Abstract: A baluster driver tool for rotating a baluster to threadably secure it to a support. The driver tool includes a housing having a connector at one end for connecting it to a drill and a baluster-engaging member at the opposite end for receiving the baluster. The baluster-engaging member includes a cavity that is complementary sized and shaped to receive an end of the baluster. When the drill is activated, the housing rotates about its longitudinal axis causing the baluster to rotate in unison with the housing and securing a threaded end of the baluster into the support. In a second embodiment, a smooth tapered end of a baluster is received within a threaded tapered cavity in the housing. The threads secure the smooth tapered end of the baluster within the cavity so that rotation of the housing causes the baluster to rotate in unison therewith and securing the threaded end of the baluster to the support.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench with interchangeable sockets is of the type incorporating an elongated casing formed of two half-shells in which a hub is positioned inside which slide a finger, a ratchet and an assembly of front, median and rear toothed wheels and their associated toothed pinions and a rack. The wrench includes, in addition, a slide arranged longitudinally in the casing meshing onto the rear wheel by the rack to drive the rear wheel in rotation and a pusher protruding from the casing linked to the slide to drive the slide in translation. The device ensures a first tilting of the rack onto the rear wheel and a second tilting of this rack to release the rear wheel.

Abstract: A bottle opener has a handle, a magnet and a screw-band. The handle has a front end, a rear end, a top surface, a bottom surface, two sides and a hook. The hook is formed at the front end of the handle and curves towards the bottom surface and allows a person to remove a crown cap. The magnet is mounted in the handle and prevents the crown cap from falling. The screw-band is resilient, is connected to the handle and has an inner surface, an outer surface and a central hole defined axially through the screw-band. The bottle opener with the screw-band allows the person to remove the threaded cap without making direct contact. Therefore, sharp pieces or edges of the threaded cap cannot inadvertently cut the person's hands.

Abstract: A tool for use with a as meter shut-off valve having an elongated member with a first end and a second end and a transverse or diagonal section extending between the first and the second end. Both the first end and the second end have a plurality of slots of differing shape and/or size adapted to receive the shut-off valve of the gas meter. The transverse section has a recess cut in both sides leaving a center wall.

Abstract: A socket includes a coupling end coupled with and driven by a driving tool and a driving end for engaging with a fastener to be driven. The driving end includes a peripheral wall portion having six inner faces on an inner periphery thereof for coupling with and driving the fastener A recessed portion is formed between a pair of inner faces adjacent to each other. The peripheral wall portion firther includes six concave outer faces on an outer periphery thereof and respectively opposite to the inner faces. A convex gripping portion is formed between a pair of concave outer faces adjacent to each other. The concave outer faces and the convex gripping portions form a non-smooth outer periphery of the peripheral wall portion to allow firm grip by a user.

Abstract: An extension tool for a torque wrench has a drive end associated with a fastener and a driven end associated with the torque wrench that face 180° from each other. The drive end defines an axis of rotation and the driven end is co-axial with the axis of rotation, which eliminates the need for any type of torque correction due to a change in moment arm length. The extension tool also includes a hand support that allows an installer to apply a load in a direction along the axis of rotation as the torque wrench drives the fastener into place.

Abstract: A hand tool having a handle assembly with a bearing mechanism providing for continual axial loading to be applied while a torque is applied via an attached lever arm. The lever arm is mounted to the handle assembly proximate a junction of the handle assembly and a drive shaft, and is constructed to fold into the handle assembly when not in use. Alternatively, the screwdriver handle grip can freely rotate about the drive shaft as an axial load is applied, and a folding crank is used to drive the shaft. The screwdriver functions traditionally when its lever arm is folded into the handle assembly.

Abstract: A driving tool includes a tool stem having a non-circular spatial engaging member and having one or more flat surfaces, a tool shank having a non-circular socket opening and having one or more curved surfaces for pivotally receiving the spatial engaging member of the tool stem and for allowing the tool shank to be selectively tilted relative to a longitudinal axis of the tool stem. A control ferrule is slidably engaged onto the tool shank and slidable and engageable onto the tool stem for retaining the tool shank in line with the longitudinal axis of the tool stem and for preventing the tool shank from being tilted relative to the tool stem to other angular position.

