Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is a force sensor for a probe based instrument. The force sensor can comprise a detection surface and a flexible mechanical structure disposed a first distance above the detection surface so as to form a gap between the flexible mechanical structure and the detection surface, wherein the flexible mechanical structure is configured to deflect upon exposure to an external force, thereby changing the first distance.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope for precisely measuring the elasticity or plastic deformation of a sample surface without being affected by the adsorption layer of the sample surface. The probe of the microscope and the sample are placed at a distance from each other. The probe and sample are brought into contact with each other, or the probe and the sample, which are in contact with each other, are brought out of contact with each other. The microscope is equipped with an oscillation unit for oscillating the probe laterally. The measurement is performed within the atmosphere or in a low-pressure ambient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for determining a phase position between a crankshaft and a camshaft of an internal combustion engine. An internal combustion engine is provided with a crankshaft, a camshaft, at least one cylinder and an intake tract to which gas inlet valves are assigned that control the gas supply from the intake tract to the one or more cylinders and that are driven via the camshaft. The intake tract is associated with a pressure sensor that detects an intake tube pressure in a manifold of the intake tract. The phase position is determined depending on the intake tube pressure detected. The inventive method and device allows to determine the phase position in a simple manner and without any additional sensor system.

Abstract: A volume indicator for use with a container is provided. The indicator includes a body having a gradient opening defined therethrough at a predetermined angle. The gradient opening is associated with a predetermined volume or height of material in the container. The predetermined angle compensates for a line of sight angle of a user into the container.

Abstract: A method and device for evaluating the capacity of a compressor (1) by air being allowed to flow out from a pressure tank (3) through an opening of known geometry. Following a calculation, the quantity of evacuated air is obtained. After this, a compressor (1) pumps back up to the initial pressure in the pressure tank (3). The compressor capacity (1) is established by comparing the time it takes for the compressor (1) to pump back up to the initial pressure in the pressure tank (3) with the time it takes when an acceptable compressor (1) pumps the same quantity of air. By the compressor capacity (1) is here meant the quantity of air which the compressor (1) delivers per unit of time at a given compressor speed and counter-pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vacuum line for pumping gas from a process chamber, the vacuum line comprising at least: a pump unit comprising a pump body and a motor; a gas exhaust system; first measurement means for measuring a functional parameter relating to the motor; second measurement means for measuring a functional parameter relating to the exhaust system; and prediction means for calculating the duration of use of the vacuum line. The prediction means calculate the duration of utilization of the vacuum line prior to failure of the pump unit from the measurement of a functional parameter relating to the motor provided by the first means and the measurement of a functional parameter relating to the exhaust system provided by the second means. In a variant, the vacuum line further includes third measurement means for measuring a functional parameter relating to the pump body, and the prediction means calculate the duration of use while taking account of the measurement of this parameter.

Abstract: A rain sensor arrangement for an operator for a window having a frame, a sash pivotable with respect to the frame, and a pane mounted in the sash, wherein the operator is adapted for pivoting the sash between a closed and an open position and vice versa, and is controlled via control circuitry responsive to input signals from at least a rain sensor. The rain sensor has at least one sensing area arranged so as to be protected against rain by the window, when the sash is in the closed position.

