: A tilt adjustable type steering apparatus for a vehicle is constructed such that a rear column member is connected in a swayable manner within an on-driving tilt adjustable range to a front column member fixed to a car body, a fixed gear provided on one of the front column member and the rear column member is engaged with a movable gear provided on the other of the front column member and the rear column member when fixing the rear column member to a tilt adjusted position, and the two fixed and movable gears are disengaged from each other by swaying the movable gear when releasing the rear column member from the tilt adjusted position. The same apparatus includes a spring and/or a lock mechanism, which enables the rear column member to be tilted up to an upper predetermined position in excess of the on-driving tilt adjustable range and holds in this position the rear column member tilted up to the predetermined position.

Abstract: A bicycle shift control device includes a fixed member and a rotatable member rotatably coupled to the fixed member for rotation around a handlebar between at least two shift positions. The fixed member is adapted to be coupled to the handlebar adjacent a hand gripping area of the handlebar. The rotatable member has inner and outer axial ends with a tubular outer actuating surface extending between the inner and outer ends and around a center longitudinal axis of the hand gripping area. The actuating surface is configured to define a tubular hand grip with a finger operating projection extending outwardly relative to the tubular hand grip. The actuating surface includes a first portion constructed of a first material and a second portion constructed of a second material more rigid than the first material. The second portion has the finger operating projection.

Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device is basically provided with a first operating member, a second operating member, a shift wire take-up element and a wire winding/release mechanism. The second operating member is operatively coupled to the first operating member to move with the first operating member during movement of the first operating member, and to move the first operating member during movement of the second operating member. The shift wire take-up element is rotated in a first rotational direction by the first operating member and in a second rotational direction that is opposite to the first rotational direction by the second operating member. The wire winding/release mechanism is operatively coupled to the shift wire take-up element and the first and second operating members to selectively hold the shift wire take-up element in one of a plurality of shift positions.

Abstract: A bicycle shift control device comprises a fixed member and a rotatable member. The fixed member is adapted to be fixedly coupled to a bicycle handlebar adjacent a hand gripping area of the handlebar. The rotatable member is rotatably coupled to the fixed member for rotation around the handlebar between at least two shift positions. One of the fixed and rotatable members has a visible fixed contoured line and the other of the fixed and rotatable members has a visible movable contoured line adjacent the visible fixed contoured line. The visible fixed and movable contoured lines cooperate with each other to define a geometrically shaped visible area located between them. The geometrically shaped visible area is configured to change upon rotation of the rotatable member between the shift positions to indicate at least one of the shift positions.

Abstract: A drive cable includes a barrel nipple fixed on an end of the drive cable, wherein an axis of the barrel nipple extends in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the drive cable; and a cable protection cover which covers a portion of the drive cable adjacent to the barrel nipple,

Abstract: An accelerator pedal assembly that provides a hysteresis in pedal force-response upon actuation is provided. The accelerator pedal assembly includes a housing, an elongated pedal arm terminating at one end in a rotatable drum defining a curved braking surface, a brake pad having a curved contact surface substantially complementary to the braking surface and a bias spring device operably situated between the pedal arm and the brake pad. The pedal arm is rotatably mounted to the housing such that the curved braking surface rotates as the pedal moves. The brake pad defines a primary pivot axis and is pivotably mounted for frictional engagement with the braking surface. The bias spring serves to urge the contact surface of the brake pad into frictional engagement with the braking surface of the drum.

Abstract: A hand brake lever, especially for a motor vehicle, includes at least two tubes (2, 3) telescopically inserted into each other for actuating a locking device (5) of a parking brake. The tubes (2, 3) automatically lock in any pulled-out position and actuation of a device corresponding to the tubes (2, 3) causes the release of the locking device (5).

Abstract: An adjustable handlebar mounting device includes a frame mounting member, a front pivot member, a rear pivot member, and a releasable fastening unit. The frame mounting member is formed with front and rear lug units. The front pivot member has a front lower section connected pivotally to the front lug unit, a front upper section to be connected to a handlebar, and an intermediate coupling part. The rear pivot member has a rear lower section connected pivotally to the rear lug unit, and a rear upper section. The coupling part and the rear upper section are respectively formed with a slot unit and a hole unit for extension of the fastening unit therethrough. The fastening unit is operable so as to press the coupling part and the rear upper section firmly against each other for supporting the handlebar.

Abstract: A procedure for the manufacture of a steering wheel for motor vehicles consisting of an outer covering in composite material, comprising the preparation of the covering by means of composite elements with a laminar structure, the hot forming of these elements in order to obtain a pair of complementary shells (13a, 13b), the assembly of the shells on the opposite sides of the steering wheel, in which the body of the steering wheel consists of a metal core (11) buried inside synthetic resin, and in that at least one of the shells forming the opposite sides of the covering is equipped with a support element (14a, 14b) which allows it to be coupled to the other shell complementary to it.

