Abstract: A composite steering wheel for an automotive vehicle having a steering column is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the composite steering wheel includes a rim, a center hub, and a plurality of spokes connecting the rim to the center hub. The rim, the center hub, and the plurality of spokes are formed from a deformable thermoplastic material. The rim, the center hub, and the plurality of spokes may be formed from a single thermoplastic piece or may be formed from two thermoplastic pieces joined to one another. The composite steering wheel also includes an attachment member embedded in the center hub. The attachment member is sized to couple to the steering column.

Abstract: A steering switch device has an operation member to be operated on a steering wheel of a vehicle. An operation condition of the operation member is controlled by a control unit when the steering wheel is rotated. The operation member is for example a cylindrical member and disposed operable in a rotation manner. When the steering switch is rotated, a rotating operation of the cylindrical operation member is restricted by the control unit. Alternatively, the rotating operation of the operation member is controlled to be loaded. In a case that the operation member is a button member for indicating a direction, a pressing operation of the button member is controlled so as not to be pressed or to be loaded by the control unit when the steering wheel is rotated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microtome or cryostat handle in which the angle of the grip is adjustable with respect to the flywheel of the devise. The handle is attached to the flywheel by a bearing block to allow for rotation. The grip of the handle is attached to the bearing block with a moveable coupler, which allows the grip to be positioned at any angle relative to the flywheel. The angle of the grip can either be locked into position or allowed to float depending on the preference of the user.

Abstract: A needle roller bearing comprises a plurality of needle rollers and a retainer. The retainer includes a pair of annular parts and pillar parts connecting the pair of annular parts so as to form pockets in which the needle rollers are housed. A sidewall surface of the pillar part has a sheared surface punched by a punching blade so that the pockets are formed, and a fractured surface fractured by a material pressed by the punching blade. The needle roller is guided by the sheared surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of making heat cells that are suitable for incorporation into disposable heating wraps. The heat cells comprise an exothermic composition comprising an absorbent gelling material, wherein the absorbent gelling material provides for improved heat application in the relief of temporary or chronic body aches and pains.

Abstract: A feedstock composition and a method of forming metal articles using powder metallurgy techniques comprise mixing metal powders and a novel aromatic binder system. The composition of the novel feedstock comprises an aromatic binder system and a metal powder. The aromatic binder system comprises an aromatic species and can further comprise lubricants, surfactants, and polymers as additives. The metal powder comprises elemental metals, metal compounds, and metal alloys, particularly for highly-reactive metals. The method of forming metal articles comprises the steps of providing and mixing the metal powder and the aromatic binder system to produce a novel feedstock. The method further comprises processing the novel feedstock into a metal article using a powder metallurgy forming technique. Metal articles formed using the present invention have an increase in carbon and oxygen contents each less than or equal to 0.2 wt % relative to the metal powder used to fabricate the article.

Abstract: A method for spherically granulating and agglomerating metal particles such as tantalum and/or niobium powders is described in the present invention, which includes the steps of: a). comminuting the metal particles to form fine particles having D50 less than 50 ?m; b). granulating the comminuted metal particles comprising volatile liquid, for example, tantalum and/or niobium particles comprising volatile liquid, to form wet spherical particles; c). still drying the wet spherical particles and removing volatile liquid to form flowable pre-agglomerated particles with increased bulk density; d). heat treating the pre-agglomerated particles; e). screening the heat treated powder to obtain the flowable agglomerated particles. The present invention provides a flowable spherical agglomerated metal particles, and especially tantalum and/or niobium particles having improved properties. The present agglomerated tantalum powder have a flow rate of at least about 2.0 g/sec, a BET surface area of from about 0.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metal-containing, hydrogen-storing material which contains a catalyst for the purpose of hydration or dehydration, said catalyst being a metal carbonate. The method for producing such a metal-containing, hydrogen-storing material is characterized by subjecting the metal-containing material and/or the catalyst in the form of a metal carbonate to a mechanical milling process.