Abstract: Magnets secure a pattern and a material on a magnetically-attractive substrate, so that the material can be cut accurately and precisely in accordance with the pattern. The magnetically-attractive substrate includes a top layer of a resilient or other material that is well-suited to receive a sharp edge to produce a clean cut in the material being cut. A kit according to the present invention includes a plurality of magnets, preferably of various sizes and shapes, and at least one magnetically-attractive substrate. The kit can have a plurality of substrates, fasteners for holding the substrates together, a cutting tool and packaging.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (20) for intermittently cutting a moving target web (26) includes rotating a knife roll (32) having at least one knife member (44) to provide an operative knife-member speed, and rotating an anvil roll (34) having at least one anvil member (46) to provide an operative anvil-member speed. The knife roll and anvil roll have been positioned to provide an operative nip region (30) therebetween, and a substantially continuous target web (26) has been moved at a selected web speed through the nip region. A rotational positioning of the knife member has been coordinated with a rotational positioning of its cooperating anvil member to provide an operative, cutting engagement between the knife member and its cooperating anvil member, thereby cutting the moving web at cut locations which are intermittently spaced along a machine-direction (22) of the target web.

Abstract: A knife has a handle. A blade extends from the handle and has opposite first and second sides. The blade has a notch. A first region extends along a proximal portion of the notch and has a double grind. A second region extends along a distal portion of the notch and has a double grind. The knife has a point.

Abstract: A sealing device of a suction type placing table directed to achieving smooth feeding and discharging of an even laminate of sheet material which largely changes in volume depending on suction and that can keep a desired cutting accuracy is provided. When a sealing device is used, in a pressing state, it is easy to satisfy a condition of the distance Ha<Hc, thus obtaining the distance Da<Dc, so that the to-be-cut material can be sufficiently covered with a sealing sheet and moreover, the cutting accuracy can be enhanced. In a non-pressing state, a condition of the distance Hb>Hc can be satisfied, thus allowing easy feeding and discharging of the to-be-cut material which may be bulky.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cutting off a thick-walled pipe 3, wherein the pipe to be cut comprises an inner circumference closer to the longitudinal axis of the pipe and an outer circumference further from the longitudinal axis of the pipe. The method comprises bringing the cut-off point of the pipe to the cut-off point of a sawing unit, locking the pipe in its place by means of a fastener, sawing the pipe at the cut-off point by moving a saw 2 of the sawing unit towards the centre of the pipe 3, the sawing unit comprising at least two saws.

Abstract: A whole muscle slicer and separator that solves the product separation problem and other problems found with an ordinary slicer. The invention is where one embodiment includes a special peel out finger bar comb that peels out every other product piece onto a conveyor and a final comb that peels out the remaining product pieces onto a second conveyor. This can be accomplished by tilting the cutting assembly to about approximately a 45 degree angle off vertical. There can be an upper and lower combs arranged in a dovetail interfacing relationship with the cutter for separating the product. Another embodiment includes a single finger bar comb having two sets of fingers.

Abstract: To enable the amount of air capable of bringing smoke to the vicinity of a discharge opening of a gas discharge chamber to be sent into the gas discharge chamber. A cutting machine has gas discharge chambers arranged side by side by partitioning the inside of a table, blower openings each provided on one end side of a gas discharge chamber, gas discharge openings each provided on the other side of the gas discharge chamber, and fans for sending air, while moving to the outside of the table, to at least one gas discharge chamber from the blower opening of the gas discharge chamber and arranged in the direction of the movement. The fans are arranged at intervals such that two or more fans face the blower opening of one gas discharge chamber, and the two or more fans can simultaneously send air to the one gas discharge chamber.

Abstract: The miter saw includes a base assembly, a rotatable table rotatably connected to the base assembly and having a plane, a saw assembly including a motor and a blade disposed on an arbor, and a pivot arm pivotally attached to the table and supporting the saw assembly. The motor preferably drives a belt, which drives a first gear. The first gear meshes with an idler gear, which in turn meshes with a gear disposed on the arbor.

