Abstract: A pneumatic transport system including an up receive/down send customer terminal having a pivot assembly for vertically and pivotally displacing a pneumatic carrier between a vertical position and an angularly disposed presentation position. The customer terminal includes a movable carrier cradle assembly to absorb relatively small impact forces from a vehicle mirror or other moving object. The carrier cradle assembly also includes a break away feature for limiting damage to the customer terminal from greater impact forces. A blower in the customer terminal is operative in pressure and vacuum modes to supply pressure differentials to selectively move the carrier. An up receive/down send operator terminal includes a rotatable door for opening and closing a carrier access opening. A component panel assembly is movable to allow access to terminal components of the operator terminal.

Abstract: A pellet loader according to the present invention is provided with an ejector portion 1. A gas supply pipe 2 is connected to an injection nozzle 11 of the ejector portion 1 for supplying compressed gas from a compressed gas source 8. An insert pipe 4 is connected to a suction inlet 12 of the ejector portion 1. Pellets are sucked from the suction inlet 40 of the insert pipe 4 into the ejector portion 1. A gas pipe 5 is arranged along the insert pipe 4 and one end of the gas pipe 5 has an opening 50 positioned at the vicinity of the suction inlet 40 of the insert pipe 4 and faced to the suction inlet 40 of the insert pipe 4 for injecting the compressed gas into the insert pipe 4. A transport pipe 3 is connected to an outlet portion 14 of the ejector portion 1.

Abstract: A pneumatic transport system including an up receive/down send customer terminal having a pivot assembly for vertically and pivotally displacing a pneumatic carrier between a vertical position and an angularly disposed presentation position. The customer terminal includes a movable carrier cradle assembly to absorb relatively small impact forces from a vehicle mirror or other moving object. The carrier cradle assembly also includes a break away feature for limiting damage to the customer terminal from greater impact forces. A blower in the customer terminal is operative in pressure and vacuum modes to supply pressure differentials to selectively move the carrier. An up receive/down send operator terminal includes a rotatable door for opening and closing a carrier access opening. A component panel assembly is movable to allow access to terminal components of the operator terminal.

Abstract: A microfabricated sheath flow structure for producing a sheath flow includes a primary sheath flow channel for conveying a sheath fluid, a sample inlet for injecting a sample into the sheath fluid in the primary sheath flow channel, a primary focusing region for focusing the sample within the sheath fluid and a secondary focusing region for providing additional focusing of the sample within the sheath fluid. The secondary focusing region may be formed by a flow channel intersecting the primary sheath flow channel to inject additional sheath fluid into the primary sheath flow channel from a selected direction. A sheath flow system may comprise a plurality of sheath flow structures operating in parallel on a microfluidic chip.

Abstract: A metal cutting tool is provided with at least one cutting insert mounted in an insert pocket in communication with an adjusting mechanism, the cutting insert comprising at least one insert adjusting slot extending between two opposing major faces thereof and opening out to each major face at an adjusting aperture and the adjusting mechanism comprising at least one adjusting member having an adjusting member top face underlying the cutting insert while being visible and accessible therethrough.

Abstract: A tool holder (20) comprises a body portion (32), a support member assembly (33) mounted to the body portion and an insert-receiving cartridge (36) removably received in the support member. The insert-receiving cartridge (36) includes a pocket (38) for mounting a cutting insert (40) thereon. The support member assembly (33) includes a bore and the insert-receiving cartridge (36) includes a shank capable of being received in the bore. The combination of the insert-receiving cartridge (36) and the cutting insert (40) forms a cutting tool for a particular cutting operation. In one embodiment, the cutting tools are radially mounted to a side periphery of the body portion (32) such that the vertical axis of the cutting tool is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the toolholder (20).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool as well as a blank for manufacturing of the tool. The tool is made of solid cemented carbide and includes a shank for mounting in a rotatable spindle and chip flutes. Lines of intersection between the chip flutes and clearance surfaces form cutting edges at a cutting end of the tool. The flush channels extend through the entire tool in order to transfer flushing medium to the cutting end of the tool. The flush channels have varying pitch.

