Abstract: A measured current, voltage or capacity characteristic is subtracted from an idealized characteristic line of the same size stored in the system. The maxima, minima and reversal points are identified in this calculated difference curve, since these values correlate to the valve opening timepoints. In another step the values determined in the first step are approximated in respect of a target value situated on the difference curve with the aid of a mathematical method, in order to ascertain a more exact determination of these values.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting degradation in the cam profile switching system in either bank 2, 3 of a V-engine 1 relies on a comparison of the lambda values in each exhaust bank 4, 5 immediately prior to and subsequent to a cam profile switching event in one of the banks. If there is little or no change after switching, then the apparatus deduces that the switched bank has experienced degradation. The method is easy to calibrate and does not require continuous monitoring of engine behavior.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a roller brake testing dynamometer (P) for vehicles whose braking forces are to be ascertained, wherein there is provided at least one roller (L) which is driven by way of a drive (A) in order in turn to drive a vehicle tyre (R) bearing against the roller (L), wherein there is provided at least one braking force sensor (S) for ascertaining a braking force exerted on the roller (L) by the tyre (R), and wherein there is provided an evaluation and control unit (E) to which the signals of the braking force sensor (S) can be fed. Furthermore, it is provided that the evaluation and control unit (E) is adapted on the basis of the signals from the braking force sensor (S) to ascertain the transition from static friction to sliding friction between the tyre (R) and the roller (L) independently of the speed of rotation of the roller.

Abstract: The method and apparatus to automatically inspect or pre-screen the Equipment of passing CMVs employs the novel application of acquiring, processing and analysing the temperature data from areas of interest on passing wheels using a computer based imaging system to improve the efficiency of current CMV inspecting and/or pre-screening manual methods that require an inspection system operator. The inspection system includes a triggering device, thermographic camera(s), computer based image acquisition hardware, image processing and analysis software, user interface and operator workspace (herein referred to as the “Inspection System”). The components of the apparatus are not limited to the list above nor are all components required to embody the method for inspection or pre-screening of equipment of passing CMVs. The method is a means of collecting the thermal information of the Equipment as it passes through an Inspection Area and analysing it to determine or estimate its condition or fitness.

Abstract: A universal dynamic gear quality and consistency verification inspection system and method is provided. The system and method provides a dynamic gear verification inspection station including a Double Flank master gear and a probe for inspecting gear features and an electronic plug having pre-reference pads and mechanical rests for supporting and locating the part to be inspected. The probes are provided to verify all angles and functional parameters relayed to appropriate software for evaluation and record maintenance. A probe may also be provided for face checking.

Abstract: The method and system includes a flow sensor including two hot wire gas flow sensing elements connected to identical, but independent electronic circuitry, positioned in parallel, transverse to gas flow direction, and separated by a post that serves to shadow the downstream element. The flow sensors are dynamically compensated during respiratory therapy by use of digital to analog conversion, which provides for more accurate identification of flow direction and more accurate gas flow in volume measurements. The method and system incorporates the flow sensors in the y-piece of a breathing circuit.

Abstract: A multi-vortex flowmeter includes: a vortex type detection means (15) having a measurement tube (12) provided in a flow passage of a flow tube (9) and allowing passage of a fluid to be measured, a vortex generator (13) provided in the measurement tube (12) so that the vortex generator is opposed to a flow of the fluid to be measured, and a vortex detector (14) for detecting a change based on a Karman vortex generated by the vortex generator (13); a thermal type detection means (18) having a temperature sensor (16) and a heating temperature sensor (17) protruding into the flow passage (9); and a flow rate converter (8) which controls a power supply amount related to heating of the heating temperature sensor (17) for attaining a fixed difference in temperature between the temperature sensor (16) and the heating temperature sensor (17) and which calculates a flow rate of the fluid to be measured from the power amount and calculates the flow rate of the fluid to be measured from a detection value obtained by the

Abstract: The gases temperature supplied to a patient when the patient is undergoing treatment such as oxygen therapy or positive pressure treatment for conditions such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is often measured for safety and to enable controlling of the humidity delivered to the patient. The invention disclosed is related to measurement of properties, particularly temperature (thermister 23), of gases flowing through a heated tube (3), supplying gases to a patient, which utilises the heating wire (21, 28) within the tube.

