Abstract: A process for producing titanium metal sponge from an exothermic reaction between titanium tetrachloride vapor and molten magnesium vapor, and reclaiming reactive metals from by-products of the exothermic reaction.

Abstract: A driving head for an air wrench, connected at the front end of a main body of an air wrench and formed with four equal side surfaces, includes a quadrate stage with a preset length and a front end stage having a neck at its rear end connected with the quadrate stage. Each side surface of the front-end stage is formed as an arc starting from the top to the neck to keep its diagonal distance just fit with the quadrate groove of the working sleeve. Therefore, the driving head can drive the working sleeve to work by either fitting the front end stage and the quadrate stage in the quadrate groove completely or fitting only the front end stage in the quadrate groove with an inclined angle.

Abstract: Adjustable, torque compensating powered pipe wrench for the tightening and loosening of threaded pipe onto threaded pipe fittings. A portable wrench with size adjustable non-rotating grippers and size adjustable rotating grippers powered by a drive motor allows for the powered tightening and loosening of threaded pipe onto threaded pipe fittings.

Abstract: A screwdriver includes a handle, a fixing member mounted in the handle, a release member slidably mounted on and axially movable relative to the fixing member, and a tool shank locked on the release member and detachable from the release member by movement of the release member relative to the fixing member. Thus, the tool shank is supported by the fixing member and the release member which are supported by the handle to enhance the strength of the screwdriver so that the screwdriver is not easily broken or worn out, thereby enhancing the lifetime of the screwdriver. In addition, the tool shank is mounted on and detached from the fixing member and the handle by pressing the release member, thereby facilitating the user mounting and replacing the tool shank.

Abstract: A connecting assembly includes a connecting rod having an axial penetrating hole which is a stepped hole and thus is formed with a stepped edge; an upper end of the connecting rod is formed with an enlarged end as a connecting portion; a through hole penetrated through the enlarged end of the connecting rod; a push rod received in the penetrating hole; a lower end of the push rod being connected to a combining portion; an upper end of the push rod being formed as a resisting end; and a press rod passing through the through hole of the combining portion; two ends of the press rod protruding from the two openings of the through hole; a lower middle section of the press rod being formed with a cambered recess corresponding to the resisting end.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hydraulic tool user interface. The hydraulic tool user interface includes a rocker section, a drain trigger section, and an activation trigger section. The rocker section includes a first end, a second end, and a first contact portion. The first contact portion is between the first end and the second end. The first contact portion is configured to contact a drain pin. The drain trigger section is at the first end. The activation trigger section is between the first end and the second end. The activation trigger section is configured to contact the second end. The activation trigger section is configured to contact an electrical switch.

Abstract: A tool operable for connecting a male F-type coaxial cable connector includes a tubular wrench portion and a hollow grasping portion. The tubular wrench portion comprises a first end, a second end, a hollow body portion located between the first and second ends and a plurality of arc portions located at the first end. The hollow body portion has a first slot extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the arc portions have an outer surface for installing the C-shaped fastening ring thereon to generate torsion and an inner surface formed with a shaped portion to engage with the shaped outer surface of the connector ring. The arc portions are outwardly extended by the torsion when the predetermined torsion is enough to deform the arc portions of the tubular wrench portion.

Abstract: A torque-limiting and ratcheting driver. The drive comprises a handle having an enclosed end and an open end, which houses a drive assembly. The drive assembly comprises a drive shaft, a drive clutch member and a camming clutch member supported by the drive shaft. The camrning clutch member is coupled to the drive shaft, and the first drive clutch member and second camming clutch member are biased towards one another. The drive assembly has a locking screw supported by the drive shaft, with the locking means located at the enclosed end of thc handle. The drive assembly is secured with the housing. The driver also comprises a ratcheting assembly connected to the handle, independently assembled of the drive assembly.

Abstract: A method and system for assessing when to change or sharpen a cutting blade of a paper cutter is presented. The cutting blade is operated using an electric motor that causes motion of the cutting blade, and the motion of the cutting blade causes the paper to be cut. Data is recorded about usage of the electric motor at least while cutting the paper. Based upon the data, a determination is made as to whether the cutting blade should be changed or sharpened.

