Abstract: A chip removing device, in which a pair of brush support bodies include brushes 57 that can come into contact with both side surfaces of a band saw blade 23U, a rotation direction on a side where the pair of brushes come into contact with the band saw blade is inclined in a forward and downward direction with respect to a running direction of the band saw blade, the brush support body is provided such that it can rock in a direction approaching the band saw blade and in a direction separating away from the band saw blade, the chip removing device includes a biasing unit that can bias the brush support body in the direction approaching the band saw blade and in the direction separating away from the band saw blade, and the brush is rotated from the blade root side to the blade tip side of the band saw blade, thereby removing the chips.

Abstract: A sawing table comprises a plate, a positioning device and a guiding device. The positioning device includes a positioning board and a fastening bar which is utilized to fasten the positioning board on the plate for providing a restriction. The guiding device is disposed under the plate and characterized by having lugs engaging the positioning board with chains. Thus, the positioning board is movably guided or alternatively fastened on the plate by operating the fastening bar.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a workpiece sheet is provided that includes a support frame, a cutter head assembly, and a clamp assembly. The cutter head assembly is mounted on a track attached to the support frame, and can be selectively moved along the track. The clamp assembly includes a bar that is selectively operable between a retracted position and a deployed position.

Abstract: A sawing apparatus is implemented to cut rolls out of an elongated log. An in-feed conveyor pushes the log, and a braking system stops the log at a controlled position. A clamping system then holds the log in place while a saw blade travels to cut a roll out of the log. While the log is being cut, a bending pressure is applied on the log. The roll then is unloaded on a discharge conveyor.

Abstract: The table saw disclosed herein includes a table, a saw assembly pivotally attached to the table, the saw assembly comprising an arbor movable relative to the table, a bevel shaft operatively connected to the saw assembly for pivoting the saw assembly, and a height shaft operatively connected to the saw assembly for moving the arbor relative to the table, wherein distance between the height shaft and the table is larger than distance between the bevel shaft and the table.

Abstract: A light path molding apparatus of cutting machine tool, wherein the cutting machine tool comprises a shaft and a circular saw blade. The light path molding apparatus comprises an outer casing, a circuit board, a plurality of fixing structures and a plurality of light emitting diodes, wherein the outer casing has a containing base is disposed at the shaft and a cover is covered on the containing base; the circuit board is disposed in the containing base; the fixing structures are disposed on the circuit board for fixing and electrically connecting with a mercury in vertical; each of the light emitting diodes is electrically connected with the circuit board and passed through a circumference wall of the containing base for emitting scattering light, and a portion of scattering light is shielded by the circular saw blade to form a light path.

Abstract: A rotating blade for a cutting machine. The blade defines an arbor hole for an arbor typically having at least three sides. The preferred arbor hole includes first and second sides each of which conform to adjacent sides of the arbor, a short side joining the first and second sides, a third side connected to the first side, and a fourth side connecting the third side to the second side.

Abstract: A tool holder or a disc-shaped working tool (18) has a working tool holding member (14) and a working tool holding counter-member (16) rotatable, together with the working tool holding member, (14) about an operational axis (A) and cooperating with the working tool holding member (14) for receiving therebetween the working tool (18) for joint rotation therewith; central securing element (26) for securing the working tool (18) between the working tool holding member (14) and the working tool holding counter-member (16); and at least one coupling element (44) associated with the working tool holding member (14), radially spaceable from the central securing element (26) and having a rotary stop for forming a releaseable plug-in connection with at least one through-bore (24) formed in the working tool (18).

Abstract: A band saw blade guide wear pad includes a slab having a first contact face of wear resistant material, a second contact face of wear resistant material opposed to the first contact face, and a peripheral edge. When the wear resistant material on the first contact face becomes worn, the slab is inverted and use of the slab continues until the wear resistant material on the second contact face also becomes worn. Variations of wear pad holders adapted for use with the wear pads are also described.

Abstract: The reversible circular saw blade has a plurality of saw teeth, each tooth having a forward-facing cutting edge and a trailing cutting edge so that the saw blade can be removed and reattached to the circular saw with the opposite face of the blade abutting the saw in order to cut with the trailing cutting edge when the forward cutting edge becomes dull. A top surface extends from the forward-facing cutting edge to the trailing cutting edge. The top surface of each tooth has a radius of curvature at least equal to the radius of the saw blade.

