Abstract: A capacitance type physical quantity detector includes a sensor unit of which the capacitance varies depending upon a change in the physical quantity and a C-V converter unit which converts a change in the capacitance of said sensor unit into a voltage. The C-V converter unit includes an operational amplifier, a feedback capacitor, switching means connected in parallel with said feedback capacitor, a reference voltage-generating circuit for applying a reference voltage to the operational amplifier, and a drive voltage-generating circuit for applying a drive voltage to said sensor unit. At least any one of the feedback capacitance of said feedback capacitor, the reference voltage formed by said reference voltage-generating circuit or the drive voltage formed by said drive voltage-generating circuit varies depending upon the temperature to correct temperature characteristics of the sensor unit.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor unit including a board on which an acceleration sensor is mounted, a support part for supporting the board, and a housing in which the support part and the acceleration sensor are contained, the board is installed in the housing by means of the support part so as to swing with respect to the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a micromachined gyrometer having a planar moving structure anchored on a fixed substrate by anchoring feet, the fixed substrate being mounted on a support substrate via fasteners, the moving structure comprising at least two moving assemblies that are symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry A1; the anchoring feet are located outside this axis A1. The fixed substrate has etched features for the purpose of partly isolating at least one region from the rest of the fixed substrate, this region having a portion of the fixed substrate that includes at least one anchoring foot, and the fixed substrate is mounted on the support substrate via fasteners applied outside the region.

Abstract: A SOI-MEMS gyroscope has a three fold symmetrical construction such that is symmetrical in the x direction, the y direction and diagonally. The gyroscope is suspended above a silicon substrate by lateral flexures that are located at the corners of the proof mass and by central flexures that are positioned at the center regions of the proof mass. The proof mass, lateral flexures, and central flexures are formed of a silicon composition with the flexures supporting the proof mass such that the proof mass will not touch the underlying base silicon substrate even when subjected to extreme G forces. Comb finger actuators apply an electrostatic force to the proof mass in the x direction; and, when experiencing an external rotational rate around the z-axis, the Coriolis force acts along the y direction and the resulting deflection is sensed by a pair of comb-finger capacitors connected as a differential capacitive voltage divider.

Abstract: The accelerometer has a base (2), an outer planar ring-like support frame (17) fixedly bonded to the base (2), and an inner planar ring-like support frame (18) flexibly suspended within the outer frame (17) by mounts (19) connecting the inner frame (18) to the outer frame (17) so that the inner frame (18) is spaced from the base (2), co-planar with the outer support fram (17) so as to provide flexible suspension for the inner support frame (18) reducing compressive and/or tensile forces on mounting legs (4) flexibly mounting a proof mass (3) in the inner support frame (18).

Abstract: An acceleration sensing device includes a movable sensing member, a frame member and a supporting member. The supporting member is coupled between the movable sensing member and the frame member so as to support the movable sensing member. The acceleration sensing device further includes a covering member disposed above the movable sensing member, with a gap between the covering member and the movable sensing member. The acceleration sensing device still further includes internal electrodes, interconnection films, external electrodes and a resin film. The internal electrodes are arranged around the covering member. The interconnection films are disposed on the frame member so as to be coupled to the internal electrodes. The external electrodes are disposed on the interconnection films. The resin film is disposed on the frame member so as to seal the covering member. Also, there is provided a manufacturing method of the acceleration sensing device.

Abstract: A transducer for use in a structural health monitoring system includes a single transducer element. The transducer includes a transmit assembly coupled to the single transducer element. This assembly is configured to produce a multi-cycle square wave drive signal for stimulating the transducer. Additionally, a transmit/receive switch coupled to the single transducer element is provided. This assembly is configured to isolate the drive signal from the receive assembly used to sense the electrical signal generated from any received elastic waves.

Abstract: A multiple-mode acoustic wave sensor apparatus includes an acoustic wave device comprising a piezoelectric substrate and at least one electrode on the substrate. When such sensor is used in a wireless configuration, a plurality of antennas can be configured on the substrate in association with the acoustic wave device, wherein each antenna among the plurality of antennas is responsive to varying interrogation signals transmitted wirelessly to the plurality of antennas in order to excite multiple frequency modes via at least one interdigital transducer on the substrate and thereby passively detect multiple and varying parameters of a sensed material utilizing the acoustic wave device.

