Abstract: A method of making a force sensor, the force sensor being particularly sensitive to forces applied along a predetermined axis, of the type including a force-receiving membrane deformable by an applied force to be sensed, the method comprising: providing the force sensor with a body of a liquid, and with a second membrane separated from said force-receiving membrane by the body of liquid; applying the force to be sensed to the center of the force-receiving membrane to thereby pressurize the liquid according to the magnitude and axis of the force applied to the force-receiving membrane; and measuring the deformation of the second membrane.

Abstract: A device for measuring flow in a pipe includes a first metal plate mounted to the pipe, the first metal plate including a first contact portion contacting a wall of the pipe and a first away portion spaced apart from the wall of the pipe, a second metal plate mounted to the pipe, the second metal plate including a second contact portion contacting the wall of the pipe and a second away portion spaced apart from the wall of the pipe, a first transducer mounted to the first away portion, and a second transducer mounted to the second away portion.

Abstract: Device and process for determining an acceleration-independent tilt angle of a mobile object, in particular of a single drum roller, wherein the device comprises of a tilt angle sensor with which it is possible to record the tilt angle of the object in a plane, a speed sensor with which it is possible to record the instantaneous speed of the object, a computer by means of which the instantaneous acceleration of the object can be recorded using its instantaneous speed so as to determine by means of the computer, a pitch angle of the recorded tilt angle caused by the instantaneous acceleration of the object and to determine from this an acceleration-independent tilt angle.

Abstract: An improved multi-axis transducer includes a stack of ferroelectric layers and a plurality of common electrodes and addressing electrodes alternately disposed between the ferroelectric layers; each of the addressing electrodes including a number of sections electrically isolated from each other and forming a set with corresponding sections in other addressing electrodes; a common conductor is electrically connected to the common electrodes and a number of addressing conductors is, each one, electrically connected to a different set of the sections of the addressing electrodes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a load cell comprising a Roberval mechanism made up of two parallel arms between a fixed end and a movable end and of four strain-generating-portions provided in such way that two strain-generating-portions are coupled to each other on each of said two arms. According to the present invention, said four strain-generating-portions all have the same thickness; and said two arms includes a first arm having strain gauges adhered to each of said two strain-generating-portions coupled to each other and a second arm having the thickness smaller than that of the first arm.

Abstract: A hand-held pipette is disclosed including a pipette tip, a piston, and a voice recognition and control system. The pipette tip is provided at one end of an elongated enclosure. The piston is received in an opposite end of the elongated enclosure. The piston is adapted for reciprocal movement within at least a portion of the elongated enclosure through a selected first stroke to aspirate a first volume of fluid into the pipette tip and to expel the thus aspirated first volume of fluid out of the pipette tip. The voice recognition and control system is for automatically adjusting the stroke of the piston from the first stroke to a second stroke responsive to voice commands such that a second volume of fluid may be aspirated into the pipette tip and the thus aspirated second volume of fluid may be expelled out of the pipette tip.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compact, non-contacting device for collecting samples, and particularly minute quantities of bio-agents or particulates, from a surface. The device vibrates a region of a target surface containing the sample and collects the sample on an electrically charged pin array. The sample can be later released to a detector or other instrumentation for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: Methods and devices for accelerated light stability testing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imprinting substrates. One embodiment of the invention provides a microtool having a sidewall on one or both plates. The sidewalls help prevent excess dielectric material from forming on the microtool plates or the substrate. For one embodiment of the invention, each microtool plate has a sidewall formed thereon. Upon application of pressure, the sidewalls contact each other, thus reducing or eliminating flexing of the microtool plates.

Abstract: A transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, a first plurality of gears, a second plurality of gears, and a series of engagement elements operable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. A controller is further provided to selectively toggle the series of engagement elements between the engaged position and the disengaged position to selectively couple one of the first plurality of gears or one of the second plurality of gears to the input shaft and the output shaft. The series of engagement elements sequentially couples the first plurality of gears to the input shaft and the output shaft during operation of the transmission and selectively couples one of the first plurality of gears or the second plurality of gears to the input shaft and the output shaft during a downshift operation of the transmission.