Abstract: In a method for depicting structures within volume data sets in accordance with the invention, each voxel is therefore allocated a colour and opacity by means of an allocation instruction in dependence upon the scalar values of the voxels. For each scalar value the spatial position of the voxels with this scalar value is determined and from the position coordinates the colour and opacity value of the allocation instruction at the site with this scalar value is determined. The combination of the spatial voxel positions and the scalar values permits targeted depiction of features of the structures being investigated, which can be distinguished by the allocated opacity values.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the level of fuel contained in the tank of a motor vehicle includes a fuel pump disposed in the tank for creating a flow of fuel in the tank. An elongated tube is placed vertically in the tank. The system also includes a venturi tube coupled between the fuel pump and the elongated tube for creating a vacuum as a result of a portion of the flow of fuel therethrough from the fuel pump thereby drawing fuel vapor from the elongated tube at a varying pressure, the pressure decreasing as the amount of fuel vapor in the tank increases. A controller is coupled to the elongated tube for determining the level of fuel in the tank based on the pressure.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the level of fuel contained in the tank of a motor vehicle includes a first resistive element disposed in the tank and having a first predetermined length. The first resistive element generates a variable resistance in response to electrical current and fuel passing therethrough. A second resistive element is also disposed in the tank and has a second predetermined length. The second resistive element generates a fixed resistance in response to the electrical current and fuel passing therethrough. A microprocessor coupled to the first and second resistive elements determines the level of fuel contained in the tank based on the variable resistance, the fixed resistance and the first and second predetermined lengths.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices useful for guiding cables, wires, cords, and the like. A device according to the present invention is particularly useful for guiding a cable that is used in providing an external liquid-level gauge on an oil tank. A cable guide means according to the present invention provides gauging means for judging the liquid levels in tanks which are more reliable than provided by the prior art, and which are essentially maintenance-free over their lifetime.

Abstract: A simulated limb for training an evaluator to assess a resistive characteristic of an animal. The limb includes a first member simulating a first portion of the animal, and a second member simulating a second portion of the animal rotatably connected to the first member. The limb also includes a resistance element having a variable resistance that varies an amount of torque required to rotate the second member relative to the first member. A method for training an evaluator to assess a resistive characteristic using a simulated limb includes adjusting the resistance of the resistance element over a range of rotation thereby providing a resistance profile for the simulated limb mimicking the resistive characteristic of the animal. A method for simulating a resistive characteristic of an animal using a simulated limb includes applying a resistance profile to the simulated limb mimicking spasticity or muscle strength over a range of rotation.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments there is provided a method and/or system for operating an aircraft, including (a) before an aircraft is loaded with passengers and luggage, performing a first measuring to measure a load on front landing gear strut(s) and rear landing gear strut(s) in order to obtain first weight data; and (b) after the aircraft has been loaded with passengers and luggage, performing a second measuring to measure a load on front landing gear strut(s) and rear landing gear strut(s) in order to obtain second weight data. Then, the first weight data is subtracted from the second weight data, while optionally compensating for fuel added to the aircraft between the times of the first and second measuring steps, in order to determine a total weight of the passengers and luggage on the aircraft. This total weight can be used in determining whether or not the plane is overloaded.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cheap angular velocity sensor capable of detecting angular velocity with high precision by using a vibrational mode which cannot be obtained by external vibration. The angular velocity sensor includes: a vibrator (2) made of a magnetostrictive material; a first coil (4) disposed along a first plane which includes an axis (A) of the vibrator (2), the first coil enclosing the vibrator; a supporter supporting the vibrator (2) at a position where the axis (A) crosses the surface of the vibrator (2), the supporter made of a nonmagnetic material; and a second coil (6) disposed along a second plane which crosses the first plane and includes the axis (A), the second coil enclosing the vibrator (2) and the first coil (4).

Abstract: The present invention relates to measuring devices used in measuring physical quantities, such as acceleration, angular acceleration, or angular velocity, and, more precisely, to micromechanical motion sensors. The area, in the wafer plane, of a motion sensor component according to the present invention is smaller than the area of the motion sensor component having been dice cut and turned by 90°. Correspondingly, the height of the motion sensor component according to the present invention, the component having been turned by 90°, is smaller, in the direction of the joint, than the thickness of the wafer stack formed by the joined wafers. The object of the invention is to provide an improved method of manufacturing a micromechanical motion sensor, and to provide a micromechanical motion sensor suitable, in particular, for use in small micromechanical motion sensor solutions.

