Abstract: A dustproof and waterproof performance detection device for a user to observe a dustproof and waterproof performance detection process of an object by naked eyes is described. The detection device includes a box with at least one transparent side, a carrier, and a gauge. The carrier is movable in the box in a depth direction of the box. The box carries water for a tester to perform the dustproof and waterproof performance detection, such that the tester uses the carrier to carry the object, so as to move the object to a detection position and compare with scales of the gauge. Therefore, the tester is able to participate in the whole detection process.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention help to maintain the sealing capability of a depressurized space where a test subject device is placed in a test chamber apparatus, and to accurately control air pressure in the depressurized space. In one embodiment of the present invention, a depressurized space and a separate space are separated by a connection board. The connection board transmits signals between a test computer and an HDD. The connection board is fixed to an inner wall defining the depressurized space and the separate space. An opening is formed on the inner wall. The connection board which is larger than the opening covers the opening. To maintain the air sealing property in the depressurized space, the connection board is fixed to the inner wall via a gasket.

Abstract: A water leak disclosing agent and a water leak detection method are disclosed. The water leak disclosing agent is a pigment-containing colored tablet or a pigment solution, wherein the pigment material stains the water if it is put thereinto so it is adopted as the disclosing agent for water leak detection. In accordance with the water leak detection method, the colored tablet is plunged into a water pipe or a floorslab of a floor or a bathroom is filled with the pigment solution. As a result, the leaky position can be identified easily and correctly according to the color of the oozed colored liquid.

Abstract: An angle adjustable gauge assembly includes a gauge having a casing and a gauge body received in the casing. A clamping member is secured to the casing to move therewith. The clamping member includes a hole receiving a rod of a vehicle. A lining member is mounted between the clamping member and the rod. The lining member includes an inner periphery securely engaged with the rod. The lining member further includes an outer periphery in frictional contact with an inner periphery defining the hole of the clamping member to thereby retain the clamping member to the outer periphery of the lining member. The clamping member and the gauge are moved relative to the lining member when a force sufficient to overcome the frictional force between the inner periphery defining the hole of the clamping member and the outer periphery of the lining member is applied to the clamping member.

Abstract: A track system (18) of the type used to adjust the position a supported element such as vehicular seat (12) includes a pair of base rails (20) that slidably interact with a respective pair of driven rails (22). A transverse rail (24) is attached to each of the driven rails (22) so that the driven rails (22) slide together as a unit. A motor (34) is supported on the transverse rail (24) and includes a pair of drive shafts (36) emanating from either end. The drive shafts (36) carry on their distal ends' respective worm gears (38) which are contained within a transmission assembly (26). The worm gears (38) mesh with external teeth on respective drive nuts (54) which interact with a lead screw (28) that can be oriented to either remain stationary relative to the base rails (20) or can be rotatably fixed within the driven rails (22). The drive nut (54) is prevented from causing objectionable noise and premature wear in operation by the inclusion of one or two compressible washers (66).

Abstract: A power transmission apparatus and a rotation apparatus are disclosed. A power transmission apparatus that includes: a power generating part, which includes a drive axis; a worm, which is joined to the drive axis; a worm gear, which meshes with the worm, and which includes an output axis configured to transmit power; and a friction hinge, which is joined to the output axis, and which is configured to engage and disengage a rotational force of the output axis, can provide sufficiently high deceleration and high torque, even when a low-capacity motor having a low cogging torque is used. Also, the power transmission apparatus can be made safer and less noisy for not only automatic operation by the motor but also manual operation by a user, while the gear module, motor, etch, can be protected from excessive loads.

Abstract: The invention concerns a gearbox wherein the clutch shaft (3) selectively drives one or the other of two input shafts (1,2) by means of two clutches (8). The pinion torques defining the successive ratios are configured such that the power is alternately transmitted by one clutch (8) and by the other when the transmission ratios are made to succeed each other sequentially upon use of the gearbox. The input shafts (1,2) are non-coaxial and bear input pinions (E3, E4, E5, E6) which mesh with the same output pinions (S234, S56R). In an improved embodiment, one (1) of the input shafts drives an intermediate shaft (15) which in turn likewise drives the same output pinions (S234, S56R) via the input pinions (E4, E6) borne by said input shaft and operating this time as freely rotating motion transmitter pinions. The invention provides a compact device, and minimization of the number of pinions.