Abstract: A method for forming a stent and for also forming channels in the outer surface of selected regions of the stent structure. The method includes impinging a laser beam generated by a diode pumped Q-switched pulsed Nd/YAG laser operating at the third harmonic on an outer surface of a stent and controllably machining channels in the outer surface of the stent. The depth of the channels may be controlled by adjusting the power and pulse rate of the laser, and also by adjusting the rate at which the stent moves relative to the laser beam.

Abstract: A string puller for selectively adjusting the pitch of the string(s) of a stringed musical instrument. Each string of the instrument is attached to a respective string puller. Each string puller comprises a pivoting member rotatably mounted on a pivot at a pivot support on the pivoting member. The pivoting member has a knife-edge surface which supports the string such that contact of the string at a first end of the scale ends at said knife-edge surface throughout a normal range of pivoting of said pivoting member. The pivoting member is disposed on a lever for pivoting the pivoting member to adjust the tension on the string.

Abstract: A pitch adjustment device for selectively adjusting the pitch of the string(s) of a stringed musical instrument. Each string of the instrument is attached to a respective pitch adjustment device. Each pitch adjustment device comprises a tuning key to which the string is attached. The tuning key is mounted on a pivotable lever. A pull rod is attached to the lever to selectively pivot the lever. When the pull rod is actuated, it causes the lever and the tuning key to pivot, thereby adjusting the tension or pitch of the string. While the lever and tuning key pivot, the adjustment of the tuning key relative to the lever remains unchanged. Accordingly, when the pull rod is de-actuated, the lever and tuning key return to their original position and the string returns to its normal open pitch. A roller nut having a pivoting knife-edged surface is also provided.

Abstract: An oboe reed gouge device has a carriage upon which a blade is carried at an angle to raw cane material from which a reed is formed. The carriage is rotatably and longitudinally slidable on a rod to move relative to the cane. The rod has opposing end segments with coincident axes that are offset from the axis of a central rod segment. By rotating the rod about the axes of the end segments, the carriage, which is mounted on the central rod segment, is moved laterally relative to the cane. By mounting a gauge finger against the central rod segment, the amount of lateral displacement can be measured and displayed. A groove is formed in the carriage, and the blade is mounted in the groove using a pin with a drive screw, and a second screw to lock the blade in position.

Abstract: A saxophone is equipped with a supporting system, and the supporting system assists a player in performance on the saxophone; the supporting system includes pressure sensors respectively adhered to the keys of the saxophone, torque motors provided in association with the keys for exerting assisting force on the keys and a controller for adjusting a driving signal to a certain amount corresponding to the pressure; since a conversion table is stored in the controller, the controller looks up the amount of driving current to be adjusted in the conversion table, and supplies the driving signal to the torque motor, whereby the keys are depressed by the total of finger force and assisting force.

Abstract: An adjustable drum pedal assembly has a rotated shaft, a drive device and a chain. The rotated shaft has a fixed bracket formed on the rotated shaft and has a screwed hole. The drive device is mounted on the rotated shaft and has a base, a mounting panel and a bolt. The base is combined with the fixed bracket and has an adjusting groove, a mounting recess, a securing hole and an elongated through hole. The mounting panel is mounted to the rear end of the base. The bolt is screwed into the screwed hole. The chain is mounted between the drive device and the drum pedal and has a fastener screwed into the securing hole in the base to connect the chain to the drive device.

Abstract: A keyboard structure capable of suppressing a depth dimension of a keyboard instrument and rearward displacements of key main bodies to thereby prevent plastic deformation of hinges. White and black key main bodies are each disposed for pivotal motion around a common base end, serving as a key fulcrum, in a key depression/release direction via a hinge extended therefrom vertically downward. A rear stopper is provided in an intermediate portion of a key frame, and a contact portion of a stopper contact member is in light contact with a front surface of the rear stopper when a key main body is in a key depression initial position. In a key-nondepressed state, when a force exerting toward the rear is applied to a key main body, the rear stopper applies the contact portion with a force exerting toward the front against the force applied to the key main body, thus suppressing a rearward displacement of the key main body.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method for melody representation and matching able to accommodate pitch and speed variations in the query input The melody is represented by a sequence of data points, which is invariant to the speed or tempo of the melody. For the melody representation, the hummed query is converted to a pitch time series. The pitch time series is then approximated by a sequence of line segments. The line segment sequence in time domain is then mapped into a sequence of points in a value-run domain. The sequence of points is invariant to the time or speed in the original time series. In a data point sequence matching technique, the query data sequence is aligned with the target data sequence in a database. This alignment is done based on important anchor points in the data sequences that can tolerate value variation (pitch and key inaccuracy in the hummed query) and it also helps determine the probable matching candidates from all the subsequences of the target data sequences.