Abstract: A calibration procedure is carried out for determining the displacement distance from a reference point to the center of the blade in a web cutter in a mail inserter. A photosensor is placed near the paper plane of the web cutter to sense a web edge at the reference point downstream or upstream from the blade. At the start of the calibration procedure, the blade is caused to cut the web for providing a web edge. The web edge is moved in a backward and forward motion over the photosensor a few times for determining the theoretical center position of the photosensor relative to the position where the web is cut by the blade. By taking into account the chip-out width, the displacement distance from the center of the photosensor to the center of the chip out blade can be determined.

Abstract: A defect testing apparatus according to the present invention is a defect testing apparatus for testing defects of a sheet-shaped product having at least an optical film which is a member of an optical displaying apparatus, including: defect detecting means for detecting defects of a monolayer body and/or a laminate body constituting the sheet-shaped product in a state in which a protective layer on a surface of the sheet-shaped product is not disposed; and defect information preparing means for preparing defect information which is information related to the defects detected by said defect detecting means, wherein said defect information is used for producing the sheet-shaped product provided in a roll form or in separate sheets.

Abstract: A viscous material metering system comprises a cutting apparatus comprising a tensioning fork having a main body diverging into extending tines; a cutting wire tensioned between the tines of the fork; and a driving mechanism operatively connected to the tensioning fork to drive the fork and tensioned cutting wire; and a controller controllably connected to the driving mechanism and having a set of instructions to control the driving mechanism to drive the fork to cut a continuous viscous material into portions of a predetermined size or weight for metering to a viscous material compounding system.

Abstract: A food-cutting device comprises an upper metal base and a lower metal base respectively formed with recessed areas and shaped mold cavities with a predetermined cavity depth having raised rims outwardly projecting from the recessed areas and having inclined and closed peripheral patterns formed on inner surfaces. Cutters having a height greater than that of the raised rim are provided around the mold cavities of the upper metal base. Moreover, press members respectively have one ends connected to each side of the upper metal base, and the other ends connected to each side portion of a handle pivotally connected to a rear side of the upper metal base. When the upper and lower metal bases are in a close state to heat foodstuff, the foodstuff is pressed into a predetermined configuration, and a filling is encapsulated within the foodstuff followed by cutting the foodstuff by the cutter.

Abstract: A cutting machine for trimming window covering work pieces is disclosed. The cutting machine includes a stand, one or more cutting mechanisms attached to the stand, a controller and one or more locators connected to the controller that are movable relative to the one or more cutting machines and are configured to engage at least a portion of a window covering work piece between the ends of the work piece. The controller has a memory having a program. The program enables the controller to cause one or more of the locators to move so that a desired amount of material can be trimmed from at least one end of the work piece after the controller receives information about the work piece. The controller may be connected to the one or more locators by one or more wireless connections or by one or more direct connectors such electronic wiring.

Abstract: A power saw machine includes a cutting head, a cutting table, a supporting frame, and a table sliding arrangement for guiding the cutting table to slide on the supporting frame. The table sliding arrangement includes two sliding tracks, a plurality of sliding wheels and a plurality of alignment wheels. The two sliding tracks are spacedly provided at the supporting frame, wherein each of the sliding tracks has an upper surface defining a top sliding channel therealong and an inner side surface defining a side sliding channel therealong. The sliding wheels are rotatably, horizontally and spacedly mounted underneath the cutting table to slide along the side sliding channels of the sliding tracks respectively, wherein the cutting table is slidably engaged with the two side sliding channels of the sliding tracks to prevent the cutting table from being flipped over when the cutting table is slid on the supporting frame.

Abstract: A multi-purpose scrap disassembling apparatus suitable for scrap disassembly operation for various waste materials such as construction waste materials and pipe waste materials as well as waste automobiles. The scrap disassembling apparatus comprises a hydraulically operated boom mounted on a self-traveling vehicle, pinchers for scrap disassembly operation mounted at the tip of the boom, and a pair of right and left side openably drivable working arms mounted at the front or rear of the vehicle. Also, the scrap disassembling apparatus comprises a peeling tool holding a coated wire to be scrapped from the periphery by the closing operation of the working arm and tearing and peeling off the outer coating of the coated wire by an extraction operation for the core of the coated wire by the pinchers in the held state of the coated wire.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for clamping a blade (10) of a pair of shears, used in the transversal cutting of strips, in particular a pair of shears for transversally cutting rolled strips and/or cropping shears. Said device comprises a piston (3), a piston rod (4), a compression spring (5), a cover (6), a fixing device (7) and a clamping bar (8), a second piston (16) being positioned at a distance from the first piston (3).

