Abstract: A device for switching wrenching direction of a ratchet wheel of a ratchet tool. A ratchet wheel and a pawl are accommodated in a receiving cavity of the main body of the ratchet tool. The receiving cavity is covered by a cover board for hindering the ratchet wheel and the pawl from dropping out of the receiving cavity. A shift member is disposed on the pawl. The cover board is formed with a locating slot corresponding to the shift member. The locating slot has a first locating section and a second locating section. After the shift member is shifted to move the pawl and switch the wrenching direction, the shift member can be selectively located in the first locating section or the second locating section.

Abstract: A flex-head speed wrench has a head pivot axis transverse to an offset direction of the drive handle to enhance wrench stability.

Abstract: A screwdriver handle includes a first handle part and a second handle part. A first pivotal coupling portion is formed on an end face of the first handle part and includes two receptacles each receiving a positioning member. The second handle part includes an end face with a second pivotal coupling portion pivotally engaged with the first pivotal coupling portion. A positioning hole extends from a wall of the second pivotal coupling portion. One of the positioning members is biased into a retaining section of the positioning hole to position the second handle part. A control member is mounted in the positioning hole and movable to urge the positioning member in the receptacle aligned with the positioning hole into the receptacle, allowing the screwdriver handle to be switchable between an in-line state and an angled-state.

Abstract: A hex wrench device, comprising at least one longitudinal member and at least one pair of complementary wrench sleeves which can be magnetically and longitudinally connected to the longitudinal member, wherein a hex key having a larger total surface area than that of the longitudinal member is formed when the complementary wrench sleeves are magnetically and longitudinally connected to the longitudinal member.

Abstract: An apparatus for machining a circumferential surface defining a cylindrical bore of a workpiece, the apparatus including a tool holder rotatable about a first rotation axis, and a form roller supported on the tool holder so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis parallel to a central axis of the cylindrical bore of the workpiece. The form roller has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the cylindrical bore of the workpiece and is adapted for forming a plurality of microscopic recesses on the circumferential surface defining the cylindrical bore of the workpiece.

Abstract: A cutting tool assembly having a tool post capable of lateral movement along a work piece to be cut and an actuator with a tool tip. The actuator provides for control of the movement of the tool tip in an x-direction into and out of the work piece in order to make discontinuous microstructures in it. The machined work piece can be used to make microstructured articles such as films having non-adjacent lenslets.

Abstract: A tile saw includes a base, a frame assembly disposed on the base, a first rail disposed on the frame assembly, the first rail having a longitudinal axis, a table slidingly disposed on the first rail, a support assembly disposed on the base, a saw assembly supported by the support assembly, the saw assembly including a motor, a cutting wheel driven by the motor, the saw assembly being pivotable about a horizontal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a switch electrically connected to the motor and disposed on the support assembly so that, when the motor assembly is pivoted about the horizontal axis, the switch remains stationary.

Abstract: A tool-changing system for a press utilizes a rotary turret on which different tools are rigidly fixed. The turret includes a circular table base which is rotatably mounted on top of the press anvil. As the turret is turned, a different tool is moved into the work zone in vertical alignment with the upper tool on the press ram. The turret table can either be manually or motor driven in either direction between indexed operative positions. The indexing system which senses the position of the turret and indexes the turret to its next operating position uses only two simple sensors which are located beneath the turret table. Each sensor reads a different circular track on the underside of the turret table.

Abstract: To provide a method for cutting a glass material wherein the glass material can be certainly cut a glass gob having a uniform quality and a uniform temperature distribution, without being deformed or damaged. Upon cutting a glass material 20 discharged from a glass material reservoir 10 into a glass gob 21 at a predetermined size by left and right cutting blades 91, 92 which come close to or away from each other in a horizontal direction, said cutting blades 91, 92 are opposed to the other and are translated in such a way that the movement occurs in a forward direction from stand-by positions P, P1 and in a downward direction (S1) to cut the glass material (C), and thereafter, in a further downward direction and in a rearward direction (S2), and thereafter, in an upward direction to return back to said stand-by positions (S3).

