Abstract: An apparatus for testing a vehicle. The apparatus includes an actuator and a stand assembly supported by the actuator. The stand assembly includes a coupling device configured to attach to a vehicle, and the actuator is configured to move the vehicle in response to a computer-generated signal.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of using external polymeric analytical techniques to predict in-vivo polymeric performance, more particularly, viscoelastic property characterization for performance modeling of biomedical devices that incorporate a polymeric component and are load-bearing during service. Time-Temperature Superposition can be used to accelerate external testing of pertinent properties. Boltzmann's superposition provides a mathematical methodology for determining the time-dependent strain that develops in response to an imposed stress history. The modeling of the present invention provides an opportunity to describe and predict behavior of the device during in-vivo service, as well as it providing a basis for evaluating alternate “candidate” polymers for use in the construction of the device.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flow sensor is used in particular for measuring the volumetric or mass flow of a fluid in a pipe. The sensor includes at least one ultrasonic transducer which is capable of emitting and receiving ultrasonic signals. An ultrasonic flow sensor, having in particular a simple and cost-effective construction and which functions according to the principle of beam drift, includes an array of a plurality of ultrasonic transducers which is positioned on one side of the pipe, a reflective surface lying opposite the array on which the emitted ultrasonic signals are reflected, and a receiver electronic system which evaluates the ultrasonic signal received from the ultrasonic transducers.

Abstract: A load-sensing system is provided with at least one ball and socket joint and a ball and socket joint for load sensing is provided. The ball and socket joint of the load-sensing system has a joint housing, in which the joint ball of a ball pivot (1) can be received in a slidingly movable manner. The ball pivot (1) comprises a shaft area and a joint ball, a load-sensing means (3) being arranged in the shaft area of the ball pivot. The load-sensing system is characterized according to the present invention by an evaluating means, which is set up such that the signals of the load-sensing means (3) are output as a vector in a cartesian coordinate system. The load sensing makes it possible to reliably determine the operating or load state not only of individual components but rather of entire assembly units of a motor vehicle and with which the vehicle dynamics can be adjusted.

Abstract: A gas membrane sampling device, particularly for geological investigations, comprises a membrane element including a liquid-tight, gas-permeable membrane, a filler material contained in and stabilizing the membrane element, and a connection cable being adapted for conducting gas out of the membrane element through a bore hole to a surface of the earth's. A gas sensor device for geological investigations, comprises the gas membrane sampling device and an analyzing device connected with the connection cable of the gas membrane sampling device. Furthermore, a method for the investigation of a geological formation is described.

Abstract: A sensor having a mass that moves relative to a structure is disclosed. The mass is attached to the structure by a rigid member such that the mass moves around a pivot point on the structure, the pivot point remaining fixed with respect to the structure as the mass moves. A code scale is attached to the mass. An imaging system that is fixed with respect to the structure forms an image of the code scale. A controller provides an indication of a position of the mass relative to the structure using the code scale image. The rigid member can include a surface having the code scale thereon, the surface rotating about the pivot point as the mass moves such that the surface remains at a fixed distance from the pivot point as the mass moves.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to communications. More particularly, the invention concerns methods and systems for operational, systems or integrity management of pipeline infrastructures. This invention operates by broadcasting wireless signals through gas distribution networks and analyzing the traversed signals to assess said operational, systems or integrity of said natural gas pipelines.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrically driven linear actuator for linearly moving a mass, in which at least one elongated actuator element, which, on the output side, acts upon the mass, is mounted inside a main pipe in a manner that enables it to slide in an axial direction, and which, on the input side, is coupled to a spindle nut that, itself, rests upon a spindle, which is rotationally mounted inside the main pipe and which can be placed in rotational motion by an electric motor. The spindle nut rests upon the spindle in such a manner that it, during its axial motion caused by a rotation of the spindle, displaces each actuator element in a telescopic manner with regard to the main pipe.

Abstract: A bicycle shifting mechanism is provided with a wire takeup member and a positioning mechanism. The wire takeup member rotates about a rotational axis to wind and release an inner wire of a shift cable. The positioning mechanism selectively maintains the takeup member in one of a plurality of predetermined shift positions. The positioning mechanism has a first movable positioning member, a second movable positioning member separately movable relative to the first positioning member, a first toothed segment that moves with the takeup member, a second toothed segment that moves with the takeup member. The first and second movable positioning members alternately engage and disengage one of the first and second toothed segments, respectively, as the first and second movable positioning members are moved to perform a shifting operation between sequential shift positions.

