Abstract: Torque in a shaft is detected by means of non-contacting sensors sensing a torque-dependent magnetic field emanated by an integral transducer region of the shaft that is circumferentially or longitudinally magnetized. The shaft is driven by a motor and subject to a longitudinal magnetic field which acts on interference field. In one implementation of the invention coils are energized to provide a counteracting magnetic field to compensate the interference field.

Abstract: A pin support assembly includes a pin support frame having a plurality of apertures for supporting an array of pins for dispensing fluids. The pins are supported for longitudinal or “floating” movement to prevent damage to the pins. An actuation assembly engages an end of each of the pins to ensure that the pins are properly seated in the support frame in a planar fashion. The actuation assembly engages the pins as the pins move relatively toward a head block and disengages the pins as the pins move relatively away from the head block.

Abstract: The sampling pipette comprises a body and an arm movable relative to the body to eject a cone fixed to the pipette, ejection taking place in a longitudinal direction of the pipette, the arm having both a first portion suitable for coming into contact with the cone, and a second portion. The two portions are engaged one in the other and, starting from an operating position, they enable the first portion to be separated from the body by means of an initial movement in a direction that is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A pipette dispenser unit having a hand-held pipette dispenser having a pipette connector and a handle, a source of positive and negative air pressure in fluid connection with said pipette connector, and a foot-operated controller for regulating the flow of air between said air pressure source and said pipette connector. A method of metering fluid through a pipette by connecting the pipette to the pipette dispenser, holding the dispenser with one hand, and controlling fluid flow through the pipette by operating the controller with at least one foot.

Abstract: A portable reel device for extraction of water samples from feed water storage tanks and the like. The reel incorporates a receptacle known in the art as a thiever. A chain has one end attached to the thiever. The other end of the chain is attached to a spindle. A handle is mounted to one end of the reel for rotating the spindle. A holder is mounted to the other end of the reel, which holder is sized to receive and support the thiever therein. The reel has a base portion for enhancing stability when the reel is disposed on a planar surface.

Abstract: A method for selecting a sleep system comprises positioning a person on a mattress in a lying position. One of the person's arms extends generally perpendicular to the person's torso. A first pillow is positioned underneath the person's head, and a force is applied to the person's arm in a direction generally toward the person's feet. An amount of resistive force supplied by the person's arm is estimated and used to determine whether the proper combination of mattress and pillow is achieved.

Abstract: The invention is a method of qualifying an implantable ceramic component made of high-purity dense yttria tetragonal zirconium oxide polycrystal (Y-TZP) by application of non-destructive tests. Specifically, a qualified Y-TZP ceramic component or witness sample is examined by X-ray diffraction to determine the initial monoclinic phase content. The component or witness sample is exposed to steam at 127° C. for a predetermined period of time, preferably six hours. The monoclinic phase content is determined for the post-exposure sample. The absolute difference between the initial monoclinic phase content and the post-exposure monoclinic phase content is calculated by difference. If the difference is less than 2.1% the sample is accepted. In an alternate embodiment, the components that pass the screening test are examined by ultrasonic testing to evaluate soundness of the ceramic component. Any component that presents a flaw of greater than three microns is rejected.

Abstract: A starting apparatus for starting an engine has a drive motor and a reduction gear. The reduction gear includes a shock absorbing member and restricting members. The shock absorbing member is provided to elastically receive a reaction force exerted to an internal gear. The restricting members are provided to restrict a compressed amount of the shock absorbing member by making contact with each other. When bringing into contact with each other, the restricting members make contact at the outside diameter portions thereof. Accordingly, unpleasant noise generated during the operation of the starting apparatus is reduced by the shock absorbing member. Further, the damage to respective parts is reduced.

Abstract: In a vehicle power unit, a main shaft and a counter shaft of a transmission are placed in and taken out through an opening formed on the crankcase. The main shaft and the counter shaft are rotatably held by a single transmission cover fastened to the crankcase and a cylinder block for covering the opening. In addition, the output shaft is provided with an input gear engaged with an output gear provided on a counter shaft 1 and is rotatably supported on the transmission cover by a bearing holding portion formed on the transmission cover via a ball bearing. The counter shaft and the output shaft are connected via a pair of gears, wherein the necessity of increasing the fastening rigidity with respect to the transmission cover is reduced and the accuracy of the position and the size of the mounting positions of the counter shaft and the output shaft is easily secured with the aforementioned power unit.

