Abstract: A support cradle (11) adapted to support a tool (13) having a cutting element associated with a cutting face (15) at which the cutting element is accessible to a work piece, the cradle in use to be associated with guide (21) comprising a support face (23) and a guide face (25) which is to be coextensive with the support face, the cradle having a lower face (27) which is to be maintained in face to face relationship with the support face and a side face (29) which is to be maintained in face to face relationship with the guide face, the cradle configured to receive and support said tool such that the cutting face is located above the guide and is accessible across the guide face whereby with longitudinal movement of the cradle along the guide face the cutting element is caused to move in a path having a form corresponding to that of the guide face, clamping means (35) provided from the cradle and adapted to releasably engage and support the tool on the cradle such that the cutting element is held in fixed spac

Abstract: A power cutting tool includes an electric driving unit and a cutting unit. The cutting unit includes a first cutting member and a second cutting member that is pivotable relative to said first cutting member and that is driven by a rotary driving member of the electric driving unit such that rotation of the rotary driving member results in pivoting movement of the second cutting member relative to the first cutting member for cutting an object disposed between the first and second cutting members.

Abstract: A thin-film slicer is disclosed that comprises a base; a sample holder; a cutting blade; and a feeder, wherein the sample holder and the cutting blade are placed at predetermined angles with respect to the base; the sample holder sandwiches the sample surfaces of the thin film at a portion other than a portion to be cut; the cutting blade is provided movably in a straight line in a direction that forms the predetermined angle with respect to the direction of the sample surfaces of the thin film, and cuts the thin film held by the sample holder from a sample-surface side; and the feeder feeds the cutting blade in a straight line in the direction that forms the predetermined angle with respect to the sample surfaces of the thin film held by the sample holder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to all facets of a novel cutting tool designed to retrieving gel slice from an agarose gel and poly-acrylamide gel. The cutting tool is made of plastics or metal materials and consists of a tool body and a plug. The upper end of the rectangle tube is open. A plug is inserted into the rectangle tube from the upper end of the tube to form the cutting tool. The rectangle shape and the plug of the cutting tool make gel-cutting and gel-ejecting much easier and more precise.

Abstract: A power tool (20) is provided. The power tool includes a housing (22), a base plate (28) coupled to the housing and having a base plate width. The power tool also includes a motor assembly (24) attached to the housing and coupled to a tool connector adapted to releasably receive a tool (74). The motor assembly and housing having a width W that is at most substantially equal to the base plate width. Further, the motor assembly having a length (86) and diameter (84) ratio that is at least 1:1.5.

Abstract: A rotary cutting tool with easy to adjust rotary die plates comprises a rotary die cylinder, a die plate adjustably mounted to the rotary die cylinder, an external eccentric mounted on the rotary die cylinder having a first axis of rotation with respect to the cylinder and having a central opening offset from the first axis, and an internal eccentric mounted in the central opening. Rotation of the external eccentric urges the internal eccentric to move with respect to the cylinder, and the die plate moves in response to motion of the internal eccentric.

Abstract: A data storage system allows a subscriber to store data at the time the subscriber experiences the date with an indication, such as a press of a button or a voice command. The indication causes a request to obtain and store the data to be issued. For example, the subscriber can store music while listening to it, store movies while viewing them, or store movie soundtracks while viewing movies. The entire music file can be stored, for example, in a vehicle in which the subscriber is traveling. For some environments, such as storage in a cellular telephone, a portion of the music is stored in a format compatible for that environment, such as cellular telephone ring tone format. When the indication is received, a determination is made as to which music is required, generally by determining the time of the indication. The music heard by the listener is then downloaded for storage in accordance with the subscriber's request.

Abstract: An acoustic musical instrument includes a sounding board which has a top and a bottom surface. The top includes a bridge and the bottom includes a plurality of tone bars. A string block extends between two of the tone bars and is spaced from said sounding board. The string block includes means for anchoring at least one string end. The instrument is strung by anchoring a first end of each string to the string block and attaching a second end of each string to a tensioning device.

