Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for using a test slider to test the resonance performance of a head gimbal assembly. The test slider has a two-stripe air-bearing surface to allow the test slider to glide above a surface and a block with a mass equal to the combined mass of the electrical slider and the micro-actuator. The leading edge of the slider is tapered and has a main air groove to facilitate gliding. A back step on the side of the test slider opposite the air bearing surface maintains a parallel gap between the slider and the suspension tongue of the head gimbal assembly.

Abstract: In a double clutch transmission with a winding path power flux arrangement, which has two countershafts arranged coaxially with respect to one another and with seven forward gears and a plurality of reverse gears, for selected gears the power flux extends from a part region of the transmission forward and then again back to another part region of the transmission in such a way that only four shift clutches are needed for shifting through all the gears.

Abstract: In a controller for a vehicle-mounted component, a shift position detector that detects an effective shift position of an automatic transmission. A shift position switching unit switches the effective shift position of the automatic transmission. A parking switching unit mechanically locks the output shaft of the automatic transmission when the effective shift position in a parking position. A shift position switching controller, which is not energized when the engine is stopped, controls the shift position switching unit. A memory device memorizes the effective shift position at a timing when the shift position switching controller stops being energized. A vehicle-mounted component controller prohibits an operation of a vehicle-mounted component when the effective shift position in the memory device is not in the parking position while the current supply to the shift position switching controller is stopped.

Abstract: A composite tubular housing for an automotive steering system, preferably an electronic power assist steering system, is formed of seamless metal tube section welded into an integral component. The housing includes a rack section and a pinion section having an opening that is welded to the rack section. A yoke section is formed of a tube having an end that is welded to the rack section opposite the pinion section. The pinion section may contain a drive pinion coupled to a steering wheel of the vehicle. The housing may also include sections for an assist pinion coupled to an electric motor, and a yoke which are attached to the rack section apart from the drive pinion.

Abstract: Worm gear mechanism is provided which includes a worm, a torque-transmitting worm wheel and an auxiliary worm wheel. In order to secure a sufficient face width of the torque-transmitting worm wheel, a pitch diameter of the auxiliary worm wheel is set to be greater than a pitch diameter of the torque-transmitting worm wheel. Thus, undesired backlash can be eliminated by the auxiliary worm wheel meshing with the worm with a different meshing phase from the torque-transmitting worm wheel.

Abstract: A power take-off unit for a transaxle is provided with a unique double enveloping worm/worm gear transmission which has a ratio of the number of gear teeth on the worm gear to the number of threads on the worm which is low. The worm/worm gear transmission is more compact than conventional bevel gear systems which have typically been used in power take-off unit applications. The worm and worm gear transmission of the present invention also is quieter in operation and has a higher torque capacity than standard bevel gears of comparable size.

Abstract: A corkscrew includes a support member having two opposite sliding slots, a movable rod slidably mounted in the sliding slots of the support member, a resting member mounted on the support member, a screw member mounted on the support member, a cover mounted on the support member, and a pull handle pivotally mounted on the cover and formed with a tongue located between the sliding slots of the support member and the movable rod. Thus, the angle between the pull handle and the support member is adjustable, so that the user can pull the pull handle upward relative to the support member to pull the cork of the bottle upward successively until the cork is removed from the bottle so as to remove the cork from the bottle easily and conveniently.

Abstract: A high-speed tire repair tool includes a locating unit having an outer tube and a locating bar; a buffer element having a head and an inner tube connected to the head and received in the outer tube with the locating bar fixed to the inner tube at a predetermined position; a hollow pipe mounted in the outer tube, the inner tube, and the head; and a hole plugging assembly mounted to the head and connected to the hollow pipe, and having an abrasive element and a plugging strip. When the hollow pipe is driven to rotate and the outer tube is moved forward by a driving unit, the hole plugging assembly connected to a front end of the hollow pipe is quickly driven into a hole on a high-speed tire for the abrasive element to trim the hole and the plugging strip to air-tightly plug the hole.