Abstract: A hole-punching assembly comprising a positioning piece, a clamping piece, a plurality of tool holders, two balancing rods and a plurality of hole mountings. Each end of the positioning piece couples to the hole mounting through a balancing rod, the positioning piece has a gliding rail, a receiving slot and a confining part disposed at an indentation at each end for each of the tool holders to go through the positioning piece, thereby fixing the tool holders. Each of the tool holders has a first end extending to one of the hole mountings and a second end being blocked by the clamping piece. The clamping piece has one rod disposed at each end, with each end of the rod protruding through the receiving slot axially and being restrained by the confining part, thereby fixing the clamping piece and forcing the tool holder to move axially to facilitate easy switching and dismantling of the tool holders.

Abstract: A process for accessing and defusing munitions using fluid jet technology containing abrasive material and recovering the abrasive. The explosive material can also be removed from the munition casing by fluid jet technology, after the munition has been defused.

Abstract: A system has a containment blanket. The system further has a launcher configured to launch the containment blanket and logic configured to deploy the containment blanket. The containment blanket is configured to encompass an incoming projectile.

Abstract: A compensation system for a firearm includes a barrel having a longitudinal bore that defines a firing axis. A compensator assembly is also included and has an attaching mechanism for releasably attaching the compensator assembly adjacent a muzzle end of the barrel. A gas discharge port is formed in the compensator assembly that is not aligned with the longitudinal bore. The gas discharge port communicates with an inner bore of the compensator assembly.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hydraulic valve arrangement (1) with a control valve module (2) comprising a supply connection arrangement with a high-pressure connection (P) and a low-pressure connection (T) and a working connection arrangement with two working connections (A, B) as well as a control valve (3) between the supply connection arrangement and the working connection arrangement. It is endeavored to improve the control behavior of the valve arrangement. For this purpose. it is ensured that the control valve module (2) has a return compensation valve (15, 16) between the control valve (3) and at least one working connection (A, B).

Abstract: The invention concerns a hydraulic device with a housing and a rotor which can rotate in the housing and has fixedly mounted pistons. Around the piston there are drum sleeves which each, together with a piston, form a chamber of variable volume and which are supported by a drum plate with an axis which intersects the axis of the rotor at an angle. Clamping means hold the drum sleeve against the drum plate and the clamping means are designed in such a manner that the drum sleeves can make a movement along the drum plate which is double of the radial movement which occurs in the event of synchronous rotation between the drum plate and a drum sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus of treating wine to improve the wine's taste. This is accomplished by treating the wine with a magnetic field formed by one or more magnets, preferably at least two magnets. These magnets are positioned with one magnet at the base of a container that is holding the wine and another magnet at the top of the container.

Abstract: An automatic unit for preparing infused or brewed beverages from a powdered or ground product, including: an infusion group that includes an infusion chamber, a pressing piston and an actuating mechanism that produce a relative sliding movement between the pressing piston and the infusion chamber along a travel path, from a rest position in which the pressing piston is located outside the chamber to a work position in which the pressing piston is within the chamber; a product distributor having an opening and a chute defining a flow path disposed to channel the product from the distributor toward the infusion chamber; and a cleaning device arranged to contact the chute and to be driven by the pressing piston or by the infusion chamber over at least a part of the travel path in order to remove residual product from the chute.

Abstract: Disclosed is a beverage dispenser of the type for dispensing beverage into a server. The dispenser includes a housing having a body and an overhanging portion protruding from the housing. A dispensing area is defined between the overhanging portion of the body. The housing is configured for dispensing beverage therefrom. An extension is provided protruding from the body of the housing into the dispensing area. The extension is positioned proximate to an area which retains at least one server in the dispensing area. A void is defined in the dispensing area between the extension and the overhanging portion. The void helps facilitate ease of access to the dispenser and server as well as facilitating ease of access to the servers, removal and replacement of the servers as well as maintenance, repair, operation and other aspects of the dispenser.