Abstract: An electronic music apparatus has a tone generator section that generates tone signals based on at least one of performance operation or automatic performance data. The generated tone signals are recorded by a recording section for a predetermined time. When tone signals to be generated by the tone generator section on the basis of automatic performance data requiring copyright protection, recording by the recording section is temporarily stopped. Then, upon completion of the generation of the tone signals based on the automatic performance data requiring copyright protection, recording by the recording section is automatically resumed. Alternatively, for a period from the start to end of the generation of the tone signals based on automatic performance data requiring copyright protection, the recording section is inhibited from recording the tone signals based on the automatic performance data requiring copyright protection.

Abstract: A sound control apparatus for a keyboard-based musical instrument for avoiding a touch of a shutter to a back check, thereby appropriately setting a sound generation timing and maintaining a satisfactory touch feeling. The sound control apparatus comprises a shutter integrated with a hammer adapted to swing associated with a swinging motion of a key, extending along a plane including a path along which said hammer swings, and formed with a cutout in an edge on an opposite side to a direction in which said hammer swings. An optical sensor has a light emitter disposed on one side of the swinging path of said shutter for emitting light, and a light receiver disposed on the other side of the swinging path for receiving the light from said light emitter, and generates a detection signal in accordance with a light receiving state of said light receiver.

Abstract: A rapidly deployable barrier is constructed from one or more rows of tubes that are wound from fiber materials. The tubes are arranged in parallel side-by-side relation abutting one another so as to form a wall. A tube in accordance with one embodiment of the invention comprises a plurality of layers of flexible fiber materials wound one upon another about an axis and adhered together to form the tube. The layers include one or more relatively low-penetration-resistant fiber layers and one or more relatively high-penetration-resistant fabric layers formed from fibers selected from the group consisting of polymer fibers, carbon fibers, glass fibers, ceramic fibers, natural fibers, and mixtures thereof. The tube can also include one or more resilient foam layers. The tube can be filled with concrete, sand, steel bar stock, or the like.

Abstract: An improved method of blast suppression involves forming a foam barrier in proximity to a bomb or other suspicious device. The foam is maintained in position by a containment structure which is inflated and kept in an inflated state by the foam used to form such barrier. Various containment structures and methods are disclosed for suppression of compression waves and combustion effects caused by an explosive event.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a working machine according to the present invention includes a regulator control valve for controlling an operation of a pump regulator and a controller for sending a control signal for changing a discharge quantity of the pump to the regulator control valve in accordance with an operation amount of an operating means. On the basis of the control signal, a secondary pressure in the regulator control valve is fed to the pump regulator. This system further includes a fail-safe valve disposed in a control line joining the pump regulator and the regulator control valve. The fail-safe valve has an ordinary position for sending the secondary pressure to the pump regulator and a fail-safe position for sending an oil pressure from a path other than the regulator control valve to the pump regulator in such a manner that a predetermined discharge amount is ensured.

Abstract: An adjustment device for a variable compression ratio engine. An engine block (100) is equipped internally with a transmission device (1) including, for at least one piston (2), a transmission member (3) which co-operates with (i) a rolling guide device (4) and (ii) a sprocket wheel (5), the sprocket wheel (5) co-operating with a control rack (7), on the opposite side from the transmission member (3). Moreover, the vertical position of the control rack in relation to the engine block (100) is adjusted by a control device (12). In addition, the adjustment device includes: elements for adjusting the position of the transmission device (1), which are disposed at the rolling guide device (4); and elements for adjusting the working clearance of the transmission device (1), which are disposed at the control rack (7).

Abstract: A piston assembly includes a cross-head piston and a cylindrical cross pin. The cross-head piston includes a piston head having a cylindrical wall, a lateral surface and an opposite inward surface. Two spaced-apart connection ears, each having a proximal end and an opposite distal end, extend outwardly from the inward surface. Each proximal end is affixed to the inward surface and each distal end defines a pin bore passing therethrough. A piston well is defined by the inward surface and the connection ears. The cylindrical cross pin is disposed coaxially with a central axis so as to be engaged with both pin bores. The cross pin defines a central cross pin oil passage passing transversely to the central axis. The cross pin is placed in relation to the piston head so that the second end of the cross pin oil passage is directed to the piston well.