Abstract: A system and method for predicting a destination gear for engine and transmission control is described. Auxiliary splitter section (16B) shifts are automatically implemented by a splitter shifter (28) under commands (56) from a controller (54). The controller (54) includes logic rules for determining an expected front box gear and determining whether an intended shift is one of a button shift and a compound shift. When a compound shift is intended, a shift lever lateral position, a shift lever fore-aft position, and a splitter switch position are used to determine the predicted destination gear. The controller (54) can use the predicted destination gear for engine and splitter control. It is emphasized that this abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle transmission, gears representing different transmission ratios are engaged by applying a force to an actuator output element that couples a selected gear to a rotary shaft. A synchronizing device blocks the coupling of the gear to the shaft until at least an approximate synchronization of rpm-rates has been achieved. A synchronization threshold position corresponding to the blocked condition of the actuator element is stored in a memory of a controller device. The controller device periodically performs an automatic adaptation of the stored value for the synchronization threshold position.

Abstract: The gear mechanism for minimizing backlash may include a convoluted spring positioned between an external spline of a gear or shaft and an internal spline of a gear. The gear mechanism may include a cam and cam follower arrangement upon two adjacent gears positioned on the same shaft. Two stacked gears may include a U-shaped backlash eliminating element passing through both gears. The gear mechanism may include rollers which may be conically shaped.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a desired tooth flank backlash for a transmission having at least two interlocking toothed gears, comprises applying a removable coating on at least one of the toothed gears for purposes of setting the backlash, the coating comprising a mixture containing a bonding agent and a filling material; adjusting the least two interlocking toothed gears with the coating relatively to each another essentially play-free or with only small play; and removing the coating.

Abstract: A ball screw apparatus which can suppress retaining pieces from contacting a wall of a ball rolling path or ball circulating path, and suppress the retaining pieces between the balls from falling down, so that such a ball screw apparatus can be improved in noise reduction, operability and endurance. The retaining piece is rounded at an edge portion opposite to the ball, such that a radius of curvature of the edge portion is defined to be 0.05 mm to 1 mm, and the outer diameter of the retaining piece is in a range of 0.60 times or more to 0.85 times or less of the diameter of the ball.

Abstract: A gear mechanism includes a driving gear, a driven gear, and an idler gear which is in mesh with the driving gear and the driven gear, wherein rotation of the driving gear is transferred to the driven gear via the idler gear. The idler gear includes first and second spur gears which are positioned adjacent to each other in an axial direction and are generally centered about a common axis, radial teeth of the first and second spur gears each being the same in shape, pitch and the number of teeth, and the first and second spur gears being biased to rotate in opposite directions. The first and second spur gears are connected so as to be relatively movable in a radial direction normal to the axial direction while maintaining the first and second spur gears in mesh with the driving gear and the driven gear.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal assembly has a cleat releasably coupled to a pedal by a cleat engagement mechanism formed on an upper surface of its pedal body. The pedal body has a front end configured and arranged to include a sole guide portion that assists the rider in rotating the pedal body about its pedal shaft. In one embodiment, the sole guide portion is formed by a first concaved sole receiving recess located in a tip surface of the pedal body and a second concaved sole receiving recess located on the upper surface of the pedal body adjacent to the tip surface. Alternatively, the concaved sole receiving recesses can be replaced with either a pair of laterally spaced projections located on at the front end of the pedal body, or a V-shaped tip surface.