Abstract: An adjustable ruler of the band saw machine includes: a ruler-guider plugs in the band saw machine over the bench and a mesh portion along the long axis on one side of the ruler-guider. There is a holder on the extending end of the ruler-guider. An active wheel pivots in the band saw machine and gears with the mesh portion of the ruler-guider. An axis plugs on the band saw machine. One end of the axis extends out of the band saw machine and another end combines with the active wheel. A knob with scales around the surface mounts on the extending end of the axis.

Abstract: A suspended bracing system is disclosed that allows the sound board of an acoustic instrument, such as a guitar, to vibrate more. As a result, the instrument projects more tone and volume than that provided by conventional guitar sound boards. Conventional sound boards have wood or synthetic bracing glued all across the sound board. This is to prevent the bridge from pulling up when the strings are tightened to pitch. Using the suspended system, the invention disclosed herein secures the bridge, but drops the bracing below the sound board of the guitar to allow the sound board more freedom to vibrate.

Abstract: A musical instrument having strings, a wooden body and a granite veneer bonded to the wooden body. The granite has a density of at least 1.7 thousand kilograms per cubic meter and optionally can have a thickness in the range from about 4/64th of an inch to 44/64th of an inch. The musical instrument can be a having a granite sound board that is solid granite or a laminate of granite and wood. Additionally, the musical instrument can be a stringed instrument such as a guitar, bass, violin, viola, dulcimer, cello or piano.

Abstract: A musical instrument stand is disclosed that includes at least, a pair of legs pivotally secured to a support portion and disposed within a leg retention channel of the support portion when the support portion is in a closed position, and extracted from the leg retention channel when the support portion is in an open position. Preferably, the support portion includes at least a position stop that limits the extent that each the open and closed positions of the support portion may attain. The musical instrument stand further preferably includes an over center latch assembly interposed between and communicating with the pair of legs, the over center latch maintains a predetermined separation between said first and second legs when the over center latch assembly is in a locked position, and nests within the pair of legs when the pair of legs are disposed within a leg retention channel.

Abstract: A support for a musical Instrument manufactured from a firm yet pliable material which is slid under the supporting handle of an amplification device or slid between two stacked amplification devices by a finger hole at one end. The fingerboard or neck of a musical instrument, when stood upright on the floor, can be inserted into a socket on the other end of the device providing support when the instrument is not being played and providing a convenient and safe means of storage when the instrument is not in use. Two gear-shaped ends assist in sliding the device under the handle of the amplification device and the two slots by the socket hold guitar plectrums.

Abstract: Self-leveling pad assemblies are described having novel supports that include backing disks and compensating disks. The backing disks have inner and outer collars on its second surface and a flexible compensating disk supported on the outer collar creating a cavity between the two collars and the two disks. The assemblies self-leveling properties result from the compensating disk's ability to flex or bend into the cavity and allow the sealing and cushion layers to conform to the contour of the instrument's tone hole. Self-leveling pad assemblies according to the present disclosure are particularly useful on woodwind instruments that include flutes, clarinets and the like.

Abstract: A pedal assembly has a base and a pedal. The pedal is pivotally mounted on the base and has two mounting sleeve mounted between the base and the pedal. A resilient element is mounted between the mounting sleeves. A retaining element is secured to the base. Each mounting sleeve has a rubbing surface abutting against the pedal. Accordingly, gaps between the mounting sleeves and the pedal due to attrition will be automatically eliminated.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, method, and computer-readable medium provides control for displaying, on a display device, a classroom screen with symbolic images representative of a plurality of slave instruments connected to a master instrument in accordance with actual positional relationship between the slave instruments in the classroom, or by different locations thereof. Any one of the symbolic images displayed on the display device can be selected and moved to a desired position from the original position. A moved position of the moved symbolic image is determined. If the determined moved position is a position corresponding to another of symbolic images, the group identification, which can be stored in a storage, of the slave instrument corresponding to the moved symbolic image is changed to the group identification corresponding to the slave instrument associated with the symbolic image located at the moved position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing a playlist in a sound source data player are provided. For the preparation of the playlist, the position of a sampling of the sound source data is set by user's arbitrary selection or by searching out the thematic part of the sound source data. Then, if the sampling time taken for playing back the sampling has been set, the player plays back the sound source data file selected by moving a cursor from the position of the sampling. Finally, the user adds the individual information of the presently selected sound source data to the playlist. Thus, the user may quickly and readily sample a large number of songs stored in the player and thus more easily prepare the playlist.

