Abstract: The invention relates to a lockable sensor for insertion into the bore (1) of a housing (2). having a sensor body (3) that has a flexible lockable arm (4, 9) arranged on the sensor body (3), and having an encoding element (5), wherein the encoding element (5) is arranged on the lockable arm (4, 9). The invention also relates to a sensor arrangement. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing the sensor through injection molding, wherein the free spaces (6) for the lockable arms (4, 9) are formed by projections (24, 25) of one of the halves (22, 23) of the injection mold. The sensor has the advantage that encoding and locking are integrated into one element.

Abstract: A drive system includes a rotary drive unit for rotating a shaft and a linear drive unit for moving the shaft in a linear direction. To improve efficiency and shelf life, an energy storage is mechanically connected to the shaft for biasing the shaft to seek a linear movement in opposition to the linear direction. The energy storage absorbs the kinetic energy of the shaft and releases it again subsequently.

Abstract: A self-locking linear adjustment mechanism may be configured in the form of a rod assembly or a cartridge assembly. The self-locking linear adjustment mechanism in the form of a cartridge assembly includes a self-locking linear adjustment mechanism including a locking tumbler, an adjustment vernier, two end adapters, two roll pins, two precision balls, two locking skirts, two springs, two locking splines, two index pins, and two guide shafts, wherein the self-locking linear adjustment mechanism has a dual function self-locking feature.

Abstract: A power transmission for a motor vehicle includes an input, a first layshaft, a second layshaft; a first power path for transmitting power between the input and first layshaft, and producing a first ratio of a speed of the first layshaft and a corresponding speed of the input, a second power path for transmitting power between the input and second layshaft, and producing a second ratio of the speed of the second layshaft and corresponding speed of the input; and a clutch for releasably connecting the input and first power path.

Abstract: In an automated multi-group transmission consisting of one front-mounted group, one main group and one range group and in which the front-mounted group transmission and the range group transmission comprise a first shifting position for a low-speed total transmission ratio, a second shifting position for a high-speed total transmission ratio and a third shifting position as neutral position for interrupting the torque transmission, in a gear-shifting method for gear change, the range group transmission and the front-mounted group transmission are simultaneously brought to their respective neutral shifting position, which makes it possible to shift a deceleration of the main transmission. With the start of the gear-shifting process in the neutral positions, there also begins the control of the engine rotational speed to the total ratio of the target gear.

Abstract: Method and device for providing an increment shifted transmission (9) for motor vehicles including an in-going shaft in a housing. At least one intermediate shaft in the housing exhibits at least one gear wheel (16, 17) in engagement with a gearwheel (12, 15) on the in-going shaft. A main shaft in the housing has gear wheels (15, 21, 22, 23) and is in engagement with gear wheels (18, 19, 20) on the intermediate shaft. At least one of the gear wheels in each neutrally engaging pair of gear wheels on the intermediate shaft and the main shaft are rotatably arranged about the shaft and by coupling members (13, 24, 25) being lockable onto its shaft and maneuvering members (40, 41, 42) co-operating with the coupling members controlled by a control unit (45) depending on signals fed to the control unit representative of various engine and vehicle data.

Abstract: The present invention is a transmission output shaft that combines a splined or keyed shaft and a yoke or cv-joint into a single unitary shaft. This combination makes for a longer axial length than a separate, individual shaft and yoke arrangement. The simplistic design and unitary construction makes for easy modification of the existing two-part shaft and yoke. The conventional shaft and yoke are removed and replaced with the unitary differential output shaft of the present invention. Various seals and bearing may or may not be used to enhance the overall performance and increase the life span of the jointed area. Due to its simple design and decreased number of parts, the present invention is more cost effective, has a greater reliability and reduces assembly cost because of its ease of installation.

Abstract: A range switching device is provided that is capable of selecting a running range accurately using a simple configuration and control. The range switching device includes a conversion mechanism which, in turn, includes a ball screw shaft, a ball nut, and other members. The ball nut is connected to a spool through an arm member, a range control shaft, and a detent lever. The spool is moved into a specified selection region among a plurality of selection regions by the conversion mechanism and the arm member. Then, the spool is more precisely moved to a selection position within the specified selection region by the detent mechanism and positioned and held thereat.