Abstract: An electrode layer is formed on the upper surface of a first substrate, and a processing for partially removing the substrate is carried out in order to allow the substrate to have flexibility. To the lower surface of the first substrate, a second substrate is connected. Then, by cutting the second substrate, a working body and a pedestal are formed. On the other hand, a groove is formed on a third substrate. An electrode layer is formed on the bottom surface of the groove. The third substrate is connected to the first substrate so that both the electrodes face to each other with a predetermined spacing therebetween. Finally, the first, second and third substrates are cut off every respective unit regions to form independent sensors, respectively. When an acceleration is exerted on the working body, the first substrate bends. As a result, the distance between both the electrodes changes. Thus, an acceleration exerted is detected by changes in an electrostatic capacitance between both the electrodes.

Abstract: A comb capacitive accelerometer comprising a substrate (5), a mobile electrode (2) relative to said substrate (5) fitted with an ensemble of mobile fingers (7), an electrode (4) fixed relative to said substrate (5) fitted with an ensemble of fixed fingers (8A, 8B), each of said mobile fingers (7) being positioned between two contiguous fixed fingers (8A, 8B) so as to form a microstructure with interdigital combs. According to the invention the mobile fingers (7) are connected to one another by at least a first connecting beam (20) etched directly into the substrate (5), and/or the fixed fingers (8A, 8B) are connected to one another by at least a second connecting beam (22) etched directly in the substrate (5).

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring structural health conditions of structures. The apparatus includes a piezoelectric device that has a bottom cover plate, piezoelectric rings concentrically disposed with respect to an axis and positioned on the bottom cover plate, and concentric filler rings made from an electrically insulating material. Each of the piezoelectric rings is interposed between two adjacent filler rings. The piezoelectric device also includes electrical connection means for communicating electrical signals to the piezoelectric rings and a top cover plate that is positioned over the piezoelectric rings and filler rings. The electrical connection means are operative to transmit electrical signals that cause one or more of the piezoelectric rings to generate waves or transmit electrical signals developed by one or more of the piezoelectric rings in response to the waves.

Abstract: Systems for monitoring structural health conditions of objects. Each system includes patch sensors attached to an object, wherein each patch sensor is capable of generating a wave upon receipt of an actuator signal and developing a sensor signal in response to the wave. The system includes a tree structured relay unit that has a root node and at least one lower level node that includes at least one leaf node connected to the patch sensors. The lower level node includes switches, wherein the switches are operated to establish a channel between the root node and a selected one of the patch sensors and wherein actuator signal or sensor signal is transmitted through the channel. The sensor signals are analyzed to monitor health conditions thereby prevent catastrophic failure.

Abstract: Sensors, including ultrasonic components, within a robotic system facilitate the overall operation and efficiency of the robotic system through the detection of objects and surfaces, including the levels of liquids, without contacting the objects or surfaces. The sensors are well-suited for use in connection with microfluidic volumes and biological materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for guiding the movement of a transducer of an ultrasonic probe in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for acquiring a 3-dimensional ultrasound image. A pair of guide rails is disposed near both side-ends of the transducer and is disposed apart therefrom by predetermined gaps. Slots are formed lengthwise at side surfaces of the guide rails. Each slot has a bottom wall and a side wall. Bearings coupled to the both side-ends of the transducer are received in the slots and roll on the bottom walls of the slots. First magnets are fixed to the both side-ends of the transducer and second magnets are fixed to the side walls of the slots along the overall length of the slots. The first magnets are received in the slots and are disposed opposite to the second magnets so that repulsive forces are generated therebetween.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for coupling ultrasound between an ultrasonic transducer and an object. A scanning element is attached to an ultrasonic transducer to form an integral transducer assembly in which an ultrasound emitting surface of the ultrasonic transducer is positioned in a fluid cavity of an upper chamber. The ultrasonic transducer assembly may be moved relative to the object to be scanned in order to adjust the focus of the ultrasound. Adjusting a lower wall of the upper chamber in close proximity to the object to be scanned forms a thin film of coupling fluid between a planar region of the lower wall and the upper surface of the object.

