Abstract: A linkage mechanism for a pick and place robot includes two rotatable drives mounted on a base and connected to a platform by parallelogram linkages, one assigned to each drive. Each parallelogram linkage may include a series of parallelogram linkages connected to one another by a bell crank that couples drive linkages with location linkages to assure proper positioning of the mechanism. This arrangements permits movement of the platform in two dimensions by selective rotation of the drives.

Abstract: An automatic manipulator, such as a multiaxial industrial robot, with a carrying component structure (support structure) for transmitting forces between individual members of the automatic manipulator. The entire support structure is formed from a material that is inert with respect to external effects, such as moisture or the like. The material of the support structure may be, in particular, a material that is suitable for use in contact with foods, such as stainless steel, so that the automatic manipulator according to the present invention can be used reliably and without additional costly protective measures in environments in which there is a risk for contamination, such as in the food industry.

Abstract: A cover assembly for an aperture in a wall may include: a first support and a second support provided on the wall, each support including a monolithic receptacle; a first pin-portion and a second pin-portion rotatably mounted in the receptacles, respectively, to define respective pivot-hinge arrangements; and a cover coupled to the first and second pin-portions. For example, the wall may be a part of fluid (e.g., air) duct disposed in a vehicle, and the cover may be oriented with respect to the wall so that the aperture represents one of an inlet and an outlet.

Abstract: A motor vehicle steering column unit includes a steering column, an adjusting device, which comprises a length adjusting mechanism for the length adjustment of the steering column and/or a tilt adjusting mechanism for the tilt adjustment of the steering column, as well as an electrical drive unit. The adjusting device has a central drive gear mechanically adjustable in at least two shift positions, which is powered by the electrical drive unit and is drivingly coupled in at least one of its shift positions with one or the other of the adjusting mechanisms.

Abstract: A bicycle component is provided that includes an operator actuating member and a positioning mechanism with a buffering member. The operator actuating member is configured and arranged to be manually operated. The positioning mechanism is mechanically coupled to the operator actuating member. The positioning mechanism includes first and second members arranged and configured to engage each other in response to manual operation of the operator actuating member. The buffering member is mounted to at least one of the first and second members in an area such that the buffering member is contacted between first and second engagement surfaces of the first and second members, respectively. The bicycle component is preferably a bicycle shift operating device or a bicycle derailleur.

Abstract: A pair of first (14) and second (34) pedal levers is pivotally supported for rotation by a support (12). A pair of adjustment mechanisms (21, 41) interconnect the support (12) and the respective pedal levers (14, 34) and include rods (28, 48) for adjusting the operational position of the pedal levers (14, 34) along the rods (28, 48) between a plurality of adjusted positions. A stepper motor (52) and screw (32) unit is attached to the inner end of each rod (28, 48) for moving the respective pedal levers (14, 34) along the respective rods (28, 48). The assembly (10) is characterized by a controller (56) sending pulses of energy to each of the motors (52), measuring the time to reach a predetermined resistance condition of each motor during each pulse, and terminating energy to both motors (52) in response to the time being below a predetermined time period in any pulse to either motor, thereby to synchronize the movement of both pedal levers together.

Abstract: A headset assembly for a bicycle includes a bearing set engaged with an inner periphery of a top end of a head tube and an outer periphery of a positioning ring is engaged with an inner periphery of the bearing set. The inner periphery of the positioning ring is mounted on a steering tube. The head tube has a threaded outer periphery and a cap has a threaded inner periphery which is threadedly connected to the threaded outer periphery of the head tube.