Abstract: A center-takeoff rack-and-pinion steering apparatus includes a connecting unit arranged to connect respective ends of a pair of tie rods for steering a pair of vehicle wheels to an axially intermediate portion of a rack shaft. The connecting unit includes a slider slidably movable on an inner periphery of an elongate hole of a rack housing. A sliding contact surface on the inner periphery of the elongate hole and a sliding contact surface of the slider, which slide on each other, are inclined in both a widthwise direction of the elongate hole which is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the elongate hole and a depthwise direction of the elongate hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission drive unit (10), especially for adjusting a mobile part (58) in the motor vehicle. Said drive unit comprises a drive element (18) which can be driven by a drive assembly (42) and which is rotatably received in a support tube (14) by means of a bearing plate (28). The drive element (18) has a first axial stop (23) which is supported on a first axial bearing surface (21) of the support tube (14). The drive element (18) has a second axial stop (35) which rests against a second axial bearing surface (27) of the bearing plate (28), the bearing plate (28) being forced against the second axial stop (35) of the drive element (18) by a material deformation (35) of the drive element (18).

Abstract: A shifter assembly includes a cover having an opening, a base, and a shift lever extending from the base and through the opening and movable over a shift path. The shift lever is movable over a shift path and moves along the opening as the shift lever moves along the shift path. An absorbent member is located between the opening and the base. The absorbent member includes a material for absorbing liquid passing through the opening. The material for absorbing liquid is preferably sponge material.

Abstract: A shifter mechanism includes a shift lever movable along a shift path and a detent assembly. The detent assembly includes a detent profile defining a plurality of gear positions, a bore, a detent plunger located at least partially within the bore, a spring member resiliently biasing the detent plunger into engagement with the detent profile, a split bushing located between the detent plunger and the bore, and a spacer located between the spring member and the bushing. The bushing is located between the spacer and an abutment of the detent plunger, and the spring member is located between the spacer and an abutment of the bore. Contact surfaces between the bushing and the abutment and between the bushing and the spacer are each angled so that a force of the spring member automatically expands the bushing to remove any free-play formed between the detent plunger and the bore.

Abstract: A shift lever assembly designed to isolate vibrations including an outer can having a bore and an outer wall, an inner can disposed within the bore, a vibration absorbing material positioned within the bore and around the inner can; and a sleeve extending from the outer wall of the outer can. The method of making the shift lever assembly includes positioning an outer can having a bore and an attached sleeve in a mold, positioning an inner can in the mold, within the bore of the outer can, injecting a vibration absorbing material into the mold, thereby filling the space within the bore of the outer can around the inner can, and allowing the vibration absorbing material to cure, thereby securing the inner can within the outer can.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering column provided with an impact energy absorbing element, comprising a collapsible container (1) containing a flowing medium. The medium is pressed through an opening (2) on an impact, the resistance of which can be controlled by a device (10).

Abstract: A seat track assembly is provided for adjusting a seat assembly of an automotive vehicle having a lower track (12) having a plurality of locking windows (74), an upper track (14) slidably mounted to the lower track and having a plurality of first (70) and second (72) support apertures. A locking mechanism (80) is operatively coupled between the lower and upper tracks. The locking mechanism includes a plurality of pins (88) movable in and out of a locked position, wherein the pins project through the locking windows and are supported by the first and second support aperture in a double shearing condition to prevent sliding adjustment of the upper track relative in the lower track.

Abstract: An ergonomic road bicycle handlebar comprises a base, a brake control handle a gear shift handle, a cushion that covers a holding portion of the base and three spherical cushions. The brake control handle and the gear shift handle both of which are pivotally coupled to the holding portion are respectively covered with a spherical cushion. Moreover the cushion and the spherical cushions are all made of elastic material to improve the feeling of gripping and the using and to provide the buffer function for absorbing the shake caused during the riding process.

Abstract: A palm support for a drop style handlebar. The palm support includes an attachment means for attaching the palm support to the handlebar frame along the forward portion of the frame between the forward bend and the hood. The palm support also includes a support member which projects outwardly away from the frame and supports the outer portion of the rider's palm (the portion of the palm distal to the thumb and proximal to the fifth metacarpal bone) when the rider grips the hood.

Abstract: A steering wheel for a motor vehicle is disclosed, which can be mounted to rotate about a steering axle (D). The wheel includes a steering-wheel rim for actuating the steering wheel. The rim extends in a peripheral direction that runs around the steering axle (D) in the peripheral direction and has a cross-section that alters in the peripheral direction. According to one form, to alter the cross-section at least along one part of the steering-wheel rim, the spatial orientation of a predetermined cross-sectional contour varies in the peripheral direction in relation to the steering axle (D).

