Abstract: According to some embodiments, an apparatus includes a substrate that defines a plane. The apparatus also includes a first conducting plate that is substantially normal to the substrate and a second conducting plate that is (i) substantially normal to the substrate and (ii) deformable in response to a pressure.

Abstract: A force or pressure transducer is includes a substrate, a dielectric material disposed on the substrate, a spacing member disposed on the dielectric material, and a resilient element disposed on both the dielectric material and the spacing member. A portion of the resilient element is separated from the dielectric material, and another portion of the resilient element is in contact with the dielectric material. The contact area between the resilient element and the dielectric material varies in response to movement of the resilient element. Changes in the contact area alter the capacitance of the transducer, which can be measured through associated circuitry.

Abstract: A detectable indicator (10) formed on a body (18), the indicator (10) comprising a deformable element (12), a safeguard (14) at least partially surrounding the deformable element (12) and an area (16) in the safeguard allowing access to the deformable element (12).

Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a mass flowmeter that employs the Coriolis principle and that incorporates a measuring tube through which flows a fluid medium, which measuring tube is stimulated to oscillate in a predefined pattern, allowing the resulting oscillatory response of the measuring tube to be detected and measured. The drive power level required for stimulating the measuring tube to oscillate at a predefined frequency is quantified and with the aid of the quantified drive power, the presence of a multiphase flow of the medium traveling through the measuring tube is detected. In this fashion, it is possible to significantly improve the measuring accuracy and dependability of the measuring procedure.

Abstract: An oscillating vane actuator for active control of fluid flow over a surface includes a pivoted vane surrounded by a wedge-shaped chamber, and first and second conduits with openings adjacent the surface. The actuator also includes a rotating shaft with a connecting rod to actuate the vane in a oscillatory manner. As the vane travels in one direction, fluid is forced out from the chamber through the first conduit and opening into the fluid stream adjacent the surface, while fluid is simultaneously drawn in through the second opening and conduit into the opposite side of the chamber. Similarly, when the vane travels in the opposite direction, fluid is forced out through the second conduit and opening into the fluid stream adjacent the surface, while fluid is simultaneously drawn in through the first opening and conduit.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the present invention, a system for determining characteristics of two rolls configured in a nip press includes a strip configured to be placed in the nip press. A plurality of sensors embedded in the strip is configured to generate signals representative of the pressure and/or the nip width between the two rolls. Interface circuitry facilitates addressing of individual ones of the plurality of sensors via a data processing system.

Abstract: A collection apparatus is provided for receiving a portion of a medium that flows around the apparatus and directing the portion into a collector. The apparatus includes an axisymmetric streamline receiver and a support member. The streamline receiver includes a chamber as well as at least one opening into the chamber that receives the portion. The support member includes an axisymmetric conduit for directing the portion from the chamber towards the collector.

Abstract: A device for receiving a sample of liquid, such as a sample of bodily liquid which is to be subjected to further analysis, may include a body having at least a major surface and a minor surface. A sample-receiving chamber may be located in the body and may have an inlet end which opens into the major and minor surfaces of the body. A conduit may be located in the body, extending from the outlet end of the chamber, and may be arranged so as to allow the liquid to pass from the outlet end into the conduit by capillary action.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sample machining device, in particular for preparing samples for OES and/or XRF and/or combustion analyses, having at least one sample holder, and to provide a development which is advantageous in use proposes that the machining device includes a cylindrical milling cutter, the cylindrical milling cutter and the sample holder being movable relative to one another in such a manner that a sample which can be held in the sample holder can be divided by means of the cylindrical milling cutter to produce a free piece and a remainder piece of the sample which can still be held in the sample holder, and that at least one additional tool, in particular a drilling or separate milling tool, is provided in order to produce chips from the remainder piece of the sample.

Abstract: An installation for non-destructive inspection makes use simultaneously of sensors responsive to different physical characteristics. In an example, a sensor support, e.g. a kind of carriage having running wheels via which it comes into contact with the surface to be inspected, is fitted with two types of sensor, namely an eddy current sensor and at least one ultrasound sensor.