Abstract: A brake activating mechanism for a vehicle is responsive to the required braking force to adjust the magnification of the manual input force, thereby providing greater assistance to the vehicle operator. The brake activating mechanism generally includes a pedal arm connected to a brake pedal for receiving the manual input force and connected to a pushrod for transmitting the output force. A clutch mechanism is employed that is responsive to the input force to modify the position of the pivot point. In this way, the magnification of the input force via the pedal arm is modified.

Abstract: A cover for a pedal has a substantially rectangular housing. An opening on a side of the substantially rectangular housing has a cross section having the approximate form of a pedal. An impression is formed on a top surface of the substantially rectangular housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a finished camshaft (10) with several cams (1), fixed to a shaft (9), by means of at least one welded joint (11) each, whereby the shaft is made from a first low-carbon steel and the cams comprise a hardened or hardenable rocker running surface (2) made from a high-carbon steel (3) and are made from at least two different materials with a second low-carbon steel, which may be efficiently welded to the steel of the shaft, provided in at least one of the regions (4) affected by the welding.

Abstract: In a system for coupling a toothed starter ring to a support connected to the output shaft of an internal combustion engine, a complementary substantially cylindrical peripheral surface of the ring is fixed over at least a part of its extent to a substantially cylindrical peripheral surface of the support in such a manner that the ring can deform slightly in the radial direction toward the shaft to reduce the maximum stresses exerted on the ring during a starting operation.

Abstract: A pedal crank drive for a bicycle is described with two pedal cranks (2) which are torsionally rigidly connected with each other via a bottom bracket axle (1), comprising a chainwheel (3) which is held in a rotatable manner and is limited on a stop on a bearing nose (5) of one of the two pedal cranks (2) and at least one compression spring (12) extending in the circumferential direction between said pedal crank (2) and the chainwheel (3) bearing an abutment (14) for the compression spring (12). In order to provide advantageous constructional conditions it is proposed that the pedal crank (2) carrying the chainwheel (3) engages with a nose (16) which projects against the chainwheel (3) in a recess (17) of the chainwheel (3) which forms rotation limit stops (18, 19) for said pedal crank (2) in both circumferential directions.

Abstract: An improved crane structure for a bicycle pedal wherein the front outer thread has a same rotary direction with the inner thread hole in the crane, and the rear outer thread has the opposite rotary direction with the front outer thread; the inner thread rotary direction disposed in the cylindrical sleeve is the same as that of the bolt protruded from a pedal, and the edge of the two each has two holes, so that after the front outer thread of the cylindrical sleeve is secured to the inner thread hole in the crane and a nut is used to lock the rear outer thread in order to limit the rotation, the bolt of the pedal is then locked onto the inner thread of the hole of the cylindrical sleeve for the assembling in order to attain the effects of securely mounting and easily detaching the crane structure.

Abstract: A method of electrolytically reducing a metal oxide (such as aluminium and magnesium oxides) to produce a metal in an electrolytic call is disclosed. The method includes electrolytically reducing the metal oxide in an electrolytic cell that includes a pool of molten metal, the metal being the metal of the metal oxide to be reduced, and the molten metal pool forming a cathode of the cell. The electrolytic cell also includes a pool of molten electrolyte in contact with the molten metal, the electrolyte containing alkali and/or alkaline earth halides. The electrolytic cell also includes an anode extending into the electrolyte and a body of metal oxide to reduced in contact with the molten metal and the electrolyte.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for smelting titanium metal by the thermal reduction of titanium oxide (TiO2) to titanium metal (Ti); a mixed salt of calcium chloride (CaCl2) and calcium oxide (CaO) contained in a reaction vessel is heated to form a molten salt which constitutes a reaction region, the molten salt in the reaction region is electrolyzed thereby converting the molten salt into a strongly reducing molten salt containing monovalent calcium ions (Ca+) and/or calcium (Ca), titanium oxide is supplied to the strongly reducing molten salt and the titanium oxide is reduced and the resulting titanium metal is deoxidized by the monovalent calcium ions and/or calcium. The method and the apparatus make it feasible to produce commercially titanium metal suitable for a variety of applications from titanium oxide.

Abstract: A sintered material and a method for the production thereof is described. The material comprises an alloy selected from one of the groups having a composition comprising in weight %: either Cr 5-30/Mo 0-15/Ni 0-25/W 0-15/C 0-5/Si 0-5/Fe 0-5/Mn 0-5/others 10max/Co balance, or Cr 10-20/Mo 0-15/Co 0-20/W 0-5/Fe 0-20/Al 0-5/Ti 0-5/others 15max/Ni balance; said alloy having incorporated therein from 3-15 weight % of Sn; and optionally from 1-6 weight % of a solid lubricant material.

Abstract: An improved ceramic/metal composite material is disclosed which is fully reacted with aluminum. The composite is made from a ceramic preform, such as silicon carbide, having a binding agent, such as silica, that is contacted with a metal mixture or alloy, such as aluminum/silicon, that reacts with the binding agent to form a ceramic/metal composite material. Also disclosed is a method of making the improved composite material and articles made incorporating the material.