Abstract: A single axis vibration test system includes a vibration force generator or “shaker” which can be used with a head expander, and separate pairs of hydrostatic self-aligning sliding bearings connecting two large reaction masses to the head expander. Preload forces are applied by separate preload pistons supported on a preload ring surrounding the shaker. Preload forces are transmitted by the preload ring to the sliding bearings to clamp the head expander directly to the reaction masses, which resists lateral and rotational motions during vertical axis testing. The reaction masses are supported on resilient supports carried on a sub-structure rigidly affixed to ground, for avoiding a rigid connection between the preload ring and ground which in turn avoids unwanted mechanical resonances within the operational frequency range of the system during use.

Abstract: A device for invasively measuring fluid pressure is disclosed. The device includes a disposable housing having a fluid contacting area and a non-fluid contacting area. A disposable diaphragm in a substantially non-elastic state is disposed within the housing and separates the fluid contacting area from the non-fluid contacting area. A side of the diaphragm is adapted to contact the fluid, and the diaphragm has sufficient flexibility to move a distance axially within the non-fluid contacting area in response to fluid contact. The distance is substantially proportional to the fluid pressure. An electronic sensing device is removably attached adjacent the non-fluid contacting area of the housing, and is spaced from the diaphragm. The electronic sensing device is capable of determining the fluid pressure.

Abstract: An electromagnetic flowmeter designed to use a smaller excitation device and applicable to measurement on tubular channels of various sectional shapes. The electromagnetic flowmeter includes an excitation device for forming a magnetic field perpendicular to an outer wall of a tubular channel, and a pair of electrodes for measuring an electromotive force generated by the movement of the electroconductive fluid across the magnetic field. The electrodes and two magnetic poles of the excitation device are collectively placed on the outer wall at one side of the tubular channel.

Abstract: A systems and method of measuring fluid flow within a pipe is disclosed. One embodiment includes a flow measuring device configured to be placed within a pipe. Another embodiment includes a method of calculating fluid flow based on measured fluid velocities.

Abstract: A water meter register has a shaft for rotating an energy passing wheel having a high transmission portion and a low transmission portion. Energy rays are directed toward one side of the wheel toward a pair of detectors mounted on the other side of the wheel. Each of the detectors generates a first signal when energy passing through the first wheel portion is incident thereon and a second signal when the energy from the devices is incident on the second wheel portion to determine water volume flow rate. In another embodiment, an electronic device acts on the signals from the detectors to provide an adjusted signal that is a more accurate measure of flow rate. In another embodiment, the register includes a plurality of wheels to display measured volume flow, and a stepper motor mount within the wheels to rotate the wheels to present a readable measured volume flow rate.

Abstract: A system and method for direct measurement of torque is disclosed herein. The system includes a torque transducer and a contact arm, wherein the torque transducer, contact arm, and pivot point of the device being measured are positioned along a rotational axis of the pivot point of the device. A cartridge door of a tape cartridge may be measured.

Abstract: A sensitizing ring for sensors having a reduced manufacturing cost and an improved profile shape manufacture with a diameter of 120 mm or less. The sensitizing ring of the present invention is used to measure the rate of rotation and position of a rotating element. The sensitizing ring of the present invention is usable in more applications, especially in the automotive industry. The sensitizing ring comprises a body, a plurality of teeth provided on an outer periphery thereof, and a plurality of gaps interposed between the teeth. The body is made of a polymeric material interspersed with a ferromagnetic material. Alternately, the body is made of a polymeric material having a coating layer of ferromagnetic material. In a further embodiment, the body includes ferromagnetic material in the polymeric material forming the teeth but does not include ferromagnetic material in the polymeric material forming the gaps.

Abstract: A method that allows an individual to personally test for contaminants in an air supply. The method consists of purchasing the test kit, placing the test kit on a device that produces air circulation and blowing air through the test kit. The test kit is then removed from the device, repackaged and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The air quality test kit comprises a test filter, a filter backing pad and a support, which together form a device that captures and retains particles carried in an airflow.

Abstract: A steering lock system includes at least an ignition switch and a locking mechanism capable of inhibiting the turning of a steering shaft. In a state in which the steering lock system is retained by a retaining means on a support table, a movable table is moved toward the support table, a turnable shaft which includes a key chuck means retaining a key at its tip end is rotatably driven by a driving means, thereby rotatably driving a rotor of the steering lock system. By examining the change in the switching mode of the ignition switch in accordance with the turning of the rotor by a switch signal checking means and examining the operational state of the locking mechanism by a locking operation examining means, the inspection can be conducted continuously and automatically on the operation of at least the ignition switch and the locking mechanism of the steering lock system.