Abstract: In a starter, a one-way clutch that transmits rotation of a motor to an output shaft has a clutch inner portion. The clutch inner portion has female helical splines in an inner periphery. Also, the clutch inner portion has a stopper at a front end of the female helical splines on the side opposite to the motor. The female helical splines engage with male helical splines formed on a rear end of the output shaft so that the output shaft is slidable in an axial direction. When the male helical splines of the output shaft are brought into contact with the stopper, relative rotation of the helical splines is restricted, thereby to stop the axial movement of the output shaft.

Abstract: A twin-clutch transmission wherein a center distance between input shafts and an auxiliary speed-change shaft can be shortened and the number of gears can be reduced. A twin-clutch transmission is provided which includes a first input shaft and a second input shaft, an auxiliary speed-change shaft, and a plurality of gear pairs. The first and second input shaft are connected, through a first clutch and a second clutch, respectively, to an input element, and disposed on the same axis. The auxiliary speed-change shaft is disposed parallel to the first and second input shafts. The plurality of gear pairs are provided between the first and second input shafts and the auxiliary speed-change shaft. An input path from the input element to the first clutch is different from that to the second clutch, and primary ratios of the input paths are set to values, respectively, different from each other.

Abstract: A rack-and-pinion steering system, in particular for a motor vehicle, has a steering housing and a pinion which is inserted into the steering housing If. A rack whose toothing engages with the pinion is mounted so as to be axially displaceable in the steering housing. The rack-and-pinion steering system has a circulation lubrication system with lubricating oil, an arrangement for conveying lubricating oil from a lubricating-oil reservoir conveying lubricating oil to the toothing engagement location between the rack and the pinion.

Abstract: A ball screw device comprises a screw shaft, a nut externally mounted on the screw shaft, and a multiplicity of balls interposed between thread grooves of the screw shaft and the nut. The screw shaft has a ball circulation groove for coupling downstream and upstream sides of the thread groove so that the balls are returned from the downstream side to the upstream side and thereby circulated in the thread groove of the screw shaft. The ball circulation groove has such a curved shape as to sink radially inward in an intermediate region in a rolling direction of the balls and has a curved shape protruding radially outward in both end regions, and is configured in the manner that the centrodes of the balls rolling in the both end regions and the balls rolling in the thread groove of the screw shaft satisfy predetermined conditions with respect to circulation of the balls.

Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device comprises a bicycle mounting member, a shift operating member, a take-up member, a positioning member, a first retaining mechanism and a second retaining mechanism. The shift operating member is rotatably coupled to the mounting member to move in opposing rotational directions. The take-up member is rotatably coupled to the mounting member to selectively pull and release a shift control cable. The positioning member is rotatably coupled to the mounting member. The first retaining mechanism is arranged to retain the positioning member relative to the mounting member. The second retaining mechanism is coupled to the take-up member and the positioning member to normally apply a retaining force on the take-up member and the positioning member. The second retaining mechanism is arranged to reduce the retaining force upon moving the shift operating member.

Abstract: An accelerator pedal is positioned at a kickdown position. Then, an output value of a measurement device of an accelerator pedal position sensor is measured. Thereafter, the measured output value of the measurement device is stored in a correction output value storage of the accelerator pedal position sensor along with a corresponding correction value, which is used to correct the measured output value of the measurement device. A couple of fully opened position stop members is provided and is engaged with the accelerator pedal when the accelerator pedal is rotated to a fully opened position. Furthermore, a couple of fully closed position stop members is provided and is engaged with the accelerator pedal when the accelerator pedal is rotated to a fully closed position.

Abstract: A rotatable member is adapted for dynamic balancing by the addition of balancing weights in the form of high speed projectiles fired at the member during rotation in timed relationship with the rotation of the member so as to impact the member at specific circumaxial locations required for balancing the member. The member has an annular groove for receiving the projectiles and securing the same at the desired locations. The groove has a cross sectional configuration slightly smaller than that of the projectile in at least one direction of measurement so as to engage and capture the projectile in retention in the groove.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement for at least one gearwheel, particularly for a reversing wheel of a reverse gear in a transmission housing of a manual transmission, having a gear that is rotatably supported on a gear axle. At least the one end of the gear axle is fixed or supported in the transmission housing. One side of the gear axle is received in a bearing element which is bolted within the transmission housing from the outside via a fixing element.

