Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing a metal-bearing sludge in conjunction with a metal separation process. According to the invention, the sludge (13) produced in the metal separation is classified based on a predetermined property of the sludge into a better (15) and a worse (17) substance fraction, as the process is concerned, and the worse substance fraction (17) is removed from the process and the better substance fraction (15) is returned to the process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of treating filter powders (3) of the type produced in aluminum recycling processes in a recycling system for recycling the metal (1) of saline slag recycling (2), comprising at least a pyrolysis step (31) in which the filter powders (30) enter a rotating auger where they are heated to a temperature of not less than 500° C. and not more than 600° C.; and in which the organic and toxic substances breakdown in this heating and part of the carbon and other combustibles burn in the controlled presence of air, this air being mixed with the powder by the movement of the rotating auger; in which organic materials are oxidized due to the oxygen provided; and in which the solid result of the pyrolysis step (31) is added to the general saline slag recycling process (2).

Abstract: Apparatus (2, 22) for extracting a cork (14) from a bottle (8) containing gaseous liquid comprising cork-engaging means (12, 28) having a cork engaging passageway extending generally longitudinally therethrough for engaging the cork (14), trap means (6) for trapping the expelled cork and bottle-engaging means (4) connected to the cork-engaging means and the trap means for positioning the cork-engaging means and trap means with respect to the neck of the bottle such that the cork-engaging means engages the cork and the trap means is located for trapping the expelled cork, wherein the cork-engaging means (12, 28) includes cork-gripping means (16, 32) provided on the cork-engaging passageway which is operative to prevent rotation of the cork on rotation of the bottle with respect to the bottle-engaging means (12, 28) and wherein the trap means (6) arrests the flight of the cork after it is expelled from the bottle.

Abstract: A hose clamp locking plier comprising a fixed handle supporting a fixed clamping jaw with a movable clamping jaw pivotally supported by the fixed handle and movable relative to the fixed clamping jaw. A movable handle is coupled to the movable clamping jaw and coupled to the fixed handle by a linkage. An operating screw is secured to the fixed handle and cooperates with one end of the linkage to facilitate adjustment of the movable clamping jaw relative to the fixed clamping jaw. The operating screw has a box end socket recess, in the remote end thereof, which facilitates remote actuation of the operating screw and facilities remote driving of the operating screw in a desired rotational direction so that a desired clamping force may be applied by the fixed and the movable clamping jaws to a desired object to be clamped. A method of using the hose clamp locking plier is also disclosed.

Abstract: A ratchet with a handle and a head that includes a substantially silent movement-prevention mechanism. The mechanism includes a first component that defines a path, and a second component that is locatable in the path and moves bidirectionally within it. The path is constructed to include plural regions that prevent movement by the second component to allow the ratchet to drive a desired fastener. The first component is constructed to define a path, or plural paths, with a central region that allows movement of the second component and outer, opposing regions that prevent movement of the second component. The second component is formed as a roller or plural rollers. The central region of the path includes a subregion constructed to position the second component in a beginning location in the central region. The subregion may be formed as a depression in the path.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a wrench head, a handle pivotally connected to the wrench head, a retaining member having retaining and actuating ends and movable longitudinally relative to the handle to engaging and disengaging positions so as to engage and disengage the wrench head, an actuating member movable transversely relative to the handle to first and second positions so as to move the retaining member to the engaging and disengaging positions, and a biasing unit disposed to bias the actuating member toward the retaining member longitudinally so as to ensure immobility of the actuating member in the first position.

Abstract: A socket includes socket body having a first end formed with a connecting recess, a second end formed with a driving recess and a mediate portion formed with a separation portion which is located between the connecting recess and the driving recess and is formed with an auxiliary driving hole which is connected between the connecting recess and the driving recess. Thus, the socket can be driven by a socket wrench and a screwdriver, thereby enhancing the versatility of the socket, and thereby facilitating a user operating the socket.

Abstract: A tool of the type having a drive stud for receiving and releasing a tool attachment includes an opening in the drive stud and a locking pin movably mounted in the opening. The opening defines first and second ends, and the first end of the opening is located at a portion of the drive stud constructed for insertion into the tool attachment. An actuating member is movably positioned on the drive stud, and the actuating member defines a sliding surface that engages the pin. A first spring biases the sliding surface toward the pin, and a second, weaker spring biases the pin toward the sliding surface. The first spring reacts against a ring that is disposed between the spring and a shoulder formed on the tool. The shoulder extends away from the longitudinal axis of the drive stud by a lesser distance than the spring or the ring.

