Abstract: The interface consists of a sleeve (1) attached around the user's forearm and a grip element (3) comprising touch-sensitive actuators (12) which press against the tips of the fingers and thumb-actuated control buttons (13). Actuators (6, 7, 11) connect the grip element (3) to the sleeve (1) and allow to move the latter in a noticeable manner in response to impulses from the environment, and the sleeve has a wireless displacement sensor. Hence, in the best embodiments of the invention, the user avails of two very different means both for giving commands (buttons 13 and sensor 14) and for receiving a response from the virtual environment (actuators 6, 7 and 11 and the touch-sensitive actuators 12). This interface is light and easy to use. It can be used to explore virtual environments for, visiting a location, entertainment, educational purposes, et cetera.

Abstract: A shifting device including at least one shifting element secured axially on the shaft longitudinally in at least one direction of extension of the longitudinal axis of the shaft by a bearing element on the shaft. The shifting element has transversely projecting fingers.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus for positioning a test head for testing electronic components is provided. The positioning apparatus includes an outer cylinder and a support coupled to the outer cylinder for supporting the test head. The positioning apparatus also includes a piston arranged within said outer cylinder such that the piston and the outer cylinder define a fluid compartment within the outer cylinder. The positioning apparatus also includes a pressure regulator for maintaining a pressure within the fluid compartment such that the test head may be suspended in a substantially weightless position, the substantially weightless position being adjustable in a vertical direction. The positioning apparatus also includes a lifting device for raising and lowering the outer cylinder. The lifting device includes a threaded drive mechanism coupled to the piston. The positioning apparatus also includes a drive apparatus for operating the threaded drive mechanism to move the test head to a predetermined position.

Abstract: A serpentine device having a proximal end and a distal end comprising a series of discs arrayed in succession and on center along a common, neutral axis, wherein the discs comprise a first and second surface; and at least one flexible interconnect extending between and connecting each disc to any succeeding disc according to a pre-determined connection configuration, wherein the interconnects are indirectly connected to one another through the discs and configured to provide torsional and bending support to each of the discs connected thereto under an applied load, thus achieving a continuum of flexibility along an entire length of the serpentine device, as well as to facilitate the torquability of the serpentine device. The serpentine device may further comprise a bendable member and at least one transfer element configured to perform one or more transfer functions, namely the transfer of energy, work, fluid, electricity, light energy, sound energy, matter, etc.

Abstract: A problem of the invention is to provide a reduction device at low cost capable of considerably alleviating a restriction on a range of operating each shaft of a robot by providing a communication hole at a center portion and wiring a wire-like member therein while using a main bearing having an optimum load capacity.

Abstract: A pivot-mounted tilt lever of the type used with a conventional cam-actuated tilt lock arm in an automotive steering column, the tilt lever being molded as a monolithic body of thermosetting polymer material such as phenolic resin. The tilt lever has a cam release surface for operating the tilt lock arm in the steering column, the cam surface being formed from the thermosetting polymer material as an integrally molded and finished part of the monolithic body. A method for making the tilt lever as a monolithic body is also claimed.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a vehicle body side bracket 4 having a vehicle body mount portion 4c to be mounted on a vehicle body and paired left and right opposed flat plate portions 4a, 4b, a steering column 2 having an expanded portion 13, formed by expanding a portion of a tubular material, that is to be in pressure contact with the pair of opposed flat plate portions 4a, 4b of the vehicle body side bracket; a shaft 5 inserted through the pair of opposed flat plate portions 4a, 4b and the expanded portion 13 and adapted to adjust the distance between the pair of opposed flat plate portions 4a, 4b as an operation lever 8 is rotated. The steering column 2 has a portion that is present in an area extending from the shaft 5 up to at least the vehicle body mount portion 4c and has a width substantially equal to the width of a penetrated portion of the expanded portion 13 at which the shaft 5 is inserted through.

Abstract: In a telescopic shaft for vehicle steering which is installed in a steering shaft of a vehicle and in which a male shaft and a female shaft are fitted to each other to be unrotatable and freely slidable, a spherical member (7) is interposed between at least one of axial grooves (3, 5) which are respectively formed on the outer peripheral surface of the male shaft (1) and on the inner peripheral surface of the female shaft (2) through an elastic member (9), and a columnar member (8) is interposed between at least another of axial grooves (4, 6) which are respectively formed on the outer peripheral surface of the male shaft (1) and on the inner peripheral surface of the female shaft (2).