Abstract: The present invention is a dual-detent shifting apparatus, comprising a supporting seat, an actuating piece, and a detent piece. The supporting seat has plural cable-winding positioning slots and plural cable-releasing positioning slots. The actuating piece is pivotally connected to the supporting seat and has a cable-winding detent suppressor and a cable-releasing detent suppressor. The cable-winding detent suppressor and the cable-releasing detent suppressor may be axially rotated with the actuating piece synchronically. The detent piece has a cable-winding detent and a cable-releasing detent. When the actuating piece is rotated from cable-winding position to cable-releasing position, the cable-winding detent suppressor may drive the cable-winding detent away from the cable-winding positioning slot and the cable-releasing detent suppressor may then drive the cable-releasing detent to be inset into cable-releasing positioning slot.

Abstract: An assist device is provided with a spring device that generates an auxiliary driving force, by an elastic energy, acting on a joint of a leg The spring device includes a gas spring having a cylinder and a piston. Bending/stretching motion between link members and at the joint is transmitted to the spring device through a motion transmission device that includes a link arm. The spring device is provided so that the auxiliary driving force increases as a knee bending angle &thgr; increases until the knee bending angle &thgr; reaches a predetermined angle, and so that, once the knee bending angle &thgr; exceeds the predetermined angle, the auxiliary driving force becomes smaller than or equal to the driving force obtaining at the predetermined angle. Thus, a burden on an actuator of the joint of a legged mobile robot is effectively reduced, thereby ensuring favorable utilization efficiency of energy and miniaturization of the spring device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an industrial robot, wherein a cable or the like spanned between an end effector and an upper arm has less bending due to a motion of a wrist portion, wherein the cable or the like does not twine around the upper arm, and wherein the cable or the like does not interfere with a peripheral device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a robot that can use an inexpensive connector and keep the connector assembly dust-free and safe. A base of a robot mechanical unit has a hollow structure. An opening is provided on a lateral surface of the base, a through-hole is provided on a closing member that covers the opening, and a cable mounting member provided with a through-hole is fixed on the closing member. A connecting cable from a control unit passes through the through-holes and is connected to robot mechanical unit-internal cables by a cable connector inside the base. The robot mechanical unit-internal cables are fixed by a cable clamp inside the base and a swivel body. The connector is installed inside the base and suspended in space, providing superior dust-proofing. No external force is applied, and so an inexpensive configuration can be achieved that does not require an especially strong connector. Moreover, the connector can be connected and disconnected easily.

Abstract: A vehicle steering column device for adjusting a position of a steering wheel at a desired position. The device includes: a steering column connected to the steering position; a position adjustment mechanism for adjusting a position of the steering column; the position adjustment mechanism including a clamping section for clamping the steering column at a desired position; and a flip-up mechanism for causing flip-up of the steering wheel, the flip-up mechanism separately disposed at a position closer to the steering wheel with respect to the clamping section.

Abstract: A motor vehicle steering column with a positioning device (1) is provided as well as a positioning device for motor vehicle steering columns.

Abstract: A bicycle transmission control device includes a fixed housing fitted on a handlebar of the bicycle, one side of the housing being recessed to form an annular cavity in which a first locating section is disposed. A locking member having a first linking section and pivotably and slidably mounted in the annular cavity, one end of the locking member being formed with a second locating section, any end of the locking member being hooked with one end of the steel cord of the bicycle transmission system, the steel cord always resiliently pulling the locking member, whereby the second locating section is biased toward the first locating section to engage therewith. A rotary member fitted on the handlebar and pivotally mounted on outer side of the housing, a second linking section protruding from inner side of the rotary member for drivingly connecting with the first linking section of the locking member.

Abstract: A steering wheel has a ring portion, spoke portions and a hub portion. The steering wheel is provided with a thermoelectric reversible heat pump to heat or cool a fluid. A closed hydraulic circuit includes a hydraulic pump and at least one duct extending along the ring portion of the steering wheel. The fluid is heated or cooled by the thermoelectric heat pump and is circulated by the hydraulic pump within the ring portion of the steering wheel to heat or cool the ring portion.