Abstract: A ball circulating member constructed in an external face of a nut is provided with ball scooping sections for scooping up balls rolling on between ball screw grooves of a screw shaft and the nut, along a line tangent to a center orbital circle of the balls. The path length of a ball scooping path section formed in the ball scooping sections is set to be ½ or greater of the diameter of the ball.

Abstract: Device suitable for transmitting a torque from a first shaft (5) to at least one second shaft (6), wherein the first shaft (5) is mechanically connected to a first cylindrical sleeve (12) which can be mechanically coupled or uncoupled with a second sleeve (13) mechanically connected to the second shaft (6) and arranged in a coaxial way around the first sleeve (12), by extracting or retracting, respectively, a mobile tooth (14) which can rotate in a seat made in the first sleeve (12), a third sleeve (18) being arranged in a coaxial and rotating manner around the first sleeve (12) and being provided with braking means (19; 25), wherein the mobile tooth (14) is provided with a cursor (21) suitable for sliding in a substantially radial manner in a groove (22) made in the third sleeve (18), so that the relative rotation of the third sleeve (18) with respect to the first sleeve (12) causes the extension or the retraction of the mobile tooth (14) according to the direction of this relative rotation.

Abstract: This method includes: a supporting process of supporting a worm wheel in a first supporting section of a supporting body; an engaging process of engaging a jig gear which corresponds to a worm with the worm wheel; a measuring process of measuring a distance between the centers of the worm wheel and the jig gear; a gear processing process of processing the worm based on the measured distance between the centers; and a supporting process of supporting the worm in a second supporting section of the supporting body after releasing the engagement between the worm wheel and the jig gear.

Abstract: A melt of a hydrogen storage alloy having an arbitrary composition is cooled gradually at a cooling rate of 5° C./min or less and solidified. Alternatively an alloy having an arbitrary composition, after heating to a temperature equal to or more than a melting point thereof, is cooled gradually at a cooling rate of 5° C./min or less and solidified. Thereby a homogeneous alloy reduced in segregation, precipitates, or inclusions is obtained. The homogeneous alloy is excellent in the hydrogen storage amount, in the plateau property and in durability.

Abstract: The invention provides a powder of fine particles of an alloy of platinum-family metal having a surface with a large amount of unevenness that is suitable as a catalyst metal. It is a powder of an alloy containing T and M in a composition ratio represented by the formula [TXM1?X], where T is one or two or more of the elements Fe, Co and Ni, M is one or two or more of the elements Pt, Pd and Ru, X represents a numerical value in the range 0.1-0.9, and wherein: its average grain size as measured under TEM observation (DTEM) is 50 nm or less, and under TEM observation, a plurality of protruding points is observed on the surface of the particles and indentations are observed between the protruding points, making it a fine powder of alloy particles with an uneven surface. This powder of fine alloy particles has a crystal structure with a face-centered cubic (fcc) structure, and its single crystallinity (DTEM)/(DX) is 1.50 or greater.

Abstract: A process and system for producing reducing gases are disclosed, wherein volatile components derived from coal are transformed into reducing gases suitable for utilization as synthesis gas, as a reducing agent for the direct reduction of iron ores and/or as a clean fuel.

Abstract: To obtain a push-cutting blade 2, a flexible base 1 and a projection (trapezoid-section projection 21) protruding from this base are formed by etching. Then, a lateral surface or surfaces of the projection 21 is cut into a vertical projection 2b. Lastly, the tip of the vertical projection 2b is sharpened to give a double (or single) cutting edge 2a.

