Abstract: A system and method for assessing and monitoring a structure are provided. The system includes at least one radio frequency identification tag, and at least one non-destructive inspection sensor for acquiring data indicative of the structure and providing the acquired data to the radio frequency identification tag. The system could also include a data acquisition system capable of wirelessly communicating with the radio frequency identification tag and providing information indicative of a defect in the structure based on the data acquired by the non-destructive inspection sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a micro-machined vibrating structure comprising a fixing end, connected in secured manner to a fixed support, and at least one vibrating wall, in which progressive or stationary waves are generated and comprising a base and a free end, the vibrating wall being formed by a side wall of a hollow shell.

Abstract: A device for securing two relatively movable parts (1, 2) contains at least one holding element (3) which is allocated to the first part (1) and engages into the second part (2) in a transverse manner with respect to the direction of movement of the two parts (1, 2). The second part (2) contains at least one container (7) filled with granular, preferably spherical, material (8) and embeds the holding element (3) in the material (8).

Abstract: An accelerator pedal device is fixed through a housing to a car body. By pedaling on an accelerator pedal arm supported pivotally by the housing, the accelerator pedal arm and a interlocking member rotationally move integrally, and by a torsion spring provided between an accelerator pedal arm and a interlocking member, press force is applied to a detection part provided in the housing. The press force is output as an electric signal from the detection part through a controller to a drive part, whereby opening of a throttle valve is controlled.

Abstract: A bicycle bottom bracket assembly is provided with a pair of bearing support members, and a pair of axle bearings so that the bottom bracket assembly is configured and arranged to be mounted into a hanger part of a bicycle frame. The hanger part has opposite open ends. The bearing support members are press-fitted into opposite open ends of the hanger part. The bearings are retained in the bearing support members such that the bearings are disposed inside of the hanger part with outer races of each of the bearings engaging one of the bearing support members. A crank axle is rotatably supported within the hanger part by inner races of the bearings with a first axial end portion of the crank axle being disposed at one end of the hanger part and a second axial end portion of the crank axle being disposed at the other end of the hanger part.

Abstract: A pedal assembly for a bicycle includes a pedal body, a pivot seat, and a bearing. The pedal body has a side provided with a pivot seat for mounting a single bearing, so that the position of the axial center of the pivot seat can be changed to reduce the distance between the force applying point of the user's foot and the axial center of the pedal body greatly. Thus, the force applying point of the user's foot is closer to the axial center of the pedal body, so that the rotation radius of the pedal body is closer to that of the crank of the bicycle, thereby saving the manual work and decreasing the centrifugal effect.

Abstract: A piston engine with a compensation shaft unit, wherein a window surrounded by a flange is provided on the crankcase thereof. The flange forms a separating surface to which the housing of the compensation shaft unit is fixed by means of screws. In order to ensure clean, toothed-wheel engagement for the compensation shafts, which are integrated into the housing, and easy assembly, the compensation shaft is provided with a toothed wheel, which protrudes through the window inside the crankcase, and which is driven by a toothed wheel, which is arranged on the crankshaft, and the housing of the compensation shaft unit has a separating surface, which can be displaced in order to adjust the amount of engagement clearance on the separating surface of the crankcase before the screws are tightened.

Abstract: A vehicle differential gear device has: a differential case having a plurality of pinion gear insertion holes and a side gear passage hole; a plurality of shaftless type pinion gears that are rotatably supported in the plurality of pinion gear insertion holes formed in the differential case; and a pair of side gears that are rotatably supported in the differential case, engage with the plurality of shaftless type pinion gears, and has an outer diameter greater than that of the plurality of shaftless type pinion gears, the side gear passage hole allowing passage of the pair of side gears.