Abstract: An automatic balancing system is provided for canceling a rotational imbalance of a rotary device that includes a body to be rotated. A rotation support member rotates with the rotary device and has a polyhedron shape to have multiple flat ball operating surfaces that define an outer circumferential surface. A hollow storage channel around the rotation support member provides an inner circumferential surface so that the balance balls positioned in the hollow storage channel can move freely between the outer circumferential surface and the inner circumferential surface. The polyhedron shape of the ball operating surfaces allows the balance balls to come in contact with the surfaces with minimized force during low speed rotation and beginning of rotation to prevent abrupt collisions of the balance balls which results in smooth and quiet operation of the rotary device.

Abstract: A vibration damping device and method for momentum control devices is provided. The vibration damping device includes a piezodynamic damping spacer and a tuning system. The piezodynamic damping spacer is coupled to a bearing in the momentum control device. The piezodynamic damping spacer is configured such that vibrations in the momentum control device are absorbed by piezodynamic damping spacer. The piezodynamic damping spacer converts these vibrations to electrical energy, where they can be dissipated by the tuning system. The tuning system provides the ability to tune the vibration damping device to most effectively absorb vibrations in specific frequency ranges. Thus, the vibration damping device is able to effectively reduce vibrations in the momentum control device.

Abstract: A main body unit includes a wire cabling circuit body which is formed by bending rigid wires into predetermined cabling pattern shapes, a base member allowing the wire cabling circuit body to be disposed on an upper surface thereof and allowing electronic components such as a read-only memory to be mounted thereon, and a cover which is fixed to the base member in a manner that covers the wire cabling circuit body disposed on the base member. The main body unit is disposed inside a transmission case.

Abstract: Rotational output of an electric motor is directly connected to a hydraulic pump or a hydraulic motor. The electric motor acts as drive source for a hydraulic drive machine such as hydraulic shovel, bulldozer or that for a generator. A hydraulic drive device utilizing the electric motor includes an electric motor 102, a first rotation transmission device 106 connected to an output shaft 102a of the electric motor 102 and performing speed increasing function, a hydraulic pump 108 driven by an output shaft 106b of the first rotation transmission device 106, a hydraulic motor 110 where oil from the hydraulic pump 108 is supplied through an operation-switching valve 109, a second rotation transmission device 107 connected to an output shaft 110a of the hydraulic motor 110 and performing speed increasing function, and a drive output shaft 125 disposed on the output side of the second rotation transmission device 107.

Abstract: Method for the purification of an aluminium alloy containing an alloying element wherein the aluminium alloy is subjected to a fractional crystallisation process. At least the aluminium alloy is separated into a product stream having a content of the alloying element less than the content of the alloying element in the aluminium alloy and a downgrade stream having a content of the alloying element higher than the content of the alloying element in the aluminium alloy. The downgrade stream is subjected to a process of separation of intermetallics wherein an additive is added to the downgrade stream to form a mixture containing intermetallics formed, and from this mixture a waste stream and a recycle stream is separated which waste stream contains a higher content of the alloying element than the recycle stream, and the recycle stream is fed at least partly into the fractional crystallisation process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of an elemental material, comprising the step of reacting a halide of the elemental material with a reducing agent in solid form in a fluidized bed reactor at a reaction temperature which is below the melting temperature of the reducing agent. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elemental material is titanium and the titanium is produced in powder form. The invention also relates to the production of alloys or intermetallics of the elemental materials.

Abstract: A method for producing gold nanoparticles is disclosed. When gold salt solution is mixed with an absorbent, gold in the form of complexes is adsorbed onto the surface of the absorbent. The gold-loaded absorbent, after being separated from the solution by screening, filtration, settling or other methods, is ashed to form ashes. The ashes contain gold nanoparticles and impurities such as oxides of sodium, potassium and calcium. The impurities can be removed by dissolution using dilute acids. The relatively pure gold nanoparticles are obtained after the impurities are removed. Activated carbon or gold-adsorbing resin can be used as the absorbent. Silver or platinum group metal nanoparticles can also be produced by this method.