Abstract: The invention describes a drill plate with a clamping attachment in a rotatably driven base body, which on one of its end faces forms a centering groove that is open towards the top. A clamping slot extending into the material of the base body is arranged at the bottom of the centering groove. The centering groove is bounded by at least two opposing mounting jaws, with at least two diametrically opposing stop faces arranged in the region of the clamping jaws for providing centering contact with the drill plate. The clamping attachment is formed by a mounting screw which clamps the drill plate in the centering groove. To improve transfer of the operating torque from the drill plate to the base body and to facilitate handling, at least two centering fins that are diametrically opposed with respect to the transverse center axis are arranged on the drill plate. The centering fins contact corresponding stop faces disposed on the corresponding clamping jaws of the base body.

Abstract: Milling cutter (1), which can rotate about a cutter longitudinal axis (A), comprises a sleeve-shaped shaft (2) provided with an inner lying chip evacuation channel (11), which is arranged, in essence, symmetric to the cutter longitudinal axis (A), and with a suction opening (12). The milling cutter also comprises a milling head (3, 3a, 3b, 3c), which is held coaxial to the cutter longitudinal axis (A) and to the shaft (2) while being held on said shaft and which comprises, as cutting edges (7, 9), a face cutting edge (7) and a peripheral cutting edge (9). At least one cutting edge (7, 9) forms a positive rake angle (?a, ?r) on the periphery of the milling head (3, 3a, 3b, 3c). The milling cutter (1) is particularly suited for machining light metals, especially for circular milling.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a spindle apparatus which facilitates assembling and removing operations at the time of maintenance and which is low cost. In the invention, the diameter becomes smaller in the order of an inner peripheral diameter of an outer cylinder (3), an inside diameter of a stator (4), and an outside diameter of a bearing sleeve (11); a sub-assembly (2) made up of a front housing (8), a rotating shaft (6), and the bearing sleeve (11) is withdrawable from the outer cylinder (3); and the diameter of a rotating part in an arbitrary section located rearwardly of the bearing sleeve (11) is made smaller than a minimum diameter of a non-rotating part between a rear end of the bearing sleeve (11) and the section.

Abstract: An edge protector for shielding corners of cargo such as laminated panels or sheet material from damage by a tie down strap used mounted on a platform for shipment. The edge protector is preferably constructed from an aramid fiber with a polyurethane foam filler for cushioning. A plurality of buckle fasteners are sewn to the top surface of the edge protector to position the strap against movement during transportation. An abrasion resistant and cut resistant surface is provided on the edge protector for protection against the edges of the strap.

Abstract: A cap for use on a palletized load has a main moulding providing housings at a pair or two pairs of opposite sides for a cassette in which a strap passes through a slotted crossbar between a drum and a hook having two prongs for engaging the underside of the platform of a pallet (e.g. at each side of a middle spacer), the strap then being tensioned by a linkage between the slotted crossbar and a lever within a slot for swinging between an inoperative position and an operative position (e.g. up to 90° thereto) to rotate the crossbar to wind the strap thereon.

Abstract: An anchor (100) for securing a rope (215) while holding tension comprises conjoined hook (105), foot (120, 125), and knee (115) sections. Both feet of the anchor are attached to a surface (200) where a first foot (120) forms one or more wedges (225, 230) with the surface. A rope from an object to be secured (220) passes beneath the knee, around the first foot and is secured by a knot (400) to the shank (110) of the hook. The first wedge (225) secures the rope and keeps it from slipping while the knot is tied. In an alternative embodiment, only one foot (120) is attached to the surface. This permits slidable entrance of the rope from the side of the anchor. The result is a firm anchorage which to which a rope can be fastened without the need for strength or dexterity on the part of the user.