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a pedal apparatus is provided. The pedal apparatus comprises a pedal member including a seat and an axle configured to cooperate with the seat to support the pedal member. The pedal apparatus is configured such that a rotation of the pedal member with respect to the axle causes translation of the pedal member with respect to the axle.

Abstract: A teeth disk comprises one surface of the teeth disk having a plurality of recesses which do not penetrate through the teeth disk; and a bottom of each recess is formed as a stop. Each recess has a cambered shape which is arranged near an edge of the teeth disk. A plurality of teeth are formed along the edge of the teeth disk for engaging to a chain of a bicycle. The teeth disk has a ring structure with a hollow central hole for installing a crank. An inner edge of the central hole is protruded with a plurality of ears; and each ear has an ear hole for combining with a crank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for forming a bit body for an earth-boring bit. The bit body may comprise hard particles, wherein the hard particles comprise at least one carbide, nitride, boride, and oxide and solid solutions thereof, and a binder binding together the hard particles. The binder may comprise at least one metal selected from cobalt, nickel, and iron, and, optionally, at least one melting point reducing constituent selected from a transition metal carbide in the range of 30 to 60 weight percent, boron up to 10 weight percent, silicon up to 20 weight percent, chromium up to 20 weight percent, and manganese up to 25 weight percent, wherein the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the binder.

Abstract: A ratchet driving mechanism includes a main body, an adjusting ring, and a ratchet wheel. The main body includes a grip-connecting member and a rotary seat connected fixedly to the grip-connecting member. The rotary seat is formed with two parallel insertion slots, in each of which two pawls are biased by a spring to move away from each other. The adjusting ring and the ratchet wheel are sleeved rotatably on the rotary seat. When the adjusting ring is disposed in an anchoring position, the pawls engage the ratchet wheel so as to prevent rotation of the ratchet wheel on the rotary seat. When the adjusting ring is disposed in a first-direction position or a second-direction position, two of the pawls engage the ratchet wheel so as to allow for rotation of the ratchet wheel on the rotary seat in only a corresponding direction.

Abstract: A spanner has a handle, the handle having two opposite convex cambered surfaces between two narrow opposite surfaces; at least one convex cambered surface being formed with protruding pattern. The protruding pattern is protruding character which are used to indicate the size of the spanner or the trademark of the spanner. The protruding patterns are at two opposite convex cambered surfaces so as to have an effect of slideproof. The edges of the protruding pattern are cambered edges. Height of the protruding pattern is from 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm.

Abstract: An adjustable tool extender includes a sleeve defining a receptacle and an extension member having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end defines a cavity and is slidable within the receptacle of the sleeve. The extender also includes a bias member seated in the receptacle and an end disposed in the cavity for biasing the extension member outwardly from the sleeve to a fully extended position.

Abstract: An open end wrench includes a body portion including an elongated longitudinal portion defining a longitudinal axis and having an interior space, and an arcuate first jaw portion fixed to one end of the elongated portion; a second arcuate jaw portion pivotally attached to the arcuate first jaw portion and defining a gripping space therebetween for receiving a fastener, said second arcuate jaw portion being pivotally movable between a gripping condition for gripping the fastener when the wrench is turned in one direction and an non-gripping condition for permitting the arcuate second jaw portion to slip around the fastener without gripping when the wrench is turned in an opposite direction; and (c) resilient means longitudinally oriented and positioned in the interior space of the longitudinal portion of the body for biasing the second jaw portion into the closed position.

Abstract: A connector includes a body having a first portion and a second portion integrally formed with the first portion. The first portion has a first hardness and the second portion has a second different hardness. In an embodiment, the first portion has a first hardness of at least 40 Rockwell C and the second portion has a second hardness that is less than the first hardness. In another embodiment, the second portion has a hardness of 30 Rockwell C or less and the first portion has a greater hardness than the hardness of the second portion. The connector is made using a method including the steps of forming a body having first and second portions, and induction hardening the first portion to a hardness of at least 40 Rockwell C or the second portion to a hardness of 30 Rockwell C or less.

Abstract: A hand tools similar in design to the commonly known locking pliers which are available in a number of configurations. The present invention includes enhancements that allow the tool to efficiently and effectively provide force parallel to the centerline of a controlled article, i.e. a shaft. Inclusion of reinforced jaws, a plurality of parallel oriented jaw ridges (teeth) and holes for the employment of jack bolts allow this tool the option of providing much of the same utility as the common variety of locking pliers while allowing the above mentioned longitudinal force application. This force application is enhanced by the use of impact tools on the reinforced jaw and/or jack bolts.