Abstract: A combination vacuum gauge provides simultaneous absolute and differential pressure measurements over a wide-range of pressures ranging from atmospheric pressures to ultrahigh vacuum by processing the readings of (i) an absolute high vacuum gauge (e.g., an ionization gauge and/or a heat-loss sensor) and an absolute or a differential low vacuum gauge (e.g., a diaphragm sensor) exposed, through a common port, to pressures in a measurement region, and (ii) a barometric absolute pressure sensor exposed to the ambient atmosphere outside the measurement region. The barometric absolute pressure sensor reading may be used to convert the differential vacuum gauge reading from uncalibrated differential pressure to calibrated absolute pressure or to convert the absolute vacuum gauge reading from absolute pressure to differential pressure.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to make it possible to accurately and simply manage the performance deterioration and life duration of sealing rings and other various information about each sealing ring. As a means of achieving this object, a sealing ring according to the present invention is a sealing ring 30 to be fitted to a face-to-face part of members 12, 14 to thus seal a space between both members, comprising: a main body part 32 that is ring-shaped and is capable of becoming elastically deformed; and a circuit chip 40 that is attached unitedly to the main body part 32 and has an information-transmitting means 42 for transmitting the information with the outside of the sealing ring 30.

Abstract: A load sensor includes a housing and a magnet carrier axially movable within the housing. A first and a second magnet are coupled to the magnet carrier in an axially spaced apart arrangement and oriented to provide repelling magnetic fields. The magnet carrier and the first and second magnets are axially movable relative to the magnetic field sensor, and the magnetic field sensor is configured to provide an output that is indicative of the position of the magnetic filed sensor relative to the first and second magnets.

Abstract: An online roll firmness measurement system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a contact element is placed in a fixed position. A roll of material is placed in between the contact element and a support surface. Based upon the amount of force exerted on the contact element, the firmness of the roll of material may be measured. In an alternative embodiment, the contact element applies a predetermined amount of force on the roll of material but is displaced when a roll of material is placed in between the contact element and the support surface. In this embodiment, the amount of displacement of the contact element is measured which allows for the calculation of roll firmness. In one embodiment, a roll firmness device made in accordance with the present invention may be placed in a system for winding rolls and used to maintain rolls of material being formed within preset roll firmness ranges.

Abstract: The apparatus has an elongate and vertically running carrier (90) for pressure sensors (50), which precedes a group of levers (71). The cross section of this carrier (90) is arcuate, so that it has two flanks (93, 94). During the testing of a leg garment (80), this carrier (90) simulates the region of the shin. The apparatus has, furthermore, moldings or stays (88) which are carried by the levers and which simulate the rear face of the calf or of the thigh of a leg. The width of these stays corresponds to the width of the calf or of the thigh of a leg. The apparatus also comprises two longitudinally running groups (50) of pressure sensors, one of which is in each case assigned to outside of one of the flanks (93, 94) of the carrier (90). The leg garment (80) to be tested, in order to test it, is slipped over this apparatus in such a way that it lies on the outer faces both of the carrier (90) and of the stays and exerts pressure on the pressure sensors (51).

Abstract: A torque detection device on a power tool includes at least one resistive strain gauge connected to an outer periphery of the shaft which is rotatably received in the barrel of the tool and driven by a motor. At least one conductive collar is mounted to the shaft and electrically connected to the at least one resistive strain gauge. A display device includes a display screen which is located at an outer periphery of the barrel and electrically connected to at least one signal member which is electrically connected to the at least one conductive collar. The at least one resistive strain gauge is deformed together with the deformation of the shaft so as to transfer the deformation of the at least one resistive strain gauge to electronic signals which are displayed by digits in the display screen.