Abstract: A mouthpiece is formed with a bite plate seat receiving a bite plate. The bite plate is maintained in place with a releasable adhesive. Therefore, a musician can replace the bite plate at will and does not have to worry about depressions in the bite area of the mouthpiece caused by his teeth during playing.

Abstract: A supporting system is provided on a saxophone for offering assistance to the player, and includes pressure sensors monitoring the touch pieces of the keys, power assisting units equipped with torque motors provided for the keys and a controller connected to the pressure sensors and the power assisting units; a conversion table for depressed touch pieces and another conversion table for released touch pieces are prepared in the controller, and different relations between the finger force and the amount of current to be supplied to the torque motor are respectively defined in the conversion tables, respectively; the amount of current to be supplied is read out from the conversion tables depending upon the increase and decrease of finger force so that the player quickly closes the tone whole with the padded cup without curious key touch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a musical rhythm instrument comprising sounding bodies, especially in the form of jingles or the like, and a holding device for said sounding bodies, wherein said holding device is designed to be fastened to the user's foot.

Abstract: A musical instrument training device, system, and method are provided for teaching a plurality of wind instrument embouchures. The instrument includes an elongate body having first end and a second end opposite the first end and defining an internal bore extending longitudinally between the first and second ends. A single-reed instrument mouthpiece is coupled to the first end and a brass instrument mouthpiece is coupled to the second end. In a preferred, more limited aspect, a lateral flute embouchure tone hole is formed in the wall of the elongate body.

Abstract: A method for teaching musical theory wherein each note of the chromatic scale is associated with one of three markings, preferably incorporating three distinct colors, making a repeating pattern up and down the musical scale. The preferred colors are silver, black, and gold. Some instruments are adapted to use with the system by marking playing positions on the instrument, such as keys or fingering positions, according to the marking system. Sheet music may also be adapted to embodiments of the method by indicating notes in the color associated with that note. Note recognition and musical theory, including chord structures, are taught using patterns of colors corresponding to different notes, chords, musical keys, etc.

Abstract: A body armor assembly includes a plurality of rigid tiles that are supported in a manner to provide movement and flexibility while still providing the protection of rigid armor. In a disclosed example, a tile holder maintains a plurality of tiles in a selected alignment. The tile holder maintains a minimum overlap dimension between adjacent tiles. Some of the tiles are maintained by the tile holder in a manner that allows for the overlap dimension to increase beyond the minimum overlap dimension. In a disclosed example, at least two rigid layers have at least one ballistic material layer between them to provide a rigid armor material composition.

Abstract: Radial impulse engine, pump, and compressor systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment of the invention, a radial impulse engine includes first and second movable V-members operably disposed between first and second end wall portions. The first V-member can have a first wall portion with a first distal edge portion and a second wall portion with a first cylindrical surface. The second V-member can have a third wall portion with a second distal edge portion and a fourth wall portion with a second cylindrical surface. In this embodiment, the first distal edge portion of the first wall portion can be configured to slide across the second cylindrical surface of the fourth wall portion, and the second distal edge portion of the third wall portion can be configured to slide across the first cylindrical surface of the second wall portion, when the first V-member pivots about a first pivot axis and the second V-member pivots about a second pivot axis.

Abstract: A method of controlling a machine having a hydraulically actuated linkage includes lowering a load suspended by the leakage at least in part by leaking hydraulic fluid from a portion of a hydraulic actuation system, and generating a drift compensation control signal responsive to leaking hydraulic fluid. A machine includes an electronic controller in control communication with a valve, the electronic controller being configured to compensate for leakage induced drift of at least one hydraulic actuator of a machine hydraulic system by selectively commanding adjusting of the valve if drift criteria for the hydraulic system are satisfied.

