Abstract: The invention relates to a controllable pipette comprising a piston actuated by a motor, a control system allowing actuation of the piston according to a given pipetting function consisting of several steps, setting keys (7, 8) for selecting the desired pipetting function, a switch (1), which activates the function steps when depressed, and a display (3). The control system comprises a change function, whose activation enables a change of the selected function in the process of its operation. When the change function can be activated, this is indicated on the display and it can be activated by depressing a given setting key.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include an easy to use electronic no-decompression table for use in recreational dive planning in order to avoid decompression sickness. In one embodiment, the electronic no-decompression calculator is a portable handheld unit. The user is requested to enter at least one relevant piece of information about a dive and that information is used to automatically compute depth, bottom time, and surface interval time limits as well as pressure group categorizations. In one embodiment, an information tablet is provided with information relevant to planning a dive.

Abstract: An air gap inspection device. The air gap inspection device may include a substantially rigid rail, a cart positioned on the rail, a drive system for maneuvering the cart along the rail, and an inspection head positioned on the cart.

Abstract: An air gap inspection device. The air gap inspection device may include a mast and an inspection head attached to the mast. The mast may be in the form of a collapsible tube.

Abstract: In a gearwheel set for a transmission, in particular for a transmission with a PTO (Power Take-Off) accessory, at least two gearwheels (6, 10) bearing against one another, and the gearwheels (6, 10) being rotatable in relation to one another, and both gearwheels (6, 10) having recesses (8.1-8.3; 11.1-11.3) which form with one another a reception space for an actuator (1), the actuator (1) is to be radially movable in the reception space, and the recesses (8.1-8.3; 11.1-11.3) are to have a different shape.

Abstract: When an output shaft is positioned in a first angular position or a second angular position, the output shaft is allowed to rotate from one angular position to the other angular position without rotating a worm wheel. When the worm wheel is rotated to rotate the output shaft from one angular position to the other angular position, the rotation of the worm wheel is transmitted to the output shaft. When the output shaft is placed in the other angular position, driving-force transmission to the output shaft is released, and at the same time, rotation of the worm wheel is stopped.

Abstract: A step variable transmission for a motor vehicle has a plurality of forward gear stages and at least one reverse gear stage. The transmission comprising: a drive input shaft arrangement, a drive output shaft arrangement, and a plurality of wheel sets which have loose wheels and shift wheels, wherein the shift wheels are rotatably mounted on a shaft arrangement and can be rotationally fixedly connected to the associated shaft arrangement by means of respective shift clutches.

Abstract: An input system includes an input shaft portion, including a first input shaft and a second input shaft, which is rotatably fitted on an outer circumferential surface of the first input shaft; bearings, rotatably supporting the input shaft portion; and clutches, provided at the first and second input shafts, respectively, for transmitting rotational power of an engine to the first or second input shafts. An output system includes a first output shaft and a second output shaft, a plurality of driven gearwheels, which mesh with drive gearwheels of the first and second input shafts, and synchromesh mechanisms. An oil reservoir is provided below the second output shaft for reserving lubricating oil in such an amount that driven gearwheels for low gears which are disposed on the second output shaft are submerged therein. Drive gearwheels for low gears are disposed adjacent to the bearings, respectively.

Abstract: An input system includes a first input shaft provided with forward drive gearwheels of one gear group of two predetermined gear, a second input shaft provided with forward drive gearwheels of the other gear group and being rotatable about an axial center of the first input shaft, and clutches provided at end portions of the first and second input shafts. An output system includes first and second output shafts provided parallel to the first and second input shafts, a forward gear mechanism including forward driven gearwheels provided on the first and second output shafts meshing with the forward drive gearwheels and synchromesh mechanisms, and a reverse gear mechanism including a reverse driven gearwheel, a synchromesh mechanism, and an idler gearwheel being rotatable together with a forward driven gearwheel for a low gear meshing with the reverse driven gearwheel.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus includes a steering assisting electric motor having a motor housing for accommodating an annular rotor and an annular stator. The rotor and the stator are disposed coaxially with a steering shaft. The motor housing is supported by a support member mounted to a vehicle body member. A shock applied to a steering member when the motor vehicle crashes is absorbed by the relative movement between the motor housing and the support member.