Abstract: A shifter for a bicycle having a derailleur, comprising a housing adapted to mount to a handlebar of the bicycle. The shifter further comprising a gear connected with a cable in communication with the derailleur, which is rotatably mounted in the cavity and has first and second sets of teeth; a first pawl element biased by a first biasing member into engagement with the first set of teeth; a second pawl element biased by a second biasing member into engagement with the second set of teeth.

Abstract: An actuating device is provided that includes an actuating element (1) with at least three switching positions. The actuating device (1) can be deflected starting from its basic positions at least in one direction into an intermediate switching position for selecting an operating state of the technical system. For selecting at least one other operating state of the technical system, the actuating element (1) can be deflected, starting from an intermediate switching position, into at least one other switching position that is located farther away from the basic position. The undesired jumping of the actuating element over intermediate switching positions, during switching, is effectively prevented from occurring. An intuitively detectable tactile feedback of the switching state of the actuating element or of the state of the system is provided.

Abstract: A shifter lever assembly includes a base, a shifter lever movable relative to the base along a shift path, and at least one gate defining a gear position along the shift path. A release mechanism includes a gate pin movable along a linear path between a locked position wherein the gate pin cooperates with the at least one gate to secure the shifter lever in the gear position and an unlocked position wherein the shifter lever is movable from the gear position along the shift path, an actuator operatively coupled to the gate pin to selectively move the gate pin from the locked position to the unlocked position, and at least one rotatable roller located between the gate pin and the at least one gate.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a gearshift fork assembly mounted on a shaft for gearshift fork in a gearbox of a motor vehicle and comprising a hollow body, a gearshift fork, a sleeve and a resilient member. The hollow body is put on the shaft and comprises a first engagement section formed on its outer surface. The gearshift fork comprises a ring at one end, the ring is put on one end of the hollow body and includes a second engagement section on its inner surface, the second engagement section is adapted to mesh with the first engagement section. The sleeve is put on the other end of the hollow body and comprises a third engagement section formed on its inner surface, the third engagement section is adapted to mesh with the first engagement section. The resilient member is biased between the ring and the sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a door of a container apparatus of a vehicle can include a single knob, a shaft, a fixed member, a shaft biasing spring, an arm, and a cam. The shaft is movable in an axial direction of the shaft and rotatable about an axis of the shaft. The shaft has a radially extending portion. The shaft has first, second, and third rotational positions. The third rotational position is offset by 180 degrees from the first rotational position. The arm has an opening side arm corresponding to the first rotational position and a closing side arm corresponding to the third rotational position. A cam driving protrusion for rotating the cam is provided to at least one of the opening side arm and the closing side arm. A support member may be coupled to the arm. The support member includes an opening side support member and a closing side support member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drum rotatable provided in a washing machine or a dryer to dry laundry. A drum for a washing machine or a dryer includes an operable drum door provided at a circumferential surface of the drum; a balance weight provided at the circumferential surface of the drum. The balance weight is placed opposite to the operable drum door to balance the drum.

Abstract: A sintered powder metal connecting rod has (i) a central beam section made of a stronger material and (ii) crank and piston end sections made of more machinable materials, and may be forged or not.

Abstract: Referring to FIG. 4 a bottom bracket axle and crank mounting system includes a bottom bracket axle 34 inserted through a bottom bracket 33, two ball bearing assemblies 35 mounted on the axle 34 with the outer races of the ball bearing assemblies 35 mounted in a bored shoulder hole provided in the outer ends of the of the bottom bracket 33. Disk springs 36 are mounted outside of each left and right ball bearing assemblies 35 and the left crank 30 and right crank and sprocket assembly 31 are mounted outside of the disk spring washers. The left crank 30 and right crank and sprocket assembly 31 are secured with the correct torque to the axle with axle bolts 32 which secure the complete assembly. When tightening the axle bolts 32, the cranks 30 and 31 are both secured to the axle 34 and the disk springs 36 being deflected at the same time, provide thrust loading to the bearings 35 and thereby securing and stabilizing the complete assembly.