Abstract: A completely automated apparatus for verifying the identity and geometry of drill bits, re-sharpening the cutting tip of a drill bit and re-positioning a locating ring upon the shank portion of the drill bit subsequent to the re-sharpening of the cutting tip thereof. The apparatus comprises a housing having a pair of cassette trays, a pair of grinding assemblies, a pair of optical assemblies, a pair of primary cleaning assemblies, a pair of secondary cleaning assemblies, a pair of inversion assemblies, a pair of workhead assemblies, a bumping assembly, and a loader assembly attached thereto. The workhead and loader assemblies are used to transport drill bits between the cassette trays and other assemblies in a selected sequence which is controlled and coordinated by a programmable control device. The control device is electrically interfaced to each of the assemblies and allows the cutting tip re-sharpening and locating ring re-positioning processes to be conducted simultaneously on at least two drill bits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a drill blank or a mill blank by extrusion, said method comprising the forming of a first blank portion (B1) having external, axially extending external flutes and the forming of a further blank portion (B3) in the shape of a shaft. The invention also relates to a device for manufacturing a drill blank or a mill blank. The method according to the invention is characterised by: extruding a first blank portion (B1) having a free end and external flutes; allowing the extrusion to continue to supply further extruding mass into a cavity (6), said supply of extruding mass completely filling out the external flutes of the first blank portion (B1) to produce a second blank portion (B2) integral with the first blank portion (B1); allowing the extrusion to continue to produce a desired length of the first blank portion (B1); and cutting off the first blank portion (B1) at the end facing away from the second blank portion (B2).

Abstract: Power tong jaws comprising one or more dies which are rotatable.

Abstract: A selective one-way pneumatic tool includes a handle and a head connected to the handle. The head includes two plates and a wall between the plates for enhancing the strength and cushioning effects. An annular gear can rock between the plates. A selective one-way driver can transform the rocking of the annular gear to selective one-way rotation. A pneumatic motor is put in the handle in order to transform the flow of pressurized air into rotation. A transmission is put in the handle in order to transform the rotation of the pneumatic motor to the rocking of the annular gear.

Abstract: A ratcheting tool includes a body and a ring disposed in the body. The ring defines a plurality of teeth on a circumference of the ring. A pawl is disposed in the body so that the pawl is movable with respect to the ring between a first position, in which the body transmits torque through the pawl in a first rotational direction, and a second position, in which the body rotates relative to the ring in an opposite rotational direction. The pawl defines a plurality of teeth facing the ring and engages a detent located between the pawl, body and ring. The detent urges the pawl between the first and second positions by engaging a portion of the pawl.

Abstract: A ratchet control structure comprises a first receiving portion for receiving a ratchet; a second receiving portion for receiving a braking block; and a third receiving portion for receiving a switch unit. The wall of the third receiving portion has a first trench and a second trench. One end of the switch unit in the third receiving portion is formed with a concave portion and a through hole. The concave portion receives one end of a positioning rod. Another end of the positioning rod is received in a sliding trench of the braking block; and a control element is received in the through hole. By moving the switch unit, the positioning rod and control element will control the rotation direction of the ratchet. The conductive wire includes a steel ball, a spring and a top rod.

Abstract: A wrench includes two jaws extending from a head on an end of a handle. Each jaw has an inclined surface defined in a first side thereof and the two inclined surfaces share a common plane which is inclined relative to a horizontal plane so that when the first and second inclined surfaces are rested on a surface, the handle is oriented upward and the user can comfortably hold the handle while the object is clamped by the two jaws.

Abstract: An adjustable rack type crescent wrench that allows the user to quickly and easily change the distance between the jaws of the wrench and then to automatically engage a nut or bolt head when the wrench is in position. The wrench includes an internal spring type mechanism that is engineered and designed to engage one end of the movable jaw assembly so that when the jaw is extended into the open position, it can then be released by the user pressing down on an operator mechanism that releases the worm gear from the rack of the movable jaw which instantly adjusts the distance between the jaws in a manner to securely grasp the flat portions of a nut bolt head or like fastener, while still allowing final, slight, adjustments to the position of the jaws by virtue of the ability to manipulate the sliding jaw with the worm gear.