Abstract: A method is provided to mount a terminal connector, which gathers wirings that extend from a control valve unit, to a transmission case, which includes a mount portion with a mount hole, and which encloses the control valve unit. The method includes: (a) inserting the terminal connector into the mount hole until a portion of the terminal connector projects outwardly from the mount hole, and (b) outwardly pulling the inserted terminal connector from an outside of the transmission case to thereby mount the terminal connector to the mount portion. A structure includes: (a) a connector mounting arm of the control valve unit, and (b) the terminal connector mounted into the mount hole of the mount portion. The terminal connector includes a holder portion, which is engaged with the connector mounting arm and which is slidable relative to the connector mounting arm, upon mounting the terminal connector to the mount portion.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a universal, or interchangeable, bed end that can be used at either end of the bed and can be connected with an existing motor drive assembly. The bed end may include a gear box having first and second input shafts that are selectively covered by a movable cover. The bed end may include a frame having drain openings for draining water from the bed end when the bed end is washed. The bed end may also include an end cap that is fastened to the frame in a unique manner, and that helps to maintain a panel of the bed end cover in a curved or bowed configuration.

Abstract: A motorized device for linking sections of threaded conduit such as electrical conduit, and a method of linking such conduit are described. In one form, the device is formed as a motorized tool, including a motor (such as an electric motor) and a bit. The motor is coupled to the bit, for example via a rotating collar and/or chuck, so that the motor can drive the bit rotationally. The bit preferably includes a drive ring with internal threads, where the drive ring is adapted (i.e., sized and shaped) so that the internal threads engage external threads on the ends of the conduit sections. The motor can be actuated to rotate the bit, thereby screwing the conduit into a connector. In another form, a bit is adapted for connection to a chuck and/or collar of a motorized drive, for example a prior art threading tool. A method for using a motorized tool to link sections of conduit using a bit or motorized tool is also described.

Abstract: A ratcheting driver for rotationally driving a piece and having a handle and pivotal pawls engageable with a driven gear and being capable of ratcheting and driving in both rotational directions. A cap is rotatable relative to said handle and it has a web for pivoting the pawls out of engagement with the gear. Through the selective rotation of the cap, the setting of the pawls is established. A spring positions the pawls in driving positions, and the cap has surfaces which disengage the pawls from the gear upon rotation of the cap. A method of arranging the driver is included.

Abstract: A threaded fastener capable of being reduced in size and weight. A pair of side wall surfaces of each of six radially outwardly projecting, torque transmitting portions lie on straight lines passing through the center line in a cross section perpendicular to the center line so as to transmit torque through the side wall surface, whereby the direction of a surface orthogonal force N applied to a force-applied point P by a wrenching tool coincides with the direction of an effective wrenching force F. This arrangement reduces an operation force required for rotating the wrenching tool and accordingly the load acting on each of the torque transmitting portions, in comparison with a conventional hexagonal head. That is, it is possible to reduce the diameter of the head portion of the threaded fastener and the size and weight of the head portion, while avoiding deformation of the side wall surfaces through which the torque is transmitted.

Abstract: A locking screwdriver which engages and locks to the head of a screw preventing unseating of the screwdriver from the screw during screw removal and firmly holding and guiding self-tapping screws during their placement.

Abstract: A manually operated rotatable impact tool including: a driven member having means for retaining and driving a fastener about an axis, the driven member further having at least one impact stop offset from the axis; a driving member rotatably connected to the driven member for driving the driven member about the axis to loosen or tighten the fastener; an impact mass movable along a path in communication with the impact stop; a spring disposed in the path for storing energy upon rotation of the driving member; and an energy releasing mechanism for releasing the stored energy and allowing it to be at least partially transferred to the impact mass such that the impact mass accelerates and strikes the impact stop upon the release of the stored energy.

Abstract: A driver heads barrel for a precise screwdriver includes a handle, a stem, and a cover. The handle has a chamber to accommodate a stem and screwdriver heads therein. A groove is formed close to an outer end of the chamber. A reverse cone-shaped disc is formed at an inner end of the stem. The stem has a plurality of longitudinal partitions thereof. The cover has a barrel extending downwardly from one end. A ridge corresponding to the groove of the chamber is formed on the barrel. The disc of the stem is secured into the inner end of the chamber of the handle. The screwdriver heads are accommodated between the partitions and the chamber. The barrel of the cover is inserted into the chamber with the ridge engaging with the groove. The cover is pivotally connected to the outer end of the chamber of the handle.