Abstract: A method of producing colloidal, shaped nanoparticles of a transition metal or alloys thereof, comprising reducing ions of at least one transition metal in an aqueous solution thereof in the presence of at least one compound, which, at its isoelectric point, is a zwitterion and/or at least one small, non-polymeric anion and the nanoparticles produced thereby.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a process for producing separable iron and titanium oxides from an ore containing titanium oxide and ferric oxide, comprising: (a) forming agglomerates comprising carbon-based materials and the ore, the quantity of carbon of the agglomerates being sufficient for, at an elevated temperature, reducing ferric oxide to ferrous oxide and forming a ferrous oxide-rich molten slag, (b) introducing the agglomerates onto a carbon bed of a moving hearth furnace; (c) heating the agglomerates in the moving hearth furnace to a temperature sufficient for reducing and melting the agglomerates to produce a ferrous oxide-rich molten slag; (d) metallizing the ferrous oxide of the molten slag by reaction of the ferrous oxide and the carbon of the carbon bed at a furnace temperature sufficient for maintaining the slag in a molten state; and (e) solidifying the slag after metallization of the ferrous oxide to form a matrix of titanium oxide-rich slag having a plurality of metallic iron granules distri

Abstract: An apparatus that can be used during drilling operations for the purposes of clamping and holding drilling tubulars is disclosed. The embodiments relate to machinery that clamp and hold drilling tubulars to allow assembly to a specified torque or disassembly of the tubulars. The apparatus comprises a first grip with teeth inserts housed in a gripping block that opposes a second grip with teeth inserts housed in a second gripping block. The first and second grips are spaced and adapted to accommodate a range of diameters of drilling tubulars. Further, the gripping blocks are held by opposing arms connected to a driving means to create a tightening or loosening movement of the grips and maintain a certain orientation with regard to the tubulars.

Abstract: A pneumatic ratchet drive tool includes an elongate housing having opposite first and second ends and a longitudinal axis. An air inlet is disposed at the first end, and a head extends generally axially from the second end. The tool includes a ratchet mechanism, and a bit receiver extending from the head and being operatively connected to ratchet mechanism. The bit receiver defines a bit socket for receiving and temporarily retaining a bit. The socket has a longitudinal axis generally orthogonal to the axes of the housing and the head.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a tool for inserting and removing rod-type steps includes a handle and a head. The head includes a first surface having a first hole and a second surface, parallel to the first surface, having a second hole. The first hole and the second hole define a centerline. The head also includes a tang having first and second scallops disposed on opposing edges. The tang is perpendicular to the first and second surfaces and offset from the centerline.

Abstract: The invention relates to a universal key (1), particularly a control cabinet key, with multiple key arms (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), on which tool heads (12a, 12b, 13a, 13b) and/or retainers (5) for attaching tool heads (12a, 12b, 13a, 13b) or bits (6) are arranged, where at least one key arm (2a, 2b) forms a pen-shaped, hollow handle (3), and the hollow handle (3) displays at least one opening (10, 11), through which at least one other key arm (2c, 2d) can be folded out and in. (FIG.

Abstract: A hexagonal wrench includes a slot adapted to be defined in at least one of the six side faces of the head to receive therein a ball and spring combination so that the ball in the ball and spring combination and urged by the spring of the ball and spring combination is able to automatically compensate a void between the hexagonal wrench and a hexagonal hole.

Abstract: An NC automatic lathe including abase board, a headstock provided with a main spindle and so arranged as to move in a direction of Z1 axis, a back attachment provided with a sub spindle which is so arranged as to be opposed to the headstock, the back attachment being so arranged as to move in directions of Z2 axis, X2 axis and Y2 axis, a guide bush, a first turret tool post arranged at a side of the guide bush so as to move in directions of X1 axis and Y1 axis, a second turret tool post arranged at a side of the guide bush so as to move in directions of Z3 axis, X3 axis and Y3 axis, and a fixed back machining tool unit arranged at a position offset with respect to at least one of the first turret tool post and second turret tool post, to the back attachment in a direction of Z axis, and provided with tool holding portions in at least two rows and two lines in directions of X axis and Y axis.

