Abstract: A device to determine an absolute rotation angle of a rotary shaft (14) has a first measurement arrangement (10) to measure a rotation angle in a restricted first measurement range, and a second measurement arrangement (12) to determine an absolute angle range. The first measurement arrangement (10) includes a rotor (16), coupled to the rotary shaft (14), and a carrier which is stationary in relation to the rotor (16). Coded zones (18) are arranged either on the rotor (16) or on the carrier. The coded zones (18) are distributed in the peripheral direction with respect to the rotary shaft (14). At least one first sensor (20) is arranged on the carrier or on the rotor (16), respectively. The first sensor (20) detects a coding of the coded zones (18) when the rotary shaft (14) rotates.

Abstract: A power-dividing device for a working vehicle includes a case member, an input shaft supported by the case member so that a first end portion of the input shaft can be operatively connected to a driving source, a PTO unit having a PTO shaft supported by the case member so as to be offset with respect to the input shaft, a power transmission mechanism accommodated in the case member to transmit power from the input shaft to the PTO shaft, and a first pump unit having a first pump shaft operatively connected to the input shaft and being fluid-connected to an actuator disposed outside.

Abstract: A drive train for a pivotable flap of a motor vehicle includes a holding device which can hold the flap in at least one open position, a first element which can be driven by a drive motor, and a second element connected to the pivotable flap to pivot the flap in response to movement of the first element. When the second element is moved along a path of motion relative to the first element counter to a specific spring force, a sensor generates a signal indicating relative motion of the elements, and a control device releases the holding device in response to the signal, whereby the flap can be moved manually by applying a force counter to the spring force.

Abstract: Disclosed is a seat adjusting device (10) and a method for operating the same. The seat adjusting device (10) includes two seat parts (15, 16, 17, 18, 19) positioned such that they are movable relative to each other and/or relative to a fastening surface (12, 14) and which are interconnected via at least one ratchet mechanism (56). The ratchet mechanism (56) includes a bidirectionally active rotary drive unit (54) which is operatively connected via a connecting element (52, 64, 72, 78) with at least one pneumatic linear actuator (52) which contracts in an axial direction when acted upon by a certain pressure (42, 43), which causes the rotary drive unit (54) to rotate.

Abstract: A dual clutch transmission apparatus with a parking lock function includes a first and a second input shafts, a first and a second counter shafts, a dual clutch including a first and a second clutches, a first gear change mechanism having first plural gear trains including a 1st shift stage gear train, a second gear change mechanism having second plural gear trains including a reverse shift stage gear train, an output shaft, a first gear and a second gear provided at one of the first and the second input shafts and forming the 1st shift stage gear train and the reverse shift stage gear train relatively, a plurality of engaging members including a first engaging member and a reverse engaging member, wherein, during a parking operation, the first engaging member and the reverse engaging member are in the engaged states simultaneously so that a parking lock is executed.

Abstract: A method and associated computer-executable code for controlling an automotive powertrain featuring a manual transmission determines a current transmission output speed based at least in part on the vehicle speed achieved in response to a torque request signal; determines an effective transmission gear ratio based on the engine speed and the transmission output speed; and compares the effective transmission gear ratio to each of the predetermined transmission gear ratios. A transmission shift is deemed to be in progress when the effective transmission gear ratio is not within a predetermined tolerance of any of the predetermined transmission gear ratios. Relatively-aggressive smoothing of the torque request signal upon pedal tip-out is advantageously canceled when a shift is deemed to be in progress, thereby reducing the likelihood of unintended engine speed and/or transient flares when a declutching event follows shortly after the pedal tip-out.

Abstract: A travel drive for a traversable or rotatable device. The drive includes at least one pin wheel engaging teeth of a gear ring. This abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: The invention relates to an accelerator pedal module having a pedal (2) and a restoring device (4) for the pedal (2) as well as a full load indicator (20, 11). In the full load position of the pedal (2), the restoring device (4) can be latched to the full load indicator (11). Furthermore, the invention relates to an accelerator pedal module full load indicator.

