Abstract: A novel method for whole field thin film stress evaluation is provided. Through the provided method, the whole filed thin film stress distribution for an optical thin film would be developed with a commercial interferometer, so that a whole field evaluation for the crack or peel-off of thin film is hence achievable.

Abstract: An assembly, system, and method for identifying defects in a structure are provided. The assembly includes a structure of a metallic or composite material, and a flexible sheet of material positioned adjacent to the structure. The assembly also includes a plurality of non-destructive sensors secured to the flexible sheet, and a mechanism operable to impact the flexible sheet or proximate to the flexible sheet to generate stress waves within and along a surface of the structure. The system further provides a data acquisition system capable of communicating with the sensors such that the data acquisition system generates feedback indicative of at least a portion of the structure based on data from the stress waves acquired by the sensors.

Abstract: A gyratory compactor apparatus is provided for interacting with a sample within a generally cylindrical mold having a flange. Such an apparatus comprises a frame defining an axis and an offsetable member engaged with the frame for engaging one end of the mold. The offsetable member is displaceable from the axis and is concurrently movable in an orbital motion thereabout. A pressure ram is movable along the axis and a mold-engaging device is engaged with the frame for receiving the mold such that the mold and frame axes are coaxial. The pressure ram is axially movable within the mold to apply a compaction pressure on the sample, and thereby maintains a portion of the mold at a gyration point along the frame axis. The mold-engaging device axially moves the mold into engagement with the offsetable member.

Abstract: A gyratory compactor apparatus is provided for interacting with a sample within a generally cylindrical mold having a flange. Such an apparatus comprises a frame defining an axis and an offsetable member engaged with the frame for engaging one end of the mold. The offsetable member is displaceable from the axis and is concurrently movable in an orbital motion thereabout. A pressure ram is movable along the axis and a mold-engaging device is engaged with the frame for receiving the mold such that the mold and frame axes are coaxial. The pressure ram is axially movable within the mold to apply a compaction pressure on the sample, and thereby maintains a portion of the mold at a gyration point along the frame axis. The mold-engaging device axially moves the mold into engagement with the offsetable member.

Abstract: A test assembly structure having a first specimen support, a displacement mechanism joined to the first specimen support and a second specimen support. A loading assembly is joined to the second specimen support and configured so as to engage a specimen held by the second specimen support with a specimen held by the first specimen support. A self-reacting structure is joined to the loading assembly having a flexure substantially rigid in the direction of loading of the loading assembly and substantially compliant in the direction of displacement of the displacement mechanism. A second flexure can be configured to support the second specimen support and/or loading assembly on a base. The second flexure is substantially compliant in the direction of loading of the loading assembly and substantially rigid in the direction of displacement of the displacement mechanism.

Abstract: An inductive clamp includes a pair of jaws configured to surround a conductor, and a pair of handles, each connected to a corresponding jaw. A pivotal connection is provided that allows the jaws to close around a conductor. The jaws are optionally biased to hold them closed around the conductor. A ferromagnetic core is mounted in each jaw and a coil surrounds at least one of the cores. An indicator is provided that tells a user that a signal has been applied to at least one of the cores.

Abstract: An electromagnetic flowmeter includes: a measurement pipe to which a magnetic pole core is fixed while having a gap between a tip end portion of the magnetic pole core and the measurement pipe; a lining member for covering an inner wall surface of the measurement pipe and the gap; and a locking portion for locking the lining member, the locking portion being provided in a vicinity of the gap.

Abstract: A flow sensor 22 is provided on a wall surface of a flow path 4 in which a fluid to be measured. A member having minimal cross-section flow path 17 which has a diameter extremely smaller than that of the flow path 4 where the flow sensor 22 is provided is disposed at the downstream of the flow sensor 22.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mass flow meter for flowing media, which operates according to the Coriolis principle. At least one oscillator and at lest one sensor that detects Coriolis forces and/or oscillations based on Coriolis forces are mounted on a Coriolis measuring tube. As evaluation unit determines a measured flow valve from the measurement signal of the sensor. Means are provided which make it possible to detect zero flow in the measuring tube regardless of the detection of Coriolis forces and/or oscillations based on Coriolis forces and generate a corresponding measurement signal.