Abstract: A fuel level monitoring system for a fuel system having a primary fuel tank and a secondary fuel tank includes a fuel level sensor that is disposed within the secondary fuel tank and that generates a first signal. An empty switch is disposed within the secondary fuel tank and generates a second signal. A control module determines a condition of one of the fuel level sensor and the empty switch based on the first signal, the second signal and a plurality of signal thresholds.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a volume of liquid within a vessel is described. The apparatus includes a plurality of devices each having electrical properties that are dependent on a temperature of the device, a constant current source coupled to the plurality of devices, and a unit configured to output a signal based on an amount of voltage at by the plurality of devices. The amount of voltage is based on a number of the plurality of devices immersed in the liquid, and a number of the plurality of devices not immersed in the liquid.

Abstract: A pair of identical humidity sensors (S1) and (S2) are in the same environment, so that they identically react to humidity effects; a sensing circuit includes an operational amplifier (10), its input (15) receiving from the first sensor (Si) a signal changing with humidity according to a logarithmic law, while the second sensor (S2), inserted in the amplifier feedback, reacts to humidity changes in the same way as the first sensor (Si) and consistently modifies the gain. The output signal (V0) is compensated, and has a substantially linear progression with humidity.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for measuring a property of a sample, such as an optical property. Embodiments of the subject invention include a device having sample measurement componentry and one or more enclosure-forming components, wherein one or more of the enclosure-forming components are movable, and wherein the device is configured so that one or more of the enclosure-forming components have a positional relationship that can change from an open position to a closed position in which one or more of the enclosure-forming components define an enclosed space accessible by the sample measurement componentry. Also provided are systems and kits.

Abstract: An angular rate sensor comprises a piezoelectric film having a first and a second surfaces forming an x-y plane and utilizes a perturbation mass coherently vibrating elastic acoustic waves on which a Coriolis force acts when the angular rate sensor undergoes a rotary motion about an x-direction. A first elastic acoustic wave is excited in the piezoelectric film by a driving transducer and a second elastic acoustic wave generated by the Coriolis force proportional to an angular rate of the rotary motion of the angular rate sensor itself is detected by the detecting transducer. The angular rate sensor further comprises at least a first electrode disposed on the first surface of the piezoelectric film for discharging a surface charge caused due to piezoelectric effect at the lower surface of the film in which the first elastic acoustic wave is excited.

Abstract: Provided is a capacitive acceleration sensor including a silicon substrate, which includes a movable electrode having a comb shape and a fixed electrode having a comb shape opposed to the comb shape of the movable electrode, and a pair of glass substrates having a concave portion forming a cavity on at least one side thereof, wherein the silicon substrate and the glass substrates are bonded to each other so that the movable electrode and the fixed electrode is disposed in the cavity. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the capacitive acceleration sensor having a small size and high sensitivity.

Abstract: Disclosed are moveable microstructures comprising in-plane capacitive microaccelerometers, with submicro-gravity resolution (<200 ng/?Hz) and very high sensitivity (>17 pF/g). The microstructures are fabricated in thick (>100 ?m) silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrates or silicon substrates using a two-mask fully-dry release process that provides large seismic mass (>10 milli-g), reduced capacitive gaps, and reduced in-plane stiffness. Fabricated devices may be interfaced to a high resolution switched-capacitor CMOS IC that eliminates the need for area-consuming reference capacitors. The measured sensitivity is 83 mV/mg (17 pF/g) and the output noise floor is ?91 dBm/Hz at 10 Hz (corresponding to an acceleration resolution of 170 ng/?Hz). The IC consumes 6 mW power and measures 0.65 mm2 core area.