Abstract: A pretreatment process for solid lump feed material for a gas and pellet/lump-based direct reduction process, comprising preheating feed material to a temperature of from about 200 C to about 500 C, without reduction, in a non-reducing atmosphere prior to charging the feed material to gas-based direct reduction furnace, thereby minimizing the formation of fines within the furnace.

Abstract: A method for grain refinement of magnesium alloy castings includes adding graphite (C) powder and manganese dioxide (MnO2) to a melt of magnesium alloy containing aluminum (Al) and manganese (Mn) to finely divide crystal grains of a cast structure.

Abstract: A method of operating mechanical separation devices at high temperatures to separate various volatile metals, metal halides and metal oxides to produce high purity materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for remediating polluted soils or water, removing toxic substances from polluted soils or water, and removing polluting plant nutrients from water using a plant-organism system or specific microbes added to the polluted land or water. Also provided is a method for enhancing the development of root hairs and fine roots in plants using rhizosphere competent microbes and a method for increasing crop plant yield.

Abstract: An interlaced series parallel configuration for the extraction of metal values from an metal value containing aqueous is a special series parallel configuration wherein the stripped organic is first contacted in a second extraction stage with the partially copper depleted aqueous stream exiting from a first extraction stage. This partially loaded organic then advances to a parallel extraction stage where it is contacted with a fresh volume of PLS and extracts additional copper. The organic then advances to the first extraction stage where it contacts a second stream of PLS. This approach results in an overall higher recovery of copper than in the conventional modified series parallel configuration. An increase of 4% overall recovery of copper is achieved relative to that realized with the conventional series parallel configuration.

Abstract: An opener to assist in the opening of a threaded lid from a threaded jar. The opener is a body at least partially to embrace the peripheral wall of a lid. Preferably it allows for an expansion to facilitate application, and a shoulder to be abutted by a thumb or finger to add torque to the removal efforts.

Abstract: The present new and improved invention designed to open Champagne and Sparkling Beverage bottles sealed with modern plastic stoppers is a one piece bottle opener with no movable parts. This invention is designed to fit comfortably in the palm of the hand. By securing the ring on the opener over the stopper top and the lower jaw of the opener under the bottom edge of the stopper, a consumer can easily and safely lift the stopper out of the bottle. The gas in these beverages can be released slowly and safely with this opener. By lifting up on the handle, the stopper is gently pulled up and out of the bottle without the usual past sudden explosion of gas and beverage spillage. Safety and ease in opening these bottles sealed with plastic stoppers is the purpose of this new and improved bottle opener.

Abstract: A light bulb changing tool comprising a motorized clasping mechanism configured to engage a light bulb, the motorized clasping mechanism configured along an axis, the motorized clasping mechanism configured to actuate in a first direction and a second direction; and a electronic drive unit configured to remotely communicate with the motorized clasping mechanism, wherein the electronic drive unit sends control signals to drive the motorized clasping mechanism to selectively move in the first direction and the direction. The tool further comprising an arm member for positioning the motorized clasping mechanism in a desired configuration to engage the light bulb, wherein the arm member is coupled to the motorized clasping mechanism. The motorized clasping mechanism further comprises a rotator mechanism configured to rotate the motorized clasping mechanism in the first direction about the axis.

Abstract: A hydraulic threaded bolt tightening device (1) for tightening and loosening large bolted connections, comprising a cylinder supported on a machine part to be clamped by means of a threaded bolt and a nut (2), at least one piston which is guided thereon in a sealed manner, with a threaded bush screwed on to one end of the threaded bolt and which can be pressurized, a pressure medium supply (4) to the threaded bolt tightening device (1), an adjusting ring.