Abstract: A rotation sensor includes a first rotor constituted by a magnetic material and having an outer face that has first conductive layers disposed in two levels as viewed in the direction of a rotation axis and second conductive layers disposed outwardly of and between the first conductive layers, a second rotor having metal members corresponding to the first conductive layers of the first rotor, and a stationary core having a stationary core body that accommodates therein two exciting coils that are spaced from each other in the direction of the rotation axis. The second rotor is disposed between the first rotor mounted to a first shaft and the stationary core fixed to a stationary member, and is mounted to a second shaft which is rotatable relative to the first shaft.

Abstract: A sample tube 1 has an upper body part 3 open at its upper end and a lower body part 4 extending downwardly therefrom and which engages, in use, in a supporting rack (not shown). The lower body part 4 is substantially solid or, if hollow, is at least closed from the upper body part 3, and the upper body part is internally segmented to provide a plurality of individual storage chambers 2 within the sample tube 1.

Abstract: A sensor unit (1) comprises at least one sensor (3) that is arranged on a circuit board (2) and a cover (4) for the sensor (3). The cover (4) is open toward the circuit board (2) and adjoins the circuit board (2) in the installed state. The underside (14) of the circuit board simultaneously forms part of the seal. The at least one sensor (3) is completely climate-encapsulated.

Abstract: There is provided a manipulation device of a microwave oven. In the manipulation device, a coupling shaft of a dial knob includes a guide rib on its outer surface, a coupling tab extending from a leading end of the guide rib, and a reinforcement rib formed on a side of the guide rib. Therefore, the coupling shaft can be protected from an excessive force acted on the dial knob.

Abstract: A vehicle has an engine, an accelerator for controlling the rotary speed of the engine, an axle and a multi-speed transmission for transmitting power from the engine to the axle. The multi-speed transmission includes an odd-numbered speed drive train for an odd-numbered speed level, a first clutch for the odd-numbered speed drive train, an even-numbered speed drive train for an even-numbered speed level, and a second clutch for the even-numbered speed drive train. In correspondence to operation of the accelerator and an actual speed of the axle, either the odd-numbered speed drive train or the even-numbered speed drive train is selected so as to transmit power from the engine to the axle. A shift-up or shift-down timing between the odd-numbered speed level and the even-numbered speed level relative to variation of the actual speed of the axle is changed according to detection of a tilt angle of the vehicle or a weight of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle control system is used for an automatic transmission that is operated in accordance with a shift range position switched by a passenger. The vehicle control system includes an actuator and a control circuit. The actuator operates the shift range position. The control circuit controls the actuator such that the shift range position coincides with an instruction provided by the passenger. The actuator and the control circuit are integrated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission device for motor vehicles, wherein the transmission device has several wheel sets for forming gears and wherein the transmission device has an internal gear shift and a gear actuator for actuating the internal gear shift for engaging and disengaging gears, and wherein the transmission device has a transmission housing in which the wheel sets provided for forming gears are held, wherein the gear actuator has two separate function modules, of which a first one is a drive module and of which a second is an actuating module, wherein the drive module has at least one, especially electronically-controlled, drive device like an electric motor and wherein during engaging and disengaging gears, the actuating module is in the power flow between the drive module and the internal gear shift and wherein the actuating module and the drive module are mounted separately on the transmission housing.

Abstract: A transmission operating apparatus for a vehicle includes a shift lever manipulable by a driver, and at least one counterforce applying unit which electrically applies a counterforce counteracting a shifting operation of the shift lever to the shift lever corresponding to a respective position of the shift lever. The counterforce to be applied to the shift lever by the counterforce applying unit is changed when predetermined conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: A vehicle power steering assembly is provided. The vehicle power steering assembly includes an input shaft having first and second end portions that extend along an axis, and a first aperture that extends substantially axially into the first end portion. The vehicle power steering assembly further includes a torsion shaft having third and fourth end portions. The third end portion has a first plurality of splines and the fourth end portion has a second plurality of splines. The third end portion is disposed in the first aperture of the input shaft. The first plurality of splines on the third end portion fixedly couples the torsion shaft to the input shaft. The vehicle power steering assembly further includes an output shaft having fifth and sixth end portions, and a second aperture that extends substantially axially into the fifth end portion toward the sixth end portion. The fourth end portion of the torsion shaft is disposed in the second aperture of the output shaft.