Abstract: An image (100) of particulate material, such as an X-ray image of coal, is captured and processed to determine a parameter of the material, such as particle density or particle size distribution. The performance or efficiency of a processing system, such as a dense medium separator, can be evaluated by determining parameters of the material before entry to and after exit from the processing system. The parameter is determined by comparing image characteristics (relating to statistical features or the like of the material), to a predetermined set of image characteristics. If the image (100) is obtained by transmission of radiation through the material, accuracy can be improved by measuring the thickness of the material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the separation and recovery of non-ferrous metals from zinc-bearing residues, in particular from residues produced by the zinc manufacturing industry. The process comprises the steps of: -subjecting the residue to a flash or agitated bath fuming step, thereby producing an Fe bearing slag and Zn- and Pb-bearing fumes; and -extracting the Zn- and Pb-bearing fumes and valorising Zn and Pb; characterised in that CaO, SiO2 and MgO are added as a flux before or during the fuming step so as to obtain a final slag composition with: formula (I) all concentrations being expressed in wt %. The invention also relates to a single-chamber reactor for Zn-fuming equipped with one or more submerged plasma torches as heat and gas sources. [ Fe ] [ SiO 2 ] + [ CaO ] [ SiO 2 ] + [ MgO ] 3 > 3.5 ; 0.1 < [ CaO ] [ SiO 2 ] < 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing germanium-containing solution from yellow soil distributed on the earth's surface, with high efficiency and in environmental-friendly and economical manners. The method comprises forming clods by clumping the yellow soil including the earth from a fireplace; drying the clods of the soil at room temperatures for more than 24 hours or by heating them; heating the clods of the soil to red heat at 750 to 930° C. for 30 to 60 minutes; dipping the red-heated clods of the soil in water to extract oxidized germanium; and filtering the aqueous solution including the clods of the soil.

Abstract: A bottle opener has a housing that includes a speaker, a display, and an engaging opening. The engaging opening has a detection mechanism that detects the removal of a cap of a bottle. A processor is coupled to the detection mechanism and the display, the processor decreasing the count by one when the detection mechanism detects the removal of a cap.

Abstract: A wrench for tamper switch installation for use with a tamper switch arrangement including an enclosure containing a tamper switch assembly having a mounting rail for assembling the tamper switch assembly to a security system enclosure. The wrench may be capable of holding two separate nuts and have cooperating mating structure to slidably mate with the mounting rail of the tamper switch arrangement. The nuts may be frictionally-fitted into the wrench, after which the wrench is slidably moved onto the mounting rail until the nuts line up with two throughbores in the mounting rail. Two screws or bolts are then inserted through a surface of the security system enclosure and traverse the throughbores in the mounting rail. The screws or bolts then threadably engage the two nuts disposed within the wrench and are threaded therethrough via rotation with a suitable instrument, e.g., a screwdriver, located outside of the security system enclosure.

Abstract: A tool for removal of a stabilizer link in vehicles includes a first socket adapted to rotationally receive a second socket attached to the shaped end of a threaded bolt. A socket drive rotates the second socket relative to the first socket as the first socket is placed over a nut on the threaded bolt. The first socket includes an attached handle which is gripped to prevent undesirable rotation of the first socket relative to the second socket.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 for attaching or detaching a housing 45 for attaching a steering tie rod 43 to a steering rack 40 is disclosed. The apparatus 10 comprises at least one locating member 14, 15, an opening 16 in the locating member 14, 15 for receiving the housing 45, a cam 11, and a pivot 20 for pivoting the cam 11 relative to the locating member 14, 15. After the housing 45 is inserted into the opening 16, the housing 45 is able to be clamped between the cam 11 and the locating member 14, 15 by pivoting the cam 11. The clamped housing 45 is able to be attached to or detached from the rack 40 by rotating the apparatus 10 relative to the rack 40.

Abstract: The invention discloses a device and a method for producing microstructures with a spindle, which is adapted to be driven for rotation about its longitudinal axis and which is provided with a fixture for clamping a workpiece, having an actuator provided with a fast drive, in particular a piezo drive, adapted to produce fast movement of a tool in a direction substantially perpendicular to the workpiece surface, which actuator can be positioned along a workpiece surface to be worked with the aid of an additional drive adapted to produce a linear feed motion in a first direction, the fast drive being coupled with the tool via guide means that allow feeding of the tool in axial direction of the fast drive, against the action of a restoring force, and that is highly rigid in a plane perpendicular to that direction. The control technology used permits microstructures to be produced precisely and reproducibly utilizing the dynamic properties of the system.