Abstract: Shoulder rest for use with violin is disclosed. The rest includes a base including two half portions each including a central channel, a guide rail along either side of the base, a rack rail at either side of the channel, and two half sections each comprising clamping means; a support including a leg inserted into the channel, two latched members slidably fastened at underside of the channel, and two toothed stops engaged with the rack rail; and pivotal means comprising a body having a top hole for receiving a threaded stem of the clamping means, a parallel snapping element, and a bar interconnected the body and the snapping element, the bar being pivotal about a cavity of the support having a bifurcation sandwiched by the body and the snapping element. Two side flanges of the support are mounted to the guide rails. Thus, the support is moveable along the channel.

Abstract: Mouthpieces for brass wind musical instruments are shaped so the physical length of a mouthpiece body (40, 50, 60, 70, & 80) is inversely-proportional to the volumetric size of a corresponding cup-chamber (42, 52, 62, 72, & 82). Methods for constructing separate sets of such mouthpieces for each kind of brass wind instrument are disclosed. Other embodiments include variations like multi-section components and alternative backbore shapes.

Abstract: An apparatus for practicing drumming and a method of practicing drumming are described. Preferred embodiments of the apparatus comprise an elastic cord tensioned between two support arms that lessen the impact load transferred back to the drummer's hands and arms when stuck by a drumstick as compared to prior art drumming practice pads.

Abstract: A vent for a drum or drum head is provided. The vent includes a valve which is mounted on the side of the drum or drum head which can be adjusted between fully open and fully closed positions and may provide a range of settings between those two positions. A number of embodiments of adjustable throttle valve types that are applicable including but not limited to: globe valve, gate valve, ball valve, plug valve butterfly valve, diaphragm valve, check valve, one, two or three way valves, pinch valve, flap valve, needle valve or safety valve.

Abstract: A reversible seat cup allows free floating or fixed positioning of the seat cup, depending on application. For applications where the cymbal needs to be rigidly held, such as China cymbals, and/or minimal stand noise is essential, such as symphonic performances or studio applications, the seat cup can be positioned with the convex side positioned downward and “locked” firmly to the threaded post. A rubber O-ring on the threaded post fits into a receptacle in the seat cup to provide secure attachment and silent action. For applications where the cymbal, such as crash cymbals, needs freedom of movement, the seat cup can be positioned with the convex side positioned upward. A cavity on the opposite side allows the seat cup to float on the rubber O-ring for optimal cymbal sound. The plastic-type material of the seat cup and the rubber O-ring provides silent action and freedom of motion.

Abstract: A music session support method which enables each of players in a music session which is performed via a network to immediately recognize whether or not the other players are in the state of being able to participate in the session. A session support apparatus 10 transmits sets of status information indicative of whether or not each of players is in a state of being able to participate in a session, and player identification information which identifies the players, to each of session terminals 20. Each of the session terminals 20 which have received the sets of status information and player identification information causes a touch display 24 thereof to display the status information for each of the players.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computing device to allow for the selection and display of a multimedia presentation of an audio file to a user. An interface device couples the musical instrument to the computing device by performing A/D conversion of the musical instrument's analog audio signal to create a digitized audio signal. The computing device includes a communication device and a processor. The communication device transmits a user's request for the selection of a musical piece to a server. In turn, the communication device receives a session file associated with the musical piece from the server. The processor processes the session file such that the computing device presents a multimedia presentation of the audio file to the user. Moreover, the processor processes the digitized audio signal of the musical instrument so that the user can play the musical instrument in conjunction with the multimedia presentation of the audio file.

Abstract: An interactive voice response method and system comprising a VoiceXML browser for processing an interaction with a user. A music score (for example a MIDI file) describing background music for playing during the interaction, and a music synthesizer for generating background music from the music score and from acoustic parameters are included. Acoustic parameters are generated whereby the music synthesizer may be controlled independently of the music score to change the audio environment during an interaction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for classification of information and using the classification information in search and retrieval of information. In one embodiment, musical compositions having various highly subjective characteristics and features are classified according to a schema of objective attributes that are associated with the characteristics and features. Categorizers carry out the classification and create and store attribute information in a database. A search and retrieval system can receive information that characterizes the features of a desired composition and can locate a matching composition. As a result, information having subjective characteristics, such as musical compositions, may be compared and similar musical compositions can be located.

