Abstract: A method for producing an aluminum foam product wherein reactive gas producing particles are introduced into an aluminum alloy melt under controlled conditions and subjected to agitation to induce the production of foam-stabilizing by-products, and, under certain conditions, the production of gases used to produce the molten metal foam itself. Foam products produced through this method have intrinsically formed metal oxides and other solid particles dispersed therein and are devoid of the large extrinsically added stabilizing ceramic additions traditionally used in the production of aluminum foams. The invention claims a rapid, single step method for producing an inoculated, foamable melt using low cost precursor materials.

Abstract: An oxidized mercury converter utilizes a combination of heat, reduced pressure, and dilution when converting oxidized mercury in a gas sample into elemental mercury. The converter applies heat to a gas sample to thermally convert oxidized mercury within a gas sample into elemental mercury and an oxidizing component, and thereafter reduces the pressure of the gas sample to minimize combination of the elemental mercury with other oxidizing compounds present in the gas sample and/or with byproducts of the thermal conversion (e.g., the oxidizing components). The converter thus allows an accurate analysis of the total amount of mercury, both oxidized and elemental forms, present within a gas sample without the need to use consumable reagents in the mercury conversion process.

Abstract: Hardened cutter elements commonly called cutters used in saw chains to act as cutter links. The hardened cutters have hard insets applied and connected to the cutting face of the cutter. The insets are made of a hard, tough material, such as a suitable carbide. Also shown are saw chains having the hardened cutter links with the hard insets. The preferred insets include a rear portion having a semi-cylindrical attachment surface. The attachment surface is configured for attachment to a filed or ground cutting face of a conventional saw chain cutter. A front portion of the inset has a cutting face which is provided with beveled cutting face corners and preferably chamfered edges extending rearwardly from the inset cutting face. Methods of producing the cutters with insets and for producing saw chains with the hardened cutters are also described.

Abstract: A bottle cap opener for opening twistable type caps. The opener may include a housing to apply a twisting force to the caps. Twisting force may also be applied via a handle. The opener also may include cap grabbers movable within the housing. The progressively narrowing interior shape of the housing allows the cap grabbers to adjust to the size of the cap. The opener also may include engaging members that engage the cap grabbers at a particular position within the housing. The engagement can be accomplished with a set of teeth on the cap grabbers and a corresponding hook member on the engaging members. The engaging members are pivotally mounted and include engaging spring to provide the engaging forces. A spring exerts a downward on the cap grabbers. The bottle opener retains the bottle cap in the housing after the bottle is opened until the user disengages the engaging members.

Abstract: A multi-accessory hammer is provided having a rapid release accessory change mechanism that includes a housing mounted to the butt end of a hammer and having an opening therein. A resilient means such as a spring is mounted within the housing, and an accessory locking device is mounted over the spring. One end of this locking device extends through the opening in the housing and is capable of rapidly hooking onto an accessory. The locking device also has a side arm extending along the exterior of housing and is capable of urging the locking device against the resilient means to allow unhooking of the accessory from the locking device.

Abstract: For elongating and relaxing a stud arranged in an object, the stud of a fastener part is engaged by a tool part of a power tool, and the fastener part is operated by a pawl-ratchet mechanism including a pawl provided in the tool part and a ratchet provided in the fastener part and turnable by the pawl in a ratcheting fashion.

Abstract: A press for attaching nuts to pipes has a lower holder (6) fitting in and holding a pipe (60). A basal portion of this holder supported on the rear part of a lower base (2) moves up and down, and its forward portion extends to the front part of a lower base. Lifters (30) bear against and support the forward portion so as to keep it lifted a slight distance. Stoppers (31) bear against and support an intermediate region of the holder to be lifted a slight distance, and also bear against an end of the pipe (60) and retaining it at a prescribed position. A nut feed passage (10) extends in an outer surface of the lower holder from its basal to forward portion, and a nut pusher (14) is disposed in the forward portion. A cam rod (21) inserted in the lower holder (6) has a frontal oblique cam surface (22) for driving the pusher (14) to a nut releasing position (12), and a cam actuating means (25) is for the rod.

Abstract: A universal tool for attaching and removing water inlet nuts from a toilet tank. The tool has an elongated body with a first end and a second end, and a longitudinal and continuous slot formed in the elongated body. The first end is formed to accept a type water inlet nuts, and the second end is formed to accept another type of water inlet nuts.