Abstract: A method for perforating a sheet (1) with the aid of a stamp (3) and a matrix (2) is described, the sheet (1) being elongated before the hole punching in accordance with the setpoint diameter in the hole boundary area through bulging of the hole area. In order to be able to stamp flat perforated sheets, it is suggested that the sheet (1) be countersunk through embossing in the hole boundary area on the side diametrically opposite the matrix (2) after the hole punching to equalize internal tensions.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for an electric saw includes a base having an aperture designed to receive a saw blade and one or more mounting brackets for positioning a workpiece; a support arm attached to the base; and a cradle capable of supporting an electric saw attached to the support arm.

Abstract: Single-use blade lancet device includes a body having a rear end and a front end. A triggering mechanism has a blade tip opening and is mounted to the body. A blade member is movably mounted within the body and includes a front end and a rear end. The blade member is movable at least between a first retracted position, an extended position, and a second retracted position. A biasing arrangement biases the blade member from the first retracted position towards the extended position and then towards the second retracted position. A guiding arrangement guides the blade member while the blade member moves from the first retracted position towards the extended position and then towards the second retracted position. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A cutter system to cut woven blinds. The cutter system includes a table, a rotary cutter having a circular knife blade, a carriage coupled to the table to support the rotary cutter, a movable holding bar configured to hold a woven work piece against the table and counteract a distortion force to the woven work piece, a linear actuator mechanism operatively coupled to the rotary cutter, and wherein the linear actuator mechanism is capable of driving the rotary cutter to travel in one degree of freedom across the table along the carriage.

Abstract: A method for cutting a DWDM filter from a substrate is disclosed, including a two-step process having an initial cutting step and a subsequent cutting step. The initial cutting step forms a slot on a substrate according to size requirement of a finished filter product. The slot has a width larger than the thickness of a cutter employed to perform cutting operation on the substrate. The subsequent cutting step, taken in the slot, completely cuts through the remaining thickness of the substrate to separate the filter from the substrate. The two-phase cutting process avoids corner breaking caused by direct contact between the cutter and the coating layers of the substrate.

Abstract: A die has a counter configured to advance a count as the die is used to cut material. The output of the counter, or the variance of the count over a period of time, is used to determine the extent of use of the die over a period to time, for example a number of times that the die has been used or a value related to the cumulative thickness of material cut. A contractual consequence, such as a value to be paid for the use of the die or a warranty provision, may be determined considering the extent of use of the die. A system for using such a die may include a polling element and a computing element.

Abstract: A trimming apparatus comprises a conveying device, a movable upper knife, an immovable lower knife, a movable press crosshead, a first drive, and a control unit. The print product is pressed down with the press crosshead. The pressed down print product is trimmed with the upper and lower knives. The press crosshead is lifted following the step of trimming operation. Subsequent to lifting the press crosshead, the upper knife is lifted. The trimmed print product is conveyed with the conveying device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sheet cutting apparatus comprising cutting means for cutting a sheet bundle, receiving means for receiving the cutting means, receiving position moving means for moving a receiving position on the receiving means for receiving the cutting means; and counting means for counting a number of cutting times of the sheet bundles. The receiving position moving means moves the receiving position on the receiving means according to information out of the counting means.

Abstract: A positioning device for the work-piece backing plate of a table sawing machine includes a machine seat, a work-piece backing plate and a position-limiting device. The work-piece backing plate has its opposite sides respectively fixed with a rack engaged with a gear set installed in the interior of the machine seat. The work-piece backing plate can be controlled by the gear set to move forward and backward on the machine seat. The position-limiting device is assembled in the interior of the machine seat for restricting and fixing the work-piece backing plate in position to prevent the work-piece backing plate from shifting bias in the course of processing, able to elevate processing precision.