Abstract: A hand tool includes a work section and a handle section connected to the work section. The handle section has one recess defined in an outer surface thereof so as to receive a spring and a bead. An extendable portion is movably mounted to the handle section and has two dents. The extendable portion is moved relative to the hand portion by receiving the bead in one of the dents so as to have a longer arm of force when using the hand tool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an identification structure for a sleeve tool, on a surface of the sleeve is formed with an annular groove, a molding portion is formed on a bottom surface of the annular groove, and an identification unit is embossed on surface of the molding portion. The identification unit is so strongly structured that it will not be peeled off after a long time of usage, so as to prevent the customer from misreading the identification marks when choosing and buying the tools.

Abstract: Gripping pliers consisting of a jointed clamp and handle. The clamp contains a longitudinal slot with longitudinal apertures defining first and second detent positions. In the first position, the joint is movable whereas in the second position, the joint is locked. The handle is rotatably mounted on a bearing ring which permits fine adjustment of the opening width of the pliers.

Abstract: A pliers includes two jaws pivotably connected with each other and each jaw has a connection neck including two lugs. Two grips each have a protrusion extending from an end thereof and the protrusion is pivotably between the two lugs of respective one of the two connection necks. Two shafts respectively extend through the lugs of the two connection necks and the protrusions between the lugs. A positioning device is connected between the protrusion and the connection neck so as to position the grip relative to the connection neck.

Abstract: A quick release bit socket assembly includes a socket and a screw bit is removably inserted in a first recess in a first end of the socket. A second recess is defined in a second end of the socket and a passage is in communication between the first and second recesses. A push rod includes a head and a shank which extends through the first recess, the passage and is inserted in the second recess. A spring is mounted to the shank and biased between the head and an inner bottom of the first recess. The screw bit can be quickly pushed out from the second passage by pushing the push rod toward the screw bit.

Abstract: An electronic torque wrench includes a work section connected to a first end of the handle and having a clamping space so as to accommodate an object to be tightened or loosened. A resistive strain gauge is received in the handle and located at a position within a range from ? to 3/16 of a length from a center of the clamping space to the second end of the handle.

Abstract: An extendable handle device comprises a handle; an upper opening end of the handle having an inner thread; a handle rod having at least one outer thread at an outer wall thereof and a resisting device. When the handle is engaged to the handle rod, the inner thread is used to engage one of the at least one outer thread so as to increase the stability of the engagement; an inner wall of the handle is formed with at least one annular trench; the resisting device can resist against one of the at least one annular trench. The resisting device includes a steel ball and a spring. The outer wall of the handle rod has an upper outer thread and a lower outer thread. The extendable handle device is a spanner with only one handle rod, or the extendable handle device is a damper with two handle rods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for cutting objects, such as chicken breast in a portion with fixed weight and fixed shape. This is done by situating an object into a mould defining a predetermined shape, applying under-pressure in the mould for positioning the object in a fixed position, and cutting the part of the object extending over the mould so that the remaining part of the object is essentially the part filling the mould.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus and method for guiding a plank towards cutting tools for curve sawing of the plank. The apparatus comprises a first guide and drive mechanism mounted on a platform for receiving, guiding and driving the plank along a path. The first mechanism comprises two first elements arranged opposite relative to the path. The apparatus comprises a second guide and drive mechanism mounted on the platform for guiding and driving the plank from the first mechanism along the path on the support surface up to the cutting tools. The second mechanism comprises two second elements arranged opposite relative to the path while being parallel to the path. The elements of the mechanisms located on the same side of the path are connected through a pivot pin. The apparatus further comprises displacing means for parallel and equidistant displacement relative to the path of the elements of the mechanisms.