Abstract: The lead screw assembly uses a traveler nut which includes a second “nut” screw in meshed contact with the lead screw to transfer the load on the lead screw assembly to thrust bearings. The nut screw is rotational disposed within the nut housing and journaled between a pair of thrust bearings. The orientation of the nut screw to the lead screw and the operative engagement between lead screw and nut screw allows a portion of the load to be transferred to the thrust bearings, thereby reducing the sliding friction of the traveler nut under load. Consequently, the majority of the load is carried by the thrust bearings, which enhances the power efficiency of the lead screw assembly.

Abstract: A screw drive with an antibacklash mechanism and method including a pair of nuts rotatably mounted in a housing which are urged to rotate in opposite directions to engage flanks of leadscrew threads with a torsional spring interposed between the two nuts to eliminate backlash. A pivoted control lever has opposite ends engaged with a respective nut so that if either of the nuts rotate slightly, the other nut is also rotated slightly to prevent jamming. Locking cams are also provided to limit the control lever motion when the screw is sufficiently heavily loaded axially sufficiently to overcome the torsional spring by locking the lever to the housing.

Abstract: In a conventional gear coupling, since an end cover is attached to a sleeve, lubricant has sometimes leaked out through the joint between the sleeve and the end cover. A gear coupling includes: a pinion having external teeth, and fixed to a first rotary shaft; a sleeve having an opening at each end thereof through at least either one of which the pinion is introduced into the inside thereof and internal teeth meshed with the external teeth of the pinion, and fixed to a second rotary shaft; a first end member having a rotary shaft space through which the first rotary shaft passes, for closing over the sleeve opening through which the first rotary shaft passes; and a second end member for closing off the other opening, wherein the sleeve, the first end member, and the second end member are configured to form a space for retaining the lubricant, the gear coupling has the sleeve and the first end member, or the sleeve and the second end member that are integrally formed.

Abstract: A brake pedal apparatus including: (a) an operating pedal disposed pivotably about a first axis; (b) a pivot member disposed pivotably about a second axis and connected to the operating pedal via a link mechanism so as to be pivoted about the second axis in response to a depressing operation of the operating pedal; and (c) an output member for receiving an output generated by pivot motion of the pivot member. The link mechanism includes (i) a first connecting link connecting the operating pedal and the pivot member with first play, and (ii) a second connecting link connecting the operating pedal and the pivot member with second play. In a first region before a characteristic switching point of a pedal stroke of the operating pedal, the pivot member is pivoted through the first connecting link, while a lever ratio is changed according to a first lever ratio characteristic.

Abstract: A vehicle steering apparatus includes two handlebar portions (2) independently adjustable to at least two riding positions by a rider and capable of being fixed in at least one position by the rider independently of the steering function. The steering apparatus includes arm rests (1), releasable latching means which may operate as locking means to enable the each handlebar portion (2) to be fixed in the at least two positions and actuator means adapted to co-operate with arm rest (1) associated with each handlebar portion (2). The two handlebar portions (2) further includes shock absorbing system and means to allow adjustment of the dimension and/or the position of the handlebars.

Abstract: A support bracket with an integral switch for a brake pedal assembly for a vehicle is provided. The support bracket includes a generally planar mounting face having at least one aperture for securing the support bracket to the vehicle. The brake pedal assembly includes a pivot means a pedal arm and a pedal link pivotally mounted onto the pivot means, and operatively connected to the pedal arm. At least one pair of contact posts is disposed on the pedal link and positioned to extend therethrough the corresponding arcuate slot in the integral switch housing. The support bracket further includes a switch cover plate enclosing the integral switch portion of the first side wall.

Abstract: A flywheel for use with an automotive engine includes a central plate having an annular periphery surrounded by a ring gear. The ring gear includes an outer circumference having a plurality of radially-outwardly extending gear teeth and an inner circumferential surface. The ring gear is disposed about the annular periphery of the central plate. An adhesive is disposed between the inner circumferential surface of the ring gear and the annular periphery of the central plate fixedly securing the ring gear continuously about 360 degrees to the central plate.