Abstract: A gear includes a gear main body and a plurality of teeth projecting on the outer circumferential surface of the gear main body. Each tooth has a plurality of crowned portions formed by arcuate bulges along a tooth trace direction. In the case of constructing a gear mechanism using this gear, mating gears are respectively engaged with the respective crowned portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gear-change device (1) comprising a transmission housing (2), at least two neighboring gear shafts (3, 4) arranged in the transmission housing, and a respective gear-change sleeve (5, 6) per gear shaft (3, 4), wherein at least one locking element (7; 8) is arranged on a guide means (9) supported on the transmission housing (2), and by displacement of one (5) of the gear-change sleeves (5, 6) the respectively other one (6) of the gear-change sleeves (5, 6) is locked against an axial displacement on the gear shaft (4) thereof out of the neutral position.

Abstract: A bicycle shift position control mechanism is configured to provide a bicycle shifting unit with multiple gear shifting in a single upshift operation or a single downshift operation. The shift position control mechanism that has a wire take up member, a positioning member, a first position maintaining member and a second position maintaining member. The positioning member rotates with the wire take up member between one of a plurality of predetermined shift positions. The first position maintaining member selectively moves between a first engagement position that holds the positioning member in one of the predetermined shift positions and a first disengagement position that releases the positioning member for rotational movement. The second position maintaining member selectively moes between a second engagement position that holds the positioning member in one of the predetermined shift positions and a second disengagement position that releases the positioning member for rotational movement.

Abstract: A steering wheel has an internal structural component formed by an armature made of a relatively rigid material such as magnesium or aluminum, or an alloy of magnesium or aluminum, and an external component made of a compressible material such as polyurethane. The armature has a hub, a rim surrounding the hub, and radial spokes extending between the hub and the rim. The external component includes an over-lay providing a rim cover for the rim and a spoke cover for each of the two spokes. The external component also includes one or more parts extending radially inwardly from the rim cover to provide an additional spoke or spokes.

Abstract: A bicycle sprocket crank assembly is comprised of first and second crank arms joined to a spindle. One of the crank arms and the spindle may be fabricated as a unitary structure, or both cranks arms may be formed as separate structures and joined together. In either case the spindle has at least a first coupling end with an internally tapped axial bore defined therein and the second crank arm forms at least a first socket at its axle end. At least a first wedging sleeve is provided and is disposed about the first coupling end of the spindle. The first wedging sleeve conforms to the shapes of both the first coupling end of the spindle and the hollow cavity in the first socket. Either the coupling end of the spindle or the hollow cavity is axially tapered, and the wedging sleeve is tapered to match.

Abstract: A titanium base alloy powder having lesser amounts of aluminum and vanadium with an alkali or alkaline earth metal being present in an amount of less than about 200 ppm. The alloy powder is neither spherical nor angular and flake shaped. 6/4 alloy is specifically disclosed having a packing fraction or tap density between 4 and 11%, as is a method for making the various alloys.

Abstract: A method for removing slag comprises: preparing a filter 21 of heat-resistant porous ceramics, which passes a molten metal and catches slag, liquidizing metal material to form a molten metal A on which slag is floating; and traveling filter 21 along a surface of the molten metal A and removing slag. And a device for removing slag comprises: a filter 21 of heat-resistant porous ceramics, which passes a molten metal and catches slag; and a driving device for traveling filter 21 along a surface of the molten metal on which slag is floating and removing slag.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adjustable and portable striking tool assembly adapted to be increased or decreased in the tool length for the quick, easy, and effective repair/reaching of the items, like gutter nails, gutter rails, soffit panels, soffit slides, and the like, at elevated height or around roof level without the use of a ladder. The adjustable and portable striking tool assembly of the present invention comprises a telescopically adjustable inner handle received within an elongated cylindrical arbor forming an outer extendible handle, a fastening device capable of fastening said telescopically adjustable inner handle within said outer extendible handle and a retention means mechanically attached to a retention means on the outer extendible handle and holding the fastening device on another end.