Abstract: A steering column assembly comprising a steering column shroud which supports a steering column shaft, the shroud being connected to the vehicle by a clamping mechanism which is operable between a locked position in which the shroud is clamped in position relative to a fixed portion of the vehicle chassis and an unlocked position in which the shroud is adjustable for reach and/or rake relative to the vehicle chassis. The clamping mechanism includes an actuator and a user operated switch that is connected to the actuator and which is operable to control the operation of the actuator to move the clamp between the locked and the unlocked position.

Abstract: A retractable support crank is provided that includes a first handle piece adapted to be connected to a driving rod, and a second handle piece rotationally coupled to the first handle piece. The second handle piece being adapted to rotate from a high-speed position to a high leverage position by manipulating a releasable locking mechanism coupled to the first and second handle positions.

Abstract: A transmission housing for a hammer drill 320 is formed from three housing portions. A generally L-shaped first housing portion 380a accommodates a spindle 348, a hollow piston 358, the respective spindle and hollow piston drive mechanisms and a mode change mechanism. The first housing portion 380a is mounted to a second housing portion 380b such that a first O-ring 382a is trapped between the two portions to prevent the ingress of dust. The second housing portion 380b holds the lower part of the transmission mechanism inside the first housing portion 380a. The second housing portion 380b forms a motor output aperture 390 for enabling the motor output shaft 336 to engage the transmission mechanism. A third transmission housing portion 380c is mounted to the front of the first housing portion 380a such that spindle 348 projects out of the third transmission housing portion 380c. A second O-ring 382b seals the join between the first and third transmission housing portions 380a, 380c.

Abstract: A transmission housing for a hammer drill is formed from a right clamshell half and a left clamshell half formed from injection moulded high-grade strong plastics material. The clamshell halves each have a plurality of threaded holes respectively adapted to receive screws such that the clamshell halves can be joined together to form the transmission housing which encapsulates a transmission mechanism of the hammer drill.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a hammer drill comprises a hollow piston 558 having a cylindrical bearing that is adapted to receive a crank pin in order to cause the hollow piston 558 to reciprocate inside a spindle 548. A plurality of longitudinal ridges 559 are formed on the outer surface of the hollow piston 558 to reduce the surface area of contact between the hollow piston 558 and the spindle 548, and a plurality of grooves 561 are formed in the gaps between the ridges. The grooves 561 are adapted to retain lubricant 558 in order to reduce frictional contact between the hollow piston 558 and the spindle 548.

Abstract: In a gearbox including three or more shaft holes, a vibration suppressor is formed with the gearbox and extends from at least one of shaft hole in a radial direction of the shaft hole. The vibration suppressor ensures a width which is greater than or equal to one fourth of the shaft hole diameter of the shaft hole, and a height that is greater than or equal to one sixth of the shaft hole diameter at a highest portion of the bivration suppressor.

Abstract: The invention includes a cermet composition represented by the formula (PQ)(RS) comprising: a ceramic phase (PQ) and a binder phase (RS) wherein, P is a metal selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Fe, Mn and mixtures thereof, Q is carbonitride, R is a metal selected from the group consisting of Fe, Ni, Co, Mn and mixtures thereof, S comprises at least one element selected from Cr, Al, Si and Y.

Abstract: A method of forming metal spheres includes ejecting a precisely measured droplet of molten metal from a molten metal mass, buffering the molten metal droplet to reduce the internal kinetic energy of the droplet without solidifying the droplet and cooling the buffered droplet until the droplet solidifies in the form of a metal sphere. An apparatus for fabricating metal spheres includes a droplet generator that generates a droplet from a molten metal mass, a buffering chamber that receives the droplet from the droplet generator, and diminishes internal kinetic energy of the droplet without solidifying the droplet, and a cooling drum that receives the droplet from the buffering chamber, and cools the droplet to the extent that the droplet solidifies into a metal sphere. The apparatus may further include a collector arrangement that receives the metal spheres from the cooling drum and makes the metal sphere available for collection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-cleanliness steel having a high fatigue strength and high cold workability, and a method of making the high-cleanliness steel. The method adds a Li—Si alloy having a Li content between 20 and 40% and/or Li2CO3 as a Li-containing substance to a molten steel. The Li-containing substance is added to the molten steel after the completion of a series of steps of a ladle refining process including composition adjustment, temperature adjustment and slag refining. The high-cleanliness steel has a total-Li content between 0.020 and 20 ppm by mass and contains 1.0 or below oxide inclusion particle having a major diameter of 20 ?m or above at a maximum in 50 g of the steel wire. The steel contains an oxide inclusion that has a CaO content between 15 and 55%, SiO2 content between 20 and 70%, an Al2O3 content of 35% or below, a MgO content of 20% or below and a Li2O content between 0.5 and 20%.