Abstract: A method of inspecting or utilizing tools in the underwater environment of a nuclear reactor vessel, a spent fuel pool or equipment pit includes floating a platform for transporting inspection devices and/or tools over an underwater target site and deploying the devices or tools to the underwater target site. The platform may be coupled to a boom whose opposite end is carried by a cart movable about a floor area surrounding the pool. Alternatively, the platform may be independently movable along the water surface by thrusters.

Abstract: An inspection device for performing nondestructive testing on a test subject includes a manually controlled inspection cart. The inspection device also includes a nondestructive testing platform and a computer coupled to the inspection cart. The computer is operable to control the movement of the nondestructive testing device when the inspection device is within a predetermined distance from the test subject.

Abstract: A starter for cranking an internal combustion engine includes an electric motor for driving a pinion gear of the starter. The rear end of the electric motor is covered with a rear end frame having a bearing holder formed thereon. To protect the bearing holder from external force applied to the rear end frame, a rear end cover having an upper plate is connected to the rear end frame. The upper plate of the rear end cover is positioned to form a certain space between the rear end frame and the upper plate. The rear end cover may be connected to the rear end frame by utilizing bolt heads of a pair of through-bolts fastening the electric motor to a front housing and the rear end frame.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission of countershaft design having a main countershaft and a hollow countershaft arranged concentrically and having likewise two load-shift elements. A first half of the shift elements is connected with a drive unit and a second half of the shift elements is connected to a gearbox input shaft. The gearbox input shafts and countershafts are mounted in a housing and connected to gear wheels, which intermesh in pairs as gear wheel pairs and can be connected or disconnected in order to reduce the overall gear ratio in the power flow. The main countershaft is mounted directly on the housing in the area of its first end and in the hollow countershaft in the area of its second end. The hollow countershaft is mounted in the housing in the area of its end that faces toward the end of the main countershaft that is mounted in the hollow countershaft.

Abstract: A miter gear transmission includes a driving shaft, an idler cluster and a driven shaft. The idler cluster includes two cone-shaped gear sets, each having a proximate end with a gear having a largest number of teeth and a distal end with a gear having a smallest number of teeth. Gears with a decreasing number of teeth are located between the proximate and distal ends. The two gear sets are joined at their proximate ends. The idler cluster is suspended in bearings at a 45 degree angle between the driving and driven shafts with first and second spur gears slidably engaged to the shafts. Two actuator moves the spur gears along the shafts to engage the gear teeth of each of gears of the gear sets. By moving the spur gears to engage different gears, different gear ratios are achieved. A cable loop shifter moves the actuators along the shafts.

Abstract: An idler gear having a part worked by cutting is formed such that a chamfer part is formed at least on a portion between a tooth shape and chamfers are formed on the tooth shape by a forging process on an outer peripheral surface and an end part thereof in an axial direction by cutting.

Abstract: A tilt adjusting unit for steering columns of vehicles. The tilt adjusting unit includes a support bracket having a guide slot and mounted to a vehicle body, a movable bracket to tilt along with the steering column, a connection rod to connect the movable bracket to the support bracket, a stopper provided at each of opposite ends of the connection rod. A locking unit is disposed on the connection rod to lock or unlock the movable bracket to or from the support bracket. The locking unit includes a rotary unit rotatably provided on a predetermined portion of the connection rod and a movable unit provided on the connection rod which moves axially along the connection rod as the rotary unit rotates, thus locking or unlocking the movable bracket to or from the support bracket. The movable unit is inhibited from rotating with the rotary unit by rotation preventing projections.

Abstract: A bicycle control device is disclosed having a control lever that is operable in a first direction to operate the brake control mechanism, a second direction to operate the shift control mechanism in the pulling direction and a third direction to operate the shift control mechanism in the release direction. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, when viewed from the perspective of a rider on the bicycle, the first direction is the direction of movement of the lever toward the handlebar. The second direction is the direction of movement of the control lever downward and the third direction is the direction of movement of the control lever upward. In a more preferred embodiment, the second and third directions are perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A handwheel (1) for stable, reversible engagement with an engagement end (Q) of a shaft (A) of a member to be operated. The handwheel (1) includes a stem (2) having a free end, a cavity (2A) provided in the stem (2) for cooperating with the end (Q) of the shaft (A), an elastic ring (5), and a retaining washer (6). The cavity (2A) has an open end proximate the free end of the stem (2). A first seat (3) accommodates the elastic ring (5). The first seat (3) is located proximate to the open end of the cavity (2A). A second seat (4) accommodates the retaining washer (6). The second seat (4) is located proximate to the open end of the cavity (2A).