Abstract: An industrial vehicle includes an operating pedal depressed by an operator for operating running of the industrial vehicle. The operating pedal includes a first pedal portion having a first step surface which is depressed by the operator while the operator maintains his or her posture to look forward and a second pedal portion having a second step surface which is depressed by the operator while the operator maintains his or her posture to look backward. The second pedal portion is formed on a lateral side of the first pedal portion so as to be inclines with respect to such that an angle made between the first step surface and the second step surface is an obtuse angle.

Abstract: An exemplary multi-piece foot peg for use with power sport vehicles such as motorcycles and ATVs is provided that, in one embodiment, includes a base that attaches to the frame of the vehicle and a cleat member that attaches to the base wherein the cleat member may be replaced without replacing the entire foot peg thereby enabling economical replacement of worn cleats and enabling the adjustment of foot peg height and aggressiveness of the cleats. The base is configured to define an opening between two sub-components that extend away from the frame of the vehicle. The cleat member includes cleats and at least one opening between the cleats positioned such that debris may fall through the opening in the cleat member and through the opening in the base such that debris will not build up on the upper surface of the cleat member.

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

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

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

Abstract: A differential assembly includes a differential housing including a substantially spherically shaped chamber. A pair of side gears are rotatably positioned in the chamber in driving communication with a pair of pinion gears. A pair of springs are positioned in engagement with the end faces of the side gears to minimize gear lash between the side gears and the pinion gears.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing noble metal nanostructures is disclosed. The method involves reacting under heat a noble metal precursor, a polyol reducing agent, and a stabilizing polymer. Morphological control is achieved by controlling the reduction rate of the noble metal.

Abstract: A knife sharpening device is disclosed. The device an elongated body with cornered edge on the surface thereof characterized in that at least one corner of the device is a cornered slot extended axially and the connection between the top end of the two walls of the cornered slot with the circumferential surface forms into a first sharpening edge and a second sharpening edge, and the first and the second sharpening edge are in contact with the edge of a knife.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wall-mounted corkscrew comprising a mechanism which includes the helical shaft to be inserted into the cork and which is connected to an actuating lever. The aforementioned mechanism is housed inside a one-piece tubular body which is closed at one end and said mechanism comprises a plastic cylindrical part (15) in which a helical-shaft-bearing screw (2) is positioned with an axial freedom of movement. In addition, a backstop is disposed between a striction (7) inside the part (15) and a transverse shaft (8) which passes therethrough.

Abstract: A replaceable assembly of a tool head comprises a tool body used with a tool head of various forms; the tool body having a handle; at least one end of the handle being formed with a pivotal end for connecting the tool head; one end of the tool head being a driving opening and another end thereof being formed with an inserting end which can be combined with the pivotal end; the inserting end being installed with a buckling unit; the buckling unit being buckled to the pivotal end; thereby the tool head can be firmly secured to one end of the handle; and one lateral wall of the pivotal end of the handle having a through hole for buckling the buckling unit of the inserting end of the tool head; a periphery of the through hole being formed with a groove.

Abstract: A swiveling driver includes a handle portion and a head portion operatively coupled to the handle portion for selectively pivoting relative thereto. The head portion includes an implement and defines at least one detent. A yolk extends from the handle portion and includes a protrusion for selective engagement with the detent. The yolk is movable between a locked configuration in which the protrusion is received in a detent and a released configuration in which the protrusion is not received in a detent. The head portion may be moved freely when the yolk is at the released configuration for setting the angle of the head portion relative to the handle or be fixed at the locked configuration. When the head portion is fixed, the implement may be operated with either a driver bit or in a ratcheting motion.

Abstract: A ratchet hand tool includes a handle and a head in which a through hole is defined there. A driving member is rotatably received in the through hole. A recess is defined in an inner periphery of the through hole and a ratchet mechanism is received in the recess. The ratchet mechanism includes a first member with a curved and smooth surface, a second member with teeth, and a spring member is connected between the first and second members. The teeth of the second member are engaged with the teeth in the driving member so that the teeth of the driving member that are in contact with the curved and smooth surface of the first member are not worn out during operation. Two ends of the spring member are retained in the first and second notches defined in the first and second members.