Abstract: A liquid is degassed with an apparatus including a membrane contactor, where the liquid is drawn through the apparatus by gravity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting CO2 from air comprising an anion exchange material formed in a matrix exposed to a flow of the air, and for delivering that extracted CO2 to controlled environments. The present invention contemplates the extraction of CO2 from air using conventional extraction methods or by using one of the extraction methods disclosed; e.g., humidity swing or electro dialysis. The present invention also provides delivery of the CO2 to greenhouses where increased levels of CO2 will improve conditions for growth. Alternatively, the CO2 is fed to an algae culture.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a process for the refinement of nitrogen trifluoride gas and an adsorbent therefor. A nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) gas including carbon tetrafluoride (CF4) as an impurity is permeated into a bed of zeolite 3 A, 4A or 5 A which undergoes ion exchange and impregnation with alkali earth metal and is thermally treated at 150 to 600° C. for 0.5 to 100 hours so as to be able to selectively adsorb nitrogen trifluoride onto the bed, followed by the desorption of the nitrogen trifluoride therefrom.

Abstract: The membrane air dryer includes a housing with an air inlet adjacent a first end of the housing, an air outlet adjacent a second end of the housing, a sweep air inlet and a sweep air outlet. A membrane separator has surfaces extending between and connected to the air inlet and the air outlet. A first sweep air passage in the housing extends between the first and second ends of the membrane along and including surfaces of the membrane. The first sweep air passage has an inlet adjacent the air outlet and an outlet adjacent the air inlet and connected to the sweep air outlet. The sweep air inlet and outlet is adjacent the air inlet. A second sweep air passage in the housing extends between the first and second ends of the membrane. The second sweep air passage has an inlet that is connected to the sweep air inlet and is adjacent the air inlet and has an outlet that is adjacent the air outlet and in fluid communication with the inlet of the first sweep air passage.

Abstract: A filter includes a housing having an air inlet, an air outlet, a first chamber and a second chamber concentric to and interior the first chamber. A coalescer is in the first chamber and a first filter is in the second chamber. A first inlet of the first chamber is interior the coalescer and connected to the air inlet and a first outlet of the first chamber being exterior the coalescer. A second inlet of the second chamber is interior the first filter and connected to the first outlet of the first chamber and a second outlet of the second chamber is exterior the first filter and connected to the air outlet. The filter includes a membrane separator in the housing connecting the second outlet of the second chamber and the air outlet. The filter may be mounted in a reservoir with the membrane separator extending into the reservoir.

Abstract: An air filtering assembly for use with oxygen concentrating equipment, the assembly including a filter containment housing, a cover therefore, and a filter support and divider provided therein. A filter rests upon the divider, and below the divider are a series of baffles, that provide a circuitous path for the filtered air to flow, to effect sound dampening, during usage of this filter assembly in combination with the concentrator of an oxygen concentrating apparatus.

Abstract: A portable gas fractionalization apparatus that provides oxygen rich air to patients is provided. The apparatus is compact, lightweight, and low-noise. The components are assembled in a housing that is divided into two compartments. One compartment is maintained at a lower temperature than the other compartment. The lower temperature compartment is configured for mounting components that can be damaged by heat. The higher temperature compartment is configured for mounting heat generating components. An air stream is directed to flow from an ambient air inlet to an air outlet constantly so that there is always a fresh source of cooling air. The apparatus utilizes a PSA unit to produce an oxygen enriched product. The PSA unit incorporates a novel single ended column design in which all flow paths and valves can be co-located on a single integrated manifold. The apparatus also can be used in conjunction with a satellite conserver and a mobility cart.

Abstract: A hot beverage maker comprises an infusion device comprising a water container having a base and a lid, and a filtration tank in the water container. The filtration tank includes a stopper on a bottom, an overflow outlet on a side wall, a filtration mesh having a hot-water duct of silicone rubber, and a lid pivotally connected to a top. When the hot beverage maker is activated to heat, cold water in the water container flows into heating tubes of a heating device via a connective tube to be heated. Then hot water flows upwards via a connective tube into the filtration tank from the bottom of the filtration tank, thus the coffee powder/tea leaves inside of the filtration mesh is/are sufficiently infused. The stopper the can be pressed upwards to be opened so as to cause the sufficiently infused coffee/tea to drip.