Abstract: A torque sensor 1 is provided with two shafts 3, 4 (input shaft 3 and output shaft 4) which constitute a shaft member 2, which is a torque detection object, an elastic member 5 which connects the shafts 3 and 4 coaxially, and a torsion angle of the elastic member 5 is detected as a torque which affects on the shaft member 2. The torque sensor 1 is provided with a hard magnetic member 6 which generates a magnetic flux therearound, a pair of first soft magnetic members 7, 8 which constitute a first magnetic circuit H1 together with the hard magnetic member 6 to change a reluctance by torsion of the elastic member 5, a pair of second soft magnetic members 9, 10 which constitute a second magnetic circuit H2 together with the hard magnetic member 6 to keep the reluctance constant, and a flux detection means 12 which detects a flux density of the second magnetic circuit H2 that varies in accordance with a torsion angle of the elastic member 5.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for aspirating liquid from a container, e.g., a test tube or other vessel, includes apparatus for sensing that an aspiration probe tip is contacting the inside bottom wall of the container, whereby a maximum volume of liquid can be aspirated from the container. According to the invention, an encoder is mounted on the driven member of a motor (e.g., on a rotatably-driven drive shaft or a nut of a stepper or D.C. motor, or on a linearly-driven shaft of a linear actuator) used to rectilinearly advance the probe tip into the container. Such encoder produces a series of pulses indicating the speed and/or linear position of the probe tip. A motor controller responds to a predetermined change in pattern of pulses from the encoder indicating that movement of the probe tip has been resisted by the vessel bottom, whereby further movement of the driven member and of the probe connected thereto is arrested, and the probe tip remains in contact with the vessel bottom.

Abstract: A centrifugal engine includes first and second centrifugal assemblies having independent assembly hub structures, each hub structure being rotatably mounted to a common bearing mount to rotate co-axially and in opposite directions; several spokes protruding radially from each hub structure; a mobile mass structure slidably mounted to each spoke; a rotation motor; several mass structure displacement motors, each for displacing one mobile mass structure along a corresponding spoke; a power source delivering electrical energy to the rotation motor to rotate each hub structure and attached spokes relative to the bearing mount, and also to the mass structure displacement motor to sequentially move the mobile mass structures longitudinally along the spokes and radially away from the given the hub structure and then rapidly toward the hub structure at a repeating rotational position to impart linear force to the assembly.

Abstract: The actuator has a gear unit with a gear housing and a motor unit with a motor housing and an internally located rotor with a drive shaft, and a cylindrical bearing housing on the drive side. The bearing housing protrudes, along with a bearing and the drive shaft ducted therein, into an opening in the gear housing. The motor housing is flange-mounted, along with a drive shaft mounted therein, to the gear housing. The outside of the bearing housing and the inside of the opening in the gear housing have been geometrically mutually harmonized such that clamping points and tension-free places will form between them when the actuator has been assembled. The pretensioning force resulting therefrom produces a permanent frictional engagement between the outer circumference of the bearing and the bearing support or the bearing shell located opposite it. The operating life of an actuator of such type is increased.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical screw actuator assembly comprises a housing (11) fixable to a motor vehicle, an electric motor (30) mounted within the housing (11) and including a stator (31) fixed to the housing (11) and a rotor (34), a screw mechanism (60) including a rotatable nut (61) and a central screw (62) translatable along a given axis (x), a gear reduction system (50) disposed between the rotor (34) and the screw mechanism (60) for provoking translation of the screw (62). The housing (11) is secured to or integral with a supporting member (21) of tubular cylindrical shape extending within the housing (11) coaxially to the axis (x). The supporting element (21) externally supports rotatably the rotor (34) of the electric motor (30), and internally supports rotatably the nut (61) of the screw mechanism (60).

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a system, including: an anti-backlash nut having a tapered surface at one end thereof; a drive nut having a complementary tapered surface engaging the tapered surface on the anti-backlash nut; and biasing means urging the tapered surfaces together. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A transaxle for a vehicle includes a first input shaft having a first speed drive gear, a third speed drive gear, and a reverse drive gear; and a second input shaft having a second speed drive gear. An output shaft has a first speed driven gear engaged with the first speed drive gear, a second speed driven gear engaged with the second speed drive gear, a third speed driven gear engaged with the third speed drive gear, a reverse driven gear, and a pinion adapted to engage with a differential. A reverse idler shaft has an idler input gear engaged with the reverse drive gear and an idler output gear, axially spaced from and rotationally fixed to the idler input gear and engaged with the reverse driven gear. Synchronizers selectively connect the first and second input shafts to the output shaft.