Abstract: A piston assembly is described including a connecting rod and a piston head secured to the connecting rod and in operational communication with the connecting rod. The piston head has a circumferential groove extending inwardly from an exterior surface of the piston head. The piston head further has a compression mechanism aperture disposed proximate the groove. An oil ring expander is disposed generally within the groove. The expander includes a gap between a first expander end and a second expander end. The gap is proximate the compression mechanism aperture. At least one lever arm is in mechanical communication with the connecting rod. The at least one lever arm has a tab disposed between the first expander end and the second expander end.

Abstract: The present invention provides a motorcycle including a front wheel, a rear wheel, a frame supported by the front and rear wheels, a crankcase including a first interface portion and a first passageway exposed to the first interface portion, a reservoir located remotely from the crankcase adapted to contain a lubricant, and a transmission case supported by the frame and including a second interface portion and a second passageway exposed to the second interface portion. The second passageway is in fluid communication with the reservoir. The first interface portion is coupled to the second interface portion. The first passageway is in fluid communication with the second passageway. The first and second passageways provide fluid communication between the reservoir and the crankcase through the first and second interface portions.

Abstract: An air cleaner is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The air cleaner includes a power supply, an electrostatic precipitator cell, and a door. The door closes the electrostatic precipitator cell inside the air cleaner. The air cleaner further includes a door switch that is actuated by the door when the door is substantially closed. The air cleaner further includes a cell presence switch. The electrostatic precipitator cell actuates the cell presence switch when the electrostatic precipitator cell is at least partially inserted into the air cleaner. The cell presence switch and the door switch enable electrical power to be supplied from the power source to one or more air cleaner components when the electrostatic precipitator cell is at least partially inserted into the air cleaner and when the door is substantially closed.

Abstract: A process for purifying polluted air includes passing the polluted air through a fluidized bed of micro-organism-containing particulate media. As the polluted air passes through the fluidized bed, organic pollutants therein are decomposed by the micro-organisms. Purified air containing a lower level of the organic pollutants than the polluted air that enters the fluidized bed, emerges from the fluidized bed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an asymmetric hollow-fiber gas separation membrane made of a polyimide having a specific repeating unit, an improved tensile elongation at break of 15% or more as a hollow-fiber membrane itself, an oxygen gas permeation rate (P?O2) of 4.0×10?5 cm3 (STP)/cm2·sec·cmHg or more and a gas ratio of permeation rate of oxygen to nitrogen (P?O2/P?N2) of 4 or more that are measured at 50° C., a gas separation method and a gas separation membrane module using the asymmetric hollow-fiber gas separation membrane. In addition, the present invention relates to an asymmetric hollow-fiber gas separation membrane obtained by heat-treating the asymmetric hollow-fiber gas separation membrane at a maximum temperature of from 350 to 450° C. The asymmetric hollow-fiber gas separation membrane has sufficient mechanical strength even after the heat-treatment at a maximum temperature of from 350 to 450° C.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the operation of a filter arrangement for separating exhaust particulates from an exhaust gas stream, in which the exhaust gas stream is guided through ducts (20) of a ceramic body (1), which ducts extend in the longitudinal direction of a ceramic body (1) and are open on either side, and a voltage is applied to electrodes (5, 6) extending parallel to the ducts (20) in the ceramic body for generating an electric field in the ducts (20) of the ceramic body (1), which field is oriented transversally to the axis of the ducts (20), with a charging of the exhaust particulates occurring by means of a further electrode arrangement (29, 30) prior to the introduction of; the exhaust gas stream into the ducts (20) of the ceramic body (1). It is provided for in accordance with the invention that the voltage applied to the electrodes (5, 6) associated with the ceramic body (1) concerns unipolar voltage pulses which have a pulse duration of less then 20 ?s each.