Abstract: A cartridge (containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the cartridge defining a storage chamber containing the one or more beverage ingredients and a manifold chamber, the cartridge comprising an opening through which the one or more beverage ingredients can be filled into the storage chamber, the opening being closed by a lid having a first portion overlying the manifold chamber and a second portion overlying the storage chamber, wherein the first portion of the lid is pierceable in use to accommodate an inflow of an aqueous medium into the manifold chamber and the lid is pierceable in use to accommodate an outflow of beverage formed from interaction of the aqueous medium and the one or more beverage ingredients in the storage chamber.

Abstract: A dough dispensing apparatus (100) comprises a container (1,1?) for receiving and holding dough and a dough transfer device (3,3?) for receiving dough from the container and for transferring the dough to a depositing station (4,5) at which the dough is deposited onto a conveying means (12) for further processing steps to be carried out on the dough.

Abstract: Industrial apparatus for applying radio-frequency electromagnetic fields to semiconductive dielectric materials comprises a radio-frequency voltage generator and an applicator device for applying radio-frequency electromagnetic fields. The applicator device comprises a plurality of electrodes electrically connected to the electrical generator for generating between then a radio-frequency electromagnetic field with electrical and magnetic components arranged in a preferential direction. The applicator device further comprises at least one pair of equipotential electrodes substantially aligned in the preferential direction and material transportation means for housing and transporting semiconductive dielectric material within the applicator device in a direction substantially parallel to the preferential direction.

Abstract: In general, one embodiment of the invention is directed to apparatus for warming pre-cooked sandwich buns and the like to a desired holding temperature and then holding the buns at such holding temperature. The apparatus comprises a cabinet having at least one compartment with a bottom wall, a top wall and opposite side walls. Adjacent the bottom of the compartment is at least one heat source for delivering heat to buns in the compartment. A control mechanism controls the heat source to deliver heat to the buns to warm the buns to the desired holding temperature and then to vary the amount of heat delivered to the buns to hold the buns at the desired holding temperature. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A juice extractor includes at least one pair of extractor cups being relatively moveable for compressing fruit therebetween. A drive mechanism engages at least one of the extractor cups and includes a drive cam that drives the extractor cup into engagement with the other extractor cup. The drive mechanism includes a return cam for disengaging the extractor cup from the other extractor cup.

Abstract: A printing device has a support roll and a sleeve having at least one sleeve element and detachably mounted on the support roll, wherein the sleeve, when mounted on the support roll, surrounds at least partially the support roll. At least one printing plate is adapted to be detachably mounted on the sleeve. A securing device for securing the at least one printing plate on the sleeve is provided, wherein the securing device has at least one magnetic element and a ferromagnetic material interacting with the at least one magnetic element.

Abstract: This invention relates to a solid-state or integrated circuit-type igniter die (10) having a bridge (18) that is formed on a non-planar surface of a substrate (12), and which therefore has a non-planar configuration. Igniter die (10), according to this invention therefore has a three-dimensional configuration and, preferably, a configuration that can enclose a reactive material (26) therein. In a typical embodiment, the bridge (18) of an igniter element of this invention has a tubular configuration. Reactive material (26) is disposed within the interior of the tube (14) and a charge of electric current is flowed through the tube (14) from o the other to form a plasma that initiates the remaining reactive material (26).

Abstract: A frangible projectile for expelling from an industrial ballistic tool may be formed by a powder metallurgy process. A preferred embodiment of slug consists essentially of compacted and optionally sintered material and comprises up to 35% ferrotungsten in particulate form, up to 3% lubricant, and the balance iron in particulate form with inevitable impurities.

Abstract: An auto rack rail road freight car is provided for carrying low density, relatively high value, relatively fragile lading. The car has a relatively soft suspension and an empty vertical bounce natural frequency of less than 2.0 Hz. The car also has additional ballast to increase the dead sprung weight of the car relative to the weight of the lading. In the embodiments in which multi-unit articulated freight cars are employed, such as for auto rack rail cars, the ballast is located preferentially toward the coupler end trucks. The trucks for the rail car have an increased wheel base and damping located to provide a greater moment arm and bearing face to encourage a higher threshold for rail car hunting.