Abstract: A one-piece opener for food and beverage cans which employs a fulcrum type action to rupture the can seal and remove the lid of food cans or opening the drinking aperture of beverage cans. The opener is a one piece molded reinforced handle with a keyed end to hold the key tab of the can while applying an opening force using a fulcrum arm at the rim of the can. The opener is mold injected in one piece, with reinforcing webs along the length, angled sufaces at the midpoint of the handle to provided additional hand and finger contact. A slotted end is provided with a dimension that allows capture of the can key of either food or beverage cans. The opener can be produced in a variety of colors and can accommodate imprinted logos along the sides of the handle.

Abstract: An air pressure actuated tool easily operated by one person for removing shingles and attached nails from a roof to facilitate re-roofing or general roof material removal. With the actuation of a front mounted prying and lifting fork, the device is capable of loosening and removing roof shingles, roof paper, roof nails and roof underlayment by simply pulling the activation trigger, releasing pressure to the lifting fork. The upper pitch fork blade moves vertically and independently of the lower mounted shovel blade.

Abstract: A three-dimensionally operable wrench including a head, a handle and a connecting member disposed between the head and the handle. A rear end of the head and a front end of the connecting member are pivotally connected via a first shaft pin. A rear end of the connecting member and a front end of the handle are pivotally connected via a second shaft pin. The first and second shaft pins are perpendicular to each other. The head and the connecting member can be swung relative to each other and the connecting member and the handle can be swung relative to each other. The swinging direction of the former is perpendicular to the swinging direction of the latter. By means of such complex swinging relationship, the handle can be swung by any angle relative to the head, whereby the wrench is adaptable to various working sites.

Abstract: A wrench includes a wrench body, an actuating member, a pawl member, a direction control knob, a positioning device, and a driving member. Thus, the direction control knob is mounted on the drive head of the wrench body after assembly of the pawl member and the driving member, so that the direction control knob is mounted on the drive head of the wrench body easily, rapidly and conveniently, thereby facilitating assembly of the wrench and thereby decreasing costs of production.

Abstract: A clamping device for providing high twisting forces and low damage to a screw device comprises a handle; a driving portion formed with a space; the space including at least two resisting portions and at least two adhesion portions; the resisting portions and adhesion portions being alternatively arranged; each of the connection of the resisting portion and the adhesion portion being formed with a recess for receiving apexes of a screw means so as to prevent the screw means from damage; and each resisting portion having two cambered protrusions at two ends and one sharp tooth between the two cambered protrusions; the apexes of cambered protrusions and the sharp tooth being collinear. Furthermore, the driving portion can be used to a sleeve so that sleeve has the same function of the driving portion. Thereby it is preferred that there are three resisting portions and three adhesion portions.

Abstract: An extension bar having at one end a generally L-shaped form of a handle, and at the opposite end of the extension bar a headblock is formed therefor receiving a wrench head, and a head portion with notches is formed thereon for receiving one of both indented openings formed thereupon top surface of an adapter being configured therefor receiving a straight wrench, and which is capable of rotating to allow the wrench to loosen or tighten nuts or bolts head in locations where are difficult to reach with the wrench.

Abstract: A wrench includes a handle with a first driving portion extending from one side of a first end of the handle and a pivotable section has one end thereof pivotably connected to a second end of the handle. A second driving portion extends from one side of the other end of the pivotable section. The first and second driving portions are able to engage with an object and the first driving portion can output a larger torque to loose or tight the object, and the second driving portion is used to output a smaller torque. The pivotable section is rotatable about a pivot for connecting the pivot section to the handle so that the user may hold the handle and rotate the pivot section continuously to remove the object from the hole where the object is engaged therewith.