Abstract: A two-piece flywheel for use with an automotive engine includes a central plate having an annular periphery surrounded by a ring gear. The ring gear includes an outer circumference having a plurality of radially-outwardly extending gear teeth and an inner circumference. The inner circumference of the ring gear is seam welded continuously about 360 degrees to the annular periphery of the central plate.

Abstract: A lightweight crankshaft (1), with eccentric structures, such as con-rods, main bearings, etc., comprises cavities (2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 12) and/or recesses (8) for weight reduction, both in the region of the axis of rotation and isolated therefrom in the region of the eccentric structures. According to the invention at least one cavity is provided (2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 12) in which a stabilizing filler material (5) is located. Said stabilizing filler material can, for example, be a metal foam.

Abstract: A matrix powder that includes (a) about 15 weight percent of ?325 Mesh cast tungsten carbide particles; (b) about 2 weight percent ?325 Mesh particles comprising one or more of iron particles and nickel particles; (c) about 2 weight percent +60 Mesh macrocrystalline tungsten carbide particles; (d) about 6 weight percent ?60+80 Mesh macrocrystalline tungsten carbide particles; and (e) about 75 weight percent ?80+325 Mesh hard particles. A portion of component (e) forms between about 10 weight percent and about 20 weight percent of the matrix powder. The portion of component (e) that is crushed cemented tungsten carbide particles containing one or more of cobalt and nickel within one of the following particle size ranges: (i) ?80+120 Mesh hard particles; (ii) ?120+170 Mesh hard particles; (iii) ?170+230 Mesh hard particles; (iv) ?230+325 Mesh hard particles; (v) ?325 Mesh hard particles. The balance of component (e) is macrocrystalline tungsten carbide particles.

Abstract: Metal nanoparticles containing two or more metals are formed by heating or refluxing a mixture of two or more metal salts, such as a metal acetates, and a passivating solvent, such as a glycol ether, at a temperature above the melting point of the metal salts for an effective amount of time.

Abstract: A process for synthesizing metal nanopowders by introducing metal carbonyl into an induction plasma torch. By taking advantage of the much lower dissolution temperature of carbonyl as opposed to the high melting temperature of conventional metal powder feeds less torch power is required. Moreover, in contrast to current powder production techniques utilizing electrode based plasma torches, the induction plasma torch does not introduce contaminants into the nanopowder.

Abstract: A process for the production of magnetic nanoparticles having uniform size and shape in which a magnetic metallic substance selected from magnetic transitional metals, their alloys, and intermetallic alloys with non-magnetic metals, is dissolved in a non-aqueous medium, reacted with a reducing agent, in solution and the reaction mixture is subjected to an external magnetic field.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning blade member exhibiting excellent mechanical properties including wear resistance. The cleaning blade member formed of a rubber-like elastic material produced through reaction of a long-chain polyol having a number average molecular weight of 1,500 to 3,800, an isocyanate, and an isocyanurate derivative having two or more OH groups, wherein the isocyanurate derivative is employed in an amount of 0.5 to 15 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the long-chain polyol.

Abstract: Three dimensional printing equipment and techniques may be used in combination with three dimensional design data associated with well drilling equipment and well completion equipment to form molds associated with manufacture of such equipment. For example, such molds may be used to form a bit body or other components associated with a rotary drill bit. For some applications composite or matrix materials may be placed in the mold to form a matrix bit body. Heat transfer characteristics of the mold may be optimized for heating and/or cooling of the matrix materials to provide optimum fracture resistant (toughness) and optimum erosion, abrasion and/or wear resistance for portions of the bit body. Such molds may also be used to form steel bit bodies associated with fixed cutter rotary drill bits and other components associated with a wide variety of well drilling equipment and well completion equipment.

Abstract: A reversible ratchet wrench includes a handle with a drive head that defmes a drive aperture and a through bore located adjacent thereto. A retaining recess slidably receives a pawl including drive teeth and a control recess. A direction control member is rotatably mounted in the through bore. A pressing member is mounted between the direction control member and the control recess of the pawl, and a ratchet wheel is rotatably received in the drive aperture. The ratchet wheel includes a first end having a first driving cavity, a second end having a second driving cavity, and a central portion disposed therebetween. The first and second ends of the ratchet wheel extend beyond opposing surfaces of the drive head, and the central portion of the ratchet wheel has an outer diameter that is greater than the outer diameters of the first and second ends.