Abstract: A method and device is disclosed for clamping an object with quick adjusting pliers. A top jaw has a bottom handle, a slot, and a series of ridges located around the slot. A pin extends through the slot and includes an engagement element. A bottom jaw has a top handle and another opening for receiving the pin. The engagement element engages at least one of the series of ridges in a first position, wherein the top jaw and bottom jaw pivot about a first axis that extends through a longitudinal axis of the pin, and wherein the engagement element is moveable along the first axis from the first position to a second position wherein the engagement element does not engage any of the series of ridges.

Abstract: A screwdriver includes a driver portion, a slider case having a guide slot, a slider 7 (7A and 7B) reciprocating in the slider case, an arm portion (shaft arm 16 and clutch arm 17) that is supported and rotates in the slider 7, engaged with the guide slot of the slider case, and oscillates in accordance with the reciprocation of the slider, and a cylindrical drum that is supported and rotates in the slider, has two flanges 11b and 11c engaged with a screw chain belt and a ratchet 11e engaged with the arm portion, and intermittently delivers the screw chain belt in accordance with the oscillation of the arm portion,. The ratchet 11e of the drum 11 is formed on an inner surface of the flange 11b.

Abstract: An electric power tool (10) having a housing (12) from which a power cable (22) leads, is safer for the user because the circumference of the power cable (22) has lighting means (21, 26, 28, 30) along its longitudinal span, whose light makes the power cable (22) easily visible to the human eye in the dark.

Abstract: To provide a connected-screw driver capable of stably retaining a screw, which has just come off from a screw connecting belt, and constantly tightening the resultant screw in a tightening position. A connected-screw driver having a driver unit provided with a motor, an output shaft, a housing, and a bit mounted to the output shaft, a slider case mounted to the housing to permit the bit to be inserted therethrough, and a slider 7 provided in the slider case to be able to reciprocate therein and having an engagement member 20a adapted to abut against a member being tightened, the slider feeding connected screws as the slider reciprocates, and wherein the slider 7 is provided with a chuck mechanism 18 that is movable in an axial direction of the bit and temporarily retains a screw, which has come off from a screw connecting belt, until the screw abuts against a member being tightened, and a regulating mechanism 19 that regulates and fixes a position of the chuck mechanism 18 in the axial direction of the bit.

Abstract: A method for producing articles containing nanocrystalline microstructures, and particularly to a method of controllably producing nanocrystalline chips with a desired shape and size. The method generally entails machining a body with a cutting tool to produce polycrystalline chips having nanocrystalline microstructures while superimposing modulation on the cutting tool so as to move the cutting tool relative to the body being machined and cause instantaneous and periodic separation between the cutting tool and the body at a point of contact between the cutting tool and the body, wherein each separation between the cutting tool and the body yields a chip. In this manner, the shapes and sizes of the chips are determined at least in part by the modulation cycle, and particularly the length of time the cutting tool is engaged with the body being machined.

Abstract: A surgical ratchet assembly includes a handle, a driver, a ratcheting mechanism and a locking mechanism. The driver is received within the handle in a rotatable relationship with respect thereto. The ratcheting mechanism is interposed between the handle and the driver. A locking mechanism releasably holds the handle to the ratchet mechanism. Unlocking of the locking mechanism enables ready disassembly of the assembly for cleaning and component sterilization.

Abstract: A working machine includes a blade seat movable relative to a sheet plate, and a safety protective device mounted on the blade seat to cover the blades of the blade seat and including at least one swing member pivotally mounted on the blade seat, and a protective board pivotally connected to the at least one swing member. Thus, when any portion of the protective board is pushed by the sheet plate, the whole protective board is driven to pivot relative to the blade seat so that the protective board is moved upward and downward in a whole manner without deflection.

Abstract: A sampling device includes a table (12) and an overhead beam (14) which is spaced and supported above the table by two columns (16, 18). In the center of the beam, a cutting tool (20) assembly is located. The table is mounted so as to be moveable in the x and y directions in a generally horizontal plane. By moving the table in the x and y directions, any part of the table may be located under the cutting tool assembly. A computerized controller includes a digital scanner to record an image of an array of samples on the table and control the cutting tool to cause it to cut out a sample from the array, pick it up and transfer it to a selected location.