Abstract: A high-speed steel flywheel for a flywheel uninterruptible power is constructed by stacking several unpierced steel discs together. Each disc is heat treated prior to assembly. Thin axial thickness of each disc enables complete rapid quenching to attain a fully hardened condition and development of high tensile strength. The individual discs are machined or ground to shape and assembled to form an axially thicker flywheel capable of storing several kilowatts of energy or more. The discs are attached together by welding, brazing, soldiering, bonding or an interference assembly. The stacked disc configuration minimizes chances of catastrophic failure of the flywheel due to initiation of a crack in a single disc by restricting axial crack propagation to that single disc, and supporting the cracked disc by one or more adjacent discs until the flywheel can be safely decelerated.

Abstract: A balancing device including a positionable member associated with a rotating member having an axis, wherein the positionable member has a substantially constant mass, and wherein the positionable member is disposed at a first position about the axis of the rotating member. The balancing device also including an actuation device disposed at a distance from the positionable member, wherein the actuation device is operable for selectively generating a force, and wherein the force is operable for moving the positionable member from the first position to a second position about the axis of the rotating member, thereby balancing the rotating member.

Abstract: A bicycle sprocket crank assembly is comprised of first and second crank arms joined to a spindle. One of the crank arms and the spindle may be fabricated as a unitary structure, or both cranks arms may be formed as separate structures and joined together. In either case the spindle has at least a first coupling end with an internally tapped axial bore defined therein and the second crank arm forms at least a first socket at its axle end. At least a first wedging sleeve is provided and is disposed about the first coupling end of the spindle. The first wedging sleeve conforms to the shapes of both the first coupling end of the spindle and the hollow cavity in the first socket. Either the coupling end of the spindle or the hollow cavity is axially tapered, and the wedging sleeve is tapered to match.

Abstract: A bottle cap remover includes a pair of axially nested socket sections of different diameters depending axially from a larger-diameter grasping section. Each of the socket sections includes frictional gripping members along their inner walls that are adapted to frictionally engage different sizes and types of metal and plastic bottle caps, thereby to enable the user to twist off and remove the bottle caps by applying a relatively small twisting force to the grasping section.

Abstract: A fastener driving tool. At least one offset driven part is detachably attachable to an input part for accessing a fastener for driving thereof.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a tubular member having an inner gear formed in a head, a rotor rotatably received in the head and having a compartment aligned with the inner gear for receiving a stronger latching device, two ratchet wheels rotatably received in the head, two weaker latching devices disposed in the rotor and each having a spring-biased pawl for engaging with the ratchet wheels and for controlling the driving direction of the rotor by the ratchet wheels. A drive shaft is rotatably received in the tubular member and includes a driving gear for engaging with the ratchet wheels and for controlling the driving direction of the rotor by the ratchet wheels.

Abstract: A telescopic driving tool comprises a handle having an axial hole at a front end thereof for receiving an engaging portion; an interior of an engaging portion being formed with a receiving space; a periphery of the engaging portion being formed with at least one slit; an inner periphery of the engaging portion being formed with an inner thread; a driving rod; one end of the driving rod having an opener head for driving a screw and another end of the driving rod being installed with a thread portion; at least one stopper being installed below the thread portion; the driving rod can be inserted into the receiving space of the engaging portion and the stoppers being received within the two slits of the engaging portion; and a tightening unit being combinable with a front end of the engaging portion for tightly engaging the engaging portion.

Abstract: The tool support comprises a basic structure (8) on which a slide (5) is movable in a controlled manner transversely to the spindle axis (7), two tool holders (6) being mounted on said slide which are displaceable parallel to each other and serving to hold different tools (9,9?), said holders (6,6?) being selectively displaceable in the direction of the spindle axis (7) or away from that axis through an angle of 90° with respect to the direction of movement of the slide (5), and further comprising driving means (1,2,3,3?) to displace the slide (5) and the tool holders (6,6?) along their axis of movement (Y,Z) into a predetermined working position.

Abstract: A device for separating individual containers from a group of multiple containers and delivering the separated individual container for further processing is shown. The device relies in part on gravity for the movement of the containers.

