Abstract: Disclosed is a gas measuring device which comprises compensation of disturbances and offers high accuracy of measurement immediately after being activated. Said gas measuring device is provided with a gas sensor (1) for generating a measuring signal (S1) that depends on the gas concentration and can have a spurious component while a high-pass filter (13) having an adjustable limiting frequency is mounted downstream of said gas sensor (1). The limiting frequency can be predefined according to the spurious component by means of a selection unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the oxygen content in a closed target space, particularly for monitoring inertization levels in an inert gas device for fire prevention and/or fire extinguishing. Toward the aim of proposing a method for measuring the oxygen content in a target space with which an effective, certain, and representative determination of the oxygen concentration can be achieved for an optimally small expenditure in instrumentation and signal processing, the method provides that air samples are drawn from the target space and the oxygen concentration of the air samples is determined. An apparatus is equipped with a suction pipe system for sucking the air sample from the target space through various holes so that it can carry out the method.

Abstract: A gas monitoring device for monitoring gas levels within a chamber is provided. The gas monitoring device includes a housing having a probe with a sensor disposed on the probe. The probe extends through the housing and into a chamber such that the sensor is within the chamber. The housing includes a first passageway disposed about the probe and second passageway disposed about the first passageway. During operation of the gas monitoring device, a temperature adjusting medium enters the second passageway through an inlet of the housing and then enters into the first passageway via the second passageway. As the temperature adjusting medium travels through the first passageway, the temperature adjusting medium adjusts the temperature of the probe. The temperature adjusting medium adjusts the temperature of the probe through thermal conduction. As the temperature of the probe adjusts, the temperature of the sensor also adjusts through thermal conduction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high sensitive semiconductor type hydrogen sensor, an alarm of hydrogen which incorporates this sensor and a method of sensing hydrogen concentrations by using this sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing leak testing on products is disclosed. Specifically, the present invention includes a method, system, and apparatus for performing an adaptive leak test on products under test.

Abstract: A conduit breach location detector for detecting leaks in a conduit is disclosed. The conduit breach location detector includes a shuttle cage for connection to the conduit. A sounding shuttle is provided in the shuttle cage. A sounding cable may be connected to the sounding shuttle. A pressurization system is connected to the shuttle cage for pressurizing the shuttle cage and pushing the sounding shuttle through the conduit.

Abstract: An evaporated fuel leak detector detects leakage of an evaporated fuel generated in a fuel tank. The detector includes: a differential pressure valve, a pump for sucking a detection port side to reduce pressure on a fuel tank side, and pressure detection means for detecting pressure on a detection port side. The valve includes a detection port connecting to a fuel tank side, an atmosphere port opened to atmosphere, a pressure chamber and a valve member displaceable in accordance with differential pressure between the detection port and the pressure chamber for connecting and disconnecting a connection between the detection port and the atmosphere port. The valve member disconnects between the detection port and the atmosphere port in a case where pressure of the pressure chamber becomes larger than pressure of the detection port by a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device for the measurement of properties of a material to be measured, in particular of the moisture content of agricultural harvested products such as hay, straw, or wilted silage, with a moisture sensor element (22, 49, 54, 62, 65) and at least one further sensor element for the detection of other material properties. In order to improve the measuring device it is proposed according to the invention that the further sensor element (23, 50, 58, 64, 66) is suitable for the measurement of the compression force exerted by the material to be measured on the moisture sensor element (22, 49, 54, 62, 65), or of a force corresponding to this compression force at another measuring point.

Abstract: A probe for determining the relative humidity and temperature of a substance such as a concrete floor. The probe is adapted to be inserted into a hole in the substance being tested. The probe has a head portion and a tail portion. A display is provided on the head portion to provide a user with a visual indication of the relative humidity and temperature within the substance. The entire probe structure is designed to be contained within the hole without the need for any components protruding out of the hole to cause an obstruction.