Abstract: A spanner has a handle, the handle having two opposite convex cambered surfaces between two narrow opposite surfaces; at least one convex cambered surface being formed with protruding pattern. The protruding pattern is protruding character which are used to indicate the size of the spanner or the trademark of the spanner. The protruding patterns are at two opposite convex cambered surfaces so as to have an effect of slideproof. The edges of the protruding pattern are cambered edges. Height of the protruding pattern is from 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm.

Abstract: A hand tool comprises a handle having a connection end which includes a polygonal recess defined axially therein. The polygonal recess including at least one annular groove defined in an inner periphery thereof; and a function head having an insertion which is removably inserted into the polygonal recess; and the insertion having a protrusion extends from an outer periphery thereof.

Abstract: A locking pliers for use with a power tool includes a housing mounted on a power tool. The housing includes at least one engaging portion. A locking pliers is provided having a retaining section with a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is mounted on the at least one engaging portion for retain the locking pliers in a rotational relationship relative to the housing. An engaging section of the locking pliers is mounted in a movable relationship relative to the retaining section and is selectively locked relative to the distal end of the retaining section for positioning an article therebetween. When an article is locked relative to the distal end of the retaining section and the engaging section of the locking pliers, the proximal end of the retaining section can be rotated relative to the housing to permit the power tool to come into engagement with an article.

Abstract: A screwdriver is provided having a handle having a first end and a second end. A front element has a bit holder and is aligned with the handle along an axis. A cylinder is positioned between the handle and the front element, whereby the cylinder is rotatable about the axis and has a plurality of chambers, each of which are shaped to store a bit. A push rod is slidable along the handle from a first end to a second end of the hand. The push rod has a first end and a second end with a magnet at the first end. The second end is positioned at the second end of the handle and the first end of said push rod is aligned with one of the chambers to move the second end of said push rod from the second end of the handle to the bit holder.

Abstract: A torque limiting and ratcheting driver having a housing and a torque limiting assembly located within said housing. The torque limiting assembly comprises a cam member, a plunger, and a roller supported by said plunger that interacts with the cam member. The ratcheting assembly is located interiorly of the cam member.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for use with a torque limiting driver. The clutch assembly comprises two relatively roatable clutch plates, a driving plate and a camming plate, that face one another, with a plurality of rolling members housed between the two members. When the rolling members are in the override position, the recesses form individual housings for the rolling members that include a gap located between the rolling members and a respective curvilinear base area of the drive plate. The clutch assembly is secured to a drive shaft by a pin, which is supported by a pair of wheels located on opposing sides of the pin.

Abstract: A twisting spanner with an auto positioning assembly comprises a push post; a sound seat; and a periphery of the supporting seat having a buffer cover; and a spring; one end of the spring having a supporting seat; and at least one end of the supporting seat having a positioning body. The positioning body is integrally formed with the supporting seat. The positioning body is a ball. The supporting seat has a positioning hole facing to the positioning groove. The buffer cover is made of soft material. The buffer cover is made of copper. The supporting seat has a limiting post capable of being inserted into the spring. The supporting seat has a receiving hole receiving with at least one roller.

Abstract: An end prep tool with a pneumatically driven tool slide assembly comprises a mandrel mountable to the internal diameter of a tubular work piece. Mounted on the mandrel are a rotational head assembly and a rotatable housing that are longitudinally displaceable along the mandrel. The rotational head assembly carries either one or two tool feed assemblies thereon for orbital movement around the work piece. The tool slide assemblies are driven by a pneumatic motor to provide a true phonographic finish with no tripper marks.

Abstract: A steel strip cutting method includes the steps of: (a) preparing an upper die having a straight accommodation groove and a straight cutting groove and a bottom die having a straight accommodation groove and a straight cutting groove corresponding to the straight accommodation groove and straight cutting groove of the upper die, (b) attaching a steel strip having rigid beads welded to one lateral side thereof to have the rigid beads be accommodated in the straight accommodation groove of the bottom die outside the straight cutting groove, and (c) closing the upper die on the bottom die to cut off the steel strip corresponding to the straight cutting grooves of the upper die and the bottom die.