Abstract: The quickly-detachable protective cover unit of a table sawing machine includes a protective cover, a non-return plate, a protective plate, a combining plate and an extending plate. The extending plate positioned at one side of the saw blade of a table sawing machine has its inner end fixed with a quickly-detachable handle unit for positioning the combining plate thereon. The protective plate is inserted through the saw blade and the combining plate, positioned on the table-sawing machine. The non-return plate and the protective cover are respectively provided with a quickly detachable device to fit in the positioning hole of the combining plate. The components of the quickly detachable protective cover unit are combined by quickly detachable mechanism so they can be disassembled or assembled quickly, needing no tool for carrying out disassembling work.

Abstract: A portable cutting tool includes: a cutting tool main body having a motor, a rotating blade and a saw cover for covering a part of the rotating blade, a base including a slide surface and a supporting part, and a guide including a pole supported by the supporting part, and a guiding part having a guide surface substantially orthogonal to the slide surface. An interposition member can be disposed so as to interpose between the guide and a side end of the base. The distance between the rotating blade and the guide surface is adjustable by changing a position of the guide. The portable cutting tool includes a contact preventing unit is provided for regulating an adjustment range of the guide to prevent contact of the guide surface and the rotating blade when the guide is attached to the base with the interposition member removed.

Abstract: A device for parting a strip (6) of binding material that has been fitted around an article (5), such as a roll of sheet material or bundle of sections and the like, comprising a housing (1) provided with a support (12) for supporting the device with respect to the article (5), two blades (7, 8) connected to the housing (1), at least one blade (8) of which can be moved with respect to the housing (1), drive means (37) for moving the blades with respect to one another between an open position and a closed position for cutting through and/or snipping through the strip (6) when the housing (1) is bearing on the article, and a clamp (16) for holding the parted strip. The clamp (16) and one of the blades can be brought into interaction with one another to clamp the strip (6) between them.

Abstract: A knife holder (1) for a microtome having a vibrating knife comprises a support element (2) and a clamping element (4) movable relative to the support element (2). The support element (2) is embodied with a support surface (2a) for the knife (3), and the clamping element (4) is embodied with a clamping surface (4a). For clamping the knife (3), the support surface (2a) and clamping surface (4a) are settable at a distance of 0.1 to 1.5 from one another.

Abstract: A combination slicing and dicing food processing device. The device generally includes a cutting box and gliding body which travels back and forth across the cutting box. The gliding body features a food cradle that is configured to hold a food product which is to be processed. The food cradle is attached on one end of a principal cutting arm and a handle is attached to the other end of the principal cutting arm. A secondary cutting arm is provided beneath and attaching to the principal cutting arm. A ram is provided on the end of the secondary cutting arm and positioned slightly behind the food cradle so that the rain trails the food cradle as the food gliding body travels back and forth across the cutting box. The cutting box includes a principal cutting blade near one end and a process slot for receiving slices of the food product which are sliced off by the principal cutting blade.

Abstract: A disk cutter including an annular disk-shaped base adapted to be driven about an axis of rotation, the base having a first thickness, a plurality of tip supports formed along the outer circumference of the base integrally therewith so that a gullet is defined between adjacent ones of the tip supports, a plurality of tip inserts respectively fixed to the tip supports, each of the tip inserts having a second thickness, and a plurality of thicker portion formed along a trailing end of each tip support in respect of rotation of the base, the thicker portion having a third thickness. The third thickness is greater than the first thickness and less than the second thickness.

Abstract: A knife 100 has two blades 120.1, 120.2 that are spaced apart from each other and are supported at one pair of ends in a handle 130 and at the other pair of ends 132. Side guards 110.1. and 110.2 extend from the handle to the tips of the blades and extend below the cutting edges of the blades to protect a user from cutting the palm of his or her hand. The cutting edges of blades 120.1, 120.2 are vertically spaced from each other. The relative spaces between the side guards, between the blades, and between the side guards and the blades are adjustable. The knife may have one or two blades and one or two side guards.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for coupling strings to the body of a musical instrument and adjusting such strings. In one embodiment, a base is provided and one or more adjustment assemblies are disposed on a surface of the base including a first structure disposed on the surface of the base and a second structure which is slidably interlocked with the first structure. A first adjustment screw may be disposed between a portion of the base and the first structure such that rotation thereof effects displacement of the first structure and the second structure along a first axis relative to the base. A second adjustment screw may be disposed between the first and second structures such that rotation thereof effects displacement of the second structure along a second axis relative to the first structure. A clamping mechanism is provided to affirmatively lock the one or more adjustment assemblies relative to the base.