Abstract: A method and device for continuous measuring of dynamic fluid consumption, particularly gaseous or liquid motor fuel, employs a continuously operating flow sensor with variable decrease in pressure, preferably a mass flow sensor. The pressure downstream from the flow sensor is adjusted to a constant value by changing the admission pressure of the sensor to make possible accurate and rapid consumption measurements with controlled output pressure for the fluid by means of an open system, and also to allow simultaneous measuring of at least a short-time return flow. The device includes a preferably controllable pump (6) possibly a conditioning device and a tank (2), and continuously operating flow sensor (7) for the fluid, preferably a Coriolis sensor, whereby a line branches off behind the sensor (7) leading to a pressure sensor whose output is connected to a control device that triggers the devices to influence the volume flow upstream from the sensor (7).

Abstract: An inspection system formed at least from a viewing tube for inspecting aspects of a turbine engine during operation of the turbine engine. An outer housing of the viewing tube may be positioned within a turbine engine using at least one bearing configured to fit into an indentation of a support housing to form a ball and socket joint enabling the viewing tube to move during operation as a result of vibrations and other movements. The viewing tube may also include one or more lenses positioned within the viewing tube for viewing the turbine components. The lenses may be kept free of contamination by maintaining a higher pressure in the viewing tube than a pressure outside of the viewing tube and enabling gases to pass through an aperture in a cap at a viewing end of the viewing tube.

Abstract: In one method, the permeabilities are obtained by correcting the geometric factor derived from combining the FRA analysis and buildup analysis. In a second method, the permeabilities are obtained by combining the spherical permeability estimated from buildup analysis and the geometric skin factor obtained from history matching the probe-pressure data. In another method, horizontal and vertical permeabilities are determined by analysis of pressure drawdown made with a single probe of circular aperture in a substantially horizontal borehole at two different walls of the borehole.

Abstract: There is described an analyzing device having two separation units to separate molecular species to detect molecular species in wellbore fluids with both separation units operating under forced flow conditions to provide for an active separation of subterranean wellbore effluent into its components for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: A test stand and related method for testing a hydraulic oscillator cylinder having an oscillating drive includes gas-filled shock absorbers for reacting oscillating movement of the oscillating drive to simulate operational load conditions of the oscillator cylinder. The shock absorbers are mounted on a rigid structure and preferably abut an oscillating member mountable on the oscillating drive to react the oscillating movement thereof. The oscillating member may be disposed between a pair of rigid members on which the shock absorbers are mounted whereby one set of shock absorbers reacts movement of the oscillating member in one direction and another set reacts movement of the oscillating member in the opposite direction. Translating structure may extend between the oscillating member and oscillating drive and through a hole in one of the rigid members. Guide shafts may guide oscillating movement of the oscillating member. Gas pressure within the shock absorbers may be controlled.

Abstract: A system for actuating an indicator in response to a depth change in a liquid that is confined to a container comprises a housing, a float constrained to vertical movement in response to changes in liquid depth in the container, a drive rod arranged to rotate in response to vertical movement of the float, and a coupler mechanism mounted between the drive rod and arranged to transfer movement of the actuator to an indicator.

Abstract: A machine for balancing a rotating member includes hard bearing balancing apparatus for determining the magnitude and circumaxial location of imbalance. A sensor responds to the position of the rotating member. A computer receives signals from the balancing apparatus and the sensor and determines the location of one or more projectiles to be fired at the member. A firing mechanism including a piezoelectric actuator fires the projectiles in timed relationship with the rotation of the member so as to position the projectiles as required for balancing.

Abstract: In a method for electronic tuning of the frequency of the read oscillation to the frequency of the stimulation oscillation in a Coriolis gyro, the resonator of the Coriolis gyro has a disturbance force applied to it such that the stimulation oscillation remains essentially uninfluenced. The read oscillation is changed so that a read signal that represents the read oscillation contains a corresponding disturbance component. The frequency of the read oscillation is controlled so that the phase shift between the disturbance signal and the disturbance component contained in the read signal is a minimum.