Abstract: Depaneling systems are disclosed for liberating circuit boards from panels. A depaneling system of the invention includes a first fixture pallet adapted to support a first panel of circuit boards for cutting and a second fixture pallet adapted to support a second panel of circuit boards for cutting. The first fixture pallet is positioned above the second fixture pallet in the depaneling system relative to the ground to provide an over-under configuration of the fixture pallets.

Abstract: A punch canister includes a punch head with an axial shaft that has a screw thread which is adapted to be connected during use to the screw threads of a punch element that is slideably associated within a stripper bushing. A punch recess adjustment member is rotatably and slideably associated with the punch head. The adjustment member is adapted to the slideably but non-rotatably rotatably connected during operation to the punch element. A resilient retraction member, e.g., a spring, is located between the punch head and the adjustment member for biasing the adjustment member axially downward on the punch head.

Abstract: A machine for severing a web, comprising a movable surface positioned such that the web may exert gravitational force against the movable surface, the movable surface providing frictional force against the web such that movement of the surface causes movement of the web, and a severing mechanism to sever the web into selected lengths, the severing mechanism including a severing device that urges the web against the movable surface to effect the severance of the web.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes for producing paper roll products with spaced core sections. A core substrate is arranged on a mandrel, and then divided into a plurality of core sections. The core sections are then separated from each other on the mandrel to form gaps between the core sections. Paper web material can then be wound onto the separated core sections to form a log of rolls. The log is then cut into final paper roll products.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for chopping long unwound items like fiber, fiber strands, yarn, etc. The chopper has a backup roll, a blade roll and a biasing system for forcing the backup roll and the blade roll together at a desired force during set up and operation. The biasing system contains a mechanism such as a slip clutch or a limited torque stepping motor for maintaining a substantially constant biasing force at set up and during operation while allowing the rolls to separate slightly to pass a temporary thicker feed without recoil that currently shortens blade and backup roll working layer life.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a portable hose cutoff saw having an improved stable base structure comprising a front plate and a back plate, a top plate extending transversely between the front and back plates interconnecting said front and back plates, and at least one connecting member extending transversely between a bottom portion of the front and back plates. The present invention also provides for a portable hose cutoff saw having a plurality of slideably adjustable hose biasing pins that may be adjusted to optimally bias the hose at or about a portion of a hose to be cut by the saw, thereby resulting in a consistent and straight cut of the hose.

Abstract: An interchangeable blade guillotine sheet cutter includes a main board for supporting the sheet material and an interchangeable cutting means. The main board has a raised base with at least one edge for supporting the sheet to be cut. Releasable retaining means hold the interchangeable cutting means to the main board. An example of releasable retaining means is at least one protrusion, preferably at least one hook, mounted on the edge of the main board that are received by openings in the base blade. The interchangeable cutting means is composed of a base blade and a movable blade pivotally attached to each other on one end. The two blades are preferably connected to each other by an elongated fastener means for separating the blades from each other while securely attaching the blades in pivoting relationship to each other. The two blades have cutting edges that are complementary to one another and various decorative designs may be formed into the blades.

Abstract: A device for slicing the tip from an elongated food product having an elongated housing with a longitudinally extending channel open at one end and closed at its second end. The channel is dimensioned to receive the food product through the first open end of the housing. A plunger assembly is slidably mounted to the housing adjacent the second end of the housing and in the direction transverse to the channel axis. The plunger assembly includes a blade moveable between a retracted position in which the blade is retracted from the channel and an extended position in which the blade extends across the channel.

Abstract: In a grand piano action friction between the jack and the knuckle completely eliminated by a third lever.