Abstract: A wrench includes a handle and a head. A front end of the handle or a rear end of the head is rearward recessed to form a cavity. A ball joint is formed at a rear end of the head or a front end of the handle. A through hole is transversely formed through the ball joint. The joint is mounted in the cavity. A pin member is transversely fitted through the handle or the head and the through hole of the joint, whereby the joint can be rotated within the cavity. Accordingly, the handle can be freely swung relative to the head and the wrench can be operated in different working sites.

Abstract: A Wrench and Fitting Stand is disclosed. The stand enables a user to securely hold the head or handle end of a conventional pipe wrench. A particularly important feature is that the stand makes it easy to manipulate the adjustment knob of the wrench while the wrench is being held in the stand. The stand is further be configured so that it can be rested without attachment on any flat surface, or alternatively it is permanently attachable to an external structure.

Abstract: A spanner with an enhancing device for positioning electronic devices installed therein; a spanner having a holding portion; at least one end of the holding portion having a driving portion; each of the connection of the driving portion and the holding portion having a strain gauge; a receiving space being formed in the holding portion; an enhancing rib being installed in the receiving space; each of an upper side and lower side of the receiving space of the holding portion having an electric devices; the two electric devices being placed at two sides of the enhancing rib; the electric devices being connected to the respective strain gauges for measuring changes of resistances of the of the strain gauges as forces are applied to the strain gauges so as to calculate the twisting forces and display the values of the twisting forces.

Abstract: A fluid jet cutting system that provides more consistent cutting jet performance is disclosed. The system includes a fluid pump for pressurizing fluid having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The pump delivers pressurized fluid to a delivery tube that is in fluid communication with an end effector. The end effector includes an orifice for delivering pressurized fluid to tissue. The power delivered to the pump is controlled to produce a desired fluid cutting jet.

Abstract: A high speed input system for an inserter machine. The system controlling a guillotine cutter, a cutter transport, and an upstream web handler transport to increase throughput for mail production. The controller is programmed to control the high speed input module in accordance with a repeating cycle. The cycle time is determined as an amount of time between a first web feed request and an earliest possible time that a subsequent second web feed request can be acted upon. A cutter transport motion control profile initiates feeding of a document length of web after receiving the first feed request. The cutter motion control profile causes the cutter blade to begin descending when the cutter transport has moved the web a trigger distance, calculated such that the cutter blade will first make contact with the web immediately when the web has been halted by the cutter transport motion profile.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to power tools, and more particularly to a portable, multifunction saw and uses thereof (e.g., for household, commercial (e.g., for use in window removal and replacement) and medical (e.g. for bone cutting) applications).

Abstract: Portioning system (10) includes a conveyor (12) for conveying work products (14) past a scanner (16). A data processor (22) receives the scanning data and generates a thickness and/or volume distribution of the work product. The processor is programmed to determine in advance how the work product may be portioned into a plurality of desired end products, and more specifically how one or more of the end products may be cut and then subsequently sliced without having to re-scan the cut portion. The processor controls a cutting device (18) for portioning the work product under the cutting strategy determined by the processor, and also controls a slicing device (20) for subsequently slicing one or more of the cut portions to achieve a desired thickness per the determined cutting strategy.

Abstract: A cutting device for cutting or bursting a pipeline includes a basic body having at least one cutting or perforating element, wherein the cutting or perforating element discontinuously cuts the pipeline in the longitudinal direction or at least discontinuously weakens the pipe material.

Abstract: A bladeset for a hair clipper includes blade teeth configured to guide hair strands toward a cutting zone and to retain hair strands in the cutting zone. By more effectively guiding and retaining the hair strands into the cutting zone, more complete hair cutting may be achieved. Another feature of the present self-cutting hair trimmer is a housing configured to provide a cutting line associated with a generally elongate handle, which in turn provides a bladeset angle of attack substantially perpendicular to hair to be cut on all parts of a self-user's head or a subject's head when the present trimmer is held by a user in either hand.