Abstract: A powered adjustable jaw wrench comprises a wrench body having a handle portion and a head portion defining a stationary jaw, a movable jaw reciprocally mounted to the head portion, a driven mechanism operably connected to the movable jaw, and a drive mechanism mounted to the body member and including a power source and an indexing mechanism. The driven mechanism includes a worm driving the movable jaw and an indexing wheel operably connected to the worm gear. The indexing mechanism is driven by the power source and includes an oscillating pallet member. The pallet member incrementally drives the indexing wheel so as to convert an oscillating movement of the pallet member into an incremental rotatable movement of the indexing wheel.

Abstract: A woodworking machine having one or more dangerous portions of the machine is disclosed. The machine also includes a safety system configured to detect accidental contact between a person and at least one of the dangerous portions by electrically coupling a signal to the person's body, and detecting if the signal becomes coupled to the dangerous portion.

Abstract: A workpiece holding device comprising a frame having a bottom surface; a clamping device securable to the frame; and an aligning mechanism for aligning the clamping device in a substantially straight line adjacent to a saw is provided. In one embodiment, the aligning mechanism is a miter track securable to the bottom surface of the frame, the miter track adapted to fit within a miter slot located on the table. In one embodiment, the device can also be used as a fence. A conventional saw, such as a stationary and upright band saw can now be converted into a handy and portable sawmill using one of the devices described herein as an accessory, without the need to make any alterations to the saw or saw table. Users can now, for the first time, hold very short (less than about one (1) ft) and small diameter (down to about one (1) inch) logs in the device described herein and slice them into lumber without causing splitting of the log.

Abstract: A food processing apparatus comprises a first and second shaft and first, second, third and fourth subsets of blades. The first and second subsets of blades are mounted to the first shaft. The blades of the first subset of blades are separated by a first displacement. The blades of the second subset of blades are separated by a second displacement differing from the first displacement. The third and fourth subsets of blades are mounted to the second shaft. The blades of the third subset of blades are separated by the first displacement. The blades of the fourth subset of blades are separated by the second displacement. The first and third subset of blades form a first cutting region for cutting food to a first dimension and the second and fourth subset of blades form a second cutting region for cutting food to a second dimension.

Abstract: A power tool includes a base for supporting a workpiece to be machined. A tool unit can move relative to the base and has a tool for machining the workpiece. A light projection device can project light onto the workpiece. A control device can control the light projection onto the workpiece in response to the position of the tool relative to the workpiece and/or in response to the illumination level of the workpiece.

Abstract: A lid for a storage device having a storage film is provided. The lid has a lid body and a cutting member having a cutting surface. The cutting member is movable between a first position in which the cutting surface is remote from the storage film and a second position in which the cutting surface is in contact with the storage film.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for providing exceptionally high velocity projectiles and safer, more accurate munitions. Inefficiencies in explosive oxidation rates and initial resistance to velocity acquisition are overcome.

Abstract: A projectile firing gun or weapon barrel is adapted with a gas porting system having conduits and outlets specifically configured, positioned and adapted for maximizing reductions in muzzle jump and/or recoil in accordance with principles of reverse thrust. The conduits or flow tubes are contemplated to be configured to function as nozzles whereby varying the shape and size of the conduit walls can maximize the outlet velocity of gases flowing at subsonic as well as supersonic velocities and the stream of redirected gas flow can be concentrated. The system incorporates porting holes located further rearward than at the barrel muzzle, but at a proven safe distance from the barrel chamber, which porting holes are in fluid communication with gas conduits/nozzles.

Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine, which performs a sliding reciprocating motion in a cylinder, and a method for producing the piston. The piston has a piston head and a piston skirt having at least one bearing surface. The at least one bearing surface is provided at least in part with a first overlay, and a second overlay is applied at least to parts of the first overlay. The first overlay exhibits greater wear resistance than the second overlay.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preparing a beverage, comprising:—a water reservoir (1);—a chamber (5) that is connected to said reservoir for delivering water;—means (17) for filling said chamber with water;—means (16) for emptying water from the chamber;—a compressed gas reservoir (2) with a three-way valve (4) for displacing said means so as to empty the chamber; and—a conduit (14) for conveying the water from the chamber to an extraction head.