Abstract: An adapter engaging structure has an elastic pressing member on the surface of an adapter contacting with a driving head of a wrenching tool, the elastic pressing member is positioned inside the holding portion of the pressing member. With the engaging portion of the pressing member projecting slightly above the surface of the adapter, when the adapter is inserted into a driving portion of a tool, the projective engaging portion is engaged with the inner wall of the driving portion by means of an elastic engaging strength. In addition, when the pressing member is inserted into the holding portion, via the elastic pressing strength of the fixing portion of the pressing member to position the pressing member and the magnetic piece therein inside the holding portion, and without damaging the magnetic piece. Then the objectives of high stability and the engagement of the pressing member are attained.

Abstract: A tube purging instrument device has cooperating rollers which can be compressed and/or clamped together upon a flexible tube to compress the tube partially or completely between the rollers and which can then be rolled together along the length of the tube in order to advance the contents of the tube in the direction of movement of the rollers. The rollers are preferably equipped with flanges or rims which fit over an outer diameter of a tube to maintain registration of the rollers upon tube as the rollers travel in counter-rotation along a length of the tube.

Abstract: Apparatus for moving logs (2) within cutting-off machines. The apparatus includes a platform (1) with one or more longitudinal channels (10) inside which the logs to be cut are disposed, and a pusher device (3) acting in correspondence of the platform (1) and intended for acting on the back of the logs (2) to push them, along respective guide channels (10), toward a cutting device (4) disposed downstream. The apparatus includes a clamping device (5) disposed intermediate between the pusher device (3) and the cutting device (4) and intended for engaging the logs (2) which are pushed along the channels (10) of platform (1) by the pusher device (3) and driving them along up to the cutting device (4).

Abstract: A method for drilling or cutting a pin (31) surrounded by solid material (32) includes the use of a water jet tool (10) having a nozzle (11) that is arranged at an angle with respect to a main body (12) of the water jet tool (10). The water jet is directed over a portion of the surface of the pin (31), and removes that portion thereby fragmenting the pin (31). In order to minimise damage to the surrounding material, the portions removed touches the interface between the pin and the surrounding solid material at a minimal number of points and over a minimal extent of the interface. The method is applicable in particular to the removal of pins (31) used in a press-fit for the securing of blades (3) on a turbine rotor (1). The method facilitates “in situ” removal of pins within a confined space in a short time and at reduced cost.

Abstract: A dividing apparatus for an automatic notching press is proposed in which the drive is operatively connected directly, without a reduction gear unit, to the dividing device by means of a torque motor.

Abstract: A saw blade for cutting of wood, comprising cutting teeth which have filed or sharpened front and rear lateral edges, said edges meeting at a sharp point alternately on the right and the left side of the saw blade, where the cutting teeth are arranged in recurrent main groups of eight cutting teeth, each main group being divided into two subgroups comprising four cutting teeth each. Each subgroup comprises one cutting tooth set to a first side, two cutting teeth set to a second side opposite said first side, and one unset cutting tooth located between the two last-mentioned cutting teeth, and the set cutting teeth in each subgroup are set respectively to that side where the sharp point is located.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to an electronic-device interface integrated into an electric stringed musical instrument. The electronic-device interface can be used for interconnecting an electric stringed musical instrument to an electronic device. In one embodiment of the present invention, an electronic-device interface includes a universal-serial-bus interface, a tip-ring-ring-sleeve output jack, and an enhanced electric-stringed-musical-instrument cable with a tip-ring-ring-sleeve connection at a first end and a universal-serial-bus connection at a second end. When an electric stringed musical instrument is equipped with an electronic-device interface, a user may insert the first end of the enhanced electric-stringed-musical-instrument cable into the tip-ring-ring-sleeve output jack and the second end of the enhanced electric-stringed-musical-instrument cable into a universal-serial-bus port for an electronic device.

Abstract: An improved guitar pick is flat metal stock of an oval shape, having a ridge of a rounded cross-section on one side near the leading edge, and preferably decorative and/or informative designs or words permanently imprinted on the top and/or bottom. The metal stock is preferably an alloy of primarily zinc material of about 0.020 inches thick and the ridge thickness a maximum of about 0.014 inches. The guitar pick can be made by deforming a conventional penny into an elongated, and depositing metal material near the leading edge to form the ridge and optionally imprinting the side(s) of the elongated. The penny is preferably deformed to a maximum length of about 1.4 inches and a maximum width of about 0.8 inches.

