Abstract: A method of producing metal powder by reducing ions of a metal for precipitation by performance of a reducing agent in a liquid-phase reaction system, wherein the metal is precipitated as metal powder particles by being reduced under conditions in which the exchange-current density of an oxidation-reduction reaction between the metal ions and the reducing agent is 100 ?A/cm2 or less, the exchange-current density being determined by the mixed potential theory.

Abstract: Processes are provided for recovering precious metals from refractory materials using thiosulfate lixiviants. The processes can employ heap leaching or lixiviants that include one or more blinding agents.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing razor blades from a strip material including reducing the thickness of the strip material by at least 10% and converting the strip material into razor blades.

Abstract: A method of making razor blades from a strip material includes offsetting and flattening steps.

Abstract: An opening device comprises an elongated body having at a tail end two different types of openers and at a head end opposite the tail end a strap wrench. One type of opener is a pry-to-open opener and the other type of opener is a wrench opener. A handle with an anti-slip grip connects the head and tail ends.

Abstract: Apparatus for extracting a cork from a bottle comprises a corkscrew mounted in a carrier, the carrier being mounted on a frame for longitudinal reciprocating movement with respect to the longitudinal axis of the corkscrew and the corkscrew being rotatably mounted on the carrier for joint longitudinal movement therewith, the axis of rotation of the corkscrew being generally coincident with the centre line of the corkscrew. A control nut is rotatably mounted on the frame, the control nut having a screw passage therethrough, the screw passage being positioned to receive the corkscrew and configured to mate with the configuration of the corkscrew whereby, upon longitudinal movement of the corkscrew in the screw passage, rotational movement is imparted to the corkscrew. Actuator means is operatively connected to the carrier for reciprocating the carrier.

Abstract: A hammer is disclosed, which has a nail groove axially formed in the top side of the front bell of the head thereof, a magnet mounted in the nail groove for attracting a metal nail for hammering, and a side face at each of the two opposite lateral sides of the head for hammering operations in a narrow space.

Abstract: An automatically adjustable locking pliers or tool includes a jaw fixed to a first handle and a jaw that pivots about the first handle. The pivoting jaw is connected to a lower tightening handle. A lever connects the tightening handle and first handle. A self-adjusting sizing and locking mechanism includes a thumb jaw sizing piece located near the jaws and movable to open the jaws so that they can be sized around a workpiece. When the thumb jaw sizing piece is released, the jaws automatically size and clamp lightly around the workpiece. The locking mechanism uses balls between a locking rod and a tapered surface. Locking occurs when the balls wedge between the rod and the tapered surface. A release cylinder is connected to a release paddle movable to unlock the mechanism. The sizing piece and locking mechanism are operable to automatically size and lock the pliers or tool.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for trimming scrap material, such as a dome or moil, from a plastic container or other object, which is typically formed with the neck of the container during molding. The apparatus comprises a pair of power driven endless belts, each having an inner reach with the inner reaches of the belts being spaced apart from one another so as to grip a portion of the container (typically the scrap dome or moil to be trimmed) therebetween and so as to move the container along a path. The belts are driven so that the inner reaches of each of the belts move in the same direction so that a container gripped between the belt reaches is conveyed along the work path. One of the belts is driven at a surface speed faster than the surface speed of the other belt so as to rotate the container gripped by the belt reaches about a vertical axis.

Abstract: An object is to provide a vibration suppressing cutting tool which is inexpensive and can damp chattering extremely effectively, and which is simple in structure and is applicable to a wide variety of machining diameters and cutting conditions. The shank 2 of the holder 1 is formed with a pocket 4. In the pocket 4, a vibration suppressing piece 5 is received so as to be movable relative to the holder 1 and not protrudable from the pocket 4. Under kinetic energy from the holder during cutting, the vibration suppressing piece 5 alternately knocks against a pair of opposed inner wall surfaces 4a and 4b of the pocket along its surface, along a plurality of lines or on a plurality of points when the holder vibrates during cutting, thereby damping vibrations of the holder.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for continuous lengths of filaments bundles, film ribbons, filamentary-type or other material in strip like form is disclosed containing a tube that is readily adjustable in very small increments relative to rotating blades. A housing surrounds the exit end of the tube and rotating blades which is attached to a suction device. The device creates a high velocity flow of air through the tube which aligns the filamentary material for cutting. An insert may be placed in the tube which contains an upper surface or anvil at its outer end. The tube and/or the insert in the tube is adjustable in two dimensions relative to one or more blades rotating in a plane transverse to the axis of the tube. These adjustments which may be made during operation of the cutting process to facilitate a cleaner, uniform cutting of the filamentary material.