Abstract: A cooking pan with a temperature display function includes a pan body and a handle. An extra bottom layer is provided at a bottom of the pan body with a metallic plate sandwiched in between the bottom of the pan body and the extra bottom layer. An installation hole is located at a side of the metallic plate with a temperature sensor installed inside the hole. A display unit is placed on the handle and the temperature sensor is connected to the display unit via connection wires. This cooking pan can show the temperature of the bottom of the pan body precisely and quickly, so that the user can control the timing better.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a hot dog cooker having a rack with flat faced bars configured to move above and along a cooking surface so as to cause hot dogs to rotate along heated ridges of the surface. The ridges mark the hot dogs circumferentially as they are rolled along the cooking surface by the moveable rack. Methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A grease receiving and holding system includes a sink that has a peripheral flange having an opening extending therethrough. A housing is mounted below a plane of the peripheral flange. The housing has a bottom wall, a top wall and a peripheral wall extending between and is attached to the top and bottom walls. A pipe has a first end and a second end. The first end is fluidly coupled to the housing. A funnel is fluidly attached to the second end of the pipe. The funnel has an upper edge that has a diameter that is substantially equal to a diameter of the opening. A peripheral lip is attached to and extends around the upper edge. The peripheral lip is abuttable against the flange when the funnel is positioned in the opening. Grease may be poured down the funnel and into the housing.

Abstract: A nut-cracking apparatus has an endless conveyor that delivers nuts from a hopper to a pickup point. A rotating turret is mounted to a frame and includes a plurality of nut-cracking units. The nut-cracking units engage nuts carried by the endless conveyor at the pickup point and remove nuts therefrom. The forward sprocket about which the endless conveyor rotates has an axis of rotation that is offset from the axis of rotation of the turret. The axis of rotation of the forward conveyor sprocket falls within a circular periphery defined by the nut-cracking units on the rotating turret.

Abstract: An automatic band conveying device includes a band transmitting device employed to pass a band into a band rail, and a pressing rail device composed of an electromagnetic valve, a connecting rod and a pressing plate. As the electromagnetic valve is electrified, it can generate magnetic force to enable a movable member pivotally formed on its top to be moved, so that the connecting rod can be driven by the movable member to push a pressing side of the pressing plate to press on the band rail. Thus the automatic band conveying device is simply structured and easy to operate.

Abstract: A floating strapping head is for use in a strapping machine of the type for positioning, tensioning and sealing a strapping material to itself around a load. The strapping machine has a frame and a strap chute. The floating strapping head includes a tensioning module, a separate sealing module and a drive assembly operably connected to the tensioning module and the sealing module. The head includes a guide along which the tensioning and sealing modules move laterally, together and toward and away from one another. When tension is drawn in the strapping material with an end of the strapping material gripped by the sealing head and an opposite portion of the strapping material gripped by the tensioning module, the drive is actuated to move the tensioning and sealing modules away from one another. The tensioning and sealing modules float, moving along the guide, as one, to equalize the tension in the strapping material on either side of the strapping head.

Abstract: The bulk volume of large numbers of loose, separated, multiply bent, irregularly shaped scrap sheet metal is temporarily reduced, for transportation and storage of the metal for recycling purposes, by compressing the metal into temporary, compacted wafers formed of successively compacted layers. The apparatus includes a load chamber which is axially aligned with a compression chamber and a reciprocating ram which passes through the chambers towards an anvil plate which closes the discharge end of the compression chamber. A pre-determined quantity of loose pieces is placed within the load chamber. The reciprocating ram compresses the pieces of that batch into a thin layer. Successive batches are compressed into overlapping layers which are temporarily bound together, face-to-face, to form a unitary wafer, by temporarily bending and intertwining the peripheral edges of the layers. The layers are subsequently separated for recycling by depositing into a melt furnace.