Abstract: An oil drain plug wrench is provided to enable a user to more easily remove and install an oil drain plug. The wrench includes a rotor with two cavities on opposite sides of a rotor. When either of the cavities engages a workpiece, the wrench is capable of applying torque to the workpiece in a first rotational direction and ratcheting in a second rotational direction. A flange is provided on the outer diameter of the rotor to allow a user to remove or install an oil drain plug by hand.

Abstract: An on-car disc brake lathe system for resurfacing a brake disc of a vehicle brake assembly includes a lathe body with a driving motor, a cutting head operably attached to the lathe body, and a drive shaft. The system also includes an alignment system having an electronic controller, input and output adaptors configured to rotate with the drive shaft, one or more adjustment discs, and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment disc is positioned between the input adaptor and the output adaptor, and an axial alignment of the input adaptor relative to the output adaptor may be varied based on a rotational orientation of the adjustment disc. The adjustment mechanism is configured to change the rotational orientation of the adjustment disc in response to commands from the electronic controller.

Abstract: A method of positioning a load wheel in a tire uniformity machine to load a tire for testing, the method comprising providing a drive assembly including a drive motor and a drive controller, electrically connected to each other, said drive controller being adapted to switch between analog velocity control and position control; moving the load wheel with the drive motor using analog velocity control; and switching to position control to cause said motor to maintain a selected position of said load wheel without a mechanical brake.

Abstract: A cutting device holds an article to be cut stationary while a blade is traversed along a curved guide to peel or slice away material from the article. The article may be rotated using an indexing mechanism to realign the article with respect to the blade. The cutting device is especially configured to cut complex shapes, such as a seven-sided tourné. Portions of the cutting device may be separated for storage or travel, and a storage container may be provided to protect the device as well as to keep the separated pieces together.

Abstract: A cutting device, such as a circular saw, is disclosed with a laser-generating alignment mechanism. The alignment mechanism is mounted on a fixed component of the cutting device, such as a fixed linkage between the base of the device and the upper blade guard, thereby eliminating any significant variation in the length of the laser beam and resulting in a more accurate cut. A method of generating an accurate cut is also provided. The method includes placing a cutting device, such as a circular saw, adjacent to a workpiece and cutting the workpiece along a laser beam created by a laser generator mounted on a fixed component of the cutting device, such as a fixed linkage between the base of the device and the upper blade guard.

Abstract: A punching die for punching out a seal member, which is for winding around an exhaust gas purifier, from a sheet of an inorganic fiber mat having a contour. The punching die includes a base plate and a first blade supported on the base plate. The first blade punches out a frame-shaped unnecessary portion, which includes the contour of the inorganic fiber mat, and a seal member formation portion, which includes the seal member, from the inorganic fiber mat. At least one second blade is supported on the base plate at an outer side of the first blade. The second blade punches and cuts the frame-shaped unnecessary portion into a plurality of unnecessary fragments. Accordingly, the punch die improves productivity for the seal member.

Abstract: A punching die for punching out a seal member from a sheet of an inorganic fiber mat having a contour. The punching die includes a base plate. A first blade is supported on the base plate and has a cutting edge extending to form a loop. The first blade punches out a frame-shaped unnecessary portion, which includes the contour, and a seal member formation portion, which includes the seal member, from the inorganic fiber mat. A second blade, which is supported on the base plate at an outer side of the first blade, partially cuts the frame-shaped unnecessary portion. The at least one second blade forms a perforation in the frame-shaped unnecessary portion to separate the unnecessary portion into a plurality of unnecessary fragments. This improves productivity for production of the seal members.

Abstract: A punching die for punching a sheet of inorganic fiber mat to manufacture a holding seal member for winding around an exhaust gas purifier body. The punching die includes a base plate. A double-edged punching blade, supported by the base plate, punches the inorganic fiber mat to cut out the holding seal member.

Abstract: A system and method for cutting shingles according to which a plurality of cutting blades are mounted on the outer circumference of a cutting cylinder, and the cylinder is rotated with the blades engaging the sheet while effecting relative translational movement between the cylinder and the sheet so that shingles are cut from the sheet upon one rotation of the cylinder.