Abstract: In a band saw machine in which a pair of guide posts (7L, 7R) for guiding a saw blade housing that rotatably supports a driving wheel (17) and a driven wheel (21) and can vertically move in the vertical direction are provided between the driving wheel (17) and the driven wheel (21), an upper traveling part (23U) of a band saw blade (23) is disposed in the rear of the guide posts (7L, 7R) and a lower traveling part (23L) of a band saw blade (23U) is disposed in front of the guide posts (7L, 7R), when the band saw machine is viewed from the side, an intersection point between centers of the both wheels (17, 21) and the center line of the wheel width is almost equal to the width of the guide posts (7L, 7R).

Abstract: A food slicer to slice food items in variable widths or thicknesses, the slicer has a frame with an upper and lower platform guide plate to slice food. It also has a translational guide system which moves the top guide plate within a parallel plane between the longitudinally aligned side rails. The translational guide system takes on many forms. One form is a rack and pinion system where the rack is attached to the top guide plate and the pinion is attached to one of two transversely aligned axles. The axles allow for range of movement of the guide plate between an upper location and a lower location. By adjusting the translational guide system, the top guide plate can move up and down between the upper and lower limits or locations which creates differing widths of the cutting slot. The top guide plate has a removable julienne blade plate portion. The bottom guide plate has a removable horizontal blade portion.

Abstract: A blade is used with a hair trimmer having a main body. The blade includes a leading edge, a trailing edge, and first and second side edges extending between the leading edge and the trailing. A plurality of cutting teeth are positioned at the leading edge of the blade and a guide mark is positioned on one side of the blade, with the guide mark located a distance from one of the first side edge and the second side edge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stripping tool with longitudinal and transverse blades that assist in stripping and removing sheathing from heavy gauge wire and cable. The cutting device comprises an elongated U-shaped structure with an angularly offset portion. A first blade or series of blades extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device to cut the sheath within the U-shaped structure longitudinally. A second blade or series of blades associated with the offset portion extend generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to cut the sheath transversely.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to enlarging a hole in a substrate such that the enlarged hole is centered on the existing hole. A knock-out punch and die tool for enlarging a knock-out hole in an electrical box includes a punch; a generally cup shaped die; a threaded central shaft supporting the punch on one end and the die on the other end; a removable centering element placed in a cup portion of the die; and a resilient element, such as a spring, urging the centering element in an axial direction along a length of the shaft outwardly of the cup portion. The centering element and the spring may be provided as a retrofitting kit for converting non-centering punch and die tools into centering punch and die tools.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement is provided for a product weigh scale for a food processing apparatus the weigh scale including a support for supporting a product, a member that carries the support, and a weight sensor that senses vertical load on the member. The sealing arrangement includes a seal surrounding the member beneath the support, the seal having a first sealing surface configured to be sealed against a cabinet, and a second sealing surface. The seal is movable between an inactive position wherein the second sealing surface is out of contact with the support and a sealing position wherein the second sealing surface seals against the support. The seal includes a stationary part having the first sealing surface and a sliding part having the second sealing surface. A plurality of springs urge the sliding part toward the sealing position and a source of pressurized fluid is injected between the sliding part and the stationary part to urge the sliding part toward the inactive position.

Abstract: A paper towel dispensing apparatus, includes a housing having a cover, a drum, an associated cutting device incorporated in the drum, and a stored energy mechanism. The cutting device having plural blades that are spaced apart from each other. A space between blades is adjustable so that tails of differing sizes can be obtained when the paper towels are dispensed. Accordingly, different tensile strength towels can be used with the same dispenser.