Abstract: A structure of pattern pressing roller comprises a shaft and a plurality of pattern pressing loops suitable for slipping onto the shaft, wherein each loop consists carved pattern on its surface. The pattern pressing loops are slipped onto the shaft, and they are aligned and located tightly against each other and onto the shaft so that when the shaft is in the rotation motion, the pattern pressing loops are moved together with the shaft in one motion. When one or more of the pattern pressing loops is required to be repaired due to damages or weariness on its surface, the pattern pressing loops can be removed away from the shaft or a new one is replaced the damaged one quickly and easily.

Abstract: The invention relates to a variable printing machine which is embodied in the form of at least two offset printing apparatus (1) and comprises a frame bearing an opposite cylinder against which a blanket (11) to be printed is pressed by a blanket drum. Printing ink is supplied to a printing cylinder which contacts the blanket drum by means of inking rollers. The inventive printing machine is characterized in the following: the opposite cylinder of each apparatus (1) is devoid of all rotatable transmissions; a levelling between two adjacent units which print one and the same blanket face (11) is embodied in such a way that said blanket is in contact with the blanket drums only.

Abstract: A decoy device and system for anti-missile protection and an associated method are provided. The decoy device includes a propellant and a tank containing the propellant. The decoy device also includes an outlet defined in the tank, and a catalyst contained within the tank and capable of exothermically reacting with the propellant to emit a gas having a heat and pressure. The heat generated by the reaction is radiated by the decoy device is capable of attracting a missile, while the gas is expelled through the outlet to provide thrust to the decoy device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rescue assembly including a vehicle that rides upon a track operated by a network of pistons set in a left to right array and connected by slanted bridges for control of said capsule. The vehicle, track, and piston network is all contained within a tube and is continuous vertically the entire height of a tall building or structure. The capsule is powered by an independent power source with regards to the building's or structure's power supply and is controlled via straight aerodynamic controls.

Abstract: A single-carriage reversing train positioning system which includes an extending spike-type car engaging member for engaging and moving one or more railcars. An extending chuck assembly may be provided with the ability to operate gates in bottom-discharging railcars. The system uses a single self-propelled carriage with an on-board carriage drive system that includes a drive motor which operates the car along a fixed chain situated along a guideway. A generally horizontally disposed, laterally extendable pin car-engaging assembly is mounted on the car-moving carriage for aligning with and engaging a hook loop on a railcar for moving the car. A gate-operating assembly which includes a laterally extendable chuck system which aligns with, engages and rotates gate-operating capstans on bottom discharging railcars may also be provided.

Abstract: A chair for an aerial transport installation comprises a pivoting protective cover actuated by an operating mechanism with automatic latching of the cover in the closed position. An operating lever is pivotally mounted on a first pivoting spindle of the cover and operates in conjunction with a latch actuated by a cable transmission device between a latched position and an unlatched position. The latch comprises a first arm equipped with a latching nose and a second arm designed to come up against a first stop corresponding to the latched position or a second stop corresponding to the unlatched position. The latching zone is situated at the base of the shell, preferably in a gap situated between the first spindle and the second spindle.

Abstract: A twin row planter comprises a drive and a pair of planter units powered by the drive. The planter units include seed metering wheels that are synchronized to discharge seeds in a predetermined staggered pattern along a harvesting row. One of the planter units is adjustable relative to the drive so as to achieve the desired pattern. In particular, the adjustable planter unit includes a connector that is configurable into a plurality of discrete indexing positions. The connector positions determine the relative angular offset between the metering wheels and, thereby, control the spacing of seed within the pattern.

Abstract: A clamping device and method for a conventional sewing or embroidery machine has a pair of movable arms. Each of the arms includes a fixed section and a movable section for receiving material or item to be embroidered therebetween. A manual lever allows the movable arm to be raised for insertion of the material and a scale on the arm allows the depth of insertion to be easily determined for accurate insertion. Each arm is movable along a slotted mounting plate affixed to the sewing machine proximate the sewing head. The clamping device provides uniform, taut material for accurate, smooth embroidering.