Abstract: A device for switching wrenching direction of a ratchet wheel of a ratchet tool. A ratchet wheel and a pawl are accommodated in a receiving cavity of the main body of the ratchet tool. The receiving cavity is covered by a cover board for hindering the ratchet wheel and the pawl from dropping out of the receiving cavity. A shift member is disposed on the pawl. The cover board is formed with a locating slot corresponding to the shift member. The locating slot has a first locating section and a second locating section. After the shift member is shifted to move the pawl and switch the wrenching direction, the shift member can be selectively located in the first locating section or the second locating section.

Abstract: A multi-bit screwdriver comprises a housing with a bit chuck at the front end and bit assemblies retained within the housing. Each bit assembly has a tool bit at a front end and a contact surface at a back end. An actuator extends from each bit assembly for operative engagement by a user, for movement of the actuator and bit assembly between a forwardly extended in-use configuration whereat the bit assembly is positioned such that the tool bit extends outwardly from the housing, and the contact surface of the bit assembly is disposed in longitudinal force transmitting engagement against a forward facing abutment surface to preclude rearward movement of the bit assembly due to substantially longitudinally directed forces transmitted from the tool bit, and a retracted configuration whereat the contact surface of the bit assembly is removed in a lateral direction from the longitudinal force transmitting engagement with the forward facing abutment surface.

Abstract: The cutting apparatus of the present invention is a cutting apparatus to execute cutting the end portion of a pillar-shaped honeycomb molded body having multiple cells that are established in rows in the longitudinal direction and partitioned by cell walls, and is provided with a rotary body having a rotary shaft established horizontally, a molded body clamping member configured to clamp the honeycomb molded body established on the rim of the rotary body, and at least one cutting disk, and is configured in such a manner as to execute cutting of an end portion of the honeycomb molded body while the honeycomb molded body, which is clamped by the molded body clamping member, is in a state of being put in motion according to the rotary movement of the rotary body.

Abstract: A blade for a cutting tool. The cutting tool can be supportable on a spindle of a power tool. The blade can include a blade body removably supportable on the cutting tool and being moveable with the cutting tool relative to the power tool for cutting a workpiece. The blade can further include a first cutting edge extending outwardly from the blade body and a second cutting edge extending outwardly from the blade body. When the blade is supported in the cutting tool, the first cutting edge can extend radially across an end of the cutting tool and the second cutting edge can be positioned adjacent an outer circumference of the cutting tool.

Abstract: A shade cutter for trimming rotating window shades includes a larger opening to accommodate larger diameter shades, one blade for cutting both the slat and the shade, a mechanism to remove the shade pin, a protective cover for the blade, and a motor contained in the shade cutting machine base.

Abstract: A method for producing blisters, strips, pouches, trays for vials and the like, obtained starting from at least one ribbon, comprising at least one step for providing a plurality of openings in said ribbon in predefined areas which are distributed so as to form between them a plurality of blanks which are designed to constitute the outlines of the blisters.

Abstract: The production of liquid crystal displays (LCDS) on plastic substrates is desirable over glass substrates so that the finished product is thinner, lighter, and more robust. Plastic substrates can enable the use of new and different processing techniques which are not possible on glass such as roll-to-roll processing. This invention discusses an advancement which is laser cutting a plastic substrate and display layer. One aspect of the invention is laser cutting and welding together two or more plastic substrates and LCD layer therebetween from a larger sheet or roll of plastic LCDs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plunge-cut action circular saw having a double pivot hinge mechanism. Problems associated with this hinge mechanism, in particular axial end flow are reduced by urging a component of the hinge against a fixed component of the saw, such as a base plate component or the like. The urging force is applied by a resilient member, such as a spring washer.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to a modular saw guard system for a power saw of the type which has a table top, a rotatable circular saw blade that is vertically adjustable relative to the table top, the table top having an opening through which the saw blade can extend, the blade being configured to cut a work piece as the work piece is moved forwardly from a forward position to a rearward position, wherein the system comprises a riving knife mechanism releasably mounted to the saw rearwardly of the blade, and being configured to be adjustable between retracted and extended positions relative to the blade, a blade guard mechanism that is releasably mounted to the riving knife mechanism when the riving knife mechanism is at least in its extended position, the blade guard mechanism generally covering the blade and being adjustable to enable a work piece to be moved into cutting position by the blade and a kickback prevention mechanism that is releasably mounted to the riving knife