Abstract: An anvil drum for a rotary cutting apparatus having a rotary axis comprises an axle on each axial side of the anvil and concentric with the axis. Each of the axles is adapted to receive a bearing, and an anvil surface substantially concentric with the rotary axis. A reference portion is provided including an axial reference surface coaxial to the axis and a radial surface perpendicular to the axis. At least one connection device is provided for connecting a cover member on each axial side of the anvil so as to cover the bearing, respectively. An anvil assembly is further provided with such an anvil drum and the bearings, each cover member being provided with a blind opening adapted arranged coaxially with respect to the axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting an elderly or physically limited individual in walking or carrying items up or down a stairway includes a guide rail assembly fixedly positioned along the wall of a stairway. A handle is connected to a support bar assembly, and the support bar assembly attaches to the guide rail assembly. The guide rail assembly typically has a tubular inner rail fixedly housed within a tubular outer rail, the outer rail typically includes a guide track along its length, and the inner rail typically includes a pin slot which aligns with the guide track. To operate the apparatus, the user grasps the handle while supporting the upper body on the support bar and moves the support bar assembly along the guide track while walking along the stairway. The handle and support bar assembly can be placed into a braking position as needed while moving along the stairway.

Abstract: The miter saw has a base assembly, a rotatable table rotatably disposed on the base assembly, a saw assembly rotatably supported by the table, and a bevel lock assembly for locking the rotational position of the saw assembly relative to the table.

Abstract: A flat-sided annular blade for a blade ring saw for cutting hard material such as tile along straight paths and curved paths in which the workpiece is moved through the central portion of the blade. In addition to the usual sintered abrasive diamond coating on the outer peripheral portion of the blade, the inner peripheral portion preferably is tapered to a curved inner edge and also is coated with an abrasive, preferably an electroplated diamond coating providing smoother sawing operation and a finishing action on the workpiece.

Abstract: A circular saw including an annular disk-shaped base adapted to be driven about an axis of rotation, a plurality of tip supports formed along the outer circumference of the base integrally therewith so that a gullet is defined between adjacent ones of the tip supports, a plurality of tip inserts respectively fixed to the tip supports, a plurality of openings formed through the base on substantially the same circumference of a circle so as to be equally spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the base, and a plurality of wiper tips respectively fixed to wall surfaces defining the openings on the downstream side of a rotational direction of the base. Each wiper tip has a front surface formed as a concave surface in cross section.

Abstract: A harness for supporting a musical instrument, and in particular, a weighty musical instrument such as a saxophone, has an anchor formed from a rigid or semi-rigid material having a curved portion adapted to be seated, in part, on the shoulders of a musician, and a rearwardly and downwardly extending tail portion adapted to receive a first adjustable strap extending around the body of the musician for retaining the anchor fixed relative to the musician. A second adjustable strap extending forwardly from two front ends of the anchor carries a hook for engaging a musical instrument.

Abstract: The invention is an adjustable cymbal device that is mountable onto a standard hi-hat cymbal. The adjustable cymbal device operatively connects a primary actuator rod connected to the foot pedal on the standard hi-hat cymbal stand to a secondary actuator rod upon which a set of cymbals has been mounted. To allow for adjustment of the adjustable cymbal device in relation to the standard hi-hat stand and to the desired playing position of a percussionist, the adjustable cymbal device provides the ability to adjust the length of travel of the upper cymbal, the tilt and offset of the adjustable cymbal device, the rotational angle of the adjustable cymbal device, and the tilt between the lower cymbal relative to the upper cymbal.

Abstract: An improved drumstick with a retractable tip is disclosed. The drumstick comprises a hollow body with a tip that is capable of being retracted into the hollow body when struck against a drum or other surface. The tip rests in a retainer cup that contacts a spring which is adjusted by a screw. The drumstick produces sound at lower tones when the tip is retracted within the hollow body and higher tones when the tip is extended. When retracted within the hollow body, the drumstick produces a double echo when struck against a drum.