Abstract: A method for generating and playing a musical file and a computer-readable record medium with the musical file. The method records events performed at the same time respectively by an event field, and also the event fields correspond to a time field, such that a musical file can have less file length. When reading a musical file on a computer-readable record medium, both a time field with respect to the musical file and corresponding event field or fields are read.

Abstract: Parallel operations on the amplitude envelope of a single-channel or multiple-channel electronic instrument or vocal signal may be used to control rich layered audio signal processing and/or audio synthesis environments. The controllable layered audio signal processing and audio synthesis environments may comprise dedicated or shared processor and synthesis elements, respectively, though use of pre-mixing and merging operations. Detection operations performed on the envelope of an applied audio signal may include level detection operations, rate sign (i.e., level increasing versus decreasing) detection operations, and rate magnitude detection operations. These operations may control rich layered audio signal processing environments and/or audio synthesis environments directly, while other embodiments may incorporate the use of state machines in the control chain.

Abstract: A movable pickup mounting system is disclosed, which consists of a “wiper” arm and thereupon mounted electromagnetic pickup unit, movably attached to the body of the stringed instrument, to provide a means of moving the pickup through different positions along the string path and thus achieve different tonal effects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high speed control valves which are especially applicable for use in fuel injection systems. Producing a valve with a quick response time within acceptable packaging constraints and with a structure that allows the valve to be mass produced with consistent performance between valves is extremely problematic. By moving flow restrictions within the valve away from the valve seats, flow forces on the valve member can be reduced, while possibly also permitting a reduction in the necessary travel distance of the valve member to improve response time and other performance characteristics. The valve is particularly applicable in controlling hydraulic pressure applied to the closing hydraulic surface of a direct control needle valve in a fuel injector.

Abstract: A spool valve includes a first valve port coupled to a fluid source at a first pressure range, a second valve port coupled to a fluid source at a second, lower, pressure range, and first and second output ports coupled to a hydraulic device. The valve includes a valve spool configured to selectively channel fluid from the first and second valve ports to the first and second output ports, respectively, while in a first position, from the second valve port to both the output ports while in a second position, and from the second and first valve ports to the first and second output ports respectively, while in a third position, and a check valve to permit one-way fluid passage from the second output port to the first valve port. The valve may include an anti-reverse check valve configured to prevent fluid from flowing into the valve via the first output port.

Abstract: A hydraulic motor having radial pistons, and comprising a cam, a cylinder block and a distributor. The cylinders of the cylinder block are connected to communication orifices (32A) situated in a communication face of the cylinder block, while the distributor has a distribution face in which distribution orifices (21A, 23A) are provided that are suitable for communicating with the communication orifices for rotating the motor. The cam is provided with a plurality of lobes (50, 50?), each of which has two ramps (51, 52), each ramp corresponding to a distribution orifice (21A, 23A). The edge of each of at least certain communication orifices (32A) has at least one notch (54A, 54B) suitable for establishing a small section of communication with a distribution orifice.

Abstract: A fluid-pressure actuated piston/cylinder assembly having a sensor capable of reading at least one indicia marking on a piston rod in order to determine the movement and specific location of the piston rod and cylinder relative to each other. The sensor is housed within a sealing gland that is incorporated into the piston/cylinder assembly and is isolated from the fluid pressure and external elements outside of the assembly. The method of providing a compact, accurate position detecting system for the noted piston/cylinder assembly is also set forth.

Abstract: The invention concerns a piston arrangement having a piston with a piston head and a piston skirt and a connecting rod, which is connected with the piston via a ball joint arrangement comprising a ball, the ball being held in the piston by means of a safety element.

Abstract: Purification material for removing a contaminant from an impure hydride gas comprising an adsorbent comprising a reduced metal oxide on a porous support and a desiccant. The porous support may be selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, alumina, silica, zeolite, silica alumina, titania, zirconia, and combinations thereof. The reduced metal oxide may comprise one or more metals selected from the group consisting of Group I alkali metals (lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, and cesium), Group II alkaline earth metals (magnesium, calcium, strontium, and barium), and transition metals (manganese, nickel, zinc, iron, molybdenum, tungsten, titanium, vanadium, cobalt, and rhodium). The desiccant may be selected from the group consisting of hygroscopic metal salts, zeolites, single metal oxides, mixed metal oxides, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A process for separation of carbon dioxide and methane in which a gas mixture comprising carbon dioxide and methane is brought into contact with a methane hydrate solid material disposed in a reactor vessel, whereby the methane hydrate is displaced by carbon dioxide hydrate, thereby freeing the methane, which is then removed from the reactor vessel.