Abstract: In a noncircular shape machining apparatus, a tool 7 is moved reciprocally in an X-axis direction by a tool-moving mechanism. A first acceleration sensor 6 is disposed on a saddle 11, which is an immovable section of the tool-moving mechanism. Further, a second acceleration sensor 15 is disposed on a spindle bearing 5 of a spindle that holds and causes a workpiece 1 to rotate. Additionally, displacements of the saddle 11 and the workpiece 1 are measured by these two acceleration sensors 6 and 15, and displacement in the relative distance between the workpiece 1 and the tool 7 is acquired as relative displacement on the basis of the two displacements that have been obtained. Additionally, the position of the tool 7 is calculated from the obtained displacement and the output value of an X-axis linear scale 12.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool revolver (10, 11) with: a rotationally mounted tool carrier (6) that can be pivoted into the respective working position for a tool by means of a pivot drive; fixed tools (14), and; at least one rotationally drivable tool (15, 16). Particular advantageous result due to the fact that the rotationally drivable tool (15, 16) is mounted on the front face of the tool carrier (6). The invention also relates to a machine tool (1) equipped with a tool revolver (10, 11) of the aforementioned type.

Abstract: A method for improved tuning of servo motors used to drive guillotine cutters on a high speed inserter machine. The tuning coefficient is continuously varied during the blade's cutting cycle. In a first step of the tuning process, a plurality of discrete positions in the blade cycle are selected for analysis of the optimal tuning coefficients. For these discrete positions, tuning coefficients are determined. After the tuning coefficients have been determined for the discrete locations in the blade cycle, the coefficients for the remainder of the blade cycle are determined through interpolation. In a preferred embodiment, linear interpolation is used. A digital filter then applies the measured and interpolated coefficients to the amplifier that controls the motor. In the preferred embodiment, the step of selecting the discrete positions includes selecting 90 degrees, 180 degrees, 270 degrees, and 360 degrees in a guillotine blade cycle.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a disposable garment having shaped leg elastic members and may include pleats or folds in the waist region of the garment. The shaped leg elastic members are shaped by a cutting step.

Abstract: A copy cutting machine includes a base having a worktable, a rack movable on the worktable and for holding a workpiece for cutting. A pointer is movable to trace the contour of a pattern and to guide the movement of the rack subject to the contour of the pattern via a connection bar connected between the rack and the pointer. A rolling cutter is inserted through the worktable and the rack and is rotatable to cut the workpiece carried in the rack. A motor drive is arranged for rotating the rolling cutter. A support arm is fixedly mounted on the base, a first cutter holder is connected to the support arm to hold one end of the rolling cutter, and a second cutter holder is mounted in the base to hold the other end of the rolling cutter.

Abstract: A module for removable insertion into a body of an instrument having longitudinal strings defines a transverse cavity extending from a lateral edge. The module includes a base configured to engage the cavity. At least one pickup is secured to the base such that upon insertion into the cavity the pickup is in operative proximity to the strings. The pickup has a first and second electrode. A first electrical contact is in first electrical connection to first electrode. A second electrical contact is in second electrical connection to the second electrode.

Abstract: A string instrument comprising a neck extension primary member, having a neck extension securement end and a tuning assembly support head end, an extension top and a length extending between the ends, is disclosed. The neck extension primary member defines a neck extension cutaway volume configured to receive a hinge butt. The neck extension cutaway volume extends to be open at the neck extension securement end and open at the top of the neck extension primary member. A neck base primary member has a neck base securement end, a base top and an opposite end. The neck base primary member is made to define a neck base cutaway volume configured to receive a hinge butt. The neck base cutaway volume extends to be open at the neck base securement end and open at the top of the neck base primary member. A hinge has a first hinge butt positioned in the neck extension cutaway volume and a second hinge butt positioned in the neck base cutaway volume.