Abstract: A singulation saw for sawing either substrate or wafers includes a pair of counter-rotating saw blades mounted for independent movement in a vertical direction for alternatively engaging with a substrate to be singulated. The singulation saw further includes a transport system including a pair of substrate carriers reciprocates the substrates. While the first substrate is being cut, the second substrate or other substrate carrier sequentially unloads a cut substrate, loads a new uncut substrate and then moves the uncut substrate to a vision system for determining the position of the substrate relative to the second carrier and then positions the second carrier and its substrate in a standby position ready to be cut by the pair of saw blades that are cutting the first substrate. As the first cut substrate is moved to an unload position, the new uncut substrate is moved into a cutting position.

Abstract: The table saw disclosed herein includes a table, a saw assembly pivotally attached to the table, the saw assembly comprising an arbor movable relative to the table, a bevel shaft operatively connected to the saw assembly for pivoting the saw assembly, and a height shaft operatively connected to the saw assembly for moving the arbor relative to the table, wherein distance between the height shaft and the table is larger than distance between the bevel shaft and the table.

Abstract: A circular sawing machine has a multi-directional adjustable laser indication device that includes a body, a support rod disposed rotatably and movably within the body, and a laser lamp fixed on the support rod so as to form a visual indication line on a worktable. An angle-adjusting unit is operable to rotate the support rod so as to adjust the angle of the laser lamp. A transverse adjusting unit is operable to move the support rod within the body along a transverse direction of the worktable so as to adjust the position of the laser lamp.

Abstract: A pneumatic brake booster with short actuating travel, comprising a skirt and a pneumatic piston that are rigidly connected and slideably mounted in a sealed casing to delimit a low-pressure chamber and a variable-pressure chamber and a three-way valve arrangement that is controlled by a control rod connected at a first end to a brake pedal. The three-way valve arrangement having first and second valve seats and a valve that is applied to at least one of the first and second valve seats by a valve spring. The second valve seat being borne by a first longitudinal end of a plunger distributor while the first valve seat is borne by a first longitudinal end of a bushing slideably mounted in a sealed manner in the pneumatic piston over a defined first travel and beyond the defined travel the bushing is secured axially to the pneumatic piston.

Abstract: The reciprocating piston compressor has several parallel cylinder-piston units (7, 8) in a common compressor casing (3) and whose pistons (8) are moved by a rotary wobble plate (11) by means of a coupling bracket (9) surrounding sliding pads (12). For modifying the wobble plate inclination as a result of a regulated pressure in the compressor casing it is swivellably held by two articulated brackets (23, 24) on a recess (29) of the drive shaft (4). Together with the recess (29) and the spacing between the bilateral connection points to the wobble plate (11), said articulated brackets (23, 24) form a four-bar linkage, whose geometry ensures a functionally correct swivelling movement. The four joints (25 to 28) of the four-bar linkage are formed by uniaxial swivel joints, whose low frictional resistance leads to an improved control behaviour on controlling the delivery rate of the compressor.

Abstract: Hydraulic motor with propulsion members (10) positioned between a cam (3) associated with a shaft (2) and a reaction element (1b), said propulsion members (10) consisting of two elements (11,12), i.e. an internal element (12) and external element (11), telescopically slidable with respect to each other in a radial direction and respectively provided with annular bearing edges (11a,12a) kept pressed against corresponding contact surfaces (3a, 1a) of said cam (3) and said reaction element (1b) via respective resilient means (16), the resilient means associated with the external element (11) of the propulsion member being arranged outside the said element, characterized in that the resilient means (16) associated with the internal element (12) are arranged inside the propulsion member (10) and positioned in the radial direction between said internal element (12) and associated means (52,55) for mechanically retaining them.

Abstract: Actuator assemblies comprise an actuator element and two piezoelectric assemblies, with the two piezoelectric assemblies being configured and arranged for controlling movement of the actuator element. In some example implementations, the first piezoelectric assembly and the second piezoelectric assembly are constructed and arranged so that a temperature dependency of the first piezoelectric assembly is cancelled by the temperature dependency of the second piezoelectric assembly. In a first example embodiment, a first piezoelectric assembly comprises a first or main piezoelectric diaphragm connected to the actuator element for displacing the actuator element in response to displacement of the first piezoelectric diaphragm. The first piezoelectric diaphragm and the second piezoelectric diaphragm are fixedly mounted to a movable carriage.