Abstract: An adjustable flange is provided by the present invention for the synchronization of multiple generators driven by a gas turbine engine. The adjustable flange of the present invention may comprise a clocking pin and a plurality of alignment holes which may allow for the precise synchronization of the generators so that they may be driven in a precisely parallel manner. The adjustable flange may be used, for example, in combination with any gas turbine engine having multiple gearbox-mounted generators, such as the engines used in gas turbine-driven land vehicles, or with any other source of rotating-shaft power suitable to drive the gearbox. A method for using the adjustable flange to synchronize multiple generators of an engine is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling backlash comprising an intermediate gear capable of adjustable meshed engagement between a first driving gear and a second driven gear, and a body rotatably supporting the intermediate gear and capable of movement in a direction that reduces the center distance between the intermediate gear and either the first gear, the second gear, or both. The movement of the body utilizes both a resilient urging and a hysteretic damping to supply appropriately light resilient biasing while being fortified against rapid retraction or repulsion.

Abstract: An energy delivery mechanism includes a first driven gear, a second driven gear, and a connecting member for interconnecting the first driven gear and the second driven gear. The connecting member is secured to the first driven gear, and detachably engaged with the second driven gear. The connecting member is prevented from rotating relative to the second driven gear by static friction existing between the connecting member and the second driven gear.

Abstract: A vehicle leveling device includes an electric motor and a geared rod, mounted by way of a gearbox and mounting bracket to a vehicle frame. The geared rod is translatable through an upper retracted position and a lower extended position. The attached vehicle is supported when the geared rod touches the ground below through a foot mount. Power for the electric motor is provided from the attached vehicle itself.

Abstract: This invention concerns a rolling screw with smaller advance per turn than the pitch of the threading, characterised in that a threaded coupling is foreseen in which a screw (1) is turned inside one or more female screws inserted in a single body or sleeve (2) and where the pitch of the thread of said female screws is equal to that of the screw (1), whereas the nominal diameter is greater than that of the screw itself.

Abstract: In this defect-compensating gear assembly for a timepiece mechanism, in which at least some of the uniformly distributed teeth of at least one of the mating toothed moving parts have regions which are elastically deformable in the direction of their respective thicknesses, the meshing teeth of said moving parts have at least two simultaneous contact points, the addition of the nominal thicknesses (eSJ, e2) of the teeth in contact of said respective mating moving parts, measured along the pitch circles (C1, C2) of these mating moving parts, gives a resultant length greater than the pitch (p) of these toothed moving parts. The thickness of said elastically deformable region extends on either side of the theoretical profile of said teeth.

Abstract: Robotic surgical tools, systems, and methods for preparing for and performing robotic surgery include a memory mounted on the tool. The memory can perform a number of functions when the tool is loaded on the tool manipulator: first, the memory can provide a signal verifying that the tool is compatible with that particular robotic system. Secondly, the tool memory may identify the tool-type to the robotic system so that the robotic system can reconfigure its programming. Thirdly, the memory of the tool may indicate tool-specific information, including measured calibration offsets indicating misalignment of the tool drive system, tool life data, or the like. This information may be stored in a read only memory (ROM), or in a nonvolatile memory which can be written to only a single time. The invention further provides improved engagement structures for coupling robotic surgical tools with manipulator structures.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for hand-grippable devices, such as levers for a brake or clutch, triggers, scissor-action tools, etc. The actuator assembly is a lever having a rotation-restriction mechanism, such as a one-way bearing, mounted on a shaft, with a sleeve assembled over the rotation-restriction mechanism and shaft. As the lever is grasped by the fingertips and pulled toward the operator's palm, the sleeve rotates about the shaft axis, thereby allowing the lever to roll from the fingertips toward the base of the fingers near palm of the operator's hand, where the operator has greater strength and control over the lever. The sleeve is prevented from rotating in the reverse direction, so, when the operator releases the lever, the lever slides along toward the fingertips, allowing the operator to slow the motion as desired. The actuator assembly reduces fatigue and loss of control over hand-operated mechanisms.