Abstract: A coffee maker with a drip tray (9) which serves for receiving coffee droplets falling from an outlet member of the coffee maker when a path between the outlet member and the drip tray (9) is free from interruptions such as a coffee cup. The drip tray (9) comprises a tray portion (91) and a cover (92) in which a convex droplet landing surface (93) for receiving droplets falling from the outlet member of the coffee maker is arranged. A coffee droplet dropping on this surface (93) breaks apart, gently flows off this surface (93), and is discharged to the tray portion (91) through a hole (95) arranged in the cover (92). In this way, a situation in which coffee splashes out of the tray portion (91) as a result of the direct impact of a coffee droplet is avoided, and the cleanliness of the coffee maker is enhanced.

Abstract: A cooking device and method that conserves power consumption. The cooking device includes a controller that runs a program that controls the cooking device to changeover from a cook mode to an idle mode when food products are being cooked. The cooking device has a conveyor that conveys food products along a cooking passageway between an inlet and an outlet. A sensing device provides an output indicative of the presence and/or absence of food products on the conveyor. The controller responds to the output to lower the power consumption of the cooking device during the idle mode by operating heating devices and/or fans with lower power.

Abstract: A toaster for heating a food stuff to a selected shade, includes a housing having at least one wall, at least one heating chamber within the housing for receiving the food stuff to be heated and at least one heating element for heating the food stuff in the heating chamber. A window is provided in the wall and a control knob is provided for controlling the time period that the food stuff is heated. The control knob is rotatable between a first end position at which the food stuff is heated for a short time period to provide a light food stuff shade, a second end position at which the food stuff is heated for a long time period to provide a dark food stuff shade and a plurality of intermediary positions between the first and second end positions it which the food stuff is heated for a selected time period between the short and long time periods to provide a food stuff shade between light and dark.

Abstract: An air dispensing duct that can be used in an oven to heat or cook food products passing through the oven on a conveyor. The air dispensing ducts comprise a cover plate and at least one columnating plate, and a plurality of orifices disposed on the cover plate and the columnating plate. The orifices are larger than those of the prior art, which advantageously, and counterintuitively, provides for faster cooking of the food product.

Abstract: A foldable grilling device is provided. The grilling device includes a foldable grilling area, metal skewers, and a grilling surface. The grilling area is comprised of hinged walls that allow the grilling area to fold flat. When assembled, the grilling area provides a charcoal pit and ash collection area. The metal skewers can be easily manipulated using a removable skewer handle and a kabob removing utensil. The grilling area, grilling utensils, and grilling surface all fit in a custom carrying case.

Abstract: A bale shape monitor for assisting an operator of a round baler. The bale shape monitor has an indicator with variable sensitivity. The indicator is less sensitive for small bales and more sensitive for larger bales so that the indicator de-emphasizes bale shape problems at the beginning of bale formation and emphasizes bale shape problems when the bale is almost fully formed. The indicator also changes colors according to the degree the bale is misshapen and provides textual driving instructions.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for supporting a PCB substrate during printing. The apparatus includes first and second fixing units that cooperate to edge-clamp the substrate. The first fixing unit includes a first movable plate, a first actuator, and a first stopper that limits outward movement of the first movable plate. The second fixing unit includes a second movable plate, a second actuator, and a second stopper that limits outward movement of the second movable plate. When printing the substrate from the first edge to the second edge, the first and second fixing units operate so that the second actuator moves the second movable plate outwardly to contact the second stopper, and the first actuator moves the first movable plate inwardly to press the substrate toward the second movable plate. When printing the substrate from the second edge to the first edge the first and second fixing units operate oppositely.

Abstract: A printing couple of a printing press, such as a rotary printing press, where the printing couple includes a form cylinder, a transfer cylinder, an impression cylinder, and an inking couple. Here, the inking couple can apply the printing ink to the form cylinder, that is, to the printing forms which are positioned on the form cylinder. The transfer cylinder, which carries at least one blanket or rubber sleeve positioned on it, transfers the printing ink to a substrate. The ink is transported through a printing gap formed between the transfer cylinder and the impression cylinder. The diameter of at least one cylinder, such the form cylinder, the transfer cylinder and the impression cylinder, is graduated in the axial direction.