Abstract: An improved differential carrier and pilot web for a vehicle comprises a carrier and a separate pilot web. The pilot web is attached to the carrier by at least two bolts. At least two bolts are each covered by a bushing. The carrier and the pilot web each preferably comprise counter bored holes to receive and support the bolt and bushing. The carrier and the pilot web each also have a mating stop surface, which are precision machined to be a minimal distance from one another.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for reducing a metal oxide, such as titania, in a solid state is disclosed. The electrolytic cell includes an anode formed from carbon and a cathode formed at least in part from the metal oxide. The electrolytic cell also includes a membrane that is permeable to oxygen anions and is impermeable to carbon in ionic and non-ionic forms positioned between the cathode and the anode to thereby prevent migration of carbon to the cathode.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus (50) for producing direct reduced iron (37) from dry pellets (25) composed of iron oxide and carbonaceous material. A mixture of pellets (25) and free coke particles (38) with weight relation from 3:1 to 5:1 is fed into the top of an electrothermal fluidized bed (32) that is fluidized by nitrogen. By exposing pellets (25) in the electrothermal fluidized bed (32) to temperatures of between approximately 850-1,100° C. for an average period of between approximately 15-60 minutes, the volatiles are removed and the pellets (25) metallized. Reduced pellets (37) mixed with free coke (38) are discharged from the bottom of fluidized bed (32) and cooled. The reduced iron pellets (37) are physically separated from any free coke (38) and the free coke (38) is recycled back into the fluidized bed (32).

Abstract: A magnetostriction device is made such that an impregnated composition material, such as phenol resin, a resin in which an inorganic material such as silica is dispersed into a phenol resin, an epoxy based resins or an acrylic resin is impregnated and caked into holes of a magnetostrictive sintered material manufactured by a powder metallurgy method. This magnetostriction device has improved mechanical strength against an external force.

Abstract: Provide a method and apparatus for producing, in an economical manner, metal powder offering high purity and comprising uniform particle shape and size. Produce metal powder of titanium metal, etc., using an apparatus that comprises a power supply for high-voltage/current discharge, a feeder of metal electrode made of titanium metal, etc., a high-voltage discharge generator equipped with a metal electrode made of titanium, etc., and its counter electrode, a water tank, a water inlet, an outlet for produced metal dispersion solution containing titanium metal, etc., a discharge pump, and an adjunct device for separating/recovering metal powder of titanium metal, etc., from the metal dispersion solution containing titanium metal, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of desulfurizing hot metal, which method utilizes desulfurization slag resulting from a KR hot metal desulfurizing treatment as a desulfurizing agent for hot metal again to reduce hot metal desulfurization costs and the amount of slag generated, thereby solving environmental problems.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a handsaw capable of cutting a glass bottle. The method includes cutting a steel strip to a predetermined length to form a handsaw substrate. A portion of the handsaw substrate, other than a cutter blade forming portion formed on at least one edge of the handsaw substrate in a widthwise direction is masked. A hard abrasive is applied onto the portion of the handsaw substrate other than the masked portion. The handsaw substrate, to which the hard abrasive has been applied, is dipped in an electrolytic solution tank to deposit a metal layer in which the hard abrasive is embedded.

Abstract: A selective one-way wrench includes a handle, an annular head, a gear, a direction controller and a direction switch. The handle projects from an annular head. The annular head defines a first space and a second space communicated with the first space. The gear is rotationally put in the first space. The gear includes a toothed external face. A direction controller is put in the second space. The direction controller includes two pawls and a spring installed between the pawls. Each of the pawls includes a toothed face. The direction switch includes a first element installed rotationally on the handle and a second element put in the second space and operably connected with the first element for bringing the toothed face of selective one of the pawls into engagement with the toothed external face of the annular gear.

Abstract: In a selective one-way wrench, a handle projects from an annular head. The annular head defines a first space and a second space communicated with the first space. A gear is rotationally put in the first space and includes a toothed external face. A direction controller is put in the second space and includes two pawls and a spring installed between the pawls each including a rod formed thereon and a toothed face. A driver is put rotationally in the second space and includes two fingers selective one of which contacts the rod of selective one of the pawls so as to bring the toothed face of the selected pawl into engagement with the toothed external face of the gear. A direction switch is installed rotationally on the annular head and operably connected with the driver.

Abstract: A socket includes tubular body which has a polygonal protrusion integrally formed on an end of the tubular body by way of forging and a polygonal engaging hole is defined in an end of the protrusion. A polygonal recess is defined in the other end of the tubular body so as to mount onto a nut or the like.

Abstract: A polygonal member engaging device includes a plurality of ridges and grooves defined in an inner periphery of a passage of the engaging device. The ridges and the grooves are alternatively arranged from each other in the inner periphery of the passage of the device. Each ridge has an enlarged portion extending radially outward therefrom. A ratio for a width between the two enlarged portions of two adjacent ridges and a width of a bottom of each groove being 1:1.2.