Abstract: The present invention, in one set of embodiments, provides methods and systems for integrating conducting diamond electrodes into a high power acoustic resonator. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, in certain embodiments of the present invention, diamond electrodes may be integrated into a high power acoustic resonator to provide a robust sensing device that may provide for acoustic cleaning of the electrodes and increasing the rate of mass transport to the diamond electrodes. The diamond electrodes may be used as working, reference or counter electrodes or a combination of two or more of such electrodes. In certain aspects, the high power acoustic resonator may include an acoustic horn for focusing acoustic energy and the diamond electrodes may be coupled with the acoustic horn.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, device and a circuit for detecting surface defects such as cracks, fractures and the like on a roller (2) for a rolling mill (1), in particular on the working rollers (2a) which are mounted with support roller (2b) on a vertical stand (3). The rollers (2) are verified for detecting defects in the operation position thereof, transversal ultrasonic waves (4a) whose frequency is approximately equal to 0.5-2 MHz are transmitted to the first end of the roller (2c) and are received on the second end (2d) thereof and during a measuring process an ultrasound transducer (5) and an ultrasound receiver (6) are pressed against the cylinder (2e) surface for a test time.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for determining the remaining service life of electrochemical energy generation and storage device including batteries, supercapacitors, DSSC solar cells and fuel cell. Measurements are performed by passing ultrasonic oscillations through the test object. The apparatus of the present invention comprises two arrays of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic probes between which the object being tested is affixed. Polyurethane tips are used for matching the acoustic resistance of the probes with the test object body. The apparatus includes means for positioning the transmitting and the receiving probe arrays relative to each other. The apparatus includes an electromagnetic means for measuring the test object thickness. The calibration characteristic for determining the remaining service life of a the test object are established from the signal values from the ultrasonic probes related to the number of charge-discharge cycles obtained at various charge values.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic resonator cell, comprising: a cell body having first and second opposite end faces forming at least one sample cavity extending between the end faces for receiving a sample to be investigated, a first electro-acoustical transducer wafer, a second electro-acoustical transducer wafer, a first end piece, a second end piece, and at least one fastener for applying axial pressure on the first and second end pieces for fastening the first and second electro-acoustical transducer wafers to the cell body on the respective end face of the cell body.

Abstract: The invention describes a high-pressure sensor 1 with a sealing system which is a conical sealing arranged in an inwardly facing, i.e. engaging in an acute-angled manner between a projection 6 within the housing 2 and a shaft 4 of an inner part 3 of the high-pressure sensor 1. By means of a clamping force applied between the housing 2 and the inner part 3 the outer rim portion of the shaft 4 is forced to and rests on the housing 2. In this way the sealing effect increases with increasing pressure.

Abstract: A high temperature pressure sensing system (transducer) including: a pressure sensing piezoresistive sensor formed by a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) process; a SOI amplifier circuit operatively coupled to the piezoresistive sensor; a SOI gain controller circuit including a plurality of resistances that when selectively coupled to the amplifier adjust a gain of the amplifier; a plurality of off-chip contacts corresponding to the resistances, respectively, for electrically activating the corresponding resistances and using a metallization layer for the SOI sensor and SOI ASIC suitable for high temperature interconnections (bonding); wherein the piezoresistive sensor, amplifier circuit and gain control circuit are suitable for use in environments having a temperature greater than 175 degrees C. and reaching between 250° C. and 300° C., and wherein the entire transducer has a high immunity to nuclear radiation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for controlling forces. It concerns a controlling device comprising a body defining a non rectilinear path for passing a strap (18) between two support members (14) arranged on one first side and a support member (16) arranged on the second side, and provided with a sensor of forces experienced during an impact test, each support member (14) being separable from the body. An additional support member geometrically interchangeable with a separable support member (14) is provided with a second force sensor having a measuring range covering the prior working stress of the strap, the controlling device having two different configurations depending on whether a separable member comprises the second force sensor or not. The invention is useful for testing safety belts during impact tests.

Abstract: The deflection of decking planks under load is tested using a portable deflection measurement instrument, after installation of the planks over spaced joists. The instrument has a bridge on support legs spaced to rest on the deck at points apart from a span between joists of one or more planks to be tested. The legs can rest on planks laterally adjacent to the plank(s) under test, so the bridge straddles over the plank, or the bridge can be cantilevered or can rest on the tested plank but at points beyond the span to be tested. A contact foot or tup is movably mounted on the bridge and coupled to a platform or similar receptacle by which weight is applied to the plank. The resulting displacement between rest and loaded states is measured using a distance scale, and applied as a function of the span length and loading criteria to assess the deck structure.

Abstract: Method for evaluating the fatigue strength of welded joints produced by melting an alloy using a specified welding technique, which method comprises the following steps: a statistically significant number N of specimens are produced with a welded joint using said welding technique; each of the specimens is subjected to cyclic fatigue tests, with an alternating stress a, until failure; the size of the relevant defect appearing in the fracture plane of the specimens is measured by fractography; a range of defect dimensions for which the probability of measuring by fractography a defect outside the range is less than a predetermined level of probability t is determined from the measured sizes; and the lowest stress ?min liable to cause the specimen to fail with a level of probability t is determined from this range.