Abstract: A personal watercraft has a hull, a deck disposed on the hull, a bin, and hood. The hood is operatively connected to the deck and is movable between an open position providing access to the storage bin and a closed position preventing access to the storage bin. An opening having a contour is provided in the deck forwardly of the watercraft's steering handles. The storage bin is disposed in the opening. The storage bin has a container disposed in the opening and a lid operatively connected to the container. The lid is movable between an open position providing access to an interior of the container and a closed position preventing access to the interior of the container. A storage bin to be used in combination with a personal watercraft is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for positioning seismic streamers are described, one apparatus comprising a body, the body adapted to be connected to a seismic streamer, the body defining at least one flow passage there through, and a diverter adapted to selectively adjust flow through the flow passage. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A spar-type platform includes a hull defining a centerwell extending downward to a keel. The hull includes a reduced diameter neck portion for diverting ice flow. Adjustable ballast tanks allow the hull to be moved between a ballasted down position defining an upper water line, and a ballasted up position defined by a lower water line. A riser a support buoy is disposed in the keel. Risers extend through the centerwell, each having an upper portion extending upward from the support buoy and a lower portion supported in the support buoy. A disconnect system detachably connects the support buoy to the hull and the upper portion of each riser to the lower portion thereof, whereby the hull and the upper portion of each riser are selectively detachable from the buoy and the lower portion of each riser for movement to avoid a collision with a floating object.

Abstract: A remotely controlled apparatus for transporting liquid, such as oil, toxic chemicals, or the like, in a tank of a sunken ship to a floating body, without leakage and a method performed by the apparatus are disclosed. An underwater recovery device (100) of the apparatus includes a supporting frame (10), to which a plurality of devices including a linkage (111) are fixed, chucking devices (20) for fixing the underwater recovery device (100) to the sunken ship (500), a grabber (30) for attaching the base plate (80) to the supporting frame (10), DTB systems 40 for attaching the base plate (80) to the sunken ship (500), thrusters (50) for providing a propulsive force so as to attach the supporting frame (10) to the sunken ship (500), a hole cutter (60) for drilling a hole for the recovery of the liquid, and a liquid recovery device (70) for recovering the liquid through the hole drilled in the sunken ship (500).

Abstract: An anchor bra provides an easily removable and replaceable cover over a protruding boat anchor, thereby protecting other boats and people from damage by an exposed anchor. The anchor bra is preferably formed of a buoyant and pliable marine grade plastic that covers a boat's anchor when it is raised. The anchor bra is secured in place by adjustable straps that are fastened to the boat's gunwale or railing. The anchor bra is made in various sizes to accommodate various anchor shapes and sizes.

Abstract: System and method of gas-cluster ion beam processing is realized by incorporating improved beam and workpiece neutralizing components. Larger GCIB current transport is enabled by low energy electron neutralization of space charge of the GCIB. The larger currents transport greater quantities of gas in the GCIB. A vented faraday cup beam measurement system maintains beam dosimetry accuracy despite the high gas transport load.

Abstract: A window assembly and related method for dropdown feed doors and the like includes a rigid marginal frame configured for close reception in an associated opening in the feed door. A mullion has opposite ends connected with top and bottom portions of the frame. A latch arm is supported by the mullion, projects upwardly from the top portion of the frame, and is shifted between a locked position to retain the feed door in a raised, closed position, and an unlocked position to rotate the feed door to a lowered, open position. A latch actuator is mounted on the mullion at a selected position vertically spaced apart from the latch arm, and includes a slide which shifts between latched and unlatched positions.

Abstract: A combination birdhouse and bird feeder configured for rotation from a bird feeding mode to a bird housing/nesting mode. The device having the ability to be locked in the bird feeding position as well as being locked in the bird housing position.

Abstract: A retractable pet house includes an enclosure frame and an optional top frame. The enclosure frame includes a plurality of poles, foldable connection rod units and locking joints. The upper end and the lower end of each pole are connected to the locking joints. The upper ends and the lower ends of both sides of the foldable connection rod unit are respectively pivoted to the locking joints. The top frame includes a central joint and a plurality of top rods. Each top rod has one end pivoted to the central joint and another end penetrating through the locking joint at the upper end of each pole. One end of each top rod is provided with a threaded hole for receiving a bolt to hold against the central joint. The inclination between the top frame and the central joint is variable by rotating the bolts.