Abstract: Devices and methods for reducing errors in a MEMS-type gyroscope are disclosed. A MEMS-type gyroscope in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention can include one or more proof masses configured to oscillate in a drive plane above a sense electrode for measuring Coriolis forces exerted on the one or more proof masses resulting from motion of the gyroscope about an input axis. One or more quad steering voltage members can be positioned adjacent each of the one or more proof masses and activated to electrostatically attract the proof masses toward the sense electrodes to reduce any undesired motion of the proof masses due to quadrature and/or temperature effects. The voltage applied to each of the quad steering voltage members can be time-varying, and, in some cases, can be derived from the same voltage signal used to drive the proof masses.

Abstract: A tilt sensor and a method for the use of the tilt sensor to calculate the degree of tilt, whereby the tilt sensor has at least three accelerometers mounted to a base, the accelerometers are positioned in a common plane, and wherein each is preferably at an equally spaced angle from one another.

Abstract: There is provided a non-destructive inspection device having an actuating portion and at least one inspecting portion. The inspecting portion(s) are magnetically coupled to the actuating portion so that the inspecting portion(s) may be moved into limited-access areas to inspect features of a structure. The inspecting portion(s) each include at least one inspection sensor that transmits and/or receives signals that, when processed, indicate defects in the features of the structure. The actuating portion may include a handle for manual movement of the inspection device, or alternatively may include a motorized drive wheel for motorized positioning of the inspection device. A positional encoder device, such as an encoder wheel or optical encoder, may also be included in the actuating portion or inspecting portion(s) to monitor the location of the inspection device for more accurate or informative inspection results.

Abstract: The pressure transducer provided with a measuring chamber is separated by a medium which is to be measured by a separation membrane. A piezoelectric element is arranged on the measuring chamber which is filled with silicone oil, thereby enabling the specific volume of said chamber to be modified. An adjustable path of the measuring signal is compared to a reference path and considerable deviations indicate an error on the membrane. As a result, the state of the separation membrane can be monitored when the pressure transducer is in the installed state.

Abstract: A high temperature pressure sensing system (transducer) including: a pressure sensing piezoresistive sensor formed by a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) process; a SOI amplifier circuit operatively coupled to the piezoresistive sensor; a SOI gain controller circuit including a plurality of resistances that when selectively coupled to the amplifier adjust a gain of the amplifier; a plurality of off-chip contacts corresponding to the resistances, respectively, for electrically activating the corresponding resistances and using a metallization layer for the SOI sensor and SOI ASIC suitable for high temperature interconnections (bonding); wherein the piezoresistive sensor, amplifier circuit and gain control circuit are suitable for use in environments having a temperature greater than 175 degrees C. and reaching between 250° C. and 300° C., and wherein the entire transducer has a high immunity to nuclear radiation.

Abstract: A pressure module is provided which comprises a capsule having a cavity formed therein, and a pressure transducer disposed within the cavity of the capsule. A feedthrough pin, fixedly coupled to the capsule, extends into the capsule and is electronically coupled to the pressure transducer.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a connector case having a recess, in which a sensor chip is contained and an oil is filled. The recess filled with the oil is sealed by a metal diaphragm. The sensor chip for outputting signals and the circuit chip having a processing circuit for processing the signals from the sensor chip, are stacked. That is, the circuit chip is provided between a bottom wall surface of the recess and the sensor chip. The processing circuit is covered by at least a part of the sensor chip, and the processing circuit of the circuit chip is arranged at a place where the processing circuit can avoid contact with the oil. Because the processing circuit of the circuit chip is not exposed to the oil, the processing circuit can be effectively restricted from being charged due to a polarization of the oil.