Abstract: A hammer with simplified structure and reduced costs that maintains its capability as a mass body to impart a touch weight. The hammer is configured such that it is possible to fix the two mass plates to the metal base plate by means of a single rivet. Therefore, the number of places in which the rivet holes are drilled and disposed in both mass plates and the metal base plate are kept to a minimum, and it is possible to limit the lightening of the weight of both mass plates and the metal base plate by that amount. As a result, since it is possible to configure the base plates and the metal base plate with smaller dimensions while maintaining the required weight, the capability as a mass body to impart a touch weight can be maintained while preventing the enlarging of the hammer overall.

Abstract: A bat for an upright piano is provided for ensuring stable swinging movements of a hammer to generate a proper piano sound even if a hammer assembly has the centroid which is laterally asymmetric about a center pin. The bat for an upright piano is supported by the center pin having a circular cross section and arranged horizontally in a bat flange, in order to swing a hammer to cause the same to strike a string. The bat comprises a bat body integrally formed with the hammer, and having a linear pin holding groove in a back surface thereof, and a metal plate having a linear pin retaining groove in one side thereof, and attached to a back surface of the bat body such that the pin retaining groove extends in parallel with the pin holding groove, wherein the bat is pivotally supported by the center pin while the center pin is in engagement with the pin holding groove and the pin retaining groove, and the center pin is sandwiched between the bat body and the metal plate.

Abstract: A bearing element for stringed musical instruments comprising a mainly vertically arranged frame, placed on a bearing surface provided with support means which defines a housing able to receive the body of the instrument. Each of said support means comprises a couple of mutually opposed jaws, slidingly coupled to the support means and joined together through regulation means able to modify in a continuous way the distance between the jaws, which comprise a shaped body defining a concave surface bounding on one side said housing.

Abstract: The practice drumstick comprises an inner core and an outer sheath. The outer sheath is constructed of a material or materials suitable to absorb energy and sound to result in significant reduction in: a) the sound produced by practice drumming, and b) physical damage to any surface struck by the practice drumstick.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for damping a vibrating surface, such as a drumhead, of a percussion instrument by attaching a patch made from a viscoelastic urethane polymer to an exterior face of the vibrating surface. Such a patch has a self-adhesive quality and may be attached by contacting the vibrating surface.

Abstract: A tom holder includes a fastening piece fixed to a bass drum. A support pipe extends upward from the fastening piece. A support bar extends forward from the support pipe. A mount is supported on the support bar in a manner movable relative to the axis of the support bar. The tom holder further includes a longitudinal position adjustment mechanism for horizontally adjusting the position of side drums attached to the mount. The longitudinal position adjustment mechanism changes the position of the holder with respect to the support bar to adjust the horizontal position of the side drums.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic apparatus having a simple anti-theft mechanism. In this construction, a detachable panel unit is designed to render the electronic apparatus operative in a state of being attached to the electronic apparatus main body, and to render the electronic apparatus inoperative in a state of being detached from the electronic apparatus main body. By virtue of this configuration, the electronic apparatus main body, namely the electronic apparatus in itself can be prevented from being stolen from a vehicle simply by detaching the detachable panel unit and placing it in a secret area determined by users or others.

Abstract: A user of a game system can replace background music from a game with the user's selected background music, while still hearing any other audio streams (e.g. sound effects related to gameplay). A music engine and system audio mixer allow the playback of the user's requested replacement music. The game tags background music streams with an identifier indicating that they are background music, and such streams are muted at the music engine and system audio mixer (if the game is using the provided music engine in order to play the game's audio streams) or by the game if the game is using a game music engine and has received information indicating that a mute request has been issued.

Abstract: A tone generating portion has a performance play capability for concurrently generating, on the basis of a set of performance information, musical tone signals having various voices each assigned to one of parts. A performance data setting portion chooses, under user's direction, one of performance data sets stored in a performance data set storage portion and makes settings of the various voices applied to musical tone signals for the parts. A developing portion enables generation of musical tone signals for at least one of the parts and disables generation of musical tone signals for the other parts in response to user's direction in a state where respective settings of various voices to be applied to musical tone signals for the parts have been done. A tone range defining portion defines tone range data of the at least one part as representing a tone range including at least pitches of all the musical tone signals specified by the performance information.