Abstract: A polygonal member engaging device includes a box end and a handle connected to the box end. The box end has a hole for receiving an engaging ring therein which has a plurality of ridges and grooves defined in an inner periphery thereof a clamping hole of the engaging ring. The ridges and the grooves are alternatively arranged from each other in the inner periphery of the clamping hole and each ridge has an enlarged portion extending radially outward therefrom and a width “W1” between two adjacent enlarged portions of the ridges is smaller than a width “L1” of a bottom of each groove.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a fastener from an assembly in which the fastener is aligned with a concave end of the apparatus. A socket bit holder has a first end and a second end, with the first end being a concave end, and having a socket bit receptacle. The second end has a socket drive receptacle.

Abstract: A screw bit connector includes a body having a section of polygonal periphery and a section of circular periphery. An extension having a polygonal recess extends from an end of the section of polygonal periphery and a polygonal engaging stud extends from an end of the section of circular periphery. A screw bit can be inserted in the polygonal recess and the engaging stud can be connected to a ratchet tool. The polygonal recess can be connected to a driving handle and the polygonal engaging stud can be connected with a socket which is used to drive a nut or a screw head.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved split-tip screwdriver. The split-tip screwdriver of the present invention prevents the movable sleeve from detaching from the remainder of the screwdriver by incorporating a retention rim on both the sleeve and the handle. The split-tip screwdriver also provides an extended portion on the sleeve that covers the elongated members and insulates the elongated members when the sleeve is extended from the handle to minimize the possibility of a user inadvertently being shocked by electricity conducted through the elongated members.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for confirming that threaded fasteners have been tightened to the level of torque required by the assembly specification. An apparatus and method is provided for validating or verifying a fastener connection. A wrench or other torque tool can be engaged with a fastener to be tested. A rotation sensor is associated with the wrench for sensing rotation of the fastener and for generating a first output signal. A torque sensor is associated with the wrench for generating a second output signal corresponding to torque being generated by the wrench against the fastener. A processor is in communication with the rotation sensor to receive the first output signal and is in communication with the torque sensor to receive the second output signal. The processor analyzes the first and second output signals in accordance with a control program stored in memory.

Abstract: A hand tool includes a handle defining an axially extending passage therein, and having an accommodation cavity with a radially extending access opening. A cassette member is insertable through the opening to be rotatably mounted in the cavity, and has a plurality of angularly displaced storage chambers for receiving tool bits, respectively, such that a selected one of the chambers is in line with the passage. A shank is movably disposed in the passage, and has an engaging head which can push the tool bit in the selected chamber outwardly of the handle for operation, and which can be retracted into the passage for angular movement of the chambers. The cassette member can be radially pushed to be removed from the cavity through the opening.

Abstract: A material stock advancing apparatus for use with a turning and milling machine having a computerized numeric controller or lacking programmable capabilities. The material stock advancing apparatus generally comprising an elongate body of cylindrical form having first and second ends and an interior chamber for housing therein a plunger assembly operably working therewithin. The second end comprising means for attaching the elongate body to an external holding device such as a collet or chuck adapter seated in a headstock spindle assembly. The first end comprising an end plug having a threaded section situated in between external and internal ends thereof, with the threaded section being threadably attached to the first end to permit the internal end to substantially engage a portion of the plunger assembly and ensure proper axial positioning of the plunger assembly during cyclic operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removing material from a high speed, moving substrate. This method includes the steps of: supplying a moving substrate having at least one first portion and at least one second portion, providing a cutter and using the cutter to substantially sever the first portion from the second portion, nipping the first portion between a movable mechanical finger and a movable complementary surface, and moving the second portion away from the first portion while the first portion is maintained in contact between the movable mechanical finger and the movable complementary surface.