Abstract: A device for ideal cutting of an adhesive film mother sheet which prevents or reduces displacement or peeling of a cover film, etc. on an adhesive layer when the adhesive film mother sheet deforms as a result of shearing forces that act during cutting. The cutting device cuts the adhesive film mother sheet into strips while performing conveyance thereof and includes a cutter mechanism and heating mechanism. The cutter mechanism may include an upper blade unit wherein a plurality of upper blades are arranged axially and a lower blade unit wherein a plurality of lower blades are arranged axially. The heating mechanism is disposed upstream of the cutter mechanism and may include a blower, a heater, a temperature sensor, and/or a temperature control unit. The blower may be connected to the heater via a an air passage and be disposed so as to blow heated air onto the adhesive film mother sheet.

Abstract: An electronic paper cutting machine includes a housing to which a drive roller is coupled for moving a sheet to be cut in a first direction and a cutter assembly coupled to the housing and moveable in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. A user interface is incorporated into the housing for allowing a user to select via the user interface at least one shape to be cut by the cutter assembly wherein controlled movement of the drive roller and the cutter assembly causes a shape to be cut in the sheet.

Abstract: An alignment device including a body having an alignment edge configured to guide a cutting device, an extension portion pivotal relative to the alignment edge, and at least one cutting-line indicator configured to be selectively positioned on the extension portion and configured to indicate a cutting line for the cutting device. In some embodiments, the alignment device may include a plurality of pitch selectors configured to indicate a plurality of different angles, including a first pitch selector indicating a first angle. The body further may include a level indicator configured to identify whether a plank is at first angle when the first pitch selector is selected and the body is positioned in a pitch measurement position on the plank.

Abstract: An improved musical instrument string is provided. The string includes a polymer cover that protects the string, from contamination while maintaining the original “lively” sound of the musical string. By supplying the cover over a conventional string and preferable over a conventional wound string, the string is protected against contamination while also making the string easier to play. The preferred cover comprises at least one layer of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) that is most preferably sealed with a polymer coating.

Abstract: A drum has a sound reflector at the lower end of its shell for reflecting sound waves back toward the drumhead, thereby improving the quality and duration of the sound. The shell may be mounted from a base plate that provides an annular reflecting flange. Multiple drums, e.g., four, may be mounted from a single baseplate.

Abstract: An easily removable unit that provides a means of holding the players mallets as well as affording a protective edge for the bass drum rim of a marching bass drum as used in marching bands and drum corps. The device is held in place by a rim claw on the bass drum rim that serves to hold the unit in place while also providing protection of the rim when being struck by the players mallet shaft. The claw slides in a slotted track that also holds a gripper for holding the players mallets. The rim claw is retained in the slot by a tension spring that allows the player to remove the unit by pulling the rim claw away from the rim.

Abstract: Electronic keyboard instrument is provided with a leg section supporting thereon a keyboard in such a manner that the keyboard is located at a height falling within a range from 350 mm to 500 mm. Namely, the leg section supports thereon the keyboard at a suitable height that is substantially equal to an average height of ordinary low tables designed on the assumption that they are generally used when users are in a comfortable position. Namely, the “height falling within a range from 350 mm to 500 mm” is derived from survey results of heights of low tables. Thus, when the user sits in front of the keyboard instrument, the user can take a comfortable position as when sitting in front of a low table, and, even in such a comfortable position, the keyboard is located at a right height for playing. With such arrangements, the user is allowed, at any desired time, to readily enjoy playing the instrument in a natural playing posture.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus in which the radius of turning motion of a mainly operated portion of each black key in a key depressing/releasing direction is maximized so as to enhance the operability of the black key for performance. The keyboard apparatus has a key frame formed with fixing parts. In the key frame, there are arranged a plurality of key units each having a plurality of white keys and a plurality of black keys integrally connected to a common base end part held by the fixing parts of the key frame. Each of the white keys and the black keys comprises a base end part, a key main body, and a hinge part connecting the key main body to the base end part such that the key main body is swingable about the base end part in the key depressing/releasing direction, and the hinge part of each of the black keys is located rearward of the hinge part of each of the white keys.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus having a construction which can maintain an excellent balance in touch feeling between white keys and black keys and can be made compact in size in the longitudinal direction. The driven part of each of mass bodies associated with respective white keys and the driven part of each of mass bodies associated with respective black keys are at the same longitudinal location, and at the same time the distance between the driven part of each black key-associated mass body and a pivotal motion support associated therewith is longer than the distance between the driven part of each white key-associated mass body and a pivotal motion support associated therewith.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus having mass bodies that pivotally move in accordance with a key operation that facilitates key attachment operations. In a key unit, a plurality of keys having driving parts are integrally connected by a common base end part in a condition in which the keys are pivotally movable. A plurality of mass bodies have driven parts disposed in correspondence to the driving parts of the keys, respectively, and are disposed in a pivotally movable condition with respect to a key frame having a securing part. In an assembled state in which the common base end part is secured to the securing part and the driving parts are engaged with the corresponding driven parts, respectively, in response to a pivotal movement of each of the keys, the corresponding driven parts are driven by the driving parts, respectively, so that the corresponding mass bodies pivotally move.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus includes: keys composed of white keys and black keys supported pivotably on a key mounting part of a frame; mass members pivotably supported on a mass member mounting part and driven by mass member driving parts provided underside of the keys; and a mass member lower limit stopper and a mass member upper limit stopper restricting a pivot range of the mass members. Each of the mass members includes a mass concentration part. The mass concentration part extends more outward in a key longitudinal direction than a position where the mass member upper limit stopper on the frame is disposed, and an upper face of the mass concentration part at its highest lifted position is substantially flush with an upper face of a rear end portion of the white key main body.