Abstract: A workpiece-holding device for holding a workpiece on a worktable of a band saw machine having a vertically moveable saw blade guide and a saw blade running through the worktable and the vertically moveable saw blade guide is disclosed. The workpiece-holding device includes a suspension arm for horizontally and axially moveably mounting to the vertically moveable saw blade guide of the band saw machine, an offset member having an end horizontally and perpendicularly connected to the suspension arm, and a holding pin vertically and perpendicularly connected to the other end of the offset member for stopping at a workpiece on the worktable such that the workpiece is rotatable about the holding pin on the worktable for enabling the workpiece to be cut into an arched or circular shape by the saw blade.

Abstract: A cutting mat comprises: a baseboard defined with an assembling hole and at least one notch on a side of the assembling hole, a positioning member detachably disposed in the assembling hole, and a cutting board. The positioning member includes a circular body and at least one positioning protrusion formed on a side of the circular body and located in a corresponding position to the notch of the baseboard. The cutting board is formed at the bottom thereof with a circular recess for engaging the circular body of the positioning member, so that the cutting board is rotatably superposed on the baseboard.

Abstract: A fastener removal tool comprising a generally cylindrical body having a central longitudinal axis, a first and second end perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis and a central bore between the first and second ends. The central bore defines a cylindrical inner wall that defines a plurality of equally spaced-apart axial ribs positioned proximate the body first end. Each rib extends radially inward from the central bore inner wall and has a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall that intersects the rib first and second walls. The rib first and second walls converge towards each other in a radial direction and the rib first and second walls converge towards each other in an axial direction. The rib first wall and the rib third wall intersect to form a first bite edge, and the rib second wall and the rib third wall intersect to form a second bite edge.

Abstract: A foldable guitar includes a soundbox, a bridge mounted on the soundbox, a neck, and strings extending between the bridge and the neck, where the neck and the soundbox are made of two pieces attached to each other in a foldable manner. In one embodiment, the neck and the soundbox are made of two pieces detachable from each other. In another embodiment, the neck and the soundbox are made of two pieces joined by a hinge and are capable of pivoting toward each other. In the assembled stated, the neck is securely mounted on the soundbox by a screw and but combination or other locking mechanism. The foldable guitar is compact and is easy to assemble and disassemble.

Abstract: A soundboard, which vibrates and generates tones, does not hit the mounting member (components); as a result abnormal vibration/noise is not caused; a contact members are contacted and attached on the both sides of the soundboard which generates tones; the contact member is softer than the soundboard; mounting member is harder than the contact members, mounting members are contacted outside the both contact members; all of them from the mounting members through the mounting members are held and fixed with the connect members; the soundboard is detached from the hard mounting members with the soft contact member (sheet) in between; therefore the tone characteristics of the soundboard do not deteriorate, and abnormal vibration/noise caused by resonance of soundboard and other components do not occur.

Abstract: A string mounting system for a stringed musical instrument (10), comprising a helical tension spring (22a-f) connected in series with each string (14a-f), each string (14a-f) being collinear with its corresponding helical tension spring (22a-f), wherein each string (22a-f) is provided with an inertial damper (16) which is received within the body of the respective helical tension spring (22a-f).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for supporting an instrument, particularly support that places as much as possible of the instrument weight onto the instrument user's lower body (i.e., waist/hips/thighs and lower). A patch of a releasably adhering fabric is attached to the back of the instrument. The patch attachment is preferably temporary (removable) but if permanent, then preferably the permanent attachment is made to a removable and replaceable component of the instrument. A hanger that is removably attachable to the user's waist/hips/thighs is at least partially covered by a releasably adhering fabric that will mate with (releasably adhere to) the fabric of the patch on the instrument. Rigid forms of the hanger can be used to reduce twisting of the instrument in the vertical plane, and can also be used to provide support wherein the patch-to-hanger releasable adherence location is positioned above the location of the removable attachment to the user.

Abstract: An instructional device and associated method for illustrating the positions of keys and their associated notes on a keyboard are provided. The instructional device includes key markers that are adjustably mounted on a support structure in a configuration corresponding to the keys of a keyboard. The key markers correspond in size to the keys of the keyboard and are adjustable between the ends of the group of markers. Indicators are provided on the markers to indicate a chordal relationship between a respective one of the markers and the other markers. Thus, the device can be used, e.g., to indicate the position of the keys on a piano keyboard and, further, to indicate the relationship of the keys and associated notes to one another, such as by identifying various chordal relationships. In addition, the device can be adjusted to thereby illustrate such key positions and note relationships in connection with an inversion of one or more of the key markers relative to the others.