Abstract: An apparatus (10, 200, 250, 250?) for filtering particulates from a gas, comprising a casing (22, 24, 202) defining an inner cavity having an inlet (30, 210, 260) adapted to receive a flow of gas, such that gas enters the inner cavity, and an outlet (40, 231, 281) through which gas exits the inner cavity. A filter (32, 213, 262) is associated with the outlet (40, 231, 281) such that gas exiting the inner cavity through the outlet (40, 231, 281) passes through the filter (32, 213, 262). The filter (32, 213, 262) is adapted to retain particulates beyond a predetermined size from a gas flowing therethrough. A back-pulse generator (42, 223, 270) is positioned downstream of the filter (32, 213, 262). The back-pulse generator (42, 223, 270) is adapted to cause a reverse flow of gas through the outlet (40, 231, 281) and into the inner cavity of the casing, so as to dislodge a portion of the particulates retained in the filter (32, 213, 262) into the inner cavity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for improving the efficiency of an aqueous froth filter. An array of saturated mesh assemblies interacts with an incoming contaminated air stream. As the air stream flows through the saturated mesh assemblies, an aqueous froth is generated immediately downstream of each mesh assembly. As the bubbles of the froth move downstream towards the next saturated mesh assembly, the velocity of the air stream causes at least some of the bubbles to burst. The bursting bubbles rupture into hundreds or thousands of micro-droplets. The micro-droplets are used together with the aqueous froth to coalesce with or otherwise bind with contaminants in the air stream. An optional feature is that massive particles greater than three microns in diameter are removed by inertial impaction, whereby those heavy particles collide with the walls of serpentine shaped vanes of a mist eliminator. The method and apparatus are capable of filtering chemical and biological warfare agents out of an air stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and to a method for extracting elements from a gaseous medium and concentrating them in a liquid medium, by nebulizing this liquid medium by means of the gaseous medium and condensing the mist produced by this nebulization. This apparatus comprises a first enclosure for nebulization and condensation, intended to contain the liquid medium, which is provided with a conduit for delivering the gaseous medium, means for nebulizing the liquid medium, and a conduit for discharging the gaseous medium, means for depressurizing or pressurizing the interior of the first enclosure, and is characterized in that it comprises a second enclosure for condensation and means for cooling this second enclosure.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for producing a ceramic honeycomb filter from a porous ceramic honeycomb material comprising a plurality of channels extending through it from one end face to the other end face. The process of the invention comprises at least the following steps consisting of a) providing each end face of the honeycomb material with a perforated film the perforations of which are such that the channels traversing the material are alternately open at one or the other of their end faces so that, for each channel open at one end face, the adjacent channels are closed; and b) introducing, by suction through the perforations of the film applied to each end face, a sealing material into the channels to obtain a ceramic filter the channels of which are not sealed at one of the end faces and are sealed at the other end face.

Abstract: A frame for an electrostatic precipitator cell is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The frame in one embodiment includes a first frame portion adapted to at least partially receive the electrostatic precipitator cell and a second frame portion adapted to at least partially receive the electrostatic precipitator cell. The second frame portion assembles to the first frame portion to form the frame. The frame includes one or more side portions, an open top end, and an open bottom end. The frame receives and holds the electrostatic precipitator cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adsorbing agent for dust-collecting filters, especially for adsorbing odours, the adsorbing agent comprising fibres, flakes and/or granulate as a supporting material onto which a powdery adsorption material is applied superficially.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a photolytic artificial lung. The photolytic artificial lung converts water to oxygen for blood absorption, regulates pH, removes carbon dioxide, and co-produces electrical power. The photolytic artificial lung includes a photolytic cell where all of the chemical reactions occur. The photolytic cell disclosed herein can also be used to direct chemical reactions in organs other than the lung. Also disclosed herein is a gas sorption device for removing carbon dioxide from the system by chemical sorption.

Abstract: There is provided a pleated HVAC type filter containing a pleated filter media laminate of a melt blown nonwoven media containing layer and a nanofiber filter media layer. The melt blown nonwoven media containing layer has an upstream face and a downstream face, where the downstream face is laminated to the nanofiber filter media layer. The melt blown nonwoven media further has a very low basis weight of less than 30 grams/m2 and a thickness of less than 1 mm, the filter media laminate, which includes supporting scrim layers, has a basis weight of less than 200 grams/m2 and a thickness of less than 3 mm where the filter media laminate is pleated to a pleat density of at least 1 pleats/cm and has an initial pressure drop of less than 0.45 inches of water, a small particle efficiency, relative to 0.3 to 1.0 micron particles, of greater than 70 percent, the nanofiber filter media comprising a nanofiber web on a support backing, wherein the nanofibers have a diameter of less than 1.