Abstract: In an automatic milking installation including a robot arm (2) with a gripper (3) for attaching teat cups (4) to the teats of an animal, e.g. a cow, to be milked, for applying a teat dip to the teats after milking different members, such as spray nozzles (5a, 5b), dipping cups (5c, 5d) and sponge or cloth rollers (5e), are provided for applying different teat dip compositions. Under the control of a computer, the robot arm collects the member (5) appropriate for supplying the selected composition and takes it to a position appropriate for application of that composition. The selection can e effected in dependence upon the teat skin condition, e.g. detected by a camera (15) and/or environmental conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and identifying birds based upon electronic analysis of their bird calls and songs and method for doing so by utilizing a step-by-step hierarchical method of breaking down bird vocalizations according to order, family, and species of the specific bird. Several embodiments of the apparatus are disclosed particularly a hand held computational device, microphone, audio capture card, user application software and a collection of prerecorded audio data.

Abstract: A portable animal tracking system. The portable animal tracking system provides two-way communication between a first unit carried by an operator and a second unit carried by an animal. The first unit allows an operator to issue warnings or corrections to an animal and to locate an animal. The second unit delivers warnings and corrections to the animal by the second unit and responds to location requests from the first unit. Location is accomplished through an angular-bearing analysis.

Abstract: A fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine operable using hydrogen and/or for a fuel cell includes a hydrogen tank, which is provided for storing deep-cooled, liquid hydrogen, and a heat exchanger, which is provided for preheating the deep-cooled hydrogen. The heat exchanger is enclosed by a fluid-tight mantle. An intermediate space is provided between the heat exchanger and the mantle, which has a fluid flowing through it, which delivers heat to the heat exchanger and insulates the heat exchanger in relation to the surroundings.

Abstract: A method for operating an engine having at least a first and second cylinder, including operating the first cylinder with a spark timing more retarded than a spark timing of a second cylinder; and operating one of said first cylinder and second cylinders with a first number of strokes per cycle different from other cylinders of the engine for at least one combustion cycle.

Abstract: A cooling system for a hybrid power system that includes an engine employs an engine cooling circuit to deliver coolant to the engine, the engine cooling circuit including a radiator and a main fan to draw air through the radiator. When the hybrid power system further includes an inverter, then the inverter is cooled via an inverter cooling circuit that is formulated as one portion of the cooling system to deliver coolant to the inverter, the inverter cooling circuit including a heat exchanger located such that the main fan draws air through the heat exchanger when the main fan is active. The cooling system also includes a secondary fan to selectively draw air though the heat exchanger during operation of an inverter cooling circuit coolant pump.

Abstract: A variable compression ratio device of an internal combustion engine includes a piston inner part connected to a connecting rod and a piston outer part fitted on an outer periphery of the piston inner part. The piston outer part is only slidably in an axial direction, and is movable between a low compression ratio position near the piston inner part and a high compression ratio position near the combustion chamber. A skirt part is slidable and is guided by an inner peripheral surface of a cylinder bore of an engine. The skirt part is integrally formed on the piston inner part. A peripheral wall of the piston outer part is terminated directly above the skirt part. Thus, switching of the position between the low compression ratio position and the high compression ratio position by an inertia force of the piston outer part is performed smoothly with a reduction in weight of the piston.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine, a computer program product, a computer program, and a control and/or regulating device for an internal combustion engine make detection of an erroneously permanently closed intake valve for a cylinder of the internal combustion engine having more than one intake valve possible. Air and fuel are supplied to the cylinder of the internal combustion engine via a plurality of intake valves. The air and fuel are supplied to the cylinder via a shared duct, which opens into separate ducts for each intake valve of the cylinder. The separate ducts have the same volume. After an interruption of the fuel supply to the cylinder, the fuel supply is resumed. Starting at a first point in time of the resumption of the fuel supply, the fuel quantity supplied to one of the separate ducts is ascertained assuming a permanently closed associated intake valve.