Abstract: An integrated control device for a bicycle with curved handlebars is particularly ergonomic and which easily permits simultaneous braking and gear shifting operations, in particular towards lower gear ratios. In the integrated control device, the gearshift control levers are provided with actuating portions that the cyclist's fingers can reach one from one side of the support and the other from the other side of the support, and are placed in positions out of the reach of the brake lever.

Abstract: A direct manufacturing technique involving rapid solidification processing uses a reaction between a metallic molten pool and a reactant gas in an inert atmosphere to form alloys with improved desired properties. By utilizing rapid solidification techniques, solubility levels can be increased resulting in alloys with unique mechanical and physical properties. Laser deposition of alloys in atmospheres of varying reactant content produce significant strengthening without cracking. In addition, these materials have very high hardness values for hard face coating and functionally graded materials applications.

Abstract: A method for operating a vacuum vessel with a coherent jet wherein vacuum conditions are established within the vessel and an anchored or attached flame envelope resulting from subsonic velocity fuel and oxidant is provided around at least one supersonic gas stream.

Abstract: A combination beverage holder and container opener having a tubular body that includes an open upper end sized for receipt of a beverage container, a lower end, and a wall that defines an inner receptacle and a lower inner surface for receiving the beverage container. The lower end includes an orifice designed to receive and remove a twist open bottle cap. A bottom surface of the lower end includes first and second sections. The first section includes a cavity member designed to engage and remove a conventional bottle cap from a beverage bottle. The second section includes a tab member designed to slip between the pull tab and top surface of a beverage container and releasably open the container's pull tab.

Abstract: This invention relates to a handle driving structure of socket wrench. More specifically, the invention relates to a socket wrench which has a double torque transfer mechanism such as reciprocating stroke action and fixed point rotation. This invention improves the structure between the rotating rod and the handle in the prior art U.S. Pat. No. 6,718,850B2. A handle part is inserted and combined to one side of the head end part of the wrench body. Meanwhile, the rotating rod penetrates and is installed inside the pivoting hole slot of the handle part, and protrudes and extends to the end of the handle part. Furthermore, a T-shaped handle is connected to the end of the rotating rod.

Abstract: A ratchet screwdriver for a ratchet screwdriver has a ratchet unit including a handle extending along an axis, a positioning seat disposed fixedly on the handle, a ratchet wheel journalled within the positioning seat, and two pawls disposed between the positioning seat and the ratchet wheel. Each of the pawls is formed with a plurality of retaining teeth movable into engagement with ratchet teeth of the ratchet wheel. Two pivot pin units extend parallel to the axis, and are connected respectively to the pawls such that the pawls are rotatable respectively about the pivot pin units. Two resilient members bias respectively the pawls toward the ratchet wheel. A rotary cover is disposed rotatably on the positioning seat, and includes a driving portion that moves each of the pawls between an engagement position and a disengagement position.

Abstract: A socket for a wrench adapted to remove or install a 90-degree elbow on a dishwasher for attaching the waterline to the water conduit on the dishwasher. The 90-degree elbow comprising a polyhedral main body portion having two arm extensions or ends at a right angle to one another; one end being adapted to connect to the water conduit on the dishwasher and the other end being adapted to connect to the waterline. The socket includes a main body with a central cavity and a notch in the main body for receiving the main body portion of the elbow, so that the waterline end on the elbow extends out through the notch in the socket. The socket further comprises a drive end having a driver configured to cooperate with a driver on a socket wrench or other ratcheting wrench.