Abstract: An assembly for measuring differential pressures includes a manifold valve and pressure transducer assembly including two pressure transducers. The manifold valve includes two pressure inlet ports and two pressure outlet ports that communicate through the manifold's isolation valves. An equalization valve connects the two pressure lines. Mating flanges on the manifold valve and pressure transducer assembly are bolted together to form a pressure tight seal between the manifold valve outlet ports and the pressure transducer assembly inlet ports. The pressure transducer assembly also includes a mounting plate for supporting the pressure transducers. The transducers generate an electrical signal corresponding to inlet pressure. Signals from pressure transducers and an optional thermistor for each are wired to an electrical connector mounted on the side of the assembly.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for detecting cracks and their location in a structure. A circuit coupled to a structure has capacitive strain sensors coupled sequentially and in parallel to one another. When excited by a variable magnetic field, the circuit has a resonant frequency that is different for unstained and strained states. In terms of strained states, the resonant frequency is indicative of a region of the circuit that is experiencing strain induced by strain in a region of the structure in proximity to the region of the circuit. An inductor is electrically coupled to one end of each circuit. A magnetic field response recorder wirelessly transmits the variable magnetic field to the inductor and senses the resonant frequency of the circuit so-excited by the variable magnetic field.

Abstract: Manufacturers test printed circuit boards (PCB) to ensure that all components have been soldered to the correctly. Some tests cause the boards to deflect, which can damage component-to-board interfaces (i.e., solder joints) or components. Embodiments of the present invention measure the amount of PCB deflection before, during, and after the PCB is subject to mechanical load using photoelectric amplifiers, which send and receive light beams to targets mounted on the PCB surface through optical fibers and lenses mounted in a head assembly. The intensity of received light beams are proportional to analog voltages output by the photoelectric amplifiers and to the distance between the head assemblies and the targets. A data acquisition system converts the analog voltages to digital voltages and a software interface correlates the digital voltages to PCB deflection/displacement. A GUI displays deflection before, during, and after the PCB is subject to mechanical load.

Abstract: In a stride measuring apparatus, a signal wave emitter and a signal wave detector are opposed to each other in a direction intersecting with a predetermined direction in which the running surface is driven. The signal wave emitter emits a light beam. The signal wave detector outputs an ON signal when receiving the light beam, and outputs an OFF signal when the light beam is intercepted. A detector part calculates a moving speed on the basis of a difference between a fall time and a rise time of one OFF signal out of two OFF signals outputted in succession from the signal wave detector, and a foot size of a subject. The detector part calculates a difference between output times of the two OFF signals (stride time) and calculates a stride on the basis of a product of the moving speed and the stride time.

Abstract: A steam measurement system includes a Coriolis flowmeter associated with a vibratable flowtube to receive a flow of wet steam. A first sensor is associated with the flowtube to relay information about a motion of the flowtube by way of a first sensor signal. A second sensor determines a property of the flow and relays the property by way of a second sensor signal. A computing device receives the first and second sensor signals and is configured to calculate a steam quality of the flow from the first and second sensor signals. The computing device also may calculate the total heat energy flow rate of the flow. Other implementations may include a full or partial separator to separate the flow of wet steam into a substantially gas flow and a substantially liquid flow and a second Coriolis meter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for monitoring an air supply flow or a volumetric air flow, in particular for ventilators which can also be applied for extremely low flow speeds and/or throughput rates. The aim of the invention is to produce a device cheaply and simply with essentially wear-free components which reacts to changes in the flow speed and/or the throughput rate without a time delay. Said aim is achieved, whereby the device comprises an approach flow device, the position of which may be altered relative to a mounting, against a retaining force FM and which may be impinged by the air flow for monitoring to generate a change in the position thereof. Furthermore, magnetic devices for the generation of a magnetic field dependent on the position of the approach flow device, detection means for recording the magnetic field and measuring means for generation of a measured signal dependent on the magnetic field are provided. The magnetic field forms at least a part of the retaining force FM.