Abstract: This invention is a guitar strap lock apparatus for connection to a guitar strap button on a guitar. The apparatus has a lock body defining a cavity with a resilient retainer latch attached to the lock body. The resilient retainer latch partially protrudes over a side opening in the lock body so that a securing portion of the button is secured within the latch when the button is received in the cavity.

Abstract: An electronic percussion instrument stand system includes a hollow pipe structure having a groove and ridge system that allows for wires to be routed along the pipe structure. The exit side of the groove is slightly smaller in diameter than the diameter of the cable which extends through it. The hollow pipe can be constricted or be expanded at the each end of the pipe to allow for a secure hold on the instrument. The hollow pipe connects to a cover that contains reciprocal ridges and grooves that create a strong hold and ease of assembly of the electronic percussion instrument stand system.

Abstract: Structure for an electronic keyboard instrument includes upper and lower cases. The lower case has a bottom plate having lower slits, and the upper case has an upper plate having upper slits. The upper and lower cases are fastened together with the upper case overlapped on the lower case and with opposite edge portions of a circuit board inserted in the lower and upper slits in such a manner that the circuit board is disposed upright between the upper and lower cases. Heat radiating plate is attached to the circuit board. A wiring, drawn out from an operation section provided on the upper case, is wired to pass across a neighborhood of the upper end surface of the heat radiating plate under the lower surface of the upper plate. Heat blocking plate is provided between the heat radiating plate and the wiring to block transfer of heat from the heat radiating plate to the wiring.

Abstract: An electronic keyboard musical instrument comprises a keyboard assembly including juxtaposed keys and juxtaposed swing weight mechanisms, each of the keys correspondingly linked with each of the swing weight mechanisms. Actuating members are provided corresponding to the respective swing weight mechanisms each of which in turn actuates each corresponding key. The actuating members are arranged in the vicinity of the fulcrum of the swing weight mechanisms and disposed in two rows as a front row and a rear row and extending downward through the key bed. The heights of the actuating members are made small. An actuator cover has a rearward descending slant wall so that the knees of the player will not be obstructed in depressing the pedals.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to aid beginning students of stringed musical instruments learn to play sheet music through the use of colored notes, with a separate, identifiable color being assigned to each finger to be used on the fingerboard. This method will help students learn which finger to use as they play instrumental music. With this method, the position of the colored note on the staff gives a reasonably clear indication of which string to place the finger on. Accompanying graphics illustrate the names of the notes and placement of fingers on the strings. The method is mainly intended for use in the first position, but could be adapted to other hand positions. Colored dots or bands of self-adhering paper or tape can be applied to the fingerboard longitudinally to mark where fingers should be placed.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer readable media for synchronizing notes between data processing systems. In one embodiment, a method includes storing a note with an embedded To Do item on a first data processing system and storing the embedded To Do item in a To Do store on the first data processing system and transmitting data to synchronize a note store on a second data processing system and transmitting data to synchronize a To Do store on the second data processing system. In another embodiment, a method includes storing a note on a first store on a first data processing system and determining whether to synchronize the note with a second store on a second data processing system based on a comparison of one or more characteristics of the note relative to one or more parameters of a filter.

Abstract: In a musical sound generator that generates plural element tones based on plural pieces of element data and generates a musical sound by combining the generated element tones, a selector selects, upon detecting a sound generation control event, one or more pieces of element data among the plural pieces of element data according to the sound generation control event and in the way corresponding to the sound generation type of each of the plural pieces of element data, and a generator generates, in accordance with each of the element data selected by the selector, an element tone having sound characteristics corresponding to the parameter included in the detected sound generation control event and the characteristic control data included in each of the selected element data.

Abstract: In order to provide a musical sound generating vehicular apparatus and a program of the same for playing musical sounds based on a status of a vehicle without depending on parameter changes such as volume of the musical sound, a vehicle status detection means (11) which detects a control status of the vehicle, a storage means (13) which stores musical sound data, a musical sound data playback means (3) which plays the musical sound based on the musical sound data stored in the storage means (13), and a control means (1) which determines a playback interval of the musical sound data stored in the storage means (13) based on the control status of the vehicle detected by the vehicle status detection means (11) and controls the musical sound playback means (3) to play the playback interval of the musical sound data are provided.