Abstract: A method of classifying slices or a portion cut from a food product according to an optical image of the slice. After a slice is removed from a food product loaf the slice is passed into an image field of a digital image receiving device. A control generates a pixel-by-pixel image data of the slice using input from the digital image receiving device. The control calculates a surface area of the slice from the data, and a fat content of the slice on a pixel-by-pixel basis. The fat content data is compared to at least one predetermined limit and the slice is classified accordingly.

Abstract: A saw with a safety system is disclosed. The safety system includes a detection system adapted to detect contact between a person and a blade while the blade is moving. The safety system further includes a brake system adapted to engage the blade and to stop the blade when the detection system detects contact between the person and the blade.

Abstract: A circular saw includes a table having an upper surface for placing a workpiece thereon. A saw unit has a saw blade mounted thereon and is supported on the table such that the saw unit is movable in a horizontal direction parallel to the upper surface of the table and is movable in a vertical direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the table. At least one of a first lock device and a second lock device is provided. The first lock device is operable to prevent the saw unit from moving in the horizontal direction in response to the movement of the saw unit in the vertical direction. The second lock device is operable to prevent the saw unit from moving in the vertical direction in response to the movement of the saw unit in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A photo cutting apparatus includes a support, a press, a linkage and a cutting device. The press is movably mounted on the support. The linkage is for pressing the press. The cutting device is arranged between the support and the press for separating photos developed on a sheet from one another in a single action.

Abstract: In order to selectively reinforce portions of a material web, a cutting and laminating device efficiently produces the required reinforcing strips and then laminates them to the web. In order to efficiently and accurately produce these reinforcing strips, a cross web shear is utilized which is capable of cutting required reinforcing strips from the fairly large web of reinforcing material in an accurate manner. Once cut, a holding and positioning device is capable of grabbing onto the reinforcing strip and appropriately positioning it next to the primary material web. A separate laminator can then attach this reinforcing strip to the web at a desired location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling and regulating the pressure of a reel of material in an automatic-cutting dispenser. Each side panel of the dispenser comprises a slot that receives, internally, two flanges which are disposed around said slot in lower and upper horizontal planes thereof and which are used to position and support a pivoting shaft. The shaft receives a flap which passes through each of the side panels, via the slot, and which extends outwards from the side panel. The rear of each reel holder arm comprises a tab which is used to receive and fix a return means. This return means is solidly connected to the flap. In this way, when the reel holder arm is lowered, each of the flaps is articulated and the reel is pressed continuously against the drum.

Abstract: A label making apparatus includes a cutter that cuts sheets along a desired line, the cutter being switchable between a full cutting state and a half cutting state. A controller controls a switching device to switch the cutter between the full cutting state and the half cutting state. A method of making labels includes performing the half cutting on the sheet at least twice before performing the full cutting.

Abstract: A binding cord for a motor for an electric vehicle includes a braided round cord of eight or more strands using a multifilament strand made of synthetic fibers having a melting point or a decomposition temperature at 280° C. or more. The binding cord has oil resistance at high temperatures of 50% or more, the oil resistance at high temperatures being represented by the following formula: oil resistance at high temperatures (%)=(T?/T)×100. Here, T denotes a tensile strength of the binding cord before treatment and T? denotes a tensile strength of the binding cord after the treatment. The tensile strength is measured in accordance with JIS L1013-8.5.1, and the treatment is carried out in such a manner that the entire binding cord is put into a closed container containing a mixture of 5 weight % of water and 95 weight % of automatic transmission fluid, followed by heating the container so that a temperature of the mixture is maintained at 150° C. for 1,000 hours.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for planning a mission profile in real time on board a platform or a vehicle dispensed from a platform. In general, the mission planning technique includes ascertaining a plurality of target information, including a target location, a target velocity, and a target location error. This is followed by an autonomous determination of a pattern from the ascertained target information.