Abstract: A cutting template for use in cutting various shapes, of various sizes, into or out of a specified medium. A preferred substrate for the invention includes a sheet of plastic or similar material with two grooves completely through the substrate that define the edge of the shape, and additional markings on the sheet to define sizes and registration. The grooves function to guide a cutting instrument that extends through the sheet into the medium to be cut, eliminating any need for tracing a pattern onto the medium. The plastic or similar material sheet shall be translucent or transparent sufficient to see the registration markings and the material the device is placed upon.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a precision-notch shape in a flexible medical catheter are disclosed. The system comprises a clamp punch die assembly, a clamping device, and a knife-edge punch die. A catheter blank can be inserted in a clamp die about a die pin. The clamping device forces together upper and lower portions of the clamp die, which causes the clamp die to restrain the catheter blank against the die pin. Once the catheter blank is restrained, a punch die with one or more finely-honed blades passes through a notched region in the clamp die and a notched area in the die pin without contacting either to provide the precision-notched portion in the catheter blank. The restraint provided by the clamp die minimizes rotation of the catheter blank, which prevents tearing and excess flashing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for eating shellfish comprising a fork that contains a handle, a head, a base and a set of tines. One or more of the of the tines includes a cutting blade attached to the inside of one tines. The cutting blade is positioned on one or more of the outer tines. This cutting blade is used to cut through the shell of shellfish when pressure is applied to the cutting blade. Once the shell is cut it is easy to use the tines to remove the meat from the shellfish. Then the fork is used as a typical fork for eating food.

Abstract: Single lengths of wrapping material are cut from a continuous strip by a feed unit equipped with a drum on which the strip is taken up and advanced, also with a first cutter assembly by which the strip is divided into leaves, a second cutter assembly positioned to score a transverse tear-off line on each leaf, and a third cutter assembly positioned to score a longitudinal tear-off line that combines with the transverse tear-off line to mark out a removable portion of the leaf; the first and second and third cutter assemblies all operate in conjunction with the drum, the second and third assemblies being also rigidly associated one with another, incorporated into a single rotary device in such a way as to present a cutting edge of “L” shape designed to interact at one and the same station with a striking surface offered by the drum.

Abstract: A web forming machine, and a method of forming a web is described and which includes a first rotatable assembly; a second rotatable assembly positioned in spaced relation relative to the first rotatable assembly, and wherein a gap is defined between the first rotatable assembly, and the second rotatable assembly; and wherein a web of material to be formed is received in the gap; and means for reciprocally moving the first rotatable assembly into contact with the web, and into mating relation relative to the second rotatable assembly.

Abstract: An obliquely inclined position determining mechanism has an intermediate base rotatable relative to both a support base and a pivotal base of a pivotal support of a cutting device. A fixing device is operable to releasably fix the intermediate base in position relative to the support base or the pivotal base. An adjustable screw is operable to accurately determine the rotational position of the intermediate base relative to the pivotal base or the support base at least when the saw unit has been pivoted to a target obliquely inclined position.

Abstract: A knife assembly for use in a food cutting apparatus includes a compression ring adapted for threaded engagement with a base ring. The compression ring includes a threaded collar that tapers thinner towards its leading edge. The blade support ring tapers thinner towards a leading edge of the support ring sidewall. The blade support ring includes a sidewall having a plurality of blade second end receiving slots. At least two blades are connected at their first ends to a central cutter element and at their second ends to the blade support ring. As the compression ring engages the base ring, the advancing and opposing surfaces of the tapered sidewall of the compression ring and the tapered sidewall of the blade support ring cooperate imparting a compressive force against the ends of the blades, securing the blade with respect to the compression ring and the cutter element.

Abstract: An automatic player piano includes an acoustic piano and an electronic system for reenacting a performance on the acoustic piano; a self-diagnosis subroutine program runs on a microprocessor of the electronic system so as to diagnose solenoid-operated actuators with built-in plunger sensors and component parts of the acoustic piano such as keys, pedals, action units and hammers on the basis of pieces of plunger data, pieces of key data and pieces of hammer data; thus, the mechanical components of the piano are diagnosed as well as the electric components through the execution of the self-diagnosis subroutine program.

Abstract: Casing of an electronic keyboard musical instrument includes two discrete parts: a main casing section; and a rear casing section. The main casing section includes a bottom plate having a keyboard section placed thereon, a keyslip portion extending upward from the bottom plate in front of the keyboard section, and left and right side plates extending upward from the bottom plate at left and right sides of the keyboard section. The rear casing section includes a roof plate forming a rear upper surface of the casing, and a back plate extending downward from a rear edge of the roof plate. The rear casing section is detachably attached to the main casing section by means of a slidingly-attaching structure for slidingly attaching the rear casing section to the left and right side plates of the main casing section.