Abstract: A manually and/or fluid-pressure operated rotary actuator is coupled with a power screw in a compact assembly to produce large linear thrust. The actuator is operated in both directions by fluid pressure or in one direction by fluid pressure and in the other by spring energy, or by fluid pressure alone or in combination with manually applied force. The actuator has a cylindrical housing, a cylindrical reaction member inside of the housing, a cylindrical piston partially covering the reaction member, a cylindrical rotor partially covering the piston, a device forcing rotation of the piston when moving axially with respect to the reaction member and/or rotor, a plunger engaged with the rotor and restrained from turning with respect to the housing, a base through which the plunger extends, a spring connected to the rotor and housing, a two port assembly, and a handle affixed to the reaction member for manual operation.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine for a motor vehicle, having a piston bearing surface divided into regions of different loading and having recesses for retaining lubricant arranged at distances which are shorter in regions of high loading than in regions of lower loading in a region with high loading, the distance between the recesses decreases from one recess to the next in the direction toward top dead center area with the smallest distance being at the top dead center position of the piston.

Abstract: A bread maker including a main body forming an oven compartment; upper and lower kneading drums spaced from each other in upper and lower parts inside the oven compartment to hold opposite ends of a mixing bag, respectively, and to wind opposite ends of the mixing bag is provided. Further, a pair of tray members is disposed between the upper and lower kneading drums facing each other to form a slit to pass the mixing bag therethrough. The bread maker also includes tray holder members to be combined with opposite ends of a pair of tray members; a pair of guides mounted on inner sidewalls of the oven compartment facing each other to slidably guide the tray holder members by being slidingly combined with the tray holder members; and a shock absorber between the tray holder member and the guide. Accordingly, the shock absorber between the guide and the tray holder member prevents the tray holder member from minute movement while placed in the guide.

Abstract: A strapping machine feeds strapping material around a load, positions, tensions and seals the material around the load. The machine includes a work surface, a portion of which is upwardly pivotal. A conveyor mounted within the work surface has a friction belt drive. The conveyor roller closest to the strap chute has a middle portion that has a smaller diameter than the end portions. The middle portions are fitted together to rotate as a unitary element. A load compression assembly is mounted at the strap chute. A side squaring assembly aligns the load in the direction transverse to the load direction. A strap guide extends between a pre-feed assembly and the feed assembly and includes a fixed portion and a movable portion forming a guide path that is opened to access the guide path. An interlocked enclosure is mounted to the machine frame below the work surface to access the sealing head and the feed assembly.

Abstract: A wine press for use in particular, but not exclusively, for pressing grapes for producing champagne. It is horizontal and includes an open-work base and pressing mechanisms formed of at least an axially mobile tray. The pressing mechanisms have a configuration adapted, during pressing, to shape the marc cake into a block so that at least a portion thereof is cantilevered by the simple removal of one at least of the pressing mechanisms, so that the portion can collapse into the chamber of the press onto the open-work base.

Abstract: A screw press (1) for pressing fibrous material, in particular sugar beet pulp, comprising: at least one pair of helical elements (30) which are disposed mutually parallel and side by side and comprise at least one helix (32, 33) disposed about a rotary shaft which extends along a predetermined axial direction; a perforated walled filtering cage (5) supported by equidistant hoops (13, 14) and enclosing the helical elements (30) as an exact fit; a loading hopper (8); a discharge opening (9) for the exit of the pressed material; a collection sump (10) positioned externally to the filtering cage (4); in which the filtering cage (5) presents a modular structure having a distance between the axes of each module (M) which is constant and is a sub-multiple of, or equal to, the dimension of the loading hopper (8) measured along the predetermined axial direction, the loading hopper (8) being shiftable by its replacing one or more modules (M) of the filtering cage (5).

Abstract: A juicer composed of: a housing provided to receive a rotatable element for extraction of juice; an arm that is mounted to the housing to pivot about an axis with respect to the housing; a pressing element for pressing a fruit half against the rotatable element; and a pivot element mounting the pressing element to the arm to pivot about a pivot axis with respect to the arm.

Abstract: A cotton receiving and densification apparatus for an upper region of a cotton module builder adapted for receiving a plurality of side-by-side flows of cotton and air and converging and densifying the cotton for distribution and conveyance downwardly into the module builder, including a cotton receiving chamber which tapers into a cotton densification chamber, both chambers being located above and downwardly opening into an upper region of a cotton compacting chamber of the module builder, the apparatus being capable of remaining intact when the module builder is collapsed for transport and storage.