Abstract: A harmonic gear drive includes a flexspline and a rigid spline which are meshed with each other, and a wave generator which deforms the flexspline to displace meshing points between the flexspline and the rigid spline. The length of each contact part between the flexspline and the wave generator always becomes shorter as viewed in a sectional plane containing a rotation axis of the wave generator than the width of the wave generator.

Abstract: A driving apparatus of a multi-function machine includes a scanner unit scanning data recorded on a sheet of document and a document transport part to transport the sheet of document. A printer unit prints data on a sheet of paper for an output and includes a carrier including a print head with an ink jet nozzle mounted thereon to carry out the printing operation by moving the print head. The driving apparatus includes a driving motor, a scanner driving part driving the scanner unit, a printer driving part driving the printer unit, and a power switching part disposed with the driving motor, the scanner driving part, and the printer driving part. The power switching part selectively transmits a power of the driving motor to at least one of the scanner driving part and the printer driving part.

Abstract: A screw nail magazine for an electric screwdriver includes a fixed holder member, a movable holder member reciprocally moveably mounted inside the fixed holder member, a positioning member fastened to the moveable holder member, and a nailing depth adjustment device. The nailing depth adjustment device has a control member pivotally mounted in the fixed holder member for rotation by a user, a driven member fixedly connected to the control member and located inside the fixed holder member, a slider coupled to the driven member and movable along a fixed path by the driven member actuated by the control member, and a stop block mounted on the slider and stopped at the positioning member for limiting the moving stroke of the moveable holder member inside the fixed holder member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a driving head of rotary wrenching tools, the driving head can be a sleeve or directly implemented on the wrench, the driving head has an opening with grooves, forefront surfaces and concavities implemented inside the opening, the forefront surfaces are implemented individually in-between the grooves, and one concavity is implemented on each forefront surface, with which varieties of work pieces in different shapes can be tightly fitted into.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wrench of hand tool comprising a grip wherein at least one end of the grip is a driving head, and there is a sunken area on the surface of the grip. The sunken area is filled with many convexities and intensive knurl is implemented and embossed mark is established, the embossed mark being surrounded with the intensive knurl is visually outstanding so that the marks are outstanding of visual identification meanwhile the purpose of comfort and firmness in grip is achieved.

Abstract: A cutting tool assembly having a tool post capable of lateral movement along a work piece to be cut and an actuator with at least one machined tool tip and possibly other tool tips. The actuator provides for control of the movement of the tool tip in an x-direction into and out of the work piece in order to make continuous or discontinuous microstructures in it. The machined tool tip provides for microstructures within microstructures. The machined work piece can be used to make microstructured articles such as films having non-adjacent lenslets.

Abstract: A precision tool holder for precisely positioning a single point cutting tool on 4-axis lathe, such that the center of the radius of the tool nose is aligned with the B-axis of the machine tool, so as to facilitate the machining of precision meso-scale components with complex three-dimensional shapes with sub-?m accuracy on a four-axis lathe. The device is designed to fit on a commercial diamond turning machine and can adjust the cutting tool position in three orthogonal directions with sub-micrometer resolution. In particular, the tool holder adjusts the tool position using three flexure-based mechanisms, with two flexure mechanisms adjusting the lateral position of the tool to align the tool with the B-axis, and a third flexure mechanism adjusting the height of the tool. Preferably, the flexures are driven by manual micrometer adjusters. In this manner, this tool holder simplifies the process of setting a tool with sub-?m accuracy, to substantially reduce the time required to set the tool.

Abstract: An adjustable food slicer is provided. The adjustable food slicer includes a handle having a grasping portion and a pair of side members extending from the grasping portion. A blade for slicing or planing vegetables, cheeses, or other sliceable food items, extends between the opposing side members. An adjustment mechanism is operatively connected to a spacer, wherein the adjustment mechanism and spacer are connected to the handle. The adjustment mechanism includes a rotatable dial that causes the spacer to move relative to the blade, thereby adjusting the distance between the spacer and blade for allowing the user to selectively adjust the thickness of the slice being removed.