Abstract: The invention is a single and/or musical instrument based on Tensegrity structures. It shows how a simple retying of a traditional Tensegrity, comprising a plurality of single shaped and/or multi-shaped struts, results in the creation of a single and/or multi-toned musical device, in which the compression struts of traditional Tensegrities become musical instruments. The simple retying involves moving the tie point of the struts from their usual place, at the strut ends, into one of the nodal minima's for the desired strut resonance mode. Another way of viewing this transformation is to imagine lengthening the strut beyond the ends where the strut is tied until the tie points are at resonant nodal minima's. What is left after the transformation is that all of the structural properties of a Tensegrity are maintained, while any of the struts tat were retied in the transformation become musical chimes that sound oust a musical note, or combination of notes when struck with a playing hammer.

Abstract: Nylon snap together sleeves that protect cymbals from damage and wear. Keeps felts and sleeves together on a cymbal allowing quick setups with no loose parts. This allows quick setups and breakdowns of cymbals on stands. Allows fine adjustment that does not change when playing. Increases felt life as Cymbal Snaps acts as a washer on both felts. Acts as a bushing that allows user to use cymbals with worn or damaged center hole.

Abstract: An ergonomic drumstick includes a plurality of rings forming ridges configured to circumferentially encompass a drumstick, the plurality of rings located non-equidistant from each other on the drumstick such that the rings ergonomically conform to the grip of a hand, the rings made from a softer material than the drumstick to provide comfort for the hand. The drumstick grip may be adjustable to provide greater comfort to the drummer's hand. Also, the drumstick grip may be removable to allow it to be transferred from one drumstick to another. The drumstick grip may also be provided with a color-coding to identify the type of drumstick grip.

Abstract: A tuner apparatus 10 causes a user to designate a musical instrument that is to be tuned and a reference pitch that is a standard upon tuning, by a process at a setting portion 110. A pitch detecting portion 130 detects a pitch of a performed note inputted via a microphone 20 and input portion 120. A target note specifying portion 140 defines a note name, which is positioned nearest to the performed note in a predetermined temperament (e.g., 12-note equal temperament), as a target note based upon the detected pitch of the performed note and the inputted reference pitch. Then, a calculating portion 150 calculates a difference between the pitch of the performed note and the pitch of the target note, and a display control portion 160 causes the display device 30 to display the calculated difference.

Abstract: A tuning device for use with a guitar. The tuning device has a knob including a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion, which are cylindrical and have different diameters. The small and large diameter portions are coaxial with each other. The large diameter portion is located closer to the head of the guitar than the small diameter portion. The large diameter portion has a peripheral surface defining a fine adjustment portion. The small diameter portion has a peripheral surface defining a quick winding portion. The fine adjustment portion and the quick winding portion enable efficient and facilitated tuning.

Abstract: A practice aid device for musicians, especially percussionists, arranged to help develop and perfect a proper drumstick gripping technique, wherein a spacer is used to maintain the space that is formed between the thumb and forefinger when correct gripping technique is being employed. With the spacer in place, the percussionist will be able to memorize the position and feel of the drumstick in the fingers while also preventing the drumstick from slipping. The device may be accompanied by a drum rudiment chart presenting multiple drum practice exercises.

Abstract: A browser portion BR obtains a reproduction manner specifying file from a content distribution server 30, and delivers the same to a reproduction control portion CT. The reproduction control portion CT obtains from the content distribution server 30 a music content file designated by a reproduction content list in the reproduction manner specifying file. The reproduction control portion CT reproduces, in cooperation with a tone generating circuit 43, a music piece corresponding to the music content in a reproduction manner specified by the reproduction manner specifying file. The reproduction control portion CT displays the music content on a display device 42 in a display manner specified by a reproduction manner specifying file. When a user operates an input operation element group 41 for changing the display manner of the display device 42, the reproduction control portion CT changes the display manner of the display device 42.