Abstract: An anti-gridlock wrench includes a handle, a clutch, a detent, a controller, a gear and a C-ring. The handle includes an annular head defining a circular space, a pothole not overlapping the circular space, a channel for communicating the circular space with the pothole, a recess and an annular groove both defined in a wall of the circular space. The clutch includes two claws put in the recess and a spring put between the claws. Each of the claws includes a toothed face, a first rod and a second rod. The claws can easily enter the recess since the first rods can move through the channel. A controller is put rotationally in the pothole for moving the rods. The gear is put in the circular space. The gear includes a toothed face for engagement with the toothed face of one of the claws. The second rods of the claws can impinge each other in order to push one of the claws from the annular gear.

Abstract: A buoyant wrench is disclosed including a first engagement end having a first engagement region, a body positioned adjacent to the first engagement end, the body incorporating an indicator, and a second engagement end having a second engagement region, the second engagement end positioned adjacent to the body and opposite the first engagement end.

Abstract: A wrench includes a head, a first handle, a second handle and a retaining device. The first includes first and second end. The first end of the first handle is pivotally connected with the head about a first axis. The second handle is pivotally connected with the second end of the first handle about a second axis. The retaining device can retain the first handle in position relative to the head, and the second handle in position relative to the first handle.

Abstract: The wrench stop for preventing a gripping end of a wrench from sliding off the lands of a fastener, such as a nut or bolt head. The wrench stop includes a hole through its center so that the wrench stop slides over the shank of a stud or bolt when fastening a nut thereto. The wrench stop may be magnetized to provide positive attachment to the fastener. The wrench stop may be attached to an open-end wrench, a box-end wrench, a combination wrench, a ratcheting box-end wrench, etc.

Abstract: An electronic torsional tool includes a main body provided with an opening, and an extending rod mounted in the main body and extended through a longitudinal length of the opening of the main body, so as to enhance flexibility of the main body. Thus, the opening and the extending rod of the main body can enhance flexibility and deformation of the main body, so as to increase deformation of the strain gauge.

Abstract: A method for cutting a liquid crystal display panel includes forming a first scribe line along attached first and second mother substrates to form a first region having a plurality of first-sized LCD panels and a first edge of the first region and to form a second region having a plurality of second-sized LCD panels and a first edge of the second region, separating the plurality of first-sized LCD panels formed at the first region into individual first-sized LCD panels, and separating the plurality of second-sized LCD panels formed at the second region into individual second-sized LCD panels.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of adjusting the vertical position of a cant sawbox relative to a cant feed axis includes a pair of pivotable arms mounted on a base that is slidable along a horizontal axis with each arm pivotably connected to a lower portion of the sawbox; a device upstream of the sawbox detects the thickness and calculates the mid point of the incoming cant and then effects movement of the sawbox so that the midline of the cant coincides with the feed axis.

Abstract: A table saw includes a base, a rip fence unit with a sliding member mounted slidably on a rail unit on the base, and a positioning unit having a clamping member disposed below the rail unit and swingable between a clamping position, in which the clamping member cooperates with the sliding member to clamp the rail unit therebetween, and a releasing position, in which the clamping member is disconnected from the rail unit.

Abstract: A laser guiding device for a table saw machine is connected to a splitter on the work table and includes a carrier in which a laser generating device is received. A power supply member is connected to the splitter and electrically connected to the laser generating device. The laser generating device emits a laser beam which is located in front of the circular blade and is not covered by debris and powder of the object to be cut.

Abstract: A table insert blade positioner for insertion into a work table of a scroll saw having a scroll saw blade with a cutting edge and a non-cutting edge including a plate having a blade slot to permit a scroll saw blade to travel therethrough said plate insertable into the work table of the scroll saw, the plate having an upper surface and a lower surface; and a blade support structure attached to the lower surface of the plate for limiting the longitudinal motion of the scroll saw blade, wherein the blade support structure is positioned to make contact with the non-cutting edge of the scroll saw blade when sufficient pressure is exerted on the scroll saw blade in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A stamping device (1), which in particular is arranged for stamping unfired ceramic substrates, has a die holder device (8) with a plurality of dies (4, 5, 6, 7), which for activation can be locked to the die holder device (8) and then jointly with it execute an axial stamping motion. A coupling device (18) which is remote-actuated is used for the locking. For the remote transmission of the actuation motion, a flexible mechanical connecting means is used, such as preferably a cable (16).