Abstract: A stream of primarily water is treated to remove oxygen before injecting the water into an underground hydrocarbon reservoir. The pressure of water moving through a conduit (12) is reduced to a low level to maximize the dissolution of oxygen and other gases that are dissolved in the water. The resulting two phase mixture is separated by centrifugal action caused by rotating the water inside the conduit. The rotation is induced by flowing the water past fixed spin blades (20). The oxygen and any other gases are removed from the center of the conduit through a gas pipe (30) and eventually pass out of the system to the atmosphere via a vacuum pump (50). As an enhancement, nitrogen may be introduced upstream of the centrifuge.

Abstract: A cyclone is used to collect nanoparticles and is formed of a chamber, and a guide wing located in the chamber such that the guide wing and the chamber form a passage. A flow entraining the nanoparticles is moved through the passage in such a way that the flow is caused to spin rapidly, and that the nanoparticles, acted on by a centrifugal force, are thereby resulting in collision with the chamber wall. The cyclone has a nanoparticle cut-off aerodynamic diameter, which is reduced by virtue of the phenomena that the particle inertia increases in a low pressure environment, and that the particle slipping correction factor increases under low pressure, and that the rebound of the particle in the cyclone chamber tends to alleviate under low pressure. The cyclone is used to remove nanoparticles from industrial exhaust fumes.

Abstract: A device and method for cleaning a filter element. The device including a valve interconnected to a blowpipe. A nozzle is positioned at an end of the blowpipe and to direct a pulse of compressed gas into the filter element. The nozzle includes a body and a diffuser arrangement configured to direct multiple jest of the compressed gas into the filter element. The valve is arranged to provide access to each of the valve components from one side of a compressed air manifold.

Abstract: An elongated flow-through degassing apparatus includes an elongated gas and liquid impermeable outer tube and one or more gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable elongated inner tubes extending within the outer tube and at least partially through a chamber defined within the outer tube. The apparatus also includes inlet and outlet connection structures operably coupled to respective portions of the outer tube and the inner tubes to further enable a sealed engagement between the outer tube and the inner tubes, and to provide for connection devices to operably couple the degassing apparatus of the present invention to respective spaced apart components. The degassing apparatus is sufficiently flexible so as to be readily manipulatable into desired configurations.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for enriching a combustible gas. The gas mixture is initially flowing in a distribution line at a set pressure. Part of the mixture is bypassed to a separate line where it is then compressed. This compressed stream is then treated in a gas separation unit and is injected back into the distribution system at about the set pressure.

Abstract: A tea bag press and container assembly configured for receiving a tea bag during or after brewing, which conceals the wet tea bag, collects dripping liquid, and extracts tea liquid essence by efficiently compressing the wet tea bag vertically or sidewardly. In a vertical compression embodiment, a lid has an integral press element that compresses the tea bag against a tea bag support means in the bottom of the container upon applying pressure to the lid. In a sideward compression embodiment, a flexible container retains the tea bag during sideward compression, such as between the thumb and fingers, for releasing tea liquid from the bag. The tea bag press-container assembly is designed to reduce staining and mess on saucers, tables and fabric caused by a dripping tea bag and provides efficient extraction and pouring of tea liquid into an existing beverage, or the brewing of an additional beverage.

Abstract: This invention discloses an electric automatic-drip coffee maker with grinder, including a casing, an automatic coffee grinding device, a coffee basket assembly, a carafe for collecting coffee, a water reservoir, a heater for heating the cold water inside the water reservoir, and a water supply tube for supplying hot water to said coffee basket assembly; wherein, said grinding device further includes a coffee grounds discharge passage with its outlet positioned right above said coffee basket assembly; a partition assembly is installed between said coffee grounds discharge passage and said coffee basket assembly, said partition assembly can be rotated relative to said coffee basket assembly around a vertical axis. The coffee maker of the present invention can be used to grind and brew coffee effectively, to reduce or eventually eliminate the need for displacing the filter basket, so as to be convenient for use.