Abstract: Angular movement detectors may be disposed within or proximate to joints in one or more members of articulated arms and linked via one or more communications networks to a controller to provide angular movement data to the controller for use in controlling movement of the articulated arm. The communications networks may be redundant.

Abstract: An indicating instrument includes a stepping motor, a speed-reducing gear mechanism, an indicating needle, a stopper mechanism and an initializing unit. A position which the indicating needle indicates when turned by a preset angle relative to a position which the indicating needle indicates when turning of the indicating needle is mechanically stopped with the stopper mechanism is taken as a graduation-starting position. The initializing unit is to drive the stepping motor to turn the indicating needle toward the indicating needle-stopped position; after stoppage of the turning of the needle, to drive the stepping motor to turn the needle away from the needle-stopped place where the turning of the needle is mechanically stopped with the stopper mechanism, thereby to turn the needle beyond the graduation-starting position, and thereafter to drive the stepping motor to turn the needle toward the stopper mechanism; and to return the needle to the graduation-starting position and stop the needle there.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods according to the present invention preferably utilize electroosmotic pumps in fluid handling and field sampling applications. The electroosmotic pumps used in these applications are capable of generating high pressure and flow without moving mechanical parts and the associated generation of unacceptable electrical and acoustic noise, as well as the associated reduction in reliability. Having multiple small flow channels in parallel provides both a high flow rate and high pressure in liquid handling. These electroosmotic pumps are fabricated with materials and structures that improve performance, efficiency, and reduce weight and manufacturing cost relative to presently available micropumps. These electroosmotic pumps also allow for recapture of evolved gases and deposited materials, which may provide for long-term closed-loop operation.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for measuring the thickness of one liquid layer overlying another liquid layer. The liquid thickness measuring device consists of a tubular casing, constructed of a transparent material, a resiliently biased valve member and a retaining member. The resiliently biased valve member is pivotally movable between open and closed positions to alternatively allow liquid to be sampled to enter the casing when in the open position and to seal the liquid sample when in the closed position. In operation, with the valve member disengaged from the bottom of the tubular casing, the measuring device is slowly lowered into the enclosed device. As a result, the liquid present in the enclosed structure is conductible through the opening of the tubular casing, to seek its level in the tubular member. The retaining member, which engages and holds the valve in an open position, is then released and the valve is allowed to move to the closed position.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for a reciprocating component includes a moving member having a mounting section for attaching the reciprocating component, and a base with a guide. The guide has a backward path guide section and a forward path guide section that faces the backward path guide section. The moving member accumulates a backward travel force while being guided by the backward path guide section and moved to a mid point in the backward operation, and fully moves back by releasing the accumulated travel force from the mid point. The moving member accumulates a forward travel force while being guided by the forward path guide section and moved to a mid point from the fully moved back position in the forward operation, and fully moves forward by releasing the accumulated travel force from the mid point.

Abstract: An actuation device for adjusting a powered control device opposite the adjusting direction. The actuation device comprises an actuation element axially displaceable in a housing by a feed device at least in the adjusting direction. The actuation device includes an emergency actuation arrangement that may be actuated from outside the housing of the device. The emergency actuation arrangement is connected in motion with the feed device via a direction-switched coupling device. The feed device includes at least one motor for turning a rotating spindle. The at least one motor is rigidly connected with a rotating sleeve mounted capable of rotating in the housing and surrounding the rotating spindle. The rotating sleeve is capable of being set in a direction opposite the feed direction of the rotating spindle relative to the housing.

Abstract: A dual clutch transmission with two clutches, two relative coaxial input shafts, two relative coaxial countershafts, two drive constants (gear trains, as well as one concentric transmission output shaft to the two drive shafts. Such a transmission structure is to be further embodied in such a way that through minor variations of gear mechanisms based on a construction module concept, seven-speed and eight-speed dual clutch transmissions with different direct gears, a different number of overdrive gears as well as different overall gear ratios can be manufactured. In accordance with a generic dual clutch transmission, the two countershafts by way of a coupling device can be rotationally connected with each other, and that on the countershaft embodied as hollow shaft, an idler gear is rotationally mounted, which meshes with a fixed gear on the transmission output shaft.