Abstract: In this invention, an exciting unit applies, to a fluid, a time-changing magnetic field asymmetrical to a plane (PLN). An electrode is placed on the plane in a measuring tube, and detects a resultant electromotive force of an electromotive force based on a ?A/?t component (A: vector potential, t: time) irrelevant to a flow velocity of the fluid and an electromotive force based on a v×B component originating from the flow velocity of the fluid, the resultant electromotive force being generated by the magnetic field applied to the fluid and the flow of the fluid. A state quantifying unit extracts the ?A/?t component from the resultant electromotive force detected by the electrode, extracts, from the ?A/?t component, a variation factor dependent on a parameter to be detected, and quantifies the parameter on the basis of the variation factor. The parameter is at least one of a characteristic and state of the fluid and a state in the measuring tube.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flow sensor for measuring the volumetric flow rate of a flowing medium through a flow channel having a transducer array which is situated within the flow cross section of the flow channel and which generates ultrasonic waves which propagate in the flow cross section of the flow channel transversally to a flow direction of the flowing medium, the ultrasonic transducer array having an interlaid arrangement of transducer elements which act alternately as transmitting and receiving antennas, so that all emitted individual sound waves interfere to form common wave fronts.

Abstract: A flow indicator is disclosed and includes a horizontally disposed housing having a lower cap with a lower inlet port drawing in an air sample, an interior space passing the air sample, an upper cap having an upper outlet port exhausting the air sample, and a transparent tube coupled between the lower and upper caps and functioning as a transparent window allowing visual observation of at least a portion of the interior space. The flow indicator also includes a floater disposed within the housing and moving vertically in response to the flow of the air sample to indicate a flow rate for the air sample.

Abstract: A torque detecting apparatus is provided which is capable of easily positioning a magnetic sensor in relation to a corresponding pair of magnetism collecting projections and thus improving the detection accuracy of the magnetic sensor without increasing the number of assembling and processing steps. A pair of magnetism collecting projections 60 and 60 of each magnetism collecting ring 6 are arranged to extend not in their respective radial directions but substantially in parallel to each other while two magnetic sensors 7 and 7 are mounted to a circuit board 70 and inserted along the direction of projection of the magnetism collecting projections 60 and 60 into the air gaps respectively between the two magnetism collecting projection 60 and 60 of one magnetism collecting ring 6 and the two magnetism collecting projection 60 and 60 of the other magnetism collecting ring 6.

Abstract: A sample processing apparatus prevents samples and reagents from being degraded due to a prolonged waiting time other than for reaction and improves the operation efficiency of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a plurality of processing sections for causing at least two samples to react independently, an input/output terminal 15 for inputting the upper limit of the waiting time and the reaction time for each of the samples, a schedule management section for determining at least the clock time of introducing each of the samples, the processing section to be used for processing the sample and/or the waiting time for the sample, and a general control section for controlling the processing of the samples at the plurality of processing sections according to the determination by the schedule management section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus enables testing of sifting segregation of a particulate solid mixture in a storage bin or hopper. The apparatus makes use of a convergently and divergently angled hopper for collecting the mixture. The apparatus further makes use of a minimally-shearing feeder mechanism supplying a desired flow of mixture, with minimal to no sifting segregation, to the angled hopper. A collection mechanism removes samples of the mixture from the angled hopper for analysis with minimal disruption of the particles of the mixture relative to each other. Thus, samples resulting from the testing apparatus, and corresponding method, are highly representative of mixture conditions within a larger storage hopper.

Abstract: A method for analyzing particulate contaminant on a part comprises: applying a pressurized liquid onto the part on which the particulate contaminant is to be analyzed, wherein applying the pressurized liquid provides a dispersed spray of pressurized liquid; collecting an applied volume of the pressurized liquid; providing the applied volume onto a filter apparatus; and providing the filter apparatus for performing analysis of the particulate contaminant.

Abstract: A method makes use of a minimally-shearing feeder mechanism supplying a desired flow of particulate solids mixture, with minimal to no sifting segregation to a desired location. The feeder methodology maintains a uniform concentration of each size of particle within the mixture.

Abstract: An electronic pipette real-time responsive to manual operation includes a pressing unit, a signal generator, a controller, a power unit and a drawing/draining unit. The signal generator senses a displacement stroke of the pressing unit by user and generates a displacement signal to the controller. The controller performs calculation on the displacement signal to generate a control signal for sending to the power unit. The power unit drives the drawing/draining unit according to the control signal. The amount and speed of the drawing/draining can be shown on a display of the controller.