Abstract: An infusion tea maker is disclosed to include a jug, a brewing basket, which is supported inside the hug and has a top brewing chamber, a bottom air chamber, and a center guide tube vertically downwardly extended from the top infusion chamber through the bottom air chamber to the outside of the brewing basket, a rotary knob for regulating flow rate of infused tea out of the center guide tube to the inside space of the jug, and a cover, which is covered on the jug and attracts the brewing basket by magnetic attraction.

Abstract: A starch-reducing rice cooker includes a pot containing a lower compartment and an upper boiling chamber having a top opening. A partition separates the lower compartment from the upper boiling chamber. A perforated basket is located within the upper boiling chamber for containing rice to be cooked, and is adapted to contain more than sufficient water to immerse the rice for cooking. A cover is provided. In one embodiment, the cover is also provided with a top opening having a sprayer, spraying cool rinsing water onto the rice within the basket, after cooking of the rice is complete. A discharge valve within the partition communicates between the upper boiling water chamber and the lower compartment. A detector is programmed to detect when boiling of water in the upper boiling temperature starts and to maintain boiling for a time required to properly cook the rice based upon the boiling temperature of the water.

Abstract: This invention discloses a multi-function breadmaker comprising: a housing, a base plate, an oven chamber, an electric heater, pan assemblies, a control assembly, an electric motor, a transmission assembly and multiple driving shafts; said base plate is installed at the bottom within the housing, said oven chamber and electric motor are both installed on the base plate, said transmission assembly is installed below the base plate; said multiple driving shafts, passing through the base plate, are installed at the bottom of the oven chamber, and driven simultaneously by the electric motor; characterized in that, there are at least two sets of pan assemblies, each set includes pans of different number and different size; each pan assembly includes a pan, a pan base and at least one kneading bar; each set of pan assemblies is interchangeable with another set, and can be installed on the bottom of said oven chamber, the kneading bar of each pan assembly engaging with corresponding driving shaft can be driven by sa

Abstract: A grill includes a lower portion and an upper platen pivotably attached to the lower portion each having a grilling surface. An adjustment mechanism adjusts a dimension of the gap between the grilling surfaces between a large dimension and a small dimension. The adjustment mechanism includes a rotatable bar having a handle and a cam surface. The upper grilling surface is suspended by two cables. The cam surface is received between arms rotates the bar to move the position of the cam surface relative to the arms to adjust the gap between the grilling surfaces. This lengthens or shortens the cables to move the suspended upper grilling surface to adjust the gap between the grilling surfaces.

Abstract: A grill includes a lower portion and a pivotably attached upper platen each having a grilling surface. A lift/latch mechanism lifts the upper platen relative to the lower portion without the use of a motor. The upper platen can be manually lifted by grabbing the handle. An arm is pivotably attached to an upper pivotable portion at an upper pivot and is pivotably attached to a lower pivotable portion at a lower pivot. When the upper platen is lifted, a heavy resilient member biases the upper platen to a raised position. When the upper platen is lowered, a light resilient member bias the upper platen to a lowered position. When a solenoid is actuated, projection engages the arm to move the arm and lift the upper platen.

Abstract: A dessert pan assembly for forming a compound dessert constructed with a rectangularly configured rectangular base pan having side walls and a bottom defining a cavity. A planar flange extends outward from the sidewalls of the rectangular cake pan to support a cover member which is mounted to the rectangular cake pan and defines two opposing handles. The cover member has a plurality of smooth surfaced oblong projections defining spaced open ended cavities and a planar skirt defining opposing handles which sit on the rectangular cake pan flange. The cover member is held in place by slideable lock member which is slidably mounted on the surface of the skirt to slide over the handles of the base pan and be removed from the handles of the base pan. The planar skirt extends over the rectangular base pan cavity and is provided with a plurality of holes overlying the rectangular cake pan cavity to allow gases to escape from the rectangular cake pan.

Abstract: The invention relates to a utensil which prepares the surface for food items prior to cooking. A utensil for the preparation of food items comprising a first part (5) defining a container for receiving in use food items through an opening of the first part (5) and means (6) for closing the opening of the first part wherein at least a portion of an inner surface of the first part (5) comprises protrusions (4) which said food items may be brought into contact with, in use, by shaking the utensil so as to roughen or abrade surfaces of said food items.