Abstract: An air filtering apparatus including a housing having an air suction port and air blow-out port, an electrolytic bath for generating electrolytic water, a gas-liquid contact member disposed in the housing, an electrolytic water supply unit for supplying the electrolytic water to the gas-liquid contact member so that the electrolytic water infiltrates into the gas-liquid contact member, an air blowing fan for bringing indoor air sucked from the air suction port into contact with the electrolytic water infiltrating in the gas-liquid contact member and blowing out the indoor air from the air blow-out port, a water receiving portion for receiving the electrolytic water passed through the gas-liquid contact member, and a foreign material removing mechanism for removing foreign materials contained in the electrolytic water. The foreign material may be a filter member disposed in front of the gas-liquid contact member, or a dam member disposed in the water receiving portion.

Abstract: A sampling system includes a collection module including a gas handler, and a flow controller in communication with the gas handler of the collection module. The flow controller controls the gas handler to move a selected volume of gas through the collection module.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coffee machine, whose dispensing unit has a heat generator which is independent of the boiler of the machine, valves for opening and cutting off the cold water pipe and hot water pipe which supply the dispensing unit, a temperature sensor which is arranged in the dispensing unit and control means which are connected to the valves, the temperature sensor and the heat generator in order to allow the preparation of different types of coffee, even in succession. The present invention also relates to a method for making coffee.

Abstract: An automated coffee brewing and dispensing apparatus capable of selectively brewing a batch of coffee on demand and selectively dispensing coffee into containers on demand comprising a coffee brewing station (18) to brew and store the brewed coffee, a remote coffee dispensing station (40) to dispense brewed coffee received from the brewing station, a circulation system (41/43/46/48/50/52/54) to circulate brewed coffee between the coffee brewing station (18) and the coffee dispensing station (40) and a system control processor (42) to control the brewing, circulating and dispensing of the coffee by the automated coffee brewing and dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A brew stick for brewing a measure of brewable material. The brew stick may include a bag with the measure of brewable material positioned therein and a plate. The plate may include a pair of wings and a central tab. The bag is connected to the central tab such that the bag can be raised within the wings.

Abstract: A coffee machine for preparing coffee, especially based on coffee pads, said coffee machine comprising a continuous heater provided with a water-guiding tube that is thermally connected to at least one heating rod by means of at least one contact surface, and a pump for transporting water through the continuous heater. The aim of the invention is to provide a simple and cost-effective solution for a continuous heater, and to ensure good heat transfer. To this end, the at least one contact surface is embodied in such a way that it is flat between the tube and the at least one heating rod.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preserving, protecting or enhancing one or more items such as solids or liquids. The apparatus includes a housing and a nitrogen generator. A nitrogen generator generates a nitrogen rich gas and supplies the nitrogen gas to the housing, which displaces the oxygen inside the housing to preserve the item or items enclosed by the housing.

Abstract: An adjusting device for a domestic appliance, in particular, a cooking appliance, has at least one at least two-dimensional sensor area for setting at least one set point. The adjusting device includes an arithmetic unit operable to take into account at least one characteristic, depending on a user position, when setting the set point.

Abstract: A system for directing cooking liquids away from cooking foodstuff in a frying pan is disclosed. The system includes a frying pan supporting structure and a shield. The frying pan supporting structure includes a bottom side for placement on a heating element and a top side upon which said frying pan rests. The bottom side and the top side are angled with respect to each other. The liquid, typically in the form of oil or grease in flowing form, substantially collects under the shield which prevents the splattering and splashing of oil and hot grease on the user.

Abstract: A grease strainer that will allow grease to drain from food through the strainer and into a food cooking apparatus such as a skillet when cooking pre-selected food items as the food cooks or as the strainer is raised above the level of grease in the food cooking apparatus. The grease strainer having a substantially flat plate like member of a predetermined shape and thickness with a plurality of apertures formed through the strainer to allow grease to drain. A handle having a predetermined shape is attached at a first end thereof to an upper surface adjacent an outer edge of the substantially plate like member.

Abstract: A device for cracking the shell of an egg comprises a top which includes an ellipsoidal support surface, a structure for supporting the top above a work surface, and a cutting member which is disposed along the lateral axis of the support surface. The length of the cutting member along the lateral axis of the support surface is between about 30% and 100% of the lateral width of the support surface. Thus, when the equator of the egg is aligned with the lateral axis of the support surface and forced against the cutting member, the cutting member will create and propagate a fracture around the shell while the shell is supported by the support surface.