Abstract: A synchronized music delivery system utilizes either a portable memory device including compact discs (CDs), digital video discs (DVDs) and memory sticks, or on-line or wirelessly delivered content in combination with a lighted keyboard and a sound reproducing system. A synchronized musical work, including music, lyrics and specialized coding, is recorded onto the portable memory device or is stored on a server for on-line or wireless delivery, in one embodiment by downloading the information from the Internet to the portable memory device; and in another embodiment in a stand-alone version involving pre-recording the portable memory device. The stored synchronized music in one embodiment is provided with the actual song recording, sing-along words and including letters of the alphabet to be struck on a standard alpha-numeric computer keyboard, indicia, scrollable score coding incorporating notes on a musical score and fingering or a lighted key drive, all information being synchronized with the work.

Abstract: A content searching method includes the steps of: detecting movements of a user as movement information; detecting a movement pattern of the user as key information from the movement information; and searching for a piece of content having a content pattern according to the key information among a plurality of pieces of content.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument (10) is structured such that back end sides of a plurality of strings (11) are supported by a saddle (12), a bridge (13) supporting the saddle (12) is provided on a top (15) of a hollow body (2), and a transducer (22) transduces vibration of the strings (11) into an electric signal. The transducer (22) has a mounting surface (22A) attached to face a back surface of the top (15), and the mounting surface (22A) is disposed in an area, in the top (15), including an area right under an area where the bridge (13) is provided.

Abstract: A musical instrument mounting adapter comprising a housing and a fastener. The housing includes a base, a wall emanating from the base and a flange positioned at a distal end of the wall, the flange extending in an outward direction. The base includes an opening extending therethrough. The fastener configured for clamping at least a portion of the musical instrument between the fastener and the flange.

Abstract: A system for producing music from a stringed musical instrument includes a sensor/actuating transducer arrangement coupled to each or all of one or a plurality of the tensioned strings and supervisory system that governs one or more motion controllers associated with the transducer to affect the string vibration through at least one actuator transducer coupled to the string(s) in accordance with technique commands issued by the player of the instrument, the technique commands being recognized by processes in the supervisor from among characteristics of signal features extracted by further processes continuously analyzing the motional behavior of one or more strings.

Abstract: A gun barrel for firing a projectile and particularly a rail gun barrel that comprises a pair of spaced apart rails and a pair of spaced apart insulators, which separate the rails, and together define a composite bore, all disposed centrally within an outer rigid tube. A prestressed filament-wound polymeric resin shell immediately surrounds and applies compressive stress to this composite, bore-defining structure. A pressure medium, positioned between the shell and the interior surface of the outer tube, is operative to apply compressive stress to the shell at least at locations generally radially outward of the rails. The compressive stresses applied by the combination of the prestressed shell and the pressure medium are additive and effectively preload the rails and the composite bore structure to resist overall forces encountered during projectile firing which, in a rail gun, include asymmetric loads upon the rails from electromagnetic repulsion forces and also axisymmetric bursting forces.

Abstract: A modified barrel and vented blank firing adapter for a failsafe firearm suitable for training exercises and in particular for MILES exercises. A preferred modified barrel includes a plurality of blow out apertures spaced about the barrel's longitudinal axis at a location adjacent to a case of a live ammunition cartridge when loaded in the firearm, the blow out apertures venting from the case a substantial portion of combustion gases produced by firing the live ammunition cartridge; a laterally vented blank firing adapter for producing flash at the muzzle upon firing of a blank ammunition cartridge; and a gas port in the barrel sized for admitting to the firearm's cycling gas tube sufficient combustion gases produced by firing the blank ammunition cartridge for implementing cycling operation of the firearm. The laterally vented blank firing adapter preferably includes a cavity for trapping projectile material when a live ammunition cartridge is fired.

Abstract: The present invention provides a personal armour system, for example a seat armour kit (1), comprising a plurality of armour components (2,3,4,5). Each component is configured for selective use in a plurality of different roles, for example being for use in different types of vehicle and also in buildings or aircraft. The body 2 provides a vehicle seat armour component that can also be used as a stretcher. There is also provided an armour component (31) for use in a vehicle which armour component is movable from a first position in which it does not obscure a part of the view from the vehicle to a second position in which it can protect an occupant.