Abstract: A splitter (32) is installed behind a circular saw blade (10) to prevent contact between the cut work piece (14) and the upwardly moving rear portion of the saw blade. The splitter includes a plurality of pegs (38) that are installed into splitter location holes (40) drilled into the saw work surface (12) or a zero clearance insert (42). The holes are positioned using a drill guide (36) that is indexed from the side of an actual kerf (50) rather than from a side of the saw blade. In this manner, variations in kerf width resulting from variations in blade width and vibration of the saw blade are accommodated. Splitters (32a, 32b, 34a, 34b) having incremental amounts of offset between the centerline of the pegs and the planar surface (44, 46) of the splitter may be selected to provide a desired degree of interference and resulting force between the splitter and the work piece. Dual splitters (86, 88) may be used to provide contact with both sides of the kerf.

Abstract: A method of cutting a fiber optic cable having an optical fiber surrounded by at least one protective layer comprises providing a cutting tool having opposingly directed blunt surfaces and opposingly directed sharp surfaces. The cutting tool is movable between an opened position and a closed position. This method also comprises the steps of positioning the fiber optic cable between the opposingly directed blunt surfaces and moving the cutting tool toward the closed position sufficiently to crush the optical fiber without cutting through the protective layer. The method further comprises the steps of moving the cutting tool toward the opened position sufficiently to release the fiber optic cable from between the blunt surfaces, positioning the fiber optic cable between the opposingly directed sharp surfaces and moving the cutting tool toward the closed position sufficiently to cut through the protective layer.

Abstract: An electric power tool has a motor-driven circular tool that can be clamped by means of a clamping device. A mechanical braking device (2) serves to brake the tool. A safety element (4) prevents improper handling of the electric power tool. In a safety position, the safety element (4) prevents the motor from being turned on and activates the braking device (2). In a release position, the safety element (4) allows the motor to be turned on and the braking device (12) is released. An additional locking mechanism prevents that a clamping lever, needed to actuate the clamping device, can be actuated in the clamped state in the safety position. In the release position of the safety element, the locking mechanism is unlocked.

Abstract: A circular saw includes a worktable, a blade supporting unit pivotally mounted to the worktable, a saw blade shaft mounted rotatably on the supporting unit and driven by a motor to rotate a saw blade, a driving shaft mounted rotatably on the supporting unit, and a dust collecting member confining a dust passageway which has an intake port in the vicinity of the saw blade, and an outlet port for passage of wood dust. A blower casing is disposed outwardly of the supporting unit, and defines an accommodation chamber disposed downstream of the outlet port and receiving a driving end of the driving shaft. An impeller is mounted on the driving end and is rotatable so as to draw wood dust from the dust passageway into the accommodation chamber and out through a discharge port.

Abstract: A stripper-plate for a progressive die sets is provided including open-ended tubular guide bushings that project outwardly from at least one side. A first anti-friction bearing assembly is positioned within each of the guide bushings, and a second anti-friction bearing assembly is positioned on an outer surface of each of the guide bushings. A die set is also provided including an upper die shoe having a plurality of guide posts arranged in a pattern and projecting outwardly from a surface. A lower die shoe is arranged in confronting relation to the surface of the upper die shoe, and includes a first plurality of open ended tubular guide bushings positioned so as to each receive a corresponding one of the guide posts. A first anti-friction bearing assembly is positioned within each of the guide bushings. A stripper-plate is positioned between the upper die shoe and the lower die shoes, and includes a second plurality of open-ended tubular guide bushings each having an outer surface and an inner surface.

Abstract: A push block including a heel that has a stored position and an operative position. Accordingly, when the push block is disposed face down on a flat workpiece and the heel is in its stored position, the push block can effectively perform the functions of a flat face push block. When, on the other hand, the heel is disposed in its operative position and the push block is disposed so that the heel can engage an end edge of the workpiece, the push block can effectively perform the functions of a fixed heel push block.

Abstract: A machine for slicing a foodstuff has a housing, a blade displaceable on the housing, and a stop plate on the housing adjacent the blade, and displaceable on the housing to control slice thickness. A knob rotatable on the housing is coupled to the stop plate for adjusting slice thickness. A carriage adapted to hold the foodstuff against the plate is displaceable past the blade. A drive can be energized to reciprocate the carriage past the blade and thereby cut a slice from the foodstuff as the carriage moves past the blade. The knob is axially shiftable from a rest position or a separate control ring immediately adjacent the knob is rotationally shiftable from a rest position to initiate a slicing operation.