Abstract: A string bender apparatus includes a mounting plate with an anchor for anchoring guitar strings to a guitar body, a first section with fastener-receiving holes arranged to receive fasteners extended into pre-existing mounting holes in the body, and an extension that extends from the first section. A lever is pivoted to the extension for movement in a plane that extends generally parallel the front surface of the guitar body. The lever includes a first end defining a handle that is positioned generally adjacent one side of the strings and includes an opposite end attached to one of the strings for temporarily changing a tension of the one string and thus changing a pitch of the one string when the handle is moved in the plane. The string bender can be retrofit onto existing guitars. The string bender can be made removable and replaced with, or combined with a vibrato.

Abstract: A foldable guitar holder has a stationary shaft, a central shaft assembly and two symmetrical brackets. The stationary shaft has an upper end and a lower end. The central shaft has a central shaft and two assistant shafts. The central shaft has a standing portion and a longitudinal hole receiving the lower end of the stationary shaft. The assistant shafts connect pivotally to the central shaft and have two standing ends. The brackets have two supporting shafts and two holding brackets. Each supporting shaft connects pivotally to the lower end of the stationary shaft and one of the assistant shafts and has a standing part. Each holding bracket connects pivotally to the upper end of the stationary bracket. The standing portion, standing ends and standing parts allow the guitar bracket to stand on the ground steadily.

Abstract: Methods of attaching a drum head to a drum body. Lug assemblies may include a lug body having a recess and a seating surface; an elongate link having a proximate end disposed near the drum head and a distal end disposed away from the drum head. A stop assembly is adjustably coupled to the link. The stop assembly constrains the link distal end from movement toward the drum head when the stop assembly engages the link and bears against the seating surface. Engagement surfaces constrain rotation of the stop assembly and thereby allow the stop assembly to be loosened, i.e., moved toward the link distal end, when the stop assembly is too shallowly disposed on the link. The stop assembly may be inserted into the recess from a direction that is generally tangential to a periphery of the drum body.

Abstract: A tuning mechanism for tuning a drum having a head and a shell. The tuning mechanism includes a tuning bracket or receptacle mounted to the shell with a stabilizing portion formed thereon. A tuning rod has a first end attached to the head of the drum for varying the tension on the head and a second end passing through the tuning bracket and fitted with a nut for varying the applied tension to the head of the drum. Further a stabilizing washer positioned between the nut and the tuning bracket to improve a tuning procedure for said drum, whereby the stabilizer washer has a stabilizing tang that engages the stabilizing portion on the tuning bracket to prevent unwanted contact between the threads of the tuning rod and other structure of the percussion instrument.

Abstract: An approach of a finger of a player to a key in order to conduct an operation for playing music is sensed to exert an external force which resists a depression of the key before the finger whose approach has been sensed touches the key. As a result, the touch feeling of keys of an acoustic piano perceived by a player right after depressions of the keys is realized.

Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention relate to improved systems for music notation. The systems for music notation improve upon conventional systems by eliminating the common symbols for notes and pitches and replacing them with an easily learnable system. By use of this system, a pedagogical system for music is also disclosed that further improves upon the conventional systems known in the art.

Abstract: A music notation system uses a grid with vertical columns representing musical notes and horizontal rows representing time intervals. Each note of a musical piece is indicated by a selected note symbol in the appropriate column, and extending across multiple rows if intended to be sounded for more than one time interval. Different note symbol shapes are used to indicate different tone qualities or playing styles. Note symbols are colored or graphically textured to indicate different sound intensities. Suggested fingerings may be indicated by numbers marked the note symbols, or by lines connecting notes to be played with the same finger. Other graphical design elements may be used to display rhythmic or harmonic context and, in computerized applications, to show or hide selected musical information, or to activate and listen to a sound recording of a piece of music or individually selected notes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retrograde recombinant composition algorithm that creates new musical compositions based on existing musical compositions that are preferably written in software and is suitable for implementation in electro-mechanical and electronic devices that generate musical works based on existing bodies of music. The retrograde approach to recomposition according to the present invention provides a highly simplified code that executes at a high speed, and accordingly a reduced need for computational resources.