Abstract: For connection to a hydraulic power supply of a tractor, wherein the tractor comprises a plurality of hydraulic supply circuits, and wherein each hydraulic supply circuit comprises a pair of quick couplers for connecting the hydraulic supply circuit to a hydraulic device, a hydraulic motor apparatus comprises a first pair of hydraulic lines adapted for connection to the quick couplers of a first hydraulic supply circuit; a second pair of hydraulic lines adapted for connection to the quick couplers of a second hydraulic supply circuit; and a hydraulic motor connected to both the first and second pairs of hydraulic lines such that fluid can flow from both the first and second hydraulic supply circuits through the hydraulic motor to drive the hydraulic motor.

Abstract: A valve plate subjected to a nitrocarburization heat treatment process for use in a hydraulic pump, wherein the hydraulic pump includes a sump having a rotatable cylinder block located therein.

Abstract: An impact plate for use in a component having parts that move at high velocity, such as a piston or valve, controls energy transfer during impact of the moving part. The impact plate has a recessed inner portion that acts as an impact surface and an outer support surface to hold the impact plate within a housing of the component. The impact surface has a selected, controlled spring rate so that it can deflect and absorb impact forces when the moving part contacts it.

Abstract: A reciprocating compressor is capable of preventing a bush, provided between an eccentric shaft and an eccentric shaft mounting hole of a connecting rod, from being deformed. The reciprocating compressor includes a rotating shaft rotated by a drive unit which generates a rotating force. An eccentric shaft is eccentrically rotated by the rotating shaft. A piston reciprocates by a force transmitted from the eccentric shaft, thus compressing a refrigerant. A connecting rod has, on an end thereof, an eccentric shaft mounting hole so that the eccentric shaft is mounted to the end of the connecting rod, and converts a rotating motion of the eccentric shaft into a reciprocating motion to reciprocate the piston. A bush is placed between the eccentric shaft mounting hole and the eccentric shaft to fill a space between the eccentric shaft mounting hole and the eccentric shaft, with a hinge hole being provided at a predetermined portion of the bush to allow the eccentric shaft to be rotatably fitted into the hinge hole.

Abstract: A pneumatic force-generating device, for example, a pneumatic cylinder for balancing the ram weight on a press, is provided with an impact or catching device having an impact plate (24) for catching the piston (18) upon discharge of the weight. The deformable impact plate (24) is securely clamped along its edge or held by a clamping device (31), that permits a controlled slipping through. The impacting piston (18) deforms the impact plate (24) to absorb the kinetic energy produced if this piston is released as a result of damage and is accelerated by the existing gas bolster and thrown against the impact plate (24).

Abstract: A method for brewing beverages in a machine, which comprises: (a) providing a machine comprising a clamp which is adapted to hold a beverage brewing sachet and a liquid injector tube for injecting liquid into a sachet held in the clamp, wherein the injector tube has a tip and an outlet hole in said tip; (b) providing a beverage brewing sachet containing a beverage brewing ingredient and having at least one side wall region formed of flexible film; (c) inserting the sachet into the clamp; (d) piercing the flexible film in the side wall region of the sachet with the liquid injector tube; and (e) injecting liquid into the sachet through the injector tube to brew the beverage in the sachet, wherein, following step (d), a flap of the flexible film material extends inwardly from said side wall and over the outlet hole of the injector to form a valve that allows liquid to flow into the sachet from the injector tube, but that blocks or restricts the flow of liquid or solid materials into the injector tube from inside

Abstract: A coffee maker includes a liquid container. A handle assembly includes a seat placed on the container. A pan is placed in the seat. A spring-biased discharge control assembly and a check valve are mounted to the pan. A lid assembly is fitted on top of the seat. An elongate actuation assembly is hingedly connected to a rear of the lid assembly and includes a push button located intermediate the rear and a forward actuation member. Pressing the push button will lower the actuation member to press down the discharge control assembly and will form a gap for permitting coffee to flow out of the container by tilting the coffee maker. Releasing the push button will expand the spring to lift the discharge control assembly for closing the gap.