Abstract: A blind cutting aid has a hollow body consisting of a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall and a bottom wall. It also has a cutting slot on one side vertical to the bottom wall and running through the top wall, front wall and rear wall and close to the bottom wall. A blind can be rolled and encased in the blind cutting aid. The cutting slot can direct a cutting tool to do cutting and form a vertical and neat lateral side on the blind. Thus the entire profile of the blind is more appealing. It also can position and anchor the rolled blind to make cutting operation smoother and quicker.

Abstract: A saw table apparatus comprises a table and a saw mounting structure. The table includes a base and a tabletop attached to the base. The tabletop has a work-piece support surface. The saw mounting structure is engaged with the tabletop. The saw mounting structure is configured for having a hand-held circular saw attached thereto such that, when the saw mounting structure is in a use position with respect to the tabletop, a blade of the hand-held circular saw extends above a work-piece support surface of the tabletop and a work-piece engagement surface of the saw mounting structure lies substantially flush with the work-piece support surface of the tabletop. An engagement portion of the electrical plug receptacle is expose within an interior space of the base and a control portion of the electrical switch is exposed an exterior surface of the base.

Abstract: A power cutter tool for applying drywall tape or trim that contains a powered blade that can cut the tape or trim material by simply pressing a trigger. The cutter can be powered by a spring or springs, a motor, hydraulically or by any other means. The trigger can be a button, lever, valve or any other means for releasing a powered blade.

Abstract: A saw chain is provided that has a plurality of cutter links coupled to an opposing tie strap, where the cutter link has a portion that protrudes past the tie strap to enable pivotal movement of the cutter link toward a central longitudinal axis of a guide bar.

Abstract: A mechanism for making breaking lines for container caps includes a main shaft and a plurality of driving shafts rotatably located around the main shaft. Each driving shaft spins about an axis thereof and moves up and down with the rotation of the main shaft. Each driving shaft includes a pressing plate and a push member. The driving shaft is lowered to position the caps and the pressing members bend the pressing plates of the caps which are then rotated by the rotation of the driving shafts and cut by the cutting device to form the breaking lines. The driving shafts move upward and the caps are then pushed by the pressing member to disengage from the driving shafts.

Abstract: A bass drum beater may include a shaft having a length, a beater head fixable to a selected position along the length, and a connector engageable to the beater head and to the shaft to secure the position. The beater head may form an angle with respect to the shaft and the angle may be adjustable along a range, which may be about 20 degrees to either side of perpendicular. A bass drum beater may also include a shaft, a beater head having a drumward side and a hole to engage the shaft, a beater face attachable to the drumward side, and a means for holding the beater head in a longitudinal position and an angular position with respect to the shaft, wherein the longitudinal position and the angular position are adjustable. The means may include a bushing around the hole and a screw engaging the bushing.

Abstract: A system and method of teaching musical notes are adapted to teach identification of music staff notes, the names and sounds of notes, as well as piano keys corresponding to notes. An implementation of the method entails displaying a musical keyboard having a plurality of keys, a musical staff and a note on the staff. One of the plurality of keys corresponds to the note. The corresponding key produces a sound corresponding to the note when played. The name of the note is pronounced by a narrator or some other character. The note is visually identified on the staff by the narrator or some other character. The note is also associated with the corresponding key. Association may entail generating a note character and associating the note character with the note and key. A sound corresponding to the corresponding key is played.

Abstract: In an electronic musical instrument 100, CPU confirms a pitch range of music stored in a music memory, and generates a keyboard image as large as possible for display based on marks M1 and M2 on a keyboard and the confirmed pitch range, and sends and displays the generated keyboard image on a television receiver 200, whereby a user is allowed to easily learn a relative relationship between a key position on a keyboard and a key position designated by performance guide in the keyboard image. The marks M1 and M2 are provided on the keyboard for indicating key positions corresponding respectively to reference pitches C4 and C5.