Abstract: A multifunction tool according to the present disclosure is formed in a generally “Y” shape to provide leverage and control when the tools included in the first arm or the second arm are employed. The main stem includes a ratchet assembly for a male drive element. The male drive element is specifically sized to drive a wobble socket as well as function as a bearing press for skateboard wheels. The wobble socket has offset pivot points to suitably engage the deck fasteners securing the trucks. The first and second arms each include sockets specifically sized for skateboard fasteners. Each arm socket extends from it's respective arm a suitable distance to engage wheel nuts without interference. The intersection of the first and second arms may also include a recess for engaging a separate drive tool for philips head screws and or other suitable recessed drive fasteners such as allen, hex, torx or other fasteners.

Abstract: An easy storage precision screwdriver comprises a handle, a cover disposed on one end of the handle, a post disposed on the cover and located in the handle, a pressing ring threaded on the other end of the handle, and a working post inserted into the handle and fixed by the pressing of the pressing ring. Since the handle and the post are defined with a containing hole and a through hole respectively, when the user releases the pressing ring, the length of the working post with respect to the handle can be adjusted, and one end of the working post can be inserted into the containing hole and the through hole of the handle and the post. Thereby the precision screwdriver of the present invention is miniaturized, and is easy to store.

Abstract: The present application is directed to adjustable wrenches. In one embodiment, the open-ended wrench includes a head with a opening sized to receive workpieces. One or more shims are attached in an adjustable manner within the opening to alter the width of the wrench.

Abstract: A process of cutting monofilament line using a cutting tool including a tool body having a cavity for insertion of a bent portion of the monofilament line. A cutting blade is provided in the cavity and a pair of opposing walls in the cavity are located generally parallel to and on either side of the cutting blade. For cutting, the monofilament line is bent into a U-shape portion which is inserted into the cavity with the legs of the U-shape portion adjacent the respective opposing walls, thereby placing the outer exterior surface of the monofilament line at the bottom of the U-shape portion in tension and the inner exterior surface of the bottom of the U-shape portion in compression. As the U-shaped portion is inserted into the cavity, the outer exterior surface at the bottom of the U-shape portion is placed against the cutting blade thereby cutting the monofilament line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device by means of which it has been made possible, without gas discharge to the surrounding environment, to accelerate the speed of a powder-gas-driven projectile from zero to a speed which gives the projectile free-flying characteristics. According to the invention, this has been made possible by utilizing at least some of the expansion force from the propellant powder charge, which discharges gas when it is initiated, for, by a displaceable piston, driving a countermass out of the rear part of the projectile in the direction opposite to the desired flying direction of the projectile.

Abstract: An electrothermal gun uses an apparatus for generating high gas pressure. The apparatus includes a receiver having a combustion chamber for holding a propellant which produces a gas component and a particle component when the propellant undergoes an exothermic chemical reaction, and a flow passageway positioned downstream of the combustion chamber. An ignition mechanism causes the propellant contained in the combustion chamber to undergo the exothermic chemical reaction. A separator in the flow passageway substantially separates the particle component from the gas component in the flow passageway. The gun includes a barrel connected to the receiver and communicating with the flow passageway. By substantially stopping the particle component, namely metal oxide, from reaching the barrel, wear on the barrel is reduced.

Abstract: An hydraulic unit includes a hydraulic cylinder, and a piston retained in the hydraulic cylinder, wherein the piston can be moved from a first end position located at one end of the hydraulic cylinder to a second end position located at the opposite other end position of the hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder is hydraulically connected with a delay unit which is equipped with an auxiliary cylinder containing an auxiliary piston, with which a movement of the piston can be delayed in a middle section located between the first and the second end position. The auxiliary cylinder has a first and a second opening for incoming and outgoing hydraulic oil. In order to precisely set an attenuation point, a throttle valve provided on the auxiliary cylinder or piston be connected in the flow path.