Abstract: A charging device for bulk material comprises a rotor having a substantially vertical axis of rotation a first drive for rotating the rotor and a chute supported by the rotor so as to be rotated with the latter. The chute can be rotated about its longitudinal axis. Its concavely curved sliding surface has a width that is diminishing from the top end to the bottom end of the chute, so that it is possible to vary the location where bulk material sliding down the chute channel leaves the latter by rotating the chute about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A warehouse palette rack repositioning assembly which can move a palette rack in its fully loaded state from one area of the warehouse to the other area of the warehouse. The warehouse pallet rack repositioning assembly can be installed onto a pallet rack by one workman. The assembly has a lifting unit and four wheeled skate units which provide the transportation means. The lifting unit is attached to the palette rack upright legs in the transverse direction, and a jack is used to actuate the lifting unit and lift the palette rack. The wheeled skate units are then installed underneath the palette rack uprights, with the pallet rack then being loaded onto the wheeled skate units for transportation.

Abstract: A panel conveying system includes a panel cassette for receiving a plurality of panels, and a conveying vehicle for conveying the panel cassette. The conveying vehicle includes a loading/unloading unit installed on the main body to load and/or unload the panel cassette on and/or from a panel processing unit, a panel conveying unit installed on the main body to feed and/or collect the panels to and/or from a panel processing area, and a lifting unit supporting the panel cassette in the main body.

Abstract: A drive of mounting a rotating implement to a crane arm or similar, comprises a rotator located between the crane arm and the unit that at one end is pivot-mounted to the implement for rotating the same relative to the crane arm and slewing around a first pivot axis and at the other end is mounted to the crane arm via a hinged link for slewing around a second pivot axis, a swivel coupling arranged on the rotator for supplying the working chambers of a drive for the rotator and any other consumers included in the unit with a hydraulic medium and that to one end of the swivel coupling is arranged connecting unions, to which hydraulic medium lines leading from the crane arm are attached.

Abstract: The invention concerns a rotor blade, in particular a rotor blade of a wind power installation. The object of the present invention is to provide measures for still further improving the CR-value and also the level of acoustic power of rotor blades of wind power installations. A rotor blade for a wind power installation includes a high pressure side and a low pressure side. A substantially constant, area-covering electrostatic field is provided on the low pressure side.

Abstract: A molecular drag, turbomolecular, or hybrid turbo/drag pump (5) of the invention has an outlet stage with a cylindrical peripheral wall (17) and a radial outlet orifice (23) passing through the cylindrical peripheral wall (17). An annular coaxial closure member (24) bears against the cylindrical peripheral wall (17) around the radial outlet orifice. The annular coaxial closure member (24) includes a through slot and optionally also a total closure shutter (26). The annular coaxial closure member (24) is caused to turn about the axis of the cylinder by a motor (8) in order to place its through slot or its total closure shutter (26) in register with the radial outlet orifice (23), or partially in register with the radial outlet orifice (23) in order to adjust the opening of the valve and regulate the gas flow pumped by the pump (5). A pump is thus provided that includes an integrated regulator and/or closure valve.

Abstract: A duct fan comprises a housing (4) having substantially the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped and inside thereof an impeller (5) and a motor for rotation thereof. The fan has also a member for connecting an inlet side of the housing to an upstream duct part for sucking air in therefrom and a member for connecting an outlet side of the housing to a downstream duct part for exhausting air thereto. The impeller is a radial impeller having the axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the direction of the main transport of air from the inlet to the outlet. The outlet connecting member is designed to define an airflow path tapering substantially conically in the outlet towards the end of that member adapted to adjoin to a said downstream duct part.

Abstract: The metal sheet of the invention includes means for fixing it to a support and a seal gasket laid out along these means. The fixing means comprise at least one lumen provided on the metal sheet by punching, with a cavity for receiving a head of a fixing component corresponding to a metal sheet portion protruding on the opposite face and a washer for transferring stresses between the metal sheet and the support on said protruding portion.

Abstract: A centrifugal fan assembly including a housing having a lower surface and a parallel inlet wall that defines an inlet opening. A shaft is supported by the housing for rotating about an axis. A plurality of fan blades are disposed about the shaft and extend radially from the axis for drawing air axially into the fan blades and blowing air radially outwardly. The housing defines a scroll wall that spirals about the axis and defines an outlet air passage that extends substantially tangentially to the axis. The fan blades include extensions that extend through the inlet opening and outside of the inlet wall.