Abstract: The flexible connection device of the invention is disposed between a flexible side beam of a bogey frame and an arm of an axle-box, and wherein the stiffness of the connection is greater in the vertical direction (Z) than in the two horizontal directions (X, Y). This enables the side beam to be decoupled from the axle-box, thereby reducing the stresses at the interfaces between these parts when the bogey frame moves transversely and vertically relative to the axles. This also presents the advantage of allowing relative displacements between the side beam and the axle-box.

Abstract: Pivotally mounted doors forming the floor of a railroad car are prevented from opening inadvertently through not allowing air pressure to be applied to a door opening piston until the air pressure exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: The invention provides a platform gate door device equipped with highly reliable photoelectric obstacle detectors that do not malfunction by disturbance light that moves, such as sunlight. The platform gate door device comprises a platform gate door 13 installed on a platform at a position where passengers get on and off a vehicle; a door control device 4 for opening and closing the platform gate door; at least two photoelectric obstacle detectors 2 disposed between the platform gate door 13 and the vehicle for detecting a presence of an obstacle, wherein each obstacle detector 2 has a light emitter 21 and a light receiver 22 disposed on either side of an opening 12 of the platform gate door, and wherein the obstacle detectors 2 are arranged so that the direction of emission from the light emitters are mutually inversed; and a switching means 3 for activating one of the plurality of obstacle detectors.

Abstract: A table top includes an exterior shell providing an interior region. An interior frame and a core are located in the interior region. The exterior shell includes top and bottom sheets and a perimeter bumper.

Abstract: A novel tufting needle (4) is distinguished by a hollow flute (15) which is preferably symmetrical to a central plane (29) and which is bilaterally provided with chamfers (33, 34). The chamfers (33, 34) are, in an inward-located, that is, in a region lying close to the central plane (29), inclined at a small acute angle (?) to a reference plane (28), while in a region bordering an externally located rim (edges (46, 47)), the chamfers (33, 34) are inclined at a larger acute angle (?) to the reference plane (28). This feature improves the rigidity, the tufting properties and the mechanical strength, as well as the wear resistance of the novel tufting needle (4).

Abstract: An embroidery module (1) is provided that is attached (docked) to the base plate (29) of a sewing machine (27) and supplied with power and control commands from the machine electronics. A free space (33), which permits the insertion of tubular work pieces around the free arm (31), is created between the embroidery module (1) and a front end of the free arm (31). The embroidery module (1), with or without an embroidery hoop support (13), can remain docked for all sewing, embroidery, and quilting work on the sewing machine (27).

Abstract: A small watercraft equipped with a lock mechanism for an engine hood is disclosed. The watercraft includes a deck, an engine hood that is pivotably provided to the deck around a pivot shaft, and covers an engine room thereunder from above so as to open and close, and a lock mechanism for locking the hood in an open position. The mechanism includes one member attached to the hood, another member attached to the deck, and a stopping member. At least one of the one member and the another member is formed with a protruding portion that protrudes in the radial direction of the pivoting. The stopping member is attached to the other member, and the protruding portion engages with the stopping member when the engine hood reaches a predetermined open position so that the protruding portion stops the pivoting of the one member to lock the hood in the position.

Abstract: A deck assembly includes a plurality of deck panels in a side-by-side and end-by-end relationship. The deck panels include a support having a pair of opposed sides, opposed ends, and an arcuate portion having a convex surface and an opposite concave surface between and connected to a pair of spaced extensions. An elongated structural cover is positioned over the arcuate portion and attached to the support. The cover provides structural stability to the deck panel. Optionally, layers of insulation or a layer of concrete overlays the structural cover and exposed portions of the support between the covers. Optionally, the deck assembly can be made of acoustical deck panels.

Abstract: An improved planing hull which incorporates a vee-bow (1) with outboard chines (2) designed to trap air and water between said chines. As the chines (2) extend aft they become wider and deeper (3) in the water. The vee-bow (1) ensures comfort in a seaway by deflecting waves down and outward and prohibits the bow from being buried in a wave. The outboard chines (2) can house engines and waterjets while providing buoyancy aft to match the displacement of the machinery. The chines (2) can be designed to cancel each other's wake, reducing drag and increasing lift on the hull. The resulting vessel can have much greater beam and interior accommodation with the same displacement as a typical planing boat. The hybrid hull has improved wave handling, significantly improved transverse stability, a smoother ride, and notably less draft over convention vee-hull boats.