Abstract: A key of each measure is distinguished depending on performance data representing sounds composing a tune. It is judged whether or not the distinguished key coincides with tonality data of the corresponding performance data, whereby it is judged whether or not the performance data is modulated with a key signature omitted. A musical score corresponding to a portion which is not modulated with a key signature omitted is displayed in a normal manner. Meanwhile, a musical score corresponding to a portion which is modulated with a key signature omitted is displayed in a specific displaying manner different from the normal displaying manner, such as in color different from the normal displaying manner, and/or in a reversed displaying manner, whereby a user can confirm the portion which is modulated with a key signature omitted.

Abstract: A direct type backlight module comprising a frame, a substrate, a plurality of light emitting devices and a light-guiding unit is provided. The frame comprises a base and an enclosing wall extended upward from the edge of the base. The substrate is arranged on the base of the frame, and the light emitting devices are arranged on the substrate. The light-guiding unit covers the light emitting devices and exposes a portion of the substrate, and has a light emitting surface and a light incident surface both of a concave shape. Based on the above mentioned structure, the uniformity of the white light emitted from the direct type backlight module can be improved.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a system for playing a music sequence such as a MIDI file in synchronization with a prerecorded CD. The synchronization is accomplished by using the digital media sample rate as a common time base for progression of the playing of the digital media and the music sequence.

Abstract: An apparatus is to assist an unskilled player in playing a musical instrument by detecting the quantity of the player's manipulation against the instrument, modifying the detected manipulation quantity with reference to a recommended manipulation to a degree according to a given assistance coefficient, and actuating the instrument with the modified manipulation quantity. For a brass instrument, the apparatus comprises an embouchure sensor and a breath pressure sensor to detect the embouchure and the breath pressure of the player as he/she plays the brass instrument. The detected embouchure and breath pressure are then modified with reference to a recommended embouchure and breath pressure weighted by a given assistance coefficient. The apparatus actuates the brass instrument based on the modified embouchure and breath pressure.

Abstract: An air-based vertical launch system is described by means of which ballistic missile defense can be achieved effectively from a large aircraft. A method for ensuring safe missile egress is proposed. A method for ensuring that the missile strikes the ballistic missile payload section is also proposed. Together, the air basing method employing vertical (or near-vertical) launch and semi-active laser guidance yield an affordable and operationally effective missile defense against both tactical and long-range ballistic missiles. The affordability of missile defense is enhanced by the ability of an aircraft equipped with a vertical launcher to simultaneously carry out several defensive and offensive missions and to provide other capabilities such as satellite launch at other times.

Abstract: A countermass for use in a weapon to balance the forces arising when a launchable unit is launched from a launcher tube of the weapon. The countermass includes a first container enclosing a liquid. A countermass weapon includes a launcher tube open or openable in both ends. The launcher tube houses a launchable unit, a countermass including a first container enclosing a liquid, a pressure chamber, and a propellant charge that upon firing and combustion of the charge in cooperation with the pressure chamber and the countermass accelerates the launchable unit forwards in the tube at the same time as the countermass accelerates backwards in the tube. The first container is made of a non-rigid material. A second container is provided to cover or almost cover the first container. The second container is designed with damping characteristics.

Abstract: A ceramic composite and method of making are provided. The ceramic composite may be transparent and may serve as transparent armor. The ceramic portion of the composite may be single crystal sapphire. The composite may provide adequate protection from projectiles while exhibiting large surface areas and relatively low areal densities.

Abstract: A ceramic composite and method of making are provided. The ceramic composite may be transparent and may serve as transparent armor. The ceramic portion of the composite may be single crystal sapphire. The composite may provide adequate protection from projectiles while exhibiting large surface areas and relatively low areal densities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hybrid composite structures with improved ballistic protection properties. More specifically, the present invention relates to hybrid composite structures with improved ballistic protection properties that comprise at least three sub-layers.