Abstract: A cosmetic skin covering for a musical instrument carrier is disclosed. The cosmetic covering provides the advantages of allowing carriers to be fabricated in only one color, and prior to shipment applying the cosmetic skin to the external surface to provide customization for each consumer. Some bands may have carriers of different colors, and the skins can be applied all carries used by the band to provide a uniform appearance of the band members. The cosmetic skins are removable and or repositionable on the carrier to allow for changes, alteration, upgrade or variation of the carrier with minimal cost. The skin may be printed with a single color, multi-color pattern, school logo insignia or other indicia.

Abstract: The invention relates to accessory and component and actuating parts, respectively, for and of musical instruments, respectively. According to the invention, it is provided that the parts are formed at least partially, preferably entirely, from titanium or a titanium alloy GRADE 5, preferably TiAl6V4, or from a titanium alloy of material number 3.7165 or 3.7164, respectively.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings described herein, a low power audio processing circuitry is provided. A first converter may be used to convert a received audio signal into a digital input signal. A programmable audio processor may be used to receive audio processing algorithms from an external data port and to store the audio processing algorithms in a memory device. The programmable audio processor may also be used to receive the digital input signal and to process the digital input signal using the audio processing algorithms to generate a digital output signal. A second converter may be used to convert the digital output signal into an audio output signal.

Abstract: Provided is a small scale practice device, which is capable of displaying tuning results that are exact and highly-responsive and information on a tempo with good visibility, and being attached to a musical instrument. A scale practice device is fixed to a musical instrument, a tone generated by the musical instrument is collected as a mechanical vibration, and tuning results are calculated. The way of light emission of a plurality of light-emitting elements in a light-emitting element group in the scale practice device is controlled, whereby a tempo and tuning results are expressed so that a player can recognize the tempo and the tuning results simultaneously with ease.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an information processing apparatus which arithmetically operates a characteristic amount of content data, including: first arithmetic operation means for using a low level characteristic amount extraction expression to arithmetically operate the low level characteristic amount; second arithmetic operation means for using a high level characteristic amount extraction expression to arithmetically operate the high level characteristic amount; calculation means for calculating an error between the high level characteristic amount and a high level characteristic amount obtained in advance and corresponding to the content data; production means for producing an error estimation expression by learning wherein the error calculated by the calculation means is used as teacher data; and arithmetic operation control means for applying, when the high level characteristic amount corresponding to the content data is to be acquired, the low level characteristic amount to the error estimation expression.

Abstract: A system for connecting an accessory to a firearm having an enlarged muzzle portion has a body with a bore sized to closely receive the enlarged portion. The body has a stop to limit the insertion depth of the muzzle. A gate is received by the body for movement along the path perpendicular to the bore axis. The gate has a recessed area sized to receive the enlarged muzzle portion. A spring generates axial force to retain the muzzle portion within the recessed area. Compression of the spring enables movement of the gate to shift between an open and closed position, so that the accessory may be removed or installed when in the open position, and secured when in the closed position.

Abstract: A valve opening/closing timing controlling apparatus includes a housing member 3 rotatable together with a timing gear 110 (drive member), a rotor member 2 rotatably assembled with the housing member 3, a vane 70 portion of the rotor member forming, within the housing member 3, a phase-advanced oil chamber R1 and a phase-lagged oil chamber R2, the rotor member being rotatable together with a cam shaft 10, a torsion coil spring 55 for urging the rotor member 2 relative to the housing member 3 in a phase advancing direction, and a phase-advanced oil passage (hydraulic circuit) 65 or a phase-lagged oil passage (hydraulic circuit) 66 a hydraulic circuit for controlling feeding/discharging of work oil to or from the phase-advanced oil chamber R1 or the phase-lagged oil chamber R2. The torsion coil spring 55 has one end 55a thereof fixed to the housing member 3 and the other end 55b thereof fixed to a projection 28 provided on the rotor member 2.

