Abstract: The invention relates to an electromagnetic piezoelectric acoustic sensor (EMPAS). The sensor comprises a piezoelectric sensor plate spaced apart from an induced dynamic electromagnetic field, such as from an electromagnetic coil through which AC current flows. The electromagnetic field induces vibration in the sensor plate by fluctuating the aligned dipole moments of the piezoelectric material. Changes on the surface of the sensor plate can be detected by variation in resonance frequency of the sensor plate. The invention represents an improvement over conventional sensor methodologies in that no metallization of the sensor surface is required, and no permanent magnet is needed. The sensor may be used to detect absorption of molecules or biomolecular interactions between probe and target molecules.

Abstract: A toroidal-type continuously variable transmission component, such as an input disk, an output disk, an inner ring of a power roller bearing, and an outer ring of the power roller bearing, which is functioned as a rolling member, has a layer a depth of which is 0.5 mm or less from the surface thereof. The layer does not include a non-metallic inclusion having a maximum diameter of up to 0.1 mm in the area thereof having a depth of 0.5 mm or less from the surface thereof.

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 from an absolute high vacuum gauge (e.g., an ionization gauge and/or a heat-loss sensor), a differential low vacuum gauge providing a differential relative to ambient pressure (e.g., a diaphragm sensor), and a barometric absolute pressure sensor exposed to the ambient atmosphere outside the measurement region. The barometric absolute pressure sensor reading is used to convert the differential vacuum gauge reading from uncalibrated differential pressure to calibrated absolute pressure.

Abstract: A piping and pressure-measuring apparatus includes a pipe defining a first chamber, a second chamber and a third chamber between the first and second chambers. A first connector includes a section put in the first chamber and an opposite section for connection with a pump. A check valve is installed in the first connector. A second connector includes a first element put in the second chamber and a second element connected with the first element for connection with an inflatable object. A pressure gauge is connected with the third chamber.

Abstract: In an ECU in which a sensor IC and various engine control devices are mounted on a board in a case, the sensor IC has a pressure sensor element covered with mold resin having a pressure introduction hole extending outward from the pressure sensor element so as to open to an outer surface thereof. A cylindrical resilient member is disposed and resiliently deformed between an inner wall of the case and the outer surface of the mold resin so as to allow a pressure introduction inlet formed in the case to communicate with the pressure introduction hole and not to communicate with places where the engine control devices are mounted. The case of ECU is fixed to a surge tank so that a pressure introduction outlet formed in the surge tank communicates directly with the pressure introduction inlet.

Abstract: In manufacturing a pressure sensor a recess that will form part of the sensor cavity is formed in a lower silicon substrate. An SOI-wafer having a monocrystalline silicon layer on top of a substrate is bonded to the lower silicon substrate closing the recess and forming the cavity. The supporting substrate of the SOI-wafer is then etched away, the portion of the monocrystalline layer located above the recess forming the sensor diaphragm. The oxide layer of the SOI-wafer here acts as an “ideal” etch stop in the case where the substrate wafer is removed by dry (plasma) or wet etching using e.g. KOH. This is due to high etch selectivity between silicon and oxide for some etch processes and it results in a diaphragm having a very accurately defined and uniform thickness. The cavity is evacuated by forming a opening to the cavity and then sealing the cavity by closing the opening using LPCVD. Sensor paths for sensing the deflection of the diaphragm are applied on the outer or inner surface of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring fluid flow in a duct is disclosed. The invention uses a novel high velocity tracer injector system, an optional insertable folding mixing fan for homogenizing the tracer within the duct bulk fluid flow, and a perforated hose sampling system. A preferred embodiment uses CO2 as a tracer gas for measuring air flow in commercial and/or residential ducts. In extant commercial buildings, ducts not readily accessible by hanging ceilings may be drilled with readily plugged small diameter holes to allow for injection, optional mixing where desired using a novel insertable foldable mixing fan, and sampling hose.