Abstract: A body mounted weapons platform is disclosed that attaches to a user's forearm and allows the user to mount within it one or two firearms (depending on the user's preferred embodiment) and two cameras. Both embodiments of the body mounted weapons platform will help improve optical reconnaissance, firearm safety, and targeting skills.

Abstract: A rifle platform includes a single body apparatus with upper and lower components mounted to the single body, to reduce mechanical stresses associated with firing a rifle from a platform. A return to battery arrangement allows the rifle to freely move on firing, but to be replaced in the exact same position for successive shots. A sport rifle converter allows mounting of a sport rifle to the rifle platform.

Abstract: The invention described in FIG. 1 of 4 concerns a hydraulic machine based on the utilization of the rotational inertial forces developed by 2 pairs of circuits (C1,C2) and (C3,C4) fastened respectively to the rotor R1 and R2. Each rotor is subjected by a connecting rod-crankshaft system to an oscillatory motion of identical frequency and phase different from 180°. In operation as a pump the circuits (C1,C2) are respectively utilized in the rightward ?(0°,90°) and leftward ?(180°,270°) phases of the oscillatory motion of R1; while the circuits (C3,C4) are respectively utilized in the rightward ?(0°,90°) and leftward phases ?(180°,270°) of the oscillatory motion of R2. Operation of the machine as a turbine is characterized by rightward operation ?(90°,180°) of C1, leftward of C2 in ?(270°,360°); rightward of C3 in ?(180°,270°) and leftward of C4 in ?(0°,90°). The power developed by the machine can be considerably increased by extending the active circuits as set forth below.

Abstract: A work machine includes an attachment movable by an actuator, an operational member for operating the attachment through the actuator; and a controller operable to output an operation signal for operating the actuator in response to an operation of the operational member. The controller allows setting of a change amount in the operation signal corresponding to an operational amount of the operational member, independently for each operational direction of the actuator.

Abstract: A porous membrane for separation of carbon dioxide from a fluid stream at a temperature higher than about 200° C. with selectivity higher than Knudsen diffusion selectivity. The porous membrane comprises a porous support layer comprising alumina, silica, zirconia or stabilized zirconia; a porous separation layer comprising alumina, silica, zirconia or stabilized zirconia, and a functional layer comprising a ceramic oxide contactable with the fluid stream to preferentially transport carbon dioxide. In particular, the functional layer may be MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, La2O3, CeO2, ATiO3, AZrO3, AAl2O4, A1FeO3, A1MnO3, A1CoO3, A1NiO3, A2HfO3, A3CeO3, Li2ZrO3, Li2SiO3, Li2TiO3 or a mixture thereof; wherein A is Mg, Ca, Sr or Ba; A1 is La, Ca, Sr or Ba; A2 is Ca, Sr or Ba; and A3 is Sr or Ba.

Abstract: In a multiphase hydrogen permeation alloy comprising a phase in charge of hydrogen permeation and a phase in charge of hydrogen embrittlement resistance, a structure in which the phase in charge of hydrogen permeability is continuously interconnected and in which more preferably the growth direction of the aforementioned phase in charge of hydrogen permeation lies aligned in the thickness direction of the permeation membrane. As the hydrogen permeation alloy, an Nb—Ti—Co alloy is exemplified, wherein the phase in charge of hydrogen permeability is made of an (Nb, Ti) phase and the aforementioned phase in charge of hydrogen embrittlement resistance is made of a CoTi phase. By virtue of the fact that the growth direction of the phase in charge of hydrogen permeation lies aligned in the thickness direction of the permeation membrane, the hydrogen permeation pass length becomes short to give further improved hydrogen permeation property.

Abstract: A flue gas treatment system for a fossil-burning power plant having a fuel source and a boiler, the system comprising a barrier filter downstream of the boiler, the barrier filter comprising an electrostatically-stimulated fabric filter utilizing high-permeability fabric, having an air permeability of at least 75 acfm/sq.ft.