Abstract: A method and data structure for improving the utility of graphics compositions is disclosed. In one embodiment, composition files are created through the connection of patches in a composition editor. Automatically included with the created composition file is protocol information. Preferably such protocol information is included as metadata in the header of the composition file, and can be constructed in any suitable fashion. So constructed, composition files can be grouped together in a physical or virtual repository accessible to other application programs. Another user can then pick an appropriate composition for a new project based on review and filtering of the protocols as contained in the header information of the repositoried composition files. Such review and filtering can be accomplished using a composition picker user interface in the user's application program. The repository can then be queried for composition files matching or otherwise compatible with the specified protocol.

Abstract: An assistive music playing apparatus plays a music piece with musically acceptable notes even when the player inputs musically unacceptable notes. The apparatus provides a chord progression pattern, and comprises a note conversion device. A chord progression pattern defines a series of chords, which are presented one after another in time for a music progression. As the player plays music, inputting potentially unacceptable notes, the inputted notes will be converted to musically acceptable notes with reference to the currently presented chord in the chord progression. The note conversion rules are prepared different for a melody note range, a chord note range and a bass note range. Overlap of converted notes are avoided. Depending on the conditions of the player's note input, i.e.

Abstract: A musical device is disclosed that generates note tones, influences the sound of notes that are generated independently and performs a variety of user defined or user controlled activities. These activities include but are not limited to producing musical notes, determining, influencing or changing the sound, quality, voice, volume or other characteristics of a note, activating and coordinating the replay of stored loops, recording, editing and playing user created pieces previously produced and controlling peripheral devices such as lighting. The musical device uses a combination of strings and frets to locate notes on a fingerboard that a user may activate. The notes correspond to locations on the fingerboard. As a result, the invention includes a system to generate a sound corresponding to a note selected and activated according to preselected parameters such as the voice (e.g., trumpet, violin).

Abstract: A system for executing a method for neutralizing an explosive device disposed within a targeted area. In operation, an artificial lightning generator of the system generates one or more electric sparks. Additionally, a spinning breakout apparatus of the system spins a spark emission point in a predetermined pattern within the targeted area, and for neutralizing the explosive device, discharges the electric spark(s) into the targeted area via the spark emission point.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a method and apparatus to neutralize ordnance, more specifically improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and unexploded ordnance (UXOs). The current invention provides a simple method to neutralize the ordnance by taking advantage of a new class of energetic materials that includes nano-thermites, binary thermites and additionally powdered thermites. In the invention, a projectile is loaded with the new class of energetic materials and fired into the ordnance. The impact causes the energetic materials to react in such a fashion that the explosive compound or other material within the IED or UXO is burned in a self-propagating mode without exploding. Hence, the ordnance is neutralized.

Abstract: A hydraulic stroking device that performs stroking action by adjusting a pressure of hydraulic fluid in a fluid chamber is disclosed. The hydraulic device includes a hydraulic piston, a sealing member, and a variable sealing performance mechanism. The piston is provided in a fluid chamber, and receives the pressure of hydraulic fluid and is moved by the pressure. The sealing member seals between a circumferential surface of the piston and an inner surface of the fluid chamber. When the piston is not moving with the hydraulic fluid being pressurized, the variable sealing performance mechanism enhances the sealing performance of the sealing member compared to the sealing performance in a state when the piston is being moved.

Abstract: A hydraulic system provides failure protection by incorporating an isolator adjacent a hydraulic actuator. The isolator has a first port connected to the hydraulic actuator and a second port with an electrically operated isolation valve connected between those ports. A pressure relief valve responds when pressure in the hydraulic actuator exceeds a given level by relieving pressure thereby enabling the isolation valve to open without application of electricity and release the pressure in the hydraulic actuator. A control valve assembly is remote from the hydraulic actuator and connected to the second port for metering flow of fluid between a source and the hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: A piston-cylinder unit has a cylinder, at least one pressure chamber, a piston that can be moved in the cylinder and that delimits the at least one pressure chamber, at least one pressure port leading to the pressure chamber, a pressure-limiting line in the piston leading from one side of the pressure chamber to the other side of the piston, a valve element, and a pre-tensioning element. The pressure-limiting line is associated with the valve element that is acted upon by the pre-tensioning element.