Abstract: Key frame has a key support section that pivotably supports thereon a plurality of keys. Hammer structures are pivotably provided in corresponding relation to and below the keys, each of which pivots in interlocked relation to depression operation of a corresponding one of the keys. On a rear portion of the key frame, there is provided an upper stopper that is elongated and extends in a direction where the keys are arranged. The upper stopper defines an upper end limit of pivoting movement of each of the hammer structures. Opening portion is formed between the key support section and the upper stopper. Wiring cable connected to a circuit board, having switches corresponding to the keys, is run below the key support section, then passed through the opening portion and thence drawn upwardly beyond the upper stopper so that it is led out to a region above the upper stopper.

Abstract: A key unit having a white key unit and a black key unit in which main bodies of a plurality of white keys and black keys, respectively, are coupled to respective common key support parts via coupling parts pivotably in a key depression direction is mounted on a keyboard frame. In the black key unit, a total width in a key arrangement direction of each of the coupling parts is wider than a key width of the black key main body, whereby the coupling parts restrict yawing in a key width direction when the black keys are depressed/released. In the white key unit, each of the coupling parts is narrower in total width in the key arrangement direction than each of the coupling parts in the black key unit, and guide parts are provided on free end sides of the white keys to restrict yawing in the key arrangement direction.

Abstract: An electromagnetic (EM) musical instrument system is provided. The system comprises an excitation signal generator configured to generate an excitation signal. An excitation signal applier, coupled to the excitation signal generator, receives the excitation signal and transmits it to an EM musical instrument. The instrument receives the excitation signal and generates an EM ouput signal in response to the excitation signal. An EM output receiver receives the EM output signal. A method for generating electromagnetic music is also provided. An excitation signal is generated and applied to an EM instrument, comprised of a body comprising a shape and having EM characteristics that differ from one or more EM characteristics of a free space adjacent to the instrument, and a port coupled to the body, which receives and applies the excitation signal to the body. The responce of the instrument to the excitation signal is measured and recorded to generate an electromagnetic musical signal.

Abstract: An electromagnetic (EM) musical instrument is provided. The instrument comprises a body comprising a shape and having EM characteristics that differ from one or more EM characteristics of a free space adjacent to the instrument. A port is coupled to the body and configured to receive an excitation signal and apply the received excitation signal to the body. In alternate embodiments, (1) the instrument further comprises a plurality of sub sections, (2) at least one sub-section is electrically isolated, (3) at least one sub section is coupled to ground, (4) at least one sub-section is coupled to a fixed potential, (5) the instrument further comprises a first sound hole coupled to the free space adjacent to the instrument, and (6) the instrument further comprises a first current loop coupled to the first sound hole. Systems and methods for using an EM musical instrument and system are- also provided.