Abstract: A sliding mount for removable insertion of a module into a body of an instrument having longitudinal strings, the body defining a transverse cavity extending from a lateral edge. The sliding mount includes a blade for fixation to the module by a generally planar face generally parallel to and spaced apart from a plane the strings define. The blade has first and second edges oriented perpendicularly to the lateral edge when inserted into the body. A sheath for fixation to the body by a generally planar face is configured to receive the blade. The sheath has a first and second lip configured to define opposing channels the edges that slidingly engage upon insertion of the blade into the sheath.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing ballistic protection and stopping high-velocity rounds or explosives. A ballistic panel for providing protection includes a three-dimensional core designed as a structural truss that includes a plurality of nodes and provides structural support of the ballistic panel, a ceramic grinding layer that includes a plurality of ceramic grinding media that fills in the nodes of the core, an elastomeric, self-healing outer coating that encapsulates the ceramic grinding layer and a backing affixed to a non-threat side of the ballistic panel. The core absorbs and dissipates force from projectile and explosive force impacts on the ballistic panel and the ceramic grinding layer re-directs and causes the projectiles to break apart.

Abstract: A shielding construction for houses, including a plurality of abutting and bolted together “c” metal profiles, forming a layer of adjacent profiles. Bolts join each of the mutually abutting profiles, and metal plate overlays provide cover over the abutment zones between each two adjacent profiles. The metal “C” metal profiles may be humped.

Abstract: A hydraulic metalworking machine for working a work piece has a stand having a frame, a center portion which moves along a vertical path within the frame, and at least one hydraulic cylinder unit mounted in said stand. The machine has a high speed mode, a force mode, and a retract mode. During the high speed mode fluid flows into the power cylinder and extends the rod out at a high speed. During the force mode the rod extends out at a slower speed but under higher pressure than the high speed mode. During the retract mode fluid is moved into the cylinder rod end and fluid in the cylinder base end is removed.

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.

Abstract: A pair of cylinder holes 10 are formed in a cylinder tube 2 in the axial direction, a slit 25 is formed between these cylinder holes, and an iron plate 22 is inserted in the slit covering the whole range of the movement of the pistons 3 in the cylinder holes. Spacers 23 made of a synthetic resin are interposed on both sides of the iron plate 22 to reliably hold the iron plate 22 in the slit 25. The iron plate 22 disposed between the cylinder holes works to decrease the repulsive force acting between the inner magnets 14 of the pistons and produce an attracting force between the iron plate 22 and the inner magnets 14, and a contact surface pressure between the wear rings 9 of the pistons 3 and the wall surfaces of the cylinder holes 10 can be adjusted to a suitable value.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an air conditioner compressor for a vehicle, which comprises a friction member mounted replaceably on the inner wall of the cylinder bore in which the piston reciprocates so as to come in contact with the friction member. The present air conditioner compressor may further comprise a spring member disposed between the outer circumferential surface of the friction member and the inner wall of the cylinder bore. The present invention provides an advantage that it is possible to remanufacture worn cylinders simply by replacing friction members.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel method of making high performance mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) using stabilized concentrated suspensions of solvents, uniformly dispersed polymer stabilized molecular sieves, and at least two different types of polymers as the continuous blend polymer matrix. MMMs as dense films or asymmetric flat sheet or hollow fiber membranes fabricated by the method described in the current invention exhibit significantly enhanced permeation performance for separations over the polymer membranes made from the continuous blend polymer matrix. MMMs of the present invention are suitable for a wide range of gas, vapor, and liquid separations such as alcohol/water, CO2/CH4, H2/CH4, O2/N2, CO2/N2, olefin/paraffin, iso/normal paraffins, and other light gases separations.

Abstract: A device for dehumidifying room air has a chamber consisting of at least one first cavity (1) and at least one second cavity (2). The cavities are separated by at least one water-permeable and/or water-vapor-permeable structure (3), these structures (3) lying in each case in the direction of the fluid streams flowing through the cavities (1, 2) of the chamber. In this case, a first air stream (11, 12) which is to be dehumidified flows through the first cavity (1). The second cavity (2), with its second air stream (13, 14), at least partly absorbs the moisture extracted from the first stream.