Abstract: A gravure printing machine having a device (14, 16) for applying ink onto a printing cylinder (10), including an ink supply system (16); wherein a stripping device (14) adapted to strip-off a layer of air that has been entrained by the printing cylinder (10) is arranged at the periphery of the printing cylinder (10) in relation to the ink supply system (16) in such a manner that the printing cylinder (10) will not come into substantial contact with air in a range between the stripping device (14) and the ink supply system.

Abstract: A method for shifting a doctor blade in its longitudinal direction, the doctor blade being set against a cylinder of a printing machine, wherein the shift movement of the doctor blade is such that, for most of the time of the print operation, the shift velocity of the doctor blade is in a range from 0 to 0.1 m/s, and a printing machine having a doctor blade assembly, including a doctor blade arranged to be set against a cylinder, and a shift mechanism for shifting the doctor blade in its longitudinal direction, such that the shift mechanism is adapted to execute the method.

Abstract: An intermediate transfer member is disengaged from an impression drum. Color layers are applied to the intermediate transfer member. A sheet media is transported between the intermediate transfer member and the impression drum while the intermediate transfer member and the impression drum are disengaged. The intermediate transfer member is engaged with the impression drum. Another sheet media is transported between the intermediate transfer member and the impression drum. The color layers are transferred from the intermediate transfer member onto the sheet media.

Abstract: The ink proofer arrangement generates consistent and reliable ink draw downs irrespective of the size of the substrate or the user preparing the ink sample. The ink proofer arrangement includes an ink proofer tool, a cylindrical roller, a drive motor adapted to rotate the roller and a first movable mounting assembly is included that retains the ink proofer tool adjacent to and in a non-contact position with the roller. The proofer arrangement further includes a first variable pressure assembly coupled to the mounting assembly and adapted to move the ink proofer tool into a contact with pressure position with the roller and further adapted to move the ink proofer tool into the non-contact position, wherein the transfer roller is adapted to transfer ink to a substrate that is inserted between the roller and the transfer roll of the ink proofer tool when the drive motor is engaged.

Abstract: In a printing press, ink fountain keys are disposed to be movable toward and away from an ink fountain roller of an ink fountain to allow them to have a predetermined gap therebetween and hence the amount of ink to be fed to a downstream roller to be determined. The ink fountain roller is rotated while ink is prevented from being fed to the downstream roller. At least one of the ink fountain keys is moved so as to allow the at least one of the fountain keys to change a position thereof relative to the ink fountain roller of the ink fountain with time. With this arrangement, it is possible to improve an ink kneading effect produced by the rotation of the ink fountain roller without the necessity to manually knead ink in the ink fountain by the operator and the necessity to provide any ink kneading device or unit independently of the printing press.

Abstract: A magnetic plate retention system especially suitable for use in retaining a lithographic plate material to a conventional plate cylinder utilizes one or more magnetic retention devices each having a curved surface complementary to the cylinder. When disposed on the plate, the retention devices magnetically adhere the plate to the underlying cylinder.

Abstract: A computer-to-plate (CTP) machine is operated using processless printing plates. A plate bender is built directly into the CTP, bending the plate after imaging in order to make it ready for mounting on the printing press, eliminating all intermediate steps. For presses requiring punched holes in addition to the bend in the plate, the required holes are also punched in the CTP machine.

Abstract: A plate removing apparatus includes a plate cylinder, cover, loader, cover members, and plate removal port. The plate cylinder is rotatably supported between a pair of frames opposing each other through a predetermined distance. The cover is provided to a front side of the plate cylinder and supported between the pair of frames. The loader swings between a closing position to close at least part of a space formed between the pair of frames and an opening position to open the space. The cover members move from a retreat position to an operative position, when the loader is located at the opening position, to close the space opened by the loader. The plate removal port is formed in the cover members. A plate mounted on the plate cylinder is removed through the plate removal port when the cover members are located at the operative position.

Abstract: A module for a machine for processing sheet printing materials, has interfaces for control communication, a memory unit which can be read and written and which contains the properties of the module, and also a communications device which is used for communication with further modules and/or a higher-order control system of the machine. The communications device is operatively connected to the memory unit.