Abstract: A separation device for dough pieces (2) is provided with an inlet portion for delivering a plurality of dough pieces (2), a separation unit (26) for separating the dough pieces (2) delivered and an outlet portion (27) for individually discharging the dough pieces (2) separated from one another. The separation unit (26) comprises a container (28) having a container bottom (31) which is divided into a round inner portion (33) to which the dough pieces (2) are delivered and an outer portion (34), extending at least partially around the inner portion (33). The outer portion (34) can be caused to rotate relative to the inner portion (33) around an axis of rotation extending perpendicular to the container bottom plane and is arranged in conveying connection with the outlet portion (27). Such a separation device reliably separates a plurality of dough pieces.

Abstract: A multi-roll calender, supercalender, soft calender or equivalent has at least one nip (YN, PN1, KN, PN2, AN) profiling a fibrous web (W) which is being calendered. A shoe roll (1, 4, 6, 10) constitutes at least one of the calender rolls which define the nip. A shell (11, 41, 61, 101) of the shoe roll is of a composite material, and the shoe roll is provided with internal shell-loading shoes (12, 42, 43, 62, 63, 103) for profiling the shell, the nip and/or the fibrous web.

Abstract: A cream solder cartridge used in a screen printing apparatus which prints cream solder on a board through pattern holes by sliding, on a mask plate, a closed squeegee that is stored with cream solder inside is composed of a long and narrow concave portion made of a flexible film-like material, a brim portion projecting from the outer periphery of the concave portion, and a film-like cover sheet that is stuck to the brim portion and thereby closes the opening of the concave portion. This configuration makes it possible to supply paste at a low cost and to perform a viscosity adjustment easily by externally stirring the paste accommodated inside.

Abstract: The plate-making printing press is constructed by installing a plate-making apparatus in a printing press that supplies ink and dampening water to a printing plate and performs printing on a medium. In order to realize a high-precision plate-making operation, the printing press is equipped with a target disposed on the printing cylinder and a sensor for detecting the target and provided on the writing device, and the zero point of the encoder is corrected. Furthermore, at the time of plate-making, the adjustment mechanism is operated so that the printing cylinder is returned to the position of the point of origin.

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 method for non-lethal crowd and personal protection. The method includes: firing non-lethal bullets towards a person; and deploying portions on the non-lethal bullets prior to impacting the person to decrease its impact pressure on the person.

Abstract: A collapsible table comprises a frame formed from a plurality of pivotally connected frame members, the frame being movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. A table top is connected to the frame, the table top including at least one drink holder. A container assembly having a flange portion is provided with mounting holes and a container pouch. The container assembly is connected to the frame at a position beneath the table top by the plurality of frame members being inserted though the mounting holes.

Abstract: A cargo pallet has a framework including a plurality of beams that are each formed of a square hollow body of paperboard treated for water resistance and water repellency. Each beam is engaged at a predetermined distance with and adhered to a pair of channel-shaped bent edge members of paperboard material faced to each other. Strip-like boards are placed in parallel to each other on both the front and back faces of the beams with a gap provided between adjacent strip-like boards in a direction perpendicular to the beam length and adhered to the beams. Each of the strip-like boards is formed with a pattern paper treated for water resistance and water repellency that covers all of the periphery of front and back faces of an inner core member of thick paperboard. Fork insertion openings are provided in the edge members having paperboard reinforcing layers.

Abstract: A pallet (10) includes a deck (14) and a plurality of legs (12) extending downwardly from the deck (14). The deck (14) includes recessed and raised areas (16, 18), wherein the raised areas (18) lie in a substantially horizontal top plane (T), and the recessed areas (16) lie in a substantially horizontal bottom plane (B). The raised and recessed areas (18, 16) are interconnected to each other by an upstanding wall (22).

Abstract: A movable “L” type desk comprising a main desk with a main desk board on top; an extension desk with an extension desk board on top; the extension desk connects to one of the main leg of the main desk with a connection mechanism rotatably, a rolling wheel is on the bottom of the extension leg; a connection mechanism consists of a main leg of a main desk with a top and bottom leg, a round shaft is on top of the bottom leg, a hollow connecting tube is installed vertically near the open end of an extension beam, at least one rub-resistant ring is inside the connecting tube, the round shaft passes through the rub-resistant ring, the top of the round shaft passes through the rub-resistant ring and connects to a top ring.