Abstract: A process for increasing hydrogen recovery can include: (a) sending a first gas from a hydrocarbon conversion zone at a first pressure to a hydrogen purification zone; (b) combining a second gas from a particle transport vessel at a second pressure less than the first pressure with a tail gas from the hydrogen purification zone to create a combined stream; and (c) recycling at least a portion of the combined stream to an inlet of the hydrogen purification zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device which comprises a channel (1) carrying a flowable medium. The due operation and/or maintenance of the device is associated with the formation of inclusions (3) inside the channel (1) of a fluid or gas distinct from the aforementioned medium. The channel (1) is configured in such a manner that the inclusions are moved towards a channel exit (4) by capillary forces. The invention also relates to a method for removing inclusions (3) from corresponding devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method for reducing pattern distortions in imprinting layers by reducing gas pockets present in a layer of viscous liquid deposited on a substrate. To that end, the method includes varying a transport of the gases disposed proximate to the viscous liquid. Specifically, the atmosphere proximate to the substrate wherein a pattern is to be recorded is saturated with gases that are either highly soluble, highly diffusive, or both with respect to either the viscous liquid, the substrate, the template, or a combination thereof. Additionally, or in lieu of saturating the atmosphere, the pressure of the atmosphere may be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel method of making high performance mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) using stabilized concentrated suspensions of solvents, uniformly dispersed polymer stabilized molecular sieves, and at least two different types of polymers as the continuous blend polymer matrix. MMMs as dense films or asymmetric flat sheet or hollow fiber membranes fabricated by the method described in the current invention exhibit significantly enhanced permeation performance for separations over the polymer membranes made from the continuous blend polymer matrix. MMMs of the present invention are suitable for a wide range of gas, vapor, and liquid separations such as alcohol/water, CO2/CH4, H2/CH4, O2/N2, CO2/N2, olefin/paraffin, iso/normal paraffins, and other light gases separations.

Abstract: A multi-chamber air sterilization system including an air inlet, an air test chamber in fluid communication with the air inlet, a mechanical and chemical filtration chamber, an ultraviolet light chamber, a blower and an air exhaust. The system includes a filter sleeve for filtering particulates and chemical agents, and an ultraviolet lamp for killing biological agents.

Abstract: Taught is an espresso coffee machine comprising a supply unit (101) supplying hot water; and filter-holder means (2, 102) for containing a pre-packaged measure (3) of coffee powder; said supply unit (101) and said filter-holder means (2, 102) being sealingly engaged with each other along a path of the engaging movement, said path of the engaging movement lying in a plane substantially perpendicular to the middle plane of engagement of said supply unit (101) and said filter-holder means (2, 102), the surfaces of said unit (101) supplying said filter-holder means (2, 102) coming into contact only upon engagement of the latter; and an ejection member (401) arranged in the vicinity of the periphery of said supply unit (101) and projecting perpendicularly with respect to the middle plane of engagement of said supply unit (101) and said filter-holder means (2, 102).

Abstract: The object of the present invention is a device for making a drink, for example coffee, suitable for housing a container for containing the drink. The device comprises a reservoir for containing water and a support frame. In a coupled configuration between frame and reservoir, the device exhibits a peripheral wall comprising a succession of jointed wall portions for making at least one portion of a polyhedral solid, suitable for recalling, for example, the shape of a moka.

Abstract: An intelligent user interface for the selection of predefined cooking profiles for a number of different foods to be cooked in a multi-purpose oven using infrared heating. When a food has not been predefined for cooking in the infrared multi-purpose oven, procedures used for conventional cooking technologies may converted to for use by the multi-purpose oven so as to obtain substantially the same cooking results for the desired food. The intelligent user interface may have menus of different foods for programming cooking profiles for the infrared multi-purpose oven. Predefined “hot buttons” may be used for quick selection of a cooking profile for a desired food (e.g., common foods such as popcorn, pizza rolls, chicken wings, oven fries, and other prepared and frozen foods), and/or a menu screen may be scrolled through to select a cooking profile for the desired food.

Abstract: A flexible automatic broiler and method of use for variable batch cooking for particular use in quick serve and fast food service restaurants. The automatic cooking devices include a conveyorized cooking surface for alignment and discharge of food products, an altering/pulsating infrared energy radiation heat sources, and a control system. The arrangement and method facilitate a combination of batch preparation and made-to-order assembly of fast-food sandwiches.