Abstract: A device for securing a turning axle (9) of a type unit (3) to an actuating bow (5) of a self-inking stamp (1) having a turning mechanism (2), with at least one bushing-shaped axle-securing member (12) which, in the mounted position, is slid onto an end region of the turning axle (9) with a bushing body (95) and externally contacts the actuating bow (5) with a radial projection (96), wherein the bushing body (95) includes at least one tongue-like, resiliently radially deflectable snap-in element (98) with a radially inwardly oriented snap-in projection (99) which, in the mounted position, engages in a snap-in depression (101) provided as corresponding snap-in element in the turning axle (9) in the end region of the latter.

Abstract: A method is provided to produce a mold for casting in and curing of a curable material for flexo plate production, the method comprising the steps of: providing a substrate having at least one of a layer of ablative material and a supporting layer of non-ablative material; selectively performing at least one of laser ablation on the layer of ablative material and additively building up an image relief on non-ablated areas to produce the mold; filling the mold with a curable material; curing the curable material to form a flexo-plate; and then removing the flexo-plate from the mold.

Abstract: The invention concerns with a cleaning equipment (1) for cleaning at least one guide roll (2) in a rotary printing press that feeds a paper web (3), which has at least one cleaning brush (4) in the range of the guide roll (2) that should be cleaned, which is arranged coaxially to this cleaning equipment (1) in the expansion space, defined by the paper web (3), which possesses a bristle field with helically revolving brushes (5), and the brushes are brought with their bristle field to the guide roll (2) with the purpose of cleaning at least in some areas, during the cleaning process; thereby the cleaning equipment (4) has at least one dirt discharge unit (6), through which the dirt particles or similar could be removed from the guide roll (2) by the means of at least one cleaning brush (4).

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor includes an image-recording layer which is capable of being removed with at least one of printing ink and dampening water and contains a compound represented by the following formula (I), a sensitizing dye and a compound having at least one addition-polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated bond: wherein R1 represents a monovalent substituent, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a monovalent substituent, and X? represents an anion.

Abstract: A method of preparing a print control strip including at least two process control elements and being adapted to at least a width of at least one used area of at least one original image, includes determining borders of the at least one used area. A state is assigned to every process control element in dependence on if the process control element is located substantially inside the borders. A process control strip is created by using only process control elements that have been assigned a state as being inside the borders.

Abstract: Apparatus for suppressing the effects of an explosion or collision, the apparatus comprising or including a pair of inflatable spaced-apart walled containers (1, 2) connected or connectable at respective upper ends to each other by webs (3), and connected or connectable at their respective lower ends to each other by an inflatable base (4), and inflatable support cushion means (5) disposed between the walled containers to at least partially support the walls thereof against collapse when such are filled with water.

Abstract: A method for the destruction of a localized mine, wherein an unmanned underwater vessel cooperates as a primary vessel (11) withy another unmanned remote-controlled underwater vessel acting as a secondary vessel (12) and which is provided with an explosive charge for explosion purposes. To reduce clearing costs compared to a method that uses a disposable vessel and to reduce clearing times compared to a method using a re-usable clearing vehicle, the primary and secondary vessels (11, 12) are used in an autonomously operating mode wherein the secondary vessel (12) is remotely controlled by the primary vessel (11).

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous coating composition containing at least one water-compatible film-forming agent and aluminum pigments that are provided with at least one inorganic anti-corrosion layer, wherein the thickness of the aluminum pigments provided with at least one inorganic anti-corrosion layer averages less than 160 nm. The invention further relates to a process for the production of such a coating composition and to the use of such a coating composition and to objects coated with said coating composition.

Abstract: An ink composition includes a solvent system present in an amount ranging from about 10 wt % to about 25 wt %. The solvent system includes a betaine solvent and 2-pyrrolidone, glycerol, or combinations thereof. The ink composition further includes at least one surfactant in an amount up to about 10 wt %; at least one polymeric binder in an amount ranging from about 2 wt % to about 6 wt %; water; and a pigment present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 wt % to about 5 wt %.