Abstract: A clip-separating machine is provided with a guide frame, a clipper, and a displacement structure. The guide frame is configured to support a strip of clips. The clipper has a pair of opposed cutting edges. One of the edges is supported for movement toward and away from another of the edges. The displacement structure is configured to move the one cutting edge toward the other cutting edge so as to cause co-action of the cutting edges to sever a terminal clip from a strip of clips. A method is also provided.

Abstract: An improved blind cutting machine has a work surface on which a blind to be cut is placed and at least one end stop against which an end of the blind to be cut rests prior to being cut by a cutting mechanism. An actuator is connected to the end stop. The actuator moves the end stop relative to the work surface and the cutting mechanism in response to signals from a controller. An operator enters information about the blind to be cut and the dimensions of an opening over which the blind to be cut is to be mounted into the controller. The controller then calculates the location where the end stop should be so that a sufficient amount of material can be trimmed from an end of the blind to be cut to enable the blind to fit the opening. Then the controller sends a signal to the actuator that causes the actuator to move the end stop to that location. In alternative embodiments the end stop is fixed and the actuator moves the cutting mechanism or a work surface on which the blind to be cut has been placed.

Abstract: A saw including a base, a trunnion pivotally attached to the base, a pivot arm pivotally attached to the trunnion, a saw assembly supported by the pivot arm, the saw assembly including a motor, a blade driven by the motor, an upper blade guard for covering an upper part of the blade, and at least one of a lower blade guard pivotally attached to the upper blade guard for covering a lower part of the blade and a rear blade guard attached to the upper blade guard, and a fence assembly comprising a fixed fence attached to the base, and a movable fence movably attached to the fixed fence, wherein the movable fence has a stepped portion for limiting lateral movement of the at least one of the lower blade guard and the rear blade guard.

Abstract: An apparatus is shown for severing profile pieces of an extruded profile strand (1) moved in its longitudinal extension, comprising a carriage (3) which is movable along the profile strand (1) and comprises a severing device with a saw blade (7) and at least two clamping jaws (5, 6) for holding in a non-displaceable manner the carriage (3) on the profile strand (1), and comprising a control device (13) connected with the clamping jaws (5, 6) and the severing device, which control device triggers the clamping jaws (5, 6) and the severing device depending on a predetermined length of the profile piece. In order to provide advantageous constructional conditions it is proposed that the severing device is associated with a knife (8) which can be moved transversally to the longitudinal extension of the profile strand (1), and that the control device (13) comprises a selector circuit (16) for optionally severing a profile piece with the saw blade (7) or the knife (8).

Abstract: A paper cutting device has a board, a rail mounted on the board and a cutter assembly provided on the rail for reciprocation along the rail. The cutter assembly has a housing. A base is fixed at a bottom of the housing, which has a first slot and a second slot. A first cutter is received in the first slot of the base to be moved between an extruding position and a storage position. A second cutter is received in the second slot of the base to be moved between an extruding position and a storage position. A switch is received in the housing to be moved between the a first position, in which the switch moves the first cutter to the extruding position, and a second position, in which the switch moves the second cutter to the extruding position.

Abstract: A paper cutter capable of cutting a paper with a width of a margin of the paper adjusted arbitrarily, wherein a fixed blade is provided at an end of a paper mounting base, a guide rail is disposed on a rear face side of the fixed blade, a slider is disposed slidably on the guide rail, a rotary blade holder having a rotary circular blade and an arm are attached to a mobile member, the arm disposed striding over the fixed blade, a paper pressing plate pressing portion for pressing a paper pressing plate disposed such that it is capable of approaching/leaving the fixed blade is attached to the arm, and a scale for adjusting the width of the margin to be formed on a periphery of a cutting object paper is formed in the paper pressing plate in parallel to a cutting line.

Abstract: A large capacity circular saw that is relatively lightweight yet has a very wide foot for greater stability and ease of use. The guards and foot for the saw may be made from magnesium for light weight but also strength and durability. The foot is wide enough so that it extends sufficiently past the saw motor body on the side opposite the blade so that a common 2×4 or other dimensional lumber may be used as a guide. Additionally, the foot may be adjustable to regulate the depth of cut as well as the angle of cut. The range of the angle of cut is 90-40 degrees.