Abstract: An apparatus for underwater propulsion. The apparatus may include a hydrofoil, a buoyancy compensator connected to the hydrofoil, a tank containing air, and a controller regulating the passage of air from the tank into the buoyancy compensator. The controller may also regulate the escape of air from the buoyancy compensator. By positioning the hydrofoil underwater and alternating between positive and negative angles of attack, a diver may generate forward propulsion by manipulating the controller to correspondingly alternate the buoyant force produced by the buoyancy compensator between levels below and above neutral buoyancy.

Abstract: A dispenser delivers a pourable material onto the outside of a receiving vessel, for example, a flavorant like granular salt or sugar onto the rim of a beer bottle or margarita glass, or a glue, sealant, or lubricant onto the external threads of a chemical bottle. An external casing containing the pourable material has an opening at the bottom that is normally sealed by a retractable encloser held in place by a closer spring inside the casing. To dispense pourable material, the bottom of the encloser is pressed against the rim of the receiving vessel, lifting the encloser from its normally-closed position and opening an annular path through which the material is released onto the outside of the rim, but not into the interior, of the receiving vessel.

Abstract: A computer-aided training and management system that uses a computer or other processor in wireless communication with an instrumented dog collar and/or optionally, one or more dog interaction devices, such as, for example, video monitors, loudspeakers, video cameras, training toys (e.g., ball, bone, moving toy, etc.), an animatronics “trainer,” a treat dispenser, a food dispensing and monitoring device, a water dispensing and monitoring device, tracking devices, a dog door, dog-monitoring doghouse, a dog-monitoring dog toilet, is described. In one embodiment, the instrumented dog collar is in two-way communication with a central computer system.

Abstract: Radial impulse engine, pump, and compressor systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment of the invention, an engine includes a first end wall portion spaced apart from a second end wall portion to at least partially define a combustion chamber therebetween. In this embodiment, the engine further includes a plurality of movable wall portions disposed between the first and second end wall portions. Each movable wall portion includes a cylindrical surface extending at least partially between a distal edge portion and a pivot axis. Upon ignition in the combustion chamber, the distal edge portion of each movable wall portion slides across the cylindrical surface of the adjacent movable wall portion as the movable wall portions pivot outwardly in unison about their respective pivot axes.

Abstract: A valve timing correction control apparatus for an internal combustion engine is provided. The engine includes a plurality of banks and variable valve operating mechanisms disposed at the respective banks for variably controlling valve timings of intake valves separately at the respective banks. The valve timing correction control apparatus comprises air/fuel ratio sensors provided to exhaust systems of the respective banks, and a control unit that corrects the valve timings of the intake valves at the respective banks in accordance with deviations of air/fuel ratios detected by the respective air/fuel ratio sensors. A valve timing correction control method is also provided.

Abstract: Rotary valve system for controlling communication with a port in an internal combustion engine which, in one disclosed embodiment, has a crankshaft, compression and expansion pistons connected to the crankshaft for reciprocating movement within compression and expansion chambers, a combustion chamber in which air from the compression chamber is combined with fuel and burned to produce an increased gas volume.

Abstract: A finger lever (1) that can be switched for different cam lifts is provided. The finger lever includes an outer arm (2), between whose limbs (3) an inner arm (4) is pivotally mounted. Inside the inner arm (4), starting form one end (9), a blind borehole (16) is provided with a coupling element (5), which can be longitudinally displaced therein and which, in the event of coupling, can be displaced partially under a driver surface (18) of a crossbar (15) of the outer arm (2). Height stopping parts (34) are provided on the inner arm (4) in the form of a simple, finger-like extension of the inner arm (4) at the end (9) thereof which extend out over the crossbar (15).

Abstract: A hydraulic valve play compensation element for an internal combustion engine is provided as a reverse-spring/free-ball element, with a cylindrical housing, a cylindrical piston (21) guided therein with sealing play and a control valve (20), which is arranged between a low-pressure chamber (22) of the piston (21) and a high-pressure chamber (24) of the housing, on a piston head (25) of the piston and which has a closing body (27), which can contact a valve seat (26) surrounding an axial bore hole (23) of the piston head (25) when carrying out a stroke (28) in the closing direction against the force of a control-valve spring (34) and which can contact a contact surface (29) of a valve cap (30) surrounding the closing body (27) when carrying out a stroke in the opening direction.