Abstract: A transmission control system is capable of promptly compensating for a disturbance attributable to a mechanical interference that takes place in a selecting operation so as to quickly complete the selecting operation. An adaptation disturbance observer provided in a selection controller calculates a disturbance component term in a model equation of a selecting mechanism for each control cycle of the selection controller. An equivalent control input calculator of a sliding mode controller uses the disturbance component term calculated by the adaptation disturbance observer to calculate an equivalent control input. An adder adds a reaching law input calculated by a reaching law input calculator and the equivalent control input to calculate a control value of a voltage to be applied to a selection motor of the selecting mechanism.

Abstract: A multi cone selector in a transmission employs sandwiched cone friction surfaces 19A, 20A and 21A and these are shown in free or unengaged state while the corresponding friction surfaces as numerals 19, 20 and 21 are shown as engaged. This comparative illustration shows the relative positions of the surfaces at different times since the “A” surfaces and the non “A” surfaces are the same circumferential surfaces. The cone selector is used to engage free rotating gear a female part 22 of a multi-cone selector. A hydraulic actuator 23 is received by internal gear case wall 24 formed so as to prevent any radial or axial movement of the actuator itself. A hydraulic coupling, in this case the hydraulic coupling is formed as hydraulic springs or bags illustrated at 26. The crown of hydraulic spring outlet piston is formed so as to clip in a housing of a thrust bearing 29.

Abstract: A magnetic fluid shifter damper mechanism for a vehicle transmission may include a shift linkage having a first position and a second position, a magnetic fluid damper disposed between a substantially fixed point and a support point on the shift linkage, a fluid inside the magnetic fluid damper resisting substantially a motion of the support point relative to the substantially fixed point in the presence of a magnetic field, wherein the magnetic field is applied substantially to the fluid when the shift lever is in substantially the first or the second position, and wherein the magnetic field is removed substantially from the fluid when the shift lever is substantially between the first and the second position.

Abstract: A power transfer device includes an input, a gear set for transferring power from the input to at least one output, a housing and a cover. The housing includes an access aperture sized for receiving the gear set. The access aperture includes a threaded wall. The cover closes the aperture and is threadably engaged with the threaded wall to secure the cover to the housing.

Abstract: A transfer case for use in a motor vehicle to selectively transfer drive torque from a powertrain to first and second pairs of wheels. The transfer case includes an input shaft driven by the powertrain and an output shaft selectively driven by the input shaft. A transfer mechanism is operably disposed between the input shaft and the output shaft to transfer drive torque from the input shaft to the output shaft. The transfer mechanism includes a first chain that is selectively driven by the input shaft and a second chain that is driven by the first chain and that transfers drive torque to the output shaft.

Abstract: A computer controlled all-in-one reel mower sharpener and roller alignment system can be rolled under a mower to be conditioned. No removal of the cutting unit is needed. A linear voltage displacement transducer (LVDT 715 or a mechanical dial indicator 7155; alternatively a friction wheel 7150 with a rotary encoder 7151 may be used, or any combination of sensors 715, 7155, 7151) or equivalent instructs the machinist how to align the front and rear rollers in parallel. A laser scanner or probe determines the location for the cutter, and then the machining head sharpens each blade automatically. A separate cutter sharpens the bed knife. Most all mowers can be conditioned based on the laser or probe calibration of the blade size. The laser or probe measures the height of cut by sensing the blade location.