Abstract: The present invention has as its object a method for testing bottles or containers having flexible walls, as well as a plant implementing it, made to be inserted in lines for filling bottles made from plastic material (for example PET, HDPE, PE, etc. . . . ) or aluminium containers (for example cans, etc. . . . ) or containers made from polyethylene-coated paperboard (cartons) (generally all flexible containers), containing any type of liquid. Positioned at the output of the filling system (or possibly of the pasteurisation system) it is able to simultaneously check for the correct fill level, the presence of possible leaks in the sealing system of the container and possible constructive defects in the container (for example in the case of PET bottles, defects linked to the non-uniform distribution or incorrect weighting of the material during the extrusion or blowing step of the bottle).

Abstract: There is provided a semispherical shoe which is formed into a substantially semispherical shape by a convex semispherical surface 2 and a flat end surface 3, the semispherical surface having a slidably contacting surface 6 that is in slidable contact with a semispherical concave portion and non slidably contacting surfaces 7 and 8 that are not in slidable contact with the concave portion. When the semispherical shoe is manufactured, first, after a semispherical material having a semispherical surface following the concave portion has been formed, the surface of the portion that is to be the slidably contacting surface on the semispherical surface is quenched to expand the quenched portion from the original surface of the semispherical surface, whereby the sliding surface is formed on the surface of the expanded portion, and the other portions are made the non slidably contacting portions.

Abstract: A lifting device having double screw rods is respectively connected on first, second and third sliding units interconnected to one another, which includes a driving means, a first transmission means and a second transmission means. The driving means is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the first sliding unit. The first transmission means includes a screw rod connected to the driving means and a telescopic tube assembly linearly movable relative to the screw rod. The screw rod is driven by the driving means. The other end of the telescopic assembly is fixedly connected to the top end of the second sliding unit. The second transmission means is provided at one side of the first transmission means and parallel thereto. Further, the second transmission means comprises a sleeve driven by the first transmission means to rotate and a screw rod threadedly connected to the sleeve. One end of the screw rod is fixedly connected to bottom end of the third transmission means.

Abstract: A fault-tolerant gear selector lever position apparatus is described. Included is a first sensor operable to detect each position, and a second sensor operable to detect subsets of the positions. A first controller monitors the second sensor, and a second controller monitors the first sensor. The second controller identifies and communicates one of the positions to the first controller, and the first controller validates the position and communicates the position to a control system. The lever is applicable to a power transmission device. Each sensor preferably comprises digital encoding sensor; the first sensor generates a unique signal for each position, and the second sensor generates a unique signal for each subset of the positions, preferably a unique signal for each of Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Forward Drive. The controllers identify faults in the sensors, and communicate and act accordingly.

Abstract: The invention proposes a design and deployment scheme for a hyper-articulated manipulator for assembly operations inside an aircraft wing box. The manipulator comprises nested C-channel structures connected by 1 degree of freedom rotary joints. The wing box has a large span, but is only accessible through multiple small portholes along its length. The manipulator is compact enough to enter the wing-box through the portholes, yet capable of subsequent reconfiguration so as to access multiple assembly points inside the wing-box. Traditional electromechanical actuators powering the rotary joints are unsuitable for this purpose, because of limited space and large payload requirements. The manipulator is an underactuated system which uses a single actuator at the base for the deployment of the C-channel serial linkage structure. The deployment scheme modulates gravitational torques in the system dynamics to rapidly deploy the system to a desired final configuration starting from any initial configuration.

Abstract: A linkage system is provided which is equipped with a compact and high-rigidity link mechanism with a large load capacity. The linkage system includes three or more link mechanisms. Each link mechanism consists of a center link member and end link members rotatably coupled to the center link member and to link hubs that are provided to an input member and an output member, respectively. An input side and an output side of a center cross-sectional plane of each link mechanism are geometrically identical. One or more of revolute joints of two or more of the link mechanisms that are coupled to the input member are provided with a stopping mechanism for stopping the output member at a given position.

Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to simplify the linkage mechanism of a shift operating device and to unitize the shift operating device so as to improve the reliability of assemble accuracy. A forward traveling pedal and a rearward traveling pedal are rotatably supported by a installation plate; the installation plate rotatably supports a shift operating rotary sleeve connected through one link to the basal end of the forward traveling pedal (a forward traveling pedal rotary sleeve) and connected through one link to the basal end of the rearward traveling pedal (a rearward traveling pedal rotary sleeve); the forward traveling pedal, the rearward traveling pedal, the shift operating rotary sleeve and the installation plate are constructed as an integral unit; and the shift operating rotary sleeve is rotated forward and rearward interlockingly with the operation of the forward traveling pedal and the rearward traveling pedal so as to slant swash plates of a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor of a HST.