Abstract: An actuator includes a piston within a cylinder, the cylinder having a first fluid port in communication with an open side of the piston, and a second fluid port in communication with a shaft side of the piston. The piston travels in a first direction, toward the shaft side of the piston and in a second direction, toward the open side of the piston. The actuator includes a valve circuit configured to selectively couple the first fluid port with a high-pressure fluid source when piston travel in the first direction is desired, and with a low-pressure fluid source when piston travel in the second direction is desired. The valve circuit is further configured to couple the second fluid port to the high-pressure fluid source when piston travel is desired in the first or second direction, and to close the first and second fluid ports when no piston travel is desired.

Abstract: A bent axis pump/motor includes a back plate positioned within a casing, and a check valve positioned in the back-plate, the check valve configured to control passage of fluid from within the casing to an interior of the back plate. A yoke, coupled to the back plate, includes trunnions, positioned within respective apertures in the casing, upon which the yoke rotates. Bearings, occupying less than the complete circumference of the respective trunnion, are positioned between each of the trunnions and respective inner walls of the apertures. Trunnion apertures, for passage of fluid, are positioned in a portion of the circumference not occupied by the respective bearing. A valve positioned within the casing selectively couples high- and low-pressure fluid to the trunnions. Fluid supply channels, formed integrally with the casing, transmit fluid from the valve to the trunnions via fluid apertures provided within the apertures in the casing.

Abstract: A piston compressor has a cylinder including a traveling piston sealed therein. A drive motor acts on a crankshaft, a drive shaft thereof being received by a bore of the crankshaft. A connecting rod provides for articulated connection of a crankshaft-journal of the crankshaft with the piston in a connecting rod bearing. The connecting rod is disposed relative to the drive shaft in an angled orientation that counteracts bowing deflection of the drive shaft that occurs during operation to protect against undesirable wear of the piston seal and of the connecting rod bearing.

Abstract: A cheese vat for at least preparing curd for soft fresh cheese, comprising at least one cutting frame provided with a cutting wire system, which has a frame which has at least two opposite frame parts between which cutting wire sections extend, which frame parts are provided with openings form receiving a cutting wire, wherein the ends of a cutting wire are each fastened via pull relief means.

Abstract: A juice extractor includes an extractor frame and extractor cups relatively moveable for compressing fruit therebetween. A camshaft is mounted for rotation within the extractor frame. A drive cam is mounted on the camshaft and operatively engages an extractor cup for driving the extractor cup into engagement with the respective other extractor cup during extractor operation. A counterweight is operatively engaged with the camshaft and provides balance to the juice extractor during extractor operation.

Abstract: A juice extractor includes extractor cups relatively moveable within a product material area that compress fruit therebetween. A strainer tube is mounted to receive juice and pulp and discharge juice therefrom. A juice manifold is positioned to collect the juice discharged from the strainer tube when an orifice tube moves therein. The juice manifold has an outlet positioned at a side of the extractor frame removed from the product material area to prevent build-up of peel and related byproducts.

Abstract: A juice extractor includes an extractor frame, at least one inner side panel that divides the interior into a product material area and a drive mechanism cavity. An orifice beam includes an end extending through a beam opening in the inner side panel. An orifice tube is carried by the orifice beam and received within a strainer tube, which is mounted to receive juice and pulp as extractor cups engage together. A drive mechanism is positioned within the drive mechanism cavity and reciprocates the orifice beam to move the orifice tube within the strainer tube. A seal at the orifice beam and the beam opening prevents juice and peel from entering the drive mechanism cavity during extractor operation.

Abstract: In order to process inexpensive printing materials in connection with the processing of an extremely wide range of coating media, such as solvent-containing printing inks, and, moreover, in connection with variable format configuration and extremely flexible processing processes, provision is made to couple a web-fed rotary press and a sheet-fed rotary press to each other. For this purpose, a transfer assembly 7 in the form of a roll-sheet feeder is arranged between the presses.

Abstract: A printing blanket comprising a rigid carrier plate on which an elastic layer is arranged is provided. The elastic covering layer has a surface that can be inked and by which a printing image can be transferred onto a printing material. An end of the carrier plate is not covered by the elastic covering layer, and an end of the elastic covering layer is covered by a sealant. The sealant covered end of the elastic covering layer has a sealing geometry that provides a greater surface area to which the sealant can adhere than a smooth flat surface at the end of the elastic covering layer.