Abstract: A “Concatenative Synthesizer” applies concatenative synthesis to create a musical output from a database of musical notes and an input musical score (such as a MIDI score or other computer readable musical score format). In various embodiments, the musical output is either a music score, or an analog or digital audio file. This musical output is constructed by evaluating the database of musical notes to identify sets of candidate notes for each note of the input musical score. An “optimal path” through candidate notes is identified by minimizing an overall cost function through the candidate notes relative to the input musical score. The musical output is then constructed by concatenating the selected candidate notes. In further embodiments, the database of musical notes is generated from any desired musical genre, performer, performance, or instrument. Furthermore, notes in the database may be modified to better fit notes of the input musical score.

Abstract: A method of controlling music playback includes providing a sensor array comprising first sensors arranged adjacent to one another, receiving data output from first sensors of the sensor array, the data including activation times during which each of the first sensors was activated, comparing the activation times of each first sensor to determine if the first sensors were sequentially activated along a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction, controlling the music to be played in a forward direction if the first sensors were sequentially activated along the first direction, and controlling the music to be played in a backward direction if the first sensors were sequentially activated along the second direction.

Abstract: A chord estimation apparatus includes: frequency-component extraction means for extracting a frequency component from an input music signal; scale-component information generation means for mapping the frequency component extracted by the frequency-component extraction means onto each tone and generating scale-component information including each tone and loudness thereof; folding means for folding the scale-component information generated by the scale-component information generation means for each two octaves to generate scale-component information including 24 tones; and chord estimation means for inputting the scale-component information including 24 tones into a Bayesian network in order to estimate a chord.

Abstract: In an electronic musical instrument, when a musical tone delay time T1 read from a delay time table TBL depending on a velocity generated by a key being pressed has elapsed, a hammer string-striking sound is generated from musical tone waveform data selected in correspondence with the velocity. At the same time, when an impact delay time T2 read from the delay time table depending on the velocity has elapsed, a shelf board impulsive sound is generated from impact waveform data. The generated hammer string-striking sound and shelf board impulsive sound are added and outputted. As a result, a relationship between the shelf board impulsive sound and the hammer string-striking sound is simulated, and tone variations of an acoustic piano are reproduced.

Abstract: A hydraulic system comprises: a first fluid distribution line (A) and a second fluid distribution line (B) communicating with a stem chamber (11) of a double-acting cylinder (10) destined to move two reciprocally mobile parts; a third fluid distribution line (O) communicating with a single-acting cylinder (20) for blocking the mobile parts; a solenoid distributor (2) which intercepts the third line (O) and switches the third line (O) between a first position in which it pressurises the single-acting cylinder (20) and a second position in which it discharges the single-acting cylinder (20); a first bistable selector valve (7) sending in outlet a pressure signal when a pressure difference between the first line (A) and the second line (B) exceeds a certain value; a pressure sensor (8) communicating with the first selector valve (7) and associated to the solenoid distributor (2) such as to switch the solenoid distributor (2) into the second position when the fluid pressure coming from the outlet of the first

Abstract: An adjustable length cylinder assembly includes a housing and a piston reciprocably mounted within the housing for movement between an extended position and a retracted position. The piston defines first and second hydraulic fluid chambers of differing cross-sectional area on opposite sides of the piston. An accumulator is housed within one of the housing and the piston. Channels communicate hydraulic fluid the first and second chambers and the accumulator during the movement of the piston. A valve member is concentric with the piston and accumulator and rotatable between a first rotary position in which the channels are open so that fluid can be transferred between the chambers to allow retracting and extending movement of the piston and a second rotary position in which the channels are closed so that fluid cannot be transferred and the piston is locked against retracting and extending movement.