Abstract: A system for teaching a student to play a musical instrument has a first portion of a musical score displayed as a first visual example and annotated with a first identifying indicia, a second portion of the musical score following the first portion in the score, as a second visual example annotated with a second identifying indicia different from the first identifying indicia, and a digital memory media having recorded thereon a selectable and playable first audio file of the first portion of the musical score played on the musical instrument according to the musical score, the playable audio file saved on the memory media with a filename the same as the unique identifier annotated on the first musical score, and further having recorded thereon a second selectable and playable audio file of the second portion of the musical score played on the musical instrument according to the musical score, the second playable audio file saved on the media with a filename the same as the unique identifier annotated on the

Abstract: A timing-training method includes displaying, via a sweep function, a real-time visual indicator responsive to user input and generating a plurality of sounds synchronized with the sweep function.

Abstract: A music session system which makes it possible to expand the functions of electronic musical apparatuses. The server is connected to a first electronic musical apparatus belonging to a first user and capable of executing music sessions, a first personal computer (PC) belonging to the first user and capable of executing additional functions, a second electronic musical apparatus belonging to a second user and capable of executing music sessions, and a second PC belonging to the second user and capable of executing additional functions via a network so as to perform transmission and reception of information to and from these apparatuses. When the first electronic musical apparatus requests the apparatuses belonging to the second user to execute a music session and an additional function, the first and second electronic musical apparatuses are instructed to execute the music session, and the first and second PCs are instructed to execute the additional function.

Abstract: A digital guitar system and method includes a digital guitar and a digital guitar interface device, and a method of converting a conventional guitar into a digital guitar. The guitar is adapted to generate analog audio signals, convert those signals into digital signals, format the digital signals according to a digital communication protocol, and to output the formatted signals. The guitar may include a novel multi-signal guitar pickup that generates some of the analog audio signals. The guitar is further adapted to receive digital signals, convert those signals into analog signals, and output the analog signals. The interface device is adapted to receive digital signals, convert those signals into analog signals, and output the analog signals.

Abstract: An armor that is used, for example, in multi-cell missile launchers is disclosed. In some embodiments, the armor includes three layers. The inner-most layer undergoes explosive welding when exposed to a pressure wave from an explosion. An intermediate layer in-elastically deforms when exposed to the explosion. The third and outer-most layer includes a plurality of elongated, pressurized tubes that contain fire retardant, among other chemicals. Silicone gel is interposed between the tubes.

Abstract: A projectile resistant device for use in armor includes a ceramic component; and at least a first component adhered to the ceramic component on at least one side thereof Preferably the first component is a woven carbon fabric that is adhered to the back surface of the ceramic component. The projectile resistant device can further include at least a second component adhered to the front surface of the ceramic component. The second component preferably comprises a woven carbon fabric. The projectile resistant device can also include a retention layer adhered to the front surface of the second component. At least a portion of the retention layer extends around the edges of the second component, the ceramic component, and the first component and is adhered to the back surface of the first component. Preferably the retention layer is a woven fiberglass.

Abstract: Improved composite armor designs use optimally shaped ceramic pellets and a web system for patterning the pellets, improving manufacturability, and providing additional structural reinforcement. The result is lightweight, composite hybrid structures for ballistic protection particularly suited to tactical ground vehicles. The preferred embodiment is a combination of three major components: 1) an optimally designed web system that allows armor tiles to be attached to it and that can be easily integrated with existing vehicle structures; 2) an advanced composite armor unit using a patent-pending BTR (Bio-mimetic Tendon-Reinforced) material as the supporting structure; and 3) optimally placed “waiting materials” which can provide enhanced ballistic impact resistance, energy absorption capability and structural integrity. These “waiting materials” are structural members that are not active at the beginning of the ballistic impact, but become active when needed or the active members have failed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a personal weapon, intended for semi-automatic and automatic firing of caseless ammunitions, provided with an electronic fire controller with biometric identification of the person firing. The weapon has a sealing device for the chamber based on using segments or corollas with variation of bore size mechanically or with gas pressure. A delay in opening the barrel/breech unit may be introduced using spigots driven by propellant gases. A device for sequencing compartments in tandem of the magazine uses the volume reduction of ammunition to double the power of the firearm. A removable locker permits the integral locking of breech unit, trigger, magazine and dismantling bolt for an absolute weapon safety. A telescopic extension device for the barrel increases the power of the ammunition and a gas bleed in the chamber permits the stabilisation of the firing.