Abstract: A variable displacement compressor is disclosed. The compressor includes a crankcase for receiving a fluid. The crankcase has a plurality of compression chambers in which the fluid is compressed. A plurality of pistons disposed within the crankcase and are configured for reciprocal movement within the plurality of chambers to compress and pump the fluid. Further, a rotor assembly having a drive shaft and a rotor, wherein the rotor has a first pivot arm support member extending from a first surface of the rotor. A sleeve is slidably engaged with the drive shaft and configured for axial movement along a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft. A swash ring is coupled to the plurality of pistons and to the rotor by means of a pivot arm. Rotary motion of the swash ring and rotor causes reciprocal motion of the plurality of pistons within the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a variable displacement swash plate type compressor with a smooth inclined moving feature which includes a cylinder block having a plurality of cylinder bores, a front housing disposed at a front end of the cylinder block to form a swash plate chamber, a drive shaft rotatably supported in the cylinder block, a lug plate disposed in the swash plate chamber of the front housing and fixedly installed to the drive shaft, a rear housing disposed at a rear end of the cylinder block and having a suction chamber and a discharge chamber in fluid communication with the cylinder bores through a suction valve and a discharge valve, a swash plate rotated by the lug plate and installed to have a variable inclination angle, a spring supported between the lug plate and the swash plate, and pistons slidably engaged with the swash plate to be reciprocated in the cylinder bores, characterized in that a sleeve is movably inserted into the drive shaft and engaged with an inner surface of an insertion hole of the swas

Abstract: A piston includes a cylindrical body having a neck formed on an outer periphery of the cylindrical body so as to form a first annular disk and a second annular connecting to the first annular disk via the neck, multiple through holes defined through the second annular disk to communicate with a first space among the second annular disk, the neck and the first annular disk, an annular recess defined in an outer periphery of the second annular disk and multiple slits defined through a bottom face defining the annular recess to communicate with a second space below the first annular disk after passing through the neck.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of a piston may have a shape that provides enhanced piston guidance. In such embodiments, the piston shape may include an axial profile that is configured to provide certain thrust load characteristics.

Abstract: An automated system for processing a liquid test sample is provided.

Abstract: Non-evaporable getter alloys are provided which can be activated at relatively low temperatures and are capable of efficiently sorbing hydrogen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the removal of mercury from a gas stream. The method is characterized in that at a temperature above 170° C. the gas stream is contacted with a sorbent that as the active component is comprised of a mixture of substantially silica-alumina compounds and/or calcium compounds. According to a preference, the sorbent is kaolin, that may or may not be in the dehydrated form of meta-kaolin and is optionally obtained by thermal conversion of a material chosen from paper waste or residue from the paper industry. By this method it is possible to remove mercury at temperatures higher than room temperature. The invention also relates to a method for the removal of mercury from a gas stream, wherein the gas stream is contacted with a sorbent at a temperature above 50° C., which sorbent comprises as active substance a mixture of substantially silica-alumina compounds and/or calcium compounds, as well as with an oxidator.

Abstract: A radial sieve module includes a housing having two opposed ends. An inner porous tube is established within the housing and is adapted to have gas flow radially therethrough. An outer porous tube substantially surrounds the inner porous tube. The outer porous tube is also established a spaced distance from the housing such that a chamber is formed therebetween. An adsorbent material is established between at least a portion of the inner and outer porous tubes. End caps are positioned adjacent each of two opposed ends of the housing, thereby substantially sealing the housing.

Abstract: A system for separating contaminants from an air stream entering a sealed case through a vent fitting communicating to the interior cavity of the case includes a contaminant separator having a housing enclosing a chamber, an inlet and outlet communicating with the chamber, a baffle located in the chamber and producing a constricted fluid flow passageway between the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: A device (16) for separating particles (MP) from a flue gas flow (F) has a horizontal flue gas duct (18), through which the flue gas flow (F) is passed substantially horizontally from a first position (P1) to a second position (P2). In the first position (P1), the device (16) has a baffle arrangement (32), which comprises at least one plate (34, 36, 38) which is arranged in the flue gas duct (18) and which is inclined so as to deflect particles (MP) down to the lower portion (42) of the horizontal flue gas duct (18). In the second position (P2), the device (16) has a collecting means (40), which is arranged in the lower portion (42) of the flue gas duct (18) to collect the particles (MP) which have been deflected downwards by the plate (34, 36, 38) to the lower portion (42) of the flue gas duct (18).