Abstract: A fluid flow machine comprises an array of vanes (2) which are supported at their ends by inner and outer support structures 4, 6. The ends of the vanes are received in slots 8, 10, with resilient material 12 disposed between the vane 2 and the wall of the slot 8, 10. A restraint element 14, 34 is mounted in a recess 26, 28; 48 of the support structure 4, 6 and is engaged by a notch 30, 32 in the vane 2 to restrict axial displacement of the vane 2. Consequently, vibration of the vane in directions perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the vane are damped by the elastomeric material 12 but bodily axial displacement of the vane 2 is prevented by the restraint elements 14, 34.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating electrical energy in a fluid environment, the apparatus including a wing member for disposition in the fluid and pivotally movable about an axis in response to flow of the fluid thereabout, connector rods each pivotally mounted at a first end thereof on the wing on opposite sides of the axis, a crank member attached to a second end of each of the connector rods and rotatable about a pivot axis by movement of the attached connector rod, a housing supporting the wing member, a gear system disposed in the housing, an axle interconnecting each of the crank members and the gear system, and an electrical generator disposed in the housing and driven by the gear system.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a turbine engine component comprises the steps of forming a first half of an airfoil portion of the turbine engine component and forming a first cooling microcircuit having at least one passageway on an exposed internal wall of the first half of the airfoil portion. The method further comprises forming a second half of the airfoil portion of said turbine engine component, forming a second cooling microcircuit having at least one passageway on an exposed internal wall of the second half of the airfoil portion, and placing the first half in an abutting relationship with the second half after the cooling microcircuits have been formed and inspected.

Abstract: A turbine engine component such as a turbine blade includes an airfoil portion formed by a suction side wall and a pressure side wall, and a cooling microcircuit incorporated in at least one of the suction side wall and the pressure side wall. The cooling microcircuit comprises a channel through which a cooling fluid flows, at least one exit hole for distributing cooling fluid over a surface of the turbine blade, and internal features within the channel for accelerating the flow of cooling fluid prior to the cooling fluid flowing through the at least one exit hole.

Abstract: An impeller apparatus for a water pump includes a driven side rotation body having a shaft portion and a plane portion positioned outside of the shaft portion in a radial direction, the driven side rotation body being arranged coaxially to a drive side rotation body which operates an auxiliary and being connected to the drive side rotation body through the plane portion and an intermediate member provided on an internal periphery of the drive side rotation body to project inwardly in a radial direction to integrally rotate with the drive side rotation body, and an impeller attached on the shaft portion to integrally rotate with the driven side rotation body.

Abstract: A turbomachine blade comprising a root portion and an aerofoil portion, the aerofoil portion having a leading edge, a trailing edge, a concave metal wall portion extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge and a convex metal wall portion extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge. The concave metal wall portion and the convex metal wall portion form a continuous integral metal wall. The aerofoil portion has a hollow interior defined by at least one internal surface and the hollow interior of the aerofoil portion is at least partially filled with a vibration damping and stiffening system that comprises a vibration damping material. The vibration damping material is bonded to the at least one internal surface and the vibration damping and stiffening system comprises a variation of material properties between the wall portions.

Abstract: A scroll compressor includes various features that promote a bifurcated flow pattern of gas through a compressor shell to reduce oil entrainment. After entering the shell, some gas travels upward, which reduces the volume of gas traveling downward toward an oil sump. To accomplish this, the compressor's motor can be surrounded by a sleeve having upper and lower apertures for directing the flow to the motor's upper and lower stator end turns. In some embodiments, a suction inlet is strategically positioned relative to two gas passageways that are between the stator and the compressor shell. The inlet's position is such that one passageway receives incoming gas and divides the flow in opposite directions: upward and downward. The other passageway only conveys the gas upward. In addition, a suction baffle, a diffuser, a streamlined counterweight and/or a suction line oil trap can also help promote gas/oil separation or minimize oil entrainment.

Abstract: A method for supplying solvent to an ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography system using a hydraulic amplifier. The hydraulic amplifier system includes a hydraulic cylinder comprising a primary piston chamber in which a primary piston is disposed and a secondary piston chamber in which a secondary piston is disposed. The cross-sectional area of the primary piston is larger than the cross-sectional area of the secondary piston. The difference in the cross-sectional areas of the pistons creates an amplification of the pressure in the primary piston chamber and a reduction in flow rate.