Abstract: A miter saw which prevents deterioration in perpendicularity of a cutting blade to the upper surface of a base part when slide of a pipe is regulated by pressing a pipe. In a miter saw, a pair of pipes support a cutting part, on one end side. On the other end side, the pipes are surrounded and supported slidably by a first slide support part of a support member of a turntable. A virtual plane including the axes of the pair of pipes is substantially parallel to the pivotal direction of a disc saw blade. A first screw is screwed in the first slide support part. An end part of the first screw contacts and presses a pipe. This end part is engaged with the pipe so as to restrict slide of the pipe relative to the first slide support part.

Abstract: Clamp is made by injecting a clear plastic PET-G into a mold which forms a slot and four posts for a stainless steel cutter, when the formed clamp is removed from the mold it is then put into a machine that has a heated tube that will allow the plastic to be softened slightly so it can take on the shape of a spring loaded clamp, then cold air is injected into the tube to make the plastic rigid which allows it to hold its shape, the stainless steel cutter has four holes which were punched into the platform which allows cutter to be installed onto the posts, the posts are heated with a concaved hot tip tool that makes a mushroom shaped cap that bonds the cutter to the clamp. Used for keeping line from unraveling on standard size fishing line spools.

Abstract: A punch includes a punch body and a punch head. The punch head includes a first layer of tungsten carbide brazed to the punch body, a second layer of tungsten carbide brazed to the first layer opposite to the punch body, and a brazing metal layer formed between the first and second layers. The first layer has a hardness lower than that of the second layer, and has a coefficient of expansion greater than that of the second layer and smaller than that of the punch body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cutting tool which can easily prevent damage from occurring at the slit end formed on a sheet material, such as a corrugated sheet or the like.

Abstract: A blade or disk for a rotary or circular saw having cutting teeth on the periphery of the blade, wherein some of the teeth are of a more costly, aggressive, or long wearing material such as polycrystalline diamond and some of the teeth are of a less costly, aggressive or long wearing material such as tungsten carbide, and where such teeth may be fabricated in different configurations.

Abstract: A stringed instrument including strings supported by bridges, which are fixed to a body, and a nut fixed to a neck. The strings are supported in a manner enabling vibration of each string. The nut includes a nut body and a fastener. The fastener is formed by pressing members and adjustment screws. The pressing members press the strings against the nut surface so that the strings are fixed to the nut surface. A projection projecting toward the strings is formed on an end portion of the nut. The strings are supported by the nut so as to contact the top surface of the projection. This enables each string to vibrate while being in constant contact with the projection and prevents each string from coming into contact with the nut or fastener. Thus, abnormal noise is not generated.

Abstract: A stringed instrument and associated fret mapping method. The instrument includes a neck having a fret board provided with a plurality of frets having offset string contact regions along their length, whereby accurate intonation of a note is achieved when a string is brought into contact with one of the string contact regions and a note is played. The fret mapping method utilizes a test instrument having a fret board that is longitudinally movable toward and away from the nut of the test instrument. The method utilizes this movable fret board to determine the desired locations of string contact regions for frets on the fret board of a stringed instrument of the present invention.

Abstract: A flexible guitar pick is provided, wherein there is a cutout section that traverses the center of the pick to create a hinge point at each side of the pick allowing the pick to have extreme flexibility when strumming. Furthermore by choking up on the pick with the players' finger the forward half of the pick can be used to employ the full rigidity of the front portion of the pick.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting a standard electric bass guitar to play as a classical upright bass guitar. A bass guitar stand up apparatus may include a mounting stand such as a tri or uni-pod, an adapter, an arm, and a stabilizer. The apparatus may be adjustable for height selection. The apparatus may be quick release for convenience. The arm may facilitate positioning. The stabilizer may mount to lower strap mount. The apparatus may be easily removed and guitar may be played, docked, or transported in standard guitar configuration.

Abstract: A musical instrument similar to the traditional flute but easier to play and master has been designed as an introductory flute. The whistle flute can also be used by those who have had difficulty with traditional flute embouchure and/or for recreation, education, music therapy, and stage performance. With greater range, easier handling, and simpler fingering, the whistle flute will augment or replace the recorder style flutes now used in elementary schools. In addition, the whistle flute's inner whistle design could be utilized as a training or transitional mouthpiece for any type of transverse flute.