Abstract: A robot arm structure for a carrying robot is capable of carrying a load in a wide range under restrictions on robot arm motions. A second arm 38 is joined to an upper link 35, a third arm 39 is joined to the second arm 38, and a fourth arm 40 is joined to the third arm 39. A holding unit mounted on the fourth arm 40 can be moved in a wide range through the angular displacement of the second arm 38 to the fourth arm 40 even in a state where a first arm 36 is maintained at a predetermined position relative to a bed 33. Thus a load can be moved in a wide range.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a steering column, a steering post, and a locking mechanism. The steering post comprises a first opening and a second opening and the first opening parallel to the second opening. The steering post is contained within the steering column. The locking mechanism is coupled to the steering column and comprises a first member including a first diameter; and a second member including a second diameter. The first diameter is larger than the second diameter, and the second member is to telescopically extend from the first member. The second member is to substantially fit inside the first member when the second member is not extended, and the second member is to extend through both the first opening and the second opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for operating locks (16) on doors or hatches of vehicles. A fixed support (10) is a arranged on the door. A moving unit (20) is mounted (11, 12), such as to pivot on the support (10), belonging to which is at least one handle (21). Spring loading (25, 26) ensures the unoperated moving unit (20) is held in a flat rest position on the support (10). On operating the handle, the moving unit (20) must be pivoted against said spring loading, whereby the lock (16) is operated. A damping unit (30) ensures that the returning moving unit (20) pivoting action is decelerated. According to the invention, a reliable, economical damping unit (30) is obtained, whereby an elastic body (31) is arranged in at least one position on the moving unit (20) which extends outwards with a projection (32). On the return movement (39) into the rest position the extending projection (32) is deformed against a fixed counter-surface (40), whereupon the movement energy is largely dissipated.

Abstract: A shifting device for a vehicle includes a shift lever, a limiting element, and an actuator. The lever is movable in opposite first and second directions along an actuating path between neutral and end positions. The limiting element is movable into and out of the path. When the limiting element is in the path, the limiting element impacts the lever while the lever is in the neutral position to prevent the lever from moving from the neutral position in the first direction such that the limiting element acts as a shift lock blocking the lever from the end position. When the limiting element is out of the path, the limiting element allows the lever to move into the end position. The actuator is operable for moving the limiting element into and out of the path such that the actuator is operable for activating and deactivating the lock for the lever.

Abstract: A right crank arm assembly for a bicycle, comprises a right crank arm, a first annular element directly coupled with said crank arm at least one first coupling portion of said first annular element and at least one second annular element coupled with said crank arm and of a smaller size than said first annular element. The first annular element comprises a toothing that extends radially towards the outside along a primitive circumference having a predetermined diameter. Said at least one first coupling portion is entirely contained in a first area extending radially towards the outside starting from an ideal circumference having a diameter at least equal to ? of said predetermined diameter. Such an annular element constitutes the front sprocket of the crank arm assembly of the present invention and consists of a simple toothed band. Such a front sprocket is particularly light in weight.

Abstract: A transmission oil pan assembly includes an oil pan matable with a transmission case to at least partially define a transmission interior space, and an accessing component for accessing an interior component located inside of the transmission interior space from outside of the transmission interior space. The oil pan is formed with structure adapted to support the accessing component. The oil pan may be formed with an opening adapted to receive the accessing component. A method of selecting an oil pan from an inventory of oil pans with differently disposed accessing components is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for making highly dispersible, spherical silver particles. In particular, the invention is directed to a process for making silver particles, which are very high solids and highly ordered. The silver particles formed are particularly useful in electronic applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition consisting essentially of a mineral substrate and a dust suppresant, which is adhered to the surface of the mineral substrate, and methods of reducing dust generation of a mineral substrate by applying a dust suppresant to the surface of the mineral substrate. The dust suppresant is a natural or synthetic triglyceride.

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

Abstract: A device for gripping caps, which can be applied to a capping machine, comprising a support having a hollow guide portion, a connection portion, and a bell-shaped portion and a retention element having a hub portion, which is mounted so that it can slide within said guide portion and is movable with respect to the support between a position of gripping and release of the caps and a position for withholding the caps, in which the retention element is provided with a seat for retention of the caps, which is able to expand in a radial direction, and in which the bell-shaped portion of the support has a contrast surface, which, in a position for withholding the caps, blocks the seat for retention of the caps in the withholding position.