Abstract: The fluid-flow device (100) of the invention comprises a stack (30) covered by a closure wafer (20), said stack (30) comprising a support wafer (36), a layer of insulating material (34), and a silicon layer (32). The closure wafer (20) and/or said silicon layer (32) are machined so as to define a cavity (38) between said closure wafer (20) and said silicon layer (32), said support wafer (36) has at least one duct (102) passing right through it, said layer of insulating material (34) presenting at least one zone (35) that is entirely free of material placed at least in line with said duct (102) so as to co-operate with said cavity (38) to define a moving member (40) in said silicon layer (32), the moving member being suitable under the pressure of liquid in said cavity (38) for reversibly moving towards said support wafer (36) until contact is made between said moving member (40) and said support wafer (36).

Abstract: A material handling exit section in the nature of a material extruder and mold combination for shaping the material exiting a hydrolyzer, comprising an extrusion chamber and a plunger assembly attached to the extrusion chamber and further including a working cylinder having a cylinder shaft and a ram operably connected to the shaft enabling the ram to move the material within the extrusion chamber upon actuation of the cylinder and the extension of the shaft therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a strip of rubber compounds comprises four extruders (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) and a single extruder head (3). The extruder head (3) comprises an extruder die assembly (6) and a main body (4). The main body (4) is composed of a pair of laterally-spaced lateral blocks (11), a central block (10) disposed between the lateral blocks, and a pair of laterally-spaced sub blocks (13) disposed beneath the lateral blocks (11). The central block (10) has a pair of V-form side faces (15) extending in a V-shaped formation down to lateral ends of the bottom face (S1). The lateral blocks (11) are each provided with an upper mount face (21U) and a lower mount face (21L) on which two of the four extruders are respectively attached. An upper preforming channel (24Ua, 24Ub) extending from an extruder to the die assembly has a parting plane along the V-form side face (15). A lower preforming channel (24Lc, 24Ld) extending from an extruder to the die assembly also has a parting plane.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a mold comprises a nubbin positioned within the mold, and an actuator positioned within the mold to align the nubbin. The actuator may be implemented with a piezoelectric material, a magnetorestrictive material, an electrorestrictive material, etc. In one embodiment, the actuator is formed into a cylinder and placed around a nubbin in a mold. When the actuator receives a stimulus, the actuator constricts decreasing the size of the inner diameter. Decreasing the size of the inner diameter causes the actuator to constrict and align the nubbin along a centerline.

Abstract: The identification and location of possible faults of operation and/or installation of a hot runner are obtained through the measurement of the absorption of power by the heating resistors applied to the arms and to the injectors of the hot runner. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of the power absorbed by the resistors also enables identification of the type of possible faults and the corresponding seriousness.

Abstract: A control device includes: a memory 29r for storing, in a process from a mold tool 10 being open until being closed, the value X(t) of a current flowing in a motor 3 at multiple points in time synchronized to the closing command signal; a mean-and-variance calculating for each of the points in time means for calculating a mean value Mx(t) and a variance value Vx(t) that correspond to current values X(t) that have been read from the memory 29r; a threshold calculating means for calculating a current threshold Xf(t) for each of the points in time using the mean value Mx(t) and the variance value Vx(t) from an arbitrary number of times up to (A?1) times, according to the following equation: Xf(t)=Mx(t)+N·{Vx(t)}1/2 where N is a constant and not less than 3; and a foreign object determining unit 29 for comparing the current threshold Xf(t) and the current value X(t) at each of the points in time to determine whether there is an abnormality according to whether the current value X(t) exceeds the current threshold

Abstract: A molding apparatus includes a moving mold for shaping molten plastic into product made within the moving mold. The moving mold is surrounded by an air block housing to define a cooling chamber exteriorly around the moving mold. At least one heat exchanger is located within the cooling chamber. The heat exchanger provides cooling air which is contained by the housing within the cooling chamber to act on and provide cooling of the moving mold.