Abstract: A flowmeter is disclosed. The flowmeter includes a vibratable flowtube, and a driver connected to the flowtube that is operable to impart motion to the flowtube. A sensor is connected to the flowtube and is operable to sense the motion of the flowtube and generate a sensor signal. A controller is connected to receive the sensor signal. The controller is operable to determine a first flow rate of a first phase within a two-phase flow through the flowtube and determine a second flow rate of a second phase within the two-phase flow.

Abstract: An instrument mounting system for repeatable field testing of equipment or other test object, comprising a frame and an inner surface defined at least in part by the frame. Exactly three object contact points are disposed upon the inner surface, the three object contact points defining a plane.

Abstract: A rack (20) for a rack and pinion steering system (10) includes a fully dense powder metal rack tooth section (50) joined, by sintering, to a hollow rack tube (30). The rack tooth section (50) is formed by pressing powder metal (70) into a die assembly (60) having internal rack tooth forms (68). The rack tube (30) and the pressed powder metal (70) are sintered to complete formation of the rack (20).

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission including a drive element rotatable about a drive axis, an output element rotatable about an output axis parallel to the drive axis, and an adjusting mechanism with which the drive axis and the output axis can be laterally offset from each other. Coupling elements operate between the drive element and the output element and are spaced from each other in the peripheral direction of the drive element and output element for transmitting torque between the elements. The coupling elements change the movement of a peripheral region of the drive element faster than that of the output element so that forces acting on the coupling elements from the drive element and the output element lie substantially in a common plane that extends perpendicularly to the axes of rotation. The continuously variable transmission can be incorporated into a transfer case for an all-wheel drive system.

Abstract: A mechanism comprises an input shaft (11) and an output shaft (32) which are co-planar. Between the input shaft and output shaft is an axis (20) orthogonal to both shafts about which mounting brackets (30) holding the input and output shafts may pivot. This permits an angular adjustment between the input and output shaft within the same plane.

Abstract: In a ball screw, a nut is fitted with the outer periphery of a screw shaft, ball rolling grooves opposed to each other are formed in the screw shaft and the nut The ball rolling grooves cooperate in forming a ball rolling path therebetween. A tube as a return path disposed on the nut for connecting one end portion of the ball rolling path to the other end portion thereof, the ball rolling path and tube cooperate in forming an endless circulation path. A plurality of load balls are disposed within the endless circulation path. The position of the tube cannot be limited to a single specific position. In the ball screw, retaining pieces are respectively inserted between the mutually adjacent ones of the load balls disposed within the endless circulation path.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus comprises a rack-and-pinion mechanism and a ball screw mechanism. The ball screw mechanism comprises a shaft formed a screw groove and a nut formed a screw groove. A ball-roll path is created spirally by the screw grooves of the shaft and the nut being opposite each other. A plural number of balls are contained into the ball-roll path. A ball-return path is connecting both ends of the ball-roll path so that the balls go through. A circulation path consists of the ball-roll path and the ball-return path, in which the balls move endlessly. A plural number of separators is arranged between the balls respectively in order to prevent balls from contacting each other. A number of the balls is fewer from one ball to three balls than a maximum number of the balls which can be contained into the circulation path.

Abstract: A safety device is provided for a motor vehicle with a steering column arrangement having length and height adjustment. The length adjustment contains a slot guidance, which runs linearly in the longitudinal direction of the steering column arrangement, and an engagement mechanism cooperates therewith. The height adjustment contains a swiveling mechanism used for the length adjustment. Moreover, the length adjustment is carried out by the slot guidance and an engagement mechanism guided therein. The height adjustment is carried out by swiveling a steering column arrangement by means of a swiveling mechanism that engages with the engagement mechanism.

Abstract: A dual clamp bicycle stem face plate assembly for use in combination with a bicycle steering system includes a dual clamp face plate member attachable to the outside end of the extension arm of a bicycle steering assembly and which further includes an auxiliary or second clamp for retaining and gripping a second handle bar or pair of handles.