Abstract: A cutter apparatus for a flat plate building material according to the present invention comprises: an inclined base having a slope; a cutter having a rotary blade for cutting a slipping-down flat plate building material; and cutter fixing means for installing the rotary blade at a predetermined height from the slope, the cutter fixing means comprising: a cutter rail trained between the opposite ends of the inclined base in the direction of the width of the base; a movable support section movable along the cutter rail; and a cutter holder mounted on the movable support section for supporting a casing of the cutter.

Abstract: A power tool and components and accessories therefor are provided. The power tool having at least one of a movable extension member, a retractable handle, a retractable workpiece support, a modular base, a digital display, a display connected to a table, a miter gauge with passing angle setting assembly, a fence with a handle operable to both move the fence and secure it in position, a retractable rail, an electrical outlet, and leg extensions.

Abstract: A scroll collar and reciprocating tool assembly for providing a rotating grip on the tool wherein the reciprocating tool has a motor housing, a working end and a gear housing. A support structure is disposed on the gear housing and a scroll collar rotates around the support structure. The scroll collar rotates around a scroll collar axis and allows the user to rotate the tool with one hand without having to readjust or release the grip on the tool with the other hand.

Abstract: A panel (2) turning device (1) applicable to a panel saw machine (4) comprises a panel (2) hold-down element (11) located in the vicinity of a lateral edge (5a) of the worktable (5) and acting on the panel (2) in such a way as to form a pivot (12) and an axis of rotation (R) in a defined area of the panel (2). The device (1) also comprises rubber wheels (15) built into the worktable (5), designed to enable the panel (2) to be turned about the pivot (12) and mobile between a rest position in which they are not in contact with the panel (2) and a working position in which they are in contact with the panel (2).

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a finger ring interconnected to a pick in combination, each of which may be removably yet fixedly interconnected together by a tether. We provide various embodiments and/or accessory options, including use of a magnet for attaching the device onto a metallic surface when not in use and/or the tether is retractable within the ring if so desired.

Abstract: Guitar pick stickers for adhering to synthetic guitar picks so that the picks may be held to a guitar are disclosed. Each sticker is sized to fit within a perimeter of a guitar pick. Each sticker has an adhering layer for adhesive attachment to the guitar pick and a highly-plasticized formulation of material (such as polyvinyl chloride, or static cling vinyl) for adhering the guitar pick to a glossy surface of a guitar without adhesive. A sticker sheet includes an adhesive backing sheet on which the stickers may be initially carried.

Abstract: Black/white keys are selectively moved by key actuators energized with a driving signal in a playback mode, and plunger sensors, which are provided inside of the key actuators, report the measured values of the keystroke to a motion controlling section; since the measured values contain error due to the deformation of the keys, the motion controlling section estimates true values or estimated values of the keystroke by dividing the sum of products between the measured values and weighting factors by a normalizing constant, and compares the estimated values with target values to see whether or not the keys exactly travel on reference trajectories; if the answer is negative, the motion controlling section varies the duty ratio of the driving signal so as to accelerate or decelerate the keys.

Abstract: A characteristic-data-extraction unit 13 extracts characteristic data containing changing information from song data, then an impression-data-conversion unit 14 uses a pre-learned hierarchical neural network to convert the characteristic data extracted by the characteristic-data-extraction unit 13 to impression data and stores it together with song data into a song database 15. A song search unit 18 searches the song database 15 based on impression data input from a PC-control unit 19, and outputs the search results to a search-results-output unit 21.

Abstract: A portable voice studio apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a microphone, a music generation device, a processing unit, and a headphone. The processing unit is contained in a single housing. The processing unit is electrically coupled with the microphone and the music generation device for receiving a first input signal from the microphone and a second input signal from the music generation device. The processing unit is configured to amplify and add an intended effect to at least one of the first and second input signals to generate an output signal. The headphone receives the output signal from the processing unit to enable a user to hear the output.