Abstract: Disclosed is a die (10) for forming a honeycomb body having a structure provided with groovy slits (2) on a front face thereof, the slits being formed by cell blocks (3) and back holes (4) on a back surface thereof, each hole being communicatively connected with the slit. The number N of the cell blocks per one side of the die is even number. According to the die for forming the honeycomb body, strain generated on an extruded face of the honeycomb body after extrusion and bending of the honeycomb body can be reduced as well as the die can maintain a stable frictional force of extrusion and is excellent in extrudability and wear resistance.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for converting feed material into granules under the application of pressure. The apparatus includes a conveyor screw arranged about an axis of rotation with at least one screw spiral, a rotationally symmetric working chamber arranged about the axis of rotation, which chamber is formed by two annular walls arranged at an axial distance from one another and by an annular perforated die. The annular wall has a central opening arranged coaxial to the axis of rotation into which the conveyor screw discharges in order to feed the working chamber with feed material. The apparatus also includes a pressure element that rotates about the axis of rotation and has at least one pressure arm, which extends from the axis of rotation toward the perforated die delivers the axially supplied feed material to the perforated die in the radial direction, and compacts it while doing so.

Abstract: A three-dimensional hard copy apparatus including: a shape forming unit including plural display pins having a contact unit, which selectively contacts a thermoplastic sheet, and moves relative to a display surface and is capable of forming a predetermined pattern; a drive unit that selectively drives the plural display pins; a lock sheet that holds the positions of the plural display pins; and a fan that moves the thermoplastic sheet in a direction of the shape forming unit and brings the thermoplastic sheet into press contact with the shape forming unit, wherein the apparatus forms the predetermined pattern with the shape forming unit, holds the plural display pins with the lock sheet, and brings the thermoplastic sheet and the shape forming unit with the fan to mold a pattern of a shape matching the predetermined pattern, which is formed by the shape forming unit, on the thermoplastic sheet.

Abstract: The installation for manufacturing objects such as receptacles by thermoforming pellets of thermoplastic material includes conveyor means for conveying the pellets through the various stations in the installation, said stations including a heating station and a thermoforming station. The conveyor means comprise conveyor elements (46) defining cells (48) which are open upwards and downwards, and each of which is suitable for containing one pellet (12) while the entire top and bottom faces of the pellet remain unobstructed, means for depositing the pellets in the cells, drive means for driving the conveyor elements through the heating station, and transfer means (20) for transferring the heated pellets to the thermoforming station. The heating station includes bottom heater means (52) that co-operate with a support for the pellets while said conveyor elements are being driven through the heating station.

Abstract: In a die plate having a hardened surface for sliding a knife, a plurality of WC alloy plates 1b are diffusion-bonded to a base metal 2b, whereby the hardened surface h is formed. A plurality of nozzle holes 4a, 4a . . . are formed on each of the WC alloy plates 1b. Each of the WC alloy plates 1b is formed into a shape having a thickness of 2.5 mm or more and two adjacent edges 20 mm or more in length, wherein each edge is 200 mm or less in length. The die plate has high freedom in an arrangement of nozzle holes to enable a close arrangement of a number of nozzle holes, has an extended life with hardly causing dropping-off of a member constituting a hardened surface, and can be produced with a minimized number of processes.

Abstract: A first transfer mechanism of a biaxial stretch blow-forming apparatus has sliders that are transported along a circular transportation passage. The sliders slide along a circular guide rail installed on a turntable. Each of the sliders is swung to left and right by a swing arm as the turntable rotates, and a feed pitch of a preform holding groove formed in a holding plate installed at an end of each of the sliders is changed. The feed pitch can be changed by a simple mechanism. Because the holding groove always faces a radial direction, receiving and handing over actions of a preform sent along the circular transportation passage can be reliably performed.

Abstract: A die for molding a disk substrate capable of forming fine recessed and projected pits and grooves up to the outer periphery of the disk substrate by preventing low heat conductive elements from peeling off and burrs from occurring on the outer periphery thereof. The die includes a first base die, a second base die disposed oppositely to the first base die, a first low heat conductive element fixed to the first base die, a stamper fixed onto the first low heat conductive element, a second low heat conductive element fixed onto the second base die, and a ring-like regulating member fitted to and in slidable contact with either of the first and second low heat conductive elements. The die is characterized in that the end part of the ring-shaped regulating member is positioned within the range of the outer peripheral side face of the low heat conductive element in slidable contact therewith.