Abstract: A punch includes a punch body and a punch head. The punch head includes a first compact layer of cobalt-containing tungsten carbide welded to the punch body, and a second compact layer of cobalt-containing tungsten carbide welded to the first compact layer opposite to the punch body. The first compact layer has a hardness lower than that of the second compact layer, and has a coefficient of expansion greater than that of the second compact layer and smaller than that of the punch body.

Abstract: A sheet perforation apparatus of which number of parts is reduced is provided. Operation pins 251 of punches 250 penetrate pin penetration apertures 221a, 222a and engage guide grooves 210b, 211b formed at sliders 210, 211. The guide grooves 210b, 211b are formed by three groove portions of an upper horizontal groove portion, an inclined groove portion and a lower horizontal groove portion. The sliders 210, 211 are fixed to a slide holder 201 having an engagement pin 202 which engages a cam groove 287a formed at a shaft 287. By rotating a motor 280 normally, the operation pins 251 slide the inclined groove portion so that the punches 250 advance to a perforation position to conduct perforation processing of two holes, and by rotating the motor 280 reversely, the punches 250 conduct perforation processing of three holes. The sliders 210, 211 are common regardless of the number of the punches 250.

Abstract: A rotary microtome (1) is disclosed, having a base part (2) on which a microtome housing (4) and a knife holder (6) are arranged. Also provided is a collection element (8) that surrounds the knife holder on three sides, the collection element having a U-shaped base outline. Also provided are several clamping levers that are associated with the knife holder, at least one clamping lever for the knife holder being arranged operably on a first or a second outer side wall (18a, 18b). In addition, the bottom (12) of the collection element (8) has shaped on it an elevation (22) under which a mechanical coupling is guided from the clamping lever (10c) to the knife holder.

Abstract: A hammer with simplified structure and reduced costs that maintains its capability as a mass body to impart a touch weight. The hammer is configured such that it is possible to fix the two mass plates to the metal base plate by means of a single rivet. Therefore, the number of places in which the rivet holes are drilled and disposed in both mass plates and the metal base plate are kept to a minimum, and it is possible to limit the lightening of the weight of both mass plates and the metal base plate by that amount. As a result, since it is possible to configure the base plates and the metal base plate with smaller dimensions while maintaining the required weight, the capability as a mass body to impart a touch weight can be maintained while preventing the enlarging of the hammer overall.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively adjusting tone of guitar strings during play includes a base plate defining a foot surface, at least one pedal positioned at a front region of the foot surface and disposed for actuation by vertical movement of a user's foot, and at least one level positioned at a rear region of the foot surface, slidably engaged with the base plate, and disposed for actuation by horizontal movement of the heel of the user's foot. The pedal and lever are attached to the bridge of the guitar by cables. Movement of the pedal or lever causes tension of individual guitar strings to be adjusted.

Abstract: A C-clamp capo comprises a string press for clamping down on the strings of a string-instrument against a front side of a fretboard. An extension arm curves behind and has an idler clamp with a first pivot attachment. Such enables a clamping action against a backside of the fretboard. A continuous insert having a positioning bumper that ensures consistent positioning against the fretboard is disposed all along an inside surface of the string press from a distal end across the first pivot attachment bridging over to an inside surface of the idler clamp and out to its distal end. A locking lever has a second pivot attachment to the extension arm behind the first pivot attachment, and provides a locking action against a backside of the idler clamp. A setscrew disposed in the locking lever provides an adjustable locking action between the idler clamp and the locking lever, e.g., for a range of thicknesses of the fretboard to be accommodated.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a self-playing musical device configured to present a realistic music service as part of a musical wind instrument. The device may be fitted inside the sound pipe of a musical instrument to play music. If desired, the device is shaped and configured to fit entirely within the sound pipe of the musical instrument. Digital circuitry may be implemented (e.g., digital storage, digital signal processor, digital amplifier, etc.) may be configured to play at least one musical song. The device may be suitable for indoor or outdoor performances.