Abstract: The invention provides a composite armor plate for absorbing and dissipating kinetic energy from high velocity, armor-piercing projectiles, as well as from soft-nosed projectiles, the plate comprising a single internal layer of pellets which are bound and retained in plate form by an elastic material, substantially internally within the elastic material, such that the pellets are bound in a plurality of rows and columns providing mutual lateral support, the pellets being made of ceramic material, wherein a majority of each of the pellets is substantially in contact with at least three adjacent pellets and at least a majority of the pellets are substantially cylindrical in shape with at least one convexly-curved end face, further characterized in that spaces formed between the adjacent cylindrical pellets are only partially filled with a material for preventing the flow of soft metal from impacting projectiles through the spaces, the flow-preventing material being in the form of an insert which is in contact w

Abstract: A hydraulic system having a source of pressurized fluid and a fluid actuator with a first chamber and a second chamber. The hydraulic system also has a first valve configured to selectively fluidly communicate the source with the first chamber and a second valve configured to selectively fluidly communicate the source with the second chamber. The hydraulic system also has a supply passageway and a signal passageway each disposed between the first and second valves in parallel. The hydraulic system also has a proportional pressure compensating valve configured to control a pressure of a fluid directed between the source and the first and second valves. The hydraulic system further has a fluid passageway disposed between the supply and signal passageways to fluidly communicate the supply and signal passageways.

Abstract: A valve is provided for a hydraulic system having a source of pressurized fluid, a fluid actuator, and a proportional pressure compensating valve. The valve has a bore in fluid communication with the source and the fluid actuator. The valve also has a valve element disposed in the bore and movable between a flow blocking position and a flow passing position to selectively fluidly communicate the source with the fluid actuator. The valve also has a valve signal passageway disposed within the valve element and configured to be in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid having a signal pressure indicative of pressure supplied to the fluid actuator. The valve further has first and second orifices disposed within the valve element in fluid communication with the valve signal passageway and the bore. The valve signal passageway is configured to communicate the signal pressure with the first and second orifices.

Abstract: This invention is a bidirectional hydraulic actuator comprising a piston assembly positioned within a housing. The piston assembly is configured to move linearly within the housing. A gland is operatively connected to the piston assembly. The gland is configured as a rigid longitudinally annular member with a first end, a second end, a sidewall and is open on the first end and substantially closed on the second end which forms an inside and an outside of the annular member. The gland is further configured with a lip extending from around the outside of the first end of the gland. A pressurizing fluid exerts pressure on the inside of the gland to move the piston assembly a first direction, then, a fluid exerts pressure on the outside of the gland and the lip of the gland to move the piston assembly opposite the first direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aluminum piston for a combusion engine having a ring element, which is made of NiResist, is placed in the radially outer edge area of the piston head, and which, together with the base body, forms an annular cooling channel. The ring element is fastened to the base body of the piston via a screwed connection.

Abstract: A filter module and method for facilitating rapid flow setting and/or cost-effective balancing of airflow through a plurality of filters is provided. In one embodiment, the filter module includes at least one port configured to provide a metric indicative of flow through the housing assembly. In various other embodiments, at least one port is utilized for sensing differential pressure across a flow restrictor, such as a damper assembly and/or a diffuser plate of the housing assembly, an orifice plate disposed in a collar or ductwork coupled to collar, and the like. In another aspect of the invention, a method for replacing an air filter is provided that includes the steps of replacing an air filter disposed in a filter housing assembly, and setting a damper position using a damper position indicator to return air flow through the filter to a predetermined rate.

Abstract: A gas generating system (S) has a plurality of product gas generating modules (18) each of which comprises a plurality of molecular sieve beds (bed 1, bed 2) generating a product gas acting in a repetitive cycle with each cycle having a period of the cycle with peak product gas flow (106). A manifold (52) combines the product gas from the plurality of modules (18). The processor (58) generates a control signal that is communicated to the gas generating modules (18) such that the peak product gas flow period (106) of the repetitive cycle of the modules (18) is adjusted in response to the control signal. The processor (58) causes the peak period (106) for the modules (18) to be timed across the repetitive cycles in a controlled distribution.

Abstract: A filter unit for the purification of air includes at least a first filter element, which contains granular, especially spherical, activated carbon as an adsorbent material, and at least a second filter element, which contains a combination of granular, especially spherical, activated carbon and activated carbon fibers as an adsorbent material. The filter unit is suitable especially for use in ventilation plants, ventilation systems, air-conditioning systems and the like.