Abstract: A swash plate compressor is provided with first conducting means conductive to a shoe of a piston and second conducting means conductive to a swash plate, a voltage with a predetermined intensity is applied from the outside to each of the shoes and the swash plate by a voltage application circuit, and a voltage value of the voltage application circuit is measured by a voltage measuring instrument so that a failure in oil film formation between the shoe and the swash plate can be detected. Thus, there is no need to install precision equipment such as a sensor, a camera or a transmitter inside the compressor body, and the failure in oil film formation can be detected more surely with a simple structure.

Abstract: A hydraulic machine (10) comprising a housing (1), a cylinder block (3) located in the housing (1) and having axial pistons (32) slidably movable in cylinders (31), a shaft (2) rotationally connected to the cylinder block (3), and a swash plate (4) in load engagement with the pistons (32) of the cylinder block (3). The swash plate (4) being pivotally mounted in the housing (1) by at least one bearing (41), such that said swash plate (4) is pivotally adjustable about a kinematic axis to alter a hydraulic displacement of the pistons (32) in the cylinder block (3), wherein thrust pistons (44) are located between the swash plate (4) and the housing (1) so as to urge the swash plate (4) toward the cylinder block (3).

Abstract: A brake booster apparatus having a housing with oppositely disposed first and second walls. A first connector is disposed in the first wall and a second connector is disposed in the second wall. An elongate hollow member is deformationally engaged to each of the first and second connectors. The various embodiments of the invention include embodiments wherein the hollow member is deformed to engage the hollow member and connectors and embodiments wherein the first and second connectors are deformed to engage the hollow member and connectors. The deformational engagement mechanically attaches and sealingly engages the hollow member with each of the first and second connectors. The hollow member defines a passage through the apparatus from the first wall to the second wall of the housing. A method of manufacturing a brake booster is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for operating a filter assembly having a filter medium includes applying a constant or nearly constant static DC potential to dust entering the filter assembly and the filter medium, passing dust-laden gas through the filter medium in a first direction through the filter assembly while the filter medium is statically charged with the DC potential, measuring pressure drop through the filter assembly, and, in response to the pressure drop meeting a preset limit, reversing the polarity of the DC potential to thereby allow dust particles on the filter medium to drop off the filter medium.

Abstract: A seal forming a fluid tight connection between a gas chromatography column and a sample inlet assembly is disclosed. The seal is formed by a metal injection molding process. The seal has a first surface adapted for sealing with the sample inlet assembly and a second surface adapted for sealing with the column. The seal has an aperture extending between the first and second surfaces. A method of sealing a connection between a gas chromatography sample inlet assembly and a gas chromatography column is also disclosed. The method includes providing a seal as described above, compressing the first surface of the seal against an end of the inlet assembly, positioning the column in fluid communication with the aperture, and engaging the column with the second surface.

Abstract: A composition of matter is provided comprising a metal oxide or metalloid oxide substrate, ?, having a surface that is covalently bonded to a silyl moiety according to Formula: —Si(R1)n(X)m(Y)q wherein R1, X, m, n, Y and q are defined herein.

Abstract: A filtering method and a filter device (10) for removing impurities from the breathing air (24) in a room, an air raid shelter or a vehicle. According to the filtering method, the air to be filtered is driven through a carbon dioxide filter (13) by a fan (15), with the result that at least a portion of the carbon dioxide and/or mold spores and other impurities in the air are trapped in the carbon dioxide filter. After the filtering, the filter is regenerated and the carbon dioxide and/or mold spores trapped in it are removed by a technique whereby air heated by a thermal resistor (20) is passed through the filter, this air preferably consisting of the same air to be filtered.

Abstract: A foam controlling system uses electromagnetic energy to cut foam on the surface of a solution or liquid in a processing tank into at least two portions prior to the foam propagating and reaching the perimeter of the tank such that currents within the solution or liquid dissipate at least one of the foam portions. A purging fluid is provided to a laser head unit of the foam controlling system to reduce the dew point therein and thereby reduce or substantially eliminate undesirable condensation that could otherwise cause adverse optics contamination. Advantageously, the versatility and simplicity of the foam controlling system as well as its adaptability to various manufacturing formats makes the system an economical full plant solution.