Abstract: A system to lock a roll-suspension arrangement operatively connected to allow pivotal movement of a boom assembly about a fore-and-aft axis independent of a carrier frame is provided. The system includes an actuator cylinder having an end movable in a linear direction relative to a fixed end. The fixed end of the actuator cylinder is connected at the carrier frame, and the movable end is connected at the boom assembly. The system further includes a lock valve located in fluid communication with the actuator cylinder. The lock valve in a closed position prevents a fluid flow therethrough so as to restrain movement of the actuator cylinder and rotation of the boom assembly with respect to the carrier frame. In an open position, the lock valve releases movement of the actuator cylinder so that the boom assembly freely pivots independently of the carrier frame.

Abstract: A structure of a hydraulic cylinder of an outrigger should be improved to prevent a hydraulic pressure hose from being damaged, and an arrangement of the hydraulic cylinder should be improved to prevent a rod part of the hydraulic cylinder from being damaged. A cylinder (40) is interposed between a machine frame and each of outriggers (10), which are vertically swingably disposed at opposite sides of the machine frame, so as to lift up and down the outrigger. Fluid passages (54a and 54b) are formed in a rod part (40b) of the hydraulic cylinder (40). Connection portions of fluid suction and delivery ports of the respective fluid passages (54a and 54b) to be connected to the respective hydraulic pressure hoses (51a and 52b) are disposed adjacent to a pivot of the hydraulic cylinder (40).

Abstract: For many applications pressure-medium cylinders have to achieve high adjusting forces which often impairs the dynamics of such cylinders due to the large piston cross sections and cylinder volumes, and/or pressure medium has to be supplied at very high pressure. The present invention shows a pressure-medium cylinder which has short reaction times, high adjusting forces and small overall sizes, which is achieved in that two cylinders 5, 8 are arranged in the pressure-medium cylinder 1, which cylinders can be activated independently of one another.

Abstract: An axial piston machine, in particular an axial piston pump, of the swashplate or bent axis type, is described, wherein a fixed control plate (12), which comprises at least one control passage (12a) consisting of a plurality of control passage sections (12b, 12c) separated from each other by bridges (12d), is arranged between a cylinder drum, rotatable in both directions of rotation, and a fixed housing. The object of the invention is to design the control plate of an axial piston machine in such a way that damage by cavitation to the structural parts is prevented over the entire extent of the control passages for the supply and removal of the operating fluid. For this purpose the at least one control passage (12a) in the region at least of one bridge (12d) is provided with a pressure balance opening (13) connecting the surfaces of the control plate (12) with one another.

Abstract: In one aspect, a brake pump assembly with a hydraulic block and a pumping element including a polymer piston that is received in a piston bore. A circumference of the polymer piston defines a high-pressure seal slideably engaging adjacent structure. The polymer piston may include a peripheral sealing lip projecting primarily longitudinally from the polymer piston for sealing engagement with the piston bore. In another aspect, a brake pump assembly with a hydraulic block, a straight bore polymer piston, a peripheral sealing lip projecting from a proximal portion of the polymer piston, and a elastomeric seal mounted to a distal portion of the polymer piston, where the peripheral sealing lip selectively acts to depressurize fluid accumulating between the peripheral sealing lip and elastomeric seal.

Abstract: A programmable cylinder, a system and a method change a velocity of a machine element within a compartment. A light detector within the compartment determines that the machine element is located at a first position or at a second position and/or is moving at a first velocity or at a second velocity. Switches determine that the machine element may be located at the first position or at the second position and/or is moving at the first velocity or at the second velocity. A microprocessor transmits a control signal to a transducer to alter an electrical current of the transducer to move valves of the compartment between an open position and a closed position. A compressed fluid within the interior of the compartment is changed via the valves. The machine element is accelerated and/or is decelerated to the first velocity or to the second velocity via the compressed fluid.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a motor-driven blower for drawing air and a dust-catching unit for separating dust from the air drawn by the blower and catching the dust separated from the air. A receptacle is located between the blower and the dust-catching unit and holds a filter for filtering the air that has passed through the dust-catching unit. An airflow control device is arranged between the filter and the blower. The airflow control device generates a first airflow, which passes through the dust-catching unit and the filter and goes toward the motor-driven blower. The airflow control device generates a second airflow, too, which bypasses the filter, passes through at least a part of the dust-catching unit, and goes toward the motor-driven blower. The part of the dust-catching unit is located downstream of the receptacle, with respect to a direction in which the second airflow goes.