Abstract: A universal boxcar is provided with exterior metal surfaces and load carrying capabilities of a conventional uninsulated boxcar and thermal transfer ratings of an insulated boxcar. The boxcar may be formed with interior dimensions corresponding generally with interior dimensions of an uninsulated boxcar without high cost, high performance insulation. The boxcar may include a double side doors slidably mounted on the exterior of each sidewall assemble. A load restraint system may be provided with improved load carrying capabilities and performance characteristics. The load restraint system may have increased load carrying capacity, increased service life, and reduced maintenance costs. All or portions of the load restraint system may be used in uninsulated boxcars or temperature controlled railway cars.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering biomass fuel to a structure through an external wall of the structure is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a hopper disposed within a delivery vehicle. The hopper includes an inlet disposed on its top surface to receive biomass fuel and an outlet located proximate the bottom of the hopper to release the fuel by opening a gate valve. A delivery hose is connected to the hopper outlet at one end and is sealably connectable at its other end to an externally accessible coupling disposed on an external wall of the structure to which fuel is to be delivered. The coupling is connected on the interior side of the external wall to a delivery pipe that connects to a fuel bin for storing the biomass fuel. Sensors within the bin can signal the operator when the level of fuel within the bin reaches a preselected level, allowing the operator to stop delivery when the bin is full.

Abstract: A volumetric metering device for the metered delivery of granular and powdery materials, particularly for machines for distributing such materials. The device comprises a housing formed in one piece of plastic material, a metering member which is supported rotatably in the housing, can be handled individually, and includes a plurality of metering wheels mounted on a shaft and clamped in a group between two flanges, a selective drive-transmission interposed between the wheels and the shaft, a scraper for cleaning the wheels in motion and anchoring the idle wheels, and a feeler device which is held at a distance from the metering member with resilient preloading.

Abstract: A boat for traveling at speed across a body of water includes a center hull having a vee-shaped bottom with a center planing surface, and an opposing pair of sponsons or ski-like structures attached outboard of the center and extending substantially alongside the central hull. Importantly, the sponsons or skis each have a substantial opening such that large volumes of water are able to pass through in an outboard direction away from the boat, advantageously minimizing forces on the hull when there is substantial vertical downward movement of the boat. The boat is designed so that planing surfaces of the keel and sponsons operate beneath the surface of the water to lift the hull free and isolate it from the rough water surface.

Abstract: A sailcloth in roll good form permits efficient and cost effective construction of cross cut and vertical cut, laminate sails based on “off-angle,” (asymmetrical) load bearing fibers. The sailcloth also may include a conventional warp and fill thread or fiber layout. Such sailcloth illustratively is significantly less susceptible to load force stretch, creep elongation, and airfoil shape deformation because, among other things, it is not dependent on the load bearing limitations of symmetrical, woven or knitted roll good sailcloth.

Abstract: A vessel positioning system maneuvers a marine vessel in such a way that the vessel maintains its global position and heading in accordance with a desired position and heading selected by the operator of the marine vessel. When used in conjunction with a joystick, the operator of the marine vessel can place the system in a station keeping enabled mode and the system then maintains the desired position obtained upon the initial change in the joystick from an active mode to an inactive mode. In this way, the operator can selectively maneuver the marine vessel manually and, when the joystick is released, the vessel will maintain the position in which it was at the instant the operator stopped maneuvering it with the joystick.

Abstract: The present invention is a view port suitable for installation under the water line of a vessel wherein the view port comprises a flange made from a corrosion resistant material and a body made from a heat resistant material. An alternative embodiment of the invention is an underwater light in which a high intensity discharge light is installed into the above mentioned view port. The light may be swiveled while installed in the view port in order to direct the light along a desired path.

Abstract: One embodiment of a vent plate for a marine vessel includes a plate having a top surface that defines a total surface area and a plurality of apertures arranged in a pattern covering at least one quarter of the total surface area, the pattern including a plurality of rows of apertures off-set by an angle of approximately forty five degrees.

Abstract: A boat hull having sealed rigid chambers and a perimeter inflatable portion positioned and attached laterally outward thereof. The perimeter inflatable portions provide redundant buoyancy and allow loads acting upon the hull to be shifted laterally without compromising stability of the boat.