Abstract: A movable platen (4) capable of advance and retraction with respect to a fixed plate is provided with a tie bar connecting device (12) for meshing a split nut (18) with the multiple groove portion (16) of a tie bar (10), and a mold clamping cylinder (20) operable with the split nut (18) serving as a reaction force point. The mold clamping cylinder (20) comprises a primary piston (22) contacting the split nut (18) and a secondary piston (24) movable relative to the primary piston (22). It is arranged that the movable platen (4) is stopped just before the position at which the movable mold contacts the fixed mold, and in this state the split nut (18) is reliably meshed with the multiple groove portion (16). Thereafter, the secondary piston (24) and primary piston (22) are moved integrally with respect to the movable platen (4) so as to effect mold contacting and mold clamping. After molding, the secondary piston (24) and the primary piston (22) are relatively moved to effect mold release.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lighter including a housing having a supply of fuel, an actuating member extending from the housing and being movable to selectively perform at least one step in igniting the fuel, and an inhibiting member extending from the housing. Moving the inhibiting member a predetermined distance resists, obstructs and/or prevents the actuating member from performing at least one step in igniting the fuel. For example, moving the inhibiting member the predetermined distance may resist and/or prevent movement of the actuating member, may obstruct and/or prevent the release of fuel, and/or may resist and/or prevent the creation of a spark to ignite the fuel. Various other features which improve the functioning of the lighter may be provided separately or in combination.

Abstract: The invention provides a raw materials feeding apparatus capable of uniformly dispersing and feeding into a furnace agglomerated raw materials that are likely to undergo dusting, deformation and mutual adhesion. In a raw material feeding apparatus for a rotary hearth furnace, for feeding raw materials to a rotary hearth furnace by using a flat belt conveyor, the invention employs a construction in which a scraper for guiding the raw materials on the flat belt conveyor to a side surface of the flat belt conveyor is arranged obliquely to a traveling direction of the flat belt conveyor. Preferably, the scraper is arranged in such a manner as to guide the raw materials to both sides of the flat belt conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention is a thermal processing unit including: a heating-furnace body whose upper end has an opening; a reaction tube consisting of a single tube contained in the heating-furnace body; a gas-discharging-unit connecting portion formed at an upper portion of the reaction tube, the gas-discharging-unit connecting portion having a narrow diameter; a substrate-to-be-processed supporting member for supporting a substrate to be processed, contained in the heating-furnace body; and a heating unit for heating the substrate to be processed supported by the substrate-to-be-processed supporting member.

Abstract: The present invention is direct to a device and method for diagnosis of enamel cavitation of an interproximal dental surface. And in particular, the invention is directed to a device and method for diagnosing enamel cavitation of an interproximal tooth surface that is not visible or probe-able by instrumentation in human permanent and deciduous teeth. More specifically, the device has a substrate of generally rectangular shape and of a sufficient thickness such that it may be inserted into the interproximal space of teeth. On the substrate is disposed an impressionable material for contacting the interproximal surface and forming an impression thereof. The impressionable material has visco-elastic properties such that an impression of enamel cavitation on the interproximal surface remains on the impressionable material following removal of the substrate from the interproximal surface.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an endodontic instrument using an electrochemical (ECG) grinding process. An instrument blank is formed from stock material, and an electric current is applied between an electrically conductive grinding wheel, acting as a cathode, and the instrument blank, acting as an anode. A continuous stream of electrolyte fluid, a conductive aqueous solution, is applied at an interface between the grinding wheel and the instrument blank, the electrolyte fluid having an associated volume and pressure. The instrument blank is advanced past the electrically conductive grinding wheel to remove material from the instrument blank to form at least one cutting flute. The electric current applied between the grinding wheel and the instrument blank is reduced, and the instrument blank is advanced past the grinding wheel again to form a finish surface, e.g., a sharp cutting edge, on the at least one cutting flute.