Abstract: A mechanism configured to interact with air, which has been sucked through a device that imparts turbulence to the air, causes a redistribution of components (e.g., oxygen and nitrogen) in the air so that when the air arrives at a location where the oxygen is to be consumed there is an enriched supply of oxygen available. The effects of a first stage of turbulence of the induced air is reduced, resulting in a higher density supply to the atomization point and to the combustion chamber, in the case of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method for removing low gravity solids from an oil-based drilling fluid includes directing the drilling fluid into a first inlet of a first line in fluid communication with a centrifuge, injecting steam into the drilling fluid through a second inlet in the first line, wherein the second inlet is upstream from the centrifuge, directing the commingled drilling fluid and steam into the centrifuge, rotating the centrifuge at a rotational speed sufficient to separate solids from liquids, collecting solids from a solids discharge, and collecting effluent from an effluent outlet, wherein the effluent has low gravity solids in an amount less than 1.5%.

Abstract: An apparatus for efficiently collecting reaction by-products in exhaust gases of a semiconductor processing or flat panel display processing device is provided. The collection apparatus includes a heating section connected to a process chamber of the semiconductor processing or flat panel display processing device. The heating section is designed to preheat the reaction by-products to prevent or reduce liquefaction of the reaction by-products. A by-product pile up section then rapidly cools the heated reaction by-products to convert the same into a solid form.

Abstract: An electret article that includes a polymeric material that has electric charge imparted thereto, that has a CF3:CF2 ratio of at least 0.15 and that has a fluorosaturation ratio greater than about 200. The electret article may be in the form of a porous web of polymeric fibers suitable for use as a filter. The inventive electret article is resistant to charge degradation upon exposure to high temperatures for prolonged time periods.

Abstract: An electret article that includes a polymeric material that has electric charge imparted thereto, that has one or more heteroatoms, that has a fluorosaturation ratio of less than 200, and that has an atomic percent fluorine of greater than about 40%. The inventive electret article is resistant to charge degradation upon exposure to high temperatures for prolonged time periods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a separating column, especially for miniaturised gas chromatograph. In addition to a micro-chromatograph provided with one or more inventive separating column. The inventive separating column prevents the known racetrack effect and can therefore be produced in a simple and economical manner. The separating column (1) comprises a channel (2) for a flow of fluid having analysate molecules. The flow of fluid comprises counter flowing curves (3, 4) with turning points (7, 8), the average diameter of the channel (2) is greater than the length of the path traversed by an analysate molecule when diffused between two turning points (7, 7a; 8, 8a).

Abstract: A combination food container, strainer, cooker, and strainer liquid collector includes a liquid container portion having an upper rim for connection with either a lid or strainer member. The lid has a channel on its underside sized for receiving and capturing the upper rims of both the liquid container and the strainer, the latter having a skirt with a channel sized identically to that of the lid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for forming a bale having substantially flat upper and lower surfaces. Also described is a bale having substantially flat upper and lower surfaces, which can be safely stacked vertically for transportation and storage purposes.

Abstract: A cylindrical baling press including a roller around which a belt is arranged to partially surround a baling chamber. In the region of the roller, the belt relinquishes contact with a cylindrical bale being formed within the baling chamber. In this region of the roller, a lateral wall enclosing the pressing chamber is provided with a bulge or an opening, which makes it possible for material present in a space between two belt sections to be engaged by the rotating cylindrical bale and expelled through the opening or back into the bale. This configuration avoids, or at least reduces, the chance of jamming caused by crop materials around the roller.

Abstract: To perform printing on the whole surface of a flexible printed board where electronic parts have been mounted, one pair of paste coating devices 1, 12 is used, portions of an elastic squeegee 7, a scraper 8, and the like, which correspond to projection portions of a screen plate 11, are recessed in order to avoid contacting with the projection portions 11A for covering electronic parts on the flexible printed board, the devices 1, 12 are provided at a suitable position of the flexible printed board so as to cross each other, so that the flexible printed board is printed successively in the running direction or the direction rectangularly crossing with the running direction of the flexible printed board, and pattern holes 11B, 11C are formed in portions other than projection portion 11A.