Abstract: A plasma-jet spark plug includes a metal shell, an electrical insulator retained in the metal shell, a center electrode held in an axial hole of the electrical insulator to define a cavity by a front end face of the center electrode and an inner circumferential surface of the insulator axial hole and a ground electrode fitted to a front end face of the electrical insulator and formed with an opening for communication between the cavity and the outside of the spark plug and satisfies the following dimensional relationships: d?D?3d; 0.5 mm?d?1.5 mm; L1?1.5 mm; 2d?L2?3.5 mm; and L2+{(D?d)/2}?3.5 mm where D is a diameter of the ground electrode opening; L1 is a thickness of the ground electrode; d is a diameter of the cavity; and L2 is a depth of the cavity.

Abstract: Mechanical compression and vacuum release mechanisms for internal combustion engines. The compression and vacuum release mechanism may include a pair of centrifugally responsive flyweights pivotally mounted to the cam gear. One of the flyweights actuates a vacuum release member having a vacuum release cam and the other of the flyweights actuates a compression release member having a compression release cam. In another embodiment, the compression and vacuum release mechanism includes a single flyweight having structure associated therewith to actuate a vacuum release member and a compression release member having respective vacuum and compression release cams. The compression and vacuum release cams are in lifting engagement with the valve actuation structure of one of the intake or exhaust valves of the engine during engine starting to relieve compression and vacuum within the combustion chamber and thereby facilitate easier engine starting.

Abstract: A valve guide structure is provided which can suppress deterioration of a valve guide even if radial stress is applied on an upper portion of a stem of a valve. The valve guide structure is such that the stem 2 of the valve 1 is supported by an inner peripheral surface of the valve guide 16 to restrict moving directions of the valve 1. A recess 18 is formed on an inner peripheral surface of the valve guide 16 and extends downwardly from an upper end of the valve guide 16 along the stem 2 of the valve 1 so as to provide a clearance between the valve guide 16 and the stem 2 of the valve 1.

Abstract: A cylinder head assembly includes a spherical valve for an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder defining a combustion chamber and housing a piston reciprocally movable therein throughout successive intake, compression, power, and exhaust strokes for facilitating the flow of engine gasses between a manifold and the combustion chamber. The cylinder head assembly comprises a cylinder head defining therein a spherical valve race in gaseous communication with the combustion chamber. A spherical valve is disposed in the spherical valve race and has a spherical body defining a central axis of rotation and further defining a passageway therethrough. The passageway has a first opening substantially coaxial with the central axis for gaseous communication with a manifold and has a second opening substantially transverse from the central axis.

Abstract: A bearing has an inner race that has separable inner sections. The inner race has an inner male protrusion and an inner female receptacle, and each inner male protrusion is mated with one of the inner female receptacles to form a unitary inner race. The bearing further has an outer race that has separable outer sections. The outer race has an outer male protrusion and an outer female receptacle, and each outer male protrusion is mated with one of the outer female receptacles to form a unitary outer race. Further, the bearing has a plurality of rollers situated within a channel formed by engaging the inner race and the outer race.

Abstract: Disclosed are crankshaft, single-plate cam and beam mechanisms that provide significant improvements in performance for 2 & 4-stroke engines, compressors and pumps. These cost effective mechanisms include linkages with the new and improved use of pivoting arms that operate with a variety of cylinder arrangements. One embodiment of the crankshaft mechanism has its crankpin roller positioned within a novel yoke-arm. The cam mechanism uses a pair of centrally positioned parallel links that are connected to roller cam followers and single or diametrically-opposed pistons. A pair of laterally extending follower arms connects to the ends of the links to provide support and alignment for the piston rods. Between the reciprocating links, cam followers and follower arms is a rotating odd-lobe plate cam. A beam mechanism uses opposite-direction extending balancing beams that are connected to links, cam followers and piston rods.