Abstract: An easy-installed auxiliary brake control system for driving practice of an automobile by means of an auxiliary brake actuator and two-component cables. The cables have an outer sheath portion and an inner cable portion. It connects an auxiliary brake actuator to a brake arm of the automobile. The auxiliary brake actuator rests on a floor of a passenger compartment of the automobile, without necessity of being secured to it. When an instructor acts on the auxiliary brake actuator, the brake arm is actuated through relative movement between the inner cable portion and the outer sheath portion of the cables. This system is significantly cheaper than prior arts, especially for installation, and damages on the automobile for installation are minimized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cover unit which includes a cover made of an aluminum alloy. The cover has a wall thickness of 1 to 2 mm and has at least one hollow pin on one side as well as an aperture. A plate-shaped plastic part provided with holes and a plug which projects through the aperture and is connected to the cover via at least one hollow pin. When attached, the plastic part holes engage the hollow pin(s) and the pin(s) are deformed so as to ensure a secure attachment. The invention also relates to a method of making the cover unit described above.

Abstract: A command assembly for controlling a splitter in a transmission allows shifting between first and reverse-low gears while the splitter is engaged without requiring the splitter to cycle during the shift. The command assembly creates a signal path for a split enable signal that keeps the transmission in the split mode as long as the transmission engages a low rail of a main drive box. By creating a separate signal path for the split enable signal when the transmission is operating in split mode, the splitter does not need to be cycled when the driver shifts between first and reverse-low gears.

Abstract: A cap removing apparatus includes a transfer path through which a container closed by a cap is transferred, a rotary driving mechanism provided in a first position and rotates the container, a correcting mechanism which corrects the posture of a knob of the cap, and a cap-removing mechanism which is provided in a second position, pinches the knob and removes the cap. A movable body, configured to move forward and backward between the first position and the second position, is provided on the transfer path. The movable body has a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism clamps the container with the cap whose knob has been posture-corrected in the first position, and moves the container from the first position to the second position. The clamping mechanism releases the clamping state at a time when the removal of the cap is completed, and returns to the first position.

Abstract: A marking device with a reciprocating needle is disclosed. The needle is attached to a drive mechanism that is linearly reciprocated via a drive motor. The needle is contained within a removable grip tube for adjustability of the exposed length of the needle end, the needle further including a stabilization mechanism limiting the movements of the needle to linear reciprocating motion. The device includes an open design for easy removal and replacement of device components and allows for utilization of varying dimensioned components such as tubes, needles, and motors available from a variety of manufacturers.

Abstract: A screwdriver includes a clutch mechanism, a handle mounted on a first end of the clutch mechanism, and a replaceable screwdriver tip mounted on a second end of the clutch mechanism. The clutch mechanism includes a mounting seat, an annular sleeve, a positioning member, first and second limit units, a press member, a rotation disk, and a threaded sleeve. Thus, the handle can be rotated to drive the screwdriver tip to rotate in two opposite directions and to rotate in one direction only, thereby facilitating a user operating the screwdriver tip. In addition, the user only needs to rotate the rotation disk to change the operation direction of the screwdriver, thereby facilitating the user operating the screwdriver.

Abstract: A selective one-way wrench includes a head defining a first space and a second space communicated with the first space. A gear is put pivotally in the first space. The gear includes a toothed external face. A direction controller is put in the second space. The direction controller includes two toothed faces. A spring pushes the direction controller to the gear. A direction switch includes a first element put pivotally on the head and a second element put in the second space and connected to the first element for bringing selected one of the toothed faces of the direction controller into engagement with the toothed external face of the gear.