Abstract: The present abstract refers to the application for a utility model patent covering a grill belonging to the field of home utensils, which received an arrangement to enable the preparation of a barbecue to the “open flame” style in a gas oven, essentially comprising: a base platter (1) supported over the gas burner (50) of an oven and provided with a middle opening (4) receiving the flame; a bell-shaped container (10), which is coupled and supported over the base platter (1); a heat diffuser (20) supported over the base platter (1) above the opening (4) and receiving an amount of charcoal (52); and a set of vertical skews (30) and baskets (31) with the tips supported over circumferential braces (6) of the base platter (1) around the opening (4); said skews and baskets remaining with intermediate sections supporting the meat along the bell-shaped container (10), and upper outer ends close to the cables, coupled with upper streaks (16) extending radially from the upper opening (14) of the bell-shaped container (

Abstract: A square baler has a baling chamber and a bale chute arranged at the discharge end of the baling chamber. The bale chute comprises a rear portion that is pivotable about a horizontal axis to allow each bale to be lowered onto the ground without the bale toppling onto its end as it leaves the chute. The invention weighs each bale while the whole of its weight is supported by the rear portion of the bale chute.

Abstract: A round bale wrapping mechanism that employs a second roll of wrapping material that is mounted adjacent an active roll. The second roll is powered by an electric clutch that allows a belt drive connected between the first roll and the second roll to rotate the second roll of wrapping material. The wrapping material on the second roll thus feeds onto the wrapping material being fed from the active roll and if fed through the wrapping mechanism onto the bale before the active roll is exhausted of wrapping material.

Abstract: A pressing method for sealing a heat pipe includes steps of providing a tube material or sheet material with/without an intermediate material, pressing by a pair of pressing molds, wherein a plurality of protrusions are formed on at least one of the pressing surface of the pair of the pressing molds. The protrusion pattern of the pressing surface of the pressing molds used in the present pressing method is for enhancing the sealing strength of the heat pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a bale of lint cotton fiber by pre-compressing each consecutive charge of fiber fed from the lint slide to a predetermined and uniform density. The apparatus includes a supply chamber predisposed with both vertical and horizontal platens driven by independent hydraulic cylinders. The movement and cycling of the platens is such that measured charges of fibers are presented to a vertical tramping device at consistent and uniform density. The tramping device, consisting of a platen driven by two hydraulic cylinders, packs each charge into a stationary box, one charge after another. This process continues until the desired bale weight is reached. The tramper cylinders are driven to a predetermined pressure setting during the tramping phase of each stroke cycle (extension) resulting in uniform compression (density).

Abstract: A moving belt conveyor dough press is provided with a pair of vertically opposing platens, at least one of which is movable toward and away from the other. A continuous belt is arranged to pass between the pair of platens, and to carry on an upper surface thereof, a supply of dough masses to be pressed by the platens. At least one of the platens is formed of a cast metal material, and an electrical resistance heating element is cast in place within the at least one platen.

Abstract: In an energy storage device (1) with evaporation cooling wherein the boiling temperature of a liquid which is disposed in heat exchange relationship with electric capacitors (2, 3, 4) for limiting the operating temperature of the electric capacitors, a thermal vapor condensing arrangement is provided for condensing the vapors formed from the liquid during cooling of the electric capacitors and returning the condensate back to the liquid surrounding the electric capacitors.

Abstract: A coupling device for driving an engraved cylinder of a printing device. The coupling device comprises a single part of chromium, nickel and molybdenum alloyed steel having undergone core hardening. The coupling device includes a central cylindrical portions, first and second flanges at the respective first and second ends of the cylindrical portion, each flange having a side portion operable to distort under stress and act as a membrane. The ratio of the difference between the diameter and the flange and the diameter of the central portion divided by the average thickness of the side portion of the flange is between 7 and 15.

Abstract: A printing surface includes a substrate having latching electrodes on a first surface, a spacer layer on the first surface of the substrate, the spacer layer patterned to form wells such that the latching electrodes reside in the wells, a deformable membrane, the membrane having conductive regions, on the spacer layer to enclose the wells, each enclosed well and its associated region of the membrane forming a pixel membrane, and actuation circuitry to actuate the electrodes to cause selected ones of the pixel membranes to remain in a deflected state when the pixel membranes receive an impulse to return to an undeflected state.