Abstract: A manual wine bottle opener includes a main body, a fixing base, a piston rod, a press lever, a valve base, a thimble, a sleeve and a slide member combined together. The press lever has one end pivotally combined with a connecting member, and the piston rod has its lower end fitted with a piston. The valve base has its interior provided with a non-return valve and its lower side fixed with an insert needle. By reciprocally pulling and pressing the press lever for moving the piston up and down repeatedly, air can be pumped into the wine bottle through the insert needle for removing the cork of the wine bottle from the bottle mouth, able to uncork the wine bottle conveniently and quickly. Then the sleeve is turned around to actuate the slide member to whirl and move downward to push and disengage the cork from the insert needle.

Abstract: A ratcheting tool has a head and a handle attached to the head. The head rotatably receives a gear ring and receives a pawl that is in operative engagement with the gear ring. A housing disposed in the head receives a spring that is in operative engagement with the pawl so that rotation of a lever causes the pawl to move between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A kit of four faucet nut wrenches, two of 1? inch internal diameter, two of 1 inch internal diameter, longer wrenches 14–16 inches long, shorter wrenches 4 inches long. Drive sockets are provided for removable insertion into the drive end of each wrench. The smaller diameter wrenches are optionally held within the larger wrenches. Orifices in of the wrenches provide for the smaller diameter wrenches optional insertion into the larger diameter wrenches. Removable lock pins secure the wrenches together.

Abstract: A tree step driving tool can drive both fold-type tree steps and rod-type tree steps. The tool includes an elongate member defining a drive portion on one end of the tool and a handle portion on the other end. The drive portion is configured to be receivable within the open end of a fold-type tree step channel to drive the tree step. An opening through the member receives a rod-type tree step and enables a head attached to the drive portion to engage the rod-type tree step to drive the step.

Abstract: To provide a connected-screw driver capable of stably retaining a screw, which has just come off from a screw connecting belt, and constantly tightening the resultant screw in a tightening position. A connected-screw driver having a driver unit provided with a motor, an output shaft, a housing, and a bit mounted to the output shaft, a slider case mounted to the housing to permit the bit to be inserted therethrough, and a slider 7 provided in the slider case to be able to reciprocate therein and having an engagement member 20a adapted to abut against a member being tightened, the slider feeding connected screws as the slider reciprocates, and wherein the slider 7 is provided with a chuck mechanism 18 that is movable in an axial direction of the bit and temporarily retains a screw, which has come off from a screw connecting belt, until the screw abuts against a member being tightened, and a regulating mechanism 19 that regulates and fixes a position of the chuck mechanism 18 in the axial direction of the bit.

Abstract: A method of cutting a product of a predetermined shape from a sheet material (1) by firstly supporting a sheet material in a first position by a first support means (2) whereafter she sheet (1) may be cut through by moving a line type cutter (7) relative to the sheet material on a line or lines to define part of the predetermined shape. The sheet material may then be supported in a second position (whether by the first support means or another support means (2a, 2b)) and again cut by moving a line type cutter relative to the sheet material on a line or lines to define the remaining perimeter of the predetermined shape, to thereby cut the predetermined shape from the sheet material. In the second position the sheet material is provided with upward support to support the predetermined shape to be cut from the sheet material and wherein in the second position the or another support means includes a through cut commensurate to the line or lines to define the remaining perimeter of the predetermined shape.

Abstract: A machine such as a saw, jointer, planer, etc. is disclosed. The machine has cutting tool, a direct drive mechanism configured to move the cutting tool, a detection system adapted to detect the occurrence of an unsafe condition between a person and the cutting tool, and a reaction system adapted to mitigate the unsafe condition upon the detection of the unsafe condition by the detection system. An electrical signal is imparted on the cutting tool, and the signal is used to determine the occurrence of the unsafe condition. The direct drive mechanism is electrically isolated so that the electric signal may be imparted on the cutting tool. The electric isolation may be achieved through configurations such as insulated bearings, a substantially non-conductive housing, and a substantially non-conductive coupling joining two shaft portions.