Abstract: A forming machine has a shearing device for shearing a bar. This shearing device comprises a fixed blade, with a passage for feeding through the bar to be sheared, and a shearing part which can be moved forward and backward parallel to the fixed blade. The shearing part comprises a first shearing blade, with which a bar section projecting from the fixed blade can be sheared in a forward movement of the shearing part, and a second shearing blade, with which a bar section projecting from the fixed blade can be sheared in a backward movement of the shearing part. In addition, the forming machine has a disposal point, to which the second shearing blade transports, as scrap pieces, all the bar sections sheared by it. Due to scrap pieces being sheared solely by means of the second shearing blade, empty places in the forming stations and the associated disadvantages can be avoided.

Abstract: A guillotine cutter (1) of the invention is provided with a pressing block driving mechanism (6) positioning a pressing block (5) at a standby position which is spaced upwardly from a sheet bundle (10), a first operating position pressing the sheet bundle by a first pressing force, and a second operating position pressing the sheet bundle by a second pressing force which is larger than the first pressing force.

Abstract: A bagel slicer includes a generally U-shaped body featuring a pair of leg portions joined by a bridge portion. The bridge portion features an interior surface and each of the leg portions features an interior surface and a distal end. A pair of projections are positioned one each on the interior surfaces of the pair of leg portions near the distal ends. A cutting knife is mounted on, and is generally perpendicular to, the interior surface of the bridge portion so that the food item may be positioned between the leg portions and rotated about the projections so that the food item is sliced.

Abstract: A wood sawing machine includes a motor base, a transmission motor and a sawing device that are integrated together and disposed on the motor base, a transmission gear set and a screw rod connected to the gear set. The rotated screw rod moves a collet in a sliding sleeve such that the sawing blade assembly can be moved vertically. Thus, the machine has a simple structure and the sawing blade assembly can be lifted and lowered quickly. Due to the vertical movement, the size of the sawing machine can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost thereof can be decreased.

Abstract: The movement of the cutting knife (1) in the unit used for bread production in bread manufacture industry is controlled in three axes. After, the product has been carried to the cutting line along the third axis, the cutting knife group is moved by means of the trigger belt (8) triggered with a reducer (7) in the product cutting direction along the second axis. During this movement, the product surface profile reference information is identified with a laser sensor (4), the height of the cutting knife is moved with the encoder and servo motor (6) along the first axis in accordance with the aforementioned reference information. As a result, the product surface is cut with the cutting knife at a desired depth (B) in consideration with the profile and height of the product.

Abstract: A material trimmer including a base having a support surface and a cutting region having a channel. A plate is movably attached to the base and includes oppositely facing upper and lower surfaces, an elongated slot therethrough, an elevated portion proximate each side of the slot, and a distal second end with the elevated portion leading to an arcuate surface. A carrier includes a top flange having a pair of oppositely extending sides and a foot extending from the top flange. The foot is slidably received within the slot, and a portion of the pair of oppositely extending sides are arcuate in shape and slidably received within the arcuate surface of the elevated portion. A blade is attached to the carrier, a portion of which extends below the lower surface of the plate within the channel when the plate is disposed over the cutting region.

Abstract: A saw blade with replaceable cutter teeth is provided. The saw blade is generally planer and has a first side and a second side, a leading edge and an inner edge. Plural cutting teeth members are removably secured at alternating spaced apart locations on the first side and the second side of the saw blade. Cutting teeth members have a cutting blade which extends outwardly from the leading edge. A variety of different ways to secure the cutting teeth onto the first side and the second side of the saw blade are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates, for example, to a cutter, an apparatus for producing an interlabial pad having the cutter, a cutting method, and a method for producing the interlabial pad including the cutting method. The cutter cuts out a member from continuous sheet base material. In accordance with the present invention, separation of the members and the remaining base material is ensured so that dislocation of the cut-out member is prevented from occurring.

Abstract: A supporting device for a stringed instrument, for example a guitar, comprises: a cradle portion for spanning the bottom side of the guitar body; a wrap portion for extending over the top side of the guitar body opposite the cradle portion and for being connected to the cradle portion for securing the cradle portion against the bottom side of the guitar body; and a strap portion extending between a first end for connection to the cradle portion opposite the guitar neck and a second end for connection to one of cradle portion or the wrap portion adjacent the guitar neck such that the body is suspended by the strap portion. The cradle portion, wrap portion and strap are formed of soft material without any fasteners required so as not to damage the instrument.