Abstract: Non-linear functions to be used for automatically varying current values of parameters to be set, independently of each other, are prepared in corresponding relation to a plurality of parameter setting operator members, such as faders of a mixer. In response to an automatic setting instruction, such as a scene recall instruction, the current value of the parameter, to be set via each of the operator members, is caused to vary gradually toward a given target value with a characteristic based on a corresponding one of the non-linear functions. For example, the non-linear function is defined by a start offset for setting a delay in a start of the variation, and a fade time necessary for actually causing the parameter to vary up to the target value after the variation start. Processing of a predetermined type of event (e.g., GPI event) may be delayed to allow for a time delay that would result during execution of automatic setting processing of each parameter.

Abstract: In order to precisely express motion of a key or motion of a hammer, a voice message for the polyphonic key pressure and another voice message for the control change, which stand idle in an automatic player piano, are used to express rough key position or rough hammer position and an offset from the rough key position or rough hammer position, and the offset is described at a high resolution on an ordinary trajectory between the rest position and the end position and at a low resolution outside of the ordinary trajectory; moreover, the numerical range expressed by the third byte of the voice message for the polyphonic key pressure is divided into two numerical sub-ranges respectively assigned to the keys and hammers so that only a few voice messages are required.

Abstract: In connection with a classification system for classifying media entities that merges perceptual classification techniques and digital signal processing classification techniques for improved classification of media entities, a system and methods are provided for automatically classifying and characterizing tempo properties of media entities. Such a system and methods may be useful for the indexing of a database or other storage collection of media entities, such as media entities that are audio files, or have portions that are audio files. The methods also help to determine media entities that have similar, or dissimilar as a request may indicate, tempo(s) by utilizing classification chain techniques that test distances between media entities in terms of their properties. For example, a neighborhood of songs may be determined within which each song has similar tempo characteristics.

Abstract: An extrusion die for use in producing perforated stick-type propellant includes a die blank having a central passage therethrough, the passage having a tapered entry, an open lattice webbing structure having struts in and spanning the central die passage, and an array of die pins for imparting perforations in material forced through the central passage, each pin having a fixed end attached to the lattice structure and a free end extending parallel to the passage beyond the lattice structure.

Abstract: A negative pressure type booster includes a power piston, a slide valve, and a holding mechanism, among others, and assists a driver during emergency braking. The holding mechanism is adapted to hold the slide valve at a predetermined frontward position, and includes a latch member that is mounted to the power piston in such a manner as to be linearly movable in a radial direction, and a garter spring for biasing the latch member radially inward. The latch member has a hook that can be engaged with and disengaged from a hook provided on the slide valve. When a plunger moves frontward relative to the power piston by a quantity greater than a predetermined value, a push slope provided on the plunger pushes a passive slope provided on the latch member radially outward, whereby the hook of the latch member is disengaged from the hook of the slide valve.

Abstract: A fluid powered vehicle seat adjustment system comprising a fluid actuator a source of pressurised hydraulic fluid and a controller. The fluid actuator including first and second inlet/outlet conduits, and the controller selectively controlling and directing pressurised fluid selectively to either the first or second inlet/outlets of the actuator. The actuator further comprising actuator isolation valves associated with each of the first and second inlet/outlets of the actuator. Each actuator isolation valve allowing a flow of fluid from the actuator only when pressurised fluid is supplied to the actuator and other isolation valve in order to prevent movement of the actuator except when pressurised fluid is supplied to the actuator.

Abstract: The invention concerns a control device for a hydraulic lifting arrangement with a drive in the form of a hydraulic motor, which has a first working connection and a second working connection, a pressure connection and a tank connection, and a control valve, which is connected with the pressure connection and the tank connection on the one side and with the first working connection via a first working pipe and with the second working connection via a second working pipe, each working pipe comprising a stop valve that can be opened.

Abstract: A tandem brake booster has a housing defined by a front shell that is joined to a rear shell to create an interior cavity. The interior cavity is divided by first and second diaphragm assemblies that are separated by a partition member to respectively isolate a first chamber from a second chamber and a third chamber from a fourth chamber. The first and third chambers are connected to fluid having a substantially constantly first pressure while the second and fourth chambers are connected to selectively receive the fluid at the first pressure or fluid at a second pressure. The partition member is characterized by a disc with a cylindrical body extending from a ledge formed on a peripheral surface of the disc and a flange located on the cylindrical body between the ledge and an end face of the cylindrical body.