Abstract: A tool comprises a first handle and a second handle, each handle extending from a gripping end portion to a working end portion, the first handle having first screw threads disposed circumferentially about an inner portion of a first through-hole at the working end portion thereof, the second handle having second screw threads disposed circumferentially about an inner portion of a second through-hole at the working end portion thereof, the first and second respective through-holes being disposed concentrically about a common axis of the working end portions. First and second screw locks preferably are disposed concentrically with the first and second respective through-holes, the first screw lock having a plurality of locking/unlocking screw threads for engaging the first screw threads of the first handle, the second screw lock having a plurality of locking/unlocking screw threads for engaging the second screw threads of the second handle.

Abstract: A screwdriver with screwdriver head storage structure includes a handle, a receiving unit, a clamping device and a sliding cover. The handle comprises a compartment therein. The compartment is provided with a pair of connecting blocks at respective ends. The connecting blocks comprise troughs to connect with the receiving unit. The receiving unit comprises a plurality of recesses to accommodate screwdriver heads therein. The handle and the sliding cover comprises a pair of sliding sections, respectively, to engage with each other, so that the sliding cover is able to slide in relation to the handle so as to hide screwdriver heads within the handle.

Abstract: An L-shaped wrench with a handle and a shank attached to a hammer head. The hammer head may be hexahedral with the handle and shank attached to adjacent flats with opposing flats forming impact surfaces for applying an axial force along the handle or shank with an impact device such as a hammer. The remaining two flats provide torque surfaces for application of a secondary force such as a wrench. The handle and shank may be detachable from the hammer head and the hammer head may be relieved for clearance between the flats to which the handle and shank are attached.

Abstract: A threaded screw fastener is provided with a head portion that has integrally incorporated therein dual drive structure whereby the single threaded screw fastener can be rotatably driven by alternative rotary drive socket implements or tools, such as, for example, hexagonally configured or Phillips head configured drive tools or implements, or a combination drive tool. A drive socket implement or tool also has integrally incorporated therein both hexagonally configured drive structure, Phillips head drive structure, and domed contour structure for not only structurally engaging both the hexagonally configured structure and the Phillips head structure integrally incorporated upon the head portion of the threaded screw fastener, but in addition, accommodates the low profile domed structure of the head portion of the threaded screw fastener.

Abstract: A combination gang saw and edger system cuts both cants and flitches into boards. Cants and flitches are fed singly, lengthwise into the system on an infeed conveyor. On the conveyor, the cant or flitch is scanned to produce a lengthwise cross-sectional profile. An optimizer determines whether the profile is for a cant or flitch and determines how the piece will be cut. A controller responsive to the optimizer directs the positioning of a first and second set of saws on a pivotably mounted saw arbor to cut either a cant or flitch, respectively. The boards cut from the cant or flitch are fed outfed from the system. The system can cut cants with longitudinal curvature and can cut cants or flitches that are placed at an angle to the length of the infeed conveyor.

Abstract: In a system for cutting glass sheets into shapes there is at least one cutting site (A, B). In order to align the glass sheet which is to be cut or the glass sheet shape into a defined position, on the edge of the tables I and II there are contact edges (21, 44, 45). In order to move the glass sheets and the glass sheet shapes into contact with the contact edges (21, 44, 45) the tables I, II are aligned sloping down toward the contact edges (21, 44, 45) so that the glass sheets and glass sheet shapes slide on air cushions produced between the glass sheets or glass sheet shapes and the tables (I, II) in contact with the contact edges (21, 44, 45). The glass sheets or glass sheet shapes which adjoin the contact edges (21, 45) are coupled by force-fit to the conveyor belts (20) which are provided in the area of the contact edges (21, 45) and then moved to the cutting site (A, B) which is located following the table (I, II).

Abstract: A cutter including a base, a holder, a cutter blade portion, and a laser generator. The holder is supported on the base portion in an upright posture. The cutter blade portion supports a moving blade. The cutter blade portion is supported on the holder movable between an upper position and a lower position. The cutter blade portion is moved into the lower position to cut a workpiece supported on the base using the moving blade. The laser generator is attached to the holder or the cutter blade portion in an orientation to direct at least a portion of the laser light onto a position on the workpiece that is directly beneath the cutter blade portion when the cutter blade portion is in the upper position. Alternatively, a holder has a shaft support portion, and a slide shaft is axially slidably supported by the shaft support portion. A front end of the slide shaft has a hinge holder which pivotally supports the cutting blade portion. A laser generator is fixed to a front side of the hinge holder.