Abstract: A signaling device for use by a musical conductor to transmit individualized cues to musicians playing in concert. The main utility exists where the musicians are disabled and cannot receive cues from a conductor in the usual manner. The device comprises a switch console for use by the conductor, an information actuator, and remote cueing indicators, at least one for each musician. The preferred embodiment of the switch console is a keyboard. When the conductor depresses a particular key, a cue is sent to a corresponding musician. The cues can tell the musician when to start and stop playing. They can also denote desired rhythms and volumes. Musicians who play multiple musical instruments in the same concert would have multiple cueing devices that would each relate to a specific instrument.

Abstract: A method and system for packaging news and information with music to create a new form of information sharing. A digital file comprising audio information is created. A digital spoken word audio component and a plurality of musical components are provided. The sound properties of the digital spoken word audio component and each of the plurality of musical component are analyzed to select a musical component that sonically fits with the digital spoken word audio component. Further analysis is performed regarding when a portion of the digital spoken word audio component sonically fits with a portion of the selected musical component. The digital spoken word audio component and the selected musical component in the digital file is then synchronized.

Abstract: Relating higher-level descriptive musical metadata to lower-level musical elements to enable creation of a song map, song model, backing track, or the like. The musical elements are queried based on input metadata to create a set of musical elements of varying types such as notes, chords, song structures, and the like. The set of musical elements is provided to a user for selection of particular musical elements The selected musical elements represent the song model.

Abstract: A method for processing and playing music. The method includes providing a computing system, an input device, and a display. The method provides a selected music composition in a sequence of music notes. A user input is provided at a selected time as the selected music composition is animated on the display. The user input is processed by the computing system and output a sound. A timing accuracy of the user input is also being determined. The method can be adapted to any digital apparatus that provides a display, a sound output, a user input device, and a data processing device.

Abstract: A method, device, system and apparatus are provided for creating and sharing variations of a music file, wherein a variation metadata file is created that indicates which beats, measures and/or segments of an original music file are included in the variation created, in what order these beats, measures and/or segments have been combined, how many times each is looped, and the like. In particular, the variation metadata file may include a combination of indices associated with respective beats, measures and/or segments of the variation, wherein the indices have been listed or otherwise combined in the order and combination in which the various beats, measures and/or segments of the corresponding variation have been combined. As a result, the variation metadata file includes a relatively limited amount of data that can subsequently be transmitted and/or used to recreate the variation or remix.

Abstract: A method of retrieving and selecting content includes the steps of detecting a motion tempo of a user; determining whether a time during which the detected motion tempo is continuously outside a threshold range of the motion tempo corresponding to content being played back exceeds a waiting time that is set or calculated; and retrieving and selecting content suitable for the motion tempo of the user if the motion tempo of the user is outside the threshold range for a time period longer than the waiting time.

Abstract: A CPU of a game machine compares the predicted number of samples in a streaming reproduction and the actual number of samples during execution of the reproduction of sequence data of the BGM in a step S41 in response to a beat signal detected in a step S35. When the compared error is positive, it is considered that the reproduction of sequence data of the BGM lags behind to increase a tempo of the sequence data reproduction in a step S47. When the error is negative, it is considered that the MIDI reproduction leads to decrease the tempo of the sequence data reproduction in a step S49.

Abstract: The present invention is an electronic musical instrument that in appearance and playing characteristics closely resembles flute-like instruments such as a conventional flute or a shakuhachi. The instrument comprises an electronic controller that has operating characteristics that resemble a flute and computer software executable on a computer for converting signals from the controller into data suitable for generating complex sound from conventional speakers. Thus, the instrument provides the complexity and nuance of control of an acoustic instrument while being capable of generating sounds that an acoustic instrument cannot make.

Abstract: A drum for forming relief patterns on a surface of a textile web has a tubular jacket rotatable about an axis and having a substantially cylindrical outer surface centered on the axis and formed with an array of raised portions separated by lands and with a multiplicity of radially throughgoing holes. The holes are elongated and extend at angles between 20° and 170° to midplanes extending perpendicular to the axis, the web engaging the drum. Liquid jets are directed radially inward at the web where it engages the drum for impressing the raised portions into a face of the web. Liquid is aspirated inward through the holes from the web where it engages the drum.