Abstract: An air filtering apparatus including an electrolytic bath for electrolyzing water to generate electrolytic water, a gas-liquid contact member in which the electrolytic water generated in the electrolytic bath infiltrates and an air blowing fan for blowing air to the gas-liquid contact member is equipped with a water circulation passage through which the electrolytic water is supplied/circulated to the gas-liquid contact member, the electrolytic water passing through the gas-liquid contact member is received and stocked by a water receiving tray and the stocked electrolytic water is pumped up and supplied to the gas-liquid contact member, a drain pipe branched from the water circulation passage, a water stop valve for opening/closing the drain pipe, and a drain receiver for receiving and stocking the electrolytic water discharged from the drain pipe when the water stop valve is opened.

Abstract: An air cleaner conductor system is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The air cleaner conductor system includes an electrostatic precipitator assembly, a chassis including an electrostatic precipitator receptacle and a power supply, and two or more electrical contacts located in the electrostatic precipitator receptacle and coupled to the power supply. The two or more electrical contacts extend at least partially into the electrostatic precipitator receptacle. The electrostatic precipitator assembly comes into contact with the two or more electrical contacts when the electrostatic precipitator assembly is substantially fully inserted into position in the electrostatic precipitator receptacle.

Abstract: The invention concerns a flow turning vane assembly for use in a duct bend portion of a clean air duct of an air induction system for a vehicle engine. The flow turning vane assembly may have a vane support housing, and a hydrocarbon adsorbent vane mounted to the vane support housing. The hydrocarbon adsorbent vane has a curved shape complimentary to the duct bend portion and includes a hydrocarbon adsorbent layer.

Abstract: Inside of a first absorption chamber of a canister, a heat storage material container in which a heat storage material constituted of a material that is larger in thermal conductivity and higher in heat capacity than an absorber is accommodated is provided. Since the heat storage material is isolated from the absorber, a larger contact area of the absorber with vaporized fuel gas and air can be secured, and thereby the absorption capacity and desorption capacity of the absorber can be highly exerted. Accordingly, the heat storage material can inhibit the absorber from varying in temperature, the absorber can be prevented from deteriorating in absorption capacity, and the heat storage material can be prevented from deteriorating.

Abstract: An air purifier and a control method thereof. The air purifier includes a main body having an air inlet and an air outlet, a fan mounted in the main body, rotational speed of which is changed according to a user-desired air flow rate, cyclones disposed in parallel with each other under the fan, at least one open/close unit to open and close at least one of the cyclones. The open/close unit may include a valve member to open and close an outflow pipe of the cyclone, and a stepping motor to rotate the valve member. An anemometer is mounted to at least one of the cyclones. Accordingly, since the air purifier can measure a speed of air flow in the cyclone and correspondingly change the operating number of the dust-collecting cyclones in an open state, the air purifier can achieve a predetermined dust-collecting performance even when the speed of the air flow in the cyclone is reduced.

Abstract: This invention will not make a person stop at a coffee shop before going to work. It will also act as a comfort for a person to drink tea and coffee after work on the way home. This machine may also serve ice-creams and cappuccinos.

Abstract: A wooden spiral for flavoring wine, comprised of a strip of wood that has been shaped into a spiral. The spiral expands after insertion into a wine bottle so that at least a portion of the spiral is in contact with the inside of the wine bottle. The strip of wood may be optionally toasted, infused with flavor, or made from pre-flavored wood. The wooden spiral optionally comprises a weight that causes the spiral to sink to the bottom of a wine bottle or barrel. A logo may be optionally embossed or otherwise imprinted onto the wooden spiral such that when the spiral expands inside a wine bottle, the logo is visible to a consumer. A method of manufacturing a wooden spiral for flavoring wine.