Abstract: A working machine includes a main frame, a work table, a plurality of working tools, and a distance adjustment device. The distance adjustment device includes two guide tracks, two positioning members, and an adjustment unit. Thus, the adjustment unit can be used to adjust the position of the workpiece relative to the work table to adjust the working distance of the workpiece, thereby facilitating a user working the workpiece. In addition, the locking portion of each of the positioning rods is locked in the positioning holes of the respective positioning member closely, so that each of the fixing seats is fixed on the respective positioning member to position the adjustment unit so as to adjust the working distance of the workpiece exactly.

Abstract: A trimmer assembly for cutting a sheet or sheets of material. The trimmer assembly includes a carriage assembly that is removably connected to a base. The carriage assembly comprises a carriage and a saddle, with a blade fitting within the carriage. The carriage assembly is slidably positioned on a rail, the rail being rotatable relative to the base. A cut-line indicator, such as a print guard, is positioned between the rail and the base, and has a cut-line indicator edge for defining a cutting path of the blade.

Abstract: A support for a body of a stringed instrument includes a brace structure having a plurality of legs radially disposed about a central body. The brace structure has a substantially flat first surface. A portion of the plurality of legs conforms to a soundhole opening which is integrated into the body of the stringed instrument. A brace for a body of a guitar includes a unitary structure adapted to mount to a soundboard of the guitar. The unitary structure has a plurality of arms radially disposed about a central body. A method of assembling a guitar includes mounting a brace structure to a soundboard of the guitar. Again, the brace structure has a plurality of legs radially disposed about a central body.

Abstract: A headblock and fingerboard support assembly for a stringed instrument includes a fingerboard support assembly for mounting to a neck and fingerboard of the stringed instrument. The fingerboard support assembly further includes a plate having an integrated rail structure. A headblock has an integrated channel for receiving the integrated rail structure. The headblock is adapted to secure to the fingerboard support assembly. A method of assembling a stringed instrument includes mounting a plate structure to a neck and fingerboard of the stringed instrument, where the plate includes an integrated rail, and mounting a headblock to an interior surface of a body of the stringed instrument, where the headblock has an integrated channel structure for receiving the integrated rail of the plate structure.

Abstract: A woodwind instrument with improved tonal characteristics, comprising a body tube having at least one tone hole, a key mechanism attached to said body tube, and a tonal material attached to one of the group consisting of: the body tube and the key mechanism.

Abstract: Gas flows of modest velocities are generated when an organized ion flux in an electric field initiates an ion-driven wind of neutral molecules. When a needle in ambient air is electrically charged to a potential sufficient to produce a corona discharge near its tip, such a gas flow can be utilized downstream of a ring-shaped or other permeable earthed electrode. In view of the potential practical applications of such devices, as they represent blowers with no moving parts, a methodology for increasing their flow velocities includes exploitation of the divergence of electric field lines, avoidance of regions of high curvature on the second electrode, control of atmospheric humidity, and the use of linear arrays of stages, terminating in a converging nozzle. The design becomes particularly advantageous when implemented in mesoscale domains.

Abstract: Electromagnetic gun with a cavity extending through its barrel, two power rails with cavity surface their length, a plurality of wall (conductor) coils circumscribing and orthogonal the cavity, distributed its length with contact means at the cavity on one end a bus common to all wall coils on the other. Projectiles for traversing said cavity, having a propulsion bus coil with continuity at one end with one power rail and its other with the second power rail. A projectile forward current shunt for continuity between one power rail and forward wall coil's contact means and aft current shunt for continuity between the second power rail and aft wall coils contact means. Magnetic fields of forward and aft wall conductor coils interact with propulsion bus coil current propelling projectile in barrel towards muzzle. The above combination wherein the projectile includes propellant ignited by a bursting bridge.