Abstract: Audio player, having many items of music content stored therein and having at least a function for reproducing any one of the items of music content stored therein, is instructed to select and reproduce music content, corresponding to a user-designated music piece, from among the items of music content. In response to user's designation of the music piece, the audio player selects, from among the many items of music content, music content corresponding to the designated music piece and reproduces the selected music content. With such arrangements, a user is allowed to appropriately and readily set a performance environment suited for the desired music piece, by using the audio player to actually listen to and check the content of the music piece for which a performance environment is to be set.

Abstract: A music station is connected through a communication network to another music station, and pieces of music data expressing an exhibition performance on a automatic player piano and pieces of voice data expressing tutor's explanation are transmitted from the music station to the other music station through different communication channels; and a close-talking microphone and a bone conduction microphone are incorporated in a sound collector on the music station, and a vibration signal from the bone conduction microphone is examined to see whether or not the cord of tutor vibrates; when the answer is given affirmative, a voice signal from the close-talking microphone is relayed to a transmitter module so that the sound collector does not permit the transmitter module to transmit the voice signal expressing noises such as the tones; whereby the music performance system prevents the trainee from tones reproduced from a headphone.

Abstract: A separable structure includes composite material that is separated or severed by a reactive pyrotechnic material. According to one embodiment, the structure includes a pair of composite laminate structural portions, each including multiple layers of composite material. The portions each extend into an overlap region, within which the composite layers of the two structural portions may be alternately placed, overlapping one another. A reactive material is also placed within this overlap region, for instance being in layers between pairs of the composite material layers. The reactive material may be ignited to cause destruction of the pyrotechnic material, and a matrix or resin material of the composite materials layers in the overlap region. This causes the structure to sever or separate along a line of separation within the overlap region. The separation may occur without need to sever fibers of the composite material.

Abstract: An improved digital scope for locating and targeting objects. The scope includes an image detection means that is configured to collect image data of a sighted region. The scope further includes a display screen that is electronically connected to the image detection means and is configured to display image data of the sighted region as a continuous video feed. The left sidefield portion of the sighted region is displayed horizontally compressed in the left portion of the display screen, the right sidefield portion of the sighted region is displayed horizontally compressed in the right portion of the display screen, and the center portion of the sighted region is displayed in the center portion of the display screen without horizontal compression.

Abstract: An method for estimating actuator position includes the steps of receiving fluid pressure data signals from a plurality of fluid pressure sensors (31), receiving spool position signals from at least one spool position sensor (33), and receiving actuator position data signals from at least one actuator position sensor (35). Corrected flow rates to and from an actuator (21) are determined with each corrected flow rate being based on fluid pressure data signals, the spool position signals, and an error-correction factor, wherein the error-correction factor is a function of the fluid pressure data signals and the spool position signals. An estimated actuator position is determined wherein the estimated position includes a kinematic component and a dynamic component. Adaptive gain factors are applied to calibrate the estimated actuator position to the actuator position data signals from the actuator position sensor.

Abstract: A piston formed from an Al alloy, such as an Al—Si alloy, has wear resistant coating applied to a predetermined portion of the outer surface. The predetermined portion of the outer surface preferably includes the piston skirt. The coating includes an adhesion promoting primer layer of a silane and a polymer coating layer. The silane primer coating promotes adhesion between the Al-alloy and the polymer coating.

Abstract: A degassing and water removal apparatus is used in combination with the testing or replacement of dielectric oil in an RF transmitter. The apparatus comprises at least one ultrasound transducer in vibrational communication with a bulk oil sample held in a tank having a reduced internal air pressure. The tank has fluid connections to the RF transmitter through which oil from the transmitter is drained to the tank and through which the ambient air pressure in the transmitter is reduced. A fluid pump is used to pump the oil from the tank back to the RF transmitter. In a method of using such an apparatus, the RF transmitter is held at reduced internal pressure during the return of oil thereto, so that the oil does not dissolve gases in the atmosphere internal to the RF transmitter.

Abstract: A hydrogen purification method that is used to separate hydrogen gas from a source gas. A hydrogen separator into which flows the source. Within the hydrogen separator is at least one hydrogen permeable tube that is made of a hydrogen permeable material. A support tube is provided for each hydrogen permeable tube. A support tube is coaxially aligned with the hydrogen permeable tube, wherein a micro-channel exists between the hydrogen permeable tube and the support tube in an area of overlap. The source gas is introduced into the micro-channel. The source gas spreads thinly over the hydrogen permeable tube in the micro-channel. The restrictions of the micro-channel cause the source gas to embody turbulent flow characteristics as it flows through the micro-channel. The turbulent flow causes the hydrogen separator to separate hydrogen from the source gas in a highly efficient manner.