Abstract: A method of assembling a baghouse bag filter tensioning assembly is provided. The assembly includes a compressible spring having a progressively increasing spring rate. The spring rate facilitates induction of a substantially constant spring tension over a range of pre-determined operating conditions. The method includes coupling the spring to a bag filter support frame and a bag filter. The method also includes compressing the spring into a pretensioned condition. The method further includes coupling a bag filter to a baghouse floor. The method also includes decompressing the spring such that a tension induced in the bag filter is substantially similar to the spring tension induced over a range of pre-determined operating conditions.

Abstract: In a humidity controller apparatus for removing moisture from or adding moisture to process subject air which is to be supplied to an indoor space alternately using a first adsorption element (81) and a second adsorption element (82) by switching distribution routes for the process subject air in the casing (10), a suction-side wall (12) of the casing (10) has first and second inlet openings (13, 15) which are provided side by side. The casing (10) has a filter room (44) which is in communication with the first and second inlet openings (13, 15). The filter room (44) contains an air filter (71) for filtering the process subject air. With this structure, maintenance tasks for the air filter (71) are simplified.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oil-gas-water multi-phase flow adjusting apparatus, which mainly comprises an inlet accelerating pipe section, a vortex flow guide spiral pipe, a gas circuit exit connection pipe section, a liquid receiving cone, a mixed liquid relief exit connection pipe section and a sampler exit connection pipe section, and which has the function for changing at intervals the flow pattern, the flow state and the components of the oil-gas-water multi-phase flow. The invention also relates to an oil-gas-water multi-phase flow rate measuring apparatus and its measuring method. The measuring apparatus comprises a blind three-way mixing means, a pressure differential type flow measuring device, a single-? phase volume fraction meter, a dual-? phase volume fraction meter, an oil-gas-water multi-phase flow adjusting apparatus and a computing system.

Abstract: A wet-type electric cleaning apparatus for inducting outside air, which contains dust, into a liquid stored in a liquid tank 10 by reducing the pressure inside the upper space 42 inside the liquid tank 10. The cleaning apparatus includes an intake passage 32 having a discharge port 26 for discharging the dust-contained outside air as a swirling flow, from the central bottom inside the liquid tank 10, a disc-shape guide panel 34 provided above the discharge port 26 with its radius gradually decreasing from the vicinity of the center of the liquid tank 10, forming a ring-shaped gap 36 between itself and the inner surface of the liquid tank 10 to allow air to pass through the ring-shaped gap 36 into the upper space 42 in a form of a swirling flow, and an exhaust passage for exhausting air from the upper space 42 of the liquid tank 10.

Abstract: Method for the preparation and distribution of a hot chocolate drink, wherein a dose of the liquid which forms the drink is heated to a predetermined temperature and a dose of a preparation containing chocolate is dispersed in the dose of heated liquid, wherein the dose of liquid is heated by making a flow of steam with a constant flow rate flow for a predetermined time into a flow of the said liquid which forms the drink, which also has a constant flow rate. The method can advantageously be implemented by a device comprising a source of water vapour, a source of liquid for the formation of the drink, a distributor proportioning device for a preparation containing chocolate, and a chamber for mixing this preparation with the liquid for formation of the drink.

Abstract: A method for heating and whipping milk, in particular for preparing cappuccino in coffee machines, in which the heating and whipping of the milk are carried out by the combined action of a flow of vapour, which is dispensed by a boiler which produces water vapour, and a flow of compressed air, which is dispensed by an associated source of compressed air, wherein the flow of compressed air is constituted by pulses which have a predetermined duration and which are intercalated in inactive periods.

Abstract: A pusher of a juice extruder includes a first part and a second part, wherein the first part is connected to an inner periphery of the inlet of the extruder and a lower end of the first part is located close to a center of the blade set of the extruder so that fruit can be fed away from the center of the blade set. The second part occupies the rest space of the inlet and push fruit toward the blade set. The fruit is located away from the center of the blade set so that the motor of the extruder is not locked.

Abstract: A reusable beverage filter such as used in brewing coffee, the filter having an upper portion and a lower portion, a sieve portion between the upper and lower portions, the upper portion having a flexible portion with a plurality of undulations formed therein such that the filter may fit different size brewing baskets.