Abstract: A conversion kit and method for converting the RUGER® 10/22® semi-automatic .22 caliber rim fire rifle to shoot .17 HM 2 cartridges utilizes the original bolt in the receiver and replaces the bolt operating handle with increased weight to replace the original bolt handle along with a .17 caliber barrel to permit the modified rifle to safely fire, eject and reload the .17 caliber cartridges.

Abstract: A valve that keeps a electro-hydraulic servo valve (EHSV) controlled device such as a fuel metering valve or actuator at the last commanded position upon loss of input command in the EHSV is described. The valve fixes the position of the positioning device within a tolerance of the position the positioning device was at prior to the loss of the position command. Upon loss of the input position command, the valve moves from its spring-biased default position to a position that keeps the positioning device at a position within a tolerance band of its last commanded position as a result of the differential pressure created when the EHSV loses its input position command.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. One embodiment of a bearing for a piston engine has a bearing made of a plastic material and having a substantially planar base and a substantially hemispherical portion. The base is configured to engage with a swash plate, and the hemispherical portion is configured to engage with a piston.

Abstract: The present invention provides a timer that starts a time cycle when a filter is placed into a housing. The timer cycle will not reinitiate a new time cycle when the previously used filter is removed from the housing and reinserted into the housing. In one embodiment, the filter timer assembly comprises a filter comprising a filter media surrounded by a filter frame, a housing for supporting the filter, a piercing post connected to the housing moveable between a first resting position and a second position in direct contact with the filter frame, and a timer connected to the piercing post. The piercing post punctures a portion of the filter frame to create an opening in the filter frame. The timer initiates a count when the piercing post is actuated to the second position.

Abstract: A system for supplying a compressed fluid with a reduced moisture content comprising a membrane dryer for receiving a compressed fluid and removing moisture therefrom, a compressed fluid source located upstream of the membrane dryer, a check valve located upstream of the membrane dryer to prevent backflow therethrough, an accumulator for receiving the compressed fluid discharged from the membrane dryer and an inlet on the membrane dryer for receiving a portion of a compressed fluid from the compressed fluid source wherein the portion of the compressed fluid is diverted from a compressed fluid located upstream of the membrane dryer.

Abstract: An exhaust gas processing method comprises making exhaust gas, exhausted from a coal burning boiler or an LNG burning boiler, flow through coolant to cool it to such a first temperature as to liquefy or solidify nitrogen oxides or sulfur oxides without solidifying carbon dioxide, thereby liquefying or solidifying nitrogen oxides or sulfur oxides as toxic gas components contained in the exhaust gas to separate them from the exhaust gas; removing moisture contained in the exhaust gas; and cooling the exhaust gas to such a second temperature as to solidify carbon dioxide, thereby solidifying carbon dioxide contained in the exhaust gas to separate it from the exhaust gas.

Abstract: A device for heating a food item therein is provided, which includes a spout disposed on the exterior of the device through which a food item can be introduced into and dispensed from the device. The spout is selectively covered by a cover when in use to hold the food item within the device while being heated, and the cover can be removed to enable a food container to be engaged with the spout such that the food item can be dispensed from the device into the food container. Additionally, the device can include a number of compartments within the device, one of which can be accessed utilizing a recloseable seal on the device to position a second food item for heating within the device. The volume of the interior space of the device is formed to urge the food item positioned therein to completely surround a temperature-changing element positioned within the device, such that the entire element is insulated by the food item from the exterior of the device when heating or cooling the food item.

Abstract: A coffee making machine (10) comprises a tank (34) for water, a coffee dispensing unit (44), connection means which are interposed between the tank (34) and the dispensing unit (44): the connection means comprise, in the direction of flow of the water from the tank to the dispensing unit, a manual pumping unit (46) for conveying the water from the tank to the coffee dispensing unit and a heat exchanger (48) which is provided with a pipe (50) which is interposed between the manual pumping unit (46) and the dispensing unit (44) and which extends inside a boiler (14). The pipe (50) comprises at least one portion which extends along a spiral-shaped course inside the boiler (14). The boiler (14) extends substantially vertically along a longitudinal axis (X-X). The manual pumping unit (46) and the dispensing unit (44) are arranged laterally on the boiler (14) relative to the longitudinal axis (X-X).