Abstract: A piston, having a first side subject to major thrust loading and a second side subject to minor thrust loading, is provided. The piston has a crown portion and a first and second pin boss portion depending therefrom. An axially extending pin bore is provided within the first and second pin boss portions. A first axially extending slot is provided within the piston pin bore on the first side. Additionally, a second axially extending slot is provided within the piston pin bore on the second side of the piston. The second axially extending slot is positioned closer to the crown portion than the first axially extending slot. The first and second axially extending slots are generally concave in shape.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of a piston may have a shape that provides enhanced piston guidance. In such embodiments, the piston shape may include an axial profile that is configured to provide certain thrust load characteristics.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of a piston may have a shape that provides enhanced piston guidance. In such embodiments, the piston shape may include an axial profile that is configured to provide certain thrust load characteristics.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a process for removal or separation of agents from dynamic process systems, particularly when the agent may be hazardous. Its primary embodiment lies in the removal of mercury from the exhaust from fossil fired heating systems, however, it can be seen as also applicable to many other types of separation processes. The process uses a regenerable and recyclable magnetic substrate having a sorbent attached thereto. The combination of the magnetic substrate and sorbent is referred to as a magnetic carrier.

Abstract: An elongated flow-through degassing apparatus includes an elongated gas and liquid impermeable outer member and a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable inner barrier extending within the outer member and at least partially along a first chamber defined within the outer member. The apparatus also includes inlet and outlet connection structures operably coupled to respective portions of the outer member and a second chamber defined by the inner barrier to further enable a sealed engagement between the outer member and the inner barrier, and to provide for connection devices to operably couple the degassing apparatus of the present invention to respective spaced apart components. The degassing apparatus may be sufficiently flexible so as to be readily manipulatable into desired configurations.

Abstract: Stranded natural gas, when contaminated by difficult to remove constituents such as Nitrogen and Oxygen, has long been considered uneconomical to process into pipeline quality gas and is abandoned or utilized in other energy applications where economically viable. Landfill Gas (LFG) is often considered a stranded gas although in many instances it is available at reasonable distances to natural gas pipelines, and has only rarely been processed for injection into natural gas pipelines. Other stranded contaminated gases, such as gases vented from remote oil wells or coal beds where access to transportation pipelines is not feasible are also candidates for collection. In many instances, billions of cubic feet of methane rich LFG has been vented or flared into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A fuel system for an energy conversion device includes a deoxygenator system with an oxygen permeable membrane formed from a multiple of layers. The layers include a sealant layer, an oxygen permeability layer and a porous backing layer. The layered composite oxygen permeable membrane maximizes the oxygen transfer rate and minimizes the fuel leakage rate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of cleaning an electric filter and to an electric filter. In the method gas containing particles is fed to a chamber (2) of the elec-tric filter. The gas is further fed to gas channels (5) in an emission system (3) provided in the chamber (2). What is brought about is electric charging of the particles in the gas and attachment to the separation electrode (1). Gas puri-fied of particles is removed from the gas channel (5). The separation electrode (1) is shaken with shaking means (8) to re-move the particles attached to the separation electrode (1) therefrom. In this method, the gas flow is limited in such a gas channel (5) which adjoins the separation electrode (1) to be shaken by the shaking means (8) when the separation electrode (1) to be shaken by the shaking means (8) is shaken.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to large capacity (e.g., greater than 350 tons/day O2) vacuum pressure adsorption (VPSA) systems and processes that employ a single train including four beds, at least one feed compressor feeding two beds simultaneously at any given instant in time, and a single vacuum pump. The compressor(s) and the vacuum pump can be utilized 100% of the time. Use of product quality gas for purging is avoided, with about 10-20% improvement in O2 productivity and 5-10% reduction in capital cost expected.

Abstract: A water production unit is provided having two modes of operation for extracting water from exhaust and air.