Abstract: A pointer instrument has two instrument mechanisms arranged independently of one another on a printed circuit board such that the printed circuit board in between the two instrument mechanisms. Each of the instrument mechanisms act on an associated pointer. To minimize the height between the instrument mechanism and the pointer, the printed circuit board is arranged between the two instrument mechanisms and the rotation axes of the two instrument mechanisms are arranged so that they are essentially concentric with respect to one another. The drive to the pointer from the lower one of the instrument mechanisms is provided by a bracket or through the printed circuit board and a hollow shaft for the upper instrument mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides a seasoning apparatus capable of evenly seasoning each individual article, without seasoning any too heavily or too lightly. Therein, a screw having a helical blade is installed in a tube. The helical blade provides partitions that are provided upright between an article supply port and a discharge port. An article group, before seasoning, is accommodated in a section partitioned by the partitions, the motor rotates the screw, and the article group is transported from the supply port to the discharge port. Therein, each article group is transported to the discharge port separated from other article groups, and each individual article in the article group is seasoned evenly with the same seasoning processing time and the same seasoning supply ratio. In addition, the constitution of the seasoning apparatus is simplified because the screw simultaneously serves the two functions of separating and transporting the article groups.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes a table (22) on which a processing target (W) is to be placed, a processing vessel (11) where the table is to be accommodated, and a power feed unit (40) for supplying a high-frequency electromagnetic field (F) into the processing vessel. The power supply unit includes at least a cylindrical waveguide (41) for introducing the high-frequency electromagnetic field, and a circular polarization antenna (51) arranged at one end of the cylindrical waveguide to supply the high-frequency electromagnetic field as a rotating electromagnetic field rotating in a plane perpendicular to its traveling direction. Accordingly, there is no need of providing a circular polarization converter for converting the high-frequency electromagnetic field in the cylindrical waveguide into the rotating electromagnetic field.

Abstract: A high density plasma generated by microwave injection using a windowless electrodeless rectangular slotted antenna waveguide plasma source has been demonstrated. Plasma probe measurements indicate that the source could be applicable for low power ion thruster applications, ion implantation, and related applications. This slotted antenna plasma source invention operates on the principle of electron cyclotron resonance (ECR). It employs no window and it is completely electrodeless and therefore its operation lifetime is long, being limited only by either the microwave generator itself or charged particle extraction grids if used. The high density plasma source can also be used to extract an electron beam that can be used as a plasma cathode neutralizer for ion source beam neutralization applications.

Abstract: A bird feeder comprising a hopper suspended above ground by a hanger for holding granular bird seed, and a collapsible feed trough through which the seed flows. The trough consists of a series of pivotally interconnected ramps that unfold during deployment into a zigzag configuration. An uppermost ramp is fixedly secured to the hopper, and successive lower ramps are pivoted to each other in an angular “zigzag” arrangement. Each ramp is inclined relative to the horizontal approximately thirty degrees. Each ramp has a discharge hole at its lower end that is large enough for seed to fall through to a lower ramp. In response to vibration, seeds exit the hopper and travel through the trough. When the feeder is to be stored or shipped, the trough is collapsed by folding the ramps into a nested, retracted position.

Abstract: A rotary machine includes a housing divided into a first stationary portion and a second rotational portion. The second rotational portion is supported for rotation with respect to the stationary portion about an axis of the housing. The first and second portions of the housing cooperate to define a generally toroidal passage which is coaxial with the housing axis. A first piston and a second piston are disposed in the passage. Each piston has an interconnection mechanism for selectively interconnecting the piston to either the stationary portion or the rotational portion.

Abstract: A stroke-variable engine includes a pivot shaft which is rotatably supported in a crankcase so as to be rotatable about an eccentric axis parallel to a crankshaft and which is connected to a control rod so that a rotational power reduced at a reduction ratio of 1/2 is transmitted from the crankshaft to the pivot shaft. A camshaft of a valve-operating mechanism mounted at an upper portion of an engine body and the pivot shaft are operatively connected to each other. Thus, it is possible to decrease the number of parts of the valve-operating mechanism, increase a rotational speed, and further reduce mechanical noise.