Abstract: A protection apparatus adapted to protect a moving platform against an incoming threat is provided. The protection apparatus is deployed from the moving platform in a first direction toward the threat, with the threat moving in a second direction toward the moving platform at a threat velocity. The protection apparatus comprises a projectile housing. A first deployable device is operably engaged with the projectile housing, and is adapted to capture the threat upon deployment such that the protection apparatus mass is combined with the threat mass via the first deployable device. A second deployable device is operably engaged with the projectile housing, and is configured to be deployed upon the first deployable device capturing the threat. The second deployable device is further configured to decrease the velocity of the combined protection apparatus and threat masses in the second direction. Associated systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: An electromagnetic railgun projectile is disclosed which includes an aeroshell having a substantially flat surface extending along the length thereof. The substantially flat surface is configured to increase the lift-to-drag ratio of the projectile during reentry. The projectile also includes an armature integrated into the aeroshell substantially near the center-of-gravity of the projectile, and a plurality of extendable flaps attached to the aeroshell. The flaps are capable of stabilizing the projectile during an unguided portion of its flight and maneuvering the projectile during a guided portion of its flight.

Abstract: Improved device for the remote control of a fire arm, which comprises a turret head (3) which can be pointed in all directions, controlled by an azimuth motor (5); a frame (7) for fixing the fire arm (2) which is suspended in an upward tilting manner in a pintle (6) which is part of said turret head (3); a sighting camera (15) connected to a screen (20) displaying a sighting reticule (22); a single elevation motor (13) to control the elevation of the frame (7) and the camera (15); a remote control (23) to control the azimuth motor (5) and the elevation motor (13); one or several sensors (28,29,30) to determine the orientation of the frame (7) and/or of the camera (15) and a ballistic calculator (26) connected to said sensors (28,29,30) to calculate and control the super elevation of the frame (7) as a function of the information from the sensors and the distance of the target (21), characterized in that the camera (15) is driven by the above-mentioned elevation motor (13) and in that the frame (7) can be incl

Abstract: A pneumatic brake booster includes a booster housing, subdivided into at least two chambers by at least one axially movable wall to which a pneumatic differential pressure can be applied, a control valve controlling the differential pressure and being arranged in a control housing, an operable input member, connected to a valve piston, an output member which applies a boosting force to a master cylinder, as well as an accommodating element, which accommodates a rubber-elastic reaction element and the output member abutting thereon in a radial direction, with the accommodating element being axially and radially supported on the control housing and being held in an axial direction by means of a holding element.

Abstract: A pneumatic tool includes an annular space defined between an inner periphery of the space and an outer periphery of the cylinder, the annular space communicates with an adjusting hole. The adjusting hole includes a head, a threaded portion, a contact portion, a shoulder and a communication passage. The adjusting member is threadedly connected to the adjusting hole so that the seal ring is moved with the movement of the adjusting member. A section between the seal ring to the head in the adjusting hole defines an inlet of an escape passage. The seal ring is moved with the adjusting member between two sides of the communication passage so as to control communication between the recess and the escape passage to decide the feature of individual shooting, continuous shooting or high speed shooting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrostatic axial piston machine having a cylinder block which can be rotated about a first axis, the cylinder block being provided with a plurality of cylinder bores which extend in the axial direction and which are arranged on a partial circle which is concentric in relation to the first axis, in addition to a plane which can be rotated about a second axis, whereon a number of pistons associated with the bores, can be articulated in a pivotable manner on a second partial circle which is concentric in relation to the second axis and form a ring. Also provided is a device for synchronizing the rotation of the cylinder block about the first axis and the drive shaft about the second axis. The cylinder block and the drive shaft can be adjusted in a continuous manner using both axes, between a first position, wherein both axes are parallel, and a second position, wherein both axes together form a maximum pivoting angle which is different from zero.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a support system includes a multi-layer cover sheet with a number of layers. In certain embodiments, a source to move air inside and outside the multi-layer cover sheet can be provided. The source can include a source of positive pressure or negative pressure.