Abstract: Determining cook-off time for a weapon is disclosed. A method determines a first barrel temperature next to a first energetic, such as a propellant charge, of ammunition within a gun barrel, and determines a second barrel temperature next to a second energetic, such as an explosive charge, of the ammunition. If the ammunition did not properly fire, the method determines a first cook-off time of the first energetic based on the first temperature next to the first energetic and the first energetic's type, and a second cook-off time of the second energetic based on the second temperature next to the second energetic and the second energetic's type. The first and second times may be determined by using one or more finite-difference heat transfer models. If either or both of the first and second times are less than a threshold, a warning-related action is performed to users of the weapon.

Abstract: The present invention is to improve the mechanical characteristics of a pyrotechnical parachute line cutting device. By enforcing the mechanical traction on the electrical connection wire by Kevlar reinforcement cords. The flexible electrical wire will be connected straight to the propellant detonator to avoid wire connections and fix the detonator trigger straight on the flexible wire. The reefing line will be cut by the blade but also, to secure the cutting action, be melt in the head of the cutter blade after explosion due to the use of special knife material size and an adapted pyrotechnical charge.

Abstract: A missile launcher comprising a canister for housing a missile and piston based launcher, the piston being arrested in the tube after launch of the missile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a muzzle device for countering muzzle climb of a firearm muzzle 1, the muzzle device. The device comprises a chamber 5 having entry and exit apertures arranged for alignment with the path of a projectile expelled from the muzzle. The chamber is arranged to be asymmetric in relation to the projectile path, with a greater chamber volume being provided above the projectile path.

Abstract: A vehicular weapons platform (30) including a plurality of barrel assemblies (10), wherein each barrel assembly includes a barrel (11), a plurality of projectiles (14) axially disposed within the barrel for operative sealing engagement with the bore of the barrel (11) and discrete propellant charges (15) for propelling respective projectiles sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel; and at least one of said plurality of barrel assemblies (10) includes a barrel which also forms a structural member of the weapons platform. In one preferred form, the weapons platform takes the form of a small combat aerial vehicle (SCAV) (30), wherein the barrel assemblies (10) form the airframe. A method of constructing a weapons platform from the barrel assemblies is also described.

Abstract: A guide for centering transit ammunition rounds generally includes a plate having an ammunition round passage port therethrough along with a plurality of spaced apart ammunition round contact members disposed around a circumference of the passage port. A plurality of moveable arms is provided with each arm supporting a respective member and enabling radial movement of the respective member to and from a passage port center. Each arm engages an adjacent arm preventing non-equidistance spacing of the member from the passage port center and a plurality of biasing elements may be provided and disposed in positions urging a respective arm and member toward the passage port center.

Abstract: Silencers are provided for a weapon having a combustion chamber and a barrel. The weapon is configured to launch a projectile with combustion gases generated in the combustion chamber. An exemplary silencer includes a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being configured for mounting the silencer to the barrel, the distal end being configured to allow the projectile to pass therethrough, and at least one vortex chamber disposed between the proximal end and the distal end. The at least one vortex chamber includes a circular peripheral wall for inducing a vortex on a portion of the combustion gases expelled from the combustion chamber during launch of the projectile. The vortex impedes flow of the combustion gases from the barrel such that acoustic energy associated with the launch of the projectile is dissipated.

Abstract: An actuator (100) for actuating an onboard device (200) on a sailboat (300), comprises: a piston (2) slidably mounted within a cylinder (1) and movable between a first operating position, in which the piston is at a first end portion (3a) of the cylinder (1), and a second operating position, in which the piston is at a second end portion (3b) of the cylinder (1); hydraulic means (101, 15) for supplying a pressurised working fluid at the first end portion (3a) of the cylinder (1), this fluid being adapted to cause the piston (2) to move from the first operating position to the second operating position; pneumatic means for supplying (102, 11) a pressurised gas at the second end portion (3b) of the cylinder, this gas being adapted to cause the piston (2) to move from the second operating position to the first operating position.

Abstract: A hydraulic motor comprises a body and a piston able to slide in a reciprocating movement in a cylindrical housing of the body. A chamber (C1, C2) is formed on each side of the piston and hydraulic switching means are provided for feeding and evacuating the respective chambers (C1, C2), these switching means being able to adopt two stable positions. Control means (H) having elastic means for abruptly bringing about changes in the position of the switching means are included. There are triggering means (13, 15) able, at the end of the stroke of the piston (9), to bring about the change in position of the switching means (G). The piston (9) has a closed cross section and the switching means (G) are arranged in the body (1) of the machine, redially on the outside of the cylindrical housing (7) in which the piston (9) slides.

Abstract: Reaction force from a reaction member is divided and transmitted to a front shaft portion of a plunger via abutment member and to a flange portion of the plunger via a spring unit. The spring unit includes a tubular first holding member assembled to the front shaft portion of the plunger and being engageable, at its front end portion, with the reaction member, a second holding ember assembled to a rear end portion of the first holding member and having a rear end portion which extends rearward from the first holding member for engagement with the flange portion, and Belleville springs held between the first and second holding members. When the reaction force transmitted from the reaction member to the first holding member exceeds the load of the springs, the first holding member moves while compressing the springs and engages with a stepped portion of a valve body.

Abstract: A linear drive having a drive housing on which a carriage runs to an adjustable extent. The carriage covers over a channel-like housing recess, which is delimited by two mutually side wall. For limiting the stroke of the carriage a first abutment is provided on it within the housing recess, such first abutment cooperating is with a first counter abutment, that is so inserted from the outside into an opening in the one side that it extends into the housing recess.

Abstract: A mold form fryer utilizing a top conveyor that transports snack pieces through a constant velocity oil stream without the need of a bottom mating mold or conveyor. Herein, the form fryer is provided with a top conveyor disposed above a fryer oil pan positioned longitudinally through the fryer. Uncooked snack pieces are provided to the fryer oil pan by a bottom entrance conveyor. Snack pieces, once in oil within the fryer, meet with a top conveyor having convex molding surfaces with product-centering elements. At the exit portion of the fryer, a bottom exit conveyor receives the cooked snack pieces from the top conveyor. As no continuous bottom conveyor is utilized, the fryer oil pan may be provided with a reduced volume segment situated between the bottom entrance and exit conveyors.

Abstract: To provide a method of manufacturing waved noodles, which saves labor of controlling weight of noodle lines at the time of cutting the noodle lines and restrains apparatus cost. A continuous noodle strip 26 with predetermined thickness formed by a noodle machine 2 is cut into a noodle strip 28 with a length for one meal by a cutter 20. The noodle strip for one meal is slit into the noodle lines by a slitter 22. Then, a waving box continuously arranged at a lower portion of the slitter waves the noodle lines for one meal. Waved noodle lines 30 for one meal are conveyed one by one by a conveyer 32 and dropped from the front end of the conveyer toward a shooter 34. The noodle lines 30 dropped from the front end of the conveyer toward the shooter 34 hang downwardly at their front parts 30a to extend their waves and to loosen their sticking parts and fall pulling their rear parts 30b.

Abstract: Devices for turning sheets in a rotary printing machine are described. The devices have a storage drum for handling sheets, which are each held by a holding device, and a turning drum is disposed downstream of the storage drum and has a holding device for engaging a rear edge of the sheet to be turned. An operation of detaching the sheet to be turned from the storage drum and carrying it along by the turning drum leads to the formation of a pressure reduction in an area formed between the sheet to be turned, the storage drum and the turning drum. The pressure reduction is compensated for by supplying ambient air, blast air and/or compressed air. The turning device has a channel and/or a passage orifice connected to an inner chamber of the turning drum. Via the channel and/or passage orifice air can be sucked and/or blown into the reduced-pressure area.

Abstract: A printing press contains a distributor roller, an oscillating roller which has a roller axle and a roller barrel, and a switching device for optionally releasing, in a first operating mode, and locking, in a second operating mode, an oscillating movement of the roller barrel. The oscillating movement is driven frictionally by the distributor roller. The switching device is disposed separately from the roller axle and the roller axle is mounted so as to be adjustable relative to the switching device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the manipulation of a sleeve onto and off of a cylinder. A sleeve mounted on a handling shaft is equipped with a substantially airtight slideable end cap at its distal end. During mounting, axial alignment is provided when the handling shaft is engaged with the free end of the cylinder. A plurality of apertures on the cylinder's exterior surface conduct pressurized air, which expands the sleeve by exerting radial fluid pressure on its inside surface. A vacuum source actively evacuates the air from the sleeve's interior drawing the sleeve onto the cylinder. To remove the sleeve fluid pressure is reasserted exerting an axial force against the substantially airtight end cap. An auxiliary air supply is selectively activated to aid in sleeve removal.

Abstract: A printing press cylinder and a method of manufacturing the same. The printing press cylinder includes a rigid base member having a reduced radius section and a polymer layer formed about the rigid base member generally within the reduced radius section. The polymer layer is operable to absorb forces and dissipate energy that degrades print quality. A gear portion is operably coupled to the rigid base member for rotation therewith. The printing press cylinder is manufactured by turning a rigid base member to produce a reduced radius section and subsequently molding a polymer layer generally within the reduced radius section of the rigid base member. The polymer layer is cured and then turned to reduce the circumference thereof and produce a smooth surface.

Abstract: A coating material applying apparatus according to this invention includes a guide board, a droplet spray nozzle head, and an ultraviolet light emitting device. The guide board has numerous suction bores formed in a surface thereof and connected to a vacuum pump. The droplet spray nozzle head is disposed opposite the guide board, and has numerous droplet spray nozzles. The nozzles spray ultraviolet-curable varnish to printing paper transported toward a paper discharge station. The ultraviolet light emitting device is disposed opposite the guide board, and adjacent and downstream of the droplet spray nozzle head with respect to a direction of paper transport, for emitting ultraviolet light to the printing paper having the ultraviolet-curable varnish applied thereto.

Abstract: Provided is a fixture assembly for printing image graphics on a slat set of a window blind. The slat set is comprised of a plurality of substantially identically configured slats. Each one of the slats has a slat length and a slat width. The fixture assembly comprises a horizontally extending panel having an upper panel surface with opposed panel ends and opposed panel sides respectively defining a panel length and a panel width. The fixture assembly further comprises a plurality of substantially identically configured elongate inserts mounted on the upper panel surface in parallel spaced relation to one another. Each one of the inserts is configured to receive and support one of the slats in a generally horizontal orientation. The inserts are spaced complementary to the slat width such that the slats are supported on the inserts in abutting contact with one another.

Abstract: A method for controlling a print-to-cut register in a shaftless web printing press having a first print unit having a first plate cylinder and first blanket cylinder for printing a web, at least one independent drive for the first print unit, and a folder having a cross cutter for cutting the web. The method includes printing the web using the first plate cylinder and first blanket cylinder so as to form at least one printed section of the web; sensing the print-to-cut register of the at least one printed section; and controlling the print-to-cut register of the first plate cylinder during printing via the first drive as a function of the sensing. The controlling includes pulling the first plate cylinder off impression and phasing the first plate cylinder with respect to the cross cutter using the